It was a black night. I was introducing my son to the awesomeness of goth rocker Peter Murphy. I really love that my 14-year old loves the classic alternative music that I’m all about. Peter Murphy is just about as good as it gets for me and I was happy to be ushering Wyatt into the dark world of goth. He was totally in … dressed in black from head to toe.  He even asked if we should be wearing black eyeliner. I love this kid! He gets it.

Before the sun went down on Thursday night, a group of us went to West & Mill Bistro  for a pre-concert dinner.  We were the only ones there when we arrived which raised suspicions as to the quality of the food.

$1 Movies at the Cox Capitol Theatre

Saturday, May 4th:
7p – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
9p – Top Gun

*All tickets are a $1 donation. The Cox Capitol Theatre is doing a movie test run before officially bringing movie night back on the permanent rotation.

One Horse Parade, a local alternative band, will be performing at Roasted Cafe tonight at 9p. Downtown Macon.

One Horse Parade is a four piece, instrumental, indie rock band from Macon, Ga. Their sound covers atmospheric, dance rock to ethereal, shoegaze pieces. They feature layered, effects heavy guitars, melodic bass lines, sparse, spacey synths and danceable, yet rock oriented beats. I’ve never heard them live and look forward to checking them out tonight!

The movie 42 had the Most Successful Opening Weekend of Any Baseball Movie Ever! Warner Brother’s new baseball drama knocked it out of the park with a  $27.3 million opening weekend — far ahead of recent baseball films like Moneyball ($19.5 million debut) and Trouble with the Curve ($12.2 million).

The Macon Film Festival and Macon Film Commission in cooperation with Warner Brothers Pictures hosted the Georgia Premiere of “42”, the film about baseball legend and Georgia native Jackie Robinson at the AmStar Theatre last Wednesday. The much anticipated “42″ was filmed in Macon last summer and the local audience was super excited to see it. Historic locations in downtown Macon are easily recognizable in the film and I’ll have to say, Macon looks great on the big screen!

Batter Up! The next movie on deck is Need For Speed which begins filming in Macon on  April 23. The movie stars Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) and Michael Keaton (Batman) in a film about a street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate who joins a cross country race with revenge in mind. Expect fast cars, loud sounds and lots of action in downtown Macon for the next few weeks!

No doubt that when the NEED FOR SPEED begins shooting downtown eateries will be packed with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars. The newest star of the foodie set is Dovetail, a FAB farm-to-table supper spot in downtown Macon. I’ve never had anything there that I didn’t really, really like. The comfortable chic ambiance makes it a great locale to dine with fun friends. Steak lovers, try ‘The Commodore.’ I think it’s the best steak in town. For a good starter, order the Put-Ups or the Farmhouse Salad.  Order anything that comes with their Bacon Marmalade and thank me later. Dovetail is located on Cherry Street above The Rookery, but do not be confused…it’s no burger spot.  It’s fine dining.

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Check out PICKIN’ AND POTTERY, Music & Pottery at the Round Building in Central City Park,  tonight from 6-8p. It’s one of the several events at Fired Works, an annual pottery exhibit & sale going on now through Sunday.

Pan African Festival Friday and Saturday at Cherry Street Plaza.

The final weekend of “Music Man” at Theatre Macon.

Historic Macon Foundation hosts its Decorators’ Showhouse at 1120 Georgia Ave. This historic beauty will feature the talents of area decorators. Tour dates & times: Fridays & Saturdays (April 19–20 & 26–27) – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sundays (April 21 & 28) –  1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Macon Film Guild‘s documentary film presentation of West of Memphis on Tuesday  (April 23) at 7:30 p.m. at The Douglass Theatre. The film follows the events of the West Memphis Three, a case in which three teenagers were arrested for the murders of three 8-year old children.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE BAND

Goth Rock God Peter Murphy celebrates 35th anniversary of Bauhaus. May 2nd @ Terminal West at the King Plow Arts Center, Atlanta.  Bela Lugosi’s not dead after all.

Rebel yeller, Billy Idol. June 11th @ The Tabernacle, Atlanta.

New Order. July 21st @ Chastain Park Amphitheater,  Atlanta

Get Out & SoChilize!

So-Chi-lize [soh-chee-lies] verb, -ized, -izing. –verb (used with object)
1. The art of mixing and mingling in The SoChi District.

