INsite Atlanta June 2018 Issue

JUNE 2018

INSITEATLANTA.COM

VOL. 26, NO. 11 FREE

6 YEARS! 2 G N I T ELEBRA

r e m S um e d i u g C

Wanda Sykes Paul Stanley Poison

Our Annual Summer Movie Guide!

2018/19 SEASON YOUR WISH IS GRANTED

DANCING ON THE PLAZA

T H E H I T B R O A D WAY M U S I C A L

©Disney

SUMMER IN THE CITY

BOGEY AND THE VICEROY

DECATUR. Decatur Visitors Center 113 Clairemont Ave. 30030 visitdecaturga.com |

TM and © Paramount Pictures and TM and © The Estate of Irving Berlin. All rights reserved.

PONCE DE LEON AVENUE BEACH

Decatur-in-site-june-2018-qtr.indd 1

MUSIC BY SARA BAREILLES “LOVE SONG”, “BRAVE”

7-SHOW PACKAGES ON SALE NOW STARTING AT $239

BroadwayInAtlanta.com

PG 2 • June 2018 • insiteatlanta.com

June 15 5 to 11 pm Downtown Decatur FREE! 5/23/18 12:17 PM

CONTENTS • JUNE 2018 • VOLUME 26, NO. 11

EARS! ING 26 Y T A R B E CEL

Atlanta’s

Entertainment Monthly

INTERVIEWS

11

11 Paul Stanley 13 Heather McDonald 14 Dianne Reeves 15 Wanda Sykes 17 The Yardbirds 17 Styx 18 Poison 13

FEATURES 09 ATL’s Best BBQ 10 Summer Movies 12 Summer Guide

COLUMNS 04 05 06 07 08 08 08 16

15

Around Town On Tap Atlanta on a Dime Under The Lights New Releases Albums Station Control 18 Movie Reviews

insiteatlanta.com STAFF LISTING Publisher Stephen Miller steve@insiteatlanta.com Art Director / Web Design Nick Tipton nick@insiteatlanta.com Managing Editor Lee Valentine Smith lee@insiteatlanta.com Local Events Editor Marci Miller marci@insiteatlanta.com Movie Editor Steve Warren s.warren@insiteatlanta.com

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Music Editor John Moore john@insiteatlanta.com Contributing Writers / Interns: Alex. S. Morrison, Dave Cohen, Benjamin Carr, Demarco Williams MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 76483 Atlanta, GA 30358 WEBSITE • insiteatlanta.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION (404) 308-5119 • ads@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.

JUNE 2018

INSITEATLANTA.COM

VOL. 26, NO. 11 FREE

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Check out our Summer Guide on page 12!

Summer guide Wanda Sykes Paul Stanley Poison

Our Annual Summer Movie Guide!

insiteatlanta.com • June 2018 • PG 3

Around Town JUNE 3 - SEPTEMBER 2

WINNIE-THE-POOH: EXPLORE High Museum of Art

The High will be the premiere U.S. venue for this playful exhibition celebrating the magical world of one of the most adored literary characters of all time. Featuring more than 200 works spanning over 90 years of Pooh history, the exhibition will explore the origins, creation and enduring legacy of the classic stories. More info. at high.org.

Events and Performances taking place this Month

and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang. High-flying excitement and hits, like the Academy Award winning “You’ll Be in My Heart,” as well as “Son of Man” and “Two Worlds,” make Tarzan an unforgettable theatrical experience. Visit atlantalyrictheatre.com.

SATURDAY. JUNE 9

TUNES FROM THE TOMBS Historic Oakland Cemetery

Enjoy an evening of jazzy music with featured artist TC Carson, Chill with Me, along with David Cole and Main Street Blues on Friday, June 15, from 8:00 pm 11:00 pm at the Wren’s Nest on 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. Tickets available at yesjazzmatters.org.

Center for Puppetry Arts

Various Venues in Little 5 Points

Tunes from the Tombs, Historic Oakland Cemetery’s annual summer music festival, brings some of Atlanta’s favorite bands to the city’s most unique performance venue.

Rock in Peace with cold drinks, the hottest food trucks, kid’s activities, and much more. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., with gates opening at noon. All proceeds from Tunes from the Tombs benefit Historic Oakland Foundation. Visit oaklandcemetery.com for ticket information.

TARZAN

SATURDAY. JUNE 9

Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough’s Tarzan of the Apes, Tarzan features heart-pumping music by rock legend, Phil Collins,

Brookhaven Park

Atlanta Lyric Theatre

The Wrens Nest

PAPER CUT

FRINGE FESTIVAL

JUNE 8 - 24

JAZZ MATTERS

JUNE 21 - 24

JUNE 6 - 10

Atlanta-based performing arts festival returns for its 6th installment, with 20 artist groups, 80 performances, plus free online content and auxiliary events.

Among those performing will be dancers, comedians, storytellers, puppeteers, and more. The festival consists of live shows across five venues in and around Little Five Points throughout four jam-packed days.

FRIDAY, JUNE 15

BROOKHAVEN BEER FEST Summer is the time for beer and the 8th annual Brookhaven Beer Fest. This year’s Beer Fest takes place on Saturday, June 9 from 3 - 8 pm at Brookhaven Park on Peachtree Rd. at Osborn. There will be over 150 beers and wines plus several of your favorite food trucks. For ticket visit SpiralEntertainment.com.

A lonely secretary remains in the office after hours. Alone in her little corner, she escapes into a glamorous world of fantasy created with photos and old film magazines. As imagination and reality collide, her romantic tale transforms into a Hitchcockian nightmare. This hilarious, internationally-acclaimed, one-woman tour de force explores the powerful, unpredictable grasp of dreams. Age 15+. Visit puppet.org.

FRIDAY, JUNE 23 CINEBASH

Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

Cinebash by the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival marries movies and immersive art installations while celebrating Jewish cinema through multimedia art forms. The inaugural event will blend food, music, and other production elements for an unforget-

table evening. The 2018 edition of Cinebash pays tribute to Saul Bass, a Jewish-American graphic designer and Academy Award-winning filmmaker, best known for his motion picture title sequences, including Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo and Psycho. Tickets at cinebash.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 23

THE COMEDY GET DOWN The Fox Theatre

The Comedy Get Down World Tour returns to Atlanta with an all-star lineup that includes Cedric ‘The Entertainer,’ Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley, and George Lopez.

They have been breaking ground in the comedy business and bringing the laughs for decades. The Comedy Get Down is a once in a lifetime chance to see four members of comedy royalty come together for the comedy event of the year with two performances. Visit foxtheatre.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 23

AN EVENING WITH BILL MAHER

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

For more than twenty years, Bill Maher has set the boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television. First on Politically Incorrect (Comedy Central & ABC) and for the last thirteen years on HBO’s Real Time, Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and big laughs have garnered him 34 Emmy nominations. Tickets at cobbenergycentre.com.

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More info at www.cinemoms.com PG 4 • June 2018 • insiteatlanta.com

On Tap this Month MAJOR EVENTS COMING TO ATLANTA

Saturday, June 9: Chastain Park Amphitheatre

HARRY CONNICK JR.

e multi-talented American singer, composer, actor, and television host is currently on his “A New Orleans Tricentennial Celebration” tour. Connick has had seven top 20 US albums and ten number-one US jazz albums, earning more number-one albums than any other artist in US jazz chart history. Harry began performing in his hometown of New Orleans at the age of five and broke out big with “When Harry Met Sally”.

June13: Cobb Energy Performing Arts

CONVERSATION W/ BILL CLINTON e former president takes part in a wide-ranging conversation as he discusses his forthcoming novel, e President is Missing. e event is a part of a book tour in connection with the publication on June 4. During President Clinton tour appearances he offers candid insights into the process and research of the novel, as well the timely and alarming issues it raises about the world. Tickets available at PresidentClintonLive.com.

Wednesday, June 13: Atlanta Symphony

STEPHEN STILLS & JUDY COLLINS Over 50 years ago, singer-songwriter Stephen Stills met Judy Collins, known for her piercing ocean blue eyes. eir tumultuous love affair would later be immortalized by Stills with his composition "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes," performed by Crosby, Stills & Nash on their landmark debut. is summer, the two icons of folk will celebrate the golden anniversary of their formative time together. Tickets at AtlantaSymphony.org.

Saturday, June 16: The Fred Amphitheater

BRIAN SETZER’S ROCKABILLY RIOT! Iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and three-time Grammy® Award Winner Brian Setzer is widely credited for taking two forgotten genres, rockabilly and swing, adding his own blend of gunpowder and rockin’ style, and completely reinventing and single-handedly resurrecting them in the process. He has scored charttopping hits and sold 13 million records through his band Stray Cats and orchestra. Amphitheater.org

Wednesday, June 20: The Fox Theatre

WANDA SYKES

e Atlanta Pride Committee and e LGBT Institute at e National Center for Civil and Human Rights are partnering with the Fox eatre to celebrate the 29th anniversary of the legendary Stonewall Riots, which became a watershed moment for the LGBTQ civil and human rights movement in America. Wanda Sykes and Tig Notaro headline the comedy show. Local activist Feroza Syed serves as the emcee. Foxeatre.org,

Wednesday, June 20: Infinite Energy Center

DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES

Multi-platinum and award-winning artists Daryl Hall & John Oates and Train are touring together this summer. is marks the first time legendary duo tour the country with fellow award winning hitmakers Train.

Fans can expect full sets from both Daryl Hall & John Oates and Train, followed by a showstopping joint set.

In 2014, Daryl and John were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Tickets at LiveNation.com. insiteatlanta.com • June 2018 • PG 5

EVENTS HAPPENING FOR SMALL CHANGE IN ATLANTA

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

By Marci Miller

Saturday & Sunday June 2 & 3

Friday, June 8 & 22

Chattahoochee Nature Center $5 Members; chattnaturecenter.org

Mable House Amphitheatre Free Event; mablehouse.org

e expanded "Butterfly Encounter Exhibit” allows visitors to the festival to hand-feed more than 250 free flying butterflies. Enjoy the show when masses of butterflies fly free and land on kids and flowers after their release in front of the Ben Brady Lakeside Pavilion. Learn about the ways you can help bring more butterflies to your garden. Featuring live music, entomology exhibits, arts and crafts, face painting, butterfly parades, food trucks and more. A great event to kick off summer and enjoy nature.

e Mable House in Mableton, GA will be showing free movie screenings this summer at their outdoor amphitheatre. See Jumanji Friday, June 8 and e Greatest Showman on Friday, June 22.

BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL

Monday, June 4

THE BIG LEBOWSKY

City Winery at Ponce City Market Free Screening; citywinery.com Join e Dude and clan for one night only on City Winery’s 15 foot screen. is free screening comes with e Dude Lookalike Contest and White Russian Specials. Winner of the contest gets to create and name a shot for their bar. Doors are 7pm and the movie starts at 8pm.

Springs is an outdoor summer concert series presented one Sunday each month through September. is free series is open to the public and has become a community tradition each summer. Spend a night under the stars with friends while enjoying great entertainment and delicious food. Sunday, June 10 features beach favorite Swingin’ Medallions.

OUTDOOR MOVIE SCREENINGS Thursday, June 14; 7:30 pm

Sunday, June 10

ATLANTA STREETS ALIVE

Westside Route; Free Event atlantastreetsalive.com

Atlanta Streets Alive closes miles of Atlanta streets to cars, and opens them to residents for exploration. ese events include everything from live music to sports to dancing to how-to demonstrations.

Bring your bicycle or just your feet and get ready to explore your community streets in a safer, healthier, more livable way.

PERFORMANCE IN THE PARK Piedmont Park Free Event; atlantasymphony.org

e Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will return to Piedmont Park for A Performance in the Park, presented by Bank of America, on ursday, June 14, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.

