INsite Atlanta February 2010 Issue

February 2010

www.insiteatlanta.com

rtainment Monthly e t n E s ’ a t n a Atl

Vol. 18, No. 7 FREE

Valentine Holiday Events Page 11

BUDGET 9^c^c\ <j^YZ

Interviews Jamie Foxx | Tyrese Gibson | OK Go George Lopez | Regina King

CONTENTS • FEBRUARY 2010 • VOLUME 18.7 Atlanta’s

Entertainment Monthly

INTERVIEWS 10 TYRESE GIBSON 18 JAMIE FOXX 21 AMANDA SEYFRIED 22 REGINA KING 22 GEORGE LOPEZ 23 FISHBONE 26 STORY OF THE YEAR 27 CHAD PRICE 27 OK GO 28 WATSON TWINS 29 SHAWTY LO

FEATURES

18

21

08 BUDGET DINING 11 VALENTINE’S DAY 15 CAREER GUIDE 24 WINTER GUIDE 26 TRAVEL TO HAWAII 30 WINTER OLYMPICS

COLUMNS 04 AROUND TOWN 05 ON TAP 05 ON A DIME EVENTS 06 VIDEO GAMES 07 UNDER THE LIGHTS 13 MOVIE REVIEWS 14 VIDIOTS 16 CONCERT CALENDAR 19 ROAD WARRIORS 19 WE GOT NEXT 20 ALBUMS 31 FANATIC

22

22

www.insiteatlanta.com STAFF LISTING Publisher Stephen Miller steve@insiteatlanta.com National Managing Editor Bret Love bret@insiteatlanta.com Art Director / Web Design Michael T. graphics@insiteatlanta.com Music / Sports Editor DeMarco Williams demarco@insiteatlanta.com Events Listing Editor Glenn LaFollette glenn@insiteatlanta.com Special Features Editor Marci Miller marci@insiteatlanta.com

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Contributing Writers / Interns: John Moore, Jon Latham, Ryan Loftis, Matt Goldberg, Rodney Hill, Alex S. Morrison, Sacha Dzuba, Roger Presswood, Dave Cohen, Russ Marshalek and Jennifer Sefa-Boakye CONTACT US 2250 North Druid Hills Rd. #234 Atlanta, GA 30329-3118 phone 404-315-8485 website insiteatlanta.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION �������������������������������������������� Editorial content of INsite is the opinion of each writer and is not necessarily the opinion of INsite, its staff, or its advertisers. INsite does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor do the publisher or editors of INsite assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. No content, i.e., articles, graphics, designs and information (any and all) in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from publisher.

© Copyright 2010, Be Bop Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Check out Valentine’s Day Guide on page 11!

PG 3 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

Around Town ALL FEB

The Atlanta History Center will host an ongoing exhibition of “Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits” through April 25. The gallery is now open. Call 404-814-4101 for information.

Macy’s will kickoff Black History Month with its “Celebrates You” event on Feb. 6 at 2pm. The store in Lenox Mall (3393 Peachtree Road) will host a panel of successful African-American trailblazers that will discuss discovering your own brand, unique voice and personal style. Go to byobunlimited.com for info.

FEB 06

FEB 5-27

Dad’s Garage Theater Company presents “Griefers” from Feb. 5-27.

The story is about a griefer, a person who plays video games in order to irritate and harass other players who actually suffers some real life grief. Adult humor is a definite.

Tickets are only $13-$15. Check out dadsgarage. com. It’s located at 280 Elizabeth Street.

The High Museum of Art hosts the 11th annual film series “French Film Yesterday and Today” from Feb. 6-27. The sampling will include contemporary and classic french cinema like “Summer Hours” and “The Beaches of Agnes.”

Tickets are $7. Visit high.org.

FEB 6-27

The Broadway favorite “Mamma Mia!” hits the Fox Theatre Feb. 9-14.

Tickets range from $25-$64, and shows usually start around 8pm. The smash-hit musical and ABBA rockfeat is not to be missed. Check out foxtheatre.org for details.

FEB 9-14

Theatre/Film

Comedian Emo Philips will grace Laughing Skull Comedy Club from Feb. 11-14. Emo has appeared on David Letterman and produced an award-winning comedy album. Philips is an expert in progressive comedy (think Monty Python). Visit vortexcomedy.com for show times. Tickets range from $17.50-$20.50.

FEB 11-14

FEB 12

Don’t miss Dad’s Garage monthly presentation of “Ask Dr. Frapples: Improv Psychiatry” on Feb. 12 at 10:30pm. It’s humorous show that displays the talent and gut-ripping comedy of Dad’s.

Tickets are $8-$10. Visit dadsgarage.com.

The Horizon Theatre wants to help with your Valentine’s Day plans.

Check out their special prices for Feb. 12-14 for show/dinner combos in conjunction with Park’s Edge (912 Bernina Avenue). Call 404-584-7275 for dinner reservations or 404 584-7450 for tickets.

FEB 12-14

Struggling with that Valentine’s idea?

The High offers Valentine’s Day at the High on Feb. 13 from 6-10pm with a romantic evening of art, live music, salsa dance lessons and other special treats.

Champagne and desserts will be available for purchase. Visit high.org.

FEB 13

Doc Chey’s is celebrating the Chinese New Year on Feb. 14-28. Your local noodle house will have lucky foods, lion dances, giveaways and the grand opening of their new locaiton at Grant Park. Go to doccheys.com for more info.

FEB 14-28

consignment shops

Sick of all the Pink and Red, L����ÊD���� Valentines?

Museums/Exhibits/Arts

Music/Comedy

Ronny Cox isn’t a name you’re likely to know, but you’ll recognize his face from movies like “RoboCop” and “Total Recall.” Somehow that led to a career in Southwestern folk. He’ll play Eddie’s Attic with Jack Williams on Feb. 14 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Go to eddiesattic.com.

FEB 14

FEB 19

Trances Arc plays the Earl with The Modern Society and The Biters on Feb. 19. Tickets are only $7. Visit badearl.com for show details.

The High’s February Friday Jazz welcomes Will Scruggs this month on Feb. 19 form 5pm to midnight.

The performance is perfect mix of music and art, for those looking for a change of pace. Visit high.org.

FEB 19

The Fox Theatre hosts the Moscow Festival Ballet on Feb. 22 at 8pm. Tickets are $35-$65 for the performance of “Coppelia.” It’s a one-night only show, so check early for tickets at foxtheatre.org.

FEB 22

Other Stuff

Muse comes to Gwinnett Arena on Feb. 27 at 7:30pm. The heavy rock group is known for being one of the best live bands currently performing.

Tickets are $48.50. Visit gwinnettcenter.com

FEB 27

The Hawks will play with Vincas, Swamp Ape with music by DJ Dookie Platters and DJ Gnosis on Feb. 27 at Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge.

Doors open at 8:30pm with a $7. The Hawks are a great local band with the energy and punk sound to keep you swaying most of the night. Just look for the lead singer in the thong. You can’t miss him.

FEB 27

The legendary Eric Clapton comes to Atlanta on March 9 at 7:30pm for a show at the Gwinnett Arena with the Who’s Roger Daltrey. Clapton’s guitar has awed several generations. We’re actually just surprised Daltry is still going. He could kick it any day now. Tickets range from $58-$98. Check out ticketmaster.com.

MAR 09

“The Three Billy Goats Gruff & Other Tales” comes to the Center for Puppetry Arts this month as part of the 2010 Family Series. The classic show opens Feb. 23 and runs through March 7 with daily shows. Visit puppet.org for ticket prices.

FEB 23

Local favorite Collective Efforts plays Smith’s Olde Bar on Feb. 27 with J-Live and Dillon. The Atlanta hiphop trio will perform at 8pm as part of its album release party. Tickets are $12 advanced at smithsoldbar.com or cecrew.com.

FEB 27

ALWAYS BUYING CURRENT MALL CLOTHES

SANDY SPRINGS (404) 255-5578

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of

LOCAL EVENTS

On Tap this Month EMAIL EVENTS TO ONTAP@INSITEATLANTA.COM

February 10: Philips Arena

MIAMI HEAT AT ATLANTA HAWKS

Dwayne Wade is always worth the price of admission. But if you’re looking for an even better reason to see the Hawks while the Heat are in town, don’t forget it’s time for the NBA All-Star break. That means no hoops at Philips Arena for two weeks. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith have Atlanta nearing the top of the Eastern Conference, so you’re going to see (for once) one of the best teams in the league wearing the home jerseys. Tickets start at $10.

February 12-21: Philips Arena

RINGLING BROS. & BARNUM BAILEY

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my. The Greatest Show on Earth returns to Atlanta for one of best (and cheapest) circuses on the planet. Tickets are as low as $14, and you’ll find deal all over town. Philips Arena replaces the Big Top to serve as the center of Ringling Bros. classic show. Check ringling.com for further information about show details. It’s not complicated. It is, however, a guaranteed night of fun for the family.

February 20-21: Steamhouse Lounge

OYSTERFEST

The festival season is upon us, and few are better than Steamhouse Lounge’s OysterFest. The two-day event, now in Midtown, starts at 11am and runs to sunset (noon to sunset on Sunday) for those interested in a sea of beer and oysters.

Tickets are $20 on Saturday, $10 on Sunday. Bands like Swami Gone Bananas, Justin and UNZIPT will play. Steamhouse is located at 1051 West Peachtree Street. Call 404-233-7980 for more info, or go online to steamhouselounge.com.

February 12-28: Stone Mountain

BIG APPLE CIRCUS

If you prefer your circus under an actual Big Top, check out the Big Apple Circus at Stone Mountain this month.

Tickets are also cheap for the family ranging from $15$19 for partial view seats and $25-$42 for ringside.

The show itself consists of daredevil clowns, juggling artists, equestrian acts and Bello, named “America’s Best Clown” by Time magazine. For more information, go to bigapplecircus.org for event showtimes and details.

Through June 13: Atlanta Civic Center

DIANA: A CELEBRATION

The obsession and curiosity revolving around Princess Diana has not subsided in the years following her tragic death. “Diana: A Celebration” is a traveling exhibition honoring the woman who went from Lady Diana Spencer to royalty to an international icon. Dresses from Diana’s personal wardrobe and even her wedding dress will be on display through June 13. The exhibit opens daily at 10am.

Tickets range from $12-$18.50. Go to dianaexhibition.com

February 27: Philips Arena

JAY-Z

The biggest name in hiphop comes to the ATL for a special show with Young Jeezy. Jay-Z is a name known across the world for his music, producing talent and even his ridiculously hot lady (Beyonce). The show starts at 7pm, and tickets can be found at ticketmaster. Don’t miss a chance to see one of the best in the business, especially considering he could retire (again) before setting up another tour. He’s not in Atlanta much. So don’t skip out.

PG 5 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

GAMES PEOPLE PLAY UPCOMING VIDEO GAME RELEASES AND REVIEWS

BY B. LOVE

ASTRO BOY: THE VIDEO GAME (D3)

Systems: DS, Wii Based on the 2009 movie (which was based on a Japanese manga dating back to the ‘50s), this game casts players as a young robot boy battling his way through the enemies that populate Metro City. The 360º Flight Combat makes for good gameplay variety, while weapons such as the Laer Fingers and Arm Cannon making fighting fun. It’s clearly aimed at kids, but it’s got enough action to keep older gamers involved.

BAYONETTA (Sega) Systems: PS3, X360 With a Constantine-like plot about a war between Heaven and Hell and third-person shooter-style action reminiscent of the Devil May Cry series, Bayonetta may not be he most original game on the market. But if you can get past the clichéd plot points and repetitive button-mashing gameplay, the stunning cinematic sequences, infinite weapons/ability combos, and embrace of sexy über-violence make it entertaining.

BLOOD BOWL

(South Peak) Systems: PC, X360 I’ve never been a football fan, but if you are, don’t let the cover fool you into thinking this is an action-packed cross between Dungeons & Dragons and Madden NFL. It’s actually a fantasy football board game based in the Warhammer world, with eight races, two modes of play, and a complex 52-page rulebook. It’s a brutal, bone-crunching bloodsport, but much more likely to appeal to fans of Magic than Madden.

DANTE’S INFERNO

Sign Up. Get Informed.

ATLANTA ON A

DIME! Great Deals Being Offered Around Atlanta.

Receive a free newsletter once a week via email containing entertainment deals being offered around Atlanta as well as free ticket contests on shows. Sign up by emailing subscriptions@AtlantaonaDime.com.

Enter on subject line: Sign Me Up! PG 6 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

(Electronic Arts) Systems: PSP, PS3, X360 Arguably the most heavily hyped videogame of the year thus far, this title adapts the first book of the Medieval Italian classic, The Divine Comedy. The action takes players through Dante’s allegorical nine circles of hell, vanquishing foes with Death’s scythe and a Holy Cross, either punishing the damned or absolving them of their sins. It’s all gorgeously rendered and dramatically intense, making this visually spectacular epic our most eagerly anticipated game of the month.

DARK VOID (Capcom)

Systems: PC, PS3, X360 This sci-fi adventure is a third-person shooter offering ground and air combat

with two signature items: A hoverpack and jetpack. The action combines high speed and expansive scale, requiring players to navigate tight corridors and futuristic landscapes in the same level. The storyline is weak and the 3D graphics can’t compare to genre-leaders like Mass Effect 2, but the innovative game play makes it a solid effort.

MIGHT & MAGIC: CLASH OF HEROES (UBI Soft)

System: DS One of the highestrated RPGs ever on the Nintendo DS system, M&M appeals to a broad spectrum of gamers by emphasizing challenging puzzle-solving and strategy skills. Set in a world of elves, knights and wizards, the story finds our hero seeking out magical artifacts and leading battle charges against enemy armies and bad-ass bosses. Great sound, graphics and game play will leave you hungry for a sequel.

NO MORE HEROES 2: DESPERATE STRUGGLE

(UBI Soft) System: Wii It’s not every day that the Wii gets a Mature title promising sex, graphic gore and enough f-bombs to rival a Tarantino flick, but developer Suda 51’s sequel more than delivers on the promise of the series’ cult hit debut.

As punk-rock assassin Travis, players must hack, slash and screw their way to the top of the United Assassins Association ranking, their blazing katana leaving a Kill Billstyle body count in their wake. Stylish, slick and gleefully twisted, this is clearly the work of a mad video game scientist having fun.

THE SKY CRAWLERS: INNOCENT ACES (Xseed)

System: Wii Created by Project Aces, developers of action-based flight simulation games and the acclaimed Ace Combat series, this title brings the challenge of aerial combat to the Wii. With the Nunchuk as the flight stick and the Wii Remote controlling acceleration, players engage in intense dogfights against lushly rendered landscape backdrops, with short tactical briefings to help prepare you to take to the skies.

OTHER FEBRUARY VIDEO GAME RELEASES

Rome: Total War (Mac, 2/5), Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (DS, 2/9), Shiren the Wanderer ( Wii , 2/9), Phantasy Star Ø (DS, 2/12), Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth (DS, 2/16), Dynasty Warriors: Strikeforce (PS3, 2/16), Napoleon: Total War (PC, 2/23), Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction (X360, 2/26)

Under The Lights New Theatrical Performances TENNIS IN NABLUS

Now Through Feb. 21 Alliance Theatre - Hertz Stage Box Office 404.733.5000 www.AllianceTheatre.org

YOU’RE IN FOR AN AWAKENING

SHOOTING STAR!

Feb. 12 - March 14 Horizon Theatre

Box Office 404.584.7450 www.horizontheatre.com

Leigh Campbell Taylor as Elena and Jim Hammond as Reed

TALES OF EDGARALLAN POE

Sparks fly and snowflakes fall as two old flames meet by chance in a blizzard bound airport. SHOOTING STAR! is the story of Reed, a suit-and-tie with Blackberry, and Elana, a bohemian with rain stick, who were once idealistic college lovers. In Shooting Star! they reconnect and share stories deep into the night. Humor, heartache, secrets, and snow.

When morning comes and all flights are cleared for departure – what’s the final destination for these two? Shooting Star! is a delicious, bittersweet comedy with heart and bite.

SPRING AWAKENING

March 9 - 14 Fox Theatre Box Office 404.881.2000 www.foxtheatre.org

8

2007 WINNER

True events inspire this compelling story about Arab revolt against British occupation as two nations fight for their stake to land during a period of momentous global change.

Emerging playwright Ismail Khalidi lends a bold, contemporary voice to the Israeli/Palestinian history in TENNIS IN NABLUS. Set in Nablus in the spring/early summer of 1939, Tennis in Nablus brings to life the waning days of an Arab revolt that began in 1936, which almost succeeded in driving the British out of Palestine. It is a genre bending look at Palestine's embattled status through the eyes of a lifelong rebel, his wife (a writer of anti-colonial tracts) and his enterprising young nephew.

Tony

®

Awards Including

BEST MUSICAL

������������������������������ Tickets start at just $18!

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Through Feb. 21 Puppetry Arts Box Office 404.873.3391

SPRING AWAKENING contains partial nudity, strong langauge, and sexual situations.

www.puppet.org

Photo by Bill Jones

In the Center for Puppetry Art’s TALES OF EDGAR ALLAN POE, Poe’s tortured psyche is resurrected among the ruins of a fallen house where mysterious spirits bedevil the dead and it’s always a midnight dreary.

Gothic designs, haunting music, and shadowy figures breathe life into Poe’s tapestry of terror while weaving in his classics. These tales are removed from the shelf and chillingly realized on stage, giving life to the dead and leaving your heart still. Tales of Edgar Allan Poe is adapted and directed by Bobby Box in collaboration with Jon Ludwig. This show is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Set against the backdrop of a repressive and provincial late 19th century Germany, SPRING AWAKENINGS tells the timeless story of teenage self-discovery and budding sexuality as seen through the eyes of three teenagers. Haunting and provocative, Spring Awakening celebrates an unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, a poignancy and a passion you will never forget.

Spring Awakening opened on Broadway in December of 2006. Based on the infamous 1891 Frank Wedekind play, it features an electrifying score by Duncan Sheik. The original cast recording of Spring Awakening won the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. In 2007 Spring Awakening swept the Tony Awards® winning eight out of its eleven nominations.

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Receive Deals at Retailers and Win Free Tickets to Movies, Concerts, Theatre Shows & Events

����������������������������� PG 7 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

Taste of the Month - Affordable Dining Some great places in town to get a good meal without breaking the bank Fritti

309 N. Highland Ave. 404.880.9559 www.frittirestaurant.com Located in the heart of Inman Park, Fritti is Atlanta's most elegant pizza restaurant. They are nationally recognized for their pizza with continuous outstanding reviews and awards.

For lunch, Fritti offers a variety of Anti-pasta dishes for $10 or less including offerings of portebello mushrooms, fresh calamari, and sicialian risotto and Bruschetta. For Dinner, many of the lunch items are offered along with other dishes.

One Anti-pasta to try is the Bresaola di Tonno (Cured sashimi grade tuna, Ashland Farms micro arugula and lemon); $10. They also offer a great Ceasar Salad for $8. Among their great variety of pizzas include: The Salsiccia e Peperoni (Italian sausage and roasted peppers) $13; the Estiva (Fresh tomato, red onion, arugula) $12.50; and the Speck e Rucola (Smoked prosciutto, smoked mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and arugula) $14.

Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs

80 Powers Ferry Rd. 770.321.1177 Marietta 5697 Buford Hwy. 770.455.8570 Buford Hwy. www.baldinos.us

Not in the mood for pasta? They offer meat and vegetable plate dinners too. The meat offerings include their prized jerk chicken, lemon pepper chicken and turkey meatloaf. Some of the vegetables include: couscous, broccoli, green beans, and collards. Vegetable plates are priced at $4.50 for three or $5.50 for four. A meat and two sides run $6.90 and $7.30 for three sides. Eats is open seven days a week from 11am until 10pm.

Johnny’s NY Style Pizza

1810 Cheshire Bridge Rd. 404.874.8304 Multiple Locations at JohnnysPizza.com

Chin Chin

Lenox Square Mall 404.841.2377 www.CentraArchy.com

Lenox Square Grill, Buckhead’s most unique new restaurant conveniently located at Lenox Square Mall, is a full service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 7am –2am. Lenox Square Grill’s menu features imaginative, yet traditional comfort foods, such as the signature Mac Skillets, Cajun Shrimp, Barbecue Chicken, or Cheeseburger, the creative side of homemade macaroni and cheese each for under $7. The portions are huge and the prices are even better.

Mexico City Gourmet

2134 N. Decatur Rd. 404.634.1128 www.MexicoCityGourmet.com

Brookhaven 3887 Peachtree Rd. 404-816.2229 Multiple locations www.chinchinonline.com

Eats

600 Ponce de Leon 404.888.9149 www.eatsonponce.net An Atlanta landmark, Eats keeps their menu simple, their prices low and their dishes always made with the freshest ingredients. Their Pasta Plates allow you to choose from a variety of pastas which aren’t priced accept for the cheese filled spinach tortellini which is $1. The sauces range in price from $4.75 and $5.75 and include: marinara, olive and garlic, pesto, Alfredo, creamy marinara, turkey meat sauce and chicken chili. All pasta plates come with garlic bread and you can add on extras from meatballs to chicken breast which is just $2 more.

