INsite Atlanta August 2015 Issue

AUGUST 2015

19

EARS ★ 2 Y 4 2 ★ 92

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015

VOL. 24, NO. 1 FREE

College Football Preview Yacht Rock Revue Bear Grylls

INVADES

Atlanta

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September 2–20, 2015 Tickets as low as $15 @ 404.733.5000

alliancetheatre.org/cuckoo | Groups 404.733.4690 Save 20% off single ticket prices when you buy Season Tickets @ 404.733.4600 Production support provided by:

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CONTENTS • AUGUST 2015 • VOLUME 24, NO. 1 Atlanta’s

Entertainment Monthly

INTERVIEWS 13 Bear Grylls 15 Colin and Brad 16 Yacht Rock Revue 16 Yes Band 17 DJ Hodor 18 White Reaper 18 The Beaumonts 18 Loud Boyz 19 Andy Summers 22 GSU Football

FEATURES

10

13

08 ATL’s Best Pizza 10 Motown Musical 11 DragonCon 12 Imagine Festival 22 NCAA Preview

COLUMNS 04 05 06 06 07 14 20 19 19 21

Around Town On Tap Under The Lights Station Control On A Dime Events Album Reviews Movie Reviews EDM Tracks New Releases Favorite Things

17

19

insiteatlanta.com STAFF LISTING Publisher Stephen Miller steve@insiteatlanta.com Managing Editor Bret Love bret@insiteatlanta.com Art Director / Web Design Nick Tipton nick@insiteatlanta.com Sports Editor DeMarco Williams demarco@insiteatlanta.com Local Events Editor Marci Miller marci@insiteatlanta.com Music Editor Lee Valentine Smith lee@insiteatlanta.com

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Contributing Writers / Interns: Jon Latham, Ryan Loftis, Rodney Hill, Alex S. Morrison, Steve Warren, Dave Cohen, Jennifer Williams, Matt Connor, Ed Morales, Sacha Dzuba, David Weinthal, Benjamin Carr, Kalena Smith, Justin Patterson, John Moore, Amanda Miles, Patrick Flanary, Ian Coverdale

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Check out our DragonCon Interview on page 11!

AUGUST 2015

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VOL. 24, NO. 1 FREE

College Football Preview Yacht Rock Revue Bear Grylls

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

More info at www.cinemoms.com insiteatlanta.com • August 2015 • PG 3

Around Town AUGUST 6 - 16 Mary Poppins

MJCCA Zaban Park

Mary Poppins captures hearts in this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure. Featuring an irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, you will be swept up in the fun of this high-flying musical. Believe in the magic of Mary Poppins and discover a world where anything can happen if you let it! Visit atlantajcc.org

AUGUST 7

Colin & Brad

Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater

Armed with nothing but their sharp wit, comedians Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood take to the live stage to create hilarious and original scenes in their two-man show. Know by TV audiences for their work on Whose Line is it Anyway?, Colin & Brad improvise new material every night from audience suggestions and participation. “Interactive” in every sense of the word. Colin & Brad will take the audience on a comedic high wire act.. just like a live version of Whose Line!

Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter for all ages! Visit amphitheater.org

AUGUST 7 - 9

The Wrecking Ball ATL The Masquerade

The Wrecking Ball marks The Masquer-

Events and Performances taking place this Month

ades 25th anniversary and overcoming the fate of an actual wrecking ball years ago. the Masquerade is an Atlanta institution presenting the finest in new and cutting edge live entertainment. The anniversary debuts an annual weekend celebration of music adored by Masquerade faithful. For more information visit masq.com

AUGUST 13

Rhythm & Blues

Heritage Green, Sandy Springs

Rhythm & Brews is an open-air happy hour concert series that embraces regional roots, presenting four acts in a variety of musical genres. Each month features an unforgettable performance of both up-andcoming and established artists whose origins are deeply rooted in the region. Cigar Store Indians perform Thursday, August 13. Visit heritagesandysprings.org

AUGUST 15

Doria Roberts

Variety Playhouse

Local favorite Doria Roberts is a regular on the national singer/songwriter circuit, Roberts creates songs that have been described as "a delicious, bohemian blend of folk, jazz and pop". Doria’s versatility as a songwriter and entertainer is never lost whether she is performing solo or with her band. Check out Doria and friends at the annual Birthday Party show on August 15. Visit variety-playhouse.com.

AUGUST 21 Lyle Lovett

Chastain Park Amphitheatre

A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. Visit classicchastain.com

AUGUST 29

Frozen Sing-A-Long The Fox Theatre

Come sing-along with Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, and Jonathan Groff to the Disney smash hit Frozen at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 29. The event is part of the CocaCola Summer Film Festival taking place at the Fox Theatre. A giant 56’ wide x 26’ tall screen has been erected to showcase the movie. Visit foxtheatre.org for details.

AUGUST 29

Step Afrika! – Symphony in Step Center Stage Theater

Celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special Atlanta performance, Step Afrika! is

a Washington DC-based company that celebrates the African-derived tradition of stepping, popularized in films like “Drumline” (2002). Based on a new musical score and through its performance of “Symphony in Step,” Step Afrika! offers Atlanta audiences a groundbreaking merger of stepping and classical music in partnership with a local symphony orchestra and gospel choir.

Visit nbaf.org for details.

AUGUST 30

Atlanta Meatball Festival

Belle Isle Square in Sandy Springs

The Atlanta Meatball Festival returns to Belle Isle Square in Sandy Springs to serve up a mighty selection of meatball dishes from Atlanta’s best restaurants. Atlanta chefs will battle for the title of “Best Meatball” with the top three contenders squaring off at the Meat Brawl competition taking place during this year’s Taste of Atlanta. Visit atlantameatballfestival.com.

ONGOING IN AUGUST

Bodies the Exhibition Atlantic Station

Bodies The Exhibition provides an intimate and informative view into the human body. Using an innovative preservation process, the Exhibition allows you to see and celebrate your body's inner beauty in ways you never dreamed possible. Over 200 actual human bodies and specimens, meticulously dissected and respectfully displayed, offer an unprecedented and wholly unique look into your amazing body. Experience and celebrate the wonder of the human form. Visit BodiesAtlanta.com and enter code INSATL for $4 off on tickets.

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On Tap this Month

12TH AnnUAL

MAJOR EVENTS COMING TO ATLANTA

August 8:Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood

FLASHBACK FESTIVAL

is year’s KISS 104.1 Flashback Festival celebrates 20 years as Atlanta's biggest R&B concert. e event celebrates legendary artists from back in the day. Flashback Festival brings back the fun and funkiness of the 70’s and 80’s and 90'swithout the bellbottoms, afros and platform shoes. Performers include: Chaka Kahn, Slick Rick, e SOS Band and Sheila E. Visit Kiss104FM.com for details and ticket information.

August 14 & 15: Atlantic Station

ATLANTA BAR-B-Q FESTIVAL With the picturesque Midtown skyline as a backdrop, the 6th Annual Atlanta BAR-B-Q Festival will showcase the world of barbeque and its endless flavors and cooking styles. Enjoy regionally inspired BBQ and pick up tips guaranteed to make your next backyard BBQ a cut above the rest. More than 50 BBQ teams from across the region will be on hand. Visit AtlBBQFest.com to purchase tickets.

Saturday, August 22 2pm-7pm Woodruff Park

August 22: Woodruff Park

GERMAN BIERFEST

e 12th Annual Atlanta German Bierfest is back for an incredible day filled with authentic German beers, music and food. Festival fans will receive a commemorative glass to use to enjoy unlimited samples of more than 35 authentic German Beers. Atlanta area German restaurants and food vendors will serve up authentic cuisine. ere will be live music and plenty of family activities. Visit GermanBierfest.com

August 29 & 30: Historic Old Fourth Ward

IMAGINE FESTIVAL

Sample 35+ German Beers German Food German Music Sports, Games + Activities

Imagine Music Festival returns to Historic Old Fourth Ward & Masquerade Music Park over Saturday and Sunday, August 29 & 30. is is where the world's top electronic dance music acts come together. e festival features multiple stages hosting the very best musicians, DJ's and bands. is year's line-up includes Dada Life, Datsik, e Glitch Mob, Chromeo, Griz, Lil John and dozens more! Visit ImagineFestival.com

Includes commemorative sample glass and all the beer samples you can safely consume.

Must present valid ID . No alcohol consumption under 21.

September 4 - 7: Downtown Atlanta

WWW.GERMANBIERFEST.COM

DRAGON CON

Tickets on Sale Now! $35 ADVANCE / $40 DAY OF SHOW

@GermanBierfest | facebook.com/germanbierfestatlanta

Now in its 29th year, Dragon Con returns this Labor Day weekend. Dragon Con is the largest multimedia, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music and film in the world. Dragon Con boasts close to 40 fanbased tracks, a film festival, parade, art show, comics, pop art exhibits and displays, nightly concerts and parties. Visit DragonCon.org for more details.

September 5: Georgia Dome

CHICK-FIL-A KICKOFF

e Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game is the unofficial start to the college football season. is year’s matchup pits the Auburn Tigers against the Louisville Cardinals.

Show support for your team at the Pep Rally at FanZone before the game. Team Cheerleaders and Pep Band will take the stage to get fans pumped up for the official CardMarch and Tiger Walk into the Georgia Dome. Visit Chick-Fil_AKickoffGame.com insiteatlanta.com • August 2015 • PG 5

Under The Lights

TV

ON STAGE THIS MONTH

MR. ROBOT

Through Aug 23 Horizon Theatre Box Office (404) 584-7450 HorizonTheatre.com

BY BENJAMIN CARR

This Season’s Best Suspense Thriller

UPRISING

hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and all fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America.

When Sal discovers a hypnotic revolutionary hiding in the field, she and her free back community will never be the same.

The passions of this man-on-the-run from John Brown’s Raid thrust Sal into a stormy romance and a desperate journey to save a boy and her own spirit. A sweeping story laced with bluesy tunes, danger and sweet touches of magical realism about finding freedom on your own terms.

MOTOWN

August 18 - 23 The Fox Theatre Tickets (855) 285-8499 FoxTheatre.org/motown Motown The Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more.

Featuring more than 40 classic hits such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Motown tells the story behind the

ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST

September 2 - 20 Alliance Theatre Box Office (404) 733-5000 AllianceTheatre.org/cuckoo In One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Randle McMurphy charms his way onto a psych ward thinking it's the easy way to serve out a six-month prison sentence. There he encounters Nurse Ratched, a disciplined and extremely focused agent of authority.

Randle uses his charisma and humor to breathe life into the ward and lead the other patients into open rebellion. But McMurphy's revolution against Nurse Ratched and everything she stands for quickly turns from sport to a fierce power struggle with shattering results.

This powerful American drama explores the beauty and danger of being a free spirit in a closed system.

T

here is an excellent, gritty crime drama on the air this summer. It’s got twisted characters with outsider philosophies and a dark view of the human condition. But it’s not True Detective whose second season has been a disappointment. It’s the new USA Network drama Mr. Robot.

Mr. Robot stars Rami Malek, an actor who’s been featured in movies like Need for Speed and Night at the Museum. Malek has never had a showcase like Mr. Robot before, and he makes the most of the opportunity. In the show, he plays Elliot, an analyst at an Internet security firm by day and a vigilante hacker by night. He’s also antisocial, anxious and unable to function without drugs.

Elliot keeps his secrets while reaching deep into the privacy of everyone around him. He knows, for instance, that his best friend Angela’s boyfriend is cheating on her. He knows that his drug dealer is in deep trouble with a violent criminal. He knows that his company’s main client E Corp, a conglomerate with its hands in every branch of technology, is really, really evil.

Elliot blames the company for, among other things, killing his father and he wants revenge.

Into this already complicated scenario comes a weird stranger from the subway, played by Christian Slater. On his jacket is emblazoned the name Mr. Robot, and he takes Elliot into a secret lair at Coney Island where a group of hackers called F Society are infiltrating, exposing and destroying Evil Corp by any means necessary. Elliot, hungry for revenge,

a Sweeping Journey of Freedom and Romance.

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Station Control

Rami Malek

joins them with reluctance, even if it means that innocent men might end up in jail or people might be killed as a result of their schemes.

Meanwhile, Evil Corp a particularly ruthless exec played with relish by Swedish actor Martin Wallstrom is also trying to recruit Elliot.

The good guys aren’t good. The bad guys aren’t either. And every episode deals with Elliot trapped in a web of lies and deceit unable to confide in anyone, trying to figure out what to do in terms of his own moral compass.

It’s fascinating.

The show was developed by Niels Arden Oplev, who directed the original film version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. This show feels a lot like that series, in subject matter and in tone. And they’ve pulled off something remarkable in the character of Elliott, a protagonist with rooting interest and clear motivations who nonetheless hates everyone and everything about people and culture.

Sunday,August 23; 11:00am - 7:30pm

FESTIVAL PEACHTREE LATINO Free Admission; Piedmont Park festivalpeachtreelatino.com

EVENTS HAPPENING FOR SMALL CHANGE IN ATLANTA

Know of a low cost event happening? Event@AtlantaOnADime.com

By Marci Miller

Saturday, August 8; 4:00 pm

YELLOW JACKET FAN DAY

Free Admission Bobby Dodd Stadium at Grant Field ramblinwreck.com Festivities begin outside the stadium on Callaway Plaza with games and inflatables.

Autographs with head coach Paul Johnson and the players take place inside the stadium when gates open at 5:00 p.m. Fans can also have their photos taken with Georgia Tech’s cheerleaders, Buzz and Georgia Tech Football Trophies (2014 Orange Bowl, 2014 Governor's Cup and 1990 National Championship). Admission to Georgia Tech Fan Day is free for all ages.

Free parking is also available at specified lots.

Saturday, August 15; 12:00 – 8 pm

DECATUR BBQ, BLUES & BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

Advance tickets $10; $20 day of Children 12 and under are free.

Harmony Park, Decatur decaturbbqfestival.com e 15th annual Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival takes place Saturday,

August 15 from noon to 8:00 pm in the heart of Oakhurst. Come experience acclaimed music from Michelle Malone and Seven Handle Circus, tasty barbecue from Fox Bros BBQ, Williamson Bros. BBQ, and Sweet Auburn BBQ along with cold beer from New Belgium Brewing, Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Rampant Imperial Ale and 1554. Make plans for a day of fun for the entire family. Tickets available on their website and follow them on Facebook & Twitter for updates.

Saturday & Sunday August 15 & 16

PIEDMONT PARK SUMMER ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

Festival Peachtree Latino is the largest family & multicultural event in the southeast. e festival features hundreds of exhibitions, family activities, sporting events, parades, arts & crafts, ethnic foods and outdoor musical performances featuring renowned international musicians on two stages. is year they celebrate their 15 Year Anniversary with artists Ivy Queen, Michael Stuart and more.

Saturday & Sunday August 29 & 30

GRANT PARK SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL

Free;Sat.10am - 10pm;Sun 11am - 7:30pm Grant Park summershadefestival.org Each year at the end of August, Atlantans

flock to the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival as a fun-filled way to bid adieu to summer with a celebration of music and art. Kicking off with a 5K Run for the Park, then delivering plenty to eat and drink, the Summer Shade Festival welcomes thousands to the city’s oldest park.