Tweet-Worthy quote:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

I’ll admit it. I was out of my element. Lost in the NoChi hinterlands while on a hunt for something new to engulf. I wanted a little strange. The SoChi “Been There, Done That” seemed like sloppy seconds today for some reason. I’m shooting blanks so I decided to pull out my technology and tweet. “Trolling for food! #starving”

Within a matter of secs Priscilla Esser replied. Her tweet simply read: “Ron & Cheng’s Kitchen. You’ll dig it.” I trust her taste. I pulled up to the strip mall’ish location & read the banner hanging out front, “Chinese Food & Home Cook’N” – WHAT? I’m not sure that I’m up for this Funky Food Fusion. Could Priscilla actually “Linda Lovelace” this? Christie Brinkley’s famous line in National Lampoon’s Vacation comes to mind. “Well, are you gonna Go For It?” So, I do. Ron & Chengs Kitchen on Tom Hill Blvd is actually worth the try. A quirky Chinese/Southern Home cooking combo but indeed it is funky enough that I really dug it. 2 meats & 2 Vegetables: Fried Porkchop, General Tso’s Chicken, butter beans, egg roll & cornbread. East met West all on one divided Syrofoam plate. I even “liked” it on UrbanSpoon. Y’all go check it out, 行吗？(OK?) I promise, there is a Happy Ending in store for you.

“Bring It On!” I say when recently challenged to a blind vodka taste test by National Distributing rep Kim Reynolds. Kim, knowing I’m a die-hard Grey Goose fan said she had a brand I was sure to favor over the Goose. Not Likely, I say. It was a Friday afternoon and work was slow so why not have a little fun and prove the little lassy wrong. I know my vodka and I like a sure thing. Kim enters The SoChi Gallery with a stockpile of vodka. She might as well have been wearing a Santa suit because it sure felt like Christmas. She preps for the taste test in the kitchen – out of my sight – then re-enters the scene with 6 numbered cups of vodka. Placing them before me she throws down the gauntlet. “Drink Up! she commands. I oblige. I am instructed to place the ones i like in one area and the ones I dislike in another area. I like vodka. In fact, vodka makes a great chaser for a Starbucks Latte as that was all that was on my stomach. As the tasting continues I ask myself, “Spit or Swallow?” Hell, we aren’t at a fancy Sonoma winery so “Swallow” it is. However the whole BLIND part of the taste test starts to take on a new meaning…will I be able to see once it’s all over? Taking my research seriously, I taste and re-taste them all. At the conclusion I have chosen a winner. In all fairness I must report my findings. Here is how I ranked them. In order of most liked to least liked: #1. Van Gogh Blue #2. Absolut #3. Grey Goose #4. Smirnoff #5. Ketel One #6. Stoli. At the conclusion of the test, she claimed victory stating the the Van Gogh was indeed her brand. Kudos to the girl who took this Out of the Box and into The SoChi Gallery! And the sobering result was that I did choose her hooch over my Goose. She Blinded Me With Science.

Want to be in pictures? Three short films will be filming around Macon during the summer months of July, August and September and they all require extras. The winners of Gateway Macon’s “Macon Shorts” film competition will be here filming. One of these filmmakers is James Kicklighter of Savannah whose last film FOLLOWED was filmed in Macon back in December. He will be here this summer filming “Final Acts” about aging movie star returning to her roots. The second film is entitled “Superhero” which will be directed by Kristin Wright of Atlanta. As you may have guessed ….it involves a costume. The third film is the story of a con artist entitled “The Razzle” by director Joseph Guay of Atlanta. Beware, if some Wise Guy approaches you and asks if you feel lucky – run! He just may be trying to seduce you into playing a board game that you are sure to loose your shirt over. The three films will premiere in November at a red carpet affair in Downtown Macon. For more info on the Macon Shorts film competition or if you’d like to be an extra in one of the films, contact Gateway Macon.

The Macon Film Festival is now accepting entries for the 7th annual festival which takes place February 16-19, 2012. Commonly referred to as a “filmmakers film fest” but perhaps more accurately called the “friendliest little effin’ film festival in the country” by filmmakers from all over the globe. Perhaps the MAGAtini (the festival’s signature cocktail) has a little something to do with that. To submit: Log onto the website and click on “Withoutabox submit your film here” tab.

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE BAND

July 23. Heroes Music Festival’s Battle of the Bands. Macon City Auditorium – winner will perform on stage at Heroes MF in Sept at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

July 27. Big Screen Movie Night: School of Rock @ Tattnall Park. 8pm. Free Event.

