INsite Atlanta January 2016 Issue by INsite Magazine

JANUARY 2016

EARS ★ 2 Y 4 2 ★ 92

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016

VOL. 24, NO. 6 FREE

Alvin Ailey Dad's Garage Emily Tarver

Plus Our Year in Review of Music, TV, Film and Sports

PG 2 • January 2016 • insiteatlanta.com

CONTENTS • JANUARY 2016 • VOLUME 24, NO. 6

Atlanta’s

Entertainment Monthly

INTERVIEWS 06 Dad’s Garage 10 Alvin Ailey 10 Emily Tarver 11 Sebastian Maniscalo 17 Sam Russo 18 Saddest Landscape 18 Moa Holmsten 18 Sarah Kervin 21 Tara Stoinsky

FEATURES 09 13 14 15 16 19 20 22

Top 10 TV Shows Top 2015 Movies Winter Guide Dime Fitness Top 2015 Albums Top Books of 2015 Galapagos Islands Best Sports Teams

COLUMNS 04 05 07 08 12 15 17 19 22

Around Town On Tap Under The Lights Atlanta on a Dime Movie Reviews Station Control Album Reviews New Releases Favorite Things

Learn from the pros!

Stage & film acting classes for all experience levels.

Classes begin 2.1.16 Register today! 404.733.4700 alliancetheatre.org/classes

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

Contributing Writers / Interns: Jon Latham, Ryan Loftis, Rodney Hill, Alex S. Morrison, Steve Warren, Dave Cohen, Jennifer Williams, Matt Connor, Ed Morales, Sacha Dzuba, David Weinthal, Benjamin Carr, Kalena Smith, Justin Patterson, John Moore, Amanda Miles, Patrick Flanary, Ian Coverdale MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 76483 Atlanta, GA 30358 WEBSITE • insiteatlanta.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION (404) 308-5119 • ads@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.

JANUARY 2016

1992 ★ 2

16 4 YEARS ★ 20

INSITEATLAN TA.COM

VOL. 24, NO. 6 FREE

Alvin Ailey Dad's Garage Emily Tarver

Plus Our Year in Review of Music, TV, Film and Sports

Check out our Winter guide on page 14! insiteatlanta.com • January 2016 • PG 3

Around Town

Events and Performances taking place this Month

THROUGH FEBRUARY 12

JANUARY 20 - 23

Contemporary and Tap dance. Visit rialtocenter.org

BINDERS Art Supplies and Frames

Ferst Center for the Arts at Georgia Tech

JANUARY 30

Binders Winter Sale

Binders is having their annual Winter Sale this month through February 12. Great deals on art supplies including canvas, brushes, paper and paints. Binders recently opened their second Atlanta location at Ponce City Market. Visit bindersart.com for more information.

JANUARY 8

BBC Earth Wild Africa Premiere Fernbank Museum

Fernbank Museum of Natural History will premiere BBC Earth’s Wild Africa in its five-story IMAX® Theatre Friday, Jan. 8. Narrated by Helena Bonham Carter, the enchanted film takes viewers on a spectacular ride across, over, and through the magical realms of the most dramatic continent on earth. Visit fernbankmuseum.org

JANUARY 16

Model Train Show

North Atlanta Trade Center Norcross, GA

Over 300 tables representing dealers from across the nation will have model items in all gauges and Railroad Antiques for sale. This is Georgia’s largest combination show, displaying items for both the “modeler” and “railbuff” under one roof. Attendees will be able to relive the glory days of railroading in Georgia when railroad travel was king. Visit gserr.com

Mark Gindick: Wing-Man

Mark Gindick looks for love in the age of social media in the interactive, oneclown show WingMan. In the tradition of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, Gindick wordlessly battles a series of 21st century obstacles to romance, with a stage-size interactive computer screen and the audience to guide him on his way. Gindick has won three NY Downtown Clown Golden Nose Awards and the Best One Man Show Award at the 2011 United Solo Theatre Festival. Call 404-894-9600 and visit arts.gatech.edu/ferstcenter.

