MARQUEE ENCORE :: COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE :: NOV-DEC 2017

MARQUEE COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

DAVE KOZ 20TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS TOUR NOV. 24

COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM

Every procedure feels big when you’re little.

From our pediatric-trained doctors and nurses to our kid-sized equipment, every surgery we perform is designed around one thing – your child. That’s why moms trust us to perform more pediatric outpatient surgeries than anyone in Georgia.

choa.org/surgery

©2017 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

Living Your Best LIFE What Does Your Best LIFE Look Like?

At Vital Life Health Center, we want you to live your best life, and we won’t stop until you get there.

We’re leading the healthcare revolution one family at a time, and we want your family to be a part of it.

At Vital Life, we understand that the body is a self-developing, self-maintaining, and self-healing organism.

We recognize that it needs no help in order to perform these functions-it simply needs no interference. It is our mission to detect and remove any interferences you and your family may have in your lives in order to reach your optimum potential and live your best life.

Call us today to see how we can help your family achieve optimum health!

A LIFE UNIVERSITY CHIROPRACTIC CENTER

$32

SAVE $383 NEW PATIENT EXAM

TM

MIDTOWN

INCLUDES: NEUROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT, PHYSICAL EXAM, 2 VIEW X-RAY, REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION FOR CARE

VITAL LIFE · 678.331.4500

With this coupon. Services valued at $415. Offer subject to change and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. Expires 11-29-17.

VITAL LIFE Health Center - 678.331.4500 1 Baltimore Place NW, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30308 VitalLifeHC.com

MARQUEE

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017

FEATURES

WITH AUGMENTED REALITY*

ENCOREATLANTA.COM AMP SALES PUBLISHER Tom Casey tomcasey@encoreatlanta.com

6 6 A Christmas Present

By Judith Schonbak

COMING SHOWS USE THE

APP TO ORDER TICKETS FROM YOUR SEAT!

10 Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses Nov. 16 | 7:30 p.m.

11 Soulful Sounds of Christmas With Will Downing, Chante Moore and Maysa Nov. 18 | 8 p.m.

VICE PRESIDENT Ginger Roberts ginger.roberts@encoreatlanta.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA Stephanie Smith stephanie.smith@encoreatlanta.com AMP CREATIVE EDITOR Kathy Janich kathy@encoreatlanta.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Mark F. Baxter mark.baxter@encoreatlanta.com DIGITAL MANAGER Ian Carson ian.carson@encoreatlanta.com

12 Kirk Franklin & Ledisi

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Judith Schonbak

14 Lindsey Stirling — Warmer in the Winter Christmas Tour

MARQUEE is published by American Media Products Inc.

Nov. 19 | 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 22 | 8 p.m.

16 Dave Koz 20th Anniversary Tour Nov. 24 | 8 p.m.

18 Ebi — The 50 World Tour

PRESIDENT Tom Casey CHAIRPERSON Diane Casey TREASURY Kristi Casey Sanders SECRETARY Evan Casey CONTROLLER Suzzie Gilham

Nov. 25 | 9 p.m.

20 Fantasia — Christmas After Midnight Nov. 26 | 7:30 p.m.

22 The Alliance Theatre presents A Christmas Carol Dec. 8-24 | Times vary 24 Coming soon to Cobb Energy Centre

Order tickets directly from the page with the E+ app!

DEPARTMENTS

4 Welcome 13 Theater Information 23 ArtsBridge donors 28 Venue Staff | ArtsBridge Foundation Staff Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority Leadership | ArtsBridge Foundation

American Media Products Inc. 8920 Eves Road, #769479 Roswell, GA 30076 Phone 678.837.4004 Fax 678.837.4066 Copyright 2017 AMP Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Encore Atlanta is a registered publication of AMP Inc. The publisher shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad, for typographical errors or errors in publication. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason and to alter advertising copy or graphics deemed unacceptable for publication.

2 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

BRINGGYOURRPROGRAMMTOOLIFE WITHHTHEEENCOREEATLANTAAPLUSSAPP

AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCES Use the free Encore Atlanta+ app to buy Cobb

Energy Centre tickets and see content that comes alive in each issue.

Front Cover or update the app and start scanning now.

Download

IFC Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 1 Vital Life Centers for Optimum Health & Performance 13 Advertise with Encore Atlanta!

15 CRISPINA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA 15 C-ELLET’S 17 FIFTH GROUP – SOUTH CITY KITCHEN VININGS 19 SOHO American Bistro 19 CINCO – Mexican food with an attitude 23 PACES & VINE 23 COPELAND’S OF NEW ORLEANS IBC High Museum of Atlanta BC WellStar

Download the free Encore Atlanta Plus app from Apple iTunes or Google Play stores.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM

3

WELCOME

TO COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Our celebratory year, marking Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre’s first decade, has flown, and we especially welcome those of you who discovered us during our birthday events and shows.

There’s so much more to come. Our new website launches in November. It’s easy to navigate and an efficient way to find information. Please visit and tell us what you think (cobbenergycentre.com).

