INsite Atlanta September 2009 Issue by INsite Magazine

20 09 r e b m e t p e S N o. 2 F R E E Vo l. 18 ,

INTERVIEWS: Hayden Panetierre Kidz in the Hall Conan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Robin Meade Jane Lynch

Fall FESTIVAL

tainment Monthly r e t n E s â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a t n Atla ta.com

insiteatlan

ISSUE

:FMMPX %BJTZ 'FTUJWBM t "UMBOUB ##2 'FTUJWBM t (XJOOFUU $PVOUZ 'BJS )PUPCFSGFTU #FFS 'FTUJWBM t 5BTUF PG "UMBOUB t "JET 8BML "UMBOUB .BSJFUUB 4USFFU 'FTU t &BTU "UMBOUB 4USVU t (SFBU $IJMJ $PPL 0GG %FDBUVS #FFS 'FTUJWBM t #SPPLIBWFO "SUT 'FTUJWBM

college night SATURDAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 2 7 P.M.–12 MIDNIGHT

Featuring famous works of art, cool crafts, funky film, and music by:DJ Tabone: 7–9 p.m., Tealights: 9–10 p.m., Jimi Cravity: 10:30–11:30 p.m. On view: Louvre Atlanta: The Louvre and the Masterpiece

TICKETS AT HIGH.ORG $7 with valid college i.d. (STUDENT MEMBERS FREE) $18 GENERAL ADMIssION

B e c o m e a f a n ! w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m /H i g h M u s e u m o f A r t

1280 PEACHTREE STREET ∞ WWW.HIGH.ORG ∞ 404-733-HIGH TAKE MARTA TO THE ARTS CENTER STATION

PG 2 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

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3OTH ANNUAL

presented by:

Gates Open From 10:30am to 7pm All proceeds benefit

www.camptwinlakes.org

Ticket s $10.

Children 12 & Under Free!

Musical Guests JUMPING JACK FLA S H (ROLLING STO NE S)

LET IT BE

(TH E BEATLE S)

WILD CHILD (TH E DO O R S)

Sun Domingo (The Police)

www.theatlantach www.theatlantach www.theatlantach ilicookoff.com ilicookoff.com www.theatlantach ilicookoff.com PG 3 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

Dining at Chin Chin is pure pleasure

CONTENTS • SEPTEMBER 2009 • VOLUME 18.2

��

�� Buckhead/Brookhaven �� East Cobb ��

2008 Best Chinese – Sunday Paper 2001-2002 Best Chinese by Atlanta Jewish Times Readers 1998-2007 Best Chinese by Creative Loafing "Mouthwatering Chin Chin spices things up." – AJC "Chin Chin...a window into Hong Kong." – Buckhead Weekly 2 1/2 Stars – Knife & Fork

�� Springs �� DELIVERY (LIMITED AREA; MIN $10)

�� FULL BAR SERVICE

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

Atlanta’s

Entertainment Monthly

INTERVIEWS 10 CONAN O’BRIEN 12 HAYDEN PANETIERRE 18 SLAYER 21 ROBIN MEADE 23 PATTERSON HOOD 27 RAY MCKINNON 27 ZACH GILFORD 28 KIDZ IN THE HALL 28 JANE LYNCH

FEATURES 08 BURRITOS 11 ON A DIME RETAIL 15 EDUCATION GUIDE 22 FALL FESTIVALS 24 FALL TV PREVIEW 26 TRAVEL: CHATTANOOGA 29 NCAA PREVIEW 29 NFL PREVIEW

COLUMNS 05 ON TAP 05 ON A DIME EVENTS 06 AROUND TOWN 07 UNDER THE LIGHTS 13 MOVIE REVIEWS 14 VIDIOTS 16 CONCERT CALENDAR 19 ROAD WARRIORS 19 WE GOT NEXT 20 ALBUMS 26 THE WHEEL DEAL 30 FANATIC

www.insiteatlanta.com STAFF LISTING Publisher Stephen Miller steve@insiteatlanta.com National Managing Editor Bret Love bret@insiteatlanta.com Art Director Michael T. graphics@insiteatlanta.com Music / Sports Editor DeMarco Williams demarco@insiteatlanta.com Events Listing Editor Glenn LaFollette glenn@insiteatlanta.com Special Features Editor Marci Miller marci@insiteatlanta.com Entertainment Editor Matt Goldberg matt@insiteatlanta.com Web Design Michael T. graphics@insiteatlanta.com PG 4 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

Contributing Writers / Interns: John Moore, John Davidson, Jon Latham, John C. Snider Benjamin Carr, Ryan Loftis, Mike Brune, Matt Goldberg Mitchell Hughes, Alexis Gray, Rodney Hill, Rebecca Crosby, Zena Scott, Alex S. Morrison, Blue Sullivan Michele Fontanelli Arnett, Roger Presswood, Dave Cohen, Russ Marshalek and Jennifer Sefa-Boakye CONTACT US 2250 North Druid Hills Rd. #234 Atlanta, GA 30329-3118 phone 404-315-8485 website insiteatlanta.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION �� Editorial content of INsite is the opinion of each writer and is not necessarily the opinion of INsite, its staff, or its advertisers. INsite does not knowingly accept false or mi leading 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.

LOCAL EVENTS

OnTap this Month EMAIL EVENTS TO ONTAP@INSITEATLANTA.COM

September 10-13: Stone Mtn. Park

YELLOW DAISY FESTIVAL

Now in its 41st year, this is one of America's favorite and most well-known arts & crafts festivals. Featuring more than 500 crafters from all over the country, the Yellow Daisy Festival is held each year in the month of September to celebrate the blooming of the Confederate Yellow Daisy, which grows in bright bands of yellow on the granite of Stone Mountain. The festival also features a flower show, live entertainment, children's activities and festival foods. Admission is free and parking is $10. For more information, visit www.stonemountainpark.com.

September 19: Doraville Warehouse

THE BIG ROCK OUT

This event showcases rising stars in both boxing and rock & roll. The two come together inside a private warehouse, making this one of the most unique events in Metro Atlanta. Four top notch professional boxing matches will take place and the main event will feature Michael Jean Louis (9-0) vs. Gary Bergeron (10-4). Following the matches, New Orleans based-rock and roll sensations Cowboy Mouth will be the headline musical act. Marietta's own Holdcell will open. General admission is $30. For more information, visit www.thebigrockout.com.

September 23-27: Arena at Gwinnett

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS

Walking with Dinosaurs is back in Atlanta with a stunning new theatrical event. Internationally renowned designers have worked with scientists to create 17 life-size dinosaurs. Audiences will be amazed and thrilled as the greatest creatures ever to walk the earth return before their eyes. It's a dazzling 10 million pound arena spectacle of unprecedented size and quality set to captivate young and old alike. From the ripple of their skin to the glint in their eye, you will know the dinosaurs really have returned! For more information, visit www.gwinnettcenter.com.

EVENTS HAPPENING FOR SMALL CHANGE IN ATLANTA

Know about a low cost event or happening in Atlanta? Email Event@AtlantaOnADime.com

CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE

September 6,12,19,26; 7:00-9:30pm FREE

BLUE SKY CONCERTS

September 2,9,16,23, 30, noon-1pm FREE Downtown Decatur Square www.decaturba.com 404.371.8386 During the month of September, the city of Decatur is offering two free concert series. Concerts on the Square will take place every Saturday night in September at the Community Bandstand on the square in downtown Decatur (The September 6 date is a special Sunday concert in conjunction with the Decatur Book Festival). Concertgoers are encouraged to pack their picnics, bring the quilts and blankets and enjoy an evening of musical entertainment. Blue Sky Concerts offers a break from the daily grind by offering a free concert every Wednesday afternoon in September. Check the website for a complete schedule of performers for both series.

TARGET FREE SECOND TUESDAYS

Tuesday, September 8; 1pm-7pm, Free Imagine It! Children’s Museum of Atlanta www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org 404.659.KIDS Through a sponsorship by Target, admission is free for all visitors who come during these special hours. Timed tickets are issued on a first come first served basis as museum capacity permits. Reservations are not accepted. Activities taking place that day include "Stump Stomp" and "Terrific Tree Tales" story time. Check the website for additional free Target dates happening throughout the year.

ATLANTA BBQ FESTIVAL

September 26: Stone Mountain Park

Saturday, Sept. 12, 10am - 6:00pm, FREE Turner Field (Green Lot) www.atlantabbqfestival.com 404.909.3942

This annual event is expected to draw over 300 teams from across the USA. It is a premier chili cook-off and total attendance from last year exceeded 14,000 people, filling up the meadow at Stone Mountain Park. The cook-off has something for all ages, from great music to great food and games for the whole family. 100% of all proceeds made at the cook-off go to support Camp Twin Lakes. Admission is $10 (kids 12 and under are free) and includes live music with four bands, chili samples, games, prizes and sponsor giveaways. For more information, visit www.theatlantachilicookoff.com

Bring your family and friends to this first annual event and enjoy some BBQ, beer, live music and more. Visit with professional and backyard BBQ cooks, learn some tricks of the trade, share stories, shop for BBQ items and gifts. Featured musical acts will play during the day and the kids can have a great time playing in the children's area. The winner of the Pro BBQ contest will sell their BBQ at one Braves game in 2010.

GREAT CHILI COOK-OFF

September 26: Zoo Atlanta

JAZZOO ATLANTA

This all inclusive cocktail party has been voted "Atlanta's Most Creative Party". The one-of- a- kind night at Zoo Atlanta will feature over 2500 guests, 30 in-town restaurants, 20 open bars, 4 stages of live music (featuring Yacht Rock) and much more. All proceeds go to rebuilding and renovating Zoo Atlanta. There will be $10,000 in event giveaways including a Caribbean cruise for two, Cayman Island trip for two and airline tickets. The all inclusive party pass is $100 per person, 2 all inclusive party passes are $75 per person. For more information, visit www.jazzooatlanta.org.

September 19: East Atlanta Village

EAST ATLANTA STRUT

Now in its 12th year, the East Atlanta Strut is a community organized, one-day festival, featuring music, art and events to raise money for neighborhood charities, organizations and to support local businesses. This year’s festival includes a 5K run/walk, artist’s market, food and drink vendors, kid’s village, live music featuring 5 stages, parade and silent auction. Bands scheduled to perform include the East Ponce Soul Faction, The Constellations, Dropsonic, Grinder Nova and more. Admission is free, but some activities and vendors have fees. For more information, visit www.eastatlantastrut.com.

ATLANTA ARTS FESTIVAL

September 12-13, 10am - 7:00pm, FREE Piedmont Park, Midtown Atlanta www.atlantaartsfestival.com 770.941.9660 Set against the stunning backdrop of historic Piedmont Park, this festival brings together 200 local and nationally recognized artists from an eclectic mix of 12 mediums. The Atlanta Arts Festival will also feature live demonstrations, entertainment, hands-on activities, festival food, beverages and more. The artist market is free and open to the public. Make sure to visit the RE-art Center, where artists of all ages can make their own unique pieces of art from recycled materials.

NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR

September 24- Oct. 4, $5 adult, $2 (ages 7-18) Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Rd. Marietta

www.northgeorgiastatefair.com 770.423.1330 As the largest fair in metro Atlanta, this state fair attracts nearly 300,000 people every year from North Georgia and neighboring states. The North Georgia State Fair features live music, free attractions and shows, farm animals, flower shows, blue ribbon competitions, local square dancers, fair foods, and games and rides at the Great James H. Drew Exposition, one of the largest carnival midways in the United States.

SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM DAY

Saturday, September 26, FREE Various Museums throughout the City www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday Enjoy free general admission for you and a guest at hundreds of museums and cultural venues nationwide. Download the Museum Day admission card from the website to receive free admission at participating locations. Venues in the Atlanta area include the High Museum of Art, Center for Puppetry Arts, Booth Western Art Museum and many more!

CASTLEBERRY HILL LOFT TOUR

Saturday, September 26 11:00am - 5pm Sunday, September 27 Noon - 5pm $10 advance, $15 day of event www.castleberryhill.org/lofttour This two day loft tour gives an intimate look at urban living in a historic neighborhood. Attendees will be able to visit eight lofts selected for this juried tour as well as partake in the local cuisine at some newly opened restaurants, peruse the neighborhood's acclaimed fine art galleries and enjoy several additional local shops and businesses The Loft Tour features homes of various styles and sizes decorated and designed with diverse tastes and budgets. This year's tour will be ripe with art, artists, performers, music and more.

ATLANTA GREEK FESTIVAL

October 2-4; 11am-11pm on Fri. & Sat. 12-7pm on Sunday; Adults $3, Children under 12 $1.00 404.633.5870 Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Clairmont Rd. www.atlantagreekfestival.org Enjoy food, fun and "opa" at this year's Atlanta Greek Festival, which brings all the aromas, sounds, tastes and traditions of Greece to your doorstep. Enjoy authentic Greek food (including a festival drive thru for those short on time), cooking demonstrations, music, dancing, singing, and a special performance by the Georgia Shakespeare Festival.

COLLEGE NIGHT AT THE HIGH

September 12, 7pm-midnight, $7 per student $5 per student in groups of 10 or more High Museum of Art www.high.org 404.733.HIGH College students from around the metro are invited to a night of fun at the High. Activities include Drawing in the Galleries, where students can try their hand at figure drawing and DIY Craft Workshops with the Young Blood Gallery and Boutique. There will also be a film screening, live music, dancing and much more. Atlanta on a Dime by Marci Miller

ATLANTA ON A DIME! Receive updated events weekly. Sign up by e-mailing newsletter@insiteatlanta.com Enter on subject line: Sign Me Up INsite!

PG 5 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

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PG 6 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

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Under The Lights New Theatrical Performances this Month CHICAGO

THE COLOR PURPLE

www.foxtheatre.org

www.foxtheatre.org American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino reprises her starring role of Celie in The Color Purple. The play is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winPhoto by Paul Kolnik ning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous Grammy nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, The Color Purple is about hope and the healing power of love.

September 8 - 13 Fox Theatre Box Office 404.881.2100

Photo by Catherine Ashmore

Cultural icon and ringmaster extraordinaire Jerry Springer stars as the flamboyant lawyer and master showman 'Billy Flynn' in Chicago. Set amidst the dazzling decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Billy Flynn, Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer, to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.

HAIR

Sept. 12 - Oct. 10 7 Stages Theatre Box Office 404.523.7647 www.7stages.org

Photo by Catherine Ashmore

7 Stages 30th season opens with Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical. With a score played by a live rock band including some of the greatest songs in theater such as "Aquarius," "Hair" and "Let the Sunshine In," Hair illuminates the gripping cultural movement of the 60's that transformed a generation. The Hair musical follows a Tribe of inspired, teenagers who believe in the growing lifestyle of free-love and pacifism in a nation stifled by intolerance and violence during the Vietnam War. As they experiment with sexual identity, explore drugs, while celebrating ideas of hope and independence that still reverberate today.

Sept. 15 - 27 Fox Theatre Box Office 404.881.2100

COME FLY WITH ME

Sept. 23 - Oct. 11 Alliance Theatre Box Office 404.733.5000

www.alliancetheatre.org The Alliance Theatre company brings the music of one of the world's most legendary singers to the stage in the new musical Come Fly With Me. Conceived, directed and choreographed by Twyla Tharp (who most recently won the Tony Award for Best Musical for Movin' Out) and featuring the music and vocals of Frank Sinatra, Come Fly With Me is a new musical celebrating love and life as it follows four couples over the course of one night falling in and out of love. “Come Fly With Me gives Alliance patrons and the city of Atlanta the first look at the music and choreography that will be a deeply significant contribution to American theatre; a mix of artistry and excellence not to be missed”, says Alliance Theatre Artistic Director Susan V. Booth. Original recordings performed with live on stage band.

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PG 7 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

DINING

Taste of the Month... Burritos! Some great places to get a Burrito in Atlanta Willy’s Mexicana Grill

18 Atlanta Locations / Athens 404.422.7107 Catering www.willys.com

Willy's Mexicana Grill offers a host of Fresh-Mex menu items made from the freshest ingredients. Each order is custom prepared right in front of the customer. These include Willy's award winning signature California-style burritos. Freezers and microwaves are noticeably absent from Willy's to keep the concept of freshness true. Every menu item is made from scratch using marinated char-grilled meats and produce (guacamole and tomatillo sauce is made twice a day and produce is delivered six days a week). Willy’s is vegetarian friendly offering marinated and grilled tofu and veggie burritos. Their beans and rice are cooked daily using no lard or animal products. A variety of tacos and quesadillas are also on the menu. College Night is at Willy’s this fall! Show your college ID the first Tuesday of the month and get a $4 burrito (limit one per customer). Enjoy a margarita and burrito on the patio at Piedmont Park or at the Howell Mill location. Howell Mill Happenings - Live Music every other Friday at 7pm and Sunday at 5pm, Trivia nights on Wed and Thurs at 8pm. Willy's Kennesaw - Trivia every Wed at 8pm - come early seating is limited! Willy's caters and delivers to a crowd! Taco Bars, Fajita Bars, Nacho Bars, Platters and more are perfect for tailgating, social gatherings or business functions of any size. Call 404 4227107 to speak directly to Willy's Catering. www.willys.com

Agave Southwestern Restaurant

Mexico City Gourmet 2134 N. Decatur Rd. 404.634.1128 www.mexicocitygourmet.com For 29 years Mexico City Gourmet has been serving award winning cuisine to the Emory / Decatur area. The restaurant offers 3 dining rooms and bar area with multiple TV’s. They have a great vegetarian burrito called the Georgia which is stuffed with onions, peppers and potatoes. Mexico City also offers a Chicken Burrito as a lunch special for just $6.50. This burrito is served with onions, tomatoes, poblano peppers and topped with adobo sauce, cheese and side of refried beans or rice. Another popular burrito is the Steak Taco Poblano, with grilled strips of steak served with sauteed onions, mushrooms, poblano peppers, and topped with Chihuahua cheese. For dinner they offer the Burrito Supreme which comes with ground beef, refried beans and topped with lettuce, tomato, cheese and sour cream. Mexico City Gourmet is known in Atlanta for their vast menu consisting of many authentic Mexican dishes indigenous to the region. Some of these favorites include the Tacos al Pastor served with a combination of pork and pineapple as well as their Fish Tacos. They are also known for their Chicken Enchiladas with mole sauce, Chile Relleno, and Quesadilla Especial. Classic margaritas are sold with a $3.00 special on Mondays and a $4.00 1800 Ultimate Margarita on Thursdays.

Lola’s Cantina

242 Boulevard SE 404.588.0006 www.agaverestaurant.com

4665 Lower Roswell Rd. 770.973.4747 www.lolascantina.com

Consistently voted best Southwestern Restaurant, this Cabbagetown eatery is an Atlanta favorite. Their Southwestern Burrito & Stew comes with a large flour tortilla stuffed with pulled red chili marinated pork, shredded smoked chicken breast, spanish rice, pinto beans, black beans & green chili, topped with mild cheddar, sour cream, red and green chili sauces, and accompanied by a cup of Homemade Hatch green chili stew. Agave also offers a Vegetarian Burrito upon requst. Be sure to make a reservation for their 9 Year Anniversary celebration. On October 5, 6, and 7 Agave will be offering every entree on their menu for just $9.00!

