Pass the stress ball, I need a squeeze. I’m finding that the candle has more than “both ends” because I’m burning from several different directions. I need to mouth breathe….deep inhales.

An escape to the island of Tybee is just what I needed….thank you to Stacye & Lannie Jarrell for the over the top “cottage.” Actually, I’m down here for a meeting with uber publicist Toren Anderson & author Bernie Schein about creating some upcoming events in Macon. More on that as it unfolds.

Reflection over the past few weeks is enough to put me into a fetal position…let me pull out my SoChi Popcorn & quickly recap.

The 2010 Macon Film Festival has proven that to be the REAL Reel Thing! A-list talent, amazing independent films, national press and filmmakers from all over the country resulted in sell-out crowds proving that this little fest is a force that is only going to continue to grow in the years to come. Once again retaining our title of the “Friendliest Little Film Festival” in the country, “Hollywood” has taken note and tasted the MAGAtini. This is just another example of what diligent networking reaps.

A huge thank you to my fellow festival board members who work their asses off to turn this event into the major success it has become: Tony Long, Tabitha Walker, Elliott Dunwody, Stephanie Shadden, Cindy Hill, Priscilla Esser, Craig Coleman, Julie Wilkerson, Sylvia Boykin, Blaine Whittle, Tony Long, Jr. and the maven of the MAGAtini: BJ Dunwody! Thanks also to actors Jack McBrayer & Illeana Douglas for attending this years fest. Upping the cool factor was the first ever MAGA iChat with actress Carrie Preston following the screening of her film That Evening Sun.

Following the fest was a serious case of the zombieidous, but no time for dying. The 11^th Hour’s Reader’s Choice Awards had me presenting and the SoChi Boutique Warehouse Sale had me trying to avoid a stampede of over 600 people.

All this makes a boy hungry…and no better place to quench those hunger pains than by attending C&S Seafood & Oyster Bar’s launch of their Spring Menu. If you’ve not tried it…go. No question this is one of Atlanta’s best.

Planning & keeping in the zone. SoChi Services is going fashion crazy, cooking up a mystery and on the prowl of a howl in NYC. Stay Tuned.

SEE: THE CRAZIES filmed in Middle Georgia.

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Cox Capitol Theatre’s annual Lawnmower Race @ Amerson Water Works Park. March 20^th & 21^st.

Cherry Blossom Fashion Show @ the City Auditorium. March 25^th. $35/person

A Taste of Bert’s Bistro @ Lemongrass Thai Bistro. March 30^th @ 7pm. A Five course wine-paired dinner by Alan Bass.

SoChi Services is cooking up a mystery! On April 22^nd we will be launching an underground dinner event called the SoChilicious Supper Club. The location will be kept secret until the night of the event. Remember the Raves of the 80’s? well, SoChi Services are bringing them back…only this time, the ecstasy will be the cuisine.

Pull out the big (water) guns and head to Tybee Island for the 2010 Beach Bum Parade . Friday, May 21^st.

“Well I just got into town about an hour ago.  Took a look around, see which way the wind blow.  Where the little girls in their Hollywood bungalows?”

And it seemed like an hour was all we were there.  A flock of Maconites flew out to L.A. for the Hollywood premiere of the film “STUCK!”

This was the shortest trip I’ve ever taken to California (like 29 hours)…but it was packed with good times.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Walking down the tourist trap that is Hollywood Blvd on the Hollywood Walk of Fame & finding the star of Melvyn Douglas.  Douglas is the only academy award winning actor to hale from Macon, GA.  He will be honored at the 2010 Macon Film Festival with the newly named Melyvn Douglas Best in Show Award.

We stayed at the historical Roosevelt Hotel, home of the 1st Academy Awards presentation in 1929 & lists Marilyn Monroe as one of it’s former residents.  It’s rumored that the ghosts Marilyn Monroe & Montgomery Clift STILL live there. Well, cocktails cancel out ghosts.  I enjoyed a little pre-premiere reunion with a few ghosts of my past- old friends Kathleen Morgan & Phillip Wilcox @ the Roosevelt’s  pool bar.  Let me say, Time Has Been Kind indeed.

