INsite Atlanta August 2012 Issue

www. insiteatlanta .com

AUGUST 2012

Catwoman Rising

Anne

Hathaway Plus INterviews With

Lady Antebellum Jennifer Grey Dave Stewart Duran Duran and our NCAA Top 25

VOL. 21, NO. 1 FREE

everything creative.

Ge

BACK TO SCHOOL

ty

SALE o u Sale Prices r throughout the Store ! ed ge

Aug 10–October 1

Visit website or store for details!

Selected Brushes 50% OFF All Acrylics 40% OFF Architectural Supplies 20% OFF Prat Portfolios 30% OFF Art Alternatives Canvas 70% OFF American East Panels 30% OFF Amperstand Panels 35% OFF

d e r e t n e e b d n a ool h c S o t k c a B s i h ax t ds. l r F a C m t f a i S G t a n i p 0 o 0 h 2 S to $ p u r o t e l es, and b a t m o c ur school suppli a o y r W fo a p o h n S i to W ew large

*Off List price

WIN BIG!

rand n enter to win a b 0 value). Other .0 0 0 5 ($ t le b ta intuos S chance to win a r fo r te n e l il winners w imit for $50 or $25. L te ca ifi rt ce t if g a per winner. te ca ifi rt ce t if g e on

.

intuos S tablet

t. N/W S e e r t h c a e P 5 4 location at 17 w h.com e t n r u u o o s t x a a s u fl in m jo a e .s s a w Ple 00 • ww 2 .7 2 5 .3 4 0-7, Sun 11:30-6 0 :0 4 0 t 1 a t a s S u , t 0 c :3 ta n -7 o 0 C ri 8:3 -F

n We are open Mo

CONTENTS • AUGUST 2012 • VOLUME 21, NO.1 Atlanta’s

Entertainment Monthly

INTERVIEWS 06 10 11 15 17 18 21 22 23 26 28 28

Jennifer Grey Lady Antebellum Cathy Rigby Anne Hathaway Stars from Step Up Dennis Haysbert Rick Steves Duran Duran Dave Stewart GSU’s Bill Curry The Toadies Let Me Run

15

FEATURES 08 09 12 24 25 27 29 29

06

On a Dime Deals Pizza Dragon*Con Continuing Education Education Guide NCAA Top 25 Guide Greensboro Travel Ballantyne Resort Travel

COLUMNS

18

04 05 06 07 13 16 19 19 20 30 30 31

22

Around Town On Tap On A Dime Events Under The Lights Movie Reviews Concert Calendar Road Warriors We Got Next Album Reviews Fanatic Vidiots Favorite Things

www.insiteatlanta.com STAFF LISTING Publisher Stephen Miller steve@insiteatlanta.com Managing Editor Bret Love bret@insiteatlanta.com Art Director / Web Design Nick Tipton graphics@insiteatlanta.com Sports Editor DeMarco Williams demarco@insiteatlanta.com Local Events Editor Marci Miller marci@insiteatlanta.com Music Editor John Moore john@insiteatlanta.com

Follow us on the web!

Contributing Writers / Interns: Jon Latham, Ryan Loftis, Rodney Hill, Alex S. Morrison, Steve Warren, Dave Cohen, Jennifer Williams, Matt Connor, Ed Morales, Sacha Dzuba, David Weinthal, Benjamin Carr, Kalena Smith, Justin Patterson, Lee Valentine Smith, Amanda Miles, Patrick Flanary, Ian Coverdale CONTACT US 2250 North Druid Hills Rd. #234 Atlanta, GA 30329-3118 phone 404-315-8485 website insiteatlanta.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION 404-315-8485 • advertising@insiteatlanta.com Editorial content of INsite is the opinion of each writer and is not necessarily the opinion of INsite, its staff, or its advertisers. INsite does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor do the publisher or editors of INsite assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. No content, i.e., articles, graphics, designs and information (any and all) in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from publisher.

© Copyright 2012, Be Bop Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Check out our Preseason NCAA Top 25 Poll on page 27!

AUGUST 2012

www. insiteatlant a .com

VOL. 21, NO. 1 FREE

Catwoman Rising

Anne

Hathaway Plus INterviews With

Lady Antebellum Jennifer Grey Dave Stewart Duran Duran and our NCAA Top 25

insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 3

Around Town

Theatre/Film/Performance

The Center for Puppetry Arts presents “The Tortoise, The Hare, and Other Aesop’s Fables” all of this month. Adapted and directed

by Michael Haverty, the show follows a troupe of vagabond performers as they present five carnival acts of Aesopian wisdom. Engaging audiences aged 2 years and older, this theater for the very young production features fun interaction for kids and adults alike. Visit puppet.org for more.

Get into the Olympic spirit at the Atlanta History Center on Aug. 11 from 11am to 4pm with “Go For the Gold.” Throughout the day, guests discover the Olympic spirit by exploring the Olympic Games’ nearly 3,000 year history through a variety of activities including lively tours of the History Center’s highenergy Centennial Olympic Games. For more information, go online to atlantahistorycenter. com.

Remember the other guy from Chappelle Show? No not Charlie Murphy. Donnell Rawlings comes to the Laughing Skull Lounge on Aug. 9-12. Known for a variety of roles, including “Ashy Larry,” Rawlings was one of the main cogs on one of television’s funniest shows. Tickets are $20-$30. Go to laughingskulllounge.com.

The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater presents Billy Ocean on Aug. 11 as part of its Summer Concert Series. Tickets range from $45-$55 and are available at ticketalternative.com. Go to amphitheater.org for more details.

ALL AUG

AUG 09

The Punchline welcomes John Heffron on Aug. 10-11. The Last Comic Standing winner will bring his popular mix of standup comedy to Atlanta for five shows over two days. Tickets are only $25. Go to punchline. com for more information.

AUG 10

Don’t miss “Legally Blonde the Musical,” on stage at The Cobb Civic Center’s Jennie T. Anderson Theatre Aug. 10-26. This awardwinning Broadway musical sensation is based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

For tickets and information, call 404-377-9948 or visit www.atlantalyrictheatre.com.

AUG 10

Music/Comedy/Sports

Other Stuff

AUG 11

AUG 11

The Braves continue to compete for the postseason this month.

Atlanta will welcome the Dodgers for a three game series at Turner Field on Aug. 17-19. Don’t miss a matchup against one of the National League’s best teams. Visit braves.com for tickets.

AUG 17

Sample a great collection of restaurants with the Tasting tour of Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward as part of the Atlanta Culinary Tours on Aug. 18. The tours start at 3:30pm. Visit restaurants and markets of both communities including Parish, P’cheen, Barcelona Wine Bar and more. Tickets are only $39. Go to atlanta-culinary-tours.com for more.

AUG 18

CardiovasCular disease researCh Emory University, Department of Psychiatry is currently conducting a research study on Cardiovascular Disease and Depression. Dr. J. Douglas Bremner, Psychiatrist, is investigating the brain mechanisms through which depression increases the risk of death in patients with cardiovascular disease.

If you would to participate in this study, you must have a current diagnosis of cardiovascular disease either with or without depression. If you think you may have signs of depression, but have never been assessed, we can provide an assessment for you.

To learn more about this study, call Emory’s Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit at 404-712-2059 or kelly.tracey@emory.edu.

Procedures involve health and mental health assessments, MRI, PET and SPECT scans conducted at Emory University. Volunteers will receive compensation for their time.

PG 4 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

Museums/Exhibits/Arts

DONNELL RAWLINGS Support a great cause with Free to Breathe, a 5K run/walk on Aug. 18.

The event provides an opportunity for awareness and support for lung cancer research and treatment. The event registration begins at 7am. Go to freetobreathe. org for more details.

AUG 18

The Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy will host its Academy Soiree Runway Show on Aug. 19 at 7pm at the Strand Theatre. For more information, go to toniguy.com or call 770-565-3285.

AUG 19

The Fox Film Festival marches on at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Aug. 24 with “The Amazing Spider-Man.” The movie screens at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at foxatltix.com.

AUG 24 AUG 26

Internationally-acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns to the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta on Aug. 26 at 4pm to

perform “The Spellbinding Music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Mr. Siegel’s program will explore the music of Baroque music’s most influential composer and the high voltage, romantic compositions Bach wrote to “wow” his listeners. This concert will be held at the MJCCA’s Morris & Rae Frank Theatre. For info, visit www.atlantajcc.org or call 678-812-4002.

Philips Arena hosts Enrique Iglesias and Jennifer Lopez for a special show on Aug. 29. The musical powerhouses will bring their engaging and spectacular shows to Atlanta with special guest Frankie J. Tickets start at $29.50. Go online to philipsarena.com.

AUG 29

Georgia Tech begins its football season on the road, but don’t miss the Yellow Jacket home opener on Sept. 8 at 7pm. Paul Johnson’s team faces schedule cupcake Presbyterian.

Expect scoring and loads of fireworks. Head to ramblinwreck.com for tickets.

SEP 08

LOCAL

LOCAL EVENTS

On Tap this Month EMAIL EVENTS TO ONTAP@INSITEATLANTA.COM Aug. 10: Aaron’s Amphitheatre

CARNIVAL OF MADNESS

It’s summer in Atlanta, so therefore the prime season for music festivals. There are few things better to do on a hot summer day. One of the best concert options comes to Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood on Aug. 10. This unique festival is headlined by rock favorite Evanescence.

The concert will also feature Chevelle, Halestrom, Cavo and New Medicine. The concert will start at 5pm, so head down early for tailgating and early admission. Tickets are available at carnivalofmadness.com.

Aug. 11: Aaron’s Amphitheatre

FLASHBACK FESTIVAL

KISS 104.1 FM once again presents the Flashback Festival at Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood. If you’re looking for a great throwback of music, this is the event for you. This year’s lineup is as robust and dynamic as usual. Faith Evans will headline the day. There will also be performances by Morris Day & The Time, Jeffrey Osborne, SOS Band and Cupid. Doors open at 5pm, and the lineup of shows begin at 6pm. Tickets can be found at ticketmaster.com. For more information, go to kiss1041fm.com/flashback.

Aug.18-19: Piedmont Park

PIEDMONT PARK SUMMER ART & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

The 2012 Piedmont Park Summer Arts & Crafts Festival is a 2-day outdoor event with an emphasis on the visual arts and family fun. The Piedmont Park Summer Arts and craft festival is bringing back the tradition to Atlanta’s arts community.

This event will feature up to 200 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalwork, glass blowers, jewelers and crafters. Go to piedmontparkartsfestival.com.

Aug. 30: Georgia Dome

GEORGIA STATE HOME OPENER

Georgia State takes a big step in the short history of its football program as it joins the Sun Belt conference. It’s not the Southeastern Conference, but it is certainly a start. The Panthers open the year again South Carolina State at the Georgia Dome.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm. The Panthers look for a win in their home opener before traveling to Tennessee for another matchup against a traditional powerhouse. Can Georgia State continue progressing into a strong Division I team? Find out Aug. 30. Go to georgiastatesports.com.

Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Georgia Dome

CHICK-FIL-A KICKOFF GAME

The annual, unofficial start the college football season begins with a pair of Southeastern Conference vs. Atlantic Coast Conference matchups. The first on Aug. 31 will have Tennessee trying to bounce back after a 5-7 season against N.C. State, a team that people have probably forgotten has a football team.

Saturday’s matchup features Auburn against Clemson, a pair of teams that are very familiar with each other. Expect a dynamic game. Go to chick-fil-akickoffgame.com for event times and tickets pricing.

Aug. 31-Sept. 3: Downtown Atlanta

DRAGON*CON

Gather ye nerds, dorks and cosplay enthusiasts. Dragon*Con returns to Downtown Atlanta for its complete mix of madness, science fiction fandom and nerds galore. The people watching is the event’s greatest pastime. Costume both complex and terrible hit the streets of Atlanta from Tony Stark in “The Avengers” to that blob of black goo that killed Tasha Yar in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” The annual parade is set for Sept. 1 at 10am on Peachtree Street. Visit dragoncon.org for more events.

EVENTS HAPPENING FOR SMALL CHANGE IN ATLANTA

Know of a low cost event of happening? Event@AtlantaOnADime.com

By Marci Miller SIPS IN THE CITY FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS 2011 FLOWER SHOW CALLAWAY GARDENS PHOENIX FLIES HUNGER WALK/RUN ATLANTA FALCONS PIGS &SOUTHEASTERN PEACHES BBQ 5K FESTIVAL August, Check Website for Deals Through Feb. 28, FREE Feb. 25 27, Adults $18 ($15 in advance) March 13, Noon-4pm, $25 for runners 8th ANNUAL GERMAN BIERFEST Friday, AugustCELEBRATION 3, 6:45pm, Free 24 & 25, Friday 6pm - 11pm “CITYWIDE OF LIVING LANDMARKS” August Various Downtown Callaway Gardens Peachtree RidgeFree HighRestaurants School, Suwanee March 5-20, www.atlantadowntown.com 17800 US Hwy 27 Around the City www.atlantafalcons.com Various Landmarks Pine Mountain, Georgia phoenixflies.org This Atlanta summer promotion The Falcons will hold encourages their fifth callawaygardens.com

annual team scrimmage this year at Peachtree patrons to experience Downtown The Phoenix Flies: A Celebration ofAtlanta Living

Ridge School inthe Suwanee.

ThisAtlanta event on ice!High Throughout heated months of Admission tocreated Callaway Gardens is Landmarks was in 2003 by The isJulyopen toAugust, the public and restaurants admission isinfree. and featured the complimentary through the end of this Preservation Center as aincludes way to celebrate the This grassroots event a fan fest Downtown Dining District willrescue be offering month (Price isof normally $15 for adults, 25th anniversary the dramatic of the with interactive inflatable games, sponsor refreshing cocktails, hipAtlanta’s happy $6.50 per signature child) providing guests with Fox Theatre, an event that changed activation, a post event autograph session hours and deals that you won’t want to miss. the opportunity to enjoy time with their preservation outlook forever.show.

This year, the the list and a spectacular fireworks During Participating restaurants Atlanta family and reconnecting in Theatre, nature. includes freefriends guided toursplayers of include Theincluding Fox live scrimmage, several the Grill, AzioPark, Downtown, BLTtheSteak, Max Free admission includes Virginia Piedmont Historic Falcons quarterbacks, andOakland certainCemetery, position Lager’s, No Mas! Cantina and The Sundial Hand Callaway Discovery Center, Day Civil War Tullie Smith players willAtlanta be mic’dWalking so fansTour, can get an “under Restaurant.

Visit the website for a complete Butterfly Center, Sibley Horticultural Farm House, Mitchell the helmet look”Margaret at the action on theHouse, field. the list deals.

Center, Mr.Park Cason’s Vegetable newofBeltline and much more. Garden, Callaway BrothersFAN Azalea YELLOW JACKET DAY Bowl, Overlook Garden, Discovery Bicycle Pioneer Saturday, August 4, 3pm – 6pm, FreeTrail, AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL SHOW IN ATLANTA Log Cabin, Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Bobby Dodd Staadium at Grant Field March 10-13, Regular admission: $13 www.ramblinwreck.com Chapel, nature trails and daily programs.

Children under 12: free Cobb Galleria Center Every Georgia TechCIRCUS football player and THE UNIVERSOUL Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta coach will be available Feb. 10 - 27, Tickets rangefor fromautographs $15 - $35 and craftcouncil.org/Atlanta photographs on Fan Day, Saturday, August 4th Turner Field Green Lot in Bobby Dodd Stadium. Festivities begin at 3 521 Avenue, Atlanta ThisCapitol 3-day the largest juried fine craft p.m. for thisevent free isevent with entertainment on universoulcircus.com Show in Plaza, the southeast. show been Callaway outside theThe north end has of Bobby Dodd Stadium.marketplace From 3-4 p.m., there willfine be the premiere for regional Circus music and games whileUniverSoul the Tech cheerleaders craft lovers and The collectors, and offers guests continues surge and Buzz, the willpurchase be onits hand. the chance to mascot, meet and workBobby from YELLOW JACKET to the top of the Dodd Stadium open its gates 4 p.m.live for esteemed artistswill from around the at country.

To entertainment ranks fans meet thecollectors players and and get FAN reachtoDAY first-time andcoaches, established craft autographs and photographs on Free historic Grant with interactive funky Saturday, 6, 3pm –its6pm, collectorsAugust alike, the newest show category for Field.

This year season ticket holders will have rendition of a traditional Bobby Dodd Stadium Grant Field Under $100. participating artists isatHandmade benefit of priority entrance. There is a limithas of UniverSoul www.ramblinwreck.com Artists who sell workcircus. for under $100 will have one item per person captivated to be autographed. audiences their booths specially marked for patrons around the world Festivities at from 3ap.m. on Callaway Plaza interested inbegin starting collection.

9TH ANNUAL GERMAN BIERFEST with its unique brand with music, prizes, inflatables and games for Saturday, August 25, 2 –that 7pm,blends $35 circus arts, the kids.

From 4-6 p.m. the gates will open ATLANTA SPEEDWAY FREEand OPEN music.

HOUSE Online, $40MOTOR At the Door and can enter theater the stadium to meet the Woodruff Downtown Atlanta Marchfans 12,Park, 11am-3pm, Free Founded in players Atlantawill over 2011 Yellow Jackets.

Football be www.germanbierfest.com Atlanta Motor Speedway 17 position years ago, the at audience seated with their groups various 1500 Tara Place, Hampton willthewatch infield. amazement as Paul stilt points on playing Head coach This summer event celebrates the greatness of atlantamotorspeedway.com walkers make their way across a tight Johnsonbeer will insign autographs from 4-5 p.m.

German a family-friendly environment. rope, horse ridersauthentic perform death-defying and bewith available for photographs from Complete food, Visit will the track’s Open House forGerman free.

Activities stunts, and contortionists bend into activities for the kids, music and fun,ONE 5-6 p.m.

Please limit autographs to include championship legends racing on the the incredible and beautiful shapes.

German Bierfest is not only the only authentic item per player or coach.

This willdrawings be the quarter-mile “Thunder Ring. ” , free German Bierfest into Atlanta, but the only first getown thecar 2011 football for bigopportunity prizes, drive your on the track family-friendly beer festival as well.

For the poster aspurchase well2011 as ofschedule cards, ticket CHEERSPORT NATIONAL with the Labor Day NASCAR price of admittance, attendees can drink all information andselect other items throughout the CHEERLEADING & DANCE tickets, fans can their seats forDesignated the Labor the beer they can safely consume. afternoon.

Most campus parking lots race will Day Race tour CHAMPIONSHIP drivers areWeekend, encouraged andthe canSpeedway’s attend for free. be available. control and takebe photos with Feb. 18 under –tower 20 the No one agesuites, of 21 will permitted to the Atlanta Motor carservice and a $30 for 2-day pass ASpeedway consume alcohol. designatedpace driver SIMON GAMEPLAY TOUR will also be on pass site for whowinner’s find themselves NASCAR Sprint Cupthose Series trophy, $20 for 1-day Saturday, August 20 @ 10am, Free in an unsafe condition to drive home. discounts gift shop and much more.

Kids Under at5 AMS are Free DiscoverWorld Mills Mall, Lawrenceville Georgia Congress Center www.simon.com 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., Atlanta cheersport.net

The Simon GamePlay tour will connect fans of all ages to the hottest video cheerleading games before Bring it on…this electrifying they are launched and available in stores. and dance competition features teams The recently launched Nintendo 3DS competing from across America. This gaming system will take center stage with year, it expects to grow larger than ever a “Nintendo Lounge, ” with couches, with over 9003DS teams participating, from snacks and games.

Nintendo also offer ages three through college. will Cheersport “Street Pass,”bytournament-style play loved using was founded all-star coaches who Nintendo 3DS devices.

GamePlay will competitive cheerleading and dance. feature 10 gaming pods, including 2 mature Check the website for the full competition zones, with products from instrusty leaders schedule. like SEGA, Capcom, 2K and Atari.

Youth/Student Kids2Free under Free for 10am walkers Saturday, August 27, – 7pm5 are Free Saturday –$7, 10pm, Cobb Galleria Centre Parking is free Adams Park, Kennesaw $30 Online, $35 At the Door Two Galleria Parkway, www.facebook.com/PigsAndPeaches Turner Field Green LotAtlanta Woodruff Park, Downtown Atlanta sehort.org 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta www.germanbierfest.com The festival features a Kansas City Barbeque hungerwalkrun.org Society sanctioned competition, Presented by celebrates theBBQ Southeastern This summer event the greatness which is recognized as a Georgia Barbecue Horticultural Society, this annual premier Join thousands of runners and walkers at of German beer in a family-friendly Championship contest; as well as a Backyard gardening event promotes preservation this annual event that benefits the Atlanta environment. Complete with authentic BBQ, Anything Butt and Peach Dessert and awareness of and plants Community Food Bankflowers and five other local German food, activities for and the kids, music Contest.

Over $15,000 in cash prizes will be through education andBierfest artistic expression. nonprofits.

Participants can register as a team and fun, the German is not only awarded to contest winners. Enjoy live musical Show activities include speakers, juried or individually online or register the day ofa the only authentic German Bierfest performances, a family entertainment stage,in competition, kids’ activities, Landscape & the event.

There will be activities for all ages Atlanta, but the only family-friendly beer Kid Zone featuring amazing slides, inflatable Discovery Gardens and more. includingasinteractive games, livethe entertainment more. festival well.

For price of admittance, bounces, games and other& child-

Gates open at noon, theall5Kthe runbeer & begin attendees can drink they can friendly activities, delicious food andwalk beverage at 2 p.m. safely consume.

Designated drivers are 10th ANNUAL WINE CRAWL vendors, and a OAKHURST street festival atmosphere encouraged and can attend for free.

No one of arts, crafts and general merchandise -Saturday, Feb. 26, 4 pm-7 pm including a selection of sponsor booths with under the age of 21 will be permitted to $25 in advance A-TOWN DAYfor Tasting Glass unique products and services. consume alcohol. $30 day26, ofNoon-8pm, event March $5A designated driver service will also be Oakhurst LakewoodBusiness Districton site for those who SUMMER SHADE find themselves in an unsafe condition to oakhurstga.org 2002 Lakewood AveFESTIVAL SE, Atlanta August 25home. & 26, Free drive atownday.com Grant Park Participants in this year’s event will get www.summershadefestival.org to sample wines from around theconcert, world A-TOWN DAY is a health festival, PIGS & PEACHES BBQcare FESTIVAL while exploring all the businesses in the and a10th major of Awareness celebrating August 26 &Annual 27,day Friday 5pm - 11pm The Grant Park Conservancy Oakhurst neighborhood.

There will be 20 all things10am Atlanta.

A-TOWN DAY benefits Saturday –Festival, 10pm, Free Summer Shade held in historic Grant participating establishments and the event the Diabetes of Atlanta and The Ben Robertson Community Kennesaw Park, returns Association this month. Center, There are plenty of expects to sell quickly.

The Bus B-Aware Foundation.

This event willFur feature www.facebook.com/PigsAndPeaches ways to stay coolout while visiting the festival. will be in onthe hand to transport live music, poetry, car showenjoying and participants lotslive of music, family Lounge shade while from bar to bar.

Tickets can be purchased visit with an artist in yourafavorite artist’s tent friendly events.

The event features non-sanctioned from Steinbeck’s Ale House, while perusing handmade arts and andUjoint, crafts, Backyard BBQ,theAnything Butt Peach make a one-of-a-kind paper hat in the and Karvana Coffee Shop, all located in Dessert PARK Contest, as well as a WEEK Kansas Kids City INMAN RESTAURANT Zone and cool off in a misting tent.

Don’t forget Oakhurst village.

Barbeque Society March 28-April 3, $15sanctioned Professional about Corks & Forks, our premiere fine food Contest, is recognized $25 & $35which for three-course meal as a Georgia and wine event, featuring some of the best State NATIONAL Championship Cookoff.

IHOP PANCAKEBarbeque DAY CELEBRATION inmanparkrestaurantweek.com restaurants in Atlanta, held in the pavilions Over $14,000 cash and prizes will and be Tuesday, March 1,in7 am-10 pm, Free Pancakes away from the sun’s rays. You can also chill out awarded to contest winners.

Besides food International House of Pancakes Savor historic Inman Park with three-course with a frosty beverage from one of our many for sale, from and free from of Locations throughout Metro Atlanta dinners 11 local restaurants. beverage stations ormusic grab a Kinga number ofProceeds Pops or local and national acts, festival goers will IHOPPancakeday.com will benefit Project Open Hand, which helps another cool treat from our diverse food vendor be treated to a large Kid Zone (withchronic many people prevent or better manage marketplace. attractions FREE to families), vendor On thisthrough day, customers willunique receive one disease comprehensive nutrition care. booths andPEACHTREE sponsor exhibits.

Silver free short stack ofand IHOP’s FESTIVAL LATINO $1 raffle tickets will(three) be sold willThe gofamous towards Wings paratrooper aerial exhibition buttermilk pancakes.

All they askwill is team that Sunday, August 26, 11am – 7:30pm, Free the charity.

The winner of the raffle win returns toconsider thed’ouerves, event,making andbeer willaand jump intoparty the Piedmont patrons donation to a hostedPark hor wine www.festivalpeachtreelatino.com festival Saturday, August 27. through Crowds support local children’s hospitals at Park’s on Edge Restaurant for thirty of their will be Each treated to Network aPark wonderful display of Children’s Miracle or other friends.

Inman restaurant will local bring Festival Peachtree Latino hasperformances been the largest aerobatics and in charities.

Since beginning National tastes from their patriotic restaurants foritsthe winner. family & There multicultural event the southeast the will be ainin huge, fireworks Pancake Day 2006, IHOP The sky. winner willcelebration be also announced at the end of since 2000.

They have featured hundreds of grand finale.more has raised than $5.35 millionforto the restaurant week.

Check the website a exhibitions, family activities, sporting events, support charities in the communities in complete list of participating restaurants. parades, arts & crafts, ethnic foods and outdoor which it operates.

FESTIVAL PEACHTREEfeaturing LATINO renowned musical performances Sunday, August 28, 11am – 7:30pm, international musicians on two stages.Free The best Piedmont Park part about it is that the event is absolutely free. www.festivalpeachtreelatino.com This year, Festival Peachtree Latino has more to offer, with new attractions a larger of Festival PeachtreeandLatino hasschedule been the musical performances. largest family & multicultural event in the southeast since 2000. They have featured hundreds of exhibitions, family activities, sporting events, parades, arts & crafts, ethnic foods and outdoor musical performances featuring renowned international musicians on two stages. The best part about it is that the event is absolutely FREE!! This year, Festival Peachtree Latino has more to offer, with new attractions and a larger schedule of musical performances.

