Dates to Remember
January
New Year’s Day | January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | January 16
February
Black History Month
Groundhog Day | February 2
Lincoln’s Birthday | February 12
Valentine’s Day | February 14
President’s Day | February 21
March
Women’s History Month
Ash Wednesday | March 2
Purim | March 17
St. Patrick’s Day | March 17
January
January 6
First Friday Concert — Grains of Sand
7-9 p.m.
Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center
10 College St., Norcross
Admission: free; reservations required
About the band: From Athens, Ga., the Grains of Sand is a seven-member band consisting of a three-piece horn section followed by a lead and backup vocalist. They entertain crowds with soul, R&B, and beach music and get everyone dancing. There’s additional info at norcrossga.net.
https://www.norcrossga.net/2066/First-Friday-Concert-Series
January 7
Wesleyan School Family Open House
1 p.m.
Wesleyan School
5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners
Admission: free; registration required
Interested parents of students in kindergarten to 12th grade are encouraged to bring their children to the open house, as it is designed for students and their families. Guests are welcome to attend the head of school’s address, tour the campus with student ambassadors, visit athletic practices, talk to teachers and coaches, and experience performances by student ensembles. Register and learn more at wesleyanschool.org.
https://www.wesleyanschool.org/admissions/events
January 7
Eddie Owen Presents Randall Bramblett Band
8 p.m.
Red Clay Music Foundry
3116 Main St., Duluth
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 day of the show
About the artist: Georgia-born multi-instrumentalist Randall Bramblett has played on stage with Bonnie Raitt, The Allman Brothers Band, Steve Winwood, and Widespread Panic. He’s also respected for his songwriting and has a successful career as frontman, creating 11 albums. Visit eddieowenpresents.com for details and tickets.
https://eddieowenpresents.com/events/eddie-owen-presents-randall-bramblett-band-2/
January 11
Winter Cornhole League Registration
6-9 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Center
5200 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners
Georgia’s largest and fastest-growing cornhole league is back with seven weeks of fun beginning in January. CornholeATL’s winter league has four different divisions of play to accommodate all levels. Find out more on the Peachtree Corners calendar at peachtreecornersga.gov.
https://www.peachtreecornersga.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=861&month=1&year=2023&day=8&calType=0
January 12
Septic Tanks
6-7 p.m.
OneStop Norcross
5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross
Admission: free
Adults, 18+, will learn how septic systems work and get tips on keeping them working to save money. There will also be an explanation of how the systems protect our water resources. Go to the calendar at GwinnettParks.com to learn more.
January 12
Authors and Dessert in Duluth
7-8 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Duluth Branch
3180 Main St., Duluth
Admission: free
Adults and seniors are invited to meet and talk with authors Michael Gagnon and Matthew Hild about their book, ‘Gwinnett County, Georgia, and the Transformation of the American South, 1818-2018.’ For more info, visit gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154.
https://gwinnettpl.libnet.info/event/7499543
January 13
Eddie Owen Presents Songwriters in the Round
8 p.m.
Red Clay Music Foundry
3116 Main St., Duluth
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 day of the show
About the artists: Matt Urbanek, originally from Texas, is based out of Atlanta and Sandy Springs; his 80s and 90s rock influences add a modern tone to his original songs. Andy Liechty and Amanda Henke, based in Duluth, are also known as Death Beard. They form a multi-instrumental duo featuring expressive harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. Philip Sanders, known for his emotive voice and haunting melodies, is originally from Belgium. He grew up in South Florida and now lives in the Atlanta area. Get tickets and more info at eddieowenpresents.com.
January 14
Songs and Rhymes
10:30-11:15 a.m.
OneStop Norcross
5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross
Admission: $2 for Gwinnett residents; $4 for non-residents
Children ages 8 and under get an enriching experience through music, games, and oral literature, presented in English and Spanish. Learn more at the GwinnettParks.com calendar or call 678-225-5400.
January 14
Eddie Owen Presents Jacob Harshman and Layne Denton
8 p.m.
Red Clay Music Foundry
3116 Main St., Duluth
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 day of the show
About the artists: Jacob Harshman is a songwriter, guitarist and pianist hailing from Dahlonega, Ga., and was the 2015 Champion of EOP’s Open Mic Shootout. Layne Denton is a local storyteller, songwriter and front man for the Layne Denton Band. For tickets and info, go to eddieowenpresents.com.
https://eddieowenpresents.com/events/eddie-owen-presents-jacob-harshman-and-layne-denton/
January 17
MLK Day Trivia Challenge
4-5 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Peachtree Corners Branch
5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners
Admission: free
People of all ages are invited to test their knowledge and learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Players may participate in groups or as individuals. Click on gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154 for more info.
https://gwinnettpl.libnet.info/event/7537859
January 18
Eddie Owen Presents A Night with Amy LaVere and Will Sexton
8 p.m.
