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Get Ready to Travel Japan – Olympics 2020!

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Experience Japan like never before at this year’s annual JapanFest Atlanta! Our 33rd JapanFest is all about “traveling” to Japan to enjoy the traditions, natural beauty, and pop culture of the nation that is hosting the 2020 Olympics.

JapanFest 2019 will provide visitors with a unique way to get ready for the 2020 Olympics by learning about Japan through a wide array of performances, presentations, and authentic national cuisine that will entertain, educate, and delight.

JapanFest Weekend is on September 21-22, 2019, from 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday) and 10am to 5pm (Sunday) at the Infinite Energy Center, located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA. Tickets for an entire day are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

This year’s headlining performers include Nozomi Takeda, Marie Kondo’s senior executive consultant who has worked with Kondo since the very beginning in teaching the KonMari “Spark Joy” Method of tidying up homes across America. Also coming from Tokyo will be Tomomi Kunishige, well-known for her dramatic art exhibition-style of Japanese calligraphy that includes English words.

What else is on the schedule:

  • The ever-popular Matsuriza Taiko Drummers, a Japanese taiko drum troupe of five powerful drummers, will perform and conduct workshops.
  • Samurai Sword Soul will show off their dramatic sword techniques and demonstrate the “Way of the Warrior.”
  • Street Theater Artist Mariko Iwasa, an accomplished actress in an array of theater genres including kabuki, clowning, and mime, will show us that, “We can say anything without words.”
  • Minyo Station, a Japanese Folk Music Troupe from Los Angeles, combines traditional and western instruments for an eclectic, original jazz sound.
  • Motoko the Storyteller will mesmerize children and adults alike with both funny and scary Japanese tales told in English.
  • The traditional Japanese tea ceremony, sumo wrestling, karate and ninja performances, Japanese flower arranging, traditional Japanese dancing and more will all be a part of the festival entertainment program as well.

Two of JapanFest’s most popular areas are its Japanese Food Court and Anime Village. Visitors can also head down Ginza Dori, named after Tokyo’s famous shopping district. This main street will feature Japanese festival-style games, Japanese ceramics, traditional Japanese clothing, accessories, and toys.

In the “Olympic Village,” more vendors will display their wares and art products, for a total of over 120 vendors. In addition, visitors can experience both the old and new of Japanese culture by trying on a kimono, or, for those who want to dress up as their favorite animation character, participate in a Cosplay Contest.

The recently released and highly acclaimed family-friendly film, Mirai, will be screened twice each day, once in English and once in Japanese. Visitors can purchase tickets to the film Mirai onsite during festival days at the box office for just $6.

As the largest Japan-related event in the Southeast, thanks to the generous involvement of the Japanese community and Japanese businesses in Georgia, this is an opportunity to share all things Japanese with Georgia and the surrounding states.

Many of the approximately 550 Japanese companies based in Georgia will display their products in the “Japanese Businesses in Georgia” exhibition (JBiG) including their latest in Japanese technology, such as automobiles, tractors, and electronics.

Tickets for an entire day are $10 in advance, $12 at the door and cover all performances except the film Mirai ($6) for those who wish to attend. Teachers (K-12) can bring their students to JapanFest for free by applying via their educational institution online at www.japanfest.org. College student discounts are available, and other organizations can save money by purchasing advance ticket packages online.

Original JapanFest designer t-shirts will be on sale for $20 to help support our educational programs.

JapanFest is a production of JapanFest Inc., a 501(c )(3)educational nonprofit organization, in association with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia and the Japan America Society of Georgia, and is supported by the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta. JapanFest would not be possible without the help of over 200 volunteers. Tickets can be purchased at www.japanfest.org. No pets other than guide dogs are allowed inside the convention center. For more information, call 404-842-0736 or visit www.japanfest.org.