YELLOW JACKET FAN DAY

UPDATED EVENTSWEEKLY. WEEKLY. SIGN UP BY RECEIVERECEIVE UPDATED EVENTS SIGN UPEMAILING

BY E-MAILING SUBSCRIPTIONS@ATLANTAONADIME.COM SUBSCRIPTIONS@ATLANTAONADIME.COM

ENTER ON SUBJECT LINE:SIGN SIGNME MEUP UP INSITE! INSITE! ENTER ONTHE SUBJECT LINE: insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 5

INTERVIEW

HELLO, BABY!

“Dirty Dancing” star Jennifer Grey Reflects on its 25 Year Anniversary

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

N

OBODY PUTS BABY IN A corner.” Of course, you’ve heard that line a million times. It’s part of pop culture history, and as the most-quoted line from “Dirty Dancing,” it’s been a part of the conversational lexicon, for exactly a quarter of a century. So just imagine how many times the adorable star, Jennifer Grey, has heard that line.

Including her role as the oft-mentioned “Baby,” she has a solid three decades of diverse roles in film and television. But the champion of the 2010 edition of “Dancing With The Stars” says she loves every minute of the movie’s enduring legacy. The 1987 film, and its two accompanying soundtrack albums, were among the most popular releases of the ‘80s, and it’s the first commercial VHS video to sell over a million copies. Today, it remains a best-seller, a standard in every popular format. While in town promoting theatrical screenings of the film, presented by Skinny Cow-brand frozen treats, Insite caught up with the attractive actress in the green-room of a local network affiliate. Grey had just appeared as a guest on a morning chat show and the perky, effusive host just had to relate her own story of her love of “Dirty Dancing.”

I’m sure everywhere you go, people feel compelled to tell you their own take on the whole “Dirty Dancing” phenomenon and how

much it means to them. Do you ever get tired of that?

It’s like taking a happy pill, being around people who appreciate something I’ve done so long ago. It makes me realize I’ve touched people I never knew and became a part of their lives. How could you ever get tired of that?

How did the association with Skinny Cow happen?

It’s about what I’m interested in, giving people more joy. They said in a survey, that nine out of ten women say they don’t get to spend enough time with their girlfriends. So they wanted to create this tour to coordinate it with the 25th anniversary of “Dirty Dancing” which is about 80 percent of women’s favorite dance movie.

The idea that it would be shown for free, on the big screen, really appealed to me, because most people have only seen it on their television, if they’re my age.

So what happens at these events?

It’s a room full of people who are fans of the movie, eating all this Skinny Cow ice cream, while they’re watching the movie with their best friends! It’s like a perfect slumber party, a great girls night out. And how about this? You can dance in the isles if you want!

Like a tamer “Rocky Horror” night, but with Rocky Road.

. . . x t I e s n e Whmes to IgnoranCe Is Co

DefInItely not BlIss

at the feminist Women’s health Center’, we provide all the FACTS you need to understand your own body and to make the best choices for your health care.

• Empowering gynecological exams • Free pregnancy testing • Birth Control • Emergency Birth Control • Confidential Abortion Care (6 to 25 weeks) • One-on-one decision-making counseling • STD Tests & Treatment • Anonymous HIV/AIDS tests • Transgender Health Services • Donor Insemination Services 1924 Cliff Valley Way atlanta, ga 30329

404-728-7900 www.feministcenter.org PG 6 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

surgi-Center license 044-287

“I REMEMBER READING A BREAKDOWN [OF DIRTY DANCING] AND THINKING, ‘IF I DON’T GET THIS JOB, I’M NEVER GONNA GET ANY JOB, THIS PART IS MADE FOR ME.’” Yes! Well I don’t know how tame, it depends on the crowd!

How does it feel to watch people see this move that you are obviously very proud of? It’s refreshing to know that you aren’t completely tired of it by now.

The whole thing feels a little like a dream. I’ve tried to get my daughter to watch it but she still wont watch it with me! So I haven’t seen it in a long time but I’ve never been someone to really watch myself in movies. It’s not something I enjoy. I just like watching other people enjoy it.

Obviously, you’ll always be connected to the film, but how did you get the part initially?

I remember reading a breakdown of it and thinking, “If I don’t get this job, I’m never gonna get any job, this part is made for me.”

But I had thought that before, and since, and not gotten the part. I went in and I think the first thing they wanted was dancing, so I went in and I’d brought a little tape player and some Michael Jackson.

Did you have a routine already planned for the audition?

I’ve never been a dancer that could just do choreography. I’ve just been someone who likes to dance, likes to move. I went in and just cut loose.

By then, you‘d already worked with Patrick Swayze in “Red Dawn” [in 1984]; did you have to dance with him in the early stages of the production?

I was cast before he was, so I went in and danced by myself. Then they started bringing in different guys to audition with me, for the screen tests, so I tested with a couple of different guys.

But that chemistry with you Patrick was what sealed the deal.

Absolutely. You can’t make that.

You’d worked together before, but now you’re suddenly the stars and everything hinges on that interaction.

You know, he and I had a love scene in Red Dawn that was cut. I remember it was something in a sleeping bag or something. But nothing too racy.

How does being in a huge film compare to winning on “Dancing With The Stars?”

The funny thing I find is what an intense experience it was to be on that show. An intense and deep, “roto-rootering” of your soultype experience!

Did you do any advance training before the show started?

No, no advance training. That’s considered cheating and you could be kicked off. The only training I had was surgeries, to put a plate in my neck and to take my thyroid cancer out. I just got my self solid, rehabbed and just went for it.

Since your dad [actor/singer/dancer Joel Grey] and mom [singer Jo Wilder] were both in the business, did they discourage or encourage you when you were growing up?

I think it was hard for them to say, “Don’t do what we’ve done.” But they were very strict; they wouldn’t let me go on an audition or do anything professional until after I’d graduated college. When I didn’t want to go to college, they said, “Well then, you’ll have to go to acting school.” So I went to fulltime acting school. They basically said that I couldn’t just go and try to be an actor and get out there in the world unprepared.

Your next movie, post-“Dirty Dancing,” was [1989’s] “Bloodhounds Of Broadway,” a great and often underappreciated film. Speaking of difficult people and psyches, what was it like to working with Madonna? A lot people come away with mixed feelings after they work with her.

I think there’s a recovery group for people who’ve been friends with Madonna, called Madonna-non! (pauses) When she shines her bright light on you, it’s quite bright.

Very nice and so tactful! That would make a great Tweet, actually.

Well, I’m on Twitter all the time! And I’m on Pinterest and Instagram and Pandora. Oh, it’s a problem! Sometimes people take my phone away from me. I’m not saying who… but yes, it’s time consuming. I’d like to read a book again, someday, you know?

Under The Lights Thru - August 19 Horizon Theatre Box Office (404) 584.7450 horizontheatre.com

Doo-wop meets hip-hop as generations collide in Horizon Theatre’s second world premiere of the season. Sheddin’ is a raucous comedy set in an Atlanta backyard.

The patriarch Walt who along with his jazz loving cohorts has orchestrated a surprise homecoming for son Trane, back from his first international hip hop tour. What Trane expects to be a welcome home party turns into a bid by Walt and his sidekicks to star as Trane’s opening act. Sheddin’ is a sidesplitting story of family, love, and following your dreams. “In the tradition of jazz improvisation, Sheddin’ riffs on the politics, marriage, and dysfunctions of black life.”

PETER PAN

August 7 - 12 The Fox Theatre Tickets (855) 285.8499 foxatltix.com

Theatre of the Stars opens their 60th Season flying high with the Tony® Award winning play Peter Pan! The magic begins as Broadway star and fan favorite Cathy Rigby takes flight in this unique, family friendly attraction of spectacle and fantasy.

Peter Pan offers the thrill of flying, timeless magical moments and a captivating hook that will mesmerize young and old alike.

Since 1990, Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby has made four stops on Broadway, garnering four Tony® Nominations including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Actress in a Musical.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

August 14 - 19 The Fox Theatre Tickets (855) 285.8499 foxatltix.com

The Addams Family features an original story and ghastly slant that is every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. She confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Comedy ensues as Gomez Addams tries to keep the secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents. The Addams Family is an Atlanta premiere.

Photo: Matt Hoyle

SHEDDIN’

Nothing changes a family faster than a daughter in love.

Get an Inside Freak Peek!

AUGUST 14-19 • At the FOX THEATRE

Groups Call (404) 881-2000

Original Italian Beef • Burgers 22 Hot Dog Varieties Smoked Polish • Great Sides

“Chicago Dog”

770-449-7433 6025 Peachtree Parkway (State 141) Peachtree Plaza Shopping Center Norcross, Ga. 30092

www.DogDaysHotDogs.com

SEPTEMBER 5-11 • At the FOX THEATRE Groups Call (404) 881-2000 insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 7

GREAT DEALS BEING OFFERED AT RESTAURANTS AROUND ATLANTA. Atlanta on a Dime is a monthly print column and weekly email newsletter that highlights low cost events and deals offered around town. Sign up by emailing Subscriptions@AtlantaonaDime.com or on our website insiteatlanta.com.

Atlanta on a Dime subscriptions are free and email addresses are not sold or given out to third parties.

DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS FROM $5.95

1810 Cheshire Bridge Rd. @ Piedmont 404.874.8304

DOG DAYS HOT DOGS

$3.49 SUBS | 7 DAILY SPECIALS IN AUG.

Includes ½ chicken, black beans, rice and corn bread

$6.50 JERK CHICKEN SPECIAL

Special: Hot Dogs “25 Varieties” at $2.99 and up

600 Ponce de Leon | Atlanta 404.888.9149 | www.eatsonponce.net

6025 Peachtree Parkway Norcross, Ga. 770.449.7433 | DogDaysHotDogs.com

80 Powers Ferry Rd. | 770.321.1177 5697 Buford Hwy. | 770.455.8570

Landmark DINER

BUY 1 DINNER, GET 1 FREE Buckhead Location. Mon-Thu 3-7pm.

2nd Dinner at equal or lesser value

agave FAMILY STYLE DINNER $18.99 PER PERSON Choose 8 items from mezzas, soups, salads & baklawa (2 per. min.)

3652 Roswell Rd. | 404.816.9090 www.landmarkdiner.com

Different Specials Each Day

2751 Lavista Rd. | Decatur 404.633.8833 | www.mezzabistro.com

KIDS EAT FREE IN AUGUST

TWO FOR ONE APPETIZERS!

Mon – Thu 4 – 8 pm. Midtown and Candler Locations

Offered daily when you sit at the bar 5pm-7pm nightly

1655 McLendon Ave. 404.687.8888 1001 Piedmont Ave. 404.874.8887

242 Boulevard SE | Cabbagetown 404.588.0006 | www.agaverestaurant.com

PANCHO’S Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

HAPPY HOUR 50% OFF APPS!

$6.90 BUSINESS LUNCH COMBO SPECIAL

2391 Peachtree Rd. @ Peachtree Battle 404.842.1010 | whitehall-tavern.com

N. Decatur 404.320.0101| Midtown 404.917.1100 East Cobb 678.996.0045 | www.mediterraneangrill.com

5-7 pm Mon – Fri on selected appetizers

Shish kabob, kufta kabab, & gyro slices w/rice pilaf, salad & pita | w/drink.

$3.99 LUNCH SPECIAL

#1 Combo Platter (taco, enchilada, rice & beans) Mon – Fri Only

2641 Buford Hwy. | 404.325.2898 www.panchomexican.com

½ OFF LUNCH

Buy a Small Plate and get a Second One of equal or lesser value for Half Price.

Sandy Springs 404.255.6368 | Emory 404.474.9444 Brookhaven 770.451.1112 | www.pignchik.net

PANCHO’S

Catering Now Available

Best Inexpensive Restaurant

Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

HOME OF THE

MONSTER MARGARITA! Atlanta’s Favorite Mexican Restaurant HUGE Outdoor Patio!

MONSTER BURRITOS

LUNCH SPECIALS STARTING AT $4.99 EVERYDAY! Thursdays – TRIVIA! Saturdays – MARIACHI BAND

2641 BUFORD HIGHWAY | ATLANTA, GA 30324 404-325-2898 | PANCHOMEXICAN.COM

Hours • M-Th 11am-10pm • Fri 11am-11pm Sat 12pm-11pm • Sun 1pm-10pm PG 8 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

eatsonponce.net • now accepting Visa & Mastercard

AUGUST SPECIALS

www.baldinos.us

MONDAY – Baldinos Extra Special (#7) TUESDAY – Like it Hot? Grilled & Toasted The HOT Italian WEDNESDAY – Ham it Up - (#5) Boiled Ham & Cheese w/ soup or side THURSDAY – “Check Out Our New Chicken Breast” – Try our #21 FRIDAY – Meatless Combo - Tuna (#10) or Veg Stir Fry (#27) w/ side SATURDAY – Steak Out- A-Steak Sub Your Choice (#11,13, or 19) SUNDAY – American Special - (#14) w/ choice of soup or side

Marietta 80 Powers Ferry Rd 770-321-1177 (closed Sundays)

$3.49 All Day!

Doraville 5697 Buford Hwy. 770-455-8570

VOTED BEST SUBS IN ATLANTA

Taste of the Month - Pizza!

Johnny’s NY Style Pizza Multiple Area Locations JohnnysPizza.com

only the freshest ingredients. They make their own dough and grind their cheese daily. Come to Mo’s this fall to watch all your college and pro football games. They have a great deck to hang out on and plenty of HD Flat Screens offering great views from any table. Stop in Monday nights and get a Large Cheese Pizza for just $7.75.

Mo’s is one of the longest running pizza joints in Atlanta, come in and see why they are one of the best.

Athens Pizza House Johnny’s Pizza is synonymous with great pizza and subs in Atlanta. The secret to their success is in the preparation. They always use the finest ingredients. Johnny’s specializes in NY style pizza, which is thin in the middle and thick around the edges.

They have several house specialties including the Johnny’s Deluxe, Italian Special, Veggie Deluxe, Steak & Cheese, Pesto and Buffalo Chicken. Johnny’s also offers plenty of individual toppings to create your own masterpiece. In addition, Johnny’s offers subs, salads, sandwiches, and other popular Italian dishes including calzones, strombolis, and lasagna. Johnny’s restaurants offer dine-in, take-out and delivery.

Go to www.JohnnysPizza.com to find the location nearest you.

Savage Pizza 484 Moreland Ave. 404.523.0500 115 Laredo Dr. @ Clarendon 404.299.5799 SavagePizza.com

At Savage the pizzas and prepared dishes are made from scratch every day using homemade sauces, the best mozzarella, and fresh dough. In fact all the recipes use only freshest vegetables, finest quality meats, cheeses, breads and pastas. Savage’s hand-tossed crusts are thrown with real hands and get enough air to make Tony Hawk jealous. In addition to their famous pizzas, they also have calzones, salads, subs and pasta. Savage serves both lunch and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating and offers catering and delivery. Check out their second location on Laredo Dr. in Avondale Estates. This location offers the same great menu as the original with ample seating and delivery to the area.

Mo’s Pizza

3109 Briarcliff Rd. 404.320.1258 MosPizza.com

You may know about the burrito chain with the same name, but the original Mo’s resides on the corner of Briarcliff and Clairmont Roads. They have been serving up great pizza in Atlanta for over 30 years!

Mo’s menu isn’t limited to pizza either: sandwiches, subs, wings, nachos and salads ensure that anybody who comes here can find something they like. Mo’s Pizza uses

1341 Clairmont Rd. Decatur 404.636.1100 AthensPizzaAtlanta.com

WWW.SAVAGEPIZZA.COM

484 Moreland Avenue • L5P • 404.523.0500 | 115 Laredo Dr. • Avondale • 404.299.5799

For more than 30 years, the Papadopoulos family has been serving up great Greek and Italian cuisine to the Emory / Decatur area.

They offer a terrific pizzas at various sizes and over 25 toppings to choose from.

You will also find great specialty pizzas like the Mediterranean, Santorini and Athens.

But don’t let the name fool you, there is much more here than great pizza. Some of the favorite recipes on their Greek dishes go back 50 years! Try the Veal Parmesana, Roasted Lamb or the Oven Baked Chicken.

Athens Pizza offers daily specials for lunch and dinner and has an extensive catering menu. Athens Pizza is Zagat rated and winner of several awards including Best Greek Cuisine. The restaurant can also accommodate parties large and small with their private room.

Chicago’s Nancy’s Midtown 265 Ponce De Leon # A 404.254.5103 NancysPizza.com

The name Chicago conjures up images of some of the best pizza in the USA, and that great pizza can be found in Midtown Atlanta at Chicago’s Nancy’s. Mike Glover opened Chicago’s Nancy's on Ponce de Leon with great word of mouth. The location became an immediate success. As Mike explains, “We commit ourselves to customers being happy and make sure to thank them for coming to Chicago's Nancy’s.” Part of what keeps them coming is the freshness of the pizza. Dough is made from scratch every day, vegetables and toppings are delivered daily and their fresh spices are imported from all over the world.

In 1974, Rocco Palese and his wife Nancy invented stuffed pizza (known as deep dish pizza in Atlanta). Today Nancy's serves up thin and deep dish as well as take and bake pizza, appetizers, sandwiches and their signature salads.

Nancy’s Pizza in Midtown offers take-out, delivery and now seats 70 inside and 25 outside on a new covered patio! Nancy's is the perfect place to call when planning a get-together.

Best in Greek & italian Cuisine Since 1966

• Zagat Rated • Dine In or Take Out • Lunch & Dinner Specials

PLENTY OF OUTDOOR SEATING ON OUR LARGE DECK! Great Subs, Sandwiches, Salads & Wings

WE Deliver!

Carrying College & Pro Football on Multiple Plasma Screens

Since 1980

(Mondays Only)

$7.75 LARGE CHEESE PIZZA

Just off I-85 @ Clairmont (Corner of Briarcliff & Clairmont)

3109 Briarcliff Rd. | 404-320-1258

Fritti 309 N. Highland Ave. 404.880.9559 FrittiRestaurant.com

Located in the heart of Inman Park, Fritti is Atlanta's most elegant pizza restaurant. They are nationally recognized for their pizza with many outstanding reviews and awards.

Last year, owner Riccardo Ullio commissioned the thirdgeneration owner of the Naples based brick oven maker Uno Forno Stefano

Ferrara to build their new oven for Fritti.

This world class oven can maintain a temperature of 1,000 degrees and cooks pizza unlike anything you have ever experienced.

Fritti serves authentic Neapolitan Pizza that is prepared according to traditional artisan methods. The dough is made with Caputo flour and natural yeast. They use San Marzano tomatoes and the finest quality buffalo mozzarella. Try their Salsiccia e Pepperoni (Italian sausage and roasted peppers), the Cotto e Funghi (Crimini and Portobello mushrooms with cotto ham) or the vegetarian Estiva (fresh tomato, red onion & arugula). Along with the award winning menu, Fritti is known for their great value. For lunch Fritti offers a variety of Anti-pasta dishes for $10 or less. insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 9

MUSIC

WELCOME TO CAMP ANTEBELLUM Lady A’s 12-hour Work Day Keeps it All in the Family

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

I

T’S 3 P.M. AT THE GWINNETT Arena in a busy northern suburb of Atlanta on an unseasonably hot June afternoon. It’ll be another six hours before Lady Antebellum’s sold out show begins but fans are happily tailgating in the parking lot and a sizeable number of die-hards are already lined up near the front doors to be near the stage in the general admission pit that surrounds the stage.

Inside, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley have just finished their sound check. They bound into a busy production office with the same confident energy and accessible friendliness they exude onstage. Even though the band has been on the road since last fall, the Own The Night tour stars are fresh-faced, cleareyed, and seem genuinely excited to welcome their visitor into the band’s pre-show world.

Backstage, the walls are dotted with schedules that detail the day’s activities, beginning at 12 pm and loading out nearly 12 hours later. In between there are three different meet and greets and, oh yeah, an energetic 90-minute show to do at 9:15.

What is a typical day for Lady A? Do you guys get up early?

Kelley: Well, not too early. We roll out of our beds at 11 or so. The only time I actually wake up early is to play golf. We go in, get a cup of coffee, and then the day really begins.

Scott: Yeah, we normally miss breakfast.

Kelley: We literally get off the bus when we get here and won’t see it again until we get back on it at night.

We play a little ping-pong, start writing some songs, get a work-out in. Then it’s time for sound check, and after that it’s time to get showered, do the meet and greets and get ready for the show. We don’t just sit and watch movies. There really isn’t a whole lot of downtime at all. Right now, we’re already starting to write a bunch for the record, so Dave will put it together on his little portable studio and we’ll sing some vocals on a demo.

Scott: Sometimes right before we hit the stage!

Kelley: We’re always kinda moving. It feels like a traveling summer camp, because we’re so close to our fans and the crew.

Scott: I’m especially close to the drummer!

Is it difficult to tour and perform with your husband [drummer Chris Tyrrell]?

Scott: I think being away from your spouse is a whole set of challenges and being with them is another set of challenges. He usually rides the band bus so he gets his “bro” time and I get my alone time. He stays completely locked into the band, they love each other and they hang out. And I get to have some “me” time with my puppy!

Kelley: They make it work really well. There was an initial curiosity at first about how it would work. He’s such a nice guy and they’re very respectful about all that stuff. But its always a challenge. We’ve always been able to work out things like that. Shoot, when I was the first one married, it was always, “Ok, where’s the personal space, where’s the lines?”

Scott: We are truly mindful of it. But we’re newly-weds and there are moments where we’ll hold hands or he’ll kiss me in the hallway. But all of our band and crew are away from their family all the time. That’s the sacrifice they make on a daily basis. We try to be respectful of that and we don’t ever want to be annoying.

PG 10 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

Kelley: Y’all can make out in front of me, I don’t care. Go for it.

Haywood: We know each other so well now, when we need space, we just know it without having to say it. It’s like a marriage and I think we’ve done nothing but get stronger. We focus on our strengths and it all works out for the good of it.

Kelley: There’s always places you can go if you need a minute to yourself. But we’re all pretty sociable, too. We don’t like to be alone much. We’re all in the same bus, still. The three of us. We like to keep it that way. Sometimes we have writers out on the road with us, they’ll ride the bus with us and we’ll sit there after a show, open up a bottle of wine, and start writin’ songs. I think if we were all on different busses we wouldn’t have that. There may come a time when kids come into the picture, and that could change the dynamic, but for now we are trying to stay as close and creative as we can. It really is like a family out here.

Any tips on harmony for bands that don‘t get along as well as you guys?

Kelley: I recommend every traveling band buy a ping-pong table.

Scott: It’s bonding!

Kelley: It’s really the most bonding thing I think we’ve ever done. We’re always in here working together and I think it helps keep us close. We also have a room with a bunch of instruments in it, and we’ll all just go in there and jam. We’ve already written new songs with the band for the next record.

Haywood: We’re workaholics. There’s been plenty of times where we’ll get off stage and five or ten minutes later, we’ll be back working on songs.

Scott: With a ping pong paddle in our hand!

How do you guys plan the set list for each show?

Kelley: It evolves during the tour. We knew we wanted to start the shows with “We Owned The Night,” with that energy . But we have a lot of

mid-tempo songs, so the ticket is putting those in the right spots. You want to save your big songs, but you want to make sure the back half isn’t too ballad-heavy, too. It’s always a challenge.

I feel like our set has gotten to a good place now, it’s a great compliment to hear that people enjoy the pacing of the show. You want that nice ebb and flow. But it’s from trial and error.

Tell us about the importance of the meet and greets.

Scott: It’s our chance in every city to make personal connections with people we’ve never met before. I’m very much a people-person and being able to meet good people and shake their hand is great.

That’s the essence of Country music in so many ways.

Scott: Yes! I think that’s one of the reasons why country is different than any other genre, the artists’ willingness to make those personal connections with people, one-on-one.

And it’s obviously paid off. Tonight’s show is sold out, as usual on the tour.

Kelley: For us, it’s the first time to be able to sell out these places. We didn’t know what to expect when we started, but each night, it’s always fun to ask out tour manager, is it sold out? Yes! And it’s the best feeling.

Haywood: We’ve kinda been breaking our own personal record, each weekend. And I think that’s one thing that keeps us excited about it.

Almost every weekend, we sold, like, 18,000 tickets! More than we’ve ever sold before. We got up to around 19,000 a couple of weeks ago.

Every so often we set these sort of personal landmarks, which are goals we’ve had in mind for a long time. Now its very cool to get there.

Even Bruce Springsteen can’t even sell out every city anymore.

Kelley: There was a fear going into it, with the economy and stuff. We definitely put out a lot out there, so you kinda go, “All right, I hope this works!” So there was definitely some butterflies going into this tour but now its like, “My gosh, if this is any indication of what the future holds, then we’re fired up.”

The tour stage is very fan-interactive, too. It’s almost like seeing a club show, but on a huge scale.

Kelley: We hate when the crowd is too far away. I feel like the whole crowd feeds off the first few rows of every show. When they are up and their hands are up, you can feel it all over the place. When you’re out here on the road, you start writing songs that you think will translate well to the live show. So I think these big venues have rubbed off on us. A lot of the songs we’ve been writing are very big, singalong type songs.

Scott: The energy is infectious. And I must say, one of the most humbling things is seeing people spend their hard-earned money to come see us. We know that anything extra is a blessing, the way times are now. The fact that they would want to come see us and escape from all that stress for three hours is the most humbling feeling in the world.

A few hours later, the house lights dim, and the stage lights blaze as the three musicians rise up from the center of the stage, greeted by a thundering ovation. Along with a few thousand of their closest friends, and backed by a minimal but extremely well-rehearsed combo, once again they Own The Night.

STAGE

agave restaurant

CATHY RIGBY

an eclectic southwestern eatery & tequila bar . est. 2000

Soars Once Again as Peter Pan

Reservations at 404 588 0006 or online at : www.agaverestaurant.com

BY MARCI MILLER

242 Boulevard S.E. Atlanta . 30312

C

ATHY RIGBY TAKES FLIGHT IN an all new production of the two-time Emmy Award winning and two-time Tony® Award nominated production Peter Pan, coming to Atlanta’s Fox Theatre August 7 - 12.

Peter Pan is a unique, family friendly attraction of spectacle and fantasy. The thrill of flying, timeless magical moments and a captivating hook will mesmerize young and old alike.