Since 1975, Baldinos has been recognized as the only true New Jersey sub sandwich in the South.

Their in-store bakery assures the freshest rolls baked daily. During the month of February they are offering up a different specialty sub each day for just $3.49! Baldinos also offers homemade soups and cookies and brownies baked daily. For catering they offer single subs, party subs, deli salads by the pound, cookies by the dozen and iced-tea by the gallon that won’t break the bank.

Lenox Square Grill

Johnny’s Pizza has come to be synonymous with great pizza and subs in Atlanta. They specialize in NY Style pizza, which is thin in the middle and thick around the edges. Try the Johnny’s Italian Special with sausage, mushrooms, onions, pepperoni and green peppers; large pizza is $19.30. All their menu items are also reasonably priced. Their Calzones start at just $5 snd the stombolli is $6.99.

They have 11 subs on the menu for just $5.25. The Cheshire Bridge location featured is now serving Yuengling on draft.. Johnny’s restaurants offer dine-in, take-out and delivery.

Chin Chin is consistently voted Atlanta’s Best Chinese restaurant. Their menu offers standard favorites and many exotic dishes in Chinese cuisine at affordable prices.

The Brookhaven location featured currently is offering an amazing lunch special for just $4.99. You get an entree along with Egg Roll, Soup and Fried Rice. They have over 20 chicken dishes for just $9.95 and over a dozen beef and pork dishes for $10.50 or less.

Soups start at $2.50.

Since 1984, Mexico City Gourmet has been serving award winning cuisine to the Emory / Decatur area.

Mexico City Gourmet is known for their vast menu consisting of many authentic Mexican dishes indigenous to the region. They offer 11 lunch specials that start for just $5.75. The Dinner meals start at $7.75. They have drink specials throughout the week and live music is performed Friday and Saturday nights. Most all of their authentic Mexican dishes are available for catering. They offer pitchers of Margaritas for large parties.

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FEBRUARY SPECIALS

www.baldinos.us

MONDAY – Baldinos Extra Special (#7) TUESDAY – Like it Hot? Grilled & Toasted The HOT Italian WEDNESDAY – Ham it Up - (#5) Boiled Ham & Cheese w/ soup or side THURSDAY – “Check Out The Chicken” Your Choice #20, #21, #23 FRIDAY – Meatless Combo - Tuna (#10) or Veg Stir Fry (#27) w/ side SATURDAY – Steak Out- A-Steak Sub Your Choice (#11,13, or 19) SUNDAY – American Special - (#14) w/ choice of soup or side

Marietta 80 Powers Ferry Rd 770-321-1177 (closed Sundays)

$3.49 All Day!

Doraville 5697 Buford Hwy. 770-455-8570

VOTED BEST SUBS IN ATLANTA PG 8 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

of

Agave Restaurant

242 Boulevard SE 404.588.0006 www.agaverestaurant.com

Celebration (Feb. 13-28) featuring lucky foods benefiting Zoo Atlanta tigers in honor of the Year of the Tiger. The highlight of Chinese New Year are the Saturday parties (Morningside Feb. 13, Emory Feb. 20, Grant Park Feb. 27) with lion dance performances, $2 Tiger Beer, and prizes for those who wear red, the lucky color of Chinese New Year. Doc Chey's was voted Best Noodle Bowl by INsite readers for 5 years in a row and Best Carryout for 3 years.

Dining at Chin Chin is pure pleasure ��������������

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Osteria 832 Pasta & Pizza 832 N. Highland Ave. 404.897.1414 www.osteria832.com

Consistently voted Best Southwestern Restaurant in Atlanta by local and regional publications. Agave uses only the freshest ingredients to create chef inspired dishes with a authentic southwestern flare.

They offer two for one appetizers at the bar from 5pm - 7pm seven days a week. Favorites include: Rio Rancho Tacos $7.50, Smoked Chicken Quesadillas $7.50, Fresh Guajillo Mussels $10.00, and New Mexico Hatch Green Chile Stew $6.75. Other menu highlights include: Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken $15.00, Slow Cooked Angus Beef Short Ribs $16.50, & Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo $17.50.

They boast the largest tequila selection in the city as well as over 100 wines from around the world.

Enjoy the Margarita that was just voted the "Best Cocktail in Atlanta" by the AJC for only $7.50 or any other of Agave's Specialty Margaritas or 100 Tequilas. Be sure to sign up for Agave's VIP Email List which features huge monthly discounts on dinner and details on all of Agave's special events.

Coyote’s Mexican Grill 2740 East College Ave. 404.373.9383 With the great food, low prices, strong margaritas and a live Mariachi band Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, Coyote’s has built up a loyal following in the Avondale Estates area of Decatur.

Coyote’s offers a great luch special for just $6.00.

They offer many terrific combination platters priced at $7.75 to $7.95.

There are several great seafood dishes starting with the Fish Tacos for $11. The Burrito California, made with grilled steak or chicken with black beans, rice, cheese, guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo is just $8.25. Also enjoy $3 Margaritas and $2 Tecate.

The Flying Biscuit

7 Area Locations www.flyingbiscuit.com Catering Hotline 404.849.2283 The Flying Biscuit serves great breakfast, lunch and dinner specials 7 days a week starting at 7am.

One of Atlanta's home grown gems, they are best known for their mouthwatering biscuits and original affordable menu items.

For breakfast their signature dish is the Flying Biscuit Breakfast served with two large farm-fresh eggs with free-range chicken and sage breakfast sausage. They feature several omelets including the health conscious Hollywood Omelet made from egg whites, spinach, mushrooms & white cheddar topped with a warm tomato sauce. They have a great Oven Fried Chicken with grilled mac & cheese and collard greens. A Coca-Cola Glazed Salmon with yukon gold mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans. Another southern inspired entree is their Shrimp and Grits. All items on the menu are offered throughout the day.

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��������������������������������� Buckhead/Brookhaven ������������������������������������ East Cobb Osteria serves delicious rustic Italian fare at humble prices in the heart of the charming Virginia Highland neighborhood of Atlanta. The menu features thincrust artisan pizzas, made-from-scratch pasta sauces, with plenty of options under 10 bucks. Osteria is open for dinner 7 nights a week, and the weekend brunch is becoming increasingly popular with diners who are craving savory brunch favorites without the expensive price tag. Try the freshly-baked French Toast with nutella, bananas and genuine Vermont maple syrup. Grab a Karma Card to get in on special deals throughout the year, also valid at Doc Chey's Noodle House. Win gift cards at trivia every Monday night at 8pm.

Lupe Taqueria

905 Juniper St. 678.904.4584 www.sottosottorestuarant.com

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of THANK YOU ATLANTA!

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BEST CHINESE 1998-2009 Best Chinese by Creative Loafing "Mouthwatering Chin Chin spices things up." – AJC

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"Chin Chin...a window into Hong Kong." – Buckhead Weekly

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2 1/2 Stars – Knife & Fork

DELIVERY (LIMITED AREA; MIN $10)

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Lupe Taqueria is the exciting new restaurant from renowned chef and restaurant proprietor Riccardo Ullio. Lupe takes over the space from Cuerno. The new restuarant offers a much more affordable menu.

Lupe Taqueria is named for Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico. There are plenty of unique and region inspired tacos from barbecued goat to braised spicy pork that are served in threes with two sides in prices ranging from $9.50 to $11.

They allow you to mix and match tacos and fillings such as grilled rib eye, braised chicken, sauteed shrimp and even tongue. You can also get tacos served individually starting at $2.50. Lupe Taqueria offers traditional starters like Chile con queso and Guacamole Tradicional that are just $6 plus appetizers of shrimp-filled Empanadas ($7) and Ceviche ($9). They have some great quesadillas like the Shrimp Camaron ($12) and Chile Braised Chicken ($9). Their platters range from $9 to $14. Lupe Taqueria is open 7 nights a week starting at 6:30 on weeknights and 5:30 on weekends.

WWW.CHINCHINONLINE.COM Watch our Open Kitchen & Experience the Art of Chinese Cooking!

Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!

Landmark Diner

3652 Roswell Rd. 404.816.9090 Multiple locations at LandmarkDiner.com

Doc Chey’s Noodle House

Grant Park 563 Memorial Dr. 404.688.4238 Emory 1556 N. Decatur Rd. 404.378.8188 Morningside 1424 N. Highland Ave. 404.888.0777 www.doccheys.com

Doc Chey's is the original pan-Asian noodle house in Atlanta. Enjoy an affordable menu of freshly wok'd stirfries, heaping noodle bowls and handmade dim sum, all at a price that won't put a dent in your piggy bank. Founded on the principal of serving a "Beer & a Bowl for 10 Bucks", Doc Chey's generous noodle bowls are an excellent value and likely to send you home with lunch for tomorrow. Pick up one of their free Karma Cards (loyalty cards) to get a free birthday entrée & other freebees throughout the year. Don't miss the 5th annual Chinese New Year

Atlanta’s favorite diner offers great meals at affordable prices at all hours of the day. For breakfast they offer a variety of omlettes for $9.99. Try the Florentine with spinach and feta or the Greek with gyro meat, feta and tomato. You can also get French Toast and Golden Pancakes for just $5.99. For lunch try one of their many sandwiches ranging from $5.49 to $9.49. You will find everything from Sliced Turkey, to Egg Salad to the BLT. You can also find several large burgers served “all the way” for under $10. Landmark Diner serves all type of restaurant fare but they are best known for their Greek and Italian cuisines. When at Landmark for dinner you must have their Spanakopita or the Pastichio (a greek lasagna). They have great Italian Lasagna’s too and Eggplant Parmigiana. Landmark also has a great seafood menu that is affordably priced. Try the Blackened Florida Grouper, Jumbo Shrimp Scampi, Fillet of Wild Salmon or the Fried Deviled Crab Cakes ala Landmark. For dessert Landmark has a huge selection of cakes and pies that offered by the slice or as a whole.

BEST PIZZA! of

&

Multiple Atlanta Locations: www.JohnnysPizza.com PG 9 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

THE DARK KNIGHT Have your Batman. We’ll gladly take superhero-in-training

FILM INTERVIEW

Tyrese Gibson’s killer smile and a cape any day of the week.

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

O

N THE LOW, TYRESE GIBSON’S MOVIES HAVE done over $1 billion at the box office. No, seriously.

The combined gross of films like Baby Boy, 2 Fast 2 Furious and Four Brothers really has done that much business. All right, so the Transformers franchise has an awful lot to do with the out-of-this-world tally. Still, January’s creepy Legion will have added about $40 million to that total by the time this issue prints.

But more important than that is the fact the movie could actually stamp the 31-year-old Cali native as an official Hollywood action star. In this interview, he goes into all of that, birthing his own comic book and morphing into a hero for other black actors.

You’ve been doing a lot of action films. Is that just for right now or a strategy you’re working on?

It definitely falls under a strategy. At the beginning of my acting career, even though I’ve only been doing it for a minute and a half, I was just taking the opportunities as they came. There wasn’t no real thought, strategy, planning or sense of direction to what I wanted to do. God’s favor has allowed me to sustain a consistent energy.

Legion has some action in it, but it’s definitely some dramatic acting in this movie that takes me back to some Baby Boy-type stuff. I just try to create a happy balance. I never want to be the popcorn, bubblegum actor that’s only doing the box office movies. I want to definitely maintain my respect amongst the respected acting community, the Denzels of the world.

superhero and I’m really proud of the momentum behind this comic book creation. We sold at least 40-something thousand comic books with the combination of all three series. We invented the first digital comic book being sold on iTunes LP, the latest version of iTunes. We’re sold on iTunes internationally in over 38 different countries. It includes voiceover, animation, sound effects. We also scored it and added music. It was basically like Pixar.

Did doing the score make you want to get back in the studio to make another album?

I would love to but the timing is really bad right now. If you know Tyrese, you know I love music, but I had to decide what it was going to be. These movies just kept coming in and music will always be there and I can eventually do another album at that point. There will be another Tyrese album. Musically, [the comic book singles] have been my last three records that I’ve been able to put out for my fans.

A while back you made mention of being interested in the comic book character Luke Cage. Marvel was developing it. Are you still interested in the project and what’s the latest on it?

I’m definitely still interested. I will absolutely play the role of Luke Cage when that opportunity presents itself. I will take that in a heartbeat. It’s in development hell right now. It’s one of the most famous Black superheroes out there. It’s a lot of pressure to get that script right in particular—especially with all this stuff with Disney buying Marvel. It’s in development hell. I’m excited about the possibilities. I would love to bring that to life in a heartbeat.

I THINK OF THE PEOPLE WHO FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER AS MY CONGREGATION. EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWS ME KNOWS THAT I LOVE TO PUMP SOME MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION OUT THERE AND REALLY GIVE PEOPLE PERMISSION TO TRY TO BE GREAT.

Any challenges working with a new director?

Scott Stewart, he’s ahead of his time. I had my doubts, I can’t lie. I had my doubts about a first-time director in general -not him in particular- but I’ve had my experiences with first- or second-time directors and you get to the set and you almost feel like you have to do your job and their job.

Preparation meets opportunity and Scott Stewart was very well prepared. So, for him to make his film debut and have this many actors on the set at one time – all these different personalities, different questions, being bombarded – he handled everything with a grain of salt and did his thing. It was a great experience.

How was it working with Charles Dutton and Dennis Quaid?

I worked with Dennis Quaid before on Flight of the Phoenix, so that felt like a family reunion. I said, “Dennis, what is it about me and you and deserts? What the hell is going on?”

Charles Dutton, a lot of people may not know this, but he’s like a historian. He’s got information about all this stuff. You can sit up and talk to him for hours. When I ended up doing the scene with him on the roof, I told Scott, “This time, man, you caught a mentoring session on camera.” It was a pleasure working with Charles. I want to definitely do another one with him ‘cause I learned a lot. I was a student.

Humanity being a lost cause is nothing new in Hollywood.

When you read the script, what was it about the story that seemed different and also felt timely for today’s market?

It was a great read. Once I met with Scott and seen how he was looking to do this, I was like, I’m in. It’s just one of those movies that really jumps out at you. The beautiful thing about writing screenplays and directing – I’m a screenplay writer, not a director yet – but you look at movies like an Avatar or a Transformers and we’re able to experience people’s interpretations of the way they see the world, that’s all it is. Just because I was in the movie, doesn’t mean I believe it’s the end of the world. It doesn’t mean that I believe that angels have abs and they work out and have machine guns and knives. It’s a movie and we showed up to help Scott bring his vision to life.

Speaking of bringing visions to life, tell us about the comic book you’re working on.

I have a comic book called Mayhem. He’s a very strong Black PG 10 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

Did you read the comic book Luke Cage as a boy?

No, I never read any comic books growing up. I started getting into comic books when I went to Comic-Con. I’m no veteran in the comic book world. But that energy out there, I call it selfless passion. You got all these guys running around with their favorite comic book characters on and they’re not ashamed of it. They’re not embarrassed by it. This is who I love. This is who I can identify with. I was like, “I have to add to this world. I have to come up with my own character. Hopefully, when I come to Comic-Con this year, there will be a few Mayhems running around out there.

You talk to your fans a lot via social networking I love Twitter. Everyone follow me @Tyrese4Real! I think of the people who follow me on Twitter as my congregation. Everyone who follows me knows that I love to pump some motivation and inspiration out there and really give people permission to try to be great. I didn’t set up Twitter because I wanted people to call me sexy and fly all day. I wanted to make people aware of things that they probably couldn’t get anywhere else. I’m at over a million followers. I put trailers up and news articles, whether I’m working on different projects or selling comic books or whatever else. It’s been an amazing run.

Are you spiritual? And how has that propelled you throughout your career?

God will never give you something somebody else is supposed to have. And it’s arrogant to believe the next second belongs to you. Those are the words I live my life by. The other one is: You can often tell how far your life and career will go based on the five people you spend the most time with. And if you have a problem with your life, you should have a problem with the people in your life. I’m a Christian by faith. I am at church every Sunday. I don’t go to God only when I have problems. I’m consistent in my relationship. I’m just trying my best to maintain the blessing because he could have gave this to anybody. My faith was not tampered with [in the making of Legion]. This is just Scott’s vision of how he sees the world and I look forward to working with him again.

Valentine’s Day 2010 EVENTS

VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE HIGH

High Museum of Art 1280 Peachtree Street (404) 733-4444(HIGH) www.high.org Saturday, February 13, 6:00pm – 10:00pm Cost: $25 per person, $40 per couple.

Free for members Treat your Valentine to a romantic evening of art, live music, dance and other special treats!

Enjoy live performances from classical guitarist Myles Brown, Latin jazz ensemble Orquesta Lyrica featuring Enrique Mercado, salsa and tango lessons from the Mezcolanza Dance Company, Drawing in the Galleries, and a book signing session with Valinda Brown, author of Succulent Tales. Samples of her treats will be available. Tickets include access to the museum and three outstanding exhibitions—Leonardo da Vinci: Hand of the Genius, John Portman: Art and Architecture, and The Portrait Unbound: Photographs by Robert Weingarten. Champagne and desserts are available for purchase.

VALENTINE’S IN THE GARDEN

Atlanta Botanical Garden 1345 Piedmont Avenue (404) 876-5859 www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org Saturday, February 13, 7:00pm – 11:00pm Bring your sweetheart for live entertainment, cocktails, dancing, desserts, and cappuccinos.

Warm candlelight and fragrant orchids set the stage for an exquisite evening full of surprises.

Expect gorgeous decor, swank lounges, and decadent treats from Atlanta’s finest in the entertainment industry. Receive a complimentary glass of pink champagne upon arrival. Indulge in decadent desserts. Guests of the event have the chance to win a sparking diamond necklace, a luxurious weekend stay in Midtown Atlanta, a relaxing retreat on Jekyll Island, and a tropical getaway to Aruba. Cost: $30 per person, Garden members $25

ROMEO AND JULIET

The New American Shakespeare Tavern 499 Peachtree Street, Atlanta (404) 874-5299 www.shakespearetavern.com Show runs through February 28 This Valentine’s Day, treat your beloved to the greatest romantic play of all time, Romeo and Juliet. The Shakespeare Tavern celebrates its 10th anniversary of performing this literary classic about young lovers, feuding families and one Friar with good intentions.

Cost: Ticket prices start at $24

VALENTINE TANGO!

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center 980 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta (404) 872-5338 www.callanwolde.org Friday, February 12, 8pm lesson, 9:15pm party Learn to dance authentic Argentine tango.

Dancers of all skill levels are welcome and no partner is necessary. The evening begins with an

AGAVE RESTAURANT

An Eclectic Southwestern Eatery �������������������������

agave

Dinner Nightly at 5PM Cabbagetown / Grant Park 242 Boulevard SE 30312 ���������������������������������� Reservations Always Welcomed

introductory lesson from expert instructors and then dancers can try out their new moves with an open tango dance party. Cost: Lesson $15, Party $10

WOW YOUR VALENTINE AT W ATLANTA  MIDTOWN

W Midtown, 188 14th Street, (404) 892-6000 www.watlantamidtown.com Impress your Valentine with a flirty evening of fun. W Atlanta – Midtown knows all the right moves to make it a night to remember. Customize your Valentine’s Day package to satisfy your Valentine’s Day at sweetheart’s wishes and the High desires with splurgeworthy amenities.

There are a whole host of packages to choose from including the “Yum Package”which includes a 5 course pre-fixe dinner for two at Spice Market, the “Who wants a Valentine” package featuring special access to the Sinner’s Ball, Whiskey Park’s V-day event and the “Indulge Package”which includes a $100 Bliss Spa credit and a 20% discount at W The Store.

of

CONSISTENTLY VOTED ONE OF ATLANTA’S BEST RESTAURANTS Best Southwestern Cuisine and Best Margaritas

LAUGHING SKULL LOUNGE  ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND

878 Peachtree Street, Atlanta (877.LAFF.AT.U (877-523-3288) www.vortexcomedy.com Friday, February 11 - 14 Instead of flowers and candy, come for a laugh at the Laughing Skull Lounge. They are the smallest full-time comedy venue in the world with less than 74 seats and there is not one bad seat in the house. Stand-up comedy is a personal art form best enjoyed in an intimate setting, and you can not get any more intimate this Valentine’s Day! Emo Philips, one of the living legends of progressive comedy will perform at the club’s First Anniversary Comedy Weekend. Emo helped kick off the opening weekend of The Skull, and now he is back. Tickets start at $17.50. Check website for complete schedule.

AGAVE

RESTAURANTS

242 Boulevard SE (404) 588-0006 www.agaverestaurant.com In addition to serving their regular award winning menu of southwestern cuisine, the folks at Agave are offering a romantic three-course prefixed Valentine’s special for only $35 per person.

Call for details; reservations recommended.

THE TAVERN AT PHIPPS

3500 Peachtree Rd. (404) 814-9640 www.tavernatphipps.com After buying your Valentine that special something at Phipps Plaza, stop in at The Tavern.

Snuggle up in one of the cozy booths in the dining room and enjoy a romantic dinner for two. Or sit out on the heated patio or in the bar and enjoy the live music. Being single is also a plus at the Tavern; it is a great place to see and be seen or to find a date. So whether it’s dinner for two, or a place to mingle and be single, The Tavern at Phipps is the perfect mix for Valentine’s Day.