More developments are coming soon, and we’re sure you’ll be pleased. Stay tuned and follow us on our website and on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

In November, the theater fills with music, from The Atlanta Opera’s new staging of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman to the harmonies of gospel icon Kirk Franklin & Ledisi: The Rebel, the Soul & the Saint Tour (with special guest MAJOR).

Jazz saxophonist Dave Koz makes his traditional visit to help everyone find a holiday groove. His 20th Anniversary Christmas Tour includes such friends as pianist David Benoit, guitarist Rick Braun, trumpeter Peter White and vocalist Selina Albright.

Check our website for the full list of November shows, dates and times.

We’re so proud of the ArtsBridge Foundation, our arts education arm. This season offers an impressive array of age-appropriate, top-quality, field-trip programs for K-12 kids, along with classes, training, family performances, the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards, professional development programs and a National College Fair. Learn more about each of these opportunities at ArtsBridgeGA.org.

Our December will be like no other in our first decade. We’re thrilled to be hosting the Alliance Theatre’s musical, multicultural telling of A Christmas Carol (Dec. 8-24) — in its 28th — and final season. The Alliance debuts a new version of Charles Dickens’ timeless story in its new mainstage in 2018. Read more about the Alliance/Cobb Energy Centre collaboration on Page 6.

Thank you again for your support, and for making Cobb Energy Centre a premier performance venue. We look forward to bringing you more world-class entertainment as well as something for everyone as the months roll by.

See you at the theater.

Sandie Aaron Managing Director

4 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

JOY TO THE WORLD’S #1 MUSICAL

Jan. 10 – 28 | The Fox Theatre FoxTheatre.org | 855-285-8499 ©Disney

Groups (10+): 404-881-2000

A CHRISTMAS PRESENT

By Judith Schonbak | Photos by Greg Mooney

6 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

I

n December, Cobb Energy Centre audiences will unwrap a special gift, one lovingly prepared in Midtown and transported (not by reindeer, we don’t think) to Cobb County.

We’ll give you a hint: It has something to do with Christmas, with Charles Dickens, and with music and magic.

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and the Alliance Theatre are partnering to present the Alliance’s annual multicultural production of A Christmas Carol.

For an untold number of metro Atlantans, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas if they couldn’t spend a few hours in 19th-century London, witnessing the redemption of one miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. This tradition, this very production, actually, is in its 28th — and final — season.

The Cobb Energy Centre run is necessitated by a $22 million renovation to the Alliance’s space at the Woodruff

Scenes from the Alliance Theatre’s A Christmas Carol (clockwise, from top left): Scrooge (David de Vries) faces his demons; Fezziwig and his workers; a pair of beggars; Scrooge and one his ghosts (Bart Hansard); and the Cratchit family.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM

7

More scenes from this musical, multicultural staging (clockwise, from bottom left): Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Past; Scrooge, alone; a party scene; and Scrooge and Tiny Tim.

Arts Center. The new mainstage, opening next fall, will see a new version of Dickens’ timeless tale.

This season, Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come are an itinerant group of storytellers in need of a new home.

A Christmas Carol is one of 12 shows the Alliance is doing at alternate venues this season. This one needed a perfect fit.

“The Alliance approached us in September 2015 about hosting A Christmas Carol,” says Sandie Aaron, Cobb Energy Centre managing director. “It is an extraordinary opportunity for both of us and our audiences. It is also a means to attract new audiences by introducing Alliance loyalists to our venue and introducing Cobb Energy Centre supporters to the Alliance Theatre.”

“We had a special requirement for this show,” says Alliance artistic director Susan V. Booth. “This production has been so central for so many years for so many people that we had to have a venue that rolled out that same kind of welcome mat.”

The list of requirements and considerations is long.

The show is large, so stage dimensions and backstage space are critical. It comes with a cast of 23 and 20 crew

8 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

people — three stage managers, six ops, four for wardrobe, four for electrics, two sound engineers and a child wrangler.

Cobb Energy Centre adds its own crew of technicians, so the wrong venue could get miserably overcrowded.

The show also needs considerable backstage space for scenery — settings include Scrooge’s bedroom and counting house, nephew Fred’s home, the Fezziwig manse, the Cratchits’ home and city streets among others.

And there are props. Hundreds of them. The stage is chock-a-block with everything Scrooge has taken from his debtors — baskets, statues, mirrors, chairs, ottomans, untold treasures that are no longer loved. They fill a 53-ft. trailer, three large boxes for hand props alone and about five carts of furniture.

The list of needs includes the ability to sell large numbers of tickets, handle show-day box office, provide parking, ADA accessibility, concessions and the proper number of restrooms.

Kind of makes you want to see how it all turns out, doesn’t it? You’ll find details on performance dates and tickets at alliancetheatre.com and cobbenergycentre.com.

God bless us, everyone.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM

9

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SYMPHONY OF THE GODDESSES | Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m.

GAME ON FOR ZELDA AND ORCHESTRA

“T

he Legend of Zelda,” as its multitudes of fans know, is a high-fantasy action-adventure video-game series created by a couple of Japanese designers some 30 years ago. It has not yet stopped fighting evil.

The games are usually about a boy named Link who has to rescue Princess Zelda from Ganon, the boss (and antagonist) of the series. The videos date to the 1986 inaugural Nintendo release. Since that debut, another 20 “LoZ” games have hit consoles.

