FIRST FRIDAY in Downtown Macon has gotten a makeover. Starting today it’s now known as FRIDAY FEST…meaning downtown will become the destination on Friday for fun & entertainment.

F.E.A.R. Institute Haunted House opens Tonight! 450 – 3rd Street. $13 / $11 with Student or Military I.D.

“Oil & Ink” Art Opening for comic artists Craig Hamilton, Steve Scott & Ray Snyder. And Ceramics by Michael Schmidt. 5-8p Macon Arts’ Gallery on First Street. FREE. Wine & Hors. The exhibit is up during the month of October.

Rick Hutto’s Book Launch “A Peculiar Tribe of People: Murder & Madness in the Heart of Georgia” @ Market City Café. 6p – 8p

Famed Fiddler Robert McDuffie @ the Grand Opera House. 7pm. SOLD OUT

Tony Joe White blues concert @ Cox Capitol Theatre.

Cult of Riggonia CD Release Party @ Grant’s Lounge. 8 pm.

Contemporary Arts Exchange on Mulberry St. Open House 6p – 8p.….stroll through the galleries and meet all the artists.

Caleb Grimes & the Scott Little Band @ The Hummingbird. 10p.

Greek Festival @ Holy Cross Greek Church. 859 First Street. Oct. 1st – 3rd

“The Social Network” (Facebook movie) opens tonight … the creation of Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg & his 5,000,000 friends.

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

F.E.A.R. Institute Haunted House. Weekends through October.

Netherworld Haunted House opens tonight in Norcross, GA. Ranked the #1 Haunted House in America by USA TODAY. $22 or $27/person.

Cherry Blossom’s LEVEE FEST. Saturday, Oct. 2nd $10 / BBQ Cookoff, Kids world, live music beginning @ 11am. Corey Smith @ 8pm.

Heart of the Dragon Festival. Lake Tobesofkee. Racing Dragon Boats to benefit the Big Brothers & Big Sisters organization. Saturday, Oct. 2nd. 9a-1p.

Macon Book Fair @ the City Auditorium. Saturday, Oct. 2nd. 10a – Noon.

Macon Musicians Guild Concert EVERY TUESDAY @ 9pm @ The Golden Bough Bookstore on Cotton Ave. Local musicians & songwriters perform. FREE.

Every Thursday night in October, choreographer Pilar Wilder will teach you the Michael Jackson Thriller Dance moves. Classes every Thursday night in October @ 7pm. FREE.

Drag Queen Bingo @ The Hummingbird on Thursday, Oct. 14th & 28th.

“Death Trap” @ Macon Little Theatre. Oct. 15th – 24th.

Drink ‘N Draw @ Mellow Mushroom. Thursday, Oct. 21st

Night at the Museum BUG SLEEPOVER. For Children 8 to 12 yrs of age. Friday, Oct. 22nd. Museum of Arts & Sciences.

“The Little Foxes” @ Theatre Macon opens Oct. 22nd – Oct. 30th.

Brett Butler stand up comedy show at Cox Capitol Theatre. Wednesday, Oct. 27th.

Macon Film Festival & College Hill presents: “THE BIRDS” in Riverside Cemetery. FREE. 8pm. Thursday, Oct. 28th.

Abby Owens performing at Smith’s Old Bar in Atlanta. Oct. 28th

Savannah Film Festival. Oct. 30th-Nov 6th. Special Guests this year will be Isabella Rossellini, Ian McKellen & Liam Neeson.

The 11th Hour presents The Thriller Dance – downtown Macon. Oct. 30th. 7p

“The Kill Room” Halloween Party @ The SoChi Gallery. Serial Killers are the new Black! Sat, Oct. 30th @ 10pm.

BOOK YOU HOLIDAY EVENTS @ THE SoChi Gallery…now: 478-238-6630

Once again, I am a bachelor for the summer. My wife & kids are enjoying the island life and I’m trying to fend for myself. The Ghetto Kroger is an ever-challenging experience especially because I don’t cook. However I did make a great find: Publix brand Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream! It’s awesome! Tastes just like the Baskin Robbins version. Ok, here is the plea: Someone please invite me over for dinner! I’ll bring dessert.