JANUARY 23

Dance Canvas

Rialto Center for the Arts

Dance Canvas brings its nationally acclaimed performance series back to the Rialto Center stage for its 8th Season. This year, Dance Canvas will present World Premier dance works from 10 emerging professional choreographers coming to Atlanta from across the country. The show also features nearly 50 of Atlanta’s top professional dance artists. Don’t miss this chance to see these new innovative voices in Ballet, Modern, Jazz,

Honda Battle Of The Bands Georgia Dome

Complete with authentic costumes, music arrangements and choreography, In The Mood pays homage to America’s greatest generation who fought WWII. Experience the swing, the rhythm and the jazzy, sentimental and patriotic music of this pivotal time in America’s history. Visit cobbenergycentre.com

SESSION BEGINS FEBRUARY 1 Acting Class Program Alliance Theatre

The Honda Battle of the Bands Celebration tour spotlights the excellence of 45 Historically Black College and University Marching Bands. The excitement culminates at the Dome in January for the Invitational Showcase, when 65,000 fans will be on their feet, dancing in the aisles and cheering for the top HBCU Bands. Eight bands are chosen to advance to the Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase. This year features: Alabama A&M, Alcorn State, Bethune-Cookman, Jackson State, Lincoln, PA, Prairie View, SC State and Tennessee State. Visit hondabattleofthebands.com.

JANUARY 30

In The Mood – A 1940s Musical Review Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

To the delight of fans of the American Big Bands and the Big Band era, the brassy, allsinging, all-dancing, all-American 1940s musical revue, In The Mood is coming to Atlanta in celebrating 23 years on tour.

The Alliance Theatre Acting Program offers students of all ages, experience, and abilities a chance to work with professional theatre and film educators in one of America's most renowned regional theatres. The Alliance’s adult acting classes can take you from absolute beginner all the way to a career in acting, whether your interests are on the stage, in front of a camera, or behind a microphone. Visitalliancetheatre.org/classes to register and learn more about their acting classes and business communication training through the Alliance@work program.

THROUGH FEBRUARY 28 Snow Mountain

Stone Mountain Park

Spend a fun-filled day playing in the snow! Zoom down the 400-foot hill in family-sized tubes or go it alone as a single rider. New features include Avalanche Alley adding an extra lane for more family tubing time. Enjoy snowman building in the children play area. Visit stonemountainpark.com

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On Tap this Month MAJOR EVENTS COMING TO ATLANTA

Live On Stage!

January 9: Georgia Dome

MONSTER JAM

Monster Jam will bring the biggest line-up of monster trucks ever seen at the Georgia Dome. e twelve-feettall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring fans to their feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through. Monster Jam provides a massive night of entertainment for the whole family. See all your favorites including El Toro Loco and Scooby-Doo. GAdome.com

January 14 - 17 Georgia World Congress

ATLANTA BOAT SHOW

Whether new to boating or an avid water enthusiast, the 2016 Progressive Insurance Atlanta Boat show offers visitors an all-access pass to learn about and discover the fun of the boating lifestyle. Everything is here from luxury motor yachts and bass boats to family cruisers, pontoons and ski boats. Take advantage of post-holiday deals on boats and marine accessories. Visit AtlantaBoatshow.com

January 17 - 29: Morehouse College

DR.KING CELEBRATIONS

NETworks presents

January 20: Philips Arena

MADONNA

e Atlanta engagement from Madonna’s Rebel Heart Tour from this fall was rescheduled and will take place this month. “e show has to be perfect. Assembling all the elements requires more time than we realized. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause my fans. I can promise you this show will be worth the wait. Can’t wait to share it with all my Rebel Hearts out there, ” -Madonna. Visit PhilipsArena.com ©Disney

January 26 - Feb 17: Various Theatres

ATLANTA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL e 16th annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival returns January 26 with the Opening Night Gala and ﬁlm being held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Opening Night will feature a screening of the thriller Remember, from Oscar-nominated director Atom Egoyan and starring Oscar-winners Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau. e AJFF will take place at various venues through February 17. Visit AJFF.org

January 30: Masquerade

ATLANTA WINTER BEER FEST Love great beer? en don’t miss the ever popular Atlanta Winter Beer Fest now in its 6th year. e event oﬀers 100 + beers to sample, including many new local breweries from Atlanta and Georgia. ere will also be a small selection of wines and ciders. Enjoy Live Music on multiple stages, DJ and more. Additional fun and games will be on hand around the festival. Visit AtlantaWinterBeerFest.com