Valentine continued on page 12

PG 11 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

Valentine from page 11 SOTTO SOTTO

GETTING READY VAN MICHAEL SALON

313 N. Highland Ave. (404)523-6678 39 W. Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta (404) 237-4664 www.sottosottorestaurant.com 778 N. Highland Avenue, Atlanta (404) 874-6604 This award winning restaurant creates authentic 220 Sandy Springs Circle, Atlanta (404) 255-0026 Italian food with complex flavors that are sure to 5161 Peachtree Pkwy, Ste. 606, Norcross enhance your Valentine’s experience. Sotto Sotto (770) 987-3600 www.vanmichael.com offers a romantically lit intimate dining room Van Michael Salon puts style and romance perfect for the special back into your evening. Their celebrated Valentine’s Day with Mezza Lebanese Bistro menu is accompanied a special offer, 20% & Wine Bar by an inspiring alloff all products on Italian wine list. Make February 11. This reservations early as includes the salon’s seating is limited. hottest product,

MEZZA LEBANESE BISTRO & WINE BAR

2751 Lavista Rd. (404) 633-8833 www.mezzabistro.com Mezza is a traditional way of dining in which all menu items are served in small portions allowing couples to share from a large variety of dishes. This Zagat rated restaurant is one of Atlanta Magazine’s Top 100 Restaurants in Atlanta. Mezza serves a variety of over 60 menu items, a wide assortment of wines along with an arrangement of unique desserts. This Valentine’s Day come experience a Lebanese Valentine’s.

THE FLYING BISCUIT CAFÉ

7 Area Locations Catering Hotline: (404) 849-2203 www.flyingbiscuit.com The perfect place to take your Valentine the morning after your romantic evening. Known for their award winning biscuits and great breakfast menu, The Flying Biscuit also offers a full dinner menu at all their intimate restaurants.

Beauty Blender, the amazing latex free, non-allergenic applicator that mimics an airbrush finish without the “overdone” feeling. Call any of the salon’s four area locations to make an appointment for your holiday makeover

HOLLYWOOD TANS

2385 Peachtree Rd Buckhead (404) 240-3323 950 W. Peachtree St, Midtown (404) 249-7377 3015 N. Druid Hills Rd, Toco Hills (404) 636-8267 1425 Market Blvd., Roswell (770) 552-8267 www.hollywoodtansatlanta.com Get your “tan on” this Valentine’s Day. As the largest chain of indoor tanning salons, Hollywood Tans Atlanta offers the most luxurious UV and UV-Free tanning experience. Each Hollywood Tans Atlanta area tanning salon is spacious, and with a minimum of 15 booths at each location (including a total of 5 UV-Free Mystic Tan booths). This allows them to minimize wait times and provide customers with a hassle-free no appointment policy.

COMPLIMENTARY PASSES invites you and a guest to an advance screening of

Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7:00pm Regal Atlantic Station www.shutterisland.com

No purchase necessary. While supplies last. Limit one pass per person. Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. Each pass admits one person.

For a chance to receive a complimentary pass, simply visit

������������������� 1460 Northside Dr. NW • Atlanta, GA 30318 Mon – Fri 8:30 – 7:30; Sat 10:30 – 7:00; Sun 11:30 – 6:00 www.samflaxsouth.com (Please ask at the register for tickets)

IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 19TH

PG 12 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF SKIN & NAILCARE

5600 Roswell Road, Atlanta (404) 843-1005 www.skin-nail.com ISSN is more than just a school they also maintain a clinic floor open to the public. Here in the Prado of Sandy Springs, facials, body wraps, back treatment/massage, waxing, and other skincare services are provided at very low prices. They also offer manicures, pedicures, complete sets of nails, touch ups, nail art and other services at a discount.

This Valentine’s Day order their “Sweetheart Special” package. It includes a European Facial and a spa manicure / pedicure for only $49.

GIFT ITEMS

RAGORAMA

1111 Euclid Avenue, Atlanta (404) 658 - 1988 www.ragorama.com Buy, sell and trade at Rag-O-Rama. They carry current, classic and vintage styles including men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, oneof-a-kind items and much more! Stop in on Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14 for their “Dollar Sale.”

There will be plenty of specially marked items for only $1.

SAM FLAX

1460 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta (404) 352-7200 www.samflaxsouth.com Sick of all the pink and red, lovey dovey valentines? Stop by Sam Flax and get your limited edition Black Hearts or customizable Voodoo dolls so you can let that certain someone know how you really feel. Sam Flax also carries a huge variety of art supplies, unique papers, promotional products,

custom framing, boutique gifts, computer supplies and studio furniture.

ADULT SPECIALTY STORES

STARSHIP

22 Convenient Locations Visit the all new: www.ShopStarship.com Erect Cupid’s arrow with Atlanta’s favorite adult emporium. Find everything from adult movies & toys, body oils & lubes, bondage & fetish gear, erotic lingerie, candles & incense, lover’s gift cards and much more. Don’t miss Starship’s “Completely Cupid SALE” 30-50% off select merchandise!

INSERECTION

5 Metro Locations Tantra (Marietta) (770) 499-2284 www.Inserection.com Intimacy starts at Inserection! Inserection has multiple stores in Atlanta chocked full of merchandise to enhance your Valentine experience. They are offering Valentine’s Sam Flax special merchandise from adult cards and novelties to lingerie, adult toys and DVDs.

SMOKE 911

Roswell (770) 992-4485 Sandy Spring (404) 256-1116 Acworth (770) 974-5585 www.shopsmoke911com Smoke 911 is stocking up for Valentine’s Day this year with a wide arrangement of body jewelry, cigars and Liberator Bedroom Gear. All Smoke 911 stores are open from 10am – 2am 7 days a week.

FILM

Movie Reviews AVATAR (PG-13)

������Release Date: Dec. 18

It feels redundant to write about James Cameron’s latest game-changer now, when it’s already been dissected by every critic in the world, raked in over $1 billion at the global box office, and stands poised to rival Cameron’s “Titanic” as the topgrossing film of all-time. If you’re even remotely interested, you already know the film centers on wheelchair-bound ex-Marine Jake Sully, (Sam Worthington) enlisted to infiltrate an alien race known as the Na’vi (which look like Amazonian Smurfs crossbred with lions) in hopes of convincing them to concede their land, which sits atop a fortune’s worth of “Unobtainium” just waiting to be mined by greedy, Earth-bound corporate interests. You’ve probably marveled at the brilliant visuals of Cameron’s gloriously rendered 3D world as seen through the eyes of Sully’s blue-skinned avatar, which include an encyclopedia’s worth of wondrous alien flora and fauna. Pretty much everyone agrees that Cameron has inexorably raised the bar with regards to the potential of CGI and 3D technology, and few would argue that “Avatar” is one of the most visually spectacular films of the past decade. Some critics have carped that Cameron’s story is unoriginal, as it adapts the history of Colonial Imperialism into a futuristic context in order to point out the flaws in America’s recent political and environmental policy, making a white man the savior of a race of “noble savages.”

But in using the tenets of classic hero mythology to address the historical wrongs perpetrated against tribal societies in the U.S. and abroad, Cameron taps into the current zeitgeist of white guilt, recognizing the errors of America’s distant and recent past by portraying a military man who ultimately realizes he’s fighting for the wrong side.

It’s a masterful, original work unlike anything cinema has seen since “Star Wars” debuted over 200 years ago; one that I believe will stand the test of time.

–B. Love

BOOK OF ELI (R) ������Release Date: Jan. 15 I love a good western, and The Book of Eli fits the bill. Don’t let the post-apocalyptic setting fool you: The movie opens on a six-shooter, the hero (Denzel Washington) is headed west and doesn’t reveal his name until the end, and other trademarks of the western genre appear along the way. But the post-apocalyptic setting provides a nice twist by removing all modern technology except for an arsenal of weapons… and an iPod. The Hughes Brothers have made an exciting, well-shot film, but it also features a heavy-handed religious message. It’s a hurdle, but The Book of Eli manages to clear it. The film impressed me by having no dialogue for the first 10 minutes, yet by the end we know everything we need to about the Stranger and his world. The Stranger walks through the beige deserts and crumbled cities of what used to be our country, and Washington has such gravitas that the character’s scavenging feels more like stoic pragmatism. It’s a difficult balancing act, but Washington and the Hughes make sure we’re always on the character’s side.

He eventually arrives in a shantytown run by a man named Carnagie (Gary Oldman), who just so happens to be looking for the book the Stranger is carrying and tempts him with his blind lover’s daughter, Solara (Mila Kunis). But the Stranger, a noble warrior, refuses her advances and instead they share a meal wherein he says grace. That’s when it becomes clear that the book is the Bible: Carnagie wants to use it as a weapon to control the remaining populace, while the Stranger presumably wants to use it as a force for good. The action does not disappoint, and neither do the performances,

cinematography or overall direction. But they all NEED to click together because the movie gets very preachy, to the point where it’s a little uncomfortable at times. Gary Oldman has played some great villains in his time, and he’s wasted here. But, on the whole, the Hughes Brothers have created a solid western and done so in a clever fashion by putting it beneath the guise of a post-apocalyptic wasteland. It’s a confident film that trusts the story it’s telling and how it’s being told. If you don’t mind the promotion of extreme measures resulting from blind faith, then you should show some thanks to The Book of Eli for being an exciting, well-made, clever film. Blessed be the western, Amen.

–Matt Goldberg

CRAZY HEART (R) ������Release Date: Dec. 16 Down-on-his-luck outlaw country maverick Bad Blake is a self-destructive drunk– a tortured train wreck who leaves nothing but misery in his wake.

As portrayed by Jeff Bridges, he plays like an ornery cross between Kris Kristofferson and The Dude, armed with whiskey and a guitar instead of White Russians and a bowling ball. But there’s no Donny or Walter to provide comic relief in writerdirector Scott Cooper’s self-assured debut; only a mopey Maggie Gyllenhaal as a reporter/groupie who falls for the charming ol’ cuss, Robert Duvall as the friend who tries to help him stay on the wagon, and Colin Farrell as the former sidekick who’s emerged as a true country star, eager to give his old boss a hand up into the spotlight. Truth be told, Blake is a killer songwriter but his own worst enemy– a Behind The Music cliché we’ve seen a thousand times before. It would all be terribly maudlin were it not for Bridges’ terrific turn, which elevates the material substantially and recalls Mickey Rourke’s work in The Wrestler.

The movie itself isn’t great, but it features some of the best work of the four-time Oscar nominee’s career. Don’t be surprised if Crazy Heart brings Bridges his fifth.

–B. Love

Careful, Jews. Mel Gibson (right) is back with a vengance in his first film in nearly a decade. “Edge of Darkness” follows Gibson on a journey to avenge his fallen daughter.

EDGE OF DARKNESS Starring: Mel Gibson, Ray Winstone, Danny Hutson, Bojana Novakovic.

Director: Martin Campbell. Release Date: Jan. 29. Rating: R �����

Mel Gibson’s return to acting is this film’s focus, and everything else falls by the wayside. It’s like a challenge: We’re going to give you tone-deaf direction, a monotonous script and only one valuable supporting performance, and you have to convince people you can still lead a movie even though everyone thinks you’re a crazy anti-Semite.

But let’s face it, the guy can act: He’s captivating, energetic and holds every frame together (although Ray Winstone lends a valuable assist). Without Gibson, the film could not succeed. With him, it still doesn’t succeed, but at least it’s not painful. “Edge of Darkness” wastes no time in cutting to the chase as Thomas Craven (Gibson) investigates who killed his daughter Emma (Bojana Novakovic). We solve that mystery 20 minutes later, when Danny Huston appears as the CEO at the shady corporation where Emma worked. Then there are 90 more minutes of movie, most of it maddeningly redundant.

“Edge” is a genre thriller that tries to blend mystery with vengeance, but unfortunately doesn’t do either very well. The mystery unfolds in the way we expect– the government and major companies are corrupt– and Craven’s attempt to avenge his daughter’s murder doesn’t feel like wish fulfillment as much as it does a naïve daydream. Martin Campbell’s direction only shines in the action beats, but those are few and far between.

So it all comes down to Gibson. His performance is a valuable reminder of his talent, DEAR JOHN (PG-13) which is incredible when you consider he’s spent the last eight years as a figure of ������Release Date: Feb. 5 controversy rather than a leading man. But the role of Thomas Craven fits him like Disclaimer: I am not a female, nor am I prone a glove… a glove that punches a lot of people. It’s easy to condemn Gibson’s personal to embrace sappy depictions of unrequited love, behavior, but it’s difficult not to applaud his performance in “Edge of Darkness.” so it’s safe to say that I’m probably not author Nicholas Sparks’ intended target demo. That being said, I was truly surprised by how much I enjoyed the 2004 adaptation of his novel The Notebook, significant credit for which must be given to the film’s talented stars, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. I might have even shed a mantear or two, though if waterboarded I would still insist to the death that it was merely eye sweat.

Director Lasse Hallström’s latest film, however, is not The Notebook, though it clearly aspires to tug on the very same emotional heartstrings. Based on Sparks’ novel, the story follows college student Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried) and Special Forces soldier John Tyree (Channing Tatum), who fall head over heels after a bit of summer lovin’ while he’s home on leave. Of course he eventually returns to battle, and the two promise to write one another regularly, their letters practically dripping with the sort of longing that only comes from being denied that which our hearts really, really yearn for. While he’s away, she finds comfort in her friendship with a next-door neighbor (Henry Thomas), a sad-sack whose wife left him alone to care for their autistic child. When Tyree elects to re-enlist after the attack of 9/11, it doesn’t take Nostradomus to predict precisely where this story is headed. If you’ve seen The Notebook, it all feels a bit too familiar. Though Seyfried shows

–Matt Goldberg impressive dramatic range, Tatum can’t come close to matching Gosling’s dynamic charisma, and Hallström’s unwillingness to show us the hell of war leads to an odd sense of detachment from Tyree’s emotional plight. Veteran character actor Richard Jenkins (Six Feet Under) commands attention as Tyree’s socially awkward father, but ultimately even he can’t save this film from feeling like a retread of Sparks’ previous work, albeit with the added sociopolitical relevance only a soldier sacrificing himself in the name of God and country can provide. The unsatisfying ending certainly doesn’t do it any favors, either.

–B. Love

DISTRICT 13: ULTIMATUM (R) ������Release Date: Feb. 5 When District 13 was released in 2004, it seemed to come out of nowhere, introducing American audiences to the French sport of parkour and establishing Pierre Morel (Taken) as one of the best action film directors in the business. Written by Luc Besson (The Professional, The Fifth Element), the story wasn’t the most original, following an

undercover cop (Cyril Raffaelli) and an ex-thug (David Belle) attempting to infiltrate a gang in the ghettos of Paris in order to defuse a neutron bomb.

But the action was spectacular, with scenes of Belle leaping from balcony to balcony to descend a high-rise building setting the stage for the sport’s mainstream exposure in the James Bond films.

The sequel? Unfortunately, not so much. Besson’s script, which reunites Belle’s Lëito and Raffaelli’s Capt. Tomaso for a mission to bring peace among five rival gangs before a corrupt Secret Service leader convinces the President to nuke the whole district, seems outdated in its sociopolitical skewering. There’s virtually no parkour action to speak of, which puts all of the emphasis on plot and performance, which was never the original’s strong suit. Patrick Alessandrin isn’t quite the director Morel is: his editing lacks punch, his cinematography lacks style, and his storytelling lacks dramatic tension. But the actors do the best they can with what they’re given, making what could’ve been an unmitigated disaster into a decent direct-to-DVD flick. Still, Ultimatum winds up being more of the same… only less.

–B. Love PG 13 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

“A TRUE BLUE AMERICAN LOVE STORY.” Greg Russell, MOVIE SHOW PLUS

“Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried are the best romantic couple since ‘The Notebook.’”

Lisa Fuller-Magee, KTVK-TV PHOENIX

SCREEN GEMS PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITY MEDIA A TEMPLE HILL AND RELATIVITY MEDIA PRODUCTION A FILM BY LASSE HALLSTRÖM CHANNING TATUM AMANDA SEYFRIED “DEAR JOHN” HENRY THOMAS SCOTT PORTER AND RICHARD JENKINS ASSOCIATE COEXECUTIVE PRODUCER MICHAEL DISCO PRODUCERS KENNETH HALSBAND JAMI E LINDEN PRODUCERS JEREMIAH SAMUELS TOBY EMMERICH MICHELE WEISS TUCKER TOOLEY PRODUCED BASED ON THE SCREENPLAY DIRECTED

BY MARTY BOWEN WYCK GODFREY RYAN KAVANAUGH NOVEL BY NICHOLAS SPARKS

BY JAMI E LINDEN

BY LASSE HALLSTRÖM

NOW PLAYING

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES SORRY, NO PASSES ACCEPTED FOR THIS ENGAGEMENT

VIDIOTS UPCOMING DVD RELEASES AND REVIEWS

BY B. LOVE & JOHN B. MOORE CHE – Stephen Soderbergh’s sprawling biopic of Che Guevera, originally rendered in two parts, is combined into a 4.5-hour epic that traces the revolutionary’s life from his overthrow of the Cuban government and his historic U.N. visit to his premature death. The naturalistic portrait is slow in parts, but a stunning turn by Benecio Del Toro makes it worth watching. Extras include essays, making-of docs and interviews with historians and ex-Bolivian fighters.

BAD GIRLS OF FILM NOIR, VOL I & II – In the 40s and 50s, A-list actresses took juicy roles in B-movies that allowed them to take a walk on the wild side, playing cold-as-ice temptresses who’d just as soon kill you as kiss you. These DVDs feature 8 classics, including Women’s Prison, One Girl’s Confession and Bad For Each Other. Look for surprising turns from well-known Oscar winners such as Charlton Heston, Dorothy Malone and Gloria Grahame.

DEAD SNOW – A Norwegian horror comedy about Nazi zombies may not sound like the most mainstreamaccessible film fare, but this campy horror flick earned a legion of fans at Sundance last year. It’s campy fun watching a group of friends out for a good ol’ time drinking, skiing and screwing instead being overrun by a defrosting band of undead SS, with irreverent humor and blood-splattering gore doled out in equal measure.

Doctor Who: The Complete Specials – For those whose only knowledge of Doctor Who is the geeky ‘80s series with bad special effects, this latest collection is worth checking out. Still based in sci-fi, the effects have improved greatly and the characters and story lines are PG 14 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

fantastic with plenty of action. These four specials end with the tenth doctor exiting the iconic role, introducing the next actor to travel in the Tardis (Matt Smith).

THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL – Paranormal Activity got more hype, but writer-director Ti West’s low-budget revival of ‘80s-style horror was the better film, landing on many critics’ Top 10 lists. The story follows a hot co-ed (Jocelin Donahue) babysitting in the eponymous abode, with an unseen old woman, a graveyard and satan worship adding to the creepy tension. An old school classic with a modern twist; we can’t wait to see what West does next.

THE PEOPLE SPEAK – Author/historian Howard Zinn, who died in January, espoused the idea that change comes from the bottom rather than the top, and that it is up to us as citizens to make a difference. Based on Zinn’s books, The People Speak finds celebs such as Matt Damon and James Brolin reading the words of American revolutionaries such as Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, offering inspiration at a times when we desperately need it.

OTHER FEBRUARY DVD RELEASES February 2� �� ������� �� ����� �������� �� ����� ���� �� ����� �� ���� ������ �� ����� ���� �� ���� ���� ��� ��� �������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������� February 9��������������������������������������� �� �������� �������� �� ��� ����� �� ������ ��� ����� ��� ���������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������� Nollywood ��������� ���� ������ ��������� �� ������ ���������� ��� ������������������������������������������������������ ����������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������

THAT EVENING SUN (PG-13)

SHERLOCK HOLMES (PG-13)

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������Release Date: Dec. 25

We won’t hear his name called on March 7, but for my money Hal Holbrook’s performance in this gripping Southern indie is Best Actor Oscar-worthy, and arguably the most moving of his 55-year career.

Holbrook stars as Abner Meecham, a curmudgeonly coot that escapes from the old folks home where his uppity lawyer son Paul (Walton Goggins) has stowed him and heads back to his farm to live out his twilight years. Problem is, when he gets there he finds the family of Lonzo Choat (Ray McKinnon), a good-for-nothing hooligan prone to getting drunk and abusing his wife (Carrie Preston) and daughter (Mia Wasikowska, soon starring as Alice in Tim Burton’s Wonderland). It appears Paul gave the Choats a lease-to-own option on the property, so the stubborn-as-a-mule Abner lays claim to his old guest house and proceeds to make life miserable for Lonzo, openly degrading his manhood and adopting an incessantly barking dog to drive him mad. “I worked too hard and too long,” he reasons. “I ain’t goin’ down without a fight.” This heated rivalry develops into a bitter inter- and intra-family feud: Paul thinks his father is mean and unreasonable, while Lonzo’s daughter Pamela would do just about anything to escape. Writer-director Scott Teems (a Georgia native) expertly builds the dramatic tension: You’re never quite sure how this war of iron wills will end, but you’ll have a hunch it won’t end well. All the actors, including Barry Corbin as Abner’s neighbor/ co-conspirator, are excellent at crafting characters that explore the thousand shades of grey dividing good from evil. Abner is old, infirm and dearly missing his departed wife (played by Holbrook’s real-life love, Dixie Carter), but he’s also a devious, ornery cuss who could make a saint swear. Lonzo is lazy, angry and obviously out of control, but he clearly struggles to do right by his wife and child. This is the sort of low-profile, low-budget film that indie festivals are made for, but it’s also character-based storytelling at its finest, and truly deserves to find a mainstream audience in theaters.