Red Clay Music Foundry
3116 Main St., Duluth
Tickets: $22 in advance, $25 day of the show
About the artists: Amy LaVere’s songs are both original and timeless, making her well known among songwriters and critics alike. She has a knack for documenting simple moments and making them riveting. Her record ‘Painting Blue’ (2019), showcasing her creative storytelling, was produced by her husband, Will Sexton. Tickets and details are at eddieowenpresents.com.
https://eddieowenpresents.com/events/amylavere/
January 19
Lunar New Year 2023
6-7:30 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Duluth Branch
3180 Main S., Duluth
Admission: free
Also known as Spring Festival, Lunar New Year is the most important and most festive holiday of the year in many east and southeast Asian countries. Kids are invited to learn about the holiday and create your own bouncing rabbit, miniature origami and rattle drum to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. Supplies will be provided. Find more info at gwinnettpl.org or by calling 770-978-5154.
https://gwinnettpl.libnet.info/event/7537798
January 19
Eddie Owen Presents Anya Hinkle and Lynne Hanson
8 p.m.
Red Clay Music Foundry
3116 Main St., Duluth
Tickets: $22 in advance, $25 day of the show
About the artists: Anya Hinkle’s music is steeped in the tones of folk and bluegrass. She won the MerleFest Chris Austin Song Contest and was a finalist in the Hazel Dickens Songwriting Competition in 2019 for her song “Ballad of Zona Abston.” Lynne Hanson’s hard-living music has earned her the nickname “Canada’s Queen of Americana.” She is known for her high-energy, roots guitar-driven live performances. For tickets and more info, visit eddieowenpresents.com.
https://eddieowenpresents.com/events/eddie-owen-presents-anya-hinkle-and-lynne-hanson/
January 20
Kid’s Night: Minute to Win It
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center
4651 Britt Rd., Norcross
Admission: $12 for Gwinnett residents; $24 for non-residents
It’s a kids-only event for ages 7-12. They’ll enjoy a light dinner and fun activities while their parents/caretakers enjoy an evening out. Details are on the GwinnettParks.com calendar.
January 20
Eddie Owen Presents Crys Matthews
8 p.m.
Red Clay Music Foundry
3116 Main St., Duluth
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 day of the show
About the artist: A prolific lyricist and composer, Matthews have found inspiration in her surroundings; from driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains to the compelling and heart-breaking love story of Richard and Mildred Loving. The place for tickets and info is eddieowenpresents.com.
https://eddieowenpresents.com/events/eddie-owen-presents-crys-matthews/
January 20
Yesterday – A Tribute to The Beatles
8 p.m.
Gas South Arena
6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth
Tickets: $27-52
About the band: Performing the Beatles since 2001, Yesterday – A Tribute to The Beatles, tours in the U.S. and internationally. These entertainers have performed on five continents. Go to gassouthdistrict.com for tickets and details.
https://www.axs.com/events/444014/yesterday-a-tribute-to-the-beatles-tickets?skin-gassouthdistrict=
January 21
Sensory Sensation
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Pinckneyville Park
4758 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross
Admission: $5
During this sensory exploration event, youngsters ages 2 to 6, and their caretakers, squeeze, feel, smell and make a mess with a variety of textures, objects and odors.
Go to the calendar at GwinnettParks.com for more.
January 21
Family Stories: Creating Genuine Emotions in Your Characters
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Norcross Branch
5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross
Admission: free; registration recommended
Author and educator Susan Beckham Zurenda leads a hands-on writing workshop on creating family stories. Visit gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154 for info and to register.
https://gwinnettpl.libnet.info/event/7542926
January 26
Meet TV Star Matt Paxton: Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff
7-8 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Norcross Branch
5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross
Admission: free; registration recommended
“Hoarders” star Matt Paxton will discuss ways to declutter so you can focus on living in the present. His book, “Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff,” is available at Eagle Eye Bookshop. Find out more and register at gwinnettpl.org, or call 770-978-5154.
https://gwinnettpl.libnet.info/event/7543937
January 27
B2Anywhere — Dino Town
10-11:30 a.m.
