JULY 2011
www. insiteatlanta .com
VoL. 19, No. 12 FREE
Featuring…
Hope for a Golden Summer Smoking Popes Black Lips Cyhi Da Prynce Constantine Maroulis Big Boi Frank Turner Selena Gomez Chuck Ragan
r e m sum
c i s u M
The
e u s s I
SATURDAY AUGUST 6
LLOYD
CHARGE BY PHONE : 800-745-3000. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees. CHARGE BY PHONE : 800-745-3000. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.
Flashback Festival Keith Sweat
By ted sen e r P
Larry Graham and Graham Central Station
SATURDAY, AUGUST Loose 13th
Ends
AARON’S LAKEWOOD AMPHITHEATRE
Whodini
6:00 PM rain or shine (gates open at 5:00 pm)
Tickets on sale now at Lakewood Box Office and all Ticketmaster Outlets charge by phone or online at
Ticketmaster.com
A Taste of Honey PG 2 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
Contents • July 2011 • Volume 19.12 Atlanta’s
Entertainment Monthly
IntervIews 06 10 12 12 15 17 19 21 23 23 27 27 28 28 29
“A VISUALLY DAZZLING LONDON-BORN PRODUCTION OF J M BARRIE’S PETER PAN.” Maria Menounos Black lips 12 selena GoMez constantine Maroulis Hedi kluM -WALL STREET JOURNAL BiG Boi cHuck raGan Bela Fleck Hope For a Golden suMMer sMokinG popes arlene tur lisa see cyHi da prynce Frank turner 15 Justin Verlander
This striking Exhibition showcases real human bodies, dissected and preserved through a revolutionary process allowing visitors to see themselves in a fascinating way like never before. BODIES...The Exhibition will enlghten, empower, and inspire.
Features 08 09 11 18 22 24
Columns 04 05 05 07 13 14 16 19 20 30 30
An Exhibition of Real Human Bodies
Guide to little 5 atlanta’s Best BBQ July 4tH celeBrations Bonnaroo wrap-up Music Venue Guide suMMer Music Guide presents
around town on tap on a diMe eVents under tHe liGHts MoVie reViews Vidiots concert calendar road warriors alBuMs FaVorite tHinGs Fanatic
www.BodiesAtlanta.com
17
EXPERIENCE YOUR
An Exhibition That Reveals The Strength of Your SENSES
28
www.insiteatlanta.com
NOW PLAYING THRU MARCH 20!
staff LIstInG
Publisher Stephen Miller steve@insiteatlanta.com managing editor Bret Love bret@insiteatlanta.com art Director / Web Design Nick Tipton graphics@insiteatlanta.com sports editor DeMarco Williams demarco@insiteatlanta.com Local events editor Marci Miller SCAN ME marci@insiteatlanta.com To see a video preview, scan this QR code with music editor your smart phone Sacha Dzuba sacha@insiteatlanta.com
Contributing Writers / Interns: John Moore, Jon Latham, Ryan Loftis, Matt Goldberg, Rodney Hill, Alex S. Morrison, Alec Wooden, Roger Presswood, Dave Cohen, Russ Marshalek, Jennifer Sefa-Boakye, Jessica Cole, Jennifer Williams, Matt Connor, Rebecca Crosby and Brad Binkley
www.peterpantheshow.com/atlanta ContaCt Us 2250 north Druid(772-6849) Hills Rd. #234 Or call 1-888-PPANTIX atlanta, Ga 30329-3118
The
phone 404-315-8485 website insiteatlanta.com aDveRtIsInG InfoRmatIon 404-315-8485 • advertising@insiteatlanta.com
Theatre in Pemberton Place adjacent to the World of Coca-Cola 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.
Groups: 404-881-2000 foxgroup@foxtheatre.org
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Check outpeterpantheshow our Summer Music @PeterPantheShow Guide on page 24.
PG 2 • insiteatlanta.com • February 2011
LIFE IN THE DARK
“For about an hour, visitors navigate different environments in complete darkness, relying on all senses except sight, and ask questions of their visually impaired guide, whose faces they don’t see until leaving. Stumbling in darkness makes the Dialog visitor appreciate how visually oriented the world is - how would you go grocery shopping? How would you cross the street? - as well as the reliance on other senses such as sound and touch to navigate the world.” - Elizabeth Landou, CNN
INTERNATIONAL BLOCKBUSTER - U.S.A. DEBUT ONLY IN ATLANTA
www.DialogTickets.com
BOTH AT ATLANTIC STATION!
PRODUCED BY:
PREMIER EXHIBITION CENTER
PREMIER EXHIBITIONS (NASDAQ:PRXI)
PG 3 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
Around Town The Center for Puppetry Arts will host an adaptation of “Cinderella” through July 17. In this version, Cinderella is a high-flying circus artiste working for a cruel Ringmaster and her jealous daughters who won’t let Cinderella perform her incredible acrobatic maneuvers. All the pieces of the original story are there. For more info, visit puppet.org or call 404-873-3391.
ALL JULY
Don’t miss “The Tempest” this month as performed by Georgia Shakespeare through July 23. The story follows the famous Shakepeare play about Prospera, exiled by her own brother on a remote island and left to die. Tickets run $15-$40. Go to gashakespeare.org for more.
ALL JULY
Looking for a place to live? Housemate Match is offering Homesharing, a free service, this month to bring together homeowners and tenants looking for flexible leases, below market rent, safe neighborhoods and beautiful homes. For more information, call Lynne Dyckman at 678-812-3729 or email lynne.dyckman@ atlantajcc.org.
ALL JULY
Gordon Biersch Brewery will introduce a new summer themed menu available all month long. The restaurant’s Caribbean-inspired menu will be available with Gordon Biersch’s own handcrafted SommerBrau beer through the end of July. Come by to test the new flavors of food. Go to craftworksrestaurants.com for more info.
ALL JULY
JULY 12
The Wiggles return to Atlanta at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on July 12 for shows at 2:30pm and 6:30pm. Tickets are on sale now and
Theatre/Film
are available through all Ticketmaster locations (ticketmaster.com) or by calling 1-800-745-3000 and the venue box office. Prices range from $15.50 - $75.50. The Wiggles are the very best in children’s entertainment, so don’t miss this evening of family fun. For the fourth consecutive season, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will collaborate with Turner Classic Movies to bring the soundtrack of a classic film to life at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park. Staff Conductor Jere Flint will lead the Orchestra in the score from “Casablanca,” which will be shown on big screens on July 15 at 8:30 pm at the Amphitheatre. Prices start at $60. More info is available at vzwamp.com.
JULY 15
Visit the Atlanta Zoo on July 16 for a creepy and crawly wall to enjoy the zoo. The zoo’s “Wizards in the Wild Family NightCrawler” event will allow your family to experience an unforgettable themed nocturnal adventure. Festivities include a sorting ceremony, arts and crafts, and more. Find out how the Zoo cares for its magical creatures, including owls, snakes, tarantulas, and even our very own dragon. Book a program or learn more on zooatlanta.org.
JULY 16
The High Museum of Art will present “Jewelry Trunk Show” on July 16 from 1-4pm. The event will feature Peta Westmaas, an award winning graphic designer who brings more than two decades of design experience to the creation of elegant and affordable bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Go to high.org for more information.
JULY 16
JULY 16
Summer comedy hit “Bridesmaids” will play at the Fox Theatre on July 16 at 7:30pm as part of the Coca-Cola Film
Museums/Exhibits/Arts
Series. Tickets start at $8. Wine tasting tickets start at $12. Go to foxtheatre.org for a complete film schedule. The Atlanta Opera hosts Movies in the Park on July 21. The series will feature Oscar winner “The King’s Speech” on July 21 at 8pm. Movies play at Atlantic Station and are free and open to the public.
JULY 21
Judy Tenuta will play three nights at the Laughing Skull Lounge from July 22-24. Tenuta was named “Best Female Comedian” at the American Comedy Awards. General admission tickets start at $23. Visit vortexcomedy.com for details.
JULY 22
The Artistry Of Cirque will perform with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park on July 30 at 8pm. This dynamic concert combines the magic of Cirque with classical masterpieces and contemporary music performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Single tickets for these performances are $12 to $35.
JULY 30
Up to 128 teams and more than 1,850 players from the Southeast and across the United States will converge on Atlanta for the Southeast Kickball Fest to own the 2011 Southern Cup. The tournament weekend is July 29-30. To register, go to southeastkickballfest.com.
JULY 29
Flicks on Fifth continues this month. Don’t miss “Source Code” on July 27, a science fiction thriller starting Jake Gyllenhaal. Movies start at 7pm, and free popcorn is available until supplies run out. All movies play at Georgia Tech’s Technology Square. Visit flickson5th.gatech.edu for more info.
JULY 27
If you are a woman with a history of childhood sexual abuse, you may suffer from a number of symptoms. If these symptoms are left untreated, it can impair your ability to deal with everyday events, work or even function in healthy relationships.
Nightmares, trouble sleeping · easily agitated or startled · low people who have experienced a traumatic energy,Many changes in appetite · memory problems, difficulty focusing · event likeavoiding you have, may suffer from one places, activities or peopleor all
of these symptoms. You may have nightmares, trouble sleeping, memory problems, trouble Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event suffer from these symptoms, focusing, avoid social situations, or become which are signs ofagitated posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD. If the symptoms are left easily or startled.
untreated, it can impair the ability to work, socialize and function in a healthy Emory University is looking for participants for a relationship.
research study on the effects of an FDA approved medication for the symptoms of PTSD, memory Emory University is investigating the effects of early intervention in preventing and learning in women between the ages of 25 is a doublechronic PTSD using an FDA approved medication (paroxetine). This and 55 who have experienced childhood sexual blind study sponsored by the VA. If you are a Veteran, recently back from the war abuse. You do not need a diagnosis of PTSD and havetoany of these symptoms, please call to obtain more information and to see participate.
if you qualify for the study.
Study screening, health/trauma questionnaires, memory tests, lab tests, medication and MRI/PET scans will beare conducted at Emory University and Emorymore Briarcliff campus. If you interested in learning about this research opportunity Compensation will 404-712-9536 be provided for participation. please call or Please call email Stacy Laddclecour@ at 404-712-2014 or email mdent@emory.edu emory.edu.
PG 4 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
The Atlanta Braves will host the Florida Marlins for a three-game series on July 29-31. The Marlins are actually the former team of Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, so expect a fun and interesting NL East series. Visit braves.com for tickets.
JULY 29
Join The Atlanta Blues Society in a celebration of Atlanta Blues Society Day on July 24 for a day of food, music and jam sessions. Come enjoy live blues with The Frankie Lee Band who will entertain and host the jam. The event runs from 1-7pm at Grant Park. Cost is only $5 for non-members. Visit atlantabluessociety.org for more.
from the war and experiencing some of these symptoms?
Advancing Possibilities ADVANCING THE PThe OSSIBILITIES
Other Stuff
JULY 24
DO Are YOUyouNaEED HELP ? Veteran returning
Compensation will be provided for participation.
Music/Comedy/Sports
CardiovasCular disease researCh Emory University, Department of Psychiatry is currently conducting a research study on Cardiovascular Disease and Depression. Dr. J. Douglas Bremner, Psychiatrist, is investigating the brain mechanisms through which depression increases the risk of death in patients with cardiovascular disease. If you would to participate in this study, you must have a current diagnosis of cardiovascular disease either with or without depression. If you think you may have signs of depression, but have never been assessed, we can provide an assessment for you.
To learn more about this study, call Emory’s Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit at 404-712-2059 or kelly.tracey@emory.edu. Procedures involve health and mental health assessments, MRI, PET and SPECT scans conducted at Emory University. Volunteers will receive compensation for their time.
LOCAL
LOCAL EVENTS
On Tap this Month EMAIL EVENTS TO ONTAP@INSITEATLANTA.COM July 4: Lenox Square
PEACHTREE ROAD RACE
It’s time once again for one of the premier running events in the Southeast. The 42nd annual Peachtree Road Race will feature 60,000 runners competing in one of the country’s best known 10K races. The race starts at Lenox Square and will finish at Piedmont Park in Midtown. You won’t find a better way to celebrate the holiday and enjoy a unique trip through the city. Race time is at 7:30am. For more information on how to volunteer or find a number, go to www.atlantatrackclub.org.
July 4: Various Locations
FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOWS
There will be an abundance of ways to enjoy some spectacle on the Fourth of July. At Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre’s Encore Park, there will be an Atlanta Symphony show and fireworks display. Visit atlantasymphony.org for more info. Lenox Square will also hold it’s annual celebration at approximately 9:40pm. Admission is free. Go to lenoxsquare.com for more. Also, Stone Mountain Park will hold a laser show. Visit stonemountainpark.com for details.
July 15: Buckhead Theatre
GEORGIA BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP
Buckhead will welcome the next installment of the Georgia Boxing Championship on July 15. Buckhead Theatre and its 8,000 square-foot main theatre room will host more than 1,200 boxing fans for a unique night of boxing entertainment. The night will feature Paul Delgado, Jaidon Codrington, Dino Dumonjic and more. Tickets start at just $25 for a full night of boxing action. Be sure to visit georgiaboxingchampionship.com for complete matchups and information.
July 15-17: Centennial Park
NBAF SUMMER FESTIVAL
Join the 2011 National Black Arts Festival, July 15 - 17, as they kick off their annual Summer festival. The NBAF Main Music Stage features Funkjazz, The Chronicle, Kathleen Bertrand, Donnie and more. Shop over 100 vendors, artists and artisans from around the world in the International Marketplace. Families and children will enjoy hand-on, interactive activities and live youth performances. For more info, visit www.nbaf. org or call the Woodruff Arts Center at 404-733-5000.
July 18-24: Raquet Club of the South
ATLANTA TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Atlanta Tennis Championships will be played at the
Racquet Club of the South in Norcross from July 18-24. American and World No. 11 Mardy Fish won the inaugural tournament in 2010, defeating the likes of fellow Americans Andy Roddick and John Isner en route to the title. More than 41,000 spectators attended the event that offered $600,000 in prize money. Visit atlantatennischampionships.com for more information and lineups.
July 30: Fox Theatre
ROBIN THICKE
The ever-soulful Robin Thicke comes to Atlanta’s fabulous Fox Theatre on July 30. He’ll be joined by Kelly Rowland and Jeremih. Showtime is at 8pm. Tickets start at $47 and run as high as $127. Thicke, the son of actor Alan Thicke, has made a career of writing and composing songs for various industry stars such as Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Mary J. Blige and many more. Make a point to head down to the Fox to see him yourself live at the beautiful Midtown theater. Go online to foxtheatre.org.
EVENTS HAPPENING FOR SMALL CHANGE IN ATLANTA
Know of a low cost event of happening? Event@AtlantaOnADime.com ROCK-N-RIDE 2011 CALLAWAY GARDENS PHOENIX FLIES
Saturday, June 25,FREE 2:00pm, TicketsLANDMARKS” start at $40 Through Feb. 28, “CITYWIDE CELEBRATION OF LIVING Ride Starts: Killer Creek Harley-Davidson Callaway Gardens March 5-20, Free Ride Ends: Hard27Rock Café the City 17800 US Hwy Various Landmarks Around www.gradyhealthfoundation.org Pine Mountain, Georgia phoenixflies.org callawaygardens.com
Grab your helmet cruise with fellow The Phoenix Flies: AandCelebration of Living
Atlanta motorcyclists to incelebrate public safety Admission Callaway Gardens is Landmarks wastocreated 2003 by The Atlanta personnel from across Georgia and support complimentary through the end of this Preservation Center as a way to celebrate the traumatic injuries treated at$15Grady Health month (Price isofnormally for adults, 25th anniversary the dramatic rescue of the System. The ride also benefits Gold Shield $6.50 per child) providing guests with Fox Theatre, an event that changed Atlanta’s Foundation of Metro Atlanta, an organization the opportunity to enjoy time with their preservation outlook forever. This year, the list dedicated tofriends assisting surviving and family reconnecting in Theatre, nature. includesand free guided tours of The spouses Fox dependent children of law enforcement officers Free admission includes the Virginia Piedmont Park, Historic Oakland Cemetery, or firefighters harmed in theTour, lineCenter, ofTullie duty.Smith The Hand Callaway Discovery Day Civil War Atlanta Walking outdoor, all-day event is themed “Music & Butterfly Center, Sibley Horticultural Farm House, Margaret Mitchell House, the Motorcycles” and brings participating bikers, Center, Mr. Cason’s Vegetable Garden, new Beltline Park and much more. bands andBrothers fans downtown the Hard Rock Callaway AzaleatoBowl, Overlook Cafe’s hotlyDiscovery anticipatedBicycle MusicFest event. Garden, Trail, Pioneer AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL SHOW IN ATLANTA Log Cabin, Ida Cason Callaway Memorial March 10-13, Regular admission: $13 ATLANTA STREETS ALIVE Chapel, nature trails and daily programs. Children under 12: free Saturday, June 25, 4:00pm – 8:00pm, Free Cobb Galleria Center Woodruff Park, Downtown Atlanta THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta www.atlantastreetsalive.com Feb. 10 - 27, Tickets range from $15 - $35 craftcouncil.org/Atlanta Turner Field Green Lot Atlanta Streets AliveAtlanta takes a valuable public 521 Capitol Avenue, This 3-day event isstreets the largest space our city’ s - and juried opens fine themcraft up universoulcircus.com Show in the southeast. The show has been for people to play, walk, bike, breathe, and make the for regional fine theirpremiere own. Bike,marketplace walk, UniverSoul run, skip or cartwheel The Circus craft lovers and collectors, and offers guests through Edgewoodcontinues and Auburn its Avenuesurge loop, the to meet and purchase workpart from fromchance Peachtree to Boulevard, and take in to around the toptheofcountry. the live esteemed from To an array ofartists free activities from over dozens of entertainment ranks reach first-time collectors andon established craft local organizations. Modeled tremendously with its interactive funky collectors alike, the newest category successful events from aroundshow the world, ASAfor is rendition of a traditional participating is Handmade Under $100. part bike tour,artists part block party, and a great time circus. UniverSoul has Artists whoactive, sell work for under $100businesses will have for getting supporting local captivated audiences their booths marked and for patrons along the route,specially people watching, from around theenjoying world interested in starting a collection. our amazing city. with its unique brand
that blends circus arts, ATLANTA MOTOR FREEand OPEN music. HOUSE TASTE OF THESPEEDWAY WORLD theaterFEST March 12, 11am-3pm, Free July 1 (4pm – 10pm), July 2 – in 4 (Noon – 10pm) Founded Atlanta over Atlanta Motor Speedway Free, $10 Passport 17 years ago, the audience 1500 TaraPoints, Place,2146 Hampton Old Five Johnson Ferry Road will watch in amazement as stilt atlantamotorspeedway.com www.oldfivepoints.com walkers make their way across a tight rope, horse riders perform death-defying Visit the track’s Open House4fordays free. This event feature ofActivities music, stunts, andwillcontortionists bend into include championship legends racing on the artists’ market, charity raffle, Live stand-up incredible and beautiful shapes.
quarter-mile ”, free drawings comedy, VIP “Thunder hospitalityRing. tent, $10 passport prizes, drive your own car restaurants, on the track for big a sampler of 7 international CHEERSPORT 2011 NATIONAL with the dining purchase Laborview DayofNASCAR outdoor andofa great July 4th CHEERLEADING & DANCE tickets, fans canFireworks. select their seats for thewill Labor Keswick Park Proceeds be Day Race to Weekend, tourSeed the Speedway’s race CHAMPIONSHIP donated Mustard Communities: control and suites, take and photos with Feb. 18 –tower Jamaica to20aid their orphanages to build Atlanta $30 forschool. 2-dayMotor pass Speedway pace car and a athenew NASCAR Sprint $20 for 1-day passCup Series winner’s trophy, discounts gift shop and much more. Kids Under at5 AMS are Free
By Marci Miller 2011 SOUTHEASTERN HUNGER WALK/RUN 5KFLOWER SHOW Feb. 25 27, Adults $18 inFITNESS advance)EXPO March 13, Noon-4pm, $25($15 for runners PEACHTREE RUNNING AND
Youth/Student Kids under 5 are Free Free for walkers Saturday, July 2$7, (11:00am – 7:00pm) Cobb Galleria Centre Parking isJulyfree Sunday, 3 (11:00am – 7:00pm), Free Event Two Galleria Parkway, Turner Field Green LotAtlanta America’s Mart, www.atlantatrackclub.org sehort.org 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta hungerwalkrun.org Kick off your Fourth of July festivities at the 2011 Presented the Expo. Southeastern Peachtree Healthbyand Fitness There will Horticultural Society, this annual premier Joinover thousands of from runners and ofwalkers at be 100 vendors all areas the health gardening event promotes preservation this fitness annualindustry. event that and Therebenefits will alsothe be aAtlanta Family and awareness of plants Community Bankflowers and fiveand other local Fun Zone forFood the kids, informational running through education and artistic expression. nonprofits.buys Participants register as a team seminars, on all thecanlatest running and Show activitiesonline speakers, or individually register the juried dayand of fitness products andinclude gear,orproduct samples competition, kids’ Landscape & the event. There willactivities, beRoad activities for all ages more. Plus AJC Peachtree Race participants Discovery Gardens more. including entertainment & more. will be ablegames, to picklive up and their race numbers at the
Gates openExpo. at noon, the 5K run & walk begin Peachtree at 2 p.m. 10th ANNUAL OAKHURST WINE CRAWL
Saturday, 26, 4 BUTTERFLY pm-7 pm FLYING Feb. COLORS FESTIVAL $25 in advance Tasting Glass Saturday, July 16for(10:00am – 2:00pm) A-TOWN DAY $30 day26, ofNoon-8pm, event Sunday, July 17 (12pm$5 – 5pm) March Oakhurst BusinessKids District $10 per person, under 2 are free Lakewood oakhurstga.org Chattahoochee Nature Center, chattnaturecenter.org 2002 Lakewood Ave SE, Atlanta atownday.com The Flying Colors delights Participants in thisButterfly year’s Festival event will get everyone all weekend at the Chattahoochee to sampleDAY wines from care around theconcert, world A-TOWN is a health festival, Nature Center air businesses fills with celebrating the beating while in the and a exploring major when dayallofthethe Awareness wings of hundreds of beautiful butterflies. Enjoy Oakhurst There willbenefits be 20 all things neighborhood. Atlanta. A-TOWN DAY live music, create arts and crafts, have butterflies participating establishments and the the Diabetes Association of Atlanta andevent The painted yourout facequickly. andevent visit fascinating expects to sell Thewill Fur Bus B-Aware on Foundation. This feature entomology exhibits as butterfly banners flutter will be on poetry, hand tocartransport live music, show and participants lots of family in thebarevents. breeze. nature’ marvelous from to bar. Witness Tickets can bespurchased friendly pollinators and enjoy the most magnificent show from Steinbeck’s Ale House, Ujoint, as they land on people and nearby flowers at and Karvana Coffee Shop, all located in INMAN PARK RESTAURANT WEEK each of the releases. Kids can dress in costumes and Oakhurst village. March 28-April 3, $15
wear wings andmeal antenna to march $25 &their $35butterfly for three-course in our butterfly parades at the conclusion of IHOP NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY CELEBRATION inmanparkrestaurantweek.com festivities each day. Tuesday, March 1, 7 am-10 pm, Free Pancakes
International House of Pancakes Savor historic Inman Park with three-course SING-A-LONG OF MUSICProceeds EVENT Locations throughout Metro Atlanta dinners from 11SOUND local restaurants. Sunday, July 17, 2:00pm, Tickets $15 in advance IHOPPancakeday.com will benefit Project Open Hand, which helps $20 day of show people prevent or better manage chronic The Fox Theatre, www.foxtheatre.org On thisthrough day, customers will nutrition receive care. one disease comprehensive free short stack IHOP’s $1 raffle tickets will(three) be soldofand will gofamous towards The Sing-a-Long Sound of raffle Music buttermilk pancakes. All they askwill is isthat the charity. The winner of the wina screening of the classic Julie Andrews film patrons making donation to a hosted consider hor d’ouerves, beer aand wine party musical glorious, full-screen Technicolor, support local children’s hospitals through at Park’sin Edge Restaurant for thirty of their complete with subtitles so that the Children’s Miracle Network or other local friends. Each Inman Park restaurant willwhole bring audience can sing along. The fun-filled charities. beginningforitstheNational tastes from Since their restaurants winner. show startsDay with a vocal warm-up led IHOP by the Pancake in 2006, The winner willcelebration be announced at the end of evening’s host, who also takes the audience has raised more $5.35 millionfortoa the restaurant week.than Check the website through ‘magic moments support charities in the communities in completetheir list ofcomplimentary participating restaurants. pack’ , containing various props to be used at which it operates.
strategic points throughout the film.
Georgia World Congress Center 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., Atlanta cheersport.net
Bring it on…this electrifying cheerleading and dance competition features teams competing from across America. This year, it expects to grow larger than ever with over 900 teams participating, from ages three through college. Cheersport was founded by all-star coaches who loved competitive cheerleading and dance. Check the website for the full competition schedule.
RECEIVE UPDATED EVENTS WEEKLY. SIGN UP BY E-MAILING SUBSCRIPTIONS@ATLANTAONADIME.COM ENTER ON SUBJECT LINE: SIGN ME UP INSITE!
PG 5 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
FILM
BRAINS & BEAUTY
Maria Menounos Doles Out Life-Changing Advice In Her New Book, “Every Girl’s Guide to Life” By MarcI MILLer
y
ou may know maria menounos from entertainment shows, Entertainment Tonight and access Hollywood, along with her reporting on The Today Show and nBC nightly news and as a film and television actress. and now, maria menounos has added the title of author to her resume with her new book, THE EVEryGirL’S GuiDE To LiFE. maria shares all the tips and secrets she’s learned from the biggest experts in the world to the biggest stars in Hollywood. whether doing her own hair and make up for the red carpet or organizing her home and office to get the most out of her day and career, maria leaves no stone unturned in teaching the every girl on the every salary how to have it all and do it all better, faster and cheaper Fans who read THE EVEryGirL’S GuiDE To LiFE will discover how hands-on maria menounos is with all facets of her life. raised by immigrant parents, maria grew up working as a janitor cleaning nightclubs with her family. She is a self-made woman and has used her life experiences to help her stay grounded and succeed in the competitive field of news and entertainment. maria recently visited atlanta and stopped by athens Pizza in Decatur to promote her book. The location was chosen as a nod to her Greek
heritage. we spoke to maria about her success and how others can take her advice and live the EveryGirl’s lifestyle.