July 30. Bragg Jam. 36 bands. Multiple venues. $20.
Singer/Songwriters & Bands: Gateway Macon‘s MACON MUSIC PROJECT. One winner receives a $25,000+ music production package.
Deadline for entry: August 15th.

YOUR COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

So-Chi-lize [soh-chee-lies] verb, -ized, -izing. –verb (used with object)
1. The art of mixing and mingling in The SoChi District.

If a tree falls in The SoChi District and you’re the only person around, does it make a sound? YES! And it’s very loud. It sounds like crushing metal … especially if it falls on two Mini Coopers. Luckily I avoided a “wicked witch of the west” experience as the tree fell exactly where I’d been standing only seconds before. It wasn’t my time.

It’s that time of year again. My wife & kids have flown the coop (a good thing since her cooper was demolished) for the summer and enjoying life in a northern town. I’m left navigating the SoChi life as a bachelor. The biggest hurdle is food. Once I’ve depleted the last of my wife’s past purchases left in the fridge & freezer it’s off to the market. To my chagrin, the Ghetto Kroger is not as easily navigated as the Starbucks drive-thru. Admittedly, I lack the shopping gene. Going to the grocery store is like looking for a raisin in a haystack. The illusive raisin, I can never find the damn things. And still, after I leave the market I can’t really make anything out of the stuff I bought. I’m not a cook. So, I depend upon the kindness of friends who do cook. This IS a blatant hint for dinner invitations!

Hark, the herald angels sing … In this case it was Atlanta uber publicist Toren Anderson inviting me down to Savannah for some R&R&R(estaurants.) As quick as you can say “Arriba! Arriba!” I was Speedy Gonzales-ing it down I-16. There is something about the low country that makes me happy. The majestic oaks dripping in Spanish moss wave me in like a checkerboard flag to a race car driver beckoning me in for a pit stop.

Waiting for me at the finish line was the Dresser Palmer House. Built in 1876 this inn boasts that it’s front porch is the longest in Historic Savannah. Upon check-in I was taken on a fascinating tour of the house, which was a history lesson & architectural tour rolled into one. I indeed won the race because my prize was the Johnny Mercer Suite, named for the famed American lyricist who was born in Savannah. It’s the largest room in the inn with wall-tall windows that you can walk through to enjoy the balcony that overlooks E. Gaston Street. Home is where the hearth is and I was glad that my hearth was the Dresser Palmer House.

The fallen tree didn’t crush my luck as I made a few foodie homeruns while in Savannah! The first surprise was Ele Fine Fusion an elegantly modern mix of chic architecture & interior, sexy lighting, vibey world music and devastatingly divine dishes. This foodie haunt is the total package. Ele’s Spicy Tuna Tartare (spelled “Tar Tar” on the menu) has got to be Savannah’s Best Bite! This dish will be served in Heaven as it perfection on a plate.

Leoci’s Trattoria was a quick walk from the Dresser Palmer House. Chef Roberto Leoci serves authentic Italian cuisine with Savannah’s best local ingredients. They had me at the Silician olives which were placed on the table as soon as we sat down. One thing is for sure, their Beet Salad is mind-blowing! I know, beets suck, but this spring mix is a mind-changer. So good in fact that I returned the next day to share a bit with South Magazine publisher Michael Brooks just before hitting the road for home.

No trip to Savannah would be complete without a trip to Back in the Day Bakery. Unfortunately they didn’t have my favorite veggie tarts but I stocked up on several Blueberry Pie tarts, Bourbon Bread Pudding bars, Star Brownies & Cheryl’s Brownies to bring home. I popped in one of my all-time favorite favorite Starbucks locales and grabbed a triple venti latte for the ride back to Macon.

Home & MINI-less I got an invite to the Porsche World Roadshow at Turner Field in Atlanta. Determined to decide for myself if the fabled “Porsche, there is no substitute” held water, I zoomed to Atlanta in my Nissan rental. While test driving 10 Porsches, I got my speed freak on and along the way overcame my fear of Spyders and found my true soul mate. Her name: Carrera. I can deduce that Tom Cruise was right about something. There truly is no substitute!

WEED & OTHER MIND-ALTERING SUBSTANCES

Light it up and enhale another season of WEEDS. Mondays @ 10p on Showtime.

