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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEED & OTHER MIND-ALTERING SUBSTANCES

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

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

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

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YOUR COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*** THRILL KILL CULT ***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMMENTS ARE AMUSING & WELCOME!

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

Sometimes BIGGER is BETTER! Especially when it’s not hard. Well hung = an unforgettable experience. I know what you’re thinking … “HO.” Give it to me 3 times. “HO HO HO!”

Unforgettable Flowers & Gifts pulled out their big guns and did me just right. They decked my halls with boughs of holly without a bunch of foreplay. Pure Ecstasy! My pad is now XMAS’d out for the holidays. If your boughs need a little decking, give them a call. 478-405-8132 They’ll rent you a decorated tree and hang all the holiday trimmings for you. Check out their handiwork at the Stanislaus Christmas Tour of Homes Dec 3rd – 5th.

You are surely haggard from hanging that tinsel, right? I’m going to refresh you just in time for all those holiday parties. Meet me at SPA MEDICAL’s Holiday Open House on Nov. 30th. They’ll be spreading the holiday cheer and six lucky folks will be pricked, puffed & lashed. The first 100 people will get free gift bags + big door prizes each hour. 10a-8p. Get REFRESHED for the Holidays!

Admit it, you like handcuffs. “Buster Bluth” (Tony Hale) of TV’s Arrested Development will be in Macon @ the Cox Capitol Theatre on Dec. 18th. He’ll be showing his 3 favorite episodes on the big screen and will be hang afterwards for Questions & Answers.

QUICKIES

All about the Spice! If you like Indian, you’ll LOVE this new little foodie find: Moksha – a quaint little Tree House overlooking a creek in Roswell, GA with upscale Indian cuisine.

Bacon is the new Black! Who doesn’t love bacon? Add it to the Pimento Cheese sandwich @ JoeD’s on Ingleside Avenue ….SUUEET!

Are you are socially networked out? You’re Twittering & Facebooking while trying to stay LinkedIn without loosing your (My)Space….there is now one more to add. PING.FM will update all your social networking sites at once. Meaning you can appear to be All Over the Place with one Ping.

Dec. 5th Clean Up Our Town Day Volunteers needed in this effort to create a safe & inviting downtown. 478-722-9909 or email Jessica@newtownmacon.com Lunch provided for all volunteers.

Calloway Gardens’ Holiday Fantasy in Lights show.

CW’s The Vampire Diaries are looking for extras. Interested in getting bitten?

FourSquare – an iPhone App for Foodies. You can be a restaurant critic & let your friends know where you are dining.

HOLIDAY WHORING

Let The SoChi Companies take all the stress away by planning your Holiday Party. We bring it to you or you can host it at The SoChi Gallery located in the heart of Macon’s emerging arts & cultural center. 478-238-6630.

Stanislaus Christmas Tour. A strolling candlelight tour of historic homes. Dec. 3rd, 4th & 5th. 6-9pm. $20. 478-258-9303 or email: HistoricStanislaus@gmail.com

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

The Jazz Association of Macon’s HOLIDAY JAM. Dec. 4th @ 8pm. Library Ballroom. $25 Advance Tix. $30 at the door. 478-501-8100.

Fly South Fest. Dec. 5th @ Luther Williams Field, Macon. Music + BBQ. $20.

The 15th Annual X-MAS PARTY: Rock the Earth. Friday, Dec. 11th @ The Tabernacle, Atlanta. Attire: Glam Rock or Cocktail. $500 VIP. $150 General Admission.

I’ve begun to think that my life just might be a Fellini movie! While honing the Art of SoChilizing this past First Friday @ the Macon Arts’ opening, my life took a nose dive! One of my worst fears became a reality. My cell phone went for swim … and it was no Anita Ekberg frolicking in the Trevi Fountain kind of deal … it was a straight out Toilet Plunger! The recovery mission wasn’t all that sweet either.

You aren’t supposed to Text & Drive…well now I know there are a few other things you shouldn’t do while texting. I’ve learned my lesson! Both hands on the wheel while standing at a urinal!

With a soaked cell and all my contacts washed away, my wife & I headed to the island of Tybee for a media weekend getaway. Our spirits were soon lifted as we arrived – I mean it was like arriving in the promised land!
“There’s a lady who’s sure
All that glitters is gold
And she’s buying a Stairway to Heaven.”

Well, she not only gave us the stairway but the whole heavenly place! If you aren’t of fan of staircases….the place has an elevator! If you’re battery needs charge, an Oceanfront “Cottage” will do the trick. Tell owner Stacye Jarrell you want the SoChi Discount! Trust me…She Sells Sanctuary!

Macon’s Marriott City Center had its Grand Opening this past week…it was Grand indeed! If you see Kathy Hoskins of Bright Ideas Group, pat her on the back for a job well done!

