I checked the Macon Telegraph Obituaries this morning and mercifully my name wasn’t listed. Michael Jackson’s “Working Day and Night” is on replay in my head. Too many irons in the fire does not even to begin to explain the situation.  That illuminated moth that flutters through the Lunesta commercial is a personal hero of mine.

Kudos to Stephanie Folsom who packed the house for the Grand Opening of Fab’rik on Forsyth Rd. “Real Housewife of Atlanta” Lisa Wu Hartwell & NFL’r Ed Hartwell made an appearance to promote the opening.  Lisa’s fashion line CLOSET FREAK will be available at the new boutique.  Hartwell’s Atlanta publicist asked Priscilla Esser & I to show them SoChi following the opening. We took the  ‘Real’ couple for a late night dinner @ Lemongrass Thai Bistro where the streets were buzzing about the celebs in town.  Post dinner we popped into The Hummingbird where songstress Molly Stevens serenaded them with “Dock of the Bay” & “Midnight Train to Georgia.”  The Hartwells were feelin’ Macon!

Macon Arts’ FIRED WORKS once again proved that nobody can throw a pot party like they do.  This event has become the preeminent ceramics show in the state.

“Easy like a Sunday morning” just about sums up the Ocmulgee Expeditions canoe trip down the river.  We spent “family day” floating down the Ocmulgee … and I will say, it was the first of many.  I can’t recommend this highly enough.  It not only washed off the pollen but it really helped drain some stress all while upping my “cool factor” in the eyes of  my 11-yr old twins.

The underground supper club, SoChilicious, has been launched.  Mysterious clues led diners to the L. Alexander Shelko Gallery on Vineville Avenue where guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner prepared by mystery chefs Lee Clack of Kudzu Catering & pin up princess Ashley Croft of Allie May Bakery.  Guests got a sneak peak of Macon’s newest comic MACON MAN created by famed comic illustrator Craig Hamilton & The SoChi Companies.

Macon Me Crazy!  Cesare Mammarella’s latest & greatest club, Asylum, opened this weekend.  I’ll just say, he picked the right name – the place is INSANE.  Very reminiscent the NYC club scene of the 90’s with a very modern twist.

If you need a little ambient music for a cocktail party check out this new internet station CHILLTRAX http://www.chilltrax.com

Happy 13th Anniversary Kim! Thanks for putting up with me & my insanity…and a Happy Birthday to Groovy Girl Onie Sanders!

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Macon Gardens, Mansions & Moonlight. April 30^th – May 2^nd. Combination Tour Ticket (includes Secret Garden Tour, Historic Homes Tour and Moonlight Tour): $40 in advance, Secret Garden Tour: $15 in advance, Historic Homes Tour: $15 in advance, Moonlight Homes Tour: $15. Tickets: go to the Hay House or online http://www.georgiatrust.org/historic_sites/hayhouse/macon_gardens.php

Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 1st.  Do you have your derby hat?  If not, Petals Flowers & Gifts & SoChi Services are coming to your emotional rescue with mint juleps in-hand! Friday, April 30 from 4p-7p. Petals Flowers & Gifts, 2380 Ingleside Avenue. Hats, Flowers & Mint Juleps included!

Cost: $25 to register, click here: http://www.facebook.com/?tid=1424900509542&sk=messages#!/event.php?eid=110859362287029&ref=mf

Saturday, May 1^st:  A Trio of Fitness Events will take place in Tattnall Square Park beginning with a Community Workout @ 9am. The Macon Cycling Classic begins @ 10am and races throughout the day. The day at the park ends with the Bragg Jam Moonlight Miles 5k race. 

Kentucky Derby Party @ the Cox Capitol Theatre.  May 1^st.  5-10p.  $10 admission.  Cash Bar, Mint Juleps, Fried Chicken baskets. Throw on a big ‘ole hat and come stomp the grass.

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

I got nailed by a roofer.  It was a sloppy screw. Yes, it’s true. Aside from a new roof, he gave me a gift that keeps on giving – NAILS. Nails fall from the roof every time the wind blows, every time it rains.  5 lbs of nails have fallen so far – into the shrubs, the grass, the driveway.  Nails are like Kryptonite to my Mini Cooper – taking it down fast. After 2 new tires, 2 patched tires and a bag of retrieved rusting nails we are afraid to walk barefoot, the yard has become toxic.  If you’re re-roofing, don’t use “my guy.”

I had the pleasure of spending Saturday night @ home with my kids. No Parties, No Work, No Facebooking and it totally Sucked – in a good way.  We sunk our teeth into a Vampire Diaries marathon.  Thanks to the magic of DVR, we have every episode nailed down. This CW series is filmed in Georgia so I’m real high on that.  If you’ve not seen the show, it airs every Thursdays @ 8pm.

April 15th may be taxing, but Starbuck’s will give you a Free Cup of Coffee. Bring a reusable travel mug and get Free brewed coffee.  And you’ll save a tree from being screwed.

I have tried to institute a day that my wife, kids & I do something as a family.  We call it “Family Day.”  This is typically on Sunday.  This coming Family Day will be spent on the Ocmulgee River.  We are doing our first Ocmulgee Expeditions trip. My daughter has a nail-biting fear of small boats, so this trip should make for good fodder for next week’s blog.

Spring is Here. The community is blooming with events.  Get your schedules nailed down!

