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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

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

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

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

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

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

Get your Season Tickets to Macon’s Pinetoppers Baseball.

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

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

I have gone off the deep end! I’ve taken a nosedive right into the funny papers. “Go Speed Racer, Go!” driving down an avenue of art & commerce and picking up a few hitchhiking superheroes along the way.

Famed comic illustrator Craig Hamilton & I have created Macon Man Comics, a syndicated comic strip set in the real city of Macon, Georgia.

Craig is a veteran of the comic world with a flair for the superhero. I’m, well, “The Fabulous Bastard” who’s banking on the fact that I still have a little Pied Piper left in me. What we both share is a love of Macon, Georgia and and a cocktail named after us @ Lemongrass Thai Bistro! Together we want to promote Macon in a comically-delicious way “to Macon & Beyond!” Details on the comic are forthcoming …

To build a little hype we started “comicizing” people … it’s taken off and folks have begun clamoring to be “Comicized!” Requests have come from as far away as Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles and Paris, France. The comicization movement can be witnessed by going to the Macon Man Comics page.

Thank you to Congressman Jim Marshall for inviting me to be a judge for the Congressional Art Competition @ Warner Robins Air Force Base last Saturday. Congrats to the top 3 winning artists: Aaron Cole, Kyle Hensel & Sarah Hollifield.

Betty White became a Legend on Saturday Night Live! The Census and the NPR skits will make her & her muffin unforgettable! Thanks to the Facebook movement to have her host. Now, can Facebook start a movement to have her become a permanent cast member?

Getting screwed over by “SOMEBODY” you thought you knew really “CUTS LIKE A KNIFE.” I will get over it “THIS TIME.” Join me Friday night at The Grand Opera House as singer Bryan Adams takes the stage. $35, $50 & $75.

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Maconite Nancy Grace will begin shooting her new TV show in Midtown Atlanta. “Swift Justice with Nancy Grace” is looking for audience members. For Free Tickets go to: www.swiftjustice.com/tickets

Queue for the “Q.” The Muppets meet Southpark Broadway smash AVENUE Q @ The Grand Opera House. Sunday, May 16th & 17th. $43-$47. For Tickets, call 478-301-5470.

If you are at home on Sunday night, tune in to Extreme Makeover Home Edition on ABC. Former Maconite Dwayne Bass designed & created the furniture & artwork for the made-over home. Sunday, May 16th @ 8pm.

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

Ty Herndon in Concert. Accompanied by Maconite Deborah Hightower. Saturday, May 22nd. 7p @ the Cox Capitol Theatre. Tickets: $15 in advance, $18 @ the door.

Burning the Candle at both ends? Stressful times call for innerpeaceful measures. Work on your bliss @ Yoga Moga. Downtown’s newest yoga studio is located at 505 Second Street.

Batter Up! Get your Season Tickets to Macon’s Pinetoppers Baseball.

Macon-filmed “STUCK!”will have it’s New York premiere on Friday, June 26th @ VisionFest Tickets go on sale May 17th.

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

I 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!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 6, 2010

SoChi Invites You to “Millionaire’s Row”

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

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

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

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.

Events & The City
Hip & Historic Do Coexist in Macon’s SoChi District

It’s time to pull out that invitation list and start checking it twice. If the thrill (or burden) of throwing the company holiday party has been put in your lap … will the boss think you’ve been naughty or nice after it’s all said and done? Talk about Holiday Stress!

From location to food to flowers … Macon’s SoChi District (South of Chi Chesters, Midtown & Downtown) has it all. With vast locations to choose from you can have grandly historic or modernly hip.

The first thing on your Party Planning To-Do list should be LOCATION! Secure a place to have the event because facilities get booked well in advance of the holidays. When looking for locations, keep in-mind the size of the group. You don’t want the space to be too large or too small for the guests to comfortably enjoy themselves. There are a variety of event facilities, restaurants & bars in the downtown district that can accommodate any size party.

Obviously a good guesstimate of the number of people will be a major deciding factor as to WHERE you decided to host the event…so work on that guest list!

