Maze featuring Frankie Beverly performing at a sold-out Fox Theatre show earlier this year. The group returns this weekend for a gig at Chastain Park Amphitheatre. Photo: Robb D. Cohen / www.robbsphotos.com

This weekend, the National Black Arts Festival is happening in many venues around town. There are a few of the events in the list below, but you can check the NBAF’s own site for the full list. As always, this is just the tip of the entertainment-option iceberg. For a more complete take, have a look at the long list of events taking place all over the metro Atlanta area this weekend.

FRIDAY

Stage: The pistol-packing mama is back in “Tyler Perry ’s ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family’.” 8 p.m. July 16 and 3 and 8 p.m. July 17 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta.

Music: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly is a perennial favorite with Atlanta audiences. This time, the band is joined by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Kevon Edmonds. 6:30 p.m. at  Chastain Park …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: July 16-18 »

Kenneth Woodfin makes a "Superman" in his green Orleagian Snowballs air conditioned trailer in a gas station parking lot at the corner of Moreland and Ponce de Leon avenues in Atlanta. Photo: Phil Skinner, pskinner@ajc.com

YOUR PICKS

1) Orleagian Snowballs

You say, “Even though snowballs originated in Baltimore, Orleagian Snowballs has perfected the process. They are the best frozen treat in Atlanta.” And “Perfect for a hot summer day. Cold and refreshing.”

2) Rita’s

3) King of Pops

4) Morelli’s Ice Cream

5) Sheridan’s Frozen Custard

OUR PICKS

1) Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream

Food and beverage writer Bob Townsend saysm “Morelli’s in Ormewood Park is famous for crazy-cool homemade ice cream, like bacon brittle, coconut jalapeno, rosemary olive oil and sweet corn. Lately, though, Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill has upped the wow factor, stopping by once a week to create small batches of fun flavors. Amaretto popcorn, fried pie and smoked caramel-infused chocolate …

Continue reading Best frozen treat »

Trista Moldovan (as Christine) and Tim Martin Gleason (as the Phantom) perform in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera," which is at the Fox Theatre through July 18. Photo: Hyosub Shin, hshin@ajc.com

FRIDAY

Music festival: Rounder Records quartet NewFound Road headlines the Raccoon Creek Bluegrass Festival. 6 p.m. July 9; 12:30 p.m. July 10. At Raccoon Creek Music Park, Dallas.

Stage: Douglas Tappin’s musical drama “I Dream: The Story of a Preacher From Atlanta” is based on events in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The world premiere is directed by Jasmine Guy and runs July 9-31 at the Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta.

Stage: “The Phantom of the Opera” is on its final national tour.The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical will be at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre through July 18.

Comedy: You probably know him best from “Full House,” but there’s always been lots of speculation that Dave Coulier could be the inspiration for Alanis Morissette’s cutting “You Oughta Know.” See …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: July 9-11 »

YOUR PICKS

1) Stevi B’s

You say, “We love going to Stevi B’s …  It makes the kids happy, and they are entertained by the game room.

2) Mellow Mushroom

3) Doc Chey’s

4) Osteria 832

5) Joe’s Crab Shack

OUR PICKS

Adults can dig into grown-up pizzas like this arugula and prosciutto beauty in an atmosphere that welcomes the young ones, offering plenty of tasty menu items that will keep them satisfied.

1) Osteria 832

AJC’s Food and More blogger John Kessler says, “This always-welcoming Virginia Highland pizzeria attracts so many families because the staff gets it. Customers here are treated with respect and sensitivity to their needs, whatever their age.”

2) Fickle Pickle

3) The Original El Taco

4) Nakato

5) Red Hen

Continue reading Best kid-friendly restaurant »