As a part of the ASO’s two-season-long celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s centenary, the program will include Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Overture to Candide. e program will also include favorites by Tchaikovsky, including

Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations featuring ASO Talent Development Program alumnus Khari Joyner, cello.

Thursday, June 14 & 28

SUNSET SIPS

Chattahoochee Nature Center Free w/ admn; chattnaturecenter.org is summer make plans to spend your evening hours at CNC with a side of sunset. Sunset Sips is a laid back, family friendly event and their grounds are open for guests to explore. Grab a friend and head over for live local music, cash bar, and feel free to bring a picnic dinner. e program occurs the 2nd and 4th ursday during June, August and September, as well as a special performance on July 5th.

Garrett Douglas performs June 14 and Ruby Reds perform June 28. Sunset Sips is included with General Admission and free to CNC Members. Mark your calendars for the series. Full summer schedule available on their website.

The Big Lebowsky

City Winery • Free • citywinery.org

Sunday, June 10

CONCERTS BY THE SPRINGS Heritage Green Sandy Springs Free; heritagesandysprings.org

Heritage Sandy Spring’s Concerts by the

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get tickets at foodthatrocks.org Food that Rocks

MAIN STAGE MUSIC LINEUP SATURDAY, JUNE 9

KUNG FU

GURUFISH • VOODOO VISIONARY TRASH PANDA • CODY MATLOCK BIRD CITY REVOLUTIONARIES

SUNDAY, JUNE 10

ALEX GUTHRIE

MAYHAYLEY'S GRAVE AND BONAFIDE SIDESHOW MANGO SEASON festival sponsors

PG 6 • June 2018 • insiteatlanta.com

@SSfoodthatrocks

@foodthatrocksatl

Under The Lights

NEW TO THE ATLANTA STAGE

HAMILTON

Now Performing through June 10 The Fox Theatre (855) 285-8499 FoxTheatre.org

Inspired by Shakespeare’s “The Taming of The Shrew”, Gunderson’s farce, The Taming, grew out of her desire to wrestle with potent elements inside the Bard’s playful and problematic battle of the sexes.

110 IN THE SHADE

May 31 - July 24 Theatrical Outfit The Balzer Theatre @ Herren’s (678) 528-1500 theatricaloutfit.org

Hamilton is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.

Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, as told by America now. With book, music and lyrics

by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

CITIZENS MARKET

Now Performing through June 24 Horizon Theatre (404) 584-7450 HorizonTheatre.com

A good small supermarket has everything its neighborhood needs, including a charming cast of characters behind the counter. Citizens Market follows a hopeful group of immigrants as they form an unlikely family, working to master the ups and downs of language, love, and staying afloat in the city. Full of laughter and life, this comedy-drama celebrates an evershifting and eclectic America. Moving, funny and ultimately uplifting…the American Dream is tantalizingly within reach one moment, and elusive the next.

THE TAMING

June 1 - June 24 Synchronicity Theatre 404.484.8636 synchrotheatre.com Atlanta’s Synchronicity Theatre will close out its 20th Anniversary Season with L a u r e n Gunderson’s “c r a c k l i n g modern political farce,” The Taming. The Taming takes on America’s overheated political rhetoric and upends historical truths about our founding fathers. When a conservative senatorial aid, a liberal political activist, and a supersparkly beauty queen find themselves locked in a hotel room, the political passions of these high-octane women prove they might just be revolutionary geniuses.

1936. July 4th.

Three Point, Texas.

In the middle of a heat wave, while locals are desperate for rain, Lizzie Curry daydreams away fears of becoming a spinster in a tiny, dusty town. Her wit, intelligence and lauded homemaking skills don’t seem to guarantee a romantic future, and even the reserved town sheriff, File, won’t take a chance on the plain girl next door. But, when a charismatic rainmaker named Starbuck sweeps into town promising more than just atmospheric relief, Lizzie’s world is suddenly larger than she imagined possible, and choice and clarity arrive like a cleansing summer storm.

Now Thru June 24

MAMMA MIA!

June 9 - 24 Ferst Center for the Arts (404) 894-9600 Arts.gatech.edu

Mamma Mia! fans rejoice. After 50 soldout shows of the hit musical at Aurora Theatre, they are partnering with the Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech to bring the play to Midtown. It is a madcap story of a mother, a daughter, three possible dads and a trip down the aisle you'll never forget. Mamma Mia! combines the timeless tunes of super group ABBA with a sunny, funny tale that unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, Sophie's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back into her life for the first time in 20 years. This show has all of your favorite ABBA songs including “Dancing Queen”, “S.O.S” and “Take a Chance on Me,” plus non-stop laughs, and explosive dance numbers.

THE COLOR PURPLE

June 16 - July 29 Actor’s Express @ King Plow Arts (404) 607-7469 actors-express.com A great novel becomes a great American musical. Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning triumph bolts joyously to life with soaring music and unforgettable characters.

Celebrating the very best of the human spirit, The Color Purple tells the uplifting story of Celie, a woman who struggles through adversity to find strength, love and power of her own voice. insiteatlanta.com • June 2018 • PG 7

TV

Station Control

RESURRECTING OLD SHOWS

BY BENJAMIN CARR

The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle

R

ESURRECTIONS HAVE BEEN AROUND for thousands of years, depending upon what you may have read. TV is now blessed (or plagued) with reboots of popular content or rehashes of old ideas made somehow new.

This year, Roseanne returned with a painkiller addiction, biracial and gender-questioning grandkids and a Make America Great Again hat.

Lost in Space went from bright, zany and comic to dark and twisted. The fall will bring back Magnum P.I., Charmed and Murphy Brown. But, in the meantime, some truly inventive, left-field pop culture resurrections have taken place. And some of them will help you see the light.

THE ADVENTURES OF ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE (Amazon)

Big trouble returns for Moose and Squirrel in this amped-up, frantic but still funny version of the 1959 ABC cartoon. Once again, Bullwinkle is an oblivious, brainless moose from Frostbite Falls, Minnesota, and Rocky is his high-flying,

squeaky-voiced and slightly smarter best friend.

Through sheer dumb luck, Rocky and Bullwinkle manage to attract the attention of communist spies from Pottsylvania named Boris and Natasha, who consistently fail to destroy them or ever do anything right.

In Amazon’s new series, the dumb moose shtick still plays well, though today’s children apparently also require fast, screaming, crazy action alongside their wit. It occasionally feels less like Bullwinkle and more like The Powerpuff Girls. Someone is always farting, screaming, zooming or exploding, and it feels like overkill. Still, much of the spirit and humor remain intact, and the serialized nature of the series works to its benefit, particularly for binge watching. While it is not quite the gold standard that is the new, great DuckTales show, Bullwinkle is an old friend worth a visit.

SENSE8 (Netflix)

This expensive, ambitious and internationally filmed sci-fi show from the Wachowskis, the makers of The Matrix, has its gaggle of loyal fans whose devotion to it was so strong that Netflix has resurrected the canceled show for one last two-hour episode, set for June 8. So now we will finally find out how the eight people from all over the world - connected psychically and able to communicate - will resolve the perpetual danger they face.

The show is fascinating, a deeply contemplative look at identity, gender, sexuality, attraction, empathy and world culture. Fans demanded a finale, and it should be satisfying - though the Wachowskis originally wanted five seasons to say all they wanted. But getting closure is better than a cliffhanger.

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Be in the Know and Like INsite Today! insiteatlanta.com PG 8 • June 2018 • insiteatlanta.com

NEW RELEASES THE LATEST DVD, BLU RAY & VOD RELEASES

By John Moore

DEN OF THIEVES (Universal)

COBRA KAI (YouTube Red)

The Karate Kid movies followed a familiar formula. Daniel Larusso (Ralph Macchio) arrived onscreen in 1984 as a weakling underdog tortured by arrogant bullies like beautiful blond god Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), the best fighter from the villainous Cobra Kai dojo. Taken under the wing of Mr. Miyagi, a handyman and secret sensei, Daniel learned the ways of karate, bonsai trees and Eastern philosophy and beat the heck out of all the rich pricks. It was Rocky with crane kicks and lots of fun for kids of the 1980s. YouTube’s original series Cobra Kai, filmed here in Atlanta, kicks the original premise right in the face. And it is a blast of nostalgia and strong comedy.

Our hero this time is Johnny, now a fortysomething drunken deadbeat dad still haunted in many ways by his humbling losses to Daniel in 1984. Johnny still lives in Reseda, where he sees Daniel’s growth into confidence and success as a kitschy, karatechopping car dealer as a perpetual reminder of his own loss. Johnny, propelled by circumstance and unintentionally egged on by Daniel, resurrects Cobra Kai as the bullying, strike-first dojo from its glory days. Johnny drinks hard, hates rules and doesn’t have time to mentor sweet, scrawny kids.

He teaches them to be badass. And suddenly all the previous protagonists are antagonists, and all that high-minded Eastern philosophy feels like the stuff of chumps.

Cobra Kai is very entertaining, particularly if you like the original movies. Zabka is hilarious as a Bad News Bears-type hellion, and Macchio is also winning and sort of annoying as an underdog turned goody two shoes.

HOME THEATER

For a straight-on action/gunfight movie, Den Of Thieves gets the job done nicely.

Even the plot is impressive, but it seems like the characters were little more than an afterthought. Set in LA, it revolves around a group of ex-military bank robberies looking to pull off an inspired, difficult heist inside a massively-guarded Federal Reserve. The thieves are pitted against a special unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Department, comprised of some fairly loathsome cops, led

by Gerard Butler. It’s difficult to figure out if we’re supposed to be sympathetic to Butler’s character, who simply comes off as an asshole to everyone he encounters – including his family. Then again, there’s hardly anyone to root for among the thieves. There’s an inspired twist ending, however, that ultimately that makes the movie worth it in the end.

LATE BLOSSOM BLUES

(Let’s Make This Happen) Australian filmmakers Wolfgang PfoserAlmer and Stefan Wolner turn in a beautiful tribute to the late Blues great Leo “Bud” Welch with Late Blossom Blues. Born in rural Mississippi in the 1930s, Welch worked in the

MUSIC

cotton fields most of his life. Many saw his talent as a Blues guitarist, but he never aimed beyond performing in the churches and local clubs because he wanted to be able to provide for his family. This doc focused on the late-in-life discovery of Welch by Blue aficionados thanks to the tireless efforts on a fan and Gulf War veteran who focused on getting the Bluesman a record deal and shows across the globe. The movie is compassionate, yet frank – not afraid to show Welch at his worst – but overall an inspiring look at a man who deserved a bigger audience decades ago.

ANTHRAX – KINGS AMONG SCOTLAND

(Megaforce) Scotland, the country that brought the world haggis, the Loch Ness Monster and some of the best booze on the planet, serves as backdrop for Anthrax’s latest concert film, as part of the “For All Kings” Tour.

Filmed in February 2017 at a sold-out show in Glasgow, the DVD includes two sets and covers a robust 18 songs. While there is obviously some of their newer material here, like “Breathing Lightening,” “Evil Twin” and “Blood Eagle Wings,” along with some deeper cuts from other records, the band rewards the fans with some classics as well.

Together since the early ‘80s, Anthrax still sounds powerful, so many decades later.

Four, fifths of the and band has been playing together since the ‘80s and they still put on a remarkably tight show.

Indie

Album Reviews

REVIEWS BY JOHN B. MOORE

Jeff Plankenhorn

Shakey Graves

One-time goto gun for hire Jeff Plankenhorn has played guitar and lap slide for everyone from Joe Ely and Reckless Kelly to Hayes Carll and Kelly Willis. But as of recently he’s walked back into the center of the spotlight with his own records. “Sleeping Dogs,” his latest, shows why he was so in demand in his adopted home of Austin.