Moving on to pre-premiere cocktails @ the Pig & Whistle with a group of friends from Macon & L.A. A little trivia: Pig & Whistle hosted the 1st Academy Awards after party!

Obviously seeing STUCK! on the big screen was amazing. It was filmed in Macon following the 2009 Macon Film Festival.  Catch its Georgia premiere @ the 2010 Macon Film Festival on Friday, Feb. 19th @ the Cox Capitol Theatre.

The film was fab - as was the after party at the old Hollywood haunt MUSSO & FRANK’s.  I can now say that I closed down the place…a few friends & I were the last to leave, but really, that should come as no surprise to anyone that knows me.

The brightest star on the Blvd is Library Bar’s King of the Cocktail: Matt Biancaniello.  Library Bar located in the lobby of the Roosevelt Hotel is the perfect Late Night nightcap. Matt’s gourmet cocktails are made with fresh ingredients from the LA Farmer’s Market. This is where the evening ended - with a few old friends and a few new ones we picked up at Musso & Frank’s.

On the 29th hour … I was on a plane: Macon-bound.

“Well, I just go into town about an hour ago. Took a look around, see which way the wind blow. Where the little girls in their Hollywood bungalows. Are you a lucky little lady in the City of Lights. Or just another lost angel … City of Night, City of Night, City of Night, City of Night”  - LA Woman, The Doors

F**k It! This is a make-it-or-break-it year and if you are gonna break it .. do with style and a bull between your legs!

In 2010, I’m taking the Bull by the Horns, baby.  I have to, because “I Wanna Be A Cowboy!”

Last Friday night Macon’s downtown saloons were filled with cowboys of the Urban Persuasion.  Riding the bull at The Urban Cowboy Party proved to be a good attitude adjustment…albeit, a spinal adjustment as well!  But what the hell, you only live once.

Besides, you can’t throw an Urban Cowboy theme party without a mechanical bull - imitators may try…but there is only one cowboy in this rodeo.  (note to self: “Terrell, love the haters! LOVE THE HATERS!”)

Head West, Young Man! The Hollywood Premiere of “STUCK!” is tonight @ The Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles and I am happy to say that I will be there!  The pride I feel is unexplainable.  The 2009 Macon Film Festival is the reason for this moment…and I fully plan to breathe it all in! Every molecule of it.  Filmmaker Steve Balderson attended the film festival last year and fell deeply in love with Macon’s amazing downtown & its people.  Returning a few months later to make this gorgeous film. The result: I’m presently lounging poolside on February 3rd in PERFECT Southern California weather @ at The Roosevelt Hotel bar on Hollywood Blvd watching starlets & film industry folks making deals over cocktails.  SO L.A.!

Earlier today while thumbing through the current addition of LA WEEKLY, what do I see?  A story on the “STUCK!” premiere tonight.  Photos by Maconite Maryann Bates.  This all when I am WITH Maryann Bates!  GORGEOUS MOMENT!  Bates is a Rock Star and doesn’t even know it!  I love her for that.

A writer from the Macon Telegraph called me today to do an interview about the 2010 film festival - while I was walking down Hollywood Blvd.  It seemed all so surreal…an amazingly gratifying!

SO….have you bought your tickets to the 2010 Macon Film Festival yet?  Pick up the damn phone and DO IT!

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

“All Tied Up” with Mark Ballard.  Thursday, Feb. 4th @ The SoChi Gallery. 534 Second Street, Downtown Macon. $40 per couple. 7p - 10p.  Chocolate, Wine & a little Unexpected Twist!  This event is for lovers & friends.  For Tix, call 478-238-6630.

The Civic Club’s annual musical review.  This years theme: “AFTER MIDNIGHT.”  February 3rd - 6th @ The Grand Opera House.   For Tix, call: 478-301-5470.