September 4 - 6

DECATUR BOOK FESTIVAL Free; Decatur Square decaturbookfestival.com

e AJC Decatur Book Festival is the largest independent book festival in the country and one of the five largest overall. e festival will feature lectures and signings from more than 600 national and local authors, including award-winners, best-sellers, and some just getting started.

Erica Jong, author of the ground-breaking novel Fear of Flying, published in 1973, will deliver the keynote address.

Yellow Jacket Fan Day Saturday, August 8 ramblinwreck.com

Free; Sat. 10am - 6pm; Sun 11am - 6pm Piedmont Park piedmontparkartsfestival.com e Piedmont Park Summer Arts & Crafts Festival is a 2-day outdoor event focusing on the visual arts and family fun. is event will feature up to 250 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalwork, glass blowers, jewelers and crafters. e Festival will also offer artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, a Street Market, children's play area plus festival foods and beverages with healthy alternatives.

RECEIVE UPDATED EVENTS WEEKLY. SIGN UP BY EMAILING SUBSCRIPTIONS@ATLANTAONADIME.COM ENTER ON THE SUBJECT LINE: SIGN ME UP INSITE!

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83RD ANNUAL NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR

JIM R MILLER PARK | MARIETTA, GEORGIA

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THE FISH 104.7 15th Annual Birthday Bash, 8:00 pm

In Concert : 8pm

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In Concert : 8pm

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

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In Concert : 8pm

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

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insiteatlanta.com • August 2015 • PG 7

Taste of the Month - Pizza!

Where to Go for the Best Pizza in Town Athens Pizza House 1341 Clairmont Rd. Decatur 404.636.1100 AthensPizzaAtlanta.com

Since 1966 the Papadopoulos family has been serving up great Greek and Italian cuisine to the Emory / Decatur area. They offer many terrific pizzas at various sizes and over 25 toppings to choose from. You will also find great specialty pizzas like the Mediterranean, Santorini and Athens. But 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! Try the Veal Parmesana, Roasted Lamb or the Oven Baked Chicken. Athens Pizza offers daily specials for lunch and dinner and has an extensive catering menu. Athens Pizza is Zagat rated and winner of several awards including Best Greek Cuisine. The restaurant can also accommodate parties large and small with their private room.

Chicago’s Nancy’s Midtown 265 Ponce De Leon 404.254.5103 NancysPizza.com

Chicago has some the best pizza in America and that great pizza can be found in Midtown Atlanta at Chicago’s Nancy’s.

Part of what has made Nancy’s so famous is the freshness of the pizza. The dough is made from scratch while vegetables and toppings are delivered daily. Nancy's serves up thin and deep dish as well as take and bake pizza, appetizers, sandwiches and their signature salads. Also try their Kansas City BBQ Ribs new to their menu.

Nancy’s in Midtown has multiple TV screens and seats 70 inside and 25 on their patio. See their ad on the Back Page for coupons offering $4 and $5 Off online orders. They provide take-out and delivery to the area. Nancy's is the perfect place to call when planning a tailgate or gettogether this fall.

rienced. Fritti serves authentic Neapolitan Pizza that is prepared according to traditional artisan methods. The dough is made with Caputo flour and natural yeast. They use San Marzano tomatoes and the finest quality buffalo mozzarella. Try their Salsiccia e Pepperoni (Italian sausage and roasted peppers), the Cotto e Funghi (Crimini and Portobello mushrooms with cotto ham) or the vegetarian Estiva (fresh tomato, red onion & arugula). Along with their award winning menu Fritti is known for their great value. Fritti offers a variety of antipasti dishes for $10 or less including offerings of funghi fritti (fried mushrooms), fried calamari, classic Sicilian arancini and bruschetta. All their pizzas are available between $10 - $14.

Savage Pizza 484 Moreland Ave. 404.523.0500 115 Laredo Dr. @ Clarendon 404.299.5799 SavagePizza.com

Fritti 309 N. Highland Ave. 404.880.9559 FrittiRestaurant.com

Located in the heart of historic Inman Park, Fritti is nationally recognized for its pizza and 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 expe-

At Savage the pizzas are made from scratch every day using homemade sauces, the best mozzarella, and fresh dough.

Soak up the sun!

PATIO SEATING

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! Along with sandwiches, subs, wings, nachos and salads they have something to satisfy everyone in your family or group. Check for daily lunch and dinner specials. Everything is made using the freshest ingredients including the dough built from scratch every day. Come to Mo’s this fall to watch all your college and pro football games.

They have a huge deck to hang out on and plenty of HD Flat Screens offering great views from any table. Stop in Monday nights and get a Large Cheese Pizza for just $7.95. Mo’s is one of the longest running pizza joints in Atlanta, come in and see why they are one of the best.

Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!

Great Subs, Sandwiches, Salads & Wings Since 1980

Savage’s hand-tossed crusts are thrown with real hands and get enough air to make Tony Hawk jealous. In addition to their famous pizzas they also have great calzones, salads, subs and pasta dishes.

Savage serves both lunch and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating and offers catering and delivery. This eclectic neighborhood restaurant has two in town locations and is a favorite hangout among residents of Little 5 and Avondale Estates.

Both locations offer the same great menu with ample seating inside and out with delivery to the area.

(Mondays Only)

$7.95 Large Cheese Pizza!

Just off I-85 @ Clairmont (Corner of Briarcliff & Clairmont)

3109 Briarcliff Rd. • (404) 320-1258

BEST PIZZA! IN

Best of Atlanta

$3.00 Off

Any Medium or Large Specialty Pizza Not Valid with any other coupons

WWW.SAVAGEPIZZA.COM

Little Five Points • 484 Moreland Ave. (Next to L5P Pharmacy) • (404) 523-0500 Avonale Estates • 115 Laredo Dr. (Corner of Clarendon) • (404) 299-5799 PG 8 • August 2015 • insiteatlanta.com

’s

Open Daily for Lunch & Dinner • Dine In, Pick-up, Delivery ($12 minimum / limited area)

e Magazine sit

2014

&

WINNER!

Multiple Atlanta Locations: www.JohnnysPizza.com

Johnny’s NY Style Pizza

Over 50 Atlanta area locations: Order online @ JohnnysPizza.com

e Magazine sit

IN

’s

Best of Atlanta 2014

WINNER!

Johnny’s Pizza is synonymous with great pizza and subs in Atlanta. The secret to their success is in the preparation. They always use the finest ingredients. Johnny’s specializes in NY style pizza, They have several house specialties including the Johnny’s Deluxe, Italian Special, Veggie, Steak & Cheese, Pesto and Buffalo Chicken.

Johnny’s also offers plenty of individual toppings to create your own masterpiece.

In addition Johnny’s offers subs, salads, sandwiches and other popular Italian dishes including calzones, strombolis, and lasagna. Johnny’s restaurants offer dine-in, take-out and delivery and now online ordering. Go to JohnnysPizza.com to find the location nearest you.

Fellini’s

7 Area locations FellinisAtlanta.com

Fellini’s Pizza is an Atlanta icon. The fact that all seven locations are always bustling can be attributed to the great pizzas they make here.

They have kept their menu simple, and focus on what they do best.

Fellini’s pizzas can be ordered by the slice

or as medium, large and Sicilian sizes. Try the classic Fellini’s special; which consists of pepperoni, mushrooms, Italian sausage, onions, meatballs, green peppers, green and black olives, and extra cheese. Another popular menu item is the White Pizza with mozzarella cheese, fresh garlic, oregano, and ricotta cheese. They also have a great Spinach and Mushroom pizza, and a Vegetarian pizza filled with meatless toppings. Fellini’s also serves 5 different types of Calzones and great Salads. Fellini’s uses only the freshest ingredients. All their locations have large patios to enjoy the outdoors and the view. So come to one of the Fellini’s locations today and you will see why they are the landmark of Atlanta pizza.

BEST IN GREEK & ITALIAN CUISINE Since 1966

• Zagat Rated • Dine In or Take Out • Lunch & Dinner Specials

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THEATER

THE HITS COME TO LIFE IN MOTOWN THE MUSICAL!

You’ve now played Berry Gordy on Broadway and in the tour of MOTOWN HE TIMELESS MUSIC OF THE MUSICAL…how much do you MOTOWN will be live on stage identify with him when you are on stage August 18 – 23 when the recordand off? breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE It’s been a true honor to play MUSICAL plays at Atlanta’s Berry Gordy. To be trusted with DURING THE SHOW Fox Theatre. MOTOWN THE such a special role on Broadway PEOPLE SING MUSICAL is the true American and then on tour has been a dream story of Motown founder ALONG, CLAP, DANCE journey that’ll I’ll never forget.

IN THEIR SEATS Berry Gordy’s journey from AND APPLAUD THE When I had the opportunity to featherweight boxer to the SONGS THAT THEY play this role I jumped! As far as heavyweight music mogul who KNOW, LOVE AND identifying with Berry Gordy: launched the careers of Diana Onstage- you have to play what’s HAVE GROWN Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey in the script and respect the story UP WITH. Robinson and many more. that he wrote himself and that he Actor Josh Tower played Berry wants to be told. He is a man of charisma, Gordy in the Broadway show and now ideas, tenacity, persistence, leadership and reprises the role in this touring version. great vision. And he is a dreamer! I identify Tower has appeared in other hits including with all of these traits, both on and off stage.

The Lion King, Ragtime, Miss Saigon, Dream Girls and many more. We recently What made Berry Gordy so good at spoke with the actor to find out more about identifying and nurturing the talent of the show, the music and the man behind his day?

MOTOWN, Berry Gordy: All of those artists at Motown had dreams, in one form or another, and they knew that What will audiences experience when they if they followed Berry Gordy he could make come to see MOTOWN THE MUSICAL? things happen and potentially help to make When audiences see this show they will their dreams come true. And as the great remember, moment to moment, flashes leader that he was, and is, there is a nurture of their very own lives and history. What side and a Lion side. People respected this their favorite song was or what they were combo and though some may not have liked doing when they heard a particular song. it, it was the fabric of Motown.

The show is coined as the “the soundtrack of your life’” and it’s really true. There’s What will audiences learn about the time something here for everyone! periods portrayed in the show?

The show spans quite a long time in

BY MARCI MILLER

We know the show features characters portraying some of the biggest musical superstars of our time like Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye…what is it like for you to see these songs brought to life?

It’s really very special to watch these songs live. Our actors don’t really do straight impressions of these artists but go more for their essences. That’s far more interesting because they can intertwine themselves with these historic music icons and make it all much more personal; which makes it real and infused with their own real emotion.

We do have a few folks that are ringers though.

Which musical performances in the show really stand out for you?

Our cast is off the hook talented. There are many special performances but for me out Little Michael Jackson’s, Nathaniel Cullors and Leon Outlaw, steal the show! Between the two of them, and they rotate shows,

Josh Tower plays Berry Gordy

they got it down! My favorite number is Ball of Confusion that the Temps do at the top of Act 2...so don’t take too long at intermission.

How big a part does the audience energy play in the performances each night?

The audience in any show plays a huge part. If we know that you all are out there and we can hear you clapping and having a good time, that energy is coming right back to us on stage and we feel it! During the show people sing along, clap, dance in their seats and applaud the songs that they know, love and have grown up with.

RAYMOND LUKE JR. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS. ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY ANDREW ECCLES.

MOTOWN® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF UMG RECORDINGS, INC

T

history from the late 30’s, upon Joe Louis’ Heavy Weight boxing defeat of Max Schmelling in ‘38, to The Civil Rights Movement in the 60’s, to Motown 25 in the early 80’s. There are tidbits of fact and information throughout the show. Motown is the through line and lasting entity throughout much of this time, starting in the late 50’s. The many names of Motown employees and musical talents throughout the show will astound you. BG didn’t want to miss a person when he wrote this piece.

AUGUST 18-23 PG 10 • August 2015 • insiteatlanta.com

FoxTheatre.org/Motown 855-285-8499

EVENTS

ALL IN THE FAMILY

The Granddaughter of Legendary Fantasy Artist Frank Frazetta Keeps His Legacy Alive

3-SHOW BROADWAY PACKAGES MADE FOR YOU FAN FAVORITES

Oh yeah, I remember thinking, “Why are they so curvy and I’m not? I want to be like them!” Eventually I took on that body shape because most of his women were inspired by my grandmother’s body. We all have the short legs and the curves and all. It’s funny when people see me, they’re like, “Oh you are a Frazetta girl!”

I’m like, “Well, yeah.”

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

E

VERY LABOR DAY WEEKEND since 1987, thousands of Sci-Fi, fantasy, gaming and pop culture fans invade Atlanta for DragonCon. The venerable gathering, which envelopes five huge downtown hotels, features a mind-melting array of guests, games, contests, panels and a massive parade.

This year features a diverse slate of guests from Did it surprise you that the women were Star Wars (Peter Mayhew), Star Trek (Nichelle so exposed?

Nichols, Jonathan Frakes), The Muppets (Steve I’ve always looked at the nudity and everything “Kermit” Whitmire, Carroll “Big Bird and as just art. It really made me from an early age Oscar” Spinney, Cheryl Henson), Dr. Who (Alex think nudity was no big deal. It’s a human body Kingston), Arrow (Katie Cassidy) and Hannibal so why are we ashamed of it?

(Scott Thompson). Perhaps one of the most anticipated vendors is Sara Let’s talk about the Frazetta, granddaughter of the preservation of the legacy. late artist Frank Frazetta, widely When he died in 2010, considered the Grandfather certainly a lot of people wanted SEPTEMBER 4–7 of Fantasy Art. His legendary to get their hands on the Downtown Atlanta paintings depict a bilious Frazetta empire. and often unsettling world dragoncon.org Yes, my mom and her siblings of statuesque, scantily-clad went through hell to come to a sirens, axe-wielding warriors decision about what’s going to and other menacing creatures. INsite caught up happen with the art. My grandmother did not with the painter’s busy actress/model/voice-over have a living will and my grandfather, with his specialist grandchild in Florida as she prepped strokes near the end, wasn’t really there mentally her travelling Frazetta Girls display, a one-stop enough to come to a decision of what to leave shoppe for art prints, t-shirts and personal and how to do it. So we had attorneys coming up stories from Sara and her sisters Brittany to us but we resolved to split it equitably. and Rachael.

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When did you first became aware of his art?

My first memory was the painting “Downward To The Earth” and I remember looking at it and at first it really freaked me out. But my uncle was really into the horror genre and fantasy and he owned and ran a costume shop in the Poconos so we were surrounded by fantasy imagery and all that. So I became a big fan and I became immune to it in a way. I just looked at it like, “Oh, these are interesting.”

The Egyptian Queen is another favorite of yours. When did you first see it?

It’s my favorite of all of his paintings. I remember looking at her when I was eight and I was like, “Oh my gosh!” But I didn’t really appreciate my grandfather as an artist until I was in my twenties. That’s when I really looked at the details and I still can’t believe that he could do some of these pieces in a night.

Were the powerful women in his works an inspiration to you as a child? Did they become role models in a way?