“Jaime Love” created by tennis superstar Jaime Kaplan to benefit Jay’s HOPE, 4 kids with cancer. “Gentleman Jim” created by Theatre Macon’s Jim Crisp to benefit Theatre Macon’s Youth Actors Company. “The Fabulous Bastard” created by me, Terrell Sandefur, to benefit the Macon Film Festival. “The Satin Doll” created by The Fabulous SoChi Life blogger Priscilla Esser to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “The Archimedes” created by Macon Man Comics illustrator Craig Hamilton to benefit the Macon Arts Alliance. “The Boston Martini” created by legal eagle Russell Boston to benefit LH Williams Elementary School. “Mark’s Green Tini” created by The Artist, Mark Ballard to benefit the Humane Services of Middle Georgia. “Make Good Decisions” created by Roly Bots musician Jared Wright to benefit the Songs for Kids Foundation. And “Pilar’s Pomegranate Passion” created by choreographer extraordinaire Pilar Wilder to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

Drag Queen Bingo. Thursday, July 9th @ The Hummingbird.

Summer Redneck Games. July 10th. Dublin. $5.

BEAT SO LONELY

Cowboy Junkies @ Variety Playhouse. Saturday, July 24th. 8pm. “Marie was born in Macon Georgia. She met a west coast lawyer. He plucked that sweet magnolia
and carried her to the hills of West LA.” – Southern Rain

English Beat @ Variety Playhouse, Atlanta. Wednesday, August 25th.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

“I need a Hero. I’m Holding Out for a Hero ’til the morning light. He’s gotta be sure and he’s gotta be soon and he’s gotta be larger than life!” — Bonnie Tyler

If ever a town needed a hero, it’s Macon, Georgia. Well now, we have one. Macon Man Comics launched this past week in The 11th Hour. The comic will appear in every issue so make sure you follow it. The story will chronicle Macon’s goings-on in real-time as well as the city’s rich history. This will be a story that will appeal to kids, teens & adults. Macon Man Comics‘ illustrator Craig Hamilton & The SoChi Companies will celebrate the comic with a premiere party at Asylum on Friday night from 6-9pm. Kids are welcome to attend and there is no admission for people 12 and under.

My son & I spent a hero’s weekend in Charleston, SC aboard the USS Yorktown, a World War II aircraft carrier on a Boy Scout expedition. We were there on the June 6th anniversary of D-Day. The USS Yorktown was one of the three US aircraft carriers during the Battle of Midway – considered the most important naval battle of Word War II. If you’ve never been … it’s pretty cool. I’d suggest it for a summer excursion.

George Foster had a hero’s voice. My friend and fellow Macon Film Festival board member passed away last week at the age of 80. George was hired by Andy Rooney and became the first black hire for CBS News in New York and went on to produce the first black news correspondent, Ed Bradley. George also produced “Sesame Street” for The Children’s Television Workshop and was one of the creators of “The Electric Company” for PBS. George, I will miss you … and that amazing voice of yours!

Crazy Acres: A Shirley Hill’s estate in Macon is on the market. This place would make the PERFECT celebrity rehab or insane asylum … if any of you Rehabers are looking for crazy locale, this is it! At almost 16,000 square feet, the superhero house is nestled on 16 acres along with monstrous Italian fountains, pools, temples, Chinese and Japanese gardens and a pet chapel. Look no further, this is crazy town! The former $3.9 million estate can be yours for the insane price of $399,000. For more deets contact realtor James Webb with Sheridan Solomon & Associates. 478-746-2000 ext. 322 or email him @ jhw@mylink.net

The Macon Film Festival is now accepting entries for the 2011 film festival! Visit maconfilmfestival.com for more details.

Save some Buck while shopping @ various SoChi shops & restaurants with the Grab’N Go Card. The Cards are $10.

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival June 10-13th, Manchester, Tennessee. Rock Heroes like Dave Matthews, Kings of Leon, Tori Amos, Zac Brown, Stevie Wonder, etc…including Conan O’Brien.

Second Sunday Brunch @ Washington Park. Sunday, June 13th @ 6pm. FREE. This month’s featured performers are Jared Wright of The Red Swill and the Carrie Rodriguez Trio.

HBO’s True Blood season premiere Sunday, June 13th @ 9pm. Catch the 15-minute countdown show prior to the season starter beginning @ 8:45pm.

A Cocktail Party with a Purpose. Monday, June 14th join local movers & shakers @ Lemongrass Thai Bistro for the unveiling of the new Karma Cocktail Menu. Portions of the proceeds from drink sales for the next year will go to the charities selected by the “celebs” they were named after. Event & Food are FREE & open to the public. Cash Bar.

The Macon Film Festival & College Hill Corridor Commission are bringing “The Crazies” to a park near you! The Free outdoor screening will be Tuesday, June 29th @ 8pm. Tattnall Square Park.

Get your Season Tickets to Macon’s Pinetoppers Baseball.

See You @ Drag Queen Bingo … Tonight @ The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom.

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

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!

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!