The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Close to home
Things to go, do and see in metro Atlanta this weekend
You’ve got a few hours over the weekend and are looking for a nearby diversion – something that doesn’t require reservations or a tank of gas. Welcome to Close to Home! Each week we’ll highlight the quick, quaint and quirky events in your neighborhood. Email submissions to CommunityNews@ajc.com.
West African Rhythms in Roswell
West African Rhythms. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today. Free. Front lawn, Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. The founders of DrumRise will demonstrate the drumming techniques they learned from Guinean master drummer Mamady Keita. After a brief lesson, stay and join in the drum circle. 678-639-7500, RoswellGov.com, RoswellRoots.com.
Civil War talk in Kennesaw
“Civil War Artillery Talk.” 11:30 a.m. to noon today. Free. Visitor Center, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw. This Ranger-led program will focus on how the differences between Civil War artillery pieces changed warfare during the American Civil War. 770-427-4686 ext. 0 or nps.gov/kemo.
Essential Oils in Jonesboro
Essential Oils for Parents. Noon-1 p.m. today and March 18. Free. Jonesboro Branch, 124 Smith St., Jonesboro. Learn how essential oils can be used as a remedy for everyday stresses and ailments. 770-478-7120, claytonpl.org.
Oral Moses program in Mableton
Oral Moses presents “The Story of the Negro Spiritual.” 1-2 p.m. today. Free. South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton. Moses, Kennesaw State University professor emeritus, singer, lecturer and voice teacher, will give a presentation on how the Negro Spiritual arose from music used during the slave trade as Africans were moved from West Africa to slave markets in North America. He also will give an overview of the famous Fisk Jubilee Singers. 678-398-5828, Cobbcat.org.
‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’ in Tyrone
“Smokey Joe’s Cafe” directed and choreographed by former Rockette and guest artist Melissa Zaremba. Concluding Sunday. 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. today, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. $15 to $45. Legacy Theatre, 1175 Senoia Road, Suite C, Tyrone. Tunes of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller will be performed, including 40 classics such as “Jailhouse Rock,” “Yakety Yak” and “Stand by Me.” 404895-1473, TheLegacyTheatre.org.
Gospel Concert in McDonough
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church’s 150th anniversary event: Gospel Concert. 6 p.m. today. Free. 397 Racetrack Road, McDonough. Join Grammy-nominated gospel singer Anita Wilson and other musical guests. 770957-4728, wesleymcd.org.
‘America, Vol. 1’ concert in Marietta
America, Vol. 1 by the Georgia Symphony Orchestra and the GSO Chorus. 8 p.m. today. $10 to $20. Marietta Performing Arts Center, 1171 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. Faculty Grass will perform bluegrass music starting at 7 p.m. in the lobby. The Georgia Spiritual Ensemble will sing during intermission. GeorgiaSymphony.org.
OnStage Atlanta play in Decatur
“Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” by Richard Alfieri. Through Sunday. 8 p.m. today, 3 p.m. Sunday. $15 to $23. OnStage Atlanta Theatre Company, 2969 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. 404-897-1802, OnStage Atlanta.com.