TM & © New Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. Illustration by Hugh Syme.

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[Film director] Robert Rodriguez stepped in and offered help as well.

He has been amazing. He has my mom’s collection in Texas and he does these pop-up galleries. He has been insuring the art, which is been so helpful, and just allowing people to see it in these amazing museum settings.

What are the pros and cons of merchandising famous art? Obviously there’s a line you can’t cross with a great work, but people want to own a copy of it. How do you balance the supply and demand?

We’re doing high-end art prints on textured paper and canvases and some apparel. Mainly we want to keep the art where art should be: hanging in your house. I’m not so much interested in making chess sets or coins because I think it kinda degrades the art when you show it on such a small scale.

DragonCon 2015 runs September 4-7 in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Membership prices include $50 for Sept. 5, $40 for Sept. 6, and $130 for all four days, through Aug. 21 at www. dragoncon.org. Memberships for Sept. 4 ($40) and Sept. 7 ($30) are available at the door.

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Many of the attendees are huge fans of your grandfather’s art. What are your memories of him?

I was the first grandchild out of eleven and he’d bring me to the studio, he would teach me about animals and about life. He would take me out on nature walks and now, looking back, it seemed like such a storybook tale. Up until I was about 14 or so I spent every summer with him.

We were very close. He passed away in 2010, and still, to this day, I can’t believe he’s really gone.

The Broadway Musical

IN

This will be your second visit to DragonCon. Yes and last year was an awesome show. It’s our favorite of all the conventions we visit and the energy and everyone there, it’s all just amazing.

I love learning new things and learning about other people’s interests and their hobbies and seeing just how passionate they all are about being involved in pop culture.

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MUSIC

THE IMAGINE FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR IT’S SECOND YEAR EDM Show Hits Atlanta with DJs, Cirque Acts and Tons of Fans

BY BLUE SULLIVAN

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HE TWO DAY CELEBRATION of all things EDM will be taking place August 29th and 30th residing at a picturesque 17-acre site encompassing three magnificent in town parks: Historic Fourth Ward Park, Masquerade Music Park and Clear Creek Basin. The premier EDM festival inside the City of Atlanta will host some of the biggest acts in EDM along with captivating cirque style acts & performances. “We can’t wait to show our fans what we have up our sleeve,” says festival producer Glenn Goodhand. “We set the bar extremely high last year, but we are confident this year’s lineup will exceed all expectations and set a new standard.

We have teamed up with an entire circus troupe that will be adding another level of circus performances and 360-degree experience to the festival along with a Visionary Arts Village and many other surprises to help tantalize all of your senses.

Most importantly, this festival is 100% about the customer experience and organizers are doing everything possible to ensure customers are comfortable, happy, and have the best time of their lives.” After its inaugural year, Imagine Festival was picked as one of 15 festivals to attend in 2015 and ranked one of the top festivals in the world by Fest300.

The aquatic-themed festival features an impressive and diverse lineup and will be welcoming headlining acts including: Dada Life, Datsik, The Glitch Mob, Chromeo (DJ Set), Griz, Lil Jon with many more headliners to be announced. The phase one lineup is already packed with buzz-worthy talent such as 12th Planet, Brillz, The Crystal Method, Shpongle, a Pretty Lights Music (PLM) Record Label showcase with Paul Basic and Eliot Lipp, G Jones, plus noteworthy live sets from Papadosio, brand new live project featuring Ill Gates with KJ Sawka on the drums, and Zoogma.

INsite EDM critic Blue Sullivan highlights his notable acts below.

PG 12 • August 2015 • insiteatlanta.com

LIL JON

In my opinion, this Hotlanta superhero is clearly the biggest star of the weekend. Considering that this dude has been putting his insane stamp on pop radio for well over a decade and may have had his biggest hit with “Turn Down For What?”, a song so ubiquitous in our culture that op-ed pieces (as in a recent AV Club article online) are literally still being written about it years after it was released, it’s amazing that the bill isn’t just his name in all-caps, 700 point font, with the words “other people will be there too” scrawled under in small print.

GLITCH MOB

These guys along with Bassnectar, they are about as good as this genre gets. Plus I hear they put on a surprisingly lively show, so even dubstep scrooges (like me) should give them a look.

CHROMEO

Even though EDM is going through a bit of an artisticallyfallow period, it continues to be incredibly profitable, a hundred times more so than when I began crashing secret raves in LA in the 90s. Back then, Chromeo would’ve likely been considered an off-brand Bassment Jaxx or Deep Dish, but today he is a legit superstar, and a quick perusal of his Youtube channel explains why. The guy knows how to turn out tight, mildly-funky house tracks which know how to hook electro non-believers.

DADA LIFE

Think of an agreeable pollination of Benni Bennassi and Right Said Fred. Like Glitch Mob, these guys are known for electrohouse. Also like Glitch Mob, they are really good at what they do for people into that sort of thing.

MORGAN PAGE

He is a DJ from Vermont who spent some time in

Deadmau5’s austere tutelage. Unlike his Mau5-y benefactor, however, Morgan Page doesn’t traffic in humorless pomp and aimless atmospherics. He makes pretty damned good housepop, sort of like Calvin Harris before he became a rich parody of himself. Definitely one to put near the top of your must-see list here.

CRYSTAL METHOD

Crystal Method at one time was the biggest electronic act in the US. Many of the modern rave kids were literally in diapers when the band started (1993), and unlike their UK contemporaries, The Chemical Brothers, the intervening 20 years haven’t been terribly kind to them. But they put on an excellent show and have several legit “Electro Hall of Fame” anthems in their catalogue, like “High Roller”, “Keep Hope Alive”, “Busy Child” and “Name of the Game”.

This is an EDM festival the likes of which Atlanta has rarely seen. So if you have even a passing interest in dance music, this is a must-attend event, one that (assuming you act sensibly and responsibly) you should fondly remember for years to come.

General admission tickets are currently priced at an affordable $99 for the entire weekend with VIP at $229 before service fees.

For more information, please visit www.imaginefestival.com

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BORN TO BE WILD

Bear Grylls Returns With New Batch of Celebrity Survivors on Running Wild I THINK THE WILD IS ALWAYS REVEALING..

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BY BRET LOVE

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ITH DONALD TRUMP DUMPED from The Apprentice, Bear Grylls has emerged as NBC’s most popular reality show host. With Get Out Alive, The Island and Running Wild, the iconic survival expert has had three different shows on the network in recent years. And the recently launched second season of Running Wild, which pairs Grylls with celebrities such as actress Kate Hudson and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees in often grueling wilderness environments, suggests Grylls isn’t going away anytime soon.

Grylls, a former reservist in the British Special Forces (SAS) who later climbed Everest and crossed the North Atlantic and the Northwest Passage in an inflatable boat recently spoke to us about the spirit essential to survival, his favorite (and least favorite) environments to explore, and Running Wild’s second season.

Can you talk about the survival spirit you look for among the people you feature on your shows?

I think the wild is always revealing. I say to these guys right at the start, “Don’t impress me with your words, impress me with your actions.” I explain to them the qualities that keep people alive in the wild are courage, resourcefulness, determination, teamwork, humility and kindness. It’s easy to show those qualities when everything’s going well but it becomes harder to hide when you’re starving and the weather’s just torrential driving rain.

Do you think anyone can be taught to hack it as a survivalist, or does it require a certain type of personality?

We all have it in us. Some people come at it with machismo, thinking they’ve got it all, but when they’re pushed they actually don’t.

Other people come at it saying, “I’ve never done anything like this and I’m terrified.” But you just give them a few pointers and hold their hand a little bit initially. Then, when the squeeze comes on, they fly. So it’s all about putting that squeeze on and getting to the real heart of people. We all have the heart of the survivor, but sometimes it’s buried under a lot of stuff.

What sort of advice do you give to people who want to learn how to survive in the wild?

Probably the most important advice I give them is at the end of their training. It’s really about the psychology of this brutal experience they’re about to go through. You’re going somewhere where there’s a bare minimum of everything. You’re going to be dehydrated, you’re going to be starving, sometimes not

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eating for days and days and days on end.

You’re sleeping on the ground, which is rough.

You’ve got snakes and bugs to contend with, and it can be really brutal. But remember the pain won’t last forever, and this is your chance to show what you’re made of. If you’re made of sterner stuff, you don’t crumble when the pressure is on.

For Running Wild, how do you select the location and celebrity to experience it?

We try and pick diverse wildernesses that will stretch these guys. And we kind of elongate it according to who we have. Some people are fitter and stronger than others. But the great thing about Running Wild is that it’s not really about how fit or strong people are. It’s about getting to know these guys in a really honest and open way, and then pushing them a little bit and empowering them with cool skills. Hopefully we get a great adventure along the way.

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Can you talk about filming the first episode, with Kate Hudson in the Dolomites?

Filming in the Dolomites with Kate was super fun. It was demanding, but she wanted the full experience. She’s actually a really tough girl and she’s into this sort of stuff. It was the ultimate adventure playground with really big mountains, sheer cliffs, snow, avalanches, forest, rivers, the whole lot. She should be really proud of how she did. She was amazing.

What’s your favorite extreme environment to explore?

I’ve learned over the years that the viewers’ favorite environments are different from mine. They like to see me up to my neck in the bad stuff, but I’ve learned to like the gentler ones. The jungle is always hard because of the unseen dangers. When you’re dealing with snakes and crocs and all sorts of creepycrawlies, you’ve got to have your wits about you. So I’m always cautious in the jungle, and relieved when we get out of it. Drew Brees was a great person to take to that, because it is a demanding environment. You can’t take your eye off the ball for a second, and he really thrived on that.

What is your favorite part of filming the show and taking celebrities under your wing?

That it doesn’t matter how famous you are, everybody puts their trousers on one leg at a time. There’s a reason why these guys are at the top of their field. They might not have done this kind of adventure before, but they’ve excelled in their field because they have great attitudes and they’re determined. They know how to deal with risk and failure. It’s a great reminder that those qualities actually are what matters in the wild. insiteatlanta.com • August 2015 • PG 13

MUSIC

Album Reviews

REVIEWS BY BRET LOVE, LEE VALENTINE SMITH AND JOHN B. MOORE

Hollis Brown

3 Shots (Jullian

Records) For the follow up to last year’s surprisingly successful cover album of the Velvet Underground’s classic disc Loaded, Queens, NY-bred Hollis Brown have taken their standard classic garage band ethic and expanded it exponentially. Of course, the inherent influences are readily apparent, and informed music fans will have a field day spotting the band’s varied heroes as the thoroughly enjoyable collection plays out.

Definitely the band’s strongest inspiration is Bob Dylan’s mix of appropriated folk and scruffy mid-western blues-based rock. With that in mind, all the other pieces fall into place. “Rain Dance,” an actual collaboration with the late Bo Diddley, finds the band utilizing Bo’s instantly familiar beat while layering their own sound on top of it. The resulting track is a winning choice for best song on the album. Tied for that “best of” honor is “Highway 1,” a plaintive duet with the always-reliable, currently in-demand alt-country artist Nikki Lane. But without the gimmicks and guests, the band actually shines the brightest on its own, historyfiltered merit. Since they’ve toured with a diverse slate of acts that include The Zombies, The Heartless Bastards and Jesse Malin, the group can obviously maneuver and charm a number of discriminatingly hip audiences. Tracks such as “Cathedral” and “Sandy,” illustrate a true Americana band at its best, firing on all its creative cylinders to concoct a rough-hewn batch of tunes that rock when necessary and recoil when the moment is right. This is a perfect merger of the Black Crowes without their calculated phoniness and the Black Keys without the never-ending hype. Simply stated, Hollis Brown’s core of singer-songwriter-guitarists Mike Montali and Jonathan Bonilla have crafted one of the best American releases of the first half of 2015.

–Lee Valentine Smith

Continental Drifters

Drifted: In The Beginning & Beyond

(Omnivore Records) You don’t have to know the history of the Continental Drifters to appreciate this new retrospective, but it helps. The band, formed from late night shows and later-night jams in the early ‘90s at Raji’s, a famously scruffy, pre-gentrification-era bar on Hollywood Boulevard, included a veritable who’s-who of influential pop, folk and Americana.

More of an evolving clique of like-minded musicians and friends than an actual set quartet or combo, the collective included Gary Eaton, Carlo Nuccio, as well as The Dream Syndicate’s Mark Walton and Peter Holsapple of The dB’s, (and later R.E.M. and Hootie and the Blowfish). Soon, Vicki Peterson of The Bangles and Susan Cowsill joined and the band began a sporadic recording career. Disc one is culled from

PG 14 • August 2015 • insiteatlanta.com

three different 1992 sessions and disc two is dedicated to the Drifters’ penchant for covers, and includes the entirety of their rare 2001 Fairport Convention ep.

Dedicated followers of the individual musicians will probably be most interested targets for the album, since it nicely fills in the gaps of many of the artists’ considerable catalogs, during an otherwise “lost” period, between moments from their otherwise well-documented careers. But any fan of great harmonies and ‘60s-fueled folk-rock should check it out as well, as it combines the playful interplay of the Mamas and Papas style and anticipates the sepia-toned Americana craze of the early to mid-2000’s.

Highlights include Peterson’s opening number “Who We Are, Where We Live,” Cowsill’s “The Rain Song,” and Holsapple’s “Invisible Boyfriend.”

–Lee Valentine Smith

GALACTIC

Into The Deep (Provogue)

Emerging from New Orleans in 1994, Galactic has built an impressive career on improvisation and eclectic experimentation, incorporating sounds ranging from traditional NOLA-style jazz and funk to hip-hop, electronica, blues and rock.

I was ambivalent about much of the work from the sextet’s early jam-band period, particularly when they featured vocalist Theryl DeClouet (longtime friend of the Neville Brothers). Many of their songs seemed derivative of, rather than merely inspired by, legends like The Meters and Professor Longhair, and DeClouet’s bluesy style often dragged down the propulsive energy of their best instrumental tracks.

But in the years since the elderly singer left due to health concerns, Galactic set up its own studio and bassist Robert Mercurio and saxophonist Ben Ellman stepped up their production and arranging skills. As a result, their compositions seem tighter and more focused, with relentless grooves, memorable melodies and an endless array of styles that capture the distinctive energy of the city they call home.

After several great Mardi Gras-themed albums, Into The Deep is one of the more stylistically varied Galactic discs to date.

The opening “Sugar Doosie” is furiously infectious NOLA funk, with a killer horn section riding the top of a rock-solid rhythmic foundation laid down by Mercurio and drummer extraordinaire Stanton Moore. It sounds like the greatest secondline street party you can imagine put down on tape.

The album also finds the band collaborating with a diverse array of musical talents from New Orleans and beyond.

Florida’s JJ Grey lends his soulful vocals to the driving “Higher and Higher,” creating a swampy Southern blues-rock groove accentuated by Jeff Raines’ shrieking guitar.

NOLA locals David Shaw (The Revivalists) and Maggie Koerner lend their vocal talents to the ridiculously danceable “Dolla Diva,” while Jamaica’s Brushy One-String lends his distinctively colorful character to the bizarro novelty track “Chicken in the Corn.”