Now, what kind of experience do you want this event to be? Will it be a seated dinner or are you thinking more cocktail party?

If your group is on the smaller side, a cool option would be a roving party, meaning using two or more places starting at one and ending at another. Start off with dinner at restaurant, move onto a facility or bar for dancing and/or cocktails & dessert.

Lighting is super important. If you are having an evening function, visit the location at night. Is the place too bright? Too dark? Dim lighting makes everyone look & feel better & younger.

Parking is not an issue downtown! Have you seen all the available parking decks in downtown? If you select a non-weekend street parking is vastly available.

I would suggest hiring an events planner to handle the details. The success of the party is all in the DETAILS!!!! Entertainment, food, cocktails, décor, theme … these are not to be taken lightly. If you have a party committee the probability of “too many chiefs, not enough Indians” is a very real thing. The fewer the decision makers, the better the end result.

An event planner’s contacts & vision is what you are renting …they know the market’s vendors and can get better deals on everything. So in the end you most likely will save money working with an events planner.

Cost-Cutting Tips:
- One of the most effective ways to cut costs is to select a non-premium night. Saturday night is the most expensive night to have a party, followed by Friday night. For instance, a Thursday evening or Sunday afternoon would be less expensive.
- Don’t do formal. We live in a more casual world today. Perhaps doing a fun spin on the attire would be more interesting and less expensive.
- Consider bistro tables & buffet tables. Renting tables, chairs & linens can get pricey. Also staff/server requirements go up. A cocktail party is going to be less expensive and more appealing to a younger, social crowd.

Happy planning! May your holiday party be filled with a lot of pleasure & Ho Ho Ho!

* I wrote this article for The Telegraph’s Macon Downtown Connection’s October issue. I thought it worthy to repeat for my blog.

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

I’m all over a theme party like a cheap bed sheet! Costumes play a big role in a successful themed event. Considering the struggling economy, there is no cheaper costume than a toga party. I mean seriously, EVERYONE’s GOT A TOGA! You have a BED, Right?

Besides, there’s just something so hedonistic about wearing a toga. Last weekend I hosted the PARTY AT THE PARTHENON @ The SoChi Gallery.
Upon entry the monumental columns backdrop from Macon’s Backdrops Fantastic really transformed the joint into a Grecian party palace. The signature cocktail appropriately named The Nectar, was truly fit for the gods. But what really made the theme party a success were the TOGArific party-goers and the mythological tunes provided by DKH Entertainment! If rolling out of the sheets and wrapping them around you ain’t your bag, call Needle & Thread Goddess Angie Hardison. She transformed me into Dionysus, the god of wine.

There are not many things cooler than live jazz. And the CD release party for jazz great Mose Davis’ new SUNSHINE CD certainly was one of the coolest things ever. It was the MOST, to say the least. The Jazz Association of Macon hosted the event at The SoChi Gallery on the 24th. Mose brought along songbird Maria Howell from the film THE COLOR PURPLE who blew us all away with her vocals. You can catch Maria perform at Sambuca in Buckhead on a regular basis. It was magical. Thanks to Wesley Audio for supplying the organ.

OK, have you seen the Sasha Baron Cohen flick BRUNO? Well, if not it’s a Must-See for the Sick & Demented set. I loved it! Apparently word has spread because I was one of 3 people in the theater. Fortunately, the other two people were also twisted. It was a serious laugh fest.

Speaking of sick & demented, I skipped the BRAVO premiere party for the new season of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” at the W Hotel in Buckhead so I’ve nothing to report on that front other than I heard it was a complete bomb!

Hey, does your life suck? If so, check out this new site I found. It’s called F My Life. It’s good for a few laughs. And it just may make you realize that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence…in fact, the grass is dead or at least full of weeds.

Speaking of WEEDS, Happy Birthday to Mary Louise Parker of the Showtime hit by the same name.

Unlike most people, I gleefully usher out summer each year. It’s not my bag. I hate the heat. My family takes off and leaves me HOME ALONE or in the words of rocker Billy Idol, DANCING WITH MYSELF! Mercifully, Summer is coming to an end and my family has returned. WELCOME HOME!