This new high energy cantina has quickly become a neighborhood favorite in East Cobb. They have an assortment of great burritos to choose from. The Tradicional offers refried beans, cheese, picadillo, lettuce and pico. The Fajita comes with a choice of tender steak or chicken and the Naughty Green also offers a choice of Lola’s favorite Carnitas. For those really hungry, go for the Famous Belly Buster made with two large tortillas generously stuffed with beans, chorizo, beef, chicken, potatoes, rice, lettuce, queso, salsa & jalapenos. And for vegetarians try Goin’ Green with guacamole, squash, corn, potatoes, queso, lettuce and pico de gallo.

�� ½ – AOL City Search �� at $5.75 ��

Best Mexican Restaurant

Mon: $3 Margaritas Tues: $2 Tecate Wed: $3 Modelo Especial Thur: $4 1800 Margaritas Fri & Sat: LIVE Music 7-10pm Sun: $3 Sangria

“Serving Emory / Decatur Since 1984” Located N. Decatur Plaza | 404-634-1128 | www.MexicoCityGourment.com

PG 8 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

AGAVE RESTAURANT

Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!

An Eclectic Southwestern Eatery �� Cabbagetown / Grant Park Dinner Nightly at 5pm 404-588-0006 www.agaverestaurant.com

agave

BEST PIZZA!

& Multiple Atlanta Locations: www.JohnnysPizza.com

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*For eligibility of prizes, voter must vote in at least 15 categories. Qualiﬁed ballots will be entered in a pool. Prizes will be drawn at random and winners will receive awards via mail by November 15,2009.

�� PG 9 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

TV INTERVIEW

TO ME TALK Conan O’Brien speaks on the latenight variety show circuit that’s getting more crowded by the hour. BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

F THERE’S PRESSURE ON CONAN O’BRIEN, he seems to be handling it all pretty well. This past June, the 46-year-old Massachusetts native took over The Tonight Show, a certified TV institution built on Jay Leno and Johnny Carson monologues. The move, of course, comes after 2,725 episodes of his own hit program, Late Night with Conan O’Brien. We haven’t seen Conan break much of a sweat yet. While ratings were hot the first week or so for The Tonight Show, things cooled off a bit over the summer. Now, we’re in September, time for the long-hyped Jay Leno Show to premiere. Still no signs of perspiration from O’Brien. If Jay’s show does well in its 10 o’clock slot, will there be even more eyes honed on Conan at 11:30? Probably. The dapper funnyman addresses that question and just about every other inquiry we could think of in the following interview. We’re just glad the guy likes to talk… Conan, speak on the transition. How have things gone thus far? It’s gone very well. Look, there’s no denying that the media likes conflict. It’s a better story. But one of the things that’s been really nice is that Jay and I have always - I mean, really going back to 1993 when I got started- gotten along really well. And I just saw Jay - we did this up front show in New York. And, you know, we hung out in the theatre - in the Town Hall Theatre at rehearsal for a while, just trading stories about guests and, you know, jokes and things like that. We’ve always gotten along really well. And he’s been very kind to me about this whole transition. And I think one of the nice things that’s really helped is Jay staying with the network and going to 10 o’clock has made the thing, made the transition particularly easy for both of us. Because he’s happy, I’m happy. And, you know, that’s actually been kind of a Godsend. What kind of advice did Jay offer you? You know, it’s funny. Most people, and Jay included, have kind of just told me actually the oldest advice that I’ve ever had. Johnny Carson, years ago when I first met him, told me to just be yourself. If this is going to work at all, that’s the only way it can work. That was back in 1993 he told me that. And that’s basically, you know, that’s basically all anyone who knows anything about these shows could tell you is you got to do it your way. And so, Jay’s been very nice about it. He hasn’t, you know, called me up and given me specific advice. And he may… But so far, just, all he’s basically implied is I should just be myself. I think the reason Jay’s show worked so well is that he did it his way. And Johnny Carson did it his way, which was quite different from Jack Paar, who did it his way, which was really different from Steve Allen, who did it his way. I think the golden rule with The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien is a host has to put his stamp on it. That’s the only way it’s going to work. Talk about the pressures of ensuring The Tonight Show stays a ratings hit with you at the helm. You know, in my career, for example, my whole experience at late night, I never once said I’m going to do X because that’s going to be a huge rating. Do you know what I mean? I always did the thing that I thought would be funny, and then good ratings seem to come from that. So, foremost in my mind is really trying very hard every night to give people a funny show, think of new ideas. And try and establish that The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien with Conan O’Brien, you know, that the tradition at least continues that, well, you have to tune in and check out what’s happening on The PG 10 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien because they did something last night that was really funny, and I don’t want to miss something. And my hope is that if I do that, that the ratings will follow. I don’t know how to do it the other way. Which is I don’t know how to say you know what’s going to really do well with women, you know, 35 to 49 [is] a sewing segment. I think if you try and do it the other way you just lose yourself.

so many, I mean, I got terrific guests on Late Night. And I was, you know, farther down the totem pole than I am now in terms of booking. So, I’m not worried about the guest situation. To me, it’s not about who gets a guest first, it’s what you do with that guest. My chemistry with them might be different than other people. So, you know, that I don’t think is going to be a problem.

Now with you and Jay, with Jimmy Fallon and with Carson Daly, how do the four of you compliment each other? Or does it sort of have to be adversarial? The only way I’ve ever been able to do comedy is to put my blinders on and and follow my own instincts. That’s the only way I know how to do it. And so, I really believe Jay’s got to do his show, I’ve got to do my show, Jimmy’s got to do it his way, Carson’s got to do it his way. I don’t even know if we compliment each other. You know? It’s not like synchronized swimming.

What’s the craziest thing about being on an L.A. set? Well, first of all, there’s a tram. When I walk outside, it’s funny. And this is something that Teri Hatcher told me. They make Desperate Housewives on this lot. Teri Hatcher told me, “There’s a great thing here, Conan. Whenever you’re feeling down about yourself, and you’re feeling depressed, this is what I do: Sometimes I start to think what have I really achieved?” If she gets into a spiral, she steps outside of her trailer and a tram goes by. All the people see her and start screaming and waving and taking pictures. And she feels good about herself again. And I’ve noticed that that’s true. Every now and then I get into a funk as I’m prone to do. Then you step outside your office, and this tram goes by. And so, there is this desire to say, “Okay, first thing we got to do is screw with that tram.” Then it starts from there. You know, there are all these studios here where they’re making things, and where they have crazy technology, and you feel like, “Okay, this is right to go into these places and mess around.” You start with that, and then you get outside the lot and you realize Los Angeles is an interesting place, you know? We spent 16 years exploring, you know, the area outside Midtown and trying to mine it for things. And now here we are in Los Angeles and it’s great to have a fresh start.

In a New York Times article you said you’re hoping to appeal to Middle America. Is that the hardest group to crack for you. You know, it’s funny. I try not to put that in the forefront of my brain. I try and, you know, people say a lot you’ve got to appeal to Middle America. I don’t think there’s anything hard to get, you know? At the best, my show has always just been silly. And I think silly should work for all kinds of people. Do you know what I mean? But I don’t put that in the front of my brain every night and think, “How do I appeal to Middle America?” Because I do think audiences are smart. And they know when you’re trying to pander to them. And I don’t want to do that. Will it be harder for you to get guests now that you’re the second guy up instead the ﬁrst? No. There are so many people out there. I think the guest thing has sort of been over-blown. There’s

What do you miss most about New York now that you’re out on the West Coast? I miss the street culture. I miss walking down the street. When you walk down the street in Los Angeles, people think that you’re oﬀ your meds, and people in passing cars think that you’ve lost your mind. Like why is he walking on

the sidewalk? There’s a culture here that if you’re not in your car, something’s very wrong. If you’re not in your car, you better be walking right into a restaurant or a club. And if you’re not, it means that something’s gone wrong with the circuitry of your mind, and the police should probably be notified. That takes a little getting used to. And there are areas you can drive to, you know, down in Venice, for example. You can drive to places and park your car and then walk around, and there’s a neat street culture. And Santa Monica has the same thing. But you need to plan it out and go there. Whereas, you know, in Manhattan, you bump into life and the world wherever you go. How would say that your humor is different from Jay’s? Yeah, I’m sure there are differences. Jay established himself as probably one of the best stand ups of all time. So, I think Jay himself would admit that his real love is he loves the jokes. His first love is the jokes. You know? And I would say I really like the jokes. I love a good joke. But I probably like the ideas [most], you know? That might be the biggest difference between us. Do you know what I mean? The first seven years of my career, I sat in rooms and ruminated and thought about what would look funny, you know, as a writer. I probably come from more the sketch background, and probably trying to think of what visually would look funny. And Jay probably, well, you know, came more from the, you know, what would be good in a stand up monologue. A lot’s being made about the difference between comedy that works at 11:30 versus 12:30. I think it’s a valid question. But I do think that sometimes people act like there’s a, you know, a tear in the fabric of time and space that separates 11:30 and 12:30. You know what I mean? For example, if you look at, you know, David Letterman was on at 12:30 and was very successful there. And then he came to 11:30 and you look at it, and so many of those things he brought with him. And they work fine. He had re-invented himself as well, but he brought things with him. I think that especially now, that people don’t watch their episode of Lost, you know, at the exact time they’re supposed to watch it. DVRs have changed everything. The Internet’s changed everything. People are watching things out of sequence all the time. People are watching shows, they’re getting them on Hulu and watching them on their iPhone. And so, I sometimes think, “What’s the most important thing for The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien?” The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien needs to be funny. And I think if The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien is really funny, you can experience it at 11:30 or you can watch it on your computer the next morning while you’re eating your oatmeal. I think sometimes, especially in 2009, people can over-state the idea that, you know, that there’s a comedy barrier that separates, you know, 11:30 and 12:30, and that you’ll ignite antimatter if you bring 12:30 into 11:30. Do you know what I mean? What makes you laugh? Is it the sort of stuff you can put on at 11:30 for the average person? I’m not a snob when it comes to comedy. I’m almost zealous about not being a comedy snob. For example, one of the things when I was a kid that made me laugh the hardest was a Three Stooges episode where they go camping and a bear ends up stealing the Three Stooges’ car, and it’s a 1930’s convertible. And the bear drives down this road. It gets to the end of the road, and just as it’s going out of the view, it puts out its paw to signal for a turn. And it was one of the funniest things I ever saw. And I always cite that to my writers, that funny’s just funny. I appreciate a really great, you know, Steve Martin piece in The New Yorker. But I also loved it when he put an arrow on his head. There’s so many different ways to be funny. What I’ve wondered over and over and over again is [how] that stuff that really makes me laugh hard can work on other people. Funny is just funny, and that needs to be the focus. I think the biggest danger to me taking over The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, and I’ve thought this since the beginning, is to over-think. I think the biggest, worst mistake I could make would be to over-think it. I think it just has to be a funny show, and I need to worry about making [shows] funny. And if I do that, the audience will find it, and that we’ll be okay. That’s always been my belief.

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PG 11 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

Save The Cheerleader FILM INTERVIEW

Hayden Panetierre on Heroes, Films and the Pressures of Fame BY ALEX S. MORRISON

FIRST MET HAYDEN PANETIERRE nine years ago, shortly before her 11th birthday. We’d gone to the Walt Disney Studios lot to screen Dinosaur, the company’s first foray into digital animation, and the precocious pre-teen (who had previously voiced Dot in Pixar’s A Bug’s Life) was there to promote her voiceover work. Despite the fact that she was already a seasoned veteran after four years on the soap opera Guiding Light, there was little about the bubbly blonde to suggest the superstar she would one day become. Ten years later, Panetierre is 20, has played the cheerleader around which the epic storyline of Heroes has orbited for four years, and was ranked one of 2008’s sexiest stars by both FHM and Maxim magazines. As a result, she can’t sneeze without some pestering paparazzi snapping a pic of it, and her love life is a constant source of tabloid speculation. Sitting down to discuss her recent film I Love You, Beth Cooper and the forthcoming season of Heroes, the former child star assessed the high price of fame and the future of her flailing TV show. How surprised are you by this whole celebrity thing since Heroes took off? I don’t think you can ever prepare yourself for it. I was really lucky, because I have a great family and a great upbringing. I was really fortunate to get to this point of “celebrity”– I hate that word, but being in the public eye– at the age I did. If I was older and on my own and didn’t have to listen to my parents, I don’t know if it would’ve gone quite as smoothly. You get to the point where you’re on your own for a certain period of time and no one’s told you what to do for a while and you’re like, “You can’t tell me what to do, I’m an adult!” But at 16 I still had

parents who said, “No,” and knew that I needed to listen. I also got to see how my castmates interacted with people and how the way they dealt with it. It really was great to have people to look up to. How much more Heroes will there be? We’re in the fourth season now, so I have no idea. We signed on for six years. What’s coming up for Claire? She’s at college now and she’s got a great roommate who is… I really don’t know about her in the beginning. There’s this new group of people called The Carnival, and they’re kind of the opposite of The Company. How hard was it when producer/writer Brian Fuller left again? You know, I haven’t read all the scripts and haven’t been involved in the writing process like obviously the writers are. We all work hard and everyone’s really bright, and we all have a blast together. He’s growing up and doing some great stuﬀ, so we’re all just really proud of him. Why do you think Heroes has struggled with the fans? I don’t know. I think it set a very high mark for itself in the beginning and it’s very scrutinized now because of the demand of the fans. It’s not an easy crowd to please all the time, but I still enjoy watching the show. Are you tired of playing Claire yet? You’ve been with her for four years and the show has gone up and down in quality, so are you ready to let go of the character? Letting go of the character? Well, I’ve been doing movies, television and theater since I was a kid and there are great aspects and bad

I THINK PEOPLE AT THIS POINT MIGHT ONLY FALL IN LOVE WITH ME FOR THE WRONG REASONS. MOST OF THE TIME IT’S A FAN OR SOMEONE WHO WATCHES WHAT I DO, AND HOW CAN YOU REALLY SAY, “I LOVE YOU”

aspects of each. Movies are great because you get to play all these different characters, you never get tired of one thing and you get to travel and see that it’s a much bigger world. In TV, I’ve gotten to spend almost 4 years in a character and really gotten to know her and develop her myself and grew up with her. And then theatre is great because you have the same layout every show, but you get to perfect it every single time and try to make it fresh and new every night. So yeah, I’m excited to do other things, but I also do love what I do. You’ve been acting most of your life. Is it still fun for you? Absolutely! I would not put myself in this if it wasn’t. I didn’t mean this, as in doing interviews. I mean people asking me about the misspelled tattoo and the fact that I can’t walk down the street to get a cup of coffee without 5 to 10 cameras in my face. It really is a very invasive industry, and the line between your work and play is so blurred, if not nonexistent, that it’s tough. I’m not going to lie, it makes it hard to live. I’m not sitting there going, “Woe is me, my life is terrible!” But people get this idea in their head that what we do isn’t hard, and it is. It’s work, and there are sometimes when I’m like, I don’t want to go to work today. You played another cheerleader in your latest film, I Love You, Beth Cooper. Did you demand a bonus for having to put on that outfit again? I wish! I think I’m just going to start putting in my contract that I refuse to wear a cheerleading outfit for the rest of my career! (Laughs) In the film I only had to put it on once for a picture, but that was it. I don’t know why I always manage to find my way back to the cheerleading outfit…

Did you like that character? Was Beth a girl you could relate to? Absolutely. Even though I haven’t gone through exactly what she was going through, it still stems from not believing in yourself. I think we all have our own insecurities, and I know I have plenty. Like what? Like body image insecurities. The older I get the more comfortable I get with it. But I still have my days where I don’t feel great, or I don’t like this outfit or that outfit, and I’m having my fat day where I have to put something baggy on and wear sweatpants or just worry about the way that people perceive me. I have plenty of insecurities, so I can go on and on. I find that hard to believe. You’re gorgeous! Do you work out a lot? I’ve never been one of those people who’s been obsessed with working out or being super skinny, because I’m just not that. I have the body that I have and that’s not going to change, so I just try to stay as healthy as I can. It’s hard when someone is standing behind you with a camera on the beach, takes a picture of your rear end and points out all your bumps or whatever. You become much more critical of yourself because you’re in a position of such extreme judgment and scrutiny. People love to point out flaws, to build people up and then take them down again. Do you identify with the theme of the movie, that fantasy and reality don’t necessarily go together? Have you ever experienced guys falling in love with you for the wrong reasons? I think people at this point might ONLY fall in love with me for the wrong reasons. Most of the time it’s a fan or someone who watches what I do, and how can you really say, “I love you”? Beth Cooper is the image of perfection to this guy, but he really doesn’t know her at all. How do you know whether someone is being real with you or just likes you because of your celebrity? I think after a while there are certain tell tale signs and you become really good at reading people. But can you ever really be sure? People surprise you sometimes, and most of the time it’s generally for the worse. But I just surround myself with good people and I have really great friends that I trust, and I trust my instincts. Do you have a certain type that you go for? I’m a big personality person, so you need to be cool and confident with who you are. In order to be with someone like me, in the industry that I’m in, we have to go out and mingle at parties. That line is blurred between our jobs and our personal life, and it goes beyond just standing on set and acting. So it takes a secure person, and I like somebody who gets my sense of humor. I have a very dry sense of humor sometimes. What’s next for you? What are your dreams and goals? I’ve never been somebody who has said, “This is where I want my career to go and this is the kind of film I want to do.” I just love everything about what I do, I love creating characters and I’m just excited to see what my career will be.

PG 12 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

FILM

�� 9 (PG-13) �� –Matt Goldberg

�� –B. Love

500 DAYS OF SUMMER (PG-13) DISTRICT 9 (R) �� –Matt Goldberg

THE COVE (PG-13) ��

��

Mila Kunis (above) is a fan favorite of the nerds and fanboys. You can get your drool on with her in Mike Judge’s new ﬁlm “Extract.” Russian and hot is a great mix in our book.