But the album’s most impressive pairing, “Does It Really Make a Difference,” features gospel legend Mavis Staples on a stirring soul song that wouldn’t sound remotely out of place on a Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings album. While instrumental tracks like “Long Live the Borgne” prove that Galactic doesn’t need a singer to create songs that move your body, Staples shows the effectiveness the band can have when working with a vocalist who knows how to move the spirit.

Overall, while there are a few uneven tracks here (the Macy Gray-featured title track did nothing for me), Into The Deep is the sound of a veteran band finally coming into its own as songwriters. If you’ve never been to New Orleans, a Galactic show is a pretty great place to get a taste of the city’s eclectic culture.

–Bret Love

recorded the same years as their debut full length, One With the Underdogs, includes 11 songs and obviously pulls heavily from that debut and their Lowest of the Low EP. Scott Vogel’s throat shredding vocals put up a good fight to be heard over the drums and distorted guitars. H2O’s set catches the band about five albums into their career and while still raucous, the band is a bit tighter at this point than the guys in Terror. The 17 tracks is a good mix of their late 90s songs and Nothing to Prove, the record they were touring behind at this point. The CBGB’s live series has put out a slew of impressive sets so far, and these latest two releases are just as impressive.

–John B. Moore

Instant Empire

The genesis of Vintage Piss dates back more than a decade ago when San Diego’s Rocket From the Crypt toured alongside punk royalty Sony Vincent, serving as his backing band as they churned out songs from Vincent’s old punk group the Testors. They went into the studio to record some tracks, but it wasn’t until recently that RFTC’s John Reis got around to finishing the songs and putting them out as Vintage Piss. The 13 songs here are everything a punk album should be: raw, loud, messy and fun. The band start off the album instantly with a bash of loud guitars and crashing cymbals on “unlock” with a ferocity that doesn’t let up until the last chugging guitar chords fade out on the closing, title track. In between is a fantastic hodgepodge of old school, unpolished unapologetically sloppy punk rock.

–John B. Moore

Lamplight Lost (self-released)

The recent inexplicable emo revival has reminded us that there was a lot wrong with music in the early-aughts.

But for every band like Simple Plan and New Found Glory, aimed at heartbroken teens clutching lyric journals filled with 7th grade poetry, there were far better bands that knew how to write solid, complex songs of angst and confusion that never really got the accolades they truly deserved – bands like Jimmy Eat World and Hot Rod Circuit.

Coming in with the latest crop of emodigging bands is Denver’s Instant Empire, which thankfully have much more in common with the latter than the former.

Their debut, Lamplight Lost, takes weighty lyrics and balances them with impressive guitars and time signatures. The band teamed up with a duo of producers who have worked with everyone from Spoon and Kurt Vile to Death Cab For Cutie and while the guys behind the board certainly had some effect to the finished project, there is so much to like on songs like “Dead Air” and the quieter “Mind the Gap” that the band could likely have just as impressed with a stripped down demo.

–John B. Moore

Terror

CBGB OMFUG Masters Live: June 10, 2004 The Bowery Collection/H2O CBGB OMFUG Masters Live: August 19, 2002 The Bowery Collection

(MVD Audio) CBGB’s may be dead and gone – the old club now a John Varvatos high-end fashion boutique – but thanks to this Masters Live series MVD Audio puts out, the grit and noise and spirit the tiny rock club inspired continues into another decade. The latest from this series, on vinyl for the first time, come from the LA metal band Terror and New York Hardcore group H2O. The sound, recorded right off of the soundboard, is stellar, capturing both bands at high points in their careers. The Terror set was

Sony Vincent & Rocket From the Crypt Vintage Piss (Swami)

Last Days of April

Sea of Clouds (Tapete Records)

The Swedish indie pop band Last Days of April have quietly been plugging away since the mid/late‘90s. And while their sound has changed immensely since their first demos surfaced, the band has managed to lock into a subtler, more melodic niche that is leaps and bounds stronger than their earliest effort.

On Sea of Clouds, the band’s ninth record and first for German label Tapete, the band mixes a little country slide guitar into their normal dreamy indie pop and the affect is impressive. The songs still have a dreamy nature, thanks mainly to Karl Larsson’s soft, slow delivery – sounding a bit like a Swedish Beck.

Tracks like “The Thunder & The Storm” and the slightly twangy “Everybody Knows” sound like a band channeling Wilco and Whiskeytown. The overall affect is striking.

The group may not be widely known in this country, despite a history that dates back nearly two decades, but their latest is a good introduction to the band.

–John B. Moore

COMEDY

TWO MAN GOOFS

“Whose Line” Stars Mochrie and Sherwood Take Their Improv on the Road

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

S

INCE THE EARLY ‘90S, COMIC actors Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood have been internationally known for their improvised antics on the US and UK versions of the popular “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” television series. For the past twelve years, the genial gentlemen have been touring the world with a completely improvised, audienceparticipation-heavy, evening of comedy known as “The Two Man Group.” While Mochrie - who recently appeared in Atlanta at the Dad’s Garage all-star comedy show at the Fox Theater - was on a plane to Japan, Sherwood spoke with INsite from his home in Las Vegas.

WE GET ALONG AMAZINGLY WELL. WE BOTH HAVE THE SAME SENSE OF HUMOR AND HAVE A LOT OF THE SAME REFERENCE LEVELS.

And it works best in the live setting.

Well, yeah. Remember on the old variety shows, they’d have the plate spinners? If you talk about it, it’s the dumbest idea you could ever imagine. But it was so exciting to watch because of the fear of dropping and breaking the plate made it exciting. And that’s the excitement of watching a live improv show. Plenty of people are still skeptical that we don’t get advance notice of the stuff we do on the show. But when you come to see it live, you absolutely know. It’s like, “Oh wow, they really are making it up because they dragged me up on stage, and I had to say stuff!”

You do a lot of musical parodies in the live Whose Line has been around a long time and show, and on TV. That is one of the most that’s a great testimony to the international difficult types of improv. appeal of improv.

It is, and it’s difficult for us as It’s one of those rare shows that well. When it’s really good we COLIN MOCHRIE make it look easy but sometimes appeals to such a wide variety of age groups. There are very AND BRAD we are just trying to think a mile few comedy shows that appeal SHERWOOD’S a minute. You’re trying to stay on to college-age kids and senior TWO MAN GROUP key, you’re trying to sing like the citizens. But what we do is so AUGUST 7, 8PM person you’re lampooning, you’re goofy and situational, it tickles the trying to make sense, and you Frederick Brown funny bone of anyone who wants Amphitheater have to make it rhyme. Talk about to see a bunch of guys get stuck in plate spinning! That’s intellectual amphitheater.org ridiculous situations and cleverly plate-spinning at its finest right work their way out of it. there! Before Whose Line, I’d done general parodies like Opera or Sondeheim And the shelf-life is longer than most typical but later I began to do specific people like Bob stand-up.

Dylan or Johnny Cash.

Right, because we’re not doing political stuff or reading the newspapers to roast politicians.

You’ve worked with Colin for so long, you We’re just going, “Ok, use your creativity to can probably finish each other’s sentences. turn us into plumbers who are stuck on an alien That familiarity obviously works within the spacecraft in a thunderstorm.” That is universal improv format. and ageless. And that’s why Colin and I have We get along amazingly well. We both have had such a successful tour for about twelve years the same sense of humor and have a lot of the now. We’re not known as being liberal comics or same reference levels. People used to ask who conservative comics, where half of the audience my comedy idols were, and I’ve always said, is going to hiss and boo a politician joke. It’s such Tim Conway, Art Carney and Don Knotts. a politically correct and divisive world now.

Those guys always made me laugh harder than anyone. And strangely enough Colin is similar That also says a lot about the power of TV. A lot to all three of those guys. He has this goofy way of the people probably feel as if they know you, of making you laugh even when he isn’t saying because they’ve watched you on television every anything. He’s like the innocent guy who seems week for years. to be picked upon that’s where he works from.

In a certain sense they do know us because we I’m more the acerbic one. If we were Abbott and are being ourselves on the show unlike a lot of Costello, I’d be Abbott and he’d be Costello. people on TV. We’re just getting up there and trying to survive by our wits and make you laugh You guys have more common interests than - and not fall on our faces in the process. most relatives or spouses.

That’s true. He and I have literally travelled And every one of your shows is different. the world doing the Two Man show for the past Yes! Colin and I do a two hour show and we twelve years and in that time we’ve never had may do the same menu of improv games but an argument, never had a difference of opinion every night we have different people on stage about what we want to do with the show and we and we are always taking different suggestions. are both committed to making sure the show Improv is like intellectual skydiving, you do it never goes into a rut. because you like the thrill of it. You don’t want to recreate a moment and feel safe in it. We That’s so rare, because you often hear horror literally walk out on stage every night having no stories about famous duos who are known idea what the content will be. And that is truly to absolutely despise each other, whether it’s exciting for us. People laugh because it’s goofy Martin and Lewis or Simon and Garfunkel. but it’s also like a magic act where we are literally Yeah. Maybe we’re just lucky but I think it’s creating it out of thin air and that appeals to the because we don’t have competing egos. We even child in everyone. go on vacations with our wives together. It’s not like we just see each other at work with our And it’s fun to watch, because at any given lunchboxes, check out and then go our separate moment, the whole thing can derail. ways. This is a two-man rowboat and it doesn’t I’m always worried that it’s about to fall apart. go anywhere unless we both paddle as fast as we Every single moment is a fail or succeed and can so there’s no competition involved. Every you can’t ever rest on your laurels in an improve laugh that happens onstage is created by our scene. It’s the excitement and adrenaline of being conversation and our interplay. He makes me on the verge of failing that I think appeals to laugh and I make him laugh. people who love improv.

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MUSIC

“IT’S 1978 AGAIN!”

The Yacht Rock Revue Revives the Easy-Listening Hits of the ‘70s

YES, TODAY & TOMORROW Legendary Classic Rock Band Soldiers on After the Death of Co-founder Chris Squire

that first tour?

I’d been working with Joe Cocker on the Mad Dogs And Englishmen tour in Europe. I finished with him on a Thursday in Rome and on Friday, I flew to London and talked to [founders] Jon Anderson and Chris, who physically threatened me if I didn’t join! (Laughs) And then they said, “Oh, and by the way, we have a gig on Monday in Dallas Texas.” I went, “What?!” So we never had one full rehearsal. I just had to rise to the occasion, I guess.

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

D

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

O

definitely not the career path that I’d ever seen for myself, but it’s been really interesting.

NE OF THE MOST CREATIVE Atlanta bands of the early 2000’s And the whole thing started in the basement was the mass of energy and inspired of the Ten High. ideas called Y.O.U. The prolific outfit made a Yeah, in the middle 2000’s, the Ten High name for itself with unique ideas and stunts, gave us every Thursday to do including theme nights at clubs anything we wanted. We were around town. From those events YACHT ROCK doing our band Y.O.U., we were sprang the Yacht Rock Revue, a doing comedy, we were doing The REVIVAL cottage industry of ‘70s and ‘80s Who vs Led Zeppelin nights, just light rock favorites. Since ’08 their SAT, AUG. 22 anything we could think of. But vessel has grown from a meager Piedmont Park the one that really hit was playing rowboat to a popular cruise ship Amphitheatre Yacht Rock. We did it one night with frequent national tours, soldpleaserock.com and it sold out and it did the next out theater shows and The Yacht time too. It kind of grew from Rock Revival an annual gathering there to an every Thursday kind of of like-minded easy listening fans and artists thing.

We weren’t even trying to form a cover at Piedmont Park. This year special guests band much less one that actually makes money include Steve Augeri, (formerly of Journey), or be our job.

We just let the audience and the Walter Egan (“Magnet and Steel”), Matthew demand dictate where we went with it and Wilder (“Break My Stride”), Robbie Dupree that was probably one of the biggest factors in (“Steal Away”), Jeff Carlisi of .38 Special, Elliot its success.

Lurie of Looking Glass (“Brandy, You’re a Fine Girl”) and Peter Beckett and Ronn Moss of So by the end of 2008, it had started to be a Player (“Baby Come Back”). We spoke with popular attraction.

Yacht Rock’s Nick Niespodziani from the The next year or so, we got an office and band’s office. that’s when it became an actual job for us.

So about for five years now, really when we For the uninitiated, how do you define started doing corporate events and weddings it “Yacht Rock”? became real. It started around the time when Strictly speaking, Yacht Rock refers to the the ironic moustache was popular but it’s smooth music of the late ‘70s, and early ‘80s. outlasted the joke and now it’s real, basically.

The sound was primarily created by session musicians and the songs were generally more As a music fan, it must be fun to play some of focused on musical creativity than lyrical these songs with the original singer or writer creativity. I’d say the Mount Rushmore of it would have to include Michael McDonald, Hall of the hits.

It’s so much fun for us and I think it’s fun for and Oates, Steely Dan and Boz Scaggs. Those the artists too because they feel that energy. It type of songs have been kind of a calling card brings something out of them that they maybe for us. haven’t seen or felt in 20 or 30 years.

But you don’t simply replicate the hit singles.

No, instead of playing them like the originals They see that you are doing more than just kitsch even though there’s still some irony in it. we kind of approach them as though every At first everybody just saw us in the polyester song is an AC/DC song. We put that energy and the suits and there was a lot of skepticism. into them and I think that’s what brings the “Are they making fun of me?” But then when audience more into it. We play every song they play with us they realize that nothing like it’s our own, usually faster and louder and could be further from the truth. often with more spirit than the original band played it.

The renewed interest must be an ego booster for some of these great but almostSince these aren’t your songs you can take a forgotten artists. few liberties with them, right?

Oh yeah, they really get into it. They’ve You can kind of let go of yourself where your usually been playing performing arts centers, ego isn’t all tied up in it. We find the core of those nostalgia-type package shows and gigs what made it such a popular song and bring that are generally aimed at an older audience. that out for the audience and then it becomes a But when they play with us people are reacting completely different and fun. like it’s a rock concert. They’re all dancing How did the Yacht Rock Revue become such a up in front. Last year at the Revival, we were doing “Baby Come Back” with the guys from cottage industry?

It was certainly not on purpose. It just started Player and some lady threw her bra on stage! It really feels like, “Ok, now it’s 1978 again!” You out as something to be kind of funny and it’s turned into something completely different. It’s can see it on their faces and they love it.

PG 16 • August 2015 • insiteatlanta.com

RUMMER ALAN WHITE’S PLACE in rock history is highlighted by his work on John Lennon’s classic songs Instant Karma and Imagine. If those were his only credits, his legacy as a rock and roll icon would be complete. But for over four decades, he’s also been a constant presence and a driving force in the ever-evolving and staggeringly prolific progressive rock group Yes. With the passing of co-founder and bassist Chris Squire in June, White and guitarist Steve Howe are the And that’s a lot of very sophisticated material remaining cornerstones of the band. A constant to learn, it’s not like running through Chuck presence in the line-up since 1972, White’s Berry songs. earliest performances with Yes are captured No! Close to the Edge had never been played in the newest release from the vaults at Rhino on stage before and I had to play it. It’s not Records, Progeny: Seven Shows From Seventyexactly the easiest piece of music in the world Two, a massive multi-disc set which includes a to play. full show recorded in Athens on the band’s Close To The Edge tour. As he prepped But leaning a lot of music on the to go back on the road for his first run isn’t new for you.

