INsite Atlanta December 2012 Issue

DECEMBER 2012

www. insiteatlanta .com

VOL. 21, NO. 5 FREE

Top Video Game Releases

The

Holiday Issue Gina Gershon • Cast of Hitchcock • Kristin Stewart Orlando Bloom • Josh Smith

T N U COETS TLANTA S I D ICK ETRO-A T AT M

LE ILAB A V A

Y6 R A NU N A J U SSIO I R M D TH S. A W R U O .& TH N SUN N N. – O IO .– 00 M .00 FRI DMISS .

2 1 $ $15 IDAY A HOL

PG 2 • December 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

CONTENTS • DECEMBER 2012 • VOLUME 21, NO.5 Atlanta’s

Entertainment Monthly

INTERVIEWS 06 10 14 15 22 23 27 27 28 28 29

Kristen Stewart Orlando Bloom Stars of Parks & Rec Cast of Hitchcock Gina Gershon Avery Sunshine Further Seems Forever Hold Steady Bad Books Smoking Popes Josh Smith

FEATURES 08 11 16 21 22 23 25 30

06

JaN. 15-20

10

Dining Guide Gift Guide Video Game Guide NYE Guide Christmas Music Christmas in Bransen Holiday Lights Naughty Gift Guide

COLUMNS

22

04 05 05 07 13 18 19 19 20 25 30

29

Around Town On Tap On A Dime Events Under The Lights Movie Reviews Concert Calendar Road Warriors We Got Next Album Reviews Favorite Things Fanatic

JaN. 25-31

www.insiteatlanta.com

Follow us on the web!

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, Lee Valentine Smith, Amanda Miles, Patrick Flanary, Ian Coverdale CONTACT US 130 West Wieuca Road, Ste. 111 Atlanta, GA 30342 phone (404) 256-4328 • website insiteatlanta.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION (404) 256-4328 • advertising@insiteatlanta.com Editorial content of INsite is the opinion of each writer and is not necessarily the opinion of INsite, its staff, or its advertisers. INsite does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor do the publisher or editors of INsite assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. No content, i.e., articles, graphics, designs and information (any and all) in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from publisher.

Holiday

© Copyright 2012, Be Bop Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Check out our Gift Guide on page 11!

DECEMBER 2012

www. insiteatlant a .com

aprIl 2-7 Purchase now to guarantee your seats for the 2013-2014 season including theater of the stars production of

VOL. 21, NO. 5 FREE

Top Video Game Releases

The

Holiday Issue Gina Gershon • Cast of Hitchcoc k • Kristin Stewart Orlando Bloom • Josh Smith

FoX THeaTre For multi-show packages call: 404-252-8960 or visit www.TheateroftheStars.com For GroupS oF 10 or more, Call (404) 881-2000 ©Disney

Publisher Stephen Miller steve@insiteatlanta.com Managing Editor Bret Love bret@insiteatlanta.com Art Director / Web Design Nick Tipton graphics@insiteatlanta.com Sports Editor DeMarco Williams demarco@insiteatlanta.com Local Events Editor Marci Miller marci@insiteatlanta.com Music Editor John Moore john@insiteatlanta.com

©Disney

STAFF LISTING

insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 3

Around Town

Cirque du Soleil’s Totem remains in Atlanta Station through the end of the month. If you’ve never been treated to the show and awe of Cirque, make sure to find a ticket to this show.

Go online to cirquedusoleil.com for ticket information and show times.

ALL DEC

Atlantic Station will showcase “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” this month in the Premier Exhibition Center. The “Jewels of Titanic” will bring together 15 of the most prestigious artifacts recovered from the wreck site of Titanic in one of the most dazzling collections ever assembled.

As part of a three-city tour, Jewels of Titanic, features diamonds, sapphires, pearls and gold jewelry that once belonged to some of Titanic’s wealthiest passengers. For tickets, go online to titanicatlanta.com.

ALL DEC

Dahlonega will host its 29th Annual Old Fashioned Christmas through Dec. 23 in its historic downtown.

Ride the old fashioned trolley, enjoy the downtown parade, eat at the gingerbread house competition and see Santa himself (note: probably not actually him) during the festivities.

Go to dahlonega.org for more information.

ALL DEC

Are you an attractive female looking for a job with amazing tips, a fun work environment, flexible school scheduling and a chance to appear in a calendar? Twin Peaks at 3365 Piedmont Road is looking for new serving girls for its new Buckhead restaurant. Enjoy the eats, drinks and scenic views anytime. Visit twinpeaksrestaurant. com for more details or call 404-961-8946.

ALL DEC

Theatre/Film/Performance

Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society will hold “Songs For The Season: An Evening of Fine Dining and Holiday Music” on Dec. 1 at 7:06pm in the Cornelius Henderson Student Center. The cost for the buffet-style dinner and concert is $30 per person.

Reservations are accepted on a first-come, firstserve basis and should be made by the Friday, Nov. 16th. Go to cau.edu for more details.

ALL DEC

The Cobb Civic Center and the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre present The Nutcracker on Dec 1-2 with four different showings.

There will be swirling snowflakes, giant toy soldiers and more. Call 770-528-0881 or visit georgiaballet.org.

DEC 01

Janke Glassblowing Studios presents its 12th annual “WinterGlassFest” on Dec. 8 from noon-6pm. There will be a glassblowing show, flameworking demos, live music, kids craft corner, refreshments, open artists studios and an artists market. The studio is located at Studioplex, 659 Auburn Avenue NE. Admission is free. Go to www.jankestudios.com for more information.

DEC 08

The Atlanta Opera will present the third annual 24-Hour Opera Project, Friday, Jan. 25, 2013 and Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. Composers, lyricists, stage directors and opera singers from all over may apply to compete in the project. The deadline is Dec. 14, 2012. Go to Power2Give.org for more information.

DEC 14

Museums/Exhibits/Arts

Music/Comedy/Sports

The Atlanta History Center’s annual holiday program, The Holiday Spirit, is filled with family activities that celebrate the season.

Holiday crafts, live music, decorations, engaging theatrical performances, and a visit from Saint Nicholas provide fun-filled opportunities for families with little ones to create holiday memories. Featured activities include time travel to explore holidays past at Smith Family Farm and Swan House where guests encounter friendly “Spirits” from the 1860s and the 1930s. The event goes from 10:30am-4:30pm on Dec. 15. Go to atlantahistorycenter.com/family or call 404-8144000.

DEC 15

The Georgia State Panther men’s basketball team welcomes Southern Miss for one of only two home games in December on Dec. 18 at 7pm in the Georgia State Sports Arena.

Tickets can be found at georgiastatesports.com.

DEC 18

Other Stuff

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will hold a New Year’s Eve concert on Dec. 31 at 8pm. Ring in the New Year at Symphony Hall with Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski and the Orchestra as they are joined by singer and pianist Tony DeSare and his trio for an evening of great American standards, from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Porter and Prince. Additional concert details are available at aso.org.

DEC 31

Late-night funnyman Dave Attell comes to Atlanta on Jan. 4-6 at the Punchline Comedy Club. Attell is one of the best comedians going, so don’t miss this special treat while he’s in town. Go to punchline.com for ticket information.

JAN 04

The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the early surprises in the young NBA season. The new-look team has been winning consistently and staking claim as one of the league’s best. See the Hawks face Eastern Conference rival Chicago on Dec. 22. Tip is set at 7pm. Go to atlantahawks. com for more details.

DEC 22

The Atlanta Falcons welcome division foe Tampa Bay to the Georgia Dome on Dec. 30 at 1pm.

The regular season finale could go a long way toward deciding the postseason standings for the Falcons. Go to atlantafalcons. com for more information.

DEC 30

Explore

our unique boutiques and destination dining spots just six miles east of Atlanta. Discover why Decatur is one of Southern Living’s Top Ten Tastiest Towns!

Follow

for holiday happenings and hoopla all around Decatur and Oakhurst Village!

Get Your Shop On! Look for Santa while you make your way around Decatur!

Y ou - K n o w - Wdshato

Ch ecks out th e tren ua re 3 E. C ou rt Sq Squa sh Blo ss om, 11

Find out more at VisitDecaturGeorgia.com Advertising funded by the Decatur Craft Beer Festival PG decatur-InSite-december-h.indd 4 • December 2012 • insiteatlanta.com 1

11/26/12 8:43 AM

LOCAL

LOCAL EVENTS

On Tap this Month

EVENTS HAPPENING FOR SMALL CHANGE IN ATLANTA

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

EMAIL EVENTS TO ONTAP@INSITEATLANTA.COM December 1: Georgia Dome

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP

Once again, this is a game that could easily be renamed “Prelude to a National Title.” The SEC championship game is truly a one of a kind. A member of the conference has gone on to win the past six straight national championships.

So a ticket to the Georgia Dome is a ticket to see the best in the country. Second-ranked Alabama faces local favorite and No. 3 Georgia for the league’s crown. Get tickets, if you can, at secsports.com. The winner will go on to face top-ranked Notre Dame for the title.

Dec. 16: Georgia Dome

FALCONS WELCOME GIANTS

Want to see a playoff preview? The Atlanta Falcons get a major challenge on their road to the NFL’s best record. The New York Giants visit the Georgia Dome in a game that could just as likely be played in the postseason. It happened a year ago, and that result didn’t work out very nicely for the Falcons. The defending Super Bowl champions will be a major test for Matt Ryan and Co. Expect a fantastic day of football and a true indicator of how the Falcons will look in the playoffs. Go to atlantafalcons.com for details.

All December: Stone Mountain Park

A STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS

Stone Mountain Park has the market cornered on outdoor entertainment. The holiday season is no exception. The park will feature more than two million outdoor lights and a dozen performances all month long. Features like the Polar Express 4-D Experience and the Simply Christmas Musical Revue are likely to be fun for the whole family.

For ticket and event information, go online to festivals. stonemountainpark.com. Don’t miss an experience fun for the whole family.

All December: Atlanta Motor Speedway

THE GIFT OF LIGHTS

The Gift of Lights at Atlanta Motor Speedway is returning for its second year as Georgia’s largest holiday LED light show. Running through Sunday, January 6th, the Speedway will once again be transformed into a magical winter wonderland. During its inaugural year in 2011, more than 50,000 people from all over Atlanta enjoyed the light displays at one of the most famous sports facilities in the world. This year promises to be the best and brightest ever.

Go to www.atlantagiftoflights.com.

December 31: Downtown Atlanta

PEACH DROP 2013

Atlanta’s own unique New Year’s tradition returns in Downtown Atlanta for the best and largest way to celebrate the changing of the calender. The annual Peach Drop comes back to with legendary rock band Kansas headlining a night full of fun and entertainment. There will actually be live music the entire day around Underground and Downtown Atlanta. The event starts at 11am and continues until 3am. Access is free. For a complete listing of bands and times, go online to www.peachdrop.com.

December 31: Georgia Dome

CHICK-FIL-A BOWL

It’s the Southeastern Conference against the Atlantic Coast Conference in Atlanta’s own annual New Year’s Eve tradition. Last year’s matchup featured the Auburn Tigers and the Virginia Cavaliers. Who will grace the Georgia Dome stage this season? Likely Clemson and SEC heavywight LSU, but regardless of the teams, the Chickfil-A Bowl remains one of the postseason’s best. Go to www.chick-fil-abowl.com for tickets. Expect the game to feature at least one top-10 team and great football.

SIPS IN THE CITY CALLAWAY GARDENS PHOENIX FLIES CHANUKAH PAJAMAKAH

August, Website Deals Through Feb. 28, Check FREE Saturday, December 1, 6-8pm, Free forLANDMARKS” “CITYWIDE CELEBRATION OF LIVING Various Downtown Restaurants Callaway Gardens Barnes & NobleFree Buckhead March 5-20, www.atlantadowntown.com 17800 US Hwy Road, 27 Around 2900 Peachtree Atlanta the City Various Landmarks Pine Mountain, Georgia www.atlantajcc.org phoenixflies.org This summer promotion encourages callawaygardens.com

The invites to a Chanukah patrons to experience Downtown The MJCCA Phoenix Flies: Afamilies Celebration ofAtlanta Living

Pajama will given to children on ice! Party.

Throughout the heated months of Admission tocreated Callaway Gardens is Landmarks wasPrizes inbe 2003 by The Atlanta with the most interesting andrestaurants creative pajamas.

July and August, featured in the complimentary through the end of this Preservation Center as a waychildren’s to celebrate the The celebration include stories, Downtown Dining District willrescue be offering month (Price iswill normally $15 for adults, 25th anniversary of the dramatic of the songs, crafts, a special Dreidel refreshing signature cocktails, hipspinning happy $6.50 per child) providing guests with Fox Theatre, an event that changed Atlanta’s competition, Chanukah treats, and more. hours and deals that you won’t want to miss. the opportunity to enjoy time with their preservation outlook forever. This year, the list Participating restaurants Atlanta family reconnecting in Theatre, nature. includesand freefriends guided tours of include The Fox Grill, Azio Downtown, BLT Steak, Max Free admission includes the Virginia Piedmont Park, Historic Oakland Cemetery, Lager’s, No Mas! Cantina and The Sundial Hand Callaway Discovery Center, Day Civil War Atlanta Walking Tour, Tullie Smith Restaurant.

Visit the website for a complete Butterfly Center, Sibley Horticultural Farm House, Margaret Mitchell House, the list deals.

Center, Mr.Park Cason’s Vegetable newofBeltline and much more. Garden, Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl, Overlook Garden, Discovery Bicycle Trail, Pioneer AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL SHOW IN ATLANTA Log Cabin, Ida Cason Callaway Memorial March 10-13, Regular admission: $13 Chapel, nature trails and daily programs.

Children under 12: free Cobb Galleria SEASON OF Center MAGIC AT PIEDMONT PARK THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta Through January 6, Check website pricing Feb. 10 - 27, Tickets range fromfor$15 - $35 craftcouncil.org/Atlanta Piedmont Park, Midtown Atlanta Turner Field Green Lot www.piedmontpark.org 521 Avenue, Atlanta ThisCapitol 3-day event is the largest juried fine craft universoulcircus.com Show2nd in Annual the southeast. show has been The Season ofThe Magic in Piedmont Park runs through January. Couples and families the premiere marketplace for regional fine The UniverSoul Circus can carriage in craftenjoy loversdaily andhorse-drawn collectors, and offersrides guests continues itswork Piedmont the onlypurchase Atlanta parksurge with the chancePark, to meet and from YELLOW JACKET to around the topthe ofcountry. the live carriage Visitors will be carried through esteemedrides. artists from To entertainment ranks the historic areas of the Park, enjoying beautiful FAN reachDAY first-time collectors and established craft holiday lights andthe under the funky scenic with interactive Saturday, August 6,ornaments 3pm –its6pm, Free collectors alike, newest show category for Atlanta skyline.

During Season of Magic you can rendition of a traditional Bobby Dodd Stadium Grant Field Under $100. participating artists isatHandmade also enjoy carousel rides with the Atlanta skyline UniverSoul has www.ramblinwreck.com Artists who sell workcircus. for under $100 will have in the background or romantic strolls audiences through the captivated theirtobooths marked for patrons Park enjoybegin thespecially festive lights andCallaway ornaments.

In around the world Festivities at from 3ap.m. on Plaza interested in starting collection. partnership with Parkwith Tavern, visitors can also its unique brand with music, prizes, inflatables and games for enjoy ice skating. that blends circus arts, the kids.

From 4-6 p.m. the gates will open ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY FREEand OPEN music.

HOUSE theater and can enter the stadium to CONCERT meet the 86TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROL Marchfans 12, 11am-3pm, Free in players AtlantaCollege over 2011 Football will be Friday, November 30 Founded @ 7:30pm, Morehouse AtlantaYellow Motor Jackets.

Speedway 17 years ago, the audience seated with their position groups at various Saturday, December 1 @ 7:30pm, Spelman College 1500 Tara Place, Hampton willthewatch infield. amazement as stilt points on playing Head coach Paul Sunday, December 2 @ 6:00pm, Morehouse College atlantamotorspeedway.com walkers make their way across a tight Johnson will sign autographs from 4-5 p.m.

Free, www.morehouse.edu rope, horse riders perform death-defying and will be available for photographs from Visit the track’s Open House for free.

Activities stunts, and contortionists bend into This beloved holiday tradition is held annually 5-6 p.m.

Please limit autographs to ONE include championship legends racing on the incredible and beautiful shapes. on three nights early in December.

The concert item per player or coach. willdrawings be the quarter-mile “Thunder Ring.This ”, free features a combined chorus of both the first opportunity to get the 2011 football for big prizes, drive your own car on theClubs track Morehouse and Spelman College Glee poster well2011 as ofschedule cards, ticket CHEERSPORT NATIONAL with theaspurchase Labor Day NASCAR presented in and alternation with throughout selections from information other items the CHEERLEADING & DANCE tickets, fans canGlee select their seatsperform for thespecial Labor each individual Club as they afternoon.

Most campus parking lots will Day Race Weekend, tour the carols, Speedway’s race CHAMPIONSHIP arrangements of Christmas anthems, be available. control and suites, with Feb. 18 –tower 20 spirituals, and African songs. take Overphotos 7000 people the Atlanta pace caryear andtoa $30 forfrom 2-dayallMotor pass come over Speedway the southeast each SIMON GAMEPLAY TOUR attend concerts, which are presented free of NASCAR Sprint Series winner’s trophy, $20 forthe 1-day passCup Saturday, 20gift @ shop 10am, Free charge as aAugust of Free music to theand community. discounts atgift much more.

Kids Under 5 AMS are DiscoverWorld Mills Mall, Lawrenceville Georgia Congress Center WINTER WONDER JAM CONCERT www.simon.com 285 Andrew Young International Blvd.,SERIES Atlanta December 1, 8, 15 & 22 cheersport.net

Tickets: $10 inGamePlay advance / $15 the door The Simon tourat will connect fans Central Park, Atlantic Station of all ages to the hottest video games before Bring it on…this electrifying cheerleading www.atlanticstation.com they are launched and available in stores. and dance competition features teams The recently launched America.

Nintendo This 3DS competing from Winter Wonder Jamacross is a four-week outdoor gaming system will take center stage with year, it expects to grow largerevenings than ever concert series3DS held Saturday in a “Nintendo Lounge, ” with couches, with over 900 teams Atlantic Station’s Centralparticipating, Park. The seriesfrom will snacksthree andgreat games.

Nintendo also offer ages through college.

Cheersport highlight national acts will and showcase “Street Pass, ” tournament-style play using was founded by all-star who loved Atlanta’s emerging musicalcoaches talent. The schedule Nintendo devices. will competitive cheerleading and Townes dance. kicks off on 3DS December 1 withGamePlay Justin feature 10 gaming pods, including 2 mature Check the website the full Earle featuring specialforguest Johncompetition McCauley of zones,Tick. withOther products from acts instrusty leaders Deer scheduled include Marc schedule. like SEGA, AWOLNATION Capcom, 2K and and Atari.Mutemath.

Broussard,

By Marci Miller 2011 SOUTHEASTERN HUNGER 5KFLOWER SHOW LIGHTS OFWALK/RUN LIFE Feb. 25 27, Adults $18 ($15 in advance) March 13, Noon-4pm, $25 for runners 8th ANNUAL BIERFEST Through DecemberGERMAN 31

Youth/Student $7,6:00pm Kids2 under 5 are Free Free for walkers Saturday, August 27, ––7pm Sunday-Thursday: 10:00pm Cobb Galleria Centre Parking is free Friday-Saturday: 6:00pm –11:00pm $30 Online, $35 At the Door Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta Cars/SUVs $5 ($10Downtown onLot Friday & Saturday) Turner Field Green Woodruff Park, Atlanta Vans $10; Buses $20 sehort.org 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta www.germanbierfest.com Life University, Marietta hungerwalkrun.org www.life.edu Presented by celebrates the Southeastern This summer event the greatness Horticultural Society, this annual premier Join thousands of runners and walkers at of German beer in a family-friendly Lights of Life attracts more than one million visitors gardening event promotes preservation this annual event that benefits the Atlanta environment. Complete with authentic annually as Life University putsfiveon a dazzling and awareness of plants Community Food Bankflowers and other local German food, activities for than theand kids, music holiday light show over more 2.5 miles of through education andBierfest artistic expression. nonprofits.

Participants can register as a team and fun, the German is not campus. See more than two million lights, only a 60 Show activities include speakers, juried or individually online register the dayblue of the only authentic German in foot-high Christmas tree or located in aBierfest sea of competition, kids’ activities, Landscape & the event.

There will be activities for all ages Atlanta, but the only family-friendly beer lights, a nativity scene, a menorah, and many other Discovery Gardens and more. includingas games, livethe entertainment & scenes more. festival well.

For price ofholiday admittance, dazzling animated and stationary

Gates opencan at noon, theall 5Ktherun & walk begin attendees drink theyFriday can and displays.

Photos with Santa arebeer available at 2 p.m. safely consume.

Designated drivers area 10th ANNUAL OAKHURST WINE include CRAWL and Saturday.

Other weekend activities encouraged and can attend for free.

No one petting zoo, train ride and pony rides.

Jazz band, Saturday, Feb. 26, 4 pm-7 pm percussion, brass quintet choirbewill be provided under the age of 21orwill permitted to $25 in advance for Tasting Glass A-TOWN DAY by a Cobb County high school from 6-8 p.m. on consume alcohol.

A designated driver $30 day26,ofNoon-8pm, event March $5 Fridays and Saturdays for enjoyment. service will also beyour on site for those who Oakhurst Business District Lakewood find themselves in an unsafe oakhurstga.org 2002 Lakewood Ave SE, Atlanta condition to drive home. atownday.com

Participants in this year’s event will get to sample wines from around theconcert, world A-TOWN DAY is a health festival, PIGS & PEACHES BBQcare FESTIVAL while exploring all the businesses in the and a 26 major of 5pm Awareness August & 27,day Friday - 11pm celebrating Oakhurst neighborhood.

There will be 20 all things10am Atlanta.

A-TOWN Saturday – 10pm, Free DAY benefits participating establishments and the event the of Atlanta and The Ben Diabetes RobertsonAssociation Community Center, Kennesaw expects sell out quickly.

Thewill Fur Bus B-Aware to Foundation.

This event feature www.facebook.com/PigsAndPeaches will be on hand to transport participants live music, poetry, car show and lots of family from bar to bar.

Ticketsacannon-sanctioned be purchased friendly events.

The event features from Steinbeck’s Ale House, Backyard BBQ, Anything Butt andUjoint, Peach and Karvana Coffee Shop, locatedCity in Dessert Contest, as well as all a WEEK Kansas INMAN PARK RESTAURANT Oakhurst village.

Barbeque Society March 28-April 3, $15sanctioned Professional

Contest, which is recognized as a Georgia

$25 & $35 for three-course meal DECATUR BONFIRE & MARSHMALLOW ROAST State Championship Barbeque Cookoff.

IHOP NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY CELEBRATION inmanparkrestaurantweek.com

December 13, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Free

Over $14,000 cash and prizes will be Tuesday, March 1,in7 am-10 pm, Free Pancakes Decatur Square, Downtown Decatur awarded to contest winners.

Besides food International House of Pancakes Savor historic Inman Park with three-course www.decaturga.com for sale, from and free music from of Locations throughout Metro Atlantaa number dinners 11 local restaurants.

Proceeds local and national acts, festival goers will IHOPPancakeday.com will benefit Project Open Hand, which helps Make plans to join the community and roast be treated to aaround large Kid (with many people prevent or better manage marshmallows the Zone popular 10’chronic x 10’

attractions FREE to families), unique vendor On thison day, customers receive one bonfire the square.

Enjoywill special music and disease through comprehensive nutrition care. booths andin sponsor exhibits.

Silver free short stack (three) ofand IHOP’s visit Santa thewillCommunity Bandstand.

And $1 raffle tickets be sold willThe gofamous towards Wings paratrooper aerial exhibition buttermilk pancakes.

All they is team that before the bonfire, make toask check out the charity.

The winner ofsure the raffle will win returns thed’ouerves, event, andbeer will jump the Decatur’s Terrific Thursdays.

There areinto special patrons making aand donation to a hostedtoconsider hor wine party deals at Decatur’s hottestAugust shops, galleries and festival on Saturday, 27.

Crowds support local children’s hospitals through at Park’s Edge Restaurant for thirty of their restaurants.

Park once and take aorspecial will be Each treated to Network aPark wonderful display of Children’s Miracle other local friends.

Inman restaurant willshuttle bring for free around town.

Participating businesses aerobatics performances in charities.

Since beginning tastes from and their patriotic restaurants foritstheNational winner. will stay open snacks the There will also be abeverages, fireworks Pancake Day celebration inhuge, 2006, IHOP The sky. winner willlate, be offering announced at the end of and special offers. grand finale.more has raised $5.35 millionfortoa the restaurant week.than Check the website support in the communities complete charities list of participating restaurants. in which it operates.

FESTIVAL PEACHTREE LATINO CHICK-FIL-A-BOWL PARADE & FANFEST Sunday, August 28,3111am – 7:30pm, Free Saturday, December Piedmont Park Parade, 12:30pm – 2pm, Free www.festivalpeachtreelatino.com Fan Fest, 2pm – 6pm, FanFest ($15 per person) Georgia World Congress Center www.chick-fil-abowl.com Festival Peachtree Latino has been the largest family & multicultural event in the The Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade serves as the official southeast since 2000.

They have featured kickoff for game day. This bowlfamily tradition features hundreds of exhibitions, activities, colorful classic cheerleaders, sportingthemed events,floats, parades, artscars, & crafts, ethnic mascots, award-winning marching bands, dance foods and outdoor musical performances groups and much more.

This free event launches featuring renowned international musicians at the intersection of Peachtree Street and Baker on two stages. The best part about it is that Street and concludes at the Georgia World the eventCenter, is absolutely year, Congress leading fansFREE!! into the This Chick-fil-A Festival Peachtree Latino has more to offer, Bowl FanFest FanFest is the ultimate pre-game, with new attractions family activity.

Football and fans aoflarger all agesschedule can get of musical performances. into the spirit of ACC vs. SEC competition with attractions such as receiving, passing and kicking games, obstacle courses and rock climbing walls.

UPDATED EVENTSWEEKLY. WEEKLY. SIGN UP BY RECEIVERECEIVE UPDATED EVENTS SIGN UPEMAILING

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FILM

THE END OF TWILIGHT

Kristn Stewart Speaks On Life After Bella

BY ALEX S. MORRISON

T

HOUGH HER BROODING co-star Robert Pattinson may have been plucked from relative obscurity and thrust into the spotlight, Kristen Stewart had already been acting professionally for nearly a decade before Twilight made her a star. Discovered by a talent scout at a grade school performance when she was 8, the L.A. native had appeared in major Hollywood films such as Panic Room, Cold Creek Manor and Into The Wild before she was even old enough to vote.

