THE MOVE: Plan Accordingly - February 2020

Hey, y’all! What’s the move?

MOVE Feb 20 Crop Web
Photo credit: Ms. Conception
Vocalist Jamila Sampson moonlights as Sade with her band, Band Adu, at The Music Room.

The Move is a column intended to help you beat the fight against basic, one move at a time. Look here for all the best underground, and some above ground, events in ATL. Bc you CAN have a balanced diet of disco and yoga. Warning of side effects: Overdose of culture and queerdom. Bloated bank account from lack of overpriced ticket purchases. Confusion meeting clarity via mind, body, and soul. Consume at your own risk.

Alright, y’all! If you don’t like Sade, not only is it unlikely we’ll be friends off the internet, but this month’s Moves might be a tough read. I couldn’t make this up if I tried ... Three Sade cover bands in 24 hours! “Is it a crime?” bc it sounds too good to be true. 

Also, on the menu and in season this month, puppets improvising your new favorite dramedy, DIY palm reading, and, of course, WE DANCE! Read on for details, fluffy nuggets. And remember, animals are always naked.

Shameless copy/paste plug OTMonth: Psst … Xtra! Xtra! Weed all about it! Shameless plug for the latest episode of “Friends in High Places.” Listen along as I interview the likes of those mapping out the cannabis industry for Georgians, bc it’s not coming, it’s here. For more updates:  @CallMeMSConception @CreativeLoafingAtlanta

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 1


Women Self-Healing through Comedy Workshop — Hey ladies, ever wanted to try stand-up? Nationally touring comedian and Fox network favorite, Lace Larrabee, teaches Atlanta’s only stand-up comedy classes for women. This month, Larrabee takes an unusual approach by teaching stand-up to survivors of domestic violence.

“Comedy is an opportunity to change the power dynamic and lead to healing and contemplation. Harness your voice and own your stories!” the event’s Facebook page exclaims.

The organizers ask, in lieu of paying for tickets, please consider donating to the Women’s Resource Center at www.wrcdv.org or donate via Paypal at paypal.me/wrcdv. This is a four-hour workshop, with only 30 spots available. Tix available here.

Free with registration. 12-4 p.m. The Punchline, 3652 Roswell Road N.E. 404-252-5233. Click here for more information.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7


Wahine’s Hideaway — Dance is in demand in 2020! The hottest party at SPKEZ, on Edgewood Avenue above The Music Room, will masquerade as a tiki disco paradise during Wahine’s Hideaway, for one night only this month!

Wahine wants everyone to enjoy “tiki cocktails, worship false idols, and dance your cares away to the intoxicating sounds of tropical disco and electrified funk, provided by your DJs: The Silver Rider of Whiskey Disco, Music is 4 Lovers (Austin); Wahine of RESRGNS (Los Angeles/Atlanta); and Brian Rojas of Deep South, La Choloteca (Atlanta).”

Also, a much appreciated note from the organizers:  **BS Tolerance Level: ZERO. If you can’t be COOL AND RESPECTFUL OF EVERYONE, then get the f*&% out. There is no room for harassment, abuse or judgment in Paradise.**

21+, $10. 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Edgewood SPKEZ, 327A Edgewood Ave. S.E., 404-343-4404. www.atlmusicroom.com

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14


ATL Collective Relives Sade’s “Love Deluxe” — If you aren’t listening to Sade already, are you even living? Valentine’s Day is a great time to start, or continue. If the words of Sade don’t make you feel sultry, deep, lusty love, see a doctor and get your heart checked for lack of love! Just kidding, kinda.

ATL Collective performs Sade’s Love Deluxe album live from start to finish, twice — once during an early show, then, again for a late show. “Cherish the Day” is my favorite, daily pick-me-up from this album. Full disclosure, my Alexa wakes me up to that song. If you want to cry, “Pearls” is another fav. You’ll want to be quiet and listening when Brenda Nicole Moorer takes the mic to belt Sade’s “Like a Tattoo” and “Kiss of Life.”

 21+. $30-40. Early show 6 p.m.; late show 9:30 p.m. City Wintery, 650 North Avenue, Ponce City Market, 404-946-3791. Both shows are sold out; waiting list available. citywinery.com/atlanta

Sade Experience: Valentine’s Special — Band Adu is a Sade cover band formed in May, 2019, that has forever changed my life in Atlanta. They are the only Sade cover band I know of that performs here year round. Why are there not more Sade cover bands, you ask? Because, truthfully, no one can touch Sade’s vocals. Vocalist Jamila Sampson gets pretty close with her seductive tone, a must-hear in person. 

