Barnes & Noble in July. Twenty-six of the 28 venues are marily on the Metropolitan At- lanta Rapid Transit Authority located downtown in the Olympic ring and in midtown Atlanta. But (MARTA) system. There are also numerous free two events require a little schlep- events, mostly exhibitions and ping: the California Impression- "Southern Crossroads," an out- ist Art Exhibit in Athens and the door festival spanning six acres Ulysses Davis Exhibit in Savan- in Centennial Olympic Park nah. Here's a breakdown of some downtown. A collaboration of AT&T, the Smithsonian Insti- artsy delights to sample: tution and the Southern Arts Federation, it celebrates unique- THEATER lithe stage is your passion, the ly Southern music, dancing, arts Olympic Arts Festival will pre- and crafts, and, of course, cui- sent several well-known plays in sine. Thai Ballet performs as an extra treat. EXHIBITS If you prefer to feast your eyes and soul on great works of art, At- lanta's museums and cultural in- stitutions are collaborating on several outstanding exhibitions of historical and visual arts. The Atlanta History Center's "The American South: Past, Present and Future" is a comprehensive historical perspective of Southern culture. The High Mu- seum of Art pays tribute to the Olympic rings, symbols of the five universal human emotions. "Rings: Five Passions In World Art" will display master- pieces from around the world span- ning 7,500 years which evoke love, anguish, awe, tri- umph and joy. Among the many other note- worthy exhibits are Annie Lei- pho- bovitz's of tographs America's athletes preparing for the Olympic games and the re- cent work of self-taught Southern folk artist Thornton Dial. . OUTDOOR ART Because of the Olympics, the city is benefiting from an exten- sive public-art program. Seven permanent pieces are to be left in Atlanta, including the Centen- nial Olympic Cauldron connect- ed to the Olympic Stadium with an impressive 190-foot bridge over Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard. There will also be more than 10 temporary pieces displayed during the Games, in- cluding works by Israel's Menashe Kadishman, Britain's Sir Anthony Caro and Sudan's Amir Nour. Opposite page: Get down; get up: Phoenix Dance Company's Booker T. Louis and Ricardo Goodison strut in Atlanta this summer. This page: Top left: Geoffrey C. Ewing plays Ali, an Olympic boxing legend. Top right: Such a nice boy. Kenny G. brings his saxophone stylings to Atlanta's Fox Theatre July 25. Bottom: Works of splendor: The High Museum of Art's "Rings: Five Passions in World Art" exhibit features Jacob van Ruisdael's The Jewish Cemetery. addition to Alfred Uhry's new MUSIC work The Last Night Of Ballyhoo OK, you think art and culture (see sidebar). Offerings include are fine and dandy, but all this the acclaimed Broadway one-man high-brow stuff is like a knock on show Ali, featuring co-writer Ge- the head. Don't kvetch — there offrey C. Ewing's portrayal of the are plenty of high-energy concerts boxing legend; the Horizon The- on the bill. The AT&T Am- atre Company's revival of Lynda phitheater, located in Centenni- Barry's teen angst drama The al Olympic Park, will present 22 Good Times Are Killing Me, and nightly concerts including At- the premiere of When the World lanta's Travis Tritt, James Was Green, by Sam Shepard and Brown, Willie Nelson and the first Joseph Chaikin. performance by Gloria Estefan on her 1996 World Tour. ❑ DANCE For those thrilled by pirouettes tit For Olympic Arts Festival and arabesques, 12 dance com- call (404) 7441996, or tickets, panies from Atlanta and around via computer on the Internet at the world will strut their stuff http://www.atlanta. during the Games. America's old- olympic.org. For a full brochure est professional ballet company of all festival events, call the and local heroes, the Atlanta Bal- Cultural Olympiad hotline at let, will perform, along with the (404) 224-1835. Miami City Ballet. The Royal WEST BLOOMFIELD EVENTS BLOOMFIELD HILLS EVENTS How Did I Become My Parents Parent? Author Signing Thursday, July 18 • 7:00 PM Meet local author Carole Cote, author of the novel, Ballerina and German Baron. Ms. Cote joins us to sign her new novel and give an informal discussion of her life and work. Wednesday, July 24 Meet local author Harriet Schiff when she joins us to sign her new book How Did I Become My Parents Parent? Nationally recognized as an authority on issues relating to self- help and grieving, Mrs. Schiff's newest endeavor offers understand- ing and advice for care givers of any age. Book Group Meeting Wednesday, July 24 • 7:30 PM Please join us for the B&N book group meeting discussion of Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons. Group facil- itator Amy Doerr will lead members through the pages of this highly acclaimed novel. All are welcome to join, just drop in and introduce your- self. Members receive 30% off each month's selection. Next month we will meet on our regular date — the last Wednesday of the month! Children Who Say No When You Want Them To Say Yes Saturday, July 27 • 2:00-4:00 PM Parents should not miss meeting this insightful and informative author. James Windell, author of Eight Weeks To A Well Behaved Child, comes to Barnes & Noble to sign and discuss his new book Children Who Say No When You Want Them To Say Yes. Women & Money Crossword Puzzle Party Tuesday, July 30 • 7:00 PM Crossword puzzle fans will love this crossword solving event! Join us for ice-breaker games, contests and a discussion of crossword solving as a hobby. There will be prizes and refreshments as well as terrific com- pany and tricky puzzles. Wednesday, July 31 • 7:00 PM Financial advisor Pam Opperer comes to Barnes & Noble for a semi- nar oriented toward women, their financial issues and the books that can aid them. Ms. Opperer will show participants how to take charge of their finances and will give advice in a discrete setting. Advance reserva- tions are required. Please call (810) 757-8455. Bloomfield Hills ak West Bloomfield a%) 6575 Telegraph Road at Maple Road (810) 540-4209 Open Mon-Sat 9 AM-11 PM Sun 9 AM-8 PM 6800 Orchard Lake Road south of Maple Road (810) 626-6804 Open Mon-Sat 9 AM-11 PM Sun 9 AM-8 PM D, café music department Barnes Noble Booksellers Since 1873 Give someone another happy ending .. . another hug .. . another laugh .. . another chance. Please give blood. + American Red Cross Blood Service , Southc.o.tern 7,11,1,Gan