As a result, the actress has always seemed remarkably self-assured for her age, handling the rabid fan base and tempest of media coverage surrounding the Twilight franchise (and particularly her tabloid-friendly offscreen relationship with Pattinson) with impressive aplomb. She also seemed to make smart decisions in her career, filling the gaps in filming the 4-part vampire saga with great indie films such as Adventureland and The Runaways. She also stuck with her role in this December’s On The Road, an adaptation of the classic Jack Kerouac novel, after the budget was cut and her salary was reduced significantly.

So it was a bit of a shocker when it was revealed in July that Stewart, now 22, had cheated on Pattinson with Rupert Sanders, her (married) director on Snow White & the

Huntsman. Twi-hards, as Twilight fans are known, have been outspoken in their support of Pattinson, and it’s unclear how the news will impact box office stats for the final film in the franchise, Breaking Dawn Part 2.

We spoke with Stewart before the scandal broke about her initial attraction to the role of Bella, her thoughts on Twi-hards, and how she feels about life after Twilight.

You’d already done quite a few films before Twilight came along. What initially attracted you to the role of Bella?

It wasn’t so much the character. Bella’s not very distinct, and there aren’t many qualities about her that differ from mine. You really project yourself onto her when you read the book because you experience the whole story through her eyes. I read a synopsis of the story before I read the script or the book, and it was something that everybody was freaking out over. It was like, “Everybody wants this role, Kristen. You have to read this!” But I didn’t want to be a part of something that presents a completely ideological idea of love to young girls and puts their female heroine in a position where [Edward Cullen] is all-powerful, all holy, smart and confident, and she’s just happy with that. It was very shallow. When you try to sum up Twilight in a couple of sentences, it sounds very trite and superficial.

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I CANNOT DESCRIBE HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO ACTUALLY HAVE SOMETHING THAT IS TRULY IN YOUR HEART AND SOUL ACTUALLY AFFECTING PEOPLE. THAT’S AMAZING, AND THAT’S THE BIGGEST CHANGE.

What eventually changed your mind about doing the film?

I read the script, and it was just the opposite. There was this great power balance between these two characters. Apart from just wanting to portray such an epic love story, it was the idea that she really wears the pants in this relationship. Here you have this guy who is 108 years old and hates himself. He’s afraid of himself, afraid of her and afraid of his whole situation. He’s extremely neurotic! Then you have this girl who is totally naïve, yet she’s willing to submerse herself wholeheartedly.

I think a lot of people are like, “She’s a weak character.” But she wants it, and it’s something she’s willing to overcome. My favorite thing about Bella is that she trusts herself and puts a lot of stock in her feelings. I admire that.

What is it like to be working on such a popular franchise with such an intensely devoted fan base?

It feels good. It’s funny because everyone feels like we’re nervous about the pressure and getting [Twilight fans’] approval, but this art form is so subjective anyway. The fans are obsessed with the books and I love them too, and there’s nothing better than sharing a passion. This is all so far out of the scope of what’s going on in our heads when we’re shooting a movie. It was strange having the fans so close while we were filming, but it’s like doing theater: They stand up and clap after every take, but sit there very quietly, organized in little rows, and try not to disturb us while we’re all in character. It’s a bit more pressure, but at the same time it was highly motivating.

How has your life changed most since Twilight came out?

My life hasn’t changed. Most circumstances I find myself in are different than they were a few years ago, but I myself haven’t changed, other than the ways a normal girl my age would change. I would act in these movies for free every day, [even] if nobody saw it. I cannot describe how good it feels to actually have something that is truly in your heart and soul actually affecting people. That’s amazing, and that’s the biggest change.

What about the media intrusion into your personal life: Does it bother you?

No, it’s just more of the same thing actors have been dealing with for years. With blogs

and things like that, you just have another outlet for media. Hearsay is sometimes really awesome, and it’s sometimes really destructive. People hated rumors then, people hate rumors now, whether they’re really huge or really small. It’s weird that you can just get anybody’s opinion at the click of a mouse.

But it’s not like those opinions haven’t always been there. People are just able to get them out more easily

What do you think the fans are going to enjoy the most about the series’ grand finale?

It’s not an easy story. Twilight was about two people who were conflicted internally throwing themselves against each other mindlessly. It was very impulsive. In this film we had to think a lot more about what we were doing because it wasn’t instinctual, like a chemistry/love thing. Everything in the last two movies is heightened: If you get sad, you don’t just get sad, it’s like you’d rather just be dead. So it was just harder from an acting standpoint.

What’s it like going from a huge film like Breaking Dawn Part 2 to a smaller indie film like On The Road? Does it change your acting approach at all?

I start everything from the same place, with the sense of responsibility. On a bigger movie, you have to be aware that you can only control your aspect of the film. It’s nice to be on a smaller movie, because you feel so close-knit. It’s like it’s your movie, and you can do anything you want. But with a bigger movie, it concerns so many people, so it’s much more of a process. But, in terms of what I do personally, it has to be the same, or else I’m just on some big movie, being a liar, and I can’t do that.

When the Twilight saga is finished, how will you feel about getting your normal life back?

When I initially start a movie, I’m dying to get it done. It’s like I’m thinking about something all the time and I want to go through the experience: I want to do the scenes and I want to make sure that we do them right. In the case of Twilight, I had so much ahead of me the whole time… Usually I work about six weeks on a film, and at the end of the six weeks we’ve made our product. But in this case I had to wait literally years. So, by the end, I wanted it to be done. I couldn’t wait to be finished! (Laughs)

Under The Lights A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Through Dec 23 Alliance Theatre Box Office (404) 733.5000 alliancetheatre.com

A Christmas Carol, the most heartwarming story of the season comes to life with holiday carols and stunning stage magic. In this tale of redemption Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Chris Kayser who returns for his 20th appearance, goes to sleep on Christmas Eve as a miserly, stone-hearted man and awakens on Christmas Day with a compassionate and benevolent heart after his encounter with three ghosts.

Audiences will again be invited to sing “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” with the cast during the performance.

ATLANTA BALLET’S NUTCRACKER

Dec 7 - Dec 26 The Fox Theatre Tickets (855) ATL-TIXX atlantaballet.com

The whimsical holiday tale that follows young Marya’s unbelievable adventure with her handsome Nutcracker Prince now has even more thrills and surprises. Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker uses 20 pounds of snow, eight tons of scenery, lighting, and props, and a 38-foot-tall Christmas tree to make the magic of Marya’s unbelievable story

come to life. More than 250 of Atlanta’s young dancers will join the Atlanta Ballet professional company for this extravagant production live with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and the Georgia Youth Choir for all performances.

WEST SIDE STORY

Dec 13 -Dec 16 Cobb Energy Centre Tickets (800) 745-3000 gas-southbroadwayseries

West Side Story tells the story of starcrossed lovers Tony and Maria as they struggle to rise above the hatred and intolerance that surrounds them. Widely considered the greatest love story of all time it remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is one of Broadway’s best and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”

1745 PEACHTREE ST. NW everything creative.

20% OFF CUSTOM FRAMING insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 7

HOLIDAY DINING

Catering, Private Parties and Great Holiday Fare at Atlanta Restaurants Mediterranean Grill

N. Decatur 404.320.0101 Midtown 404.917.1100 East Cobb 678.996.0045 mediterraneangrill.com

The Flying Biscuit’s one of a kind award winning biscuits are the perfect addition to any holiday function.

The Power Breakfast is a popular catering option for businesses and can also be tailored to holiday events.

They also can prepare sandwich & salad boxed lunches.

Call their catering hotline or check The Flying Biscuit website for great ways to make this year’s holiday party a memorable one.

Mezza Lebanese bistro & wine bar

Chin Chin

2751 Lavista Rd., Decatur 404.633.8833 mezzabistro.com

Recently voted “Best Mediterranean” again in 2012, Mediterranean Grill is the place in Atlanta for authentic Mediterranean food. For more than a decade their loyal customers have continued to flock to this family/chef-owned and operated restaurant. Here you will find regional dishes like gyros, falafel and kabob sandwiches that are perfect for holiday parties large and small. Mediterranean Grill has a special catering menu that can be found on their website or at their restaurants.

Copeland’s Famous New Orleans Restaurant

3131 Cobb Pkwy 770.612.3311 1142 Barrett Pkwy770.919.9612 CopelandsAtlanta.com

Atlanta's Best Cajun restaurant is a great choice this holiday season. Copeland's is the home of the New Orleans Jazz Brunch Buffet. This popular buffet is served on Sunday at both locations from 11am to 3pm. It isn't the holidays without Copeland's signature Cajun Fried Turkeys. Copland’s Cajun Fried Turkeys can be ordered online at CopelandsAtlanta.com. Copeland's catering offers party pans with large take out portions of your favorite Copeland's dishes.

Agave

242 Boulevard 404.588.0006 agaverestaurant.com

an enclosed heated patio.

The rooms can accommodate parties from 6 guests to 100 and are available for private party bookings. Now through December 20th...Buy a $100 Gift Card and get a $50 Gift Card for FREE! Purchase online at agaverestaurant.com

Recognized as one of the “Top 100” restaurants in Atlanta and the “Best Southwestern Cuisine” Agave is where to celebrate with friends and family over the holidays. Agave has two beautiful dining rooms as well as

Mezza is similar to tapas where all menu items are served in small portions allowing diners to sample and share. This type of dining lends itself well for large groups and catering for large functions. Mezza is Zagat rated and one of Atlanta Magazine's "Top 100 Restaurants". A variety of more than 60 menu items ranging from the traditional dishes such as hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, kebabs and legs of lamb are available. Mezza offers an assortment of party trays and gift cards while a private room is available for bookings offering belly dancing and hookahs.

Johnny’s Pizza & Subs 1810 Cheshire Bridge Rd. 404.874.8304 JohnnysPizza.com

Johnny’s Pizza has come to be synonymous with great pizza and subs in Atlanta.

They specialize in NY Style pizza, which is thin in the middle and thick around the edges. Johnny’s offers plenty of specialty pizzas plus subs, salads, sandwiches and other popular Italian dishes including calzones, strombolis and lasagna.

Go to their website to find the location nearest you.

The Flying Biscuit Cafe’

3887 Peachtree Rd. 404.816.2229 Multiple Locations chinchinonline.com

From crab rangoons to cashew chicken, Chin Chin offers fine dining that won’t break the bank.

Chin Chin has several locations around metro Atlanta, each with the same great flavor, healthy portions and elegant décor. Their award winning chef has made Chin Chin a Best Of winner for many years. Chin Chin is available for private parties and their menu can accomodate catering orders large and small.

Willy’s Mexicana Grill

19 Area Locations Catering Hotline 404.422.7107 willys.com

Let Willy’s catering warm up your holiday gathering. Their catering service offers Full-service Burrito Bars, Self-service Taco, Fajita and Nacho Bars, Platters & more! Call Willy’s catering hotline to speak directly to their catering expert to make sure you make the perfect order for your holiday function. Catering menu also available on their website online.

Fat Matt’s Rib Shack

1811 Piedmont Ave. 404.607.1622 fatmattsribshack.com

Atlanta’s favorite barbecue joint also caters! Barbecue lends itself perfectly for catering and where better to go than Fat Matt’s. They have

Candler Park 404.687.8888 1001 Piedmont Ave. 404.874.8887 flyingbiscuit.com Copelands_InSite1111_Copelands_InSite1111 10/26/11 10:41 AM Page 1

agave restaurant agave restaurant an eclectic southwestern eatery

an eclectic southwestern eatery & tequila bar . est. 2000 & tequila bar est. 2000 Reservations at 404.588.0006 Reservations 404 588 0006 or online at: : or online at www.agaverestaurant.com www.agaverestaurant.com 242242Boulevard S.E.Atlanta Atlanta 30312 Boulevard S.E. . 30312

AGAVE’S HOLIDAY GIFT CARD DEAL IS BACK!

Spice up the Holidays with a Famous Cajun Fried Turkey & all the fixin’s Available for Take-Out Only.

Ask about our full service Catering and Delivery.

Now throughth December 20

Buy a $100 Gift Card and get a $50 Gift Card for FREE! Purchase online at agaverestaurant.com

PHOTOS BY MARK PETKO

Consistently Voted One Of Atlanta’s Best Restaurants BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY WITH US! INsite Magazine Best of Atlanta Winner

PREFIXED MENUS & PRIVATE ROOMS AVAILABLE Best Southwestern Cuisine & Best Margarita !!

PG 8 • December 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

• Cajun Fried Turkey • Louisiana Cornbread Stuffing • Red Hot Mashed Potatoes • Green Beans with Ham • Mashed Sweet Potatoes • Biscuits • Creole Corn • Turkey Gravy • Homemade Desserts

CUMBERLAND 770-612-3311 KENNESAW 770-919-9612

www.CopelandsAtlanta.com

The Elder Tree Public House

Holiday Dining Cont’d. great party packages set up to accomodate parties of 20, 30 and 50 people. Call their Catering Hotline 404-875-2722.

Bhojanic Indian Restaurant 1363 Clairmont Rd. 404.633.9233 Catering Hotline 404.702.8301 bhojanic.com

Bhojanic serves authentic Indian fare using only the finest vegetables and meats.

The food you find at Bhojanic is exactly like the food cooked in the homes of Northern India. They offer full service holiday catering while providing the food, quality paper dinnerware, tablecloths, serving supplies, and HotBox (to keep your food hot for hours). Bhojanic has a stand alone catering business through ANIC (Atlanta North Indian Catering, Inc.) so they can accomodate any function.

Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs

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

Let Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs take the stress out of catering your holiday party.

They have something for everyone from their assortment of famous subs to deli salads by the pound, cookies by the dozen and iced-tea by the gallon. Throw a great event that won’t break the bank. “It’s always a party when you invite Baldinos.”

469 Flat Shoals Ave. East Atlanta 404.658.6108 eldertreeatl.com

The Elder Tree Public House offers a welcoming environment with its chatty clientele, sleek wood accents and decadent comfort food. This European-style Irish pub serves gastro fare rooted within authentic Irish tradition.

The menu, heavily peppered with housecured meats, features hearty pub food, staples like Fish-n-Chips and Bangers and Mash. Seafood, soups and sandwiches round out the menu. At the bar, there are 13 European beers on draft and a full range of whiskey cocktails. It is the perfect place to grab a meal and a pint with family and friends over the holiday season.

Twin Peaks

3365 Piedmont Rd. 404.961.8946 twinpeaksrestaurant.com

Twin Peaks has recently opened the concept’s largest location in Buckhead. The mountain lodgestyle sports restaurant, and its beautiful Twin Peaks girls, has definitely created “scenic views”. Twin Peaks features high-quality comfort food and an extensive selection of draft beers served from 32 taps. This a a great place to get together with friends over the holidays. They have private rooms that may be booked and a lively rooftop patio adorned with the beautiful Twin Peaks Girls.

#1 Chinese Restaurant in Atlanta

VIEW ART OF CHINESE COOKING THROUGH OPEN KITCHEN LUNCH

SPECIAL

$4.99 (Brookhaven Location)

ORIGINAL AWARD WINNING CHEF

1998-2012 Best Chinese by Creative Loafing | "Mouthwatering Chin Chin spices things up." – AJC Best Chinese – Atlanta Jewish Times | 2 1/2 Stars – Knife & Fork

3887 PEACHTREE RD • 404-816-2229 1100 Hammond Drive • 770-913-0266 Sandy Springs BUCKHEAD/BROOKHAVEN 617 Johnson Ferry Rd • 678-560-5550 East Cobb

1715 Howell Mill Rd • 404-609-5618 Atlanta

699 Ponce de Leon • 404-881-1511 Midtown

270 Rucker Rd. • 770-569-9883 Alpharetta

DELIVERY (LIMITED AREA; MIN $10) CARRY OUT • CATERING • FULL BAR SERVICE

WWW.CHINCHINATLANTA.COM

Healthy Vegetarian Items Always Available

3474-Willys Insite-Ad-HoHoHo-p.pdf

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11/29/12

9:43 AM

Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!

BEST PIZZA!

& Multiple Atlanta Locations: www.JohnnysPizza.com insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 9

FILM

IN FULL BLOOM

Orlando Bloom Returns To The Role That Made Him Famous in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

BY BRET LOVE

T

he first time I interviewed Orlando Bloom, he was 24 years old and making his international film debut in The Fellowship of the Ring, the first movie in the record-breaking The Lord of the Rings series. Though clearly still a bit wet behind the ears, the Canterbury, England native already seemed surprisingly poised and professional, but he was also visibly excited at being a part of moviemaking history.

His enthusiasm was understandable: Before Peter Jackson plucked him from relative obscurity to portray Legolas, the ageless elf who was even quicker with an arrow then he was with a retort, Bloom’s biggest claim to fame was a cameo in the critically acclaimed 1997 movie, Wilde. But he did have a respectable thespian pedigree, spending two years with the National Youth Theatre before getting a scholarship to train with the British American Drama Academy.

In the decade since our first encounter, Bloom has emerged as one of England’s most accomplished young actors, working with legendary directors such as Ridley Scott (Black Hawk Down and Kingdom of Heaven), Wolfgang Peterson (Troy) and Cameron Crowe (Elizabethtown), as well as starring in one of the most popular action/ adventure series of all time (The Pirates of the Caribbean). But in recent years he’s largely stuck to smaller indie films, including 2010’s Sympathy For Delicious.

Now, Bloom is strapping on the blonde wig and elven bow for the first time since 2003 to play Legolas in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first of Jackson’s two eagerly anticipated prequels to The Lord of the Rings.

Here, he discusses everything from his early movie roles to what it was like filming 2004’s Haven in the Cayman Islands.

What was it like starting your Hollywood career out with an iconic role like Legolas?

Lord of the Rings was my first experience making movies and, at the time, I had no ideas how movies were done. In a way, I had nothing to compare it to. But, shooting them back-to-back, you had to think about where you were in [the character’s] development.

With two movies, a lot more time passes and

LIKE TO BURY MYSELF IN A CAVE AND STAY OUT OF THE LIMELIGHT. IT’S A PROCESS, BUT I WOULDN’T CHANGE IT, BECAUSE I LOVE TO DO WHAT I DO.

a lot more development happens, so you’ve got to keep jumping backward and forward, doing a kind of dance.

With those movies being so successful, were you ever concerned about being typecast?

Legolas was an incredible character for my first movie. In a way, I was lucky that I didn’t have too much to do or say because I might have messed it up, being straight out of drama school. I was in the first chapter of my life as an actor and my career, and I still had mistakes to make and things to learn.

Afterwards, I was very happy to lose the blonde wig and have my own look. That was a choice made by Peter, and I was really glad because it totally transformed me and made the leap to being that character a lot easier.

But then you went straight from that into the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy. Was this swashbuckling adventure the fulfillment of some sort of childhood dream?

My whole career has been about fulfilling my childhood fantasies and playing characters that are larger than life. Getting to play a knight, an elf, a prince, and a soldier... Pirates was just a great opportunity to work with great people (like) Johnny Depp. That was a big draw, having always admired him as a young actor. When I signed up to do the first one, it was a matter of wanting to be on set with somebody like him to see how he handles himself, which was a real privilege.

With six massive blockbusters in a row, you became quite the tabloid staple. How did you respond to being in the harsh glare of fame’s spotlight?

Terribly and awfully, if the truth be known.

I’m not sure how it looks from the outside, but I can tell you it’s terrifying on the inside.

I like to bury myself in a cave and stay out of the limelight. It’s a process, but I wouldn’t change it, because I love to do what I do.

PG 10 • December 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

You’ve worked with some incredible directors over the past decade. Which do you think

you’ve learned the most from?

Honestly, I’ve learned so much from each of them individually and in different ways, I couldn’t say that I’ve learned more from one than the other. Ridley Scott is an inspirational director: He knows how to shoot a movie, and I learned a lot form being on that set.

But I learned equally as much with Peter Jackson, which was my first experience, or with [Pirates director] Gore Verbinski, who’s got a really great sense of comedy as well as drama. They’ve all been very different, in my experience.

You’ve recently leaned more towards indie films. What was the appeal of doing a role like the rocker you played in Sympathy For Delicious?

I was desperate for an opportunity to break out of a preconceived idea of who I was as an actor, based on finding myself in two of the biggest movie trilogies of all time. It was about making big movies and not really having the opportunity to do some of the small, interesting movies, where you do get to break out. So when I sat down with [Sympathy director] Mark Ruffalo, I was like, “Dude, this is terrifying to me in many ways… and also exactly what I really want.”

Mark is a phenomenal actor, but he’s an even better director, if you can believe that. I had never been directed by an actor before, but he had the sensitivity, the understanding and the guidance in some of the areas that you really don’t want to go to often, because it’s a painfully uncomfortable thing to put yourself out there. It was amazing to be helped through that process by somebody like Mark Ruffalo, and he was going through all of his own stuff while directing and starring in the movie.

Did anyone tell you not to do the movie, given that it was so different from what your fans expect?

No, it doesn’t really work like that. They’re more inclined to say, “You should do this,” than “Don’t do that.” What I’m finding myself saying now is, “No, I want to do this.” But,

when you’re 21 and you find yourself in one of the biggest trilogies of all time, and then you’re 24 and you’re in the next biggest trilogy of all time, you have no sense of which way is up. You’re just like, “Yes, yes, yes!” instead of asking, “What does this actually mean to me?

How do I want to be perceived? What do I want from my career?” All of that stuff comes in when you have the time to settle and think about it, which is what I’m doing now.

What can you tell us about The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey?

I was really excited about going to see Pete again. I can’t actually talk too much about it at this point. But I was given the script to piece through early on, which was quite exciting.

It’s been nine years since Legolas has been onscreen. You’ve aged ten years, but you’re playing Legolas as a younger man, or elf.

How will that work?

Good genes! I don’t know what to tell you… a bit of makeup. It’s crazy, because the wig still fits. It’s the same wig, and it still fits. And the same costume fit. I’m not actually wearing… well, I’m not gonna talk about it. I can’t tell you anything else.

How do you feel about where your career is now, in terms of meeting your professional goals?

Well, Sympathy For Delicious was the beginning of something completely different for me. I produced a little movie called The Good Doctor, which we’re took to the Tribeca Film Festival and was a really twisted, dark turn for me. It was a really interesting thing to try. And, when The Three Musketeers came along, the Duke of Buckingham was a fantastic role because it’s a completely different thing for me, as opposed to being a Musketeer. I got to be the giant petulant child. So, I’m really embracing the other side and shifting the perception about me.

I actually had no idea how hard it would be to shift the perception, and that’s really what it’s been about.

HOLIDAY Gift Guide

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VisitDecaturGeorgia.com/terrificthursdays Shop and taste your way all around downtown Decatur and Oakhurst Village, especially on Terrific 659 through AuburnDecember Ave. 20 when nearly 40 Thursdays Atlanta Ga. 30312 boutiques and restaurants offer special deals, discounts (404)Santa 584-0305 jankestudios.com and treats. joins the •fun, too, visiting shops and Hand Blown Glass & Art Enjoy Gallery restaurants within the city limits. ourlocated annualat Studioplex.

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An out of the ordinary name for a unique 5 Metro Area Locations boutique.

From fun to funky, wacky to wild, Psycho www.CDWarehouseATL.com Sisters is the queen of consignment. They offer CD Warehouse buys and sells Blu-Ray great affordable gifts from clothes and accessories Discs, Video Games and DVD’s. They offer a to plenty of bling. great selection and carry many hard to find releases. Check out the Metallica CD Live at the Gimeys. It is an independent store exclusive and a very limited release. CD 4 Metro Area Locations Warehouse has it for just $9.99!

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CDWarehouseATL.com CD Warehouse buys and sells Blu-Ray Discs, Video Games andMoreland DVD’s. TheyAve offer a great selection and 464 carry many hard to find releases like this season’s (404) 577-3188 hottest album“Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys. www.thejunkmansdaughter.com

JUNKMAN’S DAUGHTER Little Five Point’s favorite and largest

store is stocked up this season with RAG-O-RAMA

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Find thousands of seasonal Sandy Springs (404) 497-0701 items along with far out fashions ragorama.com and groovy Rag-O-Rama nowaccessories. has two locations, Little Five Points and Sandy Springs. In addition to buying, selling and trading gently worn, current and vintage fashions, they carry a large selection of brand new merchandise.

URBAN BODY FITNESS

500 Amsterdam Ave. (404) 885-1499 • urbanbodyfitness.com Voted Best Fitness Center in Atlanta by INsite readers two years running. Their Amsterdam Walk location is a favorite get-fit destination for those intown. For the holiday season they are offering a $125 Gift Card for $100!

Voted Best Fitness Center by INsite readers!

WORTHMORE JEWELERS

Continued on page 12

500 Amsterdam (404) 892-8294 117 E. Court Square (404) 370-3979 worthmorejewelers.com The holidays are a great time to get engaged or even remount your existing diamond. One of many to choose from in white gold or platinum!

500 Amsterdam Ave 404.885.1499 urbanbodyfitness.com insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 11

Janke Studios Hand Blown Glass Founded in 1996

STUDIOPLEX Conveniently located between Inman Park & the King Birth Home

NEW SHOWROOM 659 Auburn Ave. Atlanta, GA 30312 404-584-0305

WINTER GLASSFEST12 TH

SAT. DEC. 8 12-6PM GLASSBLOWING SHOW, FLAMEWORKING DEMOS, LIVE MUSIC, KIDS CRAFT CORNER, REFRESHMENTS, OPEN ARTISTS STUDIOS AND AN ARTISTS MARKET. FREE PARKING AND FREE ADMISSION.

check

jankestudios

www. .com for schedule of classes

HOURS:

Tues, Thurs, Fri 1pm-8:30pm, Wed 5-8:30pm Sat 12-8:30pm Other times By Appointment

Functional Art Glass Gallery • Custom Lighting

HOLIDAY Gift Guide

Continued from page 11

MAKING POVERTY GLAMOROUS

BUY • SELL • TRADE

GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR THE SEASON! SAMSAM FLAXFLAX

1460 Northside Atlanta, GA 30318 THEATRE OFNWTHE STARS 1745 Peachtree St. •Dr. Atlanta, GA 30309 (855) ATL-TIXX • FoxAtlTix.com 352-7200 (404)(404) 352-7200 • samflaxsouth.com Theater of the Stars’ exciting season continues Make Atlanta’s Best Art60th Store for 7ofyears Visit our new store now boasting 2 floors at therunning Fox Theatre with BLUE MAN GROUP (January Yourconveniently One Stop Gift Shop.at Wide seleceverything creative, located 15 - 20), THE PRODUCERS (January 25 31) and tion and great prices on Niche Gifts, Planners, Brookwood Place in(April midtown! entire 2nd floorshows is MARY POPPINS 2 - 7).The Purchase all three Holiday Cards, Taschen Books, Painting & dedicated The Paperie will find unique and you’retoguaranteed a where seat toyou Theater of the Stars’ Drawing sets.

