Horizon Theatre Company Presents Atlanta Premiere of Laughs in Spanish, May 23 -June 22
Part telenovela, part whodunnit, ‘Laughs in Spanish‘ comes to Horizon Theatre May 23 – June 22. High stakes Art Basel is about to begin in Miami, and the art has vanished from Mariana’s trendy modern art gallery! Chaos erupts—and so does laughter— in this fast-paced comedy. Artist and intern Caro and her policeman boyfriend are scrambling to find the thief or replace the art when Mari’s larger-than-life movie-star mother shows up, stealing the spotlight yet again. Then a past girl-crush arrives, and things get even more complicado. Laughs in Spanish is a joyous celebration of Latinx creativity, messy love, mothers and daughters, and the beautiful challenge of finding your place—and your people. This production is performed in English.
Performances begin Friday, May 23 at 8 p.m., with a Press Opening on May 30 at 8 p.m. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 5 p.m., running through June 22. Wednesday performances are May 28 and June 4 at 8 p.m. and June 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. There will be no Saturday matinee on June 7. Seating is general admission with a reserved seating section for subscribers. General admission tickets start at $35 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $40 for all weekend performances. For tickets and more information, visit horizontheatre.com or call the Box Office at 404.584.7450. Horizon Theatre is in Iman Park/Little Five Points at 1083 Austin Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
For full actor and creative team bios visit horizontheatre.com/plays/laughs-in-spanish
— Megan Anderson
Universal Parking Announces New Projects Across the Southeast
Universal Parking, a leading innovator in the parking industry, continues its strategic growth trajectory, announcing new projects in Georgia, Florida and Texas. These latest partnerships span various project types, from office and mixed-use spaces to entertainment venues and cruise ship ports.
“Our mission is to elevate the guest experience at every facility we manage, said Tim Walsh, President and CEO at Universal Parking. “And we’re thrilled to partner with an ever-growing list of organizations to make this goal a reality. Our team is well-equipped to support these projects across the Southeast and partner with companies to improve operations and support parkers everywhere.”
The company has been selected to manage the following new projects in Atlanta:
- Tech Corner: In partnership with CBRE, Universal Parking will bring state-of-the-art parking solutions to Tech Corner, located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. This premier destination within Atlanta’s vibrant innovation ecosystem has 16 floors of modern office space and amenities, including a best-in-class parking ratio, fitness facilities, and immediate proximity to Tech Square. This property is a key player in fostering growth and collaboration in the Southeast’s most dynamic business district.
- Georgia Tech Athletics: Universal Parking was selected to manage parking for Georgia Tech’s football and basketball gamedays. The partnership with Georgia Tech reflects Universal Parking’s commitment to providing top-tier service and ensuring a seamless gameday experience for all fans.
- Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta: As the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere, Georgia Aquarium welcomes nearly 3 million guests annually. Visitors can expect a seamless and efficient parking experience, now powered by Universal Parking.
- Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park: In collaboration with Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, Universal Parking will deliver a seamless and elevated arrival experience for concertgoers. Our commitment to innovation, customer service, and operational excellence aligns perfectly with the world-class performances and fan-first environment that define Synovus Bank Amphitheater. Guests can expect streamlined parking operations, clearly marked signage, enhanced traffic flow, and dedicated event staff to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience from the moment they arrive.
— Megan Anderson
Goodwill of North Georgia Partners with Bank of America for Financial Literacy Workshop and Career Fair
Goodwill of North Georgia is proud to partner with Bank of America for a Financial Literacy Workshop and Career Fair taking place May 20–22 at Goodwill’s Decatur location: 2201 Lawrenceville Hwy, Decatur, Georgia. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to advancing economic mobility by providing essential financial resources and career opportunities directly to local residents.
As part of this initiative, Bank of America will deploy its Mobile Financial Center to the event, delivering free, convenient access to financial education, credit counseling, and the latest in digital banking technology. The hub will be staffed by specialists offering personalized guidance to help individuals and families learn to manage, save, borrow, and invest wisely.
Financial Education Opportunities
Participants will benefit from a range of workshops and one-on-one sessions designed to build financial confidence and independence. Highlights include:
- Interactive Classes and Workshops: Topics include budgeting, savings strategies, credit building, homeownership, and entrepreneurship. These sessions will be delivered in both English and Spanish using Bank of America’s Better Money Habits® tools and resources.
- Financial Wellbeing Counselors: Experts will offer customized guidance to help attendees create personalized budgets, boost savings, and improve credit scores.
