David Atlanta Issue #27

12.12.12 #27

10TH & PIEDMONT

Brothers Sean & Gilbert discuss their new restaurant (and what you should expect)

Goodrowe | Hobby The design masterminds behind 10th & Piedmont

TBD

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m o r f e t o r o N t i A the Ed 12.12.12 Issue #27

STAFF MANAGEMENT David Thompson Publisher | david@davidatanta.com Maximillian Corwell Editor-in-Chief max@davidatanta.com Joe Ragsdale Art Director ragsdale@davidatanta.com Bob Gunby Sales Director | bob@davidatanta.com

EDITORIAL Joseph Brownell Lead Editor/Social Media Coordinator joseph@davidatanta.com Elijah Sarkesian Rian Ashlei Chris Azzopardi Corian Ellisor Van Gower Clayton Morey Sam Gabel Richard Marshall Dustin Shelby Brent Star Lucas Witherspoon

PRODUCTION Elijah Sarkesian Lead Writer/Assistant Art Director elijah@davidatlanta.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY Laurie Edward Photography Director Rory Evans Photographer

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6 // davidatlanta.com

Come on Kasim, Say It!

M

ayor Reed has been dancing around the gay marriage issue for quite some time this past year. As pressure mounted on him after President Obama announced his support of marriage equality, the most Mayor Kasim could say was he was “wrestling” with it still.

Well after the landmark decision by the Atlanta City Council that passed a resolution supporting marriage equality (11-2), led by Alex Wan, it officially puts out city council ahead of the Mayor on LGBT rights.

Mayor Reed talks about being in support of the LGBT community, he diligently shows up to most of the big LGBT events around town, he has fought to protect adoption rights for LGBT couples, voted against the same-sex ban that was passed in Georgia, and with a re-election in 2013, he certainly could use all the support of the LGBT community as possible.

So, what’s the hold up with saying you support marriage equality, Kasim? We know you have an opinion; can you just come out and say it already?

To me, it boils down to political pandering. You walk the walk, but won’t talk the talk. Aren’t we all a little tired of these political games when there is so much on the line? I know I personally am tired of having my sexuality be used against me in a political game of chess.

Mayor Reed aside, congrats to the Atlanta City Council and especially Alex Wan for taking a stand on a national issue, and while it may have no legal power, the sentiment of this passage shows the state, and the country, that Atlanta is a forward thinking city.

Maximillian C orwell The content of this Publication is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in the Magazine are not necessarily those of the Publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the Magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through this Publication meets your specific requirements. The Publication is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The Magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to the Publication, including but not limited to articles, advertisement, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of this Publication may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the Publisher. Unauthorized use of this Publication may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in the Publication is strictly at your own risk.

TOC

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12.12.12 Issue #27

Cover > 10th & Piedmont Goodrowe | Hobby

18 26

Feature > The Romans Screen Queen

38 44

Seen @ > Hideaway 10 Felix’s 30 Eagle 48 Oscar’s 60

The Rest > The Report by Brent Star BarTab Comics /Top 10 Fairyscopes Classifieds Bitch, Please!

16 34 54 58 59 62

18

38

COVER: MODELS Sean & Gilbert Yeremyan PHOTOGRAPHER Laurie Edward 8 // davidatlanta.com

44

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photo: Joseph Brownell

Seen @ > Hideaway

NOW OPEN!

From the owners of Gilbert’s Café &Bar

Restaurant

Lounge

10th & Piedmont, home of the former Outwrite Bookstore, is more than just a business for us and for our community. For years, it has symbolized human rights, equality and diversity. 10th & Piedmont is an extension of Gilbert’s Café & Bar which has proudly served Midtown since 2000 and shares those same core values.

We hope you’ll enjoy your experience at 10th & Piedmont. We will be serving fun, delicious and sharable food, after dinner cocktails or something in between!

991 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | 404.602.5510 | 10thandPiedmont.com

@DavidAtlantaGA // 11

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MIDTOWN GOES TO HOLLYWOOD PT.1

S

o a couple of my Facebook friends told me about a movie in town being filmed (tentatively called LOST VEGAS starring A-List actors Morgan Freeman, Robert De Niro, Kevin Kline, Michael Douglas… oh and Carrot Top) that was looking for drag queens and impersonators to be an extra for a church scene. Per request, I submitted several different looks that I do. They chose Little Richard…and I was like SHUT UP! So there I was, two days later, at 6AM in the damn morning putting on makeup to transform into Mr. Tootie Fruiti. Next I found myself getting on the bus that transports all the extras from the parking lot to the set. I sat next to a fun and sweet Lucille Ball impersonator—(hell at first I thought she was Ethel Mertz, but don’t get me lying). It was too early and quiet on the bus until the bus driver accidently called me Lionel Richard, then in my Little Richard voice, I started singing “Hello”, as the silence broke with laughter.

Finally we made it to the “Extras Tent” and the first person I saw was a super cute and young Elvis impersonator (who looked more like Ricky Martin in an Elvis suit). While waiting to be called to the set, I told Elvis he stole all my music. He then told me “No, I just made them famous”, I responded with “Well at least I’m still alive!”