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FILM

FILM

TRUMP Movie Reviews CARD ANNA KARENINA (R) 

It’s refreshing to know that the Oscar’s Best Costume Design category has an actual race this year. Alas, Anna takes the cake. From start to finish, this film is all about the eye candy, and not just that golden trophy... Bets down now that we’ll see this film pop up in several categories. A dreamer’s version of Tolstoy’s greatest work, the film celebrates romance, heartbreak and tragedy in the most elegant of cinematic ways. Jude Law and Kiera Knightley ignite emotions from deep down, including raw anger, love, lust and, most of all, And that’s no surprise, considering its By B.spite.

Love director Joe Wright’s third run (after Atonement s one of AmericA’s and Pride & Prejudice) at bringingmost out the best successful and highweb profile businessin Knightley. It’s a tangled of lofty Russian men, Donald trump was well society and the truth that lies beneath it. Ifknown you’ve long survivor markillustration Burnett readbefore the novel, this isproducer a superfluous tapped him star in theyour Apprentice. that you justtocan’t keep eyes off of.ButIf you there’s no denying that the reality haven’t (and I understand, becauseshow it’s no joke turned trump frompages), a cartoonish at 800-something then it’curiosity s a radically into a bona fide phenomenon, with his signachallenging tale of the ins and outs of what’ s right, ture catchphrase– “You’re fired!”– inextricawrong and satisfying. In the end, it leaves one bly entering the pop culture lexicon. questioning whose happiness is most important.

Although the Apprentice initially floun–Jenni Williams

have been a pretty good one, the kind of film noir I can watch half a dozen of in a single sitting.

Austrian director Stefan Ruzowitzky passes off Montreal locations for Michigan and Aussie and British leading men for Americans as three dysfunctional families move on a collision course toward a Thanksgiving dinner hostage situation.

Possibly incestuous siblings Eric Bana and Olivia Wilde are heading for the border with their loot from a casino heist. After he kills a cop they split up. Olivia spends a Wilde night with Charlie Hunnam, an Olympic boxer and ex-con who’s also on the run. They go to the cabin of Hunnam’s parents, Sissy Spacek and Kris Kristofferson. through about them pursued for so many So doesreading Bana, who’ s being by sexist years, a lot of times that deputy you Sheriffbut Treat Williams andsomebody his mistreated don’t thinkKate of so highlyNoturns star.s daughter Mara. one’sout all to badbe–aBana’ You know whatkids, willeven happen got ajust softdon’t spot for abused if he with kills any pressure the at heat battle. adult whoand looks himofcross-eyed.

The script is chock full of nuttiness to keep Deadfall from What a celebrity do there’ to really being does a mindless action have movie,tobut s plenty set apart and show that they’re of themselves action – a car wreck, a snowmobile chase inand it to winkillings it? more per capita than most smalli can tell youAsfrom seasons 1 andis 2kinda and like cast movies.

Wilde says, “This from regular people really an oldthe movie, don’Apprentice, cha think?” At least you won’t want to win. every once in a while you’ll confuse Deadfall with Skyfall. have a quitter, but it doesn’t happen often.

–Steve Warren

The Donald Waxes Rhapsodic On The Celebrity Apprentice, “You’re Fired!” & Fixing NBC

A

dered a bit in the ratings, Burnett and trump stumbled upon a winning formula by recruitANY DAY NOW (R) ing secondand third-tier actors, athletes,  models and musicians for a celebrity edition ofHad theAny show. its third Daynow Nowinbeen madeincarnation, in the 1970s when the celebrity Apprentice it was originally written, tosses it still disparate wouldn’t have stars rocker Bret itmichaels, wrestler beensuch goodasbut at least would have seemed Goldberg, baseball legend Darryl strawberry, fresh. Adoption by same-sex couples is no longer former governor ron Blagojevich and sharon the one-sided issue it was then, making the deck osbourne together a variety teamseem overly stackedfor when the filmofasks who can building andenvironment challenges designed to provide aexercises better home for a teenage test their business mettle. boy with Down syndrome, his ex-con, substance“the Donald, ” as theorcrazy-coiffed abusing single mother two relativelyreal stable gay estate magnate if often known, held men. To get into this tear-jerkingrecently quandary you court with reporters to discuss the show’s must first believe that Paul (Garret Dillahunt), a current season.

just-divorced, still closeted attorney, would hook up with Rudy (Alan Cumming), a flamboyant, Can you tell us a little bit about the selecoutspoken drag queen, and be ready within a tion process? couple of days to have him move in and jointly it’s very interesting, because so many adopt a child.afterIf the you’re celebritiesmentally-challenged want to be on the show willing to accept the premise and overlook success of the previous two seasons. We the 1979-80some wigsathletes, and wardrobe, you’ll be ready to wanted some actors, some cheer the heroes and hiss the villains models and some wrestlers, so i would in saytheir court battles.

I found it easier to believe probably six or seven people per spot we Mark Wahlberg haddown. a talking bear.thing is that were turning theteddy hardest –Steve Warren we really have some good people that want to go on very badly. But i guess maybe we’ll save them for the next show, because it looks BADthat’s KIDSgoing GO TO (R) like to HELL happen.

“The Breakfast Club” meets “The Grudge” in How thisdark season going to be different than this issexy, comedy-thriller!

Six prep school past seasons? kids from prestigious Crestview Academy find Well, when you have a success like we’ve themselves stuck in detention on a dark and had, you don’t like to do too many changes. stormy Saturday afternoon. During their 8-hour What we do have is a different tone. the cast incarceration, each of the six kids falls victim has been very interesting: they’ve been very to a horrible ‘accident’ until only one remains. tough and very nasty, but there’s also a lot of As and eachhumor of them bites the dust, the story takes fun with respect to what happens, on a series of humorous and frantic twists which i don’t think we had in the last one. and turns.Joan Is one of the evening the With [rivers] andkids withsecretly Piers [morgan], s social playing field?really Or have the ghosts itschool’ was really nasty people hating each of Crestview finally returned to punish the other. these people hate each other, butschool’ it’s s worst (and seemingly untouchable) brats?

One also funny. i think that might be the biggest thing’ s for sure...Daddy’ s money can’t save them differentiation in terms of the three casts. now. Based on the best selling indie graphic novel of the same name.tell Filmright not yet Opens Can you usually off reviewed. the bat who is December 7 at Studio Movie Grill in Duluth and going to do well and who isn’t?

Alpharetta. that’s always the most interesting ques-

i think the reason they do it is the level of intensity they feel for their charity. Unlike LIFE OF PI (PG) the regular Apprentice, where somebody  works for me for a pretty good salary for a year, this one to charLife ofwith Pi caught me the in itsmoney spell asgoes no movie has in ity.

LastSlumdog year weMillionaire raised millions dollars. years. meets of Titanic meets everybody hasthe a charity theyLee, love; Cast Away in new filmthat

by Ang thesome most are foundations they’vebest) set up themselves versatile (and arguably filmmaker working years advance of the show. so i think today.in The opening sequence, filmed in athey zoo, really moreyou intense because it’s a charmakesfight you glad paid the 3D surcharge, even ity they’re fighting if the process isn’tfor. as consistently impressive

throughout. Pi (Irrfan Khan) tells his story to a

What are your favorite to watch Canadian novelist (Rafe challenges Spall). Growing up in the celebrities a French sectiontackle? of India with parents who own we adobotanical have a lot of different challengaWell, zoo and garden, he adopts several es, whether we go back to the selling religions simultaneously, believing in allofofthe them. lemonade or doing something else very When Pi (Suraj Sharma) is a young man basic in the without to deal with Proctor throes ofhaving first love, the economy forces&hisGamfather ble Kodak, etc. sometimes to or move the family to Canada,[sponsor-based taking the zoo challenges] sorton of ainteresting, but they’re animals witharethem Japanese freighter.

The expensive for us to do. the ratings suggest ship sinks in a storm and the real story begins – that fans’ of the with showaby of Pi’the s 227 daysfavorite at sea inpart a lifeboat Bengal far is the boardroom, and the boardroom tiger named Richard Parker, including a stop at has gotten longer over the years because of an island of meerkats. Sure, the visuals aren’t all that. the challenges still have plenty of time real, but I dare you to tell the difference – or how and we’re focused on both aspects, but we they created some of the magical images. You’ve have been trying to lengthen the boardroom never seen– or felt–viewer a movie like Life of Pi. because of strong requests.

–Steve Warren

You’re like a prosecuting attorney in the LINCOLN (PG-13) boardroom.

Do you meter your approach to  personalities? different Yes, i thinkdirector you deal with Spielberg different and people Blockbuster Steven ultradifferently. i deal with Goldberg differently talented method actor Daniel Day-Lewis have than i deal Blagojevich. chosen forwith theirGovernor first collaboration thei story dealt with Dennis rodman and Joan rivers behind Abraham Lincoln’s push to win the Civil differently some of theensure other that contesWar and than simultaneously slavery tants.

You have to have that ability. would cease to be a cancer on the American soul.

Day-Lewis is a shoo-in for Best Actor at next

How you feel going back in the boardyear’sdoAcademy Awards, showcasing Lincoln’s room after a little hiatus? political flexibility and personal eccentricities. i just get a great kick out of it. i really like Day-Lewis’s (and Spielberg’s) Lincoln is a study it a lot. they want to renew it for another in contradictions: the same man who could quote two or three seasons, and we’re thinking the Bible and Shakespeare by heart could also--if about that. i like having a little bit of a break circumstances hisonce way through between shows,required--snicker where it goes on a year.

folksy, scatological jokes using his high-pitched Midwestern twang. suasion Do you ever feel badLincoln aboutused firingmoral someone, and an appeal to history to influence his fellow or is it just part of the job? tion to me because i’d like to think of myself politicians, but he wasn’t above the usual political i always feel bad… no, not always. someasDEADFALL being okay(R) with people. But often i’ll say, shenanigans (including and ones threats) times i don’t like people.bribes the hard are to  “this one is going to be a star,” and then he makeyou surereally thingslike went therespect right way.

Day-Lewis when and somebody turns out to be a dud. You never really know. is joined a fantastic supporting including they by make a mistake.

Like, ascast, an exBack in the days of B movies Deadfall would and You feel like you’ve known these celebrities

LIFE OF PI “ Life of Pi caught me in its spell as no movie has in years. Slumdog Millionaire meets Titanic meets Cast Away in the new film by Ang Lee, the most versatile (and arguably best) filmmaker working today..”

Our review:  Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln and Tommy Lee Jones as abolitionist Congressman Thaddeus Stevens (although James Spader nearly steals the show in a small role as a hilariously mercenary Republican lobbyist). If Lincoln has any flaws, it’s in the thickly laid-on musical score and a surprisingly cursory treatment of the end of the war and the president’s assassination.

–John C. Snider

making Frost Jack Black; but the godlike Man in the Moon sends Jack to join the Guardians, the aforementioned quartet of good legends. The Boogeyman looks like Christopher Walken and Santa Claus has “Naughty” and “Nice” tats and a Russian accent to match the production design of the North Pole. A high ratio of action to talk should keep the young folk entertained.

–Steve Warren

RED DAWN (PG-13)

A ROYAL AFFAIR (R)





Yet another iconic film from the ‘80s remade for A Royal Affair begins slowly in order to let the silver screen. Film crew veteran Dan Bradley you admire the castles and late-18th-century makes his directorial debut with this classic tale costumes they got out of storage for the occasion, of boys and girls pressed into heroism when but it picks up steam. In 1766 Caroline Mathilde their hometown is invaded. The global financial (Alicia Vikander) is brought from her home in crisis has worsened, tensions between the England to marry Denmark’s King Christian VII U.S., Russia and North Korea have grown and, (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard), whom she’s never met.

It one turned out towithBeKorean a good But It was suddenly, day Spokane is filled They phrase, dislike each other instantly.

“Whyadid I soldiers in combat durIng armor. High school band FIrst have to end up withI that boring Christian FLuke. thekids very show was a cow?”

LIttLe together with returned Marine war veteran Chris laments, confirming my suspicion Vikander exasperated wIth one oF the contestants and I usedis Hemsworth (Thor) in waging guerrilla warfare; Sweden’s Kristen Stewart. The childlike, possibly FIred!” whenchallenged [producer] Mark it’s lessthe aboutLIne, trying to“you’re defeat the enemy and mentally king is no prize either, but Burnett the quickly show weherdIdn’t have more about tryingand to makeIitagreed too costly for to themdoCaroline fulfills “principal obligation” that. we’d say, “get the heLL out to stay. Bradley has we done athought good job of remaking of bearing him a son an heir so they can ignore something well known, crafting popcorn other. Christian returns from a long “grand oFa good here” or each soMethIng. flick to counter the season’s ample Oscar fare. tour” with a new personal physician, German Dr. fact that you raised suchMikkelsen). self-sufficient ample, scott the last season.

There are theHamilton, requisite from gunfights, suspenseful Johann Struensee (Mads Johann, children? imoments, had to letcar scott go. i’m great fan ofbut scott: chases anda explosions, also an anonymous liberal pamphleteer back home, Well, to i’meveryone getting aon lot their of credit the chilHe won olympic gold medals and he’s a great relates moments of (occasionally awkward) tenderness ownonlevel, from dren. everybody’s beenHeasking ivanka champion.

ButThe he understood that as hethe made and heroism. plot is the same 1984 peasants to nobility. goes about drinking and and the answer yes, while she’ll engaging be back on the aoriginal, mistakebut on it’the showdifferently and i really had no s done enough that it whoring with theisking, Caroline show.hisBut they’re very good kids. went choice. i feltidentical. The very badly about because doesn’t feel acting that, is actually better with progressive philosophy.

Theirthey mutual lust to very good schools, and they were great ihere considered him to be a great person, but i than in the Patrick Swayze original, with the is so obvious that someone warns Johann they’ll students. i couldn’t waitand to get them onWhile the have do what’sbetter right. told it’s never fun, but it’s wind story tosomewhat and appropriately up like Lancelot Guinevere. show. i has hadannoaffair ideawith the Caroline show would into easier i don’t like somebody whenand Johann set in awhen very possible near-future.

It’sor violent that be produces and tenth season, pretty the they’re really, reallyeasy bad.to get into. tense, but strangely aitsninth child, he also becomes thewhich powerisbehind amazing in the world of television.

–Justin Patterson throne, pushing the king to make liberal reforms That line, “You’re fired,” became a pop culover the objections of his conservative council.

There’s been lots of news surrounding NBC ture Can you(PG) talk about the RISEphenomenon.

OF THE GUARDIANS Analogies to contemporary politics jump off the lately, and your show does well for them. origin of it?  screen without taking the film out of period, and Whats you think NBC needs to do to back it turned out to be a good phrase, but it there’ enough passion and intrigue to get make A in the ratings game? was During theshould very first i was Riseaoffluke. the Guardians not show be confused Royal Affair a decent page-turner of a movie for Well, i know Jeff Gaspin (chairman of nBc awith littleLegend exasperated one of the of thewith Guardians: TheconOwls of fans of historical drama. and, as testants and It’ i used the line,enough “You’reonfired!”

Ga’Hoole... s confusing its own. Universal television entertainment) –Steve Warren you know, he’s new to the role. i think he’s When [producer] and i message agreed Children may comemark away Burnett with a general to the show we didn’t haveorthat.

Weis better going to do a spectacular job at nBc. they likedo“Good is better than bad” “Hope need more shows like the Apprentice. not thought “Gettry thetohell outout of specifics here” or SKYFALL than fear,we’d ” butsay, if they sort  something.

And all of a sudden America went they’ll find them rather muddled. This is the necessarily from a reality standpoint, but they need showstying thatnearly capture the scene imaginacrazy over the show. happens to Pine) be a great s a thread every in this story of prankster JackitFrost (Chris trying There’ tion. James Bond installment together. Said catchphrase. tV Guide one the of the major to find his center while or saving world from 23rd frankly, should entertainment magazines did the a poll and, after thread has certain nothingshows to do that withare theonimpeccably Pitch Black (Jude Law), a.k.a.

Boogeyman. be changed because, while they get some “Here’s Johnny!” and one other great, it was Pitch is trying to spread fear among the children tailored suits or cardigans donned by our lead, pretty good get people(or, #3 topand 100make phrases in stop television his-in Daniel Craig,reviews, either. they It’s don’t the undertone of on thethe world them believing watching. it’s tory! that (Alec was a Baldwin), pretty bigthe honor. it’sBunny been sometimes, nice toofget both. We’ve had overtone) relevance vs. irrelevance.

SantasoClaus Easter an amazing thing the and Tooth an amazing phrase that You emmy nominations and athe lotSecret of good achave moments where Intelligence (Hugh Jackman), Fairy (Isla Fisher) just seems to work. it really caught on, and colades passed our way, and that’s always and the Sandman (who doesn’t speak). Pitch Service’s chairman (Ralph Fiennes) calls the it’s been an amazing to watch. nice. Buthead ultimately you have have people (Judi Dench) rusty,toor a wounded is jealous because thething kids don’t believe in him. retiring watch. nBc is going to really do well. i know They don’t believe in Jack Frost either. With so 007 seriously entertains the thought of retiring What do you think is your biggest accomtheir leadership and i think they’re winners, much in common, the two should get married, from the spy game altogether. It all comes down plishment, your business success or the

so i think they’ll turn it around.

insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 13

to questioning one’s place in these modern, clickof-a-mouse times. Whatever your take on the 2-way radio vs. Pandora debate, most sides will agree on a few things after seeing this film: 1) Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition) is one of the finest storytellers in the game. Even if you’re not a film student, you’ll appreciate his pacing, angles and use of shadow to emit a feeling; 2) Javier Bardem, who plays the hacking baddie under the blond rug trying to cure the agency of its antiquated ways, is tremendous as a psychopath; 3) If there’s a 24th Bond film, it needs to have a few more gadgets. Calling 007 an old tart may be deemed a negative in this movie, but, as an audience, we’ll forever have a warm spot in our hearts for how the old Bond used exploding pens and drove swimming cars.

–DeMarco Williams

TWILIGHT BREAKING DAWN: PART TWO 

Like last month’s election, the finale of The Twilight Saga has received a collective sigh of relief from critics, whether they like the outcome or not, just because it’s over. Or is it? The ending leaves things wide open for more sequels, even though Stephenie Meyer’s books are used up.

Bella (Kristen Stewart) is getting used to being a vampire, having superpowers and being able to kick dudes’ butts. She’s also enjoying cold hot sex with her husband Edward (Robert Pattinson).

They return home to their new daughter Renesmee, who is being mannied by Jacob (Taylor Lautner). When he refers to her as “Nessie,” Bella explodes with the funniest line in the whole series: “You nicknamed my daughter after the Loch Ness Monster?!!!” But dark clouds are forming. Bad intelligence makes the Volturi– the vampires’ European leadership– think Renesmee is immortal, which is against the rules, even though she’s actually half-human, half-vampire. The outnumbered Americans, who have wolves on their side, gather the clan and prepare for battle.

Despite a lack of evidence, the Volturi are itching for a fight. A cheesy plot twist lets violence fans have their blood and drink it, too. You can leave around the 90-minute mark and miss nothing but the credits and what should be DVD extras: a montage of Bella/Edward love scenes from the whole series and a photo gallery of everyone who’s ever been in a Twilight movie. I liked the first Twilight, but the series has gone steadily downhill and ends (fingers crossed!) at the bottom.

–Steve Warren

FILM

WAKE IN FRIGHT (R) 

It’s high praise to say Wake in Fright is as interesting as the story behind it. This tale of a civilized man facing challenges to his manhood in a less civilized setting was made before the similarly-themed Deliverance. Considered a classic that jumpstarted the Australian film industry in 1971 (though its director, Ted Kotcheff, was born in Canada and began his career in England), it was hardly shown in the U.S. in its original release and was considered lost until a print surfaced in Pittsburgh that was restored for the current revival. Gary Bond, a Richard Chamberlain type, stars as John Grant, a schoolteacher posted to a remote outback town.

Released for the Christmas holiday he heads for Sydney, but has to stay overnight in a provincial capital known as “The Yabba.” Local lawman Chips Rafferty gets him drunk, alcoholic doctor Donald Pleasence offers intellectual stimulation and a local gambling den takes all his money.

Poverty is no barrier to hospitality but when Grant wants to leave he Yabba-dabba-don’t, as if Sartre and Buñuel conspired to keep him there.

A kangaroo hunt won’t endear the film to PETA and an implied rape heightens the resemblance to Deliverance but fades out faster. Weirdly haunting and hauntingly weird, decades-old Wake in Fright is better than most of the new films in theaters –Steve Warren

Proposal in the Park

Parks and Rec Starts this Season Off with a Bling.

BY JENNI WILLIAMS

I

F YOU HAVEN’T STARTED watching Parks and Recreation on Thursdays at 9:30pm on NBC, you’re absolutely missing out. Especially since this season, the comedic crew took a turn towards romance, officially sounding all of our heartstrings. We grabbed a few of the guys and gals to get to the bottom of this gamechanging giddy-fest—and pick up a few tips on passing gas like a champ.

Any insight into what kinds of issues are on the horizon this season?

Mike Schur: We try to alternate in terms of what the episodes deal with. Some that are politically focused and esoterical and then we sort of back off that and go in a different direction. So there will be more throughout the rest of the year but for the next couple episodes we focus more on the sort of personal lives on the characters. I mean I am constantly amazed at how absurd the things are that come out of Politician’s mouths. So I don’t think we’re in any danger of running out of material.

How different of a vibe was on set shooting the proposal scene?

Amy Poehler: Well when I read that scene I cried because I was so happy that I had my job at Parks and then I got to do that scene with Adam and that Mike Schur wrote it because I knew it would be great.

Did you guys know that there would be a proposal a long time ago? Has it been in the works?

Mike Schur: Yes we knew before we started shooting anything because when we were in the writer’s room in pre-production we broke out the first half dozen or so episodes that was encompassing the time that Ben was going to be in Washington. And what we realized was we wanted Ben to do a good job in Washington and that - what that meant was that he was going to get an opportunity to keep going with that job and with Jen Barkley, with Kathryn Hahn’s character. And so then it became an issue of all right well what causes a guy who’s career is kind of moving in this cool direction to come back to tiny Pawnee, Indiana. And there’s only one thing that would really do that and that’s Leslie.

Adam Scott: Yes I think also it was really great, the episode before this one was the one where Ben and April actually meet the candidate that they’ve been working for and it doesn’t exactly lend itself to the kind of an inspiring figure in Washington. It makes the whole kind of idea of going back there a lot more attractive as well.

PG 14 • December 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

Amy, when did you realize you were funny?

Amy Poehler: The jury may still be out on that one for many people. I don’t know, I mean

I tended to - even when I was trying dramatic, even when I was really young I was trying to be very dramatic I got a lot of laughs so I don’t know what that tells about me, but.

You must have thought you were funny to audition for Saturday Night Live…

Amy Poehler: Well at that point I had been doing skit comedy and stuff so I was at least doing a good job of fooling myself. So yes, the combination of maybe naivete and bravado maybe got me in the door there. …And I was sleeping with (Rachio Sands) so that made it easier.

Mike Schur: Who wasn’t?

Adam, what about you?

Scott: I remember the first time I got a laugh from like a joke. I just took a line from MADD Magazine and just kind of inserted it into dinner conversation when I was like a really little kid and the whole place went nuts.

So, next step—we meet the parents. Can you spill some beans on that?

Amy Poehler: It’s a rare peek into Ben’s world, his family and that dynamic. So it’s the kind of a combination of like a high stress party combined with relatives, which always a bad mix.

Scott: We basically wanted to put Leslie and Ben and Ben’s parents who hate each other and Ben’s dad’s girlfriend into a pressure cooker and just leave them there to simmer for 20 minutes.

How did you guys keep it under wraps?

Mike Schur: When we shot outside and you know, and there’s may paparazzi lurking around, we always would hide Leslie’s engagement ring and although a couple shots of it did get snapped a while ago but. We titled the episode Halloween Surprise and then we built it around what you think is the surprise, which is that they - Leslie and Anne surprised Jerry and he has a devastating fart attack. So that was meant to sort of throw people off the scent.

Amy Poehler: I think some of our fans kind of found out or dug deep and they were kind of excited to know but they also were respectful and kept from letting people know about spoilers and just kind of trying to keep it adrift because I think they were as excited as we were.

Too early to start planning the wedding?

Mike Schur: We learned a long time ago I would say that we shouldn’t take anything for granted. And for that reason our motto has been just go for broke. Just tell every story you want to tell, don’t worry about what comes next, don’t’ worry about the future.

FILM

HITCHCOCK ON HITCHCOCK

Cast Members of the New Biopic Talk About the Man and the Movies

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

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“I WASN’T REALLY AWARE OF WHETHER IT WAS HITCHCOCK PLAYING HOPKINS OR HOPKINS PLAYING HITCHCOCK, WHICH BLURRED THE LINES ALL THE MORE.” –DANNY HUSTON

IRECTOR SACHA GERVASI’S “HITCHCOCK” is an affectionate homage to the hugely influential filmmaker. Alfred Hitchcock is known for his impressive body of work and his own massive frame. His rotund silhouette is one of the most famous icons of midcentury motion picture lore and his catalogue of movies continue to inspire new generations of writers, actors and directors. In the film, which opens across the country this month, Gervasi eschews horror for humanity, presenting a fictionalized look at real and imagined incidents in Hitchcock’s personal and professional life. The story centers around the director (played by Anthony Hopkins) as he prepares to shoot “Psycho,” his last great film. His wife and creative partner Alma (an excellent performance from Helen Mirren) is his muse and equal as he battles his own demons and the Hollywood machine. Before the film premiered last month, the cast gathered in New York at the luxurious Le Parker Meridian hotel. Here, they discuss the personal and professional sides of the creative forces they play in the film.

Anthony Hopkins on playing Alfred Hitcock: “Hitchcock is such an immense figure and was so wellknown to the public, it was a challenge. I think one of the reasons I accepted the role was the director’s confidence in himself. But my own insecurities started after the film began, because I wondered if it had gone ok. I caught the sight of myself on those video playbacks at the cameras and I wasn’t sure that I’d got it right. My insecurity was so deep, I just wanted to run away… but I finally saw the film about four weeks ago and I think Sacha has done a remarkable piece of work, I was very pleased with what I saw. I had studied many of Hitchcock’s mannerisms from his TV series and I watched his films again and again and again. My clue was he was born in East London, so he was a Cockney.