EXTRACT

��

�� –Matt Goldberg

coming this month Sept. 11: Whiteout (R)

��

Sept. 18: Jennifer’s Body (R)

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Sept. 25: Surrogates (PG-13)

�� –�� PG 13 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

�� –Matt Goldberg

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VIDIOTS

UPCOMING DVD RELEASES AND REVIEWS

BY B. LOVE & JOHN MOORE EARTH – The inaugural release from the Mouse House’s new Disneynature imprint is a gorgeously shot 3-part doc about our planet’s delicate ecosystem and the animals who inhabit it. From a humpback whale and calf making the 4,000mile journey to Antarctica and elephants traversing the Kalahari Desert in search of water to a mother polar bear taking her two cubs in search of food as the icecaps melt away, it’s one of the year’s most gripping dramas. EASTBOUND & DOWN: THE COMPLETE 1ST SEASON – Land of the Lost may have tanked, but co-star Danny McBride shines in his HBO series Eastbound & Down. With stellar cameos by Will Farrell and Adam McKay (Anchorman, Talladega Nights), Jody Hill (Observe and Report), the humor hues closely to the Judd Apatow variety and the comedy plays out great in 30-minute spurts. FAMILY GUY: VOLUME 7 – After six seasons, Fox’s cult hit was starting to get a little creaky. Whether it was the polarizing nature of the last election or just a changeup of snacks in the writer’s room, season 7 ended up being one of the show’s strongest since it was revived. The jokes are still just as random and Seth McFarland’s team is still likely to drift off in pop culture paeans, but the storylines seemed much more appropriate this time around. STATE OF PLAY – Unjustly overlooked in theatres, this smart thriller deserves a second look. Russell Crowe is excellent as an old school

�� –Matt Goldberg

POST GRAD (PG-13) �� –Matt Goldberg investigative reporter caught up in a scandal involving his congressman friend (Ben Affleck at his smarmy best), while Rachel McAdams shines as a blogger all too keen to put the last rusty nail in the coffin of Old Media. So many twists and turns, the plot will keep you guessing until the final denouement. OTHER SEPT DVD RELEASES SEPT 1�� Desperate Housewives: The �� Season 3 : Rescue Me: Season �� Half Men: The Complete 6th Season SEPT 8 – Bedknobs & Broomsticks: Enchanted �� Parks and Recreation: Season 1 SEPT 15 – Army of Darkness �� Bang Theory: The Complete �� SEPT 22� �� Complete 3rd Season SEPT 29� �� Collector’s Edition

FALL CONTINUING EDUCATION GUIDE Advance your Career and Enhance Your Life! Experience the human side of success at Argosy University, Atlanta Students looking for a more personal approach to education may find the answer at Argosy University, Atlanta. This leading institution offers a variety of degree programs that focus on the human side of success alongside professional competence. All graduate and undergraduate programs (and there are 48 nationwide, across 19 Argosy University campuses and 13 states) emphasize interpersonal skills as well as academic learning. And all are taught by practicing professionals who bring top-level, real-world experience-and cleareyed realism-into the classroom. So students graduate with both a solid foundation of knowledge, and the power to put it to work. Argosy University, Atlanta is located in the city of Sandy Springs, at 980 Hammond Drive, Suite 100. Argosy University offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Business, and graduate degrees in Education and Counseling. Programs feature dynamic curricula delivered in flexible class formats that make it easy to pursue a degree while meeting family and professional demands. Students choose from day and evening courses, on campus or online. Argosy University accepts students yearround on a rolling admissions basis, depending on availability of required courses. Financial aid is available for students who qualify. Applications and additional information are available online at argosy.edu/atlanta or by contacting the campus at 1-888-671-4777.

Great job placement is found at the International School of Skin & Nails, Sandy Springs The International School of Skin & Nail Care (ISSN) is celebrating 24 years as a school and day spa in Sandy Springs. ISSN is where all the people get trained that work in Spas, Salons, Network TV, Doctors, Cruise Ships and manufacturing companies. Anywhere skin care treatments are given or nail care beauty is performed. Courses from Classic Facials to Microdermbrasion Facials, to waxing, makeup, to manicures and nail art are taught at the renowned International School of Skin and Nail Care (ISSN). Job placement is excellent and has remained near 100-percent for over a decade no other school is close. ISSN’s long experience and being known in the Industry insures the graduate of a good job upon graduation. Over 320 active employers depend on ISSN for Esthetician and Nail Technician staffing. Programs start monthly for the convenience of today's student. They have morning, afternoon, or evening class in the Esthetician program and day or evening classes in the Nail Technician program. They also offer a fully accredited Massage Therapy Division. ISSN is conveniently located in the Prado, 5600 Roswell Road at I-295. It is an accredited school and approved by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology. A quick call to their Admission's office can answer all of your questions. When you call ask for a tour of the school. Call them today: Local 404-843-1005 or email them at issn@skin-nails.com.

Learn the art of glassblowing at Janke Studios, Studio Plex If you have marveled at the beautiful freeform and controlled works of Dale Chihuly or watched a glassblowing documentary, you should know that there is a thriving glass blowing community heating up in Atlanta! Janke Studios is Atlanta's premier Glassblowing Studio and Functional Art Glass Gallery. Janke Studios offers both the beginning and experienced artist the use of state of the art equipment including a 300 pound furnace, glory holes in three sizes, a color furnace and classes for all levels. You will study with some of the finest craftspeople in the Southeast. The Janke team offers a variety of classes that will fit your schedule. Try a three hour paperweight workshop to get a feel for the process or if you are more adventurous but short on time take a two day weekend workshop. During this workshop you will experience all the basic skills and glassblowing floor environment. Create your own paperweight, check out the process and meet new people. For the enthusiast, nurture your skills in an extensive five week class or host a Remote: hot glass on your site for demos, classes or educational purposes. Janke Studios is located at StudioPlex at 659 Auburn Avenue. For information on upcoming classes call 404-584-0305 or go to www.jankestudios.com.

Study for your career in Audio at SAE Institute, Atlanta

Continuing the tradition established in 1976, SAE Institute Atlanta educates students for careers in the entertainment industry with the focus of hands-on training. Students gain invaluable experience working on real-world projects every day. SAE Atlanta currently offers two programs: SAE's Audio Technology Program, where students can earn an Associate of Science Degree (unique to SAE Atlanta) or an SAE Diploma. Students have access to over 30 studios and workstations while studying at SAE Atlanta. Included are analog and digital mix-down stations by Mackie and Yamaha, FX stations, and Apple computers throughout to complete digital editing, Pro Tools, sampling, and remix exercises. To round off the educational experience the facility boasts both the SSL 4000G+ and NEVE VR60 analog consoles. All graduates are provided job placement assistance and are eligible to become members of SAE's international Alumni Association. Financial assistance is available for those who quality and both full and part time classes are available. For more information contact their Admissions Department at 404-526-9366 or visit their web site at www.atlanta.sae.edu SAE Atlanta is located in Downtown Atlanta at 215 Peachtree St. # 300, Atlanta GA 30303.

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Janke Studios Hand Blown Glass Founded in 1996

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PG 15 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

CONCERT

CALENDER

�� Yacht Rock Revue �� House Rocker Johnson �� Dropsonic �� CC Booker III �� Burning Time �� Sons of Glitches �� The F’n Heartbreaks �� Zydefunk �� Groove Factor �� Britney Spears �� The Stormcocks �� The PINX �� Sean McConnell �� Zac Brown Band �� Dave Matthews Tribute Band �� Sandra Hall �� Jamie Foxx �� Sleepy Sun �� David Olney �� Radio Ramblers �� Number One Must Haves �� Metal Fest �� For Instance �� Randy Chapman & Friends �� Collective Efforts �� Drive Invasion Pre-Party �� The Rippingtons �� Stooge Brothers �� Jamie Foxx �� The Barrow Boys �� Marshall Chapman �� Blues Envy �� Breaking Mescalito �� Hightide Blues

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

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IN THEATERS SEPTEMBER 11TH

PG 16 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

�� Fruit Bats �� Songwriter’s Open Mic �� Uncle Sugar �� Lo Fi Mondays �� The Dirty Lungs �� Atlanta Boogie �� Clay Cook �� Crosstown Allstars �� Open Mic Jam �� DJ Yoon �� Ty Reynolds �� The Only Sons �� Soja �� Scott Glazer’s Mojo Dojo �� Mike LaSage & the Stumbling Troubadors �� Lucy Wainwright-Roche �� Frankies Blues Mission �� Five Spot Sessions �� ProgPower USA X �� Lost Cause DJs �� The Humbolt Trio �� American Lesion �� Tyler Reeve Band �� Gypsy Sol �� Ruby Velle & Soulphonics �� Sweet Betty �� ProgPower USA Showcase �� The Constellations �� Matthew Mayﬁeld �� Chickenshack �� Oliver Wood & Joe McGuinness �� Owl City �� Project Pitchfork �� 40 Oz To Freedom �� Roger Creager �� Benjy Davis Project �� FREAKOUT!!! �� Ladyhawke �� Slippery When Wet �� House Rocker Johnson �� ProgPower USA Showcase� ��The Efﬁgies �� The Lovell Sisters �� Little Joey’s Big Band �� Bob Reynolds Trio �� West End Motel �� The Horns With Halos Tour �� Fuel The Fire 09 �� Soul Shakers �� Gin’s Request

�� Turtle Folk �� James Hall & the Futura Bold �� Son Volt �� Chris Young �� Creed w/ Staind �� Soaked in Bleach �� Chick Willis �� ProgPower USA Showcase �� Pet Shop Boys �� Howlies �� Mindy Smith �� Atlanta Boogie �� Deep Blue Sun �� Blowoff �� Club Awesome �� Secondhand Serenade �� The Dynamites �� Ike Stubbleﬁeld �� Curiosity Shoppe �� Gary Pfaff & The Heartwells �� Ledfoot Messiah �� Darryl Rhoades �� Fight Night �� Alan Shelton �� Porterdavis �� Blues Envy �� The Monster Show �� Social Ghost �� David Grisman Guitent �� Heather Luttrell �� Songwriter’s Open Mic ��Little Tybee �� Uncle Sugar �� Holly Belle �� Living Colour �� Lo Fi Mondays ��And You Will Know Us By The Trail of The Dead �� Charlie Robison �� Crosstown Allstars �� Open Mic Jam �� DJ Yoon �� Ty Reynolds �� Florez �� The Breeze Kings �� Musiq Soulchild �� Sleep Creeps �� Bernadette Seacrest �� Frankies Blues Mission �� Five Spot Sessions �� Imperative Reaction �� Tyler Reeve Band �� Sons of Bill �� Fountains of Wayne �� Toby Keith w/ Trace Adkins �� Tommy Brown �� Extraordinary Contraptions �� David Mead �� Chickenshack �� Josh Phillips Folk Fest �� Bonaventure Quartet �� HedPE �� It Dies Today �� Aaron Thompson Band �� Simpliﬁed �� Mike Gordon �� Tron Jackson �� Sandra Hall ��Telefon Tel Aviv �� Lowery Legacy Night �� Work In Progress �� Mood Goddess Cotillion �� It’s Elephants �� She Wants Revenge �� The Armory �� Mudcat �� The Wrong Way �� Robinella �� Band of Heathens �� Medeski, Martin & Wood �� Renegade Jane �� Moby Dick �� Guns-n-Roses Tribute �� Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin �� Sunitha �� Indigo Girls �� Gringo Star �� Paul Burch �� Santos Brothers �� Under the Porch �� The Soul Savers �� Social Studies �� Sevendust �� Dubascension �� Goodie Mob �� Mudcat

�� Girlz Girlz Girlz �� KISS Alive 35 �� Contribute 2 America �� Judi Chicago, The Selmanaires �� Yo La Tengo ��Journey �� The Drownout �� Beat Bash �� Peelander-Z �� Works Progress Administration �� Blues Envy �� Beneﬁt for GA Lawyers for the Arts �� Sevendust �� Ashutto Mirra

renade

�� Chicken & Pigs �� The Horrors �� Songwriter’s Open Mic �� Uncle Sugar �� Mudcat �� Lo Fi Mondays �� Zoogma �� Soul Shakers �� The Intelligence �� Rum Rum Ramblers �� Open Mic Jam �� Ingrid Michaelson �� COLD, Taproot �� Datarock �� Ty Reynolds Band �� Derek Webb

of The Dead

�� Greg Hester Band �� Shannon Wright �� Kyle Andrews �� Frankies Blues Mission �� Five Spot Sessions �� Lost Cause DJs �� Tyler Reeve Band �� Moontaxi, Elmwood

�� Mae, The Record Kid �� Trey Hawkins �� Deacon Brandon Reeves �� Richard Buckner �� Francine Reed �� Crosstown Allstars �� Open Mic Jam �� Dr. Dog �� Every Time I Die �� RaRa Riot �� Ty Reynolds �� Lydia �� The Electromatics �� Spirits & the Melchizedek Children �� Greensky Bluegrass �� Frankies Blues Mission �� Five Spot Sessions �� Bernadette Seacrest �� Tyler Reeve Band �� Cornbread Maﬁa �� Phoenix �� A3C Festival �� Adrianne �� Chickenshack �� Perfect Attendance �� Needtobreathe �� Color Revolt �� Natalie Warner, Trances Arc �� These Arms Are Snakes �� A3C Festival �� Chatham Co. Line �� A3C Midwest �� The Psychedelic Furs �� Dear & The Headlights �� Corb Lund� �� The Dead Weather

�� Rob Thomas @ �� Sweet Betty ��(Sept. 30) �� Asobi Seksu �� Jolie Holland �� Chickenshack �� Grant Green Jr. �� The Debut of “Perfect” �� Gojira �� Mono, Maserati �� Aaron Thompson Band �� Funky Fiasco �� The Sundogs �� Francine Reed �� Bangkok Fight Night �� Loggins & Messina �� A Hawk and a Hacksaw �� Carrie Rodriguez �� Blues Barons �� The Paul Green School of Rock �� The Goldest �� 20th Anniversary �� Lola �� Wayne Mills Band �� Morningside Elementary Fundraiser �� The Disco Biscuits �� The Walkmen �� Guerrilla Radio �� House Rocker Johnson �� Chico DeBarge �� The Goldest �� Michelle Malone �� The Blue Monkeys �� Leroy Powell �� Slaughterhouse �� Sonen �� Butthole Surfers �� Uncle Sugar �� The Design �� Soup Reunion �� Kind Congo �� Chevelle �� The Sounds ��Sugarland �� The Minus 5 �� Sarah Bettens �� Blues Envy �� Eastern Standard �� Frighten Rabbit �� Skillet, Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down �� Nathan Morgan Band �� The Pains of Being Pure at Heart �� Katie Herzig �� Uncle Sugar �� Joe McGuinness �� Lo Fi Mondays �� Satyricon

PG 17 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

�� MUSIC INTERVIEW

The Next Chapter in the Dark Gospels of Thrash Royalty BY JON LATHAM

HE MIDSUMMER HEAT HAS the surface of the Atlanta crowd at a high energy peak on this stop of the Mayhem Festival. Hard rocking bands have been pounding out riffs all day on multiple stages. But at this moment, my ears are ringing through white noise as a floor tom pounds three times. In the metal community, it is as recognizable and revered as the first chord of “A Hard Days Night”; it is the intro of Slayer’s signature song, “Raining Blood”, arguably the energetic peak of their performance as a co-headliner on the festival. For 25 years, Slayer have sat atop the thrash metal scene as a father figure to a movement that quietly picks up fan-fueled steam, just under the nose of the mainstream music worlds collective consciousness. Within classic albums that bring as much controversy as they do decibels, the guitar team of Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King riff it up over the pulsing double bass work of master metal drummer Dave Lombardo and the banshee screams of bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, as the lyrics weave devilish tales that read like apocalyptic nightmares. Think Stephen King on speed. As the Mayhem Festival rolls on, and just on the cusp of releasing the heavily anticipated new album, World Painted Blood, Lombardo took some time to talk about the summer tour, the inner workings of the new material, and the legacy that Slayer continues to build on. Slayer has approached the new album in a way that is out of the ordinary for the band, and by that, I refer to the a good number of the songs being written while the band was in the studio. What were some of the differ-

ences in this process that you encountered looking back? [With our past records] we always felt we were completely done before we went into the studio, meaning the [composition of the tracks] were done. I had practiced constantly and worked on all these drum parts, and so we’d go into the studio and [each instrument] was recorded, and we would be out and done in as little as a week. This album, it took me three weeks to do the drum [tracks], because I had songs to learn. We went into the studio with only five songs, and we had to write other songs in the studio while we were there. Some things were done spontaneously in the studio, which, I think, really added to what this record is and how it’s turned out. Since the beginning, guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King have been the two main songwriters. When they bring in their new material, is there a democratic process in the way the arrangement of the song turns out? Yes. There is a basic format, where the [song travels] and where the guitar parts change, but it’s a very basic beat that that Jeff puts on his drum machine. What I do [is] elaborate on the beat that he uses. I give it the human element; I give my own flavor and my own style to it. Consistently, Slayer has been able to deliver the studio sound of their records with the same energy of the live Slayer experience. Do you prefer studio work or the live show? I find fruitfulness in both live and in studio. Both are, to me, essential to one another. In the studio, of course, you create your music to perform live. You know, [our music] has to be human. There is industrial music, and that stuff

is amazing in its own world, but it takes away from the human element of what makes a band. It hinders the performance. When you see the band Slayer live, and then you hear them on record, & it’s the same frickin’ band, I think that’s cool. That means that we can deliver what we play. There are bands these days that probably can’t deliver not even a quarter of what they’ve recorded. That, I think, is due, in part, by the ability [in the studio] to manipulate the [audio] tracks. It’s a great tool, but some bands just use it too much to their advantage to the point where it doesn’t help them perform live. Now that the new record is done, how does it compare to the other Slayer records stylistically? The new record has a lot of variety; it has a lot of peaks and valleys. It’s very moody at times. I say in interviews a lot that I could be wrong, but personally, I think this is a great Slayer record. There’s something cool about it, something exciting about it. From the ﬁrst song, it grabs you; it’s great, it’s classic Slayer “riﬀage”. I think a lot of the music on this record stands out as being classic; you can pinpoint it.

great bunch of guys, partying on their bus and whatnot. The tours been going real smooth, everybody’s doing their job, and the shows are getting done. It’s going good. With your long tenure in the metal community, have you begun to see younger kids getting into your music at the shows? Yes, you see dads and you see their kids. We’ve crossed over; now it’s like a whole other generation. The dad will say, “Back in my day, I used to listen to this band Slayer. They’re still around I think. Son, you don’t know Metal ‘til you go see a Slayer concert.” Speculation amongst fans has wondered if perhaps this new album could, in fact, be the ﬁnal Slayer record. After 25 years strong, any personal predictions on what Slayer’s future might have in store? For each individual member, I don’t know. I’m not saying that Slayer won’t continue to perform or continue making records. As far as I’m concerned, in my own future, I don’t think that I’m going anywhere. I think the metal community and the drumming world will have to continue to deal with [me as] the Charlie Watts of heavy metal. I’m not going to stop playing drums; I can’t it’s in my blood.

As a drummer, it seems like you would just be playing all the time to keep your chops up. The only thing constantly playing music is my head. It’s sometimes a good thing because, maybe, it’s inﬂuenced my instinct to play. I don’t do anything to keep up my chops. The only thing I do is practice with the band. So how is the Mayhem Festival tour going? Any particular bands you’ve been mingling with? I’ve been hanging out with Bullet For My Valentine, a

�� &

Fri, Sept. 11 Tuesday Texas Hold ‘Em Tourney, FREE Pool, Beer Pong & Corn Hole Wednesday Speed Texas Hold ‘Em Tourney Beer Pong & Corn Hole Thursday LIVE Music Texas Hold ‘Em Tourney Beer Pong & Corn Hole Friday & Saturday Voted Best College Bar Voted Best Texas Hold’em Voted Best Cocktails NEVER A COVER!