16 // davidatlanta.com

Later, while stuffing my face with the food they had for us, I noticed local drag performer Violet Chachki and Baton Bob (being fabulous as ever with that baton and those bells on his shoes jingling whenever he walks), Next, they hauled us over to the building next door for hair and makeup and that’s when I was pleased to see the hair stylist who originally did my wig for Little Richard when I first started impersonating him 7 years ago because it was that irony that made me feel like I was at the right place.

Fast forward to the church scene, Violet Chachki and I were two of the few “Vegas people” chosen to be the main focus of that scene…and of course so was a Michael Jackson impersonator who stayed in character the whole time, he thought he was the man in the mirror fo’real. Violet and I felt special until we looked high on the church’s alter and saw Envy Van Michaels (wearing shades and wig beat to death), RuPaul’s Phoenix and Mariah Balenciago, and Savannah Leigh as a stunning Cher impersonator and all four of them MUGGING FOR LIFE as if this scene was about THEM. After Violet and I picked up our faces, Carrot Top entered the room followed

by Morgan, Kevin, Michael and some guy the director call “Bob”(Robert De Niro). Once everyone was in place, the director yelled “Action!”

To be continued…(Part 2 is a trip!)

@DavidAtlantaGA // 17

Transfor 10th & Piedmont

By Elijah Sarkesian 18 // davidatlanta.com

The heart of gay Atlanta is getting a makeover.

At the corner of 10th and Piedmont, the location that once served Atlanta’s LGBT community as Outwrite is reopening as a new bar and restaurant, conveniently named 10th & Piedmont.

The newest entry into Atlanta’s social scene is the creation of Sean and Gilbert Yeremyan, the co-owners of Gilbert’s and Hobnob. The brothers were already thinking of adding to their footprint in the Atlanta market when a golden opportunity fell in their laps.

“When Outwrite basically made it public that they were moving out, our landlord started getting dozens of phone calls and applications from serious national companies,” says Sean. “We have a good relationship with our landlord, and although we had not shown interest to get next door, he told us, ‘Hey, this is available, if you want it or not. If you want it, I have about 100 people on the line.’ But we had the relationship with him.

rming Brothers Sean and Gilbert Yeremyan Create an Exciting New Concept in One of Gay Atlanta’s Most Notable Historic Locations

“We were looking for a location anyway, to open our third location. We had decided to extend Gilbert’s by adding a different room, where Outwrite used to be. But we also thought that extending Gilbert’s – the same atmosphere, the same food – would be boring. People come for that anyway. So we started to brand differently. Different décor, different menu, different everything.”

That’s certainly what they’ve created. Over the course of nearly a year, the Yeremyan brothers have created a very new, very different experience in the former Outwrite space.

The differences start with the appearance of the location. Architects Goodrowe | Hobby were brought in to revitalize the space. The result is a combination of the building’s natural modernism with a warm touch.

“You can see the modernism, but also feel the warmth. We used good interior designers and architects to create this fantastic space,” says Sean.

photos: Laurie Edward @DavidAtlantaGA // 19

Inside, the space is built to serve as both a restaurant and a dance floor. For example, Sunday afternoons post-brunch, the dance music starts playing, and 10th & Piedmont turns into a dance party through midnight. The dining area’s tables are designed to fold up, which lets the area turn into a dance area with ease.

a well-rounded selection that they want to keep affordable.

Complementing the alcohol is a unique menu, crafted by a long-time collaborator of the Yeremyan brothers.

“Our chef, Brett Ring, was originally the head chef at Hobnob,” says Sean. “He’s been promoted to Friday and Saturday nights will also see guest DJs oversee Hobnob, Gilbert’s and 10th & Piedmont. inhabit 10th & Piedmont, helping transition the loca- He created our food menu. It’s global flavors with a tion from its daytime status as a restaurant into what Southern influence. He’s from south Florida, and he the brothers hope will be a popular night spot. used his heritage to twist classic Italian, Spanish and some Mediterranean items, and used his Southern Any popular place at night has to have some alcohol, personality, cooking methods and ingredients with of course, and 10th & Piedmont is going all-out. The those items.” bar at 10th & Piedmont will focus mainly on vodka and wine, and includes an extensive vodka selecIt’s not just the ingredients that will make 10th & tion for customers. As for the wine list, Sean cites Piedmont’s food unique. The dishes are designed to 20 // davidatlanta.com

be served as a whole meal for one person, or as something to split for a group of people.

“It’s a very interactive menu. There are 13, 14 items on the menu, and they’re all like this,” says Sean. “We even have a salad – it’s called Salad for the Table. It’s very interactive and shareable. When you look at the menu, you’re going to see the titles, [and everything’s] made shareable. Everything is made from scratch.”

Just don’t expect to see the same items every time. “Everything is organic, regional and local as much as possible. Our concentration is on getting whatever’s available, and to change the menu seasonally, three or four times a year,” says Sean. @DavidAtlantaGA // 21

Anticipation from the community has most certainly been mounting for this new undertaking.

That shows everywhere from the 10th & Piedmont Facebook page, which has slowly been teasing out glances of the new space, to the large group of new employees the space has hired and trained.

“It was very interesting to see what kind of managers, what kind of bartenders, and what kind of servers applied for this place. It’s very exciting. The team we’ve created is very impressive.”