The accent he put on for his television shows, I think was for the benefit of American audiences. He sounded like a high-born aristocrat, which he wasn’t. I knew I had to get the voice as close as possible. With the face of Hitchcock, we had to be careful of not vanishing behind it. And I lost a lot of weight, because I didn’t want to put on weight for it. But I was very nervous. The thing is not to do a Frank Gorshin or Rich Little impersonation, because when it becomes pure mimicry, it becomes inauthentic. The task was to present a representation of what Hitch was like and hopefully show his inner psyche, as well.”

Helen Mirren on Hopkins‘ performance: “We come from a very similar trajectory of work, [including] a lot theater. One of the most important things about theater is you are reliant on the other actors. In film, it’s sort of between you and the camera. But in a scene with two actors, you learn to depend upon each other. You realize how important it is to work with the other actor and with this one, with the element of impersonation, you have to give them as much support and freedom as possible. I think Tony’s performance is amazing. When you see him on screen, he’s an absolute minimalist as an actor, so tiny and so subtle. And to act through all that that he was carrying.

I have to say that being on-set with him, I was completely unaware of the fact that he was wearing anything. He became my husband Hitch; he was that man. When it all came off and it was Tony, it always rather took me by surprise. But I think Tony himself was very unsure. You have no idea of how it will work in the end and he wouldn’t watch himself on the screen. I think because he was so freighted that if he looked at it and found it wanting on any level, he would not be able to do the next scene. He’d be devastated and torn apart. The way he was able to carry on and maintain that performance was to never look at it, to see if it was working or not.”

Toni Collette on the real Hitchcock: “He comes across as quite a domineering figure, I mean his figure alone, but I’m nervous of Hollywood-centric movies but in this, you really learn about the entire man.

And his was domineering and a control freak and he was intimidating, but I think he was also very warm and very funny and obviously very talented. It’s a beautiful relationship that Alma and Alfred had.”

Danny Huston on “Hitchcock” the movie: “With a man of that kind of greatness, the man and the mythology are sometimes confused. What I’ve discovered in my life, firsthand, is the ability to live up to their own mythology makes it all the more confusing. And in the sense of working with Hopkins, I wasn’t really aware of whether it was Hitchcock playing Hopkins or Hopkins playing Hitchcock, which blurred the lines all the more.

There is an element of smoke and mirrors and we are telling a tale which is somewhat true and somewhat not.”

Jessica Biel on playing Vera Miles: “We know about his very challenging relationships as far as with his wife and the actresses he worked with but what I discovered was, yes that was a part of who he was and his directorial style, but the passion and the love of the work, he cared so much. So yes, he did have a strange way of working at times, but specifically for Vera Miles, they had such a respect for each other and that was a part of the relationships with the women in life. For me, I was sort of grasping on to a facet of who she might have been, as a woman, a mother and who she was with a sense of grace and intelligence.”

James D’Arcy on playing Anthony Perkins: “The man who I was trying to find some sort of essence of, is so confused with his character Norman Bates, that even journalists who have seen the film have asked me what it was like playing Norma Bates. I don’t play him, I play Anthony Perkins. He became so synonymous with that one role that he was condemned to play it; he couldn’t get away from it. I don’t think people know him very well at all, just his character. So it offered me a bit of freedom, really, in the way I played him.”

Director Sacha Gervasi on director Alfred Hitchcock: “I saw ‘Psycho’ at 13 and it shook me to my foundation.

With many filmmakers, there are perhaps two or three masterworks, but with Hitchcock there are perhaps ten or twelve and that’s very rare. You have Kubrick and you have Hitchcock. I think, for a man to create drama in a lifeboat, or in ‘Rope’ with one shot is a master. I think [director] Sam Mendes refers to ‘North By Northwest’ as the ‘first Bond film’ and he did the first horror film. He’s the range. He was known as a genre director and I think he was quite distressed that some of these films weren’t particularly quite well-reviewed. For example, ‘Vertigo,’ was a commercial and critical disaster, but one week we shot, it was voted by ‘Sight And Sound’ as the number one film of all time. The sense of his immense genius has only grown over time. There’s such a richness and range in his work, across so many different genres of film, and the man himself is fascinating. He’s been deified and vilified, and perhaps he was both. We show his darkness, but that warmth, that humor, that humanity and we don’t really make a judgment about him. I hope, if anything, it deepens the mystery of Hitchcock.”

“Hitchcock” is currently playing in theaters nationwide.

Check local listings for show times and locations. insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 15

2012 HOLIDAY

BY BRET LOVE

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HERE HAVE BEEN QUITE A few stories recently discussing the impending demise of the consolebased video game business. With cheap smart phone apps, free games via Facebook, and tons of other online competition, the pundits fret, how can console games that run $50 and up hope to survive? The answer, of course, is that the developers have to focus on quality and provide more bang for the consumer’s bucks.

Of course the big story in video games this year is Nintendo’s new Wii U system.

According to the product description, this “new controller incorporates a 6.2-inch, 16:9 touch screen and traditional button controls, including two analog Circle Pads… [and] removes the traditional barriers between games, players and the TV by creating a second window into the video game world.”

It’s the most eagerly anticipated release in gaming this Christmas, but unfortunately Nintendo denied our request for a review unit, so we really can’t tell you whether it’s worth the $350 investment or not.

Fortunately, we can tell you all about more than 25 of the year’s hottest video game titles, from Assassin’s Creed III and Hitman: Absolution to the latest in the Call of Duty and Medal of Honor franchises…

ANGRY BIRDS TRILOGY (Activision)

Platform: 3DS, PS3, X360 As the last person under age 50 in America NOT to own a smartphone, I’ve always been perplexed by people’s obsession with Angry Birds. The game play is simplistic, and the action is fairly repetitious. But now I get it: Angry Birds is like bubble-gum pop music for the gaming world– amusing, easy to pick up and hard to put down.

This platform edition features Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons and Angry Birds Rio all on one disc, with 19 episodes that each includes an exclusive new level. Not the most inventive game ever, but definitely one of the most infectious.

ASSASSIN’S CREED III

(Ubisoft)

Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 Working their way chronologically through history, Ubisoft’s latest iteration of this hit franchise follows Native American assassin Connor, who’s fighting to protect his people during the height of the American Revolution’s political tensions. Exploring open wilderness, busy city streets and bloody battlefields, players use tomahawks, bows and guns to eliminate enemies, and the combat animation is downright spectacular. But the game can be a bit slow, and some critics carp that Connor is a more one-dimensional hero than Altair and Ezio. Still, Assassin’s PG 16 • December 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

Creed remains one of gaming’s most distinctive series.

BORDERLANDS 2

(2K Games)

Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 Part RPG, part first-person shooter, Borderlands 2 is a game targeted squarely at those who dig f@#$ing stuff up with a vast array of badass weaponry. The story, such as it is, involves over-the-top oddball characters looting and shooting their way through a variety of environments (from arctic tundra to corrosive caverns) on the hostile planet Pandora. The coop mode is clearly the focus here, with up to four players wreaking mayhem at once against baddies ranging from the gorilla-like Bullymongs and vicious predators to an entire mechanical army. It ain’t deep, but it’s a helluva lot fun.

CABELA’S HUNTING EXPEDITIONS (Activision)

Platforms: PS3, Wii, X360 As a devoted wildlife enthusiast, I admittedly may not be the best person to review this title. While I have no ethical problems with the hunting of animals for sustenance or population control (Georgia’s deer population, from what I understand, is badly in need of controlled culling), I find the notion of hunting for “trophies” pretty revolting. That being said, hopefully the people playing this ultra-realistic game will be able to get their jollies in the 15 immersive environments of Cabela’s virtual world and save a real world endangered species or two from winding up on some douchebag’s wall.

CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II (Activision)

Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 The burden of expectation can be a beast in the fickle world of video game development, and Black Ops II may ultimately be a victim of its own success. COD: Modern Warfare was widely regarded as a game-changer, and franchise loyalists were tantalized by pre-release hype for this title from respected sources like IGN. Unfortunately, despite propelling Black Ops characters Sgt. Frank Woods and Agent Alex Mason into a nearfuture Cold War and including an eagerly anticipated zombie apocalypse mode, the game seems too much like a Black Ops redux, and has drawn as many detractors as fans.

DISHONORED

(Bethesda)

Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 Created by Half-Life 2 art director Viktor Antonov, Dishonored immerses players in an otherworldly industrial whaling town called Dunwall, casting them as a supernatural, mask-wearing assassin hell-bent on revenge after being framed for the murder of the adored Empress.

The game has cool steampunk-inspired technology we haven’t seen before, and the supernatural angle adds a distinctive twist.

But our favorite aspect is how the game allows you to improvise your own assassination style, reacting to how you play and reacting to your personal actions. Great for mature gamers who like a little story with their slashing.

FORZA HORIZON (Microsoft)

Platform: X360 I’ve never really understood the appeal of NASCAR: Driving around (or watching people drive around) an oval track for hours on end bores me to death. But Forza Horison puts players behind the wheel on the open road against a stunning backdrop in the Colorado Rockies.

Set in an automotive music festival, the game features a lively soundtrack from BBC One DJ Rob Da Bank, and the realistic depictions of Red Rocks and small towns give it visceral appeal. I prefer the madcap mayhem of, say Mario Kart, but this is a fine racer.

HALO 4

(Microsoft)

Platform: X360 Remember what I said about the burden of expectations? It’s been 5 years since Halo 3, and longtime fans were understandably dubious when Microsoft outsourced development of the sequel to 343 Industries. But Halo 4 proves that these guys really understand the uniqueness of the franchise, and breathe new life into what some considered a fading brand.

Exceptional cinematic visuals, shockingly realistic sound, great soundtrack (co-written

by Neal Davidge of Massive Attack), inventive storyline and better action pacing not only make this one of the best games of 2012, but arguably among the best X360 games ever.

THE HIP HOP DANCE EXPERIENCE (Ubisoft)

Platforms: Wii, X360 Remember music videos? Once upon a time, they were pretty much the only thing

you found on MTV and, in the ‘80s and ‘90s, watching them was addictive fun. I was a huge fan of the Yo! MTV Raps era: I remember watching and trying to master the freshest dance moves back in the rap’s golden era. The Hip Hop Dance Experience is a little like that, combining current hits, a handful of killer throwbacks (Naughty By Nature’s “Hip Hop Hooray,” TLC’s “Creep,” Nelly’s “Hot In Herre,” etc.) and over 700 moves inspired by the hottest choreographers. Putting a hip-hop spin on the dance genre, it’s a fun, retro workout.

HITMAN: ABSOLUTION (Square Enix)

Platforms: PS3, X360 If the words “whack a mole” make you think of The Sopranos rather than Chuck E Cheese, this mature, cerebral title may be for you. The 5th game in the popular series once again focuses on genetically modified hitman Agent 47, but this time around he seems more fully fleshed-out as a character, from his psyche to the newfound ability to engage in hand-tohand combat. You can choose to play in Silent Assassins or Action Junkies mode, allowing for more personal choice in playing style, and Instincts mode gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the character. It’s like the best Jason Bourne movie never made.

JUST DANCE 4 (Ubisoft)

Platforms: PS3, Wii, X360 I’m 44 years old, so clearly I’m not the target audience for this pop music-centered dance title. But my tween daughter loves it, and I love that playing it with her gives me one heck of a cardio workout. If you’ve seen any of the previous Just Dance titles, you know the scoop: Players try to match the moves on the screen and replicate them, either headto-head or as a team.

Songs run the gamut from current (“Call Me Maybe,” “Good Feeling”) to classic (“Jailhouse Rock,” “Superstition”), and the Just Sweat It Out mode provides personalized workout programs. It’s definitely the year’s best video game dance party.

MEDAL OF HONOR WARFIGHTER (Electronic Arts)

Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 Where COD takes players into the near future, the latest in the MOH series allows them feel fully immersed in current events, from rescuing hostages in Abu Sayyaf’s Phillipines stronghold to assaulting AlShabaab’s “Pirate Town” on the Somali Coast. The key developers who helped reboot the popular franchise back in 2010 are back on board, working alongside Tier 1 Operators to craft a story that goes beyond the battlegrounds to show the devastating impact war has on soldiers’ families. This is

VIDEOGAME GUIDE not a glorification of war, but a glorification and humanization of WARRIORS. Mature players who recognize the difference will find themselves enthralled.

MIDWAY ARCADE ORIGINS (Warner Bros.)

Platforms: PS3, X360 At 44, I’m old enough to have been among the first generation of video game fanatics, feeding quarter after quarter of my allowance into slots to play seminal titles such as Space Invaders, Galaga and Donkey Kong. Though these games may seem simplistic to kids of today, for me Midway Arcade Origins is a total blast from the past. There are more than 30 classic titles here, including the skateboarding hit 720º, Defender, Gauntlet, Joust, Pit Fighter, Rampage, Robotron 2084 and Spy Hunter. Best of all, at only $30, you’ll get to save a lot of quarters!

NBA 2K13 (2K Sports)

Platforms: PC. PS3, PSP, Wii, X360 You can have your “America’s Pasttime” and Sunday Night Football: For my money, basketball’s the most exciting sport in the world. If there’s any complaint to be made, it’s that today’s game is missing the great rivalries of old.

Executive Producer Jay-Z solves that problem to some extent by including legends of NBA past on the player roster (including the entire Dream Team).

With the improved controls, revamped passing system, an impressive dynamic shot generator and a slamming soundtrack, it’s yet another big win for the critically acclaimed NBA 2K franchise.

NBA BALLER BEATS (Majesco)

Platform: X360 What Guitar Hero did for aspiring axeslingers, NBA Baller Beats does for aspiring hoopsters: Basically, it rewards real skills and helps novices improve their skills. Like a sports-oriented twist on Dance Dance Revolution, the Kinect-based game puts a real basketball in your hands and challenges you to dribble without looking, dribble between your legs and do crossover moves, all while sticking to the beat of one of the 30 songs included. It takes genuine talent and rhythm to master the hand-eye coordination, but you don’t need to be a fan of the sport to enjoy it. This is an intriguing twist on the tired music game genre.

RAYMAN ORIGINS (Ubisoft)

Platforms: 3DS, PC, PS3, Vita, Wii, X360 When a game earns a 9.5 out of 10 rating from IGN and Nintendo Power, you know it’s time to pay attention. With Rayman Origins, creator Michel Ancel (who also created Raving Rabbids) has unleashed his most expansive vision to date, with 100 characters, 12 unique worlds and over 60

levels of comical 2D gameplay. The story finds Rayman summoned by the Fairy Council to save the Glade of Dreams from the rampaging Darktoons, working with fellowship that includes best pal Globox and two wacky wizards. It’s all in good, mapdcap fun, balancing zany creativity and humor with great gameplay.

RESIDENT EVIL 6 (Capcom)

Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 If The Walking Dead has taught us anything, it’s that people can’t get enough zombies. And so we have Resident Evil 6, which expands the C-virus outbreak to a global scale and challenges players to hack ‘n’ slash their way through armies of undead. There are a few twists to the storied franchise: You can play as different characters with intertwined storylines; the new zombies can run, jump and use weapons, making them much more challenging; and enemy creatures called J’avo have the ability to mutate and regenerate when injured. Fans seeking the series’ distinctive brand of horror may be disappointed, finding a more amped-up action shooter, yet slowed down with cut scenes. All in all, 6 is not as good as its predecessors.

ROCKSMITH GUITAR AND BASS (Ubisoft)

Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 The Guitar Hero/Rock Band craze may have gone the way of the dodo, but kudos to Ubisoft for sticking with this franchise, which uses the infectiousness of video games to teach you how to play music. Simply plug in any guitar or bass with a ¼-inch jack, choose from the extensive library of songs (which ranges from oldies like “Sunshine of Your Love” and alt-rock classics such Nirvana’s “In Bloom” to more recent hits like Best Coast’s “When I’m With You” and White Denim’s “Burnished”), and start playing. The game adjusts to your ability level, taking you from one-note hunt-and-pecking to full-on chords in no time. I’m jealous this wasn’t around when I was young enough to make my rock star dreams come true.

SKYLANDERS GIANTS STARTER KIT (Activison)

Platforms: 3DS, PS3, WII, X360 Near as I can tell, Skylanders is sorta like the new Pokemon: In addition to the game, this starter kit comes with a “Portal of Power,” 3 Skylanders figures, a character collection poster, sticker sheets with secret codes and 3 trading cards. A sequel to last year’s surprise hit, Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, the game tells the story of giants who fought epic battles in Skylands eons ago, but were ultimately banished to Earth.

Now that a new threat is looming large over

the land, players are tasked with getting the Giants back together with the Skylanders for an epic battle to save the kingdom. Though clearly aimed at tween and teen boys, the game offers enough depth to intrigue even mature gamers.

SLEEPING DOGS (Square Enix)

is too basic, the low price and challenging puzzles make it a good buy for fans of the genre.

TOM CLANCY’S GHOST RECON: FUTURE SOLDIER (Ubisoft)

Platforms: PS3, X360 Fans of Grand Theft Auto will love this sleeper hit, a gritty cop drama set in Hong Kong’s criminal underworld, where the organization known as the Triads looms large as an Asian mafia. Players explore the vast, colorful open world environment as Wei Shen, who’s working undercover to take the Triads down from inside. To work his way up, Wei Shen battles his way through gunfights, hand-to-hand martial arts combat, and deadly street races in an attempt to maintain his cover. The storyline is rich with detail, the action is fast and furious, the violence is intense enough to make Martin Scorsese jealous, and the graphics are stunningly cinematic. Play it now, before they adapt it into a movie!

Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 As the author of The Hunt For Red October, Patriot Games and Clear & Present Danger, Tom Clancy has proven that he has few rivals in crafting taut military and espionage thrillers. But it’s a little-known fact that he has no involvement whatsoever in the video game franchise that bears his name (which he also licenses to ghost-written movie scripts and non-fiction books), and this latest iteration sacrifices story for action time and again. It centers on a team of highly trained soldiers who hunt down assassination targets in high-risk conflict areas around the world, but that’s really just an excuse for gung-ho machismo (i.e. mindlessly blowing stuff up). Trust me: If you want intense action, get the latest Halo or Medal of Honor instead.

SPY HUNTER (Warner Bros.)

WRECK-IT RALPH (Activision)

Platforms: 3DS, Vita Spy Hunter’s roots go back to the ‘80s, when the groundbreaking combat racing title emerged as a seminal classic. Think of it like a cross between James Bond and Mario Kart, as the Spy Hunter (in his fully loaded G-6155 Interceptor, which can morph from car to jet boat to ATV in a flash) must elude/destroy a legion of assassins from global terrorist organization the Nostra Corporation before they take over the planet. He’s got a vast array of weapons at his disposal, from simple guns and flamethrowers to long-range missiles and aerial support, to keep things interesting. Though the latest iteration can’t quite measure up to the original, it’s far superior to the drab NES and PS2 versions.

THE TESTAMENT OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (Atlus)

Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 It’s been exactly 125 years since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective made his first appearance in print. But, from TV (Elementary) and film (the Guy Ritchie/ Robert Downey Jr. series) to video games, people just can’t get enough of Sherlock Holmes. In this new title set in 1898, Holmes is accused of stealing a priceless set of jewels, which sets off a downward spiral of questionable behavior that leaves even stalwart sidekick Dr. Watson doubting his detective friend. Cast as both Homes and Watson, players must untangle the web of intrigue to figure out whodunit. Though some critics have complained that the game

Platforms: 3DS, Wii How can you not love a video game based on a movie based on the history of video games? Wreck-It Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) is really just Donkey Kong in disguise, with his adversary Fix-It Felix (Jack McBrayer) an obvious ode to Mario.

The game features an extension of the film’s story allowing players to explore the arcade worlds of fictional games like Sugar Rush and Hero’s Duty. You can also side-scroll through rapid-fire puzzles and boss missions, destroying Cy-bugs and saving the arcade. My only complaint: Why does such a family-friendly game not have a 2-player mode?

XCOM: ENEMY UNKNOWN (2K Games)

Platforms: PC, PS3, X360 Developed by the award-winning team behind Civilization and loosely based on XCOM (a turn-based strategy game released in 1993), this critically acclaimed game is arguably an improvement on the original.

The story follows a secret paramilitary organization known as XCOM, which is formed the Earth’s various governments to protect the planet from a hostile alien invasion. Players take responsibility for the fate of humankind, creating and managing a base of operations, researching aliens, planning missions and controlling each soldier’s movement during turn-based battle sequences. The simplicity is surprisingly addictive, particularly for those who enjoy challenging their minds as much as moving their muscles. insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 17

CONCERT CALENDAR SATURDAY DECEMBER 1 529 Barreracudas CENTER STAGE Eric Hutchinson EARL Smithsonian EDDIE’S ATTIC Hannah Thomas Band FAT MATT’S Kerry Hill Band FIVE SPOT Lazarnie Smichki MASQUERADE Death of Kings NORTHSIDE TAVERN Albert White PEACHTREE TAVERN Sean Rivers PHILIPS Kevin Hart SMITH’S The White Animals VARIETY Merry Ya’ll Tide Celebration VINYL Will Turpin & The Way WILD BILL’S Lil’ Scrappy & Henny Whyte

SUNDAY DECEMBER 9 EARL Spanky & The Love Handles EDDIE’S ATTIC Jenny & Tyler FAT MATT’S Snake Legs SMITH’S Mike Zito

SUNDAY DECEMBER 2 EARL Bonaventure Quartet EDDIE’S ATTIC Jill Andrews FAT MATT’S Snake Legs FIVE SPOT Cinetrope MASQUERADE Everclear, Eve 6

TUESDAY DECEMBER 11 529 Reignwolf EDDIE’S ATTIC The Lone Bellow FAT MATT’S Burning Time FIVE SPOT Cheap Shots Comedy GWINNETT ARENA Dave Matthews Band SMITH’S Musicians’ Jam

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 12 529 Twins CENTER STAGE Marina & The Diamonds EARL Brain EDDIE’S ATTIC ATL Collective FAT MATT’S J.P. Blues FIVE SPOT Joe McGuiness PEACHTREE TAVERN The Velcro Pygmies SMITH’S Noah Pine & Friends VARIETY The Musical Box VINYL Rachael Yamagata

THURSDAY DECEMBER 13 EARL Abby Wren & What It Is EDDIE’S ATTIC Chinua Hawk’s FAT MATT’S Chickenshack FIVE SPOT The Juice GWINNETT ARENA Star 94 Jingle Jam MASQUERADE Passafire SMITH’S Papa Grows Funk TABERNACLE Asking Alexandria VARIETY A John Waters Christmas

MONDAY DECEMBER 3 529 The Hotels EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Dry White Toast FIVE SPOT The Style PEACHTREE TAVERN Grayshock SMITH’S Open Mic

TUESDAY DECEMBER 4 529 DJ Cole Alexander EDDIE’S ATTIC The Tripp & Tyler Show FAT MATT’S Burning Time FIVE SPOT Cheap Shots Comedy MASQUERADE Lee Fields & The Expressions SMITH’S Musicians’ Jam TABERNACLE Bush WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 5 529 J Lloyd’s Mash Up EARL Her Majesty’s Secret Service EDDIE’S ATTIC A Night With Sydney Rhame FAT MATT’S J.P. Blues FIVE SPOT Jingle Jam MASQUERADE Sum 41 PEACHTREE TAVERN Generation Now! SMITH’S Noah Pine & Friends VARIETY Jonathan Coulton VINYL Bomb The Music Industry WILD BILL’S The F’ing Pantera Cover Band

THURSDAY DECEMBER 6 529 Nung River EARL Three Bad Jacks EDDIE’S ATTIC Hope For A Golden Summer FAT MATT’S Chickenshack FIVE SPOT ERE & Guests MASQUERADE I Fight Dragons PEACHTREE TAVERN Outshyne SMITH’S Sol Driven Train VINYL iSTANDARD Producer Showcase FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 529 The Purkinje EARL Duquette Johnston EDDIE’S ATTIC Tyrone Wells FAT MATT’S Rough Draft MASQUERADE Battle of the Beards NORTHSIDE TAVERN Zydefunk SMITH’S Sol Driven Train VARIETY Matt Wertz VINYL Tyler Ward WILD BILL’S Jamey Johnson SATURDAY DECEMBER 8 529 Hijacking Music Festival CENTER STAGE James Fortune & Jessica Reedy EARL Battle of Hastily Assembled Bands EDDIE’S ATTIC Larkin Poe FAT MATT’S Ron Cooley & The Hard Times FIVE SPOT Sixth Annual Toys For Tots Benefit MASQUERADE Homegrown Hip Hop Showcase NORTHSIDE TAVERN Ike Stubblefield PEACHTREE TAVERN Hot Work SMITH’S The District Attorneys TABERNACLE Dethklok VARIETY Jazz 91.9 WCLK Holiday Benefit WILD BILL’S Marshall Tucker Band PG 18 • December 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

MONDAY DECEMBER 10 529 Substantial CENTER STAGE Matisyahu EDDIE’S ATTIC Sugar & The Hi Lows FAT MATT’S Dry White Toast FIVE SPOT The Style MASQUERADE The So So Gls PEACHTREE TAVERN Grayshock SMITH’S Open Mic

FRIDAY DECEMBER 14 529 Order of the Owl EARL Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” EDDIE’S ATTIC The Bitteroots FAT MATT’S The Rockoholics FIVE SPOT Southern Fried Sideshow MASQUERADE Ocean is Theory NORTHSIDE TAVERN Stoney Brooks PEACHTREE TAVERN Funk You SMITH’S American Aquarium VARIETY Chatham County Line VINYL Andrew Ripp WILD BILL’S Thomas Rhett

SATURDAY DECEMBER 15 529 West End Motel EARL Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” EDDIE’S ATTIC Delta Moon Holiday Party FAT MATT’S Frankies Blues Mission THE LOFT Kindred The Family Soul MASQUERADE The Sideburners NORTHSIDE TAVERN Beverly Watkins PEACHTREE TAVERN Lingo SMITH’S The Kicks VARIETY Yacht Rock VINYL Radiolucent & Neil Cribbs WILD BILL’S Fight Night SUNDAY DECEMBER 16 EDDIE’S ATTIC Jennifer Daniels Christmas Show FAT MATT’S Snake Legs NORTHSIDE TAVERN Toy Drive PHILIPS Disney Live!

