APRIL 2019
C
INSITEATLANTA.COM
VOL. 27, NO. 9 FREE
7 YEARS! 2 G N I T ELEBRA
Spring
FESTIVALS
Atlanta Dogwood Festival ❀ Sweetwater 420 Fest Smyrna Spring Jonquil ❀ Renaissance Festival Atlanta Jazz Festival ❀ Kennesaw Big Shanty ❀ Inman Park Festival Artsapalooza ❀ Sweet Auburn Springfest ❀ Taste of Marietta Spring Wine Festival ❀ Duluth Arts Festival ❀ Helen Bierfest Candler Park Music Festival ❀ Decatur Arts Festival Arts ❀ Shrine Circus
atlantafestivals.com
may 25 & 26 memorial day weekend piedmont park
PG 2 • April 2019 • insiteatlanta.com
CONTENTS • APRIL 2019 • VOLUME 27, NO. 9
EARS! ING 27 Y T A R B E CEL
Atlanta’s
Entertainment Monthly
15
INTERVIEWS 09 Record Store Day 15 Second City 16 Air Supply 17 Graham Parker 18 Mickey Hart
16
FEATURES 10 Spring Patios 12 Spring Festivals
COLUMNS 04 Around Town 17 05 On Tap 06 Atlanta on a Dime 07 Under The Lights 07 New Releases 07 Station Control 08 Movie Reviews 18 17 Music Reviews
insiteatlanta.com STAFF LISTING Publisher Steve Miller steve@insiteatlanta.com Art Director / Web Design Nick Tipton nick@insiteatlanta.com Managing Editor Lee Valentine Smith lee@insiteatlanta.com Local Events Editor Marci Miller marci@insiteatlanta.com Movie Editor Steve Warren s.warren@insiteatlanta.com Music Editor John Moore john@insiteatlanta.com
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Contributing Writers / Interns: Alex. S. Morrison, Dave Cohen, Benjamin Carr, Demarco Williams Advertising Sales Steve Miller (404) 308-5119 • ads@insiteatlanta.com MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 76483 Atlanta, GA 30358 WEBSITE • insiteatlanta.com Editorial content of INsite is the opinion of each writer and is not necessarily the opinion of INsite, its staff, or its advertisers. INsite does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor do the publisher or editors of INsite assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. No content, i.e., articles, graphics, designs and information (any and all) in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from publisher. APRIL 2019
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VOL. 27, NO. 9 FREE
S! TING 27 YEAR CELEBRA
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Please check out our Spring Festival Guide on page 11.
Spring
FESTIVALS
Atlanta Dogwood Festival ❀ Sweetwater 420 Fest Smyrna Spring Jonquil Atlanta Jazz Festival ❀ Kennesaw ❀ Renaissance Festival Big Shanty ❀ Inman Park Artsapalooza ❀ Sweet Auburn Festival Springfest ❀ Taste of Marietta Spring Wine Festival ❀ Duluth Arts Festival ❀ Helen Bierfest Candler Park Music Festival ❀ Decatur Arts Festival Arts ❀ Shrine Circus
insiteatlanta.com • April 2019 • PG 3
Around Town FRIDAY - SUNDAY, APRIL 12-14 DRUID HILLS TOUR
Druid Hills Neighborhood
Tour fabulous homes in the historic Druid Hills neighborhood. The Druid Hills Tour of Homes & Gardens is a volunteer project of the Druid Hills Civic Association benefiting historic preservation and green space restoration. Visit Druidhillstour.org.
SATURDAY, APRIL 13 RECORD STORE DAY
CD Warehouse Store Locations
Visit CD Warehouse on April 13 and celebrate Record Store Day. This national event recognizes the vinyl record and those great album covers. To honor this event CD Warehouse will be buying and selling vinyl records throughout the month. Find out more at Facebook.com/CDwarehouse.
SUNDAY, APRIL 21 EASTER BRUNCH
Park Tavern at Piedmont Park Midtown
Hop on over to the Park Tavern for a delightful Easter Brunch overlooking Piedmont Park and the city skyline. The Easter Bunny will be hopping about for pictures and an
Events and Performances taking place this Month
Easter egg hunt with great prizes at 12:00 noon. Treat your mom and yourself to their champagne brunch which starts at 11 am and includes all you can sip champagne & mimosas until 3 pm. Easter brunch is one of Park Tavern’s most popular events and has sold out every year for the past 15 years. Reservations at ParkTavern.com
WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY,APRIL 24-28 LEMONADE DAYS Brook Run Park
Featuring more than 30 full-scale carnival rides, 20 fabulous food and beverage vendors, a 5K Run, three days of center stage performances and the popular Dunwoody Idol contest, Lemonade Days is a Dunwoody Signature Event that has become a highlight of the city’s calendar and its most popular family event of the year. Hosted by Dunwoody Preservation Trust Lemonade Days is the largest annual fundraising event. DunwoodyLemonadeDays.org.
THURSDAY-SATURDAY,APRIL 25-27 ATLANTA IMPROV FESTIVAL
The Village Theatre at Old Fourth Ward
The festival boasts the best improv acts in the city as well as top performers from across the nation. Shows are scheduled for Thursday night through Saturday night in each of their two theatre spaces. During the day, the festival will offer improv and sketch writing workshops for everyone from beginners to advanced performers. Returning this year is the Atlanta Improv Battle. 27
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Atlanta-based improv teams will compete in a tournament throughout the festival weekend to determine who is the top team in Atlanta. Visit Atlantaimprovfestival.com.
SATURDAY. APRIL 27 CRAWL OF THRONES
Various Bars in Virginia-Highland
A crawl worthy of a King or Queen! Choose your house and join your fellow Lords and Ladies while traversing multiple pubs in Atlanta's Virginia-Highland for an event like no other. Take the Black and, like a Lannister – always pay your debt as your fellow countrymen toast Hodor and find their way back to Kings Landing (Diesel Filling Station) for your chance to sit upon the Iron Throne. Visit Markstercon.com.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 27 & 28 SMYRNA CRAWFISH BOIL Atkins Park in Smyrna
Come and join Atkins Park in Smyrna Saturday and Sunday April 27 & 28 for their 17th annual Crawfish Boil. Atkins Park Partner & Zac Brown’s Executive Chef Rusty Hamlin will be on hand to boil your crawfish. Crawfish & Cajuns shipped directly from New Orleans. Join Atkins Park for two days of food, fun and live music. Tickets can be purchased at smyrnacrawfishboil.com
SATURDAY. MAY 4 BAR WARS
Various Bars in Virginia-Highland
Raise your geek flag high, pledge your loyalty to either the Empire or the Rebellion and join Markster Con Atlanta’s infamous Bar Wars Pub Crawl on May the 4th (Be With You). Incorporating numerous bars in Atlanta's Virginia-Highland area, this will be the only way to celebrate International Star Wars Day 2019. Join hundreds of your fellow galactic geeks to celebrate one of the most special days the Galaxy can offer, costumes encouraged but not required. Get tickets at Markstercon.com.
SATURDAY. MAY 4
JOCKEYS AND JULEPS
Heritage Hall Sandy Springs
Come wearing your biggest and brightest hats and wildest bow-ties for this special Kentucky Derby celebration. The event takes place on Saturday, May 4 from 4pm - 9pm at Heritage Hall in Sandy Springs. Purchase individual tickets which includes admission, food and two drinks at Heritagesandysprings.org.
On Tap this Month MAJOR EVENTS COMING TO ATLANTA
April 13: Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
AIR SUPPLY
e Fred kicks off the 2019 concert series on Saturday, April 13th with Air Supply. Formed in 1975, Air Supply members Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock burst into the music scene with their unique vocals, harmonic ballads and soft rock sound. Air Supply’s popularity skyrocketed with the release of their album “Lost in Love,” which sold more than two million copies. Get tickets at Amphitheater.org.
April 18 & 19: The Fox Theatre
AZIZ ANSARI
Aziz Ansari brings his Road to Nowhere stand-up comedy tour to e Fox eatre for two shows April 18 & 19. Ansari stars in, writes, and directs Master of None, a Netflix original comedy series that he co-created with Alan Yang (Parks and Recreation). Aziz won the 2016 and 2017 Emmy Award for "Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series" and has received five additional nominations. Tickets at Foxtheatre.org.
April 19: Byers Theatre at City Springs
THE SECOND CITY
e Second City has been laughing at love and its infinite scroll of side effects for decades. In the world-famous comedy company’s latest laughter-inducing undertaking, It’s Not You, It’s Me, e Second City takes shots at heartbreak, missed connections and the mire of human relationships. Comedy’s newest generation of writers and performers fit squarely into the “it’s complicated” category. Tickets at Citysprings.com.
April 19: Atlanta Symphony Hall
JOHN CUSACK LIVE
Join John Cusack for a screening of "High Fidelity" on the big screen followed by a live conversation regarding his career and the making of the film. Fans will get the opportunity to experience a moderated discussion with John answering audience questions. Released in 2000, High Fidelity is about a record shop owner who revisits past relationships in hopes of figuring out where he has gone wrong. Visit Atlantasymphony.org.
April 28: Park Tavern
SUNSET SESSIONS Sunset Sessions returns with T Hardy Morris, Neighbor Lady, and Teddy & e Rough Riders Sunday, April 28. Sunset Sessions is a free alternative music concert series held every Sunday from April through September under Park Tavern’s air-conditioned Garden Tent. Located just off of the Atlanta BeltLine, concertgoers can enjoy an incredible lineup of live music throughout the spring and summer. Visit Parktavern.com.
May 15: Cobb Energy Centre
CRUEL INTENTIONS
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 1999 silver screen classic with this all-new musical. e ’90s Musical is based on the classic cult film starring Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillipe and Sarah Michelle Geller. Featuring favorite throwback hits by artists like Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, REM, *NSYNC, and Britney Spears. NYC’s most intoxicating new musical is a fullon ’90s party. Get tickets at Cobbenergycentre.com.
Helen Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual
Craft Beer Tasting & Spring Bierfest! May 11, 2019
TIME: 12-5pm
PRICES:
Hofbrau Creature Comfort Miller Southern Brewing $25 Advance Terrapin Highlands $30 at Door Erdinger Paulaner $35 VIP Tickets Grumpy Old Men Three Taverns $40 VIP at Door Sawtooth Ale Oskar Blues Hi-Wire Fat Tire Gaelic Ale And More... Oktoberfest Festhalle Friends
For additional information & Tickets visit HelenChamber.com or call 706.878.1908 1074 Edelweiss Strasse • Helen, GA 30545 insiteatlanta.com • April 2019 • PG 5
filled eggs meet the Easter Bunny. ere will be a face painter, family friendly crafts, a kids’ dance floor and indoor snack bar.
Saturday, April 20
EVENTS HAPPENING FOR SMALL CHANGE IN ATLANTA
Know of a low cost event happening? Event@AtlantaOnADime.com By Marci Miller
Saturday, April 6
FOOD-O-RAMA
Historic Grant Park; Free Entry facebook.com/food-o-rama e Food Truck festival in Historic Grant Park, will host food trucks from all over the Southeast. e event will also feature live music and DJs, craft brews and cocktails, an artist's market for shopping, a kids’ zone and more. All with no entry fee.