Yes tour without Squire, White Right, well that happened with Joe SAT, AUG. 22 spoke with INsite from his home in Cocker, too. And John Lennon. And Washington.

Verizon boon, I was on stage! It was quitea Amphitheatre bit of different material to go from The news of Chris Squire was a the Joe Cocker band to the Plastic shock to Yes fans, but it must have vzwamp.com Ono Band and then to Yes. My early been devastating to the band and years of drumming taught me to be to you, personally. adaptable to a lot of different styles.

Absolutely, yeah. Chris was like a brother. We had our ups and downs but we were the rhythm With Lennon, you worked with [producer] Phil section for Yes for the last 42 years. When Spector. Did you see his unpredictable side, he was diagnosed, I talked to him quite a few during the sessions? times and he really wanted me to keep things Oh yeah! In fact he always had that sort of crazy going, regardless of whatever were to happen. I look in his eyes. You know, it was kind of like promised him that we’d keep Yes together and how Keith Moon used to look at me. That kind of move forward, so basically, we’re kind of doing look where you think they’re looking at you but this for him. they’re really looking right through you.

YES

Have you played a show without him yet.

No yet, no. I leave here the first of August, then we have a week’s rehearsal and then we’ll be on the road with Toto, doing the full show.

Besides you and Chris the only real constant in Yes is change.

Yeah! We’ve seen so many line-ups of Yes with different people in it but the two of us were there constantly for 43 years so it’s kind of strange. But [current bassist} Billy [Sherwood] and Chris go way back; he kinda grew up with Chris as his mentor. He knows most of the songs insideout and the harmonies. And [new singer] Jon Davison is doing a hell of a great job onstage and the Yes audience has really accepted him.

Your newest release is your oldest work with the band. How does it feel to go back and listen to performances from 43 years ago?

It’s interesting for me because I can hear how I approached the music in the beginning and making my style work within the Yes style.

Is it true you only had three days to prepare for

What was he like in the studio during the Imagine sessions in ‘71?

He was very quiet, actually. He and John used to have these very controlled conversations and they’d come up with ideas. When we were doing the song Imagine just as we first started playing it John started singing the song from the beginning with no intro. And the drums came in at the beginning. After we’d done a run-through I said to John and Phil “You know, you do this so well why don’t you just start with you and the piano and then the drums come in later.” And that’s what we ended up with.

The last few years Yes has been performing two albums in their entirety on tour. Will the Atlanta show feature two full albums in order?

No, we’re doing that next year, in Europe. On this show, Toto will be doing a set of classic Toto songs and then we’ll be doing pretty much the same. Our classic songs things that a lot of Yes fans really like to hear. We’re keeping in time with the standards we’ve set over the years and the dedication to make it a great show.

MUSIC

GAME OF THRONES’ KRISTIAN NAIRN On His New Found Fame as DJ Hodor

BY BRET LOVE

K

RISTIAN NAIRN MAY NOT be the world’s most unlikely celebrity.

But considering he’s 6’11” tall, built more like Andre the Giant than Brad Pitt, and didn’t have an IMDB credit to his name before he was cast as Hodor at the age of 36, few people could’ve predicted he would become one of Game Of Thrones’ biggest breakout stars.

Yet if you sit down for a chat with the gentle giant, you immediately understand why Hodor has become such a fan favorite. Nairn’s friendly eyes and good-natured personality are matched with a wry Irish humor honed in his native Belfast.

There’s a depth of character that allows him to speak volumes about the warmth of the mentally challenged Hodor’s heart using one single word– HODOR. There’s also a palpable positive energy that provides striking contrast to the mud-stained shitstorm that defines the sociopolitical turmoil of Westeros. As Hodor, Nairn is not just the protector for Bran Stark, but a symbol of hope and innocence in a world gone wrong.

Back in Ireland, he’s better known as a DJ than an actor: He’s been spinning records at Belfast’s Kremlin nightclub for more than a decade now.

And, until Game of Thrones show runners work Hodor back into the mix (more on that in a minute), Kristian Nairn’s DJ career is his primary focus.

He’s just released his debut single, and he’ll be performing the “Rave of Thrones” at NYC’s Irving Plaza on August 13th. Also, catch him appearing live at DragonCon in Atlanta.

We recently spoke to Kristian Nairn about his DJ career, Hodor’s internal life, returning to Game of Thrones and more in this exclusive interview: I have to start out asking about Game of Thrones, since that is how most fans know you.

Can you talk about what it was like watching the latest season from the sidelines while Hodor and Bran are out of the picture? Is it emotional for you to see beloved characters like Jon Snow killed off, knowing you might not see the actors who play them as often?

It’s definitely emotional. Having been a part of something since the beginning, and with the VAST change it’s made to my life as a whole, I definitely have some deep-rooted connections there. Right from the beginning, watching cast members be killed off was a bittersweet experience… It’s an excellent storyline, but it’s horrible losing a friend from the set.

You’ve been DJing in Ireland for many years now, but GoT appears to be your first big acting gig. How did you get the part?

Honestly, I’ve been on the periphery of acting for years, via music and theatre, so I feel it was a natural segue into acting. I had an agent through the musical and theatre part of my life, and I got put forward for occasional auditions for suitable parts. After being seen by Nina Gold for Hot Fuzz, I got a call back 5-6 years later, and I was offered the role of Hodor.

Despite the fact that he only says one word, Hodor seems to be a massive fan favorite. Do you have any insight on why that may be?

How has all that attention impacted you on a personal level?

I’ve heard him described a few times recently as “The Heart of Game of Thrones,” and I guess that’s true. He adds a little warmth

to the bleakness, and a little silver lining to the darkness of what’s happening in Bran’s storyline. He is genuinely a nice guy and a bit of an enigma. I mean, I love to meet fans, and it’s definitely got more and more intense over the years. But it’s part of the job, I feel.

Fans sometimes seem to confuse us with the character we play, although that has happened with many shows over the years. I find that a bit strange.

Any favorite fan encounters?

The one that really made me think was going to Perth in Australia. It’s one of the most remote cities on earth. I couldn’t be further away from home, and I had a group of fans waiting for me at the airport. That really made me think about how big the show had become.

How do you as an actor bring such a seemingly simple character to life in a way that resonates strongly on an emotional level?

The same way I try to live my life, and also with my music. Just find your inner truth and, in turn, the truth of the character you’re playing.

Don’t act. Be real. There’s no need to act, whether onscreen or in life.

With the Entertainment Weekly revelation this week that Bran Stark will definitely be back in Season 6, it seems likely that we’ll see Hodor as well. I know you can’t reveal specific plot details, but can you talk about your emotions re: returning to the set and what you’re most looking forward to on a personal level?

Bran has been confirmed, but I’m afraid I can’t confirm whether I’ll be back or not just yet.

Dammit! We were hoping for some sort of exclusive scoop… Well, the show’s success obviously brings a lot more attention to your music career. When and how did you originally get into DJing?

Yes, and I’m so grateful for that! I’ve been playing music since I was 3 or 4 years old, and it’s always been a HUGE part of my life.

I learned to DJ at music college. One night, I covered for a DJ who was sick. That was 20 years ago, and I haven’t stopped DJing since.

BOTH AVENUES FULFILL ME IMMENSELY, AND IT’S NOT REALLY A CASE OF JUGGLING THEM. FOR ME, IT’S JUST A CASE OF KEEP PUSHING!

own music for the first time? Is this a first step towards a full album?

I don’t know if an album is in the cards just yet. But I do have a lot of material waiting in the wings, so it’s just a case of figuring out what is the best way to share it with the world.

Where do you hope to see your music career go in the future?

I hope to see myself continuing to travel and produce music, really. It’s a great way to earn a living and see the world, and getting

to connect with so many people all over the world is a powerful and joyous thing.

How do you foresee yourself balancing music and acting priorities in the future? Does each one fulfill a different aspect of your creative needs?

Both avenues fulfill me immensely, and it’s not really a case of juggling them. For me, it’s just a case of keep pushing! The more you do, the more you do… I love that old saying! There’s always time to do more work on something that you love.

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Were there any particular artists that influenced your early interest in music, outside of the techno realm?

Definitely. Kate Bush, Bjork, Gary Numan, Danzig and many heavy metal bands, to name a few. I could literally go on all day on this subject!

What can fans expect from your Rave of Thrones Tour?

The show really depends on the venue it’s booked in. Some go all out and theme the venue to incredible levels. Sometimes a LOT of people dress up, and sometimes you just see the odd T Shirt here and there. Really, it’s a very fun night to DJ. The crowd just gets along brilliantly with each other, and they are a pleasure to DJ for!

Let’s talk about your new single, “Up/Beacon.”

How did you connect with Leanne Robinson?

I was looking for a special vocalist– a female, primarily– who sounded great singing in lower registers. A friend let me hear Leanne’s voice, and I loved it immediately! She is a very talented artist.

What was the feeling of finally releasing your

Voting begins Midnight Sunday, August 9

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insiteatlanta.com • August 2015 • PG 17

MUSIC

D.C. PUNKS LOUD BOYZ THE BEAUMONTS Moving at Rapid Pace

BY JOHN B. MOORE

I

T’S BEEN LESS THAN A YEARS since D.C.’s Loud Boys first formed and they’ve already opened for The Buzzcocks, Marky Ramone, Typefighter and have a full length ready to put out. The band came out of the demise of the thrash band Warchild, but expect a much more straight forward punk sound with Loud Boyz. Singer Kenny Brown talked recently about the bands founding, recording their debut in a weekend and snagging some of Marky Ramone’s pasta sauce.

I have been hearing so much about the band recently from so many people, I was surprised to hear you haven’t been around longer. How did the band first start out?

Yeah it’s actually pretty crazy that we’ve only been together for a little more than a year. Our first show was March 2014. We started as the remnants of our old thrash band Warchild. After our guitarist moved to LA, Devin (Cassidy) and I were talking about starting a punk band. Rory (Sheridan) and I switched roles and he played guitar and I sang, and there we started playing with Mitchell (West). I met Alex (Anderson) at a party and we started talking about music and from there we all just clicked the first time and it’s been smooth sailing since! Rory saw some graffiti here in DC that just said LOUD BOYZ scribbled across a building, and that’s how we became what we are today.

Have you been surprised by the positive response?

This band came together so fast and it was just to have a good time and then we started getting all these crazy shows and being recognized at bars, putting out vinyl, etc, etc. I was at happy hour with my coworkers a few weeks ago and some girl walks up to me and was like “oh my god I’m having a fan girl moment right now” and I was like “uhh I’m literally drinking at the same bro bar you are”.

What can you tell me about the full length that is coming out this summer?

We’re really hyped on it! It’s called Tough Love, Hard Feelings and it’s coming out on Cricket Cemetery in July. We recorded it with Ben Green (Fairweather) who’s the homie, and I think it conveys exactly what we wanted it to.

It has a good garage edge and I feel towards the end of us writing it is when we really started to click as a band.

How long did it take to record the album?

Literally one weekend. He helped us out so we had a tight time frame to record it and listening to it, it’s insane how quickly it churned out and how good it sounds. After he mixed it a few times, we sent it on to mastering.

So D.C. obviously has a long, storied past when it comes to punk rock. Living there, do you get the sense that the scene is constantly living in the shadow of Dischord and those bands?

D.C. is so different than what it was before.

There are so many different sounding bands coming out of here as well as new DIY venues popping out that it’s evolved from those days.

At the same time, its presence is always there, and you’ll see all the heavyweights from that era - Ian MacKaye, Shawn Brown, John Stabb, Ian Svenonius, etc. - still pulling their own in D.C. Where are you playing this summer?

We have some great shows coming up in D.C., Baltimore, New York. We’re opening for Marky Ramone at Soundstage which is very exciting. I’ve been meaning to pick up a jar of his signature Pasta Sauce. We are also hyped that Darkest Hour asked us to play their 20 year anniversary in July, which is pretty wild to me.

What else is next for you guys?

We’re filming more music videos, writing new songs, and playing more shows. We already started writing for the next LP as we like to keep it moving and not get stale. We also are hyped on a festival that I don’t think I can talk about just yet.

WHITE REAPER

Classic Garage Rock with Punk

BY JOHN B. MOORE

T

HE LOUISVILLE, KY TRIO WHITE REAPER HAVE managed to cobble together a sound that owes just as much to ‘60s pop and classic garage rock as it does to modern day punk. The band, comprised of singer/guitarist Tony Esposito and twin brothers Sam (bass) and Nick Wilkerson (drums) put out a solid EP last year and have quickly followed it up with a remarkably strong full length, White Reaper Does It Again, coming out this summer on Polyvinyl.

Esposito spoke recently about the differences in recording both albums, their sudden popularity and being in a band with brothers.

You put out the EP last year, which was the first time many heard your music. Did you approach this full length any differently - either with the writing or recording if it?

Yeah I suppose the full length felt a bit different than the EP. Some of the songs on the EP were songs that we had written together a while ago, like before we even had the band; others PG 18 • August 2015 • insiteatlanta.com

Country, but Not What You Expect

BY JOHN B. MOORE

T

HE BEAUMONTS ARE THE funniest guys to come out Texas since Bill Hicks. The five-piece band combine Outlaw Country and Tex Mex music with lyrics that are whip smart funny. Whether their singing about smack (“If You Take Drugs (You’re Gonna Die))” or pretty boys making country music (Change My Name”), The Beaumonts won’t be ignored. Troy Wayne Delco front man for the band and founder is currently promoting their latest album, Hey WE Y’All It’s The Beaumonts,

cheerleader at a university that despite having the word “Engineering” in its name, managed to kill twelve people in an attempt to build a bonfire. I am guessing he will get no more than two terms.

Any plans to tour outside of Texas?

Yes! We hope to get out West soon and disappoint some folks. I expect we will make a trip to Louisiana once it cools off a tad.

Have you ever been to La Fayette? Everybody talks about New Orleans, with damn good reason but the women in La LOVE Fayette are unexpectedly stunning.

EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. BE KIND TO YOUR NEIGHBOR.

So why decide to start a band in the first place?

Opportunities for egomaniacal pricks with a taste for drug addiction, late night driving, women, poverty, world domination, and fancy hotels are rare these days.

You guys have songs about Lubbock, San Antonio and East Texas. No love for Dallas?

Have you ever been to Dallas? Don’t waste your time. I know plenty of good people from Dallas, but none of ‘em are ever there when we are. As much as I despise Dallas, I adore Fort Worth. We need a song about Ft. Worth, for sure, but that would require effort, so don’t hold your breath. I hope some of this relates to the questions you are asking..

Think Rick Perry has a shot at being president?

Something a lot of people outside of Texas don’t know is that Rick Perry was a male

were much better versions of songs that I recorded demos for.

We recorded the EP in like a total of maybe 6-7 days? Some songs were recorded in different places too. This new record though, the songs are much better versions of these demos I made over the past year or whatever, and we recorded 10 days in a row in our good friend Kevin Ratterman’s studio.