How do you think you’ve gotten it so together when many people your age are still trying to find themselves? i think by always seeking, and adhering to, the advice of older people. i say in my book how important it is to have older friends when you’re young. Conversely, when you’re old you should have younger friends. These days i have both… my younger friends keep me fresh and the older ones keep me wise. Is your partner Keven as organized as you and if not, does that ever cause conflict? keven is the reason i am organized. He was the one who accurately assessed how much harder i was making my own life by being disorganized. i do think when one in the relationship is disorganized and the other is a neat freak that the two should work together to improve. neither side should accept the shortcomings. You give advice on so many topics, out of all your suggestions, what is the most important first step an unorganized woman can take to get her life in order? The first step is to clean and organize your
. . . x t I e s n e Whmes to IgnoranCe Is Co
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surgi-Center license 044-287
BeIng grounded soMetIMes works agaInst you. By not BeIng crazy or a dIva you can soMetIMes get the short end oF the stIck and get taken advantage oF In hoLLywood.
house. Take the weekend, a few days off or even your entire vacation if you have to but do it. This is your foundation. all things begin and end there. Having this in order will start you off on a better path. The key is keeping it organized once you do. Despite the advice you give in the book, are there parts of your life that you still struggle with? i struggle with many things and always will. This is life. also, when you are ‘in kaizen’ or a state of continuous improvement as i like to be, that means you are ever changing. and with change comes struggle. This is how you grow and if you’re not growing you’re dying. Specifically, however, i struggle with always eating healthy, making the time to work out, being organized, family relationships and with my career, too. What have been some of your career highlights? it’s all been a fairy tale adventure but interviewing the obama family, remaining the only person to ever to do so, in such a historic election, tops it all. i was told aBC news placed my interview as the top five pivotal moments that won the election. another highlight has been my work with Brian williams, reporting for nBC nightly news. To report for the world’s leading news broadcast is such an honor as has been my work on access and The Today Show. Covering ‘the girl effect’ in kenya was an experience i’ll always cherish, too. What was the biggest disappointment in your career and how did you overcome it? knock on wood, at this time, there have been no big career disappointments. i’ve been so blessed to be able to be the first to act in movies and do network news. other than singing, i’ve really been able to do it all. if i were pressed for an answer, i’d say there were times i reacted rather than responded or got over emotional over stuff behind the scenes. There were times i let myself get taken advantage of, too. again, that’s just part of growth and what all women endure. all i can do is reflect upon it, take responsibility for it and remember those moments so i can be better next time around. What do you see as the biggest way women sabotage themselves? i think being jealous of other women. as a gender, we don’t stick together. in fact, we
attack one another. we immediately shoot ourselves in the foot in this way-especially when guys work so hard to do the opposite. They stick together and have each others backs. in addition, we don’t always think practically about situations and get too caught up in our emotions. What’s it like being a grounded person in Hollywood? Being grounded sometimes works against you. By not being crazy or a diva you can sometimes get the short end of the stick and get taken advantage of in Hollywood. i’ve had agents tell me i need to diva up but i tell them i can’t change who i am. Being grounded has gotten me this far so why would i? To handle the craziness, i have great friends and family, keven and my dogs who keep me sane. i have a great house that’s set up for serenity and peace. it helps me to cope and recharge. when i had an apartment, i set it up the same way. whether in Hollywood or Boston, if you set your home up in this way, it will help. You’ve accomplished a lot so far, what would you like to do next? i have so much i want to do! i love life and love new experiences so i’ll always have my hands full. i just launched a new media platform called afterbuzz TV. afterbuzz TV produces after-shows for your favorite TV shows. in the vain Bravo andy does aftershows for all the Housewives series, we do after-shows for most of your favorite shows from “Dancing with the Stars’ to ‘Jersey Shore’ to ‘mad men.’ afterbuzz hosts break down the episodes, take calls from fans and interview cast and crew from the series they’re covering. our shows are webcasts and podcasts and are available for free on ustream and itunes as well as at afterbuzztv.com. we know we are in the digital age and that new media, internet and TV viewing will soon be combined. keven and i wanted to be ahead of the curve with something we, and so many others around the world, are passionate about - TV and movies. it’s a lot of fun to host and produce the shows. we have over 100 hosts, are the largest pure new media network on the web with almost 50 shows, and, because american TV is so popular in other countries, are downloaded worldwide. on top of everything else i do, i’d like to one day have a talk show where i can make a positive impact, continue to exchange information and touch people in a healthy way.
Under The Lights Ongoing Theatrical Performances ROCK OF AGES
July 5 - 10 The Fox Theatre Ticketmaster 800.982.2787 www.theaterofthestars.com
ROCK OF AGES takes place in 1987 on the Sunset Strip in LA’s most famous rock club. Here a small-town girl meets a big hair, bigcity dreamer and sparks fly. The love story unfolds through the 80’s hits of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, Foreigner, Pat Benatar and more. Tony Award nominee Constantine Moroulis (see interview on page 12) stars.
THREE SISTAHS
July 15 - Aug 28 Horizon Theatre Box Office 404-584-7450 www.horizontheatre.com
THREE SISTAHS is a blues & pop musical set in 1969 is about three sisters, an idealistic activist, a suburban housewife and a diligent
professor, as they gather for the third year in a row for a funeral. Two years ago it was Mamma. Last year it was Daddy. This year it is their only brother. When they return to pack up the family home, sparks fly as they share wine, memories, dreams and secrets. During the last night in their childhood home, these three sisters determine what family means to them. Starring Bernardine Mitchell, Crystal Fox, and Amber Iman.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF July 19 - 24 The Fox Theatre Ticketmaster 800.982.2787 www.theaterofthestars.com
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a tale of love and laughter, devotion and defiance...and changing traditions. Tevye, a humble milkman from the Russian village of Anatevka, is wrestling with the new customs of a younger generation. His struggle is punctuated by an unforgettable score that weaves the haunting strains of "Sunrise, Sunset" and the rousing "If I Were A Rich Man" with the exuberant "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" and triumphant "Tradition." When his daughters choose suitors who defy his idea of a proper match, Tevye comes to realize, through a series of incidents that are at once comic and bittersweet, that his children will begin traditions of their own.
Flicks on 5th
Outdoor Summer Film Series
Wednesday Nights at TECH Square July 13 Battle: Los Angeles (PG-13) July 20 Rango (PG) July 27 Source Code (PG-13)
Tech Square (5th St. between Spring St. & Techwood Dr.) Seating opens at 7pm Movies start at 9pm Come early to enjoy dinner from one of the many 5th Street restaurants flickson5th.gatech.edu
FREE ADMISSION * Movie schedule is subject to change. Guests are welcome to bring chairs and blankets. Please leave umbrellas and pets at home. Event is rain or shine. Student Center
Join the Club • Become a Member
Receive Deals at Retailers and Win Free Tickets to Movies, Concerts, Theatre Shows & Events
More info at www.cinemoms.com PG 7 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
Guide to Little 5!
The Five Spot
Explore Atlanta’s most eclectic Neighborhood Junkman’s Daughter 464 Moreland Ave 404.577.3188 Mon-Thu 11-7; Fri 11-8; Sat 11-9; Sun 12-7 www.thejunkmansdaughter.com
No place better encapsulates the raw edgy pulse of Little 5 Points like the alternative super store known as Junkman's Daughter. Now celebrating their 29th anniversary, the Junkman's Daughter's floor has grown to a staggering 10,000 square feet! The store is crammed full of far-out fashions and groovy accessories for men and women, unique and unusual gifts, house wares from around the world, cool collectables, retro nick-nacks and toys. They also offer terrific hard to find, unusual books and a fully stocked tobacco shop. Junkman's Daughter was recently named one of the 25 Best Independent Stores in America by the book Retail Super Stars. Make sure to check out Junkman's this Halloween for the most irreverent and original wigs, masks and costumes in town.
Psycho Sisters 428 Moreland Ave. 404.523.0100 www.psycho-sisters.com Sun-Wed 10-9; Thu-Sat 10-10 Friendly staff, fun funky, unusual and outra-
geous Psycho Sisters has been the #1 consignment boutique in Atlanta for more than 20 Years. "We Buy, Trade, and Sell cool current clothing from men and women, keeping our stock fun and fresh." says the 45 year old single mom owner Angie McLean." I travel and shop all over for one-of-a-kind clothing items, close outs, any items I can bring back to my customers to mix and match their wardrobe." Whether shopping for back to school, a hot date, the club, a family reunion, a movie, any holiday or any special event to attend and want to make a BIG presence, Psycho Sisters is a sure bet for any occasion. And don't forget, the Halloween selection at Psycho Sisters is outrageous!!
Rag-O-Rama
1111 Euclid Ave. 404.658.1988 Mon-Thu 11-8, Fri-Sat 11-9, Sun 12-7 www.ragorama.com
Rag-O-Rama is a resale clothing store in the heart of Little Five Points. The Atlanta location has been opened for 5 years now. The enormous space is filled to the brim with spectacular men's and women's fashions and accessories. They carry an ever changing inventory of new and second-hand merchandise; including name brands, designer labels, vintage styles and one-of-a-kind wears. Rag-O-Rama buys daily, without appointments, during all hours of operation and offers cash and store credit on the spot for modern and vintage styles that reflect the current season. So, stop in whether it is to BUY, SELL or TRADE!
Savage Pizza
484 Moreland Ave. 404.523.0500 www.savagepizza.com
1123 Euclid Ave 404.223.1100 www.fivespot-atl.com The Five Spot is a staple of music and arts in the heart of Little Five Points. From a selection of more than 100 beers to their art-laden walls, there is something for everyone. The kitchen features a gourmet style deli menu including sandwiches, salads, quesadillas and nachos with many vegetarian and vegan options. On any given night, the Five Spot features live music of all genres, from bluegrass to indie rock, jam bands to acid jazz, and form funk to hip-hop. They also feature live art, short films and animations. Atlanta’s most inclusive music and arts venue features acoustic acts every Monday, a diverse Musician's Jam on Tuesdays, monthly Bluegrass Jam’s and many touring and national acts Wednesday through Sunday.
The Corner Tavern
Savage Pizza is a hip, eclectic restaurant that fits right in with the Little Five Points neighborhood. On Savage's menu you'll find homemade sauces, fresh dough and prepared dishes made from scratch every day. Savage's hand-tossed crusts are thrown with real hands and get enough air to make Tony Hawk jealous. In addition to their famous pizzas, they also have calzones, salads, subs and pasta. Savage serves lunch and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating and offers catering and delivery. Check out their second location on Laredo Drive in Avondale Estates.
1174 Euclid Ave 404.521.0667 www.thecornertavern.com At the intersection of Euclid and Moreland resides The Corner Tavern; Little 5 Points most happening spot. During the week there is trivia, a dart league and a Crawfish Boil starting at 6PM on Thursdays - all you can eat! Friday is Pint Night, where you get a 20 oz pint and shot of Jameson for $9 and you get to keep the glass. Hang out all day on the weekends while they serve brunch from 11-3pm and offer bottomless Mimosas for just $11. The Little 5 Points corner Tavern has Karoake every Sunday night and poker (check listings on their website).
Pool • Darts Great Food Extensive Beer Selection Karoake Trivia Mon – Sat 11am – 3am Sunday 11am – 12am
1174 Euclid Ave (404) 521-0667
Thecornertavern.com
Women’s · Men’s · Accessories
Hot Summer Fashions at Cool Prices
Now Hiring! Little 5 Points • 1111 Euclid Ave 404.658.1988 •
www.
ragorama.com
Mon - Thurs 11-8 • Fri & Sat 11-9 • Sun 12-7
PG 8 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
Taste of the Month-Barbecue! Fat Matt’s Rib Shack
Pig-N-Chik
1811 Piedmont Rd. 404.607.1622 www.fatmattsribshack.com
4920 Roswell Rd. 404.255.6368 5071 Peachtree Ind. Blvd. 770.451.1112 1815 Briarcliff Rd. 404.474.9444 www.pignchik.net
An Atlanta institution for more than 20 years, Fat Matt's keeps packing them in. On most nights you will find a line out the door of people eager to get to their famous barbecue. Fat Matt’s received international acclaim when they were mentioned by George Clooney in the movie “Up in the Air” as where to go for barbecue in Atlanta. Owner Matt Harper, who is actually quit slim, has perfected the art of Southern BBQ. Not limited to the North Carolina or Kentucky styles, Fat Matt's uses their own seasoning and cooking technique. These ribs are smoked to perfection and literally falling off the bone. Fat Matt's ribs have been voted Best Of Atlanta by INsite readers and other publications. The ribs can be ordered as a whole, half slab, or on a sandwich. They also serve great barbecue chicken and pork. The signature side is their Rum Baked Beans, but they also have delicious Brunswick Stew, Mac & Cheese, Roasted Peanuts, Collards, Potato Salad, and Cole Slaw. Fat Matt's serves 9 beers on tap and more in bottles. They feature live blues seven nights a week. Fat Back Deluxe performs every Sunday night and has a huge following. The rest of the week’s schedule is as follows: Mondays-Uncle Sugar; Tuesdays - J.T. Speed; Wednesdays Deacon Brandon Reeves; Thursdays Chickenshack. Check out their website for weekend performances as well as catering information and online purchases of such things as BBQ Sauce, T-Shirts and CD's.
Dreamland Bar-B-Que 10730 Alpharetta Hwy. 678.352.7999 www.dreamlandbbq.com Since John "Big Daddy" Bishop first opened the original store back in 1958 in Tuscaloosa AL, the legendary ribs live on at Dreamland's various locations in the southeast. All Dreamland locations keep that hickory fired taste. Their Roswell restaurant goes through 22 tons of hickory wood every ten days! Regardless which restaurant you are at, you'll always get a Bid Daddy Welcome. In addition to the legendary ribs and sauce, the menu at the Roswell location has expanded to include such items as pulled pork, BBQ chicken, hickory smoked sausage, baked beans, Cole slaw, potato salad, house salads served with their own BBQ house dressing and a true Southern favorite for dessert; Banana Pudding! The Roswell store has an expansive dining area plus plenty of outdoor patio seating. Dreamland offers and extensive catering menu with a variety of options for parties large and small. Popular for catering are Dreamland’s slabs of ribs. Before shipping each slab is inspected by their pit master and basted with Dreamland’s legendary sauce. Each slab package comes with a quart of our sauce, a loaf of Sunbeam bread, bibs, wetnaps, and toothpicks. Go to their website www.dreamlandbbq.com to order, purchase gift certificates and receive internet specials.
Ain’t nothing like ‘em nowhere!
10730 Alpharetta Hwy. Roswell, GA 30076 678-352-7999 Owner Jim Graddy spent his summers working on his uncle’s Machester, Georgia hog farm and grew up learning the ways of pit-cooked pork. He cooks his pork about 14 to 16 hours at a temperature between 200 and 300 degrees. The ribs are St. Louis cut with pink smoke ring. All the meats here are served naked without sauce as Mr. Graddy feels his barbecue should be able to stand on its own so the true flavor of the meat comes through. They offer tasty homemade BBQ sauces on the tables and their barbecue is served accompanied with a slice of thick white bread to mop it up. Pig-N-Chik is a family friendly barbecue restaurant that offers something that everyone will like; all at affordable prices. From barbecue ribs and barbecue pork to turkey, beef brisket, chicken wings, smoked salmon and a variety of salads, they’ve got a menu filled with irresistible dishes. Your children will love their kid's menu, featuring a tasty selection of chicken fingers, corndogs, beef and pork sandwiches and pork ribs. What’s great about their menu is that there are so many different options in ordering a specific item. Interested in pulled pork? You can get it on a sandwich by itself or up to three sides; on a plate in three serving options; or ordered by the half-pound. Pig-N-chik recently opended their third location next to the Sage Hill shopping center on Briarcliff Rd. People may be familiar with the location as Dusty’s Barbecue stood here for many years. The location has been completely renovated and now offers a large patio out front with view of a flat screen TV for you Braves fans. The location is easily accessible to the Emory and Virginia Highland areas. All three locations offer Dine-in, Delivery and Catering. Visit Pig-N-Chik this summer as they celebrate their 10th Anniversary.
Catering Available
www.dreamlandbbq.com
Atlanta’s Favorite Family Style BBQ
Contact You’re Nearest Location for Catering
PigNChik.net Sandy Springs / Buckhead 4920 Roswell Rd • 404-255-6368 Chamblee / Brookhaven 5071 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. • 770-451-1112 NEW LOCATION! Emory Area 1815 Briarcliff Rd. • 404-474-9444
A Southern Soul Food Revival Bama-Style BBQ Full Premium Bar & Nightlife Outdoor Patio Haul it Home Packs Catering for Special Events
Moe's Original Bar B Que 349 14th Street 404-249-0707 www.moesoriginalbbq.com
349 14th Street • Atlanta 404-249-0707 www.moesoriginalbbq.com
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Moe's Original Bar B Que is Preston Smith and Brett Mancuso's fast casual Midtown eatery and catering company featuring award-winning Bama-style BBQ offerings including Pulled Pork, Ribs, Chicken, Wings and Turkey in addition to Catfish and a Shrimp Moe-Boy Sandwich accompanied by down home, Southern sides and desserts prepared fresh daily. Large party take out and full service catering with delivery are also available. Designed with staples of the South, the restaurant is comfortable for families, students and professionals alike with seating indoors and on the patio. Additionally, there's a lively nightlife scene with full premium bar, a half dozen HDTVs and occasional live music.
Become a Fan to stay informed and be the first to know about great events and online ticket contests.
Check Us Out on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/insiteatlanta Call
www.insiteatlanta.com (404) 404-315-8485
Steve at
315-8485 PG 9 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
Music
OLDER & WISER
Jared Swilley On Punk Rebellion, Atlanta’s Indie-Rock Scene & the Maturing of Black Lips BY BRET LOVE
t
ruth be told, I’ve always thought the black lips were a better band than they allowed themselves to be. emerging from the dank basement of atlanta’s indie-rock scene at a time when there was very little “scene” to speak of, the band attempted to make up for a decided lack of musical knowledge and experience with pure, adrenalized rock ‘n’ rebellion. Inspired by punk legends such as the stooges, the Germs and G.G. allin, the black lips became equally well-known for destructive on-stage antics as they were for their distinctive brand of garage-rock. of course, the ploy ultimately worked. as word spread of their incendiary live shows, the quartet gained national attention from major outlets such as spin, rolling stone and the New york times. but still the sophomoric shenanigans continued, including fleeing a tour of India prematurely to avoid arrest in 2009. these days, according to bassist/vocalist swilley, the band has grown more mature, reigning in their more self-destructive impulses. they recently finished recording their sixth studio album, arabia Mountain, with famed producer Mark ronson, and are preparing for the most extensive touring of their careers. we recently sat down for a chat with swilley about the band’s early days, evolution and future ambitions.
APPETiTE FOR DEsTRucTiON
“I started out playing violin in elementary school,” swilley recalls of his early interest in music. “I wanted to play that because it came close to a guitar. I always wanted to be in a band because it just seemed cool to me. I was really into music.” by the age of 13 he had met future black lips singer/guitarist Cole alexander, and the two became fast friends due to a shared interest in punk rock and skateboarding. alexander was already notorious in their dunwoody-area school for his outrageous rebellious antics, the likes of which eventually got both him and swilley kicked out of high school. “I actually got kicked out in 11th grade,” swilley says, “but my antics weren’t too crazy. the school just started implementing all these zero tolerance policies after the Columbine shootings. we always got in trouble for creative things: we did smash a lot of stuff, but it was more than petty vandalism. In the beginning we were really young and weren’t very good at our instruments, so it was almost like performance art. I thought it was slightly artistic!” Fortunately, the rambunctious duo found a productive outlet for their testosteronefueled energy and angst in playing rock ‘n’ roll. after their first band, the renegades, broke up, alexander and swilley joined forces with guitarist ben eberbaugh in 1999 to form the black lips, enlisting drummer Joe bradley a few months later. In the beginning, musical simplicity was their driving force, in part because of their tender age and in part due to necessity: swilley laughs as he remembers that none of them could play their instruments very well in the early days. “our main musical influence was link wray, whose song ‘rumble’ was on the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. that song just sounded so badass! we got some of his records and they’re really easy to play along with, and the tones sound PG 10 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
real good. we also loved the ramones. I actually learned bass by trying to play along to ramones songs,” he admits, “because they’re pretty simple. the theatrics of the Germs and other l.a. punk bands were also a big influence on us, especially early on. their whole aesthetic was appealing.” but, unlike a lot of garage-rock bands, who tend to take a more purist approach to their 3-chords-and-an-attitude ethos, the black lips’ musical interests spread far beyond the punk sound. Gospel, r&b and even hip-hop influences would eventually find their way into the band’s distinctive identity. “we liked led Zeppelin, the rolling stones and early beatles,” swilley says, “and they were all ripping off black artists from the south. but the original stuff sounds a lot better. I also had a big gospel influence early on because my family is in the ministry. I was always impressed by the energy level of gospel music and r&b. I think we dug hip-hop just because of the generation we’re in. wu-tang always seemed like an awesome band: they were pretty psychedelic and used a lot of old r&b samples.”
sO iNDiE iT HuRTs
the road from obscurity to fame tends to be riddled with obstacles for all but the luckiest bands, but the black lips faced more than their fair share of adversity. For one thing, the atlanta scene of the late ‘90s and early 2000’s was very different from the indie-rock haven it is today: rap-rock, punk and post-grunge alternative pop dominated the local musical landscape, leaving few like-minded groups for them to perform with. add to that the fact that swilley and Co. were still too young to perform in most of the city’s live music venues, and you begin to understand why he says the band suffered something of an identity crisis. “I think it’s easier for a young band to start up these days because there’s a cohesive scene now,” swilley says when asked how atlanta has changed over the years. “when we started out the only place to play was the 513 Club, which was a grab bag of punk and hardcore bands, but then that place got pretty gnarly. we ended up playing the west end warehouses and a smattering of house parties around town. but it seems like there’s more of a support network now.” the band suffered a much more personally devastating setback in december 2002, just days before a big tour was scheduled to begin. Guitarist ben eberbaugh was parked at a tollbooth when a drunk driver who was going the wrong way struck his car headon. eberbaugh was killed, but the black lips ultimately decided to soldier on in his memory, enlisting Ian saint Pé to take his place. In subsequent years, the band seemed to descend into a self-destructive spiral of drugs and debauchery, becoming renowned for on-stage antics involving homosexuality, indecent exposure, bodily fluids and good ol’ fashioned destruction. For swilley, whose father is bishop Jim swilley of Conyers’ massive Church In the Now, this time in the black lips’ proved something of a double-edged sword: as the band was attracting more acclaim on a national and even international level, his father was taking more heat from his congregation about his son’s controversial behavior. Jared acknowledges that his parents “had to ignore a lot of stuff,” and insists that his father is surprisingly toler-
THis is THE HAPPiEsT i’VE EVER BEEN wiTH A BLAck LiPs REcORD uPON cOMPLETiON. i usuALLY HATE OuR REcORDs wHEN wE’RE DONE. i cAN’T LisTEN TO THEM FOR A LONG TiME. ant and understanding, considering his devout religious background. Indeed, the pastor has taken to the Internet in the past in his son’s defense. “the black lips began as sort of a musical version of the show Jackass, and the reputation that they developed during that time still follows them,” the pastor wrote in a 2008 blog entry. “they broke instruments, got in fistfights on stage, and supposedly acted indecently. their audiences loved it, and they got the attention from the press that they desired.”
THE TuRNiNG TiDE
by 2006 the band’s fortunes had begun to change. In atlanta, a vibrant indie-rock scene started to develop organically (as shown in the documentary film we Fun: atlanta, Ga Inside out), with acts such as deerhunter, the selmanaires and the Coathungers emerging as the black lips’ brothers-in-musical-arms. their collective impact began to garner attention on a national level, with swilley and company earning features in spin and rolling stone magazines. signed to respected indie label vice records, the band’s 2007 appearance at the south by southwest music festival landed a feature in the New york times, which called them the “hardest working band at sXsw.” but according to swilley, it was a tour with detroit-based garage-rock group the dirtbombs that made him realize that the black lips had somehow become a real band. “that’s when I thought, ‘wow, this is my job now!’” he recalls. “I realized I hadn’t worked in 4 months, and that I didn’t need to anymore. the dirtbombs booking agent– who also did white stripes, black Keys and all those bands– picked us up after that. before then we would do one month on tour, and then one month of working to save up to go on tour.” the overwhelmingly positive critical response to their 2007 album Good bad Not evil and 2009’s 200 Million thousand led to song placements in numerous tv shows (dirty sexy Money) and movies (500 days of summer, scott Pilgrim vs. the world), as well as performances on late Night with Conan o’brien. the band toured relentlessly, at one point performing over 120 shows in the u.s. and europe over an 11-month span. and of course their onstage antics– including a quick departure from India in 2009 after a show in
which Cole and Ian kissed and various appendages were graphically exposed– continued to garner headlines around the world. but, according to swilley, the black lips were getting weary of the mayhem overshadowing their music. “you just kind of grow out of it,” he says. “you can’t pee in your mouth every night. It got boring, especially when we did interviews. when we came into a town, the headline would always have something to do with throwing up or peeing.”
cLiMB EVERY MOuNTAiN
these days, the black lips seem to be at an intriguing juncture in their evolution, both as individuals and as a musical unit. with side-projects such as the almighty defenders (a collaboration with part-time atlanta King Khan), the Gaye blades and Ghetto Cross (alexander’s collaboration with deerhunter frontman bradford Cox), the group’s members have found external outlets they don’t have to take quite as seriously. but for their primary gig, the band seems to be stepping it up a notch with their new album, arabia Mountain, which was produced by Mark ronson. “there’s a lot more sonic experimentation this time around,” swilley says. “we have a saw player on the album– this guy that plays on broadway who’s also a composer and a concert violinist. he was telling us that he’s only one of two people in the world that has a perfect pitch on the saw. he was fascinating, and watching him do that was amazing. we’ve also got a lot of theremin on the record, weird pianos, and trash cans for extra percussion. this is the happiest I’ve ever been with a black lips record upon completion. I usually hate our records when we’re done. I can’t listen to them for a long time.” asked what other new elements ronson (who’s worked with everyone from retro soul divas amy winehouse and adele to hip-hop heavyweights Ghostface Killah and wale) brought to the mix, swilley continues. “he tweaked some of the arrangements, asking us to try different things here and there, and he brought in a great sax player who’s in the dap Kings. he was also on the mixing board coaching me on the way I sing, because sometimes I get indecisive. originally I was a little apprehensive because we’re so different, but I like that it’s not straight garage-rock. It ended up being awesome.”
EvEnts
agave restaurant
4th of July Celebrations By Marci MillEr aso’s all-aMErican cElEBration
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will open the fourth season at its summer home, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, with a Fourth of July celebration on Monday, July 4, 2011, at 8:00 pm. Guest conductor Rob Fisher will lead the Orchestra and U.S. Army Chorus in an AllAmerican Celebration of patriotic sing-a-longs and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The 94th Airlift Wing Dobbins Base Honor Guard will also join the Orchestra at the beginning of the concert. Concertgoers will be given mini-American flags, and the evening will conclude with a post-concert finale featuring fireworks produced by Pyrotecnico. For all 2011 Orchestra concerts, family four-pack ticket packages are available, which include: four tickets for lawn ($60) or four tickets for pavilion seating ($80), four food baskets, four lawn chair rentals, and one parking pass. Ovations, the onsite caterer for Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, will also offer themed cuisine to complement the programming of all Orchestra concerts at the Amphitheatre. Please visit www. atlantasymphony.org or Ticketmaster.com for more information.
an eclectic southwestern eatery & tequila bar . est. 2000
Reservations at 404 588 0006 or online at : www.agaverestaurant.com 242 Boulevard S.E. Atlanta . 30312
special selection of patriotic and popular music. MARTA is strongly encouraged for transportation. For more information, please visit www. centennialpark.com.
aso
fantastic fourth cElEBration at stonE Mountain park
Celebrate in red, white and blue at the only place in Atlanta to see fireworks three nights in a row. Atlanta’s largest Fourth of July celebration explodes with excitement at Stone Mountain Park with the Fantastic Fourth Celebration which runs July 2 – 4. The thrills begin with the Lasershow Spectacular™ in Mountainvision and culminate with a breathtaking fireworks display. On the 4th of July, bursts of light will illuminate the sky as fireworks are shot from both the base AND the top of Stone Mountain. Please come early and prepare for large crowds. The lasershow and fireworks are free with paid parking. Vehicle entry to the park is $10 for a one-day permit or $35 for an annual permit. The lasershow and fireworks will take place at 9:30pm on the lEnox squarE Memorial/Laser Lawn. For further information please call (770) 498-5690 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com.
Pre Selected chef’S MenuS & Private rooMS available
Consistently Voted One Of Atlanta’s Best Restaurants INsite Magazine Best of Atlanta Winner Best Southwestern Cuisine & Best Margarita !!
alpharEtta’s 4th of July cElEBration
Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!