Tickets start at $33.50

FEBRUARY 2-7

FoxTheatre.org/Beauty • 855-285-8499

insiteatlanta.com • January 2016 • PG 5

THEATER

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Dad’s Garage Artistic Director Kevin Gillese & Archer Star Amber Nash

BY BRET LOVE

S A FORMER DAD’S GARAGE performer, I was there the night Edmonton improviser Kevin Gillese and Atlanta actress Amber Nash met for the first time. In the years since I left the theatre, Gillese moved here and became its Artistic Director, Nash became a star on FX’s Archer, and the couple got married. But Dad’s Garage also lost its longtime Inman Park space, leading to a difficult 2-year search for a place to call home. Now the theatre is celebrating the most successful theatre fundraiser in Kickstarter history and the opening of its new “forever home” on Ezzard Street in the Old Fourth Ward. They’ll be celebrating with a slew of celebrity co-stars in January, including 10-yearold comedian Saffron Herndon, Whose Line Is It Anyway’s Colin Mochrie and Matt Jones of Breaking Bad. We recently spoke to Gillese and Nash about love and marriage, the stress of being homeless, and their excellent new web series, Hart of America.

Kevin: This transition a challenge. Just surviving was a struggle. The search for a new home seemed impossible. When we finally found our dream location, the price tag seemed impossibly high and the fundraising goals felt unachievable. It was our ability to come together as a big, dumb family and work together that allowed us to succeed. At the end of the day, the biggest struggle was keeping hope alive in the face of these challenges. But we did it the way we do everything at Dad’s Garage– with humor.

You moved here from Edmonton to become Dad’s Garage’s Artistic Director. What is it about this theatre that inspired you to make such a huge transition? Kevin: I’ve been coming down and performing at Dad’s Garage since I was 20 years old. So I’ve seen the company evolve over JANUARY 1–30 the years and I’ve developed a soft spot in my heart for Dad’s Garage it. When I was offered the (new location 569 Ezzard St.) position of Artistic Director, I dadsgarage.com jumped at the opportunity!

DAD’S GARAGE AND FRIENDS: NEW HOME EDITION

Amber, how has Dad’s evolved under Kevin’s leadership? Amber: Kevin brought a breath of fresh, cold Canadian air with him. He brought us international touring, fringe festivals and a strong commitment to comedy. But I think his most significant contribution has been his commitment to creating a more diverse group of performers. We feel like a more inclusive place for performers and audiences now. It makes us stronger as a theatre and better at what we do, which is tell stories. You performed together at various festivals over the years. When did friendship turn into love? Kevin: I always thought Amber was one sexy piece of ace, but things didn’t turn romantic until I moved here. We were working long hours together and becoming closer as friends, and one thing led to another. But the reason I wanted to marry Amber is simple: She’s the funniest, most talented lady I’ve ever met, and being with her makes life feel more alive. Amber: I had a crush on Kevin the first time I met him. But he didn’t give me the time of day until many years later. When he moved to town and seemed very interested, I was torn. He was my boss, but I’d had a crush on this guy for 10 years. So we hid it for as long as possible that we were seeing each other, and then got outed while shopping at Kroger together. Recent years have brought highs and lows, from Dad’s losing its longtime Inman Park home to Amber’s starring role on Archer. Can you talk about some of the challenges? PG 6 • January 2016 • insiteatlanta.com

Tell me about your new “forever” home for Dad’s Garage. Kevin: We searched and searched for years before finding the Old Fourth Ward space. We fell in love with the location but it was too expensive. So we launched the biggest fundraising in the company’s history and were able to seal the deal. Now we couldn’t be more thrilled to have a permanent home for laughter in Atlanta. Does the Hart of America web series you collaborated on represent a desire to create your own projects for Amber? Amber: Yes. The reason we made Hart of America was because I was tired of auditioning over and over again, only for them to tell me I’m not right for it. So with Kevin, Arlen (Konopaki) and (Dad’s Managing Director) Lara Smith’s help we created something of our own. Kevin and Arlen wrote characters specifically for me. People know me as a stage actor and voice actor but haven’t seen me do much on-camera work. So I wanted to show people, and myself, that I could. Dad’s Garage has thrived in an era when many theatres are struggling to survive. How? Kevin: Dad’s has thrived because we spin the old model of how a theatre operates on its head. We’ve focused on appealing to a younger crowd. Creating scripted theatre is a part of what we do, but we also do improv shows and special events like Baconfest. We offer corporate training as well as public classes. We tour to festivals around the world and create online videos here at home. We’re constantly working to reimagine what’s possible for a theatre company. I believe that’s the secret to our success.

