INsite Atlanta December 2011 Issue

DECEMBER 2011

www. insiteatlanta .com

VOL. 20, NO. 5 FREE

d n a y a d i l o H o T e d i Your Gu s t n e v E e v E s ’ r a e Y w Ne a t n a l t A s acros

, s u l P

lberg ie p S n e v e t S Jason Lee, rld o W y e n is D , NC le il v e h s A l: e Trav

ON SALE NOW

Shopping and dining on Sycamore Street in downtown Decatur

FRIDAY DECEMBER 30-8PM www.bbking.com

Mingei World Arts 427 Church St.

Boogaloos Boutique 246 W. Ponce de Leon Ave.

Feast 314 E. Howard Ave.

Salon Red Kids 123 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.

GET TICKETS AT THE FOX THEATRE TICKET OFFICE ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS CHARGE BY PHONE: 1-800-745-3000 OR ONLINE AT www.bbkingfanclub.net TICKETMASTER.COM

Nearly 40 shops and restaurants all around the City of Decatur stay open late with refreshments and special deals every Terrific Thursday through December 15

--%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%•%%%%%•f%%•%xclu%%%%%

decaturga.com visitdecaturgeorgia.com

Downtown Decatur

DecaturTT_IS_112811.indd 1

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

4-4---------

Advertising funded by the Decatur Craft Beer Festival.

PG 2 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

•••Z•••••W•••••••••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••••••••••

11/29/11 7:25 PM

CONTENTS • DECEMBER 2011 • VOLUME 20.5 Atlanta’s

Entertainment Monthly

INTERVIEWS 06 10 15 18 19 22 23 27 27 28 28 29

JASON LEE JASON SEGEL STEVEN SPIELBERG DAVID LYNCH ELIOT BRONSON SCOTT WALLACE ATLANTA ACTORS SCOTT H BIRAM KOFFIN KATS SAVES THE DAY DIR EN GREY ROBBIE HUMMEL

15

BodiesAtlanta.com

18

FEATURES 08 11 12 14 21 24 26 30

REAL HUMAN BODIES

HOLIDAY VIDEO GAMES HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HOLIDAY DINING GUIDE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES TRAVEL TO DISNEY HOLIDAY EVENTS GUIDE TRAVEL TO ASHEVILLE NAUGHTY GIFT GUIDE

COLUMNS

19

04 05 05 07 13 16 19 20 21 29 31

22

AROUND TOWN ON TAP ON A DIME EVENTS UNDER THE LIGHTS MOVIE REVIEWS CONCERT CALENDAR ROAD WARRIORS ALBUM REVIEWS VIDIOTS FAVORITE THINGS FANATIC

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, Matt Goldberg, Rodney Hill, Alex S. Morrison, Steve Warren, Dave Cohen, Jennifer Williams, Matt Connor, Ed Morales, Sacha Dzuba, Michael Mahon, David Weinthal, Steve Warren, Benjamin Carr, Kalena Smith, Justin Patterson, Chris Miller 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 2011, Be Bop Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Check out our Holiday Gift Guide on page 11!

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TICKETMASTER.COM, AT ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS INCLUDING: PUBLIX, AND SIMON LENOX SQUARE. TO CHARGE TICKETS BY PHONE, CALL (800) 745-3000. insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 3

Around Town

Theatre/Film/Performance

The Fernbank Natural History Museum will host “Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World” during the month of December. The exhibition will recognize celebrations from Christmas to Hanukkah to the Festival Lights and Festivus. Go to fernbankmuseum.org/winter for details.

The Clark Atlanta University School of Arts & Sciences and the Music Department will host Christmas at Park Street on Dec. 4 at 4pm, with Dr. Curtis Everett Powell conducting the CAU Philharmonic Society. This event will take place at the Park Street Music & Art Complex at 793 Park Street. Call 404-880-8211 for more info.

The CDC Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has several giving opportunities that support CDC-led public health programs this month. For just $5, a person can help CDC purchase a bed net to protect a child from malaria.

A gift of $10 helps CDC purchase rabies vaccines to prevent rabies in developing countries. You can visit www.cdcfoundation.org/what/partner/ individuals to learn more about these unique gifts that give back.

The Atlanta Falcons put down their pads to help children on Dec. 6 to host a Toys For Tots Shopping Spree.

Stephen Nicholas, Thomas DeCloud, William Moore, Ray Edwards and Dominique Franks will join with the U.S. Marine Corps in accepting donations for underprivileged children from 6-7pm at the Buckhead Toys”R”Us. For more information, please go to toysfortots.org/touchdown.

ALL DEC

ALL DEC

If you’re looking for a place to live this month, consider Housematch Match, a service that brings together homeowners and tenants. This is a free service that helps potential tenants find private bedrooms/baths, safe neighborhoods, below market rent and flexible lease terms. For more information, contact Lynne Dyckman at 678-812-3729.

ALL DEC

Get into the holiday spirit with “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 4 at 1:30pm and 5:30pm at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in the Cobb Civic Center. The Georgia Ballet will perform the classic holiday story. For tickets to all of The Nutcracker performances, please call 770-528-0881 or visit www.georgiaballet.org. Ticket prices start at $15.

Group ticket discounts are available.

DEC 04

DEC 04

DEC 06

Janke Glassblowing Studios presents “Winter Glass Fest ‘11, Celebration of Frozen Sand” on Dec. 10, Noon-6pm at Studioplex, 659 Auburn Avenue.

There will be glassblowing exhibitions, kids crafts, glass beadmaking, art walk, live music with the Mike Watson Band and The Pacha Mamas. Free parking and admission. Visit jankestudios.com or call 404-584-0305.

DEC 10

Sam Flax is celebrating the opening of their new store with “Give, Receive, Celebrate” Dec. 9-11. The first 1,000 customers arriving each day will receive a gift and be entered in a drawing for their grand prizes. There will be a Calligraphy Booth offering personalized calligraphy just $1. Demos and refreshments will also be on hand. The store is located at 1745 Peachtree St. at Brookwood Place (404-352-7200). Go to www.samflaxsouth.com for more.

DEC 9-11

Janke Studios Hand Blown Glass Founded in 1996

WINTER GLASSFEST11

STUDIOPLEX Conveniently located between Inman Park & the King Birth Home

NEW SHOWROOM 659 Auburn Ave. Atlanta, GA 30312 404-584-0305

check

jankestudios

www. .com “A CELEBRATION OF FROZEN SAND” for schedule of classes

TH SAT, GLASSBLOWING DEC. 10EXHIBITIONS 12-6PM Tues, Thurs,HOURS: Fri 1pm-8:30pm, KIDS CRAFTS, GLASS BEADMAKING, ART WALK, LIVE MUSIC W/MIKE WATSON BAND AND THE PACHA MAMAS FREE PARKING AND FREE ADMISSION.

Wed 5-8:30pm Sat 12-8:30pm Other times By Appointment

Functional Art Glass Gallery • Custom Lighting

MAKING POVERTY GLAMOROUS

BUY • SELL • TRADE

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

PG 4 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

WE’VE MOVED! SANDY SPRINGS 280 HAMMOND DR. (ACROSS FROM LOWE’S) (404) 255-5578

PSYCHOSISTERSSHOPS.COM

Museums/Exhibits/Arts

Music/Comedy/Sports

The Brookhaven Arts Alliance will be hosting an art sale on Dec.10 from 11am-4pm. Shoppers can peruse fine art, photography, pottery, folk art, jewelry and more at prices 50-75% off the retail value. The sale will be held at Brookhaven Self Storage, 2740 Apple Valley Road. For more information, go to www.brookhavenartsalliance. com.

DEC 10

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will perform Chris Van Allsburg’s “The Polar Express” at 1:30pm and 3:30pm on Dec. 11 at the Atlanta Symphony Hall in the Woodruff Arts Center.

Tickets are $18-$24. Visit atlantasymphony.org for other concert details.

DEC 11

Abbey Road, one of the world’s best Beatles cover bands, will perform Sgt. Pepper’s Mystery Tour in its complete form on Dec. 17 at Variety Playhouse.

The show begins at 8pm, and tickets are only $15 in advance or $17.50 the day of the show. Go to variety-playhouse.com for more info.

DEC 17

In 1843, Charles Dickens made the world believe in ghosts at Christmas time. On Dec. 15 and Dec. 20 from 5:30-9:00pm, the Atlanta History Center invites guests to get into “The Holiday Spirit” and join them for a new family program that transports guests back in time, Dickens’ style.

“The Holiday Spirit” is free for members and included with general admission for nonmembers. Purchase tickets online at www.AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/spirit.

DEC 20

WE BUY & SELL BLU-RAY DISCS, VIDEO GAMES AND DVDS!!!

BARRETT PARKWAY 50 Barrett Parkway Next to Barnes & noble 770-425-3472 MALL OF GEORGIA 3260 Buford Drive Between Starbucks & Brusters Ice cream 678-546-5835 ROSWELL 10800 Alpharetta Hwy Thanks At Mansell Road 770-518-3300 for Voting DULUTH us Best Pleasant Hill of ATL! at Satellite Blvd Behind IHOP 770-623-1552

WWW.CDWAREHOUSEATL.COM

Other Stuff

The Chick-fil-A Bowl will host its parade and Fan Fest on Dec. 31. The annual event returns with a parade from 12:30-2pm (free) and Fan Fest from 2-6pm ($15 per person). Both events will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center. For more information, visit www.chick-fil-abowl.com.

DEC 31

Ring the New Year with art. The High Museum of Art will host the new year with Culture Shock Presents a New Year’s Eve Party from 9pm-1am.

There will be art, music, dancing and drinks. Go to high.org for more details.

DEC 31

LOCAL

LOCAL EVENTS

On Tap this Month EMAIL EVENTS TO ONTAP@INSITEATLANTA.COM December 3: Georgia Dome

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP

This is a game that could easily be renamed “Prelude to a National Title.” The Southeastern Conference championship game is truly a one of a kind. It’s winner has gone on to win the past five straight national championships. So a ticket to the Georgia Dome on Dec. 3 is a ticket to see the best in the country. Top-ranked LSU faces local favorite Georgia for the league’s crown.

Get tickets, if you can, at secsports.com.

All December: Stone Mountain Park

A STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS

Stone Mountain Park has the market cornered on outdoor entertainment. The holiday season is no exception. The park will feature more than two million outdoor lights and a dozen performances all month long.

Features like the Polar Express 4-D Experience and the Simply Christmas Musical Revue are likely to be fun for the whole family. For ticket and event information, go online to festivals.stonemountainpark.com.

December 7: Spring Street & Fifth Street

ODYSSEO

Did you ever want the beauty and pageantry of Cirque du Soleil combined with horses? Sure, why not. The combination proves magical in “Odysseo,” a similar attraction to last season’s “Cavalia.” Horses will juggle, dance and walk tight ropes on bicycles. Okay, not really, but the actual performances and story is something the entire family can enjoy. Call 1-866-999-8111 for tickets or go online to www.cavalia.net.

December 31: Georgia Dome

CHICK-FIL-A BOWL

It’s the Southeastern Conference against the Atlantic Coast Conference in Atlanta’s own annual New Year’s Eve tradition. Last year’s matchup featured SEC East Champion South Carolina against Florida State. Who will grace the Georgia Dome stage this season? Likely Clemson and SEC foe Auburn, but regardless of the teams, the Chick-fil-A Bowl remains one of the postseason’s best. Go to www. chick-fil-abowl.com for tickets.

December 31: Downtown Atlanta

PEACH DROP 2012

Atlanta’s own unique New Year’s tradition returns in Downtown Atlanta. The annual Peach Drop comes back to with legendary rock band Kansas headlining a night full of fun and entertainment. There will actually be live music the entire day around Underground and Downtown Atlanta. The event starts at 11am and continues until 3am. Access is free. For a complete listing of bands and times, go online to www.peachdrop.com.

January 1: Georgia Dome

TAMPA BAY AT ATLANTA FALCONS

If you’re hungover on New Year’s Day, why not distract the pain with some heavyweight football? The Atlanta Falcons look for revenge from an early road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The playoffs are on the line, and Matt Ryan & Company need to continue to find wins for a shot at the postseason. The Dirty Birds will try to slow down Josh Freeman and the stout Buc offense. Go online to www.atlantafalcons.com for tickets.

EVENTS HAPPENING FOR SMALL CHANGE IN ATLANTA

Know of a low cost event of happening? Event@AtlantaOnADime.com SEASON MAGIC SIPS IN OF THE CITYAT PIEDMONT PARK CALLAWAY GARDENS PHOENIX FLIES

Through January 1,Check Check website forforpricing August, Website Deals Through Feb. 28, FREE “CITYWIDE CELEBRATION OF LIVING LANDMARKS” Piedmont Park, Midtown Atlanta Various Downtown Restaurants Callaway Gardens March 5-20, Free www.piedmontpark.org www.atlantadowntown.com 17800 Hwy 27 Around the City VariousUS Landmarks Pine Mountain, phoenixflies.orgGeorgia The Annual Season of Magic inencourages Piedmont This1st summer promotion callawaygardens.com

Park runstothrough Year’s Day.ofAtlanta For the patrons experience Downtown The Phoenix Flies: New A Celebration Living

first timeThroughout inwas the park, and families on ice! the heated months of Admission tocreated Callaway Gardens is Landmarks incouples 2003 by The Atlanta can enjoy daily horse-drawn carriage rides.

July and August, featured restaurants in the complimentary through the end of this Preservation Center as a way to celebrate the Visitors will Dining beiscarried through the historic Downtown District willrescue be offering month (Price $15 for adults, 25th anniversary ofnormally the dramatic of the and newly expanded areas of Piedmont Park, refreshing signature cocktails, hip happy $6.50 per child) providing guests with Fox Theatre, an event that changed Atlanta’s enjoying beautiful holiday lights under hours and deals that you won’t want to miss. the opportunity to enjoy time with their preservation outlook forever. This year, the the list scenic Atlanta skyline. also Participating restaurants Atlanta family reconnecting inare nature. includesand freefriends guided toursAtlantans of include The Fox Theatre, welcome toPark, stroll through the the park to enjoy Grill, Azio Downtown, BLT Steak, Max Free admission includes Virginia Piedmont Historic Oakland Cemetery, the festive lights for free.

Other events include Lager’s, No Mas! Cantina and The Sundial Hand Callaway Discovery Center, Day Civil War Atlanta Walking Tour, Tullie Smith weekly Jingle Mingle Holiday Socials, family Restaurant.

Visit the website for a complete Butterfly Center, Sibley Horticultural Farm House, Margaret Mitchell House, the friendly arts crafts and a more. carouselGarden, with the list deals.

Center, Mr.and Cason’s Vegetable newofBeltline Park and much Legacy Fountain lightAzalea show inBowl, the background.

Callaway Brothers Overlook Garden, Discovery Bicycle Trail, Pioneer AMERICAN COUNCIL SHOW IN ATLANTA THE 85THCRAFT ANNUAL CHRISTMAS Log Cabin, Ida Cason Callaway Memorial March 10-13, Regular admission: $13 FREE CONCERT Chapel, nature trails and daily programs.

Children under 12: free Friday, December 2@ 7:30pm & Sunday, December 4 Cobb Galleria Center @ 6:00pm, Morehouse College THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta Saturday, December 3 @range 7:30pm, College Feb. 10 - 27, Tickets fromSpelman $15 - $35 craftcouncil.org/Atlanta www.morehousecollege.com Turner Field Green Lot 521 Capitol Avenue, Atlanta This 3-day event is the largest juried craft This beloved holiday tradition is heldfine annually universoulcircus.com Show in the southeast. The show has been

By Marci Miller ELVIS AND JESUS: A KING MEETS THE KING 2011 SOUTHEASTERN SHOW HUNGER WALK/RUN 5KFLOWER Sunday, December 4, 5:00pm & Friday, December 9, Feb. - 27, Adults $18 ($15 in advance) March 13, Noon-4pm, $25 for runners 8th 25 ANNUAL GERMAN BIERFEST

7:30pm Youth/Student $7,27, Kids2 under Free forFree walkers Saturday, August – 7pm5 are Free Inman Park United Methodist Church, Atlanta Cobb Galleria Centre Parking is free $30 Online, $35 At the Door www.inmanparkumc.org Two Galleria Parkway, Turner Field Green LotAtlanta Woodruff Park, Downtown Atlanta sehort.org 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta www.germanbierfest.com Elvis & Jesus! Catch this free rockin’ holiday hungerwalkrun.org pageant complete tunes, holiday Presented by with theElvis Southeastern This summer event celebrates the greatness favorites, moon-walking shepherds, cutie-pie Horticultural Society, premier Join German thousands of runners and walkers at of beer inthis a annual family-friendly kids, pro dancers, the most unique donkey gardening event promotes preservation this annual event that benefits theauthentic Atlanta environment.

Complete with you’ve ever seen and aflowers great holiday message and awareness of plants Community Food Bank and fiveand other local German food, activities for the kids, music for everyone.

Enjoy Big Mike Geier band through and artistic expression. nonprofits.

Participants can register asthea team and fun,education the German Bierfest is(ofnot only Kingsized) singing the or Elvisregister tunes,Bierfest thejuried Good Show activities include speakers, or individually online the day of the only authentic German in Moves Dancers, holiday carols andLandscape more. that competition, kids’ activities, & the event.

There will be activities for See all beer ages Atlanta, but the only family-friendly old Christmas story re-imagined re-told by Discovery Gardens and more. including live entertainment & more. festival asgames, well.

For the price ofand admittance, smart-aleck Angel Gabriel (played by of Gates opencan at noon, theall5K & Tom walk begin attendees drink therunbeer theyBell can This Is Chronicle).

Whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on! at 2 p.m. safely consume.

Designated drivers are 10th ANNUAL OAKHURST WINE CRAWL encouraged attend Saturday, Feb.and 26, can 4 pm-7 pm for free. No one DECATUR BONFIRE & under the age of 21 will $25 in advance A-TOWN DAYfor Tasting Glassbe permitted to MARSHMALLOW ROAST consume alcohol. $30 day26,ofNoon-8pm, event March $5A designated driver December 15, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Free service will also be on site for those who Oakhurst LakewoodBusiness District Decatur Square, Downtown Decatur find themselves in an unsafe oakhurstga.org 2002 Lakewood Ave SE, Atlanta condition to www.decaturga.com drive home. atownday.com

Participants in this year’s event will get Make plans to isjoin the and roast to sample wines from around the world A-TOWN DAY a health care festival, concert, PIGS & PEACHES BBQcommunity FESTIVAL marshmallows around the popular 10’ x 10’ bonfire while allof the businesses in the and a exploring major Awareness August 26 & 27,day Friday 5pm - 11pm celebrating on the square.

Enjoy special music andwill visit Santa Oakhurst neighborhood.

There be 20 all things Atlanta.

A-TOWN DAY benefits Saturday 10am – 10pm, Free in the Community Bandstand.

And before the participating establishments and the event the of Atlanta and The Ben Diabetes RobertsonAssociation Community Center, Kennesaw bonfire, make sureout to check Decatur’ s feature Terrific expects to sell quickly.

Thewill Fur Bus B-Aware Foundation.

Thisoutevent www.facebook.com/PigsAndPeaches Thursdays.

There are special deals at Decatur’ will be on poetry, hand to live music, cartransport show and participants lots of familys hottest shops, galleries and restaurants.

Park once from bar to bar.

Tickets be purchased friendly events.

The event features acannon-sanctioned and take a special shuttle for free around town. from Steinbeck’s Ale House, Backyard BBQ, Anything Butt andUjoint, Peach Participating businesses will stay open late, offering and Karvana Coffee Shop, locatedCity in Dessert Contest, as well as all a Kansas INMAN PARK RESTAURANT beverages, snacks and special offers.WEEK Oakhurst village.

Barbeque Society March 28-April 3, $15sanctioned Professional

on three nights early in December. The concert the premiere marketplace for of regional fine features a combined chorus both the The UniverSoul Circus craft lovers and collectors, and offers guests Morehouse and Spelman College Glee Clubs continues itsworksurge the chanceintoalternation meet and with purchase from presented selections YELLOW JACKET to around the topthe ofcountry. the from live esteemed artists from To each individual Glee Club as they perform entertainment ranks FAN DAY reach first-time collectors and established craft special of Christmas carols, with interactive funky Saturday,arrangements August 6, 3pm –its6pm, Free collectors alike, the newest show category for anthems, spirituals, and African songs.

Over rendition of aUnder traditional Bobby Dodd Stadium atHandmade Grant Field participating artists is $100.

7000 people come from all over the southeast UniverSoul has Contest, www.ramblinwreck.com is recognized $25 & $35which for three-course meal as a Georgia Artists whotosellattend workcircus. for under $100which will have CHANUKAH PAJAMAKAH each year the concerts, are IHOP captivated audiences State Championship Barbeque Cookoff.

NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY CELEBRATION their booths specially marked for patrons inmanparkrestaurantweek.com Saturday, December 17,cash 6:00 and -pm, 8:00Free pm, Pancakes Freewill be presented free of atcharge asaround ofthemusic to Tuesday, from world Festivitiesin begin 3ap.m. ona gift Callaway Plaza Over $14,000 prizes March 1,in7 am-10 interested starting collection.

Barnes & Noble Buckhead the with its unique brand withcommunity. music, prizes, inflatables and games for International awarded to House contest winners. food of Pancakes Savor historic Inman Park withBesides three-course 2900 Peachtree Road, Atlanta that blends circus arts, Locations the kids.

From 4-6 p.m. the gates will open for sale, and free music from a number of throughout Metro Atlanta from 11 local restaurants. Proceeds ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY FREEand OPEN music.

HOUSE dinners www.atlantajcc.org theater and fans can enter the stadium to meet the local and national acts, festival goers will IHOPPancakeday.com will benefit Project Open Hand, which helps March 12, 11am-3pm, Free Founded in Atlanta over people 2011 treated to a large Kid Zone (withchronic many prevent or better manage AtlantaYellow Motor Jackets.

SpeedwayFootball players will be be The MJCCA and the will Ahavath Achim 17 position years ago, the at audience seated with their groups various attractions FREE to families), unique vendor On this day, customers receive one disease through comprehensive care.

1500 Tara Place, Hampton Synagogue invite families to nutrition a The Chanukah willthewatch infield. amazement as Paul stilt free points on playing Head coach booths and sponsor exhibits.

Silver short stack (three) of IHOP’s famous $1 raffleParty. ticketsPrizes will bewill soldbeand will to go children towards atlantamotorspeedway.com Pajama given walkerswill make way across a tight Johnson sign their autographs from 4-5 p.m. buttermilk Wings paratrooper aerial exhibition pancakes.

All they askwill is team that the charity.

The winner of the raffle win with the to most interesting and creative pajamas. rope, horse riders perform death-defying and will be available for photographs from returns the event, and will jump into the patrons consider making a donation to aThe hosted hor d’ouerves, beer and wine party Visit the track’s Open House for free.

Activities celebration will include children’s stories, stunts, and contortionists bend into support 5-6 p.m.

Please limit autographs to ONE festival on Saturday, August 27.

Crowds local children’s hospitals through Park’scrafts, Edge Restaurant for thirty spinning of their include championship legends racing on the at songs, a tospecial Dreidel incredible and beautiful shapes.will be the Children’s item per player or coach. be Each treated aPark wonderful display of Miracle Network or other local friends.

Inman restaurant will bring quarter-mile “Thunder Ring.This ”, free drawings will competition, Chanukah treats, and more. first opportunity to get the 2011 football aerobatics and patriotic performances in charities.

Since beginning its National frompartners their restaurants for the winner. for big prizes, drive your own car on the track tastes Program include The Weinstein poster well2011 as ofschedule cards, ticket Pancake the sky.

There will also be ainhuge, fireworks CHEERSPORT NATIONAL Day celebration 2006, IHOP The winner will be announced at the end of with theaspurchase Labor Day NASCAR School and The Epstein School Intown. information and other items throughout the grand finale. has raised more than $5.35 million CHEERLEADING & DANCE tickets, fans can select their seats for the Labor the restaurant week. Check the website fortoa afternoon.

Most campus lots race will support charities in the communities complete listLIFE of participating restaurants. in Day Race Weekend, tour theparking Speedway’s CHAMPIONSHIP LIGHTSitOF be available. which operates.

PEACHTREE LATINO 6:00pm – control Feb. 18 –tower 20 and suites, take photos with FESTIVAL Through December 31, Sunday-Thursday: Sunday, August 28, 11am – 7:30pm, Free Cars/ the Atlanta Motor Speedway pace car and a $30 for 2-day pass CITIZEN COPE 10:00pm, Friday-Saturday: 6:00pm –11:00pm, SIMON GAMEPLAY Park NASCAR Sprint Series winner’s trophy, Piedmont $20 for 1-day passCup TOUR SUVs $5; Vans $10; Buses $20, Saturday, August 20gift @ shop 10am, Free www.festivalpeachtreelatino.com discounts at5 AMS and much more.

Kids UnderWONDER are Free WINTER JAM CONCERT SERIES On the campus of Life University (Barclay Circle – off Discover Mills Mall, Lawrenceville Georgia World Congress Center December 2, 9, 16 & 23, Free Hwy 41 just north of Dobbins AFB, Marietta) www.simon.com Festival Peachtree Latino has been the 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., Atlanta Central Park, Atlantic Station www.life.edu/lightsoflife largest family & multicultural event in the cheersport.net www.atlanticstation.com The Simon GamePlay tour will connect fans southeast since 2000.more Theythan have Lights of Life attracts onefeatured million of all ages to the hottest video games before hundreds of exhibitions, family Bring it on…this electrifying cheerleading Atlantic Station presents Winter Wonder Jam., visitors annually as Life University activities, puts on a they are launched and available in stores. events,light parades, crafts,than ethnic and competition features teams a freedance Friday night concert series featuring big sporting dazzling holiday showarts over& more 2.5 The recently launched Nintendo 3DS foods and outdoor musical performances competing from across America.

This name bands. The series kicks off on Friday, miles of campus. See more than two million gaming system take center stage with featuring international year, it expects to grow largerperformance than ever December 2 withwill a solo acoustic lights, a 60renowned foot-high Christmas treemusicians located in aby “Nintendo 3DS Lounge, ” with couches, on two stages.

The best part about it is that with over 900 teams participating, from Citizen Cope. Check back each week to see a sea of blue lights, a nativity scene, a menorah, snacks and games.

Nintendo will also offer the event is absolutely FREE!!

This ages three through college.

Cheersport and the scheduled band. Also, look for other great and many other dazzling animated year, “Street Pass, ”bytournament-style play using Festival Latinoand hasdisplays. more toPhotos offer, was founded coaches loved stationaryPeachtree holiday scenes holiday events atall-star Atlantic Stationwho including Nintendo devices. will new attractions a larger competitive cheerleading and Santa dance. with Santa are availableand Friday and schedule Saturday. nightly “snow3DS shows”, BreakfastGamePlay with and with feature 10 gaming pods, including 2 mature of musical performances.

Check the website for the full competition Other weekend activities include a petting zoo, train rides. zones, with products from instrusty leaders train ride and pony rides. schedule. like SEGA, Capcom, 2K and Atari.

RECEIVE UPDATED EVENTS WEEKLY. SIGN UP BY E-MAILING SUBSCRIPTIONS@ATLANTAONADIME.COM ENTER ON SUBJECT LINE: SIGN ME UP INSITE!

insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 5

FILM

JASON LEE

The Former My Name Is Earl Star On Skateboarding, Alvin & The Chipmunks, and His New Role On Up All Night

BY IAN COVELL

T

HE WORLD WAS FIRST introduced to Jason Lee as the sarcastic and cynical man-boy, Brodie, in Kevin Smith’s 1995 film Mallrats. Since then he has appeared in almost 40 films and television shows.

He garnered two Golden Globe nominations for his role as Earl Hickey from the television show My Name is Earl, which was cancelled in 2009.

Recently he’s come back to television as Maya Rudolph’s boyfriend in NBC’s new comedy Up All Night, starring opposite Will Arnett, Maya Rudolph and Christina Applegate. Recently, I had a chance to ask Lee about his newest endeavor and about some old ones too.

You were a professional skateboarder before you were an actor. In fact you still own your own company called Stereo Sound Agency. What’s the significance of the name?

Back in the day, we were very influenced by the old jazz era and Blue Note Records. We were very much a kind of a retro-based company. We took a lot of artwork from old record covers and stuff.

The Stereo Sound Agency was just a name to imply an old-school group. Kind of a retro group of skaters called the Sound Agency. Almost like a comedy troupe, but skateboarders.

Do you find anything in common between skateboarding and acting?

I think timing and kind of gut feeling… you

know, instinct. When it feels right, it feels right.

Executing skateboard tricks and just the energy of everything, the timing of it, the coordination, the balance of it all, I think it’s all kind of similar. It all comes from the gut. And so, you kind of finetune that organically over the years learning how to skateboard.

What drives you to be an actor?

Not knowing how something’s going to turn out, trying to figure it out, and then seeing if it works.

Scene by scene, you’re dissecting the thing with the director and the other actors. Maybe I should enter from this door? Maybe I should say the line like this? How about we tweak this? It’s the experimenting process of it, and then going, “Oh, that seems to work. Okay, let’s move on.” If it actually did, you take a little win. And if it didn’t, you try to figure it out. It’s a constant learning process.

You’ve got to really use that when you’re doing something like Alvin and the Chipmunks then, because how do you know if you’re doing a good job when you’re acting against something that’s not there?

Oh, boy. You hope you have a good director going, “That worked.”

Out of the Kevin Smith movies that you’ve been in, what has been your favorite role?

Probably Brodie, because that was my first acting gig ever...and just the memory from that and that being a lead into this whole crazy movie industry.

x...

t se I n e h W mes 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 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

I TRY TO HAVE EVERYTHING THAT I DO CONTAIN AND MAINTAIN SOME SORT OF HUMANITY, BELIEVABILITY, OR LIKEABILITY. I THINK THAT’S KIND OF IMPORTANT.

surgi-Center license 044-287

Having just come from skateboarding, not knowing anything about moviemaking, having to tackle all of that dialogue, and then getting feedback from people that - you know, that it worked, was beyond exciting for me. I have fond memories of that first experience. I was 24.