VARIETY 2nd Annual Holiday Hootenanny MONDAY DECEMBER 17 529 Babar EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Dry White Toast FIVE SPOT The Style MASQUERADE Gasoline Heart PEACHTREE TAVERN Grayshock SMITH’S Open Mic

GWINNETT ARENA presents Dave Matthews Band (Dec. 11)

TUESDAY DECEMBER 18 529 The Babies CENTER STAGE Spoiled Milk Concerts Series EARL Keith Richards Birthday Bash EDDIE’S ATTIC Kaleidoscope FAT MATT’S Burning Time FIVE SPOT Cheap Shots Comedy SMITH’S Musicians’ Jam WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 19 529 Ahleuchatistas EARL The World EDDIE’S ATTIC Kevn Kinnney FAT MATT’S J.P. Blues FIVE SPOT PLOYD w/ Nomadic GWINNETT ARENA Carrie Underwood PEACHTREE TAVERN Erica’s Playhouse SMITH’S Noah Pine & Friends VARIETY Concrete Bland

MONDAY DECEMBER 24 NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat Solo PEACHTREE TAVERN Grayshock TUESDAY DECEMBER 25 NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat & Bill Sheffield

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 26 EDDIE’S ATTIC Young Artists Showcase MASQUERADE R5 SMITH’S Noah Pine & Friends THURSDAY DECEMBER 27 529 Os Ovni EDDIE’S ATTIC The Cumberland Collective FAT MATT’S Chickenshack FIVE SPOT Lazy Locomotive SMITH’S The Fighting Jamesons

THURSDAY DECEMBER 20 529 indieATL XMAS Party EARL Irreversible EDDIE’S ATTIC Joe Gransden Holiday Show FAT MATT’S Chickenshack FIVE SPOT Nick & The Grooves MASQUERADE The Aquards SMITH’S Eric Dodd

FRIDAY DECEMBER 28 529 Campaign EARL Dead Confederate EDDIE’S ATTIC Brian Webb FAT MATT’S Atlanta Boogie NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat TABERNACLE Umphrey’s McGee VARIETY JJ Grey & Mofro WILD BILL’S Circus w/ Flux Pavilion

FRIDAY DECEMBER 21 EARL All The Saints EDDIE’S ATTIC Ryan Horne, Micah Dalton FAT MATT’S Sana Blues FIVE SPOT Atlanta Funk Society MASQUERADE Stokeswood NORTHSIDE TAVERN Burnt Bacon Oliver Wood PEACHTREE TAVERN Jupiter Coyote SMITH’S B.o.B. VINYL The Revels

SATURDAY DECEMBER 29 529 Free Acid EARL Dead Confederate EDDIE’S ATTIC Von Grey FAT MATT’S Spanky & The Love Handles NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat PEACHTREE TAVERN Cole Swindell SMITH’S The Swingin’ Richards TABERNACLE Umphrey’s McGee VINYL Treedom

SATURDAY DECEMBER 22 529 The Left Field Experiment EARL Know Your Rights Band EDDIE’S ATTIC Randall Bramblett Band FAT MATT’S Mr. Chapman’s Quarterly Revue FIVE SPOT Waller MASQUERADE Cartel NORTHSIDE TAVERN Eddie Tigner PEACHTREE TAVERN Mama’s Love SMITH’S Marah TABERNACLE Drivin’ N Cryin’

SUNDAY DECEMBER 30 FAT MATT’S Snake Legs SMITH’S The Hackensaw Boys TABERNACLE Umphrey’s McGee

MONDAY DECEMBER 31 529 Royal Thunder CENTER STAGE Perpetual Groove EARL Man or Astro-Man? EDDIE’S ATTIC Michelle Malone FAT MATT’S BeverlyWatkins MASQUERADE The Bastard Suns NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat SMITH’S The New Orleans Suspects TABERNACLE Umphrey’s McGee VARIETY Sonia Leigh WILD BILL’S Little Big Town

SUNDAY DECEMBER 23 EDDIE’S ATTIC David E. Ellington FAT MATT’S Snake Legs

Road Warriors

This Month’s Hottest Shows

BY SACHA DZUBA

DECEMBER 5 - JONATHAN COULTON

Variety Playhouse Jonathan Coulton, is a computer programmer and geek turned musician. His music about Science Fiction, Technology, Swedish flat pack furniture, and other varied topics has hit America’s pop-culture buttons repeatedly. Coulton’s is the voice of every spooky elementary school kid who could never quite keep his shirt tucked in or shoes tied; every mad scientist; every one of us who has ever sat despairingly on the floor, surrounded by parts of an Ikea end-table, weeping over our allen wrenches. Check out the videos online for “Code Monkey” and “Re: Your Brains” to get an idea what you’ve been missing. You can also find much of his music available for free online through his website.

DECEMBER 7 – INDIGO GIRLS SYMPHONY TOUR

Cobb Energy Centre Grammy-winning folk duo the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers are embarking on their first-ever national symphony tour. Performing selections of songs that span their career, from the ‘80’s to their most recent release, Beauty Queen Sister, this is the Indigo Girls as you’ve never heard them before. Wanting to bring something special to their fans, this symphonic collaboration offers a chance to hear the soaring harmony of their vocals and brilliant songwrit-

ing in an entirely new format. They also intend to close each performance with an intimate encore of one or two songs as a duo. Fan favorites to look out for are “Ghost”, “Galileo”, “and “Love of our Lives”. For any fans of folk singer-songwriter style music with excellent harmonies, as well as all Indigo Fans, this is sure to be a dynamic and extraordinary night of music.

DECEMBER 10 – AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH MATISYAHU: FESTIVAL OF LIGHT

Center Stage Matisyahu brings his Festival of Light tour to Atlanta, this line-up sees him performing acoustic versions of his music in a very intimate and stripped down fashion. His musical style is charming, uplifting and deep. His latest album, Spark Seeker, features a blend of reggae, beatboxing, hip-hop, and rap, along with jazz scat singing and the hazzan style of songful prayer. He has been quoted as saying “I want my music to have meaning, to be able to touch people and make them think. Chasidism teaches that music is ‘the quill of the soul”, this characterizes his music perfectly. The evening will feature a set spanning his career with glimpses of the future. Join Matisyahu, mystical mensch, rapper, and beat boxer, and the disco dredel in celebrating the holiday season.

Happy Hannukah!

DECEMBER 13 – STAR 94: JINGLE JAM: JASON MRAZ, ED SHEERAN, ALEX CLARE, AND OTHERS

The Arena at Gwinnett Center Star 94’s Annual Jingle Jam returns to the Gwinnett Arena with a fantastic line-up of musicians.

Jason Mraz is the smooth pop-folk songster with

uplifting grooves for the masses. You’re sure to hear hits “I’m Yours”and “Lucky”. Ed Sheeran is a British singer-songwriter best known for his single “The A Team”, he also co-wrote and duets with Taylor Swift’s on “Everything Has Changed”.

Alex Clare is another British singer-songwriter, I’m sure you’ve heard his song “Too Close”. Phillip Phillips is the latest “American Idol” winner with a touch of Mumford & Sons. Andy Grammar has an upbeat Mraz vibe, you might know his single “Miss Me”. Grace Potter & the Nocturnals is a great American rock band with a current single “Stars”. This is sure to be a fantastic day of performances, especially for those who favor the upbeat singer-songwriter pop-rock style.

DECEMBER 14 &15 – JEFFREY BÜTZER AND T. T. MAHONY PRESENT: VINCE GUARALDI’S A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

The Earl Jeffrey Bützer and T. T. Mahony, those multiinstrumental musical misfits, are returning to the Earl for the fifth year of bringing the music of Vince Guaraldis’ Charlie Brown’s Christmas to life. Robby Handley (bass), joins T.T. and Jeffrey to perform the beloved album in its’ entirety. Holiday projections, baked goods (limited amounts), and a recognizably bare Christmas tree will warm your hearts with holiday cheer. Chad Shivers and the Silent Knights will open with sixties gem: The Ventures Christmas Album. Forget the fruitcake, this is the perfect gift for the holiday season!

DECEMBER 19 –CONCRETE BLONDE

Variety Playhouse Concrete Blonde are back, hot on the heels of a tour that saw them performing their classic album Bloodletting in its’ entirety. Two new songs, the country lament “Rosalee” and the vintage speeded-up punk-rock of “I See the Ghost,” have been released on vinyl and digitally. Happily embracing our digital age, new mediums, and the freedom to continue their do-it-yourself aesthetic; Concrete Blonde has been performing regular 30-minute shows that are accessible online with streaming video, via StageIt. It’s wonderful to me

WE GOT NEXT KURT BAKER

that after so long together, this band still gets excited by opportunities to perform together. “We rehearse every Sunday,” says Napolitano, “and we have a really good time.” Join the band in welcoming a new era of Concrete Blonde.

DECEMBER 19 – CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Gwinnett Center Arena Though initially rising to fame by winning American Idol, Carrie Underwood has outshone the initial sparkle of television and good looks to show undeniable talent. Her ability to touch the listener with her heartfelt lyrics and music has helped her rise successfully as a powerful presence in the country music world. Touring in support of Blown Away, her latest album features Carrie’s take on darker subject matter including infidelity, abuse, and revenge, blended with a combination of country, pop, and rock. The five-time Grammy winner has a down-home style that can easily immerse the audience in the words and stories of her songs. Carrie is donating $1 from each ticket throughout the North American leg of this current tour to support Red Cross disaster relief. The key element of this concert will no doubt be the emotional impact of her voice and songs including “Just a Dream”, “Cowboy Casanova”, and “Jesus Take the Wheel”, as well as more recent hits “Good Girl” and “Blown Away”. A fantastic evening with a brilliant performer, don’t miss it.

DECEMBER 31 – MAN OR ASTRO-MAN?

The Earl Man or Astro-Man? is an amazing space/surf rock band with a punk rock vibe. They have incredible live performances with lots of hi-tech eye candy. Most of their songs are instrumental, per surf rock standards, though sometimes you’ll hear a tune with a lead vocal, and they do a great cover of the Mystery Science Theater 3000 theme song. Having been on an extended hiatus since 2001, with select few performances since 2006, it seems that the Astro-men are back in full force and are here to stay. Look out for burning televisions and space helmets, Theremins, and Tesla Coils! High-Voltage Excitement!

Artists on the verge of making it big

Latest Project: Brand New Beat (Collector’s Club Records) For Fans of: Elvis Costello, Cheap Trick and The Leftovers Why You Should Care: Former member of The Leftovers knows his way around a sharp

musical hook and catchy melodies and ain’t afraid to use ‘em.

BY JOHN B. MOORE

L

IBRARIAN BY DAY, ROCK STAR BY night, Kurt Baker is one a onemain mission to save pop music from the likes of Lady GaGa, Maroon 5 and a slew of other mediocre radio staples that have sacrificed style for substance.

On Brand New Beat, his latest solo record, Baker comes off as the bastard son of Elvis Costello and Cheap Trick (if one of them had lady parts), infusing his songs with plenty of melody, hooks strong enough to pull in a whale and great big harry choruses.

Known best for his last band The Leftovers, Baker is firm in his commitment to make music you no longer have to brood to, but can actually enjoy. Drawing influences from whiskey, gummy bears and hair metal, Brand Old ladies hit on me all the time. It’s kinda weird, but I gotta give some props to the library for allowing me to take time off whenever I need to go on the road and play the rock n’ roll music.

New Beat is proof that pop music need not be a dirty little secret any more.

Baker spoke recently about the record, the endearing influence of everyone from KIX to Eric Carmen and toking the hours away waiting for fresh seafood.

Are you still based in New England?

Currently I’m still shacked up in the grand ol’ city of Portland, Maine, though I’ve been spending a lot of time all over the place... mostly Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Boston. Portland is a good town, we’ve got lots of clubs and bands, but it’s no rock n’ roll Mecca. The town is very indie/art rock, which is probably due to the Maine College of Art, but we’ve got a lot of stuff going on. I like to go to some bars like Ruski’s and Cafe Friends, and we’ve got some great seafood. I love seafood so I’m usually hanging out on the wharf, smoking doobz and waitin’ for a fresh catch! Some bands like Dementia Five, the Outfits, Nuclear Boots and Murcielago are keepin’ it awesome in this town.

Who was your band for this one? Are these the same guys you plan on playing with live?

The group on Brand New Beat consists of Wyatt Funderburk, who produced, mixed and co-wrote the entire record with me down at his studio in Nashville. Also Geoff Palmer,

Kris Rodgers and Josh Malia are regulars in the groups live show and their also all over the record. Adam Cargin, who toured with us in Europe and was on some great records by The Riverdales and Screeching Weasel did a killer job drumming. I’ve got three or four different guys that come in to drum with me depending on their availability. I’m extremely fortunate to have so many talented guys playing in the group.

Are there any pop musicians you love, but think get a bad rap?

Most of the musicians I love get a bad rap, or no rap at all. They are mostly known for one hit. Not to sound redundant but Eric Carmen: people always associate him with “Hungry Eyes,” but there is so much more if you just give him the time of day! Also, KISS gets shit on all the time, but I think Paul Stanley wrote some great pop tunes.

What were you listening to when working on this one?

Lots of different stuff. I will say that the 80’s hair/glam metal band KIX was a huge influence on this record, also Motley Crue.

I’m not ashamed to admit my love for 80’s hair metal groups... it’s really just straight up pop with drums that are reverbed out to crap and face melting guitar solos! It’s kinda funny, cheesy stuff. I’m a kinda cheesy guy, so I guess it makes sense? I dunno. But KIX are great.

They just wrote really catchy stuff that reminds me a lot of Cheap Trick. Cheap Trick was also on rotation during the writing of this record. I can’t forget Eric Carmen’s Tonight Your Mine record. Mostly I just looked at the front album cover, for inspiration. Nick Lowe… anything by him. When not listening to tunes, I consumed a lot of whiskey and gummy bears.

So not to blow your rep as a rock star, but rumor has it you work as a librarian when not playing music?

Ha! Yep, it’s true, though I’m not technically a “Librarian”. You gotta get some serious schooling to get that title. But I do lots of stuff over at the library when I’m not out being a drunken buffoon at clubs. Public Computing is a crazy department to work in. I never thought I’d be in the situation where I have to kick people off computers for looking at boobies. When I’m working at the Lending Desk, it’s pretty much checking in and out books, sometimes answering the phone and telling people how much money they owe us in overdue fines. Old ladies hit on me all the time.

It’s kinda weird, but I gotta give some props to the library for allowing me to take time off whenever I need to go on the road and play the rock n’ roll music. insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 19

MUSIC

MUSIC

Album Reviews Reviews by B. Love, John B. Moore, & Lee Valentine Smith

The Dean’s List MICHELLE MALONE – Day 2 (SBS Records) Finding a high point in middle age

BL: Though she traffics in a similar mixture of folksy Americana, rock and blues, Michelle Malone has never enjoyed the chart-topping success of peers like Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls. But, with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon name-checking her as an influence, it seems like Malone’s powerful voice and rootsy songwriting is due to have its day in the sun.

Coincidentally, the Shawn Mullin-produced Day 2 is arguably her most accessible album to date, exploring a variety of moving musical moods with maturity and grace. The opening track is a stomping-and-clapping barnburner that proudly boasts, “I’m not like the other girls.” The socio-political “Immigration Game” pokes fun at the racism of the antiimmigrant movement atop a thumping gospel-blues backdrop. “The Auditor” slams the IRS, banking industry and a government run by and for the rich.

Elsewhere, Malone offers up her most potent, personal lyrics to date, revealing an emotional side that, in the past, has tended to fall in the shadow of her rocker persona.

The death of her father is clearly the impetus behind this vulnerability: On the lonesome ballad “Marlboro Man” she recalls him being cool and quiet like Clink Eastwood, and wondering “was it him, or was it me?” On the mournful “Saint Peter,” she remembers his death, and her family’s prayers to make his passing painless. With “100 Paths,” she refers to reaching a crossroads in her life, craving freedom and simplicity, and trying to live for today.

It’s not difficult to read between the lines and see a middle-aged woman for whom death served as a poignant reminder to embrace life.

And– with help from a crackerjack backing band that includes Chuck Leavell, Randall Bramblett and Mullins– that’s precisely what Day 2 does, tackling the challenges of being an adult with all of the complexities that involves.

Honestly, she’s never sounded better.

DONALD FAGEN – Sunken Condos (Warner Bros) A new classic from a perennial old soul

LVS: Donald Fagen, along with Steely Dan cohort Walter Becker, released some of the most funky, slick and witty albums of the ’70s. As a solo artist, backed by an evolving but always tight combo, Fagen’s first three solo albums (The Nightfly, Kamakiriad, and Morph the Cat) spanned trends of a quarter-century. Six years later, his newest, Sunken Condos, arrives as his first post-”Nightfly Trilogy” release.

Not surprisingly, the sound is similar to his PG 20 • December 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

other albums (and the best of his Steely Dan output), with lush arrangements and perfect performances framed by Fagen’s sarcastic vocal narratives. The jazz-tinged originals are complemented by a lone cover– an ironic take on Isaac Hayes’ “Out Of The Ghetto.”

Fagen shares production chores with frequent collaborator Michael Leonhart, and some of the songs are pure Steely Dan. The blues-wail of the urban crawler “Weather In My Head” and “Miss Marlene” would be new hits coming from the Dan brand. But, in context here, they’re hidden away, glorious and sinewy Sunken treasures, just waiting for meticulous excavation and mass appreciation.

But, for better or worse, mass appeal has never been one of Fagen’s goals. He just continues to make great records, for himself and his aging fan base. His hip ennui, jaded detachment, self-depreciating cynicism and intense focus make all of his records a concept of sorts. The collection of character-driven songs that populate the murky Condos mark the album as one of his very best efforts.

PETER GABRIEL – So [25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition] (Real World/EMI) One of your favorite ‘80s records, revisited

JM: There was no escaping Peter Gabriel’s seventh solo album in the mid-‘80s.

“Sledgehammer,” “Red Rain,” “Big Time,” “Don’t Give Up” and “Mercy Street” were all over the radio. His innovative videos were in constant rotation on MTV, and when John Cusack hoisted the tape deck over his head to serenade Ione Skye with Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes,” the album trotted back into our collective conscious.

Produced by Daniel Lanois and Gabriel, the record was career-defining for the British rocker, who at that time was still thought of by many as “the guy who used to be in Genesis.”

With So, Gabriel was able to merge his clever, often beautiful lyrics with extremely accessibly pop songs… a feat he was never again able to fully replicate after either.

Thanks to EMI and Gabriel’s Real World label, So has been re-released with two fantastic live records, both recorded in Athens in 1987. The live discs contain many of the artist’s early hits, including “Games Without Frontiers,” “Shock the Monkey,” “Biko” and “Solsbury Hill”.

We seem to have hit the apex of desperation for major music labels, who frantically send interns into the vaults with flashlights to dig up old albums for re-release simply to keep the lights on (see: Sony’s re-release of the Spin Doctors’ album). But So is the rare album that genuinely deserves to be re-introduced to a whole new audience. Millennials, meet Peter Gabriel. You’re welcome!

GARY U.S. BONDS – Christmas Is ON (GLA Records) An instant holiday classic

start sending out their plastic holiday cheer in late summer and early autumn, Bonds (in touch with the season) issued his first Xmas record so late, it nearly missed our deadline.

Thankfully, it didn’t, and the disc is a delight from start to finish. It features ten tracks, including three originals written by Bonds with his talented daughter, Laurie: “We Wish You A Merry C h r i s t m a s ,” “Christmas Is A Phone Call Away” and “Santa Bring My Baby Home To Me.” These songs are so good, you’d swear they were already standards, and they seem destined to become holiday favorites.

Of course, the album does include a few familiar chestnuts to roast on the open fire.

Irving Berlin’s classic “White Christmas” and the whimsical “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” are included, along with eight other tunes that very convincingly radiate holiday joy.

It’s been 45 years since Bonds recorded a Christmas song, so, to celebrate, he gathered the family for the project. Laurie is co-producer and a vocalist on the record, along with her mother (who is also named Laurie). The album is full of anthemic goodies, but the three best tracks include the up-tempo party plan of the title track, the clever “Christmas Is A Phone Call Away,” and “It’s Christmas In Nu Awlins.”

With Bonds and family in the house, there’s a party atmosphere and, finally, Christmas is definitely on.

Rest of the Class

BLACK PISTOL FIRE – Big Beat ’59 (Rifle Bird) Canadian duo has a thing for the Black Keys

JM: On Black Pistol Fire’s sophomore release, frontman Kevin McKeown is in constant competition with himself, making his crunchy, distorted guitar chords battle his vocals for attention. The effect sounds more than a little similar to two other garagerock bands comprised of duos. I’m assuming the comparisons aren’t lost on the band, considering their second track on Big Beat ‘59 is called “Stripes or Keys.”

The Austin (by way of the Great White North) band also features drummer Eric Owens. And, while it would be easy to write these guys off as another “also ran” band in a suddenly crowded genre, for every song that sounds like it was cribbed from an old CCR or Led Zeppelin cut, they throw out a pretty compelling argument to give ‘em another shot.

On tracks like the infectious “Crows Feet” and porch-stomper “Hot Mess,” the band shows us surprisingly infectious snatches of what might be. So let’s just call this one a draw and wait to see what record #3 has to offer.

GRADE: C

NOVI – The Ad (N Records)

The future of electro-pop?

LVS: Legendary soul singer Gary “U.S.” Bonds just released what may be the last Christmas LVS: The advance single from Novi’s new album of the season. And while some acts EP, “Now I’m There,” is one of the catchiest

electro-pop tracks of the year. The singer, born Carolyne Neuman, is a relatively new artist, but her sensual delivery and love of infectious hooks are quite impressive. Her playful purr sounds like rich, creamy coffee and her clever lyrics are at once profane and profound.

The single is pure pop, but should be a hit on dancefloors at clubs worldwide with its unabashed tale of love. In the delightful threeminute ride, the narrator has fallen for a picture of a hot boy that she saw fleetingly in an ad. The soulful delivery recalls the best of Memphis and Philly soul, with insistent (but never annoying) beats, making the popelectro fusion as appealing to classic ‘60s music fanatics as it is to headphone-wearing beat-freaks.

A darling of the Pop Matters set, Novi’s debut EP appeared last autumn, with a sizeable hit from the debut single, “Blackbirds.” But The Ad takes flight where the birds dared not travel, winging a captivating little song into the stratosphere of Dusty Springfield-meetsPeaches for a grinding make-out session.

Definitely an artist worth watching. GRADE: B

ROXY MUSIC – The Complete Studio Recordings 1972–1983 (EMI/Virgin) British art-rockers get a second look

JM: British band Roxy Music never really achieved mass success in the U.S., but– like The Velvet Underground and Captain Beefheart before them– they’ve become one of those bands indie art-rockers love to name check as influences, lest they be shamed as musical poseurs. Listening back on their ‘80s catalogue, you can’t help but be impressed by the band’s creativity.

Fronted by Bryan Ferry and, at one time, featuring Brian Eno on synth (before he went on to invent ambient techno and produce everyone from U2 to Paul Simon), the band ushered in the New Wave era by combining elements of punk-rock and glam, with a knack for quirky and wildly creative sounds.

EMI and Virgin have just re-released this boxed set, including all eight of the band’s albums along with two additional CDs of bonus material. In the beginning, the band devoted so much time to their look that the visual aesthetics almost overshadowed the music. But, in years that followed, they grew confident as musicians, started writing more cohesive songs and stopped focusing so much on fashion.

As a result, Roxy Music influenced everyone from Duran Duran and David Bowie to Muse and the ska band Madness. The first two albums (their self-titled debut and For Your Pleasure) are interesting, if a bit cluttered.

But by the third album, Stranded, and the excellent Country Life, they had refined their style and found their own unique sound– a mixture of new wave, pop, glam and even snatches of rockabilly here and there.

All told, this collection, which includes two full discs of singles, B-Sides and remixes, is a good excuse to revisit a band that you likely missed out on the first time around.

GRADE: B

Chick-fil-A Bowl Georgia Dome

ACC vs. SEC Mon. Dec. 31 at 7:30PM chick-fil-abowl.com The Chick-fil-A Bowl will hold its 45th annual New Year’s Eve game. This year's teams have yet to be announced, but the game gets the fifth selection from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the first selection after the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Game Week includes the Parade, Coaches Luncheon, and FanFest. The 71,500-seat Georgia Dome is expected to be a sell-out. At 12:30 p.m. on game day, downtown Atlanta will come alive with the Chick-fil-A Bowl Parade. The parade will come to an end at the Georgia World Congress Center, where the Chick-fil-A Bowl FanFest will draw 30,000 fans for a pre-game interactive football and tailgate experience including games, music, food and the pre-game team walks.

Peach Drop 2013 Underground Atlanta

Monday Dec. 31; 11AM until 3AM Free Admission; Underground Atlanta Peachdrop.com Packed full of excitement, the Peach Drop is Atlanta's favorite way of ringing in the New Year! This 16-hour event begins at 11 am with various children's activities and entertain-

ment. Festivities will continue well into the morning with a variety of live performances, followed by the descent of the 800 pound Peach and a spectacular firework display.

Headlining this year’s Peach Drop is the Beatles tribute band Abbey Road LIVE! The Family Fun & Budding Peach Stage will include family-friendly activities & entertainment (11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) and Kenny's Alley will feature live entertainment all day & night. Rain or shine.

Umphrey’s McGee The Tabernacle

4 Nights Dec. 28-31 Tickets available at livenation.com

Fans who have followed Umphrey's McGee for any period of time know that there are only two guarantees: you never know what you’re going to get, and Umphrey’s always delivers.

This is a very special occasion for the band and only the second time since 2000 that the band's NYE celebration has been moved from their hometown of Chicago. The sextet's recent shows are evidence that the band is "able to produce high-quality, often transcendent shows on a consistent basis" (Consequence)

12/28 WITH BRIGHT LIGHT SOCIAL HOUR • 12/29 WITH ZOOGMA 12/30 WITH MOON TAXI • 12/31 AN EVENING WITH UMPHREY’S MCGEE

CHARGE BY PHONE: 800-745-3000. All dates, acts and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.

BEST

BBQ

LIVE MUSIC LINEUP FOR DECEMBER Sundays Mon 3,10,17 Tues 4,11,18 Weds 5,12,19 Thursdays

SNAKE LEGS DRY WHITE TOAST BURNING TIMES J.P. Blues CHICKENSHACK

SAT 1: KERRY HILL BAND FRI 7: ROUGH DRAFT SAT 8: RON COOLEY & THE HARD TIMES FRI 14: THE ROCKOHOLICS SAT 15: FRANKIES BLUES MISSION FRI 21: SANA BLUES SAT 22: MR CHAPMANS QUARTERLY REVUE FRI 28: ATLANTA BOOGIE SAT 29: SPANKY & THE LOVE HANDLES MON 31: BEVERLY “GUITAR” WATKINS Closed December 24,25,26

1811 Piedmont Ave. NE

404-607-1622

For Booking: 404-325-8846 insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 21

FILM

HOLIDAY

Gina Gershon: Lost And Found

The Beautiful Actress’ Search for Love is Documented in a New Book

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

“So I lost my cat.”