Check out the Instagram iPhone App. Take a photo, choose from about 16 filters and then send to your Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Flickr & FourSquare accounts with one touch of the “done” button. Oh yes, and it’s a Free App.

“CYourself” Post a photo of yourself with a the letter “C” in it and Showtime Networks will donate $5 to the American Cancer Society. It’s an ingenious social networking promotion for the new season of the networks’ show The Big C. If you have the Instagram app just tag it: #CYourself

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

July 1 – 16. The cult film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” transforms into a live musical at Theatre Macon. They are selling prop bags to complete your Rocky Horror experience at the box office for $1.00. Theatre Macon is encouraging attendees to come dressed as their favorite Rocky Horror character. When I went the other night one die-hard fan was dressed in only a bra … Dammit Janet, I love you!

July 7. The Psychedelic Furs @ The Masquerade in Atlanta. 8pm.

July 8. Big Screen Movie Night: “FIELD OF DREAMS” presented by the Macon Film Festival and the College Hill Alliance. Thursday. July 8th @ Tattnall Park. 8pm. Free Event. Bring chairs, blankets & a picnic.

July 10. Second Sunday @ Sunset. Washington Park. 7pm. Free Event. Donna Hopkins Band performing.

July 23 – Heroes Music Festival’s Battle of the Bands. Macon City Auditorium – winner will perform on stage at Heroes MF in Sept at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

July 27 – Big Screen Movie Night: “School of Rock” @ Tattnall Park. 8pm. Free Event. Air guitar contest – winner gets tickets to Bragg Jam Festival.

July 29 – 31. Gilroy Garlic Festival. Gilroy, California. The 33rd annual “Ultimate Summer Food Fair”; three days of incredible food, beverages, arts & crafts and live entertainment. 30 miles south of San Jose off Highway 101.

July 30. Bragg Jam Music Festival. 36 bands. Multi-venues. $20.

Calling all Singer/Songwriters & Bands…Gateway Macon‘s MACON MUSIC PROJECT. One winner receives a $25,000+ music production package. Deadline for entry: August 15th.
For details: ItsHotterHere.com

Sept. 8 – 11. Heroes Music Festival. Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Sept. 9 – 11. Evening of Respect. Macon, Georgia Celebrates 70 Years of Otis Redding.

Tweet-worthy quote:
“The 4th of July combines the two things Americans love most in one day: alcohol and explosives.” – David Letterman

YOUR COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

I don’t know much about zombies. But I do know that they have just enough brain function to make asinine comments on Macon.com.

I also know that green isn’t just the color of dead, rotting flesh. Zombies are shuffling all the way to the bank. AMC’s The Walking Dead (filmed in Atlanta) is the most watched drama series among 18-49 adults in basic cable history and was just nominated for a Golden Globe award.

The dead have walked south and are strolling the streets of Macon. Followed directed by James Kicklighter began filming here this week. Followed is the story of a socially-responsible college professor whose perfect world is threatened by the appearance of a tag-along zombie child. As I write this The SoChi Gallery has been transformed into an upscale restaurant for a scene in the movie. Lights! Camera! Zombie Action!

Las Vegas Blvd has its share of the walking dead….a evidenced by all the ELVISes I saw while in Vegas last week. A group of us went to Vegas to represent the Macon Film Festival at the International Film Festival Summit. And…we ended up snagging the Best Program award. Thanks to the talents of local design firm Burt & Burt Designs & Stephanie Shadden.

The Macon Film Festival is February 17th – 20th, 2011. We are now looking for sponsors & advertisers. If you’re interested in appearing in our national award-winning program, shoot an email to: Terrell@TerrellSandefur.com

DECEMBER BRAIN FOOD

You know “It’s Hotter Here” in Macon, right? The new Gateway Macon Initiative is community-wide collaboration designed to showcase Macon’s creative edge, its uncommon spaces, and growing opportunities . Fan their Facebook Page and check out the new music video “A Little More Soul” on their website.

Good Eats: Vingenzo’s in Woodstock, Ga. The hand-crafted cheeses are worth the drive! This is a do not miss for your next trip to Atlanta’s north side.

Ice Skating at The Centreplex. Now thru Jan. 2nd.

“Scrooge” @ The Grand Opera House. Dec. 15th

Save the Halls: A Christmas Celebration. Dec. 17th @ Library Ballroom. 8pm. (Music & Sports halls of fame) Log on http://www.savethehalls.com and sign the petition.