Shorty Howell Park Activity Building
2750 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth
Admission: free, pre-registration required
Early learners, ages 16 months to 4 years, and their caregivers learn about dinosaurs in a dino-themed indoor playroom. The play supports the learning of math, literacy, and other skills. Get details and pre-register through the GwinnettParks.com calendar or B2Anywhere.com; call 770-822-771 for info.
January 27
Artist Reception: Winter Wonderland
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center
4758 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross
Admission: free, pre-registration appreciated
Paintings by Janina Ridgway, representing a personal journey celebrating life in all its forms, are displayed through March 2. The artist reception features a visit with the artist and light refreshments. All ages are welcome. Go to the GwinnettParks.com calendar for details and to pre-register.
https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/calendar/general
January 28
Construction Conversations with Gwinnett Transportation
12-4 p.m.
4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake
Admission: free, registration required
Learn about the research, design, development, and maintenance of Gwinnett County roads during this open forum that highlights the successful completion of county construction projects. Lunch, lemonade and dessert will be provided. Attendees will also enjoy music and gifts. For more info and to register, visit the GwinnettParks.com calendar or call 770-822-7400.
https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/calendar/general
February
February 1-4
Hello, Dolly!
Wesleyan School Powell Theatre
5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners 30092
About the show: This musical follows matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi as she tries to find a match for miserly “half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder. Get tickets and details at wesleyanschool.org.
https://www.wesleyanschool.org/arts/drama
February 3
First Friday Concert — Myles Brown
7-9 p.m.
Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center
10 College St., Norcross
Admission: free; reservations required
About the artist: Myles Brown is a professional songwriter and guitarist from Atlanta. An elite-level electric guitarist, Myles performs classical and jazz guitar and composes symphonic music, jazz, funk, jam, dance, pop, and instrumental world music. For details, visit norcrossga.net.
https://www.norcrossga.net/2066/First-Friday-Concert-Series
February 4
Storm Bugs
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Lionheart Theatre
10 College St., Norcross
404-919-4022
Tickets: $5 for all ages
About the show: Author and educator Andrea Zoppo, known as Ms. Ladybug, presents a fun-filled time teaching about our pollinator friends and what happens to them and other crawlies during a storm. Visit lionhearttheatre.org for tickets and info.
February 4-5
AtlantaBrickCon
Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Gas South Arena
6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth
Tickets: $20 per day; children 2 and under, free
Join thousands of LEGO fans for two LEGO-filled days with attractions and events for the whole family. Visit facebook.com/AtlantaBrickCon for details and tickets.
http://www.atlantabrickcon.com/?fbclid=IwAR1pIA3ErTuakueFD5Vf2tLuNL0R9UkihSGzBA8RZ6HTu8U2isawaXJW5q8
February 5
Norcross City Cemetery Tour
2 p.m.
Norcross City Cemetery
211 S. Cemetery St., Norcross
Local historian Gene Ramsay leads a tour of the Norcross City Cemetery and shares the history of the town and the lives of Norcross’ founders and builders. Where do the names Buchanan Street, Jones Street, Lively Street, Adams Vineyard, Ollie Avenue, and many others originate from? Have you heard of the downtown fires in 1904 and 1908 or the visitor in town who shot up the local hardware store in 1894? The tour includes those stories and many more. Get more info at norcrossga.net.
https://www.norcrossga.net/Calendar.aspx?EID=2466&month=2&year=2023&day=5&calType=0
February 10
Kids Night: Pizza and Play
5:30-8:30 p.m.
OneStop Norcross
5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross
Admission: $12 for Gwinnett residents; $24 for non-residents
Kids aged 7-12 get a kids-only night, with pizza, board games and brain teasers while their parents/caretakers have time to themselves. For more info, go to the GwinnettParks.com calendar.
February 11
Songs and Rhymes
10:30-11:15 a.m.
OneStop Norcross
5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross
Admission: $2 for Gwinnett residents; $4 for non-residents
Music, games, and oral literature are presented, for children ages 8 and under, in English and Spanish. Learn more at the GwinnettParks.com calendar or call 678-225-5400.
February 11
Eddie Owen Presents Ray Bonneville
8 p.m.