Sunday, April 7
ATLANTA STREETS ALIVE
Central Peachtree Street; Free Event atlantastreetsalive.com Atlanta Streets Alive closes miles of Atlanta streets to cars, and opens them to residents for exploration. ese events include everything from live music to sports to dancing to how-to demonstrations. Bring your bicycle or just your feet and get ready to explore your community streets in a safer, healthier, more livable way.
Saturday, April 13
HEARBEAT FESTIVAL
Central Park, Downtown Atlanta nba.com/hawks/heartbeatfestival
e Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club is putting on the 2nd Annual Sharecare Heartbeat Festival at Central Park on Saturday, April 13 from 11am - 3pm. e festival is a free, family-friendly event to celebrate and rally Atlantans around the #SharecareMovement for the health and wellbeing of their communities.
Thursday, April 18
ALIVE IN ROSWELL
NE COBB EGG DROP
Sprayberry High School Free Event; communityeggdrop.org At the Northeast Cobb Community Egg Drop, more than 90,000 eggs and pieces of candy are dropped from a helicopter onto a football field. e event begins at 10 a.m. In addition to gathering up all the eggs and candy, enjoy face painting, Kids Zone with inflatable slides and bounce houses. Unlimited rides can be purchased for just $7 per child. Also have your photo taken for free with the Easter Bunny.
Canton Street, Roswell facebook.com/aliveinroswell
Thursday, May 2
Alive in Roswell is held on the third ursday of each month from April through October, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. e festival features live bands, hundreds of interactive vendors, kids’ games and entertainment. It enjoys participation from the surrounding retailers and restaurants.
Downtown Alpharetta Free Admission; alpharetta.ga.us
TASTE OF ALPHARETTA
Enjoy tastings from over 60 restaurants in one fun night. Sample delicious appetiz-
ers, entrees and desserts from the top chefs in town. ere will be culinary demonstrations and entertainment to please every palate. Admission is free with food tickets for purchase on site. Restaurants tastings run $1-4 per food sample.
Saturday & Sunday May 4 & 5
SNELLVILLE DAYS FESTIVAL T.W. Briscoe Park in Snellville Free to attend; snellvilledays.com
Over 30,000 from Snellville and the surrounding area are expected to pack the two-day arts and crafts festival. Enjoy tons of hand-made arts and crafts in over 150 booths as well as the most entertainment the festival has ever offered. e festival is one of the largest Arts and Crafts shows in metro Atlanta and offers lots of fair foods. At the Jurassic Kingdom, patrons get to experience life-like dinosaurs in action while getting the chance to touch and interact with them throughout the show. Meet fantastic characters such as Terry the talking comical pterodactyl, Jack a two month old Brontosaurus and more. ATLANTA STREETS ALIVE Central Peachtree Street FREE EVENT atlantastreetsalive.com
Friday - Sunday, April 20 - 22
EGGSTRAVAGANZA
Callanwolde Easter Egg Hunt Ticketed Event; callanwolde.org Bring your basket and your camera for a family friendly Easter egg hunt across Callanwolde’s beautiful spring gardens and grounds. Search for thousands of candy-
REGULAR ADMISSION
ADMISSION $7* 10 & UNDER FREE* *INCLUDES CIRCUS ADMISSION
UNLIMITED RIDES
MONDAY-THURSDAY, MAY 20-23 $18 PER PERSON *DOES NOT INCLUDE ADMISSION. **ALL RIDERS MUST BE 36”
FRIDAY-SUNDAY & MEMORIAL DAY $25 PER PERSON *DOES NOT INCLUDE ADMISSION.
a nM Clow
**ALL RIDERS MUST BE 36”
gi cS how
77
Yaarab Shrine th
andFair Circus MAY 18–MAY 27 JIM R. MILLER PARK | MARIETTA, GA
2245 Callaway Road, Marietta, GA 30008. Take I-75 to Windy Hill Rd. ( Exit #260 ). Go west approximately five miles on Windy Hill Road and turn right on Austell Road. Turn left on County Services Parkway then left on Al Bishop Drive. Jim R Miller Park will be on your left.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 404.419.6755
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MEGA PASSES AT ALL METRO ATLANTA
STORES BEGINNING MAY 1
DISCOUNT TICKETS AVAILABLE ON-LINE BEGINNING APRIL 1
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PG 6 • April 2019 • insiteatlanta.com
Under The Lights ON STAGE THIS MONTH
CINDERELLA
Fox Theatre April 5 & 6 (855) 285-8499 FoxTheatre.org/Cinderella With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is t r a n s fo r m e d from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella combines the story's classic elements – glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists. More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinderella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting. She is a spirited young woman with savvy and soul who doesn't let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness.
THE HERO’S WIFE
April 11 - May 5 Sychronicity Theatre (404) 484-8636 Synchrotheatre.com In The Hero's Wife, Karyssa desperately tries to connect with her Navy SEAL husband, Cameron. Most of his life has been classified. What’s left, he won’t talk about. While he works to rebuild his world, secret
night terrors whisper to a violent past. As Karyssa gets closer, the more dangerous Cameron becomes, but she won’t stop until she unearths the secrets of the man she loves and lights his way home. The Hero's Wife is presented by Synchronicity Theatre in a Joint World Premiere with 16th Street Theater Chicago.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN
April 23 - 28 Fox Theatre (855) 285-8499 FoxTheatre.org/DearEvanHansen A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. Dear Evan Hansen has struck a chord with audiences and critics everywhere, including The Washington Post who says Dear Evan Hansen is, “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history.” The New York Times calls it “a gut-punching, breathtaking knockout of a musical.” Written by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman) and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).
HOME THEATER
NEW RELEASES THE LATEST DVD, BLU RAY & VOD RELEASES By John Moore
OUR CARTOON PRESIDENT: SEASON ONE WITH WORLD CLASS AMENITIES (CBS DVD/Paramount) It’s surprising this smartly-written satirical cartoon didn’t get more attention when it first ran on Showtime. Created by Stephen Colbert, among others, this series is based on a reoccurring segment from Colbert’s late night talk show. The characters, Trump, his family and his admittedly cartoonish staff, are the perfect anecdote to the depressing state of the country right now. It’s impressive how quickly the writers and animators can get a constantly changing run of current events into the weekly show. This DVD set includes all 18 episodes and the mid-term election special.
FOREIGNER – LIVE AT THE RAINBOW ‘78 (Eagle Vision) In 1978, just two years into their existence and still boasting their classic line up, Foreigner played a blistering set inside London’s Rainbow Theatre and the hourplus long show is captured beautifully here on Live at the Rainbow ‘78. Touring behind the songs off of their 1976 self-titled debut and the ’78 follow up Double Vision, the
Lou Graham-led band tear through a hits-laden set that included “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold As Ice”. The band is tight and was taking nothing for granted at this point in their career, still working to earn the audience’s favor.
DIVIDE AND CONQUER: THE STORY OF ROGER AILES (Magnolia Home
Entertainment) The story of Roger Ailes can best be summed up as that of a kid who has spent his entire life trying to earn the love of a distant father. Thanks to Ailes daddy issues, we’re stuck with a wildly toxic TV station/propaganda arm that stokes fears of minorities coming to take over the world. Told through a series of interviews of folks like Glen Beck, former employees he sexually harassed and Ailes himself, via archival interviews, director Alexis Bloom covers Ailes’ life from childhood, through politics, his shaping of Fox News and his ultimate dismissal once his history of serials sexual harassment became too much for the network to cover up.
TV
Station Control
NEW LOOKS AT COLD CRIMES BY BENJAMIN CARR
T
HE GOALS OF TELEVISION are beyond mere entertainment. It sometimes warps reality into adventure, comedy or romance and provides us with a new way at looking at things. Recently several high-profile, multi-episode true crime documentaries have come out, giving us new glimpses into stories and people we thought we knew.
LEAVING NEVERLAND (HBO)
HBO has long been the place to find worldshattering, compelling documentaries, like the Edward Snowden-centered Citizenfour and the masterpiece The Jinx. Leaving Neverland, the two-part film courting worldwide attention and controversy for its look at two men alleging new charges of molestation against the late pop star Michael Jackson, is great television. Through the Dan Reed documentary’s interviews with Wade Robson and James Safechuck and the accompanying Oprah Winfrey special, Leaving Neverland delves into the emotional and uncomfortable aspects of childhood sexual abuse, investigates how such matters are psychologically complicated and explains how abusers can frequently manipulate their victims into self-blame and secret keeping. The show helps you understand how abuse can affect children and families long-term by corrupting ideas of what love and trust look like. Also, regarding Jackson himself, Leaving Neverland makes it impossible to view him without tarnish or, at least, skepticism ever again. Even the Jackson family’s official stance on what happened with these children is questionable, where the man shared a bed with them while parents were elsewhere. The documentary includes faxed love notes and purchased jewelry to young boys, and it also includes graphic, unsettling descriptions of sexual activity. Coming away from it, you are left with many questions, even doubts, but it educates, through a look at one of the most famous people to ever live, about how such abuse can happen and continue in households ever where.
LORENA (Amazon Prime)
Shining a light on one of the most famous tabloid stories ever, Jordan Peele executive produced and Joshua Rofe directed this series that re-examines the case of Lorena Bobbitt, the Virginia military wife who sliced off her husband John’s penis. Lorena investigates the
Lorena
history of abuse and sexual assault she alleges led to the incident. The series features interviews with both Bobbitts, detailing their versions of the 1993 event, and others involved with the initial investigation, trials and media circus. Lorena teaches viewers a new perspective on a story that once fascinated the world, giving the woman at its center a more sympathetic view years after her horrific act. It also shows how narrow the scope of the trials were. Documentaries should always do this, delving equally into information and feeling.
THE CASE AGAINST ADNAN SYED (HBO)
The newest HBO documentary series investigates the 1999 murder of Baltimore teen Hae Min Lee, a case that reached pop culture prominence through the podcast Serial in 2014. Lee’s ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed was convicted of Lee’s murder 20 years ago, though his guilt has remained in question even after Serial and other researchers have uncovered new evidence about the case. Calls for a new trial have been approved, then reversed, in courts in the years since the case became popular. The new documentary, unfortunately, covers mostly old ground with the case. Everything it does in rehashing the narrative has largely already been featured and dissected in Serial and other podcasts. Detailing what has happened since Serial though interesting, does not justify the length of this show’s runtime. Including diary entries from the victim do not give us a sense of who she was or connect us to her feelings in the way filmmakers intend. If you want to know about this case, this documentary is not the place to start. Go listen to Serial.
insiteatlanta.com • April 2019 • PG 7
MOVIES
Movie Reviews BY STEVE WARREN
DUMBO (PG)
Many of us never expect Tim Burton to top his early period, with the Batmen and the Eds (Wood and Scissorhands), especially now that he’s taken to reanimating Disney classics for an audience too young to remember when Burton was brilliantly demented. Nevertheless, his Dumbo far exceeded my expectations, partly because early reviews had made them extremely low. It gets off to a heavy beginning in 1919 with Holt (Colin Farrell) returning from the war with one less arm to the Medici (Danny DeVito) Circus where he and his late wife had done an act with horses. His children, Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins), are waiting for him, but the horses are gone, the circus having fallen on hard times. The elephants are still there and Holt is assigned to their care, especially a female who’s about to give birth. Her offspring is an oddball with huge, floppy ears. Milly, who wants to be a scientist, figures out that inhaling a feather gives him the ability to fly. Dubbed Dumbo before his skills are discovered, he soon becomes a star attraction, but Medici sells his beloved mother to keep her from distracting him. Dumbo’s fame draws a bigger circus owner (Michael Keaton), whose Dreamland is like a modern theme park, only old-fashioned; and he swallows up the Medici troupe to get Dumbo. Alan Arkin and other financial types complicate the story unnecessarily, when it’s already too dark and dense for viewers who don’t remember when circuses had animal acts. Still it’s positive overall, with enough influence from a recent film that it might have been called The Greatest Showelephant. As for the effects, aside from Dumbo’s ears I defy anyone to tell what’s real and what’s CGI.