Celebrate Independence Day with family and friends at Wills Park. Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department will host festivities and fireworks on lEgEndary 4th of July at lEnox squarE Monday, July 4th. Food vendors will be located Preparations are under way for one of the city’s throughout the park from 5pm to 10pm. On the beloved summer traditions, Legendary Fourth of Event Lawn behind Alpharetta Community Center July at Lenox Square. For over half a century, Lenox will be free children’s activities from 5pm to 8pm Square has celebrated in grand tradition with and a stage featuring the Alpharetta City Band activities for the entire family, including games for who will play your favorite patriotic music from children, musical entertainment, food concessions 6pm to 7pm. Then at 7pm, Serious Business will and the largest fireworks display in the Southeast. take the stage to play classic rock and new country Everyone is invited to Lenox Square to experience music hits. The highlight of the evening will be Atlanta’s historic celebration. Lenox Square shops the spectacular fireworks and restaurants will be show which begins at dusk. open that day from 10 stonE Mountain You want won’t to miss this am – 6 pm. The carnival celebration! For more info, opens for a full-day of please call 678-297-6100 family fun at 10 am. or visit accprograms@ Musical entertainment alpharetta.ga.us. begins at 6 pm and fireworks are scheduled Mall of gEorgia’s to begin at approximately faBulous 4th of July 9:40 pm. Admission cElEBration is free. Visit www. Mall of Georgia invites local lenoxsquare.com for families and friends to add more info. a few sparks to this year’s Independence Day bash.
cEntEnnial olyMpic park’s 4th of July cElEBration
Centennial Olympic Park’s 4th of July Celebration offers a full day of fun and entertainment for the entire family, including downtown Atlanta’s best fireworks display. Park gates open at 2 pm, with activities including face painting, stilt walkers, and more. Visitors can also relax on the Great Lawn and cool off in the world famous Fountain of Rings. Q100 personalities will be broadcasting live from the park. The free musical entertainment begins at approximately at 4 pm and the headliner at 8:30 pm is American Idol finalist Crystal Bowersox. The finale of the evening is the Fireworks Spectacular, Atlanta’s best fireworks display synchronized to a
As part of its “Movies Under the Stars” series, Mall of Georgia will celebrate its ninth annual Fabulous Fourth event packed full of patriotic, family-friendly festivities. In addition to the fun and fireworks, the center is introducing the Mall of Georgia Beer Garden, open to families, but catering specifically to the 21 and older crowd. Entry into the Beer Garden is free with purchase of beverage and/or food. Additionally, children can play the day away in the Kids Zone, located near The Village. Free concerts begin at 2 pm in the Village Amphitheatre, the Kids Zone opens at 2 pm, fireworks are scheduled to begin at dusk followed by a post-fireworks screening of Little Fockers. For more information, visit www.mallofgeorgia.com.
2010
BEST PIZZA! 2010
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Multiple Atlanta Locations: www.JohnnysPizza.com PG 11 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
FILM
A TEEN STAR IN TRANSITION
Selena Gomez Talks About Her New Role in “Monte Carlo” And Looks Towards Her Future in Hollywood. By MArcI MILLer
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elena GoMeZ is liVinG the teen dream, but struggling with making that transition from teen star to movie star. Most people know her as alex russo from Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place and roles in kid movies like ramona and Beezus and spy Kids 3-D: Game over, but selena hopes her dual roles of Grace, the texas high school graduate traveling in europe and Cordelia Winthrop scott, the spoiled european heiress in the new film, Monte Carlo, will be her first step to transition out of kiddie fare into more adult roles. We recently sat down with selena Gomez who was in town promoting Monte Carlo at the Mall of Georgia, which was part of a nationwide mall tour. she talked about the fun she had in her new movie role, growing up in the spotlight and her future in hollywood. What excited you most about taking this role in Monte Carlo? Was it the locations, clothes or story? everything! i met with tom Bezucha, who directed the film and he and Fox had me in mind for the project and thought it would be the perfect transition role for me. They thought it would be really fun and when they told me the locations that they were going to go on, i was very excited.
Was it difficult to go back and forth between the two personalities? That was the easiest…it was really fun to be Cordelia, but it wasn’t hard for me to switch back and forth. it was hard for me to have a scene where i am doing it together, where it’s Cordelia and its Grace. it was really weird, because you are supposed to react off the person and i don’t know how to react off myself so that was probably the weirdest part for me. We had a
double and she tried to mimic me as best as possible after i would switch, and she helped me a lot.
What was the fan reaction when you shot in Europe, especially Paris and Monte Carlo? We shot most of the film in hungary, nobody knew any of the cast there which was really fun because we were able to walk around the streets and talk to people. Paris was really sweet. We had a lot of people recognize leighton Meester more than me because Gossip Girl is really big in Paris. and in Monaco, we actually had a lot of fans at the hotel. so it was really cool to not only travel but to see fans there that watch the shows that we do. Did the three of you bond and end up being the Three Musketeers on set? Yes, definitely. That is what they called us. i was intimidated at first. i got the project first and they signed leighton then they signed Katie Cassidy and at the time, Katie was doing Melrose Place and leighton was doing Gossip Girl, so i was a little nervous. They’re older, they’re doing older shows, i thought i was going to be like the little kid…but they took me under their wing. They were so sweet to me, they treated me like i was one of them and we spent every second together. every weekend we went to the beaches, went out to dinners, had sleepovers, we had a great time, it was really fun. What kind of part would you like to play next that will put your career in the direction you want to go? Well, i think am in a very crucial place in my career. i’m in the transition phase where i’ve gained an incredible audience but at the same time when they
are putting together a leonardo DeCaprio movie, they are not thinking of selena Gomez. and i’m aware of that. and that’s good for me as i am able to start from the bottom and work my way to gain the respect of people. so, i just want to choose roles that really help display what i can do, but at the same time, keep the audience that has given me my job. it’s all about taking baby steps. How has the transition been? Is there an actor that you look to when thinking about the next phase of you career? i’m terrified. i’m so scared, because i could easily never work again. so, it’s been scary. i love rachel Mcadams. i think she is so beautiful, she is really classy and i love the roles that she has chosen. so, i think i look up to people like that and how they choose the roles. i am just taking it day by day, fighting for roles, just hoping for the best. Is ever there a time where you wish you could reverse your fame? no. Because that would be saying that i wish that i didn’t have everything that i have. sometimes it gets really hard with people constantly wanting to invade certain parts of my life that i am not comfortable sharing but ultimately, at the end of the day, i get to do what i love and that is more important. How has the mall tour been so far? awesome. it’s been really fun. it’s my favorite part of the job. and that’s why i love that they have incorporated it into promoting the film. Just because it’s cool to hear questions about the film and it’s really exciting for me to see my “littles” which is what i call
my little fans. Most of the time i get recognized as alex, my character from Wizards of Waverly Place, that’s what they’ll call me. But it’s really nice for them to ask questions about the film. i love my fans more than anything! When you are 80 years old and retiring, what would you like to look back on your career and see? i want to see that i made projects that affected people in a good way…that made people feel things. How have you stayed grounded in Hollywood when so many teen stars have gone off the rails? My mom keeps me in line. she knows me better than anybody. she makes me realize that i am not bigger or less than anybody.
ROCK ON Constantin Maroulis On American Idol, Theatre & His Tony-Nominated Role in Rock Of Ages
By ALex S. MorrISon
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hen Constantine Maroulis comes to the Fox Theatre as the star of rock of ages, he’ll be the second former american idol contestant to pass through atlanta in a month (his season four cast-mate anthony Fedorov starred in June’s Joseph & the amazing technicolor Dreamcoat). But what idol fans may not know is that Maroulis was a musical theatre fanatic long before the tV show made him a household name. Born in 1975 to GreeK-american parents, Ma-
roulis grew up in new Jersey, going to college at the prestigious Boston Conservatory, where he got his BFa in Musical Theatre. Maroulis describes himself as a huge “theater geek,” but music was a big part of his life as well. he got to do both with his big break as an actor, playing roger in the national touring production of rent. We recently spoke with Maroulis about his theatre background, how american idol changed his life, and his tony-nominated role in rock of ages.
How and at what age did music become a part of your life? Was your career goal as a teenager to become an actor, a singer, or something else? Music was a big part of my house growing up. My parents liked King Cole and sinatra. My brother got me into The Doors, Jane’s addiction and led Zeppelin. My sister was a new wave kid– The Cure, echo and The Bunnyman, reM, early u2 and The Police. i always dreamed of being a rock star and a Broadway star. i guess i get to do both in rock of ages.
Although most people know you from the fourth season of American Idol, I suspect few are aware that you’re a classically trained actor. Where did you study theater, and when? Yes although american idol was an amazing experience for me i did in fact exist before my time on the show ha! in 1998 i auditioned and was granted admittance to The Boston Conservatory. it’s a BFa program in Musical Theatre. it’s the top program in the country. There i studied script and score, voice and speech, private voice lessons, piano, dance, stagecraft, shakespeare and all other phases of the performing arts.
I understand you had been working as an actor when you landed the role of Roger in the national tour of the musical Rent. Yes, rent was my first experience being in something so big. i had done great roles before at school and regional theatres even Macbeth and hedwig while in new england but nothing was like rent. rent was huge not only with young people but with everyone that saw it. i’m glad to see it living on with other generations today.
What drew you to The Boston Conservatory? i was older, 22 or 23 when i started the program. Because they were a true Conservatory, they had many non-traditional students– kids that had been working in the field in their late teens and early 20’s that just didn’t go the traditional route for schooling.
PG 12 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
When did you first get interesting in acting? From very early on. i did all the school plays growing up but i had terrible stage fright. it wasn’t till high school that i started to get serious about the work.
Weren’t you in Rent at the time you were auditioning for Idol? How did that work – did you have to leave the show prior to becoming one of the Idol contestants? i actually had just come home from rent tour after a year plus. they had decided to not bring me back the following year and i was cool with that ha! i wanted to focus on music, other newer projects and that is when i was talked into auditioning for idol. That was the season Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice were contestants. Do you stay in contact with any of the Idol contestants? Yes, it was the biggest season ever and it was
a ton of fun! the tour was awesome: We sold out every arena in the country. that has never happened since. Carrie and Bo are amazing talents and yes, we are still friends. Bo and i see a lot more of each other. Carrie i saw at the last finale, and i’m so happy for her success. her voice is a true gift. In 2008 you were cast as Drew, the lead role in Rock of Ages. Since you also spent a few years as the lead vocalist of a rock band, Pray For The Soul Of Betty, was this a role that you were born to play? roa has been a true blessing for me. i thank the creatives for trusting and believing in me. There might not ever be a part that fits me so well ever again in my career. The opportunity to create a role from scratch has been so rewarding for me. i grew up singing in bands and doing theatre. i put on mini Bon Jovi concerts in my room as a kid. now i get to do it every night in front of a couple thousand people. You received rave reviews for your performance and earned a Tony Award nomination. What is it about the role – or the show – that you identify with? That speaks to you? the response to my work has been so humbling and i am truly grateful. i think i see a lot of myself in Drew. We both have a passion for music and probably fall a little too hard for the girl ha! he is a dreamer like me and he works hard to achieve his dream. Drew comes from a big family like me and he’s over all a pretty good guy ha! the chance to get to further our story of roa every night through these great songs is what really rocks!
FILM FILM
TRUMP Movie Reviews CARD THE ART OF GETTING BY (PG-13)
««««« Maybe Director Gavin Wiesen should have named this one The Art of Not Having a Good Story to Tell but Making a Movie Anyway. Don’t be fooled by the anticipation to see what Freddie Highmore grew up to play next (you remember him from “Willy Wonka,” “August Rush” and “Finding Neverland”); although he delivers seamlessly, unfortunately, he doesn’t have a script to stand on. He plays George, a primo slacker who notoriously never does his homework, habitually cuts class and doodles away most of his extra idle time. But his teachers see something in him, something he feels in himself— thatB.he’s meant for something bigger, meant to be By Love getting more outofof AmericA’s his time thanmost solving math s one puzzles or conjugating verbs. (We know this successful and high profile businessbecause he told us, not because we were able to infer men, Donald trump was well known it with context clues). That is, until he meets Sally, long before survivor producer mark Burnett an unlikely love interest that proves his inspiration tapped him to star in the Apprentice. But for more in life. She’s about as void of personality there’s no denying that theAreality showGugino, as the movie is of direction. slutty Carla turned trump from a cartoonish curiosity stiff Blair Underwood and insignificant Rita Wilson into bonato fide phenomenon, with signaonlya add a sense of randomness thathisreally just ture catchphrase– “You’re fired!”– inextricaleaves you with arched brows and a deep sigh. It bly entering popanculture seems more the so like excerpt lexicon. from an adolescent Although the Apprentice floun-than diary of dramatic emotions andinitially empty motifs dered a bit in the ratings, Burnett and a movie of teenagers illustrating bigger lifetrump lessons. stumbled winningangst formula It’s writtenupon abouta teenage simplybyforrecruitthe sake ing and third-tier athletes, of secondteenage angst. The plot isactors, scattered, superficial models and musicians for a celebrity editionout and juvenile like an MTV sitcom dragged offor theover show. thirdis incarnation, an now hour. in Myitsguess that if you are an the celebrity Apprentice tosses adolescent struggling with love and disparate finding ways to stars such as rocker Bret michaels, wrestler express that turmoil (and potentially using it as an Goldberg, legend Darryl strawberry, excuse notbaseball to do homework), you might dig it. We former governor Blagojevich sharon won’t judge, but ifron you’re anyone elseand in the world, osbourne together variety of teamdon’t expect this filmfor to asend you home with new building exercises and designed resonations about the lifechallenges after love. It’s no “Easyto A.” test their business mettle. –Jenni Williams “the Donald,” as the crazy-coiffed real estate magnate if often known, recently held BUCK court with(PG) reporters to discuss the show’s ««««« current season. Straight from Sundance, this film hits theatres Can us apunch little bit the selec-gut. withyou a tell subtle in about the emotional tion process? the life of the “real horse whisperer,” Documenting Buck Brannaman, it tracks his life story from a it’s very interesting, because so many four-and-a-half oldonblindfolded celebrities wantyear to be the show trick afterroper the to a 52-year-old trainer. breaking success of the horse previous two Famous seasons.forWe the toughest colts andsome helping ownerssome with their wanted someofathletes, actors, own problems along the way, Brannaman models and some wrestlers, so i would captures say the heartssix of or his seven live clinic audiences just as probably people per spot wequickly as the story captures you on the bigthing screen. You’ll were turning down. the hardest is that his some dry wit andpeople light-hearted humor, wechuckle really athave good that want at the from his troubled toget go choked on veryupbadly. Butstories i guess maybe we’ll childhood and face an inspiration overflow to see save them for the next show, because it looks howthat’s far such a troubled young boy has come, to like going to happen. the point of a complete 180 in terms of violence, humanity mercy.going Trulytoa be picture of someone How is thisand season different than living life with no regrets, ill will or bad days, we’ve past seasons? even Robert creditinglike thiswe’ve guy with Well,got when you Redford have a success star power. His 15 minutes of (Hollywood) fame had, you don’t like to do too many changes. came during the filming of the movie The Horse What we do have is a different tone. the cast Whisperer, theinteresting: 1998 Robertthey’ve Redford been and Scarlett has been very very Johanssen film about violent horse with a good tough and very nasty,abut there’s also a lot of heart. thewith hiredrespect Hollywood trainer couldn’t fun andWhen humor to what happens, make ihis trickthink horsewe take cues,one. Redford which don’t hadtheinright the last took a chance on Brannaman’s offer to “try things With Joan [rivers] and with Piers [morgan], with his horse. ” A room full of exhausted patience it was really nasty people really hating each reluctantly stepped aside and what the Hollywood other. these people hate each other, but it’s crew had been attempting for eight hours, Buck also funny. i think that might be the biggest did in five minutes. His credibility and talents were differentiation in terms of the three casts. never questioned and his clinics became worldrenowned for breaking horses with love and stern Can you usually telland right off the bat who is discipline (not whips punishment). Buck moves going to do well and who isn’t? quickly with a fascinating twang, and even inspires that’s alwayslife theasmost interesting quesyou to ponder a rancher. Do yourself a favor tion me because i’d will like undoubtedly to think of myself andtocatch this one…it make its asappearance being okayatwith people.shows But often i’ll earned say, the awards and has “this one is going to be a star, ” and then he that privilege whole-heartedly. turns out to be a dud. You never really –Jenniknow. Williams You feel like you’ve known these celebrities
CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH (R)
««««« War movies are hell. Lu Chuan’s City of Life and Death is beautifully filmed in black and white to suggest the 1937-38 period it covers, but it has narrative problems, especially for westerners who are unfamiliar with the Japanese invasion of China that took place then. Historical details are sketched in via postcards (in English) that flash by too quickly to read. (If you watch it at home you’ll keep a finger on the rewind button.) Furthermore, while one atrocity after another is depicted, the largest battle takes place in the first few minutes as the Japanese take over Nanking, which was then through reading about so many the Chinese capital. Afterthem seeingformasses of people years, a lot of times somebody that youand buriedbut alive, locked in a building and burned, don’t out be a(we’re star. shot asthink they of tryso to highly run intoturns the sea to to escape You whatvictims will happen with told just theredon’t wereknow 300,000 of the Nanking pressure heatintimate of battle. Massacre),and thethe more stories that follow are relatively anticlimactic, even though they includedoes massa rapes and multiple executions. What celebrity have to do to really We onlythemselves get to know a handful of people by name, set apart and show that they’re Japanese Sgt. Kadokawa, inincluding it to winsensitive it? who lovefrom withseasons the first1 and woman he has i canfalls tellinyou 2 and sex with; GermanApprentice, Dr. Rabe, who establishes from the regular people really an “international safety zone” until Hitler want to win. every once for in arefugees while you’ll calls ahim homebut to avoid offending the often. Japanese; have quitter, it doesn’t happen Rabe’s Chinesethey assistant, who settles iand think the reason do it isTang, the level of for self-interest when no “right” thing to intensity they feel forthere’s their charity. Unlike do. regular The details aren’t always clear,somebody but many of the the Apprentice, where imagesfor areme unforgettable. works for a pretty good salary for a Warren year, with this one the money goes –Steve to charity. Last year we raised millions of dollars. everybody a charity that they love; some GREEN has LANTERN (PG-13) are foundations they’ve set up themselves ««««« years in advance of the show. so i think they This isfight a comic book moviebecause that reminds why really more intense it’s ame charI stopped ity they’rereading fightingcomic for. books. Even for fans of the genre it has little to offer beyond a few good CG effects, and those you can get anywhere. Ryan What are your favorite challenges to watch Reynolds is in his very limited comfort zone as the celebrities tackle? Hal Jordan, a smirking smartass who ischallengrecruited Well, we do have a lot of different by whether an ancientweorder of protectors of theofuniverse es, go back to the selling the to join their ranks, gaining superpowers and a lemonade or doing something else very basic spandex suit in the process. There’s also an eye without having to deal with Proctor & Gammask that’s supposed to appear when it’s needed ble or Kodak, etc. sometimes [sponsor-based for his protection, but it pops up in intimate scenes challenges] are sort of interesting, but they’re with people who are aware of his identity. The expensive for us to do. the ratings suggest most egregious continuity error comes when Hal that the fans’ favorite part of the show by impresses his once and possibly future girlfriend, far is the boardroom, and by themaking boardroom Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), a necklace has gotten longer over the years appear on her neck. It disappears abecause momentof later that. theneck challenges plenty of time and her is bare still for have the rest of the scene. and we’re focused aspects,tobut Everything appearson to both be building an we attack have been trying to lengthen boardroom by the villain Parallax (whose the weapon is Fear – because of strong viewer requests. he’s obviously a subsidiary of Fox News) on the guardians’ home planet, but he detours to Earth You’re attorney the The to give like Hal aanprosecuting easier commute to the in battle. boardroom. Doisyou meter your approach to 3D conversion sometimes mildly impressive, different personalities? mostly unnecessary. The same can be said for Yes,whole i think you but dealatwith the movie, leastdifferent it doesn’tpeople have the differently. i deal with Goldberg Shakespearean pretensions of Thor. differently than i deal with Governor Blagojevich. –Stevei Warren dealt with Dennis rodman and Joan rivers differently than some of the other contesTHEYou HANGOVER PART II (R) tants. have to have that ability. ««««« How do verse, you feel going back in the boardSecond same as the first...except this time room after little hiatus? the guys areabanging around Bangkok instead of i just get a With great the kickspace out of it. i really like I Las Vegas. program on hold itdon’t a lot. they wantthey’ll to renew for” another know where go forit“H3. Phil (Bradley two or three and we’re thinking Cooper), Alanseasons, (Zach Galifianakis), Stu (Ed Helms) about that.(Justin i like Bartha) having aarelittle bit of to a break and Doug supposed attend between shows, where goestime on once another wedding – Stu’sit this – buta year. again wake up in a strange hotel room with no memory of what happened the about night before. The details Do you ever feel bad firing someone, emerge as they runofaround trying to get their lives or is it just part the job? back on track and getno, to not the always. weddingsomeon time. i always feel bad… With nothing new people. but the location, which given times i don’t like the hard onesisare a “Chinatown”-like mystique, an effort is made to when you really like and respect somebody pushthey the make outrageousness heights, and a mistake.meter Like, to as new an ex-
The Donald Waxes Rhapsodic On The Celebrity Apprentice, “You’re Fired!” & Fixing NBC
A
Rated G Directed by John Lasseter Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer
CARS 2 «««««
Not sure any of us fully grasp what PIXAR has accomplished since its first release, Toy Story, back in 1995. 11 movies. 11 straight hits at the box office and in critics’ hearts. Almost even more astounding is the fact that different directors, new writers and fresh characters have driven the streak. Take Cars 2, for example. Though director John Lasseter and our pixilated protagonists, Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) and Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), are back from the ’06 original, two new writers are also involved. The sequel expands its horizons beyond Radiator Springs, too, thanks to the World Grand Prix (and some dark organization’s fiendish plot of gas pump domination) that sends McQueen and Mater all across the map. Even with all the wasabi sampling in Japan and fine oil sipping in Italy though, Cars 2 remains at home with its winning blend of voice and visuals. But PIXAR’s latest isn’t without the occasional stall. The 3D experience is a bigger waste than a Hummer H3. And all the color and colorful casting (John Turturro is great as F-1 champ Francesco Bernoulli) in the world won’t let the franchise rev our hearts quite like WALL-E or Up did. Still, a Car 2 engine at half full runs circles around most summer competition. –DeMarco Williams especially where Stu’s latest unconscious hookup what looks like the 1980s, but could actually be is concerned. Cooper has less to do this time and anywhere, anytime. The first feature for writerthe blonde who’s attached to him at the wedding director Richard Ayoade and star Craig Roberts, It turned out to Be a good phrase, But It was a functions is never explained. There’s a monkey who plays 15-year-old Oliver Tate, it fits them so FLuke. durIng theinstead very I was LIttLe naturallyshow it could be either ofatheir life stories, instead of a tiger and a teen prodigy of a FIrst but itcontestants was based on a book by Joe Dunthorne. baby, but all the other elements exasperated wIthreturn, oneat least oF the and I used is a typically atypical indieMark teenager, an briefly.the If youLIne, loved the“you’re first “Hangover” you’ll Oliver FIred!” when [producer] pardon the déjà vu and love this one too. It’s not unreliable narrator of his own story. Publicity for Burnett and I agreed show we dIdn’t have American release stresses his “ambition to lose great filmmaking but it’s rude, crude and –to yes, dothethe we thought say, “get thejustheLL outpart of his virginity, ” but that’s an incidental tattooed; that. and funny enough to get away withwe’d it. pursuit of Jordana (Yasmin Paige). Sure, he –Steve Warren oF here” or hissoMethIng. does some elaborate scheming around it, but that’s factway that you raised suchHe’s self-sufficient ample, scott Hamilton, from the last season. the he does everything. more concerned ONE children? iPAGE had to let scott(R) go. i’m a great fan of scott: with saving his parents’ (Sally Hawkins and Noah ««««« Well,marriage, i’m getting a lotappears of credit on the chilHe won olympic gold medals and he’s a great Taylor) which threatened by a dren.neighbor, everybody’s beenguru asking aboutT.ivanka champion. he understood he together made new New Age Graham Purvis Readers whoBut wonder how INsite that comes and theConsidine). answer isSubmarine yes, she’llloses be back the awill mistake on the i really had no someon altitude get some… er, show insight,and from Page One: Inside (Paddy show. But they’re very high goodand kids. choice. felt Times. very badly that,differences– because toward the end, but soars longthey untilwent then. the NewiYork Thereabout are minor veryme good schools, were Ittomade smile so muchand mythey mouth hurt.great idaily considered him to be person, i v. monthly, New Yorka great v. Atlanta, paidbut v. free, –Steve onWarren the have to dov.what’s it’s never but it’s students. i couldn’t wait to get them hard news leisureright. activities– but a fun, newspaper’s a newspaper, Thatsomebody may depend on the show. i had no idea the show would be into easier when i right? don’t like or when degree ofreally, reverence which you hold the Times, itsninth and tenth season, which is pretty they’re reallyinbad. SUPER 8 (PG-13) or print media in general, as they are threatened amazing in the world of television. by newline, media. Some aspects of Andrew That “You’re fired, ” became a popRossi‘s cul- ««««« When youbeen heard Spielberg had his NBC name documentary will be of more interest to journalists There’s lotsSteven of news surrounding ture phenomenon. Can you talk about the to another film does aboutwell closefor encounters, than consumers, lately, and your show them. origin of it? but the changes wrought by the attached those butterflies thattoovercome digital revolution of us; and the What familiar you think NBC needs do to get your back it turned out toaffect be a all good phrase, butNYT’s it every time E.T. comes on TV probably made role ainfluke. history, its failures as first well as triumphs, in the ratings game? was During the very show i was gut Well third-kind his lot of generalwith interest too.theMuch Well, iappearance. know Jeff Gaspin (chairmanfans, of nBc aholds littlea exasperated one of con-of the another with J.J. Abrams suggests Super focus is and on how thethe Times demise partnership Universal television entertainment) and,8asas testants i used line, covers “You’rethe fired!” answer fori worthy alien of other[producer] papers, like an obituary writeri agreed on the an youelevated know, he’s newtotothe thecall role. think he’s When mark Burnett and brainchild is creative, Titanic. his We 22-month fanfare. going toThis do asupersonic spectacular job at nBc. they to do the Daniel show Ellsberg we didn’tcompares have that. but in such effort to we’d release Pentagon to what need more funny showsand likeendearing, the Apprentice. notan thought say,the “Get the hellPapers out of here” or suspenseful, webbed that even I can’t really Wikileaks is And able all to accomplish The intricately necessarily from way a reality standpoint, but put something. of a suddenovernight. America went finger an ultimate theme. Our coverage of the some breaking stories todoesn’t make my they needonshows that capture the protagonists imaginacrazy over show. it happens be a great film-geek preteens (including one delightful Page One as exciting as All Men, are tion. catchphrase. tV Guide or the onePresident’s of the major Fanning)certain makingshows a zombie movie to win a but it shows howmagazines different the is from that are on should entertainment didprofession a poll and, after Ellefrankly, local contest. Just when the lack of anything the one journalism school would have prepared be changed because, while they get some real “Here’s Johnny!” and one other great, it was or credible seems a fatalthey hurdle for get the people project, a me for, if I’d paid attention. pretty good reviews, don’t #3 on the top 100 phrases in television histrainit’saccident a dramatic –Steve watching. tory! so that was a pretty big honor. it’s Warren been colossal nice tooffers get both. We’ve solution had their nominations amateur hour. and But athe drains an amazing thing and an amazing phrase that toemmy lotexcitement of good acwhen eerie happenings occur all over town. just seems to work.(R) it really caught on, and colades passed our way, and that’s always SUBMARINE Dogs, people and electronics disappear, the US it’s been an amazing thing to watch. nice. But ultimately you have to have people ««««« Air Force takes over and the town’s unsung hero watch. nBc is going to really do well. i know The best coming of-age-movie The deputy doesn’t seem to have a handle on anything What do you think is your biggestsince accomtheir leadership and i think they’re winners, Wackness, Submarine takes place in Wales in (including his emotions, or his role’s significance… plishment, your business success or the so i think they’ll turn it around. PG 13 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
sorry Kyle Chandler). The story begins and ends here for the most part–a town running from an unseen monster by order of the USAF with nothing but the movie kids to save them; but is it a story about kids making a movie amidst chaos or is it a story about chaos of fighting off a hostile alien? Lacking in the believable crisis department, in my opinion, it proves top heavy with deep motifs about life, love and communication in relationships. Bottom line? Don’t see it expecting an action-packed mystery ride like Lost, and don’t see it expecting an enlightening alien-human connection like ET has. This is something wholly different. And while suspenseful and fun, it’s ultimately short-lived in my memory, making it one close encounter you can easily mistake for a daydream. –Jenni Williams
THE TRIP (N/R)
OM WOLFE ANISH RAV&ALLETE EISENBERG M ICHAEL HIGGSIKNYS GENE STUPNITSKDIYRECTEDBY JAKE KASDAN M N H O J H C N IT ER PU EACHER” LUCYLEE EISENBERPRGODUCGEDENE SMTUYPNMILLER DAVID HOUSEHOLT T D A B “ N O I CT U D BY JIM OSAIC PRO KE KASDAN PRESENTSEXECAUTMIVE EORGIA KACANDES JA ES R U T C I P CMOUSLUICMBIA AEL ANDREWS PRODUCERS G BY MICH MUSIC N BY SUPERVISIO WRITTENBY
check local listings for theaters and showtimes
VIDIOTS Upcoming DVD releases anD reViews
bY b. loVe & John b. moore glenn Tilbrook & The FlUFFers: liVe in nYc Along with having the best-named backup band in the history of rock, Glenn Tilbrook– former frontman of influential UK pop band Squeeze– is also a fantastic songwriter. Live in New York City showcases this better than just about any of his albums. Coming across relaxed and humble in a small club, Tilbrook runs through nine classic Squeeze songs as well as seven from his solo albums (including the satirical anti-war song “Don’t Stick Around Long”). The concert ends with Tilbrook & the Fluffers playing their encore on top of the club’s bar. Simply brilliant! kingDom oF war, parT 1 & 2 From Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to Hero and Red Cliff, there’s something about Asian historical action films I simply can’t resist. This 2-part epic from director Chatreechalerm Yukol (The Legend Of Suriyothai) follows the story of King Naresuan the Great, who liberated the Siamese from Burmese control. Part 1 follows his life as a child prince, captured by the Burmese king and raised in a Buddhist monastery, while part 2 follows his growth in strength and military capability, becoming king and rising up against his nation’s oppressors. For fans of martial arts action, it’s definitely worth checking out. loUie: season one If you look up the word sardonic in the dictionary, chances are you’ll find a picture of comedian Louis C.K. His FX series makes up for the failure of “Lucky Louie” on HBO, blurring the lines between reality and fiction as it follows his life as a newly divorced, well-meaning father of two daughters struggling with mid-life misadventures. C.K. writes, directs, stars and produces every episode, and the result is an unapologetic, unflinchingly honest look PG 14 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
inside the man’s soul. It’s also one of the most hilarious shows on television, with an often-brutal edge that puts C.K. alongside Larry David among the most daring comics working today.