- Specialized Financial Advisors On-Site: Including Business Community Officers and Home Lending Advisors, who will provide tailored solutions to support individual financial goals.
- Digital Banking Expo: A showcase of Bank of America’s mobile and online platforms, including the Financial Skills Challenge, an engaging online game that teaches core financial concepts through interactive experiences.
“At Bank of America, our core mission is to grow and protect the financial wellbeing of our clients and the communities we serve,” said Al McRae, president, Bank of America Atlanta. “Through our community-centered approach, we focus on helping our neighbors wherever they are on their financial journey by building trust, confidence and financial know-how.”
Career Fair – May 21
Complementing the financial education programming, the Career Fair on May 21 will connect job seekers with employers actively hiring across various industries. This is a valuable opportunity for individuals to explore new career paths and gain employment support services.
Community Engagement
In addition to education and employment opportunities, attendees will enjoy:
- Free produce courtesy of the Atlanta Food Bank
- Games, raffles, and prize giveaways
- Additional community partner services, including:
“This collaboration exemplifies our shared mission to provide the community with vital tools and resources for economic advancement,” said Jenny Taylor, Vice President of Career Services and Chief Mission Officer at Goodwill of North Georgia. “While Goodwill’s mission is to put people to work, partnerships like this with Bank of America are essential in connecting job seekers not only to employment, but also to the financial resources necessary for long-term success.”
Residents seeking ongoing financial support can also visit any of the 104 Bank of America Financial Centers throughout metro Atlanta.
— Maria Saporta
Bourbon Bash is Back at Fox Theatre with Special Guests Fawn Weaver and Victoria Butler of Uncle Nearest on Saturday, June 14
The Fox Theatre and Lexus are pleased to announce the annual Bourbon Bash happening Saturday, June 14 at 1 p.m. at the Fox Theatre’s premium Marquee Club presented by Lexus. Special guests Fawn Weaver and Victoria Butler of Uncle Nearest will be present, and Weaver’s book “Love and Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest” will be available for purchase. Guests can look forward to sampling 30 bourbons and whiskies from more than 10 top distilleries, enjoying bourbon-inspired bites and casting their vote for the standout whiskey of the day.
Attendees can explore each curated station at their leisure while savoring specially crafted bourbon-themed culinary delights. This year, the venue welcomes special guests Fawn Weaver and Victoria Butler of Uncle Nearest, bringing their remarkable story and award-winning spirits to the celebration. Patrons will want to be sure to vote for the standout whiskey of the day as the winning selection will be transformed into the exclusive Lexus Cocktail, featured prominently on the theater’s Marquee Club menu for an entire year.
*Every ticket includes Marquee Club access, unlimited whiskey tastings, gourmet bourbon-inspired food offerings and a complimentary Lexus branded gift. An option to purchase a ticket with a signed copy of Fawn Weaver’s New York Times bestselling memoir “Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest” is available. Note: Additional beverages available for purchase at cash bars throughout the event.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit foxtheatre.org or call 855-285-8499. All tickets sold through the Fox Theatre website will now reflect all-in pricing.
— Megan Anderson
Amplify My Community Announces $20,000 Gift to Two Local Charities Following the 2025 Amplify Decatur Music Festival
The nonprofit organization Amplify My Community is announcing a combined total gift of $20,000 to Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) and Decatur Education Foundation (DEF) to aid their vital missions. The unrestricted gift to these charities was made possible by funds generated from the Amplify Decatur Music Festival held April 25-27.
Amplify Decatur Music Festival, presented by Lenz and produced in partnership with Eddie’s Attic, featured a free concert Saturday, April 26 on the Decatur Square with headliner The Last Waltz Ensemble performing the greatest hits of Bob Dylan and The Band. Hope for Agoldensummer, Andrew Holley, Eric Toledo of Quiet Hounds, and Polly Holliday rounded out the bill.
Additional events included a Friday night concert featuring The Core and opening act Buffalo at the Avon Theater in Avondale Estates; free, Saturday afternoon pop-up performances at locations on and around the Decatur Square; and a show paying tribute to the music of classic female country artists Sunday night at Eddie’s Attic.
To date, Amplify has donated more than $645,000 in unrestricted gifts to locally oriented anti-homelessness and poverty-focused organizations — including more than $430,000 in Decatur.