With the Nintendo-approved Symphony of the Goddesses, Zelda steps into the concert hall. She comes to life with a 66-piece orchestra, a 24-person choir and a reimagined score that includes new movements from more recently released “Zelda” games — “Skyward Sword” (2011) and “Breath of the Wild” (2017), among them,

SCAN THIS SYMBOL WITH THE E+ APP TO BUY TICKETS!

while still paying homage to such classic installments as “Ocarina of Time” (2003) and “A Link to the Past” (2002).

The five-movement multimedia symphony concert wraps fans in composer Koji Kondo’s adventurous music, recalling important moments in the ongoing franchise — Link conquering dungeons, running through forests and struggling to decide what color tunic to wear, for example.

The goal: a perfect marriage of the gaming and classical worlds.

The multimedia portion includes gameplay plus short videos and musings from Kondo and the series’ primary creators, Shigeru Miyamoto and Eiji Aonuma. Each talks about what Zelda meant to them during the creation process. It helps encapsulate just how far the game has come in terms of development and geography.

The video series works for all ages but seems to appeal most to adults, young and old. In the concert, just about every “Zelda” console generation is explored, even if not every game gets its moment in the spotlight.

10 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SOULFUL SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS | Nov 18, 8 p.m.

T

he Christmas season comes with special harmonies this year with the heralded R&B and jazz vocals of Will Downing, Chanté Moore and Maysa joining together on one November night.

Downing, whose career as a Grammynominated singersongwriterproducer dates to the early 1980s, is known for his powerful baritone vocals in concert and on albums, and his dedication to his own special mix of soul and jazz.

He doesn’t have the major singles one would expect but has been a mainstay on urban adult contemporary radio for decades.

Downing, now 53, grew up in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood and began his professional career recording backup vocals for Jennifer Holliday, Nona Hendryx and Rose Royce. He signed a solo deal with Island Records in 1988 and hasn’t looked back.

Moore, 50, is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, actor and TV personality who first found fame in the late 1990s. As a vocalist, she’s an R&B artist who mixes elements of urban contemporary, jazz and gospel into her sound. She was born in San Francisco and, as a minister’s daughter, grew up on gospel. She

decided to become a singer in high school, after she did the musical The Wiz. She’s also been a beauty pageant contestant.

Maysa, full name Maysa Leak, is a singer best known by fans of smooth jazz for both her solo work and her work with the British band Incognito.

She grew up in Baltimore and studied music at Morgan State University, performing as part of the school’s internationally known choir and graduating with a degree in classical performance.

Now 51, Maysa was 6 when she decided to be a singer. She spent her grade-school and high-school years performing in choirs and doing musical theater.

While at Morgan State, she began writing and recording original material, placed second in Baltimore’s first Billie Holiday Vocal Jazz Contest and auditioned for Stevie Wonder’s vocal group Wonderlove, joining it only after she earned her degree.

Let their talents raise your seasonal spirits.

For more: http://willdowning.com/ http://www.chantemoore.com/ https://www.maysa.com/

SCAN THIS SYMBOL WITH THE E+ APP TO BUY TICKETS!

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM

11

KIRK FRANKLIN & LEDISI | Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.

K

irk Franklin is the “brightest star in contemporary gospel music, a soulful singer with a revivalist spirit and just a twist of hip-hop,” according to the all-knowing, all-seeing website AllMusic. com.

In a 25-year career, Franklin has won 23 Stellar awards (gospel), 16 Dove awards (also gospel) and 12 Grammys. In addition to being a solo artist — vocals and piano — he’s known for leading such urban contemporary gospel choirs as Kirk Franklin & the Family, God’s Property and One Nation Crew.

The native Texan, now 47, was raised by his aunt Gertrude after being abandoned as a baby.

She collected and resold aluminum cans to raise money for his piano lessons, which began at age 4. He soon was able to sightread, write music and play by ear.

His first contract offer came at age 7 (Gertrude turned it down). He then joined Mount Rose Baptist Church Choir, becoming music director of its adult choir about age 11.

His debut album, 1993’s Kirk Franklin & the Family, spent 100 weeks on the gospel charts, crossed over to the R&B charts and became the first gospel debut album to go platinum. His second album, Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas, became the first No. 1

THE REBEL, THE SOUL & THE SAINT TOUR

SCAN THIS SYMBOL WITH THE E+ APP TO BUY TICKETS!

gospel Christmas album. Whatcha Lookin’ 4 (1996) went gold as soon as it came out.

It’s not surprising that he’s been called “the Garth Brooks of gospel.” Despite some wild teenage years, he’s remained true to his Christian faith and thinks of himself as just a “church boy.”

Ledisi, 45, co-headlines the tour with her powerhouse adult-contemporary R&B vocals. The nine-time Grammy nominee regularly reaches the Top 10 of Billboard’s R&B charts.

Ledisi — a New Orleans’ native whose first name means “to bring forth” or “to come here” in Yoruba — played legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in the 2014 feature film Selma. Look for MAJOR, a gospel music artist who’s taking his faith mainstream, to join them.