American gymnast, actress and public speaker Cathy Rigby first caught the world’s eye when she was just 15-years-old. In 1968, she became the first American woman to win a medal in the World Gymnastics competition. Her winning popularized the sport of gymnastics in the U.S..

Her name is synonymous with Peter Pan, having performed the role on Broadway, in a National Tour in the 1990-91 Season, in the 1998 revival, in the Emmy Award-winning A&E Movie (for which she received critical acclaim), and in the recent 100th Anniversary Tour in 2004-06. We recently had the chance to speak with Cathy about the current production and what it takes for her to bring Peter Pan to life night after night.

How does it feel to be back doing Peter Pan? It’s been great. We expanded it last year and l took the show to Madison Square Garden in New York. It was well received and had great ticket sales, which is nice, especially when you have that much competition in New York City.

Then we started back up in California after the holidays. It’s a new cast, new sets and costumes... all refurbished and redone. We’ve added new elements to the show including the flying, new dance sequences, there’s a new Tiger Lily. I think it’s the best cast we’ve ever had. And it’s quite exciting. It seems to have touched a nerve, just in the reviews and the fact that the show has changed and grown and also there are so many people that are bringing a new generation of children to see it. They are reliving their own memories through their children. I think I’ve enjoyed it more this time than ever.

Tell us about the show’s special effects. What can the audience expect to see?

What I think is fun about the special effects is that we have more flying, we have a double harness now that allows you to really look like you are soaring. There is even more flipping around because Peter is reckless and all over the place. And we now have a Cirque du Soleil quality in some of the cast numbers including the silks that Tiger Lily and some of the Indians actually climb on. And there is the cloth that hangs on the forest from Neverland and they spin on it and do acrobats on it. It goes along with the new choreography that’s been added.

How rigorous is your training?

You have to work really hard at it because it is a physical show. The first act alone Peter flies in sings “I’ve Got to Crow” which is very physical, he’s cart wheeling and hand standing and then he sings “Neverland” and jumps around some more. So that’s the first 15 minutes on stage....and then you add to that the flying and the sword fighting.

There’s a big number that talks about Tiger Lily and Peter

Pan and the Indians become friends with the Lost Boys and there is about an 8 minute number of drumming and it’s a percussion number and a dance number and an acrobatics number, so by the end of that scene, the audience is screaming and we’re ready to take a break. But it’s fun, really fun.

People love the story of Peter Pan, how has the reaction been to this production of the show?

I just go on what I hear from audience members after the show. Most people have seen Peter Pan in some fashion but there is a very different feel about this one. I think the heart of the story has just come out more this time than ever and I don’t know why. Maybe I know it’s the last one or maybe because it’s just a great chemistry with the show and the people in it. I hear people say this is the best one yet. There is something unique about this one.

You actually are the producer of Peter Pan along with many other shows. What made you want to get into the producing end of the business?

About 20 years ago, we accidentally got involved with that. My husband was an actor at the time and had done many different productions. But somebody had said to him that Pope John Paul was coming to the LA Coliseum and asked if he could put a show together. And with 100,000 people watching he suddenly became a producer of theatre. From that point on, we started producing theatre shows and 18 years ago we took over the La Mirada Theatre of the Performing Arts in California and started doing a series. We realized we could launch shows from La Mirada and then bring them to Broadway or do a national tour and we also have a home base and a subscription. And fortunately it’s a lot less expensive than mounting a show in New York.

Do you still follow gymnastics closely? Are you excited for the Olympics this summer?

I don’t follow gymnastics as closely because between the conservatory and being on tour, it’s very busy. But I will certainly watch this summer.

It’s always exciting and I always get a knot in my stomach knowing how hard they work and only get one chance every four years.

And it’s such a precarious sport where anything can happen at any time. But yes, I’m always excited for them. I know how much it means to them.

Pre Selected chef’S MenuS & Private rooMS available Consistently Voted One Of Atlanta’s Best Restaurants INsite Magazine Best of Atlanta Winner Best Southwestern Cuisine & Best Margarita !!

Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!

BEST PIZZA!

& Multiple Atlanta Locations: www.JohnnysPizza.com insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 11

LOCAL

DRAGON*CON’S TALE IS 26 YEARS LONG

Beguiling Rose McGowan Stars in the Intergalactic Jamboree

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

T

PG 12 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

HE HEADLINER OF THE 26TH annual DragonCon sci-fi / fantasy / pop culture convention is the perfect personification of the internationally-known event: Rose McGowan. With a sleek air of danger, the beautiful actress has all the credentials necessary for DragonCon superstardom. Best known for her role as Paige Matthews in TV’s Charmed, she made her film debut two decades ago in the cult-favorite “Encino Man.” But it was her appearances in the ‘96 horror flick “Scream,” and 2007’s “Grindhouse,” an offbeat double-feature homage from Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, that really cemented her appeal with fantasy aficionados. If that’s not enough noir cred for the masked masses, she’s also in a new version of “Conan the Barbarian,” with fellow fave Jason Momoa. And for popculture purists, she was also on the cover of Rolling Store.

After a quarter century, the mighty DragonCon needs little introduction. It’s the largest science fiction, fantasy, and pop-culture convention of its type in the world, a sprawling convergence that currently attracts an average of over 45,000 fanatics. It’s the go-to destination of generations of hard-core gamers, collectors and observers. And where better to take a gander at the costumed revelers than at the 2012 Dragon*Con Parade? Scheduled for Saturday, September 1 at 10 am, the raucous rumble careens down Peachtree Street with the expected panache of the participants. 2011’s jaunt down the middle of town included over 3100 marchers, making a total spectacle of themselves. If you’ve ever wanted to wave at Wonder Woman or tug on Superman’s cape, this is the place to live those dreams, for free!

But if spending money isn’t a problem, head inside one the five host hotels, buy a pass and indulge. The places you’ll go will be out of this world! Browse a variety of dealers, offering every possible souvenir, t-shirt, game accessory, poster, photo, and any sort of comic-book related item imaginable, or take a look at the artist show. The Con accepts a variety of art and Jury submissions, from 2-D and 3-D artwork to photography and jewelry, so there‘s something for nearly every taste, in show and sale. The Dragon*Con Art Show is located in the Grand Hall West of the Atlanta Hyatt Regency Hotel. The Comics and Pop Artists Alley is located next door in the Grand Hall East, offering an easy-going commune of art programming. Comic book legend Stan Lee returns this year to delight the fans with his enthralling tales of superheroes.

Fans of all things celebrity-driven always enjoy the hallowed Walk Of Fame area. Over the years, the Con has hosted a wide variety of legendary celebrities, many of whom have sadly passed on since their visits. Just last year, for example, Ernest Borgnine held court at his table, gamely welcoming everyone remotely near his area with a smile, a hearty laugh, a manly handshake and, for a price, an autograph and photo.

This year, the line-up offers a typically eclectic guest list. In addition to McGowan, attendees can meet, greet and get personalized autographs from an impressive number of iconic celebrities.

TV’s Batman (Adam West) and Robin (Burt Ward), Superman (Dean Cain), The Hulk (Lou

Ferrigno), Buck Rogers (Gil Gerard) and Star Trek’s Patrick Stewart, Nichelle Nichols and LeVar Burton will all be on hand. Niche television favorite “Eureka” is well-represented again this year, with stars Colin Ferguson, Niall Matter and Jamie Paglia. Also expected: Kenton Duty from “Lost” and the hit Disney show “Shake It Up.” Even the Grandpa of shock-rock, conservative classic rocker Alice Cooper will be available to sign and pose for photos. Finally, fans have been quivering with an-ti-c-i-pat-ion for this invitee, the actual owner of those siren-red lips from the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” movie intro and the accompanying iconic poster and video/dvd box, the lovely and outrageous Patricia Quinn.

As day turns into night, (and can you really tell the difference in the throes of DragonCon?) live music will highlight the con with mind-bending, late night performances from a wildly varied slate of artists. As usual, The Cruxshadows, a popular staple of the music at the gathering, will perform. A blend of new wave, gothic, pop, rock, and electronica, the band bridges the moody, sensual corners of darkwave, ebm, and the electro-alternative scenes.

If music isn’t your thing, DragonCon comprises at least 3500 hours of panels, seminars, demonstrations, and workshops, with over 30 specialized programming tracks. These tracks, or fan-centric meetings, include highly interactive panels on anime, gaming, literature, robotics, Star Trek, Star Wars, American and British fantasy, international favorites and many more.

What could possibly add any more weirdness and diversity to the proceedings than Wrestling? Yes, grunt ’n’ groaners are the rage at DragonCon. Last year was the tenth anniversary of the wrestle-manic happenings and the event producers promise this year’s grrrrrr-fest will be one of the most frenzied happenings yet. (Breakaway) tables, chairs and ladders will splinter as the contestants put the strangle-hold on their hyped-up opponents.

Wrestling wraps its pumped, inked arms around Friday night’s schedule, with rounds located on the humid but scenic pool-level of the Hyatt.

What’s better than wrestling to let off a little geeky steam? Burlesque, of course. The voluptuous performer known as Talloolah Love is the producer and star of the 2012 burlesque show and has announced that the theme is, appropriately, “A Glamour Geek Revue.” The bash is sure to bring out the glitz from the teeming masses of sweaty Geek Chic.

Also on tap: awards, puppets, and general sci-fi related mayhem. In addition to the chaotic fun, the event is good for the local economy, According to Georgia State University‘s Robinson College of Business, DragonCon attracted over $21 million dollars of direct economic impact to Atlanta in 2007, followed by an estimated $25 million in 2008. The colorful event also raises tens of thousands of dollars for charities and blood drives.

So what are you waiting for? Dress up as your favorite character, or better yet, invent your own– and go!

DragonCon 2012 will be held from August 31 - September 3 at the Hyatt Regency, Marriott Marquis, Hilton, Sheraton, and Westin Peachtree Hotels. Visit dragoncon.org for more info and registration.

FILM FILM

TRUMP Movie Reviews CARD 360



If you’re tired of mindless summer movies, do a 180 and see 360. The film has an impeccable pedigree, being directed by Fernando Meirelles (City of God, The Constant Gardener) from a screenplay by Peter Morgan (The Queen, The Last King of Scotland), with a large international cast, only a few of whom will be familiar to U.S. audiences. The format is borrowed from the classic La Ronde, where we follow a character from one story into the next and another character out of that one, and so By Love on B. until we come full circle. The plot is s onediagrammed of AmericA’s more easily thanmost synopsized. successful and high profile A young Slovakian woman is businessrecruited men, Donald was wellHer known by an Internet pimptrump in Vienna. first long before survivor mark Burnett scheduled client isproducer a businessman (Jude tapped him to wife star in the Apprentice.

But Law) whose (Rachel Weisz) in London there’s no denying that the reality show is having an affair with a Brazilian whose turned trump fromhim. a cartoonish girlfriend leaves On thecuriosity way home into bona fide phenomenon, with his signasheaencounters a man (Anthony Hopkins) ture catchphrase– fired!”– inextricasearching for his“You’re runaway daughter and a bly pop Foster) culture released, lexicon. perhaps sexentering offenderthe(Ben Although thefrom Apprentice prematurely, prison.initially Then flounthere are dered a bit in the ratings, Burnett trump the Russians... It’s complicated, and as they say, stumbled upon a winning by recruitand connecting people formula is sometimes too ing secondthird-tier athletes, much of aand stretch (Doesactors, anyone fly from models a celebrity edition Londonandtomusicians Miami byforway of Denver?), but of360 theisshow. now in its third incarnation, often borderline brilliant. the celebrity Apprentice tosses disparate –Steve Warren

he’d move out of his parents’ (Christopher Walken, Mia Farrow) house, get his head out of his toy collection and maybe find a job working for someone other than his father.

Nepotism aside, he couldn’t keep that job if secretary Marie (Donna Murphy) didn’t keep bailing him out. She’s like a guardian angel, even in Abe’s dreams, where she takes on a different persona. Abe’s life moves into a new phase at a wedding reception where he makes a one-sided connection with Miranda (Selma Blair). She grudgingly gives him her number, then agrees to a date.

Not sure he can get a second date with her, Abe proposes on for the so first. through readingmarriage about them manyThat’s just the of what’s less athat plotyou than years, butbeginning a lot of times somebody a series of of odd don’t think so situations, highly turnsreal outortoimagined. be a star.

Solondz has been Allen’s dark You just don’t knowcalled what Woody will happen with side. His be confused with pressure anddialogue the heat can’t of battle. anyone else’s, including what may be the What doesthis a celebrity have do to really best line year: “It’s notto cheating when set apart and show that they’re youthemselves despise each other. ” Gelber’s terrific as a in it towho winsettles it? for less – less than a degree, man i can telllove you–from seasons andto.

2 and less than so you don’t 1have from the regular Apprentice, people really –Steve Warren

The Donald Waxes Rhapsodic On The Celebrity Apprentice, “You’re Fired!” & Fixing NBC

A

want to win. every once in a while you’ll have quitter,KNIGHT but it doesn’t THEaDARK RISEShappen often. i think the reason they do it is the level of intensity they feel for their charity. Unlike Oneregular of theApprentice, most anticipated films in years, the where somebody sadly the opening of Thegood Darksalary Knight works for me for a pretty forRises a was with marred by slaughter The year, this one the moneyand goes pain. to charfilmLast takes eightmillions years after Gotham ity. yearplace we raised of dollars. stars such as rocker Bret michaels, wrestler was nearlyhastorn apart that by the The everybody a charity theyJoker. love; some Goldberg, baseball legend Darryl strawberry, anniversary of they’ve District Harvey are foundations set Attorney up themselves COMPLIANCE former governor ron Blagojevich and sharon Dent’sin Death day show. of remembrance for years advanceis ofa the so i think they  osbourne together for a variety of teamthe city, has not beenit’sseen and really fightBatman more intense because a charbuilding exercises and challenges designed to There are two ways to make most people ity they’re fighting Bruce Wayne hasfor. become a recluse. Evil, test theirthe business believe most mettle. absurd, outrageous things: masked and massive villain Bane has faked “the Donald, ” as theoncrazy-coiffed Label them “Based true events”real or have What are your challenges watch the death of afavorite scientist, the one to man who estate known, recently themmagnate related ifbyoften an authority figure,held such the celebrities tackle? knows the inner workings of a nuclear court reporters discuss the show’s as a with police officer.to Compliance does the reactor Well, wethat do have a lotEnterprises of different challengWayne plans to current season. first, but it’s about someone who does the es, we goclean back energy. to the selling of Selina the usewhether to generate Burglar second. The official synopsis gives far lemonade or doingwith something else very basicto Kyle, a woman shady connections Can youspoilers tell us athan littleI bit the selecmore will,about but the less you without havingtotoWayne’s deal with Proctor when & GamBane, comes attention she tion process? know the better. You think Chick-Fil-A has ble or Kodak, etc. sometimes [sponsor-based is caught stealing a string of pearls from his it’s very interesting, because so many problems?

Check out the Ohio ChickWich challenges] are sort of interesting, butmassing they’re personal safe.

Armies of misfits are celebrities want to be ontakes the show afteralmost the where Compliance place, expensive for us below to do. the ratingsWhen suggest in the tunnels the city.

Bane success of the previous two seasons.

We in real time, on a busy Friday night. The that the fans’ favorite part of the and showdeclares by seals off the island of Gotham wanted some athletes, some actors, some manager, Sandra (Ann Dowd, who looks far thatis the the boardroom, people are and nowtheinboardroom charge, Bruce models and some wrestlers, so i would say gotten longer over the years because like Bette Midler if she let herself go), has Wayne must again become the Batmanofand probably six or seven people per spot we the challenges still have plenty of time receives a call from an “Officer Daniels” (Pat that. try to restore order, save his beloved city were turning down. the hardest thing is that and we’re focused on both aspects, but Healy).

He says a customer has complained and survive the greatest challenge he’sweever we really have some good people that want been trying to lengthen the boardroom that an employee, Becky (Dreama Walker), have faced.

Unfortunately, the film falls short to go on very badly. But i guess maybe we’ll because of strong viewer requests. stole something from her purse.

He in many respects.

Tom Hardy’s Bane is save them for the next show, because it looks virtually deputizes Sandra over the phone, shown as a brute, rather than as the brilliant like that’s going to happen. like a prosecuting having her detain Becky and search her You’re and crushing force fansattorney expect. in the Marion boardroom. Do you meter your approach to and her belongings.

His demands get more Cotillard as Miranda Tate does well, but How is this season going to be different than personalities? and seasons? more bizarre, but he’s a smooth talker different her presence and importance to Wayne is past Yes, i think you deal with different people who play or bad to get never explained, leaving viewers wondering Well,can when yougood have cop a success likecop we’ve differently. i deal with Goldberg differently people to comply with them.

It’s easy for us had, you don’t like to do too many changes. what they’d missed since the last film. than i deal with Governor Blagojevich. i to sayweSandra otherstone. should What do haveand is a the different the know cast Gary Oldman’s Commissioner Gordon with Dennis rodman and Joan rivers is something’s wrong, butthey’ve who knows how dealt has been very interesting: been very largely absent, Bale’s Batman is forgettable, differently than some of the other contesyou might act nasty, in theirbutsituation?

It becomes tough and very there’s also a lot of while You Hathaway’s Catwoman is better than tants. have to have that ability. maddening to with watch but impossible to stop expected fun and humor respect to what happens, and Michael Caine delivers the watching because you’ll see one. how far best performance of the film. Finally, Nolan which i don’t think we hadhave in thetolast How do you feel going back in the boardit’s going to go.

If, like me, you complain With Joan [rivers] and with Piers [morgan], reliesafter on awkwardly and repeatedly mashing a little hiatus? are people too much alike, youeach won’t room itthat was movies really nasty really hating sentimental buttons i just get a great kickthat out better of it. i storytelling really like see another like thishate anytime soon. but it’s other. these people each other, made unnecessary. good film, itwould’ve a lot. they want to renew it It’s for aanother –Steve Warren a great way to spend three hours, but cannot also funny. i think that might be the biggest two or three seasons, and we’re thinking differentiation in terms of the three casts. approach high bar that Nolan set about that.the i like having a little bit himself of a break DARK HORSE so high with the Dark Knight. between shows, where it goes on once a year.  Can you usually tell right off the bat who is –Justin Patterson going to do well and who isn’t?

Do you ever feel bad about firing someone, Life’s awkward moments extend that’s always the most interesting ques- into ELENA or is it just part of the job? awkward lives in a Todd Solondz movie. tion to me because i’d like to think of myself i always feel bad… no, not always. somethe with case people. in Dark Horse.i’ll say, Abe  asThat’s being okay But often times i don’t like people. the hard ones are Wertheimer (Jordan Gelber) is at the Elena opens with long, static shots that will “this one is going to be a star,” and then he when you really like and respect somebody awkward 35, You “toonever old for American turns out toage be aofdud. really know. persuade film buffs Yasujiro Ozu is alive Idol” young for these – well,celebrities nothing, if and they make a mistake. Like, as an exYou feeland liketoo you’ve known

KILLER JOE “McConaughey delivers what may be his best film performance since A Time To Kill and Dazed & Confused. If the film was more market-friendly and hadn’t been slapped with an undeserved NC-17 rating, McConaughey might be up for some awards. He’s that good in Killer Joe.” Our review:  and working in Russia. At last a woman plot in motion, doesn’t provide as many stirs and so, briefly, does the camera. highlights as usual. The best part of Ice Age Elena is not prettier than the trees and IV is the cartoon that precedes it, in which furniture we’ve been watching (Remember Maggie Simpson attends a day care center the Wendy’s commercial about the Soviet named for Ayn Rand! beauty competition?), but we hope she’ll be –Steve Warren more interesting. After breakfast with her husband Vladimir, Elena goes across town KILLER JOE to bring money and groceries to Sergei,  her grown, married, slacker son from an earlier marriage. At least it gets her – and Matthew McConaughey is having quite us – out of the house. As it becomes clear a summer. First he’s effective as a district that Sergei’s family needs Vladimir’s money, attorney who is all ego and bad wig in Richard Linklater’sBut terrific film Bernie. the movie raises expectations It turned out to Beamong a good phrase, It was a Then he goes about stripping and stealing film noir fans, only to dash the them. very There FIrst show I was a LIttLe FLuke. durIng scenes in Magic Mike as an epic sleazeball. areexasperated sequences where the musicone suggests wIth oF the contestants and I used something is about to happen, but even And in William Friedkin’s take on Tracy Letts’ dark, [producer] dark, dark first playMark Killer Joe, the LIne, “you’re FIred!” when when it’s not a false alarm it starts too far McConaughey delivers what may be his Burnett andevent.

I agreed toin do the show we dIdn’t have ahead of the eventual As you wait best film performance since A Time To vain for that. a surprisewe whilethought heavily telegraphed we’d Kill say,and“get the heLL out Dazed & Confused.

If the film occurrences unfold, you’lloFbehere” reflexivelyor soMethIng. pushing an imaginary fast forward button if was more market-friendly and hadn’t been undeserved NC-17 rating, you seescott ElenaHamilton, in a theater, realseason. one if slapped fact thatwith you an raised such self-sufficient ample, from or thealast McConaughey might be up for some awards. children? iyou hadwatch to let scott go. i’m aAtgreat of there’s scott: it at home. longfanlast He’s that good in Killer Joe, where Well, i’m getting a lot of credit on he theplays chilHe won ending olympicthat goldleft medals and he’smy a great a WTF me wanting two the title character.

Joe is a cop by day and champion. understood that he made hours back.ButIshethis Russia’s revenge for the dren. everybody’s been asking about ivanka a damn good, untraceable killer-for-hire by and the answer is yes, she’ll be back on the acold mistake on the show and i really had no War? night, and the Smith family in a Texas trailer choice. i felt very badly about that, because –Steve Warren show. But they’re very good kids. they went park hasgood a useschools, for him.

Chrisgreat (Emile to very andYoung they were i considered him to be a great person, but i Hirsch) needs money to pay off a the have to do CONTINENTAL what’s right. it’s DRIFT never fun, but it’s students. i couldn’t wait to get them on drug ICE AGE: supplier, so he his father show. i had no convinces idea the show would(Thomas be into easier when i don’t like somebody or when  Haden hisseason, brash, which clothing-optional itsninthChurch), and tenth is pretty they’re really, really bad.

Like a band of senior rockers squeezing stepmother (Gina Gershon) and dreamy, amazing in the world of television. out one tourfired, for” the money, theculIce virginal sister Dottie (an excellent Juno That line,more “You’re became a pop Age phenomenon. franchise, which livedabout up tothethe Temple) to murder Momsurrounding and collectNBC the There’s been lots of news ture Cannever you talk potential of the original, may hit a new low insurance Joe is a professional with lately, andmoney. your show does well for them. origin of it? with Number work strictyousetthink of rules abouttopayment, but NBC needs do to get back it turned out Four. to be a The goodtechnical phrase, but it is aWhat still aexcellent but the very storyfirst is show forcedi was and he takes a shine to Dottie and convinces in the ratings game? was fluke. During and the with humor himself bendJeff theGaspin rules a(chairman bit. Naturally, as Well, itoknow of nBc auninspired little exasperated onerarely of thehumorous. conMammoths (voiced

by Ray Romano) in every movie about entertainment) a murder plot, nothing Universal television and, as testants and Manny i used the line, “You’re fired!” and Ellie (Queen Latifah) are nowand thei parents you know, new to the role. think he’s of quite he’s as planned.

But, in ithe midst When [producer] mark Burnett agreed goes going to the do atwists spectacular job at nBc. they to the showPeaches we didn’t havePalmer), that. Wesetting the of adoteenager, (Keke film, and turns each character need are more shows likesexy theand Apprentice. not thought we’d say, “Get the hell outsloth of here” or takes up stale sitcom situations.

Sid the (John equal parts sick. Friedkin, necessarily a reality but something. of a sudden went whose Leguizamo)And is all reunited with America his Granny mostfrom famous filmstandpoint, is The Exorcist, theymade need the shows that capture the imaginacrazy over the show. happens to be a great (Wanda Sykes – anditwhen she manages not also Letts adaptation of Bug, which tion. catchphrase. tV Guide or one of the major to be funny, that’s an accomplishment!); and featured great work from Michael Shannon frankly, shows on should entertainment magazinestiger did a(Denis poll and, after and Diego the sabre-tooth Leary) Ashleycertain Judd. As withthat Bug,areKiller Joe is a be changed because, they get some “Here’s Johnny!” andinterest, one otherShira great,(Jennifer it was finally gets a love little too stagey and while claustrophobic.

It just prettylike good reviews,isthey don’tthe get play. peopleBut #3 on thebut topshe’s 100 part phrases in television hisLopez), of the crew of Capt. feels someone filming watching. tory! thatDinklage). was a prettyThe big latter honor.isit’s been there it’s nice to getinboth. hadjust Gutt so (Peter a pirate are some scenes here We’ve that you an amazing thing and an challenging amazing phrase that have emmytonominations and a lot of good whose ice floe is forever the one see. Mark my words, you willacnever just seems toarework. it really caught on, and colades our way,the andsame that’s way always our heroes trapped on after a cataclysm think of passed fried chicken again it’s beenup an the amazing thing also to watch. nice. watching But ultimately you have to have people breaks ice while dividing land after this movie. well. i know masses into continents. Even Scrat the watch. nBc is going to really do–Benjamin Carr What do you thinkacorn-grabbing is your biggest sets accomSquirrel, whose the their leadership and i think they’re winners, plishment, your business success or the

so i think they’ll turn it around.

insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 13

SAVAGES 

This is Oliver Stone’s latest, a gritty and brusque look at love and the lengths to which it drives people of conviction. It centers around three characters who enjoy an unusually suitable love triangle. Blake Lively is O, a trust-funded free spirit who enjoys the love of both Chon (Taylor Kitsch) and Ben (Aaron Johnson). Ben is a genius and horticulturalist who has developed an incredibly potent strain of marijuana and Chon is the war veteran who brought back the seeds from Afghanistan and provides the occasionally necessary muscle to the operation. They’ve a growing and satisfied customer base and not a care in the world.

Their peace is interrupted when a Mexican cartel (run by Salma Hakek) decides to move to the States and take over operations.

When the cartel’s blunt edge (Benicio Del Toro) is unable to finesse negotiations, O is kidnapped. Ben and Chon are forced to comply or fight. The two put everything aside to save O, the one part of their lives that makes them worth living. The plot may hint at the bloodfest that was Natural Born Killers, but Savages is something different.

It focuses instead on duty, obsession and need to protect what is dearest. Wellpaced and with a brilliant soundtrack, the viewer will be led along rather than pushed.