Across 11 tracks, Plankenhorn deftly churns out some of the most satisfying rock/Americana being played today. Starting with the opening, title track, he lays out an infectious hook-heavy jam that serves as a warning shot for the bulk of the songs to come. Elsewhere, he puts down a breezy, mellow vibe on tracks like “Love Is Love” and “Tooth and Nail,” featuring Ray Wylie Hubbard on guest vocals. Plankenhorn also brings in Patty Griffin to help on the fantastic “Holy Lightening”.

The only real surprise here is that Plankenhorn has stayed away from the mic for so long. Austin may have lost a reliable sideman, but the rest of us have gained a solid new musical voice.

Shakey Graves (Alejandro RoseGarcia) had only been in the public eye for about a year in 2012 when the mayor of Austin proclaimed February 9th, “Shakey Graves Day.” A hell of an achievement so soon out of the gate, but six years and several albums later, Garcia is still living up to the hype.

On “Can’t Wake Up,” his sixth album, he and his band still keeps a base of Americana, Blues and Rock in most of the songs here, but this album is easily his most experimental one, with psychedelic tinges and atmospheric elements added throughout. The change is very noticeable early on, with the song “Dining Alone,” which sounds like a haunting cowboy campfire singalong, being performed with aliens thanks to eerie slide guitar sounds. And then elsewhere he goes for more of a straight-ahead rick vibe on “Cops And Robbers.”

Though the album’s experimental sound may take a couple of listens to finally take, it’s well worth the time. “Can’t Wake Up” is a refreshing departure at a time when there are plenty of Shakey Graves clones out there trying to cop his old sound.

See more reviews at insiteatlanta.com

Sleeping Dogs (Spike Steel Records)

Can’t Wake Up (Dualtone)

Taste of the Month-Barbecue!

Fat Matt’s Rib Shack

1811 Piedmont Rd. 404.607.1622 fatmattsribshack.com

Since 1990, award winning Fat Matt's Rib Shack has been one of Atlanta's favorite hot-spots. They feature great BBQ, live blues nightly and a casual setting for the whole family to enjoy. Not limited to the North Carolina or Kentucky styles, Fat Matt's uses their own seasoning and cooking technique. These ribs are smoked to perfection and literally falling off the bone.

The ribs can be ordered as a whole, half slab, or on a sandwich. They also serve great barbecue chicken and pork. The signature side is their Rum Baked Beans, but they also have delicious Brunswick Stew, Mac & Cheese, Roasted Peanuts, Collards, Potato Salad, and Cole Slaw. Fat Matt's serves nine beers on tap and more in bottles. Seating is first come first serve inside and outside. During the busiest times a little patience is required but tables generally turn over quickly. They feature live blues seven nights a week. Check out their website for nightly band listings.

comfort food spot that celebrates contentment, convenience and community.

With roots firmly planted in Atlanta, Lovies is a dream come true for friends Nate, Drew, and Kay who now provide the greater Atlanta community with the same great food, friends and family had come to expect. When you visit Lovies, you’ll first be greeted by the irresistible smell of slow cooked meat just before you’re given a heartfelt welcome upon entering.

Everyone can feel at home in the casual atmosphere that’s brimming with Atlanta pride – complete with a row of seats salvaged from the 1996 Olympics stadium.

Custom-built twin Stump’s smokers ensure their food is smoked to perfection. Lovies is built on simple ingredients, tried and true traditions, and a commitment to serving smoked comfort food with a big serving of hospitality.

Pig-N-Chik

pignchik.net 4920 Roswell Rd. 404.255.6368 5071 Peachtree Ind. Blvd. 770.451.1112 1815 Briarcliff Rd. 404.474.9444

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

1238 Dekalb Ave NE 404.577.4030 Catering 404.414.0826 foxbrosbbq.com

Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is an award-winning barbecue restaurant located just south of Little Five Points. Opened in 2007, FoxBros. Bar-B-Q is known for their unique Southern-style barbecue with a Texas flair, serving up whole hog, smoked brisket, and wings with original side dishes to the hungry masses. To complement their que, the Fox brothers developed a sauce that mixes the flavors of Texas with the heat of the South. Today Fox Bros. BarB-Q has become a staple for Atlanta natives and visitors alike, and has earned top spots on barbecue rankings from top publications like Eater, USA Today Travel, Southern Living, and Maxim Magazine.

The restaurant has been featured on national news channels including The Weather Channel, TLC, Fox News, and The Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives”. Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is the Official BBQ of the Atlanta Falcons and will serve up their famous ‘que to hungry Falcons Fans at Mercedes Benz Stadium later this year. This summer, find them at the Terrapin Taproom and in Section 153 at SunTrust Park. For Fox Bros. on the go, visit the Que’osk, located at 120 Ottley Drive in Armour Yards. For more information please call (404) 577-4030 or visit foxbrosbbq.com.

Lovies BBQ

3420 Piedmont Rd. NE (Buckhead) Loviesbbq.com 404.254.2848 In the hustle and bustle of Buckhead Lovies is an unexpected, down to earth

Pig-N-Chik is one among the top Barbecue restaurants on Facebook and on first taste you can see why. The ribs come St. Louis cut and are cooked until they show a pink smoke ring. All the meats here are served naked without sauce so the true flavor of the meat comes through. Their homemade BBQ sauces are found on the tables and their barbecue is served accompanied with a slice of thick white bread to mop it up. AJC food critic John Kessler writes, “It is glorious stuff, as every barbecue should be but rarely is.” Pig-N-Chik is a family friendly, community oriented barbecue restaurant that offers something that everyone will like; all at affordable prices.

From barbecue ribs and barbecue pork to turkey, beef brisket, chicken wings, smoked salmon and a variety of salads, they’ve got a menu filled with irresistible dishes. Your children will love their kid's menu, featuring a tasty selection of chicken fingers, corndogs, beef and pork sandwiches and pork ribs. Don’t forget dessert. They have great homemade pudding made with iconic Moon Pies. Pig-N-Chik has a full scale catering operation. They will be bustling on 4th of July so make sure to place your order a few days before. All three locations offer Dine-in, Delivery and Catering.

Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!

More BBQ Restaurants Bone Lick BBQ 327 Edgewood Ave. 404.343.4404 bonelickbbq.com D.B.A. Barbecue 1190 N. Highland Ave 404.249.5000 dbabarbecue.com Slopes BBQ 200 Johnson Ferry Road 404.252.3220 slopesbbq.com Community Q BBQ 1361 Clairmont Rd 404.633.2080 communityqbbq.com Greater Good BBQ 4441 Roswell Rd. 404.303.8525 greatergoodbbq.com Williamson Bros. 1425 Roswell Rd. 770.971.3201 williamsonbros.com

Atlanta’s BEST Favorite ATL Pizza! Winner of

I Ns i t e ★ 201 7

Multiple Atlanta Locations: JohnnysPizza.com insiteatlanta.com • June 2018 • PG 9

FILM

NOW IN THEATERS

LIFE OF THE PARTY

s e i v o M r e S umm

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Gillian Jacobs, Maya Rudolph, Julie Bowen When her husband suddenly dumps her, longtime dedicated housewife Deanna (Melissa McCarthy) turns regret into re-set by going back to college… landing in the same class and school as her daughter, who’s not entirely sold on the idea.

Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the increasingly outspoken Deanna—now Dee Rock— embraces freedom, fun and frat boys on her own terms, finding her true self in a senior year no one ever expected.

LEAN ON PETE

Cast: Charlie Plummer, Chloë Sevigny, Travis Fimmel, Steve Buscemi Fifteen-year-old Charley Thompson (Charlie Plummer) arrives in Portland, Oregon with his single father Ray (Travis Fimmel), both of them eager for a fresh start after a series of hard knocks. While Ray descends into personal turmoil, Charley finds acceptance and camaraderie at a local racetrack where he lands a job caring for an aging Quarter Horse named Lean On Pete. The horse’s gruff owner Del Montgomery (Steve Buscemi) and his seasoned jockey Bonnie (Chloë Sevigny) help Charley fill the void of his father’s absence—until he discovers that Pete is bound for slaughter, prompting him to take extreme measures to spare his new friend’s life.

BOOK CLUB

Cast: Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen Diane (Diane Keaton) is recently widowed after 40 years of marriage. Vivian (Jane Fonda) enjoys her men with no strings attached.

Sharon (Candice Bergen) is still working through a decades-old divorce. Carol’s (Mary Steenburgen) marriage is in a slump after 35 years. Four lifelong friends have their lives turned upside down to hilarious ends when their book club tackles the infamous Fifty Shades of Grey. From discovering new romance to rekindling old flames, they inspire each other to make their next chapter the best chapter.

DEADPOOL 2

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Miami’s hottest bartender, while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor - finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World’s Best Lover.

PG 10 • June 2018 • insiteatlanta.com

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY

Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes.

COMING SOON

ACTION POINT

Release: June 1 Cast: Johnny Knoxville, Chris Pontius, Dan Bakkedahl, Matt Schulze Johnny Knoxville stars as D.C., the crackpot owner of a low-rent, outof-control amusement park where the rides are designed with minimum safety for maximum fun. Just as D.C.’s estranged teenage daughter Boogie comes to visit, a corporate megapark opens nearby and jeopardizes the future of Action Point. To save his beloved theme park and his relationship with his daughter, D.C. and his loony crew of misfits risk everything to pull out all the stops – and stunts – making for another wild ride from the star of Bad Grandpa and Jackass.

ADRIFT

Release: June 1 Cast: Shailene Woodley, Sam Claflin As the two avid sailors set out on a journey across the ocean, Tami Oldham (Woodley) and Richard Sharp (Claflin) couldn’t anticipate they would be sailing directly into one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history.

In the aftermath of the storm, Tami awakens to find Richard badly injured and their boat in

ruins. With no hope for rescue, Tami must find the strength and determination to save herself and the only man she has ever loved.

OCEANS EIGHT

Release: June 8 Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson Five years, eight months, 12 days...and counting.

That’s how long Debbie Ocean (Sandra Bullock) has been devising the biggest heist of her life. She knows what it’s going to take—a team of the best in their field, starting with her partner-in-crime Lou Miller (Cate Blanchett).

Together, they recruit a crew of specialists: jeweler Amita (Mindy Kaling); street con Constance (Awkwafina); expert fence Tammy (Sarah Paulson); hacker Nine Ball (Rihanna); and fashion designer Rose (Helena Bonham Carter).The target is a cool $150 million dollars in diamonds—diamonds that will be around the neck of worldfamous actress Daphne Kluger (Anne Hathaway), who will be centerstage at the event of the year, the Met Gala.

TAG

Release: June 15 Cast: Ed Helms, Jake Johnson, Annabelle Wallis, Hannibal Buress, Isla Fisher, with Jon Hamm One month every year, five highly competitive friends hit the ground running in a no-holds-barred game of tag they’ve been playing since the first grade—risking their necks, their jobs and their relationships to take each other down with the battle cry “You’re It!” This year, the game coincides with the wedding of their only undefeated player, which should finally make him an easy target. But he knows they’re coming…and he’s ready. Based on a true story, “Tag” shows how far some guys will go to be the last man standing.

2018

SUPER FLY

Release: June 15 Cast: Trevor Jackson , Jason Mitchell, Michael Kenneth Williams, Lex Scott Davis Superfly – the film that helped define a genre in its characters, look, sound, and feel – is reimagined with Director X, director of legendary music videos (Drake, Rihanna), introducing it to a new generation.

INCREDIBLES 2

Release: June 15 Voice Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Samuel L. Jackson Everyone’s favorite family of superheroes is back in Incredibles 2 – but this time Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is in the spotlight, leaving Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell) and Dash (voice of Huck Milner) to navigate the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life. It’s a tough transistion for everyone, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack’s emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) must find a way to work together again—which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible.