Kiss Me, You Fool! Spa Medical invites you to find that lovin’ feelin @ their PUCKER UP! event. Tuesday, February 9th.  5p-8p.  556 Third Street, Downtown Macon.  FREE. 3 lucky attendees will be plucked out of the audience & receive a complimentary make over.  Door Prizes valued over $500.  Wine & Desserts will be offered.

My #1 New Year’s Resolution for 2010 is to Do The Local Motion…Shop, Eat & Play Local.  And by local, I mean independently owned & operated businesses.  Regardless of what city you are in, local businesses drive the local economy.

Hold on…just one sec. “Yes, I’ll have a Triple Venti Caramel Soy Latte..extra Hot, Please!”  OK, OK, I know Starbucks is a total chain, but you gotta give me that one. I’ll also have to say that in this economically precarious time…QUALITY has never been so important.

EAT LOCAL. Abso-FORKING-lutely attend the 4th Annual FOODIE AWARDS on Sunday, Jan. 24th @ the Grand Opera House. This event celebrates the independently owned & operated restaurants with all the award show accoutrements: Song, Dance, Comedy, Celebrities, Awards & Acceptance Speeches.  13WMAZ’s Ben Jones will host the event. Priscilla Esser & I will be presenting the Best Bartender category. $25/seat.

DRINK LOCAL. Macon Water on Tap! we have the Best Aquifer in the country.

Swallow some All Y’all’s Organic Sweet Tea, born & brewed in the Warner Robins, GA.  Before Whole Foods puts it on their shelves, come try it at the Urban Cowboy Party on Jan. 29th @ The SoChi Gallery! All Y’alls Organics is made with love for all y’all. $7/gallon.

SWEAT LOCAL. Yes You Ca’in! Isn’t loosing weight on everyone’s resolution list? Well, for me: 15 pounds in 2010.  Join the Downtown Fitness Camp at the new TRAINED BY CAIN STUDIOS located at 419 Cherry Street. 478-318-0243.

LEARN LOCAL. The 11th Hour is a free bi-weekly publication that focuses on the city’s arts & culture.

WEAR LOCAL. 2010 Macon Film Festival T-Shirts on Sale now @ the Macon Arts Gallery. $10.

GIVE LOCAL. The Super Fund of Middler Georgia. $10 a month can make a big difference.

GIVE GLOBAL. The Earthquake Relief Effort for Haiti.

PLAY LOCAL.

WEEDS Season 3 @ the Cox Capitol Theatre. Sunday, Jan. 17th @ 6pm.  $1 Pizza, $1 Draft Beer.  Episodes begin @ 7pm.

Karaoke: Wednesdays with Mitch Kersey @ BJ Billiards. 9p-1a.

“NIGHT MOVES.” Macon Symphony Orchestra’s 31st Annual January Pops Concert.  A Bob Seger Tribute featuring Bob Caloca & the MSO orchestra. Macon City Auditorium. Saturday, Jan. 23rd @ 7:30pm. Tix: $5-$15. Tables: $300-$400.

Urban Cowboy theme party @ The SoChi Gallery. Cowboy Attire. Choreographer Pilar Wilder will be conducting Boot Scooting Boogie Line Dance classes @ the gallery every Wednesday night in January prior to the event.  For more info: 478-238-6630.

The Wizard of Oz meets Pink Floyd. The 11th Hour presents THE DARK SIDE OF THE RAINBOW. Saturday, Jan. 30th @ the Cox Capitol Theatre.  7pm. Tix. $5.

Macon Civic Club’s Annual Musical Revue. This year’s theme: “AFTER MIDNIGHT.”  Feb. 3rd - 6th @ the Grand Opera House. Click for Tix or call: 478-301 5470.

