ARTS
Party on the Fringe
A new Atlanta group has ambitious plans to put on the first Atlanta Fringe Festival in May 2012, similar to fringe festivals that have popped up worldwide since the original launched in 1947 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

But first the group is organizing events “to raise friends and funds,” said festival executive director Diana Brown. The next one is the Big Summer Buzz Party, 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Aug. 27 at the Melvin Gallery, 684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave. (in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood).

The Buzz Party features a free sampling of the sort of independent and underground performance artists that will be featured during the Fringe Festival, which Brown is planning with sponsor Twinhead Theatre and a growing list of creative partners. Party makers include circus acts Thimblerig Circus and the Imperial Opa, burlesque by Minette Magnifique, bands including Wowser Bowser and Lily and the Tigers, puppets, comedy, DJs, food trucks and more.

Details: www.facebook.com/atlantafringe. HOWARD POUSNER

DANCE
Georgia Ballet’s next steps
The Georgia Ballet, the Marietta-based professional company launched in 1960, has announced a three-program slate for its 2011-12 season:

• “Rhythm and Rhapsody,” a mixed repertoire program that includes “Who Cares?” George Balanchine’s ballet set to George Gershwin music; “Prelude Pictures,” a world premiere by Georgia Ballet resident choreographer Janusz Mazon;cq both and “Aurora’s Wedding” (Act III of “The Sleeping Beauty”). Oct. 22-23 at the Cobb Civic Center’s Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, Marietta.

• “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 2-4 at the Cobb Civic Center’s Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, Marietta.

• “Swirling Soiree: An Evening of New Dances, Great Finds and Tasty Eats,” Feb. 4 at the Murray Arts Center, Mount Paran Christian School, Kennesaw.

Information: 770-528-0881, www.georgiaballet.org. HOWARD POUSNER