US (R)
1/2 Rabbits behind the opening credits and during the climax provide appropriate bookends for Us, which is essentially a trip down a rabbit hole. Future film historians will likely list writer-producer-director Jordan Peele with James Whale, Roger Corman, John Carpenter and others as the horrormeisters of their respective eras; but while Peele avoids clichés like “beginner’s luck” and “sophomore slump,” his second film is ultimately less satisfying than Get Out. It gets off to a great start. I have few complaints with the first hour and Lupita Nyong’o is brilliant throughout, but the movie drags on too long with too much repetition, and becomes even more confusing when it’s supposed to be explaining things. It begins in 1986, when young Adelaide (Madison Curry) is lost in a hall of mirrors in a Santa Cruz
amusement park and finds one of her reflections to be more independent than the others. In the present day she’s returning with her bourgeois family (Winston Duke, Evan Alex, Shahadi Wright Joseph) to the area, where they have a summer home. Attacked by red-clad facsimiles of themselves, they retreat to the house of their wealthier (of course - they’re white) friends (Elisabeth Moss, Tim Heidecker, Cali Sheldon, Noelle Sheldon), who have been less successful at escaping. The ensuing cat-and-mouse game has its terrifying moments but never reaches the peaks of the earlier portion. Reportedly based on a Twilight Zone episode but also suggesting Invasion of the Body Snatchers, the story draws you in but Peele doesn’t know when to Get Out.
HOTEL MUMBAI (R)
1/2 If you feel left out because you’ve never experienced a mass shooting or terrorist attack, Hotel Mumbai will give you an idea of what you’ve been missing. Based on real events of November 2008, it can hardly help being gripping and exciting, which will be enough for some viewers. But the characters – the mostly Indian staff of the Taj Hotel and their mostly Caucasian guests – aren’t very interesting. Oh, they’re sympathetic. Arjun the waiter (Dev Patel) and visitor David (Armie Hammer) have wives and young children, but so do lots of people. Both make mildly heroic gestures, but in David’s case it makes him seem like the “white savior” character people objected to in Green Book. The terrorists, ten young Muslims, arrive in Mumbai in a small boat, phones with ear pods bringing them a steady diet of Kool-Aid from their aptly-named leader, Brother Bull, who’s safely home in Pakistan. He has them carry out raids in a dozen locations within 30 minutes, including a train station, a café and the Taj Hotel. They shoot a number of people in each place, leading to a virtual siege of the hotel. Local police aren’t equipped to deal with such situations so special forces have to be brought from Dehli, which takes hours. It also takes hours for Bull to mention to his followers that he wants them to take hostages, after they’ve killed so many potential ones. Don’t get too attached to anyone, because this movie has more deaths than a grand opera based on a slasher film. It’s well made but I wish the script had been equal to the direction.
THE HUMMINGBIRD PROJECT (R)
1/2 There are moments when those of us who don’t know the difference between neutrino messaging and optical regenerators, let alone high-frequency trading, wish The
DUMBO Hummingbird Project had been dumbed down a little more; but once we get into the plot we find elements that have been dumbed down too much, or maybe are just dumb. Our heroes, cousins Vincent (Jesse Eisenberg) and Anton (Alexander Skarsgård), are too nice for the dirty business they’re involved in. Because a tiny fraction of a second’s advantage can be worth millions in the stock market, the guys have a plan to send data from Kansas to Wall Street in 16 milliseconds via an underground fiber optic cable. First they have to bury 1000 miles of cable in a straight line, which requires permission from countless property owners and presumably the government – a process that could take decades IRL, even without bitter opposition from their former employer, Eva Torres (Salma Hayek). Dates are established in the opening scenes but left to the imagination later. Eisenberg is his usual self as the salesman of the team, while Skarsgård is almost unrecognizable, both visually and personality-wise, as the brainy techie. We can root for their nefarious game because Hayek’s is even worse, although the outcome shouldn’t be surprising. With writer-director Kim Nguyen, they give us an enjoyable ride, but it doesn’t hold up well in retrospect.
LITTLE WOODS (R)
People who can afford to go to the movies should appreciate this one about people who can’t. You don’t find out until near the end that the opening shot is of a remote part of the U.S.-Canada border. Sisters-by-adoption Ollie (Tessa Thompson) and Deb (Lily James) live in a nearby North Dakota town. Deb works as a waitress. She has a sick young son she’s raising with a little – begrudging - help from his father (James Badge Dale) and a lot from Ollie. She lives in an illegally parked trailer and is pregnant again. Ollie lives in their late mother’s house, which is in foreclosure. Her backstory’s not entirely clear but she’s on parole and nearing the end of her probationary period. Locals look to her for drugs, mostly pain pills smuggled in from Canada; but she wants to go straight and has applied for a job in Spokane. It will cost Deb $8000 to have her baby without insurance and Ollie needs several thousand more to keep from losing the house she wants to pass on to Deb; so Ollie starts back down the old slippery slope. Written by debuting director Nia DaCosta, the story has its soapy moments but far fewer than you might expect. Thompson, in the performance to beat so far this year, makes you feel for a good person trapped in bad circumstances.
THE PUBLIC (PG-13)
US PG 8 • April 2019 • insiteatlanta.com
Whatever happened to Emilio Estevez? We haven’t seen him in anything in over six years; but if he spent all that time writing, directing and producing The Public, it was worth it! It made me feel all my years of social activism were not in vain. It’s a question of how to help the homeless wrapped in a love letter to the public
library. Stuart Goodson (Estevez) works there, having recovered from addiction and turned his life around with the help of books. Many of the people he sees every day and knows by name have not been so successful, or haven’t been struck with the same ambition. Some have addictions, some are mentally ill, some are just lazy and some choose to live off the grid. They come to the library during the day for shelter, to read or use computers, and it’s like a social club for many of them. But at night... It’s a very cold winter in Cincinnati and the shelters are full. Someone gets the idea to “occupy” the library, turning it into an emergency homeless shelter for the night. Sure enough, about a hundred of them barricade themselves in a reading room. Stuart joins them, knowing “there but for God...” Police crisis negotiator Alec Baldwin has another problem because his son, a drug addict, has been missing for days. Stuart has romantic potential with fellow librarian Jena Malone and his apartment manager Taylor Schilling. Some people want to help, some just want the trespassers to leave, and some know the situation could get ugly. Of course there are those who turn things to their own advantage. Mayoral candidate Christian Slater paints the sit-in as a “hostage situation” and TV reporter Gabrielle Union runs with it for national exposure. Despite the seriousness of the story, Estevez’ script contains plenty of humor and never gets bogged down. Why hasn’t he been doing this for years?
STORM BOY STORM BOY (PG)
Will pelicans be the new penguins? They will if enough people see this Australian family drama with elements of a wildlife documentary. It has nice (and not-so-nice) human characters too, but the one you’ll talk about on the way home is Mr. Percival, a bird named for a character in Lord of the Flies. The story, from a classic novel, begins in the present as Michael (Geoffrey Rush), a retired businessman, returns to the company he’s left to his son, for an important board meeting to decide if they will take an action with serious consequences
for the environment and local wildlife. When Michael’s teen activist granddaughter Maddie (Morgana Davies) enlists his aid, it reminds him of his childhood and triggers flashbacks which occupy most of the rest of the film. Young Michael (Finn Little) lived with his father (Jai Courtney), a fisherman who homeschooled him, in an isolated setting. The boy was befriended by an indigenous black man, Fingerbone Bill (Trevor Jamieson), around the same time he rescued three baby pelicans whose mother had been shot by hunters. Two grew up and flew away but Mr. Percival, the runt of the litter, remained with Michael until his father was ready to send him away to school. There was a local fight at the time over establishing a bird sanctuary. The hunters, then and now, are one-dimensional bullies, and why they shoot pelicans is never explained; but if you’re not an NRA supporter this movie will win your heart...and possibly send you shopping for a pet pelican.
SUNSET (R)
1/2 Fans of the musical She Loves Me or its ancestor The Shop Around the Corner will be disappointed that this tale of another shop in old Budapest features neither songs nor romance. Fans of Son of Saul will be disappointed with Hungarian director and co-writer László Nemes’ follow-up to that Oscar-winner. Again he keeps his protagonist in closeup most of the time so we see the world over her shoulders. Irisz Leiter (Juli Jakab) comes to Budapest from Trieste in 1913 and applies for work as a milliner in Leiter’s, the hat shop her late parents founded 30 years ago this week. The owner, Oszkár Brill (Vlad Ivanov), is rude to her – as is almost everyone – but eventually hires her. Having been orphaned at two, Irisz has a rather selective memory. She takes a room in the house she was born in, which is now a hotel, but is surprised to learn she has a brother and that he committed a grisly murder five years ago. It’s not clear whether her arrival in town is coincidental, because she begins playing detective as she stumbles on information about Leiter’s and the Leiters. We see a lot of Jakab’s face and while her sad, determined expression is appropriate, it gets old after more than two hours without changing. Nemes is painting a portrait of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on the eve of World War I, but unless you already know a lot of the history you’ll be more confused than enlightened. I saw more about the mistreatment of women than political factors leading to global conflict, and too many plot points are left unexplained.
WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY (R)
play) and directed by Madeleine Olnek, who made the refreshingly original Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same in 2011. Our narrator, Mabel (Amy Seimetz) dives into Emily’s story without introducing herself, and only part of her own story emerges before the end. Though she never met Dickinson, her Massachusetts neighbor, Mabel edited and published volumes of her work after her death. (Only 11 poems were published during Emily’s lifetime.) Mabel also had a torrid affair with Emily’s brother, Austin (Kevin Seal), while Emily had a long affair with Austin’s wife, Susan (Susan Ziegler). Their younger selves are represented, but most of the film takes place in 1880, six years before the death of “the spinster recluse (who) never left her bedroom.” Shannon plays Emily, perhaps accurately but not engagingly, in somber fashion, moving through her own life like a ghost. Olnek works in some of the wonderfully bizarre bits I was hoping for, but there’s not enough of her subtle humor to justify calling the film a comedy. Some of Dickinson’s fans may love it, while others may be horrified to learn she was put into the closet and the coffin at the same time.