–B. Love

On the surface, directors Tim Burton and Guy Ritchie may not have much in common. The former has iconic films like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands to his credit while the latter did Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and… well, that’s about it. But in Ritchie’s bold revisit with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s favorite sleuth, the Brit aligns himself nicely with Burton. Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr., looking as comfy in a dingy wool ensemble as his Iron Man suit) is a darker, grittier version of the famed detective— much in the way Burton’s Batman was back in ’89. Sherlock’s early trailers even sold Holmes as a superhero, what with the hand-to-hand combat and explosions. While that plays across an engaging storyline of dark magic and bringing political corruptness to light, bigbudget theatrics prove sideshow to the movie’s real attraction—gaining a better understanding of how Holmes’ mind works. Like a peculiar blend of The Mentalist, a martial artist and Mr. Renfroe (my 11th grade science teacher), the meticulous detective can tell you’re having relationship issues from the way you blink. And it’s almost as if the man has Spidey Senses the way he brilliantly scripts fight scenes in his head. But speaking of comics, it would be remiss not to mention Sherlock’s relationship with his partner-in-crime-fighting, Dr. Watson (Jude Law).

Though there’s an underlying story here of Watson branching off and starting his own family, we don’t recall a moment while reading The Hound of the Baskervilles where the longtime friends were any closer. Guy Ritchie has found his Batman and Robin.

Only they’re in grubby London. In 1887. With much lamer gadgets.

–DeMarco Williams

A SINGLE MAN (R) ������Release Date: Dec. 11 This is an art house film in the best sense of the term: It’s intimate, outside the mainstream, and highlights actors (or, in this case, an actor) who can completely embody a character and keep you mesmerized with a small, subtle performance. Set in 1962 L.A., fashion designer-turned-director Tom Ford’s striking debut centers on a day in the life of George Falconer (Colin Firth), a gay man working as an English professor whose world is cold and empty since boyfriend Joe (Matthew Goode) died in a car accident. He inhabits a world drained of color, yet, in simple moments and memories, the world becomes lush and vivid. He sees beauty when he looks into the eyes of Kenny (Nicholas Hoult), a closeted gay student who has a crush on the professor; and in his neighbor’s daughter, a young girl in a pretty dress and a picture of innocence. Eduard Grau’s cinematography is gorgeous and, when combined with Abel Korzeniowski’s beautiful score and Joan Sobel’s masterful editing, A Single Man hardly needs words. But it is Ford’s good fortune that Colin Firth gives the best performance of his career, so sad and restrained that he can convey the pain of Falconer’s grief with the faintest facial expression. But when Falconer looks into the eyes of another person and finds the vivacity that escapes his own life, Firth uplifts the character’s soul in a single breath. Due to its meticulous balance of performance, lighting, score, and pacing, A Single Man never loses its way, even when it does. There’s a scene towards the end of the film where George enjoys dinner with Charley (Julianne Moore), a lifelong friend who loves him even though she knows he can never reciprocate that love in the way she wants. Their scene together exists in this odd middle ground where the movie begins to drag, but the mood perfectly match George’s emotional state. Ford brings every element together to weave an emotionally stirring tale that will enrapture you whether you’re in the art house, hen house, outhouse or doghouse. A Single Man is many things, and they’re all fantastic.

–Matt Goldberg

UP IN THE AIR (R)

������Release Date: Dec. 25 “To know me is to fly with me,” says Ryan Bingham as he packs his bags and moves through the airport with rapier-like precision. “Everything you hate about travel… are warm reminders that I’m home.” It’s the perfect introduction to a man George Clooney was born to play. Bingham is a 21st century gunslinger, hired to travel around the country firing employees their bosses are too timid to terminate. Bingham spends over 300 days a year on the road, and loathes every minute of the few days he’s home in Omaha. He finds comfort in first class upgrades, Admiral’s Club admission and frequent flyer miles (his dream is to become the 7th person to reach 10 million). “Moving is living,” he says in his “What’s In Your Backpack” motivational speeches, avoiding emotional intimacy at all costs and considering commitment a fate worse than death. When he meets a fellow road warrior (Vera Farmiga) in a hotel bar, comparing reward program cards and discussing mile-high club experiences, it’s a match made in heaven. “Think of me as yourself,” she quips, “only with a vagina.” After a quick romp through the Kama Sutra, they’re coordinating schedules to arrange another rendezvous. That is, until Bingham’s upwardly mobile associate (Anna Kendrick) suggests the company fire people via teleconference, saving themselves thousands on travel costs. Bingham’s job may not be in jeopardy, but his nomadic lifestyle is, and there’s an undeniable air of comedic tension as he takes the young gun on the road to show her the ropes. Co-written and directed by Jason Reitman, Up In The Air is easily one of the year’s best films– an adult comedy that evenly balances humor and heart while tapping into our cultural zeitgeist by putting human faces on the economic downturn. Jason Bateman delivers another fine supporting turn as Bingham’s smarmy boss, while Kendrick proves one of the year’s best new talents as a recent college grad struggling to get ahead in her career while pursuing the traditional American family dream. The film wisely makes no character judgments, leaving it up to the audience to decide whether Bingham’s existence is a valid lifestyle choice or merely a self-protective emotional cocoon. It also offers no pat Hollywood resolutions, letting you figure out for yourself whether our dashing cowboy hangs up his hat for good or simply rides off into the sunset.

–B. Love

EDUCATION

Train for a New Career in Nine Months or Less.

United Education Institute makes it possible.

W

ITH THE NEW YEAR, MANY people are trying to figure out which change will make the biggest difference. According to education specialists, it isn’t a new dog or a new diet, but a new career.

“Learning a career that you love can make a huge difference in so many ways, from the satisfaction you feel and the money you earn to the friends you make,” explains Kerwin Graham, Director of Admissions at the UEI Morrow campus.

UEI, with campuses located in Morrow, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida, caters to those who want to explore new career options in todays most in-demand industries. For over 25 years, United Education Institute , which recently changed it’s name from Advanced Career Training, is enabling students to

in partnership with of Atlanta

keep their current jobs while studying and graduate in nine months or less.

“We’re very excited about our newest program in Criminal Security Administration,” says Graham. “After completion, our career services team helps graduates land such prestigious jobs as store detective, retail security guard, gaming surveillance specialist, TSA professional, and 911 operator.”

Additionally, UEI offers programs in Medical Assisting, Medical Billing, Dental Assisting, and Business Office Administration.

Start making a change today and call UEI at 888-229-8186 or visit us on the web at www.go2uei.com.

One year.

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If you have a bachelor’s degree, your MBA could be as little as 12 months away. The one-year Accelerated Master of Business Administration (AMBA) program is a flexible, fast-track program designed for non-business grads.

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PG 15 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

PG 16 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

FILM INTERVIEW

From TV shows and Oscar-winning films to hit songs, Jamie Foxx may be the new King of All Media.

BY B. LOVE

W

HETHER IMITATING MIKE Tyson, breaking records with hit singles such as “Blame It!” or acting in films such as this month’s Valentine’s Day, Jamie Foxx has long since proven himself one of the most talented performers of his generation. Though it took his uncanny Oscar-winning performance as Ray Charles for average Joes to sit up and take notice, we’ve been fans since the early ‘90s, when he was playing second fiddle to Damon Wayans and Jim Carrey on the groundbreaking sketch comedy show In Living Color. Here, the 42-year-old Texas native sits down with us for a chat about his varied career, how winning the Oscar changed his game, and why a Mike Tyson biopic is tops on his list of dream projects.

You’ve had a broad and varied film career,

Fri, Feb. 12

from the Booty Call era to critically acclaimed films like Ray. Could you talk about that arc?

It’s been a great ride. If you look at In Living Color, you see the training ground.

Those guys were doing things that weren’t just jokes in your face, but real characters.

We were trying to make them more than

really makes you feel good on the inside for whatever’s coming next, knowing you’re going to be able to get into it and try to make it happen for you.

one-dimensional, so it was a great training ground, being under Keenan and Damon Wayans and Jim Carrey and all those cats.

I’m happy that I had that background and those tools. You do Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder, knock off the funny and actually DO the character, then let it play out. It

Living Color and I couldn’t get any work.

I remember seeing this girl at the Comedy Store, and this is when I knew it was time for me to get out. This girl was walking towards me and I was like, “Oh yeah, she’s probably been watching the show!” She says hi. I say hey. She says, “Do you know where Chris Tucker is?” I said no, and she looked back and said, “You look so familiar...” I was like, oh man, my shine is gone! I had gotten so into myself because I thought everybody was watching the show. I remember going up on stage and doing rich jokes in front of folks from the hood. “Yeah, I just got that Range Rover. Anybody else? My house went into Escrow. Anybody? Man, it’s crazy when your house goes on escrow!” It was like, “What are you talking about?!” I walk off stage, and I’m outside the club when I hear the doors open and [makes sound of audience’s roar]. I walked in, and it was Chris Tucker, and he was killing ‘em. I sat down and I said, “That’s what I need to do– go back and find what it is that I do,” because I’d lost it. So I moved to Vegas, and found out the WB was looking for shows. So we went there and did The Jamie Foxx Show, and I got a brand new start. I don’t want to ever slip like that again.

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Have you ever had moments where you thought you’d quit?

Oh, yeah! I moved to Vegas right after In

How have perceptions about you changed since you won the Oscar for Ray? I don’t know if it’s necessarily that the perception has changed. But what you have to do every day is kill that Oscar beast and go out and try to take two or three steps back and not be the ugly person it could turn you into. The way I’ve done that is just kept telling jokes about it. If you feel like you’ve won the Oscar and you’re at the top of your game, you’re at the top of the mountain. Then you come off the elevator and there’s a brother going, “Hey Jamie, congratulations on that Grammy, dog! You did your thing, dog! Hey, what song was that they acknowledged you for?” (Laughter) It lets you know that everybody ain’t feelin’ it. So you bring it back down and use the Oscar for those things that you really wanted. Now they’re offering great roles, and what’s great is we can create opportunities on the dribble.

Are you more selective these days in the roles you take?

Yeah, that’s what I mean. It’s like when they talk about the Oscar Curse. When I say create off the dribble, that’s a person in basketball that has to come off the screen and shoot it, meaning that somebody’s got to set up the shot for him.

With us, we create off the dribble: We do standup comedy, so we can go to our left; we do music, so we can go to our right; we write movies, so we can go around our backs. So we use it as our tool and try not to bastardize it, because sometimes I’ve used it for the wrong things.

Your new movie, Valentine’s Day, is all about love and relationships. How has your pickup with the ladies been in recent years?

It’s changed drastically. It’s crazy! I think it’s a different type of woman [you attract] when you win an Oscar. All the young ladies in the club, I ain’t messing with you right now. I get the 35 and over women with their own companies. They break down everything: “You know, that night I was soooo touched.” I say, “Girl, I’m gonna touch you again!” I’ll never forget the joke I told Will Smith. I’m making love to this girl right after I won the Oscar. She said, “Oh, Jamie!” I said, “No, no, no… that’s not my name!” “Oh, Academy Award Winner Jamie Foxx!” If you ain’t got [an Oscar], you gotta get you one!

You’re an extremely talented musician.

Would you ever do more musical biopics?

I always thought the Marvin Gaye story was incredible. If you know anything about his life story, there’s some things about his life that will blow your mind.

Whoever tells that story, you know it’s going to be great.

Do you think you could pull it off?

I’m sure I could give a good crack at it.

But I think the Mike Tyson story is the most interesting thing to me. Mike Tyson gives you phrases that, if you listen to it, will blow your mind. They said, “How do you feel?” and he said (imitating Tyson’s voice), “I’m more happy now that I don’t have any money... I don’t have to worry about anything. I’m just here.” To me, that’s where you go. Do the story about THAT! About how he feels now, after he looks back on what all happened. A reporter once asked him, ”Why are things always so crazy for you?” And [Tyson] says: “You give a kid who’s 19 years old $60 million and see how crazy it’d be for him!”

Are you actively trying to do a film based on that?

Not yet, but sometimes you just put things out there in the air and hopefully they catch on.

Road Warriors

This Month’s Hottest Shows

BY SACHA DZUBA

FEB. 6 – B.B. KING & BUDDY GUY

The Fox The term “Living Legends” comes to mind as I realize that these seminal musicians are coming to Atlanta!

BB King and Buddy Guy are two of the top blues guitarists ever: Ranking #3 and #13, respectively, on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list, these celebrated artists will blow your mind with their soulful and powerful musicianship.

King won a Grammy for his well-known hit, “The Thrill is Gone,” and routinely gives 250 performances a year. Buddy Guy is known for his consummate showmanship and is known to have decided at an early age that he wanted to play guitar like Guitar Slim, but to sound like B.B. King. Guy has influenced many great guitarists (including Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix), and Hendrix used to cancel his own shows to go see Buddy Guy play. Get your tickets now, so you don’t have to cancel anything to see these blues legends!

FEB. 11 – THEM CROOKED VULTURES

Tabernacle Featuring members of Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters and Led Zeppelin, hard-

rock supergroup Them Crooked Vultures consists of John Paul Jones, Dave Grohl, Josh Homme, and Alain Johannes in live performances. Melding styles reminiscent of classic rock and roll with current indie-rock music, this is musical collaboration at its best and most inspired. Oddly enough, it all sounds quite like a blend of Led Zeppelin and Queens of the Stone Age. That was sarcasm, obviously, but don’t think this is a bad thing in the least. This is one musical smoothie that is refreshing to the palate…of your ears.

FEB. 23 – TEGAN AND SARA

Variety Playhouse A Canadian indierock duo, Tegan and Sara have beautiful voices and craft catchy melodies that remain stripped-down and beg listeners to sing along. These lovely twins are charming and funny, and you can tell from listening that they truly love what they’re doing. Their music has been used in numerous TV shows and films, but seeing them live is an incredibly intimate experience, as they connect well with their audiences, making them laugh and smile with their stories and between-song banter.

Their music will touch you and entrance your heart. I still love hearing “Walking with a Ghost” (which was covered by the White Stripes). Listen out for it!

FEB. 25-26 – ALICE IN CHAINS

The Tabernacle Seattle’s Alice in Chains was all over the radio throughout the grunge era of the ‘90s.

Frontman Layne Staley’s notorious problems with substance abuse and eventual death in 2002 caused the band to go on an extended, unexpected hiatus. Their latest album, Black Gives Way to Blue, was released in September 2009 with new vocalist (and Atlanta native) William DuVall. DuVall’s vocal style is reminiscent of Staley’s and, when blended with Jerry Cantrell’s backing vocals, there’s no doubt that Alice in Chains is back and in some ways better than ever. Come see this Phoenix rise from the ashes and soar.

FEB. 27 – JAY Z

Philips Arena Jay Z is almost as well known for the media coverage of his personal life as he is for his rough ‘n’ rugged brand of New York hiphop. He’s married to Beyoncé, had numerous highprofile feuds with other rappers (most notably NAS), and won several Grammys. He’s also the new record-holder for most #1 singles by a solo artist on the Billboard 200 (including “Hard Knock Life,” “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” and “Empire State of Mind”), surpassing the record previously held by Elvis Presley. Jay Z recently headlined Glastonbury Music Festival in England, the first hip-hop artist

WE GOT NEXT KRISTINA TRAIN

FEB. 28 – HENRY ROLLINS

Variety Playhouse Henry Rollins– he of the vast neck, vicious scream and intimidating stare– is coming back to the Variety Playhouse again. The man is legendary in punk and indierock circles as the frontman for hardcore legends Black Flag, but he’s also been in numerous films, written many books, had his own TV show (The Henry Rollins Show), still fronts the Rollins Band, and frequently performs his often-comedic spoken word rants. He’s very opinionated and outspoken, but also extremely knowledgeable and intelligent… a rare combination. This spoken word performance is not to be missed. Trust me, you want to hear Henry Rollins tell it like it is, and I dare you to disagree with him!

FEB. 28-MAR 1 – PSYCHO BILLY TOUR 2010 FEATURING THE REVEREND HORTON HEAT

The Earl Reverend Horton Heat is a veteran, tonguein-cheek rockabilly trio that describes their sound as “country-fed punkabilly.” Their music mixes elements of swing and Big Band jazz with country, punk and rockabilly influences. Their stage energy is infectious, and their lyrics are usually very humorous and irreverent. These high-energy performers are always great to see live, and should be incredible in such an intimate venue. Time for a Psychobilly freakout!

Artists on the verge of making it big

Latest Project: Project: Spilt Milk (Blue Note) For Fans of: Norah Jones, Corrine Bailey Rae, Adele Why You Should Care: Because she’s got the sultriness of Norah, the pipes of Aretha, the producer of Duffy, and a dogged determination to succeed.

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

I

ever to headline the festival. I’ve gotta admit, I’m really hoping he’ll decide to perform “Wonderwall” again.

n an alternate universe where Murphy’s Law did not exist, Kristina Train might have become a star almost a decade ago.

Passionate about music since her mother taught her to play the violin at the age of four, the Savannah native scored a deal with Blue Note Records (the legendary jazz label that’s been home to everyone from Miles Davis and John Coltrane to Herbie

Hancock and Amos Lee) when she was in heard one of our demos. He brought me her teens. But her mom insisted she go to to New York and I showcased for the Blue college first, so she put her career on hold Note guys. My mom said, “You’re not going until after graduating from the University of to do anything until you go to college!” So Georgia. Sent to London there were a couple of years to work with producer where I fought for it, telling SO MANY THINGS GO Jimmy Hogarth (Duffy, her I didn’t want to waste Corinne Bailey Rae) and INTO MAKING AN ALBUM– my time going to college songwriter Eg White because all I want to do is FINANCIAL ISSUES, (Adele), Train suffered music. My Blue Note A&R another setback when a LOGISTICS, SCHEDULING– rep said, “When you decide nearly completed verwhat you wanna do, please THAT IT CAN BE VERY sion of her debut album come to me,” so [after colOVERWHELMING. BUT was forever lost to a lege] I did. They arranged EVERYONE INVOLVED another showcase and computer glitch.

Undaunted by the ob- BELIEVED IN IT SO MUCH, invited me to sign a deal at that time. stacles, Train returned SO WE CAME BACK AND to the studio and delivered the cheekily-titled I SANG MY HEART OUT. Why didn’t you rebel when Spilt Milk, a stunningly mom insisted on you IT TURNED OUT TO BE A your soulful jazz-pop album going to college? that’s earned favorable I’m an only child raised WONDERFUL THING. comparisons to icons by a single mom and I like Aretha Franklin and Dusty Springfield. always wanted to make her happy. She was We recently caught up with the 27-year-old the one who introduced me to music, so singer-songwriter in the middle of her tour I’m very grateful. I tried to do what I could with Keb Mo to discuss her long, winding to appease her, and she ended up being my road to success. biggest fan.

You’re originally from Savannah, which isn’t exactly a musical hotbed. How did you get discovered?

I was playing in bands and a producer

How did taking that extra time to grow and mature impact the music you ultimately made?

If I’d made an album at 19 it would’ve

been a very different album. Spilt Milk is the album I’ve always wanted to make. When I finally went over to London to work with Jimmy Hogarth and I heard the first song that we wrote, I realized why I’d waited so long. It was SO worth the wait.

You lost all of your album’s initial recordings to a computer glitch. How did having to re-record the album impact your approach?

I’ve always believed no deal is done until the ink is dry, because so many things have gone wrong in my life. When I got the phone call that my songs had been deleted, I was definitely in shock! But I was even more determined to go back and make it better.

So many things go into making an album– financial issues, logistics, scheduling– that it can be very overwhelming. But everyone involved believed in it so much, so we came back and I sang my heart out. It turned out to be a wonderful thing.

What’s the next stage you’re hoping to reach in your musical career?

I want to keep touring so that I can reach people on a personal level. A year from now I’d like to have all the songs for my next record written. I just want to keep everything moving and see my career withstand the test of time. Until I die, I’ll be writing, recording and touring… and hopefully paying the rent!

PG 19 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

MUSIC

Album Reviews

guttural vocals and clean singing. You can hear influences from Master of Puppets-era Metallica, older Pantera and Iron Maiden, with shades of

By B. Love, DeMarco Williams, John B. Moore, & Sacha Dzuba Mastodon and Nile. But Acrassicauda truly has a heavy, raw, passionate sound all their own. This is what they have literally fought for with tears, JÓNSI – GO (XL Recordings) sweat, and blood. This is their dream.