HE OPENING SENTENCE OF actress-singer-author Gina Gershon’s new book, In Search Of Cleo: How I Found My Pussy And Lost My Mind only scratches the surface of the story. The delightful, “96 per cent true” tale is a brief but thoroughly entertaining narrative that stars the iconic actress in a profane and often hilarious search for Cleo, her missing kitty.

Ultimately the cinematic story becomes an engaging metaphor for her relationships and a chaotic search for unconditional love. The talented Gershon recently spoke with Insite from New York.

T

The book actually began with a live show and a CD, right?

It started out as a live show that supported a CD called In Search Of Cleo. But it really had nothing to do with my cat at first, I just called it that. I ended up talking about the cat, because thematically it was similar. People kept saying, “That’s such a crazy story about your cat.” I said, “Well, it’s true.” Thematically, the music was about relationships, loss and stuff like that, so I thought, “Oh this is a good filler in-between the songs.”

And from those filler stories, came the book.

Yes! Next thing I knew, someone asked me to write a book, and I said, ‘Well, I’ll try.’

But you’d written a book before [2007’s “Camp Creepy Time,” with her brother, Dann Gershon]. Was it difficult to do this one?

The first one felt different, though. It was totally not my story. My brother had this crazy idea and we wrote that, but it wasn’t a true story, so that changes it a little. It’s a different dynamic of writing. I wanted this to be a memory, as if I were talking to the audience.

The book centers on a theme of blind trust and instinct. You let a stray cat into your life, based on pure impulse.

Why not, you know? He was meowing, I just let him in and we fell in love with each other. A lot of my cats, I just kinda let into the house. Maybe I’m crazy, maybe I shouldn’t do that, but I do!

realized they just weren’t putting money into anything. Unfortunately that’s what happens with independent projects. And it’s why sometimes you don’t see them. It got great reviews and people seemed to love it. I was really proud of it. But the next thing I knew, it was out of the theaters in two seconds. If you don’t promote it, no one’s going to know about it. I couldn’t even find out where it was playing. But I have a tendency to do things that people don’t get to see.

But as an independent artist, you don’t have to answer to anyone. I’ve always admired that trend in your career.

Well, for better or worse, it seems to be that way. It’s really the only way I know how to work. I’m not against doing big budget movies or anything like that, but [indie releases] seem to be the things that come up. I still want to do things that I like.

Another great theme of your work is a strong musical thread. Whether you’re playing Frank Sinatra’s wife [“Sinatra“], or you’re in a band or often portraying a strong and defiant character [“Bound“], there’s a distinct musicality to your performance and I like that very much.

Oh yeah, that’s probably very true. And I like it, too. I’ve never really thought about it, but yeah. Honestly, I probably should have been doing music all along. I think the music gods kind of kept pulling me in, saying, “Why aren’t you doing music?” When I did start, I thought, “Yeah, why I haven’t I been doing more music, this is so fun.”

Do you remember the first real album you bought as a kid?

I remember the first album I got. But I stole it, so I feel kind of funny about it. It was Led Zeppelin IV. That was my first album that was like, all mine.

Your little book is the perfect holiday gift for cat lovers or anyone with a good sense of humor. It’s really the perfect read for a plane ride, too.

It is and I wish they would sell it in airports, I think it’s a perfect airport book. I don’t know if they’re there or not; I don’t know how these things work.

One of my favorite of your films is “Prey For Rock And Roll.”

It‘s a great movie, but I think it played here for about a week.

Oh, thank you. We had distributors who were just terrible.

When I was doing the tour for it, I

PG 22 • December 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

A Stocking Full Of Tunes The Ten Best New Christmas Releases —All Gold, No Coal!

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

Best Reality Show Judge Christmas Album: CEELO GREEN “CeeLo’s Magic Moment” (Elektra) The charismatic soul man retreads “White Christmas,” “Silent Night,” and “Run, Rudolph Run,” but he strikes Purple Gold with the standouts tracks “This Christmas,” “Mary, Did You Know,” and his take on “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” includes cameo vocals from Straight No Chaser. He’s got some little helpers along, too. Rod Stewart, Trombone Shorty, The Muppets and Christina Aguilera also pop up at various times for a surprisingly merry ride.

Best New Country Christmas: LADY ANTEBELLUM

“On This Winter’s Night” (Universal/EMI) A warm and wintry collection from the trio of talented country-pop superstars, which is especially impressive considering Winter’s Night was recorded this summer in 100 degree Nashville heat. As expected, the harmonies are impeccable. The mood is light and fun throughout, as Lady A glides into familiar territory with stops at “Silver Bells,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “The First Noel” and the prerequisite “Silent Night.” The original title track is a great new holiday tune and perfectly wraps the collection with infectiously sparkling joy.

Best Traditional Country-Gospel Quartet: THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

“Christmas Time’s A-Coming” (Gaither) For their sixth (yes, sixth) full-length album of Christmas music, the venerable quartet lend their voices to a rustic and varied collection of holiday moods. The sacred (“Mary Did You Know”), the silly (“Peterbilt Sleigh”), the Santa (“Here Comes Santa Claus”) and the in-between (“White Christmas”) are all treated with equal and due respect.

Best TV Variety Show Sndtk. Without A Show: JOHN TRAVOLTA & OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN “The Christmas” (Universal) Remember those ’60s and ’70s holiday-themed variety specials? Well, Travolta and Newton-John sure do, and the result is a winning and kitschy collection of songs and guest stars that evoke the spirit of a good-natured network television Christmas show. And that’s not a bad thing at all when the guest list includes Barbra Streisand and James Taylor.

Best Hipster Christmas Compilation:

“HE WAS MEOWING, I JUST LET HIM IN AND WE FELL IN LOVE WITH EACH OTHER.”

“Isn’t This World Enough: A Nettwerk Christmas” (Nettwerk) Thankfully void of many retreads, this compilation of Nettwerk Records-related artists features a number of previously unreleased, original Christmas songs and a few old favorites, all in fresh arrangements and brilliant trappings.

Great Lake Swimmers, Ash Koley and Current Swell offer new tracks and originals from fun, Family of the Year, Hey Ocean! and others.

Standards do appear here and there, but in the hands of Sixpence None The Richer with “Angels We Have Heard On High,” and The Rifles’ “Sleigh Bells,” it’s truly a joyous Noel.

Best Package Full O‘ Goodies: THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS

“Holiday Bundle” (TMBG) Those ultra-crafty over-achievers, John

Flansburgh and John Linnell, are at it again with a holiday theme package of goodies that would be most welcome under any music fan’s tree.

The batch includes a new 24-song DVD called “Them Ain’t Big Eye Ants” with an assortment of home movies, clips and a hilarious rendition of Tubthumping. But wait, there’s more! The seemingly bottomless pit of presents also includes a deck of playing cards with a Paranormal, Hoaxes and Myths theme. Other goodies include show flyer reprints, a travel mug and more.

What more do you want, another version of “Silent Night?” It’s not here!

Best Nostalgia For All Ages: LENNON SISTERS

“Christmas With The Lennon Sisters” (Moon River) The original “America’s Sweethearts” return with a newly-recorded album of holiday favorites and fun ditties. As the former stars of the Lawrence Welk Show and Hollywood Palace celebrate almost two decades of shows in the resort center of Branson, Missouri, the trio of Kathy, Janet and Mimi Lennon have released a collection of their best-loved holiday tunes. All of the songs here are featured in their endearing live show and the recorded versions radiate a special Christmas charm. This may be the only holiday album to feature Barry Manilow’s “One Voice,” but it works within the context of the totally enjoyable concept.

Best Alternative EP Featuring A CastMember Of “Blue Bloods“: OFFICE ROMANCE

“I Love The Holidays” (Frenchkiss Records) Office Romance is actually a writing team composed of Syd Butler and Seth Jabour of Les Savy Fav along with Amy Carlson of CBS-TV’s “Blue Bloods” aided by vocals from Alex Winston.

The delightful and all-too-brief little souvenir of their union is a three song ep of tunes. Carlson’s lyrics manage to be edgy, catchy and often as good as her genre idols Bing Crosby and Billie Holiday. “Holidays Aren’t The Same Without You” may be destined to be obscure for now, but it’s certainly good enough to be on anyone’s December play list this year.

Best Icy Alternative Chill: TRACEY THORNE

“Tinsel And Lights” (Merge) The delicate voice of Everything But The Girl’s singer makes this one of the best of the new wave of Christmas albums. Light on the old chestnuts and heavy on songs from alternative sources (Ron Sexsmith, Sufjan Stevens, White Stripes, Dolly Parton), Thorne’s beguiling voice makes even the familiar “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” bristle with chillingly ironic melancholy.

Best Local Christmas Release: K. MICHELLE DUBOIS

“Christmas Tears” (Self-released) Still riding high on the positive response to Lux Capone, her debut solo album released earlier this year, the former Ultrababyfat and Luigi singer-songwriter has issued a delightfully independent little holiday single, and just in time for Christmas. Her knack of guitar-based pop sensibilities, coupled with an extensive knowledge of ’60s and ’70s pop, informs both the red and blue sides of the season.

TRAVEL

PUTTING ON THE SHOW

Branson is the New-Fangled Home of the Old-Fashioned Variety Show

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

B

RANSON, MO.—“HERE, THE TOWN IS THE STAR,” says Joe Bonsall of the Oak Ridge Boys. “People come to town and they go to all kinds of shows in big busloads. Las Vegas is the same, people go to ‘Vegas, to go to ‘Vegas. People come to Branson and then they go, ‘Oh, the Oak Ridge Boys are here?

Let’s go see them.’”

In the scenic Ozark Mountains, the busy resort town of Branson has established itself as a unique mix of the variety-style entertainment of Las Vegas, the golf courses of Augusta, and the amusements of Disney World. Tucked away in beautiful mountain country, the city is known for its attractions, but what really attracted this writer is its boast of being the “Live Entertainment Capital Of The World.” And, with offerings of around 100 different shows in over 50 theaters, it’s certainly hard to argue the point.

On any given visit, it’s not uncommon to find a TV Guide’s worth of evergreen television, recording and theatrical performers in elaborate productions on the strip of venues along picturesque Highway 76 and nearby side-roads. Granted, that TV Guide may be from the early ’70s, but that’s one of the many timeless charms of Branson. The good old-fashioned, clean variety show isn’t dead, it’s alive and well here.

In pro-God, pro-Family, pro-USA, pro-Veteran Branson, the Christmas season begins the first day of November and continues through the end of the year. During the season, most of the shows also include gospel and secular holiday music along with the regular content. With show-times beginning as early as 9 a.m. and continuing on until 8 p.m., it’s pretty easy to see three or four separate productions in the span of one day and still get a full night‘s sleep.

On a recent weekend, the goal was to see as many shows as possible, beginning with the stars of not only TV’s Lawrence Welk Show, but frequent guests of the Andy Williams Show and the Hollywood Palace: the Lennon Sisters. At the Andy Williams Theater, Kathy, Janet and Mimi Lennon’s guest stars include Janet’s three

MUSIC

adorable granddaughters, offering a mini-version of the sisters, and the result is a heartwarming performance of the best of holiday music. The highlight is a nostalgic and thoroughly enjoyable visit, via film clips and medleys, through their own past as they offer slices of television and pop-culture history.

A number of artists headline at their own theater. The Oak Ridge Boys have a cavernous venue and can often be found there when they aren’t recording in Nashville or touring the country. “This used to be the Glen Campbell Theater,” explains the Oaks’ Duane Allen.

“When he wasn’t playing here, we were, and we‘re still here.”

Mickey Gilley was another early settler into the Ozark entertainment strip. His current show is an autobiographical look at his life and music with a multi-media presentation of his story. Many performers from the popular country-comedy-variety series “Hee Haw” have played Branson over the years. Currently, musiciancomic Buck Trent helms a popular breakfast showcase and his old pal Roy Clark is another mainstay of the circuit. Country music in general is a big attraction in the city and singer-actor Larry Gatlin and his brothers are always a big draw.

But by no means is Branson a hillbilly or redneck town. “That may be the biggest hurdle for Branson,” agrees California-born resident Janet Lennon. “There’s all kinds of music and entertainment here.

But a lot of people think it‘s just country, it‘s not.” She says audiences need to see and experience the city in person to truly grasp the wide selection.

Every theater boasts state-of-the-art sound and/or video equipment and some are equipped with their own recording studios. A few venues also sell pro-shot souvenir DVDs of the shows, ready for purchase just a few minutes after the curtains close.

Singer-actress Debby Boone is a frequent visitor to Branson, as well, and her cool, intimate nightclub-style show offers a sassy selection of her own material, a salute to Las Vegas of the ‘60s and songs made famous by her mother-in-law, Rosemary Clooney.

Likewise, actor-singer Barry Williams is currently starring in “The Brady Lunch” a midday song and dance review that includes a

The Comets

wide range of music and comedy. Tony Orlando’s extravagant Christmas-themed theatrical production is one of the most popular headline attractions in town.

You wanna rock around the clock? Rock and roll is represented by a number of various tribute acts (Elvis, Eagles, and many more) and a couple of the legendary founding fathers. Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame members Joey Ambrose, 78, and Dick Richards, 88, of Bill Haley’s Comets lead what is, without a doubt, the hippest show in town. In addition to the original Comets songs, the swingin’ combo glides through “Harlem Nocturne,” Louis Prima material and often a few family-friendly jokes. A must-see and one of this writer’s favorite shows in Branson.

Anther great show in town is the impossible-to-categorize humor and music of singer-songwriter-actor Jim (“Spiders And Snakes”) Stafford. He’s been a superstar in the city for 23 years now, with his own theater and a decidedly offbeat presentation. Lasers, strobes, 3-D projections, props and a talented cast mark this as the most innovative presentation in the area and the most enjoyable theater experience in Branson.

After the Christmas season winds down with a final blast on New Year’s Eve, the venues gear up for grand re-openings in late March and early April as Spring arrives in the Ozarks. Plan your spring and summer visits now and I’ll see you there.

For more information, visit www.Branson.com or call 1-800619-5708.

SUNNY DELIGHT

A Jolly Heart-to-Heart with New Soul Torchbearer Avery Sunshine

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

I

T’S 8 A.M. ON A MID-FALL MORNING. MOST so-called celebrities are either still in bed or just making their way to one. But that’s not the case with soul singer Avery Sunshine. When she calls—on time, mind you—for her crack-of-dawn interview, she’s chipper and radiant. Hell, she’s full of sunshine.

Maybe she got some early good news. Maybe she found herself reflecting on all the positive things that have come her way. Maybe she—Baby, I’m up every day this early with my children. Oh, right. Maybe she’s just a good mom.

But that’s not to say Avery (born Denise White) doesn’t have anything outside of parenting to smile about. On the contrary, the talented singer with the big laugh and bigger voice has lots to be thankful for.

“My [sorority] sister [Maia Wilson] and I had a group called DaisyRew,” says Avery, who got her start in the choir in her native Chester, Pa., before moving to Atlanta to attend Spelman College. “We needed help bad. [India.

Arie-affiliated producer] Dana Johnson fell out of the sky and said, ‘Listen, I can help you guys.’ We started working on a record, but before long, [Maia] actually got a call to go on tour with The Color Purple on Broadway. That left me wondering, ‘Oh, what am I going to do?’ Dana was like, ‘You’re going to be an artist.’”

Giving Dana a you-must-be-crazy side glance, Avery went along and recorded the song “Stalker.” It didn’t get much notice. So, when high-profile gigs like playing keys for a Tyler Perry stage production in ’07 and performing at private events surrounding President Barack Obama’s inauguration in ’09 came around, she took them, thinking they’d probably be her biggest career moments.

“I hadn’t dreamed of being an artist,” insists Avery Sunshine, who derived her stage name from two of her

favorite movie characters, The Color Purple’s Shug Avery and Harlem Night’s Sunshine. “I was going to be a choral director or a pianist. I was going to find my way into teaching. But to be an artist? I would have never, in a million years…well, [not] other than being a little girl, listening to Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey. But that’s how the journey began.”

And if you think Avery’s only candid at 8 a.m., just wait until you hear her in a recording booth. Blessed with Angie Stone’s tone and Erykah Badu’s temperament, Avery’s lyrics are exactly what you’d say in a song, if you had the talent. For example, on “Ugly Part of Me,” the candid single off her self-titled 2010 debut, Avery says, “I must’ve been PMS’n, kinda goin’ through/I had no reason to trip out on you/yes, I was acting like a fool.”

Nothing else from the BigShine Records release comes off quite as frank, but there are plenty of reflective moments that a loyal swelling of fans have related to. On “Just Not Tonight,” she has a glass-half-empty approach to love, but on the giddy “I Got Sunshine,” she finds brightness in life’s small things. But it’s not just the subject matter that dances around. Songs on Avery Sunshine, and the 2011 follow-up Summer EP, tiptoe from folk to gospel to new soul to club, all while tugging at the heart.

“That record was an honest expression of where I was,” tells Avery, who was recovering from a divorce and serious economic woes during the music-making process.

“I wanted to encourage other people to be honest about the stuff they were going through. Be honest about your situation. It does bring about healing.”

Avery tries to stay honest and down to earth every day.

She just wishes other folks would do likewise on Sundays.

“Church folk don’t talk about stuff,” says Avery, who’s

BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR SITUATION. IT DOES BRING ABOUT HEALING. opened up for Rachelle Ferrell, and still steadily tours around the globe in promotion of her debut. “You’re just supposed to call on Jesus and it’s supposed to get better.

Okay, that might work for some people, but that didn’t work for me. What works for me is to know that you’ve been in the place that I am and you’ve come out on the other side all right with Jesus as your guide.”

You can almost hear Avery calming herself down over the phone. “Sorry about that rant there,” she says. No need to apologize for being authentic. We need that in the recording industry. We already have enough glossy studio vixens who look more prepared for Cosmo than the Apollo. We need more single mothers who’ve dealt with life’s hardships, but still have a soft spot for love.

R&B, consider Avery Sunshine your morning wakeup call. insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 23

ViVisit sit OrlandoOrlando for the Holidays TRAVEL TRAVEL

MICKEY’S MERY CHRISTMAS PARTY

Disney World, Universal Orlando & Sea World Orlando THIS HOLIDAY SEASON’S EXCITING have Decked their Halls with Fun for the Whole Family!

NEW EXHIBITS & ATTRACTIONS

BY MARCI MILLER

BY MARCI MILLER HERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE THE

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holidays then a trip to Orlando to visit the theme parks.

MERICA’S FAVORITE VACATION From Walthas Disney World Resort to Universal Orlando to destination a new slogan, “Orlando Makes Me Smile”!

Sea World Orlando, the parks deckabout theirifhalls spectacular, And there isallplenty to smile you in area thinking of holidayOrlando style! Pack the family, andAll make tripparks southhave to the visiting thisup holiday season. thethe major ultimate wintercelebrations wonderland.in Whether the special holiday place thatyou are choose certain to make thrill and entertain each member of the to family. part will gift be trydrive from Atlanta or decide fly, it’sThe the hardest most wonderful ing fit give it allthis in during one vacation. youtocan year. Check out all the great activities and events happening this holiday season.

WALT DISNEY WORLD

Gather your loved ones and celebrate the season with the WALT DISNEY WORLD yuletide festivities at WaltRESORT Disney World Resort. It’s an especially The Magic Kingdom will So be whether transformed with festive wreaths, enchanting time of the year! you marvel at a fireworks bows, garland, sparkling lights, parades and towering Christmas extravaganza or sit back and let your spirit be revived by the story trees.

The fun includes the nighttime Celebrate that started it all, this holiday is sure tospectacular: be more than memorable. the of the Season fireworks, plus live entertainment TheSpirit special events for the 2009 holiday season include thewith Disney characters all dressed up for the holidays. Mickey’s following: MICKEY’S VERY MERRY PARTY iswill a special Very Merry Christmas PartyCHRISTMAS at the Magic Kingdom have event held each winter on 20 select nightsnights at Magic it’s longest-ever run with magical fromKingdom November theme park that a separate attend.park Thishours), 9-December 21.requires Beginning at 7 p.m.ticket (aftertoregular festive celebration features: the enchanted CASTLE DREAM guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry LIGHTS onParty Cinderella Castle, MICKEY’S ONCE UPONaAunique Christmas can enjoy lively stage shows, fireworks, CHRISTMASTIME PARADE, complete with a special appearance holiday parade and holiday traditions including complimentary by Santa Claus himself, an exclusive holiday fireworks extravaganza cookies, hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. — HOLIDAY WISHES: CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF THE Castle Dream Lights transforms Cinderella’s Castle into a SEASON, live entertainment featuring Disney Characters, meet glimmering ice palace for the holidays — thanks to a special and greet opportunities throughout Magic Kingdom theme park effects spectacle castleCharacters, in 200,000 complimentary shimmering white with some of yourbathing favoritethe Disney lights. Magic Kingdom aresnow treated to Street, the dramatic cookies and hot cocoa , aguests magical fallnightly on Main U.S.A. castle celebration and stage show. and many of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions. The Also,will new The p.m.

Magic The Newdates in event be this heldyear fromat7:00 to Kingdom 12:00 a.m.ison select Fantasyland Fantasyland is opening in phases 2009, so make Expansion. sure to checkNew the website for more information. for the largest in the history of MagicTHE Kingdom.

The Other events expansion include HOLIDAYS AROUND WORLD expansion presentsPROCESSIONAL. more Disney characters in two CANDLELIGHT Guestsand at stories the Epcot Theme park invited to get into thethe Christmas spirit and enjoy new are themed areas including Enchanted Forest whichthis has magical retelling of the by a and celebrity narrator. The its Grand Opening onChristmas Decemberstory 6, 2012 the Storybook event haswhich become an essential tradition for Disney many-once you Circus, is now open andfamily is inspired by the animated experience it, you may be inspired to share it every year with the feature Dumbo. ones you love. Processional at Epcot is a timeless holiday offering Candlelight Thecombines OSBORNE FAMILY SPECTACLE OF DANCING that seasonal music with the poignant reading of the LIGHTS takes place at Disney’s Hollywood Studio Theme Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by aPark mass and is a massive seasonal display featuring millions of holiday choir performing seasonal melodies, and a 50-piece live orchestra lights perfectly synchronized to music. Guests will be amazed by nightly through December 30. Crowd favorites Neil Patrick the sheets of multi-colored lights that blanket buildings, twirling Harris andheavenly Gary Sinise return to America Gardens Theater stage carousels, angels and even Santa and his reindeer. onMICKEY’S select nights.

Holidays Around the World features storytellers JINGLE JUNGLE PARADE at Animal Kindgdom from around the world who share traditions and lore from their Theme Park will lift your spirits with a merry blend of traditional homeland throughout World Showcase.

The fun continues holiday wonderment and the wild revelry of Disney’s Animalwith meet andPark. greetsDelight with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus the to nightly Kingdom in Disney Characters dancing traditional “IllumiNations: Earth,” laser, fireworks display holiday music in Reflections this joyous of celebration for light, all ages. capped with aOF seasonal finale. takes place in Downtown Disney FESTIVAL THE SEASONS Thedistrict.

OsborneFrom Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights atplaythings Disney’s retail Once Upon a Toy with its exclusive by Hasbro andStudios Disneytakes to World the most humongous Hollywood placeofonDisney, the Streets of America character emporium the massive world, shoppers bound to find the through Jan. 6, 2013.inThis seasonalare display features perfect holiday items.

And don’t forget to take your photo millions of dancing lights, plus animated displays and 3-Dwith Santa effectshimself! synchronized to holiday tunes amidst snowfall. Celebrate For more visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/ safari style information, as Disney’s Animal Kingdom is wilder than ever holidays. this winter season. Mickey and his pals rejoice in traditional

holiday music with a world beat twist during the daily Mickey’s

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO Jingle Jungle Parade.

Get all RESORT your Christmas shopping done at

Holiday celebrations at Universal Orlando Resort begin Downtown Disney during Festival of the Seasons and enjoy live December 5 and run through January 1. Universal Orlando entertainment, holiday carolers, lively street photo Resort brings music home for theaholidays this party, year asplus it kicks ops with Santa and Santa Goofy. off a brand-new holiday concert series featuring MANNHEIM For more information, visit Natalie http://disneyworld.disney.go.com.

STEAMROLLER and artists Cole and Chris Isaak.

Mannheim Steamroller – the iconic holiday music masters who UNIVERSAL have sold moreORLANDO than 30 million albums worldwide – performs at Beginning December 1 and runningISAAK through Januaryon1, Dec. the 12 Universal Studios on Dec. 5. CHRIS performs Holidays at Universal Orlandoonoffers holidaybegins and NATALIE COLE performs Dec. incredible 19. Each concert after that night’s Macy’s Holiday experiences at both theme parks.Parade. Natalie Cole and Chris Isaak performIslands a mix ofofholiday classicsfamilies along with their most At will Universal’s Adventure, will be filled popular hits. The will take place the new Music with holiday cheerperformances as Grinchmas comes to lifeatthroughout Plaza a brand-new, state-of-the-art, permanent concert Seuss–Landing.

Guests can watch the outdoor heartwarming live show, venue locatedWholiday in the heart of the Universal Studios park.

Grinchmas Spectacular, featuring Thetheme Grinch and TheWhos MACY’S PARADE at Universal Studios features the fromHOLIDAY Who-ville accompanied by an original musical the world-renowned and Guests floats from Macy’s Thanksgiving score

by Mannheim balloons Steamroller. can also meet The Grinch Day Parade in New York City. In addition to the parade, Universal and the Whos and on select dates, purchase and enjoy a special Studios guests can enjoy performances by marching bands from breakfast with the characters. across the country, a nightly Christmas tree lighting, and specially At Universal Studios Florida,The the Blues Macy’s HolidayWoody Parade themed holiday shows including Brothers, will fill the streets every evening with the same larger-than-life Woodpecker’s Kidzone and Barney. balloons seen the famous YorkDr. City parade. year, At Islands of in Adventure, theNew popular Seuss bookThis “How the PG December 2009 PG 26 24 •• insiteatlanta.com December 2012 ••insiteatlanta.com

the parade will include all-new Nutcracker and Mouse King

“trycaloons” – tandem tricycles thattoappear be pedaled bya Grinch Stole Christmas” is brought life in to GRINCHMAS, whimsical balloon characters from the popular holiday tale. live stage show featuring an original musical score

by Mannheim Guests will also enjoy holiday fantasy-filled Steamroller.