Stone put together a dream cast and tells a great story. The passion is intense and the violence incredibly real. In the midst of summer popcorn flicks, Savages delivers an excellent, well-told story.

–Justin Patterson

TO ROME WITH LOVE 

Believe it or not, I’ve never watched a single Woody Allen film before. This is strictly by choice. I never bought into the hype of him as a director, so I never felt the need to watch any of his films. Despite my opinion, Allen has at least 40 films and 3 Oscars to his credit. Though his films can be hit-or-miss with audiences, I had really high expectations after all of the fanatic fuss about Midnight In Paris.

To Rome tells four stories of how the magical Italian city can breed infatuation, wanderlust, and dreams even in the most rigid characters.A budding architect (Jesse Eisenberg) is advised by a seemingly older version of himself (Alec Baldwin) about life and love. Newlyweds visiting Rome to meet the husband’s family get separated end up in intriguing and sexy situations with an Italian film star and a prostitute (Penelope Cruz). A normal middle-class Roman (Roberto Benigni) gets thrown into the celebrity spotlight for being…normal.

When a young American finds love during a vacation, her parents (Woody Allen and Judy Davis) come to meet her fiancé, but Allen’s dad smells a way out of operadirecting retirement when he hears the fiancé’s dad (tenor Fabio Armiliato) singing beautifully in the shower. Every story could have been a film on its own. But there was such a large cast working toward different goals, it made the story feel stretched too thin. You could tell that Woody intended to use Rome as its own character– as a muse that drove everyone to make decisions they wouldn’t normally have made elsewhere.

On one hand, this is charming. But on the other, I wound up wanting to focus on one story rather than all four. One thing is for sure; Woody wanted to make Rome feel beautiful intriguing and enchanting. This, he accomplished. Unfortunately, that’s all he accomplished… which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

–Kalena Boller PG 14 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES “(Christian) Bale’s Batman is forgettable, while (Anne) Hathaway’s Catwoman is better than expected and Michael Caine delivers the best performance of the film. Finally, Nolan relies on awkwardly and repeatedly mashing sentimental buttons that better storytelling would’ve made unnecessary. It’s a good film, a great way to spend three hours, but cannot approach the high bar that Nolan himself set so high with the Dark Knight.”

Our review: 

TOTAL RECALL 

but, compared to the Siegel Family, you’ll likely feel your family is MUCH better off.

In this documentary, directed by Lauren Greenfield, Jackie and David Siegel are heads of a billionaire family notorious for largerthan-life business ventures and matching lifestyle. With lavish homes, private jets and fancy cars, Jackie never wanted for anything and David felt no hesitation to give it to her.

The film starts out showing the Siegels in all of their prideful glory, especially with their home building project: an enormous mansion based on the Palace of Versailles that would be the largest home in the U.S. Add to that the construction of an equally large time-share condo building in Las Vegas, and it seemed like this family was on top of the world. But when the stock market took a plunge in 2007, the reality of their wealth began to surface. David, reluctant to give up property he worked so hard to attain, did not want to concede to the vice grip of the Wall Street banks. Jackie, on the other hand, took a more proactive approach in making sure that her family donated as much to charity as possible, and tried to teach her children the true value of a dollar. It seems unbelievable that a family with so many children, employees and business ventures could have no sound financial foundation. Jackie even talks about how neither she nor her husband discussed the possibility of college with their kids.

Some may find this laughable, but I found it disheartening. In the end, Jackie and David are just like anyone in America. Are they going to be ok? Do they know how to find solace in each other? This film will really get you thinking about what it means to be truly wealthy, and the consequences not being prepared for the worst.

–Kalena Boller

With movies like The Bourne Legacy and The Expendables 2 coming out, August is ripe with glossy flicks to entice the action lover in your home. For Total Recall to get its piece of the testosterone-stuffed pie, producers hope three things work in their favor: Colin Farrell, nostalgia and cool special effects. Seeing as how Farrell’s one of Hollywood’s most overrated names (the last three movies he’s headlined– Fright Night, Pride & Glory and In Bruges– grossed a combined $41.8 million), we’ll just cross that first one out now. As for nostalgia, this reboot of the ’90 cult fave starring Arnold Schwarzenegger has many of the original’s beloved elements: unbelievable cars, threebreasted chicks and a central story about a guy (Farrell) who can’t differentiate dreams from memories after visiting a mindmanipulating bar. The new Recall does stray from the first version by skipping the trip to Mars. It stays on an Earth divided into two sections: the flourishing United Federation of Britain and the crumbling Colony. But don’t worry about the original’s campiness being swapped for deep social messaging this time. Director Len Wiseman (Live Free or Die Hard) only hints at anything of heft; instead, he tries to captivate with busy fight sequences. He’ll accomplish his goal on two occasions– a rapid-fire chase scene with some sliding elevators and a rather unique shootout in zero gravity– but mostly, there’s just a lot of clunky dialogue and running around on The Matrix Reloaded backlot. Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel, who literally fight for Farrell’s attention a third of the movie, are easy on the eye, but ultimately they’re unable to make Total Recall’s producers’ dreams of a sci-fi winner THE WATCH much of a reality.  –DeMarco Williams “Like Ghostbusters, with aliens” is a THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES serviceable concept for a serviceable  comedy. It’s set in Glenville, Ohio but filmed in Atlanta, where good talent comes The Great Recession made us pause and cheap. Ben Stiller starts a neighborhood realize how much we took for granted. watch after a security guard is murdered Many spent money they didn’t have, in the big box store he manages. He’s only gambled with other people’s livelihood and able to recruit three others: Vince Vaughn, paid a hefty price. Today’s debt is daunting, who wants to party with the boys while

making sure his teenage daughter doesn’t; Jonah Hill, who’s overcompensating for being rejected by the police academy; and Richard Ayoade, who’s recently divorced and looking to meet women. Eventually they learn of an extra-terrestrial presence in Glenview and of course it’s up to them to save the planet because that’s what neighborhood watchers do – in between dick jokes. There are enough of the latter to bore a middle schooler, but some of them are amusing. (Expect chuckles, not belly laughs.) Director Akiva Schaffer is good at handling abrupt changes of mood – funny to scary and back again. The stars do what they usually do, which is enough to keep this lightweight item watchable.

–Steve Warren

THE WELL-DIGGER’S DAUGHTER 

Lovers of French cinema will have expectations raised too high for the reunion of actor Daniel Auteuil and author Marcel Pagnol, whose Jean de Florette and Manon of the Spring made Auteuil a star. This time he not only stars but adapted and directs the remake of a 1940 film. The plot shares much with Pagnol’s Marseilles Trilogy, known to Americans from stage and screen incarnations as Fanny: country girl gets pregnant; the father leaves, not knowing; an older man offers to raise the child as his own. The classes of the two men are switched and things play out differently here. Astrid Bergès-Frisbey (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) ranges from drab to luminous as appropriate in the title role of Patricia, who meets wealthy Jacques (Nicolas Duvauchelle) on her 18th birthday.

He goes off to win World War I, leaving his father to fight her father (Auteuil, unpleasantly believable as a man who would bite off his face to spite his nose) with pride and stubbornness, with the girl and her baby virtual pawns in their game. The lush Provence countryside lends itself to lovely images but Auteuil’s writing and direction are doggedly uncinematic and the acting uneven, lessening the film’s emotional impact by about a third.

–Steve Warren

FILM

ANNE HATHAWAY

They Say You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression, but Anne Hathaway Apparently Never Heard That Expression.

BY BRET LOVE

R

ELEGATED TO TEEN-FRIENDLY fare such as The Princess Diaries and Ella Enchanted during the early stages of her career, she showcased her increasingly mature talent and range in films such as Brokeback Mountain and The Devil Wears Prada. She garnered her first Academy Award nomination with a stunning turn in director Jonathan Demme’s Rachel Getting Married, playing a recovering addict who comes home from rehab to inject some dysfunctional drama into her sister’s nuptials. She then went on to star in box office blockbusters such as Bride Wars, Alice In Wonderland and Valentine’s Day. She seemed to take a step back from the spotlight in 2011, doing a voiceover for the animated hit Rio and starring in the poorly received romantic drama One Day. But now the gorgeous New Jersey native is back with two major films that should re-establish her as one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses. First up, she stars as Selina Kyle (a.k.a. Catwoman) in The Dark Knight Rises, the grand finale to director Christopher Nolan’s widely revered Batman trilogy. In December, she’ll likely court Oscar attention once again with her role as Fantine in director Tom Hooper’s Les Misérables, in which she co-stars opposite an A-list cast that includes Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Helena Bonham Carter and Amanda Seyfried.

For Hathaway, who grew up fantasizing about singing and dancing on Broadway (and did a show-stopping musical number with Jackman at the Oscars a few years ago), the experience proved to be a lifelong dream come true. We recently spoke with the actress about those dreams, and how her current career measures up.

When you were growing up, who were the actresses you admired most?

Julia Roberts. Pretty Woman was my

Princess Diaries; I used to watch it every day. Katherine Hepburn has always been one of my favorites, and Jessica Lange and Sigourney Weaver. There are a lot. I would never go to see a movie just because someone was in it, but the closest person I’ve ever had like that is Drew Barrymore. I would see anything she’s in. I just adore her.

I’ve met her, and I was so star-struck.

What has surprised you most about your career so far?

I’m genuinely surprised that I keep getting asked back.

Why? Well, because I’m an actor, so I’m horrifically insecure. (Laughs) All of this has been a surprise! When I was 14 years old and dreaming of being an actress in New Jersey, I didn’t know this was how it was done. I didn’t know this was possible. My idea of being an actor was understudying the lead in a Broadway show, having student loans, living with five other dancers and waitressing on the side. That was my understanding of what an actress was and, for a lot of people, that’s what being an actress is. So right now I’m existing in a stratosphere that I find very surprising.

You became famous when you were just 19 years old. What keeps you grounded?

Gravity. (Laughs) I’d like to think part of it is just me not being a [jerk]. But I have to give my family credit. I come from salt-of-the-earth people.

Their lives haven’t changed since their daughter, or niece, or cousin became a wellknown actress, and they still go about their own routines. I want to be a source of surprise for them, not a source of

shame. So that’s a big part of it. But I’m still just 29, so mistakes can still come.

Obviously Christopher Nolan and Tom Hooper are two of the world’s most respected directors. Can you talk about some of the other directors who helped you get where you are today?

Garry Marshall was the best first director to have. He’s kind of like a grandfather to me now. He was so loving, and saw the very raw talent in me, and edited [The Princess Diaries] together so I came across as a much more polished actress than I was at the time. Flash forward to Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain). I never really talk about this, but it was difficult for many years to think, have I peaked? Am I only going to be the girl from The Princess Diaries? Then Ang Lee said, “Yes, I see you as something else.” That was not only amazing for me to develop as an actress, but just psychologically, for my ego. David Frankel (The Devil Wears Prada) helped me come off as a woman. And as much as I love everyone I’ve worked with, I have never trusted anyone as much as I trusted Jonathan Demme, so I was really excited for where we went with Rachel Getting Married.

Your role in Rachel Getting Married was shocking to some people because it was such a different type of role from what they’ve come to expect from you.

Did you take on that role intending to change people’s perceptions of you as the “princess”?

No, I’ve been saying since The Princess Diaries came out that I was not going to do any performances in reaction to it. I don’t

perceive myself in that way, even though I understand that that may be how other people perceive me. I don’t think of myself as a celebrity, I think of myself as an actress, so it’s always been about finding interesting material. I knew eventually I would find a story that would really put the tiara on the shelf for everyone else, because it’s been on the shelf for me ever since I made the first Princess Diaries.

Before The Dark Knight Rises, you’d only made one film in the last two years. Were you concerned about being oversaturated after making several movies back-to-back?

I don’t know. I’m a middle class girl from New Jersey who stared at the lights of Manhattan and dreamed about being on Broadway. I would go up on these hilltops and look out to see the city lights– this was before Manhattan became an outdoor mall– and I had this idea that I was gonna be this fantastic bohemian surrounded by all these fabulous gay friends. So it still doesn’t occur to me that I have the right to become over-saturated. I feel like I’m lucky to work. But I do know that there are interesting filmmakers out there who are making movies in an interesting way, and I don’t like to speculate on the future in any way… especially when it comes to turning down work! (Laughs) How does the reality of your life now compare to those dreams you had when you looked out over New York City?

I thought if I could just sing on Broadway, I’d be a success, and I’ve gotten to do that. But I didn’t know things like movie premieres in 3,000-seat theaters existed, and I didn’t imagine I’d get to tell all these great stories. It’s cool, because right now it feels like I’m getting back to the basics of the dream, which was to tell good stories.

That’s what I wanted as a young girl, even if I didn’t think about it in those terms. Now that my terms are clearly defined, it’s like, OK, now I can begin.

IT’S COOL, BECAUSE RIGHT NOW IT FEELS LIKE I’M GETTING BACK TO THE BASICS OF THE DREAM, WHICH WAS TO TELL GOOD STORIES. insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 15

CONCERT CALENDER FRIDAY AUGUST 3 529 Brain CENTER STAGE United Sounds of Africa EARL Ava Luna EDDIE’S ATTIC Sans Abri FAT MATT’S The Stooge Brothers MASQUERADE Dawn Is Broken NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat PEACHTREE TAVERN Dallas Martin Band SMITH’S Papa Grows Funk STAR BAR The Kentucky Bridgeburners VARIETY Little Feat VINYL Garret’s BDay Bash WILD BILL’S Eric Lee Beddingfield SATURDAY AUGUST 4 529 Order of the Owl CHASTAIN Arrival From Sweden w/ ASO EARL The N.E.C. EDDIE’S ATTIC Jill Andrews FAT MATT’S Atlanta Boogie MASQUERADE Dubascension 5 NORTHSIDE TAVERN Colonel Bruce SMITH’S John Fullbright STAR BAR Smokey’s Farmland Band VINYL Young America WILD BILL’S Winger SUNDAY AUGUST 5 EDDIE’S ATTIC Grocery FAT MATT’S Tony Bryant MASQUERADE Battle of the Bands MONDAY AUGUST 6 529 Kishi Bashi EARL Red Sea EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Dry White Toast TUESDAY AUGUST 7 529 Ricer EDDIE’S ATTIC Paul Warner FAT MATT’S Crosstown Allstars THE LOFT Aesop Rock MASQUERADE The Dangerous Summer PEACHTREE TAVERN All-Star Jam STAR BAR Citizen ATL WEDNESDAY AUGUST 8 529 And That Is Why CHASTAIN Music of John Williams w/ ASO EARL Juiceboxxx EDDIE’S ATTIC Tripp & Tyler FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blue Mission MASQUERADE Red Jumpsuit Apparatus PEACHTREE TAVERN Ocean Street STAR BAR Sing For Your Supper Club THURSDAY AUGUST 9 529 Wymyns Prysyn EARL Walk from the Gallows EDDIE’S ATTIC Gareth Asher FAT MATT’S Chickenshack MASQUERADE Bootylicious PEACHTREE TAVERN Lauren Ashley SMITH’S Glossary STAR BAR Free For Ya’ll VARIETY Dirty Projectors FRIDAY AUGUST 10 529 Free Acid #10 AARON’S Carnival of Madness Tour EARL Archers of Loaf EDDIE’S ATTIC Barry Waldrep FAT MATT’S Mud’s Kitchen MASQUERADE Pathology NORTHSIDE TAVERN Eddie Tigner’s BDay PEACHTREE TAVERN Groove Stain SMITH’S Chris Edmonds STAR BAR Cousin Dan VINYL Echo Romeo WILD BILL’S ATL Ol’Skool DJ Battle

PG 16 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

SATURDAY AUGUST 11 529 Hunger 9 AARON’S Flashback Festival EARL Archers of Loaf EDDIE’S ATTIC BMI Showcase FAT MATT’S Rumblefish MASQUERADE mewithoutYou NORTHSIDE TAVERN Ike Stubblefield PEACHTREE TAVERN Tyler Reeve SMITH’S Ray Wylie STAR BAR Hi-Test WILD BILL’S Heidi Newfield SUNDAY AUGUST 12 EARL Sebadoh EDDIE’S ATTIC Liz Longley FAT MATT’S Tony Bryant MASQUERADE Bad Veins VARIETY The Stanley Clarke Band MONDAY AUGUST 13 529 Jonny Corndawg EARL Wayne “The Train” Hancock EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Dry White Toast SMITH’S The Memorials TUESDAY AUGUST 14 EARL Russian Circles EDDIE’S ATTIC Saints of Valory FAT MATT’S Crosstown Allstars MASQUERADE Blackout Superstar PEACHTREE TAVERN All-Star Jam TABERNACLE The Dreamcatchers VINYL Stevie Monce WEDNESDAY AUGUST 15 529 Canadian Rifle EARL We The Lion EDDIE’S ATTIC Hannah Miller FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blue Mission MASQUERADE School Boy Humor PEACHTREE TAVERN Plato Jones THURSDAY AUGUST 16 529 Good Golly Svengali EARL Little Country Giants EDDIE’S ATTIC Radney Foster FAT MATT’S Chickenshack MASQUERADE Loud Life Loud SMITH’S Xavier Lewis STAR BAR Sleepy Genes FRIDAY AUGUST 17 529 The Left Field Experiment CHASTAIN Big Bad Voodoo Daddy EARL Waller EDDIE’S ATTIC Sans Abri FAT MATT’S Sly Dog MASQUERADE The Resurrect It NORTHSIDE TAVERN Stoney Brooks PEACHTREE TAVERN Six Shot Revival SMITH’S Col. Bruce Hampton TABERNACLE Enanitos Verdes SATURDAY AUGUST 18 529 Sultan Bathery AARON’S Jazon Mraz CHASTAIN Sunset Jazz EARL Cloudeater EDDIE’S ATTIC Jay Brannan FAT MATT’S Seminole Jackson MASQUERADE Mass Ska Raid NORTHSIDE TAVERN The Breeze Kings PEACHTREE TAVERN JK & The Lost Boys SMITH’S Cigar Store Indians STAR BAR Five-Eight VARIETY Elvis Royale VINYL Kyron Leslie SUNDAY AUGUST 19 EARL Estrogen Highs EDDIE’S ATTIC Jay Brannan FAT MATT’S Tony Bryant

PHILIP’S ARENA presents Enrique Inglesias & Jennifer Lopez (August 29)

MONDAY AUGUST 20 529 Hot Moon EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Dry White Toast MASQUERADE His Name Was Iron VARIETY The Brian Jonestown Massacre TUESDAY AUGUST 21 529 Dunes FAT MATT’S Crosstown Allstars MASQUERADE Let It Happen PEACHTREE TAVERN All-Star Jam WEDNESDAY AUGUST 22 529 Gruu CENTER STAGE Ted Nugent EARL Ezra Furman & His Band EDDIE’S ATTIC Luna Strings FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blue Mission MASQUERADE Suicide Silence PEACHTREE TAVERN Velcro Pygmies SMITH’S Three Legged Fox VINYL Afton Showcase THURSDAY AUGUST 23 529 Nophest Day 1 CENTER STAGE Steve Vai EARL Novakord EDDIE’S ATTIC Ron Pope FAT MATT’S Chickenshack MASQUERADE Bootylicious PEACHTREE TAVERN John King Band SMITH’S Josh Gilbert VINYL Mike Martin FRIDAY AUGUST 24 529 Nophest Day 2 AARON’S Toby Keith, Brantley Gilbert CHASTAIN Loretta Lynn EARL From Exile EDDIE’S ATTIC Patrick Davis FAT MATT’S The Tone Prophets MASQUERADE Zomboy NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat PEACHTREE TAVERN All The Locals SMITH’S Sean McConnell STAR BAR The Evils VARIETY Jeff Lorber Fusion VINYL Neil Cribbs SATURDAY AUGUST 25 529 Nophest Day 3 AARON’S Phish BLIND WILLIE’S Delta Moon EARL Jungol EDDIE’S ATTIC Mandy Gawley

FAT MATT’S Ron Cooley & The Hard Times MASQUERADE Fang Island NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat PEACHTREE TAVERN Cope SMITH’S Rebirth Brass Band STAR BAR Y La Bamba VARIETY Loudon Wainwright III VINYL Cody Marlowe SUNDAY AUGUST 26 EARL The Reigning Sound EDDIE’S ATTIC Gin House FAT MATT’S Tony Bryant MASQUERADE Champagne VINYL Coy Bowles & The Fellowship WILD BILL’S WiLD Summer Bash 2012 MONDAY AUGUST 27 529 Wolves And Jackals EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Dry White Toast TUESDAY AUGUST 28 529 Hull w/ Hawks EARL Ours EDDIE’S ATTIC JoyScout FAT MATT’S Crosstown Allstars WEDNESDAY AUGUST 29 529 Alphamale EARL Lightnin’ Ray & The Mystics EDDIE’S ATTIC Gabriel Kelley FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blue Mission MASQUERADE Sublime w/ Rome PHILIPS Enrique Inglesias & Jennifer Lopez STAR BAR Nothington THURSDAY AUGUST 30 529 Blake Rainey BLIND WILLIE’S Heather Luttrell EARL Puffy Areolas EDDIE’S ATTIC Cumberland Collective FAT MATT’S Chickenshack MASQUERADE OTEP PEACHTREE TAVERN Cole Swindell SMITH’S Austin Archer VINYL Volt Summer Music Series FRIDAY AUGUST 31 529 Colleen Green CHASTAIN Foreigner w/ Night Ranger EDDIE’S ATTIC Rodney Crowell FAT MATT’S The Hollidays NORTHSIDE TAVERN Frankie’s Blues Mission SMITH’S Eric Dodd STAR BAR Bareknuckle Betties WILD BILL’S Matt Stillwell

FILM

STEP UP TO A REVOLUTION IN DANCE!

BY MARCI MILLER

S

TEP UP: REVOLUTION IS THE LATEST in the Step Up movie franchise, which sets the dancing against the vibrant backdrop of Miami. Emily, played by Kathryn McCormick, arrives in Miami with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer and soon falls in love with Sean, played by Ryan Guzman, a young man who leads a dance crew in elaborate, cutting-edge flash mobs, called “The Mob.” Although this is the fourth installment of the series, this is the first movie for its young stars Kathryn McCormick and Ryan Guzman. Kathryn hales from Augusta, Georgia and starred on a national tour with the troupe from Fox Network’s “So You Think You Can Dance.” Ryan Guzman is a former MMA Fighter who has now turned his attention to dance. The veteran in the group is Jamal Sims, the film’s creative director and choreographer. Jamal has worked on all four Step Up films along with Footloose, Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour and Dancing with the Stars.

Flash Mobs play a big role in this film. What did it take to film these sequences?

Jamal Sims: We shot most of it on location in Miami and some in studio. Its not like one of those flash mobs that you see on You Tube where people just go out and have these generic steps, these were really designed to be special for the movies. So, we made sure the environment, whether we used escalators or cars that were bouncing, was cool enough to warrant these flash

mobs and would make the 3D stand out. And make the experience for the viewer really cool. We had to go to so many places to see where we were going to shoot and what was going to be the best option for each number.

Ryan – Dancing is so different from being an MMA Fighter. Did you do any extra training for the role?

Not really. They paired me up with Katherine and I did a week of additional training before I went to Miami. I dove into it and hopefully it worked out. I had no clue how hard dance was until I got in there and started doing it with them.

As far as the training, I put it right up there with MMA. We would do training every day for three weeks for nine hours. I lost 15 pounds in the first week just from dancing. But for me, dancing is fun. As soon as they introduced me to the dance world I was just engulfed by it. It was something I wanted to be a part of. And I think I’ll forever be a part of it now.

Katherine - How did working on “So You Think You Can Dance” train you for the movie?

Being on “So You Think You Can Dance” means you are always paired up with a partner to tell a story. I think that’s really powerful and it translates into acting because you are always given a certain situation or circumstance that needs to be portrayed for the audience. I realize the importance of telling stories. I started to understand how to use my background and where I came from and the experiences I had to connect.

WITH ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

AUGUST 8

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

SUNDAY AUGUST 19

ILDIVO.COM

KELLYCLARKSON.COM • THEFRAY.COM

AUGUST 23 AVAILABLE NOW

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24

SUGARLANDMUSIC.COM

ON SALE NOW! Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets including Publix Super Markets.

TICKETMASTER.COM 1.800.745.3000 Tickets also at the venue box office (M-F: 10am-6pm; Sat: 10am-2pm; closed Sunday).

The venue is conveniently located off GA-400 in Alpharetta.

For venue info, visit VZWAMP.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/VERIZONWIRELESSAMPHITHEATRE

NOVEMBER 1 All artists and schedules subject to change without notice. All tickets subject to service charge. Concerts rain or shine.

Owned and operated by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Fri, Aug 10

Carnival of Madness

Sat, Aug 11

KISS 104.1 Flashback Festival

Sat, Aug 18

Jason Mraz w/ Christina Perri

Fri, Aug 24 Sat, Aug 25 Wed, Sept 12 Sat, Sept 15 Fri, Oct 5

w/ Evanescence, Chevelle, Halestorm and more

Ford F-Series Presents

Toby Keith w/ Brantley Gilbert & Thomas Rhett Phish Rockstar Energy Drink

Uproar Festival Brad Paisley w/ The Band Perry & Scotty McCreery On Fire Tour

Miranda Lambert

Sat, Oct 6

Journey w/ Pat Benatar, Loverboy

Sat, Oct 20

Rascal Flatts w/ Little Big Town, Edens Edge & Eli Young Band

Thu, Oct 25

Twins of Evil Tour:

Rob Zombie & Marilyn Manson 4PACK LAWN TICKETS available for select shows

Charge By Phone: 800-745-3000. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. *Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.

G/AaronsAmphitheatreAtLakewood U@LiveNationATL CHARGE BY PHONE : 800-745-3000. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.

insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 17

INTERVIEW

THE VOICE

From 24 to Allstate, Dennis Haysbert Makes You Feel Like You’re In Good Hands

BY ALEX S. MORRISON

Y

OU MIGHT NOT RECOGNIZE Dennis Haysbert by name, but if you’ve seen 24, The Unit or any Allstate commercial made over the past nine years, you’re definitely familiar with his deep, soulful voice. Haysbert had dozens of film and TV credits over the course of his 30-year career before playing President David Palmer on 24 catapulted him to fame. Now he’s making the transition to movies, with several films set for release over the next few months.

At what point did you realize that your voice would be a defining characteristic in your career?