Details: http://www.ledisi.com/

12 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

at M A OF AT RCUS JCC LANTA

at OG LE UNIV THORPE ER PERF SITY ’S CO OR CENT MING AR NANT ER TS

Recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award ®

The Flying dutchman Wagner

November 4-12, 2017 Cobb Energy Centre Recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award ®

JACLYN RAINEY, Horn

OCT 2017

AUG 30 – SEP 24, 2017 Shakespeare_ALL1708_1-48-mfb-8-8-17.indd 1

OCT 7 – NOV 25, 2017 DAVE KOZ 20TH ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS TOUR | Nov. 24, 8 p.m.

8/14/17 2:31 PM

OctCover.indd 1

9/13/17 6:58 PM

Crossing_Delancey_ALL1709•ws170913.indd 1

9/29/17 11:44 AM

MARQUEE COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

OCTOBER 2017

T H E F OX T H E AT R E | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

c a m eron m ac k i n tosh ’s spec tac ul a r ne w produc tion

Recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award®

of

a ndr e w l loy d w ebber’s

PUCCINI

AN EVENING WITH TRAVIS TRITT OCT. 13

April 29, May 2, 5, 7, 2017 Cobb Energy Centre Nov. 25–Dec. 24, 2016 discover us. discover you.

TAO_1705_Turandot_1-64_4-20-17.indd 1

4/21/17 1:18 AM

ACC_ALL1612_1-64_10-31-2016.indd 1

FOXTHEATRE .ORG

COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM 11/18/16 9:10 PM

CEPAC 1710_1-32_FINAL.indd 1

|

ENCOREATLANTA .COM

Fox 1702-Phantom-Opera_1-64_rebuild.indd 1

9/29/17 12:04 PM

2/14/17 5:42 PM

DO YOU WANT TO REACH MORE THAN 4 MILLION ACTIVE, ENGAGED AND CONNECTED PEOPLE THIS YEAR?

ADVERTISE IN ENCORE ATLANTA! To find out about advertising with Encore Atlanta contact Tom Casey by phone, 678–837–4032, or by email, tomcasey@encoreatlanta.com, today!

OFFICIAL PROGRAM OF

DISCOVERIES SERIES SPONSORED BY

The Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

T H E F OX T H E AT R E | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

THE FOX THEATRE

Recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award®

MOZART’S

THE

ET PAGE TAO SECR

GARDENER Atlanta Botanical Garden May 19 & 20, 2017

|

C1

Sept. 3–Oct. 5, 2014

Winter 2017 FOXTHEATRE .ORG

JANUARY 2014 | WWW.FOXTHEATRE.ORG | WWW.ENCOREATLANTA.COM

discover us. discover you.

ENCOREATLANTA .COM

Fox 1612-ACS_1-64_NUT cover copy.indd 1

11/19/16 1:49 AM

ALL1409 BullDurham 1 edited.indd 1

Rialto_1701_1-32 v2.indd 1

8/21/14 12:38 PM

1/12/17 10:13 AM

FOX 1401 0001-0016.indd 1

1/13/14 5:49 PM

TAO_1705_Secret-Gardener_1-32.indd 1

5/10/17 2:47 PM

MARQUEE COBB ENERGY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

T H E F OX T H E AT R E | O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7

SEPTEMBER 2017

Recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award®

2017/18

SEASON OPENING

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Robert Spano Music Director

SEPT. 20 & 21

SEP 2017

Robert Spano Music Director

March 19–April 9, 2017 JUN 2017 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM 1709_CEPAC–Cover_MillionDollarQuartet.indd CEPAC 1709_1-32.indd 1 1

FOXTHEATRE.ORG 8/25/17 4:30 8/28/17 4:39 PM

ASO_1706_1-64.indd 1

5/25/17 12:22 AM

|

discover us. discover you.

ENCOREATLANTA.COM CinderellaFella_ALL1703_1-48.indd 1

3/3/17 7:21 PM

ASO_1709_1-64.indd 1

9/13/17 6:19 PM

LINDSEY STIRLING CHRISTMAS TOUR | Nov. 22, 8 p.m.

IT’S WARMER IN THE WINTER

L

indsey Stirling is one of the music world’s biggest breakthrough stories.

The classically trained violinist from Gilbert, Ariz., lives in a futurist world of electronic big beats and animation and has collected almost 10 million YouTube subscribers, more than 1.9 billion views on her YouTube channel and two Billboard Music awards.

You might say she’s hot.

She’s created a new music world in which modern classical meets the energy of dance/ electronica. Onstage, it’s said, she moves like a ballerina — and drops the beat like a rave fairy.

This tour coincides with the release of her first Christmas album, It’s Warmer in the Winter. She promises “a potpourri of different styles” and “sounds from all sides of Christmas music.”

She also has a cheeky warning: “If you don’t dance at least three times while listening to this album then you need to take off your Mr. Grinch panties ’cause this is

SCAN THIS SYMBOL WITH THE E+ APP TO BUY TICKETS!

dancing material for sure.”

The CD features 13 tracks and includes “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Silent Night” and the title tune, among others. For the stage show, Stirling promises elves, fairies, angels and ballerinas.