JURASSIC WORLD

Release: June 22 Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell, Ted Levine, Justice Smith When the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event. Owen is driven to find Blue, his lead raptor who’s still missing in the wild, and Claire has grown a respect for these creatures she now makes her mission. Arriving on the unstable island as lava begins raining down, their expedition uncovers a conspiracy that could return our entire planet to a perilous order not seen since prehistoric times.

SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLDADO

Release: June 29 Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Isabela Moner, Jeffrey Donovan In the drug war, there are no rules – and as the cartels have begun trafficking terrorists across the US border, federal agent Matt Graver (Josh Brolin) calls on the mysterious Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro), whose family was murdered by a cartel kingpin, to escalate the war in nefarious ways. Alejandro kidnaps the kingpin’s daughter to inflame the conflict – but when the girl is seen as collateral damage, her fate will come between the two men as they question everything they are fighting for.

THE FIRST PURGE

Release: July 4 Cast: Y’Lan Noel, Lex Scott Davis, Joivan Wade, Luna Lauren Velez, Marisa Tomei, James DeMonaco To push the crime rate below one percent for

the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) test a sociological theory that vents aggression for one night in one isolated community. But when the violence of oppressors meets the rage of the marginalized, the contagion will explode from the trial-city borders and spread across the nation.

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP

Release: July 6 Cast: Evangeline Lilly, Paul Rudd From the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes Ant Man and the Wasp, a new chapter featuring heroes with the astonishing ability to shrink. In the aftermath of “Captain America: Civil War,” Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as AntMan, he’s confronted

by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside the Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from the past.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE FALL - OUT

Release: July 6 Cast: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames The best intentions often come back to haunt you. Mission: Impossible - Fallout finds Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team (Alec Baldwin, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames) along with some familiar allies (Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Monaghan) in a race against time after a mission gone wrong.

Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett, and Vanessa Kirby also join the dynamic cast with filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie returning to the helm.

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3: SUMMER VACATION

Release: July 13 Voice Cast: Adam Sandler (Dracula) Andy Samberg (Johnny) Selena Gomez (Mavis) Kevin James (Frank) Join everyone’s favorite monster family as they embark on a vacation on a luxury monster cruise ship so Drac can take a summer vacation from providing everyone else’s vacation at the hotel. It’s smooth sailing for Drac’s Pack as the monsters indulge in all of the shipboard fun the cruise has to offer, from monster volleyball to exotic excursions, and catching up on their moon tans.

But the dream vacation turns into a nightmare when Mavis realizes Drac has fallen for the mysterious captain of the ship, Ericka, who hides a dangerous secret that could destroy all of monsterkind.

SKYSCRAPER

Release: July 13 Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Neve Campbel, Chin Han, Noah Taylor Global icon Dwayne Johnson leads the cast of Legendary’s Skyscraper as former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader andU.S. war veteran Will Sawyer, who now assesses security for skyscrapers. On assignment in China he finds the tallest, safest building in the world suddenly ablaze, and he’s been

framed for it. A wanted man on the run, Will must find those responsible, clear his name and somehow rescue his family who is trapped inside the building...above the fire line.

THE EQUALIZER 2

Release: July 20 Cast: Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Ashton Sanders with Bill Pullman Denzel Washington returns to one of his signature roles in the first sequel of his career.

Robert McCall serves an unflinching justice for the exploited and oppressed – but how far will he go when that is someone he loves?

ART

PAUL STANLEY OF KISS Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Finds Success in Painting

MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN

Release: July 20 Cast: Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton, Will Arnett, Kristen Bell Reprising their roles from Mamma Mia! The Movie are Academy Award® winner Meryl Streep as Donna, Julie Walters asRosie and Christine Baranski as Tanya. Amanda Seyfried and Dominic Cooper reunite as Sophie and Sky, while Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgård and Oscar® winner Colin Firth return to play Sophie’s three possible dads: Sam, Bill and Harry. The film goes back and forth in time to show how relationships forged in the past resonate in the present.

TEEN TITANS GO! TO THE MOVIES

Release: July 27 Cast: Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton, Will Arnett, Kristen Bell It seems to the Teens that all the major superheroes out there are starring in their own movies—everyone but the Teen Titans, that is! But de facto leader Robin is determined to remedy the situation, and be seen as a star instead of a sidekick. If only they could get the hottest Hollywood film director to notice them.

With a few madcap ideas and a song in their heart, the Teen Titans head to Tinsel Town, certain to pull off their dream.

THE DARKEST MINDS

Release: August 3 Cast: Amandla Stenberg, Mandy Moore, Bradley Whitford When her husband suddenly dumps her, longtime dedicated housewife Deanna (Melissa McCarthy) turns regret into re-set by going back to college… landing in the same class and school as her daughter, who’s not entirely sold on the idea. Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the increasingly outspoken Deanna—now Dee Rock—embraces freedom, fun and frat boys on her own terms, finding her true self in a senior year no one ever expected.

THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME

Release: August 3 Cast: Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon, Justin Theroux, Gillian Anderson Audrey and Morgan are best friends who unwittingly become entangled in an international conspiracy when one of the women discovers the boyfriend who dumped her was actually a spy.

BY DAVE COHEN

A

DRIVING FORCE AS THE LEAD singer/songwriter of KISS for more than forty years, Paul Stanley lives by the motto that “We define ourselves by the challenges that we take on and what we do with them.” Having conquered the world of rock and roll, the challenge of playing the lead in Phantom of the Opera during a portion of the show’s run in Toronto, the publishing of his autobiography, Face The Music, and his recent involvement in the restaurant business with the growing chain Rock and Brews, Stanley also continues to paint.

He first picked up brushes in a therapeutic way during some difficult personal times more than a decade ago and since then his colorful pieces have sold extremely well through the Wentworth Galleries. Stanley visits Atlanta with his artwork on June 16th with an in-gallery appearance at Phipps Plaza. He recently took time out of his busy schedule to speak with INsite.

affirmation of life and I have an amazing life.

Along with what you have been painting on canvases, you are also painting on acrylic plexiglass. Flowers in a vase and even an Ibanez PS 10 guitar.

I’ve done paintings on the acrylics of flower arrangements, guitars, self-portraits and portraits of other people, stars and all kinds of things. It’s fascinating to me because I realized that you can paint in three dimensions because of the angles.

When I’m painting these guitars it almost has a prism effect. I have also started painting actual guitars, actual PS 10’s, that are not for playing.

They’re framed and they are art on guitars as opposed to art on canvas or plexiglass.

You have painted your interpretations of some well know ladies like the Mona Lisa and Lady Liberty, i.e. the Statue of Liberty. Recently I saw where you’ve added a painting of Marilyn Monroe. I really liked your work on that one.

When you first started I’ve done some iconic figures painting, about seventeen now and Marilyn was one of years ago, you picked up the JUNE 16, 5–8PM them, when you start thinking brushes to help deal with Wentworth Gallery some unpleasant personal wentworthgallery.com about icons, it’s hard not to immediately be drawn to her. issues you were dealing with I’m also just finishing up a really at that time. These many years later, with where your life is now, has your terrific Jimi Hendrix that I’m very proud of. It’s interesting because I look at what I’m doing today approach changed?

I think my painting, and art in general, is usually and I could not have done it five years ago. a reflection of the person creating. It certainly These many year later, since you started, do was cathartic early on in the sense that I was in a tumultuous situation, a divorce, whereas now it’s you feel more confident and comfortable with only cathartic in that it’s a reflection of how I feel your paintings?

I think most of us, when we first start and who I am. There’s nothing that needs to be something, have a certain shyness or self-doubt vented. There’s just a lot that I want to validate. the validity of what you’re doing outside of it being personal. In the beginning I was painting With your personal life in a much better purely for myself and putting some pieces up in place now, you and your wife have three still relatively young children in the house, does that my house. It wasn’t to exhibit them to others but happiness and satisfaction reflect in your more for me to see them. The proof in that was that I did not sign them. Ultimately people would come recent painting efforts?

I just think that my life in general is a result of a over and were very attracted to them and I ended fighting attitude and a positive outlook that leads up showing them outside of my house which was never the intention. I think the bottom line to a positive outcome. I’m an optimist but not a for me has always been to do what pleases me passive optimist. Passive optimism is insane. It’s as opposed to second guessing what someone believing things are going to turn out well just else wants to see. That has always worked for me because they’re meant to. I’m an optimist in the whether it was music or art. It’s challenging myself sense that I believe it’s in my capacity to make to satisfy myself and when I do that other people my life the way I want it so, with that being said, will feel the same way. If I can do something I like I think I’ve navigated a good course. It hasn’t someone else is going to like it too. always been easy. It’s had its share of bumps but I truly believe that we can make lives for Appearing at Wentworth Gallery, Phipps Plaza ourselves that we deserve. When I look around Saturday, June 16 5–8p.m. RSVP’s are highly me, at my wife, my children, my friends, I feel suggested at phipps@wentworthgallery.com or by very fortunate. As I’ve said before, it’s not based on luck. When I paint I use a lot of vibrant colors calling 404-233-0903. Visit wentworthgallery.com for more info. because I think that there is a validation and

PAUL STANLEY

insiteatlanta.com • June 2018 • PG 11

Summer guide

FILM SCREENINGS

TOWN BROOKHAVEN

Movies on the Town Come on out for the 6th Annual Movies on the Town series at Town Brookhaven Thursdays, June 7th through July 26th!

Movies begin at dusk. This year offers an exciting blend of animated and non-animated movies perfect for families, date nights, girls’ nights, groups of friends and more. Arrive early, grab dinner from one of the area restaurants and eat on the green space. Thursday evening specials are also being offered by several retailers. Areas have been designated for blankets and chairs. No pets, outside food/drinks or coolers. The June Schedule: Ferdinand (June 7); Paddington (June 14); E.T. (June 21) and Clueless (June 28). Visit TownBrookhaven.net/events for full summer schedule or click on the Movies on the Town tab on their Facebook page facebook.com/TownBrookhaven

ATLANTIC STATION

Movies in Central Park Atlantic Station’s outdoor summer movie series, Movies in the Park, is offering free movie screenings each Thursday evening in their Central Park through July 19. Moviegoers can also enjoy meal deals each week from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. from a variety of Atlantic Station restaurants.

Movie screenings will begin at dusk. Pets are welcome. The first four showings are: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (May 31); Pirates of the Caribbean – The Curse of the Black Pearl (June 7); Mean Girls (June 14) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (June 21). Visit AtlanticStation.com for full summer schedule.

FOX THEATRE

Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival The Fox Theatre kicks off its 2018 Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival with a 50th anniversary screening of the cult-classic Night of the Living Dead on Friday, July 27 at 10 p.m. Beyond opening night, the festival will include early and evening shows of family fun such as festival favorite Saturday AM Cartoons, Dreamwork Animation’s Trolls, and sing-a-long showings of Grease and Disney’s Moana. For silver screen classics, the festival will be showing the 50th anniversary of Barbra Streisand’s Funny Girl plus more titles and movie tour opportunities to be announced. For film schedule and ticket information visit the Fox Theatre Ticket Office, online at FoxTheatre. org or by calling 855-285-8499.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

CANDLER PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL

Candler Park • Friday, June 1 & Saturday, June 2 Celebrating 10 years at Candler Park in Atlanta, this year’s two-day event is set to draw PG 12 • June 2018 • insiteatlanta.com

more than 20,000 attendees and will feature live music, local food, crafts and interactive partner experiences. Additional weekend event activities will include a food village filled with local restaurant vendors and food trucks, the exclusive Terrapin Brew Lounge where attendees can experience Terrapin craft brews, and adult field games.