“The Electric Social” @ The SoChi Gallery. Dec. 17th @ 9pm. Best in Electronic music. DJ sets by: Sector 478, Street Urchin, Dark Shadow, Element, Structure

All About Animals Benefit concert @ Cox Capitol Theatre on Dec. 18th to benefit Macon’s only no-kill shelter. Performing: Ty Herndon, Mike Kinnebrew, Nick Malloy Band, Molly Stevens, Whitney Layne & Jaycie Ward. Tix: $15 Gen Admission, $25 Reserved Seating. 478-257-6391

Dec. 21. Big Screen Movie Night “Polar Express” at the Terminal Station. 7pm. FREE. Bring blankets & chairs.

Dec. 31st. NYE Party @ The SoChi Gallery “New Years Eve of Downtown Decadence with Champagne Wishes & P.B.R. Dreams.” Live performances by: Jubee and the Morning After, Back City Woods, The Royal Fireworks – coordinated by Thompson Entertainment

Macon-filmed STUCK! directed by Steve Balderson is now available on DVD $24.95…add to your queue on NetFlix or buy it on DVD @ Dikenga.com

YOUR COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

Have you heard the one about the guy who goes to Hollywood to pitch a movie idea and ends up being held hostage for 3 days ending in a warehouse covered in goose bumps? Well, that guy was me. And I live to tell the tale.

Excuse me while I suck down a Fabulous Bastard from my barstool at Lemongrass Thai Bistro and gather my focus.

OK. My buddy Joseph Guay & I packed our scripts and flew out to the left coast for a planned 4-day “Razzle/Dazzle” pitch to a handful of movie industry folks. Our objective: taking this great idea from the paper to the big screen. We had some productive meetings at some cool eateries across L.A. (for those of you who follow me on Facebook & Twitter, it was like you were along for the ride.) Movie people opt to meet at restaurants & bars over boardrooms and I totally dig that! Long story short, we found an executive director for our film. Now the real work begins.

Coffee is a kind bean. I learned long ago that my creative juices flow from an espresso machine and come in the form of a Latte – the more venti the better. I FourSquared my way through the city, never gracing the door of the same Starbucks twice.

I ♥ L.A. !!! It’s my kind of city. “Liquid Gold” Lattes on every other corner.

Man can not survive on Lattes alone. The more memorable eats included a spicy dinner at the rock’n roll gritty TOI Thai with super hot Pleasant Gehman (Star of the Macon-filmed “Stuck!”) who regaled us with tales of being recently sawed in half on a Las Vegas stage and her latest film “The Casserole Club” about Swinging in the 60′s. (check out Maconite Maryann Bates’ exellent movie stills from the set.) We had some sumptuous sushi at a sidewalk table at Sushiya between the cold couple sitting next to us and the hot red Ferraris parked on Sunset Blvd. By far, the most unforgettable dish was “Mom’s French Toast” @ The Griddle Café on Sunset Blvd. Our server had the look of a serial killer with dead eyes and yet gave some “killer” food suggestions. “Tony” turned me on to the BEST French Toast I’ve ever had in my life! If you are in L.A., The Griddle Café is a MUST! Excellent food and fairly quick service…especially if you work the hair flip.

Footballer Steve Bartkowski’s wife, Sandee, invited us out to Malibu for dinner & drinks one night…all I can say is: WOW! “I … just adore a penthouse view…darling I love ya but give me my Malibu!” This was way better than my last trip to Malibu where I got in this weird other-wordly convo with a spaced-out Gary Busey.

Another friend invited us onto the set of NBC’s “Parks & Recreation” where we watched one scene being shot. Amy Poehler gets locked in a room at a cat-filled bed & breakfast.

Ok, back to the being held hostage part….we were invited out to Burbank for the final rehearsal of Elton John & Leon Russell’s tour of their new album “The Union.” The Friday rehearsal was rescheduled for Tuesday. We were scheduled to fly home on Sunday…they asked us to stay…so we did. Elton wanted Joseph to photograph the session. This was the opportunity of a lifetime! We get there…along with T.Bone Burnett, Bernie Taupin, Elton John, Leon Russell and Allman Brothers fan & Academy Award winning director Cameron Crowe. Now picture this…The full orchestra behind two pianos…in front of the pianos were two couches where I sat and enjoyed the most amazing private concert.