�� 3179 Peachtree Rd. (Buckhead) 404-231-4201 Join us on Facebook. Search Moondogs!

PG 18 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

GIN’S REQUEST W/ JUSTIN GODSEY

Sat, Sept. 19

GIRLZ, GIRLZ GIRLZ (80’s Rock Cover)

Sat, Sept. 12

Fri, Sept. 18

Curiosity Shoppe

(80’s & 90’s Cover)

THE WRONG WAY (Sublime Tribute)

Fri, Sept. 25

Sat, Sept. 26

Wayne Mills THE Band DESIGN (Country)

(Raleigh’s Favorite Band)

NO COVER WEEKNIGHTS! ��

Road Warriors

This Month’s Hottest Shows BY SACHA DZUBA 09/10 PROJECT PITCHFORK, VOODOO VELKRO, AND DEVIANT UK

The Masquerade Dark and dancey, Project Pitchfork has been bringing the industrial-electro scene hypnotic tracks for years, entering the German charts with every album since 1994. They successfully bridge sweeping electro dreamscapes with full-on club anthems. I double-dog-dare you to keep your body from breaking out into dance mode… possibly with a mildly pretentious Goth swish.

09/1109/12 PROGPOWER USA X Center Stage This two-day event features some of the finest prog/ metal bands you’ve heard of (and a few you probably haven’t). Fates Warning began their life in the early ‘80s with an Iron Maidenesque sound, but when singer John Archibald was replaced by Ray Elder it led to a more progressive approach that influenced bands such as Dream Theater. Israel’s Orphaned Land (making their second-ever US appearance) began life as an extreme metal band, complete with growling vocals, but they’ve since expanded stylistically to include Middle-

eastern and Jewish influences. The frontman for Crimson Glory– legendary for wearing metallic masks in all promotional and concert appearances– passed away in July, so their set will be a tribute to his memory, with various famous metal vocalists filling in. But the real draw of this festival is the opportunity to meet other metal fans, which gives the event a carnival-like atmosphere.

09/12/09 THE PET SHOP BOYS

Chastain Park Amphitheatre Longtime mainstays of the Euro-dance scene, the Pet Shop Boys have had 42 Top 30 singles on the club charts (including 4 #1 hits). Classic tracks such as “West End Girls” and “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)” will likely have the nostalgia-friendly Chastain crowd dancing in the aisles, but you should also listen out for brilliant new cuts like “Love etc.,” which also hit #1 on the US Dance Charts.

09/19 GOODIE MOB

The Masquerade Before Cee-Lo hit the charts with Gnarls Barkley, he was in this groundbreaking hiphop super group that came up in the same Dungeon Family/Organized Noize scene that gave birth to Outkast. Now, all four original members (including T-Mo, Khujo and Big Gipp) are back performing together for the first time in years, reminding fans that their catalogue went a lot deeper than just “Cell Therapy.” Drawing influences from funk, soul, gospel and jazz, these are the cats that defined the “Dirty South” sound, with socially conscious rhymes as well as soulful

singing. A reunion show not to be missed.

09/25 BUTTHOLE SURFERS

The Masquerade Join frontman Gibby Haynes and his reunited original lineup to help celebrate the Masquerade’s 20th Anniversary. Dark humor pervades the band’s sonic experiments in noise, punk, metal, electronica and psychedelics, which influenced alt-rock legends like Primus and Nirvana. But even after more than 20 years in the business, the Butthole Surfers’ sound remains distinctively their own.

9/24 JULIETTE LEWIS

The Drunken Unicorn You may know her best as Woody Harrelson’s girl in Natural Born Killers, but actress Juliette Lewis has actually achieved a respectable punk-rock rep in recent years. After splitting with her previous band, The Licks, this show finds her touring with The New Romantiques in support of her new album, Terra Incognita. It’s a slightly different sound, embarking into more unusual sonic territory and more personally revealing songwriting, but Lewis will still entrance you with her sexy swagger, energetic presence and bluesy-influenced vocals.

10/110/03 A3C FESTIVAL

Multiple venues This is the fifth year that this 3-night hip-hop festival has been held in Atlanta, this year spreading across diverse venues including the Earl, the Icehouse, the 529, Cenci, the Graveyard, Eastside Lounge and the Five Spot.. Live performances by some of the

WE GOT NEXT LIVING WITH LIONS

10/03 SNOW PATROL

The Tabernacle With the release of 2004’s breakthrough album, Final Straw, Scotland’s Snow Patrol began making the move from little-known indie upstarts to borderline mainstream acceptance on the strength of epic songs such as “Chocolate” and “Run.” Eyes Open, their fourth studio album, achieved multi-platinum success around the world thanks to the ubiquitous “Chasing Cars.” Though many have said that last year’s A Hundred Millions Suns was simply more of the same, Gary Lightbody and Co. still deliver some fantastic Brit-pop in the vein of Coldplay, Travis and Keane.

10/04 METALLICA

Phillips Arena Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets and …And Justice For All remain absolute classics in many a metalhead’s collection. But by the early ‘90s Metallica had begun a downward spiral towards a much more commercial style of metal, culminating in the disaster that was 2003’s St. Anger. Thankfully, Death Magnetic was a huge step in the right direction, almost as if the band woke from a coma and slowly but surely remembered how to be Metallica again. Fortunately, they’ve never forgotten their ability to rock in concert. Metal Horns required.

Artists on the verge of making it big

Latest Project: Make Your Mark (Adeline) For Fans of: New Found Glory, Hot Water Music, Against Me!, Broadway Calls Why You Should Care: Because these Canucks are signed to Adeline, the record label owned by Billie Joe Arm

BY JOHN B. MOORE

indie-rap scene’s hippest local and nationallyknown artists are bolstered by other events showcasing art, fashion, film, dance and panel discussions on topics relating to hip-hop culture. Check out their MySpace page for more details.

JOUSEMATES FIGHT OVER GROCERIES,

missing rent and occasionally sleep with each other, but rarely do they start a band on a whim and end up touring the continent. But that’s exactly what happened to Vancouver’s Living With Lions. Brought together by a shared interest in punk rock and living quarters, the five-piece released the aptly titled EP Dude Manor and was quickly signed in the U.S. by Adeline Records, (who will be re-releasing the EP). Between tour stops across the U.S., the band released their first full length Make Your

strong of Green Day, and are determined to remind people that Vancouver has given birth to bands way cooler than its most popular export (i.e. Nickelback).

Mark this summer. Chase Brenneman spoke planned on starting a band. We were just just writing the same way we would when recently about the group’s unlikely founding, writing songs together for fun… before we we had first started the band in our old the pathetic nature of the Vancouver music knew it we were playing shows and touring. house. We just wrote songs we like and had scene and life as a touring punk band. fun playing. I think a lot of the songs could have been on the EP, but How did the band first get YEAH, FOR THE MOST PART WE ALL LIKE THE SAME there’s definitely been a together? Landon, Shayne and Loren KIND OF BANDS. BROADWAY CALLS, CARPENTER, SIGHTS natural progression. decent is the Vancouhad a house in VancouAND SOUNDS, SET IT STRAIGHT CAN USUALLY BE HEARD How ver. Matt and I met those ver music scene? WHILE WE ARE DRIVING IN THE VAN. WE MOSTLY JUST guys through some mutual It’s not very good. There’s never any all ages friends. After a while, Matt LISTEN TO ALL OUR FRIENDS’ BANDS. and I ended up moving in shows in Vancouver… to their house and soon after that we started What can you tell me about the new reNickleback lives there... everyone that jamming in the basement. We never really doesn’t listen to Nickleback and Seather cord? is obsessed with the newest obscure indie It was the first time any of us had ever written a full-length album in a band, so bands, moving on from band to band every it was new for us. We’ve only ever tried week. If Morrissey farted into a microphone it would be #1 on Vancouver radio to write like five or six songs for an EP or something like that. I remember getting for a year. a phone call from one of the dudes at our label in Canada about two weeks before we Do you all share similar influences? left for recording. He was wondering how Yeah, for the most part we all like the things were going, how many songs were same kind of bands. Broadway Calls, Carpenter, Sights and Sounds, Set it Straight done. I told him we were doing good and had just finished out last song. In reality we can usually be heard while we are driving still had like five songs left to write and two in the van. We mostly just listen to all our weeks to do it. We were always really slow friends’ bands. at writing songs, but we learned how to write fast in those 14 days. What’s the hardest thing about touring? Staying healthy and being poor. But touring is our favorite thing ever, so that shit How does it compare to the first EP? Has doesn’t matter. the band’s sound changed at all? When we were writing the record we were PG 19 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

MUSIC

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By B. Love, DeMarco Williams, John Davidson, John B. Moore, Matt Goldberg & Jon Latham

VARIOUS ARTISTS – ECCENTRIC SOUL: THE TRAGAR & NOTE LABELS (Numero Group) The sweet sounds of classic Southern soul �� RICHARD SWIFT– THE ATLANTIC OCEAN (Secretly Canadian) ELO would be proud �� PG 20 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

�� SUGARLAND – LIVE ON THE INSIDE (Mercury) Expanding the boundaries ��

�� KILLER MIKE – UNDERGROUND ATLANTA (SMC/Grind Time Official) ATL street poet honors hometown with a double dose of percussions and prose ��

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RENO DIVORCE – TEARS BEFORE BREAKFAST (I Scream) Punks remembering the genre’s past

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�� LEMONHEADS – VARSHONS (The End Records) Evan Dando’s mixed bag of covers ��

WHITNEY HOUSTON – I LOOK TO YOU (Arista) Actually, you can call it a comeback

COOL DEVICES – SELF-TITLED (Power Recordings) Rock based on a diet of dissonance and revenge ��

Robin Mead

CONQUERS HER OWN SELF-ESTEEM BY ALEX S. MORRISON

S THE PERENNIALLY PERKY HOST of HLN’s Morning Express, Robin Meade would seem to have it all: She’s funny, informed and drop-dead gorgeous. But as the former Miss Ohio explains in her new book, Morning, Sunshine, she wasn’t always so well put-together. Before landing an anchor job with the network then known as CNN’s Headline News, Meade suﬀered a series of anxious panic attacks that nearly derailed her career. Now, having conquered her own selfesteem issues, she’s on a mission to help others do the same. We recently sat down with the 40-yearold hottie for a candid talk that covered everything from growing up the daughter of a minister to being named “Sexiest Newscaster” in Playboy poll.

What was your childhood like, growing up in small-town Ohio? I think the small-town lifestyle deﬁnitely had a big impact on my conﬁdence level. When you grow up in a small town, you don’t get away with anything because it always gets back to your parents. My town was so small, we were allowed to go out for lunch downtown at the pizza joint and come back to school, and they trusted us to come back on time. It was so small, there were never enough kids for all the extracurricular activities, so you got to do whatever you wanted and never had to worry about being cut. That’s really good for your self-esteem! (Laughs) How did your father being a minister impact you? Well, he was an associate minister, but he refused

pay. During the week he worked in a factory as a full-time manual laborer, and my mom worked in a diﬀerent manufacturing plant as a manager. So I would get the union line from him and the managerial line from her, which really taught me to be balanced in how I viewed things. So now I know that there are always two sides to every story, because I grew up seeing it in my own household.

When did you first realize you wanted to get into news? My senior year of high school I took an aptitude test and the results showed that I was all about creative writing and reading comprehension. At the bottom it asked in what field you’d like to use these traits, but I didn’t know what to write. My friend had gotten similar results, and she wrote down that she wanted to be a broadcast news journalist. I thought that was a great idea, so that’s what I wrote down. Do you think being a beauty pageant winner helped or hindered your effort to break into the field? It definitely helped me break into the field. I was competing for the title of Miss Ohio, and my first job was at a TV station that also happened to broadcast the pageant. So when I went in for my interview, the general manager already recognized me and gave me the chance of a lifetime. They had a TV station and an AM and FM radio station, and when you worked there you did it all. I carried my own camera, shot my own stories, edited them to create radio and TV versions… it was the single best learning experience about the mechanics of TV journalism. Then, when I won Miss Ohio in 1992, I

NEWS INTERVIEW got a job as an anchor at a station in Cleveland. So it deﬁnitely helped me break in, but I don’t think it did me any favors as far as being taken seriously, and by the time I got to Chicago I’d learned to just shut up about it! (Laughs) What made you decide to write Morning, Sunshine at this juncture in your career? One of the editors at the book company actually came to me because she liked the show and had a feeling there was more to me than meets the eye. She asked if I’d like to write a book and, if so, what I would write about. When I thought about what would have meaning for my viewers, I thought about trying to get through my panic attacks because it caused me to really examine myself. So many people see people on TV or in their oﬃce and think, “Oh, they’ve got it so easy!” because the grass is always greener on the other side. But I think if we as human beings could learn to talk about our problems, we’d know that life’s path is not always easy and get rid of the stigma that surrounds anxiety. You talk about embracing your inner bitch: How do you suppress that desire to be liked all the time, and where do you draw the line as far as being TOO bitchy? (Laughs) When I say embrace your inner bitch, it doesn’t mean I think we should zoom down and strike our neighbors with lightning bolts. It’s an internal thing: People-pleasers, when they stand up for themselves, have an immediate fear of the repercussions instead of just saying no. If you are going to stand up, draw a line and set boundaries, you have to learn to live with that and stop secondguessing yourself. Everything you write about in the book is great, but some people may look at you– former Miss Ohio, voted sexiest newscaster by Playboy readers– and wonder how you could relate to what the average girl is going through. What

would you say to them? Well, self-esteem isn’t always about your appearance. For me, it was about being liked and being likeable. I completely understand that someone could say, “You work in a visual medium, how can you not be confident?” No matter what the roots of your self-esteem issues are, I think it helps to learn how to make a better assessment of yourself. You have to balance the things you don’t like about yourself with an honest assessment of the things you’re good at. What do you hope people will get out of reading the book? I hope they’ll understand that just because someone is a public figure, it doesn’t mean their life is a fairy tale. We can all learn something from each other. But most of all I hope that the little confidence-boosters I have in there can help them examine why they don’t have confidence. I hope they’ll emerge from it a better person, feeling better about themselves.

Working with men and women passionate about developing professionally through education.

PROFESSIONAL

GROWTH Passion. Flexibility. Balance. Solutions. Learn more – contact Argosy University.

1.866.327.0173 WWW.ARGOSYTODAY.COM

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Business | Criminal Justice | Psychology Argosy University, Atlanta 980 Hammond Dr., Suite 100 | Atlanta, GA 30328

Financial Aid is available to those who qualify Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1.800.621.7440, www.ncahlc.org). PG 21 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

Fall Festival Guide FEATURE

BY MARCI MILLER

September 10 – 13

F YOU THOUGHT THE SPRING WAS A busy time for festivals in Atlanta, wait until you see INsite’s Fall Festival Guide. It is chock full of events happening throughout the metro in September and October. And boy, do we love our festivals!! Stop by any of the ones listed below and you are sure to see packed crowds ﬁlled with people of all ages and backgrounds. Many of these festivals have a similar theme: food, music, kid’s area, local performers, arts and crafts, vendors and more! Most are free admission or have a small admission fee. Also included in the list are several free concert and movie series and a few other big happenings. Check the individual websites for more details. Enjoy!!

Stone Mountain Park www.stonemountainpark.com

YELLOW DAISY FESTIVAL September 10, 17, 24

JAZZ NIGHTS AT SCOTTISH RITE Oakhurst Village www.oakhurstjazznights.com

September 10 (Every Thursday night through end of October)

MOVIES & THE MARKET Atlantic Station, Midtown www.atlanticstation.com

September 20 & October 18

Villa Christina, Perimeter www.villachristina.com September 23 – 26

PETIT LE MANS ROAD RACING FESTIVAL Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA www.roadatlanta.com September 24 – October 4

September 4 – 6

Thrasher Park, Norcross www.norcrossculturalarts.com

NETHERWORLD HAUNTED HOUSE

Downtown Decatur Square www.decaturbookfestival.com

September 12

DECATUR BOOK FESTIVAL

September 4 – 7

DRAGON*CON

Downtown Atlanta www.dragoncon.org September 5 – 7

ART IN THE PARK 2009 Marietta Square www.mariettaartinthepark.com September 5

SMYRNA BEER FEST Smyrna Market Village www.smyrnabeerfest.com September 5 – 6

ARTS IN THE CREEK

Perimeter Church, Johns Creek www.artsonthecreek.org September 6, 12, 19, 26

CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE (Saturdays at 7pm, except for 9/6) Downtown Decatur Square www.decaturga.com

ATLANTA BBQ FESTIVAL

September 12

Stone Mountain Park www.theatlantachilicookoﬀ.com

Lilburn City Park www.lilburnbusiness.org September 12

WILD BILL’S FIGHT NIGHT Wild Bill’s Duluth www.fullthrottleMMA.com www.undisputedproductions.com September 12 – 13

OLD MILTON COUNTY FAIR Downtown Alpharetta www.oldmiltoncountyfair.com September 17 – 27

GWINNETT COUNTY FAIR Gwinnett County Fairgrounds www.gwinnettcountyfair.com September 19 – 20

JAPANFEST

September 6

Starlight Drive-In, Moreland Avenue www.starlightdrivein.com

September 19 – 20

September 6

Historic Marietta Square www.mariettahistory.org

Park Tavern, Midtown www.beerandwhiskeyfest.com

September 19

BEER AND WHISKEY FEST

MARIETTA STREET FEST

EAST ATLANTA STRUT

September 6

East Atlanta Village www.eastatlantastrut.com

Panthersville Stadium, Decatur www.atlantajerkfestival.com

September 19

ATLANTA CARIBBEAN JERK FESTIVAL

September 6

CONCERTS BY THE SPRINGS Sandy Springs Heritage Green www.heritagesandysprings.org September 9, 16, 23, 30

BLUE SKY CONCERTS (Wednesdays at noon) Downtown Decatur Square www.decaturga.com

PG 22 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

Norcross www.fearworld.com September 26

Gwinnett Center Convention Center www.japanfest.org

STARLIGHT DRIVE-INVASION

September 25 – November 14

Turner Field, Downtown Atlanta www.atlantabbqfestival.com

LILBURN MUSIC ON MAIN

TASTE OF SMYRNA

Village Green, Downtown Smyrna www.presentingsmyrna.com September 19

SUWANEE DAY FESTIVAL Town Center Park, Suwanee www.suwaneeday.com September 19 – 20

ROSWELL ARTS FESTIVAL Roswell Town Square www.roswellartsfestival.com

CONCERTS ON THE SQUARE

NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR Jim R. Miller State Park, Marietta www.northgeorgiastatefair.com

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

BROOKHAVEN ARTS FESTIVAL

SUMMER JAZZ SERIES AT VILLA CHRISTINA

September 11, October 3, October 24

September

THE MILLER LITE GREAT CHILI COOK-OFF

THE MILLER LITE GREAT CHILI COOK-OFF NETHERWORLD HAUNTED HOUSE

September 26 – 27

SANDY SPRINGS FESTIVAL Sandy Springs Heritage Green www.sandyspringsfestival.com September 26 – 27

DULUTH FALL FESTIVAL Downtown Duluth www.duluthfallfestival.org

October October 2 – 4

SANDY SPRINGS FESTIVAL

ATLANTA GREEK FESTIVAL

Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Clairmont Road www.atlantagreekfestival.org October 2 – 4

SWEET AUBURN HERITAGE FESTIVAL Historic Auburn Avenue www.sweetauburn.com October 3

HOTOBERFEST BEER FESTIVAL Glenwood Park www.hotoberfest.net October 3

HANDS ON ATLANTA DAY www.handsonatlanta.org October 3 – 4

NORCROSS ARTS FEST Downtown Historic Norcross www.norcrossartfest.com October 10 – 11

TASTE OF ATLANTA

Technology Square at Georgia Tech www.tasteofatlanta.net October 10 - 11

CANDLER PARK FALL FESTIVAL Candler Park www.candlerparkfallfest.org

October 17

DECATUR CRAFT BEER TASTING FESTIVAL Downtown Decatur Square www.decaturbeerfestival.org October 17 – 18

BROOKHAVEN ARTS FESTIVAL

Apple Valley Road, Brookhaven www.brookhavenartsalliance.org October 18

AIDS WALK ATLANTA Piedmont Park www.aidswalkatlanta.com October 31 – November 1

ATLANTA PRIDE FESTIVAL Piedmont Park www.atlantapride.org

MUSIC INTERVIEW

ACTION! Drive-By Trucker Patterson Hood May Be The Hardest Working Man In the Music Biz, But What He Really Wants To Do Is Direct P

BY BRET LOVE

ATTERSON HOOD IS AN EXTREMELY busy man. In the last few years the Southern rock rebel has produced records by soul icons Bettye LaVette and Booker T Jones, composed songs for the film Randy & The Mob, and released a critically acclaimed album with his band, Drive-By Truckers. This summer he released a “solo” album, Murdering Oscar… and Other Love Stories, which featured collaborations from his DBT bandmates as well as his father, Muscle Shoals Studio session man David Hood. Now the Truckers are releasing a new B-sides collection, The Fine Print, to tide fans over until their next album is released in early 2010. Yet somehow Hood had time for a lengthy conversation that ranged from growing up in the shadow of his legendary father and his secret desire to be a film director to his dream collaboration and the new sound of his beloved band.

