💘 Jazz Talk + Valentine's Weekend Guide

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Hey, y’all!

Not sure about you, but Valentines Day snuck up on me and its not too late to get your last minute gifts (if you’re into that).

My wife and I were just talking about how fast February comes each year and how it leads to a mini-existential crisis as another birthday approaches (help - I’m getting old 😱)

But here is the good news: this weekend has options and trying new things is one of THE BEST ways to keep things fresh.

If you want something genuinely different for a date night, “Jazz Talk” at The Strand on Thursday is the event I'd pick. It's a deep-dive on Miles Davis' Kind of Blue in the Strand's upstairs lounge. With only 30 seats and drink included. It promises a vibe that reminds you of a chill summer night with a cocktail.

For Valentine's Day itself, the "Sweethearts in the Stacks" event at East Cobb Library is the kind of quirky, low-pressure date that actually ends up being memorable. Blackout poetry, a couples scavenger hunt, and sweet treats. Free, but you do need to register.

And if you want to go full send on Saturday night, Rocky Horror at The Strand at 11:30 PM is always a fun scene. Costumes encouraged and prop bags are available for seven bucks in the lobby.

On the food front, Shibuya Ramen in Chastain Meadows is our current weeknight go-to. You order at the kiosk, grab your own utensils, sit down, and have a bowl of really solid tonkotsu in front of you before you've even checked your phone.

Your weekend event calendar below. See you out there.

- Andrew

Have an event to share? Reply to this email!

_{This issue is sponsored by Peachy Insurance}

Storm season in north Georgia starts in March, and its worth it to give your insurance policy a second look before the first severe weather watch hits your phone.

A lot can change in a year.

Maybe you added a deck, finished a basement, put up a fence, or had a tree removed. Any of those shifts what your home actually needs to be covered for — and what a claim looks like if a storm rolls through.

Most people don't find out they're underinsured until they're filing a claim. That's the wrong time to learn because its too late to get the proper coverage at that point.

Peachy Insurance is an Atlanta-based company built to move quickly and keep things simple: fast quoting, clear explanations, and licensed professionals who'll help check your coverage without the runaround.

A few things Peachy can help you review in 10–15 minutes:

Get a quote or coverage review here: peachyinsurance.com OR text/call us 404-600-1660 (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre (Lumiere Lounge)
117 N Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060
Tickets $35.60
Thursday, Feb 12
Doors 7:00 PM
Talk 7:30 PM

A night at Jazz Talk is the type of event that reminds you that Marietta isn’t just suburbs - it has a subtle cool side too!

KSU professor and jazz guitarist Trey Wright leads an interactive Jazz Talk on the making of Miles Davis' Kind of Blue, and from what I've read, it's more storytelling and listening to great music than anything resembling a classroom.

You don't need to know jazz to enjoy it. You just need to like music and be curious.

The Lumiere Lounge is the Strand's smaller space up on the mezzanine level. More cocktail bar than auditorium.

Seating is capped at 30 people, one drink ticket comes with your admission, and it's 21 and older only.

That small capacity means this will sell out or get close, so don't sit on it if you're interested.

This is the first of four Jazz Talks running through May, so if tonight doesn't work or you end up loving the format, there are more on the calendar.

Buy your tickets here

When nobody can decide what's for dinner, Shibuya Ramen fixes the evening in one bowl.

The menu leans into rich, creamy tonkotsu-style ramen with a classic, a black sesame version, and a fire option if you want heat, plus rice bowls and appetizers for non-ramen eaters.

You order at kiosks, grab your own utensils, and sit down.

Efficient and great when you've got hungry kids.

Go earlier on Friday or Saturday to avoid a line, and note they're closed Tuesdays. Pork dumplings are a crowd-pleaser if you want something to start with.

Details & menu: shibuyaramen.com

If someone in the house needs shoes that actually feel good all day, Abbadabba's is worth the trip.

It's a locally owned shop (three Atlanta locations since 1976) where the staff will measure, assess, and recommend based on how you walk, not just what's on sale.

They carry Birkenstock, Hoka, Dansko, Brooks, Merrell, and more across men's, women's, and kids'.