Red Clay Music Foundry
3116 Main St., Duluth
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 day of the show
About the artist: Acclaimed raconteur Ray Bonneville recorded his first album, ‘On the Main,’ in 1992. He’s since released nine albums, earned wide critical and popular acclaim, and won an enthusiastic following in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. For tickets and details, click on eddieowenpresents.com.
https://eddieowenpresents.com/events/eddie-owen-presents-ray-bonneville/
February 17 and 24
B2Anywhere — Dino Town
10-11:30 a.m.
Shorty Howell Park Activity Building
2750 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth
Admission: free; pre-registration required
Early learners, ages 16 months to 4 years, and their caregivers learn about dinosaurs in a dino-themed indoor playroom. The play supports the learning of math, literacy and other skills. Get details and pre-register through the GwinnettParks.com or B2Anywhere.com; call 770-822-771 for info.
February 18
Celebrating Katherine Johnson: NASA Computer
3-4 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Peachtree Corners Branch
5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners
Admission: free
Children will learn about the remarkable life of Katherine Johnson, one of the women at NASA, featured in the Hidden Figures story, who helped put a man in space. Visit gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154 for details.
https://gwinnettpl.libnet.info/event/7466199
February 24
Lip Sync Battle
6 p.m.
Duluth Wildcat Theatre
3737 Brock Rd., Duluth
Everyone is invited to watch the fun and vote for their favorites. Learn more at duluththeatre.weebly.com.
https://duluththeatre.weebly.com/
February 24
Eddie Owen Presents End of the Line
8 p.m.
Red Clay Music Foundry
3116 Main St., Duluth
Tickets: $25 in advance, $28 the day of the show
About the band: End of the Line is an Allman Brothers tribute band comprised of six members from various musical backgrounds. Band members range in age from the mid-20s to early 40s and blend a mature sound with explosive, youthful energy. For details and tickets, go to eddieowenpresents.com.
https://eddieowenpresents.com/events/eddie-owen-presents-allman-bros-tribute-end-of-the-line-3/
February 24-26
Matilda the Musical
Greater Atlanta Christian School King’s Gate Theatre
1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross
About the show: Based on Roald Dahl’s novel, Matilda the Musical is centered on a precocious 5-year-old girl with telekinesis. Get times and other info at greateratlantachristian.org.
https://www.greateratlantachristian.org/arts/theatre
February 25
Black Heritage Festival
1-4 p.m.
Shorty Howell Park Activity Building
2750 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth
Admission: free
Enjoy music and food and visit with merchants while learning about African American history and culture. All ages are welcome. Visit the calendar at GwinnettParks.com or call 678-277-0900 for more info.
https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/calendar/general
March
March 3
First Friday Concert — The Rainmen
7-9 p.m.
Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center
10 College St., Norcross
Admission: free; reservations required
About the band: A group of Atlanta-based music veterans, The Rainmen specializes in rock ‘n roll hits from the 1960s and 70s. Go to norcrossga.net for more info.
https://www.norcrossga.net/2066/First-Friday-Concert-Series
March 3-19
Deli
Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 2 p.m.
Lionheart Theatre
10 College St., Norcross
Tickets: $18, $16 for seniors and students
About the show: This is the world premiere of a new play by local playwright Diane Dexter. In 1990, the Davidson family is confronting changes. Chain restaurants are cutting into their business, the customer base is shifting, and the younger generation of Davidsons sees opportunity elsewhere. They need to decide whether to hang on, adapt or let go. Check out lionhearttheatre.org for details and tickets.
March 7
Great Women in History Team Trivia
6-7 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Norcross Branch
5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross
Admission: free
Celebrate Women’s History Month with a game of ‘Great Women in History Trivia.’ Everyone is welcome to participate and learn. Go to gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154 to find out more.
https://gwinnettpl.libnet.info/event/7537736
Norcross Gallery and Studios
116 Carlyle St., Norcross
norcrossgalleryandstudios.org, 770-840-9844
Exhibits and Events
Winter Warmth, a collaborative show
January 12-February 25
Fine Art, With Love, a juried show
March 2-April 15
Meet the Artist of the Month
January 26 — Chitra Ramanathan
February 22 — Larry Hall
4:30-6:30 p.m.