How did your role on Up All Night come about?

They reached out to me and, of course, I was very excited. It’s a great cast and great show. Memphis Beat got canceled. It had been a while since I’d done any kind of comedy on television, so it was really cool to come back and work on a great show.

What’s it like working with the cast?

They’re all very cool people. As a guest star you hope for that because you want to be able to blend right in, have fun, and have it feel comfortable.

And with Maya, I think there’s great chemistry there. She is very playful. And everybody’s just been totally inviting. There’s a lot of improv and goofing off. I feel right at home.

What makes Up All Night work?

It’s definitely the chemistry, but it’s also the talent of the actors. There’s certainly a lot of talent between the three of them, and the writing is really sharp. And as I like to see personally, it’s got heart. It’s accessible. It’s not better than thou. It doesn’t have that sort of undertone -- that comedy undertone -- to it. It’s accessible. It’s identifying. At the end of the day, you relate to the people. There’s a sweetness to it too, which I think is very cool. It’s not just funny, you know?

You play Eva’s (Maya Rudolph) boyfriend Kevin.

He’s a sort of “down to earth” guy and a single dad. It doesn’t seem like the kind of guy that Eva would normally even encounter. So, can you talk a little bit about how they meet and how they get together?

Well, I think it’s a reflection of, ultimately, who she is. I think Eva is very likable, sweet, and innocent. He brings that out in her. I like that she’s not afraid to be that way around this guy. She’s still kind of a smart-ass when they’re around other people, and it’s fun and endearing. But, I think Kevin brings out a cool side of her. It allows me to do something a little different which is very cool -- kind of play it a little straighter and be a little bit more, I guess you could say, leading man whatever the term is - or just kind of “the guy,” you know, which I never really do, coming from Earl and things like that.

Compare Earl, or Brodie from Mallrats, to Kevin.

They seem to be so different. What do these characters all have in common for you?

I try to have everything that I do contain and maintain some sort of humanity, believability, or likeability. I think that’s kind of important. When I filmed Chasing Amy, I was really worried about it because there’s such harsh language and negative talk of lesbians. I said to Kevin, “I worry about that a little bit, you know, because I’m a good person, Kevin, and I don’t want the audience to hate my character and to hate me.” He said, “Don’t - you don’t have to worry about that.” And I didn’t really know what he meant at the time, but basically, he was saying, you know, “It’s more of an insecurity.”

He’s saying it’s more of a little boy thing. It’s - you could never be dick, in other words, is what he said, which I thought was very flattering. I think if you commit and you add some sense of sensitivity or some reality or humanity to it, and it’s a little deeper than just what you might see on the surface, it comes across as being a little bit more human. And so, yes, I guess I’ve just never really been afraid to just commit and be vulnerable. And I think that’s important.

You have a young daughter yourself, so do you see any of yourself in Reagan and Chris?

Oh, totally. I’m a father twice over so, yes, absolutely. It helps playing a dad on the show, because I can totally relate and identify with that energy of being a father.

Do you feel that there’s a formula for good comedic TV? It’s certainly good jokes, but even more so, I think, it’s got to have some kind of heart -- some semblance of believability or humanity? I really think comedy has to be sincere and grounded. If it’s forced or if it’s too much winking at the camera, I think it dies early, and it becomes old.

Is there any genre you’d like to tackle that you haven’t?

Wrestling…no, I don’t know man. I just like the idea of working. I used to not want to do cheesy movies and other certain types of movies, but things change all the time. Like, you have kids, and you think, “Wow, I have kids now, and oh wow, I’m getting offered this Alvin movie. I bet my son would like that”. I don’t know if it’s something I would’ve done when I was 25 years old or doing the Kevin Smith stuff. Everything just kind of happens as it happens and unfolds over time as you grow and life changes. Then, you find that you’re just really happy to be a working actor, getting decent work, and expanding and broadening your horizons and all of that stuff, and that’s been good fun for me to kind of just play different things over the course of what will, hopefully, be a long career as a working actor.

Under The Lights

agave restaurant

an eclectic southwestern eatery & tequila bar . est. 2000

Holiday Theatrical Performances A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Thru Dec. 24 Alliance Stage Box Office (404) 733.5000 www.alliancetheatre.org

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

THE SANTALAND DIARIES Ongoing thru January 1 Horizon Theatre Company Box Office (404) 584.7450

242 Boulevard S.E. Atlanta . 30312

www.horizontheatre.com

A CHRISTMAS CAROL has become a holiday season tradition for generations of families throughout the Southeast. In this tale of redemption, Ebenezer Scrooge goes to sleep on Christmas Eve as a miserly, stone-hearted man and awakens on Christmas Day with a compassionate and benevolent heart after his encounter with three ghosts. Chris Kayser returns as Scrooge for his 19th appearance in this Broadway-scale production. A Christmas Carol is an adaption from the 1840s tale into a musical featuring favorite holiday carols and hymns. Soaring holiday music and jaw-dropping special effects accompany this beloved classic tale of the power of the holidays to awaken the soul. It’s an event certain to dazzle your eyes, warm your heart and carry you throughout the New Year.

Deck the halls with peals of laughter as Horizon Theatre Company brings back its popular annual holiday production of THE SANTALAND DIARIES. The satirical, sarcastic and merry misanthrope, played by Harold M. Leaver, recounts the tale of his stint as a Macy's Department Store elf.

Besieged by bratty kids with overzealous parents and donning in a humiliating costume, he finds that his cynical self and his elfin alter ego, "Crumpet," are not exactly compatible.

The play is adapted from David Sedaris' bestselling book Holidays on Ice. This special holiday tale is a modern classic made famous when it originally aired on National Public Radio.

MY FAIR LADY

ATLANTA BALLET’S NUTCRACKER

www.cobbenergycentre.com

www.atlantaballet.com

MY FAIR LADY at the Cobb Energy Centre is a brand new production of the musical by which all other musicals are measured.

The show soars with timeless melodies: With Wouldn't It Be Loverly?, With a Little Bit of Luck, The Rain in Spain, I Could Have Danced All Night, On the Street Where You Live, Get Me to the Church on Time and I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face. It's no wonder everyone, not just Henry Higgins, falls in love with Eliza Doolittle. The show's 1956 Broadway production was a smash hit, setting a new record for the longest run of any major theatre production in history. It was followed by a hit London production, a popular film version starring Audrey Hepburn-which won eight Academy Awards, and numerous revivals. It has been called "the perfect musical" Tickets benefit the United Way of Metro Atlanta.

The Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, young Marya, and the Prince all return to the stage in Atlanta's adored holiday classic.

Joined once again by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, Atlanta Ballet invites the young and young-atheart to return to the magical winter wonderland where childhood fantasies turn into an enchanted, sugartrimmed reality. This unique production of the beloved Nutcracker tale takes twenty pounds of snow, eight tons of scenery, lighting, and props, and a thirty-eight feet tall Christmas tree to make the magic come to life. Set in the elaborate theatre’s Moorish décor, Marya's unbelievable story unfolds on a chilly Christmas Eve and transports her on an epic journey filled where she meets some extraordinary characters. Atlanta children perform alonside company professionals.

December 8-11 Cobb Energy Box Office (770) 916.2855

December 8-24 Fox Theatre Ticketmaster (800) 982,2787

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!

Women’s · Men’s · Accessories

SKIP THE MALL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

• Unique and One-of-a-Kind Gifts • Holiday Dresses and Sweaters • Now Buying for Winter

Sandy Springs coming soon 6500 Roswell Rd NE Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Gift Cards Available

Little 5 Points 1111 Euclid Ave • 404.658.1988 Mon - Sat 11am-8pm and Sun 12pm-7pm www.

ragorama.com

BEST PIZZA!

& Multiple Atlanta Locations: www.JohnnysPizza.com insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 7

PG 7 • insiteatlanta.com • November 2011

FEATURE

2011 HOLIDAY

BY BRET LOVE

ABBA YOU CAN DANCE

(Ubisoft)

Platform: Wii I won’t front: I was a huge ABBA fan back in the day. But then again, what kid who grew up in the ‘70s wasn’t? Still, by the time their greatest hits Broadway musical Mamma Mia came out, I’d filed the Swedish pop legends alongside Ace of Base in the “Things Best Left In The Past” dustbin of history. Truthfully, the same could be said for music-based video games, which reached market saturation several years ago and hit a creative apex with Beatles Rock Band. But, as blasts from the past go, ABBA You Can Dance could be a lot worse. There’s a Dance Mode, Karaoke Mode and Story Mode, which allows players to play a part in a mini-musical filled with original music videos and press photos. It’s all good kitschy fun, but the lack of a included microphone is an unfortunate shortcoming for those who don’t already own one.

ACTIVE LIFE: MAGICAL CARNIVAL (Namco)

Platform: Wii The Active Life series has been a favorite in our family for years now. We still play Active Life: Outdoor Challenge regularly more than 3 years after its release! So it was with excitement and a little trepidation that we received the latest title in the series: Would it be another winner, like last year’s Active Life: Explorer, or mediocre like 2009’s Extreme Challenge? In truth, Magical Carnival falls somewhere in between. As the title suggests, the game puts players in a colorful carnival atmosphere, with lively attractions ranging from a circus tent and haunted houses to a parade and a pirate ship. With four multiplayer modes and various difficulty levels, it’s the perfect party game, using the Wii remote and signature Active Life mat to do everything from taming lions to steering flying carpets. As an adult, it doesn’t provide quite the same thrill of Explorer, but kids will almost assuredly love it.

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: THE GAME (Ubisoft)

Platform: Nintendo 3DS, PC, PS3, Wii,X360 We’re not normally huge fans of film-tovideo game adaptations, but it’s hard to hate on an icon like Tintin. The intrepid reporterturned-adventurer has been around in comic book form since 1929, when artist Georges Remi (working under the pseudonym Herve) began publishing the series in a Belgian newspaper. The strip became one of the most popular European comics of the 20th century thanks to its mixture of fantasy, mystery, sci-fi and political thriller, and now it’s been turned into an animated film co-produced by Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. The game is an action-adventure thrill-ride through dazzling environments (adapted from the books The Crab with the Golden Claws, The

PG 8 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

Secret of the Unicorn and Red Rackham’s Treasure), including Captain Haddock’s ship, Omar Ben Salaad’s Palace and the exotic city of Bagghar. You can play solo or with friends, with the solo campaign offering a blend of exploration, puzzles and swashbuckling combat. In short, it’s a blast, leaving us even more anxious to see the movie.

ASSASSIN’S CREED: REVELATIONS (Ubisoft) Systems: PS3, X360 This stunning sequel picks up where last year’s hit Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood left off, following Italian Master Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze as he carries on the deadly traditions of his forefathers and closing out one of gaming’s most inventive series. This time around, Ezio is older, wiser and deadlier, searching for answers as he follows in the footsteps of legendary mentor Altaïr IbnLa’Ahad. As the title suggests, it’s a journey of intrigue and discovery that takes players to Constantinople, the crossroads of the 16th Century Ottoman Empire, where an army of Templars threatens to throw the region into turmoil. The game features the rich storyline, killer graphics and immersive game play you expect from the series, with new weapons, customized attacks and an even better multiplayer experience. But the big news here is the return of Altaïr as a playable character, closing the trilogy’s immersive storyline out in fine fashion.

THE BLACK EYED PEAS EXPERIENCE (Ubisoft)

Platforms: Wii, X360 Remember when the Black Eyed Peas were an alternative hip-hop act, rather than one of the most cloying pop acts this side of the Baha Men and Louie Vega? Back in 1998, Behind The Front earned the artists formerly known as Atban Klann (and signed by Easy-E!) had some serious critical cred. Then frontman Will.I.Am realized you can’t buy a yacht with critical cred, morphed the band’s sound from hip-hop to hip-pop to shit-pop and, before you could say “Boom Boom Pow,” Fergie was dropping blonde bombshells on the Top 10. Needless to say, if you love the newer version of BEP, this game’s for you.

You can dance like apl. de.ap and Taboo (who have basically been forbidden to do much else), shake your moneykmaker like Fergie, and mime making deposits like Will.I.Am, as long as you do it in time with the fashion victims on the screen. Honestly, I couldn’t

stand it. I’ll play The Michael Jackson Experience instead, thanks.

CABELA’S ADVENTURE CAMP

(Activision) Platforms: PS3, Wii, X360 For the past few years, the Wii’s familyfriendly physical games– Wii Sports Resort and Wii Sports, to name just a few– have been a huge hit in our household. It helps that we have a 10-year-old child with plenty of energy to burn. So we were looking forward to Cabela’s latest title, hoping it would offer a similar thrill of exploring the great outdoors when you’re stuck inside. Available for Wii, PS3 Move and Xbox 360 Kinect, Adventure Camp fails to measure up. There are tons of different sports, from mountain biking and kayaking to skeet shooting and archery, but far too many of them have graphic glitches, such as hands going through the handlebars when trying to operate the wave runner. Other games, such as whack-amole, are simply boring and repetitive. Worst of all, there’s an awful lot of trash talking (called “grieving” your opponent) encouraged, which goes against the whole family-friendly vibe.

We’ll pass…

THE CURSED CRUSADE (Atlus)

Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 Borrowing a bit from the Medieval Europe buzz of Assassin’s Creed, The Cursed Crusade takes players back in time to the late 12th century, where cursed warriors Denz and Esteban are fighting to save their souls on a quest for retribution. Essentially a classic hack ‘n’ slash action game, the central conceit is that the cursed characters can enter an altered state in which they and the world around them become engulfed in demonic-looking flames. In this cursed state, you attack faster and hit harder, as well as gaining temporary access to heightened powers– shooting fireballs, healing, and seeing things that can’t be seen in the normal world (lost souls, crucifixes, etc.).

Unfortunately you can’t stay in cursed form forever, as it consumes your health and will eventually kill you, so use with caution.

There are a ton of different weapons and the finishing maneuvers offer a visceral thrill, but the graphics are inconsistent and game play can get a bit repetitive at times. Still, hardcore action fans will likely enjoy it.

DRIVER SAN FRANCISCO

(Ubisoft) Platforms: Mac, PC, PS3, X360, Wii The latest incarnation (See what I did there? In car nation?) of the classic racing series casts players as hard-nosed detective John Tanner (a.k.a. The Driver), who’s hot on the heels of ruthless San Francisco crime lord Charles Jericho. Tanner’s weapon of choice is an arsenal of more than 130 vehicles, which you can Shift through on the dime to take advantage of each one’s abilities. Pick a speedster to catch up to an enemy who’s pulling ahead, use a more muscular car to edge an opponent off the road, or even take control of your opponent’s car at the opportune moment.

The cinematic-style chase sequences are pretty thrilling for those of us who feel the need for speed, careening through life-like depictions of iconic attractions along the streets of San Francisco. There are 20 different races, more than 200 miles of road, and 80 different dares to challenging your skills behind the wheel, offering high-throttle fun for speed demons.

GOLDENEYE 007: RELOADED

(Activision) Platforms: PS3, X360 It’s been 16 years since the James Bond film GoldenEye was released, and nearly 15 since Rare released its video game adaptation for the Nintendo 64 system. Yet, for many diehard gamers, GoldenEye 007 remains among the most beloved first-person shooters in video game history. Last year, Activision’s “re-imagining” of the classic title was released for Wii and Nintendo DS; now, PS3 and X360 devotees get their turn to step into 007’s shoes. Although Pierce Brosnan starred in the film and the 1997 game, Reloaded features the voice and likeness of current Bond Daniel Craig, with Dame Judi Dench lending her veddy British voice to M. After the opening sequence, the story picks up 9 years later, taking place sometime after the events depicted in Quantum Of Solace and depicting Bond tracking Russian terrorists hell-bent on targeting British embassies with chemical weapons. The visual style is thankfully updated for modern sensibilities, and the gadgets, weapons, campaign modifiers and various game play modes are decidedly 21st century. It may not necessarily improve on the classic, but it damn sure does it justice.

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIII

(Atlus/Rising Star Games) Platforms: PS3, X360 When a video game series reaches a doubledigit title, it’s a fairly safe bet that the concept behind it has creative legs. But it’s fairly rare to find a 13th edition of ANYTHING that somehow finds a way to improve on the form, and yet KOF XIII has done just that. Even if you’re not a huge fan of fighting games (I’m not), it’s hard not to respect what the developers have done with their franchise,

VIDEOGAME GUIDE with extensive enhancements of the core fighting engine, impeccably animated graphics, more than a half-dozen different play modes for improved replayability, and a vast array of new moves. There are over 30 fighters to choose from (including long-time fan favorites such as K’, Mai and Vice), some dazzling finishing moves and visual style to spare, showing that the folks at Rising Star Games really listened to fan criticisms of the last title in the series.

Not my thing, but probably a must-have for fans of the series, or the genre.

unique abilities of their race. Playing alone or together with friends, you face brutal battle with teeming hordes of enemies from Sauron’s army– goblins from the Misty Mountains, Uruk-hai from Isengard, giant spiders infesting Mirkwood, massive trolls and fearsome level bosses. The main characters in the novels/ films are only tangentially involved here. Unless you have a huge appetite for hack ‘n’ slash destruction, you may only be tangentially involved as well. It’s all bloody fun, but ultimately plays like a dumb brute.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SKYWARD SWORD (Nintendo)

NBA 2K12 (2K Sports) Platforms: PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, Wii, X360 Has the ridiculous (and thankfully, recently ended) NBA lockout got you soured on professional basketball? Revisit the glory days of legends like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Dr. J and Kareem Abdul Jabbar (and numerous others) in the latest addition to the NBA 2K series, which won honors as 2010’s Sports Game of the Year. 2K12 is arguably even better, with updated control mechanics, increasingly realistic animations, real-time stats/rosters/schedules, and a dynamic broadcast style (including pregame highlight reels), creating the most life-like depiction of an NBA game we’ve ever seen. Best of all, you can relive the influential careers and toughest rivalries of some of the league’s greatest legends. And, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t get a thrill out of playing as Michael Jordan, giving money-grubbing punks like LeBron James the take-him-to-school beat-down they so desperately deserve?

Platform: Wii Zelda, on the other hand, is TOTALLY my thing, not to mention one of the most revered video game franchises of all-time. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, The Legend of Zelda is the ultimate action-adventure game, combining exploration, puzzle solving, sword fighting and more to create a multilayered experience that immerses you in the cinematic fantasy world of Hyrule. Skyward Sword shakes up the series’ formula with a prequel story that takes place before the events of Ocarina Of Time, when Zelda was not yet a princess and she and link are friends at a Knights Academy-like school.

Without revealing too many spoilers from the inventive story, I’ll just say that the game reboots the entire franchise in refreshing fashion, with some seriously knockout visuals and incredible new creatures such as the liftwing, a bird-like guardian capable of soaring high above the clouds of Skyloft. New characters such as Link’s companion Fi and new villain Lord Ghirahim are very well written, and the art design somehow feels both intimate and epic at the same time. As games industry insiders ponder the future of the Wii, The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword gives us diehard Nintendo fans a reason to be truly thankful.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: WAR IN THE NORTH (Warner

Bros.)

Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 Speaking of awesome action-adventure fantasy franchises, The Lord of the Rings is to books and film what The Legend of Zelda is to video games, which is to say the standard by which all others are inevitably measured. But, just as Zelda has never been adapted into film form (which fans have long been clamoring for), the video game world has never really produced a title that measured up to J.R.R. Tolkien’s enduring classic. War In The North doesn’t really change that, although it does have its relative merits. The intense action RPG takes place around the same time as the main events of the War of the Ring, with players taking on the role of Eradan (a Dúnedain ranger), Andriel (an Elf ) or Farin (a Dwarf ), each of whom possesses the

PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE LAST SPECTER (Nintendo)

Platform: DS Like Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Professor Layton and the Last Specter is the eagerly awaited prequel to a very popular series. Unlike George Lucas’ much-maligned effort at rebooting his classic film franchise, the fourth installment of Nintendo’s beloved puzzle adventure series doesn’t suck.

Intended to launch a new trilogy, the game opens three years before the events in Professor Layton and the Curious Village, when the Professor gets a letter from old school chum Clark Triton, telling him that a “mysterious giant” is destroying his town. With new assistant Emmy in tow, Layton heads to Misthallery to investigate, and the story that unfolds details how the Professor and his apprentice, Luke Triton, first met. Like previous titles in the series,

The Last Specter offers an engaging mixture of brainteasers, riddles and other puzzles, with free downloadable content made available weekly after the launch. There’s also a bonus 8-bit role-playing game set in “Little London,” allowing players to explore the town and help the locals with various tasks. All in all, a fun and challenging addition to the franchise.

RAGE (Bethesda) Platforms: DS, PS3, Wii, X360 Rage is the latest title from the creators of classics like Doom and Quake. That first sentence alone should give you a pretty good idea of whether this mature, gore-drenched game is for you.

The story follows what happens when a massive asteroid impacts Earth, and world leaders choose select people to bury in life-sustaining pods deep beneath the planet’s surface.

Players are cast as one of these survivors, emerging to find a postapocalyptic universe filled with violent gangs, mutants and an oppressive governmental regime, all of whom want you dead.

Visually, the game is just as absolutely stunning as you’d expect from the folk at id Software, who won numerous Best of E3 awards last year. There are multiple game play modes (single pla yer, co-op and online multiplayer), and the mixture of 1st person shooter gun play, exploration, and 3rd person racing action ensure things never get boring. It may not quite measure up to some of id’s legendary early efforts, but it’s a fine effort nonetheless.

ROCKSMITH (Ubisoft) Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 Just when it seemed like the death knell had been sounded for music-based gaming, Ubisoft comes along with an idea designed to revolutionize and re-invigorate the genre.

One of the complaints many musicians (myself included) had about titles like Guitar Hero and Rock Band was the fact that, while fun, the controls never really felt completely intuitive, and were more focused on the rhythm aspects of music than the melody. Rocksmith answers those criticisms in spades, and is the first music video game that can actually help you become a better musician.

Simply plug any guitar into the system and Rocksmith will adjust to your ability, always challenging you to raise the bar on

your skills without overwhelming you in frustration. Start with single notes and build to complex chord structures while playing along with songs from the Rolling Stones, Cream, Nirvana and a host of modern acts (Sigur Ros, Black Keys, Radiohead). Or you can go to the “Guitarcade” and play mini-games designed to enhance your guitar skills. Awesome.

SUPREMACY MMA (505 Games) Platforms: PS3, X360 There’s something visceral and violent about the world of mixed martial arts that I have trouble getting behind. While boxing’s strict rules may not limit its brutality, it still has roots in “gentlemen’s sport.” With its blend of kicks, leaps, punches, holds and submissions, MMA somehow seems more gladiatorial, taking us back to the days when warriors were fed to lions for sport as adrenaline-charged audiences cheered madly for their blood.

That being said, there are quite few days in our maddening 21st century lives where it simply feels amazing to beat the everloving shit out of somebody… especially when you can do it in a virtual reality form. For those days, there’s Supremacy MMA, which finds players vying to become the greatest fighters in the world. Choose from male or female MMA legends such as Jens Pulver, Jerome Le Banner, Felice Herrig and Michele Guiterrez, using a variety of disciplines (including JiuJitsu, Muay Thai, Judo and Kickboxing) to kick ass and take names. I’ve never been one to encourage physical violence, but at least doing it via a video game will keep you out of the county lockup.

X-MEN: DESTINY (Activision)

Platforms: DS, PS3, Wii, X360 Sigh… with X-Men: First Class getting the inconsistent film franchise back on track, we’d hoped that the lack of Brett Ratner’s presence in X-Men: Destiny’s credits would mean a similar rise in quality for the video game series based on the classic comic books. But while this title isn’t quite as bad as X-Men: The Last Stand, it ain’t all good either. The action RPG casts players as one of three characters new to the X-Men universe, thrust squarely in the middle of the battle between Magneto’s malicious mutants and Professor X’s good guys.

Regardless of which mutant you choose, the story (by Marvel favorite Mike Carey) will find you trying to coming to terms with your own background and unique power, ultimately being forced to choose which side you’ll fight for. Along the way you’ll battle against classic X-Men characters such as Wolverine, Cyclops and Gambit, with opportunities to earn abilities such as Iceman’s freeze and Nightcrawler’s teleportation. But ultimately, the battle sequences become boring and repetitive, with no room for exploration and most of the story relegated to cut scenes. Hopefully at some point we’ll get an X-Men video game that reboots the franchise in the same way First Class did for the films. insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 9

FILM

IT’S TIME TO PLAY THE MUSIC Jason Segel & Nicholas Stoller On Bringing The Muppets Back To The Big Screen

BY ALEX S. MORRISON

I

F YOU GREW UP IN THE ‘70S OR ‘80s, chances are you were a fan of The Muppet Show, Jim Henson’s madcap tribute to Vaudevillian humor. Like the Looney Tunes cartoons before it, The Muppet Show operated on multiple levels, with absurdist slapstick comedy that appealed to kids and sly parodies and pop culture references that appealed to adults.

Born in 1980, Jason Segel (star of TV’s How I Met Your Mother and hit films such as Knocked Up and Forgetting Sarah Marshall) grew up a huge fan of Jim Henson’s work, and it was ultimately his Hollywood clout that convinced Disney to make the first Muppet movie in 12 years. Directed by James Bobin (Flight of the Conchords) and co-starring Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones and a host of celebrities making cameos, The Muppets revived the long-dormant franchise in a big way, grossing nearly $30 million in its opening weekend.

Segel and his co-writer, Nicholas Stoller (director of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him To The Greek) recently sat down with journalists to talk about what it was like bringing their childhood idols back to the big screen.

Was getting The Muppets back together the idea you had from the start?

JASON SEGEL: I must say that a lot of the plot came from [Nicholas Stoller]. I said, “I want to make a Muppet movie,” and he said, “Okay, I’ll think of the idea.”

NICHOLAS STOLLER: We had an initial phone call. [Jason] had a meeting at Disney, and then literally on that drive, we pitched out the whole thing.

SEGEL: Nick and I have a weird kismet relationship, so we riffed it out. But, Nick thought of a lot of it, and then I went in and pitched it. And then, I called Nick back and told him he was writing the movie with me.

That is what happened.

Why do you think The Muppets still work today, when a lot of kids’ shows are much more cynical now?

SEGEL: I think that’s why they needed to come back. We have reached a very cynical era of comedy. The Muppets have proven, for 40 years, that you can get laughs without ever doing it at someone else’s expense, and I think that that’s a really important thing for kids to realize.

STOLLER: I also think the best entertainment isn’t cynical. The Pixar movies aren’t cynical. They’re heartfelt. Big, big hits like that aren’t cynical.

SEGEL: I think it’s that The Muppets remind us of who we wanted to be, when we were kids. They remind us of the best version of ourselves. The world beats out of you that anything is possible. You have this wide-eyed wonder, and then you come to the reality of what the world is like. But, The Muppets have never given in to that. They believe that they can accomplish anything, and they just go forward with their eyes open wide and a smile on their face. It reminds us of the best in us.

Jason, having been a fan of The Muppets since you were a kid, do you remember the moment you thought you’d like to write something for them?

SEGEL: My goal was to be a cameo in a PG 10 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

Muppet movie, someday. I never thought that I would be working in this capacity with The Muppets. For Nick and I to get to write and produce a movie like this is thrilling, and it’s unbelievable. It really does feel like a fantasy.

Was there any specific Muppet that you just immediately knew what to do with?

SEGEL: We knew that Animal should be in anger management.

STOLLER: A lot of that stuff came immediately.

SEGEL: We were trying to think of just the funniest places to find people.

STOLLER: The one that was cut early on, that would have been funny, was that the Swedish Chef was on Top Chef.

SEGEL: He was a judge on Top Chef, but you couldn’t ever understand his criticisms.

STOLLER: But, the people he was critiquing would be crying.

SEGEL: Fozzie Bear performing in Reno came pretty quickly.

STOLLER: That sequence was a lot longer.

We trimmed it down for time.

How did you get the idea for the montage?

STOLLER: We wrote that part more than maybe any other part in the movie.

SEGEL: We wrote that part, over and over and over again. You didn’t know how many Muppets to service with full stories.

STOLLER: When you’re writing a movie, you have different theories. There are times when we thought, “Most of this movie is about getting The Muppets back together.”

But then, we realized, “No, it’s not much of this movie.” And then, we split the difference .

SEGEL: The Muppets are always better together than they are apart. That’s one of the themes of the movie, so we wanted to get them together. My favorite in the montage, by the way, is Rowlf. That was neat.

rock opera, where all the Muppets come out and sing.” It just fit, perfectly. That’s a pretty cool moment, I must say.

What was it like to work with Bret McKenzie and put together the songs?

SEGEL: He was a perfect choice.

STOLLER: He’s just awesome. He’s great.

SEGEL: Flight of the Conchords is very Muppet-y. It’s about two wide-eyed innocents, making their way through tough New York. When we found James [Bobin], we knew that we had the perfect director for this movie ‘cause he knew how to do those musical numbers so well, and without a sense of irony. And so, then we brought Bret along and we felt very lucky.

STOLLER: I was so excited. I’ve been friends with James for years, before this.

Actual friends, not Hollywood friends. When he expressed interest, I was thrilled.

Was there ever a fear of meeting your idols, or seeing the mechanics behind it all?

SEGEL: No. If anything, I walked away with a greater appreciation for the puppeteers.

The biggest shame is that the puppeteers’ job is to be invisible. You’re never supposed to think about them. They’re acting and they’re puppeteering, and they’re singing and dancing, and they’re comedians, and they’re contortionists, all at the same time. Eric Jacobson, for example, plays Fozzie and Piggy and Animal. In any other context, besides being a puppeteer, that’s a Peter Sellers-esque feat, but unless you’re a crazy Muppet fan, you don’t even know these guys’ names. So, the biggest thing I walked away with was that it’s a really underappreciated art.

At what point did you decide to use “Rainbow Connection”? Was that in the film, from the beginning?