Remember, this Friday is First Friday. See you all in SoChi!

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Macon Arts’ Taste of Music. August 15th @ The Blacksmith Shop. 7p-10p. If you are a doctor who’d like to be a celeb chef at this year’s event, contact Macon Arts @ 478-743-6940.

Weaver’s Weekend, August 29th. The Armory Ballroom. 8p-Midnight. $35 er 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.

BLACK IS BACK! Movie legend Karen Black is bringing her play “Missouri Waltz” to the Cox Capitol Theatre. The show will run from Sept. 18-26. There will be a Kickoff Party for Karen & Grammy Award Nominee Harriet Schock @ the home of Don Bivings & Pino Mauro on August 29th for all event sponsors. Please contact the Cox Capitol Theatre for sponsorship opportunities. 478-257-6391
Karen first came to Macon for the ‘09 Macon Film Festival and fell in love with the city. This is why she is coming back so I encourage all to support her.

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

OPENING FALL ’09 on Cherry Street: Jack & Coat Men’s Store and Dolce Vita Café & Bar. Stay tuned.

I Want to Rock-N-Roll All Night!
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
Kings of Leon, Oct. 9th @ Phillips Arena

I can’t get Ricky Martin’s Livin’ la Vida Loca out of my head! This past week has been la vida loca for me so I thought I’d share some of the insanity. Not certifiably insane, but more of a “walk on the wild side” kind of surreal, Bizarre may be a better word.

I’ll begin at the end and work my way backward since that seems to go along with the crazy…

Dinner in Atlanta is always a good idea. Especially when the chef is about to be a big TV star. Saturday night began with dinner @ Pura Vida Tapas in Virginia Highlands. Owner/Chef Hector Santiago has been a star in my eyes for years, but his stardom is about to soar when TOP CHEF Season 6 premieres on BRAVO on August 19th. I threw a party for my wife’s birthday party 4 years ago and Chef Hector catered the event. People are still talking about it….and him…and his amazing food…and the signature cocktails! OK, back to the Now…We got the Rock Star treatment Saturday night beginning with the best table in the restaurant (Thank you Hector & Leslie Santiago!) Tapas are my fave and we feasted on little plate after little plate! A variety of delectables were delivered to our table all evening. Dinner ended with a game of Pass The Porron. Simply put, you drink wine straight from the vessel by pouring it into your mouth. The further away from your mouth you can go, the better you are. The porron is passed around the table until all the wine is drunk…or all ARE drunk! The catch: you can’t put the porron on the table until all the wine is gone.

After the last drop was drunk, we moved on to the best dive bar in town. The Clermont Lounge is Atlanta’s oldest strip club located in the basement of the Clermont Motor Hotel on Ponce de Leon Avenue. The Clermont is famous for it’s “mature” strippers, like “BLONDIE” , who dance on a stage behind the circular bar. These girls are OLD pros at collecting a dollar…You gotta hand it to ‘em … They aren’t afraid of revealing all their assets…(Hark! I hear a song in my head and it’s The Smiths’ SOME GIRLS ARE BIGGER THAN OTHERS.) Seriously, I think the youngest “girl” was around 40. The oldest, maybe 60. But don’t KID yourself, this joint is still hot, and not like in a Hot Flash sort of way. We left a bit after midnight and the line to get in was snaked around the block – and nary a cane or wheelchair in site! The Clermont Lounge is still a force in the Atlanta club scene.

After all the dollar bills ran out we met my friend Joseph Guay at Sutra Lounge in Midtown. Voted one of the “Top 100 Nightclubs in the United States” by Restaurant and Nightclub Magazine, Sutra is located at the very hip corner of Cresent & 14th Streets. I must give props to DJ Krillz who has got to be one of the most Slamming DJ’s I’ve ever had he pleasure of hearing…he had us all soul shaking. Mercifully, the huge floor fans were blowing ’cause the DJ was burnin’ down the house.

I was feeling a little insane last week, so I made an appointment with my therapist – tennis coach, Paul Tobin. You know, sometimes, a good game can really screw your head back on. Plus, he’s good about giving business advice…so he’s like a Two-fer.