THE BRINK (NR)
1/2 A political documentary that doesn’t tell you what to think? That’s so 20th century! Considering their own views are antithetical to those of their subject, Steve Bannon, director Alison Klayman and producer Marie Therese Guirgis present an amazingly balanced portrait that lets supporters cheer him on and opposers disagree as enthusiastically. Bannon had worked with Guirgis before he got involved in politics and she let him know where she stood afterward; so either he’ll do anything for any kind of publicity, he correctly trusted her to be fair, or he’s an idiot – or any combination of those elements. Klayman began her year of following Bannon with a camera in the fall of 2017, after he had left his position as White House chief strategist. He modestly claims Trump wouldn’t have been elected without him, and says he “hated every second” he worked in the White House and felt “bad karma” there. Bannon unsuccessfully tries to get Alabama’s Roy Moore elected to the Senate and interviews politicians – conservative Republicans all - who want his support in the 2018 midterm election. How or if he mends fences with Trump is never mentioned, but they’re obviously still on the same side. Bannon starts working with far-right European politicians to get them to unite in advance of next month’s European Parliament elections. He pushes populism and “economic nationalism” and believes in using hate and anger to motivate voters. Only hardcore political junkies will be able to keep track of all the people seen, and the film frequently detours from its basic timeline, which can be confusing. Bannon’s sense of humor, often selfdeprecating, softens his media image; he can be funnier than Bill Murray’s portrayal of him on SNL. In moments of triumph, failure and mild embarrassment, this is Steve Bannon – like him or not.
1/2 You should consider my indifference toward Emily Dickinson in weighing my lack of enthusiasm for the latest film about the 19thcentury American poet. Her poetry bores me, as did Terence Davies’ 2016 film about her, A Quiet Passion. The only time she held the slightest interest for me was when I saw a stage production of Belle of Amherst. I had some hope for this revisionist biopic because it stars Molly Shannon and was written (based on her See the rest of our movie reviews at insiteatlanta.com/movies.asp
WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY
MUSIC
BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH
N
OW IN ITS 12TH YEAR OF Record Store Day, for the 2019 celebration indie and major labels and participating record stores are going all out to mark the occasion. Locally, a number of the city’s best indie retailers are joining in the festivities with live music, prizes and social bonding galore. The three locations of the Atlanta branch of CD Warehouse are readying their stores for the annual pilgrimage of music lovers. Overnight before the fun begins at 10 a.m. on the 13th, they’ll beef up their shelves with a healthy selection from the over 500 available new releases. Previews of the diverse slate of offerings is available at www.recordstoreday.com. INsite spoke with owner David Kirk at the Duluth CD Warehouse as he finalized his orders for the event. Tell us a little about CD Warehouse? CD Warehouse started out of Oklahoma and back in the ‘90s, and has grown to over 300 stores worldwide. We opened our first store in Atlanta in ’94 and now operate three metro area locations: Duluth and Roswell and Kennesaw. Initially it was a dedicated CD store. Yeah, back in the day it was all CDs. Used CDs were flying out of here. Everybody wanted to convert their collections over to disc. Then we got into DVDs and that morphed into Blu-Ray and then vinyl. Whatever format is out there selling, we’re here chasing.
example, will stopped selling CDs last year but they still sell vinyl. There’s a definite market for vinyl - obviously for hardcore collectors but now even pedestrian listeners are picking up on the trend. All these deluxe packages are great for collectors and there’s also a trend for people to get in line and buy some of the limited-edition stuff. How do you discourage reselling online? We only sell one copy of any particular title to each customer. So they can’t come in and grab all the David Bowies, for example, and take them home to resell. Good idea because reselling the product is the direct opposite of what Record Store Day is all about. It’s an in-the-moment event - part impulse buy and part communal experience. It’s cool because you can look at the titles online, see pictures of the covers and the track listings and there’s often some special colored vinyl or inserts with each one. Glow-in-the-dark vinyl or multi-colored pressings to make each one unique. It’s turned into a competition of labels of who can make the most unique package. Yeah, Jack White got into that where he had a hologram, a hidden track under the label, all kinds of special features. There’s about 500 releases for Record Store Day and they are all competing for everyone’s interest and that’s good for everyone.
How do you select which titles you will have available in the store? The vinyl inclusion was a gradual process, right? You can order as much as you want, but Yeah it began when vinyl started coming sometimes you might not get back. Well it never really certain titles because some are went away but artists so limited. A few of them are weren’t all doing vinyl around 400 copies worldwide, so releases. Some did, though. it just depends on what you get. I think Pearl Jam kept going We have a list and we’ll let the SATURDAY, APRIL 13 with vinyl. Then we started employees check off what seems CD Warehouse buying and selling it. interesting to them, then we have Recordstoreday.com Around 12 years ago, vinyl to estimate how many copies we really started coming back need to order. We have fourteen and that is when Record days to order and we also go by what customers Store Day began. are already asking for. That’s the great thing about having all the info online is that people start to get The Record Store Day movement really excited about some of them. revived interest in collectible records and promotional goodies. With the limited amount of product available, It really did. It got people interested in all these it creates a definite social atmosphere on the new releases, many specifically tied to the Record morning of the event. Store Day promotion. It really does. We’ll have a waiting line. Last year the first person in line got here at 3:30 in the The Day has definite ties to the Atlanta morning and we don’t open until 10. I’ll usually music scene. come in by 8. We had a radio station here last year Yeah, Eric Levin down at Criminal Records in and they dropped off donuts and coffee for the Little Five Points was one of the main guys in the people in line. formation of the event. It’s grown every year and the releases are just getting better and better. It It’s like the old days of camping out in front has really brought a lot of attention to the small of a record store to buy concert tickets. It was business who specialize in recorded music and a ritual. entertainment. And they do stuff all year round, Yeah, I used to get in line for Springsteen tickets. not just the one day. You’d bring something to sit on, some snacks or whatever. You’d freeze to death, but you’d finally That’s good because the market is changing get your tickets. For Record Store Day, people in even as we speak. Stores are rethinking line start talking about music and which releases their inventory. they want to get. People can make friends based Right, Best Buy and Target are getting rid of on the music they like. It’s just a lot of fun for all of their CDs. I think that actually helps people us. Lately, pretty much every other customer that find us. It’s really changing. Best Buy, for comes in are talking about Record Store Day.
RECORD STORE DAY
insiteatlanta.com • April 2019 • PG 9
Spring Patio Guide
Cuisine. So don’t let the name fool you, there is much more here than great pizza. Some of the favorite recipes on their Greek dishes go back over 50 years! Athens Pizza offers daily specials for lunch and dinner. As the weather accommodates in spring, diners head out to their patio which can also be booked for private parties. Athens Pizza offers an extensive catering menu for events.
Places to Go when Dining Outdoors! Park Tavern
500 10th Street NE 404.249.0001 ParkTavern.com
Agave
242 Boulevard SE 404.588.0006 AgaveRestaurant.com
The Patio at Park Tavern is conveniently located on the Atlanta Beltline on the corner of 10th and Monroe. The Park Tavern has one of the best views in the city overlooking Piedmont Park and the Midtown Skyline. This amazing backdrop provides for a great atmosphere and is dog-friendly. The large climate controlled patio includes table seating, private cabanas, an oyster bar, fire pits, and TV's to catch your favorite teams in action. The patio can be transformed for weddings, private events, and concerts. April means concert season is back at Park Tavern with the Sunset Sessions weekly free Concert Series and monthly concert series with Yacht Rock Schooner and Electric Avenue.
their deck which is perched right above the runways. Choose from their award winning burgers, great sandwiches and some of the best seafood in Atlanta. They offer something for everyone: Trivia on Wednesday nights 7-9, "Date Night" Friday nights where it's Adults only after 6:30pm with Live music, aviation-themed playground right next to the restaurant where the kids can play before or after your meal. Full bar available too.
Athens Pizza House
1341 Clairmont Rd. Decatur 404.636.1100 AthensPizzaAtlanta.com
The Downwind Restaurant
Dekalb Peachtree Airport 2000 Airport Rd. #201 770.452.0973 DownwindRestaurant.com
Located inside the Dekalb Peachtree Airport off of Clairmont Road in Chamblee, this family owned restaurant is celebrating its 30th year! Come dine on
Since 1966, the Papadopoulos family has been serving up great Greek and Italian cuisine to the Emory / Decatur area. Athens Pizza is Zagat rated and winner of several awards including Best Greek
wings, nachos and salads ensure that anyone who comes here can find something they like. Check for daily lunch and dinner specials. Everything is made using the freshest ingredients including the dough built from scratch every day. In springtime, their front deck is the place to be. It’s dog friendly and the perfect spot to catch some rays, enjoy the food and watch the Braves on one of their screens.
Henry's Midtown Tavern 132 10th Street NE 404.537.4477 HenrysATL.com
Consistently voted the Best Southwestern restaurant in Atlanta, Agave’s menu is a unique blend of eclectic southwestern cuisine and chef inspired dishes with an authentic southwestern flare. Before being seated, head to their expansive tequila bar where one can get two for one appetizers 5pm - 7pm seven days a week. Then head to your table on their heated southwestern designed patio. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Agave over three days Friday thru Sunday May 3-5. With creative daily specials, award winning margaritas and great ambiance one can see why this is a Cabbagetown favorite.
Mo’s Pizza
3109 Briarcliff Rd. 404.320.1258 MosPizza.com
Mo’s has been serving up great pizza in Atlanta for over 30 years! But the menu isn’t limited to pizza: sandwiches, subs,
Henry’s is located on bustling 10th Street in the heart of Midtown. Henry’s welcomes people who crave a good atmosphere as much as great food. Named for owner Maureen Kalmanson’s dog, Henry’s offers an ideal mix of high-end and casual. The spacious interior is home to two bars and seating for 160, but the patios are most popular by their patrons, especially in spring. Their casual, chef-driven menu was created by award-winning Atlanta Chef Daniel Chance. Visit them for lunch and dinner plus brunch on the weekends.
Soak up the sun! PATIO SEATING Great Subs, Sandwiches, Salads & Wings Since 1980
(Mondays Only)
$8.50 Large Cheese Pizza!
Just off I-85 @ Clairmont (Corner of Briarcliff & Clairmont)
3109 Briarcliff Rd. • (404) 320-1258 • MosPizza.com Live Music & Entertainment • Full Bar • Daily Specials • Takeout Available
Downwind Restaurant at the Dekalb Peachtree Airport
Mon-Fri 11am-9pm Saturday Noon-9pm Sunday Closed
2000 Airport Rd. (Off Clairmont Rd.) (770) 452-0973
PG 10 • April 2019 • insiteatlanta.com
Cinco de Mayo
All Weekend Long! Friday May 3rd, Saturday May 4th & Sunday, May 5th Celebrate with Authentic Mexican Specials + Atlanta’s #1 Rated Margaritas & Tequila Bar
The Fiesta begins nightly at 5pm! Make reservations now!