VARIOUS ARTISTS – FIRE IN MY BONES: RAW, RARE + Dazzling solo debuts Perhaps bassist Firas al-Lateef says it best: OTHERWORLDLY AFRICAN-AMERICAN GOSPEL [1944- “A lot of heavy metal bands talk and sing about BL: You may not 2007] (Tomkins Square) war and death and destruction, but they haven’t know Icelandic Amazing scope and style, and all for the Big Easy experienced it. We have.” GRADE: B+ art-rockers Sigur Rós by name, but X-RAY SPEX – LIVE AT THE ROUNDHOUSE LONDON if you’ve seen BL: Benefiting (Future Noise) films like The Life the New Orleans Aquatic With Steve Musician Relief The return of the ‘70s punk legends Zissou or TV shows Fund, Fire In like 24 or CSI, My Bones is JM: England’s X-Ray Spex may not have garnered you’ve probably an exceptional as much respect or attention over the long haul as heard their ethereal sound. Combining elements 3-CD collection The Sex Pistols or The Clash, but they had their of experimental post-rock, atmospheric ambient documenting the hand in influencing a whole generation of future music and neo-classical arrangements, their stylistic evolution punk- and indie-rockers, from Concrete Blonde to expansive compositions echo influences ranging of gospel music Le Tigre.

Recorded in 2008, the Live at the Roundhouse from Cocteau Twins and Björk to Brian Eno over the past 60 years. Equally impressive in and Steve Reich. Yet, with his angelic falsetto, scope and style (with Art Direction by Atlanta’s London CD/DVD beautifully captures the energy otherworldly guitar and made-up “Hopelandic” Susan Archie), Tomkins Square’s set is designed from this landmark late ‘70s pop-punk band, which language, frontman Jón Pór “Jónsi” Birgisson gives to collect some of the more neglected sounds of was reunited after more than a decade apart. Led Sigur Rós a distinctive feel that separates them black gospel music recorded between the genre’s by charismatic front-woman Poly Styrene, the band has always been in flux. Formed in 1976, they broke from any of the bands (Radiohead, to name one) post-WWII heyday and the present. with whom they’re often compared.

Produced by Mike McGonigal, the compilation up three years later, only to resurface sporadically After 15 years with the band, Go marks Jónsi’s veers among various gospel traditions, from solo over the course of the ‘90s. So there were not a ton solo debut, and it’s arguably his most accessible performances to congregational recordings to of songs to pick from for this live set.

Regardless, the crowd is enthusiastic and the work to date… which isn’t to say it’s altogether hellfire-and-brimstone sermons that will make band sounds great (Poly Styrene in particular). mainstream accessible. The album finds Birgisson the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. It also singing primarily in English for the first time, veers from major label tracks to field recordings, And they even manage to pull off two different though his impossibly high range (which could and from rural Georgia to urban California, versions of their biggest hit, “Oh Bondage Up give Mariah Carey a run for her money) will still showcasing the sheer diversity of the gospel Yours!” GRADE: B leave you struggling to decode the lyrics. sound.

Opening with the chirping electronics, birdFrom The Phillips’ Specials’ furiously funky “I’m STS9 – AD EXPLORATA (1320 Records) like flute and pounding percussion of “Go Do,” A Soldier” and Precious Bryant’s folk-blues take on In sounds from WAY out the generally shorter songs here explore a diverse “When the Saints Go Marching In” to the Georgia array of moods, from the insistent driving rhythm Fife & Drum Band’s bizarrely militaristic “Why BL: Sound Tribe of “Animal Arithmetic” to the transcendent music Sorrow Done Passed Me Around” and Grant & Sector 9 was box balladry of “BoyLilikoi.” My favorite track, Ella’s version of the slave-era spiritual “John Saw,” founded in the late “Sinking Friendships,” is the sort of epic for which the Peach State is well represented among the 80 ‘90s, when their Birgisson’s band is known, building dynamic awesome tracks collected here. But if there’s one unique brand of tension and gradually adding layers of sound and central message this killer compilation conveys, it’s dub-inf luenced, unfolding into a thing of majestic beauty. “It’s that where you’re from ain’t nearly as important as improv isational the end of the end of the end,” he sings halfway where you’re going. breakbeats through. We can only hope he’s not referring to established them as Sigur Rós, which clearly needs Jónsi worse than he peers of rising jam needs them. bands such as Disco Biscuits and Lake Trout. They quickly attracted a national following, and by 2001 CORINNE BAILEY RAE – THE SEA (Capitol) they’d relocated to northern California and taken a The soulful morning after the mourning ACRASSICAUDA – ONLY THE DEAD SEE THE END OF THE deeper interest in spirituality and mysticism.

With Ad Explorata, STS9 has also taken an interest WAR (Vice) in shortwave radios, as the album was inspired by DW: You can’t tell a person how to handle the loss Raw, explosive metal from war torn Baghdad (and features samples of) transmissions found of a loved one. Some people can crack jokes at the while tooling around with one. They reportedly funeral. Others curl up to a dark corner and never SD: Acrassicauda stumbled onto an artificial female voice counting quite reappear. Corinne Bailey Rae can certainly has literally been off numbers, then learned these transmissions relate to the latter, as she found herself questioning to hell and back came from numbers stations designed to transmit everything with the shocking March ’08 death of to bring you their coded messages from government organizations her husband, Jason Rae. Thankfully, after some music. The Iraqi to spies overseas (in 2001 the U.S. tried the Cuban serious reflection, the English chanteuse began band (whose name Five for spying using info received from a Cuban making her way back to the music. The Sea is what is Latin for a species station). those heart-opening sessions came to be. of black scorpion) Enlisting the help of a crypto-hacker friend, But let’s get one thing straight about Rae’s conquered all odds STS9 found that the numbers corresponded with sophomore effort: The Sea isn’t this wholly dark and became the the coordinates of a military installation in Big Sur. collection some in the media have made it out to be. One could even argue how plucky tracks metal band they always dreamed of being, touring Following a trail to an abandoned bunker, they found a rusted metal box containing several items, like “Paris Nights/New York Mornings” wouldn’t here in America.

The subject of the documentary Heavy Metal including the photo that became the cover of their be totally out of place on Corinne’s delightful ’06 debut. How this album would be better described in Baghdad, Acrassicauda’s day-to-day adventures “Atlas” single and a black ops military patch for a is more mature. Now, if said tag means less Pop 40 of living in a war zone are a gritty, in-your-face unit that gathered signal intelligence from other whim and more reflective gems, so be it. Moments reality. The film covers three years of their lives, countries and, perhaps, galaxies. Their motto: “Ad like “Are You Here” drip with sorrow, but show a struggling to survive war. Their practice space Explorata, Forward Into The Unexplored.”

Whether you believe this extraordinary story pinch of sunlight. “The Blackest Lily” is an almost was bombed, they received death threats over cynical of love, but not to the point ears are their music, were threatened with arrest for head- or not, it’s hard to argue with the conceptual banging (due to its similarities to Jewish prayer), impact on Ad Explorata’s blend of jazz, funk, IDM, discouraged.

Really, no matter the emotion, from the turbulent and they spent two years as refugees in Syria and prog rock and spaced-out psychedelia, which (“Diving For Hearts”) to the triumphant (“I’ll Do Turkey. They now live in America and, after an creates some of the band’s most dynamic jams to It All Again”), every track here is made a treat inspiring meeting with their heroes in Metallica, date. From the Aphex Twin-like alien vibe of the opening “Phoneme” and the metallic guitar thrust by fiery guitars, well-placed organs and the most they’re releasing their debut EP. The effort is incredible, showing they’ve come a of “Heavy” to the hypnotic dub groove of “Crypto pleasant instrument of them all, a 30-year-old’s supple tone. While fans can be pleased in hearing long way from the rough demos heard in the film. City” and the tweaked-out glitch-hop of “Central,” that, they should flat-out rejoice knowing Corinne The drumming of Marwan Riyadh is driving, with this is the deepest, most intriguing effort of STS9’s Bailey Rae made it from her personal tragedy with tight double-kick bass; guitarist Tony Aziz has career. If there is life on other planets, you can great thrash metal chops; and vocalist Faisal Talal only imagine that this might be just the sort of her gift of song still intact. does a great job of alternating between growling, transmission they’d love to hear. GRADE: B

The Dean’s List

Rest of the Class

PG 20 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

JAHEIM – ANOTHER ROUND (Atlantic) Singing your heart out to women never sounded so manly DW: Teddy Pendergrass’ January 13 passing didn’t cause a fraction of the shockwaves that Michael Jackson’s did. The media slight no less reflects the impact the smooth Philly singer had on Urban America’s conception rates in the 70s or its lasting effect on 21st century crooners like Jaheim. You can see Teddy P’s influence all over Ja’s manicured yet masculine exterior. And with his polished, powerful pipes on full display on this fifth album, Another Round, you can hear it too.

Leaving that soft, breathy chanting to your little sister’s favorite acts, Jaheim’s approach to courting is more old school, like how your uncle used to do it. He’ll tease a bit (“Ain’t Leavin’ Without You,” “Whoa”). He’ll even talk dirty (“Closer”) when the lights dim. But be it romancing the ladies, expecting a new baby (“II Pink Lines”) or finding true love (“Till It Happens To You”), it all comes down to making women comfortable. Another Round does that most of the way. It’s amazing what a husky voice and uncluttered, grown-up production can do.

Somewhere in the heavens Teddy Pendergrass is smiling. GRADE: B+ GRANT HART – HOT WAX (Con D’or) We waited 10 years for this?!

JM: Former Hüsker Dü drummer Grant Hart has a bit of a reputation for being a tad erratic when it comes to releases, so the fact that he hasn’t put out a proper album in 10 years should come as little surprise. Hot Wax, his fourth solo effort, is not a drastic departure from his previous albums.

While his solo work is not nearly as aggressive or groundbreaking as the songs in his influential post-punk band’s canon, Hart does have a knack for writing strong pop melodies. That talent is particularly evident here on tunes such as The Kinks-esque “Barbara” and “Charles Hollis Jones.” Hot Wax is a pleasant enough album– not particularly remarkable or memorable, but nine decent pop songs nonetheless. Still, in the end, it hardly seems like it was worth the decade-long wait. GRADE: C DAVID BERKELEY – STRANGE LIGHT (Straw Man/ Thirty Tigers) A melodic sense of melancholy BL: Equally influenced by Nick Drake and Damien Rice, this promising singer-songwriter’s third album has a an achingly melodic sense of melancholy that should appeal to fans of Elliott Smith, Joshua Radin and their modern folk ilk.

Produced by Brian Deck (Iron & Wine, Modest Mouse), with a guest appearance from Nickel Creek’s Sara Watkins, the album pays tribute to landmarks from the nomadic Berkeley’s past and present hometowns, from the dynamic build of “Willis Avenue Bridge” (which connects the Bronx and Manhattan) to the sweet, soulful horns that adorn his paean to Atlanta’s “Sweet Auburn.”

A Harvard grad who studied literature and philosophy before working as a river rafting guide in Idaho and a writer in Alaska, Berkeley’s led an intriguing life. Though he may be settled with wife and child these days, you can hear the richness of his experiences in every intimate, well-crafted track. GRADE: B+

Big Love

FILM INTERVIEW

Amanda Seyfried on her HBO hit, Dear John & the Agony of Long-distance Love sophistication that my friends didn’t. We dated and I totally couldn’t deal with the fact that he liked me so much, so I dumped him. We went out like 3 months later and it was very strange. We’d go out to movies and hang out, but I didn’t feel I deserved to be loved the way he loved me and it was just a teenage insecurity. I lost a good one– he’s a great guy and so nice, and I thought he was so sweet for taking a chance on somebody younger. He was about 17 at the time.

BY ALEX S. MORRISON

W

E FIRST TOOK notice of Pennsylvania-born Amanda Seyfried back in 2004, when the former model-turned-soap opera actress made her big screen debut with a supporting role in Mean Girls. But it was with 2008’s blockbuster Mamma Mia that she truly made her name, singing and dancing her way into audience’s hearts and more than holding her own opposite A-listers like Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth.

Whether locking luscious lips with Megan Fox in Jennifer’s Body or mixing it up with her dysfunctional family on HBO’s Big Love, the 24-year-old cutie continually surprises, even singing a sweet song she wrote herself in her latest film, Dear John. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook), the melodrama about a woman left behind when her love (Channing Tatum) leaves for active duty in the Middle East showcases impressive emotional depth, promising bigger and better things to come.

We recently spoke with Seyfried via telephone (just after she visited the troops at Fort Bragg) to discuss her childhood, career, views on love and whether she’ll be back on Big Love next season.

What are some of your favorite memories of growing up in Allentown, PA? Going to Dorney Park. I was a season pass holder for 4 years, so that was my whole adolescent existence. The Civic Theater, because I grew up going to studio classes there and that’s obviously where my love for acting flourished. Trecksler Park: I still go back there every time I’m home and run. It’s so beautiful, but it feels smaller every time I go back because I live in big cities now.

How do you think your career in Allentown help you prepare for when you moved to New York City and worked with the Wilhelmena Agency?

There wasn’t much modeling work to be had there. But I had learned about the business of modeling, so I wasn’t so surprised with everything [when I got to NY]. I think my mom was more surprised.

It prepared my mom more than it prepared me. She really didn’t know what to expect, but she didn’t really hold my hand through it. She supported me and was my guardian for a while.

How do you think Dear John relates to couples getting married earlier? Do you think it will identify with people?

It’s rare to find love and make to it work, especially that young. College age kids are finding each other and it’s the whole challenge of actually realizing if this is the person I’m going to spend my whole life

IT’S RARE TO FIND LOVE AND MAKE TO IT WORK, ESPECIALLY THAT YOUNG. COLLEGE AGE KIDS ARE FINDING EACH OTHER AND IT’S THE WHOLE CHALLENGE OF ACTUALLY REALIZING IF THIS IS THE PERSON I’M GOING TO SPEND MY WHOLE LIFE WITH. IN OUR STORY, THEY MET THAT YOUNG, IT HAPPENS, IT’S REALISTIC AND SO THAT LOVE CAN THRIVE IF YOU LET IT. with. In our story, they met that young, it happens, it’s realistic and so that love can thrive if you let it.

These are pretty important roles to people with the war in Iraq. Did playing Savannah have an impact on you?

I have such a great appreciation for soldiers to begin with and now I really appreciate the sacrifice they’re making of leaving their loved ones as well. That’s a whole other story. Not only is it that you’re risking your life, but you’re also leaving what you have in the states and I think it bugs you for trying to make it work.

Have you ever received a love letter or a “Dear John” letter?

A love letter, yes, but not a Dear John letter. I got a love letter. It’s something I keep near and dear because it was the most romantic thing anyone’s ever written to me.

It’s from an old boyfriend and I still read it.

I feel like a princess when I read it. Someone went through all the effort to write it.

It’s amazing.

Did that sort of letter in the film inspire you to feel that kind of passion?

Of course, I’ve had such good experiences in my life with my partners that I can connect to each and every one. I can remember back to the times when I really felt love and reflect that to the film. It’s pretty amazing, everything has influenced me in my life and the film. I‘ve just been really lucky.

In the real world, do you feel that this type of romance can work over such a long span of time?

I think it’s hard to stay connected when you have that much time apart, and that’s something you really fight. If you lose that battle, I still feel that if it’s meant to be it’s going to come back to you. Love exists like that all the time, and I definitely think that there is that one person in the world for everybody. I don’t know, but I think it’s completely possible.

Legendary veteran Richard Jenkins is in the film. What did you learn from him?

It’s funny, sometimes you get lost when you work with somebody like that. He researches a lot. He knows a lot about coins.

He’s really funny, too. There is something really charming about his character and he has that in him as well. I sort of forgot that I was in a scene with him when he was explaining about these coins, and he was really just telling me. It’s as real as it can get. It does blow my mind to be working with people like that.

Tell us about your first teenage relationship.

It was a boy who I was obsessed with in a way when I was 14. He was a cross between Leo DiCaprio and Justin Timberlake in my eyes. He was a senior and I was a freshman and he wanted to date me. He was a friend of my sister’s. He thought I had a weird

How did you prepare for this role?

I recently met a bunch of women who are literally hanging and waiting for their husbands to come home. We were set at Fort Bragg. There are about 100 families there, with wives or fiancés telling me that their husband had just been deployed. It’s tough, and I would never really say that I understand. I’m not that brave to go without that connection for that long. They trust that these are the people they are meant to be with, so they will do anything. They’ll wait forever for somebody, and I think that is so beautiful.

If you were the director, would you keep the film’s ending the same?

I think I would make it happier. I was so depressed after I saw the first cut of the film.

What kinds of goals do you set when you’re choosing a new project?

It’s always got to be something different from the last. It’d be great to play an antagonist role. You’ve got to want the audience to really hate you. I also would like to do a period drama, something set in a time that I don’t really understand. That would be really amazing.

Were you on board immediately once you saw the script, or did it take some convincing?

It was already written. I had to audition a couple of times, but it was pretty clear to me that this is something I wanted to do. It was my first opportunity to play a romantic lead, and I knew Lasse Hallström’s work.

The story was real. It’s a little bit different from what I’ve done. It’s darker and I like the character a lot.

So I recently read that you’re not doing Big Love anymore. What’s the career plan now?

Yeah, I’ve been working on it for 6 years and I really wanted to move back to New York. We shot for 5 months and I was only working 1-2 days a week. So the plan now is to keep working on films for a while. I’m definitely planning on going back to Big Love next year, just not every episode. I love that show, so I can’t say anything bad about it!

PG 21 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

TV INTERVIEW

TV

IN THE AIR TONIGHT

King Auteur

Latino Legend George Lopez on the Late night Fray

BY BRET LOVE

Regina King’s Movie Run has Been Almost Majestic.

Now, She’s Just Trying to Clean up TV’s Royal Mess

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

R

egina King is one of the more wellrounded actresses in the industry. It doesn’t matter if the script calls for street sass (Boyz in the Hood), emotion tugging (Ray) or comedic hi-jinx (next month’s Our Family Wedding with Forest Whitaker), the 39-year-old L.A. native has always handled things with a smile and grace. What she hasn’t cared much for lately, however, are her dealings with television.

King’s two current projects, the gritty TNT cop drama Southland and witty Adult Swim cartoon The Boondocks, have both had tumultuous production rides. The former was originally an NBC series that couldn’t get its ratings right. The latter, where she voices the two controversial leads, takes extended breaks at the wrong time.

Loyal fans are beyond frustrated with all the red tape. Come to find out, so too is Regina King…

Why is there such a cult following for Southland?

It’s gritty. It’s a cop show, but it’s not your typical cop show with a bunch of procedure.

It has a lot of the graphic things that you do witness in cop dramas and [things] that you do assume go on in the world of law enforcement.

Yet still, it also deals with the officers processing the things that they’re seeing and dealing with in their day-to-day lives. I think it just seems to be more real than other cop dramas.

What were the elements that drew you to the show?

Yeah, that was definitely one of the things that was appealing to me. The character that I play, Lydia Adams, she’s got many dimensions to her.

Often a lot of female roles are one-dimensional.

What didn’t NBC understand about it?

I think that they have a lot of issues that we don’t really have anything to do with. We just happened to be on a network where everything was coming down, you know? I think that they’re kind of at a place where they don’t really know what they want or what they’re gonna do. They just know that they’re the lowest-rated network on TV. Quite possibly, they just don’t have the best marketing minds there. Unfortunately, we got caught up in that and we suffered from that.

Our Family Wedding seems fun. Get a lot of scripts like that?

I wouldn’t say a lot, but when they come and you have an opportunity to work with someone like Forest, you kind of jump at it. I’d say Miss Congeniality 2 was the same way. The opportunity to work with Sandy [Bullock] was big. It was one of those scripts we had a lot of fun doing. So, [the scripts] don’t come as often as I’d like them to. I think sometimes the scripts are out there. It’s just not the right cast or people involved.

As a public, we overlook the fact there needs to be camaraderie on set.

PG 22 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

Oh, definitely. I think you’re right. Maybe the public doesn’t recognize it consciously, but subconsciously the audience enjoys projects that the performer enjoyed much more than projects where the performers didn’t. You can tell the difference between the two.

What have been some of your proudest offscreen accomplishments?

Probably my son. He’s an awesome young man. He’s polite. He takes off his hat when he comes in a room or meets a woman. He opens doors. I don’t think people see that often in a 14-year-old boy.

Beyond acting, what else do you do well?

Let me think. I’m a good cook. I think I’m a good friend. I really love my friends and they love me. I think that’s something to be proud of.

What are some of your son’s favorite dishes that you make?

I don’t know. (Regina yells out for her son) Ian, come here right quick. What are some of your favorite dishes that I cook? The shrimp with the sauce? What? (Back to the interview) He said spaghetti. I’m really surprised that he said that. Well, not really. He said he likes my paninis. (Again to her son) Which shrimp are you talking about? I don’t know what you’re talking about. How many times have I made it? (Back to the interview) He said he likes everything. He said he likes my fried chicken.

He said there’s too much to call. He said one of his favorite desserts is sweet potato pie.

Clearly, he’s a black child.

How does it feel to be finally coming back with The Boondocks?

It feels good. It’s just… I don’t know. It’s just unfortunate the way things go with [producer] Sony and The Boondocks. We shouldn’t be having two-year hiatuses between each season.

