The World... This Weekend

Our Top 5 roundup of things to do in and around the ATL this weekend:

* COMEDY

Two Presidents & A Lotta Sketch

Relapse Theatre, 380 14th St NW

404-541-9911

www.relapsecomedy.com

Think Saturday Night Live's been slipping of late? Check out JaCKPie's latest comedic collection of sketches and short films, running the next three Friday nights at 8PM. The show tackles a variety of February-related topics, from Presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington playing a beer-infused game of "I Never" and ill-conceived "Love Coupons" to first dates, last dates, and Goddesses you will never, ever forget. Directed by A. Bran Peacock with videos by Lev Gartman, the show features a talented cast of up 'n' coming improvisers and actors, with clever comedy that carefully trods the fine line dividing irreverence and ribaldry.

* FAMILY

Big Apple Circus

Stone Mountain Park

800-922-3772

www.bigapplecircus.org

Yeah yeah, we know the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is in town, with its escaped zebra providing news highlights thanks to a downtown chase the Keystone Cops would be proud of. But for those of us who prefer our entertainment NOT to come at an exotic animal's expense, this lesser-known outfit provides plenty of thrills. It also offers lots of laughs, thanks in no small part to former Ringling star Bello Nock, who bills himself as a "comic daredevil." Best known for his gravity-defying red hair, Bello comes off like a cross between Bozo and Evel Knievel, and was named "Best Clown in America" by Time Magazine. The show will also feature Spanish jugglers, a Russian trampoline troupe, trapeze artists and more, all under a big top where no seat is further than 50 feet from the stage. Show runs weekends through Feb 28.

* FUNDRAISER

Stir It 28- A Culinary Fundraiser for Haiti

SPACE Atlanta

1310 White St, Atlanta

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=287071848674&index=1

Formed by food bloggers Chrystal of Duo Dishes, Courtney of Coco Cooks and Bren of Flanboyant Eats, Stir It 28 is a multi-city fundraising event taking place in Atlanta, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles on Saturday, Feb 21 to raise money for the relief efforts in Haiti. Scott Serpas, Jayda Cabbell, Deborah Van Trece and April Higdon will be among many local chefs donating their delicious dishes to the cause, with wine compliments of Montaluce Winery and music provided by DJ Rev Lee. There will also be raffle tickets sold to win prizes including cookbooks, handmade jewelry, coffee, candles and more. 100% of the money raised will go directly to Share Our Strength and Yele Haiti.

* MUSIC

Goodie Mob Reunion

The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St

404-659-9022

www.tabernacleatl.com

With their 1995 debut album, Soul Food, Goodie Mob introduced international audiences to the sound of the Dirty South, infusing rap music with heaping doses of gospel and soul. But when Cee-Lo left the quartet after the release of its third album, the group unraveled, never achieving the commercial success of their Dungeon Family brethren in Outkast. After years of inter-band beef, Cee-Lo's chart-topping success with Danger Mouse under the name Gnarls Barkley, and a tragic car accident that left Khujo Goodie with an amputated leg, these influential architects of the ATL rap scene have finally reunited to remind audiences that trap, snap and crunk aren't the only hip-hop trends that originated in Georgia. This eagerly-awaited show (postponed to Saturday 2/20 due to the snow last weekend) will also feature up 'n' coming Atlanta MC B.o.B. (aka Bobby Ray) and my man Dres Tha Beatnik. Fans of progressive hip-hop will not want to miss out!

* DAY-TRIP

Macon Film Festival

Cox Capitol Theatre/Douglass Theatre

382 Second St, Macon

www.maconfilmfestival.com

Now in its fifth year, this 4-day festival (Feb 18-21) was created to celebrate the art of the moving image and to specifically highlight the world of independent cinema. Dozens of documentary, student and feature films will be presented, including a special closing night screening of the excellent new Hal Holbrook film, That Evening Sun. Other special events include an appearance by indie actress Illeana Douglas (To Die For, Ghost World), who is attending because the festival's Best In Show award is being renamed after her grandfather, Macon-born, Oscar-winning legend Melvyn Douglas. And 30 Rock star Jack McBrayer, also a Macon native, will be attending a Q&A screening of his film Forgetting Sarah Marshall on Saturday, 2/20. At just $50 for a Screening pass and $100 for a Festival pass that includes access to after-parties and receptions, it's a great deal for movie lovers.