SEGEL: It was not, actually. I remember the moment we decided to use “Rainbow Connection.” I was listening, in my car, to a CD of people covering Muppet songs, and there was a duet of “Rainbow Connection.” I had never heard it sung as a duet, between a guy and a girl, and I said, “Oh, this would be an amazing Kermit and Piggy resolution.” And then, in the middle of the song, drums kicked in and it became rockier. I thought, “Oh, my god, Animal hasn’t been drumming, this whole time. That’s where you resolve the Animal story, and you turn it into a Queen-inspired

Has Frank Oz seen the movie?

SEGEL: He hasn’t, no. Not as far as I know.

I think that he’ll be very proud when he does, though. I hope.

I NEVER FORGOT THAT THEY WERE PUPPETS, BUT YOU DO FORGET ABOUT THE PUPPETEER. YOU SEE IT HAPPEN WITH A KID IN ABOUT 10 SECONDS, AND IT HAPPENS TO EVERY ADULT IN ABOUT A MINUTE. SOMETHING KICKS IN, WHERE YOU’RE LOOKING RIGHT INTO THESE PUPPETS’ EYES. IT’S UNBELIEVABLE. – JASON SEGEL

Are The Muppets good at improvising?

SEGEL: Yes! There was surprisingly more improv than you would think. Fozzie improvised the best line in the whole movie.

STOLLER: That was during the Emily Blunt scene, when she says, “Oh, we don’t have an opening until September.” Kermit is like, “That’s months away!” And then, Fozzie said, “You think that’s bad? One time, I had to wait a whole year for September.”

SEGEL: Eric Jacobson improvised that,

on the spot. I lost it. It’s the best joke I’ve ever heard.

STOLLER: There’s a lot of improv in the movies that Jason and I have done together, but I’ve never heard a joke improvised. That’s a proper set-up, punchline, joke, and not just a funny line.

SEGEL: He did the greatest thing in a TV interview with me. It was unscripted. He’s Miss Piggy, Fozzie and Animal, and I was doing an interview with Piggy. One of the questions from the viewers at home was, “Jason, do you do any impressions of The Muppets?” I said, “I guess I can do a Kermit impression,” and I did a weak Kermit impression. And then, Miss Piggy said, “You know, I actually do impressions of Muppets as well.

Here is my Fozzie Bear.” Then, Miss Piggy did Fozzie’s voice, and it was the best joke, ever.

They had never done that bit before. He said he thought of it, on the spot. They had literally never done that joke.

STOLLER: That’s amazing!

Jason, did you have any sexual tension with Miss Piggy, during filming?

SEGEL: I felt it. I feel like she’s attracted to me.

Were there moments on set when you forgot they were puppets?

SEGEL: I never forgot that they were puppets, but you do forget about the puppeteer.

You see it happen with a kid in about 10 seconds, and it happens to every adult in about a minute. Something kicks in, where you’re looking right into these puppets’ eyes.

It’s unbelievable.

HOLIDAY

RAG-O-RAMA

1111 Euclid Ave. Little 5 Points (404) 658-1988 Sandy Springs 6500 Roswell Rd. (New Location) www.ragorama.com

Gift Guide

Rag-O-Rama now has two locations, Little Five Points and a new store opening soon in Sandy Springs. In addition to buying, selling and trading gently worn, current and vintage fashions, they carry a large selection of brand new merchandise. Skip the mall this year and stop in to get a little extra cash, your holiday outfit and pick up some one-of-a-kind gifts. Gift Cards available too!

GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR THE SEASON! SAM FLAX SAM FLAX

1745 Peachtree St. NW 1460 Northside Dr. Atlanta, GA 30318 (404) GA 352-7200 Atlanta, 30309 Atlanta’s Best Art Store for 7 years (404)Make 352-7200 www.samflaxsouth.com

running Gift2Shop.

Wide selecVisit our newYour storeOne nowStop boasting floors of tion and great prices on Niche Gifts, everything creative, conveniently located at Planners, HolidayPlace Cards, Taschen Books, Painting & is Brookwood in midtown!

The entire 2nd floor Drawing sets.

You will also find a Young Artist dedicated to The Paperie where you will find unique Department, Custom Printing & Framing as holiday cards, ribbon, decorative paper, datebooks, well as furniture. and journals. Contemporary office furniture by HermanpMiller u ngsale is+psale ihon srEVERYTHING ebmem hYoung tiw sparw Artists is going on now. Largest selection of Taschen decaturga.com Books to satisfy the culture connoisseur.

JANKE STUDIOS

659 Auburn Ave. Studioplex (404) 584-0305 www.jankestudios.com

TNEMEGANAM WEN REDNU

SHOP DECATUR

thedecaturminute.com gniniarT lanosreP

dnah eerf rof snoitacol

Hand Blown Glass & Art Gallery located at Studioplex. Here you will find one of a kind hand blown glassware, custom lighting and gifts. They eerhhave t ruspecial o fo items ynaliketathedheirloom a sihtornaments tneserP featured for the holidays as well as glassware gift certificates available. Don’t miss WinterGlassFest11 Saturday Dec. 10 from 12pm – 6pm: A Celebration of Frozen Sand”.

• ustiJ uiJ nailizarB • iahT yauM • gnixoB • gnixobkciK

boutiques and restaurantsFOR around downtown SHOP DECATUR Decatur and Oakhurst Village offer deals and 6 THE HOLIDAYS VisitDecaturGeorgia.com JANKE STUDIOS TheDecaturMinute.com

659 Auburn Ave. Thursdays are terrific in Decatur! Shop and taste Ga.nearly 30312 yourAtlanta way through 40 boutiques and (404) 584-0305 • jankestudios.com restaurants that stay open late offering deals, Handand Blown Glass & Art Gallery located at discounts treats all around downtown Studioplex.

Here you willthrough find oneDecember of a kind Decatur and Oakhurst Village hand joins blownthe glassware, custom 15. Santa fun visiting shopslighting and and restaurants within the city limits. Join us for our ornaments featured for the holidays as the well as annual Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast on glassware gift 15 certificates square December at 7 pm. available. Don’t miss WinterGlassFest10 Saturday Dec. 11 from 12PM – 6PM. “A Celebration of Frozen Sand.”

KNUCKLEUP FITNESS 3 Locations: Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Douglasville (404) 339-KICK www.KnuckleUpFitness.com

Get in shape with kickboxing, boxing and various martial arts. KnuckleUp fitness is offering a special Holiday Deal for new members. It is just $1 to enroll with no payments until the New Year. Get a jump start on your New Year’s resolution at KnuckleUp Fitness.

fo

WMG Insite Ad-1_wmg 11/29/11 5:57 PM Page 1

PSYCHO SISTERS CDFiveWAREHOUSE Little Points (404) 523-0100

strA laitraM tseB

5 Metro Area Locations Sandy Springs (404) 255-5578 YGRwww.CDWarehouseATL.com ENYS MAET ECNALAB SSENHGUOT LATNEM NOITANIDROOC YTILIBIXELF YTILIGA HTGNERTS DEEPS REWOP ECNARUDNE

ellivsalguoD • atterahplA • sgnirpS ydnaS

www.psycho-sisters.com CD Warehouse buys and sells Blu-Ray

An out of the ordinary name for a unique Discs,From Video Games and DVD’s.

They offer a boutique. wild, kcgreat ikis.9the 3 3queen .40fun 4ofto land lconsignment. afunky, c carry ro wacky mmany oc.toThey sshard enoffer tPsycho ito Fpfind UelkcunK tisiV selection Sisters releases.

Check out the Metallica CD Live SSAand P Eaccessories ERF KEEW ENO a roF great affordable gifts from clothes at theofGimeys. to plenty bling! It is an independent store

ellivsalguoD

atterahplA

sgnirpS ydnaS

exclusive and a very limited release. CD Warehouse has it for just $9.99!

CDJUNKMAN’S WAREHOUSEDAUGHTER 4 Metro Area Locations

464 Moreland Ave (404) 577-3188 CD Warehouse buys and sells Blu-Ray Discs, Video www.thejunkmansdaughter.com Games and DVD’s. They offer a great selection and

www.CDWarehouseATL.com

carry many find releases like this Littlehard FivetoPoint’s favorite andseason’s largest hottest album Mary J. Blidge’s Life II…The store is stocked up this“My season with Journey Continuesand (ActI)”.

For the gifts holidays, outrageous irreverent for CD the Warehouse raffling off a Blu-ray player of at each of hard toisplease.

Find thousands seasonal theiritems four stores. nearest to you alongVisit withthe farlocation out fashions and register to win.accessories. and groovy

JUNKMAN’S DAUGHTER 464 Moreland Ave (404) 577-3188 www.thejunkmansdaughter.com

Little Five Point’s favorite and largest store is stocked up this season with outrageous and irreverent gifts for the hard to please. Fin thousands of seasonal items along with far out fashions and groovy accessories.

WILLY’S

19 Atlanta/Athens Locations www.willys.com

Is there a Burrito on your list? At all 19 locations this month through December 24, Willy’s is offering a FREE Burrito Card with purchase of a $25 Gift Card.

These make great stocking stuffers and are a great way to enjoy a Willy’s award winning burrito when holiday shopping. insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 11

HOLIDAY DINING Catering, Private Parties and Great Holiday Fare at Atlanta Restaurants Mediterranean Grill

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

tailored to holiday events. They also can prepare sandwich & salad boxed lunches. Call their catering hotline or check The Flying Biscuit website for great ways to make this year’s holiday party a memorable one.

Chin Chin

3887 Peachtree Rd. 404.816.2229 and other locations www.chinchinonline.com

Mezza Lebanese bistro & wine bar

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

Recently voted “Best Mediterranean” again in 2011, Mediterranean Grill is the place in Atlanta for authentic Mediterranean food. For more than a decade their loyal customers have continued to flock to this family/chef-owned and operated restaurant. Here you will find regional dishes like gyros, falafel and kabob sandwiches that are perfect for holiday parties large and small.

Mediterranean Grill has a special catering menu that can be found on their website or at their restaurants.

Copeland’s

3131 Cobb Pkwy 770.612.3311 1142 Barrett Pkwy 770.919.9612 www.CopelandsAtlanta.com

Atlanta's Best Cajun restaurant is a great choice this holiday season. Copeland's is the home of the New Orleans Jazz Brunch Buffet. This popular buffet is served on Sunday at both locations from 11am to 3pm. It isn't the holidays without Copeland's signature Cajun Fried Turkeys. These festive birds are injected and marinated with Copeland's special seasonings for exceptional flavor. Copland’s Cajun Fried Turkeys can be ordered online at CopelandsAtlanta.com.

Copeland's catering offers party pans with large take out portions of your favorite Copeland's dishes. Party pans are available for pick-up or delivery.

Agave

242 Boulevard 404.588.0006 www.agaverestaurant.com

boasts over 85 tequilas while their Margarita’s have also won various awards. Those looking to add some extra fun to their party can arrange a special tequila dinner. Chef's menus are located online and can be personalized to any affair.

Recognized as one of the “Top 100” restaurants in Atlanta and the “Best Southwestern Cuisine” Agave is where to celebrate with friends and family over the holidays. Agave has two beautiful dining rooms as well as an enclosed heated patio. The rooms can accommodate parties from 6 guests to 100 and are available for private party bookings. Agave’s bar

Mezza is similar to tapas where all menu items are served in small portions allowing diners to sample and share. This type of dining lends itself well for large groups and catering for large functions. Mezza is Zagat rated and one of Atlanta Magazine's "Top 100 Restaurants".

A variety of more than 60 menu items ranging from the traditional dishes such as hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, kebabs and legs of lamb are available. Mezza offers an assortment of party trays and gift cards while a private room is available for bookings offering belly dancing and hookahs.

Johnny’s Pizza & Subs

1810 Cheshire Bridge Rd. 404.874.8304 www.JohnnysPizza.com

Johnny’s Pizza has come to be synonymous with great pizza and subs in Atlanta. They specialize in NY Style pizza, which is thin in the middle and thick around the edges. Johnny’s offers plenty of specialty pizzas plus subs, salads, sandwiches and other popular Italian dishes including calzones, strombolis and lasagna. Go to their website to find the location nearest you.

The Flying Biscuit Cafe’

Candler Park 404.687.8888 1001 Piedmont Ave. 404.874.8887 Catering Hotline: 404.849.2283 www.flyingbiscuit.com

The Flying Biscuit’s one of a kind award winning biscuits are the perfect addition to any holiday function. The Power Breakfast is a popular catering option for businesses and can also be

From crab rangoons to cashew chicken, Chin Chin offers fine dining that won’t break the bank. Chin Chin has several locations around metro Atlanta, each with the same great flavor, healthy portions and elegant décor. Their award winning chef has made Chin Chin a Best Of winner for many years. Chin Chin is available for private parties and their menu can accomodate catering orders large and small.

Willy’s Mexicana Grill

19 Area Locations Catering Hotline 404.422.7107 www.willys.com

Let Willy’s catering warm up your holiday gathering. Their catering service offers Full-service Burrito Bars, Self-service Taco, Fajita and Nacho Bars, Platters & more! Call Willy’s catering hotline to speak directly to their catering expert to make sure you make the perfect order for your holiday function. Catering menu also available on their website online.

Cheyenne Grille

2391 Peachtree Rd. NE 404.842.1010 www.cheyennegrille.com

Since taking over operation last spring, the new owners completely renovated this neighborhood favorite.

Located in the Peachtree Battle shopping center, Cheyenne Grille is a huge facility at over 5,700 square feet. They have over 50 televisions, 280 seating an extensive game room and patio. Cheyenne Grille has a wide selection of affordably priced menu items. They offer a full bar featuring over 15 draft beers and an extensive selection of fine boutique wines. Cheyenne Grille offers a family friendly atmosphere great for holiday gatherings. A private room is available for party bookings along with catering menu.

Copelands_InSite1111_Copelands_InSite1111 10/26/11 10:41 AM Page 1

#1 Chinese Restaurant in Atlanta Spice up the Holidays with a VIEW ART OF CHINESE COOKING THROUGH OPEN KITCHEN

LUNCH SPECIAL

$4.99 (Brookhaven Location)

3887 Peachtree Rd • 404-816-2229 Buckhead/Brookhaven

Famous Cajun Fried Turkey & all the fixin’s Available for Take-Out Only.

Ask about our full service Catering and Delivery.

617 Johnson Ferry Rd • 678-560-5550 East Cobb 3495 Peachtree Parkway • 770-844-0133 Suwanee 699 Ponce de Leon • 404-881-1511 Midtown

ORIGINAL AWARD WINNING CHEF 1998-2011 Best Chinese by Creative Loafing "Mouthwatering Chin Chin spices things up." – AJC Best Chinese – Atlanta Jewish Times 2 1/2 Stars – Knife & Fork

1100 Hammond Drive • 770-913-0266 Sandy Springs 1715 Howell Mill Rd • 404-609-5618 Atlanta 270 Rucker Rd. • 770-569-9883 Alpharetta 3370 Suwanee Rd. • 770-831-3233 Lawrenceville

DELIVERY (LIMITED AREA; MIN $10)

• Cajun Fried Turkey • Louisiana Cornbread Stuffing • Red Hot Mashed Potatoes • Green Beans with Ham • Mashed Sweet Potatoes • Biscuits • Creole Corn • Turkey Gravy • Homemade Desserts

WWW.CHINCHINATLANTA.COM

CUMBERLAND 770-612-3311 KENNESAW 770-919-9612

& OTHER LOCATIONS

CARRY OUT • CATERING FULL BAR SERVICE

Healthy Vegetarian Items Always Available PG 12 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

www.CopelandsAtlanta.com

FILM FILM

TRUMP Movie Reviews CARD ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (PG) 

It’s the thought that counts. That’s the message of Arthur Christmas, but not enough thought went into telling the story, involving three generations of Santa and a clash of old school vs. new school. The current Santa (Jim Broadbent) isn’t quite ready to retire after 70 Christmases.

His son and heir apparent, Steve (Hugh Laurie) handles the technology that lets Santa deliver his presents in a supersonic sleigh with no reindeer but a host of ninja elves. When one child is missed in the grand global Christmas Eve sweep, only Arthur (James McAvoy), Santa’s younger By Love son,B.cares about getting her gift to her before the sun comes (Billmost Nighy) pulls s oneup. ofGrandsanta AmericA’s his old sleigh out ofand mothballs, alongbusinesswith eight successful high profile reindeermen, whose names he can’t Donald trump wasremember. well knownIt looks like the old ways will save the Burnett day until long before survivor producer mark a wrong strands them in the Serengeti, tapped himturn to star in the Apprentice.

But surrounded by hungry lions.

Theshow noble idea there’s no denying that the reality that it trump won’t befrom Christmas unless it’s Christmas turned a cartoonish curiosity for everybody sounds vaguely Socialistic but into a bona fide phenomenon, with his signait’s sweet in context.

Arthur Christmas is short ture catchphrase– “You’re fired!”– inextricaonentering the ironythethat lend appeal to adult bly popwould culture lexicon. viewers, so the it’s strictly Gee-rated (well, actually Although Apprentice initially flounPee-Gee). dered a bit in the ratings, Burnett and trump

items. Under the leadership of Ferran Adrià, the bully of El Bulli, they shop at the local market and cook in their lab, documenting everything in words and pictures. At last the restaurant reopens and the staff gets the exposition we should have had at the beginning. Adrià sits in Simon Cowell-like judgement and the dishes that win his approval are phased into the menu, replacing last year’s greatest hits. In the end we see pictures of the 35 items, intended to be consumed over a three-hour meal, on the final menu. We don’t see the check, which is probably more than your food budget for the entire year.

The documentary was made by Germans, doubtless impressed by the iron control with through reading about them for so many which Adrià runs his restaurant.

The Donald Waxes Rhapsodic On The Celebrity Apprentice, “You’re Fired!” & Fixing NBC A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS

A

years, but a lot of times somebody that you –Steve Warren don’t think of so highly turns out to be a star.

You just don’t know what will happen with HUGO (PG) pressure and the heat of battle.

tangle with some grumpy, undead titans, that’s so devilishly good, you’ll almost forget that the film’s other 90 minutes are merely a mesh of four better movies you’ve already seen.

–DeMarco Williams



What celebrity of have to do to really Hugo does is an aadaptation Brian Selznick’s 2007 set themselves apart and show Cabret. that they’re novel “The Invention of Hugo ” Set in in it toitwin it? young Hugo, an orphan who 1931, follows i can tell you fromthe seasons 2 andtrain secretly lives within walls of1 aand Parisian from theand regular people really station keepsApprentice, the clocks running.

His goal want win. an every in a while is to to repair old once automaton thatyou’ll his father have quitter, but itthat doesn’t had afound, feeling this happen thing is often. the one ilink think reason they do the level of leftthe with his father.

Heitisiscaught pilfering intensity they feel for their charity. small mechanical parts from Papa Unlike Georges, the regularoldApprentice, wherea somebody a cranky man who runs toy stall in the works for me for a pretty good and salary a – station. Through Papa Georges hisfor new year, thisIsabelle, one the Hugo’s moneygoal goesoftorepairing charonly with – friend ity. yearman we raised millions of dollars. theLast metal leads to education and the everybody has of a charity thatnobody they love; some re-awakening the man expected are foundations they’ve set up themselves was inside Papa Georges. Many today use 3D years in advance of the show. thinkpoints they technology as a trick, or to patchsoupi weak really fight more intense because it’s aveteran charin lackluster filmmaking.

In this case, ity they’reMartin fighting for. director Scorsese’s use of the medium

Warren stumbled upon a winning formula by–Steve recruiting second- and third-tier actors, athletes, models and musicians(R) for a celebrity edition THE DESCENDANTS of the show. now in its third incarnation, the celebrity Apprentice tosses disparate “Nothing just happens,” Matt King (George stars such as rocker Bret michaels, wrestler Clooney) says to Brian Speer (Matthew Goldberg, baseball legend Darryl strawberry, Lillard), who was the lover of Matt’s dying wife. former governor ron Blagojevich and sharon “Everything just happens,” Brian responds. osbourne together for a variety of teamThey’re both right about the brilliant screenplay building exercises and challenges designed to director Alexander Payne and two others test their business mettle. adapted from a novel. It’s so carefully plotted only serves to enrich an already fascinating film. “the Donald,” as the crazy-coiffed real your favorite to watch and tightly written that nothing just happens What Withinare minutes, audiencechallenges members stop trying estate magnate if often known, recently held celebritieswhat’s tackle? without being part of a plan, yet it never the to determine truly in front of the camera court with reporters to discuss the show’s Well, we do a lot ofblend different becomes melodramatic because everything just and accept thehave seamless of thechallengreal and current season. whether we go back to the selling the happens organically and believably. Once upon es, the created. Through Hugo’s quest he isof exposed or doing something elsediscovers very basic a time in Hawai’i a party girl met and married lemonade to the world of early cinema and the Can you tell us a little bit about the selechaving to sees deal first-hand with Proctor & Gam-of a man who’s all business, yet in a laidback way. without wonders of it and the dreams tion process? or Kodak, etc.Frances’ sometimes [sponsor-based Now she’s in a coma from a boating accident ble Georges Méliès, renowned filmmakerit’s very interesting, because so many are sort of interesting, but enough they’re and he has to take care of everything, including challenges] turned-toy peddler.

Hugo is intelligent celebrities want to be on the show after the for us to do.enough the ratings suggestand their daughters, 10 and 17, after years of being expensive for adults, fascinating for children, success of the previous two seasons. We the fans’ favorite part of showjaded by of “the back-up parent, the understudy.” At the that inspired enough for even thethemost wanted some athletes, some actors, some is the boardroom, and the boardroom same time Matt, a distant descendant of King far filmgoers to enjoy thoroughly.

Featuring rising models and some wrestlers, so i would say gotten longer overand theChloë yearsGrace because of Kamehameha, and his cousins are being forced has talents Asa Butterfield Moretz, probably six or seven people per spot we the challenges still have plenty of time to dispose of 25,000 acres of unspoiled ancestral that. it also contains noteworthy performances by Sir were turning down. the hardest thing is that we’re focused on Baron both aspects, but we land on Kaua’i, knowing developers will destroy and Ben Kingsley, Sacha Cohen and Helen we really have some good people that want been No trying lengthen the audience, boardroom it. This is when older daughter Alexandra have McCrory. filmtocan thrill every but to go on very badly. But i guess maybe we’ll of strong viewer requests.

(Shailene Woodley) drops the bomb about her because Hugo is well-made and beautiful enough that it save them for the next show, because it looks mother’s affair, of which Matt was typically certainly should come close. It’s ideal for anyone like that’s going to happen. like to a prosecuting in the unaware. There’s a surprising amount of humor, You’re who wants rediscover theattorney wonder and beauty Do you meter your approach to considering The Descendants is basically a boardroom. of film.

How is this season going to be different than “death watch” movie. Clooney slips into his different personalities?

–Justin Patterson past seasons?

Yes, i think you deal with different people role like an old suit, inhabiting the character so Well, when you have a success like we’ve naturally he doesn’t appear to be acting. Matt’s differently. i deal with Goldberg differently IMMORTALS (R) had, you don’t like to do too many changes. like an ineffectual sitcom dad who can’t seem to than i deal with Governor Blagojevich. i  What we do have is a different tone. the cast do anything right, yet does everything right in dealt with Dennis rodman and Joan rivers has been very interesting: they’ve been very Three things most from 300: the thanstand someout of the other contesthe end. Director Payne does everything right differently tough and very nasty, but there’s also a lot of comicYou book-like effects, the gratuitous tants. have tovisual have that ability. all the way through. fun and humor with respect to what happens, bloodletting and Gerard Butler’s ridiculous –Steve Warren which i don’t think we had in the last one. abs. While director (Cell) How do youquirky feel going backTarsem in the Singh boardWith Joan [rivers] and with Piers [morgan], certainly three qualities in this room afterapplies a littlethose hiatus? itEL was reallyCOOKING nasty people really hating BULLI: IN PROGRESS (NR)each period popcorn -Butler’s have i just get a greatpiece kick out of it. muscles i really like other. these people hate each other, but it’s

by Henry Cavill’s Tudors, itbeen a lot.replaced they want to renew it for(The another also funny. i think that might be the biggest Manorofthree Steel)seasons, though-and thiswe’re movie doesn’t ever thinking Although it picks up a lot of steam in its final two differentiation in terms of the three casts. really that. feel like 300.having It’s more Clash Titans i like a little bitofofthe a break hour, the first 50 minutes of El Bulli reminded about with its theme gods itinterfering with amortal shows,ofwhere goes on once year. me why I never watch the Food Network. between Can you usually tell right off the bat who is The most hardcore foodies will find it a tough ways. It’s more like Troy in its dealings with an going to do well and who isn’t? evilyou ruler (King played bysomeone, a sublimely ever feelHyperion, bad about firing slog, watching white-coated chefs slicing, Do that’s always the most interesting quessubdued is it justMickey part ofRourke) the job?who has a wicked dicing, vacuumizing, extracting and reducing or tion to me because i’d like to think of myself with feel one-liners.

And moresomeMatrix i always bad… no, not it’s always. in an experimental lab in Barcelona. The only way as being okay with people. But often i’ll say, Reloaded withlike its people. fascinating, fight i don’t thestop-motion hard ones are explanation we’re given is that the restaurant El times “this one is going to be a star,” and then he sequences.

There’s battle near you really likeone andmemorable respect somebody Bulli closes for “six months” each year (October- when turns out to be a dud. You never really know. the they end, make wherea mistake.

Zeus’ brethren Heaven Like, asfrom an exJune – you do the math) to create new menu and You feel like you’ve known these celebrities

J. EDGAR (R) 

J. Edgar Hoover was a superhero, a Captain America without superpowers, other than those bestowed by Congress. Decades later he was a punchline on Laugh-In, the “Jedgar” Ernestine the Operator sass-talked. That was before the stories came out about his gay love life, his rumored cross-dressing and the secret files he used to control the men in power. But was Hoover a justifiably paranoid patriot who did what he thought necessary to protect the U.S. from foreign invaders or a power-mad megalomaniac obsessed with what people thought of him and how he would be remembered? Both, according to Dustin Lance Black’s (Milk) screenplay for Clint Eastwood’s film. It jumps around over a 50-year span, keeping the makeup department busy transforming Leonardo DiCaprio and the viewer trying to keep track. The structure has an ironic payoff at the end but it’s too little, too late. The framework finds Hoover dictating his memoirs to a succession of agents, with flashbacks to the periods he’s discussing. He Herman Cains a young woman (Naomi Watts), who resists but becomes his secretary for life, ample, scott Hamilton, the last season. and takes a special interestfrom in a young agent with imatinee had to let scott go. i’m a great fan of scott: idol good looks, Clyde Tolson (Armie He won olympic gold medals and he’s for a great Hammer), who becomes his companion life. champion.

But he understood that he made Were they lovers? The film suggests Hoover awas mistake onhaving the show and i really close had no celibate, been extremely to his choice. i felt very badly about that, homophobic mother (Judi Dench). Hisbecause Norman iBates considered himafter to beher a great but ito moment deathperson, threatens have to do what’s right. it’s never fun, but it’s send J. Edgar into Mommie Dearest territory. easier when i don’t like somebodyaccent or when An inconsistent, unrecognizable didn’t they’re really,Crowe really bad. keep Russell from winning an Oscar so DiCaprio could have a shot, but Dench That line, “You’re fired,impressive. ” became a Hoover pop cul-is and Hammer are more ture phenomenon.

Canthe youLibrary talk about the credited with developing of Congress origin of it? card catalogue and applying the same principles turned out to bemaking a goodthis phrase, but itCSI: toitlaw enforcement, resemble was a fluke.

During the very first show was The Early Years; but his analysis of Nixonicould abelittle exasperated with onea of the conapplied to himself: “He’s menace.

He’ll do testants i used line,” “You’re fired!” anything and to hold ontothe power.

someone mentally elevated in their own strife.

From our perspective, they’re deeply troubled, selfishly frightened and corrupt with a shallow need to be “right” about a recently-discovered planet, Melancholia, on what some believe to be a direct path towards Earth. When it hits, it will be the end, so in a sense, these women have already started their path closer to their own end.

As usual, von Trier paints an indirect picture of a universal idea, so viewers not familiar with his work should know going in—this is not a spoon-fed story. It’s not the story of two sisters.

It’s the story of an idea—sadness, from the way it grows, affects those you love and the way it goes unnoticed until someone gets hurt. Dunst makes a return to the screen with vigor, playing a role made for her blasé, Virgin Suicidesesque attitude. Gainsbourg moves through the screenplay quietly, yet powerfully, her talent creeping up on you, only in moments at first, but eventually taking over the film, becoming its star. I can’t say everyone’s going to enjoy this movie. It’s not the escape you’d usually look for in a trip to the theatre. But it is a beautiful display of an idea that tortures much of the world. Go with a curious, existential, open mind.

It turned out to Be a good phrase, But It was a FLuke. durIng the very FIrst show I was a LIttLe exasperated wIth one oF the contestants and –Jenni I used Williams the LIne, “you’re FIred!” when [producer] Mark Burnett and I agreed to doTHEthe show MUPPETS (PG)we dIdn’t have that. we thought we’d  say, “get the heLL out oF here” or InsoMethIng. the interest of full disclosure: I frickin’

When [producer] mark Burnett and i agreed –Steve Warren to do the show we didn’t have that. We thought we’d say, “Get the hell out of here” or MELANCHOLIA(R) something.

And all of a sudden America went  crazy over the show. it happens to be a great catchphrase.

