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

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

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

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

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

MIX, MINGLE & JINGLE

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

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

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

BALLS ARE ABOUT TO DROP

New Years’ Eve in Downtown Macon Cherry Blossom Ball Drop

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

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“BALLS ARE ABOUT TO DROP”

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

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

“FUTURE FILM PARADISE”

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

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

Don’t name a STREET after me. I don’t need a DAY named in my honor. I’m not even interested in a KEY TO THE CITY. However, name a COCKTAIL after me, and you had me at “Hello!”

Tuesday night Priscilla Esser & I were honored with our own signature cocktails at the oh-so-hip Lemongrass Thai Bistro in SoChi. We arrived with our minds on the mission and the mission on our minds. Does that qualify as Mission Work? Not sure, but I do know we were there to begin an outreach program. Not only did we get to select the cocktail’s name, we played mixologists for the night and concocted our cocktails, selected the glassware that the drink will be served in and the garnish. Priscilla’s cocktail is “The Satin Doll” and mine, “The Fabulous Bastard.” They are truly Signature! I would say that our mission is certainly of the outreach variety … bellies to the bar, outreaching for another Satin Doll & Fabulous Bastard!

The fun was had, now the work begins. A “Run for the Roses” ain’t just a horse-racing term. No sir, promoting our cocktails will make the Kentucky Derby look like, well, exactly what it is – a race for two year olds! Goodbye Horses! We are sophisticated SoChilites and there is nothing like a little friendly competition to turn up the heat! Especially when Alcohol & Egos are involved. This competition is between the sexy Satin Doll and the slightly older but never-the-less Fabulous Bastard!

So you ask, “What’s so Fabulous about the Bastard?” … EVERYTHING !!!!!!!
All for the Low, Low Price of $9.

Right out of the Starting Gate…Attempt if you dare:

Grey Goose Vodka
Hangar One Kaffir Lime Vodka
Kettle One Citreon Vodka
Zen Green Tea Liqueur
Tonic
Garnish with a Kaffir Lime leaf & a Thai Chili Pepper. Serve on the Rocks!
*note: the mixologists @ Lemongrass are the keepers of the exact proportions.

Bunnies weren’t made for boiling. Shoot ‘em instead. I have to give props to my dear friend, artist & filmmaker Joseph Guay. He shot the cover for Collective Soul’s new album.

Need to save face? My wife, Kim, had a post-summer microdermabrasion to remove the sun damage and she’s singing the praises of aesthetician Stephanie Ollikainen. If you’re in need, give her a call at Dr. Stefan Adair’s office. 478-633-7677.

Don’t Miss: Maconite Blogger & Editor-in-Chief of Red State.com, Erick Erickson on Sean Hannity’s show this coming Monday night, Aug. 31st. FOX NEWS Channel, 9pm.

I’ll end with a TOAST … to the incomparable Satin Doll, SoChi’s own Holly GoLightly, Priscilla Esser. “To The Death, Baby! SALUTE!”

Future Love Paradise

Weaver’s Weekend, August 29th. The Armory Ballroom. 8p-Midnight. $35 per person, open bar, meal included and music by John Dunn and the Jazzmen. All of the proceeds go to support Vine Ingle and the Mike Weaver Scholarship fund.

Lemongrass Thai Bistro’s Chef’s Table
5-course dinner prepared by Chef Tom Sarrtsud
6:30 pm, Aug. 31st
$75 + tax & gratuity
For Reservations: 478-257-6464

Karen Black (two-time Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee) brings her play, “Missouri Waltz,” to Macon’s Cox Capitol Theatre. Sept. 18th – 26th. For tickets call 478-257-6391.

“On Golden Pond” @ Theatre Macon Sept. 11th – 19th. For Tickets, Call 478-746-9485.

Check out my new column about mixing & mingling: “The SoChi Life” in the August/Sept issue of Macon Magazine.