He cites one member of the team as an example of its dedication to the community: Lynn Barfield, known for her years at Blake’s, now serves as 10th & Piedmont’s community ambassador. As part of her job, she’ll help organize fundraisers and help the restaurant give back to the community.

“Lynn is our liaison to the community, and we’re proud to have her on board.”

For Sean and Gilbert, opening up to the community is not only important from a business sense, but from a personal place as well.

“We treat people equally and with respect. That’s our style. We’re known for our diversity from Gilbert’s, and that’s who we are. We welcome everybody with open hearts and open minds.”

22 // davidatlanta.com

@DavidAtlantaGA // 23

Creating Change had a positive impact on me professionally. As participants, we were able to empower ourselves to become stronger leaders and strengthen our efforts for the inclusion of equality.

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@DavidAtlantaGA // 25

Goodrowe | Hobby External Expression of Internal Identity

By Sam Gabel 26 // davidatlanta.com

photos: Laurie Edward

T

he corner of 10th and Piedmont held an iconic identity for over a decade as the home of Outwrite. It served not only as a bookstore and coffeehouse but a meeting ground for all- smack dab in the middle of what we affectionately refer to as the gayborhood.

numerous projects all over the country. When we returned to Atlanta, we decided to pool our unique talents in helping individuals and establishments in enhancing the formulation of their core identity and improving their branding and products to their community.”

When Outwrite shuttered its doors, speculation ran wild as to what would take its spot. When it was announced that Sean and Gilbert Yeremyan were bringing a new concept to the space, the community wondered how the new concept would evolve and what it would mean given the community’s sentimental past with Outwrite.

It was a wise and fruitful collaboration. Tim Hobby’s pioneering approach helps stores get noticed, by providing unique branding which is essential to any business, alongside his 20+ years in interior design. David Goodrowe, former Associate Dean of the School of Fashion and School of Building Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design, has been able to take his fashion proficiency (he has dressed many of the stars we love), to good use in helping create a “one-stop shop” for head-to-toe branding.

Outwrite was the first place I bought my published anthology as an eighteen-year-old, and using my pseudonym accordingly for every written piece after the first publication, it was like an alpha and omega of sorts.

It was the birthplace and validation of my pursuit of a career in the arts as a writer. We all have our memories of Outwrite and have shared a cup of coffee and laughed with friends there. Seemingly, many of our hearts were in that space, and for many, it was a sad day when their doors closed for good.

Enter David Goodrowe and Tim Hobby, the duo behind Atlanta’s illustrious design firm Goodrowe | Hobby. Excited and impressed by their professional demeanor and determined, uncompromising work ethic, it didn’t take me long to realize these individuals were incredibly passionate with everything that they have accomplished not only locally but nationally as well.

“We have known each other for ages through Backstreet, the Armory, through many and many dance floors in the 90s . . . Our careers brought us to different places through

How does it work? Goodrowe | Hobby have pooled their unique talents to provide individuals and businesses anything they need (in the design world). Need a new wardrobe? They can help you. Need to build an extension on your house and have it furnished? No problem. Need new businesses cards and a modern marketing plan to get you noticed? They are ready for you!

This “one-stop shop” approach is the modern day business model, and Goodrowe | Hobby have mastered it in the design industry so you can have your entire world reflect exactly who and what you want to be.

With the monumental task of creating the next step in the evolution of the gayborhood’s ground zero, Tim and David worked closely with Sean and Gilbert to determine their vision.

“When we are first assigned a project, we emphasize collaboration with the client through conversations and friendship- the pivotal connection necessary in accessing what form of improvement and direction they are striving for.”

@DavidAtlantaGA // 27

From what the public has seen from the exterior, it sounds like the inside will match perfectly. The warm “10th & Piedmont is all about warmth: an environment wood, new windows and fresh appeal of this space will be a wonderful addition to the famous LGBT intersecopen to all sorts whether you’re just getting off work tion. Goodrowe | Hobby have also left a permanent in a suit and tie looking for a great cocktail or just in a tee-shirt and shorts ready for a great, social atmosphere. mark in Atlanta now, giving new life to a space that has always been a beacon of light to the LGBT community.

There will be sleek sectionals for seating, versatile options for the staff to arrange tables for larger parties While many of us still miss the former Outwrite, I think accordingly, concrete geometrical wall tiles that are we all are excited to welcome 10th & Piedmont to the stunning and gorgeous. Small pops of yellow exude a subtle undertone of confidence with green hues which neighborhood. will deliver an unexpected and pleasant element to wood cladding that will be signature to 10th & Piedmont’s GOODROWE I HOBBY LLC. casual elegance.”

External Expression of Internal Identity Their firm’s motto, The External Expression of Internal 145 15th Street, NE, Suite 445 Identity, has served them well in transforming the space Atlanta, GA 30309 from shelves of books to a sleek, modern meeting ground Office: 404.876.4777 just as diverse as the community it will serve.

Web: GoodroweHobby.Com And as for 10th & Piedmont?

28 // davidatlanta.com

SAM’S on i s s a P r u O s I Hair

INTERNAL IDENTITY David@GoodroweHobby.Com David Goodrowe has dressed for several stars from Jodie Foster to Heidi Klum, co-owning a high-end NYC women’s designer clothing company selling to the likes of Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. He possesses the rare ability of pulling the inner essence of our soul’s treasure and reflect it outwards.