Guide of the major Rare is it that atV movie so or sad,one so obscure and so entertainment magazines a poll and, after mystical can capture your did attention for more “Here’s and one other it was than twoJohnny!” hours... Especially when great, it doesn’t even #3 ona the in Lars television his-to have solidtop plot.100 Butphrases leave it to von Trier tory! so that wasthing a pretty honor. it’s been give you just the thatbig simultaneously lets an thing and anyou amazing phrase that youamazing escape while it makes think. Melancholia just seems to work. really about caughttwo on, sisters and is the (2-hour long)itdrama it’s been antoamazing to watch.end of the struggling cope withthing the impending world. Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg

What do you think is your each biggest accom-in play these polar opposites, deranged plishment, your success or the of their own way, butbusiness both adequate reflections

LOVE The Muppets. I’ve got Muppets t-shirts, fact that you such ornaments; self-sufficient lunchboxes andraised Christmas I own children? the first 3 seasons of The Muppet Show on DVD. Well, i’m said, getting lot of credit on the chilThat being it’sa not blind adoration.

I’m dren. everybody’s been asking about the first to admit that there hasn’t beenivanka a truly and the answermovie is yes,since she’ll be back the good Muppets 1992’s The on Muppet show.

But they’re very good kids. they went Christmas Carol. Fortunately, Jason Segel – who to very good they wereDisney great to co-wrote The schools, Muppets,and convinced students. i couldn’t wait to get them on the back it financially, and stars– remembers how show.The i had no ideaonce the show be into great Muppets were, would and clearly put itsninth and season, whichthe is pretty everything hetenth had into returning brand to amazing the world of television. its formeringlory.

The clever conceit casts Segel as Gary, the good-natured brother of a puppet There’sWalter been lots of news NBC named (Peter Linz),surrounding who idolizes the lately, and your show does well for them.

Muppets and dreams of seeing them reunited Whatmore you than thinkaNBC needs to do to get back after decade apart.

When Walter in the ratings game? stumbles upon oil baron Tex Richman’s (Chris Well, i plan knowtoJeffdemolish Gaspin (chairman of nBc Cooper) the old Muppet Universal television entertainment) and, as Theatre, he, Gary, and Gary’s significant other you know, he’s new to the role. i think he’s Mary (a radiant Amy Adams) go on a road trip going a spectacular job atresulting nBc. they to get to thedogang back together, in a need more showsthat likewill themake Apprentice. not hilarious montage fans young and necessarily from a reality old fall in love with Kermit,standpoint, Miss Piggy,but Fozzy, they need the imaginaGonzo andshows Co. allthat overcapture again. Everything that tion. made The Muppets great – colorful characters, frankly,cameos, certain clever shows jokes that are on work shouldon celebrity that be changed because, while they get some multiple levels, slapstick comedy, heartwarming pretty–good reviews, they don’t get people songs is here, and an unnecessary sequence watching. nice to get both.

We’ve hadThis it’s involving Starship’s wretched “We Built emmyis nominations and In a lot good ac-fan’s City” the only misstep. thisofMuppets colades passed opinion, it’s the our bestway, film and sincethat’s theiralways very first nice.

But ultimately you have to have people one, and will hopefully give new momentum to nBc is going to franchise. really do well. i know awatch. beloved family-friendly

their leadership and i think they’re winners, –B. Love so i think they’ll turn it around.

insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 13

MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (R) 

When it comes to choosing between the truth and the legend, My Week with Marilyn strikes a perfect balance between the two, difficult because the truth about Marilyn Monroe has become part of her legend. This behind-thescenes recreation of the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl in 1956 is a fairy tale about the making of a fairy tale. Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne) is a 23-year-old from a wealthy family who’s determined to make it on his own in the film business. He lands a menial job with Laurence Olivier Productions as third assistant director (“Assisting the director is the last thing you do!”) on the film. Monroe (Michelle Williams) arrives, a mess of insecurities, and is intimidated by Olivier (Kenneth Branagh), her director and co-star. With acting coach Paula Strasberg (Zoë Wanamaker) and producer Milton Greene (Dominic Cooper) running interference, Marilyn drives everyone crazy with her tardiness and unpreparedness. Colin becomes the only person she feels safe with.

An impossible fly on every wall, he’s hopelessly infatuated with Marilyn, who, not as dumb as she acts, uses it to her advantage. It doesn’t help his budding romance with a wardrobe girl (Emma Watson) but it gives him memories that will last forever. Williams does an adequate impersonation, moreso in the Showgirl scenes than unnecessary musical numbers, but more importantly she gets under the skin of the “real” Marilyn, showing how she got under the skin of generations of moviegoers.

–Steve Warren

SHAME (NC-17) 

Sometimes my job makes me feel like a research scientist or theologian, trying to explain the unexplainable. Shame is a case in point, a fascinating character study you can’t look away from, but which leaves a lot of blanks for you to fill in. Michael Fassbender has the lowest dialogue/screen time ratio of any leading man this year, except Jean Dujardin in The Artist, where no one speaks. Fassbender plays Brandon, a New Yorker who does well in business, even though he spends most of his workday watching Internet porn. The word “oversexed” is overused to describe anyone who gets more than you do, but Brandon would fit any description of a sexual compulsive or sex addict. He pays prostitutes and can have sex with any number or gender of strangers but is incapable of and disinclined toward what most would consider a “normal” relationship. How does his sister Sissy (Carey Mulligan) figure into all this? He ignores her phone calls until she moves into his apartment uninvited. It’s hard to tell whether the problems of each are because or in spite of the other.

Writer-director Steve McQueen favors long takes, whether static shots of one or two people or tracking shots that follow Brandon running several blocks in downtown Manhattan. It’s visually impressive but you’ll have to ask Alfie what it’s all about.

–Steve Warren

THE SKIN I LIVE IN (R) 

I’ll probably be stoned to death by fanatical fans of director Pedro Almodovar for making this comparison, but I wonder if he or anyone else saw the slight similarity between, “The Skin I Live In” and the 90’s cult horror classic “Frankenhooker”. After all, both films are about mad doctors who use unethical surgical practices to resurrect lost loves. Where Sr. Almodovar’s 18th film takes a seriously dark and creepy turn is in how deliberately haunting this film is. It will stick in your head for the rest of the day and grow on you the further you get from it.

This latest work reunites the artist and his muse, Antonio Banderas. It’s impossible to be succinct when describing the plot but essentially it is the story of a world-renowned plastic surgeon named Dr. Robert Ledgard and his relationship PG 14 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

with his patient, Vera (Elena Anaya), whom he keeps prisoner in his Spanish countryside mansion. The good doctor has suffered an immense amount of tragedy in his life. In addition to never knowing his father and having a mentally unstable daughter, his late wife was horribly burned in a car accident. In a reaction to the latter, he dedicated his life to developing a new type of skin that is impervious to burns and scars. This humble reviewer could have used a little of that skin while watching this because I definitely left the film feeling very scarred. There are plenty of awkward sexual situations and there are plenty of moments where the viewer will literally squirm in their seat. Almodovar does not tell this tale in a strictly linear fashion either, there is a lot of jumping around in time and, yes, there are subtitles. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. So, if you want to see a gothic horror movie that you’ll be more scared to see a second time than you were the first time you saw it then you’ll definitely want to see “The Skin I Live In”.

–Ian Covell

A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS (R) 

It was inevitable that the third Harold & Kumar movie would fall somewhere between the inspired stupidity of the first and the strained lunacy of the second. Well, either it’s much, much closer to the first than the second, or I enjoyed it because the smoke that appeared to be coming off the screen into the audience wasn’t just a 3D effect – in which case I’m glad I don’t have to take a drug test for this job. Harold (John Cho) is a grown-up, responsible citizen, working on Wall Street (picketed in a timely opening scene) and married to Maria (Paula Garcés) but not accepted by her father (Danny Trejo). Kumar (Kal Penn) is still an immature, irresponsible pothead who’s gotten his girlfriend Vanessa (Danneel Harris) pregnant. The former buds, each of whom has a dorky new friend (Tom Lennon, Amir Blumenfeld), are reunited after two years for a wild Christmas Eve, complete with weed, cocaine, ecstasy, explosions, Russian gangsters, Claymation, Wafflebots and sconces; and of course Neil Patrick Harris, again playing himself to hilarious effect. Speaking of effects, they mock the 3D process in the beginning but end up making better use of it than most of this year’s 3D movies. I hope NPH is right when he says, “See you in the fourth.”

–Steve Warren

THE WOMEN ON THE 6th FLOOR (NR) 

The part of The Women on the 6th Floor that can be discussed without spoilers is a French version of The Help. Set in Paris in 1962, it shows how the bourgeoisie mistreated their servants – in this case refugees from Franco’s Spain, hired because they demanded less respect than Frenchwomen. Jean-Louis (Fabrice Luchini) is a stockbroker who lives with his wife Suzanne (Sandrine Kiberlain) in the apartment building he was raised in. Their two young sons are away at boarding school. They hire a new maid, Maria (Natalia Verbeke), whose aunt (Carmen Maura) works in the building, and install her in the 6th-floor servants’ quarters, in a room smaller than a prison cell. Jean-Louis discovers the 6th-floor toilet has been stopped up and hires a plumber to fix it, the first of many kind gestures toward the working women. Of course he’s infatuated with Maria – she’s one of those Audrey Hepburn/Julia Roberts types everyone loves – but Suzanne reaps the sexual benefits, at least at first. From there the movie has the potential to become a fairy tale, even if JeanLouis isn’t exactly a handsome prince, but the irrational behavior that drives the plot turns would be better suited to a broad comedy than this lite drama that keeps one foot in reality, no matter how deeply the other is mired in fantasy.

–Steve Warren

FILM

THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES EVER

BY RYAN LOFTIS

W

HAT WOULD THE CHRISTMAS season be without holiday movies?

Less fun, no doubt. We all have our favorites, the ones Christmas just doesn’t feel right without watching. Hollywood knows this and has faithfully churned out seasonal movies for decades.

Out of all those offerings, which are the Top 10?

Those listed in chronological order below.

1. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)

Perhaps no movie is associated with Christmas, but that fate could hardly have been predicted in 1946. With a $3.7 million budget and $3.3 million in revenue, the movie was a box office failure. Its status as a classic came from an unlikely place: falling out of copyright protection and entering the public domain. With repeated television airings, “It’s a Wonderful Life” became a Yuletide broadcast tradition. The legacy of Jimmy Stewart - who had been reluctant to take the role so soon after fighting in World War II - was enshrined with this film. The American Film Institute would name it both the most inspirational movie of all time and the most powerful movie of all time in 2006.

2. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947) Initially, Zanuck didn’t even want the studio to make the film, believing it was too corny to be successful. Star Maureen O’Hara originally was unenthusiastic as well, having been called back from Ireland for her role. The movie won three Oscars, including one for Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. Gwenn got in some extra practice by playing Santa in the 1946 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

3. WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954)

It was supposed to be the movie that reunited Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. It wasn’t. Then Donald O’Connor was supposed to fill in for Astaire. He didn’t. Finally, Danny Kaye stepped in for O’Connor.

What happened? The movie became 1954’s highest grossing film and a cherished classic, both as a Christmas movie and a musical. Incredibly, to this day an original soundtrack has never been released.

4. A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983)

You can thank Porky’s for A Christmas Story.

Yes, Porky’s. The success of that raunchy teen sex comedy allowed director Bob Clark to make a movie he wanted, and this was his choice. His original choice to play The Old Man was none other than Jack Nicholson, who was impressed by the script but too expensive for the movie’s budget. The movie that now airs 24 hours straight on TBS had a difficult time getting made, as most major studios were uninterested in the story. Even in its initial release, A Christmas Story inspired passion. After it was pulled from theaters at Christmastime, protests convinced theater owners and the studio to keep it playing into 1984.

5. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (1989)

Without a doubt the funniest Christmas movie ever made. The film has one classic scene after another, beginning with the Griswolds, led by patriarch Clark (Chevy Chade), searching for the perfect Christmas tree in the middle of no where(“Audrey’s frozen from the waist down.” “It’s all part of the experience, honey.”) and culminating in a disastrous Christmas Eve dinner. Special attention must be

paid to Randy Quaid’s hillbilly Cousin Eddie, a minor character in the first Vacation whose expanded role here results in a brilliant comic creation.

6. HOME ALONE (1990)

What would it take to end the “Rocky” franchise’s box office domination? A 10-year-old in his first starring role, that’s what. On Nov. 16, 1990, “Rocky V” and “Home Alone” both opened. To the industry’s surprise, Macaulay Culkin knocked the Italian Stallion down and never let him back up. Besides giving us the biggest child star since Shirley Temple, the movie made its way into the Guiness Book of World Records as “Highest Box Office Gross Comedy.” Fun fact: Years before he started doing comedy, Robert DeNiro turned down the role of Harry that was taken by his friend and “Goodfellas” co-star Joe Pesci.

7. THE SANTA CLAUSE (1994)

November 1994 was arguably the best of times for Tim Allen. Already the star of TV’s most watched show and author of the number one book on the New York Times bestseller list, Allen added star of the number one movie to his resume with The Santa Clause. When it was revealed the Toolman would be assuming Santa’s duties, kids in the theater audience cheered. Little did we know that the original script was much darker (instead of scaring Santa on the roof, for example, Allen fatally shoots Saint Nick), or that Disney had to make an excepA CHRISTMAS tion to its policy of not STORY hiring ex-convicts to hire Allen.

8. LOVE ACTUALLY (2003)

With the scripts for Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Bridget Jones’s diary to his credit, Richard Curtis had already established himself as a master of romantic comedy when he wrote and directed Love Actually, but few could have predicted how wonderful this ambitious tale of interconnected stories in London would be. Every character - brought to life by an all-star cast including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson - is rich and compelling, but Bill Nighy steals the show as an aging,outspoken rock star. A young girl’s rendition of “All I Want for Christmas is You” is pure movie magic.

9. BAD SANTA (2003)

Billy Bob Thornton has made a specialty of playing malcontents, but Bad Santa is his masterpiece.

If it weren’t for the Academy’s snobbery towards comedies, Thornton would’ve rightfully earned an Oscar nomination for his performance. As Willie, an alcoholic safe cracker who poses as Santa to rob department stores at Christmastime, Thornton is a hilarious train wreck, cursing at children, showing up to work drunk and exhibiting naughty behavior in the plus-size dressing rooms. A notable supporting performance is by Lauren Graham, who showed - almost a decade before her “Gilmore Girls” co-star Melissa McCarthy did in “Bridesmaids” - that she could be funny and filthy with her performance as a Santa fetishist.

10. THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004)

Ten years after “Forrest Gump,” actor Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis broke visual ground again in this adaptation of the classic children’s book. “The Polar Express” is the first ever all-digital capture film (all acted parts performed using 3-D motion capture techniques), as well as the first feature length film to be released in both 35 mm and IMAX 3-D.

FILM

THIS HOLIDAY, DIRECTOR STEVEN SPIELBERG Takes Audiences on a Big Adventure!

BY MARCI MILLER

T

HREE TIME ACADEMY AWARD WINNER Steven Spielberg, the man who helmed classics like Jaws, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler’s List and so much more is back with his first animated, 3D feature, The Adventures of Tintin, which arrives in theatres on December 21.

Produced alongside another famous Academy Award winner, Peter Jackson, Spielberg is excited to bring the comic book adventures of “Tintin” to American audiences this Christmas.

Based on the internationally beloved characters created

by Hergé, the story follows the curious young reporter “Tintin” and his fiercely loyal dog Snowy as they discover a model ship carrying an explosive secret. From the high seas to the sands of North African deserts, every new twist and turn sweeps “Tintin” and his friends to escalating levels of thrills and peril.

Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson are brought together for the first time as collaborators by their passion for Hergé’s tantalizing tales. From the first reading, Spielberg knew that he and “Tintin” were destined for some kind of collaboration. Peter Jackson grew up with “Tintin” and had been influenced by his adventures. As a boy in New Zealand, Jackson devoured each “Tintin” book he could get his hands on, even struggling through the French editions.

Both men saw the cinematic potential of “Tintin”.

Spielberg first reached out to Hergé as early as 1983, and found the Belgian artist deeply enthusiastic about placing his character in the filmmaker’s hands. But tragically, Hergé passed away before the two could meet. Later, his widow, Fanny Rodwell, fulfilled his wishes, granting the rights to Spielberg.

28 years in the making, we had the chance to speak with Steven Spielberg about “The Adventures of Tintin”, along with his early influences in film making, fatherhood and much more.

Many of your movies are about everyday kids who do extraordinary things. Why do you think you are drawn to these types of stories?

I’ve always been drawn to the empowerment of young people. I just think it’s so powerful when a young person suddenly has to take control of the circumstance he finds himself in, and becomes a hero. So it’s really interesting to me that lots of my movies had been about young kids who have had these kind of (kinetic) things happen to them and they get to rise above the conditions we put them under to achieve something kind of wonderful. And I think that’s where it happens with “Tintin” and that’s what happens with my other new film, “War Horse.”

How you manage to juggle being a dad to six kids and providing personal attention to your kids with your amazing career?

Well the first thing is that I am a good listener and I require my kids to be good listeners too. And my kids say to me “Dad, you know, you are spending too much time at the office.” Or “Dad, you know we did not see enough of you this week.” And I will always drop everything to meet those needs…that’s the priority. My first child was born in 1985 and my entire paradigm changed and everything from that moment on had to do with my kid’s well beings and my career suddenly became a second choice. And I do not know how I balance it but they helped me balance it, they really do. And a great thing about having a large family is that the more kids in your family, the more they want to take care of each other. But they always need mom and dad and I am either there with my kids or my wife is there with my kids, but they’re never not without both of us.

How much has reading great books influenced your creative process?

You know, I’m a dyslexic reader, I was diagnosed six years ago with dyslexia, which I didn’t even realize that I had since childhood. So I’m much more involved in visual media but I do read, and I have to read scripts and I have to read books to make determinations if those could be

films or not. So as an adult I am reading so much more than I read as a child. I was diagnosed six years ago at Yale by Dr. Sally Shaywitz because I have a child who’s dyslexic. When I went in, the doctor recognized dyslexia in me and I took all the tests. But I’ve accommodated my life to the challenges of dyslexia and I feel very proud of that. I see kids achieve a different balance when they find themselves to be dyslexic.

How have your earliest obsessions shaped your film making?

My earliest obsession was “Walt Disney” and the “Mickey Mouse Club” on television and all the animated features he was making. And most of Disney’s films scared me. At a young age I was terrified by “Dumbo”, “Bambi”, “Fantasia”… absolutely terrified by “Fantasia.” So, Disney was my first real window into the things that not only delighted me and tickled my imagination but also terrified. And I think my early imagination was a way of taking care of myself when I was so frightened. And when I was a kid, I was frightened by everything. I was frightened by the dark, I was frightened by small spaces, I was frightened by kids who were bigger than me…I was just a scaredy cat. A lot of the movies that I made exorcise those little nagging fears.

What was it like working on “Tintin” with Peter Jackson?

Well, you know it’s interesting; Peter and I are certainly two different people. We share a common sense of humor. And we realize that the same things make both of us laugh and this was a really great project to do as a team. I’m the energetic kind of director and Peter is much more laid back and much more laconic and in a sense, that kind of contrast and energy caused us to have such a great friendship during the making of “Tintin.” I haven’t had a partner like this since “George Lucas”.

It seems like 3D works better in some films than others.

How does it work with the “Adventures of Tintin” and what are your thoughts about the future of 3D in Hollywood?

3D is very appropriate for “Tintin” because it’s this grand adventure; it goes a hundred miles and hour. And it is really an enhanced type of 3D. I didn’t make 3D into a gimmick, and I also don’t think 3D is what is going to sell “Tintin” to parents and kids. I think that 3D is just another tool in a very large tool kit that film makers have available to them. And it was my first 3D movie but the movie is just as good in 2D. 3D was a very sweet enhancement but doesn’t make the movie.

Many of my colleagues would like to see everything in the future shot in 3D, from arts films, to love stories, to big special effects adventure movies but I think 3D has a time and a place. And I really love movies that are in 2D. I would not want to see any of the great classics like “Casablanca” ever converted to 3D because I think the art form of 2D is a miracle. When the skill and talents of a camera man and the director and an art director, put a lot of long thoughtful hours into giving the illusion of dimension just through lighting, and the arrangement of

I WOULD NOT WANT TO SEE ANY OF THE GREAT CLASSICS LIKE “CASABLANCA” EVER CONVERTED TO 3D BECAUSE I THINK THE ART FORM OF 2D IS A MIRACLE. WHEN THE SKILL AND TALENTS OF A CAMERA MAN AND THE DIRECTOR AND AN ART DIRECTOR, PUT A LOT OF LONG THOUGHTFUL HOURS INTO GIVING THE ILLUSION OF DIMENSION JUST THROUGH LIGHTING, AND THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE CHARACTERS AND SETTINGS….THAT’S THE SKILL THAT WE HATE TO SEE BECOME A LOST ART. the characters and settings….that’s the skill that we hate to see become a lost art.

How did the experience of making “Tintin” compare to all the other films you’ve worked on?

Well, I had more control over “Tintin” that I have had over any of my other film because I did many more jobs including helping light all the sets which I don’t usually do. Because this is animation, I can do things over again to get them to be better. I never had such control as over the medium of visual animation and in that sense I haven’t had this much fun since making “E.T.” What about making “Tintin” appealed to you?

Well the biggest appeal is “Tintin”, who is very tenacious and often puts himself in his own stories. He gets into a lot of trouble, he’s chasing the bad guys, trying to uncover hidden secrets and unearth hidden treasures.

There’s always competition against him, either to stop him from succeeding or to at least, steal these things away from him.

And in that sense “Tintin” is really a quite straightlaced character but he’s surrounded by eccentric bizarre characters like “Captain Archibald Haddock” and the two bumbling “Thompson twins” whose are supposed to be Interpol detectives and “Bianca Castafiore”, this opera singer. Everybody has tremendous dimensions and they’re funny and they’re eccentric and they’re bizarre and that contrast alone makes the “Tintin Adventures” really unique. insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 15

CONCERT C LENDER FRIDAY DECEMBER 2 529 Cadillac Jones EARL The Villain Family EDDIE’S ATTIC Charlie Mars FAT MATT’S Atlanta Boogie FIVE SPOT The Mantras MASQUERADE Underground HipHop Show NORTHSIDE TAVERN Zydefunk PEACHTREE TAVERN Trotline SMITH’S The Elvis Show STAR BAR Southern Culture On The Skids TABERNACLE Mastodon VARIETY The Whiskey Gentry VINYL Kevin Rowe WILD BILL’S Faceless

SATURDAY DECEMBER 3 529 Book Club EARL All The Saints EDDIE’S ATTIC Roxie Watson FAT MATT’S The Jumpin’ Jukes FIVE SPOT Vortex Park MASQUERADE The Hot Rods NORTHSIDE TAVERN Frankie’s Blues Mission PEACHTREE TAVERN Velcro Pygmies SMITH’S Indecision STAR BAR Southern Culture On The Skids VINYL Revival WILD BILL’S Dwight Yoakam

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4 529 Thought Criminals CENTER STAGE Christmas in the City EARL Crooked Fingers EDDIE’S ATTIC Cowboy Envy FAT MATT’S Snake Legs FIVE SPOT Tunes 4 Tots SMITH’S L.A. Guns VARIETY The Ruth Moody Band

MONDAY DECEMBER 5 529 GermJumper EARL Catch 23 EDDIE’S ATTIC Songwriter’s Open Mic FAT MATT’S Dry White Toast FIVE SPOT The Indie Revenge THE LOFT Yelle MASQUERADE The Devil Wears Prada PEACHTREE TAVERN Industry Night

TUESDAY DECEMBER 6 529 The Long Shadows EARL Cotton Jones EDDIE’S ATTIC The Bitteroots FAT MATT’S Burning Time FIVE SPOT Jam Session

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 7 529 A. Grimes CENTER STAGE Dir En Grey EARL We The Lion EDDIE’S ATTIC Diane Durrett & Friends FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blues Mission FIVE SPOT Movie Night THE LOFT Robin Thicke MASQUERADE Anybody Killa PEACHTREE TAVERN Generation Now SMITH’S Anders Osborne STAR BAR Tom Cheshire VARIETY Carolina Chocolate Drops

THURSDAY DECEMBER 8 529 Small Reactions BLIND WILLIE’S Heather Luttrell EARL Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion EDDIE’S ATTIC Jennifer Daniels FAT MATT’S Chickenshack MASQUERADE Bless The Fall PEACHTREE TAVERN Yamadeo SMITH’S The Trews STAR BAR Lacuna M TABERNACLE Wale

FRIDAY DECEMBER 9 529 Dillon Ain’t Playin’ EARL Smithsonian EDDIE’S ATTIC Girlyman FAT MATT’S Spanky & The Love Handles FIVE SPOT Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band MASQUERADE Max Bemis

PG 16 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

NORTHSIDE TAVERN Grinder Nova PEACHTREE TAVERN Rick Caballo SMITH’S The Tom Petty Show STAR BAR Kave Talk Live VINYL Rock By The Sea WILD BILL’S Waka Flocka Flame

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10 CENTER STAGE Radio One Family Comedy Tour EARL The Happenstance EDDIE’S ATTIC Zach Deputy FAT MATT’S Big C & The Ringers FIVE SPOT Bodega Roja HIGHLAND INN Afro-Klezmer Orchestra MASQUERADE Grieves & Budo NORTHSIDE TAVERN Ike Stubblefield PEACHTREE TAVERN Same As It Ever Was SMITH’S Billy Joe Shaver TABERNACLE Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa VARIETY Kingsized VINYL Rachael Yamagata WILD BILL’S Easton Corbin

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11 EARL Os Ossos FAT MATT’S Snake Legs MASQUERADE Big Sean SMITH’S Nervous But Excited FOX THEATRE presents B.B. King (Dec. 30)

MONDAY DECEMBER 12 529 Cute Boots EDDIE’S ATTIC Songwriter’s Open Mic FAT MATT’S Dry White Toast MASQUERADE Corey Taylor PEACHTREE TAVERN Tim Tyler SMITH’S Symphony of Insanity

TUESDAY DECEMBER 13 529 Mr. Gnome EDDIE’S ATTIC The Trishas FAT MATT’S Burning Time FIVE SPOT Jam Session MASQUERADE Korpiklaani

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14 529 Young Antiques EARL Dax Riggs EDDIE’S ATTIC ATL Collective FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blues Mission FIVE SPOT Holy Ghost Tent Revival PEACHTREE TAVERN Miss Used SMITH’S Atlanta Funk Society STAR BAR Superpill

THURSDAY DECEMBER 15 CENTER STAGE Roy Ayers EDDIE’S ATTIC Sally Barris FAT MATT’S Chickenshack MASQUERADE PCW PEACHTREE TAVERN Iphonic, Dead Rabbits SMITH’S Scotty STAR BAR Back Pockets WILD BILL’S WiLD Holiday Bash

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16 529 Free Acid: Moon Duo BLIND WILLIE’S Delta Moon EARL T.T. Hahony, Jeffrey Butzer FAT MATT’S Jason Pastras Trio FIVE SPOT The Head MASQUERADE Norma Jean NORTHSIDE TAVERN Stoney Brooks SMITH’S Bonerama STAR BAR Ghost Riders Car Club VARIETY Chatham County Line VINYL Take Care, Stranger WILD BILL’S Fight Night

SATURDAY DECEMBER 17 529 Hijacking the Holiday EARL T.T. Hahony, Jeffrey Butzer EDDIE’S ATTIC Randall Bramblett FAT MATT’S Mr. Chapman’s Quarterly Revue FIVE SPOT Sirens of The South MASQUERADE The Chariot NORTHSIDE TAVERN The Breeze Kings PEACHTREE TAVERN Southbound SMITH’S Winter Soulstice STAR BAR Mix Tape Atlanta’s X-Mix

VARIETY Abbey Road VINYL Best Brothers Band WILD BILL’S Dub The Halls

MONDAY DECEMBER 26

SUNDAY DECEMBER 18 EARL Chickens & Pigs FAT MATT’S Snake Legs MASQUERADE Battle of the Bands VARIETY Atlanta’s Holiday Hootenanny

FAT MATT’S Burning Time FIVE SPOT Jam Session MASQUERADE Bugus SMITH’S Rebirth Brass Band TABERNACLE STS9

MONDAY DECEMBER 19

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 28

EDDIE’S ATTIC Songwriter’s Open Mic FAT MATT’S Dry White Toast FOX Amy Grant & Vince Gill MASQUERADE Blood On The Dance Floor PEACHTREE TAVERN Tim Tyler

TUESDAY DECEMBER 20 EARL Bukkake Boys EDDIE’S ATTIC David Ryan Harris FAT MATT’S Burning Time FIVE SPOT Jam Session

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 21 529 Obsidian Sky EARL Little Tybee EDDIE’S ATTIC Jonathan Rich FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blues Mission PEACHTREE TAVERN Velcro Pygmies SMITH’S Atlanta Funk Society

THURSDAY DECEMBER 22 529 Devine Interface EDDIE’S ATTIC Joe Gransden’s Big Band FAT MATT’S Chickenshack MASQUERADE Hawkboy & Ocean Is Theory PEACHTREE TAVERN Sumilan SMITH’S West End Motel STAR BAR Cobra Crypt

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23 529 Order of the Owl EARL Lyonnais EDDIE’S ATTIC Pierce Pettis FAT MATT’S Beverly “Guitar Watkins MASQUERADE Time Haters NORTHSIDE TAVERN Dueling Pianos PEACHTREE TAVERN Plato Jones STAR BAR The Clap TABERNACLE Drivin’ N Cryin WILD BILL’S Corey Smith

SATURDAY DECEMBER 24 NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat SUNDAY DECEMBER 25 FAT MATT’S Snake Legs FIVE SPOT Col. Bruce Hampton NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat, Bill Sheffield

EDDIE’S ATTIC Songwriter’s Open Mic

TUESDAY DECEMBER 27

EARL Accidents EDDIE’S ATTIC Gwen Hughes & Matthew Kaminski FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blues Mission SMITH’S Rebirth Brass Band TABERNACLE STS9

THURSDAY DECEMBER 29 529 Machete Vision EARL Diamond Rugs, Dead Confederate EDDIE’S ATTIC Mike Willis FAT MATT’S Chickenshack MASQUERADE Ultrea Violet Hippo SMITH’S Col. Bruce Hampton STAR BAR Oryx & Crake TABERNACLE STS9 VINYL The Altar Boys

FRIDAY DECEMBER 30 CENTER STAGE Perpetual Groove EDDIE’S ATTIC Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics FAT MATT’S The Rockoholics FOX B.B. King NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat SMITH’S Jason & The Scorchers TABERNACLE STS9 VARIETY North Mississippi Allstars

SATURDAY DECEMBER 31 BLIND WILLIE’S Francine Reed CENTER STAGE Perpetual Groove EARL Kylesa EDDIE’S ATTIC Michelle Malone Banned FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blues Mission FOX Cake FIVE SPOT I.O.Z. MASQUERADE Against Me NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat PEACHTREE TAVERN Tyler Reeve SMITH’S The Constellations STAR BAR Noot D’Noot TABERNACLE STS9 VARIETY JJ Grey & Mofro WILD BILL’S Colt Ford

Sat, Dec 3

creators of “the distance,” “never there” “short skirt, long jacket” & more return to atlanta by popular demand!