The musical influences here seem pretty varied, from the obvious punk sound, the ‘60s keyboard to more of a fun pop sound. Did you guys grow up listening to similar music?

We definitely listen to a lot of the same stuff but everybody has their own taste, too. We really like a lot of older stuff like Sam Cooke and the Shangri-Las. We also really like heavier stuff like Accept and Judas Priest. We don’t listen to a whole lot of new music but every once and a while one of us will find a new record we like, maybe something like Panda Bear, Ramona Lisa, Charli XCX and other things like that.

With siblings in the band, have you witnessed any Oasis or Davies style dust-ups yet?

Yeah we got siblings in the band, but we’ve all known each other for so long that everybody bangs heads every once in a while.

The album hasn’t come out yet, but you are already getting

Willie or Johnny?

Are you talking about Johnny Cash? I am not going to engage in some silly bullshit about one being “better” than the other. I might point out Johnny Cash is not from Texas, and that Waylon Jennings would have been a better contender in this imaginary battle of Country Music Icons, but what good would that do? The real King of Rock and Roll came from our hometown Lubbock.

You’ve heard of Buddy Holly, right? Wrote his own songs and actually played guitar?

Keith Richards agrees, so go ahead and put that in the bank. Thanks for the opportunity to point that out.

Those are all the questions I had. Anything else you want to cover?

If I can pass anything along to our readers it would be this: We are THE BEAUMONTS from Central Lubbock Texas. We love each and every one of you. Be kind to your neighbor. Tip them bartenders real good, and please, in the name of the sweet Baby Jesus, bring us some fucking pills.

a lot of attention for it. I think I heard recently that NPR was featuring a track on All Things Considered.

How are you reacting to all the attention?

It’s pretty cool man. We just really like playing shows and shows are obviously a little more fun when more people come so it’s really fun. We work with a lot of really great people and we’re really good friends with everyone at our label, management and PR. You also cover “Territorial Pissing” on the new Nirvana covers album. Did you get to choose that song? If not, what would have been your first choice?

Yeah man! We actually didn’t pick the song but if we were to choose that would have definitely been one we were considering.

It’s just really fast man, and that’s pretty attractive to us.

FILM

MUSIC

POLICE STATE

Andy Summers on Can’t Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police

BY BRET LOVE

A

NDY SUMMERS HAS BEEN A guitarist of renown since the ‘60s, when he played R&B with Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band, psychedelia with The Soft Machine, and British Invasion blues-rockers The Animals. But despite releasing 12 solo albums, publishing numerous books and composing film soundtracks, he will forever be best-known as one-third of The Police.

Rising out of the late ‘70s British punk scene, The Police– Summers, drummer Stewart Copeland and bassist/singer Sting– blended punk, pop, rock and reggae influences to become icons of early ‘80s New Wave. Though they only stayed together from 1977 to 1986, the band sold over 75 million records, won six Grammys, and have four albums on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Now, Summers is promoting two new projects– his latest solo album, Metal Dog, and the DVD release of Can’t Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police, the documentary film based on his 2006 memoir One Train Later. I spoke with Summers about his early career, his recent work, and what it’s like to be one of the most beloved bands in the world.

In your early career you had a lot of nearmisses, with brief stints in bands like The Animals and Soft Machine. Did you ever consider giving up the music business?

Yes, about every five minutes! I joined Zoot Money’s Big Roll Band, a great rhythm ’n’ blues band with guys from my hometown, and we became successful in London. But times changed in the late ’60s, and I moved to California to join The Animals. Being a musician is a tough life, but from the moment I picked up a guitar when I was 12 I wanted to be a musician for life.

You were 10 years older than Stewart and Sting, thrust into the British punk scene and getting spit on. Were there any “I’m getting too old for this shit” moments?

When I came back from California, I was nearly 30 and thinking it was over for me. At that time, it was be punk or get out of the business.

The British punk scene was more of a fashion statement with lots of fake anger. A lot of the music was terrible. The whole credo was that you didn’t have to know how to play but The Police could actually play. Once we rehearsed together, the interplay between us started to develop, Sting brought out these songs and the real Police came about.

What was the initial reaction to your sound?

We transcended the punk scene. I remember we did a gig at the Nashville in London and they were breaking in through the windows to see us. It was a great moment in time with such great energy. The problem with the English punk scene was that it was so localized that it didn’t translate to America. But they got the Police because we were articulate, played well and had these great melodic songs.

You come off in the film as the band’s most grounded and diplomatic member.

We’d go around beating each other up all the time but we’d always come back together. We went through incredible stuff and became a phenomenon around the world. There is a bond.

I love Sting and Stewart and feel like they’re my brothers. When the dice were down, we always

AT THIS POINT IN MY LIFE I WANT TO MAKE THE MUSIC THAT’S APPEALING TO ME AND I HOPE OTHER PEOPLE LIKE IT.

stood up for one another. There’s all this stuff in the media that we hate each other, but we don’t.

We’re a band.

Can you talk about the emotion involved in reliving this history with the film?

It was such a life experience that you never really get away from it. The reunion tour really took care of all the long-term emotional stuff.

We went out and played and took the whole world by storm again. It was one of the biggest tours of all time.

Regarding your recent solo work, is it liberating to create on your own without making decisions by committee?

Yes, of course. I have my home studio where I like to compose the music. My latest album is more experimental with a very positive atmosphere to it. I really enjoyed making it and want to start another one before I get too far away from this mode.

Do you ever miss the camaraderie of collaborating with other musicians?

At this point in my life I want to make the music that’s appealing to me and I hope other people like it. I find it pleasant to be in the studio on my own, more akin to a painter who has all of his colors on his palette. I go to my studio and I have loads of guitars and effects processors. This record was made all by me. I like the autonomy of it.

Is the door to working with The Police closed now?

I don’t really know. Everybody does their “last tour,” and they come back 10 more times. It’s a cliché. According to Sting’s pronouncement, we’re never going to do it again. I don’t really believe that but I don’t sit by the phone waiting. I just think about the next project I’m going to do and carry on.

What do you hope fans will get from seeing this movie?

I hope people get great joy from it. It’s brutally honest, with a lot of great music in it. I think people really enjoy seeing the band when we were all so young and having such a great time taking the world by storm. Usually the audience stands up and cheers at the end.

MUSIC

TRACKS NEW RELEASES EDM The New Vanguard THE LATEST DVD, BLU RAY & VOD RELEASES

BY BRET LOVE AND JOHN MOORE

Bitten: The Complete Second Season It would be easy to dismiss this as another series piggybacking off the True Blood/ Vampire Diaries/ Teen Wolf formula, since it’s populated by impossibly pretty small town folk who happen to be Werewolves.

But compelling plots and solid writing allow Bitten to stand on its own as a guilty pleasure. Based on Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld books, the show centers on Eelna Michaels, who’s torn between her pack allegiance and her human boyfriend. Not exactly Shakespeare, but it’s fun nonetheless, and the show was recently renewed by Syfy.

Ex Machina This sci-fi thriller is seemingly simple in its construct. A brilliant tech CEO (Oscar Isaac) builds a human-looking robot with advanced artificial intelligence (Alicia Vikander), then gets one of his employees (Domhnall Gleeson) to interact with it to see how it performs. But the plot twists are remarkably clever, turning the film into a wildly creative, intense thriller that plays out the suspense until the very last moments. The core trio of actors are all amazing.

Written and directed by novelist/screenwriter Alex Garland (The Beach, 28 Days Later). Ex Machina is brilliant from start to finish.

The French Lieutenant’s Woman Based on a John Fowles’ novel and a script

by Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter, this 1981 classic is a story-within-astory featuring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons as actors in a period piece about forbidden love. Both of the actors are involved in serious relationships, but their passionate performances lead to real life imitating art and they struggle to come to terms with infidelity. This Criterion Collection Special Edition Blu Ray features a new 2K digital restoration, new interviews with Streep and Irons as well as film scholar Ian Christie, and more.

I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story One of the most emotional documentaries in recent memory, this nostalgic love letter to childhood tells the story of the quiet, unassuming man who has played Big Bird (and Oscar the Grouch) for the last 46 years. The film traces Spinney’s life from his aspiring puppeteer childhood to being discovered by Jim Henson, tracing the highs (becoming one of the world’s most beloved characters) and lows (Henson’s death, the effects of old age and changing cultural tastes). Warm and wonderfully wistful, this is a strong early contender for Best Documentary of 2015.

The Knick: The Complete First Season Cinemax has always seemed a little like HBO’s skeevy cousin, but The Knick (exec. produced and directed by Steven Soderbergh) suggests the network has potential. Clive Owen stars John Thackery, the boundarypushing chief surgeon at NYC’s Knickerbocker Hospital, who battles cocaine addiction and high mortality from sepsis while fighting to save poor immigrants in the early 1900s. Like Boardwalk Empire before it, the historical drama is gritty and graphic, touching on themes such as racism and corruption at the dawn of modern medicine.

BY BLUE SULLIVAN

LYFGRDS

“American Dream” Here’s something hot off the presses for you by a fantastic new LA-based deep house/ electro-pop hybrid which just might point the way out of the last 3 years of electro-stagnation.

Beginning with cheekily-polar audio samples by Obama and a 50s PSA teaching school kids how to survive a nuclear blast (hint: apparently they were way more optimistic about the protective powers of picnic blankets back then), the track launches into nearly five fat-free, whip-smart minutes of good old fashioned soul-pop given a glistening dance floor spit-shine. Imagine “Flat Eric” cross-bred with Crystal Method’s “Keep Hope Alive” with a perfectly-utilized vocal that could pass for London Grammar, and you have something that a maniacally tuned-in Jacques Lu Cont could dream up. And as regular readers of this column know, that is a compliment on the order of “you know, if he just grew his beard out a little and conjured up some wine, he could maybe be the next messiah”.

Everything Everything

“Distant Past” Speaking of encouraging signs for the future of electronic music, here’s one from the UK, produced by the aforementioned superproducer, J.L.C. In any other month, this (or the track below) would easily lead the column, but in a photo finish, the triumph went to the proud young lads from our shores. That said, “Distant Past” is a gorgeous amalgam of ingredients that have no business going well together. Bits of Dizzee Rascal, Bloc Party and Thom Yorke battle with production lazer-targeted for radio dominance, and the result could’ve easily been terrible. Instead, we get a rare case where the kitchen sink was exactly the right recipe.

Leftfield

“Universal Everything” This one could be a “retro pick”, since its creator’s club bonafides trace back to 1989. But this isn’t an old track. It’s the first new single after a 15 year LP hiatus, and not only isn’t it a disappointment, it’s so earth-wobblingly ferocious, it should force 80% of today’s EDM “stars” to retire to their private islands in shame.

If it weren’t blasphemy to speak the words (they did give the world Leftism and “Phat Planet”, after all), I might call this the pinnacle of Leftfield’s already-bulletproof legacy.

To hear these brilliant tracks, and a few not mentioned here, check out our “Track Suits” mix at www.mixcloud.com/ tracksuits. Special thanks to TJDJ and my brother Jody for their help in curating this column.

Also, check out my new dating advice book, “Your Ex-Boyfriend Will Hate This”, available now via Amazon! insiteatlanta.com • August 2015 • PG 19

FILM

INTO THE WILD Movie Reviews

Bear Grylls On Celebrities, Survival & Running Wild

BY BRET LOVE

I

PAPER TOWNS (PG-13) DEVELOPED MY LIFELONG LOVE

 of the outdoors as a boy. My parents and Paper Towns is a took romantic dream I mightinhave grandparents me backpacking the had in high school.

Even though I didn’t Appalachian mountains and to our rusticand cabin wasHartwell, a long time ago, II learned can still relate onthat Lake where to set to up Quentin (Nat Wolff), with his enduring crush camp, fish, start a fire (and cook on it), forage onwild girl-next-door Margo Delevingne in a for berries and, most(Cara importantly, respect realbeauty starmaking role – even though she’ s away the and bounty that Mother Nature has much of the film, her presence lingers with toforoffer. us strongly Wild as it does Quentin).

They’ve OnasRunning Withwith Bear Grylls, the gone in separate directions since childhood British adventurer does the same thing – he intosome a limiting comfort and celebrities. she into a wild with of the world’szone biggest exploration all life ahas to offer.Ben He’Stiller s a dreamer It’s thrilling toofwatch nervous and she’s adown doer, auntil one night he does rappelling mountain on when Scotland’s Isle what she dreams up.

Then she disappears, of Skye, a terrified Tom Arnold conquering his butofQuentin she’s left cluesover for him fear heightsbelieves by traversing a tree a 50-to finddrop her; so and hisand friends go offZac on Efron a road foot in he Oregon, a boyish trip toto solve Margo mystery. stoked see the a wild beaver in theAlthough Catskills. But there’makes s depththe to show the story, lot of itinteresting is very is what evena more funny, a gag that has recently become the rare,especially honest glimpse it offers of these stars insanely topical.

Paper Towns deserves to be of emotionally overwhelmed by the challenges even more popular than Fault OurofStars, pushing themselves to theThe limit in in some the world’s most beautiful wilderness areas.although also adapted from a John Green novel, a former the British itGrylls– didn’t find a hugereservist audienceinopening weekend.

Special Forcesthat (SAS) who later Still I predict teenagers whoclimbed see it today will Everest andteenagers crossed the North Atlantic and want their to see it a generation hence. the Northwest in an inflatable They may evenPassage want their parents to seeboat– it today. recently spoke to us about the show –Steve via cellWarren phone from a little cove off the south coast of England.

TRAINWRECK (R)  Where did the idea for Running Wild come Amy Schumer has stayed under the radar from?

I know you did popular episodes for nearly a decade before emerging this year ofas,Man Vsopinion Wild with Will the Ferrell andthing in the of many, greatest Jake Haswhere this concept been are sinceGyllenhaal. sliced Tina Fey, funny women germinating in yourshe’ mind everlaughs since?with concerned. While s getting Yes.Comedy Those Man Vs Wild [with guest her Central series,shows she unwisely tried stars] have been very successful all around the to go both ways in writing her first starring world.

Once were Judd doneApatow with that show, feature; and we director went along we wanted to revisit this format.

We with her. The result is a comedy withknew too it was a format that worked and, for that’ me, sit’s justto much seriousness, and a romance hard really fun because you get to know people and take seriously. Amy (Schumer) is introduced it’s such a good dynamic.

So it was exciting as a child, being told by her departing father getting all the healthisn’t andrealistic. safety hoops.

(Colin through Quinn), “Monogamy ” Not a lot of it is planned, so that was Although her sister (Brie Larson) optsquite for a a more mountain for us tolife, climb even conventional Amybefore takes we their father’s started.

But NBC helped us through that, teaching to heart and grows up to be a totaland fought a few of those battles. manizer whose one night stands never last all night. This first part of the movie is a fast-paced You have a lot of experience dealingAmy withmeets raunchfest.

Then the sports-phobic these harsh climates and wild places. But is Aaron (Bill Hader), a doctor of sports medicine, it a lot of responsibility to take someone who and it’s like Apatow slams on the brakes. Aaron doesn’t have experience in dealing with these falls hard fast for this woman he has nothing conditions? in common with, and spends of the Yes, it’s a nightmare!