For full line-up and ticket information visit candlerparkmusicfestival.com.

VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND SUMMERFEST

Virginia-Highland Neighborhood Saturday, June 9 & Sunday, June 10 The 35th annual Virginia-Highland Summerfest offers an Artist Market featuring works of over 250 artists and craftsmen from all over the Southeast and beyond.

Summerfest always features delicious food from an array of festival vendors and local restaurants. The Kidsfest offers games, crafts and activities for children of all ages. Live music will be on stage with a variety of local musicians along with nationally acclaimed singer songwriters. Over a 1,000 runners will compete in the Summerfest 5K on Saturday through the neighborhood streets of VirginiaHighland. Visit vahisummerfest.com.

FOOD THAT ROCKS

City Green at Sandy Springs • Saturday, June 9 Food That Rocks serves up bites from Sandy Springs’ best restaurants, wine/beer/cocktail tastes and local, live music. Participating restaurants include: Three Sheets, Breadwinner Cafe & Bakery, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, CalyRoad Creamery, Chef Rob’s Caribbean Cafe, Crafthall Kitchen, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Gio’s CHicken Amalfitano, Hammock’s Trading Company, Hearth Pizza Tavern, Henri’s Bakery & Cafe, Hudson Grille, il Giallo, Kaiser’s Chophouse, Kale Me Crazy, Mandolin Kitchen, Marlow’s Tavern, Nam Kitchen, Roasters, Southern Bistro, Stockyard Burgers, Subzero Nitrogen Ice Cream, Taco Mac, Taqueria Tsunami, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, Under The Cork Tree, Urban Cookhouse. The event is partnering with three Sandy Springs-based charities: Second Helpings Atlanta, Community Assistance Center and The Drake House.

Food That Rocks is a 21-year and older event.

Tickets at FoodthatRocks.org.

DECATUR SUMMER IN THE CITY

Downtown Decatur • Friday, June 15 5-11 pm Grab those sand toys and beach yourself in 80 tons of sand hitting Ponce De Leon Avenue. Kids’ activities will line the boardwalk area, and older kids can tackle the rock climbing wall and other exciting games. Enjoy popup entertainment by the Vintage Vixens, and get funky with DJ Quasi Mandisco. At 8 pm Bogey and the Viceroy return to serve up classic soul, retro rock/pop, and current chart toppers. The eight-piece group, led by New

Orleans native Bogey Thornton, is famous for packed dance floors and good times, so get yourself to the MARTA plaza for some movin’ and groovin’ under the stars. Food trucks, boardwalk fare, local Decatur beers, wine, soft drinks and water will be available for purchase.

Restaurants will be open for business, many with special Summer in the City menu items.

Admission is free, with small fees for face painting, souvenirs, and some of the larger kid’s activities. Proceeds help keep this event, and many others throughout the year, free to the community. More information: decaturdba. com or facebook.com/DecBeachParty.

ATLANTA

SUMMER

BEER

FEST

Historic 4th Ward Park • Saturday, June 16 The Atlanta Summer Beer Fest features over 200 beers from local and other great breweries from all over the country. The event takes place Saturday, June 16 from 4 - 8pm at the Historic Fourth Ward Park. Besides the suds, the Fest also offers a selection of wines. There will be live music and plenty of fun attractions. Be sure to check out their Facebook page to get all of the updates.

Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 after June 7 and $55 the day of the event. Purchase tickets at AtlantaSummerBeerFest.com.

ESCAPE THE NETHERWORLD

2076 West Park Place Blvd. • Stone Mountain All new adventure games brought to you by the folks behind the world famous NETHERWORLD Haunted House. During each experience you and your team will have one hour to explore mysterious rooms, solve clever puzzles and beat the game before time runs out! Expect the same attention to detail and adrenaline inducing fun that you would from their storied haunted house...but without the big scares. Three elaborate rooms to choose from: Sasquatch, Haunted and Nosferatu! Book Your Adventure Now at EscapeTheNetherWorld.com.

DRAGON CON

Downtown Atlanta Labor Day Weekend, • Aug 30 – Sept 3 Dragon Con returns for to Downtown Atlanta for five days over Labor Day weekend.

The convention is held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Hilton Atlanta, Sheraton Atlanta and Westin Peachtree Plaza.

Dragon Con is the largest multimedia, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music and film in the world. Dragon Con boasts close to 40 fan-based tracks, a film festival, parade, art show, comics, pop art exhibits and displays, nightly concerts and parties. Visit DragonCon.org

2018

CONCERTS & PLAYS

FREAKY FRIDAY: A NEW MUSICAL

June 20 – 23 in Piedmont Park Audiences couldn’t get enough of Horizon’s Freaky Friday, and so they’re bringing it back this time for free and under the stars on the large stage in Piedmont Park June 20th through the 23rd. Thousands of free tickets are available to the public. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the two hit Disney movies, is a hilarious and heartfelt update of an American classic in which a mother and daughter really see what it takes to be a family when they experience each other’s lives first-hand for just one freaky Friday. General admission tickets will be available for free for each performance, but must be reserved online in advance. Reserved Seating section tickets are $15 (plus a small service charge) and get you in the reserved seating area up close to the stage. Tickets are available online only at HorizonTheatre.com.

BRIAN SETZER’S ROCKABILLY RIOT!

The Fred Amphitheater in Peachtree City Come dance at the Fred Amphitheater on Saturday, June 16th as Brian Setzer’s Rockabilly Riot! makes a stop on their summer tour in Peachtree City with support from Miss Mary Ann and the Ragtime Wranglers!

Brian Setzer is widely credited for taking two forgotten genres, rockabilly and swing, adding his own blend of gunpowder and rockin’ style, and completely reinventing and single-handedly resurrecting them in the process. Only a 45 minute drive from Atlanta gets you to one of the coolest venues nestled in the woods!

Other shows this summer include: Eddie Money and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas (June 23), Sister Hazel and Edwin McCain (July 14), Creedence Clearwater Revisited (August 3), Departure: A Tribute to Journey (August 25) and Phillip Phillips (September 8). Tickets may be purchased through the Fred website at amphitheater. org or by phone at 877-725-8849.

ABBA THE CONCERT

Thursday, August 16 • Cobb Energy Centre Audiences around the world and press all say that ABBA The Concert is the closest to ABBA you’ll ever get. The riveting show brings one of the greatest pop phenomena back to life.

ABBA The Concert continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see with their fantastic performances. See performed live the most iconic hits from ABBA, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All,” “Waterloo,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” and “Dancing Queen.” Come dance, come sing, having the time of your life at the ultimate tribute celebration!

TV

LIKE FINE WINE

Heather McDonald brings a Juicy Scoop of Pop Culture and Fun to City Winery

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

H

EATHER MCDONALD CAN RIFF on any current pop culture event with ease and a funny impersonation. The actress/comedian/ author is best known for her appearances and writing contributions for the E! series Chelsea Lately. Her twice-weekly Juicy Scoop podcast is one of the most popular of its genre and now she’s taking the show on the road, with stops at every City Winery in the country. INsite spoke with the engaging performer by phone.

You’re coming back to City Winery for two very different shows, your stand-up performance and a live edition of your Juicy Scoop podcast.

Yes, I’m actually on a tour of every City Winery. It’s a great venue for my crowd; they like better foods, better wine and the Wineries are a little bigger than the comedy clubs - with a much better menu. For the first show in Atlanta, I’ll be doing stand-up and [fellow Chelsea Lately writer] Chris Franjola will open for me. Then on Sunday, we’ll do the live version of Juicy Scoop.

sometimes even personal stories. Some of the Scoopers began to organize meetings.

So as a former sorority girl, I went with it and we made a crest and now all these different cities have their own Juicy Scoop sororities where they’ll meet for brunch. A lot of friendships have been formed from it.

In Chicago, someone even made a pledge paddle. But the great thing is that anyone is welcome, and it doesn’t matter what your gender, sexuality or age is. As long as you like Juicy Scoop, you’ll have a good time and make some new friends.

The podcast takes your appearances on Chelsea Lately and expands on the idea.

And the great thing is, I have complete and total control of the content. I really like the format and it’s perfect for any comic. It’s a good way to hone material for the stage. I like the pop culture element, too. So mine is a little different than a regular comic’s show. It appeals to so many people, and a lot of them have never even gone to a stand-up show.

Does it force you to write more material?

It does. I do two shows a week, every Tuesday and Thursday, then I’ll see what people say about it, their It’ll be a multi-media reactions to things we did edition of the show. on there. If someone says, Right, we’ll do hot topics ‘Oh I died when Heather and celebrity news and said this or that,’ I’ll make there’ll be screens on either a note of it. If I tell a long June 9 & June 10 side of the stage. Chris is my story on the podcast and City Winery co-host and we’ll do a lot people really like it, then of improv about the topics, citywinery.com/atlanta I can tighten it, work on some impressions and it and it might become then there’s a q and a. I’m a really strong bit in my working on some special guests for it but stand-up set. Sometimes I’ll get people I’ll keep them a secret for now. But we do a who remember the original story from the little interview and just have a night of fun. podcast and they don’t mind that it’s in a tighter, more jokey way.

For this tour, is there a special Heather McDonald wine?

Your comedy is definitely relatable to a There is! It’s a really good red blend with a wide range of people.

Heather label. I’ve tasted it and it’s great. We It’s great because I know we’re still in don’t sell any other merch but the wine and an age where certain straight men might you can get a signed bottle with go, ‘Oh I don’t like chick comics,’ or the meet and greet package. whatever. But their wives might be listening to the podcast in the Did you choose the blend? morning and their husbands hear Well I really like it, then they’ll bring them along to chardonnay a lot, but I felt the show and they love it. That’s a that a red blend is more huge compliment to me. I know universal. Who doesn’t like I’ve got the girls and some gay a good glass of red wine guys that will love me forever, with a steak or pasta? but when I can win over a straight guy, it’s like Your shows seem to yeah. You don’t even be more of a social have to preference it gathering than a anymore by saying regular evening of she’s a female stand up. comic. You never I’m at a good hear that a male place now because comic is male, people are coming to you just say see me, rather than they’re a comic. just someone who It shouldn’t won some tickets matter. to a comedy club.

Diversity in Over the last couple all levels of of years, I’ve had a entertainment is Facebook group called important and it’s getting Juicy Scoop Obsessed, better. If it’s funny and it’s a closed group for relatable to everyone, people to talk about the then labels don’t matter. podcast, juicy gossip, and

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MUSIC

DIANNE REEVES: MUSICAL CONVERSATION One of America’s Finest Contemporary Jazz Singers Defies Genres

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

T

HOUGH FIRMLY ROOTED IN jazz tradition, Dianne Reeves continues to expand the boundaries of contemporary R&B, pop and world music. Her most recent album Beautiful Life is an all-star celebration of her diverse influences. The collection deftly covers a stunning variety of artists including Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Fleetwood Mac and Ani DeFranco, and was produced by her friend and fellow Jazz Festival performer Terri Lyne Carrington.

In April she received one of music’s highest honors, The National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters award at Kennedy Center. It’s just one of many accomplishments of the busy performer who has collaborated with legendary performers Clark Terry, Harry Belafonte, George Duke and was featured in George Clooney’s 2005 film Good Night and Good Luck.

Currently on a national tour that includes a headlining gig at the Atlanta Jazz Festival and concludes at Carnegie Hall, Reeves spoke with INsite by phone from her home in Colorado.

Last month, you received the Jazz Masters Award at Kennedy Center. Please tell us a little about that honor.

It was so beautiful to be honored with

people like Pat Metheny, Joanne Brackeen, and Todd Barkan. People that you listen to and know, who are out there in this music and trying to keep it moving forward. It was nice to be celebrated for a commitment to a life in this music.