Sponsors
Platinum-Delta Air Lines; Gold-Aflac Incorporated; The Coca-Cola Company; Silver- Taylor English Duma; TV JAPAN/NHK Cosmomedia America, Inc.; TDK Components USA, Inc.; WSB TV Channel 2; Bronze- Georgia Asian Times; Georgia Power Company; LeafFilter, Miura America Co. LTD; MomoCon; Sapporo USA, Inc.; Temple University Japan Campus; TOTO USA Inc.; Fuji- American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Power Equipment Division; Baker Donelson; Dexerials America Corporation; Georgia Army National Guard; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Hoso Media; Novis Creative; Smith, Gambrell & Russell LLP; TD Automotive Compressor Georgia, LLC; WOWNOW Inc.; Niche Import Co.; Yamaha Motor Corp. USA; Capture Cliques, Inc.; Sakura- Anime Weekend Atlanta, AXIS Atlanta; Ernst & Young LLP; Honda Precision Parts of Georgia; Yachiyo Mfg. of America; Hylant; Ume- Atlanta Parent Magazine; AT&T; Brandon Hall School; In Memory of Shigenobu Machida; KPMG; Panasonic Automotive Systems; Toppan Printing; JapanFest is also made possible in part by- Center for Global Partnership; Chopstix for Charity, NAAAP Atlanta Chapter; Explore Gwinnett; South Arts, Inc., and The Japan Foundation.

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Greek Film Expo Brings Acclaimed Features and Short Films to Atlanta

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two movie posters of greek films

The 9th annual Atlanta Greek Film Expo will showcase five critically acclaimed Greek feature films (all with English subtitles) and four short films on October 25–27 at the iconic Tara Theatre on Cheshire Bridge Road.

With the goal of elevating and promoting Hellenic (Greek) culture and arts in Atlanta, the annual expo showcases some of the most dynamic, innovative and highly acclaimed films from Greece and Cypress.

One of the films showing at this year’s event, Murderess, is Greece’s submission for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Annual Academy Awards (which will air in 2025).

Free parking will be available at the venue each day of the expo. And the three-day event concludes with an open-to-the-public, celebratory closing reception at the Hellenic Center, located at 2500 Clairmont Road, NE.

Atlanta Greek Film Expo Schedule

Friday, October 25, 7 pm — Little Things That Went Wrong 

This comedic drama is a clever and touching exploration of fatherhood, failure and redemption.

Saturday, October 26, 4 pm — Mary, Marianna, Maria

A documentary which chronicles the early years of Maria Callas in Greece, offering a rare and insightful look into her formative years.

Saturday, October 26, 7 pm — Murderess

This year’s Oscar entry for Greece offers a dark portrayal of moral and existential dilemmas, staying true to the literary masterpiece by Alexandros Papadiamantis.

Sunday, October 27, 2 pm — Guest Star

A satirical and engaging film that explores themes of fame, personal identity and the often absurd nature of public personas.

Sunday, October 27, 5 pm — The Last Taxi Driver

A gripping drama that delves into obsession, unfulfilled dreams and the hidden turmoil beneath a seemingly ordinary life.

Sunday, October 27, 7:30 pm — IT’S A WRAP Closing Reception

Eat, drink and celebrate in Greek style at the beautiful Hellenic Center!

Tickets and information

Ticket prices range from $10-$25 for the films and $45 for the closing reception. Special VIP and Film Lover packages are also available.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit atlantagreekfilm.org.

If you have questions about the event, email atlantagreekfilm@gmail.com

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Local Artist Represented by Fay Gold Gallery at Upcoming Atlanta Art Fair

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Woman in blue dress standing in front of painting

Local artist and Peachtree Corners resident, Amy Rader, will be part of the first-ever Atlanta Art Fair, being held at Pullman Yards October 3–6. The fair will feature local galleries, artists and curators alongside a variety of national programs and a dynamic series of public art projects and events presented at locations around town.

Painting Hawk Interior by Amy Rader
Black Hawk by Amy Rader, courtesy of the artist

Aimed at amplifying local voices and acting as a platform for the city’s incredible creativity, the Atlanta Art Fair — the first major art fair of its kind in the city — will showcase a wide range of artistic styles and genres, including contemporary work, paintings, photography, live performances and innovative projects.

Represented by the esteemed Fay Gold Gallery, Rader will have several pieces on show at the Fay Gold Booth E07, something the artist is thrilled about, as her connection to Gold spans three decades.