During thecolorful show, six songscharacters, are performed by a live cast, The Grinchceremony and The by Whos from Whoville. As a part floatsincluding and a tree-lighting Santa Claus. of Returning the Grinchmas celebration, guests will also opportunity this year with more concerts thanhave everthe before is to meet The Grinch.

Mannheim Steamroller, the masters of Christmas music with The than celebration continues theworldwide. three on-site at more 40 million albumsatsold Thehotels acclaimed Universal Orlando– LOEWS BAY HOTEL, musical group will take to the PORTOFINO Music Plaza stage in Universal HARD HOTEL ROYAL PACIFIC holiday StudiosROCK eight nights this and yearLOEWS to perform their memorable RESORT – all of which will glisten with holiday decorations. hits for guests. All theme park holiday entertainment, including Hotel guests will be immersed in the spirit of the Mannheim Steamroller concerts, is included as partseason of two-with tree-lighting ceremonies, special musical performances, holiday park or multi-day admission to Universal Studios and Islands “dive-in” movie presentations and holiday dining events. Loews of Adventure.

Portofino Bay Hotel kicks off the season on Friday, November continues at the, athree Universal 27The withcelebration ‘Holiday Harbor Nights’ wineon-site tasting,hotels food atand jazz Orlando, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel andto celebration on the piazza. Hard Rock Hotel welcomes Santa Loews Royalrestaurant Pacific Resort, all of in which will glisten holiday the Kitchen on Fridays December and with Loews Royal decorations. immersed in the spirit Pacific ResortHotel ringsguests in thewill newbeyear with ALOHA 2010,ofathe New seasonEve withcelebration. holiday buffets and dining events, tree-lighting Year’s ceremonies, musical performances, holiday pool-side Guests can special also enjoy the holiday cheer at and CITYWALK “dive-in” movie presentations. with decorations, live music on the plaza stage and strolling entertainment on31st, selectguests datescan throughout All holiday On December celebratethe theevent.

New Year at one of entertainment – including the Universal MannheimCityWalk’s SteamrollerNew concert, is the hottest parties of the year, Year’s included as part of admission to Universal Eve celebration.

This year’s event features Studios a concertorbyIslands one ofof Adventure. today’s top artists, access to seven of CityWalk’s nightclubs, allFor more information, visit and a midnight champagne toast. you-can-eat gourmet cuisine www.UniversalOrlando.com.

For more information on the Holidays at Universal Orlando,

CASTLE DREAM LIGHTS

MACY’S HOLIDAY PARADE

vacation packages and ticket offers, visit www.UniversalOrlando.

SEA WORLD ORLANDO com/holidays.

This holiday season, families and friends can celebrate like never before at SeaWorld Orlando. Guests can take an exciting trip to SEAWORLD ORLANDO the North Pole aboard The Polar Express Experience. Plus, enjoy Waves of holiday splash over the park during SeaWorld’s three all-new shows:spirit Winter Wonderland on Ice, an ice-skating Christmas Celebration.

With everything from elves to Elmo, spectacular; Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas, a and from Santa to Shamu, s Christmas is where holiday-themed comedySeaWorld’ and A Sesame Street Celebration Christmas, even the the season meets the sea. through December little ones can celebrate theEvents spirit take of theplace season with Elmo, Big Bird 31, 2012. and other Sesame Street friends.

Families and friends can once again spirit of Christmas Through January 3, SeaWorld’s Wild enjoy Arcticthe transforms into the North Pole, and getting there is half theand fun.festivities.

THE POLAR during SeaWorld’ s holiday-themed shows O EXPRESS based on thenever film from Bros.

WondrousEXPERIENCE Night tells theisgreatest story told,Warner with more Pictures about abased doubting boy who takes extraordinary than 30 carols, uponyoung the Christmas Storyanand told through train rideoftoathe North on Christmas Eve.Wonderland As guests embark the eyes variety of Pole live animals.

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Upon arrival some of the most talented ice skaters in the world. SeaWorld at the North guests willthe discover a winter wonderland invites guestsPole, to experience grace and beauty of our Shamu surrounded by holiday cheer and amazing animal encounters. family during the night-time show, Shamu Christmas…Miracles.

An all-new holiday-themed ice-skating spectacular, WINTER Thrilling seasonal ON music rings out as whales soar the air WONDERLAND ICE, debuts November 27 atthrough SeaWorld’s in this special holiday performance.

Bayside Stadium and continues select nights through January 3.

Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown Christmas features Christmas comes to life with towering to water fountains, magnificent Santa’s helpers, Clyde Seamore, whoskaters are bringing fireworks and some of and the most talented in the their worldown as branddazzle of comedy to Christmas Ourseason. loveable sea lions, they and delight families this this year. holiday along withcan a few mischievous otters, a comical elf, and Families enjoy this all-new Christmas comedy witha wintery their walrus or two, search for Santa.

A Sesame Street favorite loveable sea lions Clyde and Seamore, alongChristmas with a fewis a festive and fun musical features interactive sing-amischievous otters and acelebration jolly walrusthat or two.

Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown Christmas runs nights longs, Elmo,toTelly Monster andontheselect rest of AbbyNovember Cadabby’s27Sesame through January 3. teach her what Christmas means to them.

Street friends who Celebratecelebrates the holidays friends from SESAME STREET AT SeaWorld thewith season during Holiday Reflections: SEAWORLD - it’s an all-new festivewith andsoaring fun musical celebration, Fireworks and Fountains Finale, fountains, Adazzling Sesamelights, Streetand Christmas.

Following the show, families can festive fireworks, choreographed to joyous create wonderful memories with their friends from Sesame Street holiday musical favorites. during meet-and-greets.

Families also enjoy At thecharacter park’s Wild Arctic attraction, guestscan embark on a aheartunique dining experience for the whole family: Elmo and Friends warming journey to the North Pole aboard The Polar Express Christmas Breakfast.

Experience, based on the film from Warner Bros. Pictures.

And that’s not all….there are even more holiday events at Sea Discover the sights, sounds,CHRISTMAS and smells of…theMiracles season as family World including SHAMU where Shamu and friends are alive immersed in the lights dazzling this beloved Stadium comes with bright andwonder glowingofcandles as holiday classic. arrival the North Pole,toguests canthe meet Christmas carolsUpon abound and at Shamu splashes celebrate Santa Claus himself, and encounter astounding animals in a Seasholiday season. MAKAHIKI CHRISTMAS LUAU , a South wintery wonderland. style festive celebration including tasty island cuisine keeping with additionholiday to thetraditions incredibleofseasonal shows and attractions, theInancient the Pacific Islands.

And NEW the amazing Trees includes more than 100 massive trees, YEAR’S EVESea AT of SEAWORLD, featuring a musical extravaganza including the best in pop, and swing music.

At the stroke of each sparkling, lighted andLatin choreographed to classic holiday midnight, the evening sky will shine brighter with alake. vibrant tunes, making a dramatic display oneven SeaWorld’ s center fireworks show toMarket, celebrate the festivities.

The Christmas located on the park’s Bayside Pathway, For more information the holidays at SeaWorld, visit features unique artisans about and culinary delights. www.SeaWorldOrlando.com.

To book your reservation, visit SeaWorldOrlando.com.

So to make make your your holiday holidayplans plansininOrlando Orlandoasasspace spaceat So don’t don’t wait wait to at area hotels is filling up fast. For more information, and to area hotels is filling up fast. For more information, and to help in help in your planning, visit www.orlandoinfo.com.

your planning, visit www.orlandoinfo.com

GRINCHMAS

THE POLAR EXPRESS EXPERIENCE

SHAMU CHRISTMAS

COLUMN

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

BY B. LOVE

T

HE HOLIDAYS CAN BE A difficult time, between all the halldecking, Black Friday-injury-avoiding, and fa la la la-ing. So here’s a handy gift guide to make Christmas shopping one less task you have to worry about: EDDIE BAUER For the adventure lover…

Heading to colder climates for a Christmas Vacation that’d make Clark Griswold green with envy? Outfit your family in the full line of cold weather gear from EDDIE BAUER’S FIRST ASCENT (www. eddiebauer.com). Co-created SKIN FARE by some of the world’s best mountain and ski guides, the entire line is lightweight, fashionably cool and more comfy than a cup of hot cocoa by a roaring ski lodge fireplace.

Bonus: As of our deadline, all outerwear on their website was listed at 50% off!

DVD BOXED SETS For the beauty queen…

Winter weather (and central heating) can wreak havoc on your skin, rendering it about as dry and brittle as a snake’s tail. My lady loves the organic skincare products from SKIN FARE (www. skinfare.com), which can be used to treat everything from BELIEVE I AM dryness and scrapes to burns and blisters. The convenient packaging makes them perfect for frequent travelers like us, and the recycled, biodegradable packaging means it’s ecofriendly as well.

& Soul” (pictured). Nice to see clothes that are empowering AND feminine.

For the music lover…

The holidays are when record labels trot out the year’s best boxed sets. Fans of folksy gospel/blues will love DROP ON DOWN IN FLORIDA: FIELD RECORDINGS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN TRADITIONAL MUSIC 1977-1980; world music lovers will dig PAUL SIMON’S GRACELAND: 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION; jazzbos will groove to THE PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION; and trustafarians will skank the night away to REGGAE GOLDEN JUBILEE: ORIGINS OF JAMAICAN MUSIC.

For the couch potato…

Stores are always flooded with MUSIC LOVER new DVD boxed sets around Christmastime, and this year is no different. From comic book geeks (WATCHMEN: COLLECTOR’S EDITION) and B-movie freaks (MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000: VOLUME XXV) to hipsters (ENTOURAGE: THE COMPLETE SERIES), VASQUE potheads (HAROLD & KUMAR: ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S EDITION) and history buffs (TITANIC 100: MYSTERY SOLVED, ANCIENT EGYPT ANTHOLOGY, WAR IN HD, etc.), there’s a set to provide dozens of hours of enjoyment ALI’S COOKIES for everyone.

For the sporty fashionista…

USA Champion Lauren Fleshman and Irish Olympian Ro McGettigan are friends from Track & Field who started their own clothing/ jewelry line, BELIEVE I AM (www.believeiam.com), to inspire women by using the sports psychology techniques of pro athletes. Their eyecatching gear works with cleverly designed visual cues to encourage positive feelings in the wearer via simple messages such as “Beautiful,” “Grateful” and “Mind, Body

NANCY SATHRE-VOGEL

For the snow bunny…

Literally 24 hours after I write this, my lady and I are hopping on a plane for a 2-week trip to Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica. But, being from Georgia, we are not exactly prepared for hiking on icebergs and glaciers in sub-freezing temperatures.

Luckily we got an early Christmas present from VASQUE (www.vasque.com), whose line of insulated boots (including the Pow Wow UltraDry, pictured) offer a combination of the functional (warm, waterproof) with the fashionable. Penguins, here we come!

For the sweet tooth…

Everyone in our family loves sweets, but every year we tend to get the same ol’ treats at Christmastime. This year we decided to try out ALI’S COOKIES (www.shipacookie. com), which is based near us in Marietta, but also ships all over. Recommended by Rachel Ray, the company offers glucose and lactose-free options, and is certified kosher.

From Turtle chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin to gingersnaps, snickerdoodles and toffee crunch, they’re an exceptional change of pace from your usual holiday fare.

For the world traveler…

Living and working and traveling together 24/7, it can be difficult to surprise my lady with unexpected gifts. But our travel blogger friend NANCY SATHRE-VOGEL (www.etsy. com/shop/familyonbikes) crafts exceptional, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces using distinctive beads she’s picked up over the course of her extensive travels all over the world. From Ethiopian silver to Asian jade, every piece she makes is an original work of art, and she also sells some of her bead finds for do-it-yourself creative types. Her work is the perfect gift for the worldly woman who already has everything a girl could want.

LOCAL

MAGICAL NIGHTS, HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Light Displays Around Georgia

BY BRET LOVE

GIFT OF LIGHTS

ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY 1500 Tara Place; Hampton, GA 30228 770-423-1330 • atlantagiftoflights.com The Gift of Lights at Atlanta Motor Speedway is returning for its second year as Georgia’s largest holiday LED light show. Through Sunday, January 6th, the Speedway will once again be transformed into a magical winter wonderland. During its inaugural year, more than 50,000 people from all over Atlanta enjoyed the light displays at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This year promises to be the best and brightest ever. With almost 2 million LED lights illuminating hundreds of festive holiday displays, participants will have the opportunity to see the AMS in a whole new light. Riders will travel through a mile and a half of sparkling holiday splendor, and be able to experience areas of the speedway not accessible on race days. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by tuning in to the Speedway’s 90.3 FM radio signal to listen to favorite Christmas music, as well as messages from their favorite NASCAR drivers. The kids will be thrilled to hear Santa Claus will be visiting for free photos, Friday- Sunday, December 7-9, 14-16, and 21- 23.

GARDEN LIGHTS, HOLIDAY NIGHTS

ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE 404-876-5859 • atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Atlanta’s newest holiday celebration, running through January 7, brightens the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s 30 acres with more than 1 million colorful, energy-efficient LED light bulbs. The popular Midtown tourist attraction will showcase botanical themes that accentuate the natural beauty of the gardens while adding a uniquely festive holiday twist. Guests will be greeted by numerous potted conifers covered in lights, while the Hardin Visitor Center will feature traditional poinsettias and various evergreens, showcasing the natural beauty of the season.

All of the garden’s pathways will be lit theatrically, with stars shining down from the canopies of hardwood trees, teal and blue lights illuminate a stretch of crepe myrtles, and a 27-foot-tall Christmas tree stands next to a fountain that reflects the twinkling lights in enchanting patterns. Unlike most holiday light displays, the Botanical Garden’s encourages people to get out of their cars and walk around, passing giant snowflakes, bumblebees and even a huge “praying Santa mantis” while listening to strolling carolers and sipping hot cocoa or tea. It should all make for a wonderful new addition to Atlanta’s beloved holiday traditions.

HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS

CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK 265 Park Ave West NW 404-223-4412 • centennialpark.com Atlanta rarely gets cold enough for water to freeze, but that doesn’t mean you can’t lace up your skates for a day (or night) on the ice. Now in its 14th year, Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating rink offers 90-minute skate rentals, theatrical lighting and Christmas music to liven up the mood. It’s also at the heart of Centennial Olympic Park’s Holiday In Lights celebration, which fills the 21-acre downtown park with thousands of twinkling lights and a picturesque tree, making it a lovely setting for an inner-city stroll. It may not be as expansive as some of Georgia’s other light displays, but it’s free (if you’re not skating), offers exceptional views of the downtown Atlanta skyline, is open on holidays and runs through the end of January.

MAGICAL NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

LAKE LANIER ISLANDS 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford 770-945-8787 • lakelanierislands.com/mnol.php This winter wonderland offers enough holiday joy to get Ebenezer Scrooge into the Christmas spirit. Billed as the world’s largest light extravaganza, Magical Nights of Lights takes over Lake Lanier Islands from mid-November through the end of the year. You’ll begin your visit with a scenic 7-mile drive through some of the most extravagant light displays you can imagine, including themed sections such as “The 12 Days of Christmas” and “Teddy Bear Lane.” At the end, you’ll find a massive Christmas village filled with carnival rides such as a Ferris wheel and an oldfashioned carousel, games, pony rides, a small petting zoo and blazing bonfires for roasting marshmallows. Afterwards, you can warm yourself inside Santa’s Workshop, shopping for Christmas gifts, grabbing a bite to eat and posing for family photos with jolly ol’ St. Nick himself!

Those looking for an overnight stay can visit the recently remodeled Legacy Lodge & Conference Center, which offers a variety of packages that may include a dinner buffet and/or a special Breakfast with Santa.

STONE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK Hwy 78, Stone Mountain 770-498-5690 • stonemountainpark.com This annual celebration has become one of Atlanta’s most beloved holiday traditions. During the day you’ll want to visit Snow Mountain, in which the park’s great lawn is transformed into a snowy wonderland where kids of all ages can go sledding, build igloos and snowmen, have snowball fights and more. As the evening sun fades, Crossroads village sparkles with over 2 million lights and a gigantic outdoor Christmas tree, while Georgia’s most famous mountainside is lit up by a holiday-themed laser show. There are sing-along train rides, storytellers, the Polar Express 4D film experience and numerous live shows (including the brand new Toyrific!). Kids can visit the Snow Angel in her Snow Palace at Memorial Hall, and pose for pictures with Santa and/or Mrs. Claus. Whatever you do, don’t miss the nightly Christmas parade (which features special appearances by the Snow Angel and the Clauses) as well as the fireworks display that will close out the celebration. insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 25

TRAVEL

TWO TICKETS TO PARADISE

Outdoor Adventures off Panama’s Southern Coast

BY BRET LOVE; PHOTOS BY BRET LOVE & MARY GABBETT ART 1: BIG GAME FISHING

P

Costa Rica tends to get the lion’s share of attention when it comes to ecotourism in Central America, but Panama has been popping up on our radar more in recent years. So we were delighted when we were invited for a visit to Islas Secas (www.islassecas.com), an eco-resort off Panama’s southern coast.

The privately owned archipelago of 16 islands is an hour by boat from legendary big game fishing hotspots such as the Hannibal Bank and Isla Montuosa. With Director of Fishing Carter Andrews ranked among the best anglers in the business, perhaps it’s no surprise Islas Secas has become a favorite destination among fishermen seeking a world-class catch.

As we headed out into the Gulf of Chiriquí, Captain Andrews taught us about his sustainable fishing philosophy, using only troll and pole-and-line techniques and releasing all billfish. He explained how they find big fish, using sonar and following seabirds hovering above the water, which indicates a feeding frenzy he called a “boil.”

It was a perfect description of the spectacle that occurred when big schools of Yellowfin tuna leapt from the water in pursuit of their prey, churning up the water as first mate Juan frantically cast his line into the fray. But each time he came up empty, you could sense the frustration when the tuna moved on within a minute or two of our arrival.

Our first chance at landing a big one came a few hours into the day, when Juan helped Mary hook a 30-pound Dorado (also known as Mahi-Mahi). After setting the pole into her waist harness, Mary reeled him in steadily, gradually tiring the fish out until we could see his green and yellow form 10 feet from the boat. But just as Juan reached for him with the net, the fish broke free, and we all groaned in disappointment.

Hours passed, the sun burned hot, and the mood grew tense as Andrews went after boils that ended before we arrived.

Suddenly, as we followed a distant lead, we spotted dolphins on the horizon.

There were just a few at first, then dozens, until we were completely surrounded by a pod Andrews estimated to be nearly 1,000 strong, swimming and leaping in the wake of our boat before diving down to feed. The captain allowed me to jump in the water at one point, and the sounds of dolphins communicating with one another was overwhelming. A few swam to within 15 feet of me: It was a moment I’ll never forget.

As rain clouds started to close in, we began making our way back to Islas Secas, but Andrews was clearly unwilling to return empty-handed. Soon, I got my first chance at the reel, as Juan snagged a 50-pound Yellowfin– 10 times the size of any fish I’d caught before. He put up one hell of a fight, and I was completely dripping with sweat by the time I finally got him to the boat.

But Andrews still wasn’t satisfied, and a short time later Juan hooked a humongous tuna that weighed over 100 pounds.

PG 26 • December 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

He handed me the rod and, despite my muscular, 250-pound frame, I struggled to reel him in every step of the way. Every time I’d get him 5 feet closer, he’d dive down or cut underneath the boat, doing everything in his power to wrestle free from the line. Eventually, after an hour of struggle, my knees started shaking, my back felt as if it would buckle, and I grew so light-headed I thought I’d pass out.

Despite the fact that the fish was a mere 10 yards from the boat, I passed the rod to Juan and collapsed.

Back at camp, the hardcore fishermen who’d arrived that day gave us a hero’s welcome. Our two fish, weighing in at over 150 pounds, fed everyone on the island that night, including all of the guests and staff.

It was the best sashimi we’d ever had, not to mention an incredible start to what would prove to be an exceptional trip to Panama.

PART 2: A PRIVATE SLICE OF PARADISE

When people hear you’re a travel writer, they picture you spending all your time sitting on gorgeous beaches with a tropical drink in one hand and a laptop in the other. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case.

Whether you’re climbing 27 waterfalls in a day in the Dominican Republic or hiking 25 km and climbing 500+ stairs over two days in the scorching heat of the Jordanian desert, adventure travel can wear you out.

But at Islas Secas, we had a rare opportunity to indulge in a little good oldfashioned R&R. We headed out past an island swarming with hundreds, perhaps thousands of frigatebirds, nesting in every tree on the hillside and swooping and swirling in the brilliant blue sky in every direction. Our ultimate destination was an uninhabited island tucked far back in the archipelago, where there was not another boat or human being within sight.

The setting couldn’t have been more picturesque. There were crystal blue waters as far as the eyes could see, palm trees swaying in the breeze, a big beach umbrella and two chairs, and a cooler stocked to the gills with ice cold drinks, fresh tropical fruits, and a delicious lunch prepared by Islas Secas’ chef, Alex Rojas.

For once in our hectic 12-hour-workday lives, we had nowhere to go, nothing to do and nobody to see. Other than a few quick shots when we first arrived, we didn’t even use our cameras. Suddenly, we understood why “normal” travelers enjoy this “relaxing” thing we’ve heard so much about.

We did a little snorkeling around the island, but quickly ruled out a 30-minute hike to the lagoon in favor of sitting in the shade and relishing the feeling of doing nothing for a few hours. It was an incredible place to recharge, reflect and reconnect with each other in a way that we rarely get to do when we travel.

When we returned to the resort, lightheaded from the heat and still sore from fishing the day before, we were met by the resort masseuse at the palapa outside of our yurt. We’d had the foresight to schedule massages, and were delighted to continue our rare day of relaxation.

With the gorgeous sun setting over the horizon, hummingbirds and iguanas all

around us, and the sound of waves hitting the rocks below, it was a perfect ending to our second day in Panamanian paradise.

PART 3: SHARKS & SHANKS IN COIBA NATIONAL PARK

We’ve traveled to wilderness areas all around the world, but rarely have we visited a place that took us on the rollercoaster highs and lows we experienced during our day at Panama’s Coiba National Park.

Declared a national park in 1992 and UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Coiba was best known from 1919-2004 as one of the most brutal penal colonies in the Western Hemisphere. A nightmare for the thousands of men who were sent there, the island’s lack of development ultimately made it a haven for wildlife, with 80% of its area covered in rainforest. In a short hike around the visitor’s center, we saw Scarlet Macaws, Howler Monkeys, Agoutis, and one disconcertingly friendly Crocodile.

But Coiba’s real draw is its waters, which feature one of the largest coral reef systems on the Pacific coast. Myriad species of fish, sharks, whales, sea turtles and rays can be found there, and researchers suggest that half the species may be unknown to science. In our brief but beautiful dive off the shore of Granito De Oro, we saw huge schools of fish, vivid yellow Puffers and numerous types of eels.

Our big score came when we almost stumbled onto three Whitetip Reef Sharks, about 5 feet in length, hiding behind a reef. I’m not sure which of us was more surprised by the encounter, but our finned friends made a hasty retreat when they saw us. It was one heck of a way to end our first Discover Scuba dive.

Later, we made our way to Coiba Island to visit the old penal colony. The haunting concrete walls and thick iron bars were once home to Panama’s most dangerous criminals, but also housed political prisoners deemed threats to the regimes of dictators Manuel Noriega and Omar Torrijos. Those who dared to speak out were imprisoned here, tortured and often executed.

It was impossible to banish images of pain and misery from our minds as we explored prison cells and the tiny church where hundreds of men must have prayed for mercy upon their souls. There’s no museum, but there was a hut with a detailed map of the island and a handful of relics, including crudely crafted shanks made by the prisoners. Even in daylight, the specter of the island’s dark past hung heavy over the place.

High on a hill overlooking the Pacific, we found hundreds of unmarked graves in which many of the prison’s dead were buried. They were the lucky ones: Those who tried to escape were usually dismembered and fed to the sharks.

Thankfully, Noriega’s regime has been toppled and Panama has emerged as a burgeoning ecotourism hotspot worthy of ranking alongside Costa Rica and Belize.

Though it was once associated with torture and tragedy, nature has reclaimed this pristine land, making Coiba a mustsee for nature lovers seeking adventure off the beaten path.

MUSIC

FURTHER SEEMS FOREVER

Dashboard Confessional Frontman Chris Carrabba’s Original Band Reunites At Last

BY JOHN B. MOORE

A

FURTHER SEEMS FOREVER ALBUM with all of the original members seemed a bit improbable.

Former frontman Chris Carrabba had left the band more than 10 years ago to form the wildly successful Dashboard Confessional. And the rest of the guys in FSF had gone through a couple of other singers before finally hanging up the mics in 2006.

But fans aren’t the only ones with a sense of nostalgia. Carrabba and his former bandmates continued to stay in touch, including a much lauded one-show reunion in 2005 at Bamboozle. Many were blown away last year then when the band announced another Further album, with Carrabba on vocals.

The album Penny Black, just out on Rise Records, finds the band picking up nicely from where everyone left off. And, rest assured Dashboard fans, Carrabba is not leaving his other group. He spoke recently about the reasons for the reunion, why he left, and what brought them all back together.

Did the idea for finally doing a new record

come immediately out of that 2005 reunion show or was it brought later?

The first reunion show happened when Further was still an active band with (Jon) Bunch singing. The show was fun and the rehearsals were a blast, but it didn’t occur, to me at least, to do any new music with the guys. They had a singer and were making great music. I was happy enough to be a fan and to get a chance to do a single show for old time’s sake. It was much later that we began to discuss new music. The record really just grew out of us hanging out as friends. We all play music for fun and when we hang out we grab guitars. Eventually the fooling around on guitar began to take root as new music. We never really made a decision to do or not to do a record. We just have more fun making music than say, fishing, or something like that.

So why did you first leave the band?

I left the band because we weren’t getting along and our goals were all different. I was dead set on touring constantly and at the time I am not sure that some or all of the other guys were in quite the same place. At the time

we were not good at communicating and the tension was high. I loved the band, but I felt that staying in it might have been the end of making music for me. Conversely, after all this time we have learned a lot about how to communicate and be creative without the needless tension.

Did you stay in touch with anyone from the band after you left to do your own thing?

We never lost our friendship. The first tours that Further did with Jason (Gleason, singer after Carrabba left) were opening for Dashboard. We lost touch a little as will happen when you and your friends are on completely different touring schedule. There was a year when we were never all home at the same time. But, by and large, we have stayed good friends in spite of me leaving the band and we have all supported each other’s projects.