Terri Lyne Carrington was there, too.

She was, and she’s a Jazzmaster in her own right. I call her my little sister. She’s very present in the music and it was nice having her there. She’s so special.

She’s very influential as well.

As a producer, a professor, a mentor, arranger, she’s just a trailblazer. I call her Big Life. What people don’t even know about her is she when she was in high school, she got two Fulbright Scholarships - to MIT and to Harvard. But she would never tell you that. She turned them down because she wanted to study music and she completed Berklee and high school at the same time.

I know Atlanta is very special to you in general but headlining the Jazz Fest must be the icing on the cake.

Yeah! The Atlanta audiences are always so warm and in the progression of the show, they’re right there, with you. You just feel like you’re at home.

People really do go there to actively listen, which is quite different from some of the other big festivals.

Yes - and they participate. They’ll let you know how they feel about what you’re doing.

That’s what this music is about, so I love it.

That interaction is key to the live performance.

It creates the magic. When there’s an intimate exchange going on between the musicians on stage and the audience, it makes it alive and

PG 14 • June 2018 • insiteatlanta.com

it’s a show that’ll never be done again.

When people are a part of the energy and vibration, it makes every show special.

Atlanta was one of the first radio markets that really caught on to your music.

That’s very true. But you know, we’re talking about over 25 years ago now when that happened. Atlanta has such a rich culture and the people are really open and engaged.

different way. We didn’t watch television, we played outside. So the way we interacted with each other was different than it is now.

It was very powerful and all the musicians knew the work of the others. You could hear Aretha Franklin talking about Sarah Vaughn, and Sarah talking about Aretha.

Everyone was very aware of each other. But everybody was unique. From the first note, you’d know who you were listening to.

Your stage presence is unique not only for They’re open to a really diverse line-up on your incredible vocals, but also for the between-song conversation which is just as a show or a festival. musical as the songs. How did you create That’s how I - and I think a lot of people those improvised scatwho are my age - really type vamps? grew up. We’d go to I think it came because concerts and at the time I could perform in front we didn’t even think about May 26 • 9pm of audiences, but I used genre. We were going to a Atlanta Jazz Festival to very nervous about music experience. speaking to them. I found atlantafestivals.com if music was under it, I You grew up in the could improvise and say Denver, Colorado area. anything in any kind of way. That’s how it That’s a major market, so you were came to be; it was just a necessary way for exposed to a number of great shows. me to be able to communicate.

Yeah, you know a lot of times people will ask me what artists are my greatest What do you call that part of the show? influences. I always say, ‘It wasn’t the Well every artist has something unique artists, it was the time.’ Denver had a they bring to the table. I don’t call it small community of African-Americans, anything. You know, necessity is the mother but it was a very tight community. I of invention. It was necessary for me to remember in the ‘60s when the first communicate with my audience so I had to black radio station came on, with Doctor find a way.

Daddy-O and we were hearing the music of Motown and R&B but there was a lot Let’s talk about your time with Harry of country music, too. At that time, jazz Belafonte in the early ‘80s. You said world was very experimental, and you had these music brought you deeper into jazz. He’s a open-air concerts at Red Rocks, up in the world of influences in one person. mountains, a natural amphitheater. I went Absolutely. When I was asked to be a part there and saw The Headhunters and Miles of his group, he’d always presented people Davis, a lot of R&B and just all of this from other countries, mainly vocalists, amazing music out in an open setting. It like Nana Mouskouri and Miriam Makeba. didn’t even matter what kind of music it was, people just went there to enjoy it. I am He’d wanted to do something with an African-American singer and I got selected. so thankful I came up in an amazing time It was quite an experience because he because music was a big part of what was shared his mastery with me and his way of going on socially, too. doing things.

Music in general and the industry You were already recording at that point. in particular has changed so much Yeah, I had my own band and I had my since then. first record out. With my jazz band, we There’s not an industry like I knew were very complicated and complex and it anymore. But a lot of the younger here I come into this situation where words artists can have direct contact with their can have a dual meaning. A lot of his audiences now. They really know how to songs were songs of protest with hidden make that happen. I love that while we meanings in order to communicate with had albums and liner notes, they have this people from all over the world. And he had really beautiful visual experience going on a band that was like the United Nations with images and new ways of expressing of bands. He said, ‘We don’t write out our who they are. I like having the access to all these different universes that people create arrangements, what I want you to do is around themselves. My introduction to jazz pick a group of songs, get together with the came through exposure to world music and band and then you guys come up with the way you want to present the songs.’ now I can pull up all kinds of music from all over the world.

Total artistic freedom. That mindset seems to have informed the varied Your family were very musical and approach that you still utilize today. very creative, including your cousin I loved that freedom! That’s part of the [multi-instrumentalist-singer-producer] tradition of ‘head arrangement’ in jazz.

George Duke.

It’s all encompassing. It did become part They were. If they didn’t play of how I still approach a lot of things instruments, they played great records. It musically. You have all these different was really a way of life. George produced personalities onstage and you want each most of my records on Blue Note and person to contribute to the conversation. my uncle [Charlie Burrell] was the first He was very gracious about performance.

African-American to play with the San He said, ‘If the people are not standing Francisco Symphony and was with the when we finish the show, then we need to Denver Symphony for over 43 years. Back then, imagination ran wild in a totally go back to the drawing board.’

DIANNE REEVES

COMEDY

WANDA GOES THERE

Comedian/Actor/Writer/Producer/Activist Wanda Sykes Delivers the Laughs

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

A

country because of all the craziness.

S THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF You’d think after 50 years, there’d be some the historic Stonewall Riots serious changes in the collective mindset. approaches, Atlanta Pride salutes There have been some, but we still have a long the incident with a series of special events, way to go. including an evening of comedy and activism Yeah. It feels like now we’re in reverse, just with Wanda Sykes and Tig Notaro. The going backwards. show marks the first time the queer icons have performed on a bill together and their But people are continuing to stand up and divergent comedy styles should be equally make a difference. thought-provoking and Yeah and I think those hilarious. The Atlanta Pride Parkland high school kids Committee and The LGBT are incredible. I really think AND TIG NOTARO Institute at The National they’re going to make a big Center for Civil and Human June 20 • 8pm difference and get some Rights are partnering with Fox Theatre stuff done. the Fox Theatre to present foxtheatre.org the show.

You’ll be getting some The Stonewall Pride hilarious work done at the Celebration reflects on a show with Tig. That’s a genius bill. series of spontaneous demonstrations by Yeah, I love Tig. This will be the first time members of New York’s LBGT community in we’ve done a big show together. We both have reaction to a police raid on June 28, 1969 at totally different styles and sensibilities. It’s the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village. really gonna be a fun show.

The gatherings are often cited as the main inspiration of the gay liberation movement, I noticed on your website that you’ll be doing nationwide Pride Parades and the continuing stand-up sporadically during the summer. fight for LGBT rights. Recently INsite spoke With your schedule, I’m surprised you have with Sykes by phone about her return to standthe time to fit in short tours. up, the importance of activism and her current Oh yeah, I’m booking dates. I’ve got a new TV and film projects. hour and working it out and just having a blast with it. I’m finally getting back to doing more Are you excited about your return stand-up. I didn’t really realize how much I’d to Atlanta? missed it. I took off like a year and a half so it’s I love coming to Atlanta. Great city, always great to be getting back out again. a nice audience and good food. I’ve had a lot of good times there. I think the last time I was Will the new material lead to a new special there, I played the Tabernacle. at some point?

I think so. If not by the end of the year, at the The show at the Fox brings attention to the top of next year.

Stonewall uprising which was a pivotal moment in American history.

There are a ton of great comedy specials vying Yeah, I think it’s really cool that they’re for attention now. Do you think we’ve reached bringing attention to it. People in New York a glut of them yet? and all, they know about it but it’s nice to I don’t think so. It might feel like that, but branch out and bring some light to it in we have so many more outlets now. The good Atlanta, also. Especially with the climate of thing about Netflix is specials can just live today, it’s especially timely. there. If you miss something you can always go back.

Today’s events eerily parallel the international drama of the late ‘60s.

You’ve seen so many changes in television Yeah, that’s right. It’s just normal what’s going over the years, both in front of and behind the on. Sometimes I don’t even recognize this camera. What has been the biggest change you’ve experienced?

There’s just so much of it now. Comedy of course, but great dramas, too. And now outlets like Netflix are luring away a lot of people who started out in broadcast television. They’re getting people like Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy, in order to bring that type of cachet to the newer channels. You have so many options of where to take a project now, so networks are having to be a little more flexible to keep up.

WANDA SYKES

You have several different television projects with your own Push It Productions. A couple of unusual game shows and a comedy about a Muslim Model. That sounds pretty unusual.

We were working on a project for ABC with [actress-comedian] Zainab Johnson, which was basically about her life. It went to pilot, but it didn’t get picked up. But we’re working with her on some new things too.

She’s very talented [the 2013 winner of HBO’s American Black Film Festival Comedy Wings Competition, and a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing]. Hopefully we can get something going for her.

You always have a ton of projects going at the same time.

Yeah, I’m on a new show on Comedy Central and I’ll be on a few episodes. It’s called The Other Two. Lorne Michaels’ company is producing it. We just started that. And for TruTV, Talk Show: The Game Show is doing well.

And one very interesting new film, Hurricane Bianca: From Russia With Hate. Tell us about that. The previews look wild.

Oh she is so funny! I saw her doing shows at Cherry’s at Fire Island, so I’ve known her for years. I was so happy that she had so much success on Drag Race. Then when she asked me to do a cameo in her movie, I said sure. It was fun.

Fearless comics, like Pryor, Carlin and you have always challenged authority. Do you feel comedians have that responsibility?

That’s pretty much the job of an artist. It’s what we’re supposed to be doing.

These days people are so easily offended.

Where do you draw the line of good taste?

Well, sexual abuse isn’t funny, or children, or anything that’s really mean-spirited. But my rule is basically if I can make it funny, then it’s ok.

I know you’ll have plenty to talk about in Atlanta with everything that’s going on.

It’s pretty killer right now. I’m like, ‘Ok Wanda, go ahead girl!’ I was at the Improv at

West Palm Beach this past weekend. My wife actually came to the show. She watched it and she was like, ‘My God! You’re really going there.’ She thought it was great because there’s a couple of things I’m talking about, that people go, ‘Oh God no, how is she going to get out of that,’ but then I deliver with a big laugh at the end. She was like, ‘Whew!’ But I think that’s what it’s all about. I love those moments.

ATLANTA PRIDE’S

STONEWALL

CELEBRATIONS

WANDA SYKES TIG NOTARO WEDNESDAY JUNE 20, 2018

FOR TICKETS, VISIT:

FOXTHEATRE.ORG

insiteatlanta.com • June 2018 • PG 15

MOVIES

Movie Reviews

BY STEVE WARREN

DEADPOOL 2 (R)

 You can’t argue with the success of an infinite screenful of superheroes overwhelming their fans, if not their adversary, with PG-13 dialogue and violence; but I prefer a single pottymouthed smart-ass superantihero who’s R for the coarse.

I thought I learned all the dirty jokes in seventh grade but there are enough new ones here, and at the same maturity level, that I could repeat the year with all fresh material. Ryan Reynolds is a repeat offender as Wade Wilson/Deadpool. His shtick works as well the second time, and there’s more of it. There are so many references to other movies, Deadpool 2 should be sponsored by Netflix. Deadpool even addresses Cable, Josh Brolin’s villain, as “Thanos.” Nothing is sacred and most of the things you shouldn’t joke about (racism, cancer, Canada) are joked about. It’s not for the whole family but family is the theme.