Elton started it off with “Levon” & “Tiny Dancer.” The audience: me, T Bone, Bernie, Cameron, the sound guys & Cameron’s film crew. Enter: The Goose Bumps! Joseph’s photos (including the following) have made world-wide media.

* Rolling Stone has given “The Union” 5 Stars. The CD will be in stores this week.

A shout out to my groovy brother-in-law, Tony Williams, for putting us up & putting up with us!

*** THRILL KILL CULT ***

Thriller Dance Practice. Every Thursday in October @ 7pm. Tattnall Square Park – directly across from Mercer University.

Netherworld Haunted House – Atlanta, Georgia. “Netherworld is a pinnacle haunted house attraction that truly transforms actors into horrific monsters of fright. This haunt is the industry leader in developing new scare techniques utilizing the perfect balance of live actor/animatronic scare zones. Outside the entrance, a dedicated army of monsters scare patrons before ever even entering the doorway. “America’s scariest haunted house.” –USA TODAY

If you’d prefer to get your fright on a little closer to home..check out The F.E.A.R. Institute. Third Street, Downtown Macon. October 22, 23, 27-31. 8p – Midnight.

Spirits in October. Oct 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30. $20 Adults, $10 Students.

“The Little Foxes” @ Theatre Macon. October 22 – 30. Call for tix: 746-9485.

Drag Queen Bingo @ The Hummingbird. Thursday, Oct. 28th. 7p -9p.

Big Screen Movie Night: “The Birds” @ Riverside Cemetery. Thursday, Oct. 28th. 8pm. FREE.

The 4th Annual Thriller Dance will be on October 30th @ 7pm.

Serial Killers are the new Black!
The Kill Room Halloween Party @ The SoChi Gallery. Oct. 30th @ 10p. Signature Cocktail: The Killer Cosmo. Attire: Fashion Victim. if you can’t figure that out: think “Serial Killer” or “Victim” attire. Music by DJ Dirty.

Brett Butler LIVE! @ Cox Capitol Theatre. Nov. 5th @ 8pm. Tix: $40 Floor/Reserved Seating, $25 Balcony/General Admission. 478-257-6391.

Fly South Fest. Nov. 6th. 2p ’til 10:30p. Amerson Water Works Park.

Made-in-Macon film “Stuck!” is now available for Pre-Order.

The Macon Film Festival is calling for sponsors for the 2011 film festival. Be Cool & Sponsor one of the hottest events in Macon! For more info, email me @ Terrell@TerrellSandefur.com

Calling all SoChilites! Show your SoChi pride by slapping a SoChi destination sticker on the back of your car. Buy yours @ The SoChi Gallery. 534 Second Street, Macon, GA 31201. 478-238-6630.

HALLOWEEN QUIP WORTH TWEETING ABOUT:
“I recognize your writing, Weezer. You have the penmanship of a serial killer…” – Claree, Steel Magnolias

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

While on a recent trip to Atlanta I thought a Bang was in order and Chai Sapi was just the person to give it to me. It was raining and Piedmont Avenue was flooding. I steered the Mini Cooper to the right & hydroplaned into Ansley Square, coming to a stop in front of an old take-out fave: Bangkok Thai Restaurant.

Bangkok Thai is the oldest Thai restaurant in Atlanta – and possibly the first in the state of Georgia. It opened in 1977. One thing I remembered about this joint was they serve it up spicy!

Upon entering the restaurant, Chai greeted me with an enthusiastic smile and seated me at a table in the front window. Chai is a lovely Thai woman who is proud that her restaurant is considered an Atlanta institution and that her husband, Supat Sapi, is one of the best Thai chef’s in the state. I got right down to the business of getting my Thai on…I knew exactly what I wanted. Beginning with Num Tok. Num Tok is a spicy beef salad which is a traditional Thai dish consisting of grilled beef, mint leaves, green onion, lime juice and hot Thai chili. Theirs is sublime.

My second course was Seafood Curry which is a combo of scallops, shrimp & mussels in a hot & spicy red curry with bamboo shoots & fresh basil. Order it “Thai Spicy” – you’ll be glad you did.

The decor is nothing to look at but with all the dining-in gay boys & bejeweled Midtown housewives rushing in for take-out you’ll have plenty to gawk at.

Bottom line….The food is good, spicy & authentically Thai! They only have beer & wine …and all the water you can consume which you’ll need to tame your flaming palette.

Bangkok Thai is located at 1492-A Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309. Reservations: 404-874-2514. http://www.bangkokatl.com

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!

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!