Special event: Syrens of the South

The SYRENS OF THE SOUTH have come a long way from their debut at the Highland Inn Ballroom and Lounge. They've quickly become one of Atlanta's more popular burlesque troupes, enforcing healthy female body self-image with their plus-size performers – not all, but most – and fondness for the striptease songs of the good old days. The Syrens start their first anniversary party Sat., AUG. 23, with the troupe's first-ever student showcase, and then follow with performances by Talloolah Love, Vagina Jenkins, Reneá Le Roux, Veronica Lashe and Hepcat Mike. John Carney, the self-proclaimed world's worst comic, shares emcee duties with Sabrina Pandora. The show also includes a charity raffle for the group's first nonprofit target, the Information Project. $5-$15. Showcase, 7 p.m.; party, 9:30 p.m. Relapse Theatre, 380 14th St. www.syrensofthesouth.com.