$5. OFF
00 Purchase of $25 or more (Dine in only; not to be combined with other offers; Expires 5/31/19)
DownwindRestaurant.com
Celebrate
Visit us on
Savage Pizza
484 Moreland Ave. 404.523.0500 115 Laredo Dr. 404.299.5799 SavagePizza.com
allows for dining inside and out. Their corner patio which is surrounded by windows that come off when the weather cools, offering great views of the bustling Midtown scene. The Midtown and Candler Park locations are offering a new beer & wine menu this spring in addition to nightly dinner specials.
Johnny’s NY Style Pizza Multiple Metro Area Locations JohnnysPizza.com
This eclectic neighborhood restaurant is a favorite hangout among residents of Little 5 and Avondale Estates. They offer a wide variety of salads, subs, calzones and of course pizzas to choose from at affordable prices. Savage Pizza uses only the freshest vegetables, top quality meats, cheeses, breads and pastas. On their menu you'll find innovative homemade sauces and thoughtfully prepared dishes made from scratch every day. Savage offers lunch and dinner with delivery to the area. Both locations offer patio seating.
The Flying Biscuit Cafe’
1655 McLendon Ave. 404.687.8888 1001 Piedmont Ave. 404.874.8887 Catering 404.849.2283 FlyingBiscuit.com
Johnny’s Pizza is synonymous with great pizza and subs in Atlanta. They specialize in NY Style pizza, which is thin in the middle and thick around the edges. Johnny’s is also known for their delicious calzones, subs, sandwiches and salads. All Johnny’s locations offer patio seating including dine-in, take-out and delivery as well as online ordering. Visit JohnnysPizza.com for a location near you.
Raging Burrito & Taco
141 Sycamore St. Decatur 404.377.3311 RagingBurrito.com
tasty tacos, large salads, quesadillas and more. On weekdays Raging Burrito provides free chips & dip from 11am to 3pm. While relaxing on their patio, enjoy one of the 16 Craft Beers available on tap or try one of their 15 Tasty Margaritas. Try Raging’s Famous Guacamole, Pineapple Salsa or Fire Roasted Salsa and chips to start your dining experience!
Twin Peaks Restaurant 3365 Piedmont Rd. 404.961.8946 TwinPeaksRestaurant.com
Twin Peaks, the mountain lodge-style sports restaurant in Buckhead and its beautiful Twin Peaks girls offer great views! All three patios: street level, second floor open air and lively rooftop are serviced by the outgoing Twin Peaks wait staff. Twin Peaks Restaurant offers highquality comfort food with a wide array of sandwiches and salads to choose from. Choose from an extensive selection of 29degree draft beers on 32 taps while the girls pour and serve into huge ice-cold, frosted mugs. Several rooms are available for private parties and functions.
Escorpion
The Flying Biscuit serves great breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Their Candler Park location (shown) is the original Flying Biscuit cafe and boasts a large renovated patio. The Midtown location off Piedmont Park
800 Peachtree St. Midtown 678.666.5198 Escorpionatl.com
Raging Burrito & Taco on Decatur Square offers one of the best patio scenes in the city. Their patio comes alive in spring as people in Decatur look for places to dine al fresco. The menu features hearty burritos,
This delightful Mexican restaurant from Restaurateur Riccardo Ullio offers the same philosophy behind his successful Italian concepts – to offer guests authentic, indigenous flavors while incorporating the eclectic, modern vibe of Atlanta’s
Midtown area. Step into this rustic Mexican cantina and take a seat at the 360-degree bar area. Escorpion features a taco menu with classics of al pastor, and Baja Tacos, as well as the tinga – a menu favorite – and tasty antojitos (small street-inspired bites) and regionally inspired dishes such as chile relleno. Escorpion is a short stroll from The Fox Theater and when there’s no show, Escorpion creates its own with salsa dancing and live music on select nights.
Fritti
309 N. Highland Ave. 404.880.9559 Frittiatl.com
Fritti is situated in a re-fashioned garage in historic Inman Park just walking distance from the Atlanta Beltline. The atmosphere like its menu is versatile with a spacious, openair patio that allows guests the chance to enjoy al fresco dining. Fritti is nationally recognized for its authentic Neapolitan pizza prepared according to traditional artisan methods in a state of the art wood-burning oven. This world class oven can maintain a temperature of 1,000 degrees and cooks pizza unlike anything you have ever experienced. Their patio is among the hottest places to be in Inman Park as the entire dining room opens up to the lively street scene.
raging
Voted #1 since 1996
Burrito Voted #1 Since 1996!
& taco
ON DECATUR FREE ValidatEdSQUARE! PaRking! Enjoy onE of our 16 craft BEErs on tap or Margaritas on our HugE gardEn patio Decatur, GA •
ragingburrito.com • 404-377-3311
ATLANTA’S BEST PATIO SCENE
132 10th Street NE • Midtown (404) 537-4477• HenrysATL.com insiteatlanta.com • April 2019 • PG 11
SpringFESTIVALS APRIL Atlanta Film Festival Multiple Locations
APRIL 4 - 14
The 43rd Annual Atlanta Film Festival welcomes both seasoned and first-time filmmakers. This Academy Award-qualifying festival is one of the region’s largest and longest-running preeminent celebrations of cinema in the Southeast. For a full lineup of films or to purchase a festival badge or individual screening ticket, visit AtlantaFilmFestival.com.
Spring Festival On Ponce Historic Olmsted Park
APRIL 6 & 7
The two-day fine arts event features over 150 displays of local and regional fine art and crafts, utilizing the gorgeous landscape designed by one of America's most celebrated landscape architects, Fredrick Olmsted, Sr. Visit the children's area and enjoy gourmet food trucks, beverages and acoustic musical performances. Go to FestivalOnPonce.com for more info.
Acworth Art Fest Downtown Acworth
APRIL 6 & 7
The popular Acworth Art Fest is a true
PG 12 • April 2019 • insiteatlanta.com
celebration of whimsical and vibrant art in the springtime. Artisans from across the country display their creative booths on the charming street with paintings, pottery, metalwork, folk art, glass, jewelry, yard art and much more. For more information visit SplashFestivals.com
Atlanta Dogwood Festival Piedmont Park
APRIL 12 - 14
The dogwoods are in full bloom, and that means it is time for the Dogwood Festival! The festival takes place over the three-day weekend with live music, international performances, gourmet and festival fare, the popular disc dog competition and more under blooming dogwood trees. There is a Kids Village featuring huge inflatables, arts & crafts and face painting for all ages. Festival attendees will also have a chance to run in their 5K. For more information visit Dogwood.org.
Georgia Renaissance Festival
I-85; Exit 61 - Fairburn / Peachtree City APRIL 13 - JUNE 2
The 2019 Georgia Renaissance Festival opens for its 33rd Season on the weekend of April 13 & 14, and runs for 8 consecu-
tive weekends through June 2nd, including Memorial Day. Festival guests will be greeted by Queen Anne Boleyn and her Court, merry minstrels, fair maidens, gallant Knights and a full-day of entertainment on 10 stages, food fit for kings, and a marketplace of over 150 master artisans. This year features a new Renaissance adventure or special promotion each weekend. Visit GArenfest.com.
Atlanta Spring Wine Festival Historic 4th Ward Park
APRIL 13
The 3rd Annual Atlanta Spring Wine Fest will be held on Saturday, April 13th from 1-5pm at Historic 4th Ward Park. There will be over 50 wines on hand as well as a selection of beer to choose from. Enjoy with live music and DJ in air conditioned tent plus plenty of fun and games and food available for purchase. For more information visit AtlantaWineFestivals.com.
Kennesaw Big Shanty Festival Downtown Kennesaw
APRIL 13 & 14
The Kennesaw Big Shanty Festival has activities for all ages. Take time to wander through more than 250 booths featuring a vast array of one-of-akind and homemade crafts. The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History sits at the center of the festival reminding visitors of Kennesaw’s important role in the Civil War. There will be two entertainment stages, festival foods, Kids Zone and more. A parade kicks off the weekend on Saturday at 9:30am. For more info visit KennesawBusiness.org.
Sweetwater 420 Fest
Centennial Olympic Park APRIL 19 - 21 The 15th anniversary of the annual music and arts festival celebrating Earth Day offers be plenty of live music, food, and SweetWater beer. Over the three day event more than 50 bands will perform on 5 stages including Widespread Panic, The Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Joe Russo’s Almond Dead and more. Visit sweetwater420fest.com for ticket information and band listings.
Artsapalooza
Lake Forrest Drive, Sandy Springs APRIL 20 & 21
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza is a two-day outdoor event with an emphasis on visual arts and handcraft. This festival will feature up to 150 local and regional artists representing disciplines in painting, ceramics, glass, woodwork, handcraft, mixed media and more. In addition to the beautiful selection of artwork, the festival will also include an amazing lineup of gourmet food trucks, live acoustic music, children’s activities, as well as free parking and free admission. In all, this festival is the perfect spring destination with activities for the entire family. Visit SandyspringsArtsapalooza.com
Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes
APRIL 27 - 28
The Inman Park Festival is a neighborhood event featuring food, music, fun, the city's largest street market and it's most outrageous parade. The parade takes place on Saturday, April 27 and will be led by the Inman Park Butterfly and followed by floats, clowns, jugglers, and the legendary Kelly's Seed and Feed Marching Abominables. The parade begins at Edgewood and Euclid at 2:00 p.m. and runs to Austin Ave. at the foot of Little Five Points. Children's activities include a giant slide, obstacle course, relay races and more. Admission to all festival events is free, except for the Tour of Homes, which requires a paid ticket. For more information visit inmanparkfestival.org.
Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival
The Village Green - Smyrna APRIL 27 & 28
The Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival features over 175 Arts & Crafts booths, 20 food booths, an entertainment stage and a variety of children's activities. Artisans are from all over the southeast feature their own hand-made crafts, paintings, furniture, jewelry and much more. The huge interactive children's area includes big and small inflatable activities, sand art, and more. New this year is Jurassic Kingdom which will have audiences roaring with excitement. Not only do patrons get to experience life like dinosaurs in action, they also have the opportunity to touch and interact with them throughout the show. Meet fantastic characters such as Terry the talking, comical pterodactyl, Jack a 2 month old Brontosaurus & many more! Admission is free. For more info visit smyrnacity.com.
Duluth Arts Festival Duluth Town Green
APRIL 27 & 28
With an emphasis on the visual arts and family fun, this two day event is presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces. One of the most vibrant and fastest growing communities , Duluth is home to one of the largest and most enthusiastic art buying communities in metro Atlanta. The Duluth Spring Arts and craft festival is excited to bringing back the tradition to the arts community. The festival will feature up
to 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalwork, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters. Also on hand will be artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, a children's play area, plus festival foods and beverages. Visit DuluthArtsFestival.com
85 RESTAURANTS • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • KIDS ALLEY
Taste of Marietta
Historic Marietta Square APRIL 28
Taste of Marietta is celebrating its 26th anniversary showcasing Cobb County restaurants and caterers. It is the largest and longest running food festival in Cobb County and has become a favorite annual tradition among local residents. Over 85 of Marietta’s favorite restaurants will be offering samples. Tastings range from $1 - $5. There will be musical entertainment all day on stages throughout the festival, fun and games in the Kids Alley, and a food judging competition. In addition to the event festivities, enjoy live cooking demonstrations, unique shops and museums present on the Marietta Square. Visit TasteofMarietta.com.