For whatever reason, fans continue to find the show. There’s definitely a following. It just seems like they would operate like normal series go, you know? It would be even bigger. So, it’s kinda bittersweet. We should be recording a fourth season, but we’re finishing up the third.

Hopefully, they can keep the momentum going this time?

One would hope so. It’s the oddest thing that this will be our third season, but we’ve been on the air for, like, six or seven years. We’ve been in production, like, six years.

What else do you have on the slate for 2010?

Well, right now I don’t really have anything on the slate, as far as shooting-wise. There are a couple of projects that I’m developing. My sister and I started a production company. So, we hope to be shooting one of those projects this year.

But finding money is not always an easy thing.

So, right now, I’m wearing my producer’s hat and locating money.

Y

becoming an overnight success. It gave me an appreciation for the value of working hard. The first car I bought, or the first house, or the first time I got a nice watch– all those material things– I didn’t take them for granted. But the greatest benefit was the way it impacted my desire to become a better performer. Now, I appreciate what I have even more because I worked hard for it.

OU DON’T HAVE A CAREER like George Lopez’s without being a fighter.

Born in 1961, the Mexican-American was abandoned by both parents by the age of 10 and raised by his maternal grandmother.

Though he began his comedy career in the ‘80s, it wasn’t until Sandra Bullock gave him his own sitcom in 2002 that he Time Magazine named you one of the 25 achieved mainstream fame. Cursed with a Most Influential Hispanics in the world. Do genetic condition that caused his kidneys you see yourself as a sort of ambassador for to deteriorate, Lopez not only received Latino culture? a successful kidney In the beginning, like AS AN ENGLISHtransplant courtesy of 20 years ago when I was wife Ann in 2005, he also SPEAKING LATINO WHO still basically a kid, we brought social awareness ALSO SPEAKS SPANISH, looked different from to the issue with a storyline America because I SEE AN OPPORTUNITY middle on his hit show. we weren’t as heavily So you’d be a fool to bet FOR MY SHOW TO BE populated as we are now. against the guy as he enters TV was very different back INCLUSIVE RATHER the late night fray with but now telenovelas his TBS talk show, Lopez THAN DIVISIVE. I WANT then, and all those other Spanish Tonight, which debuted in TO BRING THE BLACK, language programs are November with a promise huge! They get higher WHITE, LATINO, ASIAN, ratings to re-energize the lagging than all the nightly format by “bringing the MIDDLE EASTERN AND news programs combined, party back to late night.” and they’ve become an Lopez admits his journey MIXED RACE AUDIENCES entity unto their own. As to the top of the comedy TOGETHER, AND I WANT an English-speaking Latino heap has been an arduous MY SHOW TO LOOK LIKE who also speaks Spanish, one, but insists that the an opportunity for WHAT THEIR LIVES LOOK Imyseeshow difficulties he faced along to be inclusive the way ultimately made LIKE EVERY DAY. rather than divisive. I want him better. “The only way to bring the black, white, to improve as a comedian is to suffer and Latino, Asian, Middle Eastern and mixed race learn on the job. Every comedian’s biggest audiences together, and I want my show to fear is walking into a nearly empty room, and look like what their lives look like every day. you’re like, ‘I’m gonna eat it…’ But you have to eat it! You’ve gotta have that ‘I’m gonna knock Is that something you see missing from the ‘em out’ mentality. But there are a lot of hard late night talk show format? knocks along the way.”

Definitely. The format is a little down in What did you learn from your years on the road that prepared you for all the projects you’re doing now?

Life on the road really teaches you to be self-sufficient. A lot of guys get sidetracked on the road– they drink too much or do drugs– but I used that time to make myself better. I knew I was better than just being a road comic, even though I was still doing it after being on Arsenio 16 times. But nothing was happening for me career-wise, and it was frustrating because I had to work harder to prove that I could be better.

You didn’t land your first TV show until 2002, when you were 41. What were the benefits of becoming famous later in life?

It gave me the perspective of age. I probably would’ve destroyed myself if it had happened when I was in my twenties. It just made me go through some of the hard knocks of life so I could appreciate everything instead of just blowing up and

the ratings, and the problem is all the shows are fighting over the same basic percentage of the pie. Some of their audience may come over to check out my show, but they don’t have to, if you check out the demographics TBS already attracts. They’re 20 years younger than the Tonight Show’s audience, with a huge number of African-Americans and Latinos, even before I get there. With the success of my sitcom I’ve managed to pull a lot of different demos together, but I still have that sort of underdog quality that Latinos love to support.

What does it mean to you to be this icon of your culture that young Latinos look up to?

It means everything to me!

I watched guys like Desi Arnaz and Freddie Prinze, Jr. when I was growing up, and I hoped and dreamed that one day I could have a career like this.

Very few people in this life get to live to see their dreams come true, and I’m proud to say that I’ve managed to do that.

MUSIC INTERVIEW

REELING IN THE YEARS Fishbone returns, on tour with English Beat

BY PATRICK FLANARY

I

T WAS 1988, AND AMERICA WAS scared of black people again. Willie Horton’s mug shot spearheaded fear and loathing directly into homes and the polls where voters hurriedly punched the ticket for Reagan’s veep to take office. One more for the Gipper, indeed.

Yet just days following Bush’s election victory, six black men stood before an ecstatic crowd of white kids outside a private, predominantly-white Presbyterian college situated on Florida’s waterfront.

By day’s end a conga line of students flooded the field.

They danced at the direction of a shirtless man in suspenders who, at 23, had maybe a year or two on the students he and his band came to entertain.

For Fishbone, an energetic sextet of horn players from Los Angeles, this was déjà vu all over again, minus the gym bleachers. The band first played together at their high school’s Battle of the Bands competition. “We won,” remembers Fishbone front man and saxophonist Angelo Moore.

The public schools system, odd as it seems, can claim the credit for Fishbone’s formation; if not for the late’70s desegregation method known as busing, there would be no Fishbone. The daily, hour-long bus ride from their South Central Los Angeles homes to the white school in the San Fernando Valley would roll on, bumps and all, for the next 30 years.

Too young to drink, Fishbone played any club that would allow them inside the bar. The young band’s act, a funky hybrid of reggae grooves and aggressive punk, barely drew flies even on a good night. But David Kahne, one of a handful of people at a Santa Monica club one evening in 1983, decided to sign Fishbone within seconds of hearing them perform.

“I knew right at the beginning, the way the hi-hat felt on ‘Skankin’ to the Beat,’” says Kahne, a former Columbia Records representative. “They could actually play ska on top of shuffles and make it work.”

But they were black. Record executives argued Fishbone, for all their eclectic energy and engaging on-stage theatrics, were too tough to market. “This isn’t R&B. This sounds like rock,” the head of Columbia’s Black Music division complained to Kahne.

The label never before encountered musicians who dared fuse reggae with hardcore, ska with funk. By the time Fishbone got to Columbia the company was already making well over $100 million off its black artists. Why should the label risk losing its shirt over a potential promotional disaster?

Kahne signed Fishbone anyway, and in 1985 the band sold more than enough copies to cover the $15,000 it cost to make their first E.P. Word of the band’s ingenuity had gotten out. Things started to happen. A young Perry Farrell dropped by the studio to watch Fishbone at work. Then the Red Hot Chili Peppers invited the group to sing on a record. Thirty live dates with the Beastie Boys followed. Before long, Bob Dylan was calling Fishbone his favorite band.

Fishbone’s bouillabaisse of Parliament-Funkadelic sex, smooth Family Stone passion and a thrusting Bad Brains intensity had clearly intoxicated the band’s peers, like the Chili Peppers, Living Colour and 311.

“Fishbone pioneered a way of rocking with com-

plete abandon that made our jaws drop,” says 311 lead vocalist Nick Hexum. “Truth and Soul is an unrivaled masterpiece.”

A maddening guitar-driven interpretation of Curtis Mayfield’s “Freddie’s Dead” opens Truth and Soul, Fishbone’s 1988 bombastic funk-metal opus. Angelo Moore’s pleading lyrics of politics and bitter childhood scars lock his listener in the dysfunctional cross hairs of divorce battles and child custody warfare, common themes throughout Fishbone’s output.

“With ‘Ma and Pa’ and ‘Drunk Skitzo,’ I was writing them from a victim’s point of view,” Moore explains.

“Now, I take them from a storyteller’s point of view.

That way it’s not like, oh my God, I gotta sing about this torturous time in my life again.”

Fishbone will join their friends and British skareggae counterparts the English Beat on tour for 20 shows this month. “Fishbone connect to a crowd like few others,” says Dave Wakeling. While the Beat works this year to complete Twelve Orgasms in an Hour, their first studio album since 1982, Fishbone lacks concrete plans of further studio work.

“Not at the present moment, but we have a lot of unfinished songs that are still hanging in the midst we would still like to finish,” says Moore, whose band has remained stuck outside the charts since 1993.

“Fishbone not really breaking through is and will be the biggest disappointment of my career,” admits Kahne, the band’s former producer. Tension and creative quarrels within the band rattled Fishbone’s lineup around the time their bestselling single, “Sunless Saturday,” became a blink-and-you’llmiss-it MTV phenomenon. The band’s erratic success will be chronicled in Everyday Sunshine, a documentary set for a March release by Pale Griot, a Los-Angeles film production company. The picture will feature interviews with Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Fishbone has outlived seven albums, creative hijacking by many of their industry peers and the occasional high-profile arrest. Other than Angelo Moore, only one original Fishbone member remains with the band. “I’m hard on my hair,” says Norwood Fisher, the group’s bassist, from outside his beach house in Santa Monica. Too much surfing has rendered his hair--a single foot-long dreadlock Fisher calls “the sacred antenna”--damaged to the point of virtual disintegration. Fisher’s antenna, though, like the band, still stands despite near-breakdowns over the years. “I love the beauty of the fallacies and mistakes that we make. It’s what makes us strive toward making great art,” says Fisher.

Twenty-five years following the release of their influential first album, Moore and Fisher find themselves eligible for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognition. But they don’t expect to receive the honor in their lifetime.

“We’ve been doing this since ‘79, and people say we’re the most underrated band around,” says Moore.

On this Thursday afternoon, a cynical scowl eclipses the singer’s usual maniacal laugh.

“What about the big payoff? What about all of the segregation and stereotyping that has prevented

FISHBONE OPENS FOR THE ENGLISH BEAT FEB. 19 AT CENTER STAGE, W. PEACHTREE ST., ATLANTA.

us from crossing the color line? I think about that kind of stuff, man. And I start to sound like Johnny Rotten. And you know what he said.” Rotten famously called the Hall of Fame as “a piss stain” when he announced the Sex Pistols would not appear at their 2006 induction.

Moore ponders his pessimism for a moment.

“But I’m not saying no to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You can put that down: ‘Angelo doesn’t say no.’”

A toothy grin stretches for miles across Moore’s face.

His whimsy has returned. Moore gradually begins to resemble his on-stage character, sort of a circus ringleader crossed with a menacing droog from A Clockwork Orange.

Fisher laughs as he recalls Columbia’s resistance all those years ago. “At the end of the day,” he says, “if you’re confounding the guys in suits and ties, you might be doing something right.”

Fishbone opens for The English Beat Feb. 19 at Center Stage, W. Peachtree St., Atlanta.

. . .

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Surgi-Center License 044-287 PG 23 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

2010Winter AREA ATTRACTIONS

THE ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER

The Atlanta History Center, located on 33 IMAGINE IT! ATLANTA’S acres in the heart of Buckhead includes one CHILDREN MUSEUM of the Southeast’s largest history museums.

This winter, the museum is opening an The center has several exciting exhibits exciting new exhibit Cyberchase: The Chase happening this winter: Native Lands: Indians Is On!™ from February 13 – June 6, 2010. This and Georgia, on display through the summer, Emmy award-winning PBS KIDS GO! Math celebrates the state’s original inhabitants mystery cartoon is the classic good vs. evil beginning with the Mississippian peoples adventure. Cyberchase and continuing with is a fun, visuallytheir descendants, rich experience, High Museum of Art the Creeks and the allowing children Cherokees. Let Your to approach math Motto Be Resistance: with an investigative, African American positive attitude.

Portraits running IMAGINE IT! is also through April 25, holding their annual features 69 stunning fundraiser, Amuse’em photographic portraits on Saturday, February that trace 150 years of 20 at 6:30PM. The U.S. history through whimsical spin on the lives of wellnursery rhymes will known abolitionists, create a make-believe artists, scientists, atmosphere and give writers, statesmen, this adult-only event entertainers, and sports a childlike charm. For more information, visit figures. For more information, visit www. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org. atlantahistorycenter.com.

GEORGIA AQUARIUM

With more than eight million gallons of fresh and marine water and more aquatic life than any other aquarium, you are sure to see things you’ve never seen before at The Georgia Aquarium. Celebrate Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 12 – 13 at the Aquarium’s Motions of the Oceans Valentine’s Day Dinner, Lecture & Sleepover, which gives guests a provocative look at the secret mating ritual of animals. Also, make sure to check out Planet Shark: Predator or Prey which takes guests on a journey to discover more and uncover myths about these fascinating creatures. The exhibit features fullscale shark models, extensive collection of real shark jaws, teeth and fossils, shark cages and authentic artifacts from the movie “Jaws” and much more. For additional information, visit www. georgiaaquarium.org.

THE WORLD OF COCACOLA

The World of Coca-Cola is the only place where you can explore the complete history of the world’s best-known brand. Taste over 60 different products from around the globe, experience their thrilling 4-D Theater (3D movie with moving seats), be amazed by a fully-functioning bottling line, give their 7-foot-tall Coca-Cola® Polar Bear a big hug, see the world’s largest collection of Coke memorabilia and view works by artists such as Steve Penley, Haddon Sundblom and Howard Finster in the Pop Culture Gallery. Check out their newest special exhibit, Celebrating an Icon On display through May 2010, it features the work of five contemporary artists whose distinctive visions capture the essence of the Coca-Cola contour bottle, an icon of popular culture. For more information, visit www. worldofcoca-cola.com.

PG 24 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

The High Museum of Art in Atlanta has grown to become the leading art museum in the Southeastern United States with its renowned collection of classic and contemporary art and renowned architecture

by Richard Meier and Renzo Piano. The High has three new exhibits this winter that are a must-see for all art lovers. The Portrait Unbound: Photographs by Robert Weingarten (Through May 30) is an exhibition of new work by California-based photographer Robert Weingarten. Consisting of twenty-one large-scale (60 x 90 in.) digitally created portraits of American icons, Weingarten’s project represents a bold departure from traditional camera portraiture. Leonardo da Vinci: Hand of the Genius (Through February 21) explores Leonardo da Vinci’s profound interest in and influence on sculpture, this exhibition features approximately 50 works, including more than 20 sketches and studies by Leonardo, some of which will be on view in the United States for the first time. John Portman: Art and Architecture (Through April 18) is an exhibition featuring architectural projects, furniture, paintings, and sculpture by Atlantabased architect and artist John Portman. The fifteen completed and current architectural projects that will be featured span five decades of national and international developments.

Upcoming exhibits at The High include Allure of the Automobile (March 21 – June 20, 2010), European Design Since 1985: Shaping the New Century (June 5 – Aug 29, 2010) and Dali: The Late Work (Aug 7, 2010 – January 9, 2011).

ZOO ATLANTA

Visit Zoo Atlanta and enjoy over 1,000 of the world’s most amazing animals while

Guide

taking advantage of exciting daily activities like keeper talks, training demonstrations, wildlife shows, and up-close-and-personal animal encounters. Gorilla and orangutan feedings run at 2 p.m. and 2:45p.m. daily and the Zoo map lists other animal feedings and opportunities available every day. Take part in their Keeper for a Day events where participants get a firsthand look at what it’s like to work at the Zoo. Spend the day helping keepers with their daily routines, including food preparation, cleaning and animal care.

Keeper for Day – Elephants and Warthogs takes place on February 13 and Keeper for a Day – Australia & Carnivores is happening on February 20. For more information, visit www.zooatlanta.org.

this half-off deal. Family members may also receive this discount when accompanied by a student or faculty member with current college ID. This offer is valid for admission to the Tennessee Aquarium, IMAX 3D Theater or combination tickets to both attractions. For more information, visit www.tnaqua.org.

NORTH CAROLINA SKIING

Visitors to North Carolina can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and a winter zip line. Several of the state’s resorts feature new activities and special deals this year. At Ski Beech at Beech Mountain, the popular Oz run returns this winter with new BODIES…THE EXHIBITION padded quad chairs and newly installed airless Held over through May 2010 at the Premiere electrical snowmaking hookups along the run so Exhibition Center the slope can be blown at Atlantic Station, in within 24 hours.

Bodies...The Exhibition BODIES . . . The Sugar Mountain Resort Exhibition, which is even sweeter this year features actual human with special programs specimens, takes and deals throughout visitors through the season to honor its galleries providing an 40th anniversary. Other up-close look inside must-see attractions the skeletal, muscular, include the Beech reproductive, Mountain Sledding Park, respiratory, circulatory Scaly Mountain Outdoor and other systems Center and Jonas Ridge of the human body.

Snow Tubing. For a Visitors will gain a complete list of resorts once in a lifetime and winter activities, understanding of how please go to VisitNC.com. elaborate and fascinating the body truly is. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit THE BILTMORE ESTATE, www.bodiestheexhibition.com

ASHEVILLE, NC

This 8,000 acre estate, home to over 75 acres of professionally manicured gardens, is the Held over through May 2010 at the Premiere most popular tourist destination in Asheville.

Exhibition Center at Atlantic Station, Dialog The Biltmore attracts over 1 million visitors in the Dark, a groundbreaking exhibition, is an each year.

The estate is offering Wintertime hour long experience where visitors are lead Serenity and Chilly-Weather Specials now by blind or visually impaired guides through through March 31. Also this winter, Biltmore everyday environments will partner with six of in complete darkness Asheville’s performing The Biltmore Estate where scents, arts venues as part of sounds and textures the Asheville Encore become alive and Ticket program. are experienced in Visitors may bring a whole new way. their ticket stub or The exhibition takes playbill to Biltmore’s visitors on a life Welcome Center to changing journey receive a free Biltmore that will challenge House Audio Tour or conventional thinking a Buy One Get One as they learn to “see” Free Specialty Tour without sight. For with the purchase more information or to of an adult daytime purchase tickets, visit admission ticket. For www.dialogtickets.com. more information, visit www.biltmore.com.

DIALOG IN THE DARK

NEARBY TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

TENNESSEE AQUARIUM

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga is offering college students, faculty and staff a 50 percent discount throughout the month of February. Students can use this offer to mingle with more than 10,000 animals or check out the 3D action on the six-story screen at IMAX. Visitors must present a valid college ID when purchasing tickets to receive

MARDI GRAS, NEW ORLEANS, LA

This two week non-stop party runs through Fat Tuesday, February 16th. It is New Orleans’ premiere party season. Enjoy the many parades, balls and raucous atmosphere.

If you have been to New Orleans before and were blown away at the revelry then you may be able to envision its celebration of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is celebrated in cities worldwide but no one does it better than New Orleans. Visit www.mardigrasguide.com for more information.

TRAVEL

Spring Break 2010 S

pring Break is the most momentous week of a student's year. An incredible time with great friends that will be remembered forever. But in order to have those lifetime memories, you have to be in the right place. INsite serves as your guide to some of the most popular Spring Break destinations from Atlanta.

what else is in store for Spring Break 2010 at the Sandpiper.

Don't forget that all registered guests of the Sandpiper Beacon receive all access into our Beachside Sandpiper Beacon Pool Area Tiki Bar where DJ Surfin Mark performs nightly. Make your reservations now for a spectacular Spring Break experience!

Beach Clubs

Tiki Bar @ Sandpiper Beacon Resort www.sandpiperbeacon.com Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort

Panama City Beach

More than a quarter of a million college students likely will celebrate Spring Break in Panama City Beach, FL this year.

With 27 miles of pearly-white award-winning beaches, a gorgeous subtropical climate, and some of the largest and the hottest clubs, you can see why PCB is the Spring Break Capital of the World.

Spring Break in Panama City Beach is what it's supposed to be; good times on a beautiful beach, great entertainment from the hottest new bands in the nation, being surrounded by your peers from all over the country and of course there are the parties and creating the memories that make the college years the best years of your life.

Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort

www.sandpiperbeacon.com 800.488.8828 www.springbreakfunplace.com

The Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort is home to one of the most popular hot spots in PCB...The World Famous Tiki Bar! Located directly on the beach, the Tiki Bar serves up the best concoctions known anywhere! Best of all you can grab a cocktail and go directly to the beach, the pool, or straight to your room! No need to drive anywhere! And there is no waiting in line for Sandpiper guests.

Make sure you try one of the all natural frozen daiquiris!

The expert bartenders at the Tiki will blend only the freshest fruits and other ingredients in making the tastiest strawberry, peach, banana, pina colada, margarita daiquiris found anywhere. As a bonus, they are served in a souvenir Hurricane Glass that you can take home!