EXTERNAL IDENTITY Tim@GoodroweHobby.Com Tim Hobby has twenty years of design experience under his belt and is well-connected to Atlanta’s community. Supportive of local charities and revolutionizing the way we perceive; he’s our chance to see our hearts turned inside out through our cherished landmarks.

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http://samhairsalonatlanta.com @DavidAtlantaGA // 29

30 // davidatlanta.com

photo: Joseph Brownell

Seen @ > Felix’s

BARTAB

got an upcoming event? calendar@davidatlanta.com

MONDAY

BLAKE’S Family Fued @ 11:30 BURKHART’S Blue Monday Karaoke w/ Angelica D’Paige 11:30pm

COCKPIT Big Red Cup All Day, specials EAGLE Comedy TV- Free Pool FELIX’S Free Pool FRIENDS DJ opens at 2pm Gilbert’s Half Priced Entrees 5-11PM HERETIC Play w/ Eddie 4pm-11pm HIDEAWAY $2.50 Domestic Beer hobnob Date Night 19.95 3 course dinner for two 5-11PM JUNGLE Stars of the Century Show 11pm MODEL T Monday Night Madness 9pm OSCAR’S Midtown Martini Club 4pm. Service Industry Night 9pm TRIPP’S Monday Night Madness 9pm WOOF’S Texas Hold ‘Em Poker 8pm

TUESDAY BLAKE’S Karaoke w Suzanne Gleeson 11pm BURKHART’S Trivia Tuesday Karaoke w/ Angelica D’Paige 11:30pm

COCKPIT 80s Party 9pm, specials 5-8pm EAGLE Tuesdays w/ Tony FELIX’S Smirnoff Martini Night FRIENDS Let’s Make a Deal 6pm Gilbert’s Industry Night (complementary pizza after 10pm) HERETIC 2-Step Tuesday, dance till 11pm HIDEAWAY TEAM Trivia w/ Will 9pm MODEL T Texas Hold’em Poker 9:30pm OSCAR’S Show Tune Tuesday 8pm SWINGING RICHARDS 1/2 Price cover TRIPP’S Ladies Night 9pm WOOF’S Industry Day Free Wii 5pm

WEDNESDAY BLAKE’S 5-9pm Doug’s party pop hits, The “Lust and Bust Show”11 pm BURKHART’S Humpday Karaoke w/ Darlene Majewski 11:30pm COCKPIT Balls Deep Karaoke 10pm EAGLE 80’s Music w/ Travis

34 // davidatlanta.com

Friends Team Trivia 8pm Gilbert’s Karaoke 10pm-2am heretic 25¢ Keystone Light ,No Cover! hideaway Trivia w/ Will 9pm jungle Big Gay Game Show 3rd Wed mixx Texas Hold’em Poker 7pm model t Karaoke 10pm oscar’s ReBooT Retro 8pm swinging richards 2-4-1 VIP Room tripp’s Free Taco Bar 5pm xcess ultra lounge Raquell Lord’s Talent Show @ 10:30pm, Sophia Mcintosh & Fab 5 +1 @11:30pm, 18+ woof’s Food Special, Trivia 8pm

THURSDAY

mixx Grown & Sexy Dance 10pm model t Saturday Night Live 9pm oscar’s 80’s Retro Vidz 8pm swinging richards T-Shirt Review, $10 tripp’s Afternoon Delights 4pm woof’s Atlanta’s Best Social Night 6pm

SATURDAY blake’s opens 1pm, Daring Divas 11pm BURKHART’S Extravaganza w/ Shavonna B. Brooks 11:30pm

cockpit DJ Diablo Rojo, guest VJ/DJ’s eagle DJ Dance Party felix’s Karaoke w/ Brett & Tyler 10pm friends Afternoon Party with D.J. Noon - 6pm

blake’s Texas Hold’Em Poker 7pm, Shawnna

Gilbert’s All you care to eat brunch (cooked

Factor Show 11pm

to order) 11-4pm heretic Varies: Club Night or 3 Legged Cowboy Night - 10pm jungle Club Night, Various Guest DJ’s. mixx Guest DJ’s Dance 10pm model t Sunday Dinner 3:30pm oscar’s Total Request Videos 8pm swinging richards T-Shirt Review $10 tripp’s Afternoon Cookout 3pm xcess ultra lounge 25+ FREE til 12am woof’s Game Day All Day

BURKHART’S Twisted Thursday w/ Phoenix 11:30pm

cockpit Dirty Boy Bingo w/ Ruby Redd eagle Karaoke w/ Mikey felix’s Karaoke w/ Brett & Tyler 10pm friends Girls Who Like Girls Meet Girls Gilbert’s Wine tasting 6-10pm heretic 3 Legged Cowboy Night 9pm hideaway Service Industry Night hobnob Live Music 8-11PM jungle Cherry Pop Thursday! model t Party-Time 9pm oscar’s Kickin It w/ Kyle 8pm swinging richards 2-4-1 VIP & Entry tripp’s Spotlight Karaoke 9pm xcess ultra lounge Turnt Up Thursday woof’s Food Special, Country Music 7pm