Macon Film Festival Feb. 18th - 21st. Cox Capitol Theatre, Douglass Theatre, Marriott City Center Hotel. Festival Pass - $100; Screening Pass - $50 / $30 students with ID; Day Pass - $15/day

The 11th Hour’s READER’S CHOICE AWARDS. Thursday, Feb. 25th @ the Cox Capitol Theatre. Tix: $5.

Chelsea Handler’s Stand-Up Comedy Show: CHELSEA CHELSEA BANG BANG @ The Fox Theatre. March 28th @ 8pm. Tix: $62-$83.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MACON – SoChi Companies is starting the new year with a cocktail party intended to bring out the honky-tonk in all of us. On January 29, SoChi Companies will host an “Urban Cowboy “ themed party. To get into a western groove, dance classes are available prior to the event with Pilar Wilder at the reins. A mechanical bull will be available to assess your ridin’ skills. Come join us for a rootin’ tootin’ time!

This is just the first of a variety of events planned for 2010.

Event: Urban Cowboy Theme Party
Date: January 29, 2010
Location: SoChi Gallery, 534 Second Street, Macon, Georgia
Attire: Cowboy Duds
Cost: $10 at the door. Cash Bar.
Signature Drink: The City Slicker
Music: DKH Entertainment

Visit the Urban Cowboy Facebook Events Page: http://bit.ly/6G9gd7
The Dance Class Page: http://bit.ly/8kKgZ6
To register for line dance class: http://bit.ly/5aE8Dt
Dance Classes are held at the SoChi Gallery every Wednesday until the event. The class time is 6:15pm – 7:15 pm.

About The SoChi Companies:

The SoChi Companies is a multifaceted lifestyle and entertainment group dedicated to offering a wide range of services, from event planning to marketing and promotions, as well as cultural activities and theme parties.

The SoChi Companies office is located at The SoChi Gallery, 534 Second Street in downtown Macon, Georgia.

For more information, contact Saxy Butler, Director of Communications and Outreach for The SoChi Companies at 478-238-6630, or on Facebook.
——————–

2009 was my PACINO year. And by that I mean fast-paced with a lot of HIGH highs and a few drained Corpses (including Grey Goose bottles & Starbucks cups) left in my wake. The cash crunch made for a bitter atmosphere that was palpable. But for me the silver lining was streamlining: Machine Gun Style!

I exfoliated the dead cells including club memberships, faux friends and the suckerfish. I learned a new meaning of “Power of Attorney” and that my Nana’s old saying, “You are who you associate with” never rang truer!

It was also the Year of the Cat. You know, the one who jumps out of the high-rise window, Reinventing himself during the slow-motion free fall, landing on his feet as a new & improved version of himself, ready to kick ass and change my world - or at least, make a difference. Call me a pussy, it was after all, the Year of the SoChi Cat!

2009 is the year that the SoChilite was born - like the Phoenix from the Ashes, Baby! I coined the term “SoChi” (South of ChiChesters Pharmacy on Vineville Ave) in an effort to recharge some batteries and refocus our view of Downtown Macon and it ended up changing my life. I became the Pied Piper of SoChi, luring people into Downtown and to their amazement, they dug it! SoChi is about pouncing out of the box and grabbing life by the tail: opening yourself up to new experiences, opportunities and people. I would even dare say Growing as Human Beings. Maconites are blessed with an epicenter of amazing historic structures and an emerging arts & cultural center. SoChi is inclusive, not exclusive, so you are all invited and encouraged to come to SoChi and SoChilize with the SoChilites.

2009 was a year of The SoChi Gallery Theme Party. Themes included The White Trash Party, Pretty in Pink, The Studio 54 Party and The Night of the Living SoChilites. These events became defined by the Grand Entrance & the Elegantly Wasted Exits post a few Signature Cocktails.

What’s so fabulous about the bastard? Everything! The Fabulous Bastard was created in my honor at the hip little SoChi eatery: Lemongrass Thai Bistro. It was described as “very complex” by B-52’s front man Fred Schneider. I describe it as “SoChilicious!”