“We are thrilled to be able to make this gift to two incredibly worthy groups, especially in the current environment in which funding for nonprofits is threatened,” says Drew Robinson, president of the Amplify My Community board. “Amplify’s success is truly a testament to the strength of our community – starting from (festival director) Christine Mahin’s leadership, and including all of our generous sponsors, our wonderful volunteers, the city of Decatur, and local business partners.”
For more information on upcoming events and to donate to Amplify My Community, please visit AmplifyMyCommunity.org.
— Megan Anderson
Fox Theatre 2025 Coca-Cola Film Series Set to Kick Off on July 25
The Fox Theatre announces the first titles in the 2025 Coca-Cola Film Series – “Star Wars: A New Hope” on Friday, July 25 and “The Sound of Music” Sing-Along on Sunday, July 27. Then, later in the fall will be a silent screening of “Phantom of the Opera” with live organ accompaniment by Ken Double on the Fox Theatre’s famed “Mighty Mo” organ. Additional programming will be announced in the coming months. For all Coca-Cola Film Series screenings, the Marquee Club, presented by Lexus, will be open and feature special activations. Tickets for the first two titles are available Friday, May 23 at foxtheatre.org.
Friday, July 25 – “Star Wars: A New Hope” – 7:30 p.m.
Coca-Cola will provide exclusive collector’s packaging featuring original “Star Wars” characters, to add to the overall film experience. In addition to several other family friendly activations, there will be Star Wars themed trivia in the Marquee Club presented by Lexus.
Sunday, July 27 – “The Sound of Music” Sing-Along – 4 p.m.
Guests are invited to don their lederhosen, practice their best Maria von Trapp impressions and get ready to enjoy Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” Sing-Along! Before the Oscar-winning, family favorite film begins, audience members will receive a complimentary tote bag filled with interactive surprises to be used throughout the screening.
Before the film, Variety of Georgia, a non-profit dedicated to enriching, improving and fulfilling the lives of children living with disabilities and disadvantages, will host an onsite donation as part of its Bikes for Kids program. The program provides adaptive bikes for children with special needs, enhancing their therapeutic support and freedom.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit foxtheatre.org or call 855-285-8499. All tickets sold through the Fox Theatre website will now reflect all-in pricing. Additional details will be announced a later date for the remaining films in the Coca-Cola Film Series, including the silent screening of “Phantom of the Opera” with live organ accompaniment by Ken Double on the Fox Theatre’s famed “Mighty Mo.”
— Megan Anderson
Scott Ward Named General Manager of Signia by Hilton Atlanta
Global hospitality leader Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced Scott Ward as general manager of Signia by Hilton Atlanta. A hospitality veteran with more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Ward most recently served as Complex General Manager of Hilton Tampa Downtown and Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center, where he oversaw 882 rooms and 55,000 square feet of meeting space. In his new role, he will lead the Signia by Hilton Atlanta team in all aspects of hotel operations, from sales and marketing to guest services and satisfaction.
“We are delighted to welcome Scott to Signia by Hilton Atlanta. His proven leadership, deep operational and commercial expertise, and passion for hospitality will help continue to build upon the property’s strong momentum,” said Doug Gehret, senior vice president, U.S. and Canada Operations, Hilton. “Scott’s longstanding tenure with Hilton coupled with his ability to inspire high-performing teams, make him the ideal leader to continue positioning Signia by Hilton’s flagship property as a premier meetings and events destination in Atlanta.”
“I look forward to the opportunity to lead and work alongside the phenomenal team that has established Signia by Hilton Atlanta as a fantastic hotel and landmark shaping the city’s skyline,” said Ward. “My goal is to build upon the hotel’s status as a top choice for leisure, group and business travelers while delivering a world-class guest experience.”
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Ward first joined Hilton in 2009 as the Resident Manager of Hilton Waikoloa Village. He later held various roles in New Orleans including Resident Manager at Hilton New Orleans Riverside and General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Orleans. In 2019 he served as General Manager of Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention
Center before taking on the role of Complex General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC-Crystal City and Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport. Ward’s extensive hospitality and group customer experience also includes roles with Crowne Plaza and Interstate Hotels & Resorts.
Opened in January 2024, the 976-room hotel is owned by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and makes up part of the Authority’s campus, North America’s largest combined convention, sports and entertainment destination. Built on the repurposed foundation of the Georgia Dome, Signia by Hilton Atlanta features eight food and beverage experiences and more than 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including the largest hotel ballroom in Georgia; a grand outdoor event deck and lawn; and Club Signia.
Read more about Signia by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/signia.
— Maria Saporta