Great stop when school shoes are suddenly hurting or you need arch support help.

Open seven days a week, Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 7:30 PM, Sunday noon to 6 PM.

You can also schedule an in-store fitting appointment.

Browse & learn more: Visit the East Cobb location page

Celebree School of East Cobb opened in December at 1099 Johnson Ferry Road and is enrolling families with infants through pre-k.

Owned by East Cobb residents Farwa Khan and Aloke Devalia, the school uses a Conscious Discipline framework focused on self-regulation and empathy alongside academics.

Director Beth Anderson brings more than 21 years in early childhood education.

Source: East Cobber

Prime Time Pickleball is launching what it calls Atlanta's first large-scale junior pickleball league, with structured competitive play across age-based divisions at court locations around metro Atlanta.

Founded by Adam and Connie Hill, the league is designed to fill the gap between casual play and costly travel commitments.

Registration is open at PrimeTimePKBL.com, with the inaugural season kicking off this spring.

Source: East Cobber

The Cobb County Public Library Seed Library is back for spring, and East Cobb Library is one of four new pickup locations.

Patrons can take up to three packets per day of regionally appropriate fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers while supplies last.

The program runs February 2 through June 4, and over 3,600 packets went out in 2025, so don't wait too long.

Source: East Cobb News

Joy is a resilient, gentle Lab mix who is thriving after a rough start and ready for a patient, loving home.

She can be a little shy at first and may take some time to warm up, but once she trusts you, she is affectionate and very loyal.

Joy is house-trained, spayed, and vaccinated, and she is described as great with kids and able to do well with other dogs when introduced properly.

Bonus for busy families: she loves car rides, which makes her a sweet companion for Saturday errands and weekend adventures.

Available at Homeless Pets Foundation
1343 Gresham Rd, Marietta, GA 30062
Visits by appointment only
Phone: (770) 971-0100
Email: [email protected]
Profile: Learn more about Joy

📚 Preschool Storytime — East Cobb Library | Call to confirm time: (770) 509-2730 | Free | More: Event info
Ages 3–5 with songs, stories, and a craft — the posted website time is a data error, so call ahead.

🏛 A Victorian Wedding (Exhibit) — William Root House, Marietta | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event info
See the house staged for a Victorian-era wedding and learn where modern wedding traditions started.

🎶 Swift Nation: A Taylor Swift Tribute — Strand Theatre, Marietta | 7:30 PM | Ticketed | More: Event info
Big sing-along energy for older kids and teens who want a concert night close to home.

🏛 A Victorian Wedding (Exhibit) — William Root House, Marietta | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event info
Same exhibit, another chance before the weekend rush.

🥕 Marietta Square Farmers Market — 41 Mill St, Marietta | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Bread, produce, and treats early, then a lap around the Square for a low-key Valentine's morning.

🛍 Marietta Square Artisan Market — Mill Street, Marietta Square | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free to browse | More: Event info
Locally made art and gifts, pairs perfectly with the farmers market next door.

🧧 Lunar New Year Celebration — Gritters Library, Marietta | 10:30 AM | Free | More: Event info
Family storytime plus games and crafts celebrating the Lunar New Year.

🏛 A Victorian Wedding (Exhibit) — William Root House, Marietta | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event info
A fun Valentine's Day alternative for history-loving kids.

🎨 Marietta City Schools Student Art Exhibit — Switzer Library, Marietta | 1:00 PM–5:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Student artwork from all 11 Marietta City Schools — easy, self-paced family stop.

🪵 Georgia Wood Artists: A Juried Exhibition — Marietta Cobb Museum of Art | Museum hours | Ticketed | More: Event info
The museum's first all-wood juried show — great for kids who love building and making things.

🖼 Maya Perez-Lugones Exhibit — Marietta Cobb Museum of Art | Museum hours | Ticketed | More: Event info
Worth combining with the wood artists show for a full museum visit.

✍️ Aspiring Authors Workshop — East Cobb Library | 9:00 AM | Free | More: Event info
Bi-monthly writing workshop with free-writing exercises and guest speakers — no experience needed.