When the I’mrest on my movie trying to make her feel the same way. own I’ve got nothing to worry about apart There’s still more sex and sex talk, but they’re parceled out like action sequences to punch up a movie that needs punching. Schumer shows potential for comedy and drama, but she was wrong to mix them as if she might never get another showcase.

–Steve Warren

from keeping myself alive. It’s definitely more challenging when you’re taking somebody ANT-MAN (PG-13) 1/2 who’s done nothing like this before. You’ve got  toProving think for a lot ofmatter the time.

Butit it’s been thatthem size doesn’t when comes exciting to be able to takeisthese guysjewel away.in to superheroes, Ant-Man another IGeorgia’ love seeing them alive when they’re s crown ascome a filmmaking capital.

It was facing difficult and big challenges, both shot here at theterrain new Pinewood Studios, except emotionally and physically.

It’s great helping for exterior locations in the San Francisco people whether it’s a fear of setting overcome (and a lot ofthat, effects in computers).

It’s heights or story snakefor oranother whatever it is. of the Marvel the origin branch family tree. I read so many reviews about how Were they any Ikind of training Paul light in tonegiven it is that was disappointed beforehand to prepare them?

Rudd isn’t as funny as Robert Downey Jr. in When comes training,There’ we said, the earlyitIron Mantomovies. s quite a bit “You’ve justfather-daughter got to bring two a big of serious stuffthings– between the bag of fortitude and a big backpack full action scenes, which doesn’t leave much of time enthusiasm– and do the best when for laughs. But it’swe’ll all good.

Ex-con (imprisoned we’re out there. ” The funhacking thing about it is Lang for a Robin Hood-style job) Scott that they’re not too prepared, you know?

We (Rudd) is recruited by off-the-radar scientist wing it together, and you see them on camera Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) to be the learning making mistakes, that’s the man who’and s shrunk down in size and to lead an ant fun real part of it. The only training I did with army against Pym’s former protégé, Darren any of them was with Zac, because I wanted Cross (Corey Stoll), who wants to exploit Pym’s to skydive with him. So I gave him some research for evil purposes. One of the four training for a couple of hours the day before. writers should have pared the But beyond that, everyone elsescript just down arrived instead of adding to it, because it getsand needlessly with that fortitude and enthusiasm, I said, complicated without always making sense, even “We’ll do it altogether.” by comic book standards. But director Peyton Reed, previously comedies, keeps Of all the places known you’ve for been, what’s the place things moving at a good clip and has assembled that you connect with the most? aHome! top-notch cast, including Evangeline (Laughs) A lifetime of doing Lilly, this has Michael Peña, Anthony Mackie, Judy taught me two things. One is that I doGreer love and the Bobby Cannavale.

Some minor things about adventure. I love being out there. It’s where mayand have but I never IAnt-Man come alive, it’sbugged where me, I perform at mygot antsyI watching it. best. love the wildernesses we’ve gone to –Steve Warren around the world, and it’s such a privilege.

But going away a lot has also taught me the value ofVACATION home.

You(PG-13) know, I’ve got a lovely family, 1/2  with three young boys. It’s the greatest driving The next generation of Griswolds force when I’m up a mountain or makes in a jungle– a a returnlight trip to Walleyme World the new shining making workinhard to get out of Vacation, ofincarnation there in one piece. which serves as both a sequel and a reboot of the old National Lampoon’ s franchise.

Griswoldexpert.

(Ed People look up to youRusty as a survival son of Clark Griswold, has IsHelms), there athe particular teacher that now you would a wife for Debbie (Christina and two credit giving you theApplegate) most survival sons of his own, but the family has fallen into a knowledge? rut.

Rusty’ s marriage suffering, andI’m his aboys Well, to be honest, Iisdon’t feel like - the milquetoast JamesIand the foul-mouthed, survival expert. When started off doing Man hilarious - are constantly fighting.

So Vs Wild, IKevin felt like more of a survival expert Rusty heads his left family to theThat’s themewhere park I because I’d just theback military. that his all father once invaded at gunpoint, and learned of my survival skills.

But the more ofnothing this I’ve the again moremeets I realize I’mon butdone, disaster thethat family athe jackroad. of aVacation lot of things, but a master of very is generally fun, usually funny, little.

Every daything I meet betterrun climbers, better and the whole doesn’t out of steam skydivers, better survivalists.

The thing until around its midpoint.

At its best, we about get me is that alwaysApplegate work damn hard, I’ll glory scenes of aI’ll drunken reclaiming at her old sorority house or antics with a Korean GPS system. At its worst, the movie feels like a series of scenes that doesn’t build tension or lead to a satisfying climax. For fans of the original Vacation, nothing ever really approaches that level of brazen comedy. (There are no dead dogs

THE WILD IS VERY REVEALING. YOU GET TO KNOW PEOPLE IN A WAY THAT YOU NEVER DO OTHERWISE, BECAUSE THEY’RE UNCOVERED AND VULNERABLE. YOU GET TO KNOW THEIR STRUGGLES, THEIR DOUBTS, THEIR TRIUMPHS, THEIR HIGHS AND THEIR LOWS.

or corpses the roof of the car.) But, always keepstrapped cheerfultoeven when it’s miserable, considering the series as a whole, this one isn’t and I always go for it. But as for the training, all bad.

99% was from the military and I learned a – Ben bunch as a kid with my dad, who’d been a Carr commander and a climber and loved all this THE END OF THE TOUR stuff.

He’ll be turning in his(R)grave if I only 1/2  credit him with 1 percent… He’s about 50%!

As ahe journalist, thethe actlove of interviewing But taught me of it, which another actually journalist always an intellectual chess match: counts foriseverything.

They know the psychological thrusts, parries and feigns that acan guidetoa good interview Have you had chance take your boys on to greatness, which gives them the power any of these adventures? toYes, choose alongthe orrest not.ofThis I gettotoplay do that thecerebral year, when tete-à-tete canTV be challenging sportus. forThey the we don’t have cameras around participants, but it’s not exactly the stuff love it! Right now I’m in a little cove off the of which summer blockbusters made. south coast of England, lookingare at all three Directed bynaked Jamesin Ponsoldt boys, stark the sea (The in theSpectacular pouring Now),I’m thissheltered contemplative is based on to rain. under aindie fallen tree, trying Davidout Lipsky’s Although Of Course keep of the2010 rain book, while talking to you.

But You End Becoming TheDNA, story for they loveUp it. They live it.Yourself.

It’s in their follows Rolling Stone writer Lipsky (Jesse sure.

Eisenberg), who’s obsessed with postmodernist novelistvisited David so Foster Wallace’s breakthrough You’ve many inhospitable places. book do Infinite Jest and begs editoryou forwant an to How you nail down thehis places film in? opportunity to profile the author during a fiveWell, wetour try and diverse terrains. The day book frompick Illinois to Minneapolis.

Isle Skye shines in Scotland is just barrenrole andas JasonofSegel in a rare dramatic windswept, cold andhim rainy.

So we contrasted Wallace, portraying as moody, rambling, that with the hot desertsand andhonest dramatic reflective, unpretentious to arock faces Utah. Ifwe somebody hasfrom a realthewish fault. of Although learn right startto go pick that.commit But really, it’s all thatsomewhere, Wallace willwe ultimately suicide, about diversity andacross the challenging terrain. he initially comes as surprisingly zen, revealing his love of dogs and junk food and a Has thereaddiction been a place you’ve traveled that crippling to television (which he no was so owns incredibly difficult have no longer as a result).

He’sthat alsoyou defensive desire to gohe’ll back? about how be portrayed in Lipsky’s piece; Probably the swamps of Sumatra, cripplingly shy black and passive when it comes to where the tsunami hit in 2001 andwary decimated the opposite sex; and increasingly about abecoming big part of the island.

It’s just this stinking, famous. Most scenes focus on black, rottingintellectual swamp, with all of these the budding bromance between crocodiles the 6500 human gives corpses.

Lipsky andfeeding his idol.off While the dialogue both Segel and Eisenberg plenty of room to shine, there’s too little drama or dynamics for this to appeal to many outside the arthouse indie crowd. Still, it’s a thought-provoking meditation on ambition, art and the foibles of fame.

–Bret Love

TANGERINE (R)

PAPER TOWNS PG 20 • August 2015 • insiteatlanta.com

1/2 Tangerine (not to be confused with Tangerines, this year’s Best Foreign Language Film Oscar nominee from Estonia) is so buzzworthy I may forget to mention how entertaining it is.

It furthers the democratization of cinema by being the first theatrical release shot entirely on an iPhone 5s. It’s timely in that its two main characters are transgenders. Like Dope, Tangerine finds considerable humor amid the grim realities of ghetto life. And it may mark the greatest advancement in farce in a century or two, building to a hilarious confrontation that may leave you with a tear instead of a

TRAINWRECK smile.

It’s Christmas Eve in so it doesn’t They lost of a lot of lives in L.A., that disaster, and look very Christmasy.

Sin-Dee (Kitana Kiki it’s become a disease-ridden, crocodile-filled, Rodriguez) from jail and snake-filledreturns place. So yes,a month I’m notingoing to her BFF and fellow sex worker Alexandra (Mya hurry back to that one.

Taylor) informs her her pimp/boyfriend has been on with Sin-that Whatcarrying is it about beinganother in the woman. wilderness Dee goes into revenge mode, eventually finding speaks to you personally? a suspect virtually kidnapping hertowithout The wildand is very revealing.

You get know explaining hours most people in awhy wayfor that you (not neverthedoplot’s otherwise, believable aspect).

There’s also an Armenian because they’re uncovered and vulnerable. cab Karagulian) whose will Youdriver get to(Karren know their struggles, theirlife doubts, intersect with thetheir others’ . With thatlows. goingAnd their triumphs, highs andall their on you might overlook the groundbreaking if stuff happens in the wild, it’s unpredictable. car washcan sexgo scene.

Director Sean Baker hasgot Things wrong very quickly, and I’ve risen above the many challenges he set for a massive responsibility to keep these guys himself andI love his crew, allowing you to ignore alive. But that challenge. his innovations, get caught up in the characters and plotdoand haveitaisgreat even if it is What youjust think thattime, makes a celebrity out of to season. want do this kind of adventure?

–Steve They’re not doing it for the money, theWarren fame, or the exposure. These guys have all of MISSION: - ROGUE that. They IMPOSSIBLE don’t need to take risks. NATION And the (PG-13) truth of doing this is that it is a risk. You’re going 1/2 to look like you’re not brave or strong,  or whatever.

I thinkofit’s testament the After 171 episodes theaoriginal TVtoseries idea35that people at late-‘80s heart love to challenge and more of the revival, it’s no themselves. surprise that These they’veguys beenhave ableall toreached come up top ofplots theirforprofession, weinall19have that with five featurebut films years. yearning inside: If our liveshigh or our family’s What’s unexpected is how they’ve kept livesbar were really on the line, have I got what the for the big-screen franchise.

Rogue it takesistothoroughly survive? Almost all of– these guys Nation ridiculous the action said one of the best Runner bits wascartoon having space and scenes make a Road look like to think about and how lucky they atime documentary – andlife entertaining as hell.

You havelaugh been.allThe doesit,that. creates can theoutdoors way through whenIt you’re bonds between it gives us space not holding yourpeople breath.and A congressional to breathe.dissolves At the end it, all of them had a committee theofImpossible Mission smile for on their their lack face of and a light in their Force transparency andeyes that money can’t do under it. Drugs oversight, andbuy. putsFame theirdoesn’t functions CIA don’t do it.

Booze doesn’t do it.

It’s the power director Alec Baldwin. Ethan Hunt (Tom of the wild, a tonand in people.

Cruise) is offand the I’ve gridseen at theit time stays that way for six months, investigating The Syndicate, a “shadow organization” of terrorists that no one else believes exists. His encounters with them all involve Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson), a femme fatale who’s at least a double agent.

There’s sexual tension but no sex – this isn’t a Bond movie! Ethan is sure he’s right when the world says he’s wrong. His ego trumps Trump’s, but his posse sticks with him: Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames and a somewhat reluctant Jeremy Renner. Writer-director Christopher McQuarrie, who wrote The Usual Suspects, doesn’t give you time to get bored or think about how stupid the whole thing is.

–Steve Warren

BOULEVARD (R)

1/2 It’s the height of bad writing, as well as the definition of paradoxical, that a film with a plot as original as Boulevard’s should contain so many scenes that feel cliché-ridden, and others too obtuse to be used elsewhere. Nolan Mack (Robin Williams in his final onscreen

appearance - he provides the voice of a dog in Terry Jones’ upcoming Absolutely Anything) decides to come out of the closet at 60 after meeting Leo (Roberto Aguire), a young hustler.

Nolan’s known he was gay since he was 12, but chooses this time to start living honestly, when he’s on the verge of a promotion at work that would get him away from his homophobic boss. We’re already persuaded that Nolan is a kind, decent man who lives a boring life (the boringness is conveyed persuasively), but when he lavishes $100 bills on Leo the way ladies drop singles on Magic Mike, it’s hard to accept his continued fidelity to his wife Joy (Kathy Baker). His interest in Leo seems more paternal than carnal. Writer Douglas Soesbe throws every obstacle he can borrow (Joy busts Nolan the first time he claims to “work late,” Leo brings his violent pimp to Nolan’s workplace, etc.) in Nolan’s path, and our hero behaves too stupidly to win our sympathy. Besides, in this Transparent age coming out as merely gay seems so 20th century. Williams gives a better performance than Boulevard deserves, but this isn’t one of the movies he’ll be remembered for.

–Steve Warren

FORT TILDEN (R)

 If you like the premise of Girls but not the characters, you might try this variation on the theme – although its characters are arguably even less likable. Harper (Bridey Elliott) and Allie (Clare McNulty) are 25-yearold Brooklynites with no idea of what to do with their lives. Harper calls herself an artist because it sounds cool and she doesn’t have to do anything. Allie is forever making plans and changing them. Currently she’s about to go to Liberia for two years with the Peace Corps, but she cancels an urgent preparatory meeting to join a cute guy and his friend at the remote beach at Fort Tilden. Most of the movie is a road trip, including a bicycle tour of Brooklyn, as the roommates/BFFs try to get to the beach before the sun goes down.

There’s no sex involved but Harper is clearly dominant and Allie submissive. They’re both flighty, self-indulgent, irresponsible, all-around annoying and sometimes flat-out stupid. If the audience has a rooting interest it’s for the driver of the imaginary bus we hope will hit them.

Considering recent news, it’s unfortunate that Harper has a scene where she tries to Cosby a young man. You wouldn’t want to spend a day with these “Girls” in real life, but if you can tolerate Lena Dunham and company, you probably won’t mind a trip to Fort Tilden.