The lorD oF The rings moTion picTUre TrilogY: exTenDeD eDiTion Tolkien fans will rejoice at the release of this remarkable set, which contains extended editions of all three of Peter Jackson’s exceptional Lord Of The Rings films on 15 HD Blu-Ray discs. It also includes more than 26 hours of additional content, including the behind-the-scenes documentaries created by Costa Botes (the filmmaker given unprecedented set access to the productions by Jackson himself) as well as the original extended edition special features. All in all, it’s a must-have collectible for fans of one of the most critically acclaimed film trilogies ever made. swamp people: season one The most surprising revelation about this History Channel reality show is how the network manages to portray the families in an honest, non-exploitative manner. The show focuses on a number of Louisiana families who make their living in the swamps catching alligators and snakes. Yes, the Cajun accents 15 discsare thick enough to require subtitles, but there are no ridiculous scenarios constructed simply to make fun of the gator hunters and no goofy music added to mock the characters. It’s just honest, fascinating portrayals of families using generations-old techniques to live off the land. sqUiDbillies: VolUme FoUr Squidbillies is by far the best cartoon depiction of redneck, inbred squids living in Georgia’s Appalachian Mountains since… well, ever. The Adult Swim show packaged in tidy 10 minute episodes was conceived by the same brains behind Adult Swim staple Aqua Teen Hunger Force, so if that show has you scratching your head, it’s probably best to skip Squidbillies. It will be your loss though, unless you can find another adult-targeted cartoon that tackles cults, Al Qaeda, Widespread Panic as narcs, and features an original song by Todd Snider about Florida’s 2000 election debacle. Go ahead, I’ll wait...
««««« Cut down (though not enough) from a threehour British miniseries, The Trip is a road movie and a reverse buddy movie – instead of bonding as they go along, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon increasingly get on each other’s nerves. Their dry humor is for specialized tastes but right up my alley. Coogan usually plays variations on the same arsehole, epitomized by his “Alan Partridge” TV character. Here the character is named Steve Coogan and has been commissioned to write about restaurants in the North of England, his native territory. His girlfriend, who is more foodsavvy, is in America, so he invites his Welsh sortof friend, occasional co-star Brydon along for company. They spend a lot of time doing dueling impressions of other actors (Michael Caine, Al Pacino, Sean Connery) while Coogan tries to bed a woman in every port. His lonely ambition is contrasted, sometimes movingly, with Brydon’s contentment as a family man with a mid-level career. Though admittedly not for everyone, I found this a Trip well worth taking. –Steve Warren
THE TOPP TWINS (N/R)
««««« The otherworldly nature of New Zealand makes it the perfect location for The Lord of the Rings, but even that may not prepare you to experience their homegrown pop stars, Jools and Lynda Topp, “yodeling lesbian twins.” Imagine if k.d. lang had never progressed musically from her country period but had cloned herself and created characters to use in sketch comedy. Then imagine that she had been an activist for multiple liberal causes but had endeared herself to an audience of farmers and blue-collar workers, many of them elderly. If that’s too mind-boggling to imagine, see it for yourself in this documentary that traces the Topp Twins’ career back to their busking (streetsinging) days in 1982. They say you can’t love two women equally at the same time, but you will when you see this film. –Steve Warren
TROLLHUNTER (PG-13)
««««« This film puts some wit in the “Blair Witch” formula and is a lot more watchable, despite the required scenes of young people running through the woods in the dark with a handheld camera. Contrary to the Spielberg dictum, Trollhunter shows its monsters early and often, but the design and effects are good enough that they never get old. If the only trolls you know are the unpopular kids in high school, the movie fills you in on the necessary mythology: trolls are attracted by the blood of Christians; sunlight, even artificial sunlight, makes them explode or turn to stone; the largest variety, the Jotnar, is over 200 feet tall. You’d think people would notice them, but they usually stay in designated areas where humans don’t venture; and the Norwegian government, in its wisdom, covers up killings and other mayhem caused by trolls to keep the public ignorant of their existence. It doesn’t make a lot of sense but it’s pretty fun, with some moments of excitement. At least it’s not Romeo and Trolliet. –Steve Warren
VIDAL SASSOON: THE MOVIE (PG)
««««« Though not shaped as well as a Sassoon hairstyle – what seems like a summation is followed by three anticlimactic segments – Craig Teper’s fairly interesting documentary shows Vidal Sassoon as a key factor in England’s trendsetting status in the ‘60s, along with the Beatles’ music and Mary Quant’s fashions. Now in his eighties, married to his third wife and still working out to stay in shape, the temperamental perfectionist reflects on his life. At his mum’s urging he transferred his interest from designing buildings to designing hairstyles. He started his own business in 1954 at the age of 26, but it took him nine years to perfect the signature “5-point style” that put him on the map. He expanded from salons to schools and a product line he eventually sold. The ‘60s nostalgia should placate viewers who don’t care to know that much about Sassoon. –Steve Warren
VIVA RIVA! (N/R)
««««« Most movies we see from or about Africa deal with big issues – genocide and the diamond trade – so African genre films, like the romcom White Wedding and this violent crime drama, are welcome diversions. Riva (Patsha Bay Mukana) returns to Kinshasa, Congo, after ten years in Angola, bringing a load of stolen gasoline during a shortage. His old friends give him a hero’s welcome, as does some of the criminal element. Others - including, late in the film, his own parents – have it in for him. The man he stole the gas from follows him to Kinshasa, along with a couple of assassins, and Riva makes a powerful enemy of local crime lord Azor by flirting with his woman, Nora (Manie Malone). Riva is not as charming as similar hustler types in other movies, more like a Fred Sanford who thinks he’s Superfly. Compared to the woman-beating scum around him he’s our hero by default, just not a likable one, which reduces the likeability of Viva Riva! There’s so much sex in the movie you wonder how anyone has the time or energy for crime, but they do. Nora warns, “Money is like poison. At the very end it always kills you.” No spoilers here, but don’t get too attached to any of the characters. They don’t all make it to the finish line. –Steve Warren
X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (PG-13)
««««« This prequel takes us back to the origins of not only the X-Men, but of the relationshop between its founders Charles Xavier aka “Professor X” (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr aka “Magneto” (Michael Fassbender). We witness how both men are mutants by nature (Xavier a telepath and Lehnsherr a master of magnetism), but their attitudes towards mankind are based in nurture. Xavier grows up pampered in a mansion in Westchester, NY and develops an early friendship with a young Raven Darkholme aka “Mystique” (Jennifer Lawrence). In Europe, Erik is placed in a Nazi concentration camp, where he’s forced to develop his powers under the auspices of a cruel officer (Kevin Bacon). The two are eventually thrown together as Charles is recruited to hunt down Sebastian Shaw (Bacon), who appears to be working as a communist spy. In response, Charles and Erik team with CIA operative Moira MacTaggert (Rose Byrne) and form their own team of mutants to combat Shaw and stop his ultimate plan: to engulf the world in a nuclear apocalypse. This movie truly belongs to Fassbender, who plays every side of Magneto and plays it honestly. Director Matthew Vaughn takes the heart of a serious cold-war drama and expertly blends it with the larger-than-life tone of superhero stories. Vaughn came close to getting the director’s chair for The Last Stand before the deal fell apart, but he’s come back and delivered arguably the best film in the franchise. X2 holds a special place in my heart, but for sheer ambition, confidence and style, X-Men: First Class is the best X-Men movie to date and one of the best movies I’ve seen so far this year. –Matt Goldberg
Fashion
FASHION’S FINEST GETS FAMILIAR Interview With Heidi Klum By Jenni Williams
I
out there. I can get them ideas in what they can wear. I’m giving an insight on trends, an insight on certain tips and tricks that my professionals have taught me over the years and now I can share these tips with anyone that wants to know about them.
t’s not everyday that you have one of the top fashion and beauty moguls of our time planning outfits for you to wear for the week. and most likely, you don’t entertain the idea of heeding that same icon’s advice on relationships, being a working mother, But the site goes way beyond fashion, raising kids and empowering yourself to so how does that goal transcend into get more from life. no, those kinds of relationships are reserved for the friends the other categories? I kind of put all these different people of the rich and famous, while you’re taktogether from home décor, my fitness ing notes from self-help books and the trainer… I want to get women, you doctors. …Until now. know, off the couch and do this run Last month, aoL launched heidiklum. with me. People always say, “how do aol.com, a one-stop shop for femaleyou do it, how do you do it?” and I’m friendly advice in every area of life via like, “this is how I do it. I get up early the expertise of heidi Klum herself. in the morning and I do it.” and so I’m Fashion mogul, tv star, infamous rungoing to blog about it and write about way model, mother and wife, she long it every day so people can really see ago earned the reputation of having it that I do it every day. and I hope that all and looking good it encourages other doing it. and while we women to get up too. i can get them ideas in continue to marvel at Let’s do something. how she gets younger What they can Wear. Let’s get a lot of with each additional i’m giving an insight on miles together. year of her life, she’s busy giving you tips trends, an insight on A lot of celebrity on how to do it as certain tips and tricks blogs make recomwell. Whether this mendations based German-accented that my proFessionals on celebrity-status blond bombshell is incomes. Will your have taught me over your top choice for a site target those life mentor, or somethe years and noW i high-end women or one you just can’t take average shopper? your eyes off, she’s got can share these tips theI would like to something for everytarget everybody, With anyone that one, quick tidbits to because yes there in-depth know how on Wants to knoW are so many kinds of how to get the most women out there that aBout them. out of your life and are interested. some your self esteem. tips would be you the site includes know, like our sally hansen products everything from live videos, excerpts for example, that you can just buy at any from her blog, research on health and drugstore; but then on the other hand, I beauty products and services, parenting would recommend for example, a Mason tips, fitness motivation and much, much Pearson brush which I think you know, more. Insite had the chance to sit down that is like a brush that is like $100 for with heidi and dive into exactly why she example. It’s about certain things that decided to take her exclusive opinions public… and in turn, educates us a bit on are just really great. why we should care. You already get questioned all the time Probably what it will become most pop- on just “how you do it,” so how does this go beyond what is already out there? ular for is your fashion quips. On the If I go on Jay Leno or any type of show site you wear a lot of outfits, but you’re on television, people always ask me about not wearing any makeup and your hair what kind of hairbrush do I use or what is not done. Is that on purpose? is the [best pair of ] jeans right now that sometimes. you know, I said that I’m you have to wear or what are your tips on going to post a photo every day from staying in shape? What do you know about when I’m running around. sometimes I’m this? What do you do about that? how do running to work and then I am already you juggle life and work at the same time done up. Like today for example, the look or how do you keep your hair healthy? all of the day is one I just did called “Good these different things I’ve been asked for day L.a.” so we posted that photo from the last ten years, and, basically, now I feel me being all made up because I just came like I have a place where I can tell you, from the show but I’m not always made where people can hear it from the horse’s up. that’s just the way women are in mouth if they want to and can hear it from general and so we’re not always picture the people who have helped me for the last perfect with makeup on and I have no ten years. problem with showing that. You’ve got daily outfits posted to the site. What is your goal in doing this so regularly? I think it’s inspiring for women to get dressed in the morning thinking about different outfits, either to recreate certain looks if they like them or you know, just kind of see what’s new and what’s
You say you plan on having a lot of experts from your own personal team… how are they going to compliment the advice you’re giving yourself? you know, my makeup artist, Linda hay is on here for example, who I’ve been working with for ten years. Michel aleman has been doing my hair for ten years. so those are people who you know
are really, really great, great people. I also have my children’s art teacher on board. My kids have been working with her for the last five years. she is awesome and you know, when you have four kids, you always think, “Gosh what can I do next with them?” you can’t always go to the same park or do the same old, same old. We can post all the things that you need and she can show a four-minute video on how you do a certain painting or a lot of hands-on kind of projects. How difficult is it to post something every day? We do plan ahead a little bit. We want to be on trend and have current things on all the time, but definitely we do plan ahead. I have a great team around me and there are things that I’m interested in that I want to do and we kind of go after it and we post it. How are you going to take this a step beyond your blog and Facebook page? What more will this give fans who already follow those pages? We still look at the blogs. either we will address that person directly or we will do some research on whatever it is and kind of give a tip about it. For example, today we looked - you know there was a woman she asked about spider veins for example, on her legs. she’s like, “how can I get rid of these spider veins,” or “how can I like not show them when I wear you know short skirts or I go out in a sexy
outfit with my husband at night and what do we do?” I mean, we know because we have this for example, it’s by sally hansen. It’s a spray-on. It’s very thick and very opaque. It’s almost like wearing a stocking. I wear it all the time and I know about it. When you do actually get your own personal Heidi time away from your kids and work and everything? yeah I do have to say that’s part of what I do love about running. you know I put my music in my ears and then I just kind of go into the zone and have time alone. I’m not someone who goes and puts themselves into a spa for a day or two. I’ve actually never done that where I’d go somewhere and I’m being mudded up from head to toe and I just I’m there for like two days. I enjoy my work and I enjoy all the people that I work with. We’re all friends. We just laugh. So, what can we look forward to seeing this summer? My big thing this summer will be the running. I will be obviously posting a lot of looks from the set of Project runway because I’m going to have a lot of awesome outfits for that. I will keep everyone in the loop how this season is going and I’m going to be doing a lot of fitness this summer. I really want to make this run really kick some bootie. Check out what heidi has to say today at heidiklum.aol.com PG 15 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
CONCERT C LENDER FRIDAY JULY 1 529 Louis Logic BLIND WILLIE’S Francine Reed EARL Five Eight EDDIE’S ATTIC The Mosier Brothers FAT MATT’S John Sosebee FIVE SPOT Stereomonster HIGHLAND INN Rod Hamdallah MASQUERADE Celldweller QUAD Melt STAR BAR Turf War SMITH’S Travelling Without Moving VARIETY Abbey Road VINYL Jonathan Sexton SATURDAY JULY 2 529 We The Lion EARL Washed Out EDDIE’S ATTIC Levi Lowrey FAT MATT’S Johnny Scales THE FRED Swingin’ Medallions HIGHLAND INN Damon Moon MASQUERADE F**k Yesss PEACHTREE TAVERN Stokeswood QUAD Magnetic STAR BAR Linda Gail Lewis SMITH’S Guadal Canal Diary VARIETY EWO Tour SUNDAY JULY 3 EARL Mickey EDDIE’S ATTIC Dehlia Low FAT MATT’S Fat Back Deluxe FIVE SPOT Fourth of U-Lie MASQUERADE Hell SMITH’S Nappy Roots MONDAY JULY 4 FAT MATT’S Uncle Sugar VERIZON Atlanta Symphony Orchestra TUESDAY JULY 5 529 Mood Rings EDDIE’S ATTIC Bill Mallonee FAT MATT’S JT Speed FIVE SPOT Jam Session MASQUERADE Honor Society SMITH’S Anne McCue WEDNESDAY JULY 6 529 Baby Baby CENTER STAGE Musiq Soulchid EARL Puro Instinct EDDIE’S ATTIC The Dappled Grays FAT MATT’S JT Speed MASQUERADE The Psychedelic Furs QUAD Romeo Cologne’s Funk Music PEACHTREE TAVERN Generation Now STAR BAR Savagist THURSDAY JULY 7 529 Ringo Deathstarr CENTER STAGE K-Dubb EARL Harvey Milk EDDIE’S ATTIC Amy Courts FAT MATT’S Chickenshack HIGHLAND INN DJ J Niceguy MASQUERADE Full Blown Chaos QUAD Ibiza Nights SMITH’S The Industry VINYL Acorn Ridge FRIDAY JULY 8 529 Stay Productive CHASTAIN Atlanta Symphony Orchestra EARL Dead Confederates EDDIE’S ATTIC Natalia Zukerman FAT MATT’S Rough Draft FIVE SPOT Rod Hamdallah HIGHLAND INN The Sour Notes MASQUERADE Children of Bodom PEACHTREE TAVERN Moon Taxi STAR BAR Wizard Smoke SMITH’S James Hall VERIZON Animal Collective VINYL Hans Daniels Band SATURDAY JULY 9 529 El Fossil CHASTAIN Idina Menzel EARL Noot D’ Noot EDDIE’S ATTIC Pierce Pettis & Grace Pettis FAT MATT’S Andy Makely FIVE SPOT Von Grey HIGHLAND INN Noel Stephen MASQUERADE MJ’s Birthday Bashment 2011 PEACHTREE TAVERN Seven Handle Circus PHILIPS Taylor Swift SMITH’S Hannah Thomas VINYL The Armory
PG 16 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
SUNDAY JULY 10 529 Vegan Coke AARON’S Motley Crue EARL Tag Team EDDIE’S ATTIC The Farewell Drifters FAT MATT’S Fat Back Deluxe FIVE SPOT Daryl Hance PHILIPS Taylor Swift MONDAY JULY 11 529 Magoo’s Heros CENTER STAGE Natasha Begingfield EARL Catch 23 FAT MATT’S Uncle Sugar FIVE SPOT Atlanta Funk Society TUESDAY JULY 12 529 Royal Bangs EARL Real Estate EDDIE’S ATTIC Joe McGuinness FAT MATT’S JT Speed FIVE SPOT Jam Session MASQUERADE Wiz Khalifa PHILIPS Sade WEDNESDAY JULY 13 529 Koo Koo Kanga CENTER STAGE Taking Back Sunday CHASTAIN Michael McDonald & Boz Scaggs EARL Nobunny EDDIE’S ATTIC ATL Collective Beach Po’ Boys FAT MATT’S JT Speed FIVE SPOT Jessica Long MASQUERADE C.J. Ramone PHILIPS Sade QUAD Romeo Cologne’s Funk Music STAR BAR Street Violence SMITH’S James Justin & Co. THURSDAY JULY 14 529 Maren Parusel CENTER STAGE Tim Minchin EARL Big Business EDDIE’S ATTIC Moontower FAT MATT’S Chickenshack FIVE SPOT Copius Jones HIGHLAND INN DJ J Niceguy MASQUERADE Black Light PEACHTREE TAVERN Leland Williams QUAD Ibiza Nights SMITH’S The Gourds VERIZON Styx & Yes FRIDAY JULY 15 529 Order of the Owl CHASTAIN Charlie Wilson EARL Gentleman Jesse & His Men EDDIE’S ATTIC Larkin Poe FAT MATT’S Atlanta Boogie FIVE SPOT Vortex Park HIGHLAND INN Bear Lake MASQUERADE Origin PEACHTREE TAVERN Druid City QUAD Melt STAR BAR Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun SMITH’S Please Please Rock VERIZON Atlanta Symphony Orchestra SATURDAY JULY 16 529 Die Slaughterhaus BLIND WILLIE’S Big Bill Morganfield EARL The Frantic EDDIE’S ATTIC Michelle Malone Banned FAT MATT’S Fedora Blues FIVE SPOT Col. Bruce Hampton THE FRED Kool & the Gang HIGHLAND INN Stepheaniesid THE LOFT The Girls Rock Camp Showcase MASQUERADE Empires PEACHTREE TAVERN Stevie Monce STAR BAR Shovels & Rope SMITH’S Bill Callahan VERIZON Corey Smith VINYL Wrong Way SUNDAY JULY 17 EARL The Wooden Birds EDDIE’S ATTIC Yonrico Scott Band FAT MATT’S Fat Back Deluxe FIVE SPOT Badman PHILIPS Britney Spears MONDAY JULY 18 529 Hijacking Music Birthday Bash FAT MATT’S Uncle Sugar FIVE SPOT Atlanta Funk Society TUESDAY JULY 19 EARL Paul Collins Beat EDDIE’S ATTIC MilkDrive
FAT MATT’S JT Speed FIVE SPOT Jam Session THE LOFT Stephen Marley MASQUERADE Evan Fowler WEDNESDAY JULY 20 529 Spines EARL Hayes Carll FAT MATT’S JT Speed PEACHTREE TAVERN Velcro Pygmies QUAD Romeo Cologne’s Funk Music THURSDAY JULY 21 529 Cloudeater EARL John Wesley Coleman EDDIE’S ATTIC Christabel & The Jons FAT MATT’S Chickenshack FIVE SPOT Parker Smith HIGHLAND INN DJ J Niceguy THE LOFT Black Stone Cherry MASQUERADE Becoming the Archetype QUAD Ibiza Nights SMITH’S Beauregard First & Foremost VERIZON The Cud Life Tour VINYL Johnny Rockbridge FRIDAY JULY 22 529 Six Shot Revival EARL Archers of Loaf EDDIE’S ATTIC Bearfoot FAT MATT’S Rod Hamdallah FIVE SPOT Devil Makes Three HIGHLAND INN The Driftwood Singers MASQUERADE The Lunch Break QUAD Melt STAR BAR Pink Police SMITH’S The Whiskey Gentry TABERNACLE John Butler Trio VARIETY Perpetual Groove VINYL Lullwater SATURDAY JULY 23 529 Moonface CENTER STAGE Ellie Goulding CHASTAIN Huey Lewis EARL Archers of Loaf EDDIE’S ATTIC Eliot Bronson FAT MATT’S The Reverbo Rockets FIVE SPOT Army HIGHLAND INN Ken Will Morten MASQUERADE The Taj Motel QUAD Magnetic Saturdays STAR BAR Dex Romweber Duo SMITH’S The Whiskey Gentry VINYL Nathan Angelo SUNDAY JULY 24 EARL Archer of Loaf EDDIE’S ATTIC Richard Bicknell FAT MATT’S Fat Back Deluxe FIVE SPOT Ike Willis MASQUERADE Tribal Seeds VARIETY Eels MONDAY JULY 25 EARL YOB FAT MATT’S Uncle Sugar FIVE SPOT Atlanta Funk Society THE LOFT Christina Perri VINYL Sloppy Seconds
Taylor Swift PHILIPS ARENA JULY 9-10
TUESDAY JULY 26 EDDIE’S ATTIC Amy Gerhatz FAT MATT’S JT Speed FIVE SPOT Jam Session THE LOFT 100 Monkeys WEDNESDAY JULY 27 529 Let The Night Roar AARON’S King’s of Leon CHASTAIN The Temptations & Four Tops EDDIE’S ATTIC Khari Cabral FAT MATT’S Deacon Brandon Reeves FIVE SPOT Listen 2 Three THE LOFT Techn9ne MASQUERADE Animals as Leaders QUAD Romeo Cologne’s Funk Music SMITH’S Trigger Hippy THURSDAY JULY 28 529 Frustrations AARON’S Rascal Flatts EDDIE’S ATTIC Caroline Aiken FAT MATT’S Chickenshack HIGHLAND INN DJ J Niceguy MASQUERADE Groovestain & Mike Pinto QUAD Ibiza Night SMITH’S Rebirth Brass Band FRIDAY JULY 29 529 Wax Museums CHASTAIN Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith EARL Sealions EDDIE’S ATTIC Tommy Womack FAT MATT’S The Travelling Trio FIVE SPOT Mammarazi Ruby Trio HIGHLAND INN Vipers & Adders MASQUERADE Conducting From The Grave PEACHTREE TAVERN Wade Bowen QUAD Melt SMITH’S Rebirth Brass Band VINYL Grassroots SATURDAY JULY 30 529 Free Acid 5 AARON’S 311 & Sublime CHASTAIN Tedeschi Trucks Band EDDIE’S ATTIC Micah Dalton FAT MATT’S The Hollidays HIGHLAND INN Bad Idea Free Dance Party MASQUERADE Music Mayhem Tour QUAD Magnetic Saturdays SMITH’S The Bridges TABERNACLE A Perfect Circle VERIZON Atlanta Symphony Orchestra VINYL Death is a Dialogue SUNDAY JULY 31 EDDIE’S ATTIC King Richard’s Sunday Best FAT MATT’S Fat Back Deluxe MASQUERADE Maylene & The Sons VERIZON Further Festival
Music
Player Havin’ a Ball Though music is still at the center, Big Boi’s world just keeps growing and growing By deMarco williaMs
come from a long way from the early 90s. How proud of you are where Atlanta music has come? he partnering of Big Boi and Very proud. it is really all about, keeping that Crown royal makes all the sense in the artistic integrity and just being able to withstand world. Much like the famed Canadian the test of time. With us, our basic thing is origiwhisky in the iconic purple bag, the popular rapnality and really having your own identity. But first pper is potent, smooth and cooler than a polar coming up in the early 90s, people were trying to bear’s toenails. So, it makes perfect sense that the hit it from atlanta. everybody know what atlanta alcohol stalwart would choose antawn “Big Boi” is about and atlanta has been a hot spot for music patton, one half of the finest rap duo in hip hop as well as a lot of other things for the past 10 years history, outkast, to be a spokesman now. i mean, just to be able to be a for its new, multi-layered “The Crown part of the whole movement, i am i haven’t even Life” campaign. proud. Seven albums deep (five superior reached My group Cds, a solid soundtrack and a priMe yet. how i Would you consider yourself a sucslept-on solo project) into a career, cess story? rate success is you’d expect some level of conceit in i consider myself still a student of the celebrity. But when insite speaks just really as a the game. i started out very young, with daddy fat Sax at the alcohol point of hap- 15-16 years old. i haven’t even reached label’s June launch party, the 36-yearpiness in your my prime yet. how i rate success is old is anything but arrogant. Though just really as a point of happiness in life and i’M handlers are buzzing about and timeyour life and i’m pretty happy. We are less outkast hits are blasting from pretty happy. making some of the best music on speakers, Big Boi is still completely the planet and just to be able to do attentive, answering questions about something that you love to do and still enjoy it, i his legacy, label and underrated lyricism—all the guess is really a blessing. This is a gift that i was while nibbling on shrimp skewers and sipping on a blessed with as a child and i am glad god chose little Crown royal Black. me to do it.