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Fired Works kicks off with the Preview Party on Friday, April 16, 6 – 9 p.m. @ the Round Building, Central City Park.
Meet the artists and get the first chance to buy and browse thousands of pieces of original pottery and sculpture. Live music, burgers grilled on-site by Market City Cafe. Complimentary wine and beer. $25 per person.  Fired Works Show & Sale is Saturday, April 17th – Sunday, April 25th. Events include FREE  Saturday workshops for Kids, FREE workshops for Teens, Pottery Roadshow, Ceramic Artists Roundtable, Cocktails & Clay and more.

The 74th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival takes place this weekend. Friday, April 16 – Sunday, April 18th @ Piedmont Park. FREE Admission. Artists Market, Kids Village.

Nail down your season tickets to Macon’s newest baseball team: the Macon Pinetoppers.  Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 17th. Tickets may be purchased @ Luther Williams Field ticket office or online: http://www.pinetoppers.com.  The Season begins June 19th.

FREE CLOTHES!  Treasure Vintage will be giving away clothes & other items on Saturday, April 17th.  12-7 pm. 352 Cotton Avenue.  Tell your thrifty friends!

SweetWater 420 Fest. The 2 Day outdoor party takes place this weekend: April 17-18 @ Candler Park, Atlanta.  Click to win 2 VIP Tix, Hotel Room, Prize Pack & a $50 Gas Card. Winner chosen on April 9th.

SoChi Services is cooking up a mystery! On Thursday, 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. Purchase your tix @ http://www.showclix.com/event/8713

Kentucky Derby Party @ the Cox Capitol Theatre. May 1^st.  5-10p.  $10 admission.  Cash Bar, Mint Juleps, Fried Chicken baskets. Throw on a big ‘ole hat and come stomp the grass.

Brian Adams in concert @ the Grand Opera House.  Friday, May 14^th. 8pm.  Tix: $35-$75. 478-301-5470.

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

Dave Matthews Band. Tuesday, July 27^th. Lakewood Amphitheatre.

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

I’m all hopped up on Saline Nasal Spray! Is that even possible? Pollen has turned the city Yellow. We are all Yellow too. These allergies are killing me! I can’t sleep no matter how many sheep I count on Farmville.

I was having coffee with an L.A. casting director yesterday at Market City Café.  He is telling me about a film project he wants to do involving death… out the window there was a yellow pollinated corpse shuffling down Cherry Street. Macon is blooming with extras right now. I wish it would rain.

Paddle off the pollen with a dip in the Ocmulgee River…Ocmulgee Expeditions. 

“I swam across
I jumped across for you
Oh what a thing to do
Cause you were all yellow.”  — Coldplay

I would be remiss if I didn’t do a little FROCK TALK. I, along with my SoChilites: Saxy Butler & Gracen Strong, produced the 2010 Cherry Blossom Fashion Show which turned into a media circus.  One thing is for sure, a SoChi event is never a Drag!

Our intention was to celebrate locally owned & operated boutiques: Treasure Vintage, Jack & Coat Clothiers, Ginger Michelle, Bella’s Classy Rags, Sorella, LDW Mens Wear & Taka’s Bridal Boutique while including all factors of our community. Every Fashionista knows that a fashion show is theatre and that’s what we provided. From the flame thrower to the motorcycle to the drag queen to the dramatic fashions and a Mad Tea Party theme.

I must give a shout out to two of the Bravest People in Macon: Drag Queen Deonna Sage & Karen Lambert whose cherry blossoms are made of Steel. They believed in me enough to not cave under intense public pressure spurred on by a bigot with a microphone & a door-to-door cosmetics queen. Drag Queens wear more makeup than most women.  Wonder what Mary Kay would say?

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Moon Dance @ the Ocmulgee River Park. Friday, April 9th @ 7pm.  $10/person.

Regatta & Riverwalk Festival. Saturday, April 10th. 1pm – 6pm. Live Music. Regatta: $20/person. Riverwalk Festival: FREE.

David Gray in concert. Atlanta Civic Center. April 10^th @ 7:30pm.  Tix $38 – $53.

Second Sunday Trifecta: Sunday, April 11^th. Noon – 5pm. Washington Park  @ Magnolia Street. 1. Second Sunday Brunch. 11:30am- 2pm  2. Magnolia Street Soapbox Derby. 2:30pm  3. Magnolia Street Block Party. 3pm – 5pm

Macon Arts’ Fired Works kicks off with the Preview Party on Friday, April 16^th and the show & sale from April 17^th through the 25^th.  A fun addition this year is the Cocktails & Clay event.

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 ’80s? well, SoChi Services are bringing them back…only this time, the ecstasy will be the cuisine. Click HERE for tickets.

RUN FOR THE ROSES. Kentucky Derby Party @ the Cox Capitol Theatre. May 1^st.  5-10p.  $10 admission.  Cash Bar, Mint Juleps, Fried Chicken baskets. Throw on a big ‘ole hat and come stomp the grass.

RUN TO YOU. Bryan Adams in concert @ Grand Opera House. May 14^th. 8pm.  Tix: $35-$75.  478-301-5470.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 6, 2010

SoChi Invites You to “Millionaire’s Row”

MACON – It is time to jockey up. The SoChi Companies and Cox Capitol Theatre present a Kentucky Derby Theme Party designed to celebrate “the most exciting two minutes in sports”. Festivities will include the stomping of the grounds and a celebration of hats. A cash bar and food will be available for purchase.

Event: Kentucky Derby Theme Party
Date: May 1, 2010
Time: 5:00pm ~ Until
Location: The Cox Capitol Theatre, 382 Second Street Macon, Georgia
Attire: Kentucky Derby Chic
Cost: $10 at the door
Signature Drink: Mint Julep

Visit this event on Facebook: http://bit.ly/bcyZHT <http://bit.ly/bcyZHT>

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

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.