Sharky’s

www.sharkysbeach.com

Walk right off the beach and sit down to a plate of chilled raw oysters, a great burger, or delicious po-boy sandwich while sipping a Shark Attack hurricane and watching one of the awesome sunsets. Sharky’s hosts an all day beach party every day with great music, games and contests with topshelf prizes as well as giveaways & samples from corporate sponsors. They also rent beach chairs, umbrellas, wave runners, parasailing rides, Dolphin tours, and more to help you make the most of your day art the beach.

Hammerhead Fred’s

Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort

Panama City Beach's most popular Spring Break Destination is, without a doubt the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort. The resort features 1,000 feet of sugar white sand fronting the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Amenities include outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, the Lazy River Ride, volleyball, karaoke and much, much more.

The Sandpiper has 20 different room types, all budget friendly.

The Sandpiper is Panama City Beach's central headquarters throughout the Spring Break Season with special attractions, events and sponsors such as Corona Extra, Red Bull, Classmate USA, and Australian Gold, just to name a few. Make sure you stay tuned to find out Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort Room Packages

One Room Unit

King Size Beds Available Refrigerator / microwave only Up to 4 persons

One Room Unit Plus

King Size Beds Available Full Kitchen facilities incl micro Up to 6 Persons

Two Room Unit

Full Kitchen facilities incl micro 1 bathroom Two in room set-up Rooms up to 10 persons

Three Room Unit

Full Kitchen facilities incl micro 1 bathroom Rooms up to 12 persons Two in room set-up

Beachfront Villas 2 Bedrooms 2 1/2 Baths 2 Private Balconies Up to 10 Persons

Large Beach Front 60 Feet of Gulf View 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Private Balconies

hammerheadfreds.com

A legend on Panama City Beach. From Ice-Cold Apalachicola Oysters to one-ofa-kind Seafood Dishes. Kick back on the front deck and enjoy a frozen drink while listening to the sounds of a steel drum band.

Freds is local seafood....local flavor. Whether your looking for a great seafood dish or a great burger Fred's is the place.

Spinnaker www.spinnakerbeachclub.com

The club that started it all!

Here you will find twenty bars in one giant club complex. This is the home of huge daytime parties in the club and beachside.

There are nightly drink specials, daily bikini pageants and best leg contests, great concerts, awesome food from the Paradise Grill. Spinnaker also hosts Panama City Beach’s best concerts at their Rock Arena.

Club La Vela

www.clublavela.com

As one of the largest nightclubs in the country, Club La Vela has to continuously reinvent itself to stay on the cutting edge of entertainment and club life. In doing so, they add new theme rooms on a yearly basis to its already huge arsenal of onsite clubs all of which are located under one roof. Club La Vela hosts the biggest and hottest contests on the beach. Be there as the most beautiful people on the beach compete in The Panama Jack Miss La Vela Bikini Contests, The Wet N Wild Wet T-Shirt Contests, or The Muscle & Fitness Male Hardbody Contests.

Schooners

www.schooners.com

Schooners is known for its live music and events.

In March enjoy live bands Wednesday through Sunday nights.

Some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world can be seen from the deck of Schooners. Take it all in while slurping down one of their many frozen cocktails and local specialty drinks.

Daytona Beach Spring Break in Daytona Beach is a tradition that dates back to... well, a long time. With 23 miles of sandy beaches filled with Spring Break activity, pool deck parties and lots of hot beach clubs, Daytona Beach is a great choice for your Spring Break.

Daytona Beach is easy on the budget.

With nearly a hundred affordable, "student-friendly" Spring Break hotels in the heart of the action, the’ve got the perfect choice for your Spring Break vacation.

Jamaica Montego Bay and Negril are the two hottest areas for Spring Beak. Most flights into Jamaica fly into Montego Bay, so if you don’t want to drive, you should plan your vacation here. Aside from the breathtaking beaches, Mo’ Bay offers a jumping nightlife; bars and live reggae bands.

If you’re looking for fun in the sun, you’ll find it in Negril. The bow-shaped town hugs the Seven Mile Beach, the longest continuous stretch of powdery shore in Jamaica. There’s also all-night dancing at local clubs.

Cancun

Warm white sand beaches, crystal indigo seas, world- class hotels, restaurants and nightlife make Cancun a perennial Spring Break favorite. Foam parties, bikini contests and beer splash pools are as common as sunburns in Cancún in late-March and early-April. Cancun has more than 25,000 hotel rooms, draws more visitors to Mexico than any other city and ranks as one of the biggest resort towns in the world.

Altamaha River Bioreserve Spring Break in Georgia!

The BioReserve is a river and a marine estuary that is the Jewel in the Crown of Georgia's wild lands. While open year round, Spring comes to the Altamaha River Bioreserve in early March.

70 degree day time temperatures are common along the banks of the lower Altamaha near Darien Georgia. During this time of year one can see alligators, otters and other animals warming in the sun.

February and early March are the perfect time for camping with warm days and cool and nights. The Lewis Island Natural Area, adjacent to the town of Darien, offers paddlers a rare tidal forest containing among other trees, large bald cypress, live oak and red cedar. Thirteen miles from Darien the Altamaha flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Ride the tide through the marshes of McIntosh County to the remote beaches. Explore the maritime forest, fresh water wetlands and the bone-yard beaches of Blackbeard Island.

Altamaha Coastal Tours (912-437-6010) or Altamaha.com is a complete outfitter with sea kayaks, recreational kayaks, canoes and bicycle rentals. Shuttles are offered to several put-in sites, and day tours and overnight tours with experienced guides are available as well. Don’t wait for the heat to enjoy the Golden Isles and Georgia’s World Class Natural Area - The Altamaha River BioReserve.

PG 25 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

Little Island, Big Fun CONSTANT CRAVING MUSIC INTERVIEW

15 years Into Their Career, Story Of The Year Just Keeps Getting Better

BY JOHN B. MOORE

T’S BEEN 15 YEARS SINCE ST. LOUISBASED post-hardcore band Story of the Year first formed.

A few lineup changes, a brilliant move to ditch their original name (“Big Blue Monkey” would look ridiculous on a marquee) and four records under their belt, the band has finally found their groove.

Their latest record, In the Constant, manages to be both their most experimental and most cohesive release yet. Singer Dan Marsala spoke with us recently about the new record, side projects and how social media is helping the band stay in contact with fans.

Was this the shortest amount of time you have ever worked on a record?

I believe so. Between writing and recording it only took about three-and-a-half months. Previous records have taken us anywhere from six months to a year or more to write and record. Every record is different. Sometimes things come natural and sometimes it can be a long process.

Did you deliberately set out to write and record this one so quickly?

Kind of. We knew we wanted to try to get it done as quickly as possible. The main goal was just to be spontaneous and try not to over think every little line and note. The writing process of the last record The Black Swan took well over a year between writing, recording, and going through a label change. So this time around we just wanted to have fun and let the songs flow. It ended up working out great.

What can you tell me about this record?

It’s called The Constant. It is our favorite record that we’ve ever recorded. It was produced by Elvis Baskette and engineered by Elvis Baskette and Dave Holdredge. They are both fucking amazing at what they do. It’s a good balance of all of the songs we’ve written in the past. It is at times really heavy, at times very emotional, at times angry, and at times somber and quiet. Can’t wait for our fans to hear it!

This was also your first time really collaborating together as a band right? Was that awkward at first?

This was definitely not our first time collaborating and writing as a band. Everyone is a big part of the writing process on every record. The only difference was that we did a lot more jamming and idea swapping together as a band instead of individually recording demos beforehand and bringing them in to

PG 26 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

TRAVEL

be worked on. It was cool to let the songs be a little more organic and not so thought out.

You have a great piano ballad on this record. After four albums, do you feel more comfortable now being able to try new things as a band?

Yeah. It’s great to be an established band and not have to fit into a mold. There are definitely things that we can do now that we would have been scared to attempt five years ago. Although “Holding On To You” is not our first piano ballad, we’re definitely trying a lot of new things as we get further into our career.

I know you tweeted some during the making of this record? Have you found it’s easier to maintain that relationship with fans through social media (Facebook, twitter, etc.)?

Yeah. Although we aren’t the most internet savvy band out there, it’s definitely an amazing way to keep in contact with the fans. It seems that as soon as we master one networking site, a new one becomes the new hotness. Twitter is funny to me.

It usually consists of useless one-liners that have nothing to do with whoever you are following, but people love that shit.

Why did you pull out of some of the European dates recently?

It all came down to just not being able to afford to do it. Between travel expenses, the economy being in the shitter, and a thousand other little things, we just couldn’t do it without losing a lot of money. We will definitely make it up to everyone when the circumstances are a little better.

What can you tell me about Greek Fire?

Greek Fire is Ryan (Phillips, guitar) and Phil’s (Sneed, Guitar) side project with a couple of our other friends.

Do they have any plans to tour and record with that band?

They’ve been recording as much as possible while Story of the Year has downtime. I don’t know what their exact plans are, but I can tell you that my side project The Fuck Off And Dies is the Andrew W.K. of punk rock. It is impossible to not have fun while you listen to it. www.myspace. com/thefuckoffanddiessuck.

What’s next for you guys?

The Constant comes out February 16th. We are planning a full U.S. headlining tour to support the new record starting in mid March through early May. Then try to get back to the rest of the world. Basically a lot of touring in 2010.

Anything else you want to add?

Please check out the new record. We honestly love it and believe that is the best collection of songs that we could possibly write. Support the bands that you love.

WHY HAWAI’I’S “BIG ISLAND” MORE THAN LIVES UP TO ITS NAME

BY BRET LOVE

W

ITH A TOTAL AREA OF 4,028 squarE miles– less than one-tenth the size of Georgia– the island of Hawaii’s nickname, “The Big Island,” would appear something of a misnomer.

But what the Big Island lacks in geographical size it more than makes up for in ecological diversity, boasting 11 different ecosystems that includes the tallest mountain in the world, an arid desert, humid tropical jungles, postcardworthy beaches and the world’s most active volcano.

We began our Hawaiian adventure in the tiny town of Holualoa. Though it’s just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Kailua-Kona, our stay at the quaint HOLUALOA INN (www.holualoainn.com) felt far removed from the trappings of civilization. We had to slow our rental car to avoid hitting a wild boar, and our pastoral stroll through the B&B’s tropical gardens and coffee farm was interrupted only by birds and mongooses in search of their morning meal. Yet its location made Holualoa Inn a perfectly tranquil base from which to explore the nearby coast.

Our trip got off to a rousing start on CAPTAIN ZODIAC’S RAFT, SNORKEL & DOLPHIN ADVENTURE (www.captainzodiac.com), a 4-hour trek that takes visitors to Kealakekua Bay, the site where Captain Cook landed upon first discovering Hawai’i. But the excitement began long before we got there, with the sightings of a breaching humpback whale with young calf in tow and a massive school of hammerhead sharks. The bay seemed tame by comparison, with its natural harbor providing a buffer from the pounding surf and allowing amazing opportunities to snorkel with Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) and a cornucopia of tropical fish.

On the way back we stopped at PU’UHONUA O HONAUNAU NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK (www.nps.gov/archive/puho/home.htm), a place of refuge where, until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke one of the ancient laws, defeated warriors and non-combatants alike could find safe haven. The 420-acre complex of archaeological sites was once home to several generations of powerful chiefs, and now includes temple platforms, coastal village sites and a reconstructed version of the original sacred temple.

The second leg of our trip found us cutting across the island to visit HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK (www.nps.gov/havo), designated a World Heritage Site in 1987. The park, which encompasses both the world’s most massive volcano (Mauna Loa) and its most active (Kilauea, which has been erupting continuously since 1983), had changed considerably since my previous visit in 2006. Then, my team visited the Halema’uma’u crater, the sacred home of the volcano goddess Pele, where we left an offering only to be blessed with a rare double rainbow. But in 2008 a volcanic explosion damaged the overlook on which we’d stood and covered part of Crater Rim drive, hinting that perhaps Pele had had enough visitors. Still, we had a great time hiking through the Thurston Lava Tube, learning about the park at the Visitor

Center, and browsing for art at the VOLCANO ART CENTER (www.volcanoartcenter.org).

Drenched by a downpour, we made our way to the KAPOHO COAST, where sun-soaked sanctuary awaited in the form of Shangri-La (www.paradisedarling. com). An amazing rental property featuring four Balistyle cottages, an outdoor shower and hot tub, and a private lagoon stocked with fish, Shangri-La is the sort of heavenly haven that will leave you canceling plans just so you can immerse yourself in its serene splendor.

The next morning we set out for a sunrise tour with LAVA OCEAN ADVENTURES (www.lavaocean.com).

Launching before the sun had crested the horizon, we set off down the Kalapana coastline towards a massive plume of billowing smoke. There, glowing streams of fiery magma flow from Kilauea all the way to the Pacific, creating a black beach of lava that has expanded the Big Island’s land mass by over 500 acres in the last 25 years.

Returning to Shangri-La after a boat ride that left us delighted to be back on terra firma, we were sad to bid a final farewell to Kapoho, but excited to head north for a visit to the 32-acre FAIRMONT ORCHID (www.fairmont.com/ orchid). This 5-star resort offers something for everyone: Luxury lovers can play golf, savor impeccable cuisine and indulge in a relaxing treatment at the Spa Without Walls (all of which are administered in either a tropical garden surrounded by waterfalls or private beach-side tents); adventurous types can paddle an outrigger canoe to watch whales and dolphins on the move or hike through the largest field of petroglyphs in the Pacific; and families can snorkel with Honu in their white sand lagoon or learn about Polynesian history in the Gathering of the Kings cultural show and luau. Naturally, we partook in all of the above.

For our last day, we ascended to Hawaii’s highest peak with MAUNA KEA SUMMIT ADVENTURES (www. maunakea.com). This awe-inspiring excursion takes you up the world’s tallest mountain, which measures 33,476 feet above its base on the floor of the Pacific.

After stopping at the visitor center to eat dinner and get acclimated, buses make the ride up Saddle Road to the snow-crested peak at 13,796 feet. Here, above 40% of Earth’s atmosphere, we watched the sunset from above the clouds, wearing parkas and snuggling together for warmth. Afterwards, we descended to an area near the visitor center, where impeccable views of the night sky made for an exceptional stargazing experience.

After driving nearly 500 miles and taking a halfdozen tours (including exploring volcanic craters and lava fields from the air with Blue Hawaii Helicopters), our minds were swimming with a cornucopia of vivid memories, from the fresh tropical fruits we’d been served for breakfast our first morning at Holualoa Inn to the excellent massage we received at the Fairmont Orchid just before leaving for the airport. But even after three visits in the past four years, I’ve yet to experience many of the wonders Hawaii’s Big Island has to offer.

Then again, there’s always next year...

COUNTRY ROADS

Once Best Known For Fronting A Punk Band, Chad Price Straps on a Guitar and Embraces His Singer-Songwriter Roots

BY JOHN B. MOORE

C

songs. Even after I had been playing solo and had all these new songs I still didn’t think about putting out a record until Virgil (Dickerson) from Suburban Home started courting me. I guess you could say, so from the time he talked to me about it to the time it came out wasn’t long at all.

HAD PRICE HAS HAD A PRETTY impressive career so far. As frontman for the pop-punk band All, he helped inspire a slew of teens to write 3-minute punk ditties. He then took time to stand in the spotlight as singer for the equally influential alt-country band Drag Is it more intimidating knowing that it is the River. Now Price you this time around I’M NOW DOING WHAT just has added another line and not a full band effort? to his growing resume: I’VE ALWAYS WANTED I guess the intimidating Solo singer/songwriter. thing is playing live. After TO DO, BUT JUST TOOK He took time recently to years of always having at A LONG TIME TO DO speak with us about goleast three other people ing it alone, the future of IT. RUNNING AROUND, onstage with me ,now if Drag the River and why SINGING OR SCREAMING something goes wrong John Denver is responno one else to AS HARD AS I CAN IS there’s sible for so many punk blame. But the freedom rockers picking up acousTOO MUCH WORK FOR that comes with playing tic guitars. alone is well worth it and AN OLD MAN… AT I am someone with an exLEAST THIS OLD MAN. So why did it take so long treme case of stage fright. for you to finally put out a solo record? How long have you been So why are so many punk rockers drawn thinking about putting one out? to very personal, acoustic records?

I never really thought about doing a I guess the punkers are drawn to it, at solo record until the drag breakup, hiatus, least the ones I know, because that’s what whatever you want to call it. After that they grew up on. I mean, John Denver happened I suddenly had a lot of free time. was always on the radio, Kris KristofferI started playing shows by myself and writson, other folks like that. For the young ing new songs so I didn’t have to play Drag punks, I don’t know that they do like it.

MUSIC INTERVIEW Another thing, I guess, is that both styles are just very honest.

Do you ever miss plugging in and playing really loud, fast punk music?

I do not miss playing loud, fast music.

I’m now doing what I’ve always wanted to do, but just took a long time to do it. Running around, singing or screaming as hard as I can is too much work for an old man… at least this old man.

Have you been able to play a lot of the songs off the new solo record live yet?

I’ve been playing a lot of solo shows around Colorado and Wyoming and I play only songs from my record. Drag just did a leg of the Revival Tour with Chuck Ragan and I got to play at least one each night, but I’ve been too busy lately to get out and start touring… but that is coming soon.

Are there any songs in particular that you are really proud of on Smile Sweet Face?

I’m proud of everything on the record. It came out almost exactly as I had planned.

People might disagree but I think these are the strongest songs I’ve written so far.

R

EGARDLESS OF YOUR MUSICAL tastes, you’ve almost certainly heard of OK Go. There’s no way you could have lived through the ‘90s without escaping their incredibly infectious pop songs and videos. The video for their 2006 single “A Million Way” – complete with choreographed dance moves – practically put YouTube on the map. By August 2006, the video had become the most downloaded music video ever, with over 9 million downloads.

After years spent on the road the band finally found the time to work on a new album, Of The Blue Colour of The Sky, which is finally being released five years after their last record hit the shelves. Singer/ guitarist Damian Kulash spoke with us recently about the delay of the new record, their work on helping rebuild New Orleans and life on the road.

Tell me a little bit about the origins of the album title?

The title of our new album Of The Blue Colour of The Sky comes from a book written in 1876 by

General AJ Pleasonton called The Influence of the Blue Ray of Sunlight and of The Blue Colour of the Sky. General Pleasonton believed that the color blue had healing powers and could cure the world.

He got a patent on the color blue and for three years convinced the world over of his theories. The American Journal of Science debunked his theory a few years later because it just wasn’t true. But, General Pleasonton went to his death bed believing that he could help save the world. He wanted so badly to believe in something that could help mankind. His beautifully sad and poetic story spoke to us, so we decided to name our record after his book.

They songs sound is just as catchier as previous releases, but the themes seem a bit heavier. What inspired that?

Of The Blue Colour of The Sky is probably the most direct and melancholic record we’ve ever made both lyrically and thematically. The inspiration behind the heaviness comes from the fact that we were all going through tough times both personally, and also on a global level. This record is about trying to find hope in what feels like hopeless situations.

What else are you working on?

All I’m doing right now is some Drag the River touring and working on a solo tour.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Keep an eye out for the solo extravaganza… The tour, that is.

So just how long have you been working on these songs?

I started writing these songs probably about two years ago and wrote the final one the day before I started recording… like “Going Away” is the oldest and “With Bleeding Wrists” just barely got written. I’m glad it did though.

BULLET THE BLUE SKY After 5 Years of Touring, OK Go Returns with a Great New Album

BY JOHN B. MOORE

So, I have to ask this one: Do you see Drag the River recording again anytime soon?

I’m sure Drag will record again, but not anytime soon. Me and Jon (Snodgrass) still have songs that were written for Drag, but never got recorded. I imagine we’ll try to do more collaborating on the new one, but I’m in no hurry.

Were you worried at all that the lyrical content would get lost in the catchy vibe of the songs?

The great thing about music is that it is Ok to mix happy and sad elements. Pop songs are generally only three and half minutes or less, so a lot has to be conveyed in a short amount of time. Some of my favorite music mixes melancholic lyrics with happy music i.e. The Pixies, The Smiths, The Cure.

It was never a concern of mine that the content would get lost in the music, it was my hope that we could address interesting things about life in a way that seemed both meaningful, thought provoking, exciting, happy or sad, and sometimes all these things at the same time.

You took your time working on this record. Why the wait so long to release another full length?

The wait was not on purpose. We toured for two and half years on our second record Oh No, and we needed sometime once we got home to get our heads together, figure out what we wanted to sound like, and record. We would have liked to have put this record out much sooner, but sometimes this is just how things work out. We hope to have our next record out a lot sooner. We have a lot of material that didn’t make it onto our latest record, and we are itching to get to it.

Do you have a favorite song on this record?

I go through weeks where I favor different songs off the record. This week I am favoring “Needing/Getting and Back From Kathmandu”. Last week it was “All Is Not Lost” and “Skyscrapers”. It’s tough to pick a favorite. That’s like asking to pick a favorite child.

Having been on the road for a few years

MUSIC INTERVIEW straight, are you dreading getting back on the tour cycle again?

I love the hour a day when we get to play for people. What I dread is the monotony of the other twenty three hours when we are traveling, setting up for the show, taking down the show, traveling, setting up for the show, taking down the show, traveling etc... Often our schedule is so busy that most of what we see going around the world are dirty clubs and hotel rooms. It is also hard to be away from your loved ones for so long. I wish I could transport my friends, family, and girlfriend to every show because I miss them a lot. But I do feel extremely lucky to be able to do the things that I love doing for a living. I’m very thankful indeed.