That’s hard to say, because I’ve been trying to do voiceovers from day one. There are a lot of guys doing voiceovers, so it was hard for me to get in the door. You had people like James Earl Jones, whom people have closely related me to, and Morgan Freeman and a host of other guys who came before me. It was just one of those things of, “OK, now it’s your turn.” I think it wasn’t until Allstate that the voice really started to take off. I’ve been with them now for over 9 years for voiceovers and commercials.

When you got cast as President David Palmer on 24, did you realize it was going to be such a huge pop culture phenomenon right off the bat?

No. You always hope that it will be. I knew I had to really hunker down and take the role a lot more seriously than I took other roles, because this one had the potential to change lives and

change the way audiences see black people. It was a lot of responsibility that I put on myself.

I knew I had to play this role in a way so that people would accept that I was playing a real president on screen. It was very important to me that I be believable.

a role that is loved and respected. I’ve been to the Middle East and Japan visiting the troops for the last 6 years, and our men and women in the armed forces love The Unit. It’s one of the Top 5 or Top 10 shows in the military, even though the show has been off the air for two years.

It seems very interesting that now we have a very calm, unflappable, strong black president.

I’m guessing you noticed the similarities there.

Were you in support of President Obama?

I did as much as I could, and there were reasons I won’t go into right now that I wasn’t involved more in campaigning. I think it had a lot to do with my representation at the time.

During the second season of 24, when David Palmer became president, a reporter asked me, “Do you think there will be a black president anytime soon?” I said, “Yes, in 2012,” and the reporter literally laughed. I said, “What’s so funny?!” I’d walk down the street and people would tell me they’d love to vote for me! I don’t know if I inspired Barack’s success. Romantically, I’d love to think I did, but I have no delusions about it. But the fact is that it was just four years before that actually happened. I wondered where that reporter was [when Obama was elected], and what he was saying to himself.

Is this helping you to move more in the film direction?

It’s starting to now. I have a brand new team surrounding me, and I’ve never been as busy as I have been in the last 20 months. I think a lot of things were blocked, which I think is common in this industry. You really have to be careful who your representation is.

24 and The Unit must have opened your career options considerably. Can you talk about how thing have changed for you as an actor since then?

It’s kind of weird to talk about. Fortunately, right after 24 ended I got the call to do The Unit, which turned out to be a really good move and

SEPT. 14 & 15

Don’t Miss Out on the Fun!

What’s your vision for where you like to see your career go from here?

I’d like to see myself in more action-packed movies that excite you and that also pull at your heartstrings. I’d like to continue to do that on television as well.

Are you still doing any theater?

Man, I made my Broadway debut two years ago and I can’t tell you how hard it was and, in the same breath, how exhilarating and how much fun it was. I love theater! That’s where I started, and that’s where I’d like to continue to flourish. I love Broadway. If I get another opportunity to do Broadway again, I’ll jump at it. It’s the best clean drug you can use…

TH

4

ANNUA L

FRI 4-10PM ★ SAT 12-8PM

Presented By

SOUTH ATLANTA

(Laughing) Raccoons?

Yeah, raccoons are the catalyst for what goes on in the movie. Tobey Maguire and Elizabeth Banks are a married couple, and Tobey wants to grow a lawn in his backyard. He gets the sod laid and it looks gorgeous, but the next morning all of his sod has been torn up and we find out it’s raccoons looking for worms. So he’s got to figure out a way to get rid of these raccoons.

Meanwhile, he’s having marital difficulties, not getting laid as often as he’d like, and he’s caught having an affair. I play the guy he plays basketball with, and I’m down on my luck. I should’ve been a Top 5 pick for the NBA, but I had an accident and my career was over before

it started. He balances out his bad karma by doing nice things for me. The film is brilliant, and I think people will enjoy discovering it when it comes out.

T H E C RO S SROA D S OF BBQ

The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater LEXUS

Can you tell me a little bit about your forthcoming film, The Details?

It’s a story of love, marriage, lust, betrayal, friendship and raccoons.

G G

AT L A N T I C S TAT I O N FOOD ★ LIVE MUSIC KIDS AREA ★ GIVEAWAYS

$6 ADVANCE / $10 DAY OF SHOW

KIDS 12 AND UNDER FREE WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY ADULT

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

ATLBBQFEST.COM

Billy Ocean!

August 11 Tickets: Reserved - $45 - $55; Lawn - $40 Tickets available at www.ticketalternative.com or the Fred Box Office.

For more information visit us on twitter, Facebook, www.amphitheater.org or call The Fred at

770.631.0630 PG 18 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

Do Your Back to School Shopping and New!

Sandy Springs

6500 Roswell Rd. (404) 497-0701

Little 5 Points

$ave!

L5P Hours EXtended for BTS!

1111 Euclid Ave (404) 658-1988 www.

ragorama.com

Women’s · Men’s · Accessories

Regular Hours Mon – Sat 11-8 • Sun 12-7

Road Warriors

This Month’s Hottest Shows

BY SACHA DZUBA

AUGUST 8 - KELLY CLARKSON & THE FRAY

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Kelly Clarkson may forever be in our hearts as the first winner from American Idol, but her music career has shown that she is so much more than a television creation and manufactured sensation. Her latest album, Stronger, is full of tracks to empower her fans. Known for feisty, straight shooting lyrics and a powerhouse voice, this singer has truly shown the world that she is an artist.

Clarkson is joined by The Fray’s Americana piano rock sound. Their latest album, Scars and Stories, is filled with buoyant enthusiasm and is played from the heart. A stellar show from two highly popular acts, a great night of music.

AUGUST 10 - CARNIVAL OF MADNESS 2012: CARNIVAL OF MADNESS, EVANESCENCE, CHEVELLE, HALESTORM, CAVO, NEW MEDICINE

Lakewood Amphitheatre This concentrated set of hard rock bands, creates a full six hour performance of some of the best alt-metal, hard-rock, and postgrunge. The lovely Amy Lee will charm with her powerful voice along with the highenergy, newly electro-infused performance

of Evanescence. Chevelle maintain their Tool-esque metal/rock riffage with their latest offering “Hats Off to the Bull”.

Halestorm support their latest “The Strange Case of…”, continuing their female fronted metal assault. A full-day of heavy rock, expect to be on your feet and crowd surfing.

AUGUST 18 - JASON MRAZ

Lakewood Amphitheatre Jason Mraz, the smooth pop-folk songster is bringing his uplifting groove to the Atlanta masses. Known for positivity, light music, and silly wordplay, Mr. A-Z’s latest album is “Love is a Four-Letter Word”. It’s best characterized by two other four letter words…L-A-I-D B-A-C-K. This show is certain to be full of crowd pleasing hits like “I’m Yours” and “Lucky”, but cynics need not attend. Mraz is bringing affirmations and reminders that though we live in troubled times, you should remain optimistic and always look on the bright side of life. If stress has got you all worked up, or the blues has got you down, Jason Mraz has the “Remedy”.

AUGUST 23 - MATISYAHU

The Masquerade Matisyahu has created a musical style that is charming, uplifting and deep. The very idea of a jewish holy man walking into a club to beatbox and sing reggae may sound like the start of a joke, but Matisyahu’s meaningful songs and lyrics are engaging and exhilarating. Touring in support of his latest album “Spark Seeker”, he uses a blend of reggae, beatboxing, hip-hop, and rap,

along with jazz scat singing and the hazzan style of songful prayer. He has been quoted as saying “I want my music to have meaning, to be able to touch people and make them think. Chasidism teaches that music is ‘the quill of the soul”, this characterizes his music perfectly.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012 - STEVE VAI

Center Stage Steve Vai has a list of accomplishments as a virtuoso guitarist and musician that is nothing short of incredible. Being taught from his friend Joe Satriani at 12, transcribing and playing with Frank Zappa at 18, 3 Grammy awards, this man is brilliant. He’s a regular touring member of G3 (along with Satriani) but this show is the guitar alien, solo. Supporting his latest alchemical music creation The Story of Light, your mind will bend, flex, and expand with the astounding musicianship of Vai. Yes, it’s an evening of all-out guitar virtuosity, so be prepared for shredding, mind blowing guitar solos.

AUGUST 25 - OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW

Fox Theatre Atlanta When you listen to Old Crow Medicine Show, you feel like you’ve gone back in time. The Old Crow Medicine Show can fool you into thinking that you’ve accidentally put on an old-timey bluegrass band from the 50’s.

Similarities can be drawn by fans of the Avett Brothers or Mumford and Sons, but the country/bluegrass music that OCMS creates is pure distilled traditional sounds. Banjo rolls rumble along complex guitar and bass lines as the fiddle player furiously bows his

WE GOT NEXT PLACEHOLDER

AUGUST 28 - OURS W/ JAMES HALL AND THE FUTURA BOLD

The Earl Melodic, melancholic, and majestic, Ours, is coming to The Earl . Jimmy Gnecco has one of the best rock screams you will EVER hear. Though his perfectly controlled falsetto has drawn comparison to Jeff Buckley, he has a range and soulful vocal style that is entirely his own. Rumors abound that Jimmy Gnecco will be replacing Scott Weiland in Velvet Revolver, but Jimmy has by no means set Ours aside. Though there is a possible new album on the horizon, Ours are currently supporting their fourth release, The Heart: X Edition. This album is a full-band perspective on Jimmy’s previous solo-acoustic album.

The brilliant James Hall and The Futura Bold will also be performing, adding even more soulful musical intensity. This evening will be filled with unforgettable music.

AUGUST 29 - SUBLIME WITH ROME W/ CYPRESS HILL

The Masquerade Sublime was an American reggae fusion band blending styles of hip hop, surf rock, punk, and reggae. Sadly, frontman Bradley Nowell didn’t get to see the commercial success that they reached with their third album, as he passed away from a heroin overdose two months prior to its’ release. For over a decade, Sublime was no more. They are now reformed as Sublime with Rome, adding singer/songwriter Rome Ramirez.

New recordings from their release “Yours Truly” will intermingle easily with classics “Santeria”, “Wrong Way”, and “What I Got”.

Performing with them is “Insane in the Brain” hip-hop group Cypress Hill. A great night of music that will may you jump, dance, and sing along.

Artists on the verge of making it big

Latest Project: Nothing is Pure (Better Days) For Fans of: Hot Water Music, Handguns and Polar Bear Club Why You Should Care: Because these punk rock upstarts have done more in a year than some bands manage to accomplish in a career.

BY JOHN B. MOORE

T

heart out. Heartbreaking, harmonious, and a rousing spirit, this ain’t no snake oil, it’s just the medicine you’ve been searching for.

HE MARYLAND/PA-BASED BAND Placeholder has put out an EP, a full length and managed to rack up at least one potential. Not bad, for a band that’s been together for just over a year.

The punk rock/post-hardcore four-piece have managed to find that sweet balance between teeth-rattling guitar chords and melody bringing to mind everyone from Hot Water Music to Polar Bear Club.

Having just released Nothing Is Pure, their debut full length on Better Days Records, and with summer vacation coming up, expect to find the band at a club near you. And if

front man Brandon Gepfer gets his way you may even see a flaming guitar. No promises though, we’re still in a shitty economy.

Let’s start out with how the band first got together?

Marco (Florey) and I had been in a band together previously, and we liked each other so much that we quit that band to get to be together on a more intimate level. Evan (Braswell) played guitar pretty well, and Noah (Krepps) had a bass guitar. I don’t remember us really wanting to do anything other than writing, but it eventually turned into playing shows, recording, touring and making millions of dollars.

You changed your band name recently. Was someone threatening to sue?

Yeah, we used to be called Coastal. There are literally 10,000 bands with that name or something related to Coastal. Another band called Coastal is on some label from Utah.

Their label contacted us and said that we are violating a trademark, or whatever it was. To avoid any conflict that potentially could’ve happened we just decided that we’d change our name. It’s really dumb, I liked being Coastal. Time moves on and life happens.

I feel. How did this recording experience compare to the EP? Much better. We knew what we wanted to sound like and how we wanted the general flow to be. The EP was our first time in the studio together and we felt rushed to get things done, and I believe that had a huge impact on how the songs turned out. Generally, I was a lot more anxious to record these songs. The music was better and I felt more confident about them, I think the rest of the guys feel the same way about them.

Can you talk a bit about the new record?

The record is titled Nothing is Pure because Everything Sucks was already taken. Lyrically, the record is about a person in my life, myself and a certain spiritual being that may or may not exist above us. Every song is about one or all of them interacting with each other.

The record isn’t about hating yourself or hating others... In all honesty, it’s about finally realizing, for me, that no one is going to be on your side forever, and since that bums me out I wrote about it. A little back story on that is that I used to be in love with a person that really wanted me to find God, and needed me to find him fast so that she could see herself with me. That doesn’t work, I am not pure, I can never be pure. You feel?

How did you end up connecting with you label Better Days?

Cassidy (Myers) put out a Handguns record that Marco was a part of, so I think that was probably a big factor.

The album’s just come out, so what’s next for the band?

Touring for a lot of the summer, while the youngsters have off school. We’ll be all over the U.S. from May to August, it’ll be pretty neat. Hopefully our van doesn’t blow up. We will be recording some new songs for a 7’’ to be released sometime in 2012. What I really want to do though, is to set my guitar on fire at a show. I’ve just been watching videos of that and I think it’d be really fun. I don’t care what anyone thinks, a flame engulfed guitar rules. insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 19

MUSIC

MUSIC

Album Reviews

Reviews by B. Love, DeMarco Williams, John Moore & Lee Valentine Smith

The Dean’s List BARONESS – Yellow and Green (Relapse) with stops at the liquor store and the church Thinking man’s metal

BL: It was just a few years ago that SPIN magazine published an in-depth look at Savannah’s burgeoning metal scene, with bands such as Baroness, Blacktusk and Kylesa leading a charge of bludgeoning sonic aggression. Now, with the breakthrough success of Georgia bands such as Mastodon and O’Brother, the Peach State seems to be emerging as one of the world’s most fertile breeding grounds for groups that traffic in pummeling riffs.

Baroness remains one of its best.

But calling Baroness a metal band doesn’t really do their richly textured sound justice.

Like Mastodon and Coheed & Cambria before them, the quartet (frontman John Baizley, drummer Allen Blickle, guitarist Pete Adams and new bassist Matt Maggioni) blends hard rock riffage, prog-like experimentation, atmospheric instrumental passages and jackhammer-to-the-skull drumming to create a sound all their own.

Once again produced by John Congleton (Polyphonic Spree, Explosions In The Sky), Baroness’ third LP continues the color theme and artistic progression of 2007’s The Red Album and 2009’s Blue Record. As the title suggests, it’s actually a double LP containing 18 tracks full of sprawling ambition, and it’s arguably their best work to date.

Opening with the ambient guitar textures of “Yellow Theme,” the album launches into the rollicking lead single “Take My Bones Away,” a surprisingly accessible rocker featuring signature twin guitar leads and Baizley’s baritone bellow. But where once he’d scream and holler to get his point across, these days Baizley sings, and the band’s melodies are all the better for it. From the post-punk harmonies of “Little Things” to the proto-prog dreaminess of “Cocainium,” it’d be difficult to describe this album as metal, and the Green half of the set is darker, moodier and more masterful than anything they’ve ever recorded. The result may not endear them to the hardcore headbanger set, but to my ears it cements Baroness as one of the world’s most intriguing rock bands.

SHOVELS & ROPE – O’ Be Joyful (Dualtone Records) Alt-country’s new dynamic duo

LVS: Duos are all the rage these days, with the impressive rise of The Civil Wars and the lingering influence of the minimal but sonic power of Jack White’s production style. But the hot new two-some called Shovels and Rope aren’t the Black Keys or some Taylor (Swift)-made plastic doll set.

They’re a raw and energetic act that often takes the Steve Earl route out to the country PG 20 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

on the way to their own rocky copperhead road.

With vibrant aural personalities and rough-hewn harmonies, Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent are making a lot of noise on the current scene. The Columbia, South Carolina band employs old guitars, harmonicas and a worn-out drum set to write and perform their frayed fables in the tradition of House Of Freaks or Boo Hewerdine and Darden Smith. “Keeper” and the joyously redemptive title track echo the best of that other low-overhead duo from the ‘80s, Texas’ Timbuk 3. Speaking of the ‘80s, singer-songwriter-drummer Will Rigby’s often-overlooked contributions to the dB’s seems to reverberate at all times, especially in the slap-happy “Cavalier.” A great debut from two charmingly off-center collaborators that started just a few years ago by recording Ramones covers and quirky little murder ballads. Yep, the future looks bright for this talented new band.

HEART – Strange Euphoria (Epic/Legacy) Classic rock sister act crossing the generational divide

JM: Canadian sibling act Heart is one of those bands that has always been around, or so it seems. Despite the changing fads and musical styles, they always manage to keep up without compromising their distinct sound. So much so that, when you start to calculate all of their hits over the past few decades (“Magic Man,” “Dreamboat Annie,” “Barracuda,” “These Dreams,” “Never,” “What About Love,” among many others), it starts to dawn on you just how much of a cultural touchstone this band was for more than one generation.

As laid out in Strange Euphoria, an impressive 3-CD/DVD boxed set, the band’s success ebbed and flowed over the years, but they managed to remain relevant at least some of the time throughout the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Their songs, with big choruses and great, loud rock guitars, found an audience with ‘70s stadium rockers like Ted Nugent, Aerosmith and Journey; kept up with MTV’s hair metal crowd during the Reagan years (check out the dreadful hairsprayed look in their videos); and even managed to win over their adopted hometown crowd during Seattle’s grunge heyday. The boxed set, which blends their hits and some lesser-known tracks, includes plenty of live takes and several demos.

The accompanying DVD is from a 1976 concert filmed for public TV in Washington State. Ann and Nancy Wilson re-launched Heart in the aughts, but never really had another big hit. But that shouldn’t take away from the songs that did hit big throughout most of their career, which still get regular love on reality shows such as American Idol and The Voice. It also hasn’t stopped them from packing sheds across the country every summer with fans screaming for an encore of “Barracuda” and “Never.”

THE BACON BROTHERS – Philadelphia and a deadly weapon. I honestly can’t remember another hard-rock singer, male or female, that Road: The Best Of (Hypertension) Yet another actor who’d rather be a rock star

LVS: Record/ CD bins are often dotted with the latest musical attempts of screen stars of the moment.

Let’s face it: besides me, who else would want a Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan album? The best-known of these well-intentioned mistakes are the often laughable (but kitschy cool) LPs from William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. But, in the case of Kevin Bacon, the busy character actor was a part of the Philadelphia music scene years before his acting career made him an in-demand player and a pivotal piece of pop-culture trivia, with the formerly-ubiquitous “Six Degrees Of Kevin Bacon” game.

On this collection, Kevin and his older brother Michael have collected the best of their lowkey recorded output from the past decade and a half. The disc features a generous amount of previously-released originals as well as a new cowrite with another sibling act, country music’s Bellamy Brothers. The 20-song package retains a pleasingly unified group sound– a ragged Americana hybrid with stops at all the familiar places: rock, folk, blue-eyed soul and, of course, country, with surprisingly satisfying results.

One does wonder whether any of these songs would have seen the light of day without Kevin’s star power. But, since Michael scores films, perhaps some of the tunes would’ve ended up as background tracks for bar scenes or as incidental music from a passing car or storefront.

Thankfully, the songs are uniformly wellcrafted, and most are downright catchy and instantly memorable. “Unhappy Birthday” opens the set with a plaintive acoustic strum and the Bacons’ earnest vocals. “Grey Green Eyes” adds a polite bit of funky soul to a southern California country-rocker, while the Bacon-Bellamy collaboration “Guilty Of The Crime” could be a hit in the hands of one of today’s hot young artists. But here the seasoned vets trade verses and leads with just the right amount of maturity and raspy authenticity.

Sure, you’ll listen for the novelty of yet another movie star record, but you’ll stay for the impressive songwriting and delivery. GRADE: B

ROYAL THUNDER – CVI (Relapse) Southern swamp metal blues

BL: At the risk of alienating our feminist readers, it’s no secret that finding an incredible female vocalist in the hard-rock/metal world is like finding a black man in the NHL: You can do it, but it takes some SERIOUS searching. Which is precisely what makes Royal Thunder’s Miny Parsonz such an incredible discovery: She’s like Robert Plant and Janis Joplin had a daughter who grew up listening to Black Sabbath and The Plasmatics.

The band’s full-length debut is blues-inflected Southern swamp metal with a decidedly pointed edge, featuring Parsonz’s banshee-like screams and wails over sludgy guitar riffs. The songwriting is solid throughout, but Parsonz is clearly the star here, using her voice alternately as a kittenish come-on, a melodic force of nature,

I’ve ever been more impressed with upon first listen. GRADE: B+

THE INNER BANKS – Wild (Dag! Records) Brooklyn couple makes sweet music together

JM: Brooklyn musicians Caroline Schutz and David Gould manage to complement each other beautifully as The Inner Banks, as closely as, say, a married couple (which they also happen to be, so that works out well).

Wild, their third release, continues to defy obvious categorization falling somewhere between breezy indie pop (“Box and Crown,” “Ana Peru”) and sweeping instrumentalists (“Sketch,” “Freaky”). They also manage to ladle in plenty of organ, strings and steel guitar making their latest a bit more eclectic, but no less enjoyable, than their first couple of albums.

A tad moody at times, the record still sounds remarkably fresh and could easily become Brooklyn’s best kept indie secret for many.

Their label Dag! was founded by Gould, which is a blessing considering this is not music that is destined to appeal to everyone. But to those who fall for them, they will likely fall hard. GRADE: B

B.o.B. – Strange Clouds (Rebel Rock/Grand Hustle/Atlantic) A smashing smorgasbord of sounds

BL: There was a time in the ‘70s when radio was fun to listen to.

You could turn on Casey Kasem’s “American Top 40” and hear everything from Willie Nelson and James Brown to ELO, Blondie and the Bee Gees… all on the same station! For a kid who grew up listening to that smorgasbord of sounds, today’s narrowly-defined niche stations seem like a boring box of chocolates where you ALWAYS know what you’re gonna get.

Though he made his name on the underground hip-hop scene, B.o.B.’s debut also featured rock, pop, folk and electronic influences. With a list of guest stars that includes Nicki Minaj, Ryan Tedder and Taylor Swift, his sophomore album promises more of the same.

Opening with a foreboding voiceover by Morgan Freeman, “Bombs Away” starts things off with a funky fury, as B.o.B. spits venomous rhymes (just in case you’d forgotten his ability to blaze a mic). “Ray Bands” is a summertime party track about a gold-digger eager to catch his eye (and wallet), but the title track carries more weight, with B.o.B. and Lil Wayne trading verses over a slammin’ beat. Few artists use guests as smartly as B.o.B.: “Both Of Us” featuring Taylor Swift is this album’s “Airplanes,” “Arena” featuring Chris Brown and T.I. is its “Past My Shades,” and the country-inflected “Never Let You Go” featuring Ryan Tedder is an oddball track a la “Magic.” But Bobby Ray is at his best when he gets introspective on the folksy “So Hard To Breathe,” a deeply personal rumination about the high price of fame.

The Adventures of Bobby Ray was a showcase for B.o.B.’s promise as a rapper /singer-songwriter/ producer, but Strange Clouds delivers on that promise in spades. GRADE: A+

TRAVEL

THE TRAVEL GURU

Travel Writer Extraordinaire/TV Host Rick Steves On The Future of Travel

T

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

he internationally renowned 57-yearold travel guru Rick Steves, TV host/ best-selling guidebook author, and 2011 Society of American Travel award winner took some time with INsite recently. He was more than willing to open up to us about everything from eco-sensitive tourism and travel blogging’s future to his love of the piano and the best places to score marijuana.

How is the ecotourism movement changing the world of travel?

Mmmm, I don’t think it is.

So you just feel that this I don’t want to say fad, but this trend towards more eco-conscious tourism isn’t changing things?

MY FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD IS INDIA AND THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENTS: SRI LANKA AND NEPAL.

Well, there are people that are selling green tours and so on, but I think you have a carbon footprint when you decide to fly somewhere, and then you travel around and you consume a lot of stuff. For me, eco-sensitive travel is probably in a way where you gain an empathy for the other 96% of humanity and you come home and you employ that broader outlook by being a steward of the planet, by helping to elect governments that are sensitive to peace and justice and environmental, sustainable and climate change issues and so on. But, I don’t travel around the world in a way that tries to consume less. I travel around the world in a way that tries to open my mind and give me empathy and inspire me to come home and make this world a better place because America has a huge imprint on this planet and I think it is important for us to realize that we’re 4% of the planet, spending as much on the military as everybody else put together. That is the primary environmental issue for me.

How has travel writing changed since you got involved in it?

Well, travel writing has morphed with technology. It used to be just print, now it’s print and electronic. 90% of my sales are still in old-fashioned print and 10% of my sales are in electronic. It’s interesting to know that electronic is exciting, but certain genres of books are staying primary print. Children’s books are 90% print. Travel books are 90% print. [With] novels, the majority of sales would be electronic these days.

With this evolution of electronic media, of course, enters the blogger. What is the blogger’s role in this evolution? Do you think they have a firm voice?

Well, I don’t know. I’m not doing surfing in Hawaii or fancy restaurants in San Diego. I mean, a lot of people are really into social media and blogging for their information. I am just pretty much old school. This is Europe.

It’s the wading pool for world exploration.

It’s the most important sort of travel market for international travel among Americans.

A lot of people are all excited about the Urban Spoon and Yelp kind of cruise critic and travel trip advisor kind of sources of information. I think there is too much bogus information in that realm to rely on blindly.

You can use it to augment your information, but I wouldn’t base my trip solely on feedback from people who put it up on those sites, because a good portion, I believe, is put there either by promoting or attacking businesses for their own business interests and you don’t know where that information came from.

Maybe it’s just because I make my living selling guidebooks, but I like to know that if I can trust that writer; this guidebook is his or her first-hand experience, designed so I can learn from his or her experience and have a better trip. It’s fun to read blogs and it’s fun to go to those various sites, but I just rely on [others’ experiences]—whether I’m using my own guidebooks or somebody else’s guidebooks. I go to a lot of places where I don’t write guidebooks and I use the best guidebook available for that country.

Of course, when I say the name Rick Steves to anyone, it’s synonymous with Europe. But what are some of your favorite places outside of that continent?

My favorite place in the world is India and the Indian subcontinents: Sri Lanka and Nepal.

I like traveling in Japan. I like traveling in Southeast Asia. When I go to Central America, that’s where I go to sort of stoke my political passions, because I think Central America is a great opportunity to see what is like to be on the receiving end of globalization and see what it’s like to live south of the border of the United States. But to me, Europe is sort of the springboard for that kind of world exploration.