Your dad played with all these great musical legends when you were a kid. What were some of your greatest memories from your early childhood? You know I really never got to hang out much. There were probably only a handful of times I got to go to the studio, although I treasure those because it was a real big thing. I did get to meet Staple Singers, and that was cool. But I was very aware of what he was doing. I started writing songs when I was 8, and I was obsessed with it. Dad had a great record collection and I’d go through it all the time, listening with headphones while I was supposed to be doing homework or whatever. I wasn’t doing well in school because I was messing around, not listening to the teacher. So I stayed grounded all the time because of my grades, which meant I had more time to play records. My childhood revolved around music.

perience teach you about the music business? It taught me to be fiercely independent. I don’t have many regrets in my life, but one of my biggest was not getting an album out on that band. We made one early on and it probably stunted our growth a bit. All of the sudden we had label interest at a time when we shouldn’t have been thinking about things like that, and we spent two or three years thinking we were getting some record deal that never happened. It made me very cynical about the business, to the point where when we started the Truckers I was adamant initially about us not getting involved in any of that. We put our first four records out ourselves. When we finally did end up with a record deal, the baggage from that kept us from embracing it as much as they would’ve liked. Growing up the way I did and watching the way things played out with my dad, they were very successful on their own terms. It seemed like anytime they got heavily involved in the industry they always got burned. So I take that to heart. You’ve created several concept albums. What is it about that form that appeals to you as a songwriter? I think it’s because I’m a frustrated film director. I tend to think of my music as a movie soundtrack that doesn’t have a movie attached, and that’s probably the root of some of the problems we have with record companies. Southern Rock Opera’s first form was an outline for a screenplay, but then I got to touring with the. Someday I may make a movie, but who knows? I’ve always wanted to and obsessively study classic film directors, I just don’t know if that’s in the cards for me.

You were nearly 40 when Southern Rock Opera came out. What are the advantages of having that kind of breakthrough later in life? I’m probably more stable and less likely to go off the deep end. Of course the disadvantage is that I’m older and I’m touring like a 25-yearold. It finally caught up with me this year when I got run down and ended up having to cancel the tour when I got pneumonia. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I’m not so young as I think I am. I

MY DREAM PROJECT WOULD BE TO BRING TOM T. HALL OUT OF RETIREMENT AND DO A HARDCORE COUNTRY RECORD. I’VE GOT THIS IDEA THAT SOMEWHERE THERE’S A CHEST FULL OF UNRECORDED GREAT TOM T. HALL SONGS. THERE MAY NOT BE, BUT IN MY HEAD THERE IS!

How do you think the Muscle Shoals sound he helped to engineer influenced your music? The Truckers are certainly influenced by it, and Shana is probably a living authority on my dad’s bass playing. You can blindfold her and play her two notes of a record and she can tell you who the bass player is. It was that way before I met her. I’ve always moved in other directions: I started playing guitar around the time of The Clash, and I was really into punk-rock as a teenager. So there was kind of a generation gap. Dad made fun of that stuff, and it’s funny because it’s gone full circle. In recent years he’s played with Frank Black and Patti Smith.

And now you’ve got a groove to your sound that’s not unlike the Muscle Shoals stuff. Yeah. He even plays on my new solo record, and it’s the first time we’ve ever played together on any kind of professional level. Adams’s House Cat got a lot of acclaim but never released an album. What did that ex-

Let’s talk about Murdering Oscar. You wrote a lot of these songs 15 years ago. Why did you sit on them so long? I just got busy doing other things. I was really proud of those songs when I wrote them, but I didn’t have a band or money to record them. In those days I was writing 100+ songs a year because I didn’t have anything else to do. When I started putting a new band together I wanted to write new songs for it and just kept moving forward. I came across the demo tapes I’d made in late 2004 when I was doing some house cleaning, and wondered how the songs would sound now. I couldn’t believe how well they held up and felt I should do something with them when the band took a break. That led to recording this record, and along the way

I ended up writing new songs to bring it up to date and provide counterpoint to what those original songs said. I was in a very different place on a personal level and as an artist, so I could write a song like Granddaddy to be a counterpoint to Screwtopia. How do you determine whether a song is better suited for the Truckers or your solo work? It’s instinctual: The ones I can hear fleshing out with the band became Drive-By Truckers songs and the more introverted ones became solo songs. This record became a full band record, so Murdering Oscar sounds a lot like Brighter Than Creation’s Dark and it fed into the changes in the band, like having a full-time keyboard player. What was it like recording with your dad? It was a lot of fun! We come from very different worlds musically. He’s all based on really quick perfection while I grew up playing in bars, where if you fuck up you just keep going and have another drink. It’s just a different mindset, and it took me being old enough and successful enough in my own right for him to have enough respect for where I came from and not overanalyze it. I always worshiped him, and still think they made some of the greatest records ever made, but it took us both getting older to where we could communicate better for him to realize that. We tried to work together back in 1989: He was going to produce some tracks forAdam’s House Cat, but it went so badly that within 30 minutes he left the control room and locked himself in his office because he was so pissed at my bad

attitude. So it took a while. But I can’t wait until next time. I really want to a different kind of project together where he and I play with a group of people who all want to mutually work together. The work you’ve done with Bettye LaVette and Booker T is classic, so I imagine that’s got to show him that you’ve some a long way in the last decade or so. Oh yeah. Sitting in the producer’s chair while my dad’s out there in the floor was a beautiful thing. Do you have plans for similar collaborations with anyone in the near future? There’s nothing on the desk, but I would sure love to see it happen. My dream project would be to bring Tom T. Hall out of retirement and do a hardcore country record. I’ve got this idea that somewhere there’s a chest full of unrecorded great Tom T. Hall songs. There may not be, but in my head there is! (Laughs) How’s the new Drive-By Truckers record coming along? Really good! We’ve done 17 songs, which is probably too many, but we have a pretty good idea what the record is going to sound like. The band is sounding more and more dramatic, and we’ve got Jay playing the keyboards full-time now. It’s breaking new ground for us, with a lot of storytelling and narrative in the songs. After all the things we’ve learned from doing the Booker T record, the band has never played as good as we’re playing now.

PG 23 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

2009 BY RYAN LOFTIS

FALLPreview TV

s this the fall TV season or a history lesson? You may ask yourself that when scanning this year’s lineup. Former stars like Courtney Cox, Kelsey Grammer, Patricia Heaton, Ed O’Neill, Jenna Elfman and even Chevy Chase are returning to battle for prime time success. Old shows like Melrose Place and Family Guy are arriving in new packages. And don’t forget Jay Leno’s return to NBC (as if you could with all the advertisements). Of course, it’s not just in with the old. Plenty of unknowns populate the lineup, all hoping to break out the way Simon West did last year. Super Bowl champion Michael Strahan trades in the gridiron for the small screen, The Soup’s Joel McHale moves to network TV and Wanda Sykes is ready to let you know where she stands on the issues. This Fall looks like one of the most interesting television has seen in years. As usual, be ready for anything.

NBC

COMMUNITY (Thu., 9:30 PM)

THE STARS: Joel McHale, Chevy Chase, Danny Pudi, Gillian Jacobs, John Oliver, Donald Glover, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alison Brie THE SHILL: When it’s discovered that a DUI lawyer (McHale) has no college degree, he’s forced to attend community college or else be disbarred. He ultimately forms a study group with a collection of fellow misfit students, including Britta (Jacobs), whom he has his eye on. THE SKINNY: As Saturday Night Live’s original Weekend Update anchor, Chase practically invented the smarmy commentator character McHale plays so brilliantly today on The Soup. Putting them together has the potential to be hilarious. Unfortunately, going up against CSI and Grey’s Anatomy likely condemns Community to the critically acclaimed-small audience ghetto fellow Thursday night offerings 30 Rock and The Office already occupy.

TRAUMA (Mon., 9 PM)

THE STARS: Derek Luke, Cliff Curtis, Anastasia Griffith, Kevin Rankin, Aimee Garcia, Tyler Kinney, Jamey Sheridan THE SHILL: The San Francisco General trauma team responds first when an emergency breaks out, battling the most extreme conditions in their effort to save lives. THE SKINNY: ER went off the air last April and now we get this fast-paced emergency medical drama. Coincidence? Whether or not it achieves ER-level critical success, a bad time slot on a fourth-place network will probably lead to an early DNR order.

THE JAY LENO SHOW (Mon. – Fri., 10 PM)

THE STARS: Jay Leno, various guests THE SHILL: Less than six months after giving up his King of Late Night crown, Leno is back. Many popular Tonight Show features will be back, but Leno will focus more on comedy than on interviews. THE SKINNY: Jay, we can’t miss you if you never leave! But seriously, while there are plenty of skeptics about this project, it makes sense for NBC to utilize a known commodity at a time when it badly needs to retain viewers. The advantage is he’ll be on all year, unlike his primetime competitors. The disadvantage: He’ll need to tone down his humor for the earlier audience.

MERCY (Wed., 8 PM)

THE STARS: Taylor Schilling, James Tupper, Jaime Lee Kirchner, Michelle Trachtenberg, Guillermo Diaz, Diego Klattenhoﬀ, James LeGros THE SHILL: Veronica (Schilling) has just returned from a tour in Iraq to resume her duties as a nurse at Mercy Hospital. She knows more about medicine than any of the residents, but still isn’t smart enough to avoid having an aﬀair with Dr. Chris Sands (Tupper). THE SKINNY: Originally set to debut midseason, Mercy was placed on the fall schedule after the Parenthood premiere was delayed. The haste may show in the early episodes. According to the Internet Movie Database, Schilling has only one screen credit prior to this, but the skill she displays in the advance clips suggests this could be a breakout role PG 24 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

for her. There is potential for a hit here, especially considering the success of Edie Falco’s Showtime series Nurse Jackie.

ABC

COUGAR TOWN (Wed., 9:30 PM)

THE STARS: Courtney Cox, Christa Miller, Busy Philipps, Dan Byrd, Brian Van Holt, Josh Hopkins, Ian Gomez THE SHILL: Jules Cobb (Cox) is a recent divorcee in a small Florida town. She has a teenage son and a successful career, but because men her own age prefer to date barely legal babes, her love life is nonexistent. After being pushed by best friend Elle (Miller) and assistant Laurie (Philipps) to reenter the dating world, Jules, much to her surprise, begins a relationship with the much younger Bobby (Van Holt) and ﬁnds age is no barrier to passion. THE SKINNY: Cox’s attempt to branch out by playing a cold bitch on FX’s Dirt a couple years ago bombed, so it’s good to see her back to doing what she does best. Although there is enough insecurity to remind viewers of Monica Geller, Jules looks like an original character, one audiences will really like. And it’s about time someone dealt with this topic outside of a Saturday Night Live sketch.

COMMUNITY

HANK (Wed., 8 PM)

THE STARS: Kelsey Grammer, Melinda McGraw, David Koechner, Macey Cruthird, Ryan Wynott THE SHILL: Jewelry, yachts, maids. Wall Street legend Hank Pryor (Grammer) can give his family anything. . . until he loses his CEO job. Much to the dismay of his wife and kids, this means leaving New York City behind and relocating to a small house in River Bend, Virginia. Now Hank has to not only regain his stature in the business world, but manage to reconnect with his family. THE SKINNY: Grammer continues his search for post-Frasier television success following the demise of Back to You. He’s a genius at playing stuffy high-society types, of course, and the presence of three-time Emmy Award-winner Tucker Cawley (Everybody Loves Raymond) on the writing staff certainly inspires confidence. But will people tune in to laugh at a situation that mirrors millions of people’s own lives all too well? Hank has a lot of responsibility as the leadoff of a night airing a whopping five new shows.

THE MIDDLE (Wed., 8:30 PM)

THE STARS: Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Eden Sher, Atticus Shaﬀer, Charlie McDermott, Chris Kattan THE SHILL: Lifelong Orson, Indiana resident Frankie Heck (Heaton) does it all. Wife of local quarry manager Mike (Flynn) and mother of semi-nudist teenage son Axel (McDermott), awkward teenage daughter Sue (Sher) and 7-year-old Brick (Shaﬀer), she’s also third-best salesperson (out of three) at Orson’s used car dealership. THE SKINNY: Playing an overworked mom has certainly worked for Heaton in the past. As her husband, Flynn – best known as the Janitor on Scrubs – could mirror Ray Romano’s deadpan humor without bringing his whine. Like Kelsey Grammer, Heaton has a good shot at a sitcom comeback following Back to You’s cancellation a year ago.

HANK

MODERN FAMILY (Wed., 9 PM)

THE STARS: Ed O’Neill, Soﬁa Vergara, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Sarah Hyland, Rico Rodriguez, Nolan Gould, Ariel Winter THE SHILL: This pseudo documentary sitcom focuses on three very

diﬀerent families. Newlweds Jay (O’Neill) and the much younger Colombian Gloria (Vergara) are both attempting marriage for the second time. Gay lovers Mitchell (Ferguson) and Cameron (Stonestreet) have just adopted a Vietnamese baby. Meanwhile, Claire (Bowen) struggles to raise her three children, particularly when her husband Phil (Burrell) embarrasses himself by acting “cool” around them. THE SKINNY: Tired of typical family sitcoms? This is for you. There’s no question that it’s daring for a mainstream network to show gay men actually raising a child. As for quality, executive producers Steven Levitan (Just Shoot Me) and Christopher Lloyd (Frasier) have a great record, and it’s good to see O’Neill ﬁnally doing comedy again 12 years after Married… with Children ended.

FLASH FORWARD (Thu., 8 PM)

THE STARS: Joseph Fiennes, Sonya Walger, John Cho, Zachary Knighton, Brían F. O’Byrne, Peyton List, Christine Woods, Courtney B. Vance THE SHILL: When a mysterious event causes the world’s entire population to simultaneously black out for two minutes and seventeen seconds, each person has a vision of their lives six months in the future. Some see happy scenarios, some don’t and others see nothing at all. The question they all face: Will their vision become reality? THE SKINNY: This wouldn’t seem a natural lead-in for Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. The premise is intriguing, but we’ll have to wait and see if it can sustain a whole season.

EASTWICK (Wed., 10 PM)

THE STARS: Rebecca Romijn, Lindsay Price, Jamie Ray Newman, Paul Gross, Sara Rue, Veronica Cartwright, Johann Urb, Jon Bernthal, Ashley Benson THE SHILL: John Updike’s novel The Witches of Eastwicke gets a modern update with the tale of three women in a small New England town. Kat (Newman) spends all her time tending to her husband and kids and yearns for someone to take care of her. Joanna (Price) is a frustrated reporter who fears she’ll never achieve her dreams. Roxanne (Romijn) wants a new, exciting man to come to town and “stir up sex and trouble wherever he goes.” Thanks to throwing coins in a wishing fountain and some margaritas, the three become sudden friends. Then playboy Darryl Van Horne (Gross) arrives, looking to buy up local businesses and seduce each of the women. When he doesn’t know is that their supernatural powers will be unleashed by his aﬀections. THE SKINNY: Think of it as Desperate Housewives Who Become Witches. With its cast of beautiful, suddenly empowered women, Eastwick could debut as strongly as the Teri Hatcher phenomenon did 5 years ago.

EASTWICK

THE FORGOTTEN (Tue., 10 PM)

THE STARS: Christian Slater, Michelle Borth, Heather Stephens, Bob Stephenson, Anthony Carrigan, Rochelle Aytes THE SHILL: When the police have given up on murder cases with unidentiﬁed victims, the Forgotten Network steps in. These amateur detectives have to establish the victim’s identity before they can catch the killer. Rather than a police station, their meeting places are coﬀee shops and living rooms. Their leader is former detective Alex Donovan (Slater), who quit the force when his young daughter disappeared. His former protégé, Detective Grace Russell (Aytes) is his main link to the Chicago Police Department, as well as a member of the Forgotten Network. Other members include headstrong Candace Butler (Borth); high school science teacher Lindsey Drake (Stephens), who volunteers to repent for her husband’s crime; true crime enthusiast Walter Bailey (Stephenson); and medical school dropout Tyler Davies (Carrigan), who joins due to court-order. THE SKINNY: After striking out last year with Eleventh Hour, executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer should have much more success returning to the crime drama model of his most popular shows. Look for it to triumph over the other new series in its time slot – The Good Wife and The Jay Leno Show – in the ratings.