2009 was the year that the 4th Annual Macon Film Festival put this town on the film world’s radar! Governor Sonny Perdue & Coach Vince Dooley kicked off the ’09 festival with movie stars Karen Black & Carrie Preston in tow. The festival resulted in the motion picture “STUCK!” being filmed in Macon bringing with it indie film queen Mink Stole, Karen Black and rock-n-roller Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s.

SoChi was the backdrop to some other sensational events including Bragg Jam, Second Sunday Brunch, First Friday, Cherry Blossom Festival, Fired Works & Fly South Fest.

SoChilicious new restaurants including Dolce Vita Café & Bar, Lemongrass Thai Bistro, Greek Corner Deli and Macon Pizza opened and The Rookery reinvented itself. Now we need to support them with our patronage.

It is my hope that one of your New Years Resolutions will be to join The SoChi Tribe and get involved in some of the many offerings going on in this amazing town we call Home. And to make sure you know what’s going on, “Say Hello to my Little Friend”: the eBlast!

Wishing you all PEACE, LOVE & THE SoCHI LIFE in 2010!

BALLS ARE ABOUT TO DROP

New Year’s Eve in Downtown Macon Cherry Blossom Ball Drop intersection of Cherry & Third Streets. Dec. 31st. 9pm until 2010.

NYE BIG DANCE @ The Terminal Station. Dec. 31st. $40 per person/$75 per couple/Table of 8 - $300. 478-477-7764. Music by The Grapevine

Rock & Roll High Class Reunion School NYE Party @ Cox Capitol Theatre. Come as Your Future Self. Dec. 31st. Doors open @ 9pm. $15. $30 with a yearbook.

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Sundance Film Festival. January 21-31. Park City, Utah.

The FOODIE AWARDS @ The Grand Opera House on Jan. 24th

URBAN COWBOY theme party @ The SoChi Gallery. Friday, January 29th. Cowboy Attire. Choreographer Pilar Wilder will be conducting Boot Scooting Boogie Line Dance classes @ the gallery every Wednesday night in January prior to the event. For more info: 478-238-6630.

Macon Civic Club Annual Musical Revue. This year’s theme: “After Midnight.” Feb 3rd – 6th. Grand Opera House. Click for Tix.

Macon Film Festival. Feb. 18-21, 2010. Downtown Macon. Sponsors needed. Levels are $500, $1,000, $2,500 $5,000 & $8,000. Contact me (Terrell Sandefur) if you’d like to be a sponsor.

“On a morning from a Bogart movie
In a country where they turn back time
You go strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre
Contemplating a crime

She comes out of the sun in a silk dress running
Like a watercolor in the rain
Don’t bother asking for explanations
She’ll just tell you that she came

In the year of the cat” - Al Stewart, 1976

On a recent trip to a remodeled Kroger, the 80’s Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef?” campaign become my reality. My quest: Raisins. Admittedly I am not the most avid grocery shopper, but my gosh, how long could it take? Answer: 4 loops around the store = 1 hour. Does Mercer University offer a Psychology of Grocery Store Layouts 101 class?

Holy Hale Storm, Batman! “Arrested Development” star Tony Hale hits town with “The Best of Buster Bluth” his three favorite episodes of the cult TV show and soon-to-be feature film. Friday, December 18th @ the Cox Capitol Theatre. If you participate in the Museum of Arts & Sciences’ Father/Daughter Valentine’s Day Dance or the Mother/Son Luau…you’ll get a special kick out of this!

GET LIT FROM WITHIN. I’m not talking about doing Grey Goose shots but rather exfoliating the bad chi that 2009 deposited. Looking for a perfect gift for that discombobulated person in your life? A gift certificate from Treasures Healing Center may prove to be the healing touch!