Wednesday night we were “Jumpin’ with Johnny” @ The Douglass Theatre was just that! The Kim Polote Trio brought their Savannah talent and paid tribute to the music of the great Johnny Mercer. Check out the Johnny Mercer “Too Marvelous for Words” exhibit at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

How do you spell SUCCESS? Can you use it in a sentence? Yes, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee @ Theatre Macon was a huge success!” Kudos to Katy Thompson who directed this hilarious play. I was one of four people plucked out of the audience and thrown in with the cast and put to the test. Lots of fun! Thankfully they finally found a word I couldn’t nail so I was able to enjoy the remaining minutes with my family in the audience.

I want my MTV! …. I mean LOGO-TV! Maconite Carrie Preston’s “Ready? OK!” is making its television premiere. Sunday November 15th, 10pm on LOGO.

A Shout Out to the folks at the Apple iPhone help desk! They successfully helped me retrieve ALL of my contacts, phone numbers & email addresses that were flushed down the toilet last week! And thanks also to film director Frederico Fellini for inspiring a word I can really identify with: “Felliniesque!”

La Dolce Vita !

* “Felliniesque” – adj. Used to describe a certain circus-like representation of modern life

HOLIDAY WHORING

Let The SoChi Companies plan your holiday event. 478-238-6630.

Great Gift idea for the vain people in your life: BOCHOX from Spa Medical . These $5 chocolates are sure to make you forget about those wrinkles … for at least a few minutes!

Check out “Macon on the Cheap.”
Your Ticket to the Best Deals on Restaurants, Shopping and Events in Macon.

Too busy or not talented enough to decorate for the holidays? Call Unforgettable Flowers & Gifts. They’ll do it all for you. They also rent fully decorated Christmas trees for the month of December. 478-405-8132

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

Poster The Goodwill Gala “A Night in Atlantis” Friday, Nov. 20th @ 7pm. The Anderson Conference Center. Black Tie. $100 per person.

Christmas in Historic Stanislaus. A strolling candlelight Holiday Tour of historic Stanislaus homes. Dec 3rd, 4th & 5th. $20. For Tickets, call 478-258-9303 or email historicstanislaus@gmail.com

Fly South Fest. On Dec. 5th, Pigs Will Fly! The first annual regional Music & BBQ festival @ Luther Williams Field, Macon.

Vineville Christmas Tour. Dec. 5th & 6th. Historic Houses that span over 100 years of architecture. $20 per person, $15 for groups of 10+. 478-745-9383.

The 15th Annual X-MAS Party . Friday, Dec. 11th @ The Tabernacle, Atlanta. Benefits the Captain Planet Foundation. Attire: Glam Rock or Cocktail. $500 VIP. $150 General Admission.

If you’re going for that Zombie look for Halloween this year, I have a tip: go on a Boy Scout campout! Last weekend my son & I did just that. I learned just like real estate, “LOCATION. LOCATION. LOCATION” is the key to a successful tent placement. Unfortunately, I pitched the tent in a major Snore Zone. Without the proper weapons (Lunesta nor Grey Goose) to fight this evil onslaught, I spent a very restless night. Mercifully daybreak came and with my back in full spasm I hobbled away much like the living dead.

The good thing is that Halloween is lurking right around the corner and there are many Tricks & Treats available to us all.

Talk about Fear Factor, check out the Netherworld Haunted House in Norcross, GA. Rated one of the Top 10 Best haunted houses in America. 6624 Dawson Blvd, Norcross, GA 30093. For more info call the Haunted Hotline: (404) 608-2484

Underworld 2009 Haunted House presented by Cox Capitol Theatre & Grave Intentions. Rated PG-13. 450 3rd St between Cherry & Poplar Streets. $13. Tickets may be purchased online at Cox Capitol Theatre 8p – Midnight. Oct. 29,30 & 31. 478-257-6391

Haunted Montrose, the Old Slaughter House 2nd Street, Montrose, GA 31065
Oct. 29th, 30th, 31st & Nov. 1st beginning @ 7pm

“Spirits in October” Saturday Trolley Tours of Historic Downtown Macon and the Riverside Cemetery. $15 adults / $10 students. Each tour departs from the Cox Capitol Theatre. Saturday, October 31 @ 1 pm.

Dammit Janet, I love the Time Warp! Pull on your fishnets and check out the
Rocky Horror Picture Show @ Cox Capitol Theatre on Friday, Oct. 30th @ 8pm.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Halloween Costume Ball, Friday, Oct. 30th. Live performances by Kandi and Kim. Red Carpet Event begins at 9pm. $30.00 tickets / $500 Costume Contest. Tickets on sale @ Gateway Event Center
165 Mill Rd, McDonough, GA 30253. 770-279-9853

Don’t miss The 11th Hour THRILLER PARADE – Friday October 30 @ 9:00 P.M. the intersection of Cherry & Third Streets. See over 100 zombies take over the streets of downtown Macon as they recreate the famous Michael Jackson MTV video “Thriller.”