Listen to “SoChilizing with Terrell Sandefur” every first Thursday on WIBB-AM 1280 with Anita Ponder & Todd Haygood. 7:30 a.m.

I Want to Rock-N-Roll All Night!

Los Lobos, Aug. 28th @ Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Motley Crue, Aug. 29th @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
Depeche Mode, Sept. 1st @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
Indigo Girls, Sept. 12th @ Cox Capitol Theatre
Pet Shop Boys, Sept. 12th @ Chastain Park
Psychedelic Furs, Oct. 2nd @ The Masquerade
The Black Crowes, Oct. 3rd @ Chastain Park
U2, Oct 6th @ The Georgia Dome
Kings of Leon, Oct. 9th @ Phillips Arena

Not since Rhett Butler have we heard such an big “F… Off.” It wasn’t the arched eyebrowed Scarlett O’Hara that took the hit, but the bloody-eyed Vampire Lorena that was the victim of the scoff heard round the world. And frankly my dear, the fact that she is a vampire makes it all the more harsh. “You may be immortal Lorena, but you’re dead to me!” said vampire Bill Compton to his meddling maker on HBO’s True Blood. Talk about blood curdling!

I just got a piece. Yep, downtown in the alley! Macon Pizza in the Alley is serving up hot pies but may I suggest the Garlic Parmesan wings! Other HOT EATS: Try the Tomato Basil Soup @ Molly’s Cafe. The Cuban Sandwich & Coconut Cupcakes @ Fountain of Juice. Pino’s Paper Pizza @ Market City Cafe. The Gyros @ Greek Corner Deli – ask for extra Taziki sauce!

Did you Rock with the Docs on Saturday? If you called in sick, the event was a hit. Winning chefs were
Appetizer – Marcus Simmons
Entree – Stefan Adair
Dessert – Jay Davis

And speaking of Winning Chefs, SoChilite Priscilla Esser & I were guests of uber publicist Toren Anderson’s “Summer of Jar Love” Garden Party in Atlanta on Sunday afternoon for a sampling of “those things in a jar” that will be in her upcoming cookbook. Twelve of Atlanta’s top chefs presented their own things in a jar, including TOP CHEF contest Hector Santiago. The party bloomed in the garden of Bill Musso‘s stunning Villa Mira Flores and made all the sweeter by the signature cocktails provided by Alys Beach and created by C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar. It was a jarring experience and one that I’d like to experience again … here in Macon.

Hit me with those laser beams! Frankie Goes to Hollywood … and Macon. Screenwriter Frankie Krainz was in town this past weekend doing a little research for his next film. Krainz wrote the film “STUCK!” that was recently filmed here. This will be another “get” gotten by the Macon Film Festival. Film folks are intrigued by this little town & its interesting inhabitants.

A shout-out to local actors Anthony Ennis & Sylvia Boykin. Ennis, famous for his SoChi Gallery party entrances will find fame on the small screen when he debuts in The Vampire Diaries airing on Sept. 10th on the CW. He’s also filming the web TV show “Soperton” around Macon.

Maconite Sylvia Boykin has been cast in several projects including The Fat Boy Chronicles which is filming in Newnan, GA. The film’s directors were at MAGA last year with their film “The Last Bullet.” Lifetime’s new hit show Drop Dead Diva is filmed entirely in Peachtree City. Boykin’s character will be introduced on the episode airing on Sept. 20th. She’s also in Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2 which opens nationwide on Aug. 28th. The flick was filmed in Madison, Covington, Decatur & Atlanta.

Future Love Paradise
Maconite Carrie Preston who portrays “Arlene” on the HBO hit TRUE BLOOD will be in Macon on Sept. 12th to premiere her latest film Lovely By Surprise. She’ll do a Q&A following the film. stay tuned for more details …

In 1999, Monday’s were a Bitch..but it looks like in 2009, it’s up to Tuesdays: the new MELROSE PLACE is premiering Sept. 8th on the CW.