Stirling’s career began in 2010 when, at age 23, she was a quarterfinalist on Season 5 of the reality-TV show “America’s Got Talent.” It called her a “hip-hop violinist.”

She released her debut album in 2012, a self-titled effort featuring the hit “Crystallize.”

It collected more than 177 million YouTube views, hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance/ Electronic and Classical Album charts, was a 2014 Billboard Music Award nominee and went gold. Shatter Me, her second studio album, was the first to include collaborations with other vocalists. Its biggest single, the title song, accumulated 1.3 million views in one day on YouTube.

Her third studio album, 2016’s Brave Enough, debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart and landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s year-end Top Dance/Electronic Album list.

Details: http://www.lindseystirling.com

14 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Crispina Ristorante & Pizzeria Neapolitan Style Italian LOCALLY OWNED X GLOBALLY INSPIRED HOURS M-F 11:30a-2:30 M-Th 4:30p-10p F-Sa 4p-11p Su 4p-10p

LOCATION 3300 COBB PARKWAY SE UNIT 208 ATLANTA, GA 30339 (678) 426-7149

CrispinaAtlanta.com

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM 15

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS | Nov. 24, 8 p.m.

THE GANG’S ALL HERE FOR HOLIDAY CHEER

G

rammy-nominated jazz saxophonist Dave Koz reunites with his original holiday tour lineup — Grammy-nominated pianist David Benoit, trumpet master Rick Braun and guitarist Peter White — for this hallmark holiday event. The tour, and the new album that coincides with it, introduces vocalist Selina Albright.

Together, they perform fresh renditions of Christmas classics, a Hanukkah medley and songs from each of their catalogs. And you might, just might, hear some of the swinging tunes from the new Dave Koz & Friends 20th Anniversary Christmas album: “Winter Wonderland,” “Joy to the Wonderful World,” “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Hark! The Herald Angels,” “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “O Tannenbaum” and “Little Town of Bethlehem,” among others.

Koz, who’s been kicking the jazz scene for 25 years, has been nominated for nine Grammy awards and has had nine No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Album chart, including the popular Dave Koz Collaborations 25th Anniversary Collection (2015).

SCAN THIS SYMBOL WITH THE E+ APP TO BUY TICKETS!

In that time, and on many CDs, Koz has collaborated with such artists as Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Luther Vandross, Shelby Lynne, Kenny Loggins, U2 and Michael McDonald.

His lifelong obsession with the saxophone began simply enough — it was a way to get into his big brother’s band.

White is considered one of the most versatile guitarists in contemporary jazz, regularly topping Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Songs chart. Benoit is a three-time Grammy-nominated pianist with 35 albums to his credit. He’s scored several films and conducted symphonies in Los Angeles and London. Trumpet man Braun has charted more than 20 No. 1 singles.

The California-born Albright is the daughter of renowned jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright. Her musical inspirations, she says, include Beyonce, Ella Fitzgerald, Lalah Hathaway, Whitney Houston, Take Six, Tina Turner and Dinah Washington.

Her biggest success to date is the 2002 CD titled Brighter, which topped the U.K. Soul chart. Her latest album, Conversations, was released in March. She’s also into electronic dance music.

16 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

COME SEE US BEFORE OR AFTER THE SHOW!

PRESENT YOUR TICKET STUB FOR 10% OFF YOUR MEAL! 1675 CUMBERLAND PKWY SMYRNA, GA 30080 770.435.0700 | vinings.southcitykitchen.com | @SCKVinings

Looking to plan an event or wedding?

Golden B Wedding and Event Planning is just the ticket.

Call or e-mail us today: 404.368.2100 Claudia@GoldenBEvents.com

Claudia Madigan

Chief Planner & Founder

Wedding and Event Planning Ad and logo by AW Design. www.awdesigning.com

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM 17

EBI | Nov. 25, 9 p.m.

AN ARTIST FOR THE WORLD

E

brahim Hamedi, the Iranian pop singer known to fans worldwide as Ebi, is 50 years into a career that has seen the release of more than 30 albums and 100 singles.

In his early years he founded a band called Sun Boys with a few friends. Later, he joined other friends to form the Black Cats, which played the Kochini Club, one of Tehran’s most famous nightclubs. His solo career began a few years after that.

Ebi, one of the most beloved artists in Iranian contemporary music, owes his success to a warm and almost long-ranged baritone voice, critics say. He performs a mix of ballads and political songs.

Since the Islamic Revolution in the late

SCAN THIS SYMBOL WITH THE E+ APP TO BUY TICKETS!

1970s, it has been illegal to play his music in Iran but that hasn’t seemed to dim his popularity. He’s toured some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Stadium in London; the Sydney Opera House in Australia; the Greek Theatre Los Angeles and Microsoft Theatre L.A Live in California; the Air Canada Centre and Sony Center in Toronto; the Cologne Arena in Germany; and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver.

His genuine connection to his fans has made him a symbol for his people. His active stance against political injustice and the oppression of women, and his constant charitable contributions are all part of his life and his music.

When not on tour, Ebi lives in Marbella, Spain, and spends a good deal of time in Los Angeles.

18 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

FRESH, SEASONAL FOOD IN VININGS VILLAGE Join us before or after the show! Theater menu available.