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There’s an interesting quote in the Crown Life press release saying the label’s finding royalty in everyday experiences. Outside of music, what are some of the everyday things you are most proud of? i guess just being a pillar in the community with my Big Kid’s foundation. That is one of the things i really take pride in. That is basically, ya know, nurturing young minds. i have been doing it now… this is like the fifth year. We hold courses and classes throughout the year for kids like in sign language, public speaking, things that have to do with the arts and stuff like that. But it is all about keeping the communication and getting it to the young brain. So, i think that is one of my favorites. My Big Kid’s foundation. There are a number of charities you could have been a part of. What drew you there? i just feel that it is better to be impressionable on a young mind than trying to correct a mind that has been corrupted once they get older. it is easier to mold them when they are younger. Coming up, i never really had mentors like that. i mean, i had family members and stuff like that, but i come from the projects of Savannah, georgia, frazier homes. We never really had that, so for me to be in a position of influence and being able to capture the attention of the youngsters, this is great. i try to use it as plus to create more good people. Just thinking about the Crown Royal deal and Cee Lo being on The Voice, the Atlanta scene has
Do you wish you would hear your name more in conversations of the best 20 rappers alive? not really. to us, there is no competition. We’ve done it all. We’ve done things that nobody else has done. We are diamond-recording artists. We won every award there is to win. now we’re just doing music because we love it. The calendars stay booked. The music stays cooking in the studio and we stay high and requested on everything. So, as far as rankings, the people that are doing the rankings need to get somewhere. What are they doing? i mean, it’s cool but you know, people always do that just like who is better, LeBron, Kobe or Michael Jordan? people are always going to have the best lists. i mean, you just have to look in the mirror and see what you are the best at. Tell me a little about your Purple Ribbon label. What’s bubbling in the lab right now? as far as that goes, i’ve got the group Vonnegutt coming out. They were featured on my song “follow Us.” We got an album i’ve got to put out on them. i’ve got a new record i’m working on, a couple of top-secret projects that’s going to be released. i’ve got our production company Boom Boom room productions. My man, Chris Carmouche, we teamed up and, ya know, put music out on artists such as Modest Mouse. We just did a couple of jams with Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jimmy Cliff, last weekend. i like to let the music speak for itself, man. once you start getting in all that, it starts taking away from the music.
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For Booking: 404-325-8846 PG 17 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
Ten Years and Onward
A Recap of America’s Quintessential Music Festival By Jon Latham
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photo credit: Ane Jens
AGAINST ME! • LESS THAN JAKE • RELIENT K • AUGUST BURNS RED ASKING ALEXANDRIA • THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA • A DAY TO REMEMBER ABANDON ALL SHIPS • GYM CLASS HEROES • PEPPER • BLACK VEIL BRIDES OF MICE AND MEN • WINDS OF PLAGUE • THE WORD ALIVE • WOE, IS ME ENTER SHIKARI • MISS MAY I • WE CAME AS ROMANS • THE ACACIA STRAIN SET YOUR GOALS • BIG D AND THE KIDS TABLE • THE EXPENDABLES • LIONIZE THE AGGROLITES • LUCERO • THE READY SET • D.R.U.G.S. • FAMILY FORCE 5 GO RADIO • THE WONDER YEARS • I SET MY FRIENDS ON FIRE • MIDDLE CLASS RUT MOVING MOUNTAINS • THE DANGEROUS SUMMER • EVERY AVENUE • DANCE GAVIN DANCE BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR • BIG CHOCOLATE • PASSAFIRE • THE NARRATIVE BAD RABBITS • MC LARS WITH WEERD SCIENCE • GRIEVES WITH BUDO • YELAWOLF ILLSCARLETT • STEPHEN JERZAK • TERRIBLE THINGS • MACHREE THERE FOR TOMORROW • COLD FORTY THREE • DEMERIT • A SKYLIT DRIVE THE DANCE PARTY • SHARKS • THE EXPOSED • ATTACK ATTACK! ELECTRIC TOUCH • NEO GEO • THE MENZINGERS • MOJO MORGAN BLACK SQUARE • LARRY AND HIS FLASK • VEARA • SHUT UP AND DEAL
AUGUST 1 VANSWARPEDTOUR.COM
CHARGE BY PHONE : 800-745-3000. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.
PG 18 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
or a festival like the Bonnaroo Music and arts festival, celebrating its tenth year in existence, one could certainly see the potential to revisit the jam-heavy origins that helped garner its young success. over the last decade, the four-day festival that turns a Manchester, tennessee farm property into the fourth most-populated city in the state has evolved year after year, diversifying an ever-expanding line-up representing the expansive number of musical genres. taking their cues from the large european festivals, such as Glastonbury or the reading festival, Bonnaroo set up a blueprint for the new era of american music festivals. But roo continues to go against the grain, acknowledging its past while going full speed ahead with what amounted to its most daringly diverse roster to date. among the biggest names to play Bonnaroo was none other than eminem. hip-hop has had a tumultuous relationship with this festival; groups such as the roots and Jurassic 5 became highlights of their respective years at the roo, but even three years after the fact, the unfortunate discourse caused by kanye West’s late-night arrival in 2008 (and by “late”, we mean 4:30 aM) still leaves a bad taste in many fans mouths. The numerous graffiti tags reading “fuck kanye” that lined the outer walls of the festival’s Centeroo area are a testament to that fact. Jay-Z’s stellar performance last year helped to rekindle the good will between performer and crowd, and it showed with the addition of sets this year, not only from slim shady, but also from lil Wayne, Big Boi, and Wiz khalifa. eminem proved himself to be worthy of the headliner slot. running through classic cuts such as “lose Yourself” and newer cuts like the hit “love the Way You lie”, Detroit’s finest comanded the main stage with confident swagger and gravitas while keeping himself connected to the crowd, leaving us with the sense that perhaps now, after many successful attempts at representing rap as an artform within the Bonnaroo community, we can all put the kanye incident safely behind us. fresh off of their shocking win for Best album at the most recent Grammys ceremony, the arcade fire made their debut performance at Bonnaroo in a big way. Win Butler’s enthusiasm was infectious, delivering and energetic show that pulled material from all three of the band’s critically lauded long-players. Butler seemed continually staggered by the crowd that came to see them, and made note of it before diving in to the epic encore of “Wake Up”. “We wrote this song for, like, rooms of twenty people,” Butler shared, “so it’s taken some getting-used-to to play it for a fucking giant field full of people.” The sing-along chorus that followed could be heard across the tent city surrounding the festival site. it was a surreal moment for the band and the audience, making such a great big noise together. in the footsteps of legendary artists such as James Brown, the Police, and Bruce springsteen, this year was abuzz with talk of the performance by the Buffalo springfield, featuring stephen stills, richie furay, and neil Young. The much-anticipated set from the rock and roll hall of famers did not disappoint, drawing a
crowd ranging from Baby-Boomers to young hipsters. neil Young made humor of the age gap, citing, “We are the Buffalo springfield, and we’re from the past.” Young, stills, and furay sounded in fine form, delivering great live performances of classics like “Mr. soul”, “Bluebird”, “Broken arrow”, and their signature tune, “for What it’s Worth”. The grand finale was a rocking throwdown on Young’s “rockin’ in the free World”, stills playing off of Young’s ferocious guitar licks. The late nightlife at Bonnaroo was bumping more than usual this year, with an array of options added to the roster of late-night sets on friday and saturday night. There were stellar sets from gypsy-punk outfit Gogol Bordello, Dance-Pop sensations the scissor sisters, and danceable jamming courtesy of alumni like sound tribe sector 9. a stand-out among the crowd was the performance by the one and only Dr. John, performing his album Desitively Bonnaroo, the namesake of the festival, with a little help from new orleans legends allen toussaint and the original Meters. as far as crowd favorites in the early morning hours, nobody could seem to touch the party thrown by Bassnectar. The throng of observers poured through the tent and out into the field, dancing and grinding away to the Dubstep phenomenon’s bass-heavy beats. The festivals largest singular turnout was the saturday performance by england-born Mumford and sons. last year, the folk-rock quartet played one of the tents on site, but this year, they brought their show to the Which stage, the second largest stage on the grounds. The crowd stretched nearly all the way to the main stage, as Marcus Mumford and company plowed through an energetic set that showcased new songs as well as favorites from their popular debut release sigh no More. The set became an all-out hootenanny when Mumford invited out apache relay and old Crow Medicine show, along with Union station’s dobro master Jerry Douglas for a barn-burning rendition of “amazing Grace” The jam-band scene played no small part in the popularity of Bonnaroo from the beginning, and the familiar faces of the jam movement were still represented in the roo’s tenth year. among those on the bill this year was athens’ own Widespread Panic, closing out the festival on sunday evening. Gregg allman and Warren haynes both took time away from their main gig as members of the allman Brothers Band to play separate sets that highlighted their individual solo endeavors. haynes is hitting the road with his solo band to promote his soulful new album, Man in Motion. likewise, allman was on-hand showcasing selections from his latest solo CD. With Bonnaroo, there is a sense of adventure every year, as can be told simply by the different curve balls thrown into the mix every year. it is, in essence, the equivalent of an iPod shuffle with Porta-Potties. With such diversity and growth over ten years, it has always been worthwhile to brave the elements of the sometimes unforgiving tennessee summer to be part of the ever-rising standard of what a music festival can be. learning from what works and what doesn’t, Bonnaroo remains undefined, allowing it to change with the tides of the live music market and be the ark by which the best that music has to offer can be saved.
Road Warriors
This Month’s Hottest Shows by Sacha dzuba
SJuly 6 – The PSychedelic FurS
The Masquerade This marks the second time the Psychedelic Furs have descended upon the Masquerade for an evening of 80’s reflection. Two incredible sets see the band performing their 1981 classic album Talk Talk Talk in its entirety and then a set of their greatest hits. You’re sure to know the song “Pretty in Pink”, which inspired and was featured in the wellknown John Hughes movie of the same name. Expect to recognize other songs like “Love My Way”, “Heaven”, “The Ghost in You”, and “Heartbreak Beat”; a series of 80’s staples from almost any 80’s night where you’ve grooved and grinded.
July 16 – Kool & The GanG
Fredrick Brown Jr. Amphitheater Who’s heard of Kool & the Gang, anyone? One of their best known songs is “Celebration” There ya go, I knew you knew them. Remember “Jungle Boogie” in Pulp Fiction? That was them too. While at their height in the 70’s and 80’s the boys are still groovin’, with many of the original members still performing. “Ladies Night”, “Get Down on It”, “Too Hot”, “Fresh”; expect to hear many classic disco/R&B hits in a disco dance party atmosphere. Gentlemen, unbutton one more button than you’re entirely comfortable with and wear your gold. Ladies, break out your sequined tops, hot pants, and minidresses. And don’t forget to bring your sunglasses so that you aren’t blinded by the mirrorball.
July 21 – Kid cudi : The cud liFe Tour
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Kid Cudi and I have something in common, we both used to make funny faces in the mirror at ourselves… except he would rap at himself while he was doing it. You might think that’s pretty weird, but it turned out to be good practice for the place where Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi finds himself now. Gaining the attention and support of Kanye West through his track “Day N Nite”, Cudi contributed four songs to Kanye’s 808’s & Heartbreak album. His eclectic sing song style of rap was a perfect match. Kid Cudi released his 2009 debut concept album Man On The Moon: The End Of Day featuring Emile, Plain Pat, RATATAT, MGMT and Kanye, as an amalgamation of Cudi’s philosophical views, his dreams and his nightmares. Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager was Cudi’s sophomore album with “Erase Me”, featuring Kanye, as the first single. Though darker, The Legend of Mr. Rager features the same cinematic themes as a constant bringing the listener into Cudi’s personal reality, the bad and the good. The song Pursuit of Happiness, featuring “Kids” famous MGMT, is my favorite. It’s a great mix of quirky indie pop and hip hop. Not the usual, by any means.
July 22, 23, 24 – archerS oF loaF
The Earl Last heard of in 1998, the Archers of Loaf have reformed and are out in the world. Darlings of indie rock in the 90’s the Archer’s sound was always quirky, difficult to grasp hold of, edgy…but still accessible. Chiefly inspired by the Replacements and Sonic Youth, they were likened to a more rambunctious, noiseladen, post-mod Pavement-esque type of pop/rock.
These three dates at the Earl are sure to be packed with the hippest of the hip to give a shoe-gazing austere welcome as the Loafers get back to the stage.
Nicki Minaj, and Estelle. Think of Justin Timberlake mixed with Marvin Gaye and that’s the kind of vibe you’ve got for this evening of soulful R&B.
July 28 – raScal FlaTTS w/ Sara evanS and JuSTin Moore
July 30 – TedeSchi TrucKS band
Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood Rascal Flatts are multi-platinum country artists that you just can’t ignore. They’ve got tight harmony vocals between three singers, complex musical arrangements, and slick production. This is the sound of what country music has evolved into and embodies some of the most successful and important music to come out of Nashville in recent years. Their song “Why Wait”, from their latest album Nothing Like This, reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. You’re sure to hear favorites “Bless the Broken Road” and “What Hurts the Most,” , though my favorite song is still “Walk the Llama Llama” from the sound track of Emperor’s New Groove.
July 30 – robin ThicKe w/ SPecial GueSTS Kelly rowland & JereMiah
The Fox Theatre Robin Thicke is a songwriterandperformer who penned hits for Christina Aguilera, Mya, Brandy, Marc Anthony, and Jordan Knight. Son of vocalist Gloria Loring and Growing Pain’s Alan Thicke, Robin credits his dad for his immersion in music. Though songwriting was in his genetics, Thicke had aspirations to perform his own songs. Robin issued a debut album and caught the attention of Pharrell Williams, with whom he would collaborate and sign to Pharrell’s label, Star Trak. Thicke’s sophomore album, The Evolution of Robin Thicke went platinum and hit number one on the Billboard’s “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums” Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Sex Therapy, his most recent offering, features guest contributions by Jay-Z, The Game, Jazmine Sullivan, Kid Cudi, Snoop Dogg,
Delta Classic Chastain Derek and Susan Tedeschi are the formidable husband/wife team that are the masterminds behind Tedeschi Trucks Band. Putting their two separate bands on haitus, the couple has put together a new band and this is their maiden voyage. In addition, Derek and Susan collaborated with Herbie Hancock on his “Imagine Project”. As far as southern rock/blues is concerned Trucks is a brilliant slide guitar player and has toured with Eric Clapton and played with the Allman Brothers Band for over 10 years. Tedeschi has been nominated for multiple Grammys and her set of pipes give her a knock-out voice. Coupled with a dynamic stage presence, and a commanding guitar playing, she is an artist who will gain accolades as a top notch female blues guitarist/singer. With such brilliant musicians, a wonderful husband/wife team, at the helm, this is one southern rock/blues ship that is sure to sail a true course.
July 30 – uniTy Tour 2011: SubliMe wiTh roMe & 311
Aaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood Sublime was an American reggae fusion band that blended hip hop, surf rock, punk, and reggae. the commercial success that they reached with their third album went sadly unseen by frontman Bradley Nowell, as he passed away from a heroin overdose two months prior to its’ release. For over a decade, Sublime did not exist. In 2009, they reformed for a one-off reunion with singer/ songwriter Rome Ramirez. This show reinvigorated the band and so they returned with new recordings as Sublime with Rome. “Santeria”, “Wrong Way”, and “What I Got” will be welcome classic live cuts. They’re touring with 311, another fantastic band that had their peak in the 90’s. They’re gearing up to release a follow up to 2009’s album, Uplifter. Look for Universal Pulse to drop just a few weeks prior to this show. They’re a great alternative rock, reggae band with a funky edge. These two bands are a great concert pairing for this summer.
Music
OUT OF HOT WATER (AND INTO THE SPOTLIGHT) Hot Water Music Frontman Chuck Ragan On His New Solo Album By John B. Moore
we connected with him through our friends at sideonedummy. we had a few producers in mind here was plenty of handfor this record. I produced the last record myself and wringing in the punk rock community in even though I really enjoyed doing it, I was looking 2006 when Chuck ragan and the rest of forward to working with someone who would take hot water Music decided to break apart to focus the stress off of me. on their own projects. a majority of the band immediately started The draft, while frontman Chuck ragan decided to pick up the acoustic guitar, pair off Since you produced your last album, was it tough for you to let someone else take over this time around? with a fiddle player and a stand up bassist and play no, I don’t mind that at all when it’s somebody working class folk with a bluegrass tinge. that I really get along with and respect. I’ve always The draft turned in a brilliant record, and guitarist really enjoyed working with producers and I feel like Chris wollard vacillates between I’ve really been blessed with all the the group and solo records. ragan, opportunities that I’ve had. I’ve i feel like whenever though clearly taking a much differreally had a bad experience. ent path musically, turned in record you Make a choice never I’ve definitely had times where after record of equally impressive in your life to live it was a little bit tough when we music. The band even managed were getting to know each other to reunite over the years for brief as independent at first, but in the long run it’s tours, so fans are happy and hot as possiBle it’s a always ended extremely positive. water Music have ended up with I’ve heard horror stories from coMpletely liBeratquite possibly the most amicable but luckily I haven’t run breakup in punk rock history. ing and free feel- people, into that too much. finding Chris while The draft is clearly taking, But at the saMe was just a real blessing. ing their time coming up with a follow up to their second effort, tiMe it can Be conHow long have you been in the a digital-only ep (four years and stricting. studio working and when did you still waiting), ragan– along with first start writing these songs? fiddler Jon Gaunt and bassist well, the songs have been coming together for Joe Ginsberg– is in the studio finishing up his third quite awhile. proper full length in silver lake, Ca. with the producer out of town playing a gig at sXsw, ragan Do you write on the road? was kind enough to put down his fishing pole long I write constantly. a lot of these songs were enough to talk about the new record. written on the tour this past year. If they weren’t finished on the tour, they were at least started Tell me about you guys hooking up with Christothere, so a lot of these songs are road songs. These pher Thorn of Blind Mellon?
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days we move so fast and we have so much on our plate, sometimes if I can’t finish something, I just set it aside and if I can come back to it later I will. and every now and then you have a part in your head and you just sit down and an hour or so later you have a whole page full of words and you have a song. a couple of the songs we recorded are actually really old. one of them I recorded on the Blue print sessions back in 2005 or 2006 and I had never done anything with it before. I think it will make the record. I went in with about 20 songs and we’re picking 12. It’s a good problem to have.
You hear about those people that go into the studio with no songs planning on working on them when they get there and it usually comes off sounding like that. I just can’t imagine that. It’s like burning money. Do you have any guests on this record? yeah. The record that I wanted to do, we pretty much play as a three-piece and we aim to keep it that way for a long time… It’s just very simple working class grass roots songs. It’s these three instruments (fiddle, upright bass and guitar) that we feel sound great together. we use these instruments as the backbone and we do plan on having a couple friends from lucero join in and we’re going to drum up a few other friends, see who’s in town to come in and do some backup, just some fun stuff. audra Mae, we’ll get her in to sing on some stuff. we’ve got a bunch of ideas. what I’ve found out is that when you’re recording in la you never really know what’s going to happen, who’s passing through town, you just work it put.
about it before it’s finished, but which of the new songs are among your favorites? a lot of the songs are about the trials and hang ups that any of us have doing something that we love to do. I feel like whenever you make a choice in your life to live as independent as possible it’s a completely liberating and free feeling, but at the same time it can be constricting. once you realize, I’m just not going to go clock in, do my thing and watch a paycheck roll in every two weeks… The music business, being a touring artist and an active musician and being independent for the most part, and I think this goes for any kind of expressive art whether it’s painting, photography or what have you, once you make that step it’s up to you. There’s not a whole lot of security in it. It’s really, really tough, but at the same time, it’s completely liberating. That’s what a lot of these songs are about. also, just obstacles and trials that somebody faces when they’re living a nomadic lifestyle.
I understand if you’re superstitious about talking PG 19 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
MUSIC
MUSIC
Album Reviews Reviews by John Moore and Jon Latham
BLACK LIPS – ARABIA MOUNTAIN (Vice) All grown up… okay, mostly BL: Let’s face it, being a punk– the sort that comes from familial dysfunction or boredom, not fashion choice– is kinda fun. The angst, unbridled rebellion, dynamic energy, and sheer recklessness of not giving a damn can be downright addictive. The only problem is that the out-of-control lifestyle is not sustainable: As you age, you wind up burning out, fading away, or become a comical caricature of your former self. For me, the Black Lips have always seemed to inhabit a space just this side of a joke, their immature antics both on and offstage seeming like a petulant child’s cry for attention. For anyone old enough to remember acts like Iggy & the Stooges and G.G. Allin in their prime, the Lips’ boyish shenanigans often seemed sophomoric and derivative at best. Musically, there’s always been a sense that the band could do better. Fortunately, with Arabia Mountain, they have. Under the guidance of hotshot producer Mark Ronson, the quartet has tightened up their sound considerably while at the same time expanding beyond their garage-rock limitations. The fuzzy DIY haze has been replaced by a more polished sheen: Drums, guitars and vocals are all prominent and popping in the mix, while acoustic guitars, saxophones, theremin and vocal harmonies provide added layers of musical depth. Their attitude doesn’t seem remotely tamed on wild tracks like the opening “Family Tree,” “Mad Dog” and “Raw Meat,” but their songwriting is more focused and inspired, honed to an edge that’s more sharp than serrated. For evidence of the band’s newfound maturity, look no further than “Spidey’s Curse,” a surprisingly sweet ode to Spider-Man that may be my favorite song the group has ever written. Six albums into their careers, the Black Lips have boldly reinvented themselves simply by growing up. It’s arguably the most punk-rock move the perennial pranksters could’ve made. THE VON EHRICS – TWO FOOT STOMP (Lucky Buck) Texas cow punks made their finest album yet JM: Like pairing a Sex Pistols t-shirt with a pair of old cowboy boots, Dallas-based band The Von Ehrics play cowpunk in a way that everyone from Willie Nelson to Glen Matlock would approve of. Fast, raucous and loud, Two Foot Stomp finds the band at its finest with the release of their fourth album. You can still hear a slight twang in Robert Jason Vandygriff’s vocals, which sound simply sublime when he’s delivering lines like, “When I die I may not go to heaven/I don’t know if they let cowboys in/If they don’t just let me go to Texas/Texas is as close as I’ve been,” in their cover of “Texas (When I Die).” The band has built a reputation on delivering legendary live shows, but this album shows that their songwriting has finally caught up to their stage antics. In short, Two Foot Stomp offers up some of The Von Ehrics’ best songs to date (“Goodbye/ The Ride” and the Johnny Cash-influenced “Down the Road Tonight” are worth the price of the album alone). Don’t mess with The Von Ehrics! PG 20 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
The Dean’s List
was and remains a flawless pop record. The band went on to release two more records before VARIOUS ARTISTS – NEVER A PAL LIKE MOTHER getting dropped by Mercury. The trio’s frontman (Dust-To-Digital) and guitarist Jim Ellison committed suicide shortly A classic compilation of songs from days gone by afterwards in 1996. There was a posthumous album release the following year, but International Pop BL: It’s easy to take Overthrow remains their paramount effort. a record label like the Atlanta-based Dust-To-Digital for granted. DANGER MOUSE & DANIELE LUPPI – ROME (Capitol) Small, resolutely i n d e p e n d e n t , Conceptual creations that just miss the mark releasing albums BL: The concept without much for Danger Mouse’s promotional latest ambitious pomp and circumstance, and quietly assembling outing dates back an array of awards, Lance Ledbetter’s passion seven years to project has humbly gone about the business of when he met Italian preserving the American folk music of the early composer Daniele 20th century. Listening to Never A Pal Like Luppi, who’s best Mother, the latest in the label’s unbroken string of known for the score 19 exceptional releases, serves to remind us how to Sex & The City. very essential that business is. The duo found common ground in their love of With the subtitle “Vintage Songs & Photographs classic Italian film music in general, and of spaghetti of the One Who’s Always True,” the 2-CD set pays western legend Ennio Morricone in particular. tribute to motherhood… or at least motherhood Together they reunited musicians who worked on as it existed in the early 1900s, before the advent The Good, The Bad & The Ugly and Once Upon of psychotherapy forever changed the way parents A Time In The West soundtracks for the first time were perceived. The 40 songs compiled here, in decades and convened recording sessions in divided thematically into songs of celebration and Morricone’s old studio, using vintage equipment lamentation, echo an era when mothers signified comfort in the face of hardships, and in which and recording live to tape, with no computers or children were separated from mothers at an early modern electronics. Once again Burton’s legacy attracted A-list talent, including Jack White and age by distance or death. Musically these songs run the gamut from country Norah Jones, each of whom contribute vocals folk, blues and gospel to zydeco and calypso, but to three of the 15 tracks. The results are a mixed their cultural diversity serves to underscore the bag. The opening track, “Theme of Rome,” works theme that un-ironic maternal admiration was wonderfully to create a theatrical mood fraught once a universal given. Tracks from legends like with dynamic tension, as soprano Edda Dell’Orso (a the Louvin Brothers (“God Bless Her, She’s My Morricone favorite) wails dramatically over the top. Mother”), the Carter Family (“Hold Fast to the But the voice of Jack White (whom I love) on “The Right”) and Bob Wills (“Tie Me To Your Apron Rose With A Broken Neck” took me completely Strings Again”) are in the minority, outnumbered out of the hauntingly beautiful scenario the first by killer cuts from old-time acts you’ve never song crafted so exquisitely: It’s like trying to ignore heard of. Together with the excellent packaging– a the fact that Jack Nicholson is playing The Joker. gorgeous book filled with vintage pics, a foreword Norah Jones’ voice on “Season’s Trees,” “Black” and by Roseanne Cash and an essay by Sarah Bryan– “Problem Queen” works more seamlessly, recalling the set is an excellent reminder of the historical Danger Mouse’s work remixing Zero 7. In the importance of motherhood, and of Dust-To- end, Rome reminds me of that underappreciated British band, which made a star of Sia. It’s mellow, Digital. moody, atmospheric and often downright sultry– the perfect soundtrack for lounging about with a MATERIAL ISSUE – INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW lover on a lazy summer’s day. It’s a good album, but 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION (Hip-O Select) nowhere near the great Morricone tribute it might A stellar 90’s power-pop album finally gets its due have been had commercial accessibility not been a concern. GRADE: B JM: Chicago’s Material Issue is THE SILOS – FLORIZONA (Sonic Pyramid) one of the best So-so effort from one of the pioneers of modern alt country power-pop bands to come out of the JM: The Jayhawks, Uncle Tupelo and BoDeans ‘90s… and there may be the acts most closely associated with altwere a slew of country, but New York (by way of Florida) band decent bands from The Silos was one of the genre’s pioneers. that genre in the Florizona, the band’s 10th studio album, is as ‘90s. International solid an introduction for the uninitiated as any. Pop Overthrow, the band’s first major label (and The 10 track album includes three new members, finest) release is finally getting the anniversary but the band has always been better associated treatment, complete with a slew (eight to be exact) with founder and frontman Walter Salas-Humara of bonus tracks including a live version of Simon regardless of who was backing him up. Florizona & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” and a number of other has plenty of crunchy guitars and a faint nod to hard to find tracks and covers. country, but you can’t help but hear the band’s When the record first came out, the first influences on every single song. Gram Parsons and impression was just how many songs were about Tom Petty play a big role, but even a song like the girls (like any solid power pop record – just ask “Teenage Prayer” sounds like it was liberated from the guys in Cheap Trick)– “Valerie Love Me,” a Meat Puppets album. “Diane,” “Renee Remains the Same” and that’s just The album themes are pretty obvious just a few the first three songs. The second impression is just tracks in, reminiscing about teenage years, hooking how unimaginable infectious these songs were up and getting high. It’s probably unfair to accuse (are). Material Issue is right up there with Cheap the band of co-opting the sound of those who Trick and The Beatles when came to writing razor came after them, but you can’t help but realize sharp hooks and sing-along choruses. There is not that groups like The Jayhawks, who followed in a single song on the original 14-track album that the footsteps of The Silos, actually pull it off a little didn’t belong on the record. From start to finish it better. GRADE: C+
Rest of the Class
CUNNINLYNGUISTS – ONEIROLOGY (QN5 Music) The ATL underground’s under-appreciated hip-hop heroes BL: It seems odd that CunninLynguists have never gotten their proper respect in the ATL’s hip-hop underground. Since meeting at Club Kaya at the turn of the millennium, Kno and Deacon The Villain have worked with some of the biggest names in Atlanta, including Cee-Lo, Khujo Goodie, Witchdoctor and Killer Mike. The respected beat-miners have also produced tracks for some of the most respected names in the business, from KRS-One and King Tee to Devin the Dude and Immortal Technique. So why does the duo remain the little-known Rodney Dangerfield of the local urban scene? No matter. From their 2001 debut, Will Rap For Food, up to their fifth LP, Oneirology, Kno and Deacon have consistently offered up intricately constructed tracks rich with insistent beats, memorable grooves and Lyricist’s Lounge-caliber rhymes. In short, fans of Native Tongues and the Dungeon Family would approve. Oneirology (a.k.a the study of dreams) is arguably the duo’s best work to date, opening with the lushly layered “Predormitum,” which marries a creepy church organ and crashing gongs with slamming beats with imagery-filled verses that sell the drama perfectly. Mesmerizing tracks like “Darkness (Dream On)” featuring Anna Wise, “Shattered Dreams” and “So As Not To Wake You” reinforce the central theme, incorporating a variety of trippy sounds and effects to create a surreal, otherworldly vibe. But the album is hardly what you’d call sopoforic: Songs like “Hard As They Come” (featuring Freddie Gibbs), and “Stars Shines Brightest In the Darkest of Night” (featuring Rick Warren) are infectious and accessible, extending an olive branch to mainstream hip-hop fans. Let’s face it, CunninLynguists’ esoteric artistic sensibilities may never propel them to the top of the charts. But as long as they keep churning out albums this dense with forward-thinking ideas, they definitely deserve a spot near the top of any Atlanta hip-hop fan’s playlist. GRADE: B WILD BEASTS – SMOTHER (Domino) Growing stronger with every listen. EM: Albums don’t usually grow on me: My first listen tells me most of what I need to know. While an initial run through of Smother left me content, it didn’t knock me over. It wasn’t until listen four, on song #5 “Plaything,” when Smother became pyrophoric. Somewhere among Hayden Thorpe’s lilting vocal, stirring lyrics (New squeeze, take off your chemise/And I’ll do as I please/I know, I’m not any kind of heartthrob), and the band’s inventive electronic pings merged with subtle African drum, the album ignited in my iTunes. Smother is a monster built for a quiet room – it never rises to a bluster yet is packed with a wealth of tonal ingenuity. It pushes and pulls, taking the listener on an emotive wave (much like a film score) ranging between tension and utter joy. The journey starts with the taut “Lion’s Share,” a haunting mix of somber piano against a restless, thumping background. Thorpe’s voice is dramatic and sinister, but the moment the song becomes overwrought, it drifts happily into “Bed of Nails.” “Nails” is dreamy and light even while referencing Shakespeare’s Ophelia and Shelley’s Frankenstein (and odd, though fitting pair), but what’s remarkable is the shift the band has made in the space of one song. There are songs of rising crescendos (“Invisible,” “Albatross”) and understated elegance (“Loop The Loop,” punctuated with Thorpe’s falsetto met ably by bassist Tom Fleming, who can croon himself). The album’s best song is its last, as the lovely “End Come Too Soon” could swell past its seven and a half minutes. There’s a sense the band knows it’s done special work and wishes to linger, as Thorpe repeatedly pleads “it’s too soon/it’s too soon” as the album closes. I concur. GRADE: A+
Music
BEYOND BLUEGRASS 30 Years Into His Career, Béla Fleck Continues to Re-Define The Banjo By Bret Love
e
very once in a while– maybe once per generation– an extraordinary musician comes along whose sheer originality, talent and vision allows them to reinvent their instrument, challenging listeners and other musicians alike to reconsider everything they previously thought they knew about its inherent possibilities. buddy rich did it with the drums. miles Davis did it with the trumpet. Jimi hendrix did it with the guitar. Soft-spoken banjo virtuoso béla Fleck may not be as flashy as those guys, but his musical influence has been no less impactful. over the course of the 20th century, the banjo went from being a beloved traditional folk instrument to something of a joke, more commonly associated with the backwoods denizens of Deliverance than with musical prowess. but, through his work with new Grass revival and his legendary group The Flecktones, Fleck’s artistry gradually revealed the banjo as an instrument capable of adapting to myriad stylistic influences. From country, folk and progressive bluegrass to jazz, classical and world music (including albums with musicians from africa and india), Fleck has received Grammy nominations in more different categories than any other musician in history, winning a total of 12 to date. now, on the heels of back-to-back best world music album wins for his african collaboration Throw Down your heart, the maestro has reunited with his original Flecktones lineup for the first time in nearly 20 years and released a new album, rocket Science. The gracious and humble Fleck recently sat down for an exclusive interview that covered a range of topics, from his interest in diverse musical genres to how it felt getting the band back together. You’ve been performing professionally for over 30 years now, and in the process have revolutionized the way a lot of people think about the banjo as an instrument. Was that your intention from the start, or did you stumble onto that as you explored the banjo’s inherent possibilities? i just loved the banjo, and it was my window into music. i needed to learn these things on the banjo in order to understand them. and as i went along, i did see the possibilities, and it began to seem like a quest. I love your solo work and your work with the Flecktones, but the album that really blew my mind was Tabula Rasa, your Grammy-nominated 1996 recording with Indian guitarist Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. How did that album come about? The idea for the collaboration was suggested by Kavi alexander, the man who runs water lily acoustics records. he had previously done records with ry cooder, bhatt, edgar meyer and Jerry Douglas. i loved the way he recorded them on one stereo mike, by finding a beautiful sounding acoustic space, and placing the musicians around that one mike. when he invited me to do a recording with bhatt, i said yes, but can we make it even more interesting? we came up with the idea of having indian and chinese musicians together, and i was in! ironically, some of the indian musicians had a misunderstanding with Kavi and left in mid session. i recorded more with the musicians who stayed and it ended up making the album even more diverse and interesting. i love that album, those musicians, and the way it all turned out great, despite the logistical complexities. The whole thing was recorded in three days.