SHARK TANK (Tue., 8 PM)

THE STARS: Barbara Corcoran, Kevin Harrington, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary

TV THE SHILL: The Apprentice executive producer Mark Burnett presents another reality show about the cutthroat world of business. Rather than Donald Trump, the judges this time are five self-made multimillionaires. Every week aspiring entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas in an effort to convince the judges to invest in their plans. To get the investment they need, the entrepreneurs must give a percentage of their companies’ entity to the Sharks. If more than one of the Sharks wants a piece of an idea, prepare for a bidding war. THE SKINNY: The absence of a Trump-level celebrity might hurt a little, but Burnett is likely to once again work his magic. In these difficult economic times, seeing ambitious people get a chance to achieve their dreams could be a strong emotional draw for viewers.

CBS

ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE (Mon., 8:30 PM)

THE STARS: Jenna Elfman, Jon Foster, Grant Show, Ashley Jensen, Lennon Parham, Nicolas Wright THE SHILL: A one-night stand with the much younger Zack (Foster) leaves newspaper film critic Billie (Elfman) pregnant. She decides to keep the baby and live together platonically with Zack, despite the efforts of her boss (Show) to rekindle their relationship. Her hard-partying best friend (Jensen) and her married younger sister (Parham) provide advice and encouragement; Zack’s freeloading friends, not so much. THE SKINNY: As Dharma and Greg and her Two and a Half Men guest stint proved, Elfman is at her best when she goes off the wall. Hopefully, she’ll be able to do so here, despite having what appears to be the straight role. The show may not last long if she doesn’t.

NCIS: LOS ANGELES (Tue., 9 PM)

THE STARS: Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, Peter Cambor, Daniela Ruah, Linda Hunt, Adam Jamal Craig THE SHILL: This spin-off of NCIS (itself a spin-off of JAG) focuses on the agents of the Office of Special Projects, who use false identities and the most advanced technology to apprehend elusive criminals posing a threat to the nation’s security. Chamelonlike Special Agent “G” Callen (O’Donnell) can transform himself into anyone while deep undercover. His partner is former Navy SEAL Sam Hanna (LL Cool J), a surveillance expert who uses top-notch monitoring equipment to send crucial information to agents in the field. Special Agent Blye (Rush), living for the adrenaline rush that accompanies undercover work, and Operational Psychologist Nate Getz (Cambor) provide assistance. THE SKINNY: Not only is NCIS a Top 10 show, it was more popular than ever in its sixth season. Its spin-off will reap the benefits of having NCIS as a lead-in. One-time movie star O’Donnell should reignite his career with this series.

THE GOOD WIFE (Tue., 10 PM)

THE STARS: Julianna Margulies, Josh Charles, Christine Baranski, Matt Czuchry, Archie Panjabi THE SHILL: Alicia Florrick (Margulies) must start a new chapter in her life when her husband is incarcerated following a very public sex and political corruption scandal. She joins a prestigious Chicago law firm as a junior associate. Recent Harvard grad Cary (Czuchry) soon emerges as Alicia’s main competition for the firm’s one full-time associate position, but she finds a friend in the firm’s in-house investigator Kalinda (Panjabi). Determined to provide a stable home for her two children, Alicia evolves from humiliated wife to career woman. THE SKINNY: Margulies’ last attempt at playing a defense attorney (Canterbury Law on FOX) flopped, but she remains an immensely talented actress. If The Good Wife catches on – which seems likely – she’ll no doubt be an Emmy contender.

THE STARS: Michael Strahan, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, CCH Pounder, Carl Weathers, Colton Dunn THE SHILL: Recently retired NFL player Mike Trainor (Strahan), living the good life in New York City, is summoned home to Houston by his mother (Pounder). The passing of the years hasn’t lessened Mike’s sibling rivalry with his wheelchair-bound brother Chill (Mitchell), who is struggling to keep his restaurant alive. Their father (Weathers), the local high school football coach, doesn’t realize his wife calls the shots in the household. When she ﬁnds out Mike’s business manager has stolen his money, she comes up with a plan to keep the family together under one roof. THE SKINNY: Strahan was good enough to win a Super Bowl ring, but can he act? It’s a good thing his supporting cast is outstanding (welcome back, Apollo Creed!).

THE CLEVELAND SHOW (Sun., 8:30 PM)

THE STARS: Voices of Mike Henry, Sanaa Lathan, Reagan GomezPreston, Kevin Michael Richardson THE SHILL: Family Guy’s Cleveland Brown (Henry) gets his own series. We learn that when Cleveland was in high school he was in love with the beautiful Donna (Lathan), only to lose her to another man. He promised he’d always love her and be there if her husband ever did her wrong, so after her husband runs oﬀ she oﬀers Cleveland another chance at love. He happily takes Cleveland Jr. (Richardson) and joins Donna, her rebellious teenage daughter Roberta (Gomez-Preston) and 5-year-old son Rallo (Henry) in Virginia. THE SKINNY: On the surface, this is one of the fall’s few can’t miss shows. Seth MacFarlane, whose creation Family Guy continues to delight millions, is an executive producer and writer here. Sandwiched between the Simpsons and Family Guy, this will not require DVD sales to rescue it from low ratings as Cleveland’s original show did.

ACCIDENTLY ON PURPOSE

GLEE (Wed., 10 PM)

THE STARS: Matthew Morrison, Jayma Mays, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Jane Lynch, Jessalyn Gilsig, Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Dianna Agron, Mark Salling THE SHILL: The McKinley High School Glee Club was once the champagne of the show-choir world, but today it’s home to misﬁts and social outcasts. Young optimist Will Schuester (Morrison) and germ phobic fellow teacher Emma Pillsbury (Mays) have been given the seemingly impossible task of recreating the Glee Club’s glory days. The only hope resides with Rachel Berry (Michele), who plans to use the show choir as her springboard to stardom, and popular quarterback Finn Hudson (Monteith), with the looks of a matinee idol and the voice of a Motown singer. Despite the doubts of everyone, including his wife (Gilsig), Will’s past drivers him to make the Glee Club great again. THE SKINNY: We already know the music is a hit: The Glee cast’s cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” hit No.1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart over the summer. Less promising is the fact that May’s premiere lost 60 percent of the lead-in audience from American Idol. Without the Idol juggernaut supporting it this fall, Glee could have a tough road ahead.

THE WANDA SYKES SHOW

THE STARS: Alex O’Loughlin, Katherine Moenning, Daniel Henney, Justina Machado, Christopher Hanke, Joaquim De Almeida THE SHILL: An elite term of surgeons at the nation’s premiere organ transplant hospital must race against the clock to save lives while dealing with the grief of donor families and soothing the fears of nervous recipients. Their leader is Dr. Andy Yablonki (O’Loughlin), a good-natured workaholic popular with colleagues and patients alike. THE SKINNY: Being placed between two-long running and still going strong series (The Amazing Race and Cold Case) should ensure Three Rivers solid ratings in its ﬁrst year. In fact, don’t be surprised if it ultimately resembles Cold Case: a genre show with staying power.

(Sat., 11 PM) THE STARS: Wanda Sykes, various guests THE SHILL: Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Wanda Sykes headlines a one-hour latenight show featuring commentary on topical issues and recurring personalities engaged in heated panel discussions. Of course, Sykes will oﬀer plenty of her own perspectives on current events. THE SKINNY: Despite being best-known as a stand-up comic, Sykes spent 5 years writing for HBO’s The Chris Rock Show, which will certainly serve her well here. She won’t have the freedom she did then, but this will be a great showcase for Sykes’ outspoken views. Rush Limbaugh’s fans obviously won’t be watching, and she’s unlikely to make more than a dent in Saturday Night Live’s ratings, but expect plenty of laughs, as well as food for thought.

BROTHERS (Fri., 8 PM)

THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE (Wed., 9 PM)

THREE RIVERS (Sun., 9 PM)

FOX

THE STARS: Sara Paxton, Ben Hollingsworth, Corbin Bleu, Mischa Barton, Ashley Madekwe, Nico Tortorella, Elle MacPherson THE SHILL: Teenagers Raina (Paxton), a beauty with a past, and Iowa farm boy Chris (Hollingsworth) are entering the world of high-fashion modeling. Although the become friends, an intense photo shoot and an exclusive industry party that becomes violent have Chris questioning whether he can survive a life of insecurity, excess and momentary fame. THE SKINNY: With its glamour and glitz, The Beautiful Life looks tailor made for the CW. Airing it after America’s Next Top Model is a shrewd move. Producer Ashton Kutcher will be able to add another hit to his resume.

MELROSE PLACE (Tue., 9 PM)

THE STARS: Shaun Sipos, Katie Cassidy, Michael Rady, Jessica Lucas, Colin Egglesfield, Stephanie Jacobsen, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz THE SHILL: The popular ‘90s series gets updated. The eclectic group of 20-somethings living in a fancy apartment building on Melrose in Los Angeles have formed a surrogate family. But when a corpse is found floating in the courtyard pool, the police learn that every resident of Melrose Place had a motive for killing the deceased. Original Melrose alumni Laura Leighton, Thomas Calabro, Josie Bissett and Daphne Zuniga will reprise their roles. THE SKINNY: It worked with 90210 last year, and revamping a ‘90s nighttime soap opera will work again for the network this year. Airing after 90210, the full night of sex, betrayal and beauty should finally give the network a dominant night.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES (Thu., 8 PM)

THE STARS: Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, Michael Trevino, Candice Accola, Sara Canning, Kayla Ewell THE SHILL: Star student Elena Gilbert (Dobrev), has her eye on Stefan Salvatore (Wesley), the mysterious new student in Mystic Falls, Virginia, not knowing he is a centuries-old vampire. Stefan wants to leave peacefully with humans, but his evil brother Damon (Somerhalder) has diﬀerent ideas. Now the two vampires are engaged in a war for Elena’s soul. THE SKINNY: With the success of Twilight, the time is right for a vampire TV show. Based on L.J. Smith’s bestselling series of books, the show has a built-in audience. Expect it to pair well with Supernatural.

TNT

MEN OF A CERTAIN AGE

THE STARS: Ray Romano, Andre Braugher, Scott Bakula THE SHILL: Ray Romano returns to TV as executive producer and star with this drama about three college friends now in their 40s whose lives have not turned out as planned. Recently divorced father of two Joe (Romano) dreamed of being a professional golfer but now owns and runs a party store. Owen (Braugher) is a stressed out husband and father who works for his dad as a car salesman. Terry (Bakula) is still struggling to make it as an actor despite his quirkiness, intelligence and good looks. THE SKINNY: Romano deserves credit for trying something diﬀerent. It’ll be interesting to see the breadth of his dramatic range. We already know about Braugher’s range: He’s one of the best actors around, as any Homicide fan can testify. With a great cast and Everybody Loves Raymond veterans calling the shots, this could be TNT’s next breakout hit.

TBS

LOPEZ TONIGHT (Mon. – Thu., 11 PM)

THE STARS: George Lopez, various guests THE SHILL: Stand-up and former sitcom star Lopez hosts his own late-night show, featuring an outdoor street-party atmosphere and appearance by celebrity guests, live music performances and comedy acts. Audience members will have the chance to interact with and question guests. THE SKINNY: There are few stars more appropriate for hosting a late-night show than Lopez. Being on cable gives him a greater chance to use edgy material than Jay, Dave and Conan have. He certainly has more appeal to a certain segment of the viewing audience than the more established hosts.

THE CLEVELAND SHOW

THE VERY FUNNY SHOW (Fri., 11:30 PM)

THE STARS: Tim Meadows, various comedians THE SHILL: Former Saturday Night Live star Meadows hosts a series featuring 30 comedians performing at Zanies Comedy Club in Chicago during the TBS and Just For Laughs comedy festival over the summer. THE SKINNY: In these tough times, everybody needs a laugh. Fortunately, viewers can get some without buying expensive tickets. And who knows? This could be the launching pad for the next big comedy star. PG 25 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

Explore Chattanooga

TRAVEL

BY MARCI MILLER

OCATED LESS THAN 2 HOURS AWAY FROM ATLANTA, Chattanooga makes a great day trip but it really takes several days to experience all this mountain city has to oﬀer!

The first stop for many Chattanooga visitors is the TENNESSEE AQUARIUM, 1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402, www.tnaqua. org. Located on the banks of the Tennessee River and surrounded by mountains, the Tennessee Aquarium is a top tourist destination in the Southeast. Guests can explore three living forests and discover giant catfish, otters, prehistoric sturgeon, snapping turtles and baby gators. Sharks, stingrays and colorful reef fish swim through amazing coral formations and guests can visit the shark and ray touch pool and a rainforest where visitors are surrounded by hundreds of free-flying butterflies. In Penguins’ Rock, see macaroni and gentoo penguins waddle, walk and dive in to the water. This summer, two baby penguin chicks were born, a macaroni baby penguin and the first ever gentoo chick hatched in July. As penguins grow quickly, visitors are encouraged to stop by soon to see these babies! This year, the aquarium and Hunter Museum of American Art have teamed up to bring Jellies: Living Art to Chattanooga. This special exhibition showcases six species of jellyfish, alongside breathtaking glass sculptures. Also, new to the aquarium is The Tennessee Aquarium River Gorge Explorer. This 70 passenger high-speed catamaran travels through The Tennessee River Gorge which winds along 26 miles of the Tennessee River and contains more than 27,000 acres of protected land. An Aquarium naturalist will point out wildlife and historic points of interest along the way. Located across from the aquarium, is the IMAX 3D THEATRE, 201 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga. With crystal clear, larger than life 3D images that leap off a six-story screen, visitors will feel as if they are part of the action. Combination tickets with the Tennessee Aquarium are available. Now showing is Under the Sea 3D, African Adventure 3D and Star Trek: The IMAX Experience. Of course there are many other area attractions, including the famous CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO 1400 Market Street, Chattanooga, www.choochoo.com. One of the South’s most renowned and unique landmarks, guests can experience train cars they can sleep in, restaurants, shopping, swimming pools, one of the world’s largest working “HO” gauge model railroads, the authentic New Orleans trolley and beautifully landscaped gardens. Also, check out the CREATIVE DISCOVER MUSEUM, 321

Tennessee Aquarium

Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, www.cdmfun.org. With a wide variety of fun, hands-on exhibits, the museum features an Artists’ Studio, Inventors’ Clubhouse, Excavation Station, Back Alley Theatre and the RiverPlay’s 2 1/2 story high climbing structure with interactive watercourse. New through September 27 is Curious George: LET’S Get curious! which features programs, workshops, and camps based on the beloved curious little monkey. Other sites in and around Chattanooga include the LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN INCLINE RAILWAY, 827 East Brow Road, Lookout Mountain, TN, ridetheincline.com. Discover the thrill of riding ‘America’s Most Amazing Mile’. The breathtaking 72.7 % grade of the track near the top gives the Incline the distinction of being the world’s steepest passenger railway. Make sure to visit the Lookout Mountain Station, a free observation deck which is the highest overlook on the mountain. ROCK CITY GARDENS, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA, www.seerockcity.com, is located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga. Rock City features massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, and breathtaking “See 7 States” panoramic views. Walk the Enchanted Trail, experience the magic of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, visit one of the regional gift shops and dine at the Big Rock Grill. RUBY FALLS, 1720 S. Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, www. rubyfalls.com, a thundering 145-foot waterfall is located deep within Lookout Mountain. Hosts take you into the cavern by elevator and lead you along a paved, level pathway. After the guided tour, relax on the mountainside deck with a snack and enjoy the panoramic view of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley below. Children will love the Fun Forest play area. Finally, don’t forget about the CHATTANOOGA ZOO AT WAR NER PARK, 1254 East 3rd Street, www.chattzoo.org, The whole family will enjoy naturalistic exhibits featuring snow leopards, red pandas, chimpanzees, jaguars, and more! After all that sightseeing, visitors will surely have worked up an appetite. When looking for places to eat, look no further than Chattanooga’s bustling downtown, ﬁlled with great eateries. BIG RIVER GRILLE AND BREWING WORKS, 222 Broad Street, Chattanooga, www.bigrivergrille.com, is located in downtown Chattanooga across from the Tennessee Aquarium and serves up fresh brewed beer and American cuisine to locals and visitors alike. Dine inside, relax on the

Chattanooga Choo Choo

patio or enjoy a home brewed beer in the billiards room. Another fun spot is CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER, 138 Market Street, Chattanooga, www.cheeburger.com. If you like variety, this is your place! You can create your very own burger with at least 25 free toppings, 15 free salad toppings and 387,000 shake flavor combinations. Cheeburger, Cheeburger is conveniently located across from the aquarium. Also check out, STICKY FINGERS, 420 Broad Street, Chattanooga, www.stickyfingers.com. This regional chain was started, and is still operated by, childhood friends from Chattanooga. They are famous for their award-winning ribs, hickory-smoked chicken, juicy burgers, giant salads, wings and more. If you do decide to stay overnight, there are plenty of hotels to choose from. While Downtown Chattanooga is home to almost every hotel chain, there are several unique hotels in the area. In addition to the Chattanooga Choo Choo, THE LEGENDARY DELTA QUEEN, 100 River Street, Chattanooga, www.deltaqueenhotel.com, is the last fully operational, overnight passenger steamboat in the country AND Chattanooga’s newest boutique hotel. Besides hosting Chattanooga’s most unique overnight accommodations, the Delta Queen features live music, theatrical performances and romantic dining and drinks overlooking the Tennessee River. Also check out THE CHATTA NOOGAN, 1201 S. Broad Street, Chattanooga, www.chattanooganhotel.com which offers luxury accommodations, superb restaurants, and a full-service spa all at affordable prices. Located just blocks from the Tennessee Aquarium, this new full-service hotel is in the heart of the newly revitalized Southside. Chattanooga is also filled with great shopping. THE SHOPPES AT WAREHOUSE ROW, 1110 Market Street, www.warehouserow. net, features famous name brand stores such as Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Nine West Outlet, Coach and more. A variety of great food is also available at the food court. Another great shopping area to explore is NORTHSHORE COLLECTIVE, 38 Frazier Avenue, Chattanooga, www.northshorechattanooga.com. The NorthShore contains an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Here you’ll find boutiques, restaurants, coffeehouses, galleries, salons and day spas all independently owned by locals. Finally, if you are looking for a traditional shopping experience, make a trip to HAMILTON PLACE, 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd, Chattanooga, www.hamiltonplace.com, Tennessee’s largest shopping complex. This mall is home to over 200 stores, including six department stores, plus 30 restaurants. So, with all these great attractions, so close to Atlanta, make sure put Chattanooga on your vacation list. Chattanooga is an exciting and affordable vacation destination with something for everyone!