4300 Paces Ferry Road • 770.801.0089 • www.SOHOatlanta.com

JOIN US BEFORE OR AFTER THE SHOW

Soho_TAO1511 hp.indd 1

11/3/15 10:42 PM

ATLANTA

2851 Akers Mill Rd. Atlanta, GA 30339 770-952-5550 cincorestaurants.com ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM 19

FANTASIA | Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m.

CHRISTMAS AFTER MIDNIGHT

F

antasia Barrino shot to fame in 2004 with her powerful gospel-rooted vocals on Season 3 of “American Idol.”

She finished first, and hasn’t stopped since.

She’s released six albums in the past 13 years, including the new Christmas After Midnight, which came out on the Concord labelin October.

She’s twice played Broadway (as Celie in The Color Purple in 2007 and in the musical revue After Midnight in 2013/14). She played herself in the 2006 TV movie “The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not a Fairy Tale,” which was nominated for a NAACP Image Award.

Her 12-track Christmas After Midnight, a mix of standards and newer songs, features such tunes as “Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “The Christmas Song” and “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.”

Fantasia — whose voice is described as raspy, gritty, soulful and strong — has won two Grammys, two Billboard Music

SCAN THIS SYMBOL WITH THE E+ APP TO BUY TICKETS!

awards, three NAACP Image awards, a Vibe Music Award, a Groovevolt Music Award, two ASCAP Rhythm and Soul awards and a Barbados Music Award. She has been nominated multiple times for BET and Soul Train awards and other Grammys. She has sold more than 3 million records.

The Fantasia Barrino story starts in High Point, N.C., where she was born on June 30, 1984. She began singing at age 5 and cites Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Nina Simone and Tina Turner as influences. Music runs in her family. The R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo, formerly of Jodeci, are first cousins. Her uncles, the Barrino Brothers, were a 1970s R&B act.

On “American Idol,” Fantasia sang “Summertime” from the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. She reprised it for her final performance, with the famously sour Simon Cowell calling her the best contestantever to compete in a competition, including “Idol.”

On Feb. 13, 2012, VH1 named Fantasia 32nd on a list of the 100 Greatest Women in Music.

Details: http://www.fantasiaofficial.com/

20 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THEATER INFORMATION ATM: An ATM is located in the Grand Lobby.

Concessions: Concession stands are located in the center of the lobbies.

Coat check: Coat check is available at the concierge desk.

Emergency information: In the event of an emergency, please locate the nearest usher who will direct you to the appropriate exit.

Elevators: Elevators are located on each side of the lobbies on all levels.

Lost and found: Lost and Found items are turned into the concierge desk on the day of a performance. To inquire about a lost item, please call Public Safety at 770-916-2911.

Parking: PRE-PAY PARKING AVAILABLE AT COBB ENERGY CENTRE! Cobb Energy Centre is offering pre-paid parking for performances. On each performance page on the Cobb Energy Centre website there is now a button to purchase parking in advance for $12.00. Day-of parking will still be available for $10.00 (cash or credit).

There are 1,000 on-site parking spaces;

700 in a four-level deck and 300 more in a surface lot. Valet parking is available for The Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Ballet only. $10 day of park fee/$12 pre-pay option/$15 valet (cash or credit card).

Restrooms: Restrooms are located on house right and house left of all three lobbies. Family restrooms are also located on house right of all three lobbies. Mobilityimpaired patrons may use any of our restrooms.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited inside the building. Please use the terrace exit to step outside and smoke.

Special assistance: Persons requiring access assistance are asked to contact the box office at 770-916-2850 for advance arrangements. Audio clarification devices are available to our hearing-impaired guests at no charge. This is on a first come–first served basis. A limited number of booster seats are also available. Wheelchairs are available upon request. All items require a form of identification to be held until the item is returned.

COBB ENERGY CENTRE REQUESTS: • All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket in order to be admitted to the performance. Please be aware that not all events are suitable for children. Infants will not be admitted to adult programs.

Parents will be asked to remove children who create a disturbance.

• Please turn off all cellphones before each performance. Please limit conversation during the performance.

• Audio & video recording devices are strictly prohibited at all times.

• Leaving while the show is in progress is discourteous, and we ask that you refrain from doing so.

• Please unwrap all candies and cough drops before the performance.

• We know that patrons make every effort to be on time for events out of respect for the performers and other theatergoers; however, there are times when traffic or weather problems cause late arrivals.

Latecomers may watch the beginning of a show on flat-screen TVs in our lobby until the theatre has re-opened to allow guests into the auditorium. In addition, touring companies set the policy for allowing those who arrive past curtain time into the theatre. We ask those patrons to wait until the approved time to re-open the theatre doors. Please plan ahead to arrive early and relax before the performance begins.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM

21

ALLIANCE THEATRE PRESENTS A CHRISTMAS CAROL | Dec. 8-24, 2017

GOD BLESS US, EVERYONE!

L

ast chance to catch this Christmas train! And, most likely, the only time you’ll ride it at Cobb Energy Centre.

When Tiny Tim utters his final “God bless us, everyone” on Christmas Eve, the Alliance Theatre will retire this version of A Christmas Carol, adapted from the classic Dickens by former associate director David H. Bell and staged annually for some 28 years.