How did that experience influence your style of banjo playing? it strengthened the idea that collaboration with musicians from around the world could be an important area for me. You returned to the world music arena a few years ago, when you and Edgar Meyer paired with tabla legend Zakir Hussain to compose and perform The Melody of Rhythm. I interviewed Zakir a few months ago and he recalled that you and Edgar had approached him with the concept. What was it about his playing that inspired you to work with him? edgar and i had so much to learn from Zakir, and we are both very happy when we are challenged, and in a position to grow. Zakir is an effortless master, a great composer, and an all around highly musical individual. my musical world is so much richer due to his participation in it. He also told me that you guys had plans to work together again in the near future. Any update on when we can expect another album and/or tour? we do have some new music we’re composing together that has been started. The touring time has ended for now, but we are looking at doing a major trip to india and perhaps australia, and the Pacific rim. This might happen in 2012.
ON SALE NOW! Fri JULY
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ThE MuSic Of ABBA Arrival
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idiNA MENzEL
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STEELy dAN
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special guest Sam yahel
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BELA fLEcK
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MAry chApiN cArpENTEr
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ThE TEMpTATiONS & ThE fOur TOpS
guSTEr & JAcK’S MANNEQuiN
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BriAN WiLSON
Augustana
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grAcE pOTTEr
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Kelly price
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dAriuS rucKEr
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special guest Sunny
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An Evening with
EArTh, WiNd & firE
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with the Symphony
Tickets available at the Woodruff Arts Center box office and all Ticketmaster outlets including Publix Super Markets • TICKETMASTER.COM • 1.800.745.3000 For venue information, visit
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presented by
When you collaborate with these masters of the ngoni and kora, how does that impact your approach to your own instrument? They have a whole different musical language, so it showed me a new way to play a plucked instrument. They have found some very different solutions to the problems found in playing gourd instruments with very little sustain.
Any other forthcoming projects our readers should know about? The biggy is a banjo concerto i have composed that was commissioned by the nashville Symphony. The premiere is in September, and i am petrified! The Flecktones will continue touring until april of 2012, and then i have several other musical ideas to pursue. but i can’t talk about them just yet…
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A few years ago you went to Africa to record the album Throw Down Your Heart, and filmed a wonderful documentary about your experience. What inspired that musical journey, and what are some of your favorite memories from the trip? The banjo comes from africa, so i had thought i had good reason to go and see what would happen there. i loved everyone i got to play with, and the experience was most profound.
Where does your work with The Flecktones fit in with your current musical vision? This is an unexpected gift. The chance to reunite with victor, Future man and howard came up when Jeff coffin took a full time position with the Dave mathews band. now we have started the reunion tour, and it is incredibly exciting. This was the band i put together in 1988, and here it is back together 23 years later, and with enhanced powers due to everyone’s musical growth over the last 18 years.
Shawn colvin
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chrisette Michele
Soulsville Tour
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ANd ThE NOiSEMAKErS
Kool and the Gang July 16 Swingin’ Medallions July 2
10,000 Maniacs and Edwin McCain August 20
Reserved and Lawn Seats for Concerts! 770.631.0630
Bryan Adams The Bare Bones Tour August 5
TRIBUTE SERIES www.tributeseries.net
G G
July 30 Billy Joel Tribute Band Big Shot
August 27
Journey Tribute Band Departure
September 17 Motley Crue and Van Halen Tribute Bands
Whose Live Anyway?
Featuring Ryan Stiles
October 15
Motley Inc/Atomic Punks
September 24 The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band Slippery When Wet
For more information on our events, visit us on twitter, Facebook, www.amphitheater.org or call The Fred at 770.631.0630 PG 21 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
East ATL Village | badearl.com 2010
Sat. July 02, 2011 | 9:00PM
WAshEd OuT
Wed. July 06, 2011 | 8:30PM
PurO InsTIncT JOhn MAus
thu. July 07, 2011 | 8:30PM
hArVEy MILk
The eARL’s 12Th AnniveRsARy weekend! Fri. July 08, 2011 | 9:00PM
An EVEnIng WITh dEAd cOnfEdErATE Sat. July 09, 2011 | 9:00PM
“LIVE AT ThE EArL” 7” rELEAsE PArTy! nOOT d’ nOOT Sun. July 10, 2011 | 1:00PM
dunch WITh TAg TEAM tue. July 12, 2011 | 8:30PM
rEAL EsTATE
Wed. July 13, 2011 | 8:30PM
nOBunny
thu. July 14, 2011 | 8:30PM
BIg BusInEss TOrchE
Fri. July 15, 2011 | 9:00PM & Saturday, July 16
dIE sLAughTErhAus rEcOrds 10 yEAr AnnnIVErsAry PArTy Sun. July 17, 2011 | 8:00PM
ThE WOOdEn BIrds tue. July 19, 2011 | 8:30PM
PAuL cOLLIns’ BEAT Wed. July 20, 2011 | 8:30PM:
hAyEs cArLL Scott Miller
Mon. July 25, 2011 | 8:30PM
yOB
Tix available at Fantasyland Records, Decatur, CD, Criminal Records, The EARL & badearl.com
See it Live! Atlanta Venue Guide
The best places to hear live music in Atlanta OUTDOOR VENUES Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood
2002 Lakewood Way 404.443.5000 www.livenation.com
Atlanta's largest dedicated concert venue in the Southeast. Superior sound reproduction, advanced lighting capabilities and clear, unrestricted sightlines make Aaron’s Amphitheatre the favorite summer concert site for the avid music fan. Some of their hotly anticipated upcoming shows include: Kings of Leon (July 27); 311 (July 30); Warped Tour (Aug 1); Lil Wayne (Augt 6); Flashback Festival (Aug 13); and the Identity Tour (Aug 23).
Chastain Park
4469 Stella Dr. NW. 404.733.5012 www.classicchastain.com
Chastain Amphitheatre is one of the great outdoor concert venues in the country. It is an ideal setting to combine dining al fresco with a diverse range of musical talent. Among the top performances for the 2011 season include: Idina Menzel (July 9); Charlie Wilson (July 15); Huey Lewis (July 23); Amy Grant (July 29); Steely Dan (Aug 6); Bela Fleck (Aug 3).
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Encore Park in Alpharetta 404.249.6400 www.vzwamp.com
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre has quickly become the entertainment destination for music lovers across the region. Set on 45 acres of beautifully-landscaped wooded land in Alpharetta, the 12,000seat Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park provides a unique setting. 2011 summer line-up includes: Corey Smith (July 16); Kid Cudi (July 21); Further (July 31); Dolly Parton (Aug 3).
Frederick Brown Amphitheatre 201 McIntosh Trail Peachtree City 770.631.0630 www,amphitheater.org
THURSDAY JUNE 30 JOE MCGUINNESS W/ DUANE TRUCKS THURSDAY JULY 7 PLAIN CLOTHES TRACY WEDNESDAY JULY 13 JESSICA LONG THURSDAY JULY 14 COPIUS JONES FRIDAY JULY 15 VORTEX PARK SATURDAY JULY 16 COL. BRUCE HAMPTON THURSDAY JULY 21 PARKER SMITH FRIDAY JULY 22 DEVIL MAKES THREE WEDNESDAY JULY 27 LISTEN 2 THREE FRIDAY JULY 29 MAMMARAZI & RUBY TRIO Live Music Nightly. Full schedule on website FULL MENU LUNCH & DINNER (LUNCH AVAILABLE ‘TILL LATE NIGHT) Large Selection of American Microbrews High Gravity beers on tap
1123 Euclid Ave. in Little Five Points • 404.223.1100 www.fivespot-atl.com PG 22 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
Anticipated summer shows include: Randy Travis (July 15); Bon Iver (July 28) and The Beach Boys (Sept. 9).
The Arena at Gwinnett
6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy. 770.813.7600 www.gwinnettcenter.com
As part of the 80 acre Gwinnett Center campus, The Arena is a state of the art 13,000 seat facility. It boasts widened seats, a high-end sound system along with acoustical enhancements and versatile lighting. Upcoming concerts include: Mana (July 10); American Idol Live (July 26) and Keith Urban (Aug 4,5).
Variety Playhouse
1099 Euclid Ave. L5pts 404.521.1786 www.variety-playhouse.com
Fat Matt's Rib Shack
1578 Piedmont Ave 404.875.1522 www.smithsoldebar.com
Expect to see the best national, regional, and upcoming acts while enjoying the laid-back, intimate atmosphere. Check out Bill Calahan (July 16); The Whiskey Gentry (July 22,23) and Rebirth Brass Band (July 28,29).
The Tabernacle
152 Luckie Street 404.659.9022 www.livenation.com
This turn of the century church turned concert venue attracts some of the biggest national acts. A Perfect Circle (July 20); John Butler Trio (July 22) and Deadmau5 (Sept 7,8).
The Peachtree Tavern
3179 Peachtree Rd. 404.842.1700 www.peachtreetavern.com
2075 Market St. 678-473-1000 www.wildbillsatlanta.com
Philips Arena
100 Centennial Park 404.584.7825 www.philipsarena.com
Home to the Hawks and Atlanta Dream, Atlanta's largest indoor entertainment venue also showcases some great concerts. Highly anticipated concerts this year include: Taylor Swift (July 9,10); Sade (July 12,13); Britney Spears (July 17)
The Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St. 404.817.8700 www.foxtheatre.org
The city's oldest and most revered venue is best known for its theatrical performances. However they do house musical acts from time to time and many say it is among the best concert atmospheres they have experienced. Upcoming concerts include: Florence and the Machine (July 1); Intense (July 15) and Robyn Thicke (July 30); Alison Krauss (Aug 13).
Cobb Energy Center
2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy 770.916.2800 www.cobbenergycentre.com
First major performing arts facility built in metro Atlanta in four decades.
Eddie's Attic
Smith's Olde Bar
Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre
INDOOR VENUES
1374 W. Peachtree St. 404.885.1365 www.centerstage-atlanta.com This multi-level music complex houses Center Stage, The Loft and Vinyl. Center Stage is the largest of the three and books national acts including: Acorn Ridge (July 7); The Armory (July 9); Tim Minchin (July 14) Decatur Square. 4.377.4976 www.eddiesattic.com
The Peachtree Tavern is known for their awesome tribute bands and up and coming national acts. This month check out: MoonTaxi (July 8); Seven Handle Circus (July 9); Druid City (July 15); Stevie Monce (July 16); Wade Bowen (July 29).
Located in south Cobb County, Mable House Amphitheatre seats 2,400 people for everything from country to rock to plays to symphony orchestra performances. They have a limited schedule for the 2011 season but check out Foghat w/ the Fabulous Thunderbirds on July 16.
Center Stage
This is Little Five Points' largest music venue, but it can also be one of its most intimate. The Variety has great acoustics and sound combined with an eclectic mix of artists. Some of the great shows appearing this summer include: Perpetual Groove (July 22); Gillian Welch (Aug 6); The Hold Steady (Aug 30)
Located in Peachtree City, "The Fred" offers a unique and intimate concert experience. It has established itself as one of the leading outdoor entertainment venues in the metro area. Anticipated shows this summer include: Kool and the Gang (July 16); Bryan Adams (Aug 5) and 10,000 Maniacs (Aug 20).
5239 Floyd Rd, Mableton 770.819.7765 www.mablehouse.org
Musician's Jam on Tuesdays, monthly Bluegrass Jam’s and many touring and national acts Wednesday through Sunday. Upcoming music shows in July include: Jessica Long (July 13); Col. Bruce Hampton (July 16); Devil Makes Three (July 22); Mammarazi (July 29).
Wild Bill's
Duluth complex is one of the largest country-music dance club and concert halls in the country. Upcoming shows include: Aaron Lewis (July 15); Diversity (July 27); Cinderella (July 29).
Masquerade
695 North Ave. NE 404.577.8178 www.masq.com
Masquerade offers three rooms for dancing and lounging and an outdoor deck. It attracts a combination of loud rock, 80s retro music, and modern electronics. Expect to see a changing crowd depending on the night. Upcoming Shows include: The Psychedelic Furs (July 6); Wiz Khalifa (July 13); Kottonmouth Kings (July 24); Streetlight Manifesto w/ Reel Big Fish (Aug 8).
The Earl
488 Flat Shoals Ave. 404.522.3950 www.badearl.com
An East Atlanta institution for great live music. Anything and everything can be heard at The Earl and the crowd varies with the bands. National acts and the best of the emerging Atlanta music scene grace the stage nightly to packed crowds. In July catch: The Earl’s 12th Anniversary Weekend (July 8,9); Big Business (July 14); Paul Collin’ Beat (July 19); Hayes Carll (July 20).
Five Spot
1123 Euclid Ave. 404.223.1100 www.fivespot-atl.com
The Five Spot is Atlanta’s most inclusive music and arts venue and features acoustic acts every Monday, a diverse
Decatur's most prominent music venue features some of the best acoustical music in the city. Made famous by the frequent appearances of the Indigo Girls, they still offer some great acts. Upcoming performers include: Levi Lowrey (July 2); Natalia Zukerman (July 8) 1811 Piedmont Rd. 404.607.1622 www.fatmatts.com
You like ribs? You like the blues? You can get both seven nights a week. Live music begins at 8pm and come often, because you never know what blues legend is going to stop in and play. Coming up in July is Rough Draft (July 8); Andy Makely (July 9); Fedora Blues (July 16).
Tin Roof
2591 Briarcliff Road 404.329.4700 www.tinroofcantina.com
This popular Tex-Mex Cantina also boasts a indoor stage and huge outdoor patio. They now feature live music every night and are open late, 'till 4am. Popular regular acts include: Brian Wiltsey, Fransico Vidal and Mike Veal.
10 High
816 N. Highland Avenue 404.873.3607 www.darkhorseatlanta.com
The 10 High is located directly below the Dark Horse Tavern in the heart of the Virginia Highlands neighborhood. The venue is a favorite spot for local music lovers and bands as well. Monday, Friday and Saturday nights feature live band karaoke with Metalsome Inc.
Star Bar
437 Moreland Ave. 404.681.9018 www.starbaratl.com
This Little Five Points music cathedral keeps packing them in. The Elvis Shrine is still alive and well. Upcoming July shows include: Wizard Smoke (July 8); shovel & Rope (7/16); Pink Police (7/22).
Northside Tavern
1058 Howell Mill Rd. 404.874.8745 www.northsidetavern.com
Legendary blues and barbecue keeps them coming to the Westside. Regular acts include: Uncle Sugar; ZydeFunk; Mudcat & The Breeze Kings.
529
529 Flat Shoals Ave 404.228.6769 www.529atl.com
This popular East Atlanta venue has been attracting a large following. Highlighted shows in July include: Stay Productive (July 8) and El Fossil (July 9).
Apache Cafe
64 3rd St. NW 404.876.5436 www.apachecafe.com
Eclectic mix of spoken word, punk and jazz. July shows include: Independents Day (July 2) and Kim Joyce (July 9).
The Highland Inn
644 N. Highland Ave. 404.874.5756 www.highlandinn.com
Built in 1927 The Highland Inn is a unique staple of Atlanta's music scene. See The Sour Notes (7/8); Noel Stephen (July 9); Ken Wil Morten (July 23).
MUSIC
SISTER ACT
Athens Favorites Hope For Agoldensummer Return With A New Live Album BY DAVE WEINTHAL
H
OPE FOR AGOLDENSUMMER is an Athens, GA Flagpole Magazine band of the year featuring vocal harmonies and multiple instrumentals by sisters Claire and Paige Campbell and latest addition to the band, Suny Lyon. They have released a new full- length album, Hours in the Attic, containing 18 songs all recorded live at their concerts. Audiences are typically astounded by the sophisticated harmonic approach to their original southern ballads and lyrical storytelling. I recently caught up with Claire to talk about the band and their music. Being from Athens, GA, how have you managed to set yourself apart from other bands there? We didn’t set out to intentionally separate ourselves from college rock, it’s just the music we make is much more mellow. What comes out is quieter and pretty, and quirky I would say maybe. We get called eclectic sometimes. When I hear eclectic I hear free-jazz, and we’re not free-jazz or psychedelic or anything like that. (laughs) We didn’t intentionally set out to play stranger music than the mainstream. I wouldn’t call it stranger. I would say maybe it’s more original, perhaps. Yes. While music is literally in your blood did you at any point look for a different outlet to express yourself? When I was growing up I really badly wanted to be a comedian. And then I really badly wanted to be a chef. Then I wanted to have a comedy chef show. (Laughs) And
then it turns out I’m not really funny or a good cook. So I was in drama club most of middle school and high school, and then when I went to college is when I finally started to focus on music. I started to play shows before I graduated from high school and then I’ve been playing shows ever since. We’ve been playing shows for a long time. Your videos are more sophisticated than the traditional videos produced by a majority of today’ artists, taking on a mini movie/indie film tone. Was that the intent and/or how much involvement did you have with the projects? My sister Paige has the most involvement. She studied film and she comes up with really interesting screenplays/ ideas. And what we’ve always done is just pitch them to a group of gentlemen in town that we work with. Actually, they’re no longer here. They moved to L.A. in the last year. We would always pitch our weird ideas and they would figure out a way to make it work. Sometimes it comes out looking a little bit hokier than you think or maybe too dramatic or not dramatic enough. Obviously my role in our music videos is I was given the title of “craft services”. That just means I’m in charge of bringing the food (laughs) And that’s all I do. Do you see yourself more as a performance artist than a singer/songwriter? No, not at all. I would call myself a musician before I would call myself a performing artist, I guess. I do love performing. I guess when I started out playing music I never set out to be a performer. I was playing to have something to play and writing, it was an outlet for stories and heartache.
The band is very much a family affair. How has that worked to its advantage? Well I get to see my sister all the time, so that’s great. I guess it’s brought us closer. Since we both still live in Athens, every time we have a show in Atlanta we can count on our folks being there and we can usually talk them into getting on stage, singing a couple of old songs. It’s bonding. My dad still plays music a lot, so we’ll go to the big dance he and his friends do. It’s nice. Music is definitely one of the ways we all commune with each other.
before, but never with professionally hired musicians that I didn’t know. That was kind of intimidating. I had a lot to learn at that point. But it was great. And they let us work in the Foley room, which is where they do all the sound effects. We were surrounded by all sorts of weird sound effects equipment and toys, and you know – things that make the sound of walking on sand or rowing a boat across a river – things like that. It was a wonderful experience.
Do you consider yourself more of a lyricist or a music composer? Equal. I guess my sister and I don’t really write songs together. We both come up with the music and the lyrics on our own. And usually it happens at the same time for me. I’ll sort of be humming a tune and then have an idea abot something and it will all flow together.
The lyrics and imagery in your songs seem rather intimate at times. How comfortable are you opening up like that in front of a live audience? I’m pretty comfortable. Sometimes I shroud things in metaphors I’m not comfortable with. I say what I need to say to make the song feel complete, but not necessarily let everyone know the true story or the true emotions behind the lyrics. But I write a lot more literally now than when I first started writing.
You composed works for the soundtrack of Off the Black, a Nick Nolte film. What was that experience like? It was great. It was just like the movies... (laughs) where you’re in front of a big screen and they’re conducting musicians as the movie is playing in the background and everybody’s watching the screen and seeking their cues. That’s pretty neat. I would love to do more work like that. It was intimidating that time because that was the first time I really conducted other musicians. I’ve done scoring work
What keeps Hope For Agoldensummer motivated now in this day and age? Well, we all just like playing together. We like recording and putting out new albums, and we all love touring and visiting people, seeing new faces. I don’t know, if it’s sort of like an addiction, but it is a habit that once you get into being a performing musician, it’s hard to walk away from it because it sort of becomes your life. We keep doing it because it’s something we love to do.
TESTING THE WATERS The Smoking Popes Frontman Josh Caterer On His Beloved Band’s Reunion BY JOHN B. MOORE
I
T’S BEEN A TURBULENT 10 YEARS FOR FANS of Chicago-based pop-punks The Smoking Popes. The highly influential band that launched a hundred other bands via influence put in their time at a major label before ultimately throwing in the towel in 1999 as a result of singer/guitarist Josh Caterer’s commitment to his Christian faith. The band, comprised of Josh and his brothers Eli and Matt (and eventually former Lawrence Arms drummer Neil Hennessy), continued to make solid music in different incarnations and under different monikers over the years, but never really quite had the impact that they did in The Smoking Popes. They surprised many in 2005 with a series of reunion shows, and then put an exclamation point on their return with 2008’s Stay Down. Finally free of the “will they still be good” speculation behind their last release, they answered that question quite nicely with their recent full length This is Only a Test, a fantastic collection of punk-fused pop songs complete with Josh’s Mel Torme-styled crooner vocals.
Caterer spoke recently about the new record, getting past the reunion phase and where they go from here.
has increased, so there’s more competition. But I guess one thing never changes...if you make good music, people will like it and you’ll be okay.
Now that you’ve gotten over the initial reunion phase, how was working on This is Only a Test compare to Stay Down? This Is Only A Test was a lot of fun to work on because we were all excited about the concept of the album and we were focused on trying to bring the songs to life. It sort of got us out of ourselves as a band. We didn’t have a bad time making Stay Down, but at that point we felt a certain pressure because it was our first studio album in 10 years so we were taking things pretty seriously. I’m proud of both albums, but Test is more fun.
Are you surprised at all by how many bands you guys have influenced over the years? It’s very satisfying to know you’ve had an impact. It also makes you feel old.
Is it accurate to describe This is Only a Test as a concept album? Yes, it’s definitely a concept album. All the songs are written from the point of view of a senior in high school. It’s not an unfolding narrative, like a rock opera, it’s more like a series of snapshots from this kid’s life. Has touring changed much for you guys since the band first started out? We didn’t enjoy touring when we first started out. In fact, we really didn’t start enjoying it until we got back together in 2005. We’re having a lot more fun now than we ever did the first time around. In that sense, it’s a good thing we broke up. It helped us to really appreciate things now, not take it for granted. The record industry has changed immensely since you guys first started recording music. Do you think it’s easier or harder now for young bands to make a living as a punk band? It seems easier for a band to get their name out there and get their music out there, because of the technology available. But also the number of bands
Because you’re brothers, do you think it was a tougher decision to split up The Smoking Popes than if you had just been friends and band mates? I don’t think being brothers made it tougher to split up. That was something that just had to happen at the time. But I think it did make it easier to get back together, because we were all still in touch with each other. When I interviewed you a few years ago you talked about how being in the band didn’t feel right at the time because of your faith. What changed? In 1999, my faith in Christ was a brand new thing to me, and it turned my whole life around in a very dramatic way. There was a kind of purging period where I didn’t listen to any rock music for a couple years. It took me a while to become grounded enough in my faith to know that I could play rock music again without compromising my beliefs or compromising the changes that Jesus had made in my life. What can you tell me about the upcoming tour with Alkaline Trio? Have you known the band for awhile? We’ve know those guys almost from the beginning. They used to open for us when we were playing little shows out in the suburbs of Chicago. They’re good friends. We’ve played shows together, but never actually gone on the road together before. It’s gonna be a blast! You guys could have chosen just about anyone to put out your new record and re-release your catalog. What was it about Asian Man that made you go with that label? Of all the labels we’ve worked with over the years, Mike Park from Asian Man is the most honest and trustworthy guy we’ve ever dealt with. We love being on Asian Man. It’s the best! PG 23 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
MUSIC
15th Annual
Music Issue
SUMMER LOVIN’ INsite’s Guide to the Season’s
Best Concerts, Albums & Festivals
BY B. LOVE, DEMARCO WILLIAMS, JOHN B. MOORE & JON LATHAM
s
ummer turns me upside down/ summer, summer, summer… it’s like a merrygo-round.” these immortal words from the Cars frontman ric ocasek could just as easily be used to describe the way Atlanta heat can boil your brain, the way scantily-clad Georgia belles distract even the most well-meaning southern gentleman’s mind, or the way the ridiculously crowded summer album and concert schedule impacts a die-hard music fan hell-bent on keeping up. Coincidentally, the Cars are one of a gazillion bands playing this year’s Lollapalooza in Chicago, which continues to challenge Bonnaroo, pitchfork, newport and telluride among the nation’s most impressive destination festivals. meanwhile, electroniccentered newcomer identity is trying to earn a spot alongside the venerable Vans warped tour and the metalhead-friendly rockstar mayhem Festival as one of the most successful touring music festivals. Album-wise, the dog days of summer will bring new releases from a bevy of the most beloved bands in the music business, including Arcade Fire, Alkaline trio, Brian eno, Jay-Z and Kanye, Lil’ wayne, red Hot Chili peppers, they might Be Giants and many more. Check out our guide to the biggest and brightest, then prepare your credit card for some serious fiscal damage, because, as we all know, music = magic.
SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS VANS WARPED TOUR
Dates: June 24-Aug 14 now in its 16th year and hitting more than 40 north American cities, this annual gathering of punk rockers and extreme sports fans has established itself as the granddaddy of all festival tours, outlasting every other festival tour birthed in the ‘90s. Credit creator Kevin Lyman with adapting to the changing cultural tides and expanding the lineup’s diversity. this year’s revolving roster features more than 100 bands, including simple plan, unwritten Law, peelander-Z, relient K, the Aggrolites and enter shikari.
ROCKSTAR MAYHEM FESTIVAL
Dates: July 9 – August 14 Kevin Lyman’s 4-year-old festival is hellbent on doing for heavy metal what his warped tour has done for punk-rock, replacing ozzfest as the premiere headbangers gathering of the summer in the process. this year’s lineup balances metal legends such as megadeth and former chart-toppers such as Godsmack and disturbed with up ‘n’ coming acts like in Flames, trivium and much more.
4KNOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Date: July 16 After 10 years as the siren music Festival, this Village Voice-sponsored hipster convention has a new name and a new location, south street seaport’s pier 17 in manhattan. Annually attracting over 100,000 people, the festival remains free of charge, attracting an impressive roster of up ‘n’ coming indie-rock acts
PG 24 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
that will include the Black Angels, titus Andronicus, davila 666, oberhofer and eleanor Friedberger (of Fiery Furnaces fame). Former siren Festival favorites ted Leo & the pharmacists will kick off the festival with a free show on July 16: You can bet fans will turn out in droves to see if the frontman can top his impromptu skateboarding demonstration in a torrential downpour and the generator-powered performance during the 2003 nYC blackout.
DO DA JAM FESTIVAL
Dates: July 28-August 1 A little over a decade ago– from 1999 to 2001– there was a hippie-friendly music festival in a small town just outside the north Georgia town of ellijay that attracted a surprisingly impressive roster of talent, from local favorites such as sts9, Blueground undergrasss and Col. Bruce Hampton & the Codetalkers to big-time Americana names such as the Yonder mountain string Band, steep Canyon rangers and the John Cowan Band. this new 5-day gathering (officially known as the do da Jam “Jerry’s Birthday river Bash” Festival) seeks to revive the earthloving spirit of that festival, offering 4 stages of live music, arts & crafts and outdoor recreation. Headlines by singer-songwriter Keller williams, the festival will also feature performances by former Grateful dead member tom Constanten, swamp blues guitarist papa mali, Atlanta favorite Caroline Herring and dozens more in a picturesque setting on the banks of the beautiful etowah river.
NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL
Dates: July 30-31 Celebrating its 52nd year, the granddaddy of all destination festivals simultaneously respects the history of folk music tradition while providing young’uns with the hipster Americana acts they adore. set in newport’s Fort Adams state park, the festival’s 2011 roster is arguably among its most impressive to date. Legendary performers abound, including master banjo picker earl scruggs, alt-country icon emmylou Harris, the inimitable elvis Costello (playing a rare solo set), soul diva mavis staples, and the newly resurgent wanda Jackson. But indie hipsters are well represented in the form of the decemberists, Gillian welch, Gogol Bordello (playing acoustic), Justin townes earle, m. ward and many more. Anybody want to buy me a plane ticket to rhode island?
LOLLAPALOOZA
Dates: August 5-7 After beginning the decade as one of the seminal celebrations of alternative music, Lollpalooza had become something of a joke by the late ‘90s, underlining the absurdity of turning underground culture into a mass-marketed mainstream commodity. perry Far-
rell’s brainchild has functioned much better under its current guise as a destination festival, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans to Chicago’s scenic Grant park every August. this year’s lineup is as impressively well-rounded as any music fan could hope for: You’ve got classic alt-rock icons such as Foo Fighters, Coldplay, muse, Bright eyes, A perfect Circle, ween, Big Audio dynamite and my morning Jacket. You’ve got urban acts like eminem, damian “Jr. Gong” marley & nas, Atmosphere and Kid Cudi. there are legions of hipsters, including Beirut, ratatat, Cage the elephant, the Kills, sleigh Bells and Lykke Li. And of course perry’s got his notorious dJ tent, featuring hip-hop and electronic acts like Girl talk , skrillex, the Glitch mob, pretty Lights, Afrojack and Chuckie. But i’ll be rooting for our hometown acts, including the Black Lips, Cee-Lo, manchester orchestra and up ‘n’ coming singer-songwriter Julia easterlin.
IDENTITY
Dates: August 11 to September 10 touted as the first-ever touring electronica-only music festival, identity hopes to tap into the modern dance music craze by offering top-tier techno artists performing on three different stages from the afternoon until late into the night. the skullcandy-sponsored main stage will include current scene-leaders such as Kaskade, rusko and the disco Biscuits; the rockstar energy drink x dim mak stage will feature influential legends such as steve Aoki, the Crystal method and dJ shadow; and the Beatport stage will feature big names such as Chad Hugo (of neptunes fame) and up ‘n’ comers like LA riots and white shadow. will club kids turn out in droves to dance in the daylight? only their glowsticks know for sure…
SUMMER ALBUMS TAKINg BACK SUNDAY – TAKINg BACK SUNDAY
(warner Bros.) June 28 it’s been almost a decade since the latest taking Back sunday lineup– the same one that put out the band’s influential 2002 debut tell All Your Friends– has been together following an acrimonious break up that had fans choosing sides for years. After a couple of disappointing follow ups and tossing aside the fill in members to make room for the original players, many also see this self-titled release as the band’s last effort to either reclaim their emo pop superstar status of the early aughts, or go out big.
JILL SCOTT – THE LIgHT OF THE SUN (warner Bros)
June 28 it’s been four long years since the beloved soul diva’s last critically acclaimed album, the real thing: words & sounds Vol. 3. Fans looking for a hint at the cause of the long delay need look no further than the continues on page 25
ALBUMS
14th Annual
Music Issue
epitaph), damnesia features a reworking of some of Alkaline trio’s fan favorites. the songs stretch back deep into the dark humored punk band’s back catalog, but with reworked new acoustic arrangements. the record also includes two new original songs from Alkaline trio and a cover of the Violent Femmes song “i Held Her in my Arms”.
from page 25 company behind the album, warner Bros.– a first-time move to the majors which resulted from scott’s acrimonious split from her former label, Hidden Beach. (of course, there was also scott’s detour into acting on the HBo show the no. 1 Ladies’ detective Agency.) Boasting collaborations with artists ranging from hip-hop legend doug e Fresh and rapper-turned-actor eve to fellow neo-soul crooner Anthony Hamilton, word has it that the Light of the sun is a stunning return to form.
gREgORY ATTONITO – NATURAL DISASTER (Chunksaah)
WHITE WIVES – HAPPENERS (Adeline) June 28 this is the first proper full length from the punk rock supergroup (they’ve already self released an ep and toured quite a bit). Comprised of Chris #2 and Chris Head of Anti-Flag, roger Harvey of dandelion snow and tyler Kweder of American Armada, the songs actually sound a bit more like indie rock than the punk rock many are expecting. the band took inspiration from the mid-60’s dutch anarchist provo movement in putting together the songs, so rest assured the album should be brimming with plenty of political sentiment.
311 – UNIVERSAL PULSE (311 re-
BRIAN ENO – DRUMS BETWEEN THE BELLS (warp records)
July 5 whether in his production work, most recently with the likes of Coldplay and u2, or his soundscapes thru collaboration, most notably on the terrific albums in recent years with david Byrne and paul simon, Brian eno brings life to his ambient compositions. this latest release is the final product of numerous runins and meetings with poet rick Holland, which dates back to the mid-90’s. it is eno’s follow-up to last years album, small Craft on A milk sea.
ALKALINE TRIO – DAMNESIA
(epitaph/Heart & skull) July 12 Coming out on the band’s 15th anniversary on their newly created vanity label (and being distributed by
July 12 new Jersey’s Bouncing souls have been churning out some of the most consistently solid pop-fused punk rock since the early 90’s, but front man Greg Attonito has never put out a solo effort until now. the six song ep natural disaster is a bit of a departure from the music he is usually associated with, thanks to acoustic guitars, quieter vocals and even some synthesizers on the first track. different than what many expect, but great just the same. cords/ Ato records) July 19 over the last two decades, the omaha, nebraska natives have finely tuned their blend of alternative rock, reggae grooves, and hip-hop into a staple of every summer vacation mix tape. though their albums have seemed to slip little by little in quality over time, the band promise their latest release is more focused than many of their recent studio endeavors. with only 8 tracks, the band is banking on delivering an “all killer, no filler” assault. returning to the production helm is Bob rock, who produced the band’s last offering uplifter, rock’s ear for thick punchy rock riffs will no doubt add to the aggressive nature of this record.
THEY MIgHT BE gIANTS – JOIN US (idlewild/ rounder records)
July 19 Call it nerd-rock if you must, but don’t knock it as a gimmick. the quirky pop sensibilities of the John’s have amassed a fan following that spans generations, thanks in part to their more recent kidfriendly endeavors that nabbed them a Grammy. in the spirit of classic records like Flood, a must-have nugget of ‘90’s alternative rock, tmBG returns to doing more grown-up fare, including tracks released in advance earlier this year such as “old pine Box” and “Can’t Keep Johnny down”. make no mistake, this is one band that, regardless of age, refuses to grow up and get too serious. Let’s join them.
ARCADE FIRE – SCENES FROM THE SUBURBS (merge)
August 2 though not entirely a new album, this deluxe reissue of the suburbs adds enough extras to make it worth a purchase for JUL aLL-aMericaN 4 ceLebratioN die-hard fans, or Fisher, conductor curiousRob indieU.S. Army Chorus rock newcomers eager see what coLLectiVe Fri to aNiMaL allJUL the Deradoorian fuss is 8 released • Atlas Sound about. almost a year • YeS JUL StYx to 14 the day Shaneafter Alexander the montreal caSabLaNca Fri art-rock collecJUL with Complete Film LIVE! tive’s Grammy15 Jere Flint, conductor winning 2010 smash, Ben thisMankiewicz, host Sat edition adds two SMith coreY JUL Rhett(inAkins new songs 16 Farley cludingRachel a david Byrne collaboraJUL Kid cudi tion, Chip Tha Ripper 21 “speaking in tongues”), an 80-page booklet, a cirque de dVd aboutLa the making Sat documentary SYMPhoNie of JUL the album and a 30-minute short 30byMichael Krajewski, conductor film acclaimed indie director spike Jonze (where the wild things Are, Sun furthur: JUL John Being malkovich). 31 PhiL LeSh & bob weir
THE gAME – THE R.E.D. ALBUM AUG An Evening with
unstoppable when the game’s on the line, throne will score with fans. And if mr. west is King James, dominant at times and complimentaryON when necesSALE sary, this dream team will take the NOW! crown for summer’s best album. AUG
11
Windstorm Productions Presents
death cab STEPHEN MALfor cutieKMUS AND THE Frightened Rabbit
Sat
AUG
13
JICKS – mirror
traffic (matador
biG bad Voodoo records) daddY August 23
Michael Krajewski, conductor it seems as though stephen AUG MY MorNiNG malkmus is a 20 JacKet man of unfinNeko Case ished business. Last year saw AUG MiraNda malkmus take 31 coSGroVe the reins of his Shane Harper old band, a little indie outfit called 5 SEP traiN • MarooN 1 Matt Nathanson pavement (ever heard of ‘em?), roGer and them ondaLtreY one of the most sucSEP lead The tours Who’s of the year. on 15 Performs cessful reunion toMMY the backburner lay mirror traffic, now Who Classics & moreof day. what finallyPlus seeing the light can we expect? word is that with the Sat iNcubuS help SEP of this little producer named Beck special guest 17 with(surely Hansen you’ve never heard of him, either), this will be the most Sun raY LaMoNtaGNe ambitious album sm and the Jicks SEP & the Pariah doGS have to the table. Also notable 18 brought Brandi Carlile is the final contributions from Jicks drummer Janet weiss, formerly of Sat wideSPread Sale OCT PaNic deparing toON sleater-Kinney, continue fRIdAy, july 8 8 Futurebirds AT 10AM! work with her outfit wild Flag.
(Aftermath/interscope) 3 doLLY PartoN August 23 there are a couple Sun StarFest featuring of things you AUG you’ll Goo know getGoo from doLLS a Game Cd: 1) 7 Michelle Branch Compton’s finest is going to namedrop; 2)Parachute wannabe thugs are going to get their heads popped; His Tickets available at all3) Ticketmaster outlets including Publix Super Markets RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – I’M WITH street-approved TICKETMASTER.COM production is going • 1.800.745.3000 • Venue box office YOU (warner Bros.) venue is conveniently off GA-400 in Alpharetta. For more information, visit VZWAMP.COM to knock.Theperiod. that’s located the Game, or FACEBOOK.COM/VERIZONWIRELESSAMPHITHEATRE August 30 and on r.e.d., his fourth album, he it has been a five-year gap since we sticks to the script. dJ premier, Just last heardOwned from the Chili peppers, and All artists and schedulesJ.u.s.t.i.C.e. subject to change without notice.League All tickets subject show to service charge. Concerts rain or shine. and operated by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Blaze and up in the liner notes as producers. wiz it has been a time marked with change and a sign of rebirth for the band. Khalifa, B.o.B., e-40 and Luda lend during the hiatus verses. Best that followed believe easy e their extended and nate dogg tour in support are somewhere of 2006’s stasmiling. dium Arcadium, guitarist John LIL WAYNE – Frusciante made THA CARTER VI his second exit (Young money/ from the band. universal mostepping in on town) guitar is friend August 29 and collaboraYou may get tor Josh Klingtired of dwayne hoffer. Anthony Carter’s someKiedis has made what-animated mention that voice, but you this album, yet never get tired again helmed by of hearing his longtime producer rick rubin, is the magical way with words. nine solo next chapter in the band’s saga, at albums, 90,000 cameos and a verse the same tie familiar and the start of on the spring’s biggest r&B hit (Kelly something new. rowland’s “motivation”) can’t muffle the excitement over tha Carter Vi. THE NIgHTWATCHMEN – WORLD WIDE And after hearing the well-orchestratREBEL SONgS (new west records) ed first singles (“6 Foot, 7 Foot” and August 30 the rick ross-smashed “John”) and tom morello once again channels seeing the folks connected to the projhis internal woodie Guthrie, and ects (Kanye west, swizz Beatz, drake), sheds the major label with the third anticipation for the popular rapper’s Lp release under the moniker of the Cd has reached near-epic heights. nightwatchmen. Gone also is the urge to remain stripped down and acoustic. JAY-Z AND KANYE WEST – WATCH Known for his aggressive guitar work THE THRONE (roc-A-Fella) with rage Against the machine, moAugust TBD rello lets the folk flag fly, but sets it on the superteam concept didn’t really fire with rocking riffs. ever political, pan out in miami, but that ain’t stopping the nightwatchmen pulls no punches two of the planet’s biggest rap personalities from ganging up on this long-delayed yet again with the foreign and domestic social issues of our time. this project. Like the Heat during the first machine kills fascists, but it’ll rev you month of the nBA season, Jay and Ye’s up at the same time. included is work first single, “H.A.m.,” was a complete with collaborators, or co-conspirators, brick. we’re hoping they were just playBen Harper. BY PHONE : 800-745-3000. All dates, acts and ticket prices to changeas without notice. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees. ing. ifCHARGE Hova is d-wade, charismatic andsubjectsuch PG 25 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
ALBUMS
epitaph), damnesia features a reworking of some of Alkaline trio’s fan favorites. the songs stretch back deep into the dark humored punk band’s back catalog, but with reworked new acoustic arrangements. the record also includes two new original songs from Alkaline trio and a cover of the Violent Femmes song “i Held Her in my Arms”.
14th Annual
Music Issue
from page 25 company behind the album, warner Bros.– a first-time move to the majors which resulted from scott’s acrimonious split from her former label, Hidden Beach. (of course, there was also scott’s detour into acting on the HBo show the no. 1 Ladies’ detective Agency.) Boasting collaborations with artists ranging from hip-hop legend doug e Fresh and rapper-turned-actor eve to fellow neo-soul crooner Anthony Hamilton, word has it that the Light of the sun is a stunning return to form.
gREgORY ATTONITO – NATURAL DISASTER (Chunksaah)
WHITE WIVES – HAPPENERS (Adeline) June 28 this is the first proper full length from the punk rock supergroup (they’ve already self released an ep and toured quite a bit). Comprised of Chris #2 and Chris Head of Anti-Flag, roger Harvey of dandelion snow and tyler Kweder of American Armada, the songs actually sound a bit more like indie rock than the punk rock many are expecting. the band took inspiration from the mid-60’s dutch anarchist provo movement in putting together the songs, so rest assured the album should be brimming with plenty of political sentiment.
311 – UNIVERSAL PULSE (311 re-
Sat, July 2
July 12 new Jersey’s Bouncing souls have been churning out some of the most consistently solid pop-fused punk rock since the early 90’s, but front man Greg Attonito has never put out a solo effort until now. the six song ep natural disaster is a bit of a departure from the music he is usually associated with, thanks to acoustic guitars, quieter vocals and even some synthesizers on the first track. different than what many expect, but great just the same. cords/ Ato records) July 19 over the last two decades, the omaha, nebraska natives have finely tuned their blend of alternative rock, reggae grooves, and hip-hop into a staple of every summer vacation mix tape. though their albums have seemed to slip little by little in quality over time, the band promise their latest release is more focused than many of their recent studio endeavors. with only 8 tracks, the band is banking on delivering an “all killer, no filler” assault. returning to the production helm is Bob rock, who produced the band’s last offering uplifter, rock’s ear for thick punchy rock riffs will no doubt add to the aggressive nature of this record.
fri, July 8
BRIAN ENO – DRUMS BETWEEN THE BELLS (warp records)
Sat, July 9
July 5 THEY MIgHT BE gIANTS – JOIN whether in his production work, US (idlewild/ rounder records) most recently with the likes of ColdJuly 19 play and u2, or his soundscapes thru Call it nerd-rock if you must, but collaboration, most notably on the don’t knock it as a gimmick. the terrific albums in pop (Badassquirky Bluegrass) (Jam Rock) recent years(rock) with sensibilities of w/ her & kings county david Byrne and the John’s have paul simon, Brian amassed a fan eno brings life to following that his ambient comspans generapositions. this tions, thanks in latest release is part to their the final product more recent kidof numerous runfriendly endeavins and meetings ors that nabbed with poet rick them a Grammy. Holland, which in the spirit of w/ maurice mangum dates back(Jam to therock) records (texasclassic country) mid-90’s. it is like Flood, eno’s follow-up to a must-have last years album, nugget of ‘90’s Best alternative rock, small Craft on A milk sea. returns rock tmBG • mondays Industry nIght to doing more 2010 grown-up fare, cluB in advance includALKALINE – DAMNESIA w/ tImTRIO tyler (PIano rock) ing tracks released earlier (epitaph/Heart & skull) this year such as “old pine Box” and • taIls uP tuesdays (shots and Beer) July 12 “Can’tdraft Keep Johnny down”. make no Coming out on the band’s 15th mistake, this is one band that, regard• welfare wednesdays musIc - draft sPecIals! anniversary on their newly created- lIve less of age, refuses to grow up and get vanity label (and being distributed by serious. Let’s join them. 3179 Peachtree rd. 404-842-1700too • www.Peachtreetavern.com
StokeSwood MoonTaxi Seven Handle Circus fri, July 15
Sat, July 16
fri, July 29
DruiD City Stevie Monce WADE BOWEN
No Cover WeekNights!
PG 26 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
ARCADE FIRE – SCENES FROM THE SUBURBS (merge)
August 2 though not entirely a new album, this deluxe reissue of the suburbs adds enough extras to make it worth a purchase for die-hard fans, or curious indierock newcomers eager to see what all the fuss is about. released almost a year to the day after the montreal art-rock collective’s Grammywinning 2010 smash, this edition adds two new songs (including a david Byrne collaboration, “speaking in tongues”), an 80-page booklet, a dVd documentary about the making of the album and a 30-minute short film by acclaimed indie director spike Jonze (where the wild things Are, Being John malkovich).
THE gAME – THE R.E.D. ALBUM
(Aftermath/interscope) August 23 there are a couple of things you know you’ll get from a Game Cd: 1) Compton’s finest is going to namedrop; 2) wannabe thugs are going to get their heads popped; 3) His street-approved production is going to knock. period. that’s the Game, and on r.e.d., his fourth album, he sticks to the script. dJ premier, Just Blaze and J.u.s.t.i.C.e. League show up in the liner notes as producers. wiz Khalifa, B.o.B., e-40 and Luda lend verses. Best believe easy e and nate dogg are somewhere smiling.
LIL WAYNE – THA CARTER VI
(Young money/ universal motown) August 29 You may get tired of dwayne Carter’s somewhat-animated voice, but you never get tired of hearing his magical way with words. nine solo albums, 90,000 cameos and a verse on the spring’s biggest r&B hit (Kelly rowland’s “motivation”) can’t muffle the excitement over tha Carter Vi. And after hearing the well-orchestrated first singles (“6 Foot, 7 Foot” and the rick ross-smashed “John”) and seeing the folks connected to the projects (Kanye west, swizz Beatz, drake), anticipation for the popular rapper’s Cd has reached near-epic heights.
JAY-Z AND KANYE WEST – WATCH THE THRONE (roc-A-Fella)
August TBD the superteam concept didn’t really pan out in miami, but that ain’t stopping two of the planet’s biggest rap personalities from ganging up on this long-delayed project. Like the Heat during the first month of the nBA season, Jay and Ye’s first single, “H.A.m.,” was a complete brick. we’re hoping they were just playing. if Hova is d-wade, charismatic and
unstoppable when the game’s on the line, throne will score with fans. And if mr. west is King James, dominant at times and complimentary when necessary, this dream team will take the crown for summer’s best album.
STEPHEN MALKMUS AND THE JICKS – MIRROR TRAFFIC (mata-
dor records) August 23 it seems as though stephen malkmus is a man of unfinished business. Last year saw malkmus take the reins of his old band, a little indie outfit called pavement (ever heard of ‘em?), and lead them on one of the most successful reunion tours of the year. on the backburner lay mirror traffic, now finally seeing the light of day. what can we expect? word is that with the help of this little producer named Beck Hansen (surely you’ve never heard of him, either), this will be the most ambitious album sm and the Jicks have brought to the table. Also notable is the final contributions from Jicks drummer Janet weiss, formerly of sleater-Kinney, deparing to continue work with her outfit wild Flag.
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – I’M WITH YOU (warner Bros.)
August 30 it has been a five-year gap since we last heard from the Chili peppers, and it has been a time marked with change and a sign of rebirth for the band. during the hiatus that followed their extended tour in support of 2006’s stadium Arcadium, guitarist John Frusciante made his second exit from the band. stepping in on guitar is friend and collaborator Josh Klinghoffer. Anthony Kiedis has made mention that this album, yet again helmed by longtime producer rick rubin, is the next chapter in the band’s saga, at the same tie familiar and the start of something new.
THE NIgHTWATCHMEN – WORLD WIDE REBEL SONgS (new west records) August 30 tom morello once again channels his internal woodie Guthrie, and sheds the major label with the third Lp release under the moniker of the nightwatchmen. Gone also is the urge to remain stripped down and acoustic. Known for his aggressive guitar work with rage Against the machine, morello lets the folk flag fly, but sets it on fire with rocking riffs. ever political, the nightwatchmen pulls no punches yet again with the foreign and domestic social issues of our time. this machine kills fascists, but it’ll rev you up at the same time. included is work with collaborators, or co-conspirators, such as Ben Harper.
TV
DR. WHO?
Meet Arlene Tur, the Gorgeous Surgeon of BBC Import Torchwood: Miracle Day By Sacha DzuBa
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Cuban-American beauty Arlene Tur grew up in Miami, reading books in an avocado tree on her father’s avocado and mango farm. During college, she played professional beach volleyball and was tapped to join another team, which consisted of fashion models. This event led to her discovery and career in the modeling world. She eventually began serious study with acting coach heavyweights Uta Hagen, Howard Fine, and Ivana Chubbuck. She started her acting career in the hit Telemundo comedy Los Teens, and gained more notice for her role of Bebe in the Starz series Crash, based on the Oscar-winning film. Now, Arlene Tur is set to explode onto TV screens July 8th as surgeon Vera Juarez on a new show, Torchwood: Miracle Day. Torchwood is an
action-packed sci-fi series from the UK that has racked up ratings and respect, and now moves to the US through collaboration between BBC Worldwide and Starz. Tur was kind enough to take some time to catch up with us on her life, her views of the world, and of course her new series. What sort of preparation did you take for your role on Torchwood? I actually had a surgeon in the ER that I shadowed, and it was so helpful. It really teaches you– not really about the tools they use or the procedures– but more about how they think and how they move and the urgency that they have and their energy. When a doctor says, “Hi, how are you? What’s your name?” they don’t really care about your name. They’re seeing how difficult it is for you to breathe, and are you hunched over, which means that you need more air. Are you dizzy? Are your eyes dilated? Can you focus? They’re already diagnosing you. Little things like that that make a difference in being true to playing a cardiothoracic surgeon were invaluable. Are you a big sci-fi/fantasy fan? I love the genre, but I’ve never done it before, nor am I a big TV watcher. So I’m not a follower of all the shows, but I am aware of what’s out there. I love action, and sci-fi generally has a lot of action, and I enjoy the intensity of it. Usually, if you’re playing in a law show, a doctor show or a cop show, there are rules. Your cop car isn’t all of a sudden going to grow wings and fly. But when you’re doing sci-fi, you better believe you’re going to have a flying cop car and something’s going to attack you that you’ve
never seen before. Anything can happen on the set of a sci-fi show, which is very exciting to an actor that loves to use their imagination. The situations you get into are just so different. How does that relate to your experience on Miracle Day? In Miracle Day, the phenomenon is that people stop dying. In general, society at first celebrated: “Yay, we’re going to live forever!” So everybody is acting like immortals, doing crazy things, putting people in danger, but ultimately nobody considered it a crisis. The phenomenon turns out to be a tremendous crisis because you have people still being born, nobody is dying, people are getting injured and coming into the ER, and everything is overflowed. There’s not enough staff resources or space to take care of the people. Vera, the character I play, isn’t satisfied with “Well, let’s just deal with it.” She keeps asking questions to the point where she’s dealing with the government, saying, “What are we going to do about this?” She’s also in touch with Rex Matheson (Mekhi Phifer) and, because of their involvement, she asks what the CIA thinks. She essentially becomes part of Torchwood as their medical specialist. People question their own mortality. How does Miracle Day reference the previous series of Torchwood? They stay true to Torchwood and what people know, so I feel very confident that the fans will be very pleased. I think I would be remiss if I didn’t ask for Torchwood fans if you share an onscreen kiss with the omnisexual Captain Jack/John Barrowman? Two words for you: I WISH! (Laughs) No, we didn’t have a kiss on screen. From what I’ve heard, John Barrowman is a bit of a prankster on set?