FRIDAY blake’s 5-9pm TGIF, Charlie’s Angels w/ Charlie Brown 11pm

BURKHART’S Fab Five w/ Angelica D’Paige 11:30pm cockpit DJ Diablo Rojo, guest VJ/DJ’s eagle DJ Dance Party friends Happy Times with Kelly & Ken heretic no cover B4 11pm hideaway After Work Martini Madness jungle Club Night, Various DJ’s

SUNDAY blake’s open 1pm, Classic Sunday “T” w/ Bill Berdeaux & Daryl Cox

BURKHART’S Armorettes Drag Show club rush Hip Hop w DJ Truz, no cover cockpit PBR Beer Bust felix’s Bloody Marys & Mimosas friends Smirnoff B Mary Bar 12:30pm Gilbert’s All you care to eat brunch (cooked to order) 11-4pm and Karaoke 6-11:30pm hideaway Bloody Mary Bar 12:30pm las margaritas All You Can Eat til 3pm mixx Old School Sunday Dance 7pm model t Sunday Dinner w Ron 3:30pm tripp’s Buffet 3pm; Karaoke pm woof’s Bloody Mary bar, PBR special

wy

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Woof’s 2425 Piedmont Rd

The Hideaway 1544 Piedmont Ave

Rush Lounge 2715 Buford Hwy Burkhart’s Pub BJ Roosters 2345 Cheshire Bridge

Lin

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Lav

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Dr

Boy Next Door 1447 Piedmont Ave

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Southern Nights 2205 Cheshire Bridge

es hir eb

Bliss 2284 Cheshire Bridge Opus 1 1086 Alco St

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Av e

Piedmont Park

Amsterdam Ave

14th Street

NOT SHOWN

Monroe Dr

Amsterdam Cafe 502-A Amsterdam Ave

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Jungle 2115 Faulkner Rd Manifest 4 U 2103 Faulkner Rd

dm on t

Tripps 1931 Piedmont Circle

Heretic 2069 Cheshire Bridge

Pie

Piedmo nt Rd

I-85

Felix’s Oscar’s Brushstrokes Capulets 1510 Piedmont Ave

Mixx 1492 Piedmont Ave

Joe’s on Juniper 1049 Juniper St

11th Street

Bar

Gilbert’s Cafe 219 10th St

Piedmont Ave

10th St

Dining Pool table

Blake’s 227 10th St

8th St Bulldogs 893 Peachtree St

7th Street 6th Street

Flex Spa 76 4th St

5th Street 4th Street

XS Ultra Lounge 708 Spring St

3rd Street

Argonne Ave

I-75 I-85

Club/Dance

Atlanta Eagle Rawhide Leather 306 Ponce De Leon Ave

Ponce De Leon Ave

Ponce De Leon Pl

Daiquiri Factory 889 West Peachtree St

Retail

Monroe Dr

Juniper St

Peachtree St

West Peachtree St

Spring St

Swinging Richards 1400 Northside Drive NW

Friends on Ponce 736 Ponce De Leon Ave

The Model T 699 Ponce De Leon Ave

designs by www.tannerhuynh.com @DavidAtlantaGA // 35

Win Opening Night Tickets to Experience Blue Man Group Visit www.davidatlanta.com/category/contests/ for details on how to win!

JAN 15-20 • FOX THEATRE 36 // davidatlanta.com

photo: Devin Burrell

ROMANS

LEND THE

YOUR EARS

Atlanta shoegazer band looks inward with style

T

By Van Gower

he metro Atlanta area seems to be experiencing a bit of a cultural entertainment renaissance lately. Not only has it become a hotbed location for Hollywood filmmakers and T.V. series productions, but its homegrown music scene continues to be the go-to destination for discovering amazing new rock bands on the threshold of stardom. Add The Romans to that roster of must-hear musical acts.

The Romans – Aaron Whitehouse on vocals and bass, Andrew Colella on synthesizers, Ryan Clevenger on drums, and Zevi Solomon on guitar – are perhaps one of the most unique anomalies on the local scene. Rather than serving up the usual thick meaty slabs of hard rock or punk, they serve up unexpected thick meaty slabs of shoegazer rock.

And the effect is sheer heaven.

On their new CD Coldest Weather, The Romans have crafted ten utterly gorgeous and moody songs that soar so beautifully they run the risk of sailing right out of the ozone layer into space. Listening, it’s almost hard to believe this isn’t a British band because there’s such a strong Britpop shoegazer air surrounding and coursing through every track. The band is a supremely talented quartet of musicians, imbuing the introspective songs with crashing waves of ringing guitars, humming bass, icy synthesizers, and propulsive drums that lift Aaron Whitehouse’s vocals up on dark clouds of gloomy beauty. The album’s production sound is impeccably swirling, ambient, and ghostly, in what seems like a nod to the wall-of-sound work of the legendary British record producer John Leckie.

38 // davidatlanta.com

The entire experience is reminiscent of – and would fit neatly in with – the very best classic albums by Brit bands like The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, Chapterhouse, Lush, and Pale Saints. But make no mistake: although the British influences are there, The Romans are hometown Atlanta boys. David Atlanta caught up with vocalist/bassist Aaron Whitehouse to tell us about the band, its appreciation of its gay fans, and the process of making Coldest Weather.

Are all the guys in the band from Atlanta? If so, where did you cut your teeth while getting started here? What venues did you play, and do you get back home to play a lot?