Is there anything else in the world Rick Steves could be doing besides being a travel guide?

I was a piano teacher for a long time. I thought I’d be a piano teacher all my life. I love teaching children to enjoy music and make it on the piano. I supposed I could get tricked into politics, but I think I’m having a better impact as a travel writer. There is lots I could do, but I’m really thankful I found my niche.

I can work for 50 days in Europe, 50 12-hour days in a row and come home feeling younger and more energetic than when I left. Travel is my niche and I’m really thankful for that work.

And it’s very gratifying to be able to write a lot of books and make a lot of TV shows and organize a lot of tours and find that, when people use our material, they have great trips and they want to come back and travel more with us.

COOL CLOTHES, COSTUMES & VINTAGE

BUY • SELL • TRADE NEW STORE! DOWNTOWN EAST POINT 1596 WEST CLEVELAND AVE. (404) 565-6024

LITTLE FIVE POINTS 428 MORELAND AVE. (404) 523-0100 PSYCHO-SISTERS.COM OPEN 10AM TO 10PM 7 DAYS A WEEK

NOW BUYING CLOTHES! SANDY SPRINGS 280 HAMMOND DR. (ACROSS FROM LOWE’S) (404) 255-5578 PSYCHOSISTERSSHOPS.COM

Zip Line Tours (678) 622-3990 www.lakelaniercanopytours.com 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway • Buford, GA 30518

Atlanta’s Favorite Family Style BBQ OVER 15 BEERS ON TAP DOG FRIENDLY PATIO • FAMILY FRIENDLY WINGS, BURGERS & MORE, PLUS HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES

Hours: Mondays thru Saturdays 11am–3am, Sundays 11am–Midnight

2391 Peachtree Rd • Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 842-1010 • www.whitehall-tavern.com

½ OFF LUNCH

CONTACT YOU’RE NEAREST LOCATION FOR CATERING

Buy a Small Plate and get a Second One of equal or lesser value for Half Price.

With this ad.

PigNChik.net Sandy Springs / Buckhead 4920 Roswell Rd • 404-255-6368 Chamblee / Brookhaven 5071 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. • 770-451-1112 NEW LOCATION! Emory Area 1815 Briarcliff Rd. • 404-474-9444 insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 21

MUSIC

NOW AND THEN: THE RETURN OF DURAN DURAN Founder, Bassist John Taylor Lives in the Moment

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

D

URAN DURAN, THE international New Wave/New Romantic phenomenon, has survived more than three decades of changes in tastes and personnel. Glamorous singersongwriter-bassist John Taylor, has been an influence on the sound and appearance of the group since its inception in 1978. After taking some time away to form supergroup Power Station in the mid-‘80s and an impressive foray into film scores, acting and solo releases, his contributions continue to revitalize the internationally beloved band. Currently on the road, with a tour-stop scheduled for Atlanta this month, Duran Duran is busy supporting their 13th full-length album, the independently issued All You Need Is Now (with guest spots from Ana Matronic and Kelis) as well as the live-in-Manchester DVD, A Diamond In The Mind (Eagle Rock Records). Known for multi-million-selling hits like “Hungry Like The Wolf,” “The Reflex,” “Rio,” and “Is There Something I Should Know?” the band has maintained an incredible, staunchly-dedicated fan-base around the world. Just back from a visit to the legendary Sistine Chapel, the affable Taylor spoke with Insite shortly before a recent performance in Rome, Italy.

We’re always trying to have this balance in our live shows. And with All You Need Is Now, we have the bricks with which to build the show. To balance the catalog and current.

Yes, we know people are coming to hear the “classics,” if you like, but for us, it’s the new material that brings the show into the present day.

WE SPENT THE SECOND DECADE OF OUR CAREERS, JUST DEFENDING OURSELVES.

With 13 albums to pick from, how do you find that balance?

We have more arguments about this subject than anything else! It’s an ongoing dialog. When we’re on tour, like tonight’s show, we are always trying to make the most perfect representation. Like, if tonight was the last show, how do you wish to be remembered?

Right, how do you marry the new with the older material?

Well, we got quite lucky with this album.

The sensibility behind it is, it’s actually a retro one.

What did [producer/DJ/musician] Mark Ronson bring to the production?

Mark came to us with the idea that he wanted the album to be sort of an alternative sequel to the Rio album of 1982. So we approached the writing and the songs as if the ‘90s never happened.

The new live DVD was born of a bit of hardship, correct?

Yes, we were scheduled And that’s a radical Performing on to do a British tour last departure from the summer but we cancelled previous record [2007’s it because [singer] Simon poorly-received Red Carpet [LeBon] developed some Massacre] problems with his vocal It was done with chords. We pushed it back Timbaland and Justin at Chastain Park to later in the year, then we Timberlake and it was a Amphitheatre went back and played the very forward moving, very British tour that fall, just hip-hop style production. before Christmas last year.

And as such, it was very polarizing for our audience. They didn’t like This was after last year’s US tour, right? it at all;, well, some of them did.

Right. In a way, it was all a silver lining because there’s nothing like touring the That obviously put the band on the States to really get it all ironed out. By the defensive with this one. time we got back to Britain to play the We were kind of like, “Ok, let’s not go any rescheduled shows, the tour was really farter forward with this one, lets take Mark’s firing on all cylinders. And Manchester, in concept and roll with it.” One thing, it did particular, is a great town for Duran Duran, mean was the songs we wrote with Mark one of the first towns that really got behind are very fun to play live. Because they’re us, in the ‘80s. very much about performances. Red Carpet Massacre was all samples and synths. So this It’s a very well-done moment in the was very much an old school kind of thing. band’s history, including quite a bit of the The new material just drops in; it galvanizes new album. the older material very well.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 19

With today’s skewed listening habits, people want that immediate fix, on demand.

Now it’s a sort of 24-hour, self-curated radio station. Which can go from music from last year, to the ’80s to the ’50s and something from the 19th century, bangbang-bang. I’m finding it’s sort of flattening the changes out a little bit. Music that seemed so old, 20 years ago, actually seems fresher today as a result of the textural shift that created by listening to music in this way.

It’s like every song is the hit single because there’s no time for filler.

I think the way we listen now, because of iTunes and all that, we’re hearing music in a much more pick and mix way. It’s all about the shuffle. I don’t know about you, but I very rarely listen to albums anymore.

Who has time to just sit and listen?

Exactly! I remember getting the last Red Hot Chili Peppers’ album, the one before the recent one, actually. I’m a fan, but it was a double CD and I think each disc had 16 songs on it. I think it took me about three days to listen to the whole thing. At the end of it, I thought, “Who has the time?!

Nobody!” I appreciate the artistic gesture, but people just don’t have the time anymore.

That’s one benefit of modern technology, to select anything you need to hear, at any given moment.

Yes, when I was 17, in 1977, the only music I’d listen to, had been made that year! Maybe I’d listen to something from ’75. But that was it. I was listening to music of my moment.

And to me, in ’77, music from ’72 sounded extremely dated. I couldn’t possibly listen to music from the ‘50s or ‘60s; it was like listening to my parents’ music. But that has changed and we don’t have those kind of walls anymore. People can appreciate music in a different way. So it’s quite fantastic, actually.

Especially for an artist with a diverse catalog.

Oh my God, yes! It’s like manna from Heaven. Even ten years ago, people would say, “Oh, you’re an ’80 artist, an ’80s band.”

Putting us in this category. But now, it feels like the music is living in this nebulous presence, because of the instant availability.

And it’s even affected me and I wrote the fucking songs! It’s weird, man. Songs from

PG 22 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

Rio are feeling fresher to me today than they were ten or fifteen years ago.

You mentioned being categorized. How does Duran Duran deal with people who insist on labels?

We spent the second decade of our careers, just defending ourselves. Trying to maintain this position of relevancy, you know, and people were just trying to write us off, put us in a category and sort of file us away. But between technology and the music itself, you realize that things haven’t changed all that much. We could listen to Nirvana and then to Run-DMC and then to “Hungry Like The Wolf” or Dark Side Of The Moon. And it ain’t all that different!

You have two Atlantas in your life. Your daughter named Atlanta [born March 31, 1992] and the city on the itinerary. First, how’s she doing?

She’s well! She was born in London and when she was a couple of months old, we whisked her away to the United States. So she was raised in Los Angeles. She’s very much a California kid, but she’s just starting to get a feel for life as an adult and she wanted to go to England. Now she’s getting in touch with her roots a little bit and having a great time there.

And I‘m very happy for that.

What do you remember most about the city of Atlanta?

Atlanta has always been a Duran Duran stronghold; one of the first [American] cities that really got behind us in a big way.

I remember playing the Omni in 1984, and that tour, the Sing Blue Silver tour, was obviously just the pinnacle of the band’s first phase. There’s a documentary film of that tour. But you know, I remember that tour was sponsored by Coca-Cola. So when we got to Atlanta, we had to go to HQ. And then, and I don’t know why, but they all said to me, “John you’re gonna give a speech!” I made some crack about Pepsi and that was the end of our relationship with Coca-Cola!

Since you’re a record collector, have you visited the record stores here?

I’m a vinyl junkie! So as soon as I get to town, I head off to Five Points and I get my kicks there. Me and a couple of the guys on the touring party, we really get very excited when Atlanta’s coming up, so we can get our fix of some vinyl!

MUSIC

SPACE COWBOY

Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart is the Ringmaster of Odd

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

A

They sort of encompass a bit of everything.

It’s country-tinged. But what do I know, I’m English, so I can see all the different elements. They’re a pop band that sort of has roots in various areas, and a countryish layer that you can hear coming through.

T FIRST GLANCE, IT MIGHT seem odd that singer-songwriter/ filmmaker/author/tv producer/ wine connoisseur and general bon vivant Dave Stewart is opening for Sugarland. But the loveably quirky musician, who has sold You have a definite Nashville layer these days. more than 100 million albums as half of the Ah yes, I know. It was really weird because clever pop-rock outfit Eurythmics (“Sweet a lot of people go, “Well alright, I’m gonna Dreams [Are Made of This],” “Would I Lie go and crack Nashville,” but for me, I sort of to You?” “Missionary Man”) wouldn’t have went in backwards. it any other way. The way he sees it, his life is an absurdist painting, How did it come about? a psychedelic landscape Well, it’s a long story featuring legendary really.

You see, in the first Opening for musicians. And with week of May 2010, I ended his track record, who Sugarland on up being stuck in London can argue? In addition for a few days following the to his past work with eruption of Eyjafjallajökull Annie Lennox, he also in Iceland, remember that? anchors the super group It was spewing out volcanic SuperHeavy with Mick ash and I was somehow at the Verizon Jagger, Joss Stone, Damian diverted to Nashville before Wireless Marley and A.R. Rahman, I could go back to Los while juggling a myriad of Ampitheater Angeles. When I got to other creative endeavors Nashville, I met John and from his bustling Martina McBride and saw Hollywood Boulevard their studio with all these think tank. But recently, the erudite Stewart incredible vintage microphones and amps. I has been spending a considerable amount of said, “I’m gonna come back here and make time in the South, recording, producing and, an album.” I think they thought I meant as is his forte, collaborating. Working with maybe six months later or something, but I some of Nashville’s finest session players, said, “No, in a week.” So I returned and made his new material blends Americana, rock a record called The Blackbird Diaries. While and blues, presented with a slate of special I was makin’ that album, which I did like guests, enthrallingly Dylanesque lyrics fifteen songs in five days, we just played and (some actually composed with Bob Dylan) recorded, and guests would come in. and delightfully skewed arrangements. His hybrid sound should certainly please the So you loved the Nashville vibe. diverse fans of the Atlanta-bred Sugarland Loved it! So I took Joss Stone there and when he opens for them on a rare minisaid, “Let’s make your album here!” Then I tour that begins at the Verizon Wireless took Orianthi and made her album there and Amphitheater. Speaking via his office before then I went and made another album there, jetting off to London for the Olympics, which is my own new one and it will be out Stewart discussed his penchant for the in September. It’s called The Ringmaster unconventional.

General. So during all that period, I kept meeting more and more country people, You actually opened for Sugarland back in like Sugarland, and then I ended up April. How did it go? supporting them.

Well, I ended up going on stage with them. Jennifer [Nettles] and Kristan [Bush] Maybe you should just move there and asked me to go on with them: “Oh, let’s play work in Nashville full-time.

‘Would I Lie To You,” and ‘Here Comes The Precisely. My hotel bill is outrageous!

Rain Again,’” and I ended up being with them for my own show and then on with them. It Let’s talk about SuperHeavy. What’s going was all good fun. on with it now; is it on hiatus now while you do your solo shows?

How was the crowd reaction? You two have Yeah, well I created SuperHeavy and I a bit of a divergence of styles, but I can made Mick [Jagger] my co-founder, if you definitely see where they mesh. know what I mean. But it took about two It was great; it goes down a storm. years for our album to come out. By then, There’s a little film of the crowd, to put Mick was being bombarded with the Stones’ on the screen behind the stage and there’s 50th anniversary things, and we were all the crowd going nuts and singing along busy, so I said, “Oh well, let’s just put it on to “Missionary Man.” I play everything in hold for a second.” Because you see, we can this sort of country-bluesy way on my own do SuperHeavy in lots of different ways. We albums. So I intersperse four or five of my could bring in a Latin artist, for example. own songs and, you know, four of five of the It’s just a concept I had and that I know huge hits. So they’ve heard the big songs and Mick enjoys, too; it’s that it is only about the then when I play my own, they accept them music, the playing together live in a room. because I’m playing them in a similar vein.

And it continues your love of collaborating.

Sugarland’s crowd is pretty open-minded.

I’ve always been this collaborator on so Exactly, and they love the rock and roll many different levels with many different and rockin’ out. Some of the stuff Sugarland people and I’ve always enjoyed it. And I do has these sort of Springsteenish buildalways try to entertain myself in the process. ups with the full rock backline. It’s hard to explain Sugarland’s music, really, isn’t it?

You’ve worked with a variety of people,

THURSDAY, AUGUST 23

often in unusual couplings. Sugarland is no exception.

Yeah, Annie and I used to have a crazy mash-up of people around, like the Brothers Johnson. Or Cindy Wilson in her beehive wig on backup vocals, maybe with Annie with a man’s sideburns! We were just out to fuck America up. So people would go, “Who the hell, and what the hell is this?” Like the “Sweet Dreams” video with a cow in it! Or Annie at the Grammys, lookin’ like Elvis.

And then we got the cover of Newsweek with the whole “what’s happening here?” aesthetic. It was great fun.

position, writing, producing and playing with those guys?

I think it would have been a bit more psychedelic or more rock. I don’t know, really. Jeff is a bit of a perfectionist in a different way than me. I’m a perfectionist in things being sort of odd.

We definitely have to mention your Tom Petty connection.

See, with him, I did the same.

When I did “Don’t Come Around Here No More” with Tom Petty and suggested the whole video with the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, my idea was that it starts off with me on a mushroom. And it was a trippy video, so that’s another one where people were going, “What the hell’s happened to Tom Petty?” And who’d think I’d play a sitar on a Tom Petty thing, with him from Florida and all and I‘m going all plink plink plink.

But again, it’s that concept of mixing the two things.

Great art always makes people stop and think.

Yeah, that’s it, you see. And you have to remember, art is not always decorational.

There’s a divide between art and something that is purely decorational, I’d say. Whether it’s in music or in visual art, you divide it all up. You can start wandering outside, into conceptualist or situationalist art, then you‘re in a whole new ballpark.. This is the world I come from, so when Annie and I arrived in America, we were already working in that headspace.

You say you are a man of many lives.

I am, yeah. Well look at this way: that sitar maybe opened up Tom Petty a bit.

But then, you know, I was best friends with George Harrison; he was living in my house in L.A., I was living in his house. Bob Dylan was getting me to make little films with him and I introduced Bob to Tom. I said the Heartbreakers would make a great backing band for him. They were all in my house, then one day, there’s Roy Orbison and Tom and Bob and Jeff Lynne all sittin’ under the tree and having breakfast at my table! My life’s always been this crazy world like that.

I’ve always wondered: Why weren’t you a Wilbury?

Well, they were working exactly when Annie and I were about to go off to do some Eurythmics stuff. It all happened in about two weeks in my house, but I wasn’t there! So I sort of saw them at the beginning and then at the end, and that was it.

How do you think the project would have sounded had you been in Jeff Lynne’s insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 23

CONTINUING EDUCATION CONTINUING Advance your Career and Enhance Your Life!

Advance your Career and Enhance Your Life!

SAE Oglethorpe Institute Atlanta 215 Peachtree Street Suite 300 Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 526.9366 atlanta.sae.edu

University

Test Drive College

4484 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, GA 30319 404.364.8314 oglethorpe.edu/testdrive

OgleThOrpe’s degree prOgrAm fOr busy AdulTs Try a course, or two, and save 50% on tuition. hundreds of day, evening and saturday courses available.

Continuing the tradition established in 1976, SAEyou’re Atlanta educates students forit When buying a new car, you take careers in the entertainment industry with for a test drive. Choosing a new college ais • sTreamlined applicaTion, 24 hr. ApprOvAl, focus on hands-on training.

Students another big step, so why not give it again test no applicaTion Fees invaluable drive, too?experience working on realworld projects every day. one of the nation’s • convenienT brookhaven campus, near lenox square, Oglethorpe University, SAE Atlanta currently offersis its inTersTaTes and marTa leading small universities, nowsignature offering Audio Technology Program andfor Electronic an unprecedented opportunity adults to • CrediTs Apply Toward your degree Music (EMP) program. return Production to campus and complete their Students in the Audio Technology Program • TAke ONe Or TWO ClAsses ANd sAve 50%, undergraduate degrees. Oglethorpe’s “Test canDrive” earn aprogram Diploma offers or an Associate's Degree $230 per crediT= $920 per class a 50% savings on (unique to SAE Atlanta).

The EMP program tuition, for up to two classes. The credits is awill short in which can earnof becourse applied towardstudents your degree a certificate in just 3-months! choice. And, the no-commitment applicaStudents access overwith 20 studios and tion is have simple and tofree, admission workstations while studying at SAE Atlanta. decisions within 24 hours from start to finish.

Included digital Best ofare all, analog you canand choose frommix-down hundreds consoles by Mackie and Yamaha, staTo take advantage of this unprecedented offer, go to of courses among 35 programs,FX offered tions, Avid Icon controllers, 5.1 surround during the day, in the evening and even on www.oglethorpe.edu/testdrive or call 404.364.8314. studios and industry standard MIDI Labs.

Saturdays. Then, complete your degree at To round off the educational experience, the your own pace. Classes are held year round facility boasts both SSL 4000G+ and NEVE Founded in 1835, ogleThorpe universiTy is ranked among The and you can choose the number of classes VR60 analog consoles. that makes for your life. The Test naTion’s besT colleges by Forbes and The princeTon review All Degree andsense Diploma graduates are proDrive is ideal for those who are working full vided job placement assistance and are eligitime, looking to of re-enter workbleortopart become members SAE's the internaforce,Alumni and those who just want to strengthtional Association.

Financial assisen their skills and competencies. tance is available for those who quality and theand end,part-time adult students the same bothInfull classes earn are available. full-fledged Oglethorpe degree that For more information contact SAE younger counterparts receive at the univerLicensed professionals enjoy career as: Atlanta's Admissions Department at 404If you are acan woman withaafulfilling history of childhood sity. Adultorstudents full col526-9366 visit also theirenjoy webthesite at sexual abuse, you may suffer from a number of lege experience, with full access Estheticians, Medical Aestheticians, www.atlanta.sae.edu. SAE Institute Atlantato symptoms. If these symptoms are left untreated, activities and benefits. is Oglethorpe’s located in campus, downtown Atlanta at 215 Makeup Artists, “Oglethorpe has 300, a century-long it can impairSpa yourManagers/Owners ability to deal with everyday Peachtree St., Suite Atlanta GAcommit30303. ment to offering education to adults Product andevents, Equipment work orRepresentatives/Trainers even function in healthy beyond the traditional four college years,” relationships.

Nail Technicians said Dr. Denise von Herrmann, Nightmares, troubleTherapists sleeping · easily agitated or startled · low Oglethorpe’s Massage Provost and Vice President people who have experienced a traumatic energy,Many changes in appetite · memory problems, difficulty focusingfor· Academic Affairs. “We understand that event likeavoiding you have, mayactivities suffer from one or all many adults are uncertain about going places, or people back to school. Rd. We created Drive’ 5600 Roswell Atlantathe GA‘Test 30342 of these symptoms. You may have nightmares, to give them the opportunity at a tremen(404) 843.1005 skinnails.com trouble sleeping, memory problems, trouble Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event suffer from these symptoms, dous cost savings.” focusing, avoid social situations, or become There’s still time to enroll for the fall! To which are signs ofagitated posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD. If the symptoms are left take easily or startled. advantage of this unprecedented offer, untreated, it can impair the ability to work, socialize and function in a healthy go to www.oglethorpe.edu/testdrive or call 404.364.8314. Oglethorpe University, 4484 Emory University is looking for participants for a relationship.

Peachtree Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30319. research study on the effects of an FDA approved The International School of Skin, Nail Care and Massage Therapy is a leader in training for the medication foryears, theISSN symptoms of PTSD, memory Emory industry.

University investigating the has effects of early intervention in preventing beauty and wellness For is over 25 trained and graduated successful and learning in women between the ages of professionals. The schoolPTSD is accredited andFDA financial aid is available to those who qualify.This If25 youis a doublechronic using an approved medication (paroxetine).

Study Law in Atlanta are seeking an excellentand career55 as who a massage therapist, nail professional esthetician, please call have experienced childhood sexual blindlet study by the VA. If you are a Veteran, recently back from the war 1422 W. Peachtree St. NW Atlanta, GA 30309 TODAY and usabuse. helpsponsored you turn your passion into a longterm career and way of life.

You do not need a diagnosis of PTSD 404.872.3593 johnmarshall.edu and havetoany of these symptoms, please call to obtain more information and to see participate.

PROGRAMS OFFERED: InInternational the heart of School Midtown, Atlanta’s The of Skin, NailsJohn & if•youSkin qualify for the study.

Marshall Law School (AJMLS) is atofthe epiMassage Therapy has over 25 years expeCare (Esthetician) – 10 month program Compensation will be provided for participation. center life. On professionrience as ofa Atlanta school and day both spa. aLocated in screening, health/trauma questionnaires, memory tests,Therapy lab tests, medication and • Nail CareStudy (Nail Professional) • Massage al and personal opportunities Sandy Springs, ISSN is level, where Atlanta's pro56 month program 67 abound. and Professionally, you’retonear hunthose seeking become MRI/PET scans will beare conducted at Emory University andprogram Emorymore Briarcliff campus.fessionals If you interested in month learning dreds of law firms, Nail government offices, licensed Estheticians, Technicians or about this research opportunity I NTERNAT IONAL SCHOOL state and federal courts, and legal nonMassage Therapists go to get trained for Compensation will 404-712-9536 be provided for participation. please& call OF SKIN, NAILCARE MASSAGE THERAPY or profit work in organizations Spas, Salons, —ideally Networksituated TV andin Please call email Stacy Laddclecour@ at 404-712-2014 or email mdent@emory.edu Physician's the city’soffices thriving legal community. or anywhere skin care emory.edu.

Call 404-843-1005, Press #1 For Enrollment Services treatments are given or nail care beauty is • apply For Fall Term beFore AugusT 20Th

ACT NOW!

DO Are YOUyouNaEED HELP ?

Veteran returning

The BeauTy and Wellness IndusTry Is groWIng and needs you!

from the war and experiencing some of these symptoms?

The International School of Skin, Nails & Massage Therapy

or email pjones@issnschool.com.

Please visit our website at www.skinnails.com.

1040619

1040619

John Marshall Law

Dreams and goals are why we get out of bed each day.

5600 Roswell NEJUMP Atlanta 30342 Come in, meet us and let usRoad, help you outGA of that bed each day.

Advancing Possibilities ADVANCING THE PThe OSSIBILITIES

The Prado Shopping Center www.skin-nails.com (Sandy Springs), 5600 Roswell Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30342

PG 24 24 •• August insiteatlanta.com • August 2011 PG 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

is on

performed. Courses from Classic Facials to Microdermbrasion Facials, to waxing, make-up, to manicures, nail art and different massage modalities are taught at the renowned International School of Skin, Nails & Massage Therapy (ISSN).

ISSN's long experience and being known in the Industry insures the graduate of excellent opportunities upon graduation. ISSN is known internationally and students from many countries come to Atlanta to attend Personally, there is something for everyone ISSN. — arts, theater, music, and recre-of start often for sports the convenience Programs ation. Just two blocksISSN away,offers you’ll find today's student. day the and Woodruff Arts Center, housing the evening classes in every program. High Some Museum of are Art, the Atlanta scholarships available to thoseSymphony who qualOrchestra, the Alliance the ify and financial aid is alsoTheatre, availableand to those 14thqualify.

Street Playhouse. A short walk from who campus Piedmont Park— for ISSN is isconveniently locatedthe in venue the Prado, festivals, concerts, 5600 Roswell Road at fun I-295.and It isrelaxation. an accredAtlanta is also home to threebymajor ited school and approved the profesGeorgia sionalBoard leagueofsports teams. WeAcould on,to State Cosmetology. quickgo call but suffice it to say, Atlanta and AJMLS their Admission's office can answer all of havequestions. it all. your When you call ask for a tour information, visit the on ofFor themore school.

Call the school at school (404) 843the internet www.johnmarshall.edu.

1005 or emailatthem at issn@skin-nails.com

Kennesaw State Action Bartending University School

6185College Buford Hwy. Norcross, GA 30071 of Continuing and 1136 Crescent Ave. Atlanta, GA 30309 Professional Education 300.8998 1000 Chastain(770) Rd. #3301 Kennesaw, GA 30144 actionbartendingschool.net 770-423-6765 ksuculinary.com In this tough job environment, many are going back to school to enhance their career while others seek additional part-time employment.

A c t i o n Bartending School is preparing their students for both of Learn goals. from Atlanta’s top chefs through these Culinary program. Become Most of Apprenticeship the a professional chef with Kennesaw State students attending Action Bartending University’s Culinary Apprenticeship School are college educated who either are Certificate the College of Continuing looking for aatbartending career or for supand Professional Education.

This job. unique plemental income on their current program utilizes the European method of They offer flexible class schedules with placingtrainers you with experienced chef to expert whoan have years of bartending provide you Three with direct to hone experience.