Bacon is the new Black, but Chocolate is always in style! Kill two birds with one stone: Vosges Haut-Chocolat’s Mo’s Bacon Bars. Applewood Smoked Backon, Smoked Salt in a deep Milk Chocolate. I’m piggin’ out on one as I’m writing this. SUEEY! If pig & chocolate ain’t your bag try their Black Pearl Bar: wasabi, ginger, black sesame seeds in a dark chocolate bar. Or their Red Fire Bar: Mexican ancho chipolte chillies, cinnamon in dark chocolate. Vosges Exotic Chocolates make a great gift for the Choco-holic in your life!

MIX, MINGLE & JINGLE

NewTown GetDown. Thursday December 17th. 5:30pm. The Terminal Station.

December 17th. Mike Kinnebrew Christmas Concert @ Cox Capitol Theatre. 8 pm. $10 advance. $12 day of show.

Admit it, you have a tacky Christmas sweater! Ok, if you don’t I know your mom does. Grab that sucker and meet me @ The Rookery on Wednesday, Dec. 23rd for their UGLY XMAS SWEATER CONTEST. A panel of judges (of which I’m one) will select winners based on tackiness, flair, swagger & creativity. Cash Prizes are involved.

BALLS ARE ABOUT TO DROP

New Years’ Eve in Downtown Macon Cherry Blossom Ball Drop

New Years’ Eve BIG DANCE @ The Terminal Station. $40 per person/$75 per couple/Table of 8 - $300. 478-477-7764. Music by The Grapevine.

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

The Polar Express in 3-D @ The Terminal Station. Tuesday, Dec. 22nd

URBAN COWBOY theme party @ The SoChi Gallery. Friday, January 29th. Cowboy Attire. Choreographer Pilar Wilder will be conducting Boot Scooting Boogie Line Dance classes @ the gallery every Wednesday night in January prior to the event. For more info: 478-238-6630.

Sundance Film Festival. January 21-31. Park City, Utah.

4th Annual FOODIE! Award Show. Sunday, January 24th. 5p. $25/seat. $500/box. (6 seats) The Grand Opera House

Macon Civic Club’s Annual Musical Revue. This year’s theme: “AFTER MIDNIGHT.” Feb 3rd – 6th. Grand Opera House.

Macon Film Festival. Feb. 18-21, 2010. Downtown Macon.

OK, It’s a little late in the game, but I’m hooked on “MILLION DOLLAR LISTING” on BRAVO. Tuesdays @ 10pm. I posted this on Facebook the other day and all kinds of folks “came out of the closet.” Apparently this is a secret obsession for many…so why not just drag it out into the light of day. These three quotes is why I like this show:

“You can mix business with pleasure.” –Madison Hildebrand, Million Dollar Listing

“It’s not about the money. It’s about becoming a Brand.” – Chad Rogers, Million Dollar Listing

“I don’t just sell houses. I sell a Lifestyle.” Josh Flagg, Million Dollar Listing

“I want to Rock & Roll All Night!” Support the nomination of Frank Fenter into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame! The late Frank Fenter was a key figure who helped define and popularize Southern rock, having been the co-founder, co-owner and Executive Vice President of Capricorn Records.

“I’m Ready for my Close-Up, Mr. DeMille!” MAGA 2010 is just around the corner. The 5th annual film festival is looking for sponsors & volunteers.

“Best Weiner in Town” The Nu-Way Weiner Stand is a SoChi icon. It was about one year ago that Oprah Winfrey was spotted sucking down a few of these famous dogs while in town filming her “My Favorite Things” show.

“Me no speaka English” Thanks to Babel Fish I can now translate the comments that my foreign readers are posting. So..if you need a little translating, try out this site. It’s Quick & Easy.

“Now, That’s a Steal.” Sticky Fingers take note. A gift for the cheap bastard in your life: Duct Tape wallets @ Treasure Vintage. Prices start @ $1.00.

“You’ll never eat lunch is this town again!” Someone just asked me about Fine Dining on Sunday. Sunday in Macon does not mean you HAVE to join the Chain Gang. Check out these two SoChi eateries on Sundays: Lemongrass Thai Bistro is open 5-9:30p. Dolce Vita Café & Bar is open 10a-10p.

“BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!”

Nutcracker @ Grand Opera House. Dec. 12 & 13th. For Tix: 478-301-5470.

“The Man Who Came to Dinner” @ Theatre Macon. Dec. 11 & 12 @ 8pm. Directed by Jim Crisp. Tix: 478-746-9485

“TRADITIONS” @ Macon Little Theatre. A Holiday Musical Celebrating Families. Book, Music & Lyrics by Sylvia Haynie & Laura Voss. Through Dec. 13th. Tix: 478-471-3342.

Second Sunday Brunch @ Washington Park on Magnolia Street. “Songwriters in the Round” Sunday, Dec. 13th 12p-2p. FREE EVENT.

Jeffrey Michaels Holiday Open House. 3090 Vineville Avenue. Sunday, Dec. 13th. 2p-5p.

Mike Kinnebrew Christmas Concert @ Cox Capitol Theatre. Thursday, December 17th. 8 pm. $10 advance. $12 day of show.

NewTown GetDown. Thursday, Dec. 17th. 5:30pm. The Terminal Station.

Meet actor Tony Hale, star of TV’s “ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT.” Friday, Dec. 18th @ the Cox Capitol Theatre. He’s bringing his three fave episodes of the cult TV show. Followed by a Question & Answer session. $10 @ the door. $5 w/ Student I.D.

“BALLS ARE ABOUT TO DROP”

New Year’s Eve in Downtown Macon Cherry Blossom Ball Drop. Dec. 31st.

NYE BIG DANCE @ The Terminal Station. Dec. 31st. $40 per person/$75 per couple/$300 for table of 8. 478-477-7764. Music by The Grapevine

“FUTURE FILM PARADISE”

Sundance Film Festival. January 21-31. Park City, Utah.

MAGA Macon Film Festival. Feb. 18-21, 2010. Downtown Macon.

Events & The City
Hip & Historic Do Coexist in Macon’s SoChi District

It’s time to pull out that invitation list and start checking it twice. If the thrill (or burden) of throwing the company holiday party has been put in your lap … will the boss think you’ve been naughty or nice after it’s all said and done? Talk about Holiday Stress!

From location to food to flowers … Macon’s SoChi District (South of Chi Chesters, Midtown & Downtown) has it all. With vast locations to choose from you can have grandly historic or modernly hip.

The first thing on your Party Planning To-Do list should be LOCATION! Secure a place to have the event because facilities get booked well in advance of the holidays. When looking for locations, keep in-mind the size of the group. You don’t want the space to be too large or too small for the guests to comfortably enjoy themselves. There are a variety of event facilities, restaurants & bars in the downtown district that can accommodate any size party.

Obviously a good guesstimate of the number of people will be a major deciding factor as to WHERE you decided to host the event…so work on that guest list!

Now, what kind of experience do you want this event to be? Will it be a seated dinner or are you thinking more cocktail party?

If your group is on the smaller side, a cool option would be a roving party, meaning using two or more places starting at one and ending at another. Start off with dinner at restaurant, move onto a facility or bar for dancing and/or cocktails & dessert.

Lighting is super important. If you are having an evening function, visit the location at night. Is the place too bright? Too dark? Dim lighting makes everyone look & feel better & younger.

Parking is not an issue downtown! Have you seen all the available parking decks in downtown? If you select a non-weekend street parking is vastly available.

I would suggest hiring an events planner to handle the details. The success of the party is all in the DETAILS!!!! Entertainment, food, cocktails, décor, theme … these are not to be taken lightly. If you have a party committee the probability of “too many chiefs, not enough Indians” is a very real thing. The fewer the decision makers, the better the end result.

An event planner’s contacts & vision is what you are renting …they know the market’s vendors and can get better deals on everything. So in the end you most likely will save money working with an events planner.