What was it like taking the stage with the band in 2005 after so much time apart?

That was a tricky one. I felt instantly like it was the only band I had ever been in. While we were playing it was the only band I ever wanted to play in again. But then we walk off stage and I have a different band and they have a different singer and we just kind of had to appreciate it for what it was. The audience was amazing that night. I will never forget that show.

Obviously you have been rooted in Dashboard and the band had been on its own for more than a decade. When you came together to write this record, what did you do differently than when you approached the first two?

THE HOLY MESS

Heros of Philadelphia

BY JOHN B. MOORE

T

HE HOLY MESS HAVE GARNERED RAVE REVIEWS for Cande Ru Las Degas, their first proper full-length for the indie label Red Scare Industries. I won’t bore you with clichés about “maturity” and all those other rock writer go-to words, but it is quite simply a collection of the best songs to date from a band that already has quite a rep for writing some damn good songs. Drummer Keith Yosco, a.k.a. the band mom (according to Red Scare founder Toby Jeg), spoke with INsite recently about the new songs and why he’ll never leave Philadelphia.

Are you guys all still in Philly?

Yeah! All of us except for Scott live within the beautiful, vibrant, city of brotherly love known as Philadelphia for the better part of 4 years. In 2010, after Scott decided to move out of his car, he settled into the lovely beach town of Asbury Park. I’ll tell ya man, between Philly and Asbury there’s so many close friends and great venues. Everything in the northeast is so close in proximity. That’s why we stayed around here. Pennsylvania is home, always will be.

How did this process of writing, recording, paring down, etc, compare to doing the EPs and 7 inches?

As far as writing goes, things this time weren’t much different than the way we approached all of our previous work. We all write parts both on our own and together as a band when bringing them to the table. From there we hash shit out and get a general feel for what we think is made for our band and what isn’t. We know right away. Steveo and I have been playing on and off since 1999 so we think a lot alike as far as tenacity and approach of how we want things to sound. Scott is our mediator and supplies a lot of the overall feeling that the songs build themselves to be. He adds his, what we like to call

Well, the first thing is that we took a very long time. We all have different obligations with my band touring extensively and with the guys in Further have real traditional work schedules, so we were not in a position to rush anything, which was great. It was like making your first record when no one was looking.

What was the recording experience like?

The band has certainly garnered a lot more attention that when you guys first hit the studios with the debut.

I produced the record with Mike Fanuele and Jonathan Clark. I think it made the guys feel much more comfortable with me producing and using my studio space than going in with a rigid schedule and a deadline in some unfamiliar place. It took a long time and it felt like hanging out in a club house most of the time.

Can you talk a little but about the title track?

“Penny Black” is about the kind of people who take more than what is due to them without really ever giving back. I think we all know people like that.

Any update on Dashboard Confessional?

Everybody in Dashboard is doing their own thing during this hiatus. Scott (Schoenbeck) has been doing Promise Ring shows. John Lefler just put out another EP. Mike (Marsh) has a band called Paper and their debut is out.

Is this a one-off for Further Seems Forever, or do you think it’s got the potential to keep going?

I have no idea at this point. We aren’t great planners, and we take our time. I would love to do more. Time will tell!

“chicken picking” on things as well as having a vast knowledge and variety of melody to his leads that we just love. We used to record everything live. We’d blaze a track in the studio, throw another guitar over top of it, sing, and that was it. Everything prior to Cande was recorded in a weekend. Zero time spent on that shit. I love recording that way... to a point. You really capture that moment as it is and how it was meant to be; which is amazing, however this time around we wanted to spend time on certain aspects while paying attention to detail. Let’s really make a record that we could be proud of ya know? I think we achieved that.

The song “My Boring 90’s” blew me away. It sounded unlike anything you guys have done before. Are you guys, um, maturing?

“My Boring 90’s” is a song that Steveo wrote that he would perform with one of his numerous acoustic ramblings. The first time I heard that song I fell in love with it and knew we had to use it for something. I didn’t wanna fuck with his approach at all because it is so beautifully sad and forbidden. It sounds haunted. So he recorded it during the Atlas session and when it came time to sequence the record we knew, as a band, that we wanted that song to be the first song on the record. First fucking song, BAM. It sets the tone for what’s to come and doesn’t let up for 30 minutes. That’s the idea. That’s what excites us. We wanted to draw the listener into the record and take a ride with us. We want them to feel the shit we’ve been going through since you heard from us last. Is this us maturing? Who knows. From our point of view, which is fairly hazy from time to time, we don’t think it’s our duty to develop a grown up sound and become boring as our band emits releases. That’s usually what bands who wanna “mature” shit out: A boring record. We’d rather share a feeling and shape the songs around those feelings.

I liked your earlier stuff, but am really digging this album.

Are you guys sick of these songs at this point or really happy with how they turned out?

It’s funny. When you’re done writing a bunch of new songs and begin playing them out you have to be prepared to, we’ll say, get used to them. They’re going to be around for a

while. We are very proud of the song writing on CANDE as well as how it turned out and all we want to do is play these songs.

The more you play the better they become within the band. We wrote Dismount in 2008 and have been performing songs off of it ever since. Sure, I may go postal when I see “Easy on the Pepsi Fuller” wind up on the set list, but it’s a great song and people expect it. As of right now we are in a great place musically. We have new songs that we can pair with some select shit of old and blow the door off of your crawl space. Considering our older material, “Goodbye 3713” is great and my favorite song to play although “Within the Range of a Raven” is, without a shadow of a doubt, my favorite song we’ve ever written. Period.

What’s next for the band?

Ah, ya know, the usual. We’ll play shows to support the record; Try to get our asses to as many places as we can. We’re really into the idea of going to the West Coast to play. The idea of hitting Europe has been getting thrown around for sure. We’d love to be able to make that work out. In short, we would like to do as much as possible with this band while not losing our sanity. insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 27

MUSIC

HITTING THE BOOKS

Andy Hull & Kevin Devine Reunite For Bad Books II

BY JOHN B. MOORE

T

HOUGH YOU CAN ALMOST PICTURE THEM cringing at the term supergroup, that word pretty much describes the indie rock band Bad Books.

Comprised of singer/songwriter Kevin Devine and Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull, the band have just turned in their second effort, aptly titled Bad Books II, building on the momentum of 2010’s widely praised debut and proving the staying power of the side project. The friends have known each other for about five years now and the closeness is obvious just a few tracks into the new record.

Devine put off eating breakfast for a few minutes recently to answer some questions about the band, the record and what’s next.

Did you assume the first record was a one-off project or did you always anticipate putting out another Bad Books record?

I think with this project the abiding approach has kind been “take it as it comes”. We weren’t even totally sure the first one was going to be a record, it was just something we were getting together and trying out and then it became something more than that. Once that went as well as it did, we decided we should reconvene at some point and see what happened, and this is what happened.

How difficult was it to find the time to write and record this one?

I mean, we are both pretty active in our “day jobs” but I wouldn’t say it was especially difficult. We just set aside a week between tours and made it happen, and then an additional two

days at the end of my spring tour cycle to polish it off. At this point, it’s something we actually really like doing, and an excuse to spend a week together, which is a bonus, so we just sort of find the time.

How did you handle songwriting duties on this one?

Basically, Andy or I come with the general structure of a song, and then as a group, we build it out into something fuller and more muscled. As its being built, Andy and I, with Robert’s help, kinda steer, workshop the harmonies, detail the production & arrangement ideas, get it where it needs to go.

You mentioned the “take it as it comes” approach, but do you think there will be for more Bad Books records?

I can’t see why not.

Do you emember the circumstances of how you two first met each other?

Absolutely! Our mutual friend Jesse introduced us. We all went out in Manhattan one night about a week before we were all leaving for a six-week tour together with our bands, in March 2007. Andy busted my balls almost immediately and I thought he was really sharp and funny, and also really curious and inquisitive and open. We gelled pretty quickly.

When you’re writing a song, how do you know it’s a Bad Books song vs. one for yourself or your other band?

This was the first time I actually wrote a song that was for Bad Books; “No Reward.” For whatever reason, I just started writing that and decided it sounded more like Bad Books to

me than like one of “my own.” I think that trend will continue to sharpen and grow out as this band continues developing its identity, which I think certainly happened much more with the new record.

What’s next for the Bad Books?

We leave for tour today, head out to Seattle and start down the West Coast. The record is officially released Tuesday, and then we’ll be at the Austin City Limits festival next weekend.

All systems go.

What’s next for all of you guys?

For me: breakfast, coffee. After Bad Books I come back for the Stuffing, Manchester’s festival around Thanksgiving, and I have a show at Webster Hall in New York December 1st for the 10th anniversary of my first record’s release, that’ll be the focus of the late fall for me. We’ll do some more Bad Books stuff in the new year and I’ll probably continue writing my next records throughout. I’m about six or eight songs into that now.

QUITTING AGAIN

THe Smoking Popes Revisit THeir Breakthrough Album

BY JOHN B. MOORE

I

F BORN TO QUIT, THE ALBUM THAT introduced The Smoking Popes to a global audience for the first time, sounds a bit like an uncompromising indie label punk rock record, well that’s because it was an uncompromising indie label punk rock record long before the folks at Capitol Records jumped on the bandwagon.

Recorded in bits and pieces when the Chicago group could afford studio time, the record was initially just intended for the local label Johann’s Face Records drenched in melodies, fast, loud guitars and front man Josh Caterer’s Mel Torme-like croon. As amazing as that record was – and is - it’s almost more amazing that someone at Capitol Records would stumble on the band and offer to put out the record.

Originally released in 1994, then re-released a year later by Capitol, Born to Quit is finally getting a proper re-release by Side One Dummy this year on vinyl and CD with new artwork and a couple of bonus tracks.

On the road promoting the re-release, Caterer spoke recently about recording the landmark album, why they clashed with Capitol and, as a bonus, got me to admit that l secretly love living in the suburbs.

Do you remember much about the writing and recording of Born to Quit?

PG 28 • December 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

Yes I do. That album was recorded when we were still on Johann’s Face Records, so we didn’t realize at the time that it was going to be our major label debut. We did not approach the recording of the album in that way. We were just making another little record on a punk label and doing it how we wanted to do it on an almost non-existent budget.

There are certain songs of that album that the crowds go absolutely nuts for every time I have seen you guys play. Are there any songs off that album that you particularly enjoy playing live?

I guess the song that I enjoy playing the most is “Gotta Know Right Now”. There is just something about that one that is just really fun to play. The chords, there are certain lines of that song that I have to kind of shout and I just really enjoy playing that song. I guess “Need You Around” is the most recognized and the one off that album that people want to hear so I get sort of excited playing that one. That’s a lot of fun.

As a Willie Nelson fan, I was surprised that you covered “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” on the re-release. What made you decide to tackle that one?

I can’t remember exactly why we chose that one, but we’ve always been big Willie fans.

He’s such a great songwriter and a great singer and guitarist and a really inspired musician all around. The sound that he created, the vibe he created in the music was, and is, very unique.

So he’s a huge influence. There are hundreds of songs by him that we could have chosen. I’m not sure why we chose “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” other than its also pretty fun to play, especially the way we did which was really fast.

You’re playing the album all the way through on this tour. Are there any songs that you guys had to re-learn?

Yeah, there were a couple. “Can’t Help the Teardrops” is one of those. We just hadn’t played that one for a while so I had to look up the lyrics because I had forgotten them. It had been so many years. That one was more influenced by old country music. And there’s the guitar solo in the middle I had to practice a few times, but I think we’ve got it back now.

The Popes took a few years off and you settled into a different lifestyle. Was it tough to get used to going back on the road again and being away from your family?

Yeah, it is hard especially having kids. I have a 12-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter and it’s really hard to be away from them. We just have a rule that we won’t be out for more than two weeks at a time. We won’t be out for like two months straight. Other than that we enjoy touring more than we did back in the 90’s. But that’s because we enjoy life much more than we did back in the 90’s. I really didn’t start enjoying life until I was about 30 years old.

That’s a long time to go through life without enjoying it.

I don’t know if you can relate to that, but it seems our teens and 20s are very difficult years. You are so self-conscious and sort of

trapped in your head, and then once you hit about 30 I found you can relax a bit and start enjoying yourself.

It also seems like the band is in a much better situation. In the ‘90s you were on a major label. but in a crowded musical field trying to prove yourselves. Now you’ve influenced plenty of bands and seem to work with who you want, when you want. Is that an accurate statement?

Yes, and we prefer it this way. I don’t think we were really designed to be on a major label.

I think one of the things that really bothered us (once signed to Capitol) is that up to that point we had always done everything ourselves.

We went to the studio when we were ready, recorded the songs we wanted to record, we created the artwork for our albums, we booked our show and could be who we were.

When we signed to Capitol, suddenly there were all these people involved. There was a corporation involved in all of the decisions and all of the things we were doing. Suddenly there were people coming to the recording studio and making suggestions, and the way that our stuff looked and the way that we were being presented to the public was out of our hands. It was being decided by committees in meetings we weren’t in. So we were kind of freaked out by that and felt that our identity as a band was getting away from us. We reacted to that by trying to say no to as many things as possible, which was horrible for our relationship with the label which is ultimately why it ended horribly. I don’t think it was their fault; it was partly due to us being paranoid about everything. So we’re control freaks, we have OCD and so we feel much more comfortable on an indie label.

So admitting it is the first step…

(Laughs) Yeah, unless you have no intention of changing anything, in which case admitting it is the first and last step.

SPORTS

LIFE OF FLY

Talking critics, expectations and finicky fans with Atlanta Hawks star Josh Smith

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

J

OSH SMITH, THE MOST TALENTED PLAYER ON the Atlanta Hawks roster, turned 27 on December 5. In that time, he’s accomplished more on a basketball court -2005 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, 2010 NBA AllDefense second team, major endorsement deal with adidasthan most could ever dream. Even with the stellar resume though, some things remain glaringly absent from Josh’s mantle, namely an all-star game appearance and NBA title. With nightly stat-stuffing sessions, the eight-year vet should be on his way to the first goal. And with the wide-open East, who knows about the latter? INsite recently sat down with Smith, the youngest player in NBA history to reach 1,000 blocks, and oddly, he didn’t deflect any of our inquiries about his on-off relationship with Atlanta fans, his critics or his interesting sense of fashion.

How does it feel to be the face of the adizero Ghost 2 sneaker?

It feels good. I mean, I think when you build great relationships, good things are bound to happen to you. I’ve been a part of this adidas brand for a long time. I mean, I can remember all the way up until high school I was rocking adidas until I was able to get sponsored by them when I got out of high school. So, it has been a relationship for a long period as a time. I look at these people as my family and I am sure it’s vice versa. Being able to be put on a project and a campaign, not just one time, but more than once, two or three times, is definitely special and surreal.

What is it about adidas that you and that company mesh so well?

I just like how it’s family oriented. Everybody’s cool, easy to get along with. Whenever I need any kind of product, it’s not a hassle. They shoot shoes right out. If I need anything for my family, they do the same. You know, it’s just like I said, I’m just blessed to be in a situation where I’m comfortable, because I’m the type of person who works on trust, you know what I’m saying? I build my relationships on trust and being able to come into a relationship where you trust that individual and you know that he does want your best interests, as far as a brand goes.

Adidas has definitely made me appreciate wearing their

you to calm down with the shooting and all that. What part of your game do you think is most misunderstood?

Umm, I think my passion is misunderstood. I don’t worry When I see you off the court, you’ve got a nice subtle, little about what people say about me as far as critics are concerned, GQ flavor about you. Give me a few words to describe your because if you let yourself get bottled into all the negative publicity that people say about you, you’re not going to succeed. off-court style.

You’re going to let it affect you. It’s going to affect your game. It Oh, man, I like to dress the preppy look a little bit, you know is going to be visible. LeBron [James] is the best player in this what I’m saying? I like to be able to clean up nicely. I’ve been in game, and people still find a way to say something bad about this league a long time, so I’ve seen a lot of things. You know, him. So, I can’t look at myself and be sour if somebody says guys set examples for me and know what it takes to be able to present yourself well off the court, you know. I just try to be able something to me. I just have to ignore it and understand that it’s nothing. You have to be able to just go out there and not play to make a lasting impression on my first impression every time with any words. My passion and my desire to win is probably I meet somebody, and I think being able to be clean cut after a crazy. To the average person, they wouldn’t game or whenever you’re having a meeting or talking to somebody, I think that helps out.

WE’RE ALWAYS GOING understand it. They wouldn’t understand the competitive nature that an athlete has, TO BRING IT, MAN. WE or just somebody who hates to lose. And I’m Do guys like Rajon Rondo and Russell ARE ALWAYS GOING TO one of those people. And in the heat of the Westbrook take things too far with their moment, I might react a certain way that, colorful outfits?

PUT OUR BEST FOOT I don’t know. You know Rondo’s my guy. Like FORWARD. BUT WHEN you know, people might not like, but it’s just passion. You never want to take passion out that’s one of my best friend, and he really thinks YOU’RE AT HOME, IT of the game, or passion out of anything. It that he’s fly though. So, the stuff that he has, he will argue you down that that was a cold piece HELPS A HELL OF A LOT becomes dull then. that he put together, so I’m going to leave that [IF FANS ARE IN THE a job. subject alone. But I don’t know, man. I seen the STANDS]. YOU KNOW ItItbecomes becomes dull. Nobody wants to watch little colorful -I don’t know if they’re Lacoste WHAT I’M SAYING? Basketball Wives without no drama, you or Izod- collar shirts he has. Them things know what I’m saying? They’ve got to have are…cra-zy! I don’t know if he’s doing that for attention. I don’t know. I doubt it. That’s probably his style. He’s something going on or, otherwise, nobody is going to watch it. from Los Angeles, so they’re futuristic anyways. Put it that way.

What can Hawks fans expect from you all the rest of this current season?

Let’s talk ball now. What needs to change for the Hawks to We’re always going to bring it, man. We are always going to consistently be on the Celtics/Heat level in the East? put our best foot forward. But when you’re at home, it helps I mean, I thing that our DNA needs to change altogether. a hell of a lot [if fans are in the stands]. You know what I’m I was looking at a game… You know, I record every game saying? That’s why people fight to get home court advantage, that I play in so I can watch it after I’m done so I can critique because the crowd does play a factor. This year we were rated what I did wrong. I watched the [2011-12] game and we was the worst sports town in all the United States [by Forbes]. And getting our ass kicked. I forgot who it was…actually, no, no, we for us to be the city that is well known on the [entertainment] wasn’t getting our ass kicked. We played against the Heat and map all over the United States, I feel that we should be crackin’ they didn’t have LeBron or D-Wade. And went to like a triple on all angles, you know. Concerts, basketball games, football overtime. It was a crazy game. And I was just listening to what games, baseball games—everything should be maxed out. They Charles Barkley was saying.They really don’t get me geared up say that people that live here aren’t from here originally. Well, or motivated in any kind of way by what they say, but I mean you have the Los Angeles Lakers and people go out there to I felt that it was an honest statement. He was like, “We’re too pursue careers all the time. I’m pretty sure everyone that is in nice.” We are a talented group of guys, but we just too nice. that arena that is buying seats aren’t from L.A. That is not an So, I want to be up there where people are talking about excuse that I want to hear. I mean, we’ve been good for five, the Hawks like, “Man, I hate Boston Celtics. They talk six years now, so I feel like we do deserve a little gratitude and too much trash” or like “Chicago, they’re just gritty. a little gratification by the fans. You know, I know it’s probably They play hard. They’re tough. They’re going to hard because of the recession to be able to get good seats, but grab rebounds.” We don’t have a DNA, you you know, people inspire me in the nosebleeds. I just want to know what I’m saying? Those two teams that see you in the stands. That’s all that matters to me, and I know I named have DNAs. They have different aggressions which they play with, but they that it definitely plays a big role to this team. We’re hungry to win and we want to win, but we need this city to be hungry all play to win and compete every time they step on the floor, no matter who they for us. You go to Boston and everybody’s saying it. They own Rondo. They’re talking to him: “Good game” or “Y’all messed up play against. I think we have the talent to do it, to be up there with the Celtics or the this game.” But here, it’s sprinkled. It’s sprinkled here and there, wherever you go, you might get like one or two people who Bulls or the Heat. We just have to have a are like, “We need a championship.” But it needs to be unified, different attitude. everybody needs to come together.

Is that your fault? Is that Coach Larry Drew’s Like what we see in OKC every night. There’s no reason that fault? Whose fault is it? can’t be here.

I can’t put my finger on it, you know what I’m Yeah, it’s unbelievable. Even though, granted, it is nothing to saying? It is all our faults. It’s everybody’s fault. We are do in Oklahoma City. They’re definitely a sports town. They have all in this thing together, so in order for us to get out of the the [University of Oklahoma] down there. But, man, I mean, for rut or any kind of situation we have been dealt with when you that period of time that we’re playing, you can be here [at Philips hit adversity, we have to just come closer together and not fragment and separate as individuals. I think everybody has to Arena]. You know what I’m saying? There aren’t a whole lot of be able to just step it up a different notch, as a professional. As people who work all the way up until 9 [at night]. I be wanting that so bad for us. I be wanting to see sold-out crowds. a basketball player, I get better each and every year because I’m getting older and I’m learning more, so I’m pretty sure it’s I don’t get it either, dog. I know it’s gotta be killing you when the same as far as coaching is concerned. Because this is the teams come and the stands are cheering for the opposing stars. third year coming in [under Coach Drew]. So, everybody’s Yeah, at first it was a shock. But this will be my ninth season still learning how to perfect their craft. coming up, and that’s been happening every year I’ve been a part of the Atlanta Hawks. Every year. So, after a point of time, Your numbers do seem to get better every year. But even with the shooting percentage improving, a lot of critics want you become immune to it. I mean, it is definitely disappointing. shoes in high school and be able to have a business relationship with them now.

insiteatlanta.com • December 2012 • PG 29

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SPORTS

FANATIC A Monthly Sports Wrap-up

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS While all of the college football attention is deservedly on Notre Dame and the SEC these days, a host of hot teams are doing some great things on the field—and you’d be wise to side with them when it comes to placing your bowl bets later this month: San Jose State (10-2; only lost by 2 to Stanford); Oklahoma (winners of seven of its last eight); Northern Illinois (11-game wining streak); and San Diego State (9-3; beat Boise State). “[HECTOR “MACHO”] CAMACHO, who died [Nov. 24] at the age of 50, four days after being shot in the face near his birthplace of San Juan (a companion, whose car Camacho was sitting in, was also killed; bags of cocaine were found inside), may not have been a brawler, or even a very big puncher. He was a comparatively light hitter who dazzled with footwork (reviews of his lesser bouts sometimes used the qualifier balletic) instead of firepower. But over those 30 years Camacho never ducked a fighter and, while ducking punches, was never knocked out.”

–Sports Illustrated’s Richard Hoffer on the late Camacho Though the NBA always presents its fans with a wonderful Christmas Day lineup, the league was nice enough to spread the excitement across the whole month. Here are the five televised games we can’t wait to watch in December: 5) Memphis at Denver, Dec. 14; 4) San Antonio at Portland, Dec. 13; 3) Boston at L.A. Clippers, Dec. 27; 2) L.A. Lakers at New York, Dec. 13; 1) Oklahoma City at Miami, Dec. 25.

The NFL MVP RACE is so wide open right now that, even if INsite had an official vote, we wouldn’t know what to do with it. But if we just had to name the top five candidates, they would look like this: 5) Adrian Peterson (1,236 rushing yds.); 4) J.J. Watt (14.5 sacks); 3) Robert Griffin III (2,504 passing yds., 4 INTs); 2) Tom Brady (105.0 passer rating); 1) Peyton Manning (3,260 passing yds.).

“At some point though, the truth reveals itself and this isn’t just a guy who plays with an edge. His peers have voted him the league’s dirtiest player and its least

HECTOR “MACHO” CAMACHO liked. Others have expressed disgust at his attitude. [Matt] Schaub went so far as say he wouldn’t want him as a teammate – and it’s worth noting quarterbacks don’t usually taunt 310-pound defensive linemen.” –Yahoo’s Dan Wetzel after DETROIT LIONS’ NDAMUKONG SUH’S questionable groin kick to Houston Texans’ Schaub And finally…

With Louisville’s announcement that it joining the ACC, the Big East has officially had seven schools say they’re leaving the league within the past year: West Virginia, TCU, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Notre Dame and Rutgers being the others… At press time, 422 NHL games (or 34% of the regular season) had been canceled because of the strike… On Nov. 27, Kobe Bryant scored 40 of the L.A. Lakers’ 79 points, making that the eighth regular-season game in which he’s had at least half of his team’s points. No other active player has done that more than twice… Chase Elliott, son of racing legend Bill Elliott, was voted the most popular racer on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.

His dad was a 16-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Most Popular Driver winner.

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SPORTS

FANATIC A Monthly Sports Wrap-up SOUTHERN NIGHTS!

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No leshbaseball lighthas had to a Her eN free agent likeow this!wasN Alex Rodriguez in 2001, when he ow inThat Sto k! million received $252 million for 10 years. wasc$25.2 annually, and that was a decade ago. And Pujols is better.”

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courtside at L.A.’s Staples Center.

2. AsMiami at Boston (Feb. 13, 1PM, ABC) much as Chicago and Orlando fans hate acknowledging the fact, this is probably your Eastern Conference Finals preview.

3. Ohio State at Wisconsin, Pittsburgh at Villanova (Feb. 12, 2PM, 9PM, ESPN) The top two teams in the nation go on the road to very, very hostile environments.

4. Daytona 500 (Feb. 20, 12PM, Fox) Gentlemen, start your quest to stop Jimmie Johnson from winning an unprecedented sixth straight Sprint Cup championship.

5. This UNC at Duke (Feb. 9, 9PM, ESPN) big meeting (and another on March 5) goes a long way in deciding North Carolina bragging rights and the ACC crown.

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Hawaii pays $4 million to host the NFL’s annual Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium… If early estimates are accurate, Super Bowl XLV should be Stub Hub’s top-selling event ever… At press time, the Cleveland Cavs were in the midst of a 1-29 February, of course, marks the NBA’S halfway point. stretch, the NBA’s worst since 1996… If there’s an NFL work With that landmark also comes Fanatic’s midseason stoppage next season, it’s reported that Las Vegas casinos awards: MVP (Derrick Rose, Chicago); Defensive Player would take an $850 million hit on unplaced betting… A of the Year (Dwight Howard, Orlando); Rookie ofSOUTHERN the Year record 56 underclassmen declared for the NFL Draft.

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