“In 1993, while still in high school, I attended a summer arts program at Lagrange College,” Rader recalled. “We took a field trip to visit the top gallery in Atlanta — the Fay Gold Gallery. I stood in awe of the marvelous pieces on display … [Later] after years working with ad agencies for Fortune 500 clients, I was ready to leave my career in graphic design to pursue art full time. Showing my work at a gallery in Buckhead introduced me to Fay Gold 29 years after that visit in 1993. It was a full circle moment.”

Two women dressed in fancy clothes
Fay Gold and Amy Rader, photo courtesy of Amy Rader

A local legend

An Atlanta art legend, Fay Gold is best known for her groundbreaking exhibitions of artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cindy Sherman, Keith Haring, Andres Serrano and Robert Mapplethorpe.

She curated the formative years of Elton John’s personal art collection and raised $750,000 for the Elton John Aids Foundation by creating and chairing two art auctions for the organization. Over the years, she’s also worked with corporate clients and has received dozens of awards for her many contributions to the Atlanta art scene.

Fay Gold represented Rader’s work in a successful art show in 2022 followed by an art auction in 2023 and now at the Atlanta Art Fair in 2024.

Painting by Amy Rader
Dolly by Amy Rader, courtesy of the artist

A lifelong love of art

In love with art from an early age, Rader was encouraged by a high school teacher to apply to art school, which she did, receiving a scholarship from the Art Institute of Atlanta and graduating from the (now-closed) art school with the Best Portfolio Award. For the past 25+ years Rader has worked within the design and art fields, building an impressive body of work, with a particular focus on creating traditional art and large-scale pieces for hospitality spaces.

Her work can be seen in galleries, private collections, luxury buildings, restaurants and more, including the Buckhead Art & Company Gallery, The Hue Midtown and Chops restaurant in Buckhead.

According to her website, Rader’s notable accomplishments include “being selected to represented Tesla and Microsoft at Art Basel, commissioned work for a new Lake Nona project with Tavistock, creating custom pieces for two $140 million luxury Related Group buildings and commissioned work for Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima ships.”

Athena painting by Amy Rader
Athena by Amy Rader, courtesy of the artist

Rader is especially excited about the Atlanta Art Fair — not just being part of it, but the fact that it’s happening at all.

“This is such a big deal for the arts community,” said Rader. “The Art Fair is a wonderful addition to Atlanta’s cultural offerings. I’m describing it as our very own ‘Art Basel’ level fair, with both national and international galleries. We are used to art festivals, but this is a different caliber of event by the producers behind the San Francisco Art Fair, Seattle Art Fair and Art on Paper New York.”

The details

The Atlanta Art Fair takes place at Pullman Yards and other venues throughout the city, October 3–6. Schedules, artist lists, tickets and additional information can be found online at theatlantaartfair.com.

For more about Amy Rader, visit raderdesigns.net.

To learn more about Fay Gold and the Fay Gold Gallery, visit faygoldgallery.com.

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Brennan Lee Mulligan, DrLupo, Biqtch Puddin’ and More Headline Action-Packed DreamHack Atlanta Lineup

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gamers gaming at DreamHack festival

Three-day gaming lifestyle festival brings best of gaming, tabletop roleplaying, indies, music, esports and cosplay to the Big Peach

DreamHack (ESL FACEIT Group’s international gaming lifestyle festival) has announced exciting new guests and programming taking place at this year’s DreamHack Atlanta, October 4–6 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Brennan Lee Mulligan returns to DreamHack alongside the festival’s largest-ever Dungeons & Dragons area. World-class creators, including DrLupo, and the Atlanta debut of the Drag & Drop cosplay drag show hosted by local performer Biqtch Puddin’ are also on the schedule.

gamers gaming at DreamHack festival
photo credit: Kimpee Buenaventura

“DreamHack features the best of gaming culture from all over the world right here in Atlanta,” said Guy Blomberg, director of festivals, North America, DreamHack. “We’re bringing the best global talent and highlighting local developers, streamers, performers and storytellers to create a celebration of everything to do with gaming.”

Over 20 of the biggest names from Dimension 20, Critical Roll, Lynvannder and more expand DreamHack’s roleplaying offerings

Following his DreamHack debut this summer, Dropout’s resident Dungeon Master Brennan Lee Mulligan returns to DreamHack with an all-star cast of adventurers. Joined by Zac OyamaErika IshiiAnjali BhimaniandAliza Pearl, the party will explore an all-new one-shot adventure designed specifically for DreamHack Atlanta.

