Stepping Out Smyrna-Vinings Style This Weekend

And now for something really different: how about watching a highly competitive, rousing game of hoops at Friday night….on wheels? Presented by the Smyrna-based Dream Makers Youth Foundation (DMYF), the 7th Annual Celebrity Wheelchair Basketball Jam is a rip-roaring good time packed with enthusiastic fans, local celebs, and exciting basketball feats. So, can these local celebrities shoot some hoops and hold their own against professional wheelchair athletes? Alaisha Ballard from Cycle 14 of America’s Next Top Model, Princess from the Crime Mob, and Music Mogul, Devine Stephens are among those ready to give it a try, with often comical results! All proceeds from this event support the DMYF S.T.A.R.S. Adaptive Sports Program for children with special needs. Admission is $7 and tickets may be purchased here.

Here Comes the Bride, and it appears she’s making a beeline to The Boutique Bridal Show at the Taylor-Brawner House & Hall on Sunday. Old, new, borrowed and blue will all have their place at this event. Presented by The Cobb Bridal Alliance and the Cobb County Convention & Visitors Bureau, this delightful afternoon event will give prospective brides a means to gather lots of pertinent information in one place. Elite Wedding Professionals will conduct workshops on wedding planning and brides may preview the latest styles in décor, hair, makeup, gowns, cakes, catering, music, invitations, photography and more. The lucky first 100 brides to register online will win a free “swag bag” brimming with goodies. Admission to the Boutique Bridal Show is free but guests should RSVP here.

Another day, another halfhearted “power walk” or bored half hour on the elliptical machine while staring mindlessly at an old episode of “Sanford and Son.” We all get in ruts with our workouts and trainers say when we do that, our bodies learn to cheat. Muscle confusion and challenging different muscle groups with a variety of exercises is the key. If you need to sweat outside the box, try Smrna’s Crossfit South Cobb on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a free workout. Contact Miles at miles@crossfitsouthcobb.com for an appointment to join the class and he promises no cheesy sales pitch and no pressure to join. What he does promise to do is show you a completely new, radically different and effective way to get buff. Come see what the buzz is about.

Achingly sophisticated Japanese fusion joint Blue Fin on Cumberland Parkway beckons with its beautifully modern ambience and outstanding cuisine. Japanese elements such as “five star” sushi rolls and sashimi blend seamlessly with French and American style dishes such as filet mignon, pecan-encrusted swordfish, and honey miso grilled salmon served on polenta. Mellow wines, hot sakes and a selection of top-tier sakes complete the relaxing scene. All this upscale opulence comes with a pleasantly surprising discount: to celebrate their third anniversary, visit the Blue Fin website for a printable coupon worth 50 percent your dinner order. 

Who doesn’t love to laugh, chuckle, snigger and guffaw? Although it’s a stone’s throw out of our patch, The Punchline Comedy Club in Sandy Springs slings a hilarious freebie your way this weekend with free admission to see Idaho-bred comedian Ryan Hamilton. Chosen as one of Rolling Stone’s “Top Five Comics to Watch” in 2008, Hamilton has also appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham and Showtime’s Caroline Rhea and Friends. Score free tickets to see Hamilton when you order tickets online and use the promo code “happy.” The following showtimes are available: Friday at 8 & 10 p.m., Saturday at 6 p.m., and Sunday at 8 p.m.