4 hourtraining classes are given your culinary skills and inspire creativity. on weekdays. Class times are 10am - 2pm, You -will complete the -program 2pm 6pm and 6pm 10 pm in at nine their months receiving weekly are at Norcross location. instruction Midtown classes KSU Center from Instructor Chef Frazer 10am - 2pm and 2pm - 6pm weekdays. For Breckenridge andableinto the of those who are not makekitchens the weekday Atlanta’s restaurants appren-at class, theytop offer a class onthrough the weekends ticeships. include the NorcrossLocations location from 11am Endive - 5pm.

Catering, Elevation Chophouse, Park 75 at The program requires 20 hours of practical Four Seasons training Hotel Atlanta, and Villa in classroom with certification Christina atwithin Perimeter Summit.

At theoffers end availability a week.

The school of additional your studies, willofhave achieved an 20 you hours training at no420 cost hours of who training alongside worldto to those feel working they need more time class chefs this exciting careerBartending field. master theincourse.

Action Insideis the Centeroffering kitchen, Chef School veryKSU affordable plans for Breckenridge not are onlyGeorgia teach you the just $99 down.will They certified basics, will alsolocations. challengeThe youoriginal with with twobut convenient reality TV-style such near as Mystery school is locatedchallenges just off I-285 Jimmy BasketBlvd.

Nightandand otherHwy. fun Last activities all Carter Buford October, Action opened second designedBartending to make your learningtheir experience location at the Sutra Lounge in Midtown. unforgettable.

The Midtown locationthrough offers the training Students who graduate probehind a live bar and in morngram are equipped to has workclasses in a variety of For information on ings and from afternoons. settings the high-end restaurant to upcoming calla celebrity (770) 300-8998 or the private classes caterer for client living visit them at actionbartendingschool.net in Atlanta.

If you ever have dreamed of Become a Fan to stay informed and be the first to know about events and online ticket contests.

Check us out today at www.facebook.com/insiteatlanta!

being a culinary professional, today is the day to take the first step. For information about the Culinary Apprenticeship Certificate Program visit ksuculinary.com.

Showcase

The School of Photography 1135 Sheridan Road Atlanta, GA 30324 404.965.2205 theshowcaseschool.com

Welcome to The Showcase School – Atlanta’s choice for amateur, adult-education photography classes. Whether you are new to the world of photography or if you’ve been shooting for years, The Showcase School has what you are looking for. Since 1996, we have taught thousands of amateur photographers how to use their cameras and develop their passion for photography.

Learn basic controls of your digital SLR camera, lenses, tripods and accessories in Digital 101 and Digital 102 classes. With these new tools, move on to the art of taking great photographs in classes such as: People Photography, Composition, Nature, Studio, Flash, Night & Low Light, Photographing Children and more.

All new hands-on weekend workshops on numerous topics are featured each session.

Learn to organize in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and edit in the most current Adobe Photoshop Elements and CS programs. Cutting edge software classes at your fingertips! No matter what level of education you need, The Showcase School has a class for you. All classes taught by working professionals who are patient and eager to share their knowledge with you.

Photography is an exciting and rapidlychanging field and we want you to be a part of it.

TONI&GUY

Hairdressing Academy - Atlanta 1355 Roswell Road, #150 Marietta, GA 30062 770.565.3285 toniguy.com

TONI&GUY is an international icon and was founded over forty years ago at a single salon in London by Mascolo Brothers: Toni, Guy, Bruno and Anthony.

TONI&GUY Salons and TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academies have an uncompromising quality and are consistently updating their stylists, technicians and students with the latest trends and techniques. With over 40 salons and 19 academies nationwide, TONI&GUY is devoted to education through innovation and is a leader in artistic excellence.

The Atlanta Academy is now enrolling.

Classes begin on the first Tuesday of each month. Class schedule for students is Tuesday - Saturday from 8:30AM to 4:00PM. It is a 10 month program. Tour appointments are taken after 10AM. The annual Student Soiree is August 19th at the Strand Theatre in the Marietta Square. The Salon offers 15% off services

with student ID. For more information, visit toniguy.com or follow us at http://www.facebook.com/tgatlanta.

International School Skin, Nail Care & Massage Therapy 5600 Roswell Rd. NE Atlanta GA 30342 404.843.1005 ISSNschoolspa.com

The International School of Skin, Nails & Massage Therapy has over 27 years of experience as a school and day spa.

Located in Sandy Springs, ISSN is where Atlanta's professionals and those seeking to become licensed Estheticians, Nail Technicians or Massage Therapists go to get trained for work in Spas, Salons, Network TV and Physician's offices or anywhere skin care treatments are given or nail care beauty or wellness practices for massage are performed. Courses from Classic Facials to Microdermbrasion Facials, to waxing, make-up, to manicures, nail art and many different massage modalities are taught at the renowned International School of Skin, Nail Care & Massage Therapy (ISSN).

ISSN's long experience and being known in the Industry insures the graduate of excellent opportunities upon graduation.

ISSN is known internationally and students from many countries come to Atlanta to attend ISSN. Programs start often for the convenience of today's student.

ISSN offers day and evening classes in every program. Some scholarships are available to those who qualify and financial aid is also available to those who qualify.

The beauty and wellness field is growing (US. Department of Labor Statistics) and there are many types of opportunities for graduates and professionals. Stop by ISSN for a service or to learn more about the careers. ISSN staff and faculty are passionate about the industry, their students and watching the graduates become successful professionals. We love to chat and we look forward to chatting with you.

ISSN is conveniently located in the Prado, 5600 Roswell Road at I-295. It is an accredited school and approved by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology. A quick call to their Admission's office can answer all of your questions. When you call ask for a tour of the school. Call the school at (404) 843-1005, Press 2 for more information or email them at pjones@issnschool.com.

Visit the website at www.ISSNschoolspa.com to view information on programs, graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information.

SaVE on SUppLiES Simplify your shopping with our FREE taxi service for students 7 days a week during store hours.

Call us at 404.237.6331 and we’ll arrange round trip transportation from your school to BINDERS® — we’ll even take care of the tip!* *Round trip applies to from your school to BINDERS® and back to your school. See store for details.

®

piEdmont pEachtREE cRoSSing 3330 piedmont Road Suite 18

404.237.6331 mon-FRi 9-8 Sat 10-7 SUn 11-6

www.bindersart.com insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 25

SPORTS

ON THE PROWL…

The GSU Panthers are Poised to Bounce Back for the 2012 Season

BY DAVE COHEN

A

S GEORGIA STATE FOOTBALL heads into it’s third season, the Panthers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-8 finish last year. Georgia State opens the season August 30th against South Carolina State in the Georgia Dome before heading to Knoxville to face Tennessee week two. INsite caught up with head coach Bill Curry prior to the start of fall practice.

For those of us that have been around here for awhile it feels like time has flown as we head into the Panther’s third season.

Yea, it’s amazing to me as well. I think our players are sort of shaking their heads as well. Our players have worked so hard since the end of last year, almost everyday. Football is no longer a six month proposition, it’s eleven at the least and twelve for the guys who, how shall I say, totally into it. I mean, you’ll find Michael Davis over here working out, Harrison Clottey everyday through the holidays. It’s hard to believe this much time has passed but it has and we’ve been through a lot of the normal ups and downs of a building program and what I’ve said all along is, especially this year, is that I am so proud of the effort of the players in their off-season work and now it’s time for us to play better football than we’ve played before.

As it turns out our first year in the CAA is going to be our only year in the league as we look

PG 26 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

ahead to joining the Sun Belt and taking the program to the Division 1 FBS level in 2013.

Does that add a sense of urgency as far as the building process goes?

I don’t think you can add any urgency. We are building an important entity as a part of a great university, not important in terms of priorities because of the educational process is so much more important and the integrity of the institution is so important and we want to uphold all of those things but we want to augment and supplement the primary mission of the university so there’s always this urgency; get it off the ground, get it going, be a good team, honor the university, do a good job in the classroom, behave in the community, be disciplined. We work on all of those things literally everyday and so, a sense of urgency because we are going to be in a given conference for one year? Yes, but it’s not much more than it would ordinarily be.

It looks like you will have another intense battle at the quarterback position heading into the opener with Ben McLane (#1 coming out of spring practice), Kelton Hill (started final 5 games last season) and Ronnie Bell, the transfer from Ohio University.

Ben McLane surprised us in the spring. We knew he would be good, I mean, he’s been good his whole life. He’s been a state champion at the highest level in the state of Georgia and when you’re a QB and you do that, and score a lot of points and you play in the Dome, you’re seventeen years old, that’s big stuff. He’s not going to

be phased by the additional pressure of being at a higher level. Kelton Hill, as we all know, has unlimited talent. I mean, he’s just so gifted and can do so many things, getting him disciplined and accurate and taking care of the football will be the challenge and that’s up to Kelton. We still have to go through eligibility processes to have Ronnie Bell certified but we hope that will occur, because of our move to FBS, but he is a proven quantity coming from Sandy Creek High School, where his record was 29-1, and he reminded me that his only loss came in his first game. He never lost another one. Wow, that’s a heck of a record at one of the top programs in the state.

So, yes, there will be a heck of a battle and we’ve got a couple of other young quarterbacks that are gifted too.

This season, defensively the Panthers are switching to a new scheme, the 4-2-5. How is everyone adjusting to the change?

I think they’ve adjusted pretty well. We need more people up front but that’s going to always be the case. We tried to base out of a 3-4 we were not as effective at that as we thought we should have been. So, that’s the reason for the change. We’ve spend an awful lot of time and effort making sure that we know what we’re doing. Anthony Midget (new Defensive Coordinator) played in the system, the 4-2-5 system or something that was evolving, when he played at Virginia Tech and then he’s coached it at other places in high school and played it some in the NFL (Tampa Bay) so we’ve got experience on the staff with it so I am hoping that we will be greatly improved.

You’ve coached at some high profile programs during your career and sent a lot of kids on to careers in professional football but with Christo Bilukidi getting drafted (6th round Oakland Raiders), Jake Muasau signing as a free agent

(New York Giants) and Brandon Jones playing in the Arena Football League (Tampa Bay Storm), is it a little extra special, with these guys, because the program is so young?

Well, I think that is much more a tribute to those guys than it is to us. Brandon was just a trooper from the day he got here, a leader, a tough guy, a wonderful, reliable human being and excellent leader of the team. Jake is a bonafide NFL talent prospect if he gets enough of an opportunity and, I think, signing with the world champions as a free agent is a tough gig so we’ll just have to see how that works for him. And then for Christo to be drafted by the Raiders is exciting but my desire is for he and Jake to graduate. They both have a little bit to go and I want to make sure they do that. Brandon has finished.

And then, if they play for a good, long while then I think that’s great.

SPORTS

2012 NCAA FOOTBALL PREVIEW

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

T

HE COLLEGE FOOTBALL LANDSCAPE IS changing before our very eyes. This season the SEC expands to include Missouri and Texas A&M. Pittsburgh and Syracuse will join the ACC in 2013. In 2014, of course, we finally get the four-team playoff system we’ve dreamt about. But the more things in the NCAA change, the more they stay the same. Perennial powers LSU, Alabama and Oklahoma won’t budge in this year’s top 5. All three stacked squads will compete for a national title, but INsite feels the USC Trojans are the ones on the verge of something truly historic—becoming the first Pac-12 team ever, and first non-SEC school since ’05, to win a BCS championship. See, some change is good.

1. USC

We’re hearing WR Robert Woods’ ankle is healing wonderfully. We’re seeing great things from fellow wideout Marqise Lee too. We’re telling you that sure-handed combo and Heisman-sniffing QB Matt Barkley will be nearly unstoppable.

2. LSU

Tyrann Mathieu headlines a defense that’s virtually impenetrable. Now, for these Tigers to finish what they couldn’t a year ago, coach Les Miles will have to get through to oncetroubled transfer QB Zach Mettenberger.

3. ALABAMA

Though the Tide’s first month is a bruiser (Bama faces Michigan and Arkansas before October), it has the arm strength (AJ McCarron), upper body (top-shelf offensive line) and brains (head coach Nick Saban) to muscle through.

4. GEORGIA

Seems like the Dawgs deal with some sort of drama every season, right? With Isaiah Crowell’s departure and Bacarri Rambo’s drug suspension, ‘12 is no different. Thankfully, they’re annually equipped with great QB play and stifling defenses too.

5. OKLAHOMA

The Sooners have a host of new faces on the schedule (Notre Dame, West Virginia, TCU), but they have a familiar one, QB Landry Jones, in the huddle. Coach Bob Stoops brought in another, brother Michael Stoops, to lead the D.

6. MICHIGAN

Everybody talks about Denard Robinson’s fleet feet (1,163 rushing yards, 16 TDs), but it’s Fitzgerald Toussaint who exploded for 450 yards in big wins over Illinois, Nebraska and Ohio State last year.

7. FLORIDA STATE

If the Noles had any semblance of a running game, they’d probably be a top-5 team. But seeing as how they play a breeze of a schedule (just three contests outside of the Sunshine State), they might wind up there anyway.

12. OHIO STATE

13. WISCONSIN

Badger Country was flooded with changes over the offseason (six assistant coaches left; stars Nick Toon and Russell Wilson went to the NFL). However, their biggest (and fastest) rock, RB Montee Ball, still calls Madison home.

14. STANFORD

Heisman runner-up and No. 1 draft pick Andrew Luck is irreplaceable. All new QB Brett Nottingham should be asked to do is get the ball downfield and keep mistakes down. Expectations are up though for Stepfan Taylor after his 177-yard, two-TD display in the Fiesta Bowl.

15. MICHIGAN STATE

Mark Dantonio is one of the more underrated leaders in the game. If he guides these Spartans to 10 wins with their grueling schedule (Boise State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Wisconsin), he has our coach-of-the-year vote.

16. KANSAS STATE

17. NEBRASKA

The Huskers’ issues in a nutshell: QB Taylor Martinez vs.

Fresno State (385 total yards, three TDs); Martinez vs. Wisconsin (176 passing yards, zero TDs, three INTs). The big man on campus needs bigger statlines in the biggest games.

18. CLEMSON

The Tigers’ defense may suck (the team gave up 151 points over its last four games in ’11), but its Tajh Boyd and Sammy Watkins-juiced offense is one of the most explosive in the n tion.

19. VIRGINIA TECH

Death, taxes and the Hokies D. Every year Virginia Tech struts out a roster of all-conference-worthy linemen and corners. But sadly, nearly every season the same team loses two or three games and falls from title contention.

9. ARKANSAS

With all-everything QB Kellen Moore gone, there’s a huge damper to the Broncos’ mystique. Still, some fortuitous scheduling (Miami…OH not FL!) should get Boise State a 10-win year and an invite to a respectable bowl.

10. OREGON

8-5 seasons are okay in Annapolis or Asheville, but not in Austin. The Longhorns’ stout D will do its part to get things back to normal in Texas, but it’s Mack Brown’s sputtering O that needs to pick things up.

11. WEST VIRGINIA

QB Keith Price causes his share of nightmares already.

If the fast-improving Huskies can make it to Halloween in relatively decent shape –they would have played LSU, Stanford, Oregon and USC by then- they’ll be really, really scary.

We like a lot about the guys in the green (Kenjon Barber’s elusiveness, the defensive unit’s toughness), but we’re just not as wild on the Ducks’ overall BCS chances as the rest of the nation.

NCAA fans: The Mountaineers have moved from the Big East to the Big 12. West Virginia opponents: Geno Smith, the conference’s preseason player of the year, is one of the most crafty QBs in the country.

Georgia Tech’s Jeremiah Attaochu

20. TCU

8. SOUTH CAROLINA

Seems as if the Hogs have rebounded nicely from the embarrassing Bobby Petrino fiasco. Interim coach John L. Smith might even get the full-time coaching gig if RB Knile Davis’ rehab works out.

LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu

INsite spoke to Wildcats QB Collin Klein over the summer. “There is not one area that is good enough,” he told us. “Football is a game where you can never be good enough in one area. If you’re not in tune and looking and focusing on developing everything, then something is going to slip through the cracks.” Mind you, Klein had 1,918 passing yards and 40 combined TDs. Scary to think he’s not yet satisfied.

Coach Gary Patterson moves his squad from the Mountain West to the Big 12…and the conference should be a lil’ frightened. TCU is loaded (QB Casey Pachall, RB Waymon James, WR Josh Boyce) and longing to prove it belongs with the big boys.

While the Gamecocks will need to re-fortify a defense that allowed the 11th fewest points a season ago, they have a healthy Marcus Lattimore back running and reigniting talk about an SEC title around Columbia.

USC’s Matt Barkley

Due to NCAA sanctions, the Buckeyes won’t see postseason action this year. Thanks to an Urban Meyer-led sideline, not to mention a Braxton Miller-anchored spread offense, Columbus will certainly have a regular season to remember.

21. BOISE STATE

22. TEXAS

23. WASHINGTON

24. GEORGIA TECH

Always one of the more electrifying offenses, the Jackets have lots more triple option fun in store this year. What they need to get serious about is the D. Jeremiah Attaochu and Isaiah Johnson bring toughness and big-time tackling.

25. FLORIDA

The Gators are probably a year away from really competing for an SEC crown, but we like coach Will Muschamp’s strong decision-making skills and agree with the team’s commitment to the weight room. UF will flex its muscles soon enough.

insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 27

MUSIC

REUNITED… AND IT FEELS SO GOOD ‘90s Alt-Rockers The Toadies Return To Play.Rock.Music

B

BY JOHN B. MOORE

REAK-UPS AND HASTILY HATCHED reunions are nothing new for bands nowadays. There is a litany of modern pop punk and emo groups over the past few years that have barely packed away the unsold tour shirts from their “final show” before they start silk screening reunion tour merch to add to the table.

But it seemed like The Toadies - quite possible the best band to come out of Texas in the 90’s – were pretty intent on calling it a day in 2001.

Their label, Interscope, balked at releasing their follow up album and five years of solid touring started to take its toll, so packing up the guitars and breaking down the drums seemed like a good idea at the time.

But thankfully some years off to recoup, an easy-to-work-with indie willing to let the bands take the reins, and an overwhelmingly positive response to a 2006 reunion show brought the band back together. They put out No Deliverance in 2008 and a couple of years after that finally released that album Interscope had passed on (Feeler). Take note, kids: Now that’s how you do a reunion.

Frontman Todd Lewis spoke recently about their new record Play.Rock.Music, coming to terms with being Zen about their old hits and replicating their very own version of Willie Nelson’s Picnic.

Play.Rock.Music was originally going to be an EP from what I understand. At what point did you decide to go ahead and make it a full blown album?

Initially we just wanted to work with Frenchie (Smith) and work up some demos in his studio in Austin. We were so happy with the results that we decided to put out an EP. We set a release date and all was well, until we decided to continue

writing and make it a full album. I was just having too much fun with it, and I was on a roll songwriting-wise. We went back in with more ideas and came out with the 11 songs on Play.Rock.

Music. Somehow we were still able to stick to the original release date, which is pretty remarkable.

I’ve never picked a single before all the songs are at least tracked. In this case we had a single and one other song already available on iTunes while I was still writing songs for the record.

It’s been a few years since the last record. When did you start writing these songs?

I wrote a few of these songs as long ago as last summer, but the majority of the record was written in the studio. This is another difference in the process for me: usually I would have fully realized demos for the band and producer. In this case I had two songs more or less complete, and a bunch of riffs and chord progressions. It was really cool watching these songs come to life and get recorded in a matter of days.

The exception here is “Sunshine”. We tracked that for No Deliverance, but I couldn’t wrap my head around lyrics. At Frenchie’s studio I was finally able to get it written.

You guys have written some incredible songs over the years and I love your live shows. Do you ever get resentful that there are some at your shows just waiting for you to play “Possum Kingdom”?

There was a point years ago that I was tired of the whole thing. We had toured way too much and were pretty burned out. It took some time away to realize how fucking cool my life is and how lucky I am to be able to make a living by making people happy. As long as that song brings a smile to the crowd I’ll be loving it…. I must be getting my period... Anyway, overall, Toadies fans

are there for the whole show. If someone wants to leave after that one song I won’t stop ‘em.

ter Amphitheater in Canyon Lake. It’s a really beautiful part of Texas.

Did your relationship with Interscope make you cynical at all about working with record labels?

Cynical? Me? Never How did the Dia De Los Toadies Festival first come about?

While we were in pre-production for No Deliverance we were discussing the various offers that had been coming in and we realized we may still have a following. Bear in mind that we had been away for seven years and we figured everyone had forgotten about us. We were really surprised that our crowd had actually gotten larger and more diverse. Anyway, we were getting these offers and started talking about doing our own festival, kind of modeled after Willie’s Picnic. We wanted to make it an outdoor event near a body of water, where we pick all the bands and promote it. It was a big risk for sure, but it’s been a blast every year and keeps getting bigger and bigger. The first one was at Possum Kingdom Lake, which was really nice. This year we’ll be back at Whitewa-

Who is playing it with you guys this year?

Still nailing down one or two slots, but so far we have Helmet, Mariachi el Bronx, Riverboat Gamblers, Sixteen Deluxe, King Bucks, Brutal Juice, The Soldier Thread, Cartright, The Phuss, plus whoever wins the 101X battle of the bands.

Speaking of Helmet, you’re also touring with them this summer. When was the last time you played with those guys?

I’m sure we’ve shared a stage with those guys at some point, but honestly I can’t remember where or when. There were several promotional tours we did where we would fly into a city and play a radio festival with a hundred other bands, then get up the next day and do it again. These would last up to a few weeks. Things tend to get blurry.

What’s next for the band?

Beyond co-headlining the tour with Helmet and Dia 5 I’m not sure. I feel pretty certain we’ll be touring through the end of the year.

JERSEY BOYS With Lineup Finally In Place, Let Me Run Is Ready To Be Your New Favorite Band

BY JOHN B. MOORE

N

EW JERSEY’S LET ME RUN HAS HAD A COUPLE of false starts in their five years of existence. They’ve had almost as many singers as they have albums– three frontmen over four records- but they seem to have finally settled on a permanent lineup. And if their third full-length, MAD/SAD is a prelude of what’s to come, Let Me Run may just become one of your favorite punk bands. Guitarist Corey Perez, singer Rocky Catanese and drummer Trevor Reddell spoke with us recently about those lineup shifts (clearly a topic they want to finally get past), working with punk vet and go-to producer J Robbins, and whether or not Jersey has a cohesive music scene.

Can you talk about the recent lineup changes? How has that affected the band’s sound?

Catanese: I joined the band about two years ago at this point, but

PG 28 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

it’s not foreign to still feel a little new at times. I’m pretty fortunate that I was asked to be here and that I ended up playing with a band that I truly like and enjoy as a fan and as a musician. We parted ways in the most amicable way possible with our original bassist, Louis (Barbiere), mainly because he was having medical issues with his hands. In terms of how it’s affected the sound, I mean, it does make a difference. We made our self titled EP last year, and we all brought things to the table, so it’s obviously going to sound a little different, but I think it’s the next natural step from what the band had been doing. The same thing with our new record. We made it without a bassist, but it feels like the next step this band should have taken.

Reddell: At this point the only thing to talk about member-wise is the fact that we unfortunately lost our bassist Louis. As Rocky said, he has been dealing with some serious shit medically, and he needed to straighten that out before anything else. We miss him dearly, but our good friend Matt Harvey came in and saved the day. He’s a great dude and we love him.

Perez: I think with this release, it’s going to be a lot of people’s first time hearing our band. For those who are familiar with us, I hope they’re able to hear the progression from the past to the present.

Though the sound still retains certain elements from our prior works. It’s our first proper release in awhile.

What can you tell me about MAD/SAD? Catanese: MAD/SAD is something we’re really proud of, and we worked our asses off for. After finishing the shows we had in 2011, we took two months off and just wrote as much as possible. We were able to get 15 songs done that sounded like a record, and were all solid and done as the three of us in a room. We ended up recording 14 and putting the most cohesive 12 on the record.

Perez: This record is definitely darker, I think. It’s a collection of aggressive, angry, and sad songs. Not a concept record or anything, but there were things going on in our lives this winter that just

put us in that state of mind and they made their way into what we wrote. I bet a lot of people will think the title is stupid, but it’s really the perfect representation.

Was the recording or writing process much different than the last two records?

Reddell: If by last two records you mean Meet Me at the Bottom and Broken Strings, then yes. But we put out a self-titled EP after those, which was the introduction of Rocky. Our first two records were interesting. Meet Me at the Bottom was the first 11 songs the band had written. Josh, the producer, had an idea of what he was going for and wouldn’t stray too far from that path. That path eventually led to a lot of problems, so it sounds very disjointed to me personally. Broken Strings was cool. It was the first time we got to record in a legit studio. Will Putney and Machine really made it happen. It was kind of a mind fuck. Everything went so quickly. I wish we had more time.

But the end result was fantastic. (The) EP was great. Our buddy Joe Dell’aquila was behind the board. We felt like we owed him something, and vice versa. We’re great friends and the whole record was relaxed and from the heart. That EP has some of my favorite material on it. MAD/SAD was great. We did all of the initial tracking live. We knew we wanted to sound like we do live. There is not one fake instrument on that record. No samples.

No gridding. We even had Gordon from J’s band lay a cello track down. It all just worked. J has a really good ear for guitar tones and feel. Everything was so low stress even though we tracked 14 songs in 11 days. It’s the best representation of us we could’ve asked for.

Catanese: The recording was definitely different. We had a little bit more time and a lot to accomplish in the time we had.

For me it was a bit strange, because I had never done a full length record, and had never recorded outside of New Jersey, but it was awesome.

TRAVEL

GREENSBORO, NC

DISCOVER BALLANTYNE!

moments in African-American history. Today the actual lunch counter is the centerpiece REENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA to the International Civil Rights Center and might not strike you as one of the Museum, a fascinating walk through time that nation’s best green travel options. feels amazingly current with all its motionThe Atlantic Ocean is about four hours to activated halls and touchscreen exhibits. the east. The thick foliage of the Great Smoky Beyond elaborate history lessons, boutique Mountains is two and a half hours to the west. shopping and family fun stops like the North Still, the symbolic center of the Tar Heel State Carolina Zoo and Grasshoppers Minor League (Greensboro CVB even uses “The Middle Is baseball games, the city of about 270,000 the Best Part” as the city’s unofficial slogan) residents prides itself on its outdoor attractions. has more than its share of environmental Greensboro is home to a number of gorgeous attractions. It’s slap dead in between parks, including Bog Garden and the Greensboro Washington D.C. and Atlanta too, meaning Arboretum.