DECEMBER 31

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP POST-PARTY

w/ VELCRO PYGMIES (Party Rock Cover)

Fri, Dec 9

Rick SAME AS IT Caballo EVER WAS w/ Virginia Runnin’

Sat, Dec 17

Fri, Dec 23

SOUTHBOUND

PLATO JONES

REsERvED sEating - BuY toDaY!

PER PET UAL GRO OVE [perpetual groove]

(Country Rock)

w/ Bear Left

8 pm doors • 9 pm show

’S R A E Y E! W EV E N E

(Talking Heads Tribute)

w/ Space Capone

(Country)

thE faBulous fox thEatRE with special guest thE iMpERial opa CiRCus

Sat, Dec 10

(Jam Rock)

Sat, Dec 31

NEWYEAR’SEVE W/TYLERREEVE +SEVENHANDLE CIRCUS OPEN BAR

(Well Drinks and Domestic Beer)

9p to 11p $20.12 on sale NOW!

• MONDAYS INDUSTRY NIGHT W/ TIM TYLER (PIANO ROCK) • TUESDAYS LADIES NIGHT (NO COVER) • WELFARE WEDNESDAYS - LIVE MUSIC DRAFT SPECIALS BEST COUNTRY CLUB 3179 PEACHTREE RD. 404-842-1700 • WWW.PEACHTREETAVERN.COM

G A TR S ER A TE T N E C THE SHOWr o M o 9 P 0/d v.

• S $3 ad OR y

DO dv da M 8 P /a / 2

5 $2 $40

St. 1365 e . e htr4.885 ix! m c a t Pe • 40 for a.co .

4 W TL 11-6 ant 137 wn AM-F, -atl to pen tage d i M O rs nte WiTH e c THE HEAVY PETS (12/30 ONLY)

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE AT

TICKETmASTEr.Com & THE FoX THEATrE/CENTEr STAGE BoX oFFICES! PRESENTED BY RIVAL ENTERTAINMENT insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 17

MUSIC

Scrooge is back in the Alliance's annual holiday gift to Atlanta! Now in its 21st year, A CHRISTMAS CAROL has become a holiday season tradition for generations of families throughout the Southeast. It is set in a Victorian warehouse where a stone-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge learns the meaning of compassion as he travels the road to redemption for his lonely, miserly life. A Christmas Carol is an adaption from the 1840s tale into a musical featuring favorite holiday carols and hymns. Soaring holiday music and jaw-dropping special effects accompany this beloved classic tale of the power of the holidays to ALL THE ART awaken the soul. It’s an event certain to dazFORMS CAN you zle your eyes, warm your heart and carry throughout the New Year. MOVE YOU ON DEEP, DEEP, DEEP THRILL A CHRISTMAS LEVELSMEMORY THE SOUL, SO December 12-23 Balzer Theatre BEAUTIFUL Box Office 678.528.1500 THESE THINGS. www.theatricaloutfit.org YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Key performs on stage for his one-man AND show adaptation of TrumanDEEPER Capote's cherDEEPER ANDTom ished story, A CHRISTMAS MEMORY. THE SOUL GETS Key had performed THRILLED. IT’S this story as a holiday THE SAME WAY tradition for years WITH MUSIC. among family and friends. Mr. Key’s stage adaption was the first work be this experience is the one human being.

It’s ato thing; performed at to us dear human beings. experience that’s been lost Theatrical Outfit's When we get this chance to dive within and truly n e w l y - and r e nexperience o v a t e d the unbounded infinite transcend downtown home, The the Balzer ocean of bliss consciousness unifiedTheater field- manyat Herren's in 2004. names for this field that you experience. People have Thediving performance will consist been within throughout time.ofIt’stwo for acts-the human first act of holiday music by The Georgia beings. You’ll start unfolding your full potential, Potlickers will complement the second act's you’ll get happier andby happier, be better and theatrical reading Key. life Anwill Alabama native better, relationships will improveall these things will himself, Key narrates the semi-autobiographhappen, you’ll getting ideas, energy to create ical tale ofstart seven-year-old Alabama boy, things. a beautiful, beautiful thing. Negativity Buddy,It’sand his unique friendship with his eldgoes so anxiety and stress to illnesses erly away, eccentric cousin, like "arelated lost pair of kites go.

People aretowards so stressed,heaven." but sadness, hurrying A depression, Christmas anger and hate… all these thingsfare go. It’s human Memory is a fun holiday forforthe entire beings family.and for a beautiful, beautiful world.

WELCOME TO CRAZY CLOWN TIME The Weird, Wild Musical World of David Lynch

BY BRET LOVE

I

’VE BEEN A FAN OF DAVID LYNCH EVER SINCE THE mid ‘80s, when films such as Dune, The Elephant Man and Blue Velvet immersed me in the weird, wild world that was his creative vision. But it took at least another decade (and viewings of truly warped films such as Eraserhead, Lost Highway and Mulholland Dr.) before I truly began to appreciate what a unique artistic vision it was.

If you loved Lynch’s films like I did, chances are their otherworldly soundtracks (which were usually composed by Angelo Badalamenti and often featured contributions from Lynch himself) equally enthralled you. Lynch co-wrote songs for torch singer Julee Cruise and produced an incredible (but littleknown) album of ancient music for a singer named Jocelyn Montgomery.

Now, for the first time in his 40-year career, Lynch has released a solo album. Called Crazy Clown Time, it’s just as unusual and extraordinary as you might expect from an auteur like Lynch. I was delighted to get some chance to chat one-on-one with one of film’s most distinctive directors, discussing everything from the relationship between music and film to the use of transcendental meditation in his creative process.

You went to college for art and got into making films, but I was curious about your relationship with music during those years. Did you play music back then?

I played trumpet in junior high and high school.

They made me march in the band and I quit because I didn’t want to march and get to school at 6:00 am.

I liked the trumpet, but the only really good thing about it is that I got into reading music. Angelo Badalamenti was the one who brought me into the world of music, with Blue Velvet. Angelo encouraged me to write lyrics and we started working together.

We made two albums with Julee Cruise and worked together on the music for Twin Peaks, and then we started working together on music for every film up until the last one. I always loved experimenting with sound, so I built a studio in the ‘90s as a place to experiment. One thing led to another and now here comes this album, Crazy Clown Time.

Music has always been a huge element in setting the distinctive mood of your films. How do you see the relationship between these two art forms?

Film is the thing they say that brings lots of art forms together- one of those things is music. Music is magical when it works. It’s better to have no music in a film, then the wrong music. When it’s right, when it marries to the picture, you get that magical thing the whole is greater than the sum of its partsand a way you go.

You’ve been many things over the course of your career-- painter, photographer, writer, director, actor, musician... Is there some way that music nourishes your soul that makes it unique from other forms of artistic expression?

All the art forms can move you on deep, deep, deep levels- thrill the soul, so beautiful these things. You get into photographer deeper and deeper and the soul gets thrilled. It’s the same way with music. You get in there, it’s so thrilling. It doesn’t matter. Time stands still. It’s just unbelievable what goes on when you’re in there. It’s magical when it marries the picture. It’s magical how it makes you feel when you’re driving down the road. It’s just magical sitting next to someone you love. It’s magical when you’re eating these warm nuts on American Airlines.

Like your films, your music seems to have a dreamlike, almost otherworldly quality. Where does your interest in that aesthetic come from?

I always say that ideas drive the boat. In the case of music, I work with Big Dean Hurley, who is the engineer in the studio, and Dean and I make this music together. We start with a jam and a beat and certain chords. This is where the magic starts. I think every musician knows that if you have a certain beat and a certain sound on the guitar and a certain chord progression, things start to happen. It just flows out.

I call it action and reaction. You make an action and maybe it doesn’t happen right away- that’s why it just a jam. It’s an experiment, but maybe something starts to happen and then you catch a thing and it starts to flow out. It starts from an improvisation experiment.

You’ve been an outspoken advocate of transcendental meditation for years. I’m curious if you see any direct connections between this practice and the nature of creative efforts?

We can get into a huge long thing. Consciousness is the thing. There is nothing really besides consciousness. Every human being has consciousness, but not every human being has the same amount. When you do transcendental meditation for instance, you get a technique to dive within and experience the unbounded ocean of pure consciousness and every time you experience it you infuse some so you begin to expand whatever consciousness you had to begin with. Expand that consciousness and unfold the human being’s full potential, which is called enlightenment. Everyone has creativity; it’s the eye of the consciousness. It’s why some people are more creative than others. Everybody has the potential to be infinitely creative. You’ve just got to unfold it. Transcendental meditation is a technique to do that. That is what I love about it- happiness, more happiness comes, consciousness is tied to happiness, intelligence, creativity, energy, all these great

positive things. You’re getting the flow going and that is beautiful. Someone gives you an idea and then the group starts focusing on that and when you focus your attention a flow starts. Then you do something, and someone says “oh, bret did that and I’m going to do this thing” and then a flow starts.

The first music I heard from you was back in 1989.

Why did it take you 22 years to finally release your debut album?

I don’t know. That’s what it took. Go figure. Sunday Best recording in London, then Turner and Rock the bank who run Sunday Bank recording, they somehow got onto the idea to help get this music out.

They are great guys. It’s a small company, but they really have been doing the greatest work. If it wasn’t for them, it probably wouldn’t of happened. Dean and I have been working on songs for many, many years now and we realized that because of them we had more songs done then we thought and some of them are going into this album.

How would you describe the music on Crazy Clown Time?

How do you describe a painting or whatever?

Words are unable to do it, especially in the world of music. It started for sure with the power of Chicago electric Blues, but through action and action and these things we’re talking about it’s kind of moved to another place. It started with the concept of modern blues. Some songs are quite close to that, you would say “oh, I understand that it is close to that”, but others are further away.

You haven’t made a new feature film since 2006’s Inland Empire, and you formed your own music company a few years ago. Do you see yourself focusing more on music in the future?

I’m trying to catch ideas for the next thing. Since Inland Empire the whole way of seeing films and the thinking about them is changing fast. I was watching to see what was going on. Also, I got pretty heavy into painting and also music. We’ll see what happens.

Maybe next year, I’ll start working on it.

You’ve got your website, your line of coffee, your music, films, your David Lynch Foundation... How do you stabilize the creative chaos that seems to whirl inside your mind at any given moment to achieve some sense of normalcy?

I have a technique to dive within twice a day and it’s a magical, beautiful technique. I recommend it to anyone… transcendental meditation. It’s not a religion, it’s not against any religion, it’s for every

CONDO CLEANING We are a professional and detailed cleaning service that provide high standard cleaning for the best price. Your security and privacy are important to us. Our services include studios, one bedroom and two bedroom condos or apartments in the greater Atlanta area only.

678-650-9949 678-705-4703 Live performances by the nation's #1 mash-up artist: THE WHITE PANDA, J. KAP, AND MORE VIP tickets and tables available at vip@ampparties.com

USE PROMO CODE INSITE FOR $10 OFF BEFORE DEC 15 AND $5 OFF AFTER AMPparties.com for more information and tickets!

PG 18 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

A CH

Decem

Box O www.g

The 25t perenni Ralphie Christm Action Compa vive the and ove obstacle Ryder B our hi Season it to a c magic o holiday Artistic The “S wide o Septem Octobe through are thri on our Directo

Do you see yourself focusing more on music in the future?

I love music. I think I’ll spend time with it.

on

H&A EXECUTIVE

GRAND HYATT BUCKHEAD 3300 PEACHTREE RD NE 30305

Deck Horizon popular SANTA castic a Harold stint a Besiege ents an he finds ego, "C The pla selling holiday when it Radio.

2521 Piedmont Road NE Atlanta,GA 30324

hacondocleaning@gmail.com

www.haexecutivecondocleaning.com

Anne Mayfield, NCC, LAPC Therapeutic Associates

Sex, Love, & Relationship Addiction Grief • Substance Addiction •Trauma Psychotherapy • Hypnotherapy EMDR • Breathwork

404-664-7223 AnneMayfield@Clear.net 1640 Powers Ferry Rd • Atlanta www.AtlantaSexAddictionHelp.com

Road Warriors

This Month’s Hottest Shows

BY SACHA DZUBA

DECEMBER 2 – TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA

Philips Arena Trans-Siberian Orchestra is known for incorporating the elements of classic, orchestral, symphonic, progressive rock and heavy metal into Christmas epics. Using a full orchestra, choirs, and a constantly growing and changing musician lineup, TSO is an incredible live experience. They’ll be performing their classic Christmas Eve and Other Stories in its entirety along with selections from their upcoming Rock Theater installment Gutter Ballet and The New York Blues Express. You will be dazzled by lights, lasers, pyrotechnics, and video and aurally mesmerized by the consummate musicianship. Time to break out the sleigh bells and metal horns!

DECEMBER 3 – BLACK LABEL SOCIETY

The Masquerade Zakk Wylde has come a long way from being Ozzy Osbourne’s lead guitarist and co-writer, creating his own Black Label Society over a decade ago. Though I hear shades of Ozzy Osbourne meets Axl Rose in Zakk’s vocals, he’s got a great bluesy/crushing rock metal sound to his music. A close friend of late Dimebag Darrell, Zakk is recognizably a brilliant soloist and guitar player with clear influences by late Black Sabbath guitarist Randy Rhoads; as well as an accomplished pianist. His latest offering, The Song Remains Not The Same, is surprising in its content and style. It is a collection of new songs, acoustic songs, and covers. Go Berserk for this metal show filled with uncompromising, unfiltered, no bullsh*t rock’n’roll. Strength, Determination, Merciless, Forever; Brewtality!

DECEMBER 7 – DIR EN GREY W/ THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE

Center Stage Dir En Grey brings their theatrical music all the way from Japan to the Center Stage. Spanning many genres of music, they have always stayed relatively close to styles of alternative metal, experimental shock -alternative rock, with a bit of J-pop thrown in. Transcending the barriers of language, their rise in popularity is notable since their songs are not in English. Kyo’s singing is distinctive with its range and versatility, allowing him to howl, croon, scream, shriek, growl, bellow, like my favorite avant garde singer, Mike Patton. Hailing from Toronto, The Birthday Massacre is the perfect blend of 80’s electronica, heavy guitar riffs, moody and evocative melodies, horror and lush darkness blended with childlike innocence. There are elements of Depeche Mode meets the Cure, with a measure of gothic babydoll singer Chibi added. Her energetic, cute, presence brings vocals that perfectly match the dark fairytale style of their music. Check out their latest EP, Imaginary Monsters. A pairing of two fantastic heavy rock and darkwave bands with vivid style and unique sound.

DECEMBER 13 – ALICE COOPER

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre With a career spanning more than four decades, Alice Cooper is still shock-rocking his way into the hearts of fans new and old. The rock ‘n’ roll villian’s newest release is the long-awaited sequel, Welcome 2 My Nightmare, amusingly playing off of the title of his 1975 album. The album features a host of special guests, including the three other surviving members of the original band,

“Nightmare” guitarists Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner, Alice’s touring band, Vince Gill, Rob Zombie, and, most frighteningly, Ke$ha. The “No More Mr. Nice Guy” show will bring showmanship with flair, horror and humor, grand-guignol style shock antics, and a thoroughly entertaining evening from the rock ’n’ roll hall of famer. This is an opportunity to see a highly influential and talented performer, not to be missed!

DECEMBER 16 & 17 – VINCE GUARALDIS’ A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

The Earl In what is now becoming another Christmas tradition, Jeffrey Bützer and T. T. Mahony return to the Earl, bringing the music of Vince Guaraldis’ Charlie Brown’s Christmas. Though you can buy Charlie Brown’s famous Christmas tree in stores...

Why get the tree when you can hear the music live?! Robby Handley (bass), joins T.T. Mahony (piano), and Jeffrey Bützer (drums) to perform the beloved album in its’ entirety. Holiday projections, baked goods (limited amounts), and a recognizably bare Christmas tree round out the performance and holiday setting. Chad Shivers and friends will open with sixties gem: The Ventures Christmas Album. Forget the fruitcake, this is the perfect gift for the holiday season!

DECEMBER 18 – ATLANTA’S HOLIDAY HOOTENANNY

Variety Playhouse **Please bring 2 cans of food for Atlanta Community Food Bank** The first installment in what hopes to be an annual tradition of spontaneous jams, celebrating the holiday season with musician friends. Featured musicians are included from the Atlanta music scene, as well as from known regional and national acts; including recording artists from original legendary Capricorn Records bands Wet Willie and Cowboy, as well as members of The Derek Trucks Band, The Tedeschi Trucks Band, Blackberry Smoke, Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit, Blueground Undergrass, The Mosier Brothers

Band, Capt. Soularcat, Copious Jones, and others!

The evening’s performance will distinctly feature three separate sets that combine diverse sets of performers, so that each jam will be unique with plenty of room for spontaneous musical creativity.

An exciting and one of a kind holiday event!

DECEMBER 19 – AMY GRANT & VINCE GILL “THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS”

The Fox Theatre Christian star Amy Grant and country music star Vince Gill love this time of year and are bringing their celebrated “Twelve Days of Christmas” show to the Fabulous Fox Theatre. The couple recently celebrated their eleventh year of marriage together, and what better way to celebrate than a special holiday performance. “Christmas audiences are special,” Amy says, “their emotions are a wonderful mix of anticipation and reverence.

It’s a thrilling experience for both of us.” Boasting some of the finest virtuosic performers and sublimely complementary harmony vocals care of Grant and Gill, the evening’s musical selections are sure to please. Packed with Christmas and Holiday themed music and likely some of Vince and Amy’s hits, this is a perfect seasonal show for the whole family.

DECEMBER 31 – ZAC BROWN BAND: NEW YEARS EVE SHOW

Philips Arena The Zac Brown Band has again been nominated for and taken home awards from CMA for Musical Event of the Year and CMT Performance of the Year award and a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. Zac Brown Band is far from an overnight sensation. They’ve been honing their popularity one night at a time, city to city, but Atlanta is certainly a home for the Georgia native Zac. Radio hits “Toes” and “Chicken Fried” will hit your sweet spot like a hot plate of down home southern cookin’. Check out their most recent album You Get What You Give with guests Jimmy Buffett and Alan Jackson. Come out and ring in the New Year with The Zac Brown Band!

MUSIC

A NEW INVENTION

Singer-Songwriter Eliot Bronson Goes Solo

BY ALEX S. MORRISON

F

ROM THE INDIGO GIRLS AND Michelle Malone to John Mayer, Shawn Mullins and the trio that formed Sugarland, Atlanta has had an impressive singer-songwriter scene for decades, with venues such as Eddie’s Attic and the (late, great) Freight Room at its epicenter.

A few years ago, critics pegged the Brilliant Inventions– the duo of Eliot Bronson and Josh Lamkin– as the Next Big Thing for Atlanta’s folk-rock scene. Frequently dubbed “the Indigo Boys” for their tight vocal harmonies, two-guitar songwriting and engaging stage presence, the duo was voted Best New Local Musical Act in Creative Loafing’s 2008 Reader’s Poll, won the Open Mic Shootout at Eddie’s Attic (twice), and earned opening slots on tours with They Might Be Giants and Jump Little Children.

But a funny thing happened on the way to the top: After the release of their 2009 album Have You Changed, Lamkin decided the life of a touring artist wasn’t for him, leaving the more career-focused Bronson to start over from scratch. His impressive solo debut, Blackbirds, explores his country-folk influences in earnest, and we recently spoke with him about the project.

Who were the artists that initially inspired you to become a singer-songwriter?

The first music I was exposed to was my parent’s music. They had unusual

taste because their identities were equally informed by the church and the ‘60s counter-culture. Believe it or not, it was a Judy Collins record that really turned me on to songwriting. It wasn’t so much Judy Collins, but all the great songs she covered from Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Phil Ochs and Leonard Cohen. I’d never heard anything like it before! I wanted to be able to make that kind of magic.

Tell me a little bit about how you and Josh came together to form the Brilliant Inventions.

Josh and I both started out as solo acts. It was Josh’s idea to join forces. He brought up the idea several times early on, but I always blew it off. I think it was timing more than anything else that made it happen. We were both going through some big changes and wanted to try something new. We booked a tour as two solo acts, and by the time the tour was over we were The Brilliant Inventions.

You guys seemed to have very different styles, but great chemistry. How did that dynamic work?

I think we learned a lot from each other.

In the beginning, Josh was always way funnier than I was on stage. He showed me how to lighten up and not take myself so seriously. I think I helped him take more chances and write from a deeper place, especially towards the end. Of course, it wasn’t always easy– we had our share of

fights– but I think that tension made the music better.

You guys were voted Best New Act by Creative Loafing in 2008, winners of the Open Mic Shootout at Eddie’s Attic, and seemed to be developing a huge following.

Why did you break up?

I’ve made no secret of that fact that the breakup was not my idea. For various reasons Josh just didn’t want music to be the priority in his life anymore. Who knows what would have happened if we’d kept it up? I don’t have any regrets though. I feel really good about where things are going now.

What were the positives and negatives of doing your first solo album?

Making Blackbirds was such a rewarding experience. After years of hammering out all the creative differences, it was liberating to make exactly the kind of recording that I envisioned and really be in complete control of my art. The only negative I can think of was just not having that team spirit that a band has. [Producer] Will Robertson provided some of that, but it’s not exactly the same. There were moments when I would definitely have liked to be able to confer with a partner. But I’m glad I couldn’t. A big part of making this album was learning to trust my instincts.

How would you say Blackbirds differs from the music you made with the Brilliant Inventions?

I think it’s more mature, and much more cohesive. It’s got more grit and less sheen.

It’s also an “album” in the old fashioned sense. The songs make sense together, and they tell a complete story.

What are your career goals going forward?

I’ve been writing a ton lately, and I’m almost ready to start recording again. The next album’s gonna rock a little harder, with more full band stuff. Of course, I’d love to take over the world and all that.

But, at the end of the day, it’s the perfect songs that I’m chasing down. My goal is to be a master of my craft. My goal is to make magic! insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 19

MUSIC

MUSIC

Album Reviews

Reviews by B. Love, John B. Moore Hal Horowitz, Jody Grant, Alec Wooden and Lee Valentine Smith

THE BEACH BOYS – Smile Sessions (Capitol) The best unfinished rock albumin history gets deluxe treatment

JM: For decades, the follow up to The Beach Boys’ brilliant Pet Sounds was one of rock and roll’s best urban legends. Sure they eventually threw up their hands and released the so-so album Smiley Smile in 1967, but there was always talk of what was almost released.

A sonically-layered masterpiece, bootlegs dripped out in the years that followed and in 1993, Brian Wilson finally released, a newly recorded version of the Smile as it was originally intended (but it still wasn’t the original record was the classic Beach Boys line up).

Now Capitol Records is finally offering fans the Holly Grail: the original Smile Sessions.

Recorded between 1966 and ’67, this version of is culled from the original master tapes (not rerecordings like the ’93 version). Spread over two CDs, it includes a collection of core session tracks (40 in all) and plenty of demos and alternate takes.

There is also a massive box set available that includes five CDs, two LPs and two 7” singles. The between takes banter offers curious insight into the making of a classic album.

It took more than 40 years, but the longfabled record is finally here and it was worth the wait.

INDIGO GIRLS – Beauty Queen Sister (Vanguard/IG Recordings) A return to folk-rock roots

LVS: Amy Ray and Emily Saliers’ 14th studio release finds the duo just as vital and hungry as they were in their earliest shows at The Dugout near Emory University.

By now, their sound is an instantly recognizable blend of uncompromising lyrics layered with gorgeous harmonies and memorable melodies. Producer Peter Collins, who last worked with the band on the often-overlooked Swamp Ophelia in ’94, gives the album a pleasingly polished sound. Recorded in Nashville, the disc radiates a gentle charm that deftly spans genre and politics, wrapped in universally appealing, Decatur-bred folk-rock. ”Share The Moon” opens with Ray’s deceptively tender take on longing and compassion. Saliers follows with “John,” a starkly cinematic account of a proud and earthy man, told from an envious city girl’s perspective. Then the punchy title track reminds us that the two can definitely rock. Ray’s soulfully rousing delivery should make “Beauty Queen Sister” a new favorite in their live set. Saliers’ “Gone” is a song of welldeserved freedom that could easily end up covered by a vacuous product of today’s modern country music, but here, the sheer will and determination in her delivery separates it from mere mid-album filler.

Her “Birthday Song” is an equally ponderous ode, shared by a protagonist caught at a loss for words for a suitable birthday wish. Another welcome track is Ray‘s “Making Promises,” a spicy dollop of ’60s pop as filtered through the Indigos‘ Zydeco-Bangles jangle. Finally, “Able To Sing” PG 20 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

The Dean’s List

is Saliers’ step-sister to Paul Stookey’s classic “Wedding Song,” with usually dramatic twists.

Once again the Girls have collaborated with industrious Atlanta designer/musician Erin Dangar to create an album package that, like the entire record, vividly illustrates the complexities of a myriad of human relationships and stands as an intriguing work of art.

COBRA SKULLS – Agitations (Fat Wreck Chords) Reno punks turn in their best to date

JM: The Cobra Skulls are the best thing to come out of Reno, NV since… well, let’s be honest, up to this point not much has ever come out of Reno aside from a killer Johnny Cash lyric. But thanks to the Cobra Skulls, those who call the Biggest Little City in the World home can finally hold their heads a little higher (or at least stop saying they’re from Vegas).

On Agitations, their third full length and first for Fat Wreck Chords, the Cobra Skulls have turned in their finest record so far. Not to say the early works were bad, just not as consistently great as this one. The record catches on the second track – the bouncy, Ramones-ish “Iron Lung” - and carries on strong to the end.

With most songs clocking in at just around the two-minute mark the band gets in, tears it up and is gone before you realize just how much damage has been done. And isn’t that the way punk rock should be?

Rest of the Class VAN HUNT – What Were You Hoping For? (Self-Released) Living up to its title

HH: Although he no longer calls Atlanta home— the opening track of this album is named after his new ‘hood, “North Hollywood”— Van Hunt made his reputation with the neo-soul he recorded while living in Georgia.

Those days will seem distant when hearing this Prince/Lenny Kravitz-influenced set, with its nods to offbeat funk, hard rock and aggressive psychedelia.

Rambling, expansive and sprawling (even within its modest 45-minute length), Hunt’s latest album spirals from the driving propulsive rhythms of “Watching You Go Crazy is Driving Me Insane” to the restrained, folksy tropicalia of “Falls (Violet)” and the sweeter, piano-based “Moving Targets.” It’s a powerful, always intriguing trip that’s impossible to dismiss due to Hunt’s soulful vocals, multi-instrumental talents and experimental, genre-defying nature.

Still, it’s not an easy or particularly enjoyable listen. The lyrics– most addressing unusual, occasionally dysfunctional relationships (see: “Cross Dresser,” “A Time Machine is My New Girlfriend”)– don’t have much in the way of memorable melodies behind them, as they’re woven throughout non-traditional, rambling song

structures. Hunt’s a battered and bruised veteran of a major label system that spit him out before they sucked him in, leaving an unreleased (and highly praised) album to languish in the vaults as he valiantly tried to pick up the psychological, artistic and financial pieces. The result, his first release of new material in three years, seems to be a middle finger to anything vaguely commercially oriented. But that doesn’t make it good as much as it is a hard-earned purging of pentup frustrations. Perhaps Hunt plays on that concept with the album’s title, but it’s hard to imagine that this is what his fan base was hoping for. GRADE: C FAT SHADOW – Foot of Love (Houseplant) Punk supergroup impresses with debut

JM: If their 10 song debut is any indication of what lays ahead, expect great things from Bloomington, Indiana upstarts Fat Shadow.

Comprised of former members of Pink Razors, Holopaw and the underappreciated band Landlord, Fat Shadow play a blend of classic rock, with a subtle nod to low-fi and DIY punk rockers, a sound strong enough to spawn its own scene. With Daun Fields’ confident vocals, she brings to mind Kim Deal and The Breeders on a song like “Feelers” and even classic Heart (the cool 70’s version, not the bad 80’s ballad version on) on a song like “Call the Corners”.

Veterans of some of the great indie punk labels like No Idea and Recess Records, Fat Shadow have started their own label, Houseplant Records, to release Foot of Love. I’m actually a big supporter of the band’s decision to do it themselves as any outside influence might try and persuade the band to tweak their sound a bit, which is the last thing they should do. GRADE: B

Time To Decide isn’t a wall to wall speakerbuster. But in this genre, and in the age of singles, few releases claim that ribbon anymore. Dodd has singles to boot, and seems content in his understanding of the bottom line: If you write it, and write it well, good things will come. He’s has done the former, so don’t be surprised if the latter comes true very soon. GRADE: B PALADINO – Self-Titled (self released) LA group blends Folk, Punk and Bluegrass

JM: It took awhile, but Folk and Bluegrass are finally being dusted off, reclaimed from the hippies and granola kids and given a Punk Rock makeover.

Thanks to everyone from Tim Barry and Chuck Ragan to Old Man Markley and Larry and His Flask, those genres - once staples for little more than the jam band fans and the NPR and PBS crowds - have finally gotten interesting again.