A room full of tabletop gamers at Dreamhack
photo credit: Kimpee Buenaventura

Fans can also step into the Tabletop Tavern, a dedicated stage for live roleplaying game content presented in partnership with Lynnvander. Veteran storytellers, writers and actors will join forces for a slew of custom adventures. Special guests include worldbuilder and dungeon master Jasmine Bhullar, writer and actress Rekha Shankar, game designer and writer Keith Baker, voice actress Mela Lee and many more.

The LEGO Group makes DreamHack Atlanta debut with all-new Builders Zone

DreamHack guests can expand on the games they know and love through the unlimited creative opportunities of LEGO®️ bricks at DreamHack Atlanta’s all-new Builders Zone, sponsored by the LEGO Group. Attendees can participate in gaming-themed make-and-take builds, contribute to the LEGO brick-built mystery mural on-site or even participate in DreamHack Quests for a chance to take home new LEGO sets. DreamHack will also invite creators to the Main Stage for a competition to celebrate gamers’ creative LEGO builds at the festival — with special guests to be announced.

Booth at DreamHack festival
photo credit: Emma Andersson

DreamHack Atlanta hosts largest-ever Indie Playground and Artist Alley

DreamHack’s Indie Playground and Artist Alley will have their largest footprints yet, with 60 game developers as well as 60 more independent artists — almost half of which are Atlanta locals. In addition to exploring booths, guests can participate in the Artist Alley Stamp Rally, trade unique pins at the pin swap board, trick-or-treat with vendors and get hands-on with up-and-coming video games. Both the Artist Alley and Indie Playground are open to all guests daily from 12 to 6 p.m.

kid playing a game in a VR headset
photo credit: Emma Andersson

Drag & Drop cosplay drag show returns with Atlanta debut

Drag & Drop, the festival’s flagship cosplay drag show, will return after its debut at DreamHack Dallas. Hosted by Emmy-nominated artist Biqtch Puddin’, the show will feature a host of new nerdy performances and performers who slay video game bosses, and looks. Participating artists include Brigitte BidetLaZanya OntréDotte Com and more. 

cosplayer at DreamHack festival
DreamHack Atlanta 2023 cosplay photo credit: Emma Andersson

Drag & Drop complements a full weekend of cosplay programming for attendees. The festival’s cosplay competition on Saturday, will be judged by an all-star cast of professional cosplayers, including Atlanta-native Pumpkin.Pixie.Princess and host Jahara Jayde.

DreamHack Atlanta sets record with over 500 creator guests, including Jake Lucky, bbjess and more

This year’s DreamHack Atlanta will host the largest creator cohort ever for a DreamHack Atlanta festival, with over 500 local and national influencers onsite. After receiving a record-setting number of applications, DreamHack Atlanta’s host of content creators will participate in Main Stage competitions, host meet & greets with fans and stream live from DreamHack’s Creator Hub. Top guests include Main Stage emcee bbjess, creator interview experts Jake Lucky and HUN2R, veteran streamers DrLupo (hosted in partnership with Anthros) and Amouranth and more.

shopper at DreamHack festival
photo credit: Kimpee Buenaventura

Georgia FIRST Robotics brings local high schoolers to DreamHack for STEM showcase

Georgia high school students from across the state will take part in Georgia FIRST Robotics’ interactive showcase live at DreamHack Atlanta. The program requires students and their peers to collaborate on creating their own industrial-size robots to go head-to-head in challenging field games. Students are behind it all — from raising funds to designing their teams’ brand to building and piloting their robots — and the festival’s showcase will highlight the work that goes into making these high-tech machinations.

All of this is just one slice of what DreamHack Atlanta 2024 has to offer.

sign at DreamHack Festival
photo credit: Emma Andersson

The details

DreamHack Atlanta takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center on October 4–6

For more information on competitions at DreamHack Atlanta — including world-class esports tournaments, grassroots competition in the Freeplay area, cosplay contests and more —click here.

Tickets are still available and start at $45 for a single day or $109 for three-day access.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit dreamhack.com/atlanta/tickets/.

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