Wade’s about to start one with Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) when she’s killed (before the opening credits, so it’s not a spoiler; besides, she’s dead but not gone). Then, as an X-Men trainee, he takes young Russell/Firefist (Julian Dennison), “the first plus-sized mutant,” under his wing, and recruits a batch of wannabes for his own “X-Force.” The serious doesn’t work as well as the funny, and the first Deadpool had much better action scenes; but there are enough quips – and I swear Reynolds is able to show expressions when his face is completely covered by a mask! – that Deadpool 2, if not quite on a par with the first (and critics were debating that point on the way out of the screening), is still strongly recommended.

AMERICAN ANIMALS (R)

 The (very distant) second-most-anticipated heist movie of the month is, I suppose, for those who want to see a movie about a robbery but don’t want it to be committed by women.

I’d recommend instead watching the classics, as four Kentucky college students do here for research when they plan to steal rare art books from a school library. “This is not based on a true story,” an early title (mis)informs us; then “not based on” disappears, leaving us with “This is a true story.” If this doesn’t strike you as clever, quit while you’re ahead. The older, perhaps wiser, real characters appear as themselves in a multiplenarrator gimmick stolen from Richard Linklater’s Bernie. They bear little resemblance to the actors who play them when they were a decade younger. Back in 2004, Warren (Evan Peters) is the mastermind (pardon the exaggeration) who essentially bullies three friends – Spencer (Barry Keoghan), Chas (Blake Jenner) and Eric (Jared Abrahamson) – into joining him in the caper.

It’s occasionally fun to see them do everything wrong, but you mostly feel as stupid as they

look for watching them. Well, if theft or making movies about theft were easy, everybody would do it.

BOOK CLUB (PG-13)

1/2 Book ‘em, Dano. Book four over-the-hill actresses we don’t see enough of, then raise the hill so they’re not over it yet. You shouldn’t expect too much of a movie like this, and Book Club delivers what you should expect – a Lifetime sitcom with occasionally amusing material that’s beneath the stars’ dignity, including dirty jokes which despite being told by seniors, are as juvenile as those in Deadpool 2, but not as funny.

Diane (Diane Keaton), Vivian (Jane Fonda), Sharon (Candice Bergen) and Carol (Mary Steenburgen) have been friends for “over 40 years” (the film’s catchall phrase for referencing the past, even though Diane cites her specific age and Vivian jokes about hers). All but Vivian have been married. Carol still is (to Craig T. Nelson); Diane is recently widowed and Sharon long divorced. Vivian decides to spice up her friends’ lives by choosing Fifty Shades of Grey for their monthly book club. Soon Diane is flirting with a pilot (Andy Garcia), Sharon is hooking up with two men (Richard Dreyfuss, Wallace Shawn) via an online dating site and Carol is spiking her husband’s beer with Viagra. Most surprisingly of all, Vivian reconnects with a flame (Don Johnson) from over 40 years ago. A movie like this has to deliver four happy endings, however many clichés it goes through to get there. It won’t win any awards but it will give fresh hope to women of a certain age with its preaching that it ain’t over ‘til it’s over and we should all live while we’re alive.

THE SEAGULL (PG-13)

 I’m not a fan of Anton Chekhov, so if this were a good adaptation of his play I still wouldn’t be wildly enthusiastic about it; but at least I’d feel guilty. No guilt here. It begins in Moscow in 1904, then moves to the country and, while we’re trying to figure out who all those people are, flashes back two years without informing us (although we’re notified an hour or so later when the flashback ends). Irina (Annette Bening), a diva of Moscow theater, is summoned home because her brother Sorin (Brian Dennehy) may be dying. She brings along her lover, successful playwright Boris (Corey Stoll), who develops a crush on Nina (Saoirse Ronan), the budding actress who’s dating Irina’s son, aspiring playwright Konstantin (Billy Howle), who’s lusted after by Masha (Elisabeth Moss), who’s pursued by the local schoolteacher. Masha’s belatedly identified as the daughter of the housekeeper, Polina (Mare Winningham). The elitists bemoan not being able to afford more horses yet still look down on the working class. These Russians all speak with American accents and filming was

HEARTS BEAT LOUD

PG 16 • June 2018 • insiteatlanta.com

DEADPOOL 2

done in upstate New York, so why not move the story to America and make Irina a Broadway star? It couldn’t be any more ridiculous. Bening is magical in the scene where she fights to keep Boris from leaving her, but otherwise fails to rise above the material, even when she mocks her son’s pretentious play: “I think this is supposed to be high art.” I know how she feels.

HEARTS BEAT LOUD (PG-13)

 “This is a mood piece. It just has to have feeling.

This has feeling.” So says Frank Fisher (Nick Offerman) as he and daughter Sam (Kiersey Clemons) prepare to record a song that could change their lives during a “jam sesh” at home.

Frank is about to close his Brooklyn record store because Leslie (Toni Collette), his landlady, has been forced to raise the rent. Sam is preparing to go to UCLA in pre-med but has just started a potentially serious relationship with a Brooklyn girl (Sasha Lane). Frank’s wife and musical partner died over a decade ago in a cycling accident, and his mother’s (Blythe Danner) dementia is turning her into a shoplifter. Posted to Spotify, the title song attracts attention to the father-daughter band, and Leslie shows signs of becoming more than a landlady to Frank. With so much going on, no one has time to care that Sam is a biracial lesbian. (It’s Brooklyn. You got a problem wit dat?) Otherwise, nothing has changed in 35 years as Dave (Ted Danson, a former Sam) presides over the neighborhood bar. There are cheers but few tears as Brett Haley’s film wears its Hearts on its sleeve. But speaking of elements of vinyl packaging, there’s a grievous error in set design. At home Frank keeps his record collection in flat stacks instead of standing on end, as they are in the store. No one who knows anything about records would do that. Otherwise, Hearts Beat Loud is a sweet indie that has feeling.

LET THE SUNSHINE IN (NR)

1/2 ( for Juliette Binoche’s performance) I don’t know how many expressions the human face is capable of, but I’ll bet Juliette Binoche exhibits most of them at some point in Let the Sunshine In. It’s an amazing showcase for an actress who deserves one. She plays Isabelle, a middle-aged divorcee who’s looking for love in all the wrong faces. She sends mixed signals to every man she talks to, even a cab driver on a simple ride; and she sleeps with so many of them we wonder when she ever sees the daughter of whom she shares custody. Among her men are a married banker she can’t get rid of; an actor who drinks – or is he a drinker who acts? – who can’t make up his mind about anything; an uneducated type she meets in a sexy dance to one of cinema’s most overplayed songs, Etta James’ “At Last” (the singer’s face also adorns Isabelle’s wall – coincidence?); and her ex-husband, of whom

she can’t quite let go. The woman needs help and appears to get it from Gerard Depardieu in a final scene, with an ironic twist, that continues through the closing credits. Claire Denis’ film has been described as a romantic comedy, perhaps by sadists. I don’t remember laughing once at this sad tale of a woman who searches for love without finding it. Despite the downbeat nature of the material I was in constant awe of what Binoche does with it – a performance for the ages!

LET THE SUNSHINE IN THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW (NR)

 A huggable indie that could spur a punk revival (hell yeah!), this dramedic first feature by Peter Livolsi follows two teenage boys as they come out of their respective bubbles to form a friendship and a band. Sebastian (Asa Butterworth) has been living with his grandmother (Ellen Burstyn) since his parents died in a plane crash. Their home, which doubles as a tourist attraction, is a geodesic dome designed by R. Buckminster Fuller, the mid-20th-century futurist whose philosophies pop up unexpectedly here to solve problems. Nana, a disciple of Bucky’s, domeschools Sebastian; so he doesn’t get out much and lacks socialization. Jared (Alex Wolff) had a heart transplant a year ago and exertion is risky for him. As their bromance develops, there’s also a chance of romance between Sebastian and Jared’s promiscuous sister, Meredith (Maude Apatow, Judd’s daughter). There’s a possibility that this could be another “terminal teen” movie; or it could be a fantasy where guys suddenly develop musical skills (don’t expect too much skill) and a drummer appears out of nowhere to join in their first gig. It’s certainly a story of a young man choosing between two distinct paths as he moves forward in life, and I’d recommend taking the path that leads you to this movie.

See the rest of our movie reviews at insiteatlanta.com/movies.asp

MUSIC

BIRD ON THE WIRE

Yardbirds’ Founder Jim McCarty on His Book, Album and Legendary Career

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

O

Well I had no idea I was ever gonna make a living playing music. Or that it was gonna carry on until I was in my 70s. It was a very small world as I grew up, so going to the US was very special to me. It was a huge, spacious place compared to little old [London suburb hometown] Teddington.

NE OF THE MOST INTERESTING and experimental bands of the British Invasion was The Yardbirds. The blues-injected combo debuted without a name in 1963 and dissolved five years later as a major conduit between quirky English pop, psychedelia and the bombastic hard rock attack of America is often cited as the promised land for English Led Zeppelin. musicians, especially from the British Invasion.

Since its inception, the band’s roster rapidly changed with Exactly. We saw it on TV and in films, in the Westerns versions featuring guitarists Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy and gangster movies and on the television shows so it really Page. But co-founder/drummer Jim McCarty - now the sole was the promised land for us. Of course, for me more than original member - has kept the pace for every incarnation. From anything else, it was the music that came from there. the group’s late ’68 demise to the project’s revival in the early ‘90s, he also founded several avant-garde/progressive As a blues fan, it must have been a thrill to bands including Renaissance and Illusion. finally visit the birthplaces of the sounds that Now on tour with his current Yardbirds, first influenced you as a kid.

McCarty is also stepping from behind his drum It was fantastic! Coming to Chicago and kit with a flurry of recent releases. Nobody Told Tennessee and Mississippi and seeing all Tuesday, June 19 Me! is an interesting autobiography and Walking those places.

City Winery In The Wild Land is an engaging solo disc that citywinery.com/atlanta When your generation of musicians was finds the affable Englishman in acoustic-tinged singer-songwriter mode. For archivists, last year growing up, the BBC had such an openJimmy Page remixed and released Yardbirds ’68 ended format for everything - except the blues. on his own label, offering a definitive, band-approved edition of You’d hear the early hits like Buddy Holly or the Everly the group’s transitional final performances from five decades ago. Brothers and big bands and all that, but definitely not The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer spoke with INsite by phone the blues. from Toronto for a wide-ranging conversation.

That must have made it even more appealing to you because Nobody Told Me! contains a number of historic revelations that it was like an underground movement. even hardcore Anglophiles probably don’t know.

It was! It was sort of the alternative movement. You had to Well that was the idea. I ended up working with Dave find the right record shops in order to buy it. Blues records Thompson who has done a few of these-type books before. Being were usually in the jazz shops.

English, he’d been through a lot of the same experiences as me.

Even now I keep thinking of more things we didn’t put in.

I still think it’s interesting that the Brits latched onto American blues and R&B long before it was as popular in While looking back on your life for the book, were there any the States. surprises that really stood out?

Yeah and it became a sort of fashionable thing. People like

THE YARDBIRDS

Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies and the Rolling Stones really got it going. Then the next wave, like us and The Kinks and The Who, really caught on to it. It was all from black music like Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters.

There’s a great story in the book about The Yardbirds waiting until midnight to record with Sam Phillips in Memphis.

Yes, he’d gone fishing. There are a lot of funny little things like that; over time they become part of history. While waiting, [Yardbirds’ vocalist and harmonica player] Keith [Relf] got a bit drunk and Sam said, ‘Everybody else is ok, but you’ll have to get rid of that singer.’

I heard that Keith came up with the band name.

I didn’t know Keith was gonna say, ‘Oh, we’re The Yardbirds.’

I’d never heard it before he said it after the show. I think he’d found it in a Beat Generation book, something like On The Road. Yardbirds were the guys who lived in the railyards and hitched on the steam trains.

What did you think of it?

But it was like hearing Jeff Beck play that riff on “Over Under Sideways Down.” You hear it for the first time and it’s very odd. Then it starts to sort of sit with you and all-of-a-sudden it makes sense.

BAND ON A MISSION

Styx’ Latest Recalls the Best of their ‘70s Concept Albums

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

I

N THE ‘70S AND EARLY ‘80S, THE music of Styx was inescapable. But as times and tastes changed, the venerable Chicago-born act weathered every possible fad. Their infectious brand of anthemic guitar and keyboard-driven progressive rock has secured a permanent spot on the musical consciousness of every generation to follow.

With chart-topping singles including “Lady,” “Babe,” “Too Much Time On My Hands” and “Mr. Roboto” anchoring their thoughtprovoking conceptual rock albums, the band sold millions of records at their creative peak.

Last year, bucking the modern track-driven market, the group released The Mission. The enthralling 45-minute concept album details a phantasmagoric trip to Mars. It’s arguably their best overall work since Pieces Of Eight, released 40 years ago this fall.

INsite spoke with “The Godfather” of Styx, guitarist and songwriter James “JY” Young, the group’s only constant member from an impressive career that began in 1972.

You’ve been a part of Styx since the very beginning. As a founder, do you think it’s time for some Hall Of Fame recognition?

Well, it’s not keeping me up at night. I mean, The Moody Blues just got in. Chicago, who are just ten years ahead of us, they finally got in.

We may never get there but I just love what I do. It brings joy to me and to the people we’ve touched over the years. I still love to wind up the machine.

You’ve got a strong new record to support on the tone that Styx is still writing great rock this tour. songs. Then we get a chance to sandwich In terms of print reviews, it’s the bestsome other things into the set as it goes along, reviewed record we’ve ever had! I think it’s before we get around to “Renegade” and going to continue to grow for us. I go back to “Come Sail Away.” In a three-act show, the the song “Halleluiah,” by Leonard Cohen. We time is a little limited, but The Mission will met him on a promotional album tour back still have a few moments. in the ‘80s. He had a record out It’s definitely a [1984’s Various ‘70s record. And Positions], the that, from me, one that had is high praise. that song on Well, that was it. And it went our goal in 2003 nowhere. Cut with Cyclorama, to 2018, it’s the but we couldn’t most covered get arrested on song, perhaps radio with it. of all time. It In our heyday, started slow and then built one company didn’t own half over time. That’s the way JOAN JETT & THE the radio stations in America.

I see The Mission. I credit Now you have two guys in BLACKHEARTS my partner [Styx guitarist/ Texas programming the whole AND TESLA vocalist] Tommy Shaw for country. In the old days, if June 16 • 9pm it. He has a way to find the you couldn’t get played in St. Verizon Amphitheatre humanity in everything.

Louis, you might get on in vzwamp.com Kansas City and then St. Louis How much of it can you fit might take notice and put you into the live show? on, then it builds. But I get it, Well the people who are buying tickets want that’s not how it works now. Some people may to hear the hits and they’d be disappointed sell millions of records and we may sell 60,000. if they don’t hear them. But the great thing But over time, I definitely have Leonard about The Mission is the opening track, Cohen hopes for it.

“Gone, Gone, Gone.” My guitar riff starts the record and that’s how we start the show.

You’ve weathered the ‘70s prog backlash, punk, New Wave, the MTV era, grunge, hipBoom. Two minutes and it’s over. But it sets

STYX

hop and rap - so you’ll probably survive.

I always liken it to Frank Sinatra. He began as a pop star but he remained a major concert draw until the end of his life. A lot of the American blues artists enjoyed the same kinda thing. We’re in the same spot, I think. We broke up in ’83 and then had a reunion tour in ’96. We weren’t sure just how it’d go, but our manager, Charlie Brusco from Atlanta, he said we’d probably do 10-to-15,000 a night.

But then we did 15-to-20,000 people a night, across the country. I think people want to come out and hear this music live because it brings back some incredibly fond memories of their misspent youth.

But it’s not just nostalgia. You have a new wave of fans at this point.

It’s strange. I’m hearing more about people in their twenties who love Styx. They’re playing Styx songs on whatever jukebox devices they have now in bars. That wasn’t happening ten years ago. But for whatever reason, it’s happening now.

That’s the goal of any band - to be heard.

And social media obviously helps.

Well yeah, now if one fan likes a song, they might tell a thousand people about it on their Facebook page or by Tweeting it out.

We were the best-kept secret and then social media made it possible for those with an open mind to hear us everywhere. It’s great to know that from every generation there are a lot of people who want to hear us play are songs. insiteatlanta.com • June 2018 • PG 17

MUSIC

ROCKETT INTO SUMMER

Poison’s Rickki Rockett - at the Pinnacle of Good Times, Bad Times

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

E

MERGING AT THE PEAK OF THE MID-‘80S glam-rock renaissance with their album Look What The Cat Dragged In, Poison rode the burgeoning hair-metal wave to incredible success. By conservative estimates, the band has sold over 45 million records internationally - with over 15 million in the United States alone.

They haven’t released a record since 2007, but they continue to be a major draw on the big shed circuit, revisiting the hits - including “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Talk Dirty To Me,” and “Unskinny Bop” - and a few choice covers. Often they hit the road with some like-minded friends in tow. For their current “Nothin’ But A Good Time” tour, the original line-up of Poison - singer and reality TV-star Bret Michaels, guitarist CC Deville, bassist Bobby Dall and drummer Rikki Rockett - have able support from Cheap Trick and Pop Evil.

During a recent break from a grueling 12-hour rehearsal, Rockett spoke with INsite about the band, the tour and almost two years of cancer-free rocking.

The “Nothin’ But a Good Time” tour isn’t false advertising. You can’t go wrong with Cheap Trick on the bill.

I just love those guys. Awesome players and songwriters.

What can you say? They’re legendary. You’re definitely going to get a few hours of hits, there’s no question about it.

There’s not even time for a bathroom break or a drink run.

Except during my drum solo, but I’ll try to keep it interesting to prevent that.

The hallmark of a Poison show is consistently great coheadliners, whether it’s Def Leppard or even the New York Dolls on the bill.

Yeah, it was a good surprise having the Dolls along a few years ago. Motley Crue put them on. I had known [former Atlanta resident] Sylvain Sylvain for a while because I did a remake of “Trash” on my covers record. He loved it so I got to know him a little bit.

know if I want to be doing that right now.

It’s very time consuming.

It is and I loved it. I really liked working with other drummers, coming up with ideas for them and designing their stuff. I think I’ve got a good eye for design but the rest of it is just sheer work, out-and-out hustle. The crew had to go on to other jobs while I was away from it.

You mentioned your heath. You’ve been cancer-free for nearly two years now. That experience obviously changes your priorities.

(Laughs) Oh you have no idea! That was a scare, let me tell you. Treatment didn’t work the first time around. I thought I was gonna be cured and then it didn’t work. But thank God for immunotherapy. That was the thing that worked for me. I’ve become such an advocate for it. I’ve helped a lot of people get on those trials and we’ve raised money to do more trials and save more lives.

POISON CHEAP TRICK & POP EVIL

You mentioned your solo album, Glitter 4 Your Soul. That was 2003. Any plans for a new one?

June 5 • 7pm You’re a good spokesman for it and You know, I talked to the bassplayer, Verizon Amphitheatre people might take your word for it, Chuck Garric, he’s with Alice Cooper and vzwamp.com moreso than from a doctor. he’s done a few gigs with my other band Well that’s true but they need the Devil City Angels. He wants to do it. But doctor’s backing. The thing is, this is right now, the Angels have a new song called “Testify.” We’re gonna shoot a video for it when we’re real medicine, it’s not some wacko fringe therapy. The good thing about it is that it’s an option for doctors now, in Nashville, then we’ll release it. rather than just doing another round of chemo. I’d like to see people try it right out of the gate and not even You’re known for a love of motorcycles, but you’re bother with the standard affair, maybe just do this. Chemo branching out by designing a line of accessories and radiation sucks, I’ll tell you that right now. The for the lifestyle with Fallen Angel Customs, www. immunotherapy does not. Very little side effects. I really fallenangelcusomsnet. think we’re gonna live to see this, man. We are gonna live When I was going through the cancer stuff and trying to see people being cured routinely. to get into remission, my girlfriend and I were constantly thinking about the things we were gonna do when I got Right. There’ll come a time when cancer isn’t a death better. Even when I wasn’t better, we were still trying. We went camping and just stayed busy. We decided we wanted sentence.

Not at all. I’m almost two years in remission now. The to accessorize all those ideas. highest recurrences are within the first two years. I’m kinda at a pinnacle now, so that’s good.

How do you describe the line?

They say, ‘Find your road and choose your dreams.’ So Does beating cancer affect the way you play? it’s stuff for adventure, whatever kind of adventure that Oh yeah, definitely. Last year at this time, I was only a might be. Not necessarily motorcycles, but it’s all about year in and I was thinking it could come back. And it could. wandering off the beaten path. Just get out there and don’t You know, anything can happen. I could get a different even think about where you’re going. cancer, any of us could. But I really did begin to take this all in and appreciate it even more than ever. It’s made me slow So this takes precedence over Rockett Drum Works? Are certain things down and speed other things up. I do like to you still involved with that at all?

It takes so much energy to keep a company like that going stop and smell the roses a little more, but at the same time, and I didn’t have it. I might do it again, but to put up shop, I think I have a little less patience with people who don’t fire up a business and teach everybody about it, I just don’t deliver, you know what I mean? ‘Oh, I’m gonna do this or PG 18 • June 2018 • insiteatlanta.com

that.’ If they don’t - well, I’m done with ‘em. I used to be too forgiving with all those things. So certain things I’m less patient with and other things, I’m even more patient with.

We’re both surrounded by people who are, let’s say, not exactly reliable.

Yes! And you know what, man? You really learn who your friends are. I know you’ve heard that before, but it’s true.

People will avoid you like they’re gonna catch it from you or something.

Your real friends won’t run away, they’ll be there for you.

Exactly. Sometimes you just need somebody to talk to and hang out with a little bit.

But sometimes they don’t know the right things to say, even in passing.

I wanna tell people that when somebody’s gone through something like this, please don’t give them examples of people that didn’t make it! ‘Oh, I had a sister with cancer and she didn’t make it.’ Oh yeah, that’s what I want to hear when I’m going through it. People will actually say stuff like that!

There are so many misconceptions about cancer or any sort of serious illness.

So many. But I will say: parents, get your child vaccinated with the HPV vaccine. Your son or daughter can get various kinds of cancer from HPV. It’s nothin’ to mess around with. If you think they’re not gonna have sex, you’re wrong. It’s not going to stop them, so just do it in case. You can even get it from deep kissing now, so nobody’s safe. But get the vaccine and it’ll make you a hell of a lot safer. That’s my public service announcement.

On a happier note, what is the dynamic of a band of healthy men in their 50s - as opposed to a bunch of 20-something glam-rockers prowling the late-night Hollywood club scene?

Well, we don’t hit each other - as much. It’s tough, though. As you mature, you get more baggage - so you have to handle it. If we’d had this much baggage when we were 23, we would have destroyed the band in a day. You have to learn how to handle all these things as time goes on.

A lot of time has passed since the most recent Poison album. Over a decade now.

It’s been way too long and I’m very much ready to do something else. I really hope we do. But listen, people release singles now; it’s like the ‘50s all over again. So the old dogs are just tryin’ to figure out what the new dogs already know. I don’t have anything to formerly announce right now, but we have talked about it.

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