Next season, when the company has returned to its renovated mainstage at the Woodruff Arts Center, a new version will be unwrapped. Bell is writing that one, too. For now, the Alliance remains a company-on-theroad, staging each of this year’s 12 shows at an off-site venue. That brings this enterprise to the Cobb stage.

You know the story. The miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, an old and bitter man in 19th-century London, is visited by the

SCAN THIS SYMBOL WITH THE E+ APP TO BUY TICKETS!

Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. By jangling a few chains and making him face his past and potential future, they ease him toward a less solitary existence.

The Alliance sets the scene on a stage stuffed fore, aft and all around with the detritus of lives not lived to Scrooge’s exacting economic standards. Furniture, knickknacks, dolls, carriages, boxes, toys, luggage and more are stacked and scattered from wing to wing. Their previous owners are in debtors’ prison, their earthly goods in Ebenezer’s gnarled hands.

This staging stands out for several reasons: its attention to scenic and costume details; it’s large, multicultural cast; and its music — carols that fill the theater with wondrous harmonies; and its snow.

For many in greater Atlanta, seeing this Christmas Carol is as traditional as eggnog and fruitcake.

Director Rosemary Newcott knows why. “The essential story helps us recognize the compassion we should have for all human beings,” she says. “No matter their circumstances.”

22 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

4300 Paces Ferry Road S.E. Atlanta, GA 30339

call for reservations (404)205-8255 | www.pacesandvine.com

HALF-OFF WINE BOTTLE SUNDAYS Join us Sundays for half-priced bottles of wine! Choose from our extensive wine list and toast to a weekend well spent.

Treat yourself!

HOURS

Monday: 11am - 9pm Tuesday-Friday: 11am - 10pm Saturday 10am - 10pm Sunday: 10am - 9pm Limited Bar Menu: 3pm - 5pm Sat/Sun Brunch: 10am - 3pm

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM 23

UPCOMING EVENTS at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre For the most up-to-date list of performances please visit

cobbenergycentre.com

Tickets sold at the Bank of North Georgia box office at Cobb Energy Centre, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000

The Alliance Theatre The Jason Bishop Show My Favorite Murder Jan. 21, 2018 Jan. 27, 2018 A Christmas Carol Dec. 8-24, 2017

Atlanta Ballet Beauty & the Beast Feb. 8-11, 2018

The Atlanta Opera Don Quixote Feb. 2-11, 2018

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox Feb. 14, 2018

The Atlanta Opera The Daughter of the Regiment

Atlanta Ballet Black Swan March 16-18, 2018

Feb. 24-March 4, 2018

Shen Yun Performing Arts

The Atlanta Opera Carmen

Atlanta Ballet Bach to Broadway

The Atlanta Opera Sweeney Todd

April 4-8, 2018

April 28-May 6, 2018

May 11-13, 2018

June 9-17, 2018

VENUE SPONSORS

24 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS! Producer $25000+ Anonymous Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority Genuine Parts Company Georgia Lottery The Molly Blank Fund (Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation) Walton Communities The Zeist Foundation Director $10000-24999 Audrey B. Morgan, The Morgan Family Fund Jimmy & Helen S. Carlos Cobb Community Foundation Delta Community Credit Union Ed Voyles Automotive Group Emerson Climate Technologies Livingston Foundation Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company The Martha and Wilton Looney Foundation National Endowment for the Arts Regions Bank Sartain Lanier Family Foundation Scicom Infrastructure Services Jack & Jean Ward Designer $5000-9999 The Abney Family Foundation Bobbie Bailey Foundation Lynn Cochran Bruce & Sylvia Dick Georgia Power Company John & Mary Franklin Foundation KIA Motors of America Jerry & Cheryl Nix William A. Parker, Jr. Six Flags Over Georgia David & Michele Swann Synovus Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation

Playwright $2500-4999 Atlanta Braves Foundation René & Barbarella Diaz Larry Dingle Nigel & Clare Richardson Ticketmaster Joanne Truffelman Tull Charitable Foundation The Vinings Rotary Club Presenter $1000-2499 Mike Boyce Bill Brantley Terry Chandler Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Fidelity Bank Richard Horder Peter & Ronnie Kessenich, Sr. Sam & Lisa Olens Pope and Land Enterprises Jim Rhoden, Jr. Kathleen E. Rios Laura Schilling Earl Smith John & Karen Spiegel Terri Theisen Bob & Belle Voyles Lead Actor $500-999 An Anonymous Friend Julian Bene Randy Donaldson Gene & Patricia Henssler Shelly Kleppsattel Christine Nix Robert Parris Alex Paulson Benjamin & Christine Phelps Emma Pollard Holly Quinlan Bennie Shaw Cynthia Widner Wall

Ensemble $250-499 Robert & Susan Arko Charlie & Yetty Arp Thomas Casey Jack & Shirley Demarest Chris Galla Johnny Gresham Pam Hubby Margaret Kleiman Don & Patsy Mabry David Malone Walter W. McBride Sid Roy Sara Stephens Gordon Via Denice M. Wetzel Audience $1-249 Matt Alea Anonymous Julie Arnold Carole Brooks Ushers at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Centre Michael Cooper Cynthia Crain Lee Winn Crump Sondra Dillon Dwight Dyer Nancy Gault Katherine Hansil Sherry Kendrick Mike Knowles Susan M. Levy David & Barbara Nadler Richard Parker Brenda Rhodes Janice Scott Linda Smith Leslie Stone Jim & Marilyn Sustrich James Tyson Jim & Joanne Van Duys Juliana Vincenzino George & Jan Yano

Listing reflects gifts made between October 1, 2016 and October 31, 2017.