What has changed the most for the band since going from a small club Chicago band to being that group everyone has heard of?

Mostly what has changed for us is that our schedule is busier. As far as I can tell no one has really changed as a person. We’re a little bit older and wiser now, but in general we are still just trying make things and share them with people - Same as we did when we lived in Chicago.

You obviously got a lot of attention for your videos.

But do you ever regret that maybe they overshadowed the music?

I am proud of both our videos and our music. If the video is someone’s gateway into the world of OKGO then I think that is great. I am aware of the fact that not all fifty million people who have viewed our video are OKGO fans; that’s Ok. The good news for us is that a small percentage of those fifty million people have decided to delve further into the world of OKGO; buy our records, come to our shows, and generally pay attention to what we do. We will continue to go on and make records and videos, and hopefully people will continue to tune for what’s next. And, some of the people that do continue to follow us, I’d venture to say, probably first heard of us through our video, and well, hey, I think that’s fine.

PG 27 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

Sister Act

MUSIC INTERVIEW

The Watson Twins Return With Their Third LP

BY ALEC WOODEN

I

t’s been more than seven days since the Watson Twins last saw each other - perhaps no time at all for most sisters, but an eternity for these twin chanteuses from Los Angeles (via Louisville). For most of their lives, Chandra and Leigh Watson have shared a close connection, most notably through their music, which began to catch fire following a supporting appearance on Jenny Lewis’ 2006 release Rabbit Fur Coat. Now on the verge of their third release (Talking to You, Talking To Me) since stepping out of Lewis’ large shadow (a shadow for which they’re incredibly grateful, mind you), L.A.’s favorite sister act discuss growing up, lessons learned and a noticeably new sound.

You’ve been around music pretty much your whole lives, right?

Chandra Watson: Leigh and I actually started singing when we were about 9 or 10 in church.

My mom says when we were little we used to walk around the house singing, and used to get in trouble for singing at the dinner table (laughs). When we eventually started singing in the choir was when we first started getting a little bit of training and understanding harmonies and things like that. Our mom always played really great records. We’ve always been surrounded by really good music. It was a very music appreciative household. And once we started singing together, we really tapped into something we love.

Leigh Watson: She listened to a really eclectic group of music that really allowed us to not have any boundaries with what we were listening to.

CW: When we were teenagers we started to learn how to play guitar and started to get involved in the sort of underground scene that was happening in Louisville, going to hardcore and punk-rock shows. There was a lot of weird, experimental music happening.

Was there ever a concern that people write you off as a novelty act because you’re twins?

LW: People want to make you a gimmick because you are twins and you are identical and you look alike. That’s something you deal with your whole life – you get cast in the school play because they need two people that look exactly alike. It’s something that you’re constantly aware of, something that’s always in the back of your mind when you have an identical twin. That’s definitely something that comes into play. But I feel like we’ve been lucky to be involved in projects that are legitimate and real.

You may look identical, but I’d bet there are some personality variations. What are those and how do they find their way into your music?

LW: Are you trying to find out who is the evil twin?

Basically.

CW: (laughs) Well, we both came from different backgrounds. I was a theatre major and she was an art major. So she spent college in a studio by herself and I spent college having to perform in front of people everyday. So initially when we first started playing in a more serious realm, that was maybe evident. Musically, were probably more on the same page on this record than we ever have been. We’ve worked hard to craft these songs and have pushed ourselves to the next level, hopefully. Crafting really simple but heartfelt songs, ya know?

Moving from Louisville to Los Angeles - what kind of effect did changing coasts have on your sound?

LW: I think it was more the level of experience and also just starting to play with people who were upping the ante for us. We weren’t just paying around with weekend warriors who had jobs and wanted to be musical on the weekends. We started meeting people who spent everyday and every second that they had making records and playing with friends.

CW: We talk about growing up in Kentucky, there was this sort of anti-country thing that

WE’VE BEEN SO LUCKY TO PLAY WITH AMAZING MUSICIANS. AND THAT TABLE IS CONSTANTLY BEING FILLED WITH DIFFERENT PEOPLE. AND THAT CAN REALLY BE A WAY OF KEEPING THINGS FRESH AND REINVENTING AT EVERY TURN. MEETING PLAYER AND MEETING PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE YOU, THAT KIND OF STUFF IS DEFINITELY FUEL FOR THE FIRE. PG 28 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

we experience because we were young kids who were rebelling against what was sort of the norm there. So all that time we’re like ‘country music, oh no, no way.’ We kind of rebelled against that. But moving to California, and being out of that element, allowed us to realize that that’s part of our history, part of our roots. Why wouldn’t we indulge in taking some of those sounds and incorporating them into what we do? So moving to California helped us be play with having a little bit of country in there.

Speaking of shifts, there is definitely a musical shift on your new release, Talking To You, Talking To Me. LW: There wasn’t a conscious shift. I think both of us have been growing as songwriters and the songs kind of came out that way. The way that the songs were written, they were calling out for a really rhythm-section, bass record – a really vibing record. I don’t think it was intentional, but it just kind of happened.

We’ve always been very into R&B music – that’s a huge part of us growing up, as well.

And it’s sort of coming to the surface, just like the country and Americana stuff did on the last record. All of our records are sort of sides of us, but this one has a little more soul – it comes from that direction.

CW: Once we had been working on and demoing these songs, we realized that the things these songs were calling for are things that we always use like organ, electric guitar – things that we use on every record. But it was more about how they were played. Somehow it came out that way.

LW: We decided to approach this a little bit differently. The last couple of records, we’ve done this thing where it’s more of us singing together (on the melodies), this sort of intricate, familial harmonies. On this record, we took a different approach. Whoever was singing lead, the two of us would then sing backup for that track. We basically took our approach as to how we would sing backup for another lead vocalist and we applied that to our record, which is different for us.

CW: And that was an intentional sort of thing, because the songs really lent themselves to that.

What are the advantages of writing separately instead of collaboratively?

CM: We remain friends that way (laughs).

I feel like that’s our comfort zone and we’ve always done it that way. There will definitely be a point where we begin collaborating on writing. Right now, I feel like one of the big steps for this record was just confidence.

We felt confident enough to tap into places and write things that weren’t necessarily safe and weren’t what people thought the Watson Twins should sound like. We were ready to take a step and shake it up a bit and be okay with how the record came out, personally.

We were okay with writing and singing songs that didn’t necessarily sound like our other record. In previous recording, we definitely went in a very safe direction, where our comfort zone is and where we’ve been singing for years and years.

What would you say is the biggest thing you’ve learned from each other?

LW: Chandra writes very metaphorically.

She has more of a meticulous mind when it comes to working on lyrics and stuff. And I was kind of always just ‘write something, come back to it…’ When I feel like something good may be coming out, I tend to get stuck in something and build on it and then just strike

stuff. And I really admire her writing. So in my songs on this record, I definitely tried to not allow myself to not get stuck in the song and really look over the lyrics and process the songs and figure out the best way of telling people these ideas and stories that I’m trying to relate. So that’s something I’ve definitely learned. I was more of just an immediate sort of ‘whatever came out, that’s what I wrote about,’ and that was the way it turned out.

So she’s taught me to be more aware of the content of the song and what the meat is, and what can be changed to make it a better song.

CW: Thanks, sis (laughs).

LW: You’re welcome. So true (laughs).

CW: Leigh has a great ear for hooks. She tends to write things that are very catchy and stick into your brain. To be able to say something really simply and say something that resonates and isn’t too heady. She’s helped me to realize that a very simple chorus that has a great melody is better than 90% of the song.

It doesn’t have to be dumbed down, doesn’t have to be like a pop thing – but you can really change a song from being a good song to a great song if you have that natural element.

She has the ability to craft those types of hooks and choruses.

You’re at the start of what you hope is a very long career. Moving forward, how will keep it as a passion in your life instead of allowing it to tall into a going-through-the-motions job?

LW: When Chandra and I sing together, it’s a spiritual experience. When we sing harmonies together, it resonates inside me and creates an energy that you can’t get singing a song alone. And that’s why I think we continue to do it. That’s something that I hope I will never take for granted and that it’s something that continues to energize me and makes me excited about music.

CW: I think because we’ve had something inside of us that’s been calling us to do this since we were little kids, there’s this passion and spirit that just draws us to it. If someone does this just because they want to be rich or famous…you can’t do this job for that reason.

It’s too hard. The stuff that you put yourself through emotionally and physically, [you have to] do it for that time you’re on stage.

You can only do this career if you truly love it. Also, as we’ve done in the past, getting to collaborate with people. Those are always new and exciting. And it helps you to keep things fresh and interesting.

LW: We’ve been so lucky to play with amazing musicians. And that table is constantly being filled with different people. And that can really be a way of keeping things fresh and reinventing at every turn. Meeting player and meeting people who inspire you, that kind of stuff is definitely fuel for the fire.

MUSIC INTERVIEW

Hood anthems and industry beefs tell one side of Shawty Lo’s story. Thankfully, the charitable foundations and entrepreneurial efforts tell a whole different tale.

I barely had Christmas. I barely had clothes to go to school. Just to make another kid smile [is good]. I really didn’t smile that much as a kid. It makes me feel good. I got 10 kids myself. Seeing kids smile and taking care of them makes me feel good.

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

I

F YOU WERE A CELEBRITY WHO struggled with Diabetes like rapper Shawty Lo, you would have probably done what he has and start a health foundation called L.O.L.O. (Loving Our Little Ones).

If you had only taken music seriously for a few years and still came out with a smash debut like Units in the City, you may have done what the laid-back Lo’s did and tease fans with a monster mixtape, I’m Da Man 3, and give them more full-length heat this spring in the form of I Am Carlos.

If you walked in Shawty Lo’s shoes –We’ll just skim over other recent highlights like the feud with T.I. and the penning of an autobiography- you might have done a lot of the same things the Atlanta native’s done in his brief time in the spotlight… well, everything besides launch your own cologne. Even by wacky hip hop standards, the business move smells a bit odd. In this one-on-one with INsite, Carlos Walker makes sense of the new scent and tells why 2010 is just the beginning of his musical ascent.

What’s going to make this year a great one for you?

What’s going to make 2010 a great one?

Right now I’m working very hard with my record label and my foundation. I’m working harder than ever, you know? Just trying to be successful. It feels like I’m still an underdog. I’m just trying to reach my peak.

When you speak on being an underdog, you do a lot with your foundations and whatnot that tends to get overlooked. Do you wish you got more credit for those kinds of things?

I don’t need any more press. When it’s time, [I’ll get recognition]. [Doubters might] say I’m just doing stuff. But this is what I choose to do. When credit is due, it’ll be there. What I mean by underdog is that I’m not where I want to be in life, but I’m working hard to be there.

I saw the behind-the-scenes footage from the Atlanta video shoot. It looks like you, Ludacris, Soulja Boy and all the rest had a good time. Is that generally the case around them?

Define a good rapper. What makes a rapper special?

You’ve got to give it your all. You’ve got to have your acting skills up, your rap game, your swagger. People don’t like to just see a boring rapper just standing there. Your performance [has to be good].

You have to have consistent hard work.

You can’t just make one song and live off that one song. You gotta keep working like it’s no tomorrow.

YOU’VE GOT TO GIVE IT YOUR ALL. YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE YOUR ACTING SKILLS UP, YOUR RAP GAME, YOUR SWAGGER. PEOPLE DON’T LIKE TO JUST SEE A BORING RAPPER JUST STANDING THERE. YOUR PERFORMANCE [HAS TO BE GOOD]. YOU HAVE TO HAVE CONSISTENT HARD WORK...YOU GOTTA KEEP WORKING LIKE IT’S NO TOMORROW. It’s nothing but love out there. We all get along. We all doing our own thing, but it’s nothing love. Everybody showed love.

That’s how we do it.

How would you describe the love from rappers in other regions?

It’s all the same. Everybody respects and shows love. Everybody doin’ they own thing. It’s just love for the artist. I be out on the West Coast, East Coast, the Midwest, you know, and I get the same love.

When they come to my town, they get the same love.

What all do you have on your plate, musically, for the next six months or so?

Okay, I got the new mixtape called I’m the Man 3. It’ll be released in the beginning of February. I’m working on my new album, I Am Carlos. It’s coming soon. I’ll say April.

How are you approaching the I Am Carlos recording process differently than you did with the first album?

It really ain’t that different. If it ain’t broke, I ain’t gonna fix. I’m pretty much using the same formula. I just elevated my rap skills and my image.

Some folks thought you’d do one song and be done.

Yeah. All that motivates me. All my life I’ve been told I couldn’t do nuthin’. I can’t be mad with what people think. That kinda helps motivate me, you know what I’m sayin’? I had three hits off Units in the City: “Dey Know,” “Dunn Dunn” and “Foolish.” I had a lot of street bangers they sung in every club. Last year wasn’t a big year for me. I kinda had to reflect. I had so much going on. I’m about to make a really big comeback for ’10.

You gotta tell me how this cologne idea came about.

Basically, my manager and my publicist talked to the company about my cologne and made it work. I smelled about 10 different fragrances and chose what I liked.

We got a deal done and I’m ready to roll.

Specifically with the image, what kinds of things have you done differently?

Everything is different with time. Back in 2008, everybody was thinkin’ I was [focused] on the beef with me and Tip. I just wanted to be easy. Then, in November of ’08, I just wanted to show the real side of Carlos. They know Shawty Lo, but now I talk to more kids. I be at the schools. I do a lot of stuff for the people.

Describe the scent to me.

It ain’t nuthin’ loud. It’s like a nice fragrance. It’s fresh. It’s what I like to wear. I wouldn’t put nuthin’ with my name that’s not right. All my people agree that it’s a nice smell.

Speaking of the kids, why is the L.O.L.O. Foundation so important to you?

Coming from where I come from, man, it was hard. I was raised in the projects.

Besides smelling good, what’s the best part about being Shawty Lo? Keeping it real. Shawty Lo is gonna always keep it real, no matter what.

PG 29 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

INTIMACY Starts at Inserection!

SPORTS NEWS

Whoa, Canada!

The cool fan’s guide to the 2010 Winter Olympics

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

V

ANCOUVER, BRITISH Columbia, once only famous for being Hollywood’s film-producing stepchild and Seth Rogen’s hometown, will step into the limelight February 12 through 28 as the host of the 21st Winter Olympiad. NBC’s family of networks will undoubtedly do splendidly with its insatiable coverage of ice hockey, ice skating and icy relationships on the slopes. With so much to consume over 17 exhaustive days of action though, it can all seem overwhelming. But fret not, snow bunnies, for this handy guide to the Games lets you know precisely which 10 events you need to TiVo and which can be stowed away for another four winters…

OPENING CEREMONIES February 12, 9PM, NBC After 12 years of preparation and billions of dollars in expenses, Canada finally welcomes the world in glorious fashion with the first-ever indoor opening ceremony.

MEN’S DOWNHILL February 13, 8PM, NBC With more story angles than Lost –Will the skiing-obsessed Swiss win a medal?

Can Austria continue its dominance?

What’s in Bode Miller’s cup?- this really is must-see TV.

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MEN’S 1000M SPEED SKATING February 17, 8PM, NBC At the ‘06 Turin Games, Shani Davis rewrote history books by becoming the first African-American individual medal winner with this event. Here he writes the next chapter.

WOMEN’S HALFPIPE February 18, 4PM, NBC While the media obsesses over Shaun

White, the snowboarding ladies, led by Gretchen Bleiler and Lindsey Jacobellis, will be smokin’ on their own pipes.

MEN’S FREE SKATE February 18, 8PM, NBC With the male field as tight as anyone can remember (Jeremy Abbott and Evan Lysacek lead the acrobatic charge for the U.S.), cameras are sure to catch plenty of emotion around the rink.

WOMEN’S SUPER G February 20, 8PM, NBC Most 20-something guys already know the name Lindsey Vonn. By the time these Games end, and gold medals in events like these are earned, the whole country will be tired of her winning smile.

WOMEN’S CURLING February 21, 12PM, MSNBC Our neighbors to the north obsess over curling (think: shuffleboard on ice) much like we do Brad Pitt’s love life. See what the fuss is about when Team Canada mixes brooms with Team America.

WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY February 25, 6PM, MSNBC Canada and the U.S. are not only a combined 23-1-0 over the past two Olympics, they’ve outscored the competition 168-17. It would take an upset of mythical proportions to keep the two from meeting here for gold.

MEN’S ICE HOCKEY February 28, 3PM, NBC There are rumors that this might be the last time NHL players are allowed to participate in the Games. If so, this gold medal game takes on even more importance to the world.

CLOSING CEREMONIES February 28, 7PM, NBC Guess that’s all, folks. See ya in Sochi in 2014… Wait, where’s Sochi again?!

SPORTS NEWS

FANATIC A Monthly Sports Wrap-up

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS With the NBA ALLSTAR GAME serving as the symbolic midpoint point to the hoops season, Fanatic thought it would be timely to hand out some halfway hardware. Here are the recipients: MVP (LeBron James, Cleveland); Defensive Player of the Year (Dwight Howard, Orlando); Rookie of the Year (Tyreke Evans, Sacramento); Sixth Man of the Year (Jamal Crawford, Atlanta); Coach of the Year (Lionel Hollins, Memphis); All-Underrated Team (Aaron Brooks, Houston; Rodney Stuckey, Detroit; Antawn Jamison, Washington; David Lee, New York; Chris Kaman, L.A. Clippers).

“I would like to apologize to everybody: Portland, fans, the organization. It was very embarrassing.

It was something that happened over a year and a half ago… I’m very sorry, and I’m definitely embarrassed for my family and everybody around me.” –TRAIL CENTER BLAZER GREG ODEN, after his nude photos popped on the internet “For us, obviously, it’s not the way we want to represent the team.

It has been discussed internally with the team and it has been figured out inside this locker room.”

–PATRICK KANE, the youngest player ever to record 200 points for the Chicago Blackhawks, after pictures of him and teammates in compromising positions with unnamed women showed up on the internet Though the ACC has dominated college basketball over the past decade (four NCAA champs in that span), things are shaping up differently this year. At press time only Duke (17-3) and Georgia Tech (15-5) were even ranked.

Still, we caution you from totally discounting the conference as weak. We’ve seen Trevor Bookerled Clemson (15-6) and Greivis Vasquez-sparked Maryland (14-5) play. Your favorite team does not wanna face either in the opening rounds of next month’s Madness.

“I haven’t donated to the Haitian relief effort for the same reason that I don’t give money to homeless men on the street. Based on past experiences, I don’t think the guy with the sign that reads ‘Need You’re Help’ is going to do anything constructive with the dollar I might give him. If I use history as my guide, I don’t think the people of Haiti will do much with my money either.” –writer and former NBA JOURNEYMAN PAUL SHIRLEY “When it comes to JOHN SMOLTZ, you have to wonder what either side is seeing in each other. This late in his career, Smoltz would ideally pitch for a contender, which -no offense, Mets- is absolutely not what they are right now… Smoltz is a complementary piece right now. The Mets need more than complementary pieces…That said, the Mets, if Patrick they sign Smoltz, can comfort Kane themselves by knowing that two of the three members of the Braves’ great triumvirate pitched in Flushing at the end of their careers. Because no one will ever forget Tom Glavine’s time here, no matter how hard they might try.” –New York Magazine’s Will Leitch, on the prospect of Smoltz joining the Mets this season And finally…

The Detroit Pistons haven’t had a winning month since January ’09… At press time, the Atlanta Hawks were 3015. The last time they had twice as many wins as losses this late in the season was ’96-97… One other Hawks note: Atlanta beat Boston three times last month. Only one other team has done that to the Celtics (New York in ’97) in the last 40 years… The just-retired Kurt Warner took two teams to the Super Bowl: the ‘99 Rams, coming off nine consecutive losing seasons; and the ‘08 Cardinals, coming off nine straight losing years. Only two other QBs won even a single playoff game for a team coming off nine game or more non-winning seasons: Trent Dilfer (‘97 Bucs) and Jake Plummer (‘98 Cardinals)… Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant scored 4,842 points through his first 200 games.

Only Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James and Vince Carter tallied more.

1.

Winter Olympics (February 12-28, Various Times, NBC) Two weeks of snow, skating, skies and Shaun White stories.

2.

Daytona 500 (February 14, 1PM, Fox) Rumor has it that organizers actually thought about renaming this season-opening race The Jimmie Johnson Shootout.

3.

NBA All-Star Game (February 14, 7PM, TNT) We don’t know what we’re more excited about, Deron Williams’ first all-star invite or Shannon Brown’s jaw-dropping dunks.

4.

Kansas at Texas (February 8, 9PM, ESPN) It makes no sense that Big 12 schedule makers don’t insist these basketball powers play twice a year.

5.

Cleveland at Orlando (February 21, 1PM, ABC) The Cavs are 19-8 on the road. The Magic are 17-4 at the house. Umm, LeBron and Dwight, something’s gotta give.

Top 5 Games This Month

Must-See TV

PG 31 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2010

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