Rock City

Tennessee Aquarium

the actual ride. Cool. Calm. Commanding. All in the same 0-to-60 burst of excitement. That said, to find fault with the car would be like pointing out how Beyoncé’s walk is sort of funny. It’s all rather pointless. For the sake of not coming off like VW flunkies though, we would say that we ran into some problems with the iPod functions. Nor did

we see much in the way of clamps for hanging our dry cleaning. But hey, who in the world needs ironed clothes coming out of this stunning vehicle anyway? People will be focused on one thing, and it won’t be the crease in your khakis. (A)

AUTOMOBILES

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

Luxury in German

Name: 2009 VOLKSWAGEN CC LUXURY Tested Price: $36,090 Engine: 2.0 TFSI, V4 Gas: 19 CITY/ 29 HIGHWAY Warranty: THREEYEAR/36,000 MILES Sometimes it just all comes together. The feel. The smell. The look. The everything. It all works cohesively and forms something magical. The L.A. Lakers. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. The past season PG 26 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

of 24. Now comes Volkswagen’s 2009 CC Luxury, a fabulous vehicle that could end up standing as the German brand’s ﬁnest eﬀort ever. For starters, the car is almost a dead ringer to Mercedes’ CLS. On at least three occasions during our test, in fact, people came up and said how uncanny the appearances were. As for the countless other gawkers, they were merely in a trance by the overall forward-thinking styling of the vehicle. Were they to look inside (elegantlysimple dash, Dynaudio sound system) or underneath the body (internal balance shaft, soft suspension), we may not have been able to stop the drooling. Let’s not even mention

2009 VOLKSWAGEN CC LUXURY

FILM INTERVIEW

Ray McKinnon: The Return of the Native

QB1

Friday Night Lights’ Zach Gilford on Leadership, Offscreen and On BY MATT GOLDBERG

BY RODNEY HILL

EORGIA NATIVE RAY MCKINNON IS perhaps best known for his role as Reverend H.W. Smith in HBO’s Deadwood. McKinnon also has firmly established himself as a director in recent years, with his Academy-Award winning short, “The Accountant,” and his first feature, Chrystal, which starred Billy Bob Thornton. McKinnon’s latest film, Randy and the Mob, shot in the Atlanta area with a mostly homegrown cast, is new on DVD September 1. This dramatic comedy about the importance of love and family in southern culture features McKinnon in dual starring roles: the title character, a good ol’ boy with no business sense who finds himself indebted to the mob; and his estranged gay twin brother, Cecil. Randy and the Mob also stars Walton Goggins (of The Shield) and Golden-Globe nominee Lisa Blount, with a cameo by Burt Reynolds.

How did you conceive of the twin brothers as your main characters? It’s always been my intention to create a character at some point who’s both southern and gay, because I think that’s different from, perhaps, a gay man who was born and raised in Los Angeles, or Oregon. The southern culture just adds another layer of flavor to the gay community that I’ve observed in my years of living in the South, that I just don’t think very many people have captured on film. And the same thing goes for the character of Randy, this archetypal good ol’ boy who really is deep down a good person; but he’s misguided in some of his interpretations of societal mores. The idea to have the characters be twin brothers came after my wife, Lisa Blount, told me a true story about twin brothers, one straight and one gay, that she knew when she was growing up. Did you know Lisa Blount professionally before you became involved romantically? Yes, we both were going to Canada to be in a film called Needful Things, a Stephen King adaptation. We flew on the plane together, but it wasn’t until we were on the ferryboat ride from Vancouver to a place called Gibson’s Island that we started talking, and found out we had a lot in common. That led to betrothal and moviemaking. Your co-star and fellow Georgian, Walton Goggins, is also well known, chiefly from his role on The Shield. How long have you two known each other? I’ve known him since he was fifteen, when we did a movie together. We both were living in Atlanta, and I met him there. Then a year or two later we did an episode of In the Heat of the Night together, where I played the head crack dealer, and he played kind of an underling crack dealer [laughs]. In your film he plays Tino, an Italian mobster who had a southern redneck upbringing. How did you come up with that character? I was looking to write a character for Walton that he could sink his teeth into. I liked the idea of creating a character who wasn’t of one place or the other, along the

lines of Stranger in a Strange Land, or Chauncey Gardner from Being There. Even Billy Bob Thornton’s Childers in Slingblade is a character in that same arena. Once the character starts forming, it’s like you just get out of the way and let the keyboard do the talking. How did Burt Reynolds get involved in the project? We drugged him and told him that there would be more money later [laughs]. Burt and I worked on an X Files episode together; that’s how we got to know each other. I had already written this character, really with him in mind. After showing him “The Accountant,” and after he said how much he liked it, that’s when I said, “Funny you should mention that… I have this role....” When we had the funding together, he said, “Tell me when.” He came down and was just unbelievable. What a great boost for us! And he deserves a lot of credit for me even becoming a filmmaker. Where I grew up, in south Georgia, there really isn’t a hotbed of filmmakers, I can assure you. Burt actually was one of the first to make movies in Georgia. Since Randy and the Mob was shot in Georgia, were you able to use local talent and crew members? Oh yeah. I lived in Atlanta for a decade, and I had an internship at the Alliance Theater and then worked in theaters all around town for years. All throughout the film, it’s full of Atlanta actors, and they did such a great job. The accountant is David Milford; Cousey is Carol Mitchell-Leon; Jill Jane Clement plays the secretary; and the grandmother is Edith Ivey; and on and on – some great performances. A large part of the crew was Atlantabased, and that’s one of the reasons we picked the city as a base of operations. Many people know you for your portrayal of Reverend H.W. Smith in Deadwood. How much freedom were you given in creating that character? It was just such an opportunity to play that character, to be a part of that ensemble, and to work with David Milch. What David does, and what’s so great about him, is that he gets to know the actors and what their particular strengths are, and he starts fashioning the characters after that. He mentioned to me, early on, “What do you think about Rev. Smith perhaps having some kind of tumor and having seizures?” I had already started to fall for the character and really was protective of him, so I said, “I just want him to keep his dignity.” David said that by losing his dignity he would keep his dignity in the end, and that’s exactly what happened. It’s a great character, and I’m honored to have that as a part of my career. Randy and the Mob achieves the sort of understated, deadpan comedy that doesn’t seem forced at all. Does comedic writing come naturally to you? Sometimes I wonder, “Have I made it so deadpan, so dry, that it’s not funny?” [laughs] A lot of comedies now are so broad that I think the audience has been trained not to respond to this particular tone of comedy. To me it’s just the most delicious kind of writing. Rodney Hill teaches film at Georgia Gwinnett College.

FILM INTERVIEW

F THE EMMYS PAID ANY ATTENTION to “Friday Night Lights”, the show would have racked up a ridiculous number of Emmys and Zach Gilford would have at least one slot in the Best Supporting Actor in a Drama category with his name on it. He is one of the best young actors working today and it was a privilege to sit down with him while he was promoting “Post Grad” where he plays Adam, the best friend (who wants to be more) of Alexis Bledel’s character, Ryden. We spoke about his character in the ﬁlm, what the future holds for him on “Friday Night Lights”, and the time he faced down a grizzly bear.

We were cooking our food and I look up and there’s a bear. What you want to do is make sure it knows you’re there and that you don’t startle it. So we were like, “Hey bear! Hey bear!” Just making noise and the kids are pulling out their Swiss army knives…

Like that’s gonna help! Exactly. I’m just like, “Just make noise! Just make noise!” So we’re standing there, you just want to make yourself big and then they do Bluff Charges where it’s a scare tactic where they’ll charge you but the thing is it’s kind of a Catch22. They’re fight or flight so if you run it thinks it’s supposed to chase you so you gotta stand your ground and it will back off. So it charges Zach, what’s been the experience of crafting a me to within six inches of me. So we’re standing character over the course of multiple seasons as there and we kind of slowly edge our way back you’ve done with “Friday Night Lights”? to the point where we’re far enough away so that It’s cool. In TV, you the bear is more concerned get very attached to your our food as opposed I THINK IN TV YOU REALLY GET with character and it’s cool to us so when it went to to see them develop and DRAWN INTO THE CHARACTERS eat our food I got the kids where they’re going but and from a very safe AND WHO THEY ARE WHEREAS away you never really know distance just watched until until basically you finish IN A MOVIE IT’S THAT STORY it took off. one episode and you read what happens in the next AND THAT ARC AND WHAT’S Do you still do these wilone. And sometimes it’s GOING TO HAPPEN TO THEM derness trips? like, “Oh, cool! I didn’t I do. We’re leaving see where this was going!” AND HOW THEY GO THROUGH tomorrow night for Costa and other times you’re ONE SPECIFIC JOURNEY. Rica and I’ll be there for six like, “Aw, man. I wish weeks with two different I had known that because I would have done groups of kids. This one is a little more servicesomething totally different.” But I think in TV oriented. We’re going to be in some small towns you really get drawn into the characters and who and villages building structures, shelters, but they are whereas in a movie it’s that story and we’re gonna be doing some white-water rafting that arc and what’s going to happen to them and and some surfing. how they go through one specific journey. That must be such a great contrast from your How do see your character and how was it daily life. working with Alexis [Bledel]? It’s a wonderful contrast. It’s kind of funny Mine was pretty similar to myself in that he’s because when I’m sitting in the dirt with a bunch a pretty easy-going guy, always has a smile on of kids playing the dumbest games in the world his face, and tries to make the most out of every and I haven’t showered in three weeks, I’m kind situation. It’s kind of fun because I just got to of thinking like when I’m on a set and people be a goofball all the time when we were working are running to make you a sandwich. [laughs] and when we weren’t working. But what helped And I’m like “No, no! I’ll make it myself!” and me a lot was [Alexis] and me became friends they’re like, “No, you just sit there.” Because I pretty quick and so when we weren’t shooting know Alexis and myself, we both get our own we were kind of goofing around and talking stuff because we’re all a team. I know on my in stupid voices. We were just having fun and show especially, we’ve worked with that crew for when the cameras started rolling I was just doseveral years and they’re people I hang out with ing the same thing and then she had to be the when I’m not at work. One of my best friends is serious person. on the crew and I went to his wedding so I don’t want his job to be to get me food. We heard you stared down a grizzly bear. I did once. Wrong place, wrong time. For I read that Friday Night Lights was picked up several years I’ve led wilderness trips for high for two more seasons. Are you returning for the school kids and we were in Yosemite and a bear new season? came out of nowhere and he wanted our food Yeah, I’ll be there for a bit but I’m not sure exand didn’t like that we were there, so we had a actly the extent yet. I’ll be back, at least initially. staring contest and he won. Well, actually she. And when do you start filming? How did it happen? We start filming in September. PG 27 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

MUSIC INTERVIEW

NALEDGE IS POWER Kidz in the Hall Rapper Naledge Speaks His Piece About Chicago Hip-Hop

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

HE CHICAGO HIP HOP SCENE is in flux. Kanye West and Common are certainly doing their things. But what’s with Twista, Lupe Fiasco and Rhymefest? All three have respected names in the game, but honestly, can you call the last hot song from any of them? But Kidz in the Hall, an exciting Windy Citybased duo comprised of MC Naledge and producer Double-O, wants you to know that the Chi hasn’t fallen off the Midwest map. Just this past June, Naledge dropped a crazy mixtape, Chicago Picasso, that featured songs like “It Is What It Is” and “Crazy” that brimmed with college-educated wit and round-the-way spit. The crew, which met a few years back at the University of Pennsylvania, promises another lesson in smart hip hop when its second Duck Down Records release, Land of Make Believe, comes out on October 13. In the following sit-down, Naledge enlightens on the Kidz’s new record, his last solo record and the future of Chi-town making any kind of hit records… How was Chicago Picasso different from Kidz’s last album? We got a lot less people associated with the project, especially the last album. It had so many more features and videos. We were trying to get

things on radio and MTV and things like that. This was a mixtape. I was kinda going out on a limb, just putting this music out there and saying it’s so dope that I need you to hear it and purchase it. You’re not going hear these records all day on the radio. You’re not going to see these videos all day on BET or MTV. I was just telling you that this is a dope mixtape and I want you to go get it. That’s the new wave of the music industry. I just hope people accept it. You handled ever aspect of the mixtape’s promotion and whatnot. Do you have a newfound respect for those folks who do that on a day-to-day? Aw man, I already had respect for those people. It’s just I have more respect for myself now. I always respected those people for doing those things. But the things I always told myself I wasn’t good at, I’m becoming good at by default. When it comes time to promote yourself, you realize you’re the only person who really knows what was being thought when the music was being created. Why not be the mouthpiece? What part of the solo stuﬀ are you most proud of? That I was able to work with everybody I wanted to work with and have them do it for the love. I didn’t have to twist people’s arms to get on songs. People approached me about it when they heard.

FILM INTERVIEW

Athletic Supporter BY MATT GOLDBERG

WANT TO SAY THAT JANE LYNCH IS ONEOFAKIND. She’s undoubtedly a stand-out comedic actor who can steal scenes and in some cases entire movies as she did in last year’s “Role Models”. But like all great character actors, she’s managed to become rather ubiquitous as of late as she grabs so many supporting roles that I’m 90% sure there are multiple Jane Lynchs operating working throughout Hollywood. I had a chance to sit down with one of the clones during the roundtables for her upcoming film, Post Grad, which will be one of the 79 movies she’ll be in this year. We talked about the film as well as her TV work (including Fox’s breakout hit, Glee), her supporting role in the forthcoming comedy Paul, and what she’s learned from working in comedy. You’re so great in everything you do. What challenges did this role in Post Grad provide for you? That whole energy of playing a character who was trying to hold everything together was a new head space for me to be in. I hadn’t done that in a character before. Did you always know you wanted to be an actress and do comedy? I always loved being on stage and I was brought up with television. I wanted to be on The Brady Bunch, I wanted to be on The Carol Burnett Show, and I’m not kidding. And who did I get to work with on this film? Carol Burnett! That was just mind-blowing. You mentioned being influenced by TV shows and you’ve got three on the air right now. What do you have coming up for Glee, and are you returning for the second season of Party Down? I’m not doing Party Down, sadly. I can’t because I’m on a show and they don’t allow you to be on another one, not even a limited run. So that’s a shame, and I’m not doing Two and a Half Men anymore either. But I’ve got a really good gig on a really great television show. It must not be so bad to be in such high demand! In my New Year’s Resolutions I made a resolution to be able to hang my hat somewhere, and I now I have a place to hang my hat. It was just in the last week that Two and a Half Men called and told me I can’t do it. It’s been PG 28 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

I’m just happy was able to pull off the agreements with the producers and artists involved and get who I wanted, without going through the [label] drama. Just to find out that they were fans of mine was dope. Where is Chicago right now musically? Has it peaked? It’s growing. We’ve never had a scene. Now we’re starting to create a scene. Once we have an actual scene [we’ll be in good shape]. There’s been no Chicago movement. There’s just been a whole bunch of separate artists that have been dope. You ask them where they’re from and they say Chicago. It’s not like they’re all on records and screaming out Chicago. Like Atlanta artists, they give you a sense they’re from Atlanta before you even know who they are. You listen to their records and you’re like, “Oh, he’s from Atlanta.” When you listen to a Texas record, you’re like, “Oh, that’s screwed and chopped. That’s Houston.” Or “That’s L.A. It sounds like Dre. It sounds breezy. It sounds gangsta.” Or “Oh, that’s boom bap. That’s New York.” There is no definitive Chicago sound; it’s just a lot of artists that come from Chicago. For a long time, we didn’t really collaborate with each other. I think now you’re seeing that. Once you see that, it allows for more room to grow. It allows for the scene to get bigger. Would you say your career is going at the pace you’d like it? I’d say it is. I mean, I can’t front and be like everything is exactly how I’d want it to be. But when is it ever exactly how you want it to be? I’ve just been blessed and been lucky. We get more and more opportunities. The fact that a label [like Duck Down] wants to put out my mixtape was a blessing to me. Where do you want to improve over the next year or so? Business. I feel like the creative part is easy for us. I’m just trying to get better as a man. I just want

to be

more mature, more grown. We’ve been acting like grown kids for a long time. It’s cool to present that image. But sometimes art and life imitate themselves. Me, personally, I’m trying to become more serious about certain things and more responsible about certain things. But at the same token, [I want] to be the same fun-loving person. For me, it’s about finding that balance. So, October is looking like a solid release time for the next Kidz project, right? Muthafuckas give dates and then stuff changes. People be mad. I will tell y’all October 13, but don’t be mad if it don’t come out then. You look up and it’s late fourth quarter when it’s coming out. October 13, Land of Make Believe. Haven’t heard about much touring from y’all over the summer? We’ve been chillin’. We’ve been doing a lot of recording. We’ve been doing some shows, as far as as one-offs, but we haven’t done any big tour shit. We did Rock the Bells in Chicago. A lot of random shows but not like a tour.

As Glee’s Hirariously Evil Sue Sylvester, Jane Lynch Steals Yet Another Show

pretty finalized that I can’t do Party Down. But it’s still an embarrassment of riches. Your character on Glee gets to be pretty evil. What’s coming up for her in this season’s episodes? She gets eviler! Eviler and Eviler! What’s her name, Eviline? Sue Sylvester. She’s the head coach of the cheerleaders, and she’s heinous. She’s kind of the inner-mean girl of our writers. They give me delicious things to say, although I do get slightly redeemed in the middle of the season. Somewhat. Not too warm and fuzzy. We never go there. And then it buys me some more heinous behavior. Has comedy always been natural for you? Oh yeah, I’m a riot! [Laughs] Can you sing? I can’t! I really want to, but they haven’t asked me to yet. They did ask me to dance. Why? I don’t know. I’m a terrible dancer. I heard you had been cast in Paul and was wondering if you could talk about your role in that film. I have a small part in Paul, and that’s with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. They’re sci-fi geeks who go on this “Alien Trail” that’s in Nevada. I play the owner of a restaurant called the “Alie-Inn” that’s got alien paraphernalia and everything. They stop at this place and almost get beat up by these rednecks, but I come to their aid. And Simon and Nick are hilarious? They are, and they’re the nicest guys. That’s what I’ve found, too: ensemble people, comedy people, they’re just nice people. You can’t be a dick. You really can’t. You can’t do what we do and be a jerk. What about Eddie Murphy? He’s the biggest dick in the world! But is he an ensemble player? No. Will Ferrell was one of the nicest guys in the world when we were doing Talladega Nights, and it was the same with Steve Carell in The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

Is Christopher Guest bubbling along with something new for you to be part of? I’m not sure. I know that he’s touring with Spinal Tap: Unplugged & Unwigged. But Chris and I just did a commercial with Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, who is the new spokesperson for Healthy Choice. I play her friend and her agent. Would you say that Christopher Guest and those films helped you kick off your film career? Oh, yeah! I was doing commercials and voiceovers at the time, and I did a commercial with him for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes. About six months later I ran into him at a restaurant and he was casting for Best in Show, and he said, “Come by my office.” By the end of the day I was all hooked up! When you’re making a show like Glee, how is that different from making a movie where you might be shooting for 4 weeks, then come back in and just do 2 days. Yeah, it’s kind of like that. I just sashay in and then I sashay out. No, it all feels pretty much the same for me. Sometimes I don’t even know what we’re shooting on. But I want to direct, I really do. I’ve directed on stage before, but I love telling stories and I just have to really start paying attention to what the camera does.