45 South Café
45 S. Peachtree St., Norcross
Opportunities
Figure and Portrait Study Sessions
Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $16 members, $22 non-members; package prices available
Moderators: Lynda Ellis, lyndaellis@gmail.com; Anne Emerson Hall, annehallstudio@yahoo.com
Evening Open Studio
Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., starting February 15
Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members
Moderator: Patty Grewe-Mullins, pgrewemullins@gmail.com
Daytime Open Studio
Thursdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $5 members, $10 nonmembers
Moderator: Anne Labaire, labaireart@gmail.com
Open Critique Sessions
Mondays, January 23, February 6, March 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursdays, February 23, March 30, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 4, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cost: $5 cash or check
Moderator: Larry Hall, Leader, larry.hall@yahoo.com
Bring one or more works to an upbeat, relaxed, friendly discussion led by an experienced instructor/artist. Everyone is invited to contribute constructive help and observations.
Demonstration of Abstract Painting in Acrylic
Friday, January 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $5 members, $10 nonmembers
Artist: Chitra Ramanathan, chitra.fineart@gmail.com
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a demonstration by a notably successful abstract artist will be invaluable for those curious about how to transition from painting what you see to painting what you feel.
Classes
Painting with the Palette Knife
Wednesdays, January 25, February 1 and 8
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $100 members, $120 non-members
Instructor: Larry Hall, larry.hall@yahoo.com
Learn the basics: palette knife versus painting knife; modifying acrylic or oil paint to a workable consistency; practice applying your tools through creative painting assignments.
Selling Yourself as an Artist Part 1
Wednesdays, January 25, February 1
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Cost: $85 members, $105 non-members
Instructor: Larry Hall, larry.hall@yahoo.com
Start with the end in mind: describe your work to clients and patrons! Your 30-second ‘elevator pitch’, artist’s biography and statement will arise from the narrative of your artist‘s journey.
Beginning Drawing
Mondays, January 30, February 13 and 27, March 6
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cost: $135 members, $155 non-members
Instructor: Lucy Brady, lucyart2@yahoo.com
You can draw better than you think! Gain an understanding of drawing materials and basic concepts such as perspective and composition. Suitable for beginning and intermediate students.
Beginning Painting in Oil
Mondays, January 30, February 13 and 27, March 6
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $135 members, $155 non-members; $40 material fee paid to instructor
Instructor: Patty Grewe-Mullins, pgrewemullins@gmail.com
Experienced painter and professional art conservator Patty Grewe-Mullins teaches carefully constructed lessons to orient you to the magic of oil painting.
Drawing the Portrait in Graphite
Tuesdays, January 31, February 7, 14 and 21
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $135 members, $155 non-members; model fee collected separately
Instructor: Anne Emerson Hall, annehallstudio@yahoo.com
You will gain an understanding of the construction of the head, its planes, and the placement and forms of the features to a completed portrait. Suitable for intermediate and advanced artists.
Abstract Painting in Acrylic
Fridays, February 3, 10, 17 and 24
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $135 members, $155 non-members
Instructor: Chitra Ramanathan, chitra.fineart@gmail.com
Chitra provides practical guidance based on her many years of teaching, miles of canvas covered, and abstract compositions created.
Abstract Realism with the Palette Knife
Wednesdays, February 8, 15 and 22, March 1
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Cost: $135 members, $155 nonmembers
Instructor: Larry Hall, larry.hall@yahoo.com
Learn and practice using your palette (painting) knife as you combine your experience painting realistically with your imagination to create stunning pieces of art. Oil and acrylic painters are welcome.
Selling Yourself as an Artist Part 2
Wednesdays, February 15 and 22, March 1
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $135 members, $155 nonmembers
Instructor: Larry Hall, larry.hall@yahoo.com
With the end in mind: continuing practice describing your work to clients and patrons with including your 30 second ‘elevator pitch’, artist’s biography and statement.
Depth with Dimensional Grounds in Acrylic
Saturday, February 18
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $120, includes all supplies
Instructor: Micah Goguen, micahgoguenart@gmail.com
Ethereal Monoprint Landscape in Acrylic
Saturday, March 4
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $60, includes materials and use of supplies
Instructor: Micah Goguen, micahgoguenart@gmail.com
Get Looser in your Painting
Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Cost: $135 members, $155 non-members
Instructor: Larry Hall, larry.hall@yahoo.com
Learn and practice painting techniques for a more ‘painterly’ effect, such as deciding what to focus on and what to simplify, using more decisive brush strokes, being less stressed. Oil and acrylic painters are welcome.
Using Strong Color in Your Painting
Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Cost: $135 members, $155 non-members
Instructor: Larry Hall, larry.hall@yahoo.com
Freshen up your painting style using strategically placed strong colors and practice applying through creative painting assignments. Oil and acrylic painters are welcome.