A bit?! He is the ultimate. He is so much fun to work with. Actually, all of them were. We worked with Rhys (Williams), Eve (Myles), John (Barrowman), Julie (Gardner) and Russell (T. Davies), and every time they were on set it was just such a joy. It was constant comedy and pranks, and the environment was made so light open and free. Are you aware of Torchwood’s over-arching connections to Doctor Who? Yes, of course. I saw the original Doctor Who, which was amazing! I started watching them and was fascinated by what they were doing. We’ve come a long way since, but it’s so entertaining to see what they did back then with the original Doctor Who. Given that this is a transplanted British show brought to the U.S., how have you found the writing and storytelling different? In everybody’s crisis, there’s humor to somebody else. That’s usually what situational comedy is about. I feel that [the writers] have such a talent for wit. They have a way of threading comedy within, so that even the way they edit is funny. Not only focusing on the gravitas of the crisis, but also showing humor throughout. There are some American writers on the show, so everybody is collaborating. It’s consistently brilliant. I get the impression that you have a very silly and fun personality. Thank you. I just try not to get affected by that Hollywood thing, you know? It’s overwhelming, and a lot of people close up because they don’t want the audience to know too much. But if you’re just open and being yourself, nobody’s going to stop you to find out too much, because people already know you. It’s a terrible feeling to have to hide who you are. I’ve got to be in this skin for the rest of my life, so I might as well be comfortable…
BOOKS
A Secret Worth telling Lisa See’s critically-acclaimed novel “The Snow Flower and The Secret Fan” is cine-bound and gets fans anxious for her newest novel “Dreams of Joy” By Jenni WilliamS
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hat is more interesting than uncovering a secret code made just for talking with your girlfriends? i’m guessing that since about age eight, when girls-only clubs hit their peak, absolutely nothing. From secret origami to color-coded notes and mysterious handwriting, it was a special secret shared only by those you shared the most intimate bond—and you couldn’t get into trouble if anyone ever found it. it’s that exact thing embodied in Lisa see’s critically acclaimed novel, “the snow Flower and the secret Fan.” a secret code used by two women in China to get around cultural restrictions that otherwise forbade their friendship, it became the bond that linked them for life. that bond is what see does best in her novels. But it’s not the typical “sex in the City” chit-chatty girlfriends-forever type friendship. it’s about a real, raw relationship that undoubtedly brings betrayal and a dark side in addition to its perfectly unmatched union.
see challenges her fans, asking, “For any woman who hasn’t been betrayed by a close friend, abandoned by their best friend or hurt by the ones they love most,” to step forward and proclaim their miracle. these relationships fascinate see to the point that they anchor her series of asian-american literature and provide the fortitude necessary to make the nationwide release of the adapted screenplay for “snow Flower” widely anticipated. “Widely anticipated” might even be an understatement. after all, she landed hugh Jackman in the movie, not to mention hong Kong’s own version of meryl streep (Bingbing Li). no, she didn’t do the casting– she didn’t even write the screenplay– but she was present throughout the creative process, bringing her characters and their personalities to life on the screen. Will the movie do the book justice? in her own words, see says, “have you ever been to a movie where you’ve read the book and didn’t say, ‘the book was way better?’” her answer is no, but—laughing—she encourages
audiences to separate those art forms. “treat the film as the director’s own medium,” she suggests, rather than expecting a recreation of her “snow Flower” novel. “once you’re able to take them for different works of art, you can appreciate (and enjoy) the film as much as you did the read.” so how true does the movie stay to the novel? Despite see’s warnings that it doesn’t matter, know that the film carries an extra plotline. and that shouldn’t be treated as a necessarily bad thing. see explains that the film adds a modern-day parallel to the generations-old original tale. That pattern beautifully illustrates how telling stories through today’s perspectives gives us a much deeper insight into the past and why we are the way we are. The audience is able to see the pain and beauty of something traditional and otherworldly, because of how it is played out in the present. audiences can identify. But “snow Flower” followers know that anticipation of the film by the same name is not the only thing to get excited about this summer. see also debuts her latest novel, “Dreams of Joy,” a follow-up to her last novel, “shanghai girls.” on tour now, see swells with pride over the mother-daughter story about the “life and death that exists equally on both ends of that relationship.” she has always been intrigued by stories that have been lost, forgotten or deliberately covered up, whether in the past or happening right now in the world today, so this story was a natural continuation of the deep-rooted original. Fans can look forward to a reintroduction to sisters Pearl and may, and a new encounter with Pearl’s 19-year-old daughter Joy. the sisters, who’ve escaped China for the comfort of a less-hostile city in La, deal with the contrast of Joy, who stops at nothing
to get back to China to search for the father after uncovering deeply hidden family secrets. Chosen by “time” magazines as one of the Best Books for summer in 2011, it promises to deliver yet another riveting tale from see. Lisa see is a Chinese american living in Los angeles, Ca. she looks to her mother, Carolyn see, for inspiration and insight on the ins and outs of writing and publishing. From training herself to knock out 1,000 words a day in pursuit of a bestseller to taking negative feedback as positive reinforcement, see’s mother has helped her reach the level of success she’s found today. “she taught me that its always about the work,” see says. “no matter what happens after the work is done, whether good or bad, it’s just the work that matters most.” PG 27 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
Music
RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH Frank Turner Waxes Poetic on the Middle east, God & His Latest Album By John B. Moore
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t’s been about 6 years since the uK’s FranK tuner walked away from life in a hardcore band and swapped out the distorted guitars for an acoustic one. in that time he’s turned in an impressive collection of albums (six, to be exact) and managed to help define the punk singer/songwriter genre. Know best for his injection of wit and humility into songs about growing up, growing old and politics (proof that you never grow out of punk rock), turner is quickly becoming one of the greatest songwriters of his generation. his latest album, england Keep My bones, is just one more example (as if one were needed) of just how confident turner has become as a lyricist. a stellar collection about questioning and ultimately making the choice to stay optimistic, the record may just be turner’s best to date. Just a month out from the release of england Keep My bones, with a little prompting, turner spoke about the new record, the current revolutions in the Middle east and God (i told you he was deep). You seem to be on a roll lately with at least an album a year for the last few years. Have you always been this prolific as a songwriter? i’ve been writing songs for a long time, but when i was in Million Dead it was a more collective process, and took a lot longer. We used to agonize over everything. since i started writing acoustic songs on my own, i’ve felt like i found my niche and things come to me much quicker. Who knows how long it’ll last, but for now it’s great. It seems like every other musician I have interviewed this year is either preparing to tour with you or just finished touring with you. How much time do you spend on the road? Does it make it difficult to have a normal life? touring is normal life for me now. i spend as much time on the road as i possibly can. i’m a musician and an entertainer, i want to play music and entertain crowds, it’s not really a big deal to me to try and play every day. it makes some things more difficult, sure, but then i choose to live like this so complaining about it would be entirely redundant.
What can you tell me about the songs on England Keep My Bones? i’m very happy with them! (Laughs) um, i think this time round i’ve tried to go a little deeper than before - no massive stylistic u-turns, just trying to push further into the territory, both musically and lyrically. it’s hard to describe without playing the songs, as should be. i can’t wait for the record to be released properly. I read online recently where you said “I wanted this album to feel more like a solo record made with a band.” Can you expand on that a bit? Poetry (of the Deed) was very much a band record, arrangement-wise pretty much all the guys played on every song. i think it’s because it was the first time i had a stable lineup for the band before recording, and the first time i recorded with them. as a result, the arrangements are a touch monochromatic to me. this time round i wanted to expand the dynamic range a little and also reassert my primacy at the centre of things. something like that. Where did you record this album? in London, at the church studios, with tristan ivemy, who mixed my second record, Love ire & song. it was a great experience. tristan is the man. Congratulations on making it to the main stage at Reading and Leeds Festival. Did you ever attend it in the past as a music fan? yes, very much so - in fact reading 1995 was the first major gig i went to, aged 13. i’ve been many years, and played for the last few as well. Getting to the main stage is a major deal for me. i’m very stoked about it. So as an Eton College classmate of Prince William, were you looking for your wedding invitation? (Laughs) unlikely i think. You were born in Bahrain (though lived there very briefly), so I assume you have been paying more attention than the average person to the monumental changes in the Middle East these past few months. Why do you think now, more than any other time in recent history, people in the Middle East are
pushing for leadership change? Well, that’s an interesting question. i think it has something to do with new technologies, the internet and so on, but also with a generational change and the ageing of the tyrannical gerontocracies across the region. i think it’s a very interesting time, an encouraging one, and something for which we in the West should be unqualified in our support. Lazy assumptions about opposition arab movements necessarily being islamist are being shown to be false, and we should be very happy about that, if we have any confidence in our own value systems. I really love the last song on the record: “Glory Hallelujah.” Do you consider yourself an atheist? Agnostic? Are you expecting any backlash over the song? i’m pretty firmly atheist in my beliefs. i like richard Dawkins a lot. the song, incidentally, is not supposed to be a “fuck you” kind of song, i’m not so assured in my belief as to insult other people. it’s more a celebration - to me the idea of a godless universe is, as well as being much more eminently sensible, much more joyous as well. backlash? sure, there will be some. i’ve played the song out live a few times and had various comments on it. some people disagree but are cool with it, which makes me happy, as i’d say they’ve taken it in the spirit intended. some people have been upset, which is a shame, but then i don’t burst into tears every time i head “Kumbaya”, so i’m not entirely sure it’s my problem. What other plans do you have for 2011? touring, touring, and probably some more touring, which is just fine with me. i have my first full-band full us and canada headline tour coming in the fall, and i can’t wait. That’s all the questions I have. Anything you want to add? new album coming soon, go check it out, come say hi at a show!
The Fresh Prynce
We proudly Crown Cyhi Da Prynce the Future of Hip Hop By DeMarco WilliaMs
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all it a dash of irony or whatever, but the day insite interviewed upstart MC and mega hoops fan Cyhi da Prynce came just 24 hours after nBa superstars Carmelo anthony and Chauncey Billups were traded from denver to new york. “They all are trying to soup-up and beat my lakers,” says Prynce, referring to the league’s semi-successful superteam trend of good players conspiring to play with each other. “But we ain’t trippin’ because they are going to beat each other up on the East. leBron [James], ya know, created a monster.” you might discount Cyhi’s take on b-ball as him
PG 28 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
simply being a basketball fanatic. But in actuality, the man speaks with conviction on the subject because he’s literally a part of his own superteam—Kanye West’s G.o.o.d. Music label. you see, Kanye’s the media-gravitating star. Common’s the other main scorer. Pusha t, of Clipse fame, is also on the squad. so are ny-based rappers Mos def and Consequence. and then you have Kid Cudi and Cyhi, the talented youngsters in the crew who are just sitting back, soaking up all the rap game they can. “But if you realize it,” Prynce continues, “rap is going in the same way [as the nBa]. [lil’] Wayne loaded up his [young Money recording] team, you know what i’m saying? Jay-Z loaded up his team. ye’s loading up his team. [rick] ross, if you see ross, he signed Pill and Wale. We teamed up, but we’re more of quality versus quantity. so, a lot of guys put out a 1,000 mixtapes and 1,000 records. you don’t hear too much from me. if it ain’t a feature [i don’t do it]. i don’t put out songs just to put out thoughts because i like my thought to be strategically released. They all have a meaning and a visual and everything behind it.” not the worst game plan for a 26-year-old from stone Mountain, right? having already released four winning mixtapes, been featured on Mr. West’s My Beautiful dark twisted fantasy and graced the cover of rap bible XXl’s 2011 “freshman” issue, Cyhi’s strategic rise through the ranks has been a good one. But it hasn’t been easy. in fact, “it’s been a very tricky one,” explains the man who legally changed his name to Prynce Cyhi. “it’s been an experience. The clubs that are in atlanta…we like to party. it was hard for me to get my point across in the mainstream clubs. But i ran into a dJ, [V-103’s] Greg street. he introduced me to a market of people that listen to hip hop. They were more so sneakerheads, backpackers, white
That seems to be a growing trend down south— folks, black, a lot of new york cats that migrated to the south, ya know what i mean? They were at these proving to the unknowing many that it can be witty, progressive and articulate on things beyond shows and they appreciated what i did, so it was BMWs, booze and big booties. Cyhi’s done it just like finding the right market and the people to repeatedly on tracks. (if you haven’t heard the perform in front of. it just spread like wildfire.” homie’s mix The Prynce of Jacks, make it a priora blazin’ mixtape sprang up here. a scorchin’ ity.) dixie upstarts Pill, Big K.r.i.t. and yelawolf cameo popped up there. still, nothing stirred the are doing it. north Carolina’s flames quite like the song, J. Cole and a-town’s B.o.B. “studder,” in early 2010. an My genre of Music absolute marvel of an idea, Does not fit the Music are even doing it on a national scale. The game’s changing. Prynce came onto the mic of My region,” he but steady. and flowed like he had an explains of his Major slow Kanye singed Cyhi last actual speech impediment. laBel DeBut’s Delay. september. however, beyond in between semi-realistic “so, i have to go out the aforementioned verse on stammers, the decatur here anD spenD My ye’s Cd, one spring-released representer wowed ears by oWn Money. i have to mixtape, royal flush 2, and rhyming “clever,” “Checkers” and “Chris Webber.” The press up My oWn cDs, another on the way, allies, the phenom’s mostly been video featured Greg street My oWn proMo, My relegated to the superteam’s and mixtape icon dJ drama. oWn viDeos, bench. Kanye loved the track. The all that… “My genre of music does not underground had found its fit the music of my region,” he next no. 1 rap draft pick. explains of his major label debut’s delay. “so, i have But attention isn’t altogether a new thing for to go out here and spend my own money. i have Cyhi. “Growing up,” he tells, “i played football, to press up my own Cds, my own promo, my own track, baseball. i was always the captain on all videos, all that…[The label will] say, ‘Cyhi, we need of my teams, like since i was five years old. so, i a budget. let’s open up your budget and do all this.’ always kind of took on the leadership role. once i i don’t want to do that at this point, because i feel got to high school and middle school and when i like they have to cut me a check before they do got about 15, i won a talent show dancing, singing that, because i’ve been doing all this other stuff by and rapping. so, i was like, ‘okay, either they were myself. you think you’re just going to run off with just being biased, or i really got some talent.’ What really made me, like, i guess, an exceptional lyricist it? absolutely not.” The new jack takes a timeout, exhales and adds, was i used to battle all the new york guys who were at our school. i was tired of seeing the atlanta “They are discussing me at the end of the summer, like July/august. so, if it do happen, it will be dudes lose the battle every time he battled this around that time.” new york dude. i was just like, ‘That’s over with.’ i Game on. was killing that stereotype.”
Novak Djokovic
SPORTS
Veterans Helping FANATIC Paint the Perfect Pitcher A Monthly Veterans Sports Wrap-up SPORTS
Talking balls, strikes and no-hitters with the American League’s finest hurler, Justin Verlander By DeMaRcO WilliaMS
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Let’s go back to the May 7 no-hitter. Were you standing away from your teammates in complete silence while you were in the dugout? it’s funny. Usually, i don’t really talk to anybody on a normal start, but for some reason on this start, this particular day, i just felt very comfortable with everything i was doing. i just felt very calm. in between innings, i would go to the locker room, and there were a few innings where i talked to some guys, you know. it may not even have been about baseball. i think that helped me out a little bit. Were there any similarities between this one and your previous one? i mean, to be honest with you, actually, it was completely different. i felt like, with the first no-hitter, i think i had tremendous stuff. My fastball, my curveball was outstanding. i just had the unbeatable stuff. i felt like this time [in May], my slider, my curveball wasn’t very good. i had a good fastball towards the end of the game, but it was a difference between the two. Was there a moment when things were in doubt with a particular play? Wasn’t there one sharp hit towards you? i got one hit back off my forearm. Was that the closest one to a hit? Yeah, i would say, but in the heat of the moment, you don’t really think, “oh, no. there goes my no-hitter.” i’m just trying to make the play. the ball hit off my forearm and rolled to my right, so i’m just trying to get to the ball and get the guy out.
Generally speaking, do you look forward to those Red Sox, Tigers matchups, or do you like days where you face a lighter lineup? i think there is more a challenge facing the tougher lineups. if you’re going to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. For me, personally, i always look forward to a tough matchup against a good team—and a tough opposing pitcher. You know, with my career, i can look back on some marquee moments. My rookie year being one of them. Johan Santana, the Cy Young winner [in 2006], was pitching. he was pitching for the twins in my rookie year, and i ended up beating him 2-0. that is something i will always remember. the tough matchups are the ones that i like. On days when you don’t feel like working out, what’s that extra little something that gets you up and going? You know, it’s just motivation. the will to be the best, and at least i know if i am at the gym working hard, there is nobody outworking me, and that is a positive feeling. everybody’s got that feeling where you are laying in bed and you don’t want to get up. But it makes it a little easier when you have that extra motivation to do your best. When you don’t have the Twins or the Yankees on your mind, do you have any healthy eating tips that you kind of live by? You know, it’s funny. i’m not the most health-conscious eater in the world, but i do kind of try to maintain somewhat of a healthy diet. Like on start days, i will go and get some italian food, pasta, something like that. on days when i’m not pitching, it is just kind of whatever. we are kind of at the whim of our team with the food we have in our clubhouse. it is whatever they bring in. So, usually i try to find something decent to eat there. i’m not too specific though. i don’t worry about it too much. You don’t hit many rough skids, but when you do occasionally lose, how do you break out of a mental or physical rut? You don’t really need to rely on any inspiration if you believe in yourself, and that’s the way i feel. i have been through rough patches in my career, and as long as you believe in yourself and your ability to go out and continue to work hard and don’t let it get the best of you, then i think things will be fine. i think that’s the way things need to be treated.
(Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers); Coach of the Year (Gregg Popovich, San Antonio); Most Improved Player (Kevin Love, Minnesota); Sixth Man of the Year (Jamal Crawford, Atlanta); Most Surprising Team (New Orleans Hornets); Biggest Disappointment (Phoenix Suns).
If you are a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, we need your help.
Now that SUPER BOWL XLV is over, football fans can get to the real issue: Will there be a 2011 season? If you let NFL commissioner Roger Goodell tell it, a new collective bargaining agreement is imminent. But listen to others close to the situation and they’ll say it’s not such a sure thing. While officials work out the numbers, Fanatic knows three things that’ll happen, lockout or no lockout: 1) An SEC defender (Auburn’s Nick Fairley or LSU’s Patrick Peterson) will be the No. 1 pick in the Draft; 2) An 18-game season will be approved; 3) Super Bowl XLVI will kick-off as planned on Feb. 5, 2012 in Indianapolis.
“He’s a beast. What can you say? Some of the shots he made, I was like, ‘Wow. Did he just make that in my face?’ A player like that, you have to live and die defending him one on one. If he makes big shots, you have to go to the other end and stay poised.” –New Mexico guard Dairese Gary, on JIMMER FREDETTE, BYU star and college’s leading scorer
Dr. J. Douglas Bremner at Emory “I feel like a better playerUniversity now than I was three years ago, “St. Louis was fourth in baseball last year in attendance, because Iis thinkconducting that physically I’m stronger,a faster, mentally but only 13th in payroll. In other words the Cardinals I’m more motivated on the court. I know how to react in have money to burn, and it’s time to light the match. So certain moments, and I know study how to play on a big stage. here’s what you do if you’re St. Louis: Whatever [Albert] research I have been more focused and dedicated to the sport than Pujols wants, within reason, you give it to him. What’s I have ever before.” -2011 MEN’S AUSTRALIAN within reason? No idea. The closest baseball has had to a tobeenexamine how OPEN WINNER NOVAK DJOKOVIC free agent like this was Alex Rodriguez in 2001, when he Posttraumatic received $252 million for 10 years. That was $25.2 million “When I signed my contract, my main goal was to earn annually, and that was a decade ago. And Pujols is better.” Disorder it. Once Stress I started to realize I wasn’t earning my money, I –CBS SPORTS’ GREGG DOYEL felt bad. I was making a crazy amount of money for not (PTSD) even pitching. Honestly, Imay didn’t feel like I deserved it. I And finally… didn’t want to have those feelings again.” –GIL MECHE, Hawaii pays $4 million to host the NFL’s annual Pro Bowl affect memory. 32, who retired instead of taking a guaranteed $12 million at Aloha Stadium… If early estimates are accurate, Super to pitch for Kansasare City thislooking season Bowl XLV should be Stub Hub’s top-selling event ever… At We press time, the Cleveland Cavs were in the midst of a 1-29 February, of course, marks the NBA’S halfway point. stretch, the NBA’s worst since 1996… If there’s an NFL work for veterans With that landmark also comes Fanatic’s midseason stoppage next season, it’s reported that Las Vegas casinos awards: MVP (Derrick Chicago); Defensive Player would take an $850 million hit on unplaced betting… A who doRose,not have of the Year (Dwight Howard, Orlando); Rookie of the Year record 56 underclassmen declared for the NFL Draft. a diagnosis of PTSD or who may have mild to no PTSD related 1. NBA All-Star Game (Feb. 20, 8PM, TNT) Wesymptoms, don’t know if there willsuch be more celebrities on the hardwood playing or celebrating courtside at L.A.’s Staples Center. as flashbacks, 2. AsMiami at Boston (Feb. 13, 1PM, ABC) nightmares, much as Chicago and Orlando fans hate acknowledging the fact, this is probably your difficulty Eastern Conference Finals preview. concentrating or 3. Ohio Statedisturbance. atESPN)Wisconsin, Pittsburgh at Villanova sleep (Feb. 12, 2PM, 9PM, The top two teams in the nation go on the road to very, very
Must-See TV
hostile environments.
4. Daytona 500 (Feb. 20, 12PM, Fox) Gentlemen, start your quest to stop Jimmie Johnson from winning an unprecedented sixth
Top 5 Games This Month
e don’t know what in the world Justin Verlander’s problem was back on June 14. the nerve of the detroit tigers ace to give up two hits and only manage 12 strikeouts in a win versus the Cleveland indians. Really? two hits? was a perfect game too much to ask?! we kid, we kid. But seriously, what might sound like an unappreciative fan at first listen may actually be how folks in the tigers organization feel when Verlander takes to the hill. Blame a 9-3 record, 2.54 eRa and an aL-best 112 ks for spoiling folks. Blame one of the game’s premier curveballs. Blame the fact that 28-year-old Verlander already has two career no-hitters -only 30 pitchers ever can say that!- and four all-star game appearances on his stunning resumé. Blame whatever you want. Just know that every time Justin Verlander takes to the mound, something special can happen…even if it is just a two-hit shutout. This is a rarified era that you’re in now, being somebody who has tossed two no-no’s. tell me how that feels to be in such an exclusive club. well, you know, it feels pretty special obviously to be on that list of very short names. i think there is only something like three [active] guys who have had multiple no-hitters (Roy halladay, Mark Buehrle and Verlander). to be in that list is an amazing feeling. But it feels better for me being still young. i don’t shy away from the fact that my only goal is to end up one day in the hall of Fame. So, being young and having done something that separates myself from a lot of other guys obviously helps that opportunity. God willing, i’ve got a few more years left to do some other special things.
BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS
For more information or to see if you qualify for the study please call us at (404)712-2014 or email adeshay@emory.edu. Compensation will be provided for your participation. straight Sprint Cup championship.
5. This UNC at Duke (Feb. 9, 9PM, ESPN) big meeting (and another on March 5) goes a long way in deciding North Carolina
If you do have severe symptoms, you may also qualify for another bragging rights and the ACC crown. part of the study. Please call or email us.
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������������ ������������������ PG 29 • insiteatlanta.com • July 2011
Fanatic SIZZLING Summer SpORtS
a Monthly Sports Wrap-up
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“What I do know is that last night was a dark night for Vancouver. Today as we sift through the wreckage and tally the cost, let’s appreciate those who want to set the story straight by offering to help clean up and provide evidence to convict the few who caused this troy mayhem. Let’s also remember tulowitzki that this is our city. It does not belong to thugs and louts and socalled anarchists in black masks.” –Vancouver Star columnist Jeff Lee after the Stanley Cup FinalS Game 7 riotS I don’t care who you are. You simply can’t ignore all the chatter. Either JoSh Smith wants out of Atlanta or the Hawks want the polarizing forward out of Philips Arena. Whatever the case, the haters who’ve called for J-Smoove’s departure may get their wish soon. But just know that when you see Smith blocking shots, defying gravity on a break and pouring his heart out for the Magic or Rockets next year, INsite will be the first one to tell you that we shouldn’t have ever run the guy out of his hometown.
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“I’m sure when they come back, they’ll come back ready. That’s how they do it. Tennis has been pretty spoiled by their success and they’re pretty special, two special sisters. And when they’re not around, you can feel it. You can feel at a Grand Slam when they’re not here, and so I think everyone’s hoping that they’ll be back, better than ever, soon.” –tenniS player mardy FiSh on the Williams Sisters’ return to Wimbledon
With St. Louis all-star albert puJolS out a few more weeks with a broken forearm, the question has to be asked: Who’s the most intimidating active hitter? Here are Fanatic’s votes: 1) Josh Hamilton; 2) Troy Tulowitzki; 3) Prince Fielder; 4) Ryan Howard; 5) Adrian Gonzalez….Umm, if you’re looking for Toronto slugger Jose Bautista, don’t. His swing is too quirky and his appearance a bit too manicured to be considered truly scary. “Time is running out for both sides as we near the end of June. I was told Tuesday by a league official that the owners were unified (which is always a good sign), they want to get a deal done quickly and that things are moving in the right direction. However, it will take considerably more time and negotiation before a deal is finally announced and the lockout ends.” –nFl network’S miChael lombardi And finally… The Stanley Cup-winning Boston Bruins celebrated their title with an epic $156,679.74 bar tab at Foxwoods Casino. Before you judge, $32,330.74 of that was for tax and tip… Michael Phelps won’t attempt a repeat of his eight gold medals at the 2012 Games. The most events he’ll swim is six or seven… When Derek Jeter joins the exclusive 3,000-hit club, he’ll not only be the first New York Yankee to do so, but just the fourth shortstop… According to the Cleveland Plains Dealer, the Browns are quite interested in troubled former Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor… At press time, the Phillies’ Cliff Lee had allowed just one run over his last 33 innings. No one has done that since Roy Oswalt did it with Houston in 2008.
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wo things i love about summers in Atlanta: Cool drinks and hot women. we got a little of both when we received a press release about the COINTREAU MARGADITA (cointreau.com), a cocktail concocted by Dita von teese. The drink mixes 1.5 oz Cointreau with 1.5 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, ½ oz Monin Rose syrup and a pinch of Chipotle spice, shaken with ice and served with a chipotle and salt rim. The only thing that could make the drink any more perfect for this weather? if it was served up by the lovely queen of modern burlesque herself! summer for my family means lots of time at lake Allatoona on our pontoon boat. we love winding down the dog days with a sunset cruise, but our boat’s lack of lights always makes it a tense prospect coming back in the dark. That’s why we love the SAFETY PUCK 9 IN 1 WARNING LIGHT (safetybright. com), a rechargeable light with a magnetic connector that makes it easy to attach to your boat, car or camper, which makes your vehicle impossible to miss. The lights can be set to nine modes, from flashing and blinking to a regular leD flashlight or sos rescue in Morse code. it’s also virtually indestructible– shockresistant, weather-resistant and buoyant– making it a must-have for any outdoor adventures where safety’s a concern.
i normally detest flip-flops. But the new ARCHPORT YOGISTASH (archport.com) flip-flops are nothing if not practical. Constructed with a similar approach to arch support as skechers’ shape-Ups, each ArchPort shoe has a velcro-sealed secret stash compartment perfectly sized for hiding hotel room keys, credit cards or cash, and comes with a plastic bag to keep them dry. The line offers an added bonus for us outdoorsy types– a multi-purpose pocket survival tool. These added features may not necessarily change the way i feel about flip-flops in general. But it has changed one thing: now, i actually wear them, which is a hUge testament to how cool, comfortable and convenient the ArchPort Yogistash flip-flops are. Fans of eco-friendliness will love the organic skin care products from PIUDALI (waliwa.com), which use environmentally sustainable ingredients sourced from the Colombian Amazon, aren’t tested on animals, and are completely biodegradable. Piudali’s main ingredient, the Amazon Peach Palm, produces “super fruits” packed with essential fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins. The line’s products (including lip balm, daily facial moisturizer, body lotion and night renewal cream) are crafted following the Amazon Cooperation treaty organization principles of ecosustainable bio-commerce, meaning they’re good for both your skin and the environment.
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