LA’s Paladino is the latest band to add a little punk swagger to their Country/Bluegrass mix. On their self-titled, self-released debut, the band churns out an impressive collection of originals and covers (including “Green Green Grass of Home,” “Snow Deer,” Too Many Rivers” and a great version of “Have You Ever Been Lonely”).

Thanks to Jonathan Harkham’s steady croon (reminiscent of the dearly departed Mr. Cash) and the solid backing of his band, complete with a stand up bass, as any self-respecting, classic Country band should have, Paladino have turned out a great first effort with the promise of an interesting career to come. GRADE: B

ERIC DODD – Time To Decide Georgia’s Next Zac Brown?

HAIL THE TITANS – Hymns of Mare Nostrum (Self Released) Powerful prog for the 21st century indie scene

AW: Depending on how you look at it, this has to be either the best or the worst time to be a crossover pop/ country/rock artist Georgia. Within the genre(s), there’s a lofty standard being set by the likes of Zac Brown, Jason Aldean and others, and it can be daunting to those in the minor leagues looking for their break. Lake Oconee native Eric Dodd believes his break is out there for the taking, and with Time To Decide, he makes a strong case.

The easy comparisons at play here are the aforementioned stars (Brown and Aldean) as well as South Carolina native Edwin McCain — and while they all work, none should be used to paint Dodd into a one dimensional corner. Dodd’s voice has Brown’s signature twang but actually comes off as more genuine, while his storytelling is from McCain’s fold but is yet to find quite that level of comfort and maturity. Still, with these and other comparisons at work, the potential is clear.

Dodd finds his stride toward the center of Time To Decide, shelling out a string of sterling, radio ready hits ranging from mid-tempo country rockers (“If The Ocean Was Whiskey,” “Whiskey Won’t Chase The Pain”) to shuffling Americana (“Made For Leavin’”) to a melodically driven rock-ballad (“Where She Comes In,” the albums shining moment). Melody is the key for these (and others — namely the title track and the gorgeous “What Do You Say”), and Dodd showcases his uncanny ability to write rock solid ones.

JG: Indie music in 2011 is seriously fucking boring.

Starting with the massively over-praised new M83 album, there isn’t much out there that raises more than a disinterested shrug. It’s an entire genre of indie that I call “meh”-core. As in: “What did you think of the new (insert anonymous new indie band here) album? It got a great review from (Pitchfork/ Stereogum/Drowned In Sound/Chunklet).” “Meh.” In contrast to the tide of beige currently drowning indie rock is this, the thrilling new debut album by Hail The Titans. The album, “Hymns of Mare Nostrum,” represents the culmination of a year’s work, most recently concluding with the pressing of one thousand limited-edition CDs paid for entirely by fan contributions. Based out of Montgomery, Alabama, Hail The Titans play what is commonly dismissed as “post-rock” now and was once dismissed as “prog rock.” Their sound exists firmly along the Mogwai/Explosions in the Sky/Slint/Mars Volta axis of brawny n’ spacey instrumental rock.

For those familiar with the genre, Hymns of Mare Nostrum won’t be anything new, but familiarity doesn’t breed contempt. Instead it breeds the familiar-but-never-old rush of passion that all our favorite rock and roll bands inspire. The songs have wryly self-serious names like “The Physical Limitations of Nonlinear Waves in Motion” that wouldn’t be out of place in the middle of a King Crimson album. Honestly the song titles don’t matter except as helpful guideposts to a tightyet-explorational set of fiercely played songs. This stands proudly alongside Mogwai’s “Young Team” or Explosions’ “How Strange, Innocent” as a postrock debut worth embracing. GRADE: A

TRAVEL

SPEND YOUR HOLIDAYS THE DISNEY WAY!

BY MARCI MILLER

I

T’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE Christmas at Walt Disney World Resort as every corner of the Vacation Kingdom is filled with heartwarming stage productions, enchanting parades, garlands and wreaths, millions of sparkling lights and even the first flakes of winter.

MAGIC KINGDOM

MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY On 19 special nights, holiday revelers can delight during this familyfriendly event.

Visitors can sip cocoa, catch a “snowflake” and enjoy merry shows, fireworks, carolers and special character meet and greets.

This after-hours party on select nights through December 18, 2011, features: An enchanting Cinderella Castle adorned with Castle Dream Lights (through Jan.8); Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, complete with a special appearance by Santa Claus himself, and for the first time Duffy the Disney Bear.; An exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza — Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season; Live entertainment featuring Disney characters; Meet and greet opportunities with favorite Disney characters in Holiday attire, including Phineas & Ferb in Tomorrowland, the Seven Dwarfs in Frontierland and Duffy the Disney Bear in Town Square.; Complimentary cookies, apple slices and hot cocoa; A magical snow fall on Main Street, U.S.A.; Many popular Magic Kingdom attractions open for fun CASTLE DREAM LIGHTS – Each evening of the season, Cinderella Castle shimmers with lights during a ceremonial show performed at dusk. Through January 3, 2012, Cinderella and favorite Disney characters decked out in festive holiday garb take center stage and magically transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace draped with 200,000 ice cycle-white lights with wreaths, bows, garland, towering Christmas trees and scarlet poinsettias dominating the landscape.

THE MAGIC, THE MEMORIES AND YOU! The nightly light show on Cinderella Castle gets in “the spirit” throughout the holidays with a special segment that wraps the Magic Kingdom landmark in colorful bows and boughs, gift paper and ribbons, ornaments, candy stripes and multi-colored strands of lights … and gingerbread.

EPCOT

CANDELIGHT PROCESSIONAL – An inspirational retelling of the Christmas story accompanied by a mass choir and 50-piece live orchestra is part of this Epcot tradition. Each evening through December 30, 2011, a celebrity narrator (from a lineup that includes Steven Curtis Chapman, Marlee Matlin and Neil Patrick Harris) takes to the America Gardens Theatre stage and shares the story of Christ’s birth. Guests are asked to sing along. Shows are at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m.

HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD – Throughout World Showcase, international storytellers share traditions and tales from their homeland.

There are meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the American Adventure, plus other legendary icons who share messages of goodwill. The celebrations of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are celebrated as well.

The evening is capped by “IllumiNations: Reflections

Invites You And A Guest To Attend A Special Advance Screening Of

of Earth,” the mesmerizing Epcot spectacular on World Showcase lagoon featuring fireworks, laser lights and water choreographed to a musical soundtrack – with a holiday finale.

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

THE OSBORNE FAMILY SPECTACLE OF DANCING LIGHTS – Entering the Hollywood Studios back lot, guests discover a virtual city of lights.

Among the cityscape buildings are millions of dazzling bulbs, dancing lights and animated displays synchronized to high-energy holiday tunes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios through January 7, 2012. The spectacle will not be operational Dec. 8.

The tradition began in 1986 in Arkansas, at the home of businessman Jennings Osborne, who strung 1,000 lights as a Christmas gift to his daughter. After the exhibit grew larger and brighter each year, it was transported to Disney in 1995 where the light exhibit now mesmerizes guests from all over the world each year.

AMC Parkway Pointe on December 13th at 7:30pm.

For passes, please visit

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM

MICKEY’S JINGLE JUNGLE PARADE – King Louie and Baloo lead a rousing musical cavalcade – safari style – through the park through January 3, 2012, during Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. The wild side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom blends with a playful spirit of the holidays as Chip & Dale, stilt walkers and savannah friends dance alongside decorative floats at 4 p.m. daily. The savory scent of chocolate floats thru the air as Minnie’s candy cane and hot cocoa float roll by.

SANTA GOOFY’S HOLIDAY VILLAGE AT CAMP MINNIE – Mickey has decked the halls big time with festive décor. A perfectly trimmed Christmas tree adorned with animal crafted ornaments welcomes guests at the park’s entrance.

464 Moreland Ave Little 5 Points • 404.577.3188 • Open 7 Days NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. ONLY ONE PASS PER PERSON. PASSES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. EACH PASS ALLOWS THE PASS HOLDER TO BRING ONE GUEST. SEATING AT THE SCREENING IS NOT GUARANTEED.

IN THEATERS DECEMBER 16TH YoungAdultMovie.com

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

With dozens of shops, Downtown Disney is a shopper’s delight. There are one-of-a-kind boutiques such as TrenD, a sports shop at Team Mickey, plus enough toys, games, character merchandise, and costumes to fill Santa’s sleigh at Once Upon a Toy and World of Disney. There’s also Fuego by Sosa Cigars, Ghirardelli Chocolates, Basin (soaps and bath products), LEGO Imagination Center and much more – including Disney’s Days of Christmas where guests can choose Disney ornaments and decorations any season of the year.

School choirs and bands often perform at the dock stage to ring in the season. Kids can pose for pictures and sit with Santa Claus through December 24, 2011.

RESORT HOTELS

Disney resort hotels are dressed up for the holidays, offering an ideal home-away-from-home during the season. An intricate, life-size gingerbread house cooked up by Walt Disney World pastry chefs is a must-see at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The yummy sugar shack is baked with 1,050 pounds of honey, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 35 pounds of spices and more.

It even has a chimney that puffs out delicious cinnamon smoke.

A magnificent gingerbread carousel complete with chocolate and soft-candy ponies and oversized candy-cane poles takes center stage at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Other hotels are spruced up with wreaths and trees decorated with miles of garland, ribbon and glistening ornaments.

Check each hotel for holiday dining offerings and special entertainment.

For more information on all these fabulous holiday offerings at Walt Disney World Resort, visit Disneyworld.com/holidays.

insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 21

TRAVEL

THE UNCONQUERED

Scott Wallace on the Expedition to Save the Last Uncontacted Tribes of the Amazon it you can’t prove the Indians are on that land and you can’t get the legal protection required to make HERE ARE SHOCKINGLY FEW sure that rainforest is going to remain intact. There regions of the world left relatively was a little bit of resonance that something could go untouched by human “progress.” One of a rye certainly, but I would have to say also that our them– Brazil’s Amazon rainforest– is increasingly being threatened by development interests, with a bill impact was pretty minimal. We weren’t scattering a lot of stuff around. We were cleaning up after currently before the Brazilian congress that would ourselves and all the construction that took place revise the nation’s long-standing forest protection as far as creating lean-tos and other structures. All code to allow for more agriculture and cattle that was made strictly from materials right there in ranching. the forest that biodegrade with time.

It’s serendipitous, then, that Scott Wallace’s new book The Unconquered: In Search of The How would you describe your emotions as you set Amazon’s Last Uncontacted Tribes has been off into the jungle? released. The story follows a National Geographic The first couple weeks of the journey were on assignment that put Wallace on a research team these river boats moving up river. trekking into the Amazon’s It was two weeks after I joined I THINK IT MADE ME A LOT deepest recesses, gathering the expedition that we actually MORE AWARE OF THE FACT information that will those boats behind and set hopefully help protect the THAT THERE IS ANOTHER left forth into the deep jungle by foot. mysterious tribe known as WORLD BEYOND THIS ONE Certainly, it was frightening in the People of the Arrow, OF SHOPPING MALLS, a way except that I was with 34 one of the region’s last CELL PHONES, AND PRE- expert woodsmen- that made it uncontacted tribes. possible to do. I wouldn’t have It’s an amazing story– part PACKAGED FOOD. THERE wanted to wander more than 20 Indiana Jones adventure, IS ANOTHER WAY TO LIVE. yards into that forest alone for part personality profile of IT’S THE WAY OUR SPECIES very long. There was excitement expedition leader Sydney and trepidation. There was HAS LIVED FOR 99% OF Possuelo, a noted Brazilian Indian Rights activist– ITS HISTORY, AND I FEEL excitement about going into an unexplored area. A completely and we recently spoke LIKE IT HAS BROUGHT ME wild area that has never seen with Wallace about the CLOSER TO OUR HUMAN outsiders, but on the other hand extraordinary experience. there were a great many hazards AND ANIMAL ORIGINS. at every turn- literally at every In the book, you mention step. You had to be incredibly your extensive journalism alert and you couldn’t be careless about any step that experience in the Amazon. What initially you took. It was a draining experience, but it was an fascinated you about the region? exciting and exhilarating trip.

I took a year off from college and worked as a literacy instructor among Amazonian native tribes back when I was 20 years old. There was rawness to For readers who aren’t familiar with Sydney the Amazon in its enormity, wildness, and untamed Possuelo, why is he such a big deal in Brazil?

Sydney Possuelo is one of the most renowned frontier of it. I found it fascinating. The existence wilderness explorers in modern Brazilian history, of native tribes, the wipe of its rivers, the sense that and also an Indian rights activist. He is a Brazilian you’re in a tropical version of what North America government wilderness scout and he led a seat must have been like 200 or 300 years ago. change in Brazil’s policy towards its uncontacted indigenous groups from making contact with those Having covered so much malfeasance, corruption groups to save them from the more violent and and environmental devastation there as a unsavory of a frontier society advancing into their journalist, did it taint your appreciation for the territory. He lead a change in the policy from going region’s natural wonders in any way? out and contacting those Indians to save them Not at all, if anything it has accentuated my from that and move them out of the way of the appreciation for them. That other side, the darker side if you will- the malfeasance, the corruption, the advancing frontier to locating where these tribes are and protecting the lands that they are on and violence is also part of the raw energy of the place stopping the advance of the frontier. It’s a huge shift that I find that I find very compelling. that he engineered. He was also the leader of our expedition and the main character of my book.

Your personal life was clearly in shambles when you got the call from National Geographic that In what ways would you say the survival of the led to this book. What was your motivation for People of the Arrow and the health of the Amazon taking the assignment? are ultimately connected?

If my life was in shambles before the assignment, The People of the Arrow are one of 26 unit got worse. I’m a journalist I got into this field to contacted tribes and all of them depend on healthy do exactly this kind of thing to go where few other intact pristine rainforest for their survival. They people get to go to look deeply into an issue and have no need for anything from our society- none to bring to bear the full range of my reprocurial of the products that we create and manufacture skills and writing abilities. This was a unique and the wants and needs that we manufacture. opportunity that almost no one gets to do- the fact They don’t need any of that if they have the pristine that we were going into the most remote Amazon, rainforest environment from which they derived into the territory of an un-contacted tribe was too their livelihood. This is an instance where their compelling of a prospect to say no to. survival and respect for their self-determination because they want to be left alone is absolutely in Did you or anyone else from the expedition have conflicting feelings about the potential impact your line with environmental conservation, preservation, and protection of the rainforest. They cannot journey could have on the People of the Arrow? survive without that rainforest being intact, The work of the Department of Isolated Indians unpolluted with its bounty of animals, fish, and all which was running the expedition requires a the living species- a complete identification with certain amount of risk taking in order to complete their survival with the survival of the rainforest. In the mission. The greater good is to protect these Brazil, there are 55 sq miles of intact pristine virgin un-contacted tribes, the risk is that something primeval forest that is being protected because could go wrong while you are doing it and there there are un-contacted tribes wandering those could be an inadvertent contact or a violent flash. forests. They are in effect helping us in as much as The work is absolutely necessary because without

BY BRET LOVE

T

PG 22 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

the rainforest to protect the global climate. Their survival is also our survival.

I’m curious to get your take on the current state of the global battle between indigenous cultures and the forces of progress. Do you think tribes like the People of the Arrow ultimately have a chance of remaining unassimilated?

Yes, I think they do if enough people stand up and support those that are defending them. Perhaps one of the most important things about this book besides being a pleasurable read from a literary or artistic standpoint, I think the book also servers to highlight this very important issue. If there are enough people aware of this issue and if those in Brazil who are implementing and carrying out the policy get the recognition from a global audience who are keeping their eyes on what is happening in

the rainforest, then the policy can succeed.

What organizations are working to save the region?

Amazon Watch, Survival International and the forest campaign at Greenpeace are all very good organizations that are helping to not only to defend the rainforest, but are also working to help indigenous tribes in their efforts to preserve their forest and defend it from outsides and those who would destroy it for profit.

How did this experience change you as a person?

I think it made me a lot more aware of the fact that there is another world beyond this one of shopping malls, cell phones, and pre-packaged food. There is another way to live. It’s the way our species has lived for 99% of its history, and I feel like it has brought me closer to our human and animal origins.

FILM

ATLANTA ACTORS EMERGE

3 Locally Grown Talents Who Are Making It In Hollywood JUSTIN WELBORN

(THE SIGNAL, FINAL DESTINATION)

BY JUSTIN PATTERSON

J

USTIN WELBORN IS A Stockbridge native, most known for his roles in The Signal and The Final Destination. He has worked with the Alliance Theater, the Center For Puppetry Arts, Actors Express and others. He recently moved to LA to further his career.

What did you do after graduating from UGA? Moved to Seattle, wrote a lot. Standup and spoken-word poetry helped me to find my own voice. I moved to Bangkok trying to find… more. I’d been in school forever and suddenly it’s over. I decided I was gonna land on my feet. When I came back to Atlanta my dad said, “You got this degree. If you’re interested, now would be the time to do it.”

I started doing theatre, performing where I could. It wasn’t fun for a couple of years but I had a better idea of what I was doing, what I was supposed to be doing.

What about your work with the Center for Puppetry Arts?

I did that for about a year. I was interested in doing my own puppetry, some performance art, so I began working for everybody. I fell back into acting accidentally. I was building props and doing performance art and then started getting cast in plays, getting lead roles. All of a sudden, my puppetry wasn’t happening anymore and I was an actor again.

How did your film career progess?

My smaller roles were mostly favors I did for somebody. Not a lot of us were making movies. It was still expensive. People weren’t editing film on home computers. My turning point was The Signal. It took us by surprise when it got into Sundance. The day that it came out nationally, I was cast in The Final Destination.

I’m not necessarily dedicating my life to film. I’m dedicating this particular time to finding out if it’s something that I want to do for the rest of my life. I’m a very different look and type. For me to have greater exposure and opportunity I had to move.

What do you miss most about Atlanta?

The tightly knit performance community is the best thing Atlanta has going for it. I have more friends that I can count there. I also have enemies, but that’s okay because they help me define who I’m NOT. That’s okay.

They worry more about me than I worry about them.

How do you feel about L.A.?

It’s all excitement and anxiety because everybody is in the same industry. I can either look at it as them competing against me, or I can view LA as the city of dreams because everybody – to one degree or another – thinks like me or feels like me and is pursuing something similar. I think that’s remarkable.

What advice would you give aspiring actors?

Don’t get comfortable. You’ll begin to expect things, and that’s when the world lets you down. I had to leave and make myself uncomfortable. There was no lack of love in my leaving, but there was probably too much love in my staying.

MATT LANTER

(CLONE WARS, 90210)

BY JENNI WILLIAMS

W

E ALWAYS HEAR ABOUT THE small-town girls… well, don’t forget about the boys. Looking just as good taking their own Southernbred demeanor to the big city, they’re on the fast-track to being the new small screen standouts. We snagged a few moments with 90210’s heartthrob Matt Lanter for a peak into what it takes to go from Georgia Bulldog suburbanite to hot Hollywood actor.

How does an Atlantan get into acting?

There was a film about Bobby Jones that shot in Atlanta, so I went out to be an extra for it.

That inspired me to make it a career for myself. I was studying Sports Business at UGA, so it actually had nothing to do with the acting thing!

You’ve done a lot since then… What’s the biggest difference from where you are now?

Well, I haven’t been a part of something so huge and known worldwide until 90210. It’s definitely something unique that no one else can really experience. But my favorite role yet is voicing Anakin for Clone Wars. Being part of such a legacy as Star Wars is pretty awesome. Oh and I loved getting to work with Laurence Fishburne. He just has so much passion for the craft and an open door when it comes to asking advice.

What’s your role on 90210?

My character is Liam, the bad boy with a heart from the wrong side of the tracks. He’s a guy that wants to do the right thing and I think we can all relate to that. In real life, I would think he is too brooding and needs to lose the down-and-out attitude, though.

Cheer up man, you’re alive!

You’ve lived all over now, so who gets credit for your roots?

I consider myself raised in the South. One of my favorite memories is probably hanging out with friends up at Lake Lanier at the marina. A friend of mine had a houseboat and my dad had a boat so we would spend a lot of time up there.

How do you compare living out west to being down south?

I would have to say the Georgia sports teams are important to me. We have the NFL everywhere, so I can watch the Falcons every Sunday! Plus, there’s just a different feel to the South... the people, the weather, everything. I try to describe that but it’s more something you just have to experience.

Where do you want your career path to take you next?

I just want to keep working. I would love to be in a big war epic, particularly WWII. I would love to pay homage to my grandfather who served and to all those who have ever sacrificed for our freedom.

Any advice for young, non-west coast teens wanting to make it?

Keep pushing hard and don’t give up. You have to really work hard to accomplish what you want. But, stay in school… It’s a short period of your life and it’s tough but it will pay off. Also, try to enjoy the time where you’re not having to work and pay bills. You’ll look back and wish you had those days back, I promise!

ZIAH COLON

(FOOTLOOSE)

BY JUSTIN PATTERSON

Z

IAH COLON, A JONESBORO native, has done a lot of television and film roles, but she recently attracted national attention as Rusty in Footloose. We recently caught up with her via phone to discuss her breakout role in director Craig Brewer’s remake.

When director Craig Brewer asked if your accent was real, you responded “Yes, SIR!” He decided you were definitely from the South.

I have to be really careful about that here because people get offended! I was raised in the South. We had to say “Yes, ma’am” and “No, sir.” It’s not an insult. It’s out of respect. In LA, people take it as insulting and I have to make sure I control that.

Have you moved to LA or are you just on extended stay?

I was on extended stay but I’m going to be out here for a while. I realized the difference in the kind of auditions I was getting, and in Atlanta it’s hard to get those kinds of opportunities.

JUSTIN WELBORN

IMDB mentioned that you had difficulty finding roles due to “ethnically ambiguous appearance.” What was it like growing up in Georgia, looking the way you do?

I was the only Puerto Rican girl at my school. When I started acting professionally it became a challenge. It was never a challenge growing up. I had both cultures and they were part of me. I had Latin music and food, speak fluent Spanish. Then, on weekends we’d go to Civil War reenactments! I didn’t think of it as different worlds. After high school I got an agent and then didn’t get any auditions. I asked and my agent told me it was my looks. I got a new agent. They saw my “ethnic ambiguity” as an advantage. They sent me out on EVERYTHING. That’s when I started getting jobs.

Is there something other than acting that you would like to do once you have the means?

I will act for the rest of my life. Over the years, I’ve questioned if this is meant for me. I asked, “SHOULD I be doing this?” I’d always pray and the answer was, “If God didn’t want me to do it, it wouldn’t be in my heart.”

MATT LANTER

Do people recognize you in public?

Today was my first experience with that! I’m so new to it that I’m kind of naïve. I never expect people to recognize me. Today, this guy kept staring at me! He asked if I was in Footloose and I was like, “Oh, yeah! I am!” I can’t wait to tell my parents!

Tell me something that will make INsite readers want to see you.

I’m just a girl from Georgia. I’m silly. I like to laugh. I enjoy eating a lot. I’m the kind of girl you’d like to have pizza and a beer with.

What do you have that is going to make you more than a one-hit wonder?

I’ve never let criticism hold me down or let anyone limit me. This is what I want and what I’m going to go for. When I came out here, people asked, “Are you going to do television or film?” As if they were two different things! Us from Atlanta, we say yes. It’s work!

ZIAH COLON insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 23

NYE in

ATLANTA

Holiday Events New Year’s Eve & Holiday Events and Attractions

Atlanta’s premier New Year’s Eveannual event, extravaganza, “The presented through Bodies the Downtown Countdown”, returnsJanuary to the 2,Hyatt features an expanded model train Exhibition features train kids Regency Atlanta featuring 5 partyshow, areasa with 5 can ride, a Botanical Saint actual human speciUnderground Atlanta Nick,Atlanta’s a holiday puppet show and - back by mens and allows bands, 3 DJ’s, 4 comedians and Thursday Dec. 31; Noon until 4 AM popular largest midnight hotel balloon drop.

Thedemand focal - the second annual Reindog people of all ages Free Admission; Underground Atlanta Parade. At the same time, visitors can take in access to sights and point of the party is the Metromix Peachdrop.com (404) 523-2311 theCentennial ongoing exhibition Chocolate: Seed to knowledge normally Ballroom hosted by 92.9 Dave FM Sweetfeaturing and enjoy a number of demonstrations, reserved only for An Exhibition of Real Fox and other tasty happenings.

And Theatre the medical professionone of rock’s biggest acts with classes nine Top 10 Fabulous Underground Atlanta of allasthese free with Take Show the opporSat.events, Dec. most 31 8PM Door,als.9PM hits, “Ed Kowalczyk of LIVE”beauty as well Saturday Dec. 31; 11AM until 3AM Garden admission, is that they they're set tunity to peer inside Fabulous Fox Theatre Grammy award winning hip-hop trio, www.ticketmaster.com Free Admission; Underground Atlanta ASO Gospel Choir and the Atlanta Symphony against the backdrop of a festively decorated yourself, to better Performing Dec. 8 thru Dec. 24 “Naughty by Nature”.

The Downtown This striking Exhibition Peachdrop.com Youth Orchestra. More than 400 musicians garden, adorned with traditional holiday understand how your atlantaballet.com (404) 873.5811 Countdown is Atlanta’s largestplants hotel bodies, dissected a and singers pay homage to the legendary andNew garlands. elaborate and fascinating body works, and Year’sultimate Eve event covering 2 loved floors and 180,000 Robert Shaw's gift to the city he how you can become a more partic- Fairy, the Rat King, revolutionary Theinformed Sugar Plum young process in the annual Christmas the ASOspace. concert.This one stop ipant in your own healthMarya, care. Dialog in the square feet ofwith meeting themselves in and the Prince all return to the stage in a fascinatin You can destination count on pops Michael Dark offer exhibitions in total darkness. Blind forimpresario New Year’s Eve includes a 5 Atlanta's adored holiday classic.

Joined once BODIES...The Exhibition w Krajewski to pull out all the stops in another Under the Blue-and-Yellow Grande guides lead visitors through a completely dark 1/2-hour premium barMerry at a ratio of 1 barthe Atlanta one-of-a-kind variety show withopen A Very environment where one again learns by to interact

by Ballet Orchestra for ALL Chapiteau at Atlantic Station tender per 75 guests, heavy hors d’oeuvres, Packed full of excitement, the Peach Drop is Holiday Pops. The exciting holiday season performances, Ballet invites the young relying on other senses. Dialog in the Dark Atlanta is a Through January 2 cirquedusoleil.com Atlanta's favorite way of ringing in the New culminates carving, & pasta with Asian the ASO New stations Year’s Eveand a late night platform for communication and a close to return to the magical and young-at-heart Year! This 16-hour event begins at 12 noon PoParazzi, Soleil Witness raises its big for itsperform tour- exchange, an evening festive stan- Cirque provoking a change in perspectives. breakfast alloffor oneItalian inclusive price. du Doors astopthey “The Distance”, winter wonderland where childhood fantasies with various children's activities and enter- dards form ing show.

OVO is a headlong rush into a colSinatra to Jerseyand Boysthe to party Puccinirocks open at 8:30PM on until “Never There”, “Short Skirt, Long Jacket” and turn into an enchanted, sugar-trimmed reality. tainment. Festivities will continue well into the and Pavarotti that will have you craving cal- orful ecosystem teeming with life, where 2AM. Tickets are on sale now starting at $109 crawl, flutter, Specialplay, guest morning with a variety of live performances, zones and fightThe and Imperial Opa Circus spumoni afterwards. Tickets and insects work, eat,more. www.BodiesA general admission tickets and $175 for VIP followed by the descent of the 800 pound completefor look for love in ato open. Tickets available at Ticketmaster. details for all performance are availLaughing Skull Lounge Dec 30-Jan 2 Peach and a spectacular firework display. able online. with ticket prices gradually increasing as the non-stop riot of 878 Peachtree Street 877.LAFF.AT.U Highlights of this popular event include the energy and event date nears.

Packed full of excitement, the Peach Drop is www.VortexComedy.com Peach Drop Main Stage featuring live enterThrough Jan. 7 movement. The EXPERIENCE YOUR LIFE IN THE DARK Atlanta'sfireworks, favorite and waytheofPeach ringing the New tainment, Dropin (6:00 insects' home is Say Goodbye to 2010 1345 Piedmont Ave. (404) 876.5859 Year!- 12:30 Thisa.m.).

16-hour at 11 am with p.m.

The event Familybegins Fun & Budding a world of biodi-Center Stage Theatre and bring in 2011 www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org Peach Stagechildren's will includeactivities family-friendly versity and2 Shows Dec. 30 & Dec. various andactiventertainwith31 Laughter. ities & entertainment (12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Fox Atlanta Theatre North beauty filledwww.centerstage-atlanta.com Comedian Tom ment.

Festivities will continue well into Fabulous the Westin and Kenny's Alley will feature live entertainwith noisy Simmons headlines Performing Dec. 27 at 9PM morning with a variety of live performances, Sat.through Dec. 31 starts ment all day & night (12:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.). action and The Laughing atlantaballet.com (404) 881-2100 Center StageSkull for followed by the descent of the 800 pound www.spiralentertainment.com moments ofPerpetual Groove performs at Lounge for two nights.

Shows likely to sell out so bookNew in Peach and a spectacular firework display.

The Sugar Plum Fairy, the Rat King, young quiet emotion.

Years Eve for the Headlining this years Peach Drop is Marya, the and the Prince all return to the stage in When a mysteri-advance at www.centerstage-atlanta.com. sixth year in a row.

Georgia Atlanta's An Exhibition That Re lengendaryDome band Kansas. The Family Fun & adored holiday classic. This unique ous egg appears in their midst, the insects are Once again he will production of the awestruck and intensely curious about this entertain with his The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a new ACC vs. SEC Budding Peach Stage will include familybeloved Nutcracker iconic object that represents the enigma and jokes written on cur- way to enjoy the winter with Garden Lights,of Your SE www.chick-fil-abowl.com Dec. 31 friendly activities & entertainment (11:00 a.m. tale takes twenty cycles of their lives. It's love at first sight when rent events and personal Holiday experiences over the Nights.

