Atlanta-based jazz pianist Joe Alterman expresses his deep appreciation of jazz and swing in his performances and compositions. Now he shares that love of jazz on The Upside of Jazz, celebrating the legendary performers of jazz and exploring what makes the music so timeless and endearing to listeners.

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It's the first day of summer, so let's celebrate the new season together! As we continue to honor Juneteenth, Sammie and Mike have selected some fantastic events to enjoy. 

Sammie is excited about the Juneteenth Vegan Fest at the New Black Wall Street Market, featuring delicious vegan food, empowering workshops, and support for Black-owned businesses. She's also looking forward to the Atlanta Women's Expo, known as the nation's largest women's event. 

Mike is eagerly anticipating the Juneteenth Parade and Music Festival in Piedmont Park, aiming to be the number one sustainable event in America with over 100 acres of activities celebrating 120 years of arts and culture. He's also looking forward to a fun movie night at the UATL Love & Basketball screening. 

Check out these other great events in Atlanta this weekend: 

- Outlaw Fest 

- Black Girls Rock (UPDATE: THIS DATE IS BEING POSTPONED TO AN UNDETERMINED DATE)

Join us for a weekend full of celebration and community! 

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As we approach the Summer Solstice, it's a perfect time to celebrate Juneteenth and more. 

This week, Sammie highlights the Juneteenth Family Festival at the Oakland Cemetery, which will feature live music, food vendors, children's storytelling, a libations ceremony, and more. Additionally, Sammie can't resist the Yappy Hour at The Hamilton Hotel Alpharetta, where you can bring your fur babies and meet adoptable pets and enjoy a cocktail. 

 Mike is excited about the Black Coffee Fest, which will showcase coffee, financial freedom, entrepreneurship, and community through the love of coffee, music, and workshops. Mike also has his eyes and ears on the 96-Hour Opera Festival, a celebration of emerging creative talents from historically under-recognized communities, offering a path into the art of opera. 

Also, check out these ATL events in the area: 

 Hands on a Hard Body 

20,000 Beers Under the Sea  

SOULREBELROCK   

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June is bustling with vibrant events! Mike and Sammie are sharing some exciting happenings in the Atlanta area. Sammie has her eyes on the 100% Artists Festival in Cabbagetown, an electrifying outdoor concert event showcasing an exceptional lineup of musical talent. She’s also looking forward to the American Hydrangea Society Annual Garden Tour, where you can view beautiful florals and maybe learn a tip about how to keep them fresh and vibrant. 

Mike is excited about Render ATL, a tech and music conference featuring a keynote from Shannon Sharpe (Host of Club Shay Shay and Professional Sports Commentor) and more. He’s also looking forward to The Eric Andre Show Live, which is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat with surprises and laughter. 

Looking for more events? Check out these other happenings in the area: 

- Les Miserables at the Fox 

- Virginia Highland Summerfest 

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 It’s starting to feel like summer! Grab your shades and sunscreen because ATL offers an array of great events that make it worth going outside. 

 Sammie is ready to hit the streets with her furbaby to attend Bark Meow-ket, a fun-filled afternoon brought to you by the Atlanta Humane Society and Uptown Atlanta, featuring the city’s first pet market. Sammie also has her eyes set on the Alpharetta Brew Moon Fest in Downtown Alpharetta, with a true “Dancing in the Street” party featuring your favorite beers and live music. 

 Mike is continuing the outdoor vibes and is excited for Food That Rocks in Sandy Springs, a tasting event celebrating Sandy Springs’ diverse restaurant scene for one night only at City Springs. 

And for a great family-friendly event, check out the 25th Annual Flying Colors Butterfly Festival, celebrating all things pollinators and the beauty of butterflies. 

Looking for more great events around Atlanta? 

- Ken Ludwig's The Three Musketeers 

- Atlanta Fringe Festival 

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Sammie and Mike have your guide to what’s happening in Atlanta. It's Memorial Day weekend, and we have a rundown of events for all!

Sammie is looking forward to the Atlanta R&B Wine, Food & Music Fest, where good times and great wines collide! For the singles out there, she recommends UpDating, a critically acclaimed New York City-based live dating and comedy show that brings two singles on blindfolded first dates in front of live audiences. Dubbed “the most raw dating show in existence.”