FREE Admission • NEW! Live Cooking Demonstrations
tasteofmarietta.com
MAY Shaky Knees Music Festival Central Park
MAY 3 - 5
Shaky Knees Music Festival returns May 35 featuring bands across five outdoor stages as well as local food trucks, artisans and vendors. The music lineup includes Beck, Incubus, Cage the Elephant, Tame Impala and many more. Full lineup and ticket info at ShakyKneesFestival.com.
Spring Bierfest Helen, GA Festhalle
MAY 11
Head to the mountains of Helen, GA for the 4th annual Craft Beer Tasting and Spring Bierfest. This year offers over 100 beers to sample. The event takes place on Saturday, May 11. Beer tastings from noon - 5pm with Bierfest after party 6pm 11pm. Free admission to After Party with arm band from Tasting. Tickets available at HelenChamber.com or (706) 878-1908.
Chastain Arts Festival Chastain Park, Buckhead
MAY 11 & 12
This award-winning, two-day festival is held on Saturday and Sunday May 11 & 12 at Chastain Park. An estimated 40,000 visitors attend each year with over 185 displays of art and crafts, including many local and regional artists and artisans. In addition to the abundance of unique art, there will be a children's area in the adjacent green space, local gourmet food, beverages and a small stage for acoustic musical performances. This free event showcases painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craft persons, glass blowers, jewelers and more. Visit ChastainParkartsFestival.com.
Sweet Auburn Festival
Sweet Auburn District MAY 11 - 12
The original Sweet Auburn Springfest takes place Mother’s Day Weekend May 11 - 12 in the historic Auburn Avenue district of Downtown Atlanta. Enjoy fun, food and entertainment for the whole family. Visit SweetAuburn.com for more information.
SUNDAY, APRIL 28
SATURDAY, APRIL 27 Tour of Homes
Parade
Food Trucks Dance Festival
Live Music Stages Kids Zone Arts & Crafts Show & Market
Sat. April 27 Starts at 2:00pm
Friday-Sunday
FREE ADMISSION TO ALL FESTIVAL EVENTS (except the Tour of Homes)
Tour of Homes Ticketed event ($20 in Advance, $25 starting Friday, April 26) Festival Hours: Sat., April 27 11am–8:30 pm & Sun., April 28 11:00 am–7 pm
InmanPark.org
insiteatlanta.com • April 2019 • PG 13
Kirkwood Spring Fling and Tour of Homes Bessie Branham Park
MAY 18
Don't miss being part of the 17th Annual Kirkwood Spring Fling & Tour of Homes on Saturday, May 18. Celebrating the historic and eclectic in-town neighborhood of Kirkwood, this family-friendly festival offers a fun-filled opportunity to enjoy the warmth of spring with a 5K run, artist market, diverse lineup of live music, creative kids' activities, Blue Ribbon BBQ Cook-off and Tour of Homes. The event will take place at Bessie Branham Park, rain or shine. Festival is free, with ticketing for the 5K and Tour of Homes. Visit KirkwoodFling.com for more information.
Yaarab Shrine Circus & Fair Jim R Miller Park, Marietta
MAY 18 - 27
The largest Shrine Circus and Fair in North America is back for its 77th year! Packed with more excitement than ever, this year’s Tarzan Zerbini Circus features several new acts under the Big Top. New this year is the Johnny Rockett’s Cycle Circus Live. The FMX freestyle entertainment show combines the top action sports athletes in the world and the crazy antics of world famous comedy daredevil Johnny Rockett. Also witness the Human Bullet “Saturn” flying high above the crowds below. The Great Daredevil “Garcia” on the Wheel of Thrill will keep everyone on the edge of their
seats. In addition to the (80-minute) circus under The Big Top, there are 35 exciting carnival rides and attractions, as well as lots of carnival food. The Sneak-a-Peek Ride-A-Thon begins Friday May 17. Midway opens Monday through Friday at 5 p.m.; Saturday at 10 a.m.; Sunday at Noon, and Memorial Day at 10 a.m. Visit 2019ShrineCircus.com for more info.
Decatur Arts Festival Decatur Square
MAY 24 - 26
Decatur's biggest arts event takes place over Memorial Day Weekend. Get started Friday evening, May 24, with the ArtWalk all around Decatur. The fun continues with the new dance festival, literary arts performances, musicians all day long on Decatur's community bandstand, a juried artists market, the fine arts exhibition, a special Kids and Teens Arts Festival and more. For additional info visit DecaturArtsFestival.com.
Atlanta Jazz Festival
Candler Park Music Festival
Celebrating over 40 years of musical mastery, the festival returns to Piedmont Park with three days of music over Memorial Day Weekend. The Atlanta Jazz Festival is the perfect way to spend the holiday with family and friends. Last year, for the first time in the event’s history, AJF featured an all-female lineup on Saturday. Artists scheduled for 2019 include Kandace Springs, Alicia Olatuja and Marcus Strickland. In addition to the Memorial Day Weekend Festival, 31 Days of Jazz events will be put on throughout Metro Atlanta beginning on May 1. The final weekend offers KidZone areas with games and inflatables. National and international musicians will perform on two stages. Admission to the festival is free. Visit atlantafestivals.com.
Candler Park Music & Food Festival returns on Friday, May 31 & Saturday, June 1 at Candler Park in East Atlanta. The two day event features a huge music lineup, local and regional food trucks, an artist market, and a beer selection curated by Terrapin Beer Co. The event draws more than 20,000 attendees and features live music, local food, crafts and interactive experiences. Additional weekend event activities include a food village filled with local restaurant vendors and food trucks, the exclusive Terrapin Brew Lounge where attendees can experience Terrapin craft brews, and adult field games. The 2019 musical line-up includes: Dispatch, Greensky Bluegrass, Dr. Dog, Stephen Marley, Larkin Poe & Trampled by Turtles. For full line-up and ticket information visit candlerparkmusicfestival.com.
Piedmont Park
MAY 25 & 26
Candler Park, Atlanta
MAY 31 & JUNE 1
APRIL 27 & 28
The Best of Every Era
3167 Main Street, Duluth, GA 30096
PG 14 • April 2019 • insiteatlanta.com
Little 5 Points • EST 1991 428 Moreland Ave NE Atlanta (Next to Vortex) 404-523-0100 • Open 10am – 10pm(ish) /PSYCHOSISTERSATLANTA
STAGE
LAUGHING WITH LOVE
The Second City Touring Company Looks at Relationships
BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH
S
INCE 1959, THE SECOND CITY has reigned supreme as a one-stop performance showcase and training ground for all aspects of the art of comedy. Over the years, the multi-purpose venue, theater and school has expanded from its original base in Chicago, adding Toronto and Los Angeles locations. Second City has cultivated an incredible roster of performers including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Joan Rivers and Robert Klein just to name a few of the notable alumni. The touring company began taking the show on the road in the late ‘60s. This month, one of the enterprise’s three traveling ensembles will perform at Byers Theater in City Springs. “It’s Not You, It’s Me” is a comedic look at the various complications of relationships. Cast member Jackie Southee spoke with INsite by phone from the Second City offices in Chicago.
goof around on stage a little and there are enough places in there that you can work around if something crazy happens. And boy howdy, we’ve had plenty of situations to work around - from bats swooping down on us to the power going out to you name it. We work through it because we’ve been trained and we’re always ready to pivot if we have a problem. Today’s audiences aren’t always completely quiet or reverent. How do you deal with incidental crowd noises like cell phones or drunken hecklers? When we’re improvising, if a phone goes off, sometimes we’ll make a joke of it. We do certainly have people shouting back but it’s live theater so things happen. We are known for politely calling it out if we get an offcolor suggestion for the 100th time. It’s like, ‘OK do you kiss your mom with that mouth?’ We’ll go blue on our own, we don’t need any help with that. How blue do you go? I would say it’s pretty much PG-13. We don’t have props or costumes, so contentwise, it’s really just us on stage. Some things can go a little blue, but Second City is known for satire so a lot of what we’re doing kinda has that innocent vail over it. You might have to read into it a little bit. But generally, we’re proud that it’s not a really raunchy show. It’s something that teenagers to people in a retirement home would laugh at.
Tell us about your journey to the Second City. I’m originally from Virginia and I grew up as a big fan of the Second City Television show SCTV. It just left a big mark on me as I was growing up. When I was in college, I started doing improv on a more serious level and taking classes along on the way. Then it kind of dawned on me to maybe go to Chicago and try to audition. So I did, right after college. Worst case scenario, I figured Comedy is a balancing act because people it’d just be something fun I could do after my are so easily triggered these days day job. Then I got hired Very true. For example, and I’ve enjoyed every we do have some political minute of it. THE SECOND CITY stuff in the show or some TOURING COMPANY things that are social that Some people may not might be political. But it’s a “It’s Not Me, It’s You” realize that comedy fair show in that we’ll make involves years of hard Friday, April 19 • 8pm fun of Trump, but we’ll also work and commitment. make fun of Democrats. So City Springs’ Byers Theatre Oh yes. Like right now, we just encourage people citysprings.com I’m sitting here with one of to basically come in with our other cast members, an open mind and be writing material and prepared to laugh, not so memorizing things we’re gonna do later much at other people, but at the humor we on today. So even in our down time we’re can often find in ourselves. working. But it never feels like work to me because it’s so much fun. I’m always coming That’s a very healthy approach. Some up with ideas and putting them down in comics are so frustrated with finding notes. Most of it makes no sense a week the happy medium, they won’t even play later, but I write every idea down because colleges anymore because of the whole you never know what will work later. PC debate. Balance and general fairness has always Just touring is a major time obligation. been something that Second City has It is and we’ve taken it all over the considered when we put together a show country. We’ve been to 13 states this year, like this. We always try to write material including Alaska. with the consideration of who’ll see it. Whether it’s punching up at targets or Let’s talk about the show itself. comedy with universal appeal or just We have around 60 years of archived making fun of yourself, it’s definitely material, bits that were written for and something that we take into consideration. produced on our resident stage. So for this Sometimes when we look through old show, we’ve looked through all those scenes scenes from 50 years ago, we can’t use them to find relationship-based material that because it was just a different time and revolves around the good, the bad and the they just didn’t have the same perspective ugly of it all. that we have now. That isn’t to say we’re perfect, though. But we want to focus on Even though some of the sketches have been situations that create conversations. As a performed by other troupes over the years, general rule, we stop and ask, ‘Who are we is there any room for improvisation? making fun of in the scene? Is it ourselves Some things have to be updated just or are we punching up at something we can because they’ve become dated so we do all relate to?’ We just try to make sure that have some wiggle room to improvise. There we’re not alienating any marginalized group or are plenty of opportunities for us to kind of really anybody at all. But we touch on things
WE THINK REALLY HARD ABOUT THE MATERIAL BEFORE IT EVER GOES INTO THE SHOW BECAUSE AT SECOND CITY, WE MAKE SURE THAT WE’RE LAUGHING WITH YOU NOT AT YOU.
that we hope will make everyone laugh. It’s an equal-opportunity laugh-fest. That’s the goal. We tour so much and of course anywhere you go, everyone in the audience is going to be diverse. It’s hard to think of it in terms of pleasing or speaking to everybody, but certainly what we aim to do is make fun of a lot of people over the
span of the show. We’re kind of casting a wide net. I don’t think there’s anyone in the audience who can come back and say that they didn’t get a little bit of good-natured ribbing at some point. We think really hard about the material before it ever goes into the show because at Second City, we make sure that we’re laughing with you - not at you.
Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!
Atlanta’s Favorite Pizza! Multiple Atlanta Locations: JohnnysPizza.com insiteatlanta.com • April 2019 • PG 15
MUSIC
DON’T CALL IT SOFT ROCK
Australian Hit-Machine Air Supply is a Rock and Roll Band
BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH
WE’RE PLAYING GREAT SONGS AND THE BAND IS ON FIRE. IT’S JUST A ROCK AND ROLL SHOW THAT PEOPLE SHOULD COME SEE.
A
T THIS POINT IN THEIR HISTORY, AIR Supply has nothing to prove. Since forming in Australia in May of 1975, singer Russell Hitchcock and singer-songwriter-guitarist Graham Russell have sold millions of records, including eight top ten singles in the United States. In the ‘80s, they were an inescapable presence on radio and television and their concert tours continue to draw fans of all ages. The duo’s songs (including “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All,” “All Out Of Love,” and “Here I Am”) continue to be included in tv and film, including a clever placement in the recent Deadpool 2. Their latest album, The Lost In Love Experience, is an orchestral treatment of their greatest hits. Calling from his home in Cobb County, Hitchcock spoke with INsite about his four-plus decades of harmonious success, while basking in the afterglow of Air Supply’s surprise cameo on the season finale of The Bachelor. Your home in Georgia is a long way from Melbourne, but I know you’ve had several stops along the way. Yeah when I first got to the United States, the obvious place to go was Los Angeles. I was there for thirty years. Then I lived in Arizona for six and then I came here. orchestral compilation? It is. A while back we had a CD called The Singer and The Song which was an acoustic version of a bunch of our songs, just with Graham and myself and one guitar. When you pair it down to just that, you can really tell how good the songs are. But we’ve recorded a few live performances, two or three with symphonies, so we just had a bug to do it this way. It’s a two-disc set. One was Congratulations on The Bachelor appearance. recorded with the Prague Symphony and that’s the disc Yeah, we filmed it last Tuesday. We were asked to do it, with all the songs and the band and the symphony. The probably about three or four months ago. But we couldn’t other cd is the same arrangements but with tell anybody and we were so excited about it. guest instrumentalists and it sounds amazing It went over well for us and the day after, we to me. I was blown out of the water by it were actually number 83 on iTunes, which when I heard the mixes. I think if you’re an was quite amazing to us. Saturday, April 13 Air Supply fan you’ll love it and if you’re not a fan, you should buy it and give yourself a When I saw Air Supply trending on Twitter Federick Brown, Jr. treat. I thought, ‘Oh no, what happened?’ Amphitheater (Laughs) Right! Like, did somebody die Do you still have your own label? amphitheater.org or something? But we’re all in good health. No, there’s just no point. Radio won’t My father, who was never in show business, play us anymore. They haven’t done so in when I’d read bad reviews he’d say, ‘A s long probably 30 years now. They’ll play the hits - which we’re as they’re talkin’ about you, it doesn’t matter what they grateful for but we cater to our fans now via social media say.’ I don’t agree with that, incidentally. But it was a great and internet outlets. boost for us and a thrill to be on the show. At the hotel we were staying in, my wife and I went down to the bar After being a huge major-label act, it must be artistically after the shoot to have a snack. We stayed later than we freeing to be completely independent. should’ve. Then all of a sudden, some of the girls from the It is. We had a great relationship with Arista and of show came along as well as some of the ex-bachelors and course Clive Davis, who I have the utmost respect for. I they hung out with us for a couple of hours. The whole think he’s still the most influential guy in recorded music thing was just a great experience. in my lifetime. But in the end, we weren’t kids and we didn’t like being told what to do and how to do it. Now On the heels of that appearance, The Lost In it’s great to know that when you go into a studio to do a Love Experience is poised for release. Is that an project, it’s all yours. If it’s a success you can take all the credit, and if it’s not, you can just move on to the next one. What brought you here? My wife is from here. Six or seven years ago, she said, ‘Why don’t you come here and see if you like it.’ I love it. If you need to travel anywhere, this is one of the best places you can be. We’ve got a close circle of friends and it’s most delightful for me, I gotta tell you.
AIR SUPPLY
Is there new music on the horizon? A new full-length or some singles? We’re not sure. We actually discussed this a couple of weeks ago, Graham and I. With the climate being what it is, especially for us, we’re more inclined to do something smaller. We’re working on a few songs for a limited EP or something, but I don’t think there’ll be a new full-length recording. Certainly not this year, that’s for sure. With your back catalog, you have the luxury to do one new song every decade at this point if you want. I think at this point, we have nothing to prove. We’ve sold probably 40 or 50 million recordings and we’ve toured successfully for 44 years plus. We were inducted into the Australian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I think we’ve kind of done what we originally set out to do. The only thing that’s missing from our resume is the fact that Graham PG 16 • April 2019 • insiteatlanta.com
Russell’s never been nominated or won a Grammy for his songwriting. I think that’s a great travesty because he’s a brilliant songwriter. He writes every day. A lot of people don’t know that we’ve released, I think, 25 albums of original material. That goes by-the-by for exposure except the hits. I don’t use the word genius too many times, but as far as pop music is concerned, I don’t think there’s too many people better than him at what he does. He certainly has a knack for incredible pop melodies. He’s just great. To give you an example of how good he is, years ago we were recording and the actress Cheryl Ladd came to the studio to say hello and have a listen. She was doing a movie called Now and Forever. She said to Graham, ‘How would you feel about writing a song for the movie?’ He said, ‘Well, we’re doing this project right now, but I’ll certainly think about it.’ The next day, he got to the studio before me. He was at the piano and I said, ‘What’s that?’ He said, ‘I wrote a song called Now and Forever last night. Do you think it’s any good?’ Since I can’t write songs, I wanted to slap him! It’s surprising that you say you’ve never really had an argument with him. It’s the truth. We came into the music world and we weren’t kids. We’ve never wanted to step on each other’s toes. I can’t write songs and he doesn’t want to be the lead singer. He’s tall and blond and I’m 5 foot seven and not! I’ve said from day one that Air Supply was his band and I’m the singer. I don’t think anybody else could do it, don’t get me wrong. But as far as the musical vision, he’s the guy who writes ‘em, so I have no problem with going along with that. I don’t do it blindly, but life’s too short. You’re on the road so much together, you’d better get along or you won’t last. It definitely shows onstage. We have a lot of fun and we have a great band. Every day, every guy comes to work with a solid, positive attitude. We do joke around a lot with each other and nobody gets offended. But playing in front of audiences who enjoy to the music to the extent they do is a definite plus for us. So why not accept that energy and use it? The show is a rock and roll performance of so-called Adult Contemporary hits, but there’s nothing ‘soft rock’ about it. No! We’re playing great songs and the band is on fire. It’s just a rock and roll show that people should come see. It’s not a string quartet. It’s loud, it’s aggressive and it’s definitely an experience for us as well as the audience. People are bringing their children and grandchildren to the shows now and we love it.
MUSIC
AN AUDIENCE WITH THE CHAIRMAN Influential Singer-Songwriter Graham Parker on His Past and Present
BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH
S
QUEEZING OUT SPARKS FIRMLY established Graham Parker as one of most insightful and accomplished singer-songwriters of the kinetic late ‘70s. As the outspoken Englishman celebrates forty years since the album’s original release, he’s preparing an extensive US tour to honor it. He’s also supporting Cloud Symbols, an excellent new addition to a stellar catalog of literate, multiinfluenced pop. INsite spoke with the endearingly irascible “Chairman” Parker by Skype from the UK as the Brexit debate loomed across the continent.
there’s anything happening to me forty years after my fourth studio album. So for there to be any interest in it at this point is unexpected.
How did you hook up with Jack Nitzsche to produce the album? It seems that you two come from distinctly different worlds. At the time I wasn’t fully aware of his history. Only bits and pieces of it. It’s a funny thing, because I never liked anything else by Mink Deville, but they had that song called “Spanish Stroll” that he produced. It was regarded as an early “new wave” record in some ways, much like Jonathan Richman’s “Roadrunner.”
Does Brexit and general international You were right there at the birth of New unrest ever seep into your songwriting Wave, but you weren’t really a part of the process? movement even though you were lumped Well, I’m primarily an album artist. into it by default. The time arc for releasing a record is so All these bands were doing these sharp long that if I did include commentary little clean singles that about current events, were quite simple and they wouldn’t be current harkened back to the anymore. On Cloud ‘60s. But yeah, my band Symbols, there’s only one were nothing like new mention of Brexit and it’s wave, we were very dense Thursday, April 25 not overt. There are so many musically. New wave was people writing about what’s City Winery four instruments; we had happening now that I don’t citywinery.com/atlanta two keyboards on every want to be just another shrill track, three guitars and voice screaming away. backing vocals. Stick To Me even had strings on it, right there in You have a new US tour coming up this 1977. I always went against the grain. It month. Are you planning the set yet? was shocking at first to have a jazzy horn I am. I know people get upset if I don’t section, but soon I was seeming to be out always include their favorite song. But the of fashion. People were like, ’Is this R&B fact is, I’ve never really had a hit single, or what?’ except for minor ones on the UK charts. So I’m not a guy who has a big hit that I Were you looking to strip down your have to play. Even then, I wouldn’t actually sound at that point? have to play it anyway. That would be my Well I thought it would be nice to clarify method. So I have the luxury of being able things a bit. The songs I was writing at to pick an oddball track that the hardcore the time seemed to suggest that might fans will absolutely love. work. So I thought of Jack because of the Mink Deville record. But what I got You certainly have two great records to was the guy who’d arranged Phil Spector, pick from. Cloud Symbols is as good as played the tambourine on “Satisfaction” Squeezing Out Sparks. and was on Neil Young’s Harvest album! I’ll be doing a few Cloud Symbols I’m not a great historian but I knew he’d numbers but you don’t want to bash been there on some of my favorite things. people over the head with new songs. I thought it would be a great way to really I’ve also recorded the entire Squeezing tie it all together. I wanted to make a little Out Sparks in solo acoustic form. Martin different record than some of my earlier Belmont, the guitarist of my band The ones with horns and swing and all that. Rumour, reminded me about the 40th Then he heard us and thought, ‘What anniversary. He has written an excellent a racket, what a noise. Why are they all book with all the chords and charts and overplaying?’ He finally got a very linear every guitar note of that album. sound from us, as opposed to our usual habit of flopping around all over the place. Will it be available in time for the US tour? That record arrived in 1979 during an It will be out in the UK for Record Store incredible upheaval of music and culture. Day on blue vinyl. I’m sure it’ll soon be Punk changed so many mindsets. followed by items you can buy in the US. Well you had to have it, really. It was Regardless, I’ll be playing a lot of songs needed. People were locked into the whole from that album. Some tours I’ll do three prog thing. They thought music couldn’t or four songs from it anyway because a lot get any further away. The audience had of people liked it. become complacent and so had the musicians. You felt compelled to do these It doesn’t seem it’s four decades old plodding old blues-based, prog-rock because I remember buying it when things. That’s what music was for a while. it was new. But my first copy was on By 1972, my career was long away from 8-track tape. starting but I’d started to write songs Astonishing. I didn’t even know that based on much more of a ‘60s sensibility existed! I know there were a lot of people that combined a variety of artists from the who heard it in college dorms who tell past - including soul and rockabilly. I was me it saved their life or something along doing anything I could to get away from those lines. It’s just amazing to me that what I was into the year before, which was
GRAHAM PARKER
I’M STILL THE SAME PERSON. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS I’M 68 NOT 26.