Not a typical light show,an this “For about hour, visitors nav - 6:00 p.m.) andBowl, Kenny's Alleybowl will game featurepounds live The Chick-fil-A Atlanta's of snow, a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling Fabulous Fox Theatre past year. For the 10:30 show on Dec. 31intown there experienceincomplete darkness, relying on enchanting is the largest tradition since 1968, will play its 43rd annual entertainment all day & night.

Rain or shine. eight tons of community and aFriday fabulous ladybug catches his will be complimentary Champagne, Party ask questions of their visually imp Dec. 30 8PM show in the country to showcase not only game on New Years Eve at 7:30pm. This year's scenery, lighting, eye - and the feeling is mutual. OVO is over- Favors and a countdown light to 2011! don’t see until leaving. Stumbling www.ticketmaster.com teams have yet to be announced, but the game and props, and a the beauty of a landscape but also nearly 1 flowing with contrasts. The hidden, secret visitor appreciate how visually orie King’s homecomgets the fifth selection from the Southeastern thirty-eight feet Ball tall 2012 is an all-inclusive world at our feetThe is revealed as tender and tormillion energy-efficient lights.

Open nightly you go grocery shopping?

How wo Blues legend comes Conference (SEC) and the first selection after Christmas ingtree event legendary to as Spiral Entertainment's rid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and chaotic. And INTERNATIONAL (except BLOCKBUSTER - U.S.A. DEBUT well from as the reliance on other sense for December 24 and 31) 5 until Georgia Dome back to Atlanta New the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) from the make the Newmagic Year's Eve party returns toas the sun Westin rises on a bright new day the vibrant Philips Arena Dec ONLY ATLANTALights, Holiday Nights showcases navigate the 10,INGarden 31 Atlantic Coast Year’s weekend for ACC vs. SEC Sat. Dec. 31 at 7:30PM come to Atlanta life. Set in cycle ofininsect life beginsEve anew.

North in Perimeter.

What’s store www.PhilipsArena.com (404) 878-3000 enormous botanical-inspired light displays C o n f e r e n ce the elaborate www.chick-fil-abowl.com King's Ball 2012? There will be open bars a Friday night show on throughout the 30-acre Midtown attraction.

(ACC). Game Moorishfor décor of the Fox Theatre, Marya's everywhere, gourmetonbuffets with carving sta- what is sure to be a W e bowl e k game www.DialogT unbelievable story unfolds a chilly The Chick-fil-A Bowl, Atlanta's memorable performtions andtransports plenty her of tasty midnight treats. includes the Christmas Eve and on an epic tradition since 1968, will play its 44th annual P a r a d e , journey filled Partywhere hardshe andmeets ringsome in the new year with live ance. Tickets available extraorgame on New Years Eve at 7:30pm.

C o a c hThis e s year's dinary characters.

NowMoby in its 51st production, music from Dick, DJ Jazzy and DJ Energy Wats. at ticketmaster BOTH EXHIBITIONS AT ATLANTIC Cobb Centre Dec.outlets.

31 L u n cteams h e o n , have Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker continues to be a King’s Ball features not one but two ball drops, cobbenergycentre.com (770) 916-2800 and yet FanFest.to treasured be holidaypounds traditionconfetti shared by multipleyou PREMIER EXHIBITION CENTE 2800inCobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta blowing the face The a71,500Premier Exhibition Center generations.

Tickets start as low as $20 and n n o u n ce d , 69,000 at midnight, hats,The tiaras, glasses, seat but Georgia are on sale now. Also, 3000 don't miss Nuttyhorns, Atlantic Station (866) 866.8265 theis game Enjoy an evening of great stand-up comedy, PREMIER Dome beads, and flashy things. Sprial Nutcracker, playing on December 16 atEntertainment Across from Publix, Elevator 5 to Level 2 EXHIBITIONS www.bodiestheexhibition.com gets the fifth featuring the expected to be a sell-out. The game will also 7:30pm. isA raunchy, take ontogether the clas- five 265 18th Street, Atlanta, GA 30363 HOUR known hilarious for putting great finalists events Voted Best New Artist at www.dialog-in-the-dark.com this year's Grammys, s e lp.m. e c t isic, o nthis one-night-only be nationally televised by ESPN. At 12:30 performance with good looking guysincorpoand girls. from There NBC's Woodruff Arts Center Georgia's own Zac Brown Band rings in the from the both on game day, downtown Atlanta will come rates famousbeandnoinfamous should troublecharacters finding popular a hottie to Shows throughout December laughBodies features actual human New Years at Philips Arena.

Thethe ZacExhibition Brown alive with the Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade.

The and current Southeastern events for a truly fun, adult holi- fest "Last www.atlantasymphony.org Band will be joined by The Wood Brothers, smooch at the stroke of 2012. Go to www.spispecimens and allows people of all ages access parade will come to an end at the CGeorgia o n f e r e day n ceevening filled with hysterical surprises.

Casey Driessen & Southern Ground ralentertainment.com for tickets.C o m i c World Congress Center, where the Chick-fil-A to sights andartists knowledge normally reserved (SEC) Standing," Roy Experience Christmas with the Sonia Leigh,Norman Nic Cowan and Levi Lowrey.

ASO. Bowl FanFest will draw 30,000 fans for a pre-and the only for medical professionals. Dialog in the Wood, Jr., first selection game interactive football and tailgate experiMackenzie conducts with the ASO Chrous, Dark offer exhibitions in total darkness. Blind T o m m y afterand the Bowl ence including games, music, great food Johnagin, Myq Morehouse College Glee Club and Gwinnett guides lead visitors through a completely dark the traditional pre-game walks.

Championship Seriesteam (BCS) from the Atlantic Dec. 8 - 10. Tavern Kaplan, Felipe Young Singers. Four performances environment one learns to interact by The Peachtree Decwhere 31 Midtown Through Jan. 2 Coast Conference (ACC). Game Week Grand Hyatt Buckhead PopsPeachtree - Michael Esparza and A Very Merry Holiday 3179 relying on other senses. Dialog in the Dark is a Rd. Buckhead Ave.31(404) 876-5859 includes the Parade, Coaches Luncheon, 1345 and Piedmont Sat. Dec. starts at 8PM Mike DeStefano,Krajewski as the official NBC tour conducts with PeachtreeTavern.com award winning platform (404) 842-1700 for communication and a close www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org FanFest. The 71,500-seat Georgia Dome is www.AMPparties.com comes to Atlantavocalists on December The sevTony31.DeSare and Atlanta Montego Glover. provoking based Blackberryexchange, Smoke continues to a change in perspectives. enth season of NBC's Emmy-nominated comexpected to be a sell-out. The game will An also18-foot-tall poinRing in the New Year with the ASOinto as they are grow the prepetition series "Last Comic Standing" hosted be nationallyArts televised

by ESPN. settia tree towering Woodruff Center Dec 2At -3112:30 p.m. joined London stage stars miere Southern Rock

by Craig Robinson (NBC'sby"The Office")and - con-Broadway inside the orchid cenon game day, downtown Atlanta will come 15th & Peachtree St. (404) 733-5000 Hess and Kirby Ward. the bandCelebrate in America. cluded August 9 Joan on NBC. ter.

Quaint G-scale alive with the Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade. The www.atlantasymphony.org the last timeless music of GeorgeOver Gershwin, Cole12 The Santaland Diaries Thru Jan.1 trains chugging parade will come to an end at the Georgia months, theymore have Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern and around the courtUnlock the heart of the holidays withChick-fil-A the yards. Wacky dressed shared the stage with Madeline's Christmas Thru Jan.1 World Congress Center, where the luminaries in an evening of ZZ song and Orchestra's beloved timeless celebrations, Top,dance.

Lynyrd HorizonTheatre.com (404) 584.7450 Bowl FanFest willand draw 30,000 fans for a predogs parading around and top off the season with the annual New the lawn. It's all part of Skynyrd, and countgame Eve interactive football and tailgate Year's celebration.

Highlights from thisexperiless others. They bring Horizon Theatre reprises the outrageous holiPremier Exhibition Center ence including music, food the and merriment of Holiday season willgames, include the ASO great Chamber their talents to The day comedy The Santaland Diaries written by Atlantic Station (866) 866-8265 Holidays in the the traditional pre-game team walks.

Chorus performance of Handel's landmark Garden! The Atlanta PeachtreeDec Tavern www.bodiestheexhibition.com The Peachtree Tavern 31 on NPR comic genius David Sedaris. Madeline’s Messiah and enduring performances by the BotanicalA.M.P. Year’s Eve. (After Midnight Parties) iswww.dialog-in-the-dark.com teaming up PeachtreeTavern.com New Garden's (404) 842-1700 Christmas is a musical play adapted from Ludwig Bemelmans' delightful book. A holiwith the Grand Hyatt of Buckhead to throw PG 24 • insiteatlanta.com • December 2010 Buckhead Ball for New Years Eve 2012. They Tyler Reeve performs with Seven Handle day treat for the whole family. are taking over the entire floor of the Grand Circus as The Peachtree Tavern celebrate New Hyatt Regency Atlanta Ballroom, which totals over 15,000sf. Live Year’s Eve with an open bar for patrons.

Sat. Dec. 31 from 8:30PM - 2AM performances

by White Panda (Hype www.dowtowncountdown.net Cobb Energy Centre Dec. 8 - 11 Machine's #1 MashUp Artist in the country), Call (800) 422.7295 www.cobbenergycentre.com as well as supporting bands and DJ's that will play from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m. General admis- Philips Arena Dec 31 8:30 PM My Fair Lady was a smash Broadway hit before sion is $115 and will include an open bar, red www.PhilipsArena.com (404) 878-3000 being known worldwide by the film version starcarpet entrance, champagne toast, full pro- Voted Best New Artist at last year's Grammys, ring Audrey Hepburn. This classic musical feaduction and light show, including stilt dancers, Georgia's own Zac Brown rings in the New tures enduring melodies: The Rain in Spain, I acrobats, and more.

Go to Years at Philips Arena. The Zac Brown Band Could Have Danced All Night, On the Street www.AMPparties.com to purchase tickets. will be joined by Sonia Leigh and Nic Cowan. Where You Live, & Get Me to the Church on time.

Peach Drop 2011

CONCERTS

NYE EVENTS

CAKE

Peach Drop 2012

ATTRACTIONS

Atlanta Ballet’s NUTCRACKER

OVO by Cirque du Soleil

Tom Simmons

PERPETUAL GROOVE

Atlanta Ballet’s King’s Ball 2012 NUTCRACKER

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Chick-fil-A Bowl

BB KING

Chick-fil-A Bowl

Zac Brown Band

NBC’s Last Comic Standing Tour

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Atlanta Botanical Buckhead Ball 2012 Garden

BODIES the Exhibition DIALOGUE in the Dark PRODUCED BY:

(NASDAQ:PRXI)

Blackberry Smoke

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Horizon Theatre

BODIES the Exhibition DIALOGUE in the Dark

Tyler Reeve

Downtown Countdown

Zac Brown Band

PG 24 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

My Fair Lady

TRAVEL

EXPLORE ASHEVILLE

A Mountain Getaway that is Just a Short Drive Away

BY MARCI MILLER

L

OOKING FOR THE PERFECT HOLIDAY getaway this season? Then head out of town to the mountain retreat of Asheville, NC. Nestled between five mountain chains that include the Great Smokies, the Appalachians and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has long been known as a place for arts, culture, wellness and healing. It’s also been a favorite spot for America’s most famous statesmen, poets, artists and musicians. Only a few hours away from Atlanta by car, this is one road trip that has something for everybody.

Treat yourself to a stay at the historic GROVE PARK INN RESORT AND SPA, 290 Macon Avenue, 828-252-2711, www.groveparkinn.com.

Built from granite boulders carved from Sunset Mountain, The Grove Park Inn opened its doors in 1913. Modeled after the grand old railway hotels of the West, it is listed on the national register of historic places and has been host to many famous guests including eight American presidents.

Not only is the building itself unique, the views of the mountains throughout the hotel are absolutely breathtaking. Rooms located in the Main Inn are spacious with tasteful rustic décor.

Many feature direct mountain views and windows open easily allowing guests to soak in the fresh mountain air.

The hotel also features a grand lobby with two gigantic 14-foot stone fireplaces called The Great Hall and five restaurants including the fabulous Sunset Terrace, which offers majestic views of the city and spectacular mountain sunsets. Lunch and dinner are served on the terrace and features an array of menu choices including steak, chicken, seafood, salads and unique side dishes like “lobster macaroni & cheese.” Make sure to order a glass of wine from the inn’s private reserve.

And don’t forget to book your appointment at the resort’s spectacular, 40,000 square foot spa.

This incredible facility features a mineral lap pool, indoor waterfall whirlpools, outdoor whirlpool with heated decking (a popular evening gathering spot), steam, sauna and spa services like massages, facials and mani/pedis. After the spa, you can check out the resorts other activities including tennis, golf, swimming, aerobics, work out room and much more.

For the holidays, the Inn’s CHRISTMAS MEMORIES AND MORE package includes accommodations, breakfast daily, a Grove Park Inn keepsake, a decorated tree for your room and Christmas dinner, served in their Grand Ballroom. Other events for the season include a complimentary Christmas Eve concert for resort guests, the traditional Yule Log Ceremony in the Great Hall, visits from Major Bear and Santa Claus, history tours, a scavenger hunt and much more! And don’t miss the roaring fires and carols in the Main Inn. For New Year’s Eve, The Grove Park Inn presents two outstanding entertainment options. The “CLASSIC NEW YEAR’S PACKAGE” will help you ring in the new year in the best of the oldworld traditional style, with Big Band melodies and a large dance floor to waltz and foxtrot the night away. If a blowout event is more your style, the “BIG BLAST PARTY PACKAGE” will give you a night of fantastic modern and party music to ring in 2012 with a bang. Other weekend activities include guided history tours, the National Gingerbread House Competition™ Display, live music throughout the resort, and much more.

Another historic landmark in Asheville is THE BILTMORE ESTATE, 1 Approach Road, 828-225-1333, www.biltmore.com, located south of downtown Asheville in the Biltmore Village.

This 8,000 acre estate is home to the 250-room Biltmore House, the Biltmore Winery and over 75 acres of professionally manicured gardens. As the best known and most popular tourist destination in Asheville, the Biltmore Estate attracts over 1 million visitors each year.

PG 26 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

The house was built by George Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family of New York City. In 1888, Vanderbilt commissioned celebrated American architect Richard Morris Hunt to design the lavish structure and the grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of New York’s Central Park. The house was modeled after three 16th century French chateaux and features 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement houses a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants’ quarters, kitchens, and more.

Known as one of the Southeast’s most beloved and storied holiday travel destinations,

garlands, wreaths and that fresh Fraser fir create a yuletide scent throughout the House, with around 1,000 poinsettias in the Winter Garden and other areas.

In Antler Hill Village, Santa will visit with children and families from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, through December 18. The Village links to the Winery, where visitors may take guided tours and enjoy free wine tasting. Special seasonal seminars are also available.

Outside the Biltmore entrance, the Historic Biltmore Village will celebrate A DICKENS CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE 828-274-8788, biltmorevillage.com. More than 250,000 white

BILTMORE

ORANGE PEEL

GROVE PARK INN

DOWNTOWN

CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE runs through January 1, 2012. CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVENINGS, offering evening candlelight tours of Biltmore House, take place through December 31.

On Christmas Eve 1895, George Vanderbilt opened Biltmore House for the first time to his friends and family. Biltmore’s modern-day Christmas celebration is modeled on that first Christmas, with an elaborately decorated, 34foot tall Fraser Fir dominating the Banquet Hall.

Guests will see 57 trees throughout Biltmore House, each intricately designed and decorated by members of Biltmore’s floral team. Miles of fresh

lights outlining the historic buildings will combine with the streetlights to enhance the holiday ambiance. Other holiday events happening in Asheville include SANTA ON THE CHIMNEY from December 10 – December 17 at Chimney Rock State Park, 828-877-3130, chimneyrockpark. com. The 19TH CENTURY CAROLINA CHRISTMAS takes place at the Smith-McDowell House, (828) 253-9231, wnchistory.org through January 1, 2012.

Beyond the holiday season, there are so many great places to visit in Asheville all year round.

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE, 828-251-9973,

www.ashevilledowntown.org, is a great place to walk and explore. It features a wide variety of architecture, including more art deco than Miami, and a 150 unique shops, galleries and cafes. You may also want to visit the CARL SANDBURG HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE IN FLAT ROCK, 828-693-4178, www.nps.gov/ carl, drive the BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, 828298-0398, nps.gove/blri, ride the ASHEVILLE HISTORIC TROLLEY, 828-669-0047, ashevillehistorictrolleytours.com and stroll the RIVER ARTS DISTRICT, 828-252-9122, riverdistrictartists.com.

Asheville is also known for its vibrant music scene. Fortunately, venues tend to be smaller, giving every performance an intimate feel that can rarely be duplicated in big cities. One of these places is THE ORANGE PEEL, 101 Biltmore Avenue, (828) 225-5851, theorangepeel.net. The Orange Peel has gone from being an empty, former auto parts warehouse to a nationally recognized destination for live music.

One can’t visit Asheville and not take note of the city’s fabulous restaurants, most on par to those found in much larger metropolitan areas. Many Asheville restaurants pride themselves on using locally grown and organic foods and the quality shows through in every dish.

One local favorite is EARLY GIRL EATERY, 8 Wall Street, 828-259-9292, earlygirleatery. com. The restaurant has a sunny yet funky vibe and the menu boasts that all food is made from “scratch”. Eggs dishes are light and fluffy, stacks of multigrain pancakes are surprisingly large and the restaurant is widely regarded for its biscuits and gravy. Early Girl serves breakfast all day long but also features traditional lunch and dinner fare.

A great find in Downtown Asheville is a Mexican restaurant called SALSAS MEXICAN CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT, 6 Patton Avenue, 828-252-9805, salsas-asheville.com. The food is incredibly fresh and portions are large and rather inexpensive. Plates of fajitas come out hot and sizzling and a many of their unique dishes are spicy and delicious. Make sure to try their signature dish, the Molcajetes, a hot lava rock bowl filled with meat, grilled veggies, onions, cilantro & pozole.

If what you are craving is some good “old school” neighborhood Italian food, VINNIE’S, 641 Merrimon Avenue, 828-253-1077, vinniesitalian. com, features affordable, casual and family friendly dining. The menu runs the gamut with classics like Chicken Parmesan, Sausage and Peppers, Veal Marsala and Linguini and Clams, but make sure to also try stand outs like Gnocci with basil and cream sauce and Pasta Fazool.

And what really sets Vinnie’s apart from other restaurants is owner, Eric Scheffer. A fixture in the main dining area, you can easily find him sitting down with customers, sharing a story. It’s one of the things that makes Vinnie’s a special place to visit.

Another hot spot for dinner is REZAZ MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE, 28 Hendersonville Road, 828-277-1510, rezaz.com, located in the Biltmore Village. A former hotel, the dining area is filled with eye-popping art, sheer curtains and a long sleek bar. Originally from Iran, Owner/Chef Reza, came to Asheville to attend culinary school and stayed to open the restaurant and create a menu featuring grilled pizettas, steaks, chicken, fish, pastas, salads and more. The place is packed nightly with patrons and the atmosphere is fun and lively.

Even if you’ve visited Asheville before, come back and rediscover this city which has seen its arts, culture, dining and nightlife explode over the past few years. Whether you are looking for entertainment, history, outdoor activities or just want to experience the city’s laid back vibe, now is the perfect time give yourself some much-needed R&R in this mountain getaway.

For more information about Asheville, please visit exploreasheville.com.

MUSIC

DIRTY SOUTH

Meet Scott H. Biram, the Hardest-Working Blues-Soaked Punk in Showbiz

BY JOHN B. MOORE

S

COTT H. BIRAM HAS THE kind of DIY work ethic that would have even given the guys in Minutemen a moment of deep reflection. He was already five records deep into his career before he decided to finally hand over the reins (slightly) to a record label and let them take care of his releases. With Bloodshot Records now releasing his music, including his latest Bad Ingredients, Biram is still touring his ass off, crisscrossing the globe every year and writing blues-soaked, punk-steeped rock and roll with the same passion as a guy hustling his own CDs out of the truck of his car.

Biram spoke with INsite recently about the DIY nature of his life, working with a label, and how he stays sane on the road.

You’ve had a lot of experience releasing your own records. What surprised you the most about going it alone, without a label?

When I was in my old high school punk band, and later on in my bluegrass bands, we were aware we needed to tour and make records, but nobody told us how. We thought if you had a record pressed and if you toured, then you had hit the big time! Back in the mid 90’s when I first started booking my tours and trying to get press, the Internet hadn’t really taken off yet. Since nobody used e-mail that much back then, I had to make a lot of calls in to the different bars I was trying to book and hope someone would return my call. It’s a lot easier now. Young musicians have it made when it comes to promo and booking. You make a virtual press kit online, or hell, just a damn MySpace page with some songs on it and tell somebody to check it out.

Things have really changed. Nowadays, I’ve got booking agents in the U.S. and Europe, a management team, and several records out on Bloodshot. I’ve managed to wrap my head around a lot of what the music business is all about but I’m still learning.

So what made you decide to finally sign with a label for the last few records?

I wasn’t looking to get signed. I was doing pretty good playing a lot of local shows around home here in Austin. I was touring the west coast a couple times a year but that was about it.. Well, my friend Joe Buck Yourself and I made a run of the Midwest sometime in mid 2004. We ended up in Chicago on that “Death Match” tour and he wanted to stop into Bloodshot Records to say hello. He had been the guitar player

in the band The Legendary Shack Shakers a couple years before that had been signed on Bloodshot. I had read on the Bloodshot website something about, “WE DON’T SIGN METAL BANDS. DON’T THINK YOU’LL BE THE EXCEPTION.” I had just finished my record The Dirty Old One Man Band. I figured what the hell. I grabbed a CD when we went in and I handed it to one of the label owners. I told him “I hear you don’t sign metal bands. I’m the exception.” Three weeks later I got the call from Bloodshot asking if I wanted to sign.

What can you tell me about this record? It seems a little more subdued than some of your earlier efforts.

I don’t really agree that it’s more subdued.

I think my recording/production skills have just gotten a little better (laughs). I don’t think this record is anywhere close to as subdued as my last record, Something’s Wrong/Lost Forever. I mean the new album Bad Ingredients starts out a little mellow with “Just Another River” and “Open Road,” but really it gets pretty loud on “Victory Song,” “Wind Up Blind,” “Killed A Chicken Last Night,” etc. If you caught any of my live shows lately, you’d know that I haven’t come close to keeping cool. The beast is unleashed every night on stage!

You’ve talked a lot about your blues influences in the past. Did you ever go through a punk rock phase?

Anybody who knows my music knows I’m STILL in a punk rock phase. My music is the bastard child of Punk, Blues, Country, Hillbilly, Bluegrass, Chain Gang, Metal, and Classic Rock. When people ask me

what kind of music I play I usually tell them “I’m like a cross between Muddy Waters, Bill Monroe, Jerry Reed and Black Flag.” That’s pretty spot on if you ask me. The first things I learned on guitar were simple blues. The first record I ever remember seeing when I was a child was a Lightnin’ Hopkins record. I learned to play guitar from listening to old Metallica records, and trying to play songs by bands like The Misfits and Black Flag. I learned to sing and play at the same time by learning Eagles, and Neil Young songs out of an old classic rock song book my dad had laying around for years. As long as I keep saying shit that offends people...I’m still in my punk phase. Blues is punk. Punk is blues.

You spend a lot of time on the road. What do you do to stay sane while on tour?

(Laughs) I don’t think I stay sane at all.

You know in the van its music and my own rolling comedy show. I’m nearly 38 years old and I haven’t grown up yet. Don’t expect I will. We usually try to get to town and to the hotel and catch an hour nap if possible.

That doesn’t always work out. That’s when it’s time for the damn energy drink. I hate drinking those but I don’t really drink coffee sooooo, ugh. I try to keep it down to one or two of those a tour. They couldn’t be good for ya. Like I said we joke around a lot on the road, and just try to keep it light hearted.

People think the road is just a big party. It’s a big party, but it’s also a lot of work, not enough sleep, and the food is good sometimes and other times you don’t have time to eat at all. The road is slowly killing me. It takes a lot to do this.

PSYCHOBILLY HELLRIDE

The Koffin Kats Frontman Vic Vicor Talks About Life On The Road

BY JOHN B. MOORE

L

IFE ON THE ROAD FOR AN INDIE PUNK band can be tough. Near miss accidents inside a shitty van on snowy roads to get to a club show where you can hopefully make enough gas money and find a floor to sleep on before heading to the next show. When you’re playing psychobilly music, you don’t exactly have the pull to ask for a tour rider demanding fresh flowers and a fully stocked bar backstage. But there’s something about that life that keep the trio in The Koffin Kats on the road for hundreds of days a year – 230 so far this year and more than a 1,000 in the eight years the band has been around. The Detroit band, recently signed to Sailor’s Grave, has a new record coming out in January (Our Way & The Highway) and is set to spend most of next year on the road. So it’s appropriate enough that frontman/standup bassist Vic Vicor was on his laptop outside a venue in Fresno recently answering these questions.

You guys spend a lot of time on the road - any good tour stories?

Yeah by this year’s end we will have done some 230 shows.

Here are some that occurred during travels. We almost got wiped out when our van was smashed in between two semitrucks in the middle of nowhere in Romania. Ian and I both had bruised ribs, which really bite when you’re trying to maintain an active show. Earlier in the spring, on a ride from Gunnison, CO to Denver we got caught in a snowstorm over a mountain pass and we skated all that way down the damn mountain. Pure ice and no tire grip our trailer was pushing the bus all over the damn road. The whole time I’m just picturing us barreling through a guard rail and we go out in a fiery mess of diesel flames at the bottom of a canyon. I’m always the lucky one driving when the shit weather occurs. Another occasion was driving a few years ago from again, Denver to Casper, WY. We had a Winnebago motor home at the time and it’s not what you want to drive through a tornado. It was a damned if you stop, damned if you don’t situation judging by the flipped over

semi-truck trailers and campers we saw every few miles. Once again I was driving and I had the guys open all the windows so the wind would theoretically blow through the motor home. It felt like we were almost riding on two wheels at times, but we were not late for sound check!

What can you tell me about the new record?

Well. We are pretty happy with it. Recorded it over the summer in Detroit, then had it mastered up in Montreal by Rene De La Muerte from the Canadian psychobilly band The Brains.

He worked with us on a split we just put out with the 12 Step Rebels and I really dug the way he mixed the tracks. So we asked him to put his treatment on this new album called Our Way & The Highway. We try to cover all the Rock n’ Roll bases on this one. It’s got some punk, it’s got some psycho and dare I say we touched on some old school Detroit rock with some jams. Either way it’s not so far off our beaten path that you can’t tell it’s us. It’s just another record of incorporating our collective influences.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

We’ll be on the road until our homecoming show in Hamtramck, MI at Smalls Bar Dec. 17. I’m currently sitting outside of a club in Fresno probably looking like a prick on my laptop while the show is starting. Our Way & The Highway comes out on Jan 24, 2012 and then we hop on a plane to Europe a few days after that to start what we hope will be at least a 250 day international tour. No plans for rest anytime soon. Waylon Jennings in his day lived on the road for 300-plus days a year.

Like I say, “When dues are paid you can tell anyone to piss off and you can do what ya want. Until then…you better prove yourself.” By no means is our debt paid off yet.

SOMETIMES YOU NEED A FRESH MIND IN THE BAND TO SPARK NEW SONGS AND NEW APPROACHES ON HOW TO WRITE AND ARRANGE THEM.

Has Ian joining the band changed the dynamic at all?

His guitar tone and technique to playing is different than Tommy’s was. I was ready for that change though. Sometimes you need a fresh mind in the band to spark new songs and new approaches on how to write and arrange them. We have also gotten a shit ton tighter but I can’t give Ian all the credit on that. Nor say that it was Tommy’s fault we were not at that time. Tommy and I were drunken messes on stage a lot during those tours. Those were some good times but it also is not the way to sustain your band. When Tommy left it was a turning point in the band and soon after Ballman and I actually quit our day jobs and started taking Koffin Kats a lot more serious.

Now you only get the occasional drunken mess of Ian and I on stage. What can I say? We like to party. For the record, Tommy is still a very close friend of ours and will always be a part of this band to some degree. insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 27

MUSIC

JAPAN: THE AFTERMATH

Japanese Metal Band Dir En Grey Addresses the Natural Disasters That Have Rocked Their Homeland

BY ALEX S. MORRISON

O

RIGINALLY FORMED IN 1997, Dir En Grey has emerged over the course of 14 years and eight albums as one of the most influential rock bands ever to come out of Japan. Although they started out heavily immersed in the spectacle-driven style of “visual kei” bands (characterized by androgynous make-up, elaborate hairstyles and colorful costumes), they eventually evolved into something more substantial, exploring more progressive alt-metal sounds.

Their latest album, Dum Spiro Spiro (Latin for “While I Breathe, I Hope”) was recorded around the same time the enormous earthquake and subsequent tsunami hit their homeland. The massive scale of the devastation from this disaster naturally impacted both the band and the album, and we recently spoke with co-founding guitarists/songwriters Kaoru and Die to discuss the album they describe as “a prayer of hope for the future.”

You released a video for “Different Sense,” which includes some controversial and alarming images. Where did the concept for this video come from?

Die: We had the director, who we have worked with for many years, sit down and listen to the song, and then gave him free reign to express whatever came to his mind. In his words, “If you are going to try to express anything in this country now, there is no way around the ugly and the grotesque.” The thing is this: you’re expected to follow the “guidance” of the establishment in Japan now. For example, you are now expected to paint a pretty picture saying that “the world is a beautiful place and this is forever.” He felt, and we felt, that it is far more harmful to the mind to blindly follow the establishment. And, to tell you the truth, the pretty picture they are trying to paint is boring as hell.

So, all in all, I think we made the right call here.