–Steve Warren LISTEN TO ME MARLON (NR)  If you don’t know Marlon Brando from Marlon Wayans you probably won’t be interested in

VACATION

this documentary, but if you know Brando and want to know him better, you’ll never have a better chance. Stevan Riley must have spent thousands of hours listening to tapes the actor left behind, an audio diary of most of his 80 years (1924-2004) on Earth (including two weeks on the planet Krypton at a pay rate Donald Trump would envy). Riley has interwoven those sound bites with visuals – film clips, interviews, still photos and stock footage – to create a comprehensive portrait of the actor’s inner and public life in the form of a patchwork quilt. Acting students will get a master class from Brando and his teacher, Stella Adler, in what he calls “lying for a living.” Together they revolutionized the art of film acting in the mid20th century. Editing students will learn as much from Riley’s work, some of the best I’ve ever seen. Brando is critical of himself, even in some of his best roles, and of directors, some of whom get a chance to respond. His private life, from a difficult childhood to a more difficult parenthood, is covered, including his activism on behalf of African Americans and Native Americans. Riley doesn’t linger on any topic long enough to get boring, yet each seems to be covered thoroughly. It’s an amazing, exemplary job of documentary filmmaking that makes Amy pale by comparison.

–Steve Warren

THE THIRD MAN (NR)

 Lovers of old movies, rejoice! The Third Man (1949) is being revived Aug. 7 at Landmark Midtown Art Cinemas for a full run, not a one night stand. The Apu Trilogy is scheduled the following week and if these are successful there could be more to follow, which means something to those of us who don’t care to watch movies on our phones. Irony meets moral ambiguity in (Sir) Carol Reed’s postWWII thriller from Graham Greene’s novel.

American pulp novelist Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) comes to Vienna to work for his old friend Harry Lime (Orson Welles) but arrives just in time for Harry’s funeral. Intrigue, humor, danger and possible romance ensue. Although Father of the Bride(!) got its slot for a Best Picture Oscar nomination and Reed lost Best Director to Joseph L. Mankiewicz (for All about Eve), The Third Man won for Robert Krasker’s atmospheric noir cinematography. Anton Karas’ iconic zither score wasn’t nominated, but I wonder how many of the nominees you could recognize today. The film has been newly restored, though I saw nothing wrong with the old version. This is one of the great ones and holds up better than most of its era. Yes, even Father of the Bride.

- Steve Warren See the rest of our movie reviews at insiteatlanta.com/movies.asp

MERCHANDISE

Fall Fashion in Focus

BY BRET LOvE & MARY GABBETT

R

emembeR that “so fResh and so clean” feeling when you were a kid, getting brand new clothes every year around this time before heading back to school? I still remember that mid-‘80s summer when I got my first parachute pants (16 zippers!) and matching black members only jacket. We may not be as michael Jackson “bad” these days, but it’s still a blast getting new threads as the seasons change. here are a few of our family’s favorites this ESqUIRE SHIRT autumn:

MEN’S DRESSY CASUAL

In the last year I’ve gone from never having attended a conference to being a featured speaker at six of them. so I’m always looking for relaxed professional clothes that travel well. the Rover Pant from TOAD & CO (toadandCo.com) offers a perfect balance between comfort and decorum. they feel just as cozy as your favorite cotton khakis, but the lightweight chinos’ densely woven polyester makes them durable quick-drying and wrinkle-free…

I often pair those with a stylish lime green dress shirt and complementary tie from the ESQUIRE SHIRT & TIE COLLECTION (mensWearhouse.com).

With its slim fit, spread collar and wrinklefree cotton fabric, it’s worry-free elegance at an affordable price.

DSENYO

vENUS

CHACOS

MEN’S SPORTY CASUAL

When I’m not at a conference, my general WORLD vISION fashion sense falls somewhere between rugged outdoorsman and sporty urbanite. The Pale sky ace shirt from IBEX (shop.Ibex.com) is perfect for atlanta’s early autumn warmth, with natural, sustainable 18.5 micron new Zealand merino wool that makes it one of the most comfortable shirts I’ve ever owned…

I’m also a big fan of the new eCo Woven collection from BERGHAUS (Usa.berghaus. com), which blends button-down style with western influences and anti-microbial material for odor protection. The line is dyed with the company’s eco-friendly Colourkind system, which uses 89% less water and 60% less Co2 than traditional manufacturing techniques.

WOMEN’S SKIRTS & DRESSES

DSENYO (dsenyo.com) is another great clothing company with a sustainable, ethical philosophy. their intensely colorful women’s wrap skirts are fashioned from fabulous traditional african prints by the Vipambi Woman’s Group in malawi, a fair trade artisan Group. made from 100% pre-washed cotton and falling just above the knee, these fun, flirty skirts are perfect for pairing with

boots and leggings… my lady’s favorite new clothing line this year is VENUS (Venus. com), which is basically a more affordable version of Victoria secret’s sexy-but-sweet style. their button front sweater dress fits her like a glove and is perfect for fall, with a cowl neck, curve-hugging cut, ribbed trim and button accents.

WOMEN’S JACKETS & SWEATERS

Coincidentally, the sleeve detail tunic from VENUS is her new favorite sweater: available in brown or light grey, it’s lightly form-fitting and has twisted sleeve detailing to make it breezy but comfortable in early autumn’s heat… my daughter prefers a more outdoorsy style that emphasizes function over femininity. she digs the swept away Jacket from TOAD & CO, which uses a linenorganic cotton blend and safari-influenced style to create a comfy jacket perfect for chilly nights. Its internal waist drawcord helps accentuate shape, while abundant pockets mean you can leave your purse at home… for colder nights in late october and november, the Campbell Creek Jacket from SMARTWOOL (smartwool.com) is even warmer, with a herringbone fabric and sharp lines that flatter the form. the adjustable cuffs and collar are great for keep wind and inclement weather at bay.

SHOES & ACCESSORIES

my daughter’s barbary casual boots from CHACOS (Chacos.com) may be the only pair of women’s shoes I’ve ever envied. Their brown, eggplant and harvest gold colors are perfect for autumn; their wool and fleece lining makes them warm and cozy; and the variegated wool and waterproof leather upper makes them look like they should be on feet by a fire in some woodsy cabin in the north Ga mountains…

The new ophira necklace & bracelet Collection from ISABELLE GRACE JEWELRY (IsabelleGraceJewelry.com) adds a simple but refined splash of casual elegance to any outfit. The multi-strand silk cords are available in five different colors– green and purple are our faves– with gold-plated beads bringing a tasteful bit of bling… WORLD VISION (WorldVision.org) is best known as a humanitarian aid organization, but they also offer unique gifts from a round the world whose purchase els fund their projects. Their beautiful balinese multi-strand necklace is hand-made by a mother in bali, with thousands of beads in subtle shades of blue, green and gold. It’s a great gift that gives back! insiteatlanta.com • August 2015 • PG 21

SPORTS

2015 NCAA FOOTBALL PREVIEW

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

A

FTER 13 YEARS OF WRANGLING, the NCAA finally gave the free world what it has been clamoring for – a College Football Playoff with Ohio State winning national title. There certainly were many disgruntled TCU backers for being left out but they will have another shot at it this year. The aforementioned Buckeyes have most of their integral parts back but if they’re to make it to Arizona for the 2016 title game on January 11, they’re going to have to weave around the likes of Alabama, Michigan State and USC. That’s sure going to be fun to watch.

1. OHIO STATE

They say that if you have two QBs, you don’t have any. But what do they say about having two QBs when they’re named Cardale Jones (3-0 in Big Ten title game, national semifinal and championship) and J.T. Barrett (34 TDs), or if you have a former QB (Braxton Miller) who’s converting to a receiver? Repeat champs, that’s what.

2. TCU

The team with the biggest gripe over being overlooked by the College Football Playoff committee — the Horned Frogs were an impressive 12-1 a year ago with wins over five top 15 schools — is going to have a blast taking out its frustrations on the rest of the Big 12.

3. ALABAMA

Don’t look now, but it’s been three whole seasons since the Crimson Tide last hoisted the national title. With so much youth on the team (only 11 starters return), it won’t happen this season either.

But if stellar freshmen like safety Ronnie Harrison and receiver Calvin Ridley can live up to the hype, ’17 may be a reality.

4. MICHIGAN STATE

quarterback, they’d be a top-five team. But since their only sure things are at running back (Nick Chubb) and linebacker (Jordan Jenkins, Leonard Floyd), they’ll have to settle for the top 10.

9. OREGON

There are roughly 850 miles between Eugene and Pasadena’s Rose Bowl. It’s a good thing then that the Ducks have the strong legs of RBs Royce Freeman and Thomas Tyner to lead them on the season-long journey.

10. UCLA

If the 18 returning Bruins starters demonstrate the short memory necessary to forget about the team’s blown ‘14 games vs. Utah and Arizona State, they just might be able to compete for the Pac-12 South crown.

11. FLORIDA STATE

No. 1 NFL draft pick Jameis Winston will be impossible to replace, but if Sean Maguire can be above average with the tosses, the Noles will give Georgia Tech and Clemson a fight to the ACC finish.

12. CLEMSON

Sophomore QB Deshaun Watson is good with his feet (five rushing TDs), great with his arm (1,466 yards passing in just eight games of work) and genius with the decision making (just two picks on 136 passing attempts).

13. ARIZONA STATE

If the Sun Devils are to put together a thirdstraight 10-win campaign, they better pray that their defense stays aggressive.

14. OLE MISS

One of the country’s top wideouts (Laquon Treadwell) and offensive lineman (Laremy Tunsil) will do their best to help cover up the Rebels’ holes elsewhere.

Mark Dantonio is one of the most underrated head coaches in sports. (Bet your team wasn’t 53-14 over the last five seasons, was it?) When he guides the Spartans to a win over Oregon on September 12 that should all begin to change, though.

15. LSU

5. BAYLOR

Now that head coach Bryan Harsin has had a full season and some change to get his system into place, the always-steady Broncos won’t be horsin’ around.

Even though the Bryce Petty-led Bears were 11-2 a year ago, they still feel a bit like underachievers.

This latest bunch won’t have the flash of a season ago — Baylor had the nation’s highest-scoring offense in 2014 — but it could get a tournament invite, nonetheless.

6. AUBURN

How the Tigers start the season (Louisville, LSU and Mississippi State in September) and how Will Muschamp’s new defense finishes games will go a long way in determining if this is an eight-win pretender or a national title contender.

If Leonard Fournette’s sophomore season is half as good as his social media trolling, these Tigers will #roar well into November.

16. BOISE STATE

The Others: GEORGIA TECH, MISSISSIPPI STATE, NEBRASKA, NOTRE DAME, OKLAHOMA, STANFORD, TENNESSEE AND UTAH

7. USC

With a steady presence behind the center (Cody Kessler), talented freshmen on the roster (Iman Marshall, Isaiah Langley) and no NCAA sanctions over their heads, the boys of Troy can finally fight for a Pac-12 crown that has been hovering around Eugene, Oregon, for far too long.

8. GEORGIA

If the Bulldogs had a little more certainty at

PG 22 • August 2015 • insiteatlanta.com

Ohio State’s Cardale Jones

COACH MILES EXCITED FOR 3RD YEAR WITH GSU

BY DAVE COHEN

A

S HEAD COACH TRENT MILES enters his third season on the sidelines there’s no question that the Georgia State Football program is getting better and headed in the right direction.

Now, the next step is to win some football games. The Panthers won their seasonopening game last year in dramatic fashion but then proceeded to lose their next eleven games, though showing early on that they were getting better. Three Sun Belt Conference games were lost by a field goal, games in which the Panthers had rallied to take the lead in the fourth quarter before falling. The lack of depth ultimately caught up with them. Led by senior quarterback Nick Arbuckle (3,283 yds/23 td passes), a strong group of receivers, depth at running back and a more experienced defensive unit, the Panthers are gearing up for their opener against the Charlotte 49ers September 4 in the Georgia Dome. We caught up with Coach Trent Miles during summer workouts.

What’s your outlook for the Panthers following a busy off-season to improve this team heading into the third year in the Sun Belt Conference?

Well I think we are going to be much improved. Our kids are bigger, stronger, faster and have made great strides on the strength and conditioning side under our new strength coach Scott Holsapple and what he teaches. Our kids have been working hard during the off-season and we think we are going to be much improved.

There was not quite the balance on offense that you would have liked last year. Nick Arbuckle passed for over 3,000 years and 23 touchdowns but injuries, including Kyler Neal, really set the running game back. This might be the most depth you’ve had at that position in the short history of the program.

If we can stay healthy. You know, Kyler Neal is a good solid back. He’s big and runs well. Kendrick Dorn was a really good pickup from junior college. He’s doing a good job and came out of the spring workouts tied with Kyler for the number one RB slot. Another new face is DeMarcus Kirk, who we added from UAB. He’s a tough runner who’s got a lot of upside and has four years to play. Taz Bateman is a back we have not had a chance to see in pads yet but watching him in junior college he is very explosive. We also brought Marcus Caffey back from the cornerback position so we feel like our depth is better and we’ve got to be able to block better up front.

As I mentioned, you’ve got Arbuckle back at QB for his senior season and a nice group of receivers and tight-ends for him to throw to.

Yes we do. We’ve got to get Joel Ruiz, out tight-end, healthy. He’s coming back off of knee surgery and is ahead in his rehab and he’s looking good in his training. At receiver with Robert Davis and Donovan Harden, we’ve added Nyiakki Height from UAB, and Glenn Smith and Todd Boyd are two really good young prospects. Kam Myers we signed from junior college and he’s very explosive. Add in Penny Hart and

WE’VE JUST GOT TO TRY AND KEEP THEM HEALTHY AND GET THEM TO EXECUTE WHAT WE’RE ASKING THEM TO DO TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY AND WE’LL HAVE A CHANCE IN EVERY GAME WE PLAY.

Ari Werts, two high school kids that are very talented. So, we’ve got some depth at receiver. We’ve got to keep them healthy and they’ve got to be able to make some plays and to do that you’ve got to be able to protect the quarterback, give him time, and run the football.

One area that the Panthers needed to improve overall was on the defensive side of the ball. Skill and depth-wise it looks like you’ve been able to do that.

They are more experienced now. Even Joe Peterson, they’ve all had to play since they were true freshman, not red-shirted, and you take your lumps when you’re young.

Not a lot of young football teams win a lot of games so we’ve got some experience now from some guys that have been in the weight room for three years, guys that are getting stronger and we have more depth.

That’s the main thing. A player like Joe Peterson won’t have to play eighty-five plays a game and not get a break and then be worn down by the end of the season and in the fourth quarter in games. We’ll have more depth and hopefully we can keep them healthy.

Unlike last season, which had the Panthers playing at Washington, a home game with Air Force and then at Clemson late in the season, the schedule is a little kinder this year.

Yes, we’ve got a home game early on a Friday afternoon for the opener with Charlotte that was picked up by ESPNU. That’s why we have the early start time of 3:30 p.m. Then it’s on the road out west to New Mexico State and then Oregon. It will test us but our kids will be excited. New Mexico State is a conference game so you have no choice but to be ready and prepared and obviously just going to Eugene, Oregon, that will get anybody fired up because if you don’t you’ll just get buried. Our kids will be ready to play. We’ve just got to try and keep them healthy and get them to execute what we’re asking them to do to the best of their ability and we’ll have a chance in every game we play.

For Georgia State Football ticket information call 404-413-4020 or visit GeorgiaStateSports.com

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