🎷 Lumiere Lounge Jazz Talk with Trey Wright — Strand Theatre (Lumiere Lounge), Marietta | Doors 7:00 PM, Talk 7:30 PM | $35.60 | More: Event info
Interactive deep-dive on the making of Miles Davis' Kind of Blue — 30-seat lounge, one drink included, 21+.

🧠 GPB Presents Trivia Night and Pizza by Fusco's Food Truck — Glover Park Brewery, Marietta | 7:30 PM | Free | More: Event info
Easy meet-up for friends, neighbors, or a low-key date night — every Thursday.

🎭 Ain't MisBehavin' the Musical — Theatre in the Square, Marietta | 8:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event info
Lively Harlem Renaissance tribute — solid dinner-and-show night close to home.

💘 Sweethearts in the Stacks: A Library Date — East Cobb Library | 9:00 AM | Free, registration required | More: Event info
Quirky Valentine's plan with blackout poetry, a couples scavenger hunt, and sweet treats.

🎬 Casablanca (1942) — Strand Theatre, Marietta | 3:00 PM | $15.44 | More: Event info
Classic big-screen date with live organ pre-show 30 minutes before the film.

🧛 Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) — Strand Theatre, Marietta | 11:30 PM | $18.80 | More: Event info
Costumes encouraged, prop bags $7 in the lobby — cult-classic Valentine's twist.

🎭 Ain't MisBehavin' the Musical — Theatre in the Square, Marietta | 3:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event info
Sunday matinee if you want a cultural outing that wraps before dinner.

🎺 Jazz at The Strand: Wycliffe Gordon, Hello Pops! — Strand Theatre, Marietta | 4:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event info
World-class trombonist Wycliffe Gordon pays tribute to Louis Armstrong.

3499 Robinson Road, Marietta, GA 30068

🌅 Morning strategy (8 to 10 AM):

Start at the playground while it's cooler and quieter, then take a short walk on the jogging trails for a quick two-in-one outing.

The trails vary in length, so you can pick a loop that matches whatever energy level you’re bringing that day.

If you still have gas in the tank, swing by the spider web climbing structure for one more round before heading out. Morning is also a great time to hit the batting cages those those who want something more active.

☀️ Afternoon plan (2 to 5 PM):

Make it a classic park afternoon with a picnic at one of the two pavilions and plenty of space to run.

Rotate between the playground and the open areas around the ballfields, and if games are happening on the baseball or soccer fields, it can be fun to watch for a bit like a mini local-sports outing.

The park has five baseball fields, a football/soccer field, and a multi-use artificial turf field, so there's usually something going on during the weekend.

Bring a blanket and some snacks and you can easily stretch this into a full afternoon without spending a dime.

🔎 Hidden features:

The walking and jogging trails connect over toward East Cobb Park, so if everyone is in a good mood you can extend the outing into a longer adventure without getting back in the car.

There's also a dog park, four tennis courts, and batting cages if you want to mix things up.

The on-site Fullers Recreation Center has an indoor gym with a basketball court and a dance room for rainy days.

🅿️ Parking and bathrooms:

On-site parking and restrooms available, which makes this a dependable choice for longer hangouts.

Concession stands are also on-site, though availability may depend on whether games or events are scheduled.

See on Google Maps

March through May is peak tornado and severe storm season in north Georgia, and the time to prepare is before the first tornado watch scrolls across your phone.

What to do this weekend: download a weather alert app (Weather Radio by WDT or the FEMA app are both free), pick an interior room on the lowest floor as your shelter spot, and make sure everyone in the house knows where to go without being told.

Grab a flashlight, a phone charger, shoes, and a basic first-aid kit and stash them in that room now. If you have kids, do one casual walkthrough so it's familiar, not scary.

On the insurance side, take 15 minutes to do a quick video walk-through of every room in your house. Open closets, cabinets, the garage. And save it to the cloud. If a storm damages your home, that footage makes filing a claim dramatically faster and smoother.

A five-minute call with your agent now to review your coverage limits and deductible is a lot less stressful than doing it after a tree comes through the roof.

Peachy Insurance
Home and auto coverage check-ins for storm season
Phone: (404) 600-1660
peachyinsurance.com