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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEED & OTHER MIND-ALTERING SUBSTANCES

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

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

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

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YOUR COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

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

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

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

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

DECEMBER BRAIN FOOD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YOUR COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

If a margarita doesn’t float your boat try a Lobster Bloody Mary and be transported to Nantucket, if only in your mind. Recipe: Vodka infused with Jalapenos, Mexican red chillies and shaved horseradish, steak sauce and Tabasco. Garnish with an 18” skewer packed with all the meat of a lobster’s tail & claws, lemon wedges, olives & heirloom tomatoes.
*recipe from Urban Daddy Boston

If you prefer to inhale your dessert, smoke the new season of WEEDS. America’s favorite drug dealers are back. “We’re on the run now honey, that’s what we do.” Catch ‘em if you can. Monday’s @ 10pm on Showtime.

SLAMMING SOCIAL SHOTS

Hello Dali. Well Hello Dali.
Salvadar Dali Exhibit @ High Museum. Salvador Dali Exhibit @ The High Museum. Now through January 9th, 2011.

Drag Queen Bingo. Thursday, August 26th @ The Hummingbird. 7-9pm. $10

“The Fat Boy Chronicles” Macon film premiere. Thursday, August 26th @ Cox Capitol Theatre. 7pm. FREE. Come meet the film’s cast & crew followed by a Question & Answer session.

“The Neverending Story” Big Movie Night. Thursday, August 27th @ 8pm. Tattnall Park. FREE.

DRAGON-CON. September 3rd – 6th. Atlanta.

SHOTS ON THE ROCKS

David Gray @ Chastain Park. Monday, August 23rd. 7pm.

The B-52′s & Blondie @ Chastain Park. Wednesday, August 25th. 7:30pm.

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

Tears for Fears @ Chastain Park. Thursday, August 26th. 7:30pm.

Billy Idol & Joan Jett @ Chastain Park. Sunday, August 29th. 7:30pm.

KISS @ Lakewood Amphitheatre. Tuesday, August 31st. 6:30pm.

The Electric Social. Dark Shadow, Element & Old Flame will perform the best in electric music @ The SoChi Gallery. Friday, September 3rd. 10pm.

Ghostland Observatory @ The Masquerade. Saturday, September 18th. 8pm.

QUOTED AFTER ONE TOO MANY SHOTS

“I’ve been called many things, but never an intellectual.” – Tallulah Bankhead

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

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!

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 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!

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>

“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.

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.

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