Under The Lights ON STAGE THIS MONTH

BOOK OF MORMON

January 12 - 24 The Fox Theatre Tickets (855) 285-8499 FoxTheatre.org/Book

than any melting pot. As the most produced play in regional theater this season, Disgraced has received impassioned audience response for its bold exploration of identity, religion, and class in the complex landscape of 21st century urban America.

THE TOXIC AVENGER

Hailed by The New York Times as "the best musical of this century" and the winner of nine Tony Awards, The Book Of Mormon is the blockbuster Broadway smash from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and the Oscar winning composer of Disney's Frozen and Avenue Q, Bobby Lopez. This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, The Book Of Mormon has truly become an international sensation. The Washington Post says, "It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals." Entertainment Weekly says "Grade A: the funniest musical of all time." Jon Stewart of The Daily Show call sit "a crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry." Contains explicit language.

DISGRACED

January 17 - February 14 Alliance Theatre (404) 733-5000 AllianceTheatre.org/Disgraced

January 29 - March 13 Horizon Theatre (404) 584-7450 HorizonTheatre.com Kicking off Horizon’s 2016 season, The Toxic Avenger, winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical, is a hot toxic love story and laugh-out-loud musical that features an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey mayor and two guys who play bullies, mobsters, old ladies, and stiletto-wearing back-up singers. Melvin Ferd the Third turned Toxic Avenger is here to save New Jersey from toxic waste, clean up his neighborhood, and win the love of the blind librarian. It's a toxic love story with an environmental twist! The Toxic Avenger will leave audiences laughing in the aisles as it rocks the house.

A modern thriller about the stories we tell our friends, the secrets we tell our lovers, and the lies we tell ourselves.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST February 2 - 7 The Fox Theatre Tickets (855) 285-8499 FoxTheatre.org/Beauty

“Breathtaking, raw and blistering…Disgraced packs the punch and power that won it the Pulitzer Prize.” —Associated Press

By AyAd AKhtAr // DirecTeD By SuSAn V. Booth

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a Tony Award nominee for Best Play, Disgraced tells the story of Amir Kapoor, a successful lawyer who is rapidly moving up the corporate ladder while distancing himself from his Muslim roots. When Amir and his wife Emily host a dinner party, friendly conversation quickly explodes into something far deeper and more dangerous. The most produced play in regional theater this season, Disgraced examines an American identity far more complicated

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Based on the Academy Award winning animated feature film, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the ninth longest running musical in Broadway history seen by over 35 million people worldwide.

Winnheer of t Prize ulitzer f o r Dr A

WArD tony mAin e no ePl Ay t S for Be w as $20 o l s a s t ticke January 27–February 14, 2016

Tickets @ 404.733.5000 alliancetheatre.org/disgraced

Tuesday, January 12 // Creative Conversation With playwright Ayad Akhtar and Alliance theatre Jennings hertz Artistic Director Susan V. Booth Free to attend. RSVP at alliancetheatre.org/meetdisgraced Playwright Ayad Akhtar

Series on the Alliance Stage

JAN 29-MAR 13, 2016 EUCLID & AUSTIN AVES. IN LITTLE FIVE POINTS

404.584.7450 • HORIZONTHEATRE.COM

flx

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

insiteatlanta.com • January 2016 • PG 7

Wednesday, January 20

JEWISH ATLANTA TOUR

EVENTS HAPPENING FOR SMALL CHANGE IN ATLANTA

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

Now Open

WORLDS OF PUPPETRY MUSEUM

Center for Puppetry Arts Free Member; $10.50 Non Members puppet.org e Center for Puppetry Arts highly anticipated Worlds of Puppetry Museum is now open. e new museum features the world’s most comprehensive collection of Jim Henson puppets and artifacts, as well as puppets from around the world. See the Jim Henson collection of iconic characters on display including: Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Oscar the Grouch, Bert and Ernie, and many more! All museum ticketing are timed-entry; guests have the option of purchasing allinclusive tickets or museum-only tickets.