We ventured over to the newest much of the East Coast can get to the city greenspace, the 2011-installed Gateway Gardens, within a five-hour drive, even less if they use on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Piedmont Triad International The well-maintained place had DOWNTOWN Airport. a relaxing, whimsical feel.

There Truth be told, one of the main was a larger-than-life storybook reasons INsite wanted to visit stage on one side. Steel-erected Greensboro was to experience frogs perched on a wall on the the Proximity Hotel. Aside from other. All of which probably being a pioneering addresses in explains why we saw one family sustainable accommodations, with a professional photographer the hotel essentially drips in eco and another taking their wedding chic. When you actually walk day snaps.

GATEWAY GARDENS into the converted mill, you’re The Tanger Family greeted with warm service Bicentennial Gardens were and architectural brilliance about a 10-minute drive that’s unrivaled. from Gateway—a running Floor-to-ceiling windows joke around the city is that provide natural light and relief everything is less than 10 on the electric bill. Exposed minutes away—and it proved concrete and super high ceilings well worth the trip. More of a give rooms a sense of cool while traditional park than anything PROXIMITY HOTEL helping on the A/C expenses. else, Bicentennial Gardens’ There’s even an honor drink bar layout makes for a perfect on each floor. Simply reach in the space for weekend festivals. mini fridge, grab your Coke and And just so happens, we visited drop off a dollar. Why do this? during Parisian Promenade, an Vending machines are major event that transforms the park culprits to noise pollution. There into France through music, are hundreds of other subtle artwork and revelers dressed in (locally designed furniture) and snazzy pantaloons.

GREENSBORO ARBORETUM not-so-subtle (100 rooftop solar “Greensboro has become panels heat 60% of the hot water) known as a city of parks and Earth-friendly touches around gardens, ” explains Kathy Cates, the hotel. director of the volunteer “We used a lot of recycled enhancement group Greensboro material,” says Tony Villier, Beautiful.

“Our residents really facility manager at Proximity. embrace the gardens.

We are “I think about 20% of the consistently able to have voterbuilding. 22, I think. Things like approved bond referendums the stairwells, which are 50% for parks and recreation facilities. It really has recycled content. You have the structural steel for the building, which is 90% recycled content. become a fabric of our community.”

After a full day of garden hopping, hunger All of the gypsum wallboard here is 100% pains will start setting in. Thankfully, the one recycled. All of that came about from a process thing the city does almost as well as green is standpoint of adding one question to the design grub.

We feasted on homemade desserts from and construction process, and that is, ‘Is there Cheesecakes

by Alex, ate irresistible shrimp a more sustainable way of doing it?’ Of course, pasta at Bin 33, sipped on house-brewed beers it has to make sense from a cost standpoint as at Natty Green’s and downed delicious cage-free well. Going broke is not sustainable. Being ugly eggs at Iron Hen. Still, the meal that stands is not sustainable. You have to make sure that out most came from the Proximity Hotel’s things will be able to stay.” own award-winning restaurant, Print Works Like many Southern cities, Greensboro has Bistro.

The locally stocked menu is filled with its unpleasant memories from the Civil Rights sustainable selections like mountain trout and era. Most consider Birmingham, Atlanta and lemon chicken paillard.

Cross your fingers that Memphis as the heart of the Movement. If that’s the black pepper grilled salmon is in season the case, Greensboro could easily be known as when you visit. Cream-filled pastries offer the its brains. Back in 1960, four North Carolina proverbial icing on a great weekend.

A&T students, Joseph McNeil, Ezell Blair Jr., While the hotel and civil rights museum were David Richmond and Franklin McCain, held standouts on our trip, Greensboro was just a a sit-in at an all-white lunch counter at the pleasant surprise overall. The city that prides downtown Woolworth store. Many call the itself on being in the middle of it all truly is the courageous act, which was later duplicated center of green fun in the South. all across Dixie, one of the most important

BY MARCI MILLER

Visiting a Thriving City Whose Heart Luxury is A Short Ride Away in Lies in Sustainable Travel Charlotte, NC

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

G

I

F YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A QUICK getaway that is driving distance from Atlanta, take a ride north on I-85 to Charlotte, NC. Known as a major U.S. financial center (the second largest after New York) the city is also home to the Carolina Panthers NFL Team, the Charlotte Bobcats NBA Team, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Nicknamed the Queen City, Charlotte and its resident county are named in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who had become queen the year before the city’s founding.

And just south of the city is the Ballantyne area which sits on what used to be the Morrison hunting preserve. The 2,000-acre development is practically a town unto itself. Within its borders are a 535-acre corporate park, which includes office buildings, a resort hotel, and an 18-hole, daily-fee golf course.

The resort is The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge which is a member of the Luxury Collection

by Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Guests enjoy resort-style amenities such as a luxurious spa, salon, indoor pools, seasonal outdoor pool, tennis, fitness, championship PGA golf course, golf lessons by Dana Rader Golf School and four star dining at Gallery Restaurant. The hotel features elegant guest rooms and suites, a lodge group retreat and a spacious cottage. The Ballantyne is set amidst shopping, dining and retail conveniences and the Ballantyne Corporate Park, all in the Ballantyne Community.

Upon entering the hotel, you’ll forget that you are in a bustling Charlotte suburb and will feel as if you are in a resort far away from the rest of the world. The lobby has an elegant feel and features detailed woodwork and upscale furnishings. It’s perfect for an afternoon tea or business meeting.

Guest rooms also have a stylish feel and suites are huge and feature two separate rooms for sleeping and sitting. The property also features the 40,000 square foot Lodge at Ballantyne which offers a retreat atmosphere reminiscent of a North Carolina Mountain-style hunting lodge. Grand in style and flexibility, The Lodge includes 35 guest rooms, meeting space, break-out rooms, spacious social areas with vaulted ceilings, a second-floor loft with pool tables and much more.

While at the hotel, take the time to visit The Spa at Ballantyne. With a menu inspired by the four elements, spa offerings include ritualistic spa treatments, full-service salon, wellness services, fitness facilities, outdoor and indoor pools, eucalyptus steam rooms, cherry wood saunas and relaxation lounges.

The Golf Club at Ballantyne is a championship PGA public golf course that provides exceptional golf tournaments and outings, daily play, lessons

by Dana Rader Golf School and overnight golf packages. The Par 71 course is situated on a dynamic terrain with multiple water features, enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. Dana Rader Golf School has been selected as Golf Magazine’s prestigious list of the Top 25 Golf Schools in America. They offer extensive programs and highly personalized instruction for men, women, juniors, corporate and private groups.

If you are looking for a gourmet meal on your trip, look no further than the Gallery Restaurant.

Tim Toohey is the hotel’s Executive Chef. As Executive Chef at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, Toohey oversees the hotel’s banquet and pastry kitchens, Gallery Restaurant and culinary operations at The Spa at Ballantyne and The

BALLANTYNE HOTEL

BALLANTYNE GROTTO POOL

Lodge at Ballantyne. Originally from Australia, Toohey has held culinary positions all over the world, including Five-Star hotels such as the Hyatt Hotel Canberra and Fairmont Resort in Australia.

The Gallery Restaurant serves contemporary American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The farm-to-table inspired menu changes seasonally to provide the freshest local ingredients. The private dining room offers intimate space for private meetings, rehearsal dinners, events and holiday parties. Gallery Bar offers an impressive wine and Scotch selection.

Diners enjoy private dining, al fresco dining, wine tastings, cooking schools & wine.

A unique experience is the tasting menu at the Gallery Restaurant. Choose from 4 or 6 courses along with wine pairings. Sample signature dishes like low country shrimp and grits, crispy calamari, the Gallery filet or Baucom’s Best Farm Chickens which was an entry in the NC Best Dish 2012. Desserts like the Praline Hazelnut Dacquoise is a fabulous ending to a one-of-akind meal.

The Ballantyne also makes a great spot for a destination wedding. Brides love The Ballantyne for its selection of elegant event spaces, stunning views for wedding day photography, great service, and delicious cuisine. The Ballantyne spa and salon offers complete wedding day preparation for the wedding party and visiting guests. Hair, nail and makeup services as well as relaxing massages, facials or body treatments can be arranged in advance. Spa mixers are also great for bachelorette parties or as an alternative to the traditional bridesmaids luncheon. Grooms spend less time getting ready and more time entertaining family and friends.

Many of the grooms plan small golf outings for bachelor weekends or wedding weekends as a way to share quality time with visiting family and friends.

Other ongoing events at the hotel include Afternoon Tea, Fitness Classes and Personal Training and Cooking School Classes. The Ballantyne is sure to be abuzz as Charlotte plays host to the 2012 Democratic National Convention September 3 – 6. The hotel offers lots of great deals including the Summer Getaway package, which starts at $199 plus tax. Enjoy a $75 spa, golf or dining credit per room, per night, wireless internet access and valet parking. This offer is valid for Thursday Saturday stays through Aug 25, 2012 and subject to availability.

insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 29

Novak Djokovic

SPORTS COLUMN

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

BY B. LOVE

M

VIDIOTS UPCOMING DVD RELEASESAND REVIEWS

BY B. LOVE & JOHN B. MOORE

GRIMM: SEASON ONE Positioned as NBC’s answer to True Blood, this action-fantasy smash-up from the producers of Buffy and Angel began with an intriguing premise, casting a procedural cop show in the land of Grimm Brothers fairy tales. Here, the big bad wolf, wicked witch and hideous trolls live among us, masked to the naked eye as humans. Portland Detective Nick Burkhardt (David Guintoli) is one of the last of the Grimms, who have fought and killed these monsters for centuries. It took a while for the series to hit its stride– the overarching mythology and storytelling approach initially needed serious work– but this Blu Ray portends better things to come in season two.

THE INBETWEENERS: THE COMPLETE SERIES It’s hard to imagine this teen-centered Britcom getting a fair chance in the U.S. thanks to its unflinchingly bold humor and Porky’s-level raunchiness. The LOL-funny comedy is both coarse and smartly written, following four uncool friends growing up in suburbia and struggling to get laid and figure out what to do with their lives (in that order). In its three short seasons, the show managed to pull in a number of British comedy and TV awards. See why.

PG 30 • August 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION SEASON ONE It wasn’t supposed to work. The original Star Trek had been FAR from a commercial smash, and despite being revered by sci-fi geeks everywhere was still something of a pop culture novelty. So how could a relatively unknown, if accomplished, cast (including Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes and Levar Burton) hope to revive a franchise that had become a joke to most? This Blu Ray, which collects all 26 episodes from the first season in stunning HD, provides the answer: By combining solid storytelling, impeccable acting, and special effects that were surprisingly advanced for the era (1987) in which they were produced.

STORAGE WARS: VOLUME 3 For the third season of this reality series about bidding on abandoned storage units, I’ve come up with a Storage Wars Drinking Game. Every time Jarrod Schulz and Brandi Passante toss an insult at each other, take a drink. When missing link Darrel Sheets mangles a common saying or simple word, take a drink. When Barry Weiss spends an ungodly amount of money on a trash bag full of dirty clothes or decades old IKEA furniture, take a drink. One episode in and you’re sure to be blitzed.

STRIKE BACK: SEASON ONE Like porn for fans of fast-paced action, this series aired on British TV before being picked up by Cinemax in the U.S. The show pairs a British counterterrorism agent (Phillip Winchester) and an American ex-military vet (Sullivan Stapleton) as part of a secret British military unit out to track down terrorists.

Based on books by Chris Ryan, the show marks a first time partnership between Cinemax/ HBO and the UK’s British Sky Broadcasting.

FANATIC A Monthly Sports Wrap-up

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

Now that SUPER BOWL XLV is over, football fans can get to the real issue: Will there be a 2011 season? If you let NFL commissioner Roger Goodell tell it, a new BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS collective bargaining agreement is imminent. But listen to “We reallyand unique others closehave to theasituation they’ll sayopportunity it’s not such a at STATE dooutsomething really surePENN thing. While officialsto work the numbers, Fanatic knows threeWe thingshave that’ll happen, lockout ortono lockout: special. a chance bring 1)a An SEC defendertogether.

(Auburn’s Nick s Patrick community WeFairley have ora LSU’ chance to Peterson) will be the No.for 1 pick in the Draft; An 18-game be remembered a long time2)and give a season will be approved; Super Bowl Lions XLVI willrecruit kick-off community hope.’’3)–Nittany as planned on Feb. 5, 2012 Indianapolis.

Adam Breneman, onin his decision to attend

the school even after the NCAA sanctions

“I feel like a better player now than I was three years ago, because I thinkthis that physically I’m stronger, faster, mentally Over past MLB offseason the I’m more motivated on the court.

I knowtheir how to name, react in MIAMI MARLINS changed certain moments, I know how toof play the on a big stage. logo, addressandand much roster.

IMost have been more focused and dedicated to the sport than baseball analysts, Fanatic included, I have ever been before.” -2011 MEN’S AUSTRALIAN thought all the reshuffling would make OPEN WINNER NOVAK DJOKOVIC

them a serious pennant contender. Things haven’t thatmy way. at topress “When Iworked signed myout contract, main47-55 goal was earn time, the Marlins have largely floundered. it. Once I started to realize I wasn’t earning my money, I But South –Omar felt bad.this I waspanic making in a crazy amountBeach of money for not Infante, Anibal Sanchez and Hanley even pitching. Honestly, I didn’t feel like I deserved it. I Ramirez were Carlos Josh didn’t want to have traded; those feelings again.”Lee –GILand MECHE, Johnson were rumored to be movedis 32, who retired instead of taking a guaranteed $12 million just ridiculous.

It’sthisonly been four months! to pitch for Kansas City season The organization should have made a few small alterations, but this rosterhalfway overhaul February, of course, marks the NBA’S point. reeks of shortsightedness.

With that landmark also comes Fanatic’s midseason

awards: MVP (Derrick Rose, Chicago); Defensive Player of “If the Year (Dwight of thewant Year they’re notHoward, goingOrlando); to turnRookie up, we

(Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers); Coach of the Year (Gregg Popovich, San Antonio); Most Improved Player (Kevin Love, Minnesota); Sixth Man of the Year (Jamal Crawford, Atlanta); Most Surprising Team (New Orleans Hornets); Biggest Disappointment (Phoenix Suns). MANNING PEYTON “He’s a beast. What can you say? Some of the shots he made, I was like, ‘Wow. Did he just make that in my face?’

A player like that, you have to live and die defending him one on one. If he makes big shots, you have to go to the other end and stay poised.” –New Mexico guard Dairese Gary, on JIMMER FREDETTE, BYU star and college’s leading scorer “St. Louis was fourth in baseball last year in attendance, but only 13th in payroll. In other words the Cardinals have money to burn, and it’s time to light the match. So here’s what you do if you’re St. Louis: Whatever [Albert] Pujols wants, within reason, you give it to him. What’s within reason? No idea. The closest baseball has had to a free agent like this was Alex Rodriguez in 2001, when he received $252 million for 10 years. That was $25.2 million annually, and that was a decade ago. And Pujols is better.”

–CBS SPORTS’ GREGG DOYEL And finally…

Hawaii pays $4 million to host the NFL’s annual Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium… If early estimates are accurate, Super Bowl XLV should be Stub Hub’s top-selling event ever… At press time, the Cleveland Cavs were in the midst of a 1-29 stretch, the NBA’s worst since 1996… If there’s an NFL work stoppage next season, it’s reported that Las Vegas casinos would take an $850 million hit on unplaced betting… A record 56 underclassmen declared for the NFL Draft.

those tickets to be available for members of the public, because that creates the best atmosphere… I was at the Beijing Games, in 2008... and one of the lessons that we took away from that, is that full stadia out, and if he thinks the best thing to do create the best atmosphere. It’s best for the on any play is to get you the ball, you have to8PM, be there (Feb. 20, TNT) and you have to catch it… If athletes, it’s more fun for the spectators, it’s you don’t do that, not going to catch We don’t know if there will be more celebrities on the hardwood playingyou’re or celebrating been an absolute priority.” -British culture very many balls. ” Brandon Stokley’s advice courtside at L.A. ’ s Staples Center. secretary Jeremy Hunt, on empty seats at various LONDON OLYMPIC VENUES to fellow receivers playing with Denver QB PEYTON MANNING that sponsors reportedly aren’t using (Feb. 13, 1PM, ABC)

Must-See TV 1. NBA All-Star Game

2. AsMiami at Boston much as Chicago and Orlando fans hate acknowledging the fact, this is probably your

Top 5 Games This Month

AYBE SHE’S WEIRD, BUT my daughter loves going back to school. It’s probably because she likes getting all the swanky new stuff, a feeling I can remember loving at her age. She’s particularly excited about her new ROLLING BACKPACKS from PB Teen (www.pbteen. com), which come in cool designs ranging from animal prints, peace signs and retro paisley to vivid polka dots, camo and plaid. She likes the vivid colors; I like the fact that the rugged polyester, water-resistant exterior and roomy 13” x 7” x 9” dimensions make it durable and equally perfect for schoolbooks or as a weekend bag for our frequent travels.

One of my favorite things about going back to school as a kid was getting new clothes. And while I may not be in college now, I still love the feeling of getting a hot new shirt or a fresh pair of kicks. These days, I’m really digging my new BELGROVE SHOES from Ahnu (www. ahnu.com). Casual but rugged, with Numentum Technology designed to encourage your body’s natural biomechanics, these grey suede charmers are among the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned, not to

mention stylish enough to rock anywhere from the classroom to a casual date night.

Remember the freeing feeling of living on your own for the first time? It’s incredibly liberating, knowing for the first time in your life that nobody can tell you what to do. I get that same feeling everything I use our MUPPETS DINNERWARE from Zak Designs (www.planet-zak.com). A man my age probably has no business eating cereal out of an Animal bowl or drinking from a Gonzo cup, but as a diehard Muppets fan I don’t really give a crap. The company also offers a great line of lunchboxes, water bottles and thermal food containers for lunch on the go.

Speaking of “on the go,” one of my least favorite parts of going to college was riding MARTA back and forth to GSU every day.

The noise on the train drove me crazy, and then I’d come home to a hard-of-hearing roommate who blasted Jimmy Buffet songs. Things would’ve been much easier if I’d had the SYNC BY 50 WIRELESS HEADPHONES from SMS Audio (www.smsby50.com). With these over-ear headphones, you can sync up to four pairs to a single audio source, with a 3.5mm transmitter that allows you to listen from up to 50 feet away. They look and sound incredible, with a stylish design, digital EQ and full onboard controls, including a bass boost sure to drown out trains and annoying roommates.

FANATIC A Monthly Sports Wrap-up SPORTS

10 FANTASY FOOTBALL sleepers you And Finally…

Eastern Conference Finals preview.

France is considering a bid for the ‘24 should seriously consider on draft day: 1) Summer Games… If you were wondering, Titus Young, WR, Detroit; 2) Demaryius golf and rugby will be added to the ‘16 roster Thomas, WR, Denver; 3) Jay Cutler, QB, of events…

Niger Djibo Chicago; 4) Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore; (Feb. 12, 2PM, 9PM, ESPN) The top two teams in the nation go on the roadrower to very,Hamadou very 5) Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit; 6) Issaka had the slowest 2,000-meters time hostile environments.

James Starks, RB, Green Bay; 7) Jacob (1:52.72) ever in the Olympics… Women Tamme, TE, Denver; 8) Jake Locker, QB, outnumbered men (269 to 261) on Team (Feb. 20, 12PM, Fox)USA for the first time in Summer Games Tennessee; 9) Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle; Gentlemen, start QB, your quest to stop from winning unprecedented sixth watched history…

28.7 an million Americans 10) Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay.Jimmie Johnson straight Sprint Cup championship. the first night of actual competition on “Be where you’re supposed to be, every TV, a new Olympic high… As of August 1, there were just 555 days ‘til the Opening time, when you’re supposed(Feb. to 9,be9PM, there, ESPN) Ceremonies of the ’14 Winter Games in everyThis time.

That’s what I tell anyone who big meeting (and another on March 5) goes aSochi, long way in deciding North days Carolina Russia and 1,465 before the ’16 asks bragging me, that’s theandway it has to be. He’s rights the ACC crown.

Summer Games begin in Rio de Janeiro. prepared. He knows the offense inside and

3. Ohio State at Wisconsin, Pittsburgh at Villanova 4. Daytona 500 5. UNC at Duke

���������������� ������������� ��������������������

������������ ������������������

BEST ADULT VIDEO STORE!

SOUTHERN NIGHTS!

For the adult in all of us.

Since 1996

DVD’S STARTING AT $9.99!

PRIVATE DANCER POLE KITS NOW IN STOCK!

We NOW carry Tobacco Accessories & Sensuals!

Easy to Assemble Fits Anywhere

NOW IN STOCK!

Iolite Vaporizers

NOW IN STOCK!

We-Vibe

NOW IN STOCK!

The couples’ vibrator!

Male Chastity Belts

NOW IN STOCK!

FLIP HOLE

EXPANDED NOVELTY & TOY SECTION!

CB-6000

SOUTHERN NIGHTS

2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd. 404-728-0701 • Open 24/7

VOTING BEGINS AT MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 INSITEATLANTA.COM/BESTOFATLANTA

Go for the Gold Vote for Your #1!

CHESHIRE BRIDGE

MAGS, LUBES, CONDOMS & MORE!

LARGEST SELECTION OF RENTALS ANYWHERE! FLESHLIGHTS & FLESHJACKS

Bedroom Kandi Kisses Vibe

CRYSTÁL Glass Kegal Eggs

Enjoy a healthier smoking experience wherever and whenever without the smoke or smell!

FREE MEMBERSHIP & NEW RELEASES DAILY.

Hot NeSwexy o T s m e t I . . . r e m m Up Su

TARA MOVIE THEATRE

Bedroom Kandi Rise-n-Shine Vibro-Ring

SOUTHERN NIGHTS WOODLAND

Ladies Club Vibe Kit 2.OH

VOTE US:

BEST ADULT STORE 2012!

LOWEST Prices On All Things EROTIC:

anta Atl2012 Atlanta’s Entertainment Monthly VOTING CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT OCTOBER 14

Adult Movies • Toys • Tobacco Pipes • Lingerie • Lubes Bondage • Fetish • Detox • Dancer’s Apparel • Couple’s Gifts Mood Enhancers • Aromatic Candles • Bachelor Gifts Bachelorette Gifts • Body Jewelry • Adult Magazines • Candles

PLUS SO MUCH MORE ADULT FUN! Friend Us, Find Us, Follow Us For Sexy Savings!

22 Convenient Locations | 404.766.6993 FREE DVD with any $20 Online Order: 24/7: ShopStarship.com insiteatlanta.com • August 2012 • PG 31

NOW SERVING

Atlanta’s Favorite Middle Eastern Restaurant.

★

Fresh Baked Bagels!

★

★★★

NEW

★

BAKERY MENU!

★★

2751 lavista rd • decatur ga 30033 phone 404-633-8833 • www.mezzabistro.com

Muffins, Cookies, Sweet Treats, and More!

Candler Park 1655 McLendon Ave. 404.687.8888 Midtown 1001 Piedmont Ave. 404.874.8887 www.flyingbiscuit.com • Catering: 404-849-2283

The Red Door Tavern

BUCKHEAD’S PLACE TO MEET Large Screens & Games Outdoor Patio Seating Follow us on

Hours: Mon-Fri 2pm–3:30am; Sat 3pm–3:30am; Closed Sundays

CATERING AVAILABLE

(after 5 PM)

N E P O

3652 Roswell Rd.

at the corner of Roswell & Piedmont Rd. 404-816-9090 www.landmarkdiner.com

Music • Comedy • Madness

SHOWS WEDNESDAY THRU SATURDAY 8:30PM

For Reservations of Parties 6 or more call (770) 738-3000 Tasty Sandwiches • Salads • Dinner Fare • Chicken & Veal • Seafood Platters • Greek & Italian Cuisine Breakfast Menu • Appetizers • Steak & Chops • Dessert Menu • Kid’s Menu

WE’VE MOVED

AROUND THE CORNER TO SUITE “A” NEXT TO KRISPY KREME!

13.99

$

-INsite, Creative Loafing, Fox News, Emory Wheel & Citysearch

Dine In & Carry Out • Catering Available

SIDEDOOR LOUNGE

LARGE TRADITIONAL THIN CRUST PIZZA WITH 1 TOPPING*

ONLINE ORDER CODE: MNT1399

FRI, SAT & SUN 5PM TO CLOSE

Voted Best in AtlAntA

24 Hours

JERRY FARBER

NEW INDOOR DINING AREA! NEW OUTDOOR DINING PATIO! FREE VALET PARKING:

1810 CHESHIRE BRIDGE RD. @ PIEDMONT • 404-874-8304

WE DELIVER!

3180 Roswell Rd. 404.846.6525

Landmark DINER

CHESHIRE BRIDGE

DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS FROM $5.95

*Excludes chicken & shrimp.

Additional ingredients at regular price. Not valid with any other offer. Must mention coupon when ordering & present at time of order. Valid only at location shown. Valid thru 9/30/12

MIDTOWN www.nancyspizza.com 265 PONCE DE LEON • 404-254-5103

N. Decatur Plaza • 404.320.0101 Corner of N. Decatur & Clairmont

HouRs FoR stoREs: Mon-Sat: 11am-9:30pm Sun: 11am-8:30pm www. mediterraneangrill .com

Midtown • 404.917.1100 10th and Monroe

East Cobb / Marietta 1255 Johnson Ferry Rd. Market Plaza • 678.996.0045

Authentic Middle Eastern and Greek Cuisine Cooked Fresh to Order

BACK TO SCHOOL DEALS! Locally Blown Glass

HOOKAHS Starting at $24.95

Hand-blown Bubblers

DETOX PRODUCTS

PIPES

Red Dawn, GHRelease, Sleepwalker & Zan-X Starting at $6.95

SELF

P O S T E R S D E F E N S E C ICGI GA AR RE TS T&E S J EBWOEDLYR Y PRODUCTS

ROSWELL: 710 Holcomb Br. Rd. #240 • 770-992-4485 SANDY SPRINGS: 6125 Roswell Rd. Suite 101A, 101B • 404-256-1116 ACWORTH: 3466 Cobb Pkwy Suite 120 • 770-974-5585 NEW LOCATION WOODSTOCK: 8265 Hwy 92 Suite 108 • 678-445-5550

ALL STORES OPEN 10A-2A EVERY DAY • WWW.SHOPSMOKE911.COM