Pink Floyd and King Crimson and even Hendrix. The new crop of prog bands was coming along with their flatulence and it was out of date long before the punk explosion. Things have to come along to disrupt it all entirely. It was exciting to see and the competition was very keen and strong. Could there be a movement as influential as punk today? I don’t know. It’s very hard for one singular fashion to come along and blow
it all away anymore. Now you have a whole generation who grew up on You Tube with influences from all over the place. You have multi-influenced pop. But when you think about it, that’s what I’ve been doing since the beginning of my career. Your past is locked into your bloodstream and that’s basically what I’ve been regurgitating for the past 45 years or so. If you listen to Cloud Symbols from last year or Howlin’ Wind from 1976, I’m still the same person. The only difference is I’m 68 not 26.
MUSIC
Album Reviews
REVIEWS BY JOHN B. MOORE
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Jeff Whalen
It would be easy to write off this latest Tom Petty Best Of as just another cynical cash grab from record labels; that is if this 38song set wasn’t such a brilliantly-curated, meticulous collection of Petty’s best work grabbed from his solo catalogue, his long tenure with The Heartbreakers and his pre (and sometimes post) Heartbreakers gig with the band Mudcrutch. Spread out across two CDs, though the songs are not in chronological order, the sequencing is solid, starting off with one of his biggest solo hits, “Free Fallin’” before moving into “Mary Jane’s last Dance,” which was ironically released on the band’s last Greatest Hits album and then moving into another mix of solo and Heartbreakers songs. A beautiful companion to last year’s essential Petty boxset, An American Treasure, The Best of Everything spans his four decades in music. And while it certainly houses a slew (i.e. every) hit he ever had outside of The Traveling Wilburys, it also boasts some of his lesser well known, but equally powerful songs. Especially warranted here are two unreleased tracks, an alternate version of “The Best of Everything” and a new track, “For Real”. This set manages to be everything to everyone; a must-have for even the most casual of Tom Petty fans and a perfect launching point for those less familiar with his music (if such a person still exists).
(Supermegabot Music Concern) Bands like Sweet and The Cars have long since stopped putting out any new music, but their sound still lives on powerfully strong on Jeff Whalen’s debut, 10 More Rock Super Hits. Whalen, singer/guitarist for the fantastic, albeit short-lived power pop band Tsar, has not lost a bit of the energy or the pop sensibility that made his last group so infectious. But, while Tsar mixed a bit more punk rock-spiked guitars with their music, Whalen’s solo effort is more power pop and glam-influenced. The themes are not particularly cerebral; think summer crushes, cruising and just goofing around (like on the opening track titled, um, “Goofing Around”). But the beauty of a great pop record is that you can take a break from the fact that the world is crumbling around you and simply get lost in fun lyrics and catchy sing-at-the-topof-your-voice choruses. Among the most imaginative and addictive songs here is the ragtime pop number, “Shanghai Surprise,” that manages to best personify the spirit of Whalen’s album: creatively original, smart and simply carefree.
The Best of Everything (Geffen/UMe)
10 More Rock Super Hits
See more reviews at insiteatlanta.com insiteatlanta.com • April 2019 • PG 17
MUSIC
FASCINATING RHYTHM
The Dead’s Mickey Hart Brings Grateful Vibrations to the Wentworth Gallery Yes! These paintings have no beginnings or endings really. Think of an ocean. You look at the waves and you can hardly tell the beginning and you can hardly tell the ending. So I use gravity, movement and the vibrations of the canvas and then I just drum it into life. Or vibrate it into life. Thus, the title of the show. Yeah, because people started calling it that. Gravity is my friend in these sorts of things. With the mixture of the paints, then one thing leads to another. It’s a language I’ve really been learning over the years.
BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH
S
INCE 1967, MICKEY HART HAS been best-known for his drum and percussion duties with the Grateful Dead. But he’s also an accomplished artist, writer and music historian. From experimental audio installations to scientific explorations of brainwaves to a new series of abstract paintings, following his own erratic tempos has led the inquisitive musician to explore the many realms of rhythm. As news was announced recently that Dead & Company, the current continuation of the Grateful Dead, would be a headliner of 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Art and Music Fair this August, Hart was busy prepping a solo art exhibit. Last month he hit for the road for a three-city art tour presented exclusively at Wentworth Gallery locations - with stops in Maryland, Virginia and at Atlanta’s Phipps Plaza. Hart spoke with INsite from his multimedia studio in Sonoma County, California The Vibrational Expressionism tour is heading to three cities this weekend. Is this the beginning or the end of this leg of the tour? This is it. I just do a few of these so this will be the beginning and the end. This is just a weekend tour. It’s not like a book tour or a music tour or something like that. It’s an incredible project, though. Very different from your brain exploration exhibit last year at the Museum of Natural History. That was thunderous. But yeah, that was another kind of visual component to my sonic world, which is the same as the art I’m doing now. It’s a good place to start. It’s synesthesia. It’s a moment when one can express themselves sonically and in life. There’s a connection between the two because that’s what I do all day. I’m in sound and it’s affecting my brain sonically. These visuals are just a roadmap to higher consciousness. That’s what the paintings are. As with your music, there’s a lot of light and space in each piece. That’s what it’s turned into, visual light. It rises to the consciousness as light and color, I guess. It’s really a reality from another PG 18 • April 2019 • insiteatlanta.com
dimension. It’s self-illumination mixed in with the physical world. There’s a definite fluidity to it. It’s flowing. That’s what I do musically and that’s what I do in these paintings, I improvise.
Some of your earliest images were, not surprisingly, skeletons. (Laughs) Yeah, oddly enough! I guess they were sort of on my mind. I call them psychopomps. They’re very much part of the living world, but they’re also spirits or guides. They guide you to the other side, basically. It’s very much a part of the living but they also signify the impermanence of life. The crossing over from life to death. That’s one of the main purposes of music - or art - is to take you on that voyage. It tells a huge life story: Enjoy yourself now because life is impermanent. Hopefully you’ll get a spirit guide - when it’s time.
The paintings are very personal, one-ofPart of that flow comes from the lack of a a-kind expressions. How do you select the brush to the surface. pieces to sell through Right. It’s a pouring Wentworth? medium as opposed to Well I do them for using the straight edge me but then you want of a brush. I haven’t to get some of them June 29 used a brush in, I into circulation. I like don’t know how long. Lakewood Ampitheatre to share them with It’s called Vibrational thelakewoodamphitheater.com people and have them Expressionism because do good stuff from the I vibrate them after the feeling they get from pour goes down. I use vibrations to bring them, just like with the music. It’s what you out the detail and to do the final expression take away from it. A painting just sitting there on the canvas, wood or plexi or whatever is doing nothing. It’s all about what you get medium I’m focused on. That’s what gives the from it and then what you do with what you great detail of the paintings. It’s amplified by get. Or else you might as well not be doing these incredible fluorescent and iridescent anything, it’s meaningless. Just throwing paint paints I use. That’s how I go about it. on a canvas? Any drumbo-head can do that.
MICKEY HART’S DEAD & COMPANY
Tell us a little about the actual process. I use a thing called a Rainbow that allows me to take the piece and finesse it all around, up and down, in circles. I needed motion so I created an instrument to be able to do this with. It’s really a lot of fun for me. Do you use certain rhythm patterns to create specific effects or is it completely freeform motion? Oh yeah. It’s all about the rhythm. I say to myself, ‘It’s the rhythm, stupid.’ No matter what I do, it’s there. Whether I play drums, whether I live life, love. All of that. Love is a good rhythm. Hate is a bad rhythm. I just see things in rhythmic terms. These paintings are all about rhythm. So it’s all connected. Absolutely. Painting feeds the music the music feeds the painting. It’s two halves of the same experience. It’s just like the music of The Dead. You can hear anything into it and with these paintings, you can see anything into it. Everybody will be able to experience a different thing. It’s circular, like a sound loop or a musical hook - or even a drumhead.
You’re releasing some very personal expressions out into the world.
It’s hard to let them go. I’ve had to take some back. I sent them to Wentworth and put ‘em for sale and then I think, ‘No I can’t do that.’ So I do bring back some things that I send. Sometimes I’ll wake up in the morning and go, ‘Oh not that baby, that ain’t goin’ nowhere.’ But I’m prolific, as they say. I paint a lot. Maybe half of them are in my vaults. You’re very right on, because yeah, they’re pieces of me. But you can’t keep everything. I even give them to my friends to put them on their walls to enjoy. They’ll give ‘em back after a few years, but I don’t sell a lot of them. Sometimes I give them as gifts to my friends. They know my music by now. You want to give somebody a gift, so instead of going to a store and buying them something, why not give them a painting? It’s the best gift. Right. I don’t want to give anybody a CD. I mean, Jesus Christ! (Laughs) Send somebody a Grateful Dead CD? I can’t do that. When you face that blank canvas, do you have in mind what you want to convey or is it completely an improv moment? Not completely. Just like with music. There’s nothing that’s completely improvised. Remember, you’ve got to practice hundreds of thousands of hours just to get your skill to be able to improv. So it’s the same thing. I’ve learned the language of paint over the years. Then you have an idea. I think, ‘Ok, I want to use these kinds of paints today,’ or ‘I want to do this in the formula and make this formula do that.’ Then you walk up to the painting - or up to the canvas as it were - then you take a deep breath. Then you improvise. But like with any jam, eventually it has to end. Yeah, you have to know when to stop. That’s the big deal with this, knowing when to stop the creational moment. That’s key. To me, it’s a meditation. I don’t see painting as entertainment, I don’t at all. It’s not that kind of fun. It’s fun because it gets me high. It raises me, it makes me think higher. It rearranges my priorities when I paint. That’s what music does, too. That’s what all good things in life do. And that’s why I paint.
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