Yes, all of the members are basically from Atlanta and we have been playing around the city at all the usual suspects including The Five Spot, The Drunken Unicorn, Vinyl, The 529, Park Tavern, etcetera.

What were some of the themes you guys were going for when you were writing the songs on Coldest Weather?

One of the primary themes that seems to run throughout the album in songs like “Tremble” and “Open Conversation” is coming to terms with who you really are on the deepest and most sincere level, being brutally honest with yourself, and the revelations that come through that process. It’s probably the most significant struggle humanity has and always will have, which is learning to

accept and understand yourself on the deepest level because the further your understanding evolves in that arena the freer you are to accept others.

Another theme that would have to be talked about is love but not so much the rose petal garden variety that you’re probably thinking, but more like the darker side of love that no one likes to really talk about as much but is equally important. The furnace of love which burns and shapes you by holding a mirror up to you when you are at your worst and says “Hey, here you are and here’s the shit you’ve been pulling and yet I still love you unconditionally.”

As an objective listener, I hear a lot of ‘80s British-band influence, especially from The Cure like on “Open Conversation”. But the band throws a curveball with some great crunching guitars on “To Those Who Know”. Are you guys heavily influenced by the great British bands? Who were some of the acts you grew up listening to?

Well, we all come from such varied musical backgrounds it’s strange that we ended up with this kind of new wave shoegaze Britpop thing. I’m mainly a blues guitar aficionado, although you wouldn’t know it by listening to our music because I’ve made a guitar sound that is unique and my own. Ryan comes from a jazz and marching band background, which you really hear on songs like “I Was Born” or “Between The Moon and The Day,” and Andrew is our classically trained savant who actually went to school and studied music on a scholarship! He can pretty much take any song and make it twice as good due to his obvious skills. Aaron comes from a background of writing and poetry, but he does confess to listening to Britpop for like four years straight with no breaks whatsoever from the age of 15 through 19.

I love the big, expansive recorded sound of the album. Did you guys specifically plan to go for that atmospheric vibe when you were writing the songs, or did it just come out in the process of making the album? Did you record in Atlanta?

on our record.

What are some of the cities where the band has toured thus far? What has the fan and audience response been in those places?

We have mainly been playing around Atlanta with plans of touring this year to support our record. There has been some talk of doing a tour with Magnets and Ghosts, Dean Roland of Collective Soul and Ryan Potesta’s current project. We have a BMI showcase show scheduled with Magnets and Ghosts in late January of 2013 at either Terminal West or The Goat Farm, which is something we are really excited about and hope to see you all at.

What’s next for The Romans? More touring?

When will you be playing Atlanta next?

Next is lunch and hopefully playing shows that you will be in attendance at where we can all hang out afterWe did aim directly for that target of it feeling big and atwords and make great memories! To learn more about mospheric and made sure we got the right people on board future shows and band happenings, visit us at to help us hit it! We worked with two of the brightest up www.theromansmusic. and coming producers in Atlanta who we can’t say enough com. good things about in John Rosser and Kyle Dreaden, and apparently they were exactly the right people for the job.

Coldest Weather They did what any producer worth their salt does, which

by The Romans is take a band and enhance what their strengths are and www.theromansmusic.com create a unified palette for the songs to sit in. John Rosser Full Interview on has great pop sensibilities and also helped with some of DavidAtlanta.com the writing aspects on the record, while Kyle Dreaden who also mixed the album certainly has a voice when it comes to his style of mixing, and we definitely wanted that “voice” @DavidAtlantaGA // 39

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I am a boyfriend, a volunteer, and an artist.

And I am living with HIV. TM

Christopher (left) has lived with HIV since 2011.

Get the facts. Get tested. Get involved. www.cdc.gov/ActAgainstAIDS

FOR FANS OF CHANNING TATUM

FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO CRY

Magic Mike It’s the season of giving – and director Steven Soderbergh is very generous with the amount of men he unwraps in his male stripper movie. As if that wasn’t enough, he includes an actual story. It’s not as beefy as Channing Tatum’s butt, but it’s there: Based on the actor’s real-life go as a peeler, Magic Mike merges art-house indie with MTV video stripteases to tell the story of a veteran dancer – and other “cock-block kings of Tampa” – who learns there’s more to life than stuffing dollar bills in a G-string. It’s part cautionary tale/part reason for getting hot actors to take their clothes off in a legit film (hello, it’s Soderbergh). Matthew McConaughey steals scenes as the club’s resident dirtbag, and Matt Bomer does a Ken doll routine that gives new life to those Mattel toys. More of him – the perfect little butt not seen in theaters – shows up in the special features, which are truly, truly special.

Beaches There’s nothing like sobbing – with a cup of tea, in the fetal position, in bed (don’t pretend you haven’t) – to Beaches. Two friends – Hillary Whitney, an ACLU attorney, and “C.C.” Bloom, a Broadway star – share 30 years of love, laughs, men and tacky clothes. On two very different paths, their lives converge when, decades after meeting as kids, Hillary drops the cancer bomb on C.C. We all know what happens after that, even 25 years after the film’s release: “Wind Beneath My Wings” plays over that sappy beach scene and – god help us – we turn into mush. So who cares if it’s got all the makings of a Lifetime movie and the first hour seems longer than all the years we spend with these girls. This one’s about seeing The Divine Miss M in this hug-a-friend PSA. Extras include a new interview with Mayim ‘Blossom’ Bialik, who plays young C.C., and Bette’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” music video – for the real masochists.