SUCK ON THIS!
LOLLYPHILE – Lollipops for Adults. Talk about a great party favor…these suckers are booze-infused! Bourbon, White Russian and Absinthe…I mean seriously, Absinthe was illegal in the U.S. until 2007 due to claims that it made you crazy, like insane. Apparently, this flavor is their best seller. Other flavors include Maple-Bacon, Wasabi-Ginger…….Crazy!

I met with singer/song writer Dawn Jackson @ The Tic Toc Room on Thursday to discuss some projects. She’s recently moved to Macon from L.A. via Nashville which is the crazy part…but what was even more bizarre was I met two cats who were in from Atlanta who are FANS of this blog! Now, THAT’s insane – in a very small-worldish sort of way. She is Atlanta Magazine writer Candice Dyer & Atlanta artist John Cox. Long story short…the three of us ended the evening @ Lemongrass Thai Bistro. Me with a refreshing CUKI Lemonade (cucumber gin cocktail) in one hand and a “pom pom” in the other espousing the great things that are going on in Downtown Macon. FYI: Look for an art show for John Cox at The SoChi Gallery in the not too distant future.

OK….for my last serving of crazy, check out the trailer for the Steve Balderson film that was filmed here in Macon a few months ago: “STUCK!”

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

BRAGG JAM. Macon’s summer music festival. 40+ bands. Multiple stages. Saturday, July 25th.

Mose Davis “SUNSHINE” CD Release Party. Sunday, July 26th. 6-9p. The SoChi Gallery. This on the heels of his Friday night performance at Chastain Park in Atlanta, opening for BABYFACE.

LOL …
Wanda Sykes @ Uptown Comedy Corner: July 30th & 31st, 800 Marietta Street, Atlanta, GA 30318

Jennifer Coolidge, Brett Butler & Hal Sparks @ Laughing Skull Lounge. Jennifer Coolidge is best known for her roles as “Stifler’s mom” in the AMERICAN PIE films, the manicurist in LEGALLY BLONDE. July 28: Brett Butler of GRACE UNDER FIRE. Sept 17 – 20: Hal Sparks known for his stint as the host of TALK SOUP. Also VH1 Shows and his starring role in QUEER AS FOLK. For tickets: call 877-523-3288. Laughing Skull Lounge is located @ 878 Peachtree Street, Atlanta.

Party @ the Parthenon, a Greek-themed costume party. July 31st @ The SoChi Gallery.

Greenhaven, the first eco-friendly Decorators’ Show House in Atlanta. Open to the public until August 9, 2009, Greenhaven will showcase the latest in sustainable interior design, state-of-the-art technology and energy efficiency. The home will feature over 20 of Atlanta’s top interior designers, each with a fresh and unique perspective on eco-friendly design. From a healthy home nursery and eco-pet suite to a green “tween” room and fly fishing experience, guests will enjoy an exclusive tour of the most innovative and sustainably designed interior spaces in Atlanta.

DOCS WHO ROCK! Macon Arts’ Taste of Music. August 15th @ The Blacksmith Shop. 7p-10p. If you are a doctor who’d like to be a celeb chef at this year’s event, contact Macon Arts @ 478-743-6940.

The Green Concert @ Piedmont Park, Aug. 15th

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.

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

I WANT TO ROCK-N-ROLL ALL NIGHT !

Chris Isaak, July 25th @ Chastain Park
Tori Amos, July 27th @ Chastain Park
Tom Jones, July 31st @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
American Idols Live! July 31s @ The Arena at Gwinnett Center
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
Kings of Leon, Oct. 9th @ Phillips Arena

“In a world full of people there’s only some want to fly
Isn’t that crazy
Oh
But we’re never gonna survive unless we get a little crazy, crazy
No we’re never gonna to survive unless we are a little crazy” – SEAL

Running with the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain is so on my Bucket List. But much like commercial air travel, I’m sure it sounds more exotic than it really is. I chose the fish over beef and jetted off to Martha’s Vineyard, an island in Massachusetts for a little summer sanctuary. Searching for a little piece of PEACE.