SPORTS NEWS

2009 NCAA Football Preview

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

FLORIDA’S QB TIM TEBOW

NSITE’S TWO FOR ITS LAST TWO in sports predictions. While one part of us wants to pat our own editorial back, another part is telling us to calm down about the whole thing. Who didn’t pick the L.A. Lakers in the NBA or North Carolina in college basketball? We’re guessing only about 30% of the free world. That other hefty percentage played it safe in those two instances and will likely do the same this year with Florida repeating as college football’s national champion. Go ahead and add this publication to that majority for three reasons: 1) The Tim Tebow-led Gators are the best team in the land; 2) Their schedule is Charmin soft; 3) We’d really like to keep our hot streak intact.

18. OREGON

The Ducks ran up a robust 280 rushing yards last year. Jeremiah Masoli and LeGarrette Blount prove they’re just getting quacking. Big game: Oct. 31 vs. USC

19. UTAH

Without QB Brian Johnson, the Utes can’t be expected to go 13-0 again. With the confusing ﬁve-receiver sets, we can easily see 11-2. Big game: Oct. 19 at Oregon

20. GEORGIA

Joe Cox is no Matthew Staﬀord. Thankfully, top receiver A.J. Green has no problem with any pass remotely in his direction. Big game: Sept. 5 vs. Okla. St.

1. FLORIDA

We don’t know what’s more impressive, the fact that do-everything QB Tebow is on the cusp of his second Heisman Trophy or third national title. If the Gators get past LSU in Death Valley on Oct. 10, he could coast to both.

2. TEXAS

The Big 12 North (UT, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, etc) is arguably the most diﬃcult division in football. Colt McCoy’s Longhorns do have some tough road games (Oct. 31 at OSU), but their cupcake non-conference schedule (UTEP?) gives them a slight edge over the Sooners.

3. OKLAHOMA

Of course, if Texas should slip anywhere on their calendar, OU will happily take its spot as the country’s second-best team. Last year’s squad was the highest scoring team in NCAA history. They’ll need every point against BYU (Sept. 5) and Miami (Oct. 3).

4. VIRGINIA TECH

QB Tyrod Taylor is a certiﬁed freakand that’s just with his feet. If he has any semblance of a consistent pass attack, the stingy Hokies will be really hard to stop. Alabama will see just what we mean on Sept. 5.

5. OHIO STATE

The Buckeyes have heard all the jokes and jabs. They know few outside of Columbus take them seriously. Their Sept. 12 home win over USC will silence critics and formally introduce the world to budding star Terrelle Pryor.

6. USC

The loss to Ohio State may damage the Trojans’ hopes of winning their ﬁrst national title in –gasp!- three years, but it won’t crush them totally, especially if USC can get through a trying October against Cal, Notre Dame, Oregon State

The Horned Frogs’ D ranked No. 1 in the country last year. If they get past two ACC opponents in September, some will scream for No. 1 in the AP poll. Big game: Sept. 26 at Clemson

21. NOTRE DAME

and Oregon.

7. OLE MISS

Super QB Jevan Sneed. Upsets over Florida and Texas Tech. Yeah, we understand why folks are so high on the Rebels. But until we see them do it week in, week out (Sept. 24 at South Carolina, for starters), we’re not handing them their ﬁrst SEC title in 45 years.

8. BOISE STATE

There’s a lot to like about the Broncos. Their defense is stiﬂing (12.6 ppg last year). Their quarterback, Kellen Moore, is striking (3,486 yards). Their special teams is stunning (Kyle Wilson had three punt-return TDs). If they win their opener against Oregon on Sept. 3, Boise State is staying in the top 10.

9. OKLAHOMA STATE

The Cowboys defense is as suspect as the offense is superb. The latter, which is led by Zac Robinson and Kendall Hunter, will pound the ball on Georgia (Sept. 5) and Missouri (Oct. 17) and just hope for the best when it’s off the field.

10. GEORGIA TECH

INsite’s surprise top 10 team will stay their for one reason: Head coach Paul Johnson’s spread oﬀense. With QB Josh Nesbitt running one way and future ﬁrst-rounder Jonathan Dwyer going the other, it’s a thing of beauty. The fact the Jackets don’t have two straight home games after Sept. 10 is rather ugly.

11. PENN STATE

While the attention’s rightfully on QB Daryll Clark (responsible for 29 TDs in ’08), the opposition had better watch for RB Evan Royster too. Big game: Nov. 7 vs. Ohio State

12. ALABAMA

Wideout Julio Jones is the real deal. Figuring out who’s going to throw it to No. 8 is a real problem. Big game: Oct. 10 at Ole Miss

13. CALIFORNIA

If super back Jahvid Best ﬁnds the hole against the Pac-10, the Bears will ﬁnd themselves in a New Year’s Day bowl. Big game: Sept. 26 at Oregon

14. LSU

Lou Holtz may have been oﬀ his meds predicting the Irish in the title game, but with their experience and soft schedule, we kinda see where he’s coming from. Big game: Oct. 17 vs. USC

22. MIAMI

If the rebuilding Hurricanes win two or three of their ﬁrst four (all ranked teams), Randy Shannon’s job is cool. Loss three and there won’t be a hot enough seat. Big game: Sept. 7 at Florida St.

23. NEBRASKA

What does head coach Bo Pelini have in store for an encore? Lots of DT Ndamukong Suh, we’re certain. Big game: Sept. 19 at Virginia Tech

24. SOUTH FLORIDA

The defense (Chad Jones, Harry Coleman) is something to behold. We doubt the Tigers will be held to eight wins again. Big game: Oct. 10 vs. Florida

15. KANSAS

It’s a shame Todd Reesing’s arm gets lost in the Big 12 gun show. One can only imagine where the Jayhawks would be if they had a few more defensive weapons. Big game: Nov. 21 at Texas

16. BYU

The Cougars may have bitten oﬀ more than they can chew by scheduling Oklahoma and Florida State. Then again, they do pencil in Max Hall at QB. Big game: Sept. 5 vs. OU in Dallas

The Bulls have arguably the Big East’s best oﬀensive (QB Matt Grothe) and defensive (DE George Selvie) players. Big game: Nov. 28 vs. Miami

25. ILLINOIS

There may be better known QB-to-WR tandems than Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn, but there aren’t many better. Big game: Sept. 26 at Ohio State Others:

FLORIDA STATE, MICHIGAN, NEVADA, NORTH CAROLINA AND OREGON STATE

17. TCU

SPORTS NEWS

NFL PREVIEW 2009: QB or Not To Be BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

EEING AS HOW ALL OF OUR creative juices have been ﬂushed away by Bud Lime consumption, we’re gonna just call the 2009 NFL season the Year of the Quarterback coming back. Guys like Jeﬀ Garcia (38 years old) and Jon Kitna (36) elected to stay in their cleats rather than kick up their feet. And what’s this we hear about Michael Vick (he’s free!), Tom Brady (he’s healthy!) and Brett Favre (he’s wishy-washy!) returning too? No matter if the signal caller is old (Daunte Culpepper), young (Matt Sanchez) or somewhere in between (Eli Manning), they’ll be the ones deciding who plays in Miami for Super Bowl XLIV on February 7.

The NFC

1. PHILADELPHIA

This whole thing with Vick and Donovan McNabb could have gone sour fast. Thankfully, McNabb is squarely focused on a ring. Besides, his November schedule (Giants, Cowboys, Chargers, Bears, Redskins) is enough to worry about.

2. GREEN BAY

Now that the Packers ﬁrmly have that nasty Favre taste out their mouths, they can fully appreciate Aaron Rodgers and his nice spirals to Greg Jennings. Things should also be looking up ﬁnally on Green Bay’s defensive side after a solid draft.

3. ATLANTA

Though Matt Ryan’s only got one really good rookie season (3,440 yards, 16 TDs) under his belt, he’s already one of the league’s 10 best QBs. Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez and Michael Turner make him look even better.

4. CAROLINA

Over the oﬀseason, the Panthers let Jake Delhomme know how much they appreciated him in the form of a $42 million deal. He can return the favor by leading an oﬀense that’s equal parts slash (RB DeAngelo Williams) and burn (WR Steve Smith).

5. NEW YORK

With the Plaxico Burress circus run out of town, the oft-erratic Manning can get his one-ring show under way. Ladies and gentleman, Brandon Jacobs is an animal. And kids, young wideouts Domenik Hixon and Hakeem Nicks are freaks of nature.

6. CHICAGO

Jay Cutler found a new home in Chi-town. Management is cooler. The shopping is better. And the playmakers (Matt Forte, Devin Hester) make Denver’s look like an intramural ﬂag football squad.

7. ARIZONA

The ageless Warner tossed for over 4,500 yards in last year’s Super Bowl trek. Though the receivers (Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston) are great and a rookie back (Beanie Wells) is good, we don’t see another miracle ﬂight in the Cards.

8. NEW ORLEANS

Who knows if Drew Brees can repeat his oth erworldly feat of 5,000+ passing yards? We’d guess no. But then again, he does have Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Jeremy Shockey, Reggie Bush and underrated Pierre Thomas as teammates.

9. MINNESOTA

Ahhh, yes, Mr. Favre. So nice of you to join us… then leave… then join us again. While the fact that

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

PG 29 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

SPORTS NEWS

FANATIC BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS “We know the rules and we follow the rules… I guess I’m here to tell you that whatever you’ve heard or want to believe, the trust is that this coaching staﬀ cares very deeply about the young men in our program.” –MICHIGAN HEAD COACH RICH RODRIGUEZ, after Heath rumors began circulating that the school Slocum practiced longer than NCAA rules allowed Variety reports that the cable network FX has picked up drama project MARCH TO MADNESS from executive producer Don Cheadle. The project comes from writer Joel Silverman. Pete Segal (The Longest Yard) is set to direct. March will revolve around a corrupt college basketball program that cheats its way to the “ NCAA basketball tournament. The story will be told through the eyes of the college coach, whose idealistic approach to the job has slowly been eroded by the compromises he’s forced to make. ``It was an incredible day, incredible experience…I was just kind of lucky to come out on top. A lot of good players. At the end of the day, that putt on the last was magical. I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.’’ –GOLFER HEATH SLOCUM, No. 124 out of 125 Barclays qualifiers, after winning the $1.35 million top prize “I wanted to focus on empowering our kids… There are still kids who can’t afford expensive shoes, and there are still kids who get shot or threatened over shoes. That shouldn’t happen. All we’re trying to do is give poor kids a chance to have some good shoes for a low price… Our shoes can hold their own against the Nike and Adidas, no question.” –NEW YORK KNICKS FORWARD AL HARRINGTON who, along with Golden State’s Stephon Jackson, started a shoe brand, Protégé, to offer $34.99 sneakers for the economically-challenged

FROM PAGE 29 you’re playing on the Packers’ biggest rival sickens us, we understand why you’d want to be close to Adrian Peterson. No. 28 is simply majestic.

10. WASHINGTON

Clinton Portis, one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL, can’t keep taking the pounding he does running the ball and blocking for QB Jason Campbell. Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El must help out with their hands.

11. DALLAS

It’s a bad sign that Tony Romo was in the news more over the summer for breaking oﬀ with Jessica Simpson than for his conditioning. It’s worst the Cowboys’ No. 2 wideout battle between Patrick Crayton, Miles Austin and Sam Hurd. Yikes!

12. TAMPA BAY

The Buccaneers are new everywhere: oﬀensive coordinator (Jeﬀ Jagodzinski), QB (Luke McCown or Josh Freeman), RB (Derrick Ward) and TE (Kellen Winslow). Can’t promise new results for the team that went 7-9 a year ago.

13. SEATTLE

Matt Hasselbeck is a healthy gunslinger again. We don’t know who’s more happy about that fact, new acquisition T.J. Houshmandzadeh, new coach Jim Mora or new linebacker Aaron Curry?

14. SAN FRANCISCO

Shaun Hill is a better QB than Alex Smith by a tad. The whole thing with Michael Crabtree’s holdout is sad. The 49ers defense is really bad. Frank Gore’s rushing production has gone down over the past two years, so his fantasy owners are mad.

15. ST. LOUIS

Uh oh, the Rams have a new oﬀensive coordinator in Pat Shurmur. The change to a quicker-passing offense should be good for Marc Bulger. Of course, if the idea goes to the crapper, it’s always good having RB Steven Jackson around to clean things up. PG 30 • insiteatlanta.com • September 2009

A Monthly Sports Must-See TV Wrap-up Top 5 Games This Month But such is the dichotomy of hooper Stephen Jackson. On one end of the spectrum, he appears to be the community-driven entrepreneur above, but on the other end, he still comes off childish and out of touch. His latest display of ungratefulness came in late August when he told the Warriors he’d like to be traded to a contender. Fanatic detests this about certain athletes. If you sign a contract, play out the damn thing to the best of your abilities. When you’re deal’s done, then you can explore options elsewhere. Til then, you owe it to the owner signing the ridiculous checks and the fans buying your ridiculously-priced jersey to shut up and ball. Period. “If he were a woman, he’d be one glourious basterd. He’d create collateral damage that would take years for men (in reality, teams) to recover from. He’d leave them vowing to never mess with another “woman” like that again… If he were a woman, he wouldn’t be able to get away with this and still be respected, because this is not the behavior of respectable ladies. Bouncing around from man to man -- excuse me, team to team. They have names for women like that… So I ask: If Brett Favre were a woman … would you date her?” –ESPN’S SCOOP JACKSON And finally… Only five BCS teams (Notre Dame, USC, UCLA, Washington and Tennessee) have never played a FCS opponent….The graduation rates by teams in the national championship game is pitiful. From 2001-08, only two of the 16 teams exceeded a 50% graduation rate—USC (58%) in ‘04 and Nebraska (57%) in ’01… L.A.’s Matt Kemp is the first National League player with double-digit extra-inning RBIs since Tim Wallach in ’82… Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey believes Yao Ming will play sometime in the ’09-10 season.

16. DETROIT

Drew Stanton could prove the odd man out in the Lions’ QB triangle with Culpepper and No. 1

TOM BRADY

draft pick Matthew Staﬀord. But seeing as how Calvin Johnson is the only thing worth watching in Ford Field, Stanton might come out the winner.

THE AFC

1. NEW ENGLAND

The Pats went 11-5 last season, but when it came down to it, they weren’t good enough for the playoﬀs. Now that Brady’s back, that’ll change. Toss in Randy Moss, Fred Taylor and a re-focused D, and N.E. could bring back a Super Bowl title.

2. SAN DIEGO

If for any reason, New England slips up this fall, these well-rounded Chargers should be around to pick up the AFC slack. Phillip Rivers can ﬂat-out rip it. Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers can reach for it. LaDainian Tomlinson can still rush for it.

3. PITTSBURGH

We can talk about the Steelers’ defense all night, but if someone doesn’t emerge on the other end –Name aside, Ben Roethlisberger’s numbers are pretty blah- a Super Bowl repeat has as good a chance of happening as a Bandslam sequel.

4. INDIANAPOLIS

Like everybody, we love what a healthy Peyton Manning can do. Like everybody, we hate head coach Tony Dungy retired. Unlike some folks though, we expect Anthony Gonzalez to ﬁll in for departed Colts legend Marvin Harrison admirably.

5. HOUSTON

Quietly, the Texans ﬁnished 8-8 a year ago. With the moves the team’s made (LB Cato June),

The ﬁve most important words of the English language: We have some cold beer. Next ﬁve: The start of football season.

USC at Ohio State (Sept. 12, 8PM, ESPN)

3 4 5

US Open (Sept. 12-13, TBD, CBS)

The Trojans have a freshman QB. The Buckeyes have a sophomore sensation. We’re going with OSU in a tight one.

Though the sport is as predictable as a Tyler Perry ﬂick –Williams sisters reign; Federer the samethere’s just something about N.Y.

N.Y. Giants at Dallas (Sept. 20, 8:20PM, NBC)

The NFC East rivalry goes up some this time ‘cuz it’s also the world’s introduction to $1.15 billion Cowboys Stadium.

Colorado at San Francisco (Sept. 16, 10PM, ESPN)

At press time, the Rockies and Giants were tied for the N.L. Wild Card lead. This one could have huge implications.

they won’t backtrack. If anything, the underrated ground attack (Steve Slaton) and steady air assault (Matt Schaub to Andre Johnson) should move forward.

It’s hard to peg these Jags. Sometimes you see the unbelievable Maurice Jones-Drew slipping through holes and QB David Garrard making bold throws. But elsewhere, you see holes where LB Mike Peterson and RB Fred Taylor once stood.

6. BALTIMORE

12. NEW YORK

With the departure of defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and super studs Bart Scott and Chris McAllister, the Ravens’ D lost a bit of its punch. It’s a good thing then that second-year QB Joe Flacco has enough arm for the whole team.

7. DENVER

And so begins the Kyle Orton era in the Rockies. Ask Chicago, the ride’s gonna be kinda bumpy- especially if No. 1 target Brandon Marshall is grumpy all year. Thankfully, rookie Knowshon Moreno can carry much of the Broncos’ oﬀensive weight.

8. TENNESSEE

Though hearts are still heavy over Steve McNair’s dramatic passing, the team will do its best to remain composed. Kerry Collins is steady behind center and Chris Johnson is solid in the backﬁeld. But one can’t help but be a lil’ nervous about the receiving corps.

9. BUFFALO

Yeah, the Bills have stars in Terrell Owens, Marshawn Lynch and Lee Evans, but there’s gotta be something said about Fred Jackson. The dude can do it all… except play oﬀensive line, and that’s desperately where QB Trent Edwards needs some help.

10. MIAMI

Tennessee at Pittsburgh (Sept. 10, 8:30PM, NBC)

The Fins are another fascinating group. With their gimmicky Wild Cat formation, Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Ted Ginn Jr. and rookie Pat White can have all kinds of fun out there. But really, is Chad Pennington the on-the-ﬁeld guy to make it all work?

11. JACKSONVILLE

Run, run, run. That’s the theme of the Jets’ ’09 campaign. The strategy certainly has Thomas Jones’ vote. First-year QB Mark Sanchez might go for it too. It’s stuﬀ-to-prove receivers Jerricho Cotchery and Chansi Stuckey who are on the fence.

13. OAKLAND

70% of the Earth is covered in water. The remaining 30% is covered by Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. It’s gonna be like a science experiment watching QB JaMarcus Russell try to gel with Darren McFadden and Darrius Heward-Bey.

14. CINCINNATI

These Bengals are loaded with more questions than a Jeopardy marathon. Is Carson Palmer’s elbow okay? Is Cedric Benson really a ﬁrst-string tailback? How will Laveranues Coles do in Houshmandzadeh’s absence? When will this team get it together?

15. KANSAS CITY

The Chiefs were an abysmal 2-14 in ’08. Fab back Larry Johnson is a year older. That won’t help things. However, Jamaal Charles is coming into his own and Matt Cassel’s just coming through the door. That’s good for a couple of wins right there.

16. CLEVELAND

The Browns had an oﬀseasons where a lot happened, but nothing really changed. Make any sense? You can get all the so-so corners and tight ends you want, but if QB Brady Quinn doesn’t have playmakers beyond Braylon Edwards, is all for naught.

SUPER BOWL:

PHILADELPHIA OVER NEW ENGLAND, 31-24

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