With this set, expect classics like “Is It A Crime,” “Kiss of Life,” and “Sweetest Taboo.” These shows sell out super duper fast, y’all!

21+. $18-$25. 7 p.m. (doors). Show starts at 8:30 p.m. The Music Room, 327 Edgewood Ave., 404-343-0111. Click here for more information.

Bless Yr Heart: A Queer Valentine’s Dance Party at The Bakery — Not into strictly hetero activities on Valentine’s Day? Join The Bakery for an always all-inclusive celebration: “We’re celebrating queer love in all of its forms: relationships, self-love, community love, and more!” 

This year, it’s a dance party by Southern Fried Queer Pride, with DJ sets by chel xi (PRISM) & Jsport (Club Morph), and performances by drag stars Evangeline Laveau, JayBella Banks, La Reina, Paege Turner, and SZN ALXNDR. Also promised: “A super queer, kitsch photobooth!” Soak up your time at The Bakery’s current location, before it transitions completely into its new Downtown spot. 

18+ 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Suggested donation $7-$20. No one turned away for lack of funds. The Bakery Atlanta, 825 Warner St. S.W. thebakeryatlanta.com

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15


Sade Acoustic Tribute — Joy Warren has performed with Tyrese, Will Reagan & United Pursuit, and Kierra “KiKi” Sheard, as well as at major events including New York Fashion Week, NBA All-Star Weekend, BET Music Matters, and the BET Hip Hop Awards. Now, she’s stepping into Sade’s shoes for an all-live acoustic set at Venkman’s. The show is free, free, FREE, but dinner reservations will fill up fast. Standing room available as well. Dinner reservations can be made at Venkmans.com.

Free. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Venkman’s, 740 Ralph McGill Blvd. 470-225-6162, venkmans.com

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16


Palmistry Basics Workshop: Radical Self Love — Confession:  I have always wanted to know what palm readers look for when reading a palm, but have always been too lazy to Google it. I’ve only had mine read professionally once, and nothing went according to my palm wrinkles, but I’m optimistic.

The one and only Modern Mystic Shop, upstairs inside Ponce City Market, is hosting Handful of Stars, who will teach us exactly what is going on in the palm of our hands. Mine run clammy. Wonder what that means. 

About the instructor and hands behind Handful of Stars: “Helene Saucedo is a hand analyst who provides private readings out of her vintage camper and travels the country with her craft, lecturing and reading at shops and at events such as Bonnaroo, Dirty South Yoga Festival, and the Bust Craftacular.”

All ages. $40. 1 p.m-2:30 p.m. Modern Mystic Shop @Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave. N.E. N212, 404-600-2939. modernmysticshop.com

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21


Black Girl Magic: ATL Edition w/ The Vixen from RPDR — Atlanta has no shortage of A-List Queens, whether local or those making a national tour stop. “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” season 10 contestant, The Vixen, is going to brighten up the dark underground that is the Drunken Unicorn with House of ALXNDR to bring you Black Girl Magic, featuring female rappers. The performance line-up includes The Vixen, Dotte Com, Dynisty St. James, Ella/saurus/ REX, JayBella Banks, SZN ALXNDR

Taejah LaBelle Thomas, TAYLOR ALXNDR, Tyra Rex, and more, with DJ sets by DJ Aasha Adore.

Pay just ten bucks extra and get a pic with The Vixen for the gram. 

21+ $10-$15. 10 p.m. (doors); $25 meet-n-greet with The Vixen, 9 p.m. MJQ (The Drunken Unicorn), 736 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Click here for tickets.

SATURDAYS THROUGH MARCH 21


Scandal: Felt Street — Puppets, Sex, & Scandal! — Get ready to settle in for your new weekly drama series. It’s not on Bravo TV, and you can’t stream it on Netflix. These stories require getting off your screens and LOLing IRL. If you suffer from intensified anxiety disorders due to social media, fresh air and human interaction might be good for you.

To Dad’s Garage we go for Scandal: Felt Street. Puppets and improv go together like peanut butter and Oreos (that’s a good thing in my belly). The storyline continues every Saturday until March 21, with puppet actors making up the details as they go along. All ages welcome; however, this will be heavy on the adult humor. If you’re on the Botox you’ll want to bill your doc for those deep laugh lines.

$16.50-$23.50+. 8 p.m. Dad’s Garage Theatre Company, 569 Ezzard St. S.E. 404-523-3141. Click here for more information.