Tuesday, January 12

FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION Childrens Museum Of Atlanta childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Target Free Second Tuesday is a special opportunity for the community to bring their children to experience the Museum for free, between the hours of 1 PM and 6 PM.

Friday, January 15

HIGH MUSEUM FRIDAY JAZZ

High Museum of Art $10; Free w/ Membership or with HalfPrice Museum Admission high.org Every third Friday oﬀers live jazz in the High's atrium. Music, drinks and art at a discounted price. January features the smooth sounds of saxophonist and Georgia native Mike Walton, who began playing saxophone at age ten. Seating for Friday Jazz is limited and opens at 6 p.m. Performance from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Breman Museum; Ahavath Achim 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. thebreman.org Join the Historic Jewish Atlanta Tour at Congregation Ahavath Achim. Explore the 130 year history behind the Congregation while touring the inside of the present-day Synagogue. Discover how a handful of congregants turned Ahavath Achim into one of the most important orthodox houses of worship in the South.

January 22 - 23

CALLANWOLDE ARTS FESTIVAL

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center $5 Per Person callanwolde.org e Callanwolde Arts Festival is a two-day indoor festival located in one of the most distinctive historic properties in Atlanta.

is event will feature approximately 86 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalwork, glass artists, jewelers and more. e Festival will also oﬀer artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, plus gourmet food trucks with healthy alternatives and music and dance performances.

Tuesday, January 26

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COLLECTION OPEN HOUSE

Morehouse College, Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 3:00 p.m. morehouse.edu Join the director of the King Collection and the Robert W. Woodruff Library archival staff for an overview of the collection and viewing of selected documents. Viewing begins at 3:00 p.m. Contact Archives Research Center, Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library or at archives@auctr.edu

Monday, January 18

MLK DAY OF SERVICE

Various Venues throughout the city handsonatlanta.org Free Monday, January 18th will be “A Day On Not a Day Oﬀ” and will provide opportunities for community improvement at ﬁve local schools including local community cleanup, raised gardens; as well as an essay challenge in which each school will select the winner of a MLK essay contest to read at the service site on MLK Day. e essay topic will be on Dr. King’s Speech in 1963 and how it still resonates today.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Free Admission Tuesday, January 12 childrensmuseumatlanta.org

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PG 8 • January 2016 • insiteatlanta.com

TOP 10 TV SHOWS OF 2015

HERE WERE 409 SCRIPTED SERIES for television in 2015, a 94% increase on our choices from 2009. Even with 10 honorable mentions below, the 20 shows listed here leave out quite few of our personal favorites. So consider this a Top 10 of the shows that mattered most… and feel free to disagree.

FARGO

Noah Hawley’s imaginative reinvention of the Coen Brothers’ faux-true crime classic earned the top spot on my 2014 list. Somehow he (unlike True Detective’s Nic Pizzolatto) managed to outdo himself in season two. The Sioux Falls Massacre built tension masterfully from overture to crescendo, with bodies stocked so high “you could’ve climbed to the second floor.” Exceptional performances from Patrick Wilson, Jean Smart, Bokeem Woodbine and Kirsten Dunst made this 2015’s most gripping thriller.

MR. ROBOT

Few shows have ever examined the complexity of issues such as social justice, corporate malfeasance and the broad implications of our increasingly technology-reliant culture better than this unsettling USA Network drama. Few actors have ever delivered such chilling, controlled performances as Rami Malek does playing a cybervigilante for an Anonymous-like hacker group called “fsociety.” After the dramatic, dynamic climax, we can’t wait to see where creator Sam Esmail takes it in season two.

MAD MEN

AMC’s first original series had its peaks and valleys over 8 award-winning seasons, but it’s difficult to argue its status as one of the greatest TV dramas ever made. Matthew Weiner’s swan song ended the series on a high note: From Peggy’s sassy strut towards a more liberated future to Don’s moment of Zen (and that iconic Coca-Cola commercial he apparently created as a result), the second half of season 7 provided a beautifully bittