Has the “No Texting” while driving law gone into effect yet? I was knee-driving down Vineville Avenue this week while texting with my left hand & with my right: making notes on the laptop that was sitting in passengers seat. Life is just too TOO right now. Too many balls in the air, too many hours working my fingers to the bone, too few coins in the bank, too many unpaid bills, too many demands by too many people, too many thoughts to sleep at night…it’s just too hellish. There’s a war going on … and I’m way too old to be drafted. Too many replays of “Life During Wartime” by the Talking Heads running through my head.

“The sound of gunfire, off in the distance
I’m getting used to it now
Lived in a brownstone, lived in the ghetto
I’ve lived all over this town.”
This aint’ no Party! This ain’t no Disco! This ain’t no Fooling Around! This ain’t no Mudd Club, or CBGB. I ain’t got time for that now.” – The Talking Heads

“THE HASTY HEART” @ Theatre Macon is a must-see. I went to the final dress rehearsal last night and just have to say, GO SEE IT! “Cute Boys in Pajamas” was a quip I heard from a spectator that I couldn’t resist quoting. Set in a ‘40s British military hospital during World War II, the play is humorous yet poignant. A heart-rendering scene between “Yank” Anthony Ennis & “Lachie” Phillip Herbert may bring a tear so bring a small tissue. $18. For Tickets: 478-746-9485.

The Grand Opera House hit two home runs this past week. The Bryan Adams Bare Bones concert was simple & intimate. And quite frankly, PERFECT. Bryan Adams, his guitar & a piano player were amazing. The simplicity was followed up by Broadway hit “Avenue Q” – the risqué muppet puppets confronted racism & sexuality head-on. Bravo to The Grand for bringing these both to Macon.

My Bite of the week: Lemongrass Thai Bistro’s Crab Cakes. These crabby patties are YUMalicious and perched atop a spiced veggie slaw. The Fabulous Bastard cocktail was a nice pairing!

A SCAD professor friend of mine, John Bennett, turned me on to this new “wave” of music style called Chillwave. The indie rock movement is apparently all the rage with “the kids.” And to be perfectly honest … I need a wave of chill. Yoga Moga take me away!

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Iconic Atlanta stripper “Blondie” is crawling down from atop the bar @ The Clermont Lounge and walking into the world of documentary films. “AKA BLONDIE” film benefit concert. Friday, May 21st. Eyedrum.

“The Mystery of Edwin Drood” @ Macon Little Theatre. Directed by Sylvia Haynie & Laura Voss. Through May 23rd. For Tickets call 478-477-3342.

The comedy/drama “The Hasty Heart” comes to Theatre Macon. May 21st – 29th. For Tickets call: 478-746-9485.

Molly Stevens’ Farewell to Macon concert @ The SoChi Gallery. Saturday, May 22nd. 8pm. $10.

Hayiya Dance Theatre presents “DISCOVERY” @ The Douglass Theatre. Saturday, May 22nd @ 7pm. $10. For Tickets call: 478-960-4206.

Ty Herndon in concert. Accompanied by Maconite Deborah Hightower. Saturday, May 22nd. 7p @ the Cox Capitol Theatre. Tickets: $15 in advance, $18 @ the door.

DubConscious @ Cox Capitol Theatre. Saturday, May 29th. 8pm.

Remember the ‘80s & ‘90s hair band Skid Row? Well, they are coming to Macon’s Asylum. Friday, June 4th. $20. “I Remember You”

Batter Up! Get your Season Tickets to Macon’s Pinetoppers Baseball.

Become a Part of Macon Man Comic

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

I have gone off the deep end! I’ve taken a nosedive right into the funny papers. “Go Speed Racer, Go!” driving down an avenue of art & commerce and picking up a few hitchhiking superheroes along the way.

Famed comic illustrator Craig Hamilton & I have created Macon Man Comics, a syndicated comic strip set in the real city of Macon, Georgia.

Craig is a veteran of the comic world with a flair for the superhero. I’m, well, “The Fabulous Bastard” who’s banking on the fact that I still have a little Pied Piper left in me. What we both share is a love of Macon, Georgia and and a cocktail named after us @ Lemongrass Thai Bistro! Together we want to promote Macon in a comically-delicious way “to Macon & Beyond!” Details on the comic are forthcoming …

To build a little hype we started “comicizing” people … it’s taken off and folks have begun clamoring to be “Comicized!” Requests have come from as far away as Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles and Paris, France. The comicization movement can be witnessed by going to the Macon Man Comics page.

Thank you to Congressman Jim Marshall for inviting me to be a judge for the Congressional Art Competition @ Warner Robins Air Force Base last Saturday. Congrats to the top 3 winning artists: Aaron Cole, Kyle Hensel & Sarah Hollifield.

Betty White became a Legend on Saturday Night Live! The Census and the NPR skits will make her & her muffin unforgettable! Thanks to the Facebook movement to have her host. Now, can Facebook start a movement to have her become a permanent cast member?

Getting screwed over by “SOMEBODY” you thought you knew really “CUTS LIKE A KNIFE.” I will get over it “THIS TIME.” Join me Friday night at The Grand Opera House as singer Bryan Adams takes the stage. $35, $50 & $75.

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Maconite Nancy Grace will begin shooting her new TV show in Midtown Atlanta. “Swift Justice with Nancy Grace” is looking for audience members. For Free Tickets go to: www.swiftjustice.com/tickets

Queue for the “Q.” The Muppets meet Southpark Broadway smash AVENUE Q @ The Grand Opera House. Sunday, May 16th & 17th. $43-$47. For Tickets, call 478-301-5470.

If you are at home on Sunday night, tune in to Extreme Makeover Home Edition on ABC. Former Maconite Dwayne Bass designed & created the furniture & artwork for the made-over home. Sunday, May 16th @ 8pm.

Celebrate the 1st Anniversary of Lemongrass Thai Bistro. Monday, May 17th. Chef Tom will be preparing a special menu for the celebration. Thai Curry Puffs & Cocktails @ 6:30 pm. Dinner begins @ 7pm. $47/person. “Fabulous Bastard” not included. For reservations call: 478-257-6464

Ty Herndon in Concert. Accompanied by Maconite Deborah Hightower. Saturday, May 22nd. 7p @ the Cox Capitol Theatre. Tickets: $15 in advance, $18 @ the door.

Burning the Candle at both ends? Stressful times call for innerpeaceful measures. Work on your bliss @ Yoga Moga. Downtown’s newest yoga studio is located at 505 Second Street.

Batter Up! Get your Season Tickets to Macon’s Pinetoppers Baseball.

Macon-filmed “STUCK!”will have it’s New York premiere on Friday, June 26th @ VisionFest Tickets go on sale May 17th.

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

A complete stranger approached me on the street this week and asked me to sign his car with a permanent marker. So, I did. Bumpers really are good real estate.

What a difference a blog post makes! Last week’s “SoChilite” post landed me on Atlanta TV. Thank you to Jan Hickel, producer of FOX 5’s “Good Day Atlanta” for reading! The Kentucky Derby Party @ the Cox Capitol Theatre caught the attention of the producer and Short story, Way Short: the next morning at 7am I was @ Chastain Horse Park doing a little Derby Talk with the Road Warrior host Stacey Elgin. I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship because Macon, GA has a lot of great things to promote to their Atlanta audience!

Did you Derby? The Cox Capitol Theatre’s Kentucky Derby Party was a “Topper!” The Hats, the Horse, the Jockey, the Roses, the Grass, the Race, the DJ. I have to give a HUGE thank yous to Petals Flowers & More for the amazing hats, flowers & rose blanket that adorned the million dollar steed, Laddie, who was graciously donated for the event by Nancy Sealy & Sid Perryman of Red Oak Stables. Thank you to Ruthie Sullivan who adorned the jockey silks. It was a sight to behold….a horse & jockey on Second Street in Downtown Macon! Love it! Congratulations to Super Saver, the winner of the 136th Kentucky Derby. The race was followed by the derby-licious tunes spun by Mark Andrews of A-Team Productions.

Macon songstress Molly Stevens is a goin’ to Nashville at the end of May and Macon will be the lesser for it….but, she’ll be representing us well! She’s blazin’ out a town soon but you can catch her Thursday, May 6th at The Hummingbird. 9pm.

Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday! Hey Mom, I want to take you to the College Hill Corridor’s Second Sunday @ Washington Park. Please talk Dad into coming with us!

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Macon Arts’ First Friday Opening. Friday, May 7th @ 5p. Opening Reception: “Landscapes and Living Rooms.” The exhibit features landscape-inspired paintings by Carol King Pope, Gene Kelly and Daly Smith; as well as outdoor art works by Zoe Alexandra and Jim Bodell. Meet the artists and be the first to see the show!

Casting Call. The Florida State University Film School, in conjunction with the Theatre Macon Youth Actors’ Company, is seeking children, teens and young adults to fill a variety of available roles in short films to be produced this summer.

Casting Call: Saturday, May 8th @ Theatre Macon 10am – 2pm. Arrive early. Roles are available for males, ages 6 – 13, and females, ages 6 – 20. All films will be shot in and around Tallahassee, Florida. Synopses of the films seeking actors are available by emailing Rebecca Drummond at red09@fsu.edu.

Stage Play “When A Man Loves a Woman.” Sunday, May 9th @ 7:30pm. Macon City Auditorium. For Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com

Alzheimer’s “Celebration of Champions” Tuesday, May 11th. Doors Open @ 6pm. Event @ 7pm. This year’s honoree is Neva Fickling. Tickets: $40

Celebrate the 1st Anniversary of Lemongrass Thai Bistro. Monday, May 17th. Chef Tom will be preparing a special menu for the celebration. Thai Curry Puffs & Cocktails @ 6:30 pm. Dinner begins @ 7pm. $47/person. “Fabulous Bastard” not included. For reservations call: 478-257-6464

Get your Season Tickets to Macon’s Pinetoppers Baseball.

Pig in a Pit BBQ fan, Jane Wiedlin of the GO-GO’s & star of the Macon-filmed “STUCK!”, is starring in a new comic “Lady Robotika” that lands in book stores on July 14th. Find it in Macon @ Comics Plus & Avalon Comics & Games.

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!