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FOR FILM BUFFS Alfred Hitchcock: The Masterpiece Collection Scary birds and a killer shower scene gave Alfred Hitchcock his nickname – The Master of Suspense – but the great filmmaker also left us hanging when it came to some of his more questionably gay characters. Obviously there’s Norman Bates as a crossdresser in Psycho, but there’s no question that, viewed now, there’s a lot of gay going on in 1948’s Rope, about two probably-“it” men who murder a former classmate, stuff him in a chest and serve a buffet-style dinner on it. During one extra, out screenwriter Arthur Laurents and actor Farley Granger talk about the gay subtleties that were snuck into the play-turned-film. Fifteen more hours of bonus features – commentaries, screen tests and a new documentary on The Birds – accompany the 15 films in this sublime Blu-ray collection (only two have ever been released in this format). The essential ones are all here: Rear Window, North by Northwest, Vertigo, with old-Hollywood legends like Grace Kelly and Cary Grant.

And of course there’s Psycho, the movie that secured Hitchcock’s master status. In hi-def, Anthony Perkins never looked so good as a woman.

Sunset Boulevard Sunset Boulevard was Gloria Swanson at her crazy best (read: those eyes), inhabiting the role of a washed-up starlet who’s lost her marbles.

The actress plays Norma Desmond in the 1950 film noir about said woman, a silent movie star long forgotten, who takes in a fella (the studly William Holden as Joe Gillis) who’s hurting for money and could also be key to the comeback she so desperately needs.

What starts as a movie-making partnership turns into codependency, a screwy affair and ultimately murder.

Rightfully regarded as one of the best American films of the 20th century, Sunset Boulevard is a deliciously campy black comedy about celebrity vanity that’s still relevant to the real-life stars of today – don’t you think Lindsay Lohan is ready for her close-up? Included on the stunning Blu-ray remaster are an insightful commentary and the debut of a deleted scene.

FOR RETIREES (AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM) The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel There’s not much eating or praying, but grief and renewal – and lots of loving – all reside in this old people’s destination movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

The delightful adaptation of the bestselling book casts seven retired strangers – played by the elite British ensemble of Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Tom Wilkinson – who are off to India to experience new beginnings. When they arrive at what was advertised as a swanky resort (but isn’t), that turns out to be nearly impossible – or so they thought. Dench, as a newly widowed woman, adds another dynamic performance to her IMDB list, as does a fiery Smith playing a wheelchair-bound racist and Wilkinson in the role of a gay man with romantic ties to India. With so much acting greatness, no wonder there’s a Blu-ray extra dedicated to them: “Casting Legends” reinforces why The Golden Girls aren’t the only blue hairs worth our time.

FOR HIPSTERS Tarantino XX Women are fierce in the twisted world of Quentin Tarantino. They cease knife brawls, kick Kurt Russell’s butt and rock a pantsuit with the empowering swagger of a lesbian. That’s why his iconic femme fatales are so revered: They are to film what Madonna is to music. The Kill Bill dyad’s Uma Thurman as an avenging Bride, Zöe Bell and Rosario Dawson holding their own in a high-speed car chase, and pre-L Word Pam Grier in a wildly amusing grrl-power plot that has her double-crossing a money launderer – they’re all here in this 10-disc commemorative release that celebrates the influential and controversial virtuoso. Also among them: Tarantino’s earliest films, Reservoir Dogs and True Romance, and Pulp Fiction, the quintessential 1994 release that became as well-known for its imitable style as it did for that gay rape scene. Those films launched a career of pop-culture riffs and genre subversion with high body counts and hardcore quotables. Film aficionados analyze his impressive oeuvre during the Critics Corner extra, and there’s a Q&A with Tarantino @DavidAtlantaGA // 45

and Grier who reunite to talk Jackie Brown. Both are among five hours of new special features. Pantsuit not included.

FOR KIDS (AT HEART)

any of the other artists who tribute the legend during this gala recorded in February 2011. Babs’ music career is swiftly captured in just one hour, with Krall’s opening performance of “Down with Love” – from 1963 – all the way through to Streisand’s 2011 release What Matters Most.

Standouts include Lewis belting the heck out of “Somewhere,” Lea Michele doing “My Man” and a career-best from Faith Hill on “Send in the Clowns.” But it’s Babs herself, performing two songs at the end, who shows these girls why they’re bowing down to The Voice.

Finding Nemo Who knew a fish that speaks whale and forgets everything could keep Ellen DeGeneres’ career swimming? Finding Nemo, though, was just as much a success for the oncelambasted lesbian (turned cool talk-show host) as it was for Pixar, who made box-office history with its sweet story of a fish tyke separated from his dad after braving the underwater world – the catalyst for his father FOR TV FANS to face his own fears as he sets out on a wild adventure with Dory to find his son. Nemo, released in 2003, raised the (sand)bar for animated features of the last 10 years, but now – on Blu-ray and in 3D for the first time – there’s no forgetting that this Oscar winner is one of Pixar’s masterpieces. Even if you’re Dory.