I Want to Rock-N-Roll All Night!
Jonas Brothers, Aug. 22nd @ Phillips Arena
Depeche Mode, Sept. 1st @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
Indigo Girls, Sept. 12th @ Cox Capitol Theatre
Pet Shop Boys, Sept. 12th @ Chastain Park
Psychedelic Furs, Oct. 2nd @ The Masquerade
The Black Crowes, Oct. 3rd @ Chastain Park
Kings of Leon, Oct. 9th @ Phillips Arena

You know what it’s like. You’ve had a day from Hell. The “rat on a wheel” kind of day. Quittin’ Time rolls around and you are now happily home. You dive into that newly delivered Macon Magazine enjoying “The SoChi Life” column on page 23. That’s when the Lambs start to Scream!

And by lambs, I mean children. And not just the two that you own, but several of the neighborhood kids as well. You and your wife race to the back of the house fully anticipating a protruding femur bone and blood spurting everywhere.

Well, not exactly. My wife and I get to the playroom at almost the same time. The flock is screaming and crying, they are freakin’ hysterical. Lazslo & Zara have murdered Honey and Bandit! It was horribly gruesome. The little fellas spread out on the floor – bellies up. Punctured … and bloody … and Dead! Oh, did I mention that Honey & Bandit were the family hamsters and Lazslo & Zara are our rat on a wheel hunting dogs? Regardless, this moment was pure hysteria! My gosh, the screaming! SILENCE! … SILENCE OF THE LAMBS!

Wow! All that drama leaves me a bit hungry. Have you checked out the new MACON PIZZA? It’s in The Alley right across from Tokyo Alley and Downtown Grill. Try the Garlic Parmesan chicken wings. AND…they will be open for Sunday Brunch from 11a – 3p. So…there is finally an independent restaurant open in Macon on a Sunday. Beginning on Aug. 17th they will do delivery. They just opened on this past First Friday.

Oh,yeah…my lambs & I got framed on First Friday! FRAMED by photographer Maryann Bates @ the Contemporary Arts Exchange. This is an ongoing project of Maryann’s that has evolved from shooting fun pictures of people to “framing” them into works of art. She shoots these most First Fridays her gallery at the Contemporary Arts Exchange on the corner of 2nd Street and Mulberry. And hey, she has the costume closet from hell! You can go crazy with all the funky stuff to choose from. It’s an experience the whole family will enjoy so go for it…go down and get “Framed!”

Oh, by the way … the lambs did stop screaming!

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

SoChi Songwriters ShoCase. Thursday, August 13th @ The SoChi Gallery. 7pm. Three Nashville artists will perform in the round.

John Hughes movie night. Friday, August 14th @ the Cox Capitol Theatre. Pretty in Pink at 7 pm. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at 9 pm. $1.00 movie.

DOCS WHO ROCK. Saturday, August 15th @ The Blacksmith Shop. 7p-10p. Contact Macon Arts @ 478-743-6940.

WATCH: The Season 3 premiere of FLIPPING OUT on BRAVO, August 17 @ 10p. America’s favorite House Flipper is back!

LOOK: “The SoChi Life,” in Macon Magazine.

LISTEN: “SoChilizing with Terrell Sandefur” every first Thursday on 1280 WIBB-AM with Anita Ponder & Todd Haygood. 7:30 am

I WANT TO ROCK AND ROLL ALL NITE !!!

The B-52s, Aug. 14th @ Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, Mableton
Hippiefest, Aug. 15th @ Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheatre, Peachtree City
Drivin’ n’ Cryin’, Aug. 22nd @ Cox Capitol Theatre
Jonas Brothers, Aug. 22nd @ Phillips Arena
Depeche Mode, Sept. 1st @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
Pet Shop Boys, Sept. 12th @ Chastain Park
Psychedelic Furs, Oct. 2nd @ The Masquerade
The Black Crowes, Oct. 3rd @ Chastain Park
Kings of Leon, Oct. 9th @ Phillips Arena