Well, jetted might be overstating it a bit….I’ll just say, I made it by air, land & sea (a plane, bus & ferry.) Don’t ask! OK, I’ll tell you. Air travel & I don’t seem to get along. Inevitably something always happens…long story short, Cape Air owes me a round trip ticket.

Shake it off! I finally made it to the vineyard. The 95 degree Georgia temps now just a bad memory and the 66 degree vineyard embraces me like a mama embraces a child upon returning from summer camp!

The movie “JAWS” was filmed in Martha’s Vineyard back in 1975. It’s also the place where I first met my wife back in 1985. It’s also the locale where JFK, Jr’s plane crashed in 1999, 10 years ago this week. It’s also a great place to eat LOBSTER!

I was there over the 4th and let me tell you…they do it old school! The Independence Day Parade down Main Street is SO Mayberry … in the best sense of the word. Small town charm with a lot of Big City guests. My son’s sailing class was in the parade this year and their float won some award. As day turned to night, we headed out to Chappaquiddick for lobster and fireworks. It was spectacular! As I’m watching these fireworks, it’s hard to believe that we are in a recession. You’d never know it!

Speaking of recession, I was encouraged to have my tea leaves read … to answer a few questions I have about the state of my affairs. Sounds weird, right? Well, I’m all about it. Bring on the funk! Fly that freak flag and I’ll be there to salute. I went to this very fancy tea house, The English Butler, and made an appointment with the very British owner, Alison David, to have my leaves read. After I drank the tea, Alison performed a little Psychic Surgery on me (her words, not mine.). Fascinating is all I can say…made all the more enjoyable by her lovely British accent!

We celebrated my sister-in-law Ellen Bender’s birthday @ Atria. Called “Sexy & Sophisticated” by Travel + Leisure Magazine, our table lived up to its moniker. We had the only outdoor table in the garden under a large tree – a chandelier hanging from a branch. Regrettably I didn’t have a camera to capture the very TOWN & COUNTY moment. This joint has ambiance by the boatful. The Lobster Mac n’ Cheese and swordfish entrée were delish. FYI: there is no better swordfish than the freshly harpooned vineyard variety.

Before I divert from the culinary tales, there is a MUST if visiting the vineyard. And that is the foie gras @ L’Etoile. It is totally to-die-for! Chef Michael Brisson’s Sauteed, Spice Crusted Duck Foie Gras is simply the best bite on earth.

I have an addiction: Sunglasses. The dealer: Summer Shades in Edgartown. The Drug: Oliver Peoples sunglasses. My latest fix: the “Robert Evans.” Ahhh…..with the eyes rolling in the back of my head.

Tip: If your cell phone or iPod gets wet, put it in a brisker for a few hours. It’ll dry it right out.

Fun Beach Read: “When You Are Engulfed In Flames” by David Sedaris. Warning: your laughter will annoy those around you.

Can you Moonwalk? Post your video on the Eternal Moonwalk site.

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Mose Davis “SUNSHINE” CD Release Party. July 26th. 6-9p. The SoChi Gallery. This on the heels of his opening for Babyface at Chastain on July 24th.

BRAGG JAM, July 25th! Macon’s ultimate summer music festival = over 40 bands take on multiple stages.

Party @ the Parthenon, a Greek-themed costume party. July 31st @ The SoChi Gallery.

DOCS WHO ROCK! Macon Arts’ Taste of Music. August 15th @ The Blacksmith Shop. 7p-10p. If you are a doctor who’d like to be a celeb chef at this year’s event, contact Macon Arts @ 478-743-6940.

Hector Santiago of PURA VIDA in Atlanta is going to be on TOP CHEF Season 6. Premieres Aug. 26th on BRAVO. Hector (PURA VIDA) catered my wife’s 40th Birthday Party…and he’s amazing!

Weaver’s Weekend, August 29th. The Armory Ballroom. 8p-Midnight. $35 er 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.

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

I WANT TO ROCK-N-ROLL ALL NIGHT!

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
Kings of Leon, Oct. 9th @ Phillips Arena