The North American tour kicks off December 4. With such a vast catalog of songs to choose from, how to you select your set lists?

Kaoru: It all comes down to what we want to play at that moment and what is needed to express the moment. We try to get as much variety in there as possible.

How do you compare touring in the United States to other countries?

Kaoru: There really isn’t that much difference, expect the fact that it isn’t Japan. When touring Japan, the fans do go crazy but it is amusing to watch in a sense, because they all

seem to move in uniformity, with no individuality to be found.

Dir En Grey has been together for nearly 15 years with all original members. What’s the secret to staying together as one group for so long?

Kaoru: We make each other who we are and I wouldn’t be me without them.

You recently performed a free show in Japan with a striking on-stage look of disfigured skin on your faces. What was the message you were trying to convey?

Die: I really don’t remember who thought of it, but we wanted to do something different and fun. I think someone just said “Hey, wouldn’t it be fun if we just jumped out and did a gig with all the special makeup from the “Diffreneyt Sense” music video?” so that is just what we did.

As a group Dir En Grey has been very vocal about the current situation in Japan. There is much that still needs to be repaired, and questions that need to be answered. As a respected band with a platform, do you feel a responsibility to speak for those that cannot? What’s your message to the world?

Die: Ever since the earthquake in March, they have been finding high levels of radiation all over Japan. Now, people live in fear of the unknown and the invisible radiation. What I really want to know is what is really going on. Armed with the truth, people are able to deal with issues. They are able to live their life knowing the choices they need to face. Apparently though, we don’t have the right to know the truth, so the Japanese public is not privy the essential information that is needed to call the shots in our lives.

You’ve recently posted a billboard in the center of Times Square with the words “Scream For The Truth” boldly displayed. This is sure to attract a lot of attention in the one of the world’s largest media hubs. What is your goal with this campaign?

Kaoru: Our goal is to be able to live our future based on our own judgment and choices, which needs to be based in facts and in truth. We feel that everyone should have the right to do so.

What is something you each personally want to accomplish that you haven’t yet?

Kaoru: Personally, I want my own studio.

Die: I have had the pleasure to tour the world and see many countries. But the world is far, far larger and there are many many countries that I haven’t visited yet. I do want to travel the world to observe.

NEW DAWN, NEW DAY

Saves the Day Frontman Chris Conley Completes His Creative Trilogy

BY JOHN B. MOORE

I

T TOOK SEVEN YEARS, A SLEW of musicians, a label switch and a sea change of emotions, but Chris Conley’s trilogy finally came to fruition this year with the release of Daybreak. As the frontman and lone constant in the band Saves the Day, Conley admitted that he knew the band – and this 3-part project – was always going to make it, despite nearly a decade of obstacles. Now newly signed to Razor & Tie, Saves the Day is back with an entirely new band, a solid record full of optimism (a stark contrast to the first two albums in the trilogy) and will spend the rest of the year playing to shows across the country.

Conley spoke with INsite recently about those obstacles, putting together a new band and what lies ahead.

Tell me a little bit about the concept behind Daybreak. How does it compare to the first two in the trilogy?

The first two albums of the trilogy deal with the darker undercurrents of our lives. The anger, confusion, doubt, self-loathing, regret, pain and fear. Daybreak is about accepting the reality of life by facing the past and learning to understand why we are who we are. It’s about finding peace, surrendering to things as they are, and giving up the fight.

When did you realize you were going to take on such an ambitious project like writing a trilogy?

In 2004, I was in the middle of a dark depression. Our country was at war, people all over the world were angry and getting hostile. I was drifting into cynicism. At the same time, I was about to be a father, and I realized I was not mentally or emotionally fit to be the best example for my family. I was miserable and angry and I needed to change. So I dove into the depths of the darkness, all the painful swirling emotions, and I started writing. I needed to let it all out, to get to the root of the sadness and face it and pin it down and begin to rise above, and writing has always been my way of venting what’s inside. Sound The Alarm is about the anger and the fear, the desperate, frantic feeling of being lost in the world. Under The Boards is the transitional album where the realization is made that we are living a toxic life that will tear us apart if we don’t act to make a change. Daybreak is the album of reflection and understating, of surrendering to the pain and knowing why we lose ourselves, and then by facing the facts of our lives, we find forgiveness and we learn to let go.

You have a new band for this record. Where did you find all of them?

After more than a decade of continual change, I feel I’ve finally found the musicians

PG 28 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

who will stay with the band for the rest of its years. Our last drummer, Durijah (Lang), knew Arun (Bali) from years of going to basement shows in the 90’s, and Arun joined after our previous guitarist, David (Soloway), departed in 2008. When Manny (Carrero) and Durijah left the band in late 2009 to go back to their original group, Glassjaw, Arun suggested Rodrigo (Palma), who played bass in bands with Arun since they were 16.

We tracked Daybreak in 2010 with Spencer Peterson on drums, but he was offered a position with Black Cards, and we found Claudio (Rivera) after calling all our friends in bands and asking if they knew any great drummers available to join a touring act.

You’ve stated before that many of these songs were record in 2009. Did you go back into the studio with the new band and re-record them?

Arun and I tracked the album with Manny and Durijah in the summer of 2009, but when they left for Glassjaw, we decided to wait to record the album in earnest with the new rhythm section, and try to get the feel of the songs closer to the original demos he and I had made in the spring of that year.

How was the headlining tour with the Get Up Kids. Do you think you guys will go out with them again?

It’s a blast touring with the Get Up Kids. It’s like being on tour with old friends, and I always welcome the opportunity to play with them. We didn’t take any support bands, so the two of us split 3 hours on stage, which was quite different from your average show. We played nearly 30 songs every night, and we had a lot of fun backstage with the guys in the Get Up Kids.

Do you plan to tour much now that this album is out?

Yes, we plan on touring the rest of this year, both in the states and abroad, and then we head to Australia early next year and then more touring in the states in the spring and then see where the summer takes us.

Do you plan on doing anything with your other project, Two Tongues, in the near future?

We can’t be sure of the timeline, but we plan on writing and recording another album and then touring behind both records. Max (Bemis of Say Anything) and I have been talking about it, but haven’t found the time to get together, as we’re both primarily committed to our own bands.

What’s next for the band?

After touring on Daybreak, we’ll make our eighth studio album, most likely in the winter of 2012, and then keep touring and writing for as long as we are blessed with the opportunity to make music.

COLUMN

SPORTS

APurdue GAME OF SHADOWS OUR FAVORITE THINGS superstar Robbie Hummel talks about the long, dark road back from knee injuries

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

M

OST FOLKS WOULDN’T dream of coming back from a torn ACL to play competitive sports again. The aches. The excruciating rehab. The torture of watching your teammates from the bench. But Robbie Hummel, star forward for the Big Ten title-contending Purdue Boilermakers, isn’t like most folks. He’s got a much better 20-foot jumper, has more of a paint presence, and he’s got the dedication of a topselling telemarketer.

Hummel didn’t just return to college basketball this season after a 21-month absence from one ACL injury; the 22-year-old management major had two. Amazingly though, even after all Hummel’s knees went through, the former All-American is averaging 18.5 points a game for a Boilermakers squad that was 5-1 around Turkey Day. I know you have learned a lot about yourself physically since February of last year. Tell me about some of the things you have learned about yourself over this whole ordeal.

Yeah, I think mentally it has made me a lot stronger. I think, you know, I had a back issue my sophomore year [in college] but I only missed like two or three games and finished the season pretty strong. Unfortunately I’ve had two torn ACLs, so I think that it has given me an appreciation for the game of basketball.

Emotionally, it has been a roller coaster. I have loved playing basketball since I was two years old. So, having to sit out for the last year and nine months has been very frustrating and I have missed the game a lot.

A lot of folks would have just said, “To hell with all of this.” Why didn’t you ever give up?

Because I love to play. It is something that I have done where, if I am upset about something, I will go out and shoot hoops. I used to love going down to the YMCA when I was a little kid and playing basketball, even in high school locally in Valparaiso. So, before I hurt my knees, I tried to play as much as I could.

Tell me about some of the training that got you back on the court?

Basically, [my trainer] had me do a thing called the step jump and that is really just where you are off the platform and go down on the ground and explode back up onto that platform. So, the platform I was dropping to would stay the same height. Really, it was two heights, but it stayed the same for a few [reps] and the one I was jumping from continued to increase. So, I had to go at increments of like 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, up to 42 inches, and I basically had to jump down from a 42-inch platform, hit the ground, and explode back up, basically, onto another 42-inch platform.

Is there a coach or a family member or anybody who was super supportive during the struggle?

There would be too many people to name. It has been great. I think Purdue is really a family. The support that I have gotten even from people outside of Purdue, but more so Purdue has been unforgettable.

What was your motivation beyond just getting back on the court? Was it getting to the NBA, proving the doubters wrong or something else?

I don’t really care about the people who doubt me. I understand why they would write me off, I guess. But that doesn’t really affect

Holiday 2011 Edition

BY B. LOVE FOR THE ARMCHAIR ADVENTURER…

National Geographic writer Scott Wallace was sent on assignment to the remote rainforests of the Brazilian Amazon on an extraordinary research expedition. His tale, THE UNCONQUERED: IN SEARCH OF THE AMAZON’S LAST UNCONTACTED TRIBES (www.scottwallace.com/ unconquered), is a riveting read that’s part Indiana Jones adventure and part personality profile (of Indian Rights activist Sydney Possuelo, the trek’s leader). See Wallace reading from the book on Dec 7 at Eagle Eye Books in Decatur.

FOR THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURER…

me in any way. I think it’s just more about me wanting to play in the NBA since I was a little kid. It’s a career aspiration.

What do NBA scouts need to know about the new and improved Robbie Hummel?

I really feel like I have regained as much explosion as I had before my injuries so I am getting back there strength wise and trying to pick up where I left off.

Now, I know you just said you are working on your strength. Tell me a couple of other aspects about your game that you want to improve upon the most this season.

I think that I have a solid base for posting up, especially if I get a guard to guard me. I feel confident in my ability to take a shoot or make a move or post or really just throw the ball down. I think that pull-up wise, I can still do that and shoot free throw. So, I am going to try to improve in all those facets, and really just improve my overall game.

Purdue lost a couple of star players to the NBA in E’Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson.

That said, what are some realistic Boilermaker expectations this year?

I think we are going to big time. I think our team believes that. I think our fans believe that and the coaching staff believes that so, you know, I see no reason why we can’t do that. The league has been going through a lot.

There are still a lot of good teams. Michigan State is always good. Ohio State is going to be very good this year.

You know, Illinois and Minnesota [too]. The list goes on and on. It will be interesting.

Can you offer a few words of encouragement to people out there rehabbing and trying to come back from a serious setback of any kind?

I would just tell them to stay with it. It is always an unfortunate setback if you were to get hurt, but if you really love the game and want to put the work in, I think that definitely you will be able to get back playing at a level as high or higher than you were before.

Know somebody with a love of the great outdoors who’s unwilling to let a little inclement weather get in their way of a good time? Warm their hearts and bodies with the GOLITE CURRANT MOUNTAIN PACLITE JACKET (www.golite.com).

This 2-layer Gore-Tex jacket is appropriately named, weighing in at just 12 ounces. But the lightweight packs a helluva protective punch, combining breathability with a rugged exterior that’s both wind- and water-proof.

FOR THE LIQUOR CONNOISSEUR…

The holidays brought us all sorts of delicious drink samples, from Van Gogh Cool Peach Vodka to Tequila Herradura, but our favorite by far was FOUR ROSES 2011 LIMITED EDITION SMALL BATCH BOURBON (www. fourroses.us). Master Distiller Jim Rutledge mixed four different bourbons ranging from 11-13 years old to create the limited edition blend, and only 3,500 bottles are being released. It’s pretty pricey at $65 a bottle, but it will definitely add an extra dose of holiday cheer to favorite Santa’s season.

FOR THE GIRLIE GIRL…

My daughter has always been something of a tomboy.

But after turning 10, suddenly she’s embracing her inner femme. Bath/beauty products are high on her Christmas wish list, and you could do a lot worse than the HEAD TO TOE COLLECTION GIFT SET from Kiss My Face (www.kissmyface.com). With shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, moisturizer, hand and foot cream, shaving cream and 3 different SPF 15 lip balms, it’s got pretty much everything you need to make your girlie girl feel pampered.

FOR THE FREQUENT FLYER…

Waiting in lines at the airport can be a pain, especially when traveling around the holidays. Many times, we’ve been forced to sit on the floor because our departure gate was packed. Never again, thanks to the SWANY JET CART WALKIN’ BAG (www. walkinbag.com). This lightweight rolling carry-on is small enough to fit under most airline seats, but its curved lean-on-it handle will support up to 250 pounds and it features a Flip-Down Seat that will hold up to 300 pounds. They’ll be the envy of everyone in Customs!

FOR THE FASHIONISTA…

It’s no secret that ladies love jewelry, but not all men realize they tend to prefer pieces that separate them from the pack. We’re big fans of Oregon-based artist LOREE HARRELL (www. loreeharrell.com), so we were delighted when she sent samples of her new jewelry line, including earrings and pendants made from her woodstains, oil and acrylic paintings. Printed from archival inks onto quality art plastic, and then augmented with beads, they make a distinctive statement that says your lady is one-of-a-kind.

FOR THE FOODIE…

Our studies show that NOBODY doesn’t like getting delicious treats for the holidays. We’re big fans of sweet-masters Piece of Cake (www.pieceofcakeinc. com), whose 5 ATL locations offer yummy goodies such as brownies, cupcakes and their new PEPPERMINT BARK CAKE– rich chocolate cake and cream cheese icing with huge chunks of white chocolate peppermint bark.

Trust us: Gifting one of these decadent delights will definitely land you on Santa’s Nice list!

FOR THE PHILANTHROPIST…

Get the limited edition WATER.ORG CAMELBAK GROOVE FILTERED WATER BOTTLE (www. water.org/gift), modeled here

by Water.org co-founder Matt Damon. Available in clear and stainless steel versions (both 100% BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and featuring the patented CamelBak Big Bite Valve), $10 from the purchase of every bottle will benefit Water.org, a non-profit devoted to providing clean water and sanitation to people in developing nations. insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 29

SPORTS

HOLIDAY G U A N

Novak Djokovic

TIS THE SEASON FANATIC HTY

FOR GIVING! Gift Guide

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 collective bargaining agreement is imminent. But listen to others close to the situation and they’ll say it’s not such a sure thing. While officials work out the numbers, Fanatic knows three things that’ll happen, lockout or no lockout: 1) An SEC defender (Auburn’s Nick Fairley or LSU’s Patrick Peterson) will be the No. 1 pick in the Draft; 2) An 18-game season will be approved; 3) Super Bowl XLVI will kick-off as planned on Feb. 5, 2012 in Indianapolis.

BEST ADULT TOY SELECTION

(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).

GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR THE SEASON! “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?’

STARSHIP A player like that, you have to live and die defending him

23 Locations • (404) 766-6993 one on one. If he makes big shots, you have to go to the ShopStarship.com other end and stay poised.” –New Mexico guard Dairese

Gary, on JIMMER FREDETTE, BYU star and college’ running Your One Stop Giftfantasy Shop.

Wide selec-s the Southeast’s largest adult emporileading scorer tion and great prices on Niche Gifts, Planners, um… Starship! Erotic gifts for him, for her, for Holiday Cards, Taschen Books, Painting BEST selection, service and prices! & Santa “I feel like a better player now than I was three years ago, them.

“St. Louis was fourth in baseball last year in attendance, Drawing sets.

You will also find a Young Artist only come once a year but Starship satisfies because I think that physically I’m stronger, faster, mentally may Department, Custom Printing & Framing as but onlylong!

13thVoted in payroll.

InAdult other Store words the Cardinals year Best 2011.

I’m more motivated on the court. I know how to react in all well furniture. haveasmoney to burn, and it’s time to light the match. So certain moments, and I know how to play on a big stage.

I have been more focused and dedicated to the sport than I have ever been before.” -2011 MEN’S AUSTRALIAN OPEN WINNER NOVAK DJOKOVIC “When I signed my contract, my main goal was to earn it. Once I started to realize I wasn’t earning my money, I felt bad. I was making a crazy amount of money for not even pitching. Honestly, I didn’t feel like I deserved it. I didn’t want to have those feelings again.” –GIL MECHE, 32, who retired instead of taking a guaranteed $12 million to pitch for Kansas City this season February, of course, marks the NBA’S halfway point.

With that landmark also comes Fanatic’s midseason awards: MVP (Derrick Rose, Chicago); Defensive Player of the Year (Dwight Howard, Orlando); Rookie of the Year

here’s what you do if you’re St. Louis: Whatever [Albert] SMOKE 911 SHOP Pujols wants,DECATUR within reason, you give it to him. What’s 4 Locations: Roswell, Sandy Springs, Acworth within reason? No idea. The closest baseball has had to a decaturga.com &thedecaturminute.com Woodstock www.shopsmoke911.com free agent like this was Alex Rodriguez in 2001, when he

received911 $252 million for 10 products years. That in wasstock $25.2 million Smoke has the latest annually, and thatrestaurants was Check a decadeout ago.the AndSharpPujols is better.” boutiques and around downtown this holiday season.

–CBSgrinders.

SPORTS’ GREGGhigh DOYEL Decatur and Oakhurst Village offer deals and stone These quality grinders come with pollen scraper and have separate6 And finally… grinding, sifting and storage compartments.

Hawaii911 paysalso $4 million to host the NFL’ s annualThis Pro Bowl Smoke sells the Smoke Buddy. at Aloha Stadium…

If early estimates are accurate, 659 Auburn Ave. personal, portable air filter eliminates the Super Bowlfrom XLV should be Stub Hub’s top-selling event ever… At Atlanta Ga. 30312 odor all types of smoke.

JANKE STUDIOS

press time, the Cleveland Cavs were in the midst of a 1-29 (404) 584-0305 • jankestudios.com

stretch, the NBA’Glass s worst& since 1996…

If there’ s an NFL Hand Blown Art Gallery located atwork INSERECTION stoppage nextHere season,you it’s reported casinos Studioplex. will findthat oneLas ofVegas a kind

5would Metro Locations takeArea anglassware, $850 millioncustom hit on unplaced hand blown lightingbetting… and A TANTRA in Marietts (770) record 56 underclassmen declared for the499-2284 NFL Draft.

Must-See TV

CD WAREHOUSE 1. NBA All-Star Game (Feb. 5 20,Metro 8PM, TNT) Area Locations We don’t know if there will be more celebrities on the hardwood playing or celebrating courtside at L.A.’s Staples Center.

SOUTHERN NIGHTS www.CDWarehouseATL.com

2205 Bridge Rd.sells Blu-Ray CD Cheshire Warehouse buys and (404) Discs,728-0701 Video Games and DVD’s. They offer a

2. AsMiami at Boston (Feb. 13, 1PM, ABC) much as Chicago and Orlando fans hate acknowledging the fact, this is probably your Eastern Conference Finals preview.

HUGE SELECTION OF

ADULT NOVELTIES & TOYS DREAMGIRL LINGERIE • ROMANTIC ENHANCERS GAG GIFTS • BACHELORETTE PARTY SUPPLIES XXX DVD & BLUE RAY • TOBACCO ACCESSORIES MAGAZINES & MORE…

great Atlanta’s selectionBest andAdult carry Video many Selection hard to find Voted and releases. out the Metallica CD Live the LargestCheck Adult Video supplier in Atlanta. at the Gimeys.

It is anaccessories, independent store They also carry tobacco adult exclusivemags, and alubs very&limited release.

CD novelties, toys. Check out Male Warehouse it for Vibrators, just $9.99!and Flip Hole Chastity Belts,has Couples products now in stock.

3. Ohio State at Wisconsin, Pittsburgh atthe road Villanova (Feb. 12, 2PM, 9PM, ESPN) The top two teams in PSYCHO the nation go on SISTERS to very, very hostile environments.

Top 5 Games This Month

ornaments featured for the holidays as well as Inserection is the place to available. go for sexyDon’t lingerie glassware gift certificates miss this holiday season. Saturday Check out Shirley Lingerie WinterGlassFest10 Dec. 11 from 12PM – 6PM. “A Celebration of Frozen Sand.” also offer plenty of adult toys and gag gifts for those on the naughty side.

Little 5 Points • (404) 523-0100 TRADE VIDEO psychosistersshops.com

3432 Clairmont Rd.

Sandy Springs • (404) 255-5578 (404) 320-7418 4. Daytona 500 (Feb. 20, 12PM, Fox) psycho-sisters.com Gentlemen, start your quest to stop Jimmie Johnson from winning an unprecedented sixth

Conveniently at the corner of Piedmont /located Cheshire Bridge Clairmont Rd. and Buford Hwy., Trade Video (404) 733-5599 carries a wide selection of name adult Videos, An out of the ordinary for a unique Magazine’s and DVD’s.

Here customers may boutique. From fun to funky, wacky to wild, choose buy, sell trade or rent.

Trade Video (Feb. 9, 9PM, ESPN) PsychotoSisters is the queen of consignment. many vintage magazines in stock that This big meeting (and another on March 5) goeshas a long way in deciding North Carolina Featured threads include Levis, Diesel, make great footwear holiday gifts. costumes, and plenty of bling! bragging rights and the ACC crown.

straight Sprint Cup championship.

5. UNC at Duke

���������������� ������������� �������������������� Roswell Rd. • 770.677.9650 Midtown • 404.815.9622 Piedmont • 404.262.9113 Clarkston • 404.298.6663 Northside • 404.607.7176 Tantra: Marietta • 770.499.2284 PG 30 • December 2011 • insiteatlanta.com

������������ ������������������

MEET ROXY REYNOLDS IN THE FLESH!

Southern Nights

For the adult in all of us.

Since 1996

Saturday Jan 14, 2012 6-10pm

rip T A n i

W

To:

Pickup a signed copy of Roxy’s NEW Movie

Roxy will be available for photos LIVE!

• LARGEST SELECTION OF RENTALS Largest • New Releases daily, Selection of Fleshlights FREE Membership & Fleshjacks! • Sales Daily • DVDs nd VHS as low as $4.99 & up!

r!

egiste

s&R Visit U

Seductive Gift Ideas:

Huge Newly Expanded Novelty & Toy Setion. Mags, Lubes, Condoms & More!

SOUTHERN NIGHTS WOODLAND

2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd. 404-728-0701

SPORTS

FANATIC A Monthly Sports Wrap-up

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS “Well, a year ago, in my mind, I was convinced I was done coaching. I was concerned with health issues.

Family. I just wanted to be around them. Also, I didn’t like the state of college football. A lot of stuff going on. I’d hear about all kinds of things going on. And I just didn’t want to be a part of that. Then I moved away. Went on with ESPN. And I did a lot of travel, spent a lot of time with my kids. I didn’t realize I’d miss it so bad.” –URBAN MEYER, after becoming Ohio State’s new head football coach As is the annual case in December, the NFL PLAYOFFS race has really heated up. At press time, in fact, only four AFC teams were technically knocked out of the postseason race.

Things are nearly as congested in the NFC. These are the remaining games that’ll go a long way to deciding January’s playoff schedule: 1) Pittsburgh at San Francisco, Dec. 19; 2) Atlanta at New Orleans, Dec. 26; 3) Oakland at Green Bay, Dec. 11; 4) Houston at Cincinnati, Dec. 11; 5) New England at Denver, Dec. 18.

National champions or not, the LSU TIGERS’ schedule has been one for the record books. Not including their bowl opponent, the Tigers have played a whopping eight ranked opponents this year. For context, everyone’s favorite Cinderella, Boise State, has only played seven ranked regular-season opponents over the past six seasons combined.

“If you saw CAM NEWTON on Sunday, you know why Peyton Manning has played his last down for the Indianapolis Colts. Because the extraordinary Carolina quarterback is a rookie this year, just as Andrew Luck will be an Indianapolis Colts rookie next year, and

rookie quarterbacks of their caliber must play right away.” –Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz No, you aren’t the only one happy NBA big shots worked out their money differences. A winter without pro basketball is like a Christmas party with no spiked eggnog—utterly pointless. But beyond the obvious Durant vs. LeBron or Lakers vs. Celtics battles we can’t wait to see, here are five things we won’t be surprised to see this abridged season too: 1) Kevin Durant winning MVP; 2) Blake Griffin evolving into a beast on defense; 3) Kemba Walker taking Rookie of the Year; 4) CP3 going to New York via a pre-trade deadline move; 5) The revived L.A. Lakers beating the Cam Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

Newton

“What is most important is that this matter be fully investigated and that anyone with information be supported to come forward so that the truth can be found. I deeply regret any statements I made that might have inhibited that from occurring or been insensitive to victims of abuse.” –Syracuse head coach JIM BOEHEIM, in a statement concerning child molestation charges against former assistant Bernie Fine And finally…

On November 27, Tim Tebow became the first QB since 1960 to record over 15 passes and 15 rushing attempts in a single game…ESPN’s David Newton forecasts Matt Kenseth as the 2012 Sprint Cup champ. 2011 winner Tony Stewart is predicted to finish sixth…Every fulltime St. Louis Cardinal received a $323,170 bonus for winning the World Series…Eyewitnesses claim that golfers Robert Allenby and Geoff Ogilvy almost came to blows at an Australian PGA event late last month…Slugger Albert Pujols will either stay with St. Louis or sign with the Miami Marlins or Chicago Cubs.

‘Tis the Season to Give Erotic...

XXX Movies • Adult Toys • Tobacco Pipes • Lingerie Lubes • Oils • Bondage • Fetish • Designer Sex Furniture Detox • Body Jewelry • Anniversary • Candles • Incense Alternative Gifts • Holiday Gift Cards & MORE

25% OFF Complete Line of Fetish DVDs!

30-50% OFF

15% OFF

Select In-Store Merchandise!

Total When You Stuff A Stocking!

Voted BEST Adult Novelty Store!

Our Fine Sister Stores: Happy Holidays From All Of Us! Visit Us & Register To Win: Atlanta Falcons vs Tampa Bay Tickets!

A Liberator™ Collection!

Visit Our Fine Sister Stores: 23 Convenient Locations | 404.766.6993

24/7:

ShopStarship.com insiteatlanta.com • December 2011 • PG 31

Voted Best Middle Eastern Dining 2011

★

★

★★★

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER ★

★

7 days a week…

★★

starting at 7am – 10pm!

★ ★

★

★★

Nightly Dinner Specials! ★★

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

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

Monday – Thursday

The Red Door Tavern

$5 Pitchers of Beer $1 PBR Drafts

JOIN US FOR THE HOLIDAYS! Private Room Available Call to Book Your Holiday Party

Follow us on

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

CATERING AVAILABLE

$19

“Your Neighborhood Pizzeria”

WE DELIVER!

3180 Roswell Rd. 404.846.6525

Landmark DINER

CHESHIRE BRIDGE

(after 5 PM)

DaILy LunCH SPECIaLS fRoM $5.95 Voted Best Pizza!

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

N E P O

Voted Best in AtlAntA

24 Hours

3652 Roswell Rd.

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

2 DINNERS, 2 APPETIZERS & 2 DESSERTS

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

Dine In & Carry Out • Catering Available

NEMEGANAM WEN REDNU CHOOSE FROM OUR 10 BLACKBOARD DAILY DINNER, APPETIZER & DESSERT SPECIALS!

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

ngis pihsrebmBuckhead em hOnly. tiw sparw dnah eerf rof snoitacol eerht ruo fo yna ta May not be combined with other offers. Expires 1/15/12.

Midtown • 404.917.1100 10th and Monroe

East Cobb / Marietta 1255 Johnson Ferry Rd. dMarket a sihtPlaza tnes•er678.996.0045 P

Authentic Middle Eastern and Greek Cuisine UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT niniarT lanosreP • ustiJ uiJ nailizarB • iahT yauM • gnixoB •Cooked gnixobFresh kciKto Order UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Tasty Sandwiches • Salads • Dinner Fare • Chicken & Veal • Seafood Platters • Greek & Italian Cuisine Breakfast Menu • Appetizers • Steak & Chops • Dessert Menu • Kid’s Menu

Present this ad at any of our three locations for free hand wraps with membership sign up

Kickboxing • Boxing • Muay Thai • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu • Personal Training

Present this ad at any of our three locations for free hand wraps with membership sign up

Best Martial Arts Kickboxing • Boxing • Muay Thai • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu • Personal Training

HOLIDAY SPECIAL!

MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

Locally Blown Glass

Hand-blown Bubblers

HOOKAHS

Starting $1 to enroll, no payments until DETOX at $24.95 PIPES POSTERS PRODUCTS the New Year. Get a jump start ENDURANCE SPEED STRENGTH AGILITY FLEXIBILITY COORDINATION MENTAL TOUGHNESS BALANCE TEAM SYNERGY onPOWER you New Year’s resolution Sandy Springs • Alpharetta • Douglasville fo at KnuckleUp Fitness.

Visit KnuckleUpFitness.com or call 404.339.kick ROSWELL: 710 Holcomb Br. Rd. #240 • 770-992-4485

fitness

Sandy Springs Alpharetta Douglasville For a ONE WEEK FREE PASS URANCE POWER SPEED STRENGTH AGILITY FLEXIBILITY COORDINATION MENTAL TOUGHNESS BALANCE TEAM SYNERGY

Sandy SpringsSandy • Alpharetta •• Douglasville Springs • Alpharetta Douglasville

andy Springs

Visit KnuckleUpFitness.com or call 404.339.kick Visit KnuckleUpFitness.com or call 404-339-kick for a ONE WEEK PASS

Alpharetta

Douglasville

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

For a ONE WEEK FREE PASS

SELF DEFENSE PRODUCTS

CIGARS & CIGARETTES

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

BODY JEWELRY

sALLtrSTORES A laOPEN itra10A-2A M tEVERY seBDAY • WWW.SHOPSMOKE911.COM

MAET ECNALAB SSENHGUOT LATNEM NOITANIDROOC YTILIBIXELF YTILIGA HTGNERTS DEEPS REWOP ECNARUDNE