Mike is gearing up for the annual ATL Jazz Festival, the 47th annual celebration of music, culture, and the art of jazz, featuring Andre 3000 headlining with a performance from his latest album, *New Blue Sun*.

If you are looking for the fête of the weekend, you might want to check out the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival, celebrating the heritages of the Caribbean with music, food, dance, and more.

Need more? Check out these events in your ATL area:

- Alpharetta Arts Streetfest

- MomoCon

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So much awaits in Atlanta this weekend! It's a great time to explore the array of events across the city's charming neighborhoods.

Sammie is eagerly anticipating the Marietta Greek Festival, where she'll immerse herself in the richness of Greek culture through food, music, dancing, and ambiance. She is also excited about the Virginia Highland Porchfest, where live music will fill the air, fostering community spirit on the front porches of Virginia Highland. 

Mike has his sights set on the International Street Festival (Night Market) in Chamblee, promising an array of fantastic vendors and free admission. Additionally, he's looking forward to the annual Spring Fling Festival & Tour of Homes, which will showcase the historic and vibrant Kirkwood neighborhood.

Stay tuned for more exciting events unfolding in Atlanta!

- Suds on the Parkway

- Georgia Craft Brewers Festival

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It’s another beautiful weekend in Atlanta as we honor mothers all around the country. 

Whether you're looking to celebrate, keep it simple, or paint the town, there are some fantastic events happening around the city.   

Sammie has her sights set on the theater and is eager to catch To Kill a Mockingbird at the Fox, Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. Additionally, there's Shakespeare Out of a Hat: Hamlet, a part-improv, mostly Shakespeare performance, and much more. 

Mike is stepping outside, hitting the streets with his focus on Bikerversary, an event designed to connect African Americans and biking throughout Atlanta. He's also tuning up his vocal cords to belt out some of his favorite jams at the Atlanta R&B Soul Picnic held at Westside Park. 

 Don't miss out on these other events listed below, and tune in to learn more about what's happening in Atlanta every week:   

- Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade 

- Chastain Park Arts Festival 

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Atlanta is buzzing with vibrant events! Join Sammie and Mike as they delve into the musical marvels and cultural delights awaiting in the first days of May. 

Sammie anticipates the sonic splendor of the Shaky Knees Festival boasting a stellar lineup featuring Weezer, Queens of The Stone Age, and Foo Fighters. Sammie also explores the unique fusion of Caribbean culture, athleticism, and music at the Whine Walk. 

Meanwhile, Mike eagerly awaits Soil Fest 2024, immersing in Atlanta's premier urban agriculture event. From workshops to hands-on experiences, Soil Fest offers something for every green thumb enthusiast. Additionally, Mike looks forward to the Atlanta Wine + Jazz Festival, where the velvety notes of smooth jazz blend harmoniously with the rich flavors of fine wine amidst the picturesque Promenade at Piedmont Park. 

Discover more of Atlanta's cultural tapestry with exciting events like the Decatur Arts Festival and Tucker Day each offering its own blend of art, community, and celebration. 

Don't miss out on Atlanta's May festivities – tune in and embrace the rhythm of the city! 

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It's shaping up to be another fantastic weekend in Atlanta, with beautiful weather to top it off!

Sammie's got the Atlanta Film Festival on her radar, and with good reason. The 48th annual Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) has just unveiled its lineup of panels, workshops, and conversations. Plus, she's eagerly anticipating the Fox Revival Benefit Concert featuring The Indigo Girls and Charlie Starr with Benji Shanks of Blackberry Smoke.

Meanwhile, Mike's geared up for some serious trivia action at the Spring 2024 WABE Pints & Politics Trivia Night. It's the perfect opportunity to put your political knowledge to the test alongside WABE political reporters and host. And after that, he's got his sights set on tantalizing his taste buds at the Atlanta Seafood Festival. There, you can indulge in a fantastic selection of seafood, accompanied by beer, wine, mimosas, live music, and more.

But that's not all—Atlanta's got plenty more to offer this week. Check out these other exciting events happening in the city:

Smyrna Jonquil Festival

Heritage Fire

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