ATLANTA’S PERFORMING ARTS PUBLICATION | ENCORE ATLANTA.COM 25

COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM VENUE STAFF

COBB-MARIETTA COLISEUM & EXHIBIT HALL AUTHORITY

MANAGING DIRECTOR Sandie Aaron

HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER Jeri Wallis

CHAIRMAN Jerry Nix | Post 6

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Barbara Kiss

HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST Lorena Dominguez

VICE-CHAIR A. Max Bacon | Post 2

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SPONSORSHIPS Tom Rowland MARKETING COORDINATOR Leah Valentine RECEPTIONIST Beryl Bernier BOX OFFICE MANAGER Carol Willis ASSISTANT BOX OFFICE MANAGER Russel Kennedy HOUSE MANAGER Richard Stevens DIRECTOR OF SAFETY & SECURITY Larry Green PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGER Jamie Wheeler PUBLIC SAFETY SUPERVISOR Eric Rascoe CULINARY DIRECTOR/ EXECUTIVE CHEF Nicholas Walker SOUS CHEF Camilo Aguirre FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER Ramin Djaved BANQUET MANAGER Abol Ghoreishi BEVERAGE & CONCESSION MANAGER Fernando Quintero

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Ben Tilley PRODUCTION MANAGER Jessica Coale HEAD ELECTRICIAN Mike Wolmer HEAD AUDIO ENGINEER Jon Summers

SECRETARY Johnny Gresham | Post 4 Mike Boyce | Post 5 Steve “Thunder” Tumlin | Post 1 Robert P. Voyles | Post 3 GENERAL MANAGER & CEO Michele L. Swann

HEAD CARPENTER/RIGGER Mark Newman DIRECTOR OF FACILITY SERVICES Arthur McDowell DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING Joe Green

ARTSBRIDGE FOUNDATION

CHIEF ENGINEER Marty Taylor

PRESIDENT Jack Ward

DIRECTOR EMERITUS Barbara E. Williams

LEAD ENGINEER Madjid Lakhdari

VICE PRESIDENT Joanne Truffelman

DIRECTOR EMERITUS John A. Williams

LEAD ENGINEER Victor Sgobba

SECRETARY/TREASURER Larry M. Dingle

ARTSBRIDGE FOUNDATION STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Jennifer Dobbs Hill DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & COMMUNITY OUTREACH Sarah Clay Lindvall

DIRECTOR Helen S. Carlos DIRECTOR Barbarella Diaz DIRECTOR Jerry Nix DIRECTOR Sam Olens

PROGRAM COORDINATOR Javona Swann

DIRECTOR Clare Richardson

DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Lizzy Morin

DIRECTOR Kessel D. Stelling DIRECTOR Percy Vaughn DIRECTOR Valery Voyles

28 COBBENERGYCENTRE.COM | A DECADE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES PARTNER

SUPPORT IS PROVIDED BY

The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Sarah Eby-Ebersole and W. Daniel Ebersole

EXHIBITION SERIES SPONSORS

PREMIER EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS Anne Cox Chambers Foundation The Antinori Foundation Ann and Tom Cousins Sarah and Jim Kennedy Jane and Hicks Lanier Louise Sams and Jerome Grilhot

CONTRIBUTING EXHIBITION SERIES SUPPORTERS: Barbara and Ron Balser, Corporate Environments, Peggy Foreman, James F. Kelly Charitable Trust, Jane Smith Turner Foundation, The Lubo Fund, Margot and Danny McCaul, and Joyce and Henry Schwob. GENEROUS SUPPORT IS ALSO PROVIDED BY The Alfred and Adele Davis Exhibition Endowment Fund, Anne Cox Chambers Exhibition Fund, Barbara Stewart Exhibition Fund, Dorothy Smith Hopkins Exhibition Endowment Fund, Eleanor McDonald Storza Exhibition Endowment Fund, Forward Arts Foundation Exhibition Endowment Fund, Helen S. Lanier Endowment Fund, Howell Exhibition Fund, and John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Exhibition Endowment Fund.

Al Taylor (American,1948–1999), 6-8-9, 1988, brass, wood, and enamel paint mounted on wood with wax finish, 31 x 15 x 44 inches, Glenstone Museum, Potomac, Maryland. © The Estate of Al Taylor.

Introducing the

WellStar Mobile App Healthcare on your schedule and at your fingertips!

Find a doctor, practice or other location near you

Get turn-by-turn directions to our locations

Check into Urgent Care & Emergency Room locations

Access MyChart to manage your patient record

Simply go to your app store and download today!

Actual app icon shown.

wellstar.org