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!

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

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

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

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

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

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get your Season Tickets to Macon’s Pinetoppers Baseball.

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

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

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!

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.

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