Friends: The Complete Series The legacy of Friends isn’t just Jennifer Aniston’s hair: The awardThe Muppet Christmas winning NBC show Carol about six pals living For the ’90s generation of in New York was a kids, it wasn’t Christmas cultural phenomwithout the Muppets. Now enon with ratings that are unheard of today in TV land. the Justin Bieber crowd – But it didn’t just champion the tube. Friends, which and grown-ups who still wrapped in 2004, was the first show to ever televise remember this holiday a lesbian wedding – and even though it was no Will & classic as a gay ol’ time Grace, it definitely registered a 3 on the Kinsey scale – can bask in all the light- for its sly gay jokes and budding bromances. Now hearted glee of watching those – and wedding proposals, triplets and a really Jim Henson’s puppet pals starring alongside Ebenezer bad tan – can be revisited outside of reruns, with all 10 Scrooge with this Blu-ray release. Fresh off a welcome seasons as they aired in glowing hi-def and reformatted big-screen return with The Muppets, out last year, Kermit for widescreen sets. Along with an episode guide, the and Miss Piggy take on the Cratchits with charm – and, discs come in a hardcover book housed in a handsome in the case of the latter, diva audaciousness – while box that features a maturing hologram of the cast.

Michael Caine as Scrooge does a dead-on interpretation Seventeen hours of extras are carried over from previof the legendary party pooper. Two new extras, including ous releases, while brand-new retrospectives and a gag Christmas carols from the singing puppets when the reel make their debut. For anyone wanting to remember movie’s paused, debut on this edition. Joy to the world, Central Perk and the musical musings of Phoebe Buffay, the Muppets have come. this is the way to go.

FOR MUSIC LOVERS A MusiCares Tribute to Barbra Streisand Imagine having to sing for Barbra Streisand – and not just any song, but one of hers. The thought itself makes you wish for over-the-counter Xanax, even if your name is Faith Hill, Diana Krall, Barry Manilow, Leona Lewis or

Select items are available at Brushstrokes (www.brushstrokes.us), located at 1510 Piedmont Ave. Atlanta, GA 30324. @DavidAtlantaGA // 47

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Locked Out of Heaven - Bruno Mars

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Losing You - Solange

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fairyscopes ARIES (March 20 – April 19): Disagreements at home

LIBRA (September 23 – October 22): Recurrence of

are likely to get out of hand, and especially when you thought you’d just settled the problem. Be as patient and diplomatic as you can. Your attention will soon turn to more interesting problems.

old arguments may highlight your need to reconsider ideals and tenets you’ve long taken for granted. Be careful that shrewd insight doesn’t push you to disillusion friends. You can be realistic and respectful.

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Frustration with co-

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 21): The competitive side in wants to come out and play, so maybe you should gear up and play some football, basketball... or a really intense round of hide and go seek (for the non-athletic ones). The hot soapy shower after should be reason enough.

workers has more to do with your expectations than with them. Brace yourself for recent problems to come back at you. You need to mouth off. Save it for your friends who can help you develop a better perspective.

GEMINI (May 21- June 20): The impulse to demonstrate your debonair wit could easily backfire. The line between incisive epigrams and rude bitchiness is too easy to stumble over. If you need to be naughty, find an appropriate partner and a room.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 – December 20): A conservative, cautious approach to a creative problem will provide a key to much more imaginative possibilities. Take that inspiration to work and you’ll find more ideas pointing to new methods. With a solid grounding, dare to advance bold new techniques.

CANCER (June 21- July 22): It’s too easy to react to others. Your natural instinct is to be a control queen, but more productively, try to see why your nerves are so raw. Vigorous exercise will help your balance and insight.

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19): Hitting

LEO (July 23 – August 22): A new passionate fling probably seems a lot more serious than it really is. Or less. Either way it’s sure to surprise you – and probably a lot more people than you’d like to have know about it.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 18): You are

VIRGO (August 23 – September 22): Talk with relatives about family health issues. Better to get rude surprises from your family to prepare your doctor than the other way around! Brush up on skills and get updated on technology that will help you at work.

PISCES (February 19 – March 19): Being too nice

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My doctor told me I could lose 10 pounds by cutting out alcohol. I told him he could lose me as a patient for suggesting something like that.

I see you when you’re sleeping.

I know when you’re awake.

And bitch, you’re a hot mess. Pull it together.

Vexing him because you enjoy it makes you a bully.

Knowing he can’t retaliate makes you a coward. Only the truly pathetic can stand to be both at once.

Saying someone shouldn’t be gay because it’s against your religion makes as much sense as saying someone shouldn’t eat donuts because you’re on a diet.

Don’t play lawnmower with anal beads.

They handcuffed me and said “Anything you say can and will be held against you.” So I said Channing Tatum.

Never trust a guy with only one picture to share on Grindr.

62 // davidatlanta.com

I had a better chance at winning the Powerball than I do of getting a Christmas bonus.

I’m only single because I’m too sexy for everyone.

I consider the day a success if I make it to lunch, without eating my lunch.

How are you a “top” with a 5 inch penis?

I mean, really?!?

Condoms, unlike men, can be trusted 99.9% of the time.

I’m sorry, but your brandnew car is maroon? Just wondering, did Grandma and Grandpa help pick it out?