Get a Bloody Piece in the Alley. Macon Pizza will be serving some haunting delish Eyeball Calzones and Bloody Pizzas at a discounted price on Oct. 30th. Mention the SoChi Halloween Party and get 10% off full price items including beer and wine. Be sure and try the Eyeball Sangria! (white sangria with grapes)

“Night of the Living SoChilites”
Halloween Costume Party @ The SoChi Gallery
Friday, Oct.30th @ 9:30pm – following The Thriller Parade
Attire: Haunt Couture
Signature Cocktail: The Bloody SoChilite

Feeling a little too zombified to go out on Halloween? Are your PJ’s your idea of a Halloween costume? Let the television Feed Your Fear in the comfort of your own home with the George A. Romero’s classic film NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD & HALLOWEEN on AMC.

Chuck & Rose Lane Leavell’s Cocktail Party. Friday October 30th. 6-8 pm @ Charlane Plantation in Bullard, Georgia.
$250 per person. Proceeds go to benefit Historic Macon’s P.I.C. (Preservation IS Conservation) Green Field Day. For tickets & more info contact Historic Macon.

Haunted Woods @ the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Friday, October 30 & Saturday,October 31 @ 7:30pm

It’s Raining Men … and Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves! The 39th Annual Atlanta Gay Pride Festival in Piedmont Park Oct. 31-Nov.1.
Pride Begins With You!

Stock up on the treats for the visiting goblins? They’ll be scratching at your door shortly. “I’ve seen enough horror movies to know that any weirdo wearing a mask is never friendly.” –Friday the 13th

HAPPY TRICK-or-TREATING !!!

Is it better to party like a rock star or party with a rock star? I looked that up on Ask-a-Hedonist.com and the correct answer is: BOTH! I like it! But not in a Gordon Gekko “I like my Greed with a greasy hair gel icing” kind of way, but more like a “having your cake and eating it too” -happy- kind of way.

Rockers COLLECTIVE SOUL did a free outdoor concert for the hometown fans in Atlanta’s Centennial Park on Saturday. My “I’m with the band” friend artist/filmmaker Joseph Guay invited me to join the VIP action to which I jumped all over. Joseph shot the cover for the bands new album & designed the entire CD.

I arrive in Atlanta, pull off the interstate and head down Peachtree Street and immediately run into a complete freak show: Faeries (w/ Wings & faery dust) and Gladiators and Trekkies … TONS OF THEM! Are these people Collective Soul fans I wonder? I make my way to the park to see a more rocker/football fan clientele @ the park. The concert was a blast but the real fun happened post-concert at the band’s private party at the clubby-cool DRINKSHOP @ the W Hotel-Downtown. I cavorted with a Goose who was oh so Grey and flew freely into my glass all night long! Grey Goose was one of the sponsors so the vodka was complimentary. This was my kind of party.

The band’s rock star guest list included fun friends: Guay, Daily Candy’s Tiffany Davis, Celebrity stylist Ritchie Arpino and Good Day Atlanta host Suchita Vadlamani
I made a new cool friend, Vincent Martinez, who is looking for the next supermodel. If it’s you, click: FASHIONADO

Sunday I took the fam back to Atlanta to check out the Fantasy-Fest that is DRAGON*CON. Thinking this is totally not my scene, but the kids will get a kick out of it. NO….this was a complete eye candy extravaganza and more of a PG-13 rating. I’m all about a costume party, but this was way over the top. 50,000 people in way out costumes: monsters, trekkies, Star Wars characters, super heroes … if it’s in a comic book, it was there. My family was radically underdressed for the party: we arrived without weapons, wigs or masks. No capes or super hero logo’d leotards on any of us. I was thinking I should have brought my vampire cape. My daughter left her SCREAM mask in the car. If I go next year, I’ll definitely be dressed for the occasion and flying the freak flag!

“The Vampire Dairies,” which is filmed in Georgia, premieres on tonight @ 8p on the CW network. A few locals are in the cast.

There are a very few Indigo Girls tix left for the Saturday night concert @ Cox Capitol Theatre. If you want them contact Kirsten West @ kirstenw1238@aol.com.

FUTURE LOVE PARADISE

College Hill Corridor’s Downtown Look Around, Friday Sept. 11th 5p-10p. FREE EVENT.

True Blooded Maconite Carrie Preston will be in Macon on Sept. 12th an acting workshop @ Theatre Macon from 2p – 4p. Tickets are $5.00 Preston be talking about the Business of Acting. Saturday evening, Preston will be available for the screening of her new film “Lovely By Surprise.” The FREE outdoor event will be at Coleman Hill. Preston will do a Q&A @ 7:30pm prior to the film. In case or Rain Saturday night, the event will be moved to the Willingham Auditorium @ Mercer on Coleman Avenue across from Tattnall Square Park.

SoChilites rejoice! The new YOGAMOGA yoga studio is opening Sept. 14th in the old Telephone Exchange Building on the corner of Poplar & Second St.

Don’t miss moviestar Karen Black‘s MISSOURI WALTZ @ the Cox Capitol Theatre. Macon’s own Sylvia Haynie has the starring role.

The #2 Best haunted house in the U.S. is in Norcross, Georgia! If you want to get your horror freak on, check it out: Netherworld

I WANT TO ROCK-N-ROLL ALL NIGHT!
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
Echo & the Bunnymen, Nov. 15th @ Masquerade
Miley Cyrus, Nov. 29th @ 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