Cost-Cutting Tips:
- One of the most effective ways to cut costs is to select a non-premium night. Saturday night is the most expensive night to have a party, followed by Friday night. For instance, a Thursday evening or Sunday afternoon would be less expensive.
- Don’t do formal. We live in a more casual world today. Perhaps doing a fun spin on the attire would be more interesting and less expensive.
- Consider bistro tables & buffet tables. Renting tables, chairs & linens can get pricey. Also staff/server requirements go up. A cocktail party is going to be less expensive and more appealing to a younger, social crowd.

Happy planning! May your holiday party be filled with a lot of pleasure & Ho Ho Ho!

* I wrote this article for The Telegraph’s Macon Downtown Connection’s October issue. I thought it worthy to repeat for my blog.

Sometimes BIGGER is BETTER! Especially when it’s not hard. Well hung = an unforgettable experience. I know what you’re thinking … “HO.” Give it to me 3 times. “HO HO HO!”

Unforgettable Flowers & Gifts pulled out their big guns and did me just right. They decked my halls with boughs of holly without a bunch of foreplay. Pure Ecstasy! My pad is now XMAS’d out for the holidays. If your boughs need a little decking, give them a call. 478-405-8132 They’ll rent you a decorated tree and hang all the holiday trimmings for you. Check out their handiwork at the Stanislaus Christmas Tour of Homes Dec 3rd – 5th.

You are surely haggard from hanging that tinsel, right? I’m going to refresh you just in time for all those holiday parties. Meet me at SPA MEDICAL’s Holiday Open House on Nov. 30th. They’ll be spreading the holiday cheer and six lucky folks will be pricked, puffed & lashed. The first 100 people will get free gift bags + big door prizes each hour. 10a-8p. Get REFRESHED for the Holidays!

Admit it, you like handcuffs. “Buster Bluth” (Tony Hale) of TV’s Arrested Development will be in Macon @ the Cox Capitol Theatre on Dec. 18th. He’ll be showing his 3 favorite episodes on the big screen and will be hang afterwards for Questions & Answers.

QUICKIES

All about the Spice! If you like Indian, you’ll LOVE this new little foodie find: Moksha – a quaint little Tree House overlooking a creek in Roswell, GA with upscale Indian cuisine.

Bacon is the new Black! Who doesn’t love bacon? Add it to the Pimento Cheese sandwich @ JoeD’s on Ingleside Avenue ….SUUEET!

Are you are socially networked out? You’re Twittering & Facebooking while trying to stay LinkedIn without loosing your (My)Space….there is now one more to add. PING.FM will update all your social networking sites at once. Meaning you can appear to be All Over the Place with one Ping.

Dec. 5th Clean Up Our Town Day Volunteers needed in this effort to create a safe & inviting downtown. 478-722-9909 or email Jessica@newtownmacon.com Lunch provided for all volunteers.

Calloway Gardens’ Holiday Fantasy in Lights show.

CW’s The Vampire Diaries are looking for extras. Interested in getting bitten?

FourSquare – an iPhone App for Foodies. You can be a restaurant critic & let your friends know where you are dining.

HOLIDAY WHORING

Let The SoChi Companies take all the stress away by planning your Holiday Party. We bring it to you or you can host it at The SoChi Gallery located in the heart of Macon’s emerging arts & cultural center. 478-238-6630.

Stanislaus Christmas Tour. A strolling candlelight tour of historic homes. Dec. 3rd, 4th & 5th. 6-9pm. $20. 478-258-9303 or email: HistoricStanislaus@gmail.com

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

The Jazz Association of Macon’s HOLIDAY JAM. Dec. 4th @ 8pm. Library Ballroom. $25 Advance Tix. $30 at the door. 478-501-8100.

Fly South Fest. Dec. 5th @ Luther Williams Field, Macon. Music + BBQ. $20.

The 15th Annual X-MAS PARTY: Rock the Earth. Friday, Dec. 11th @ The Tabernacle, Atlanta. Attire: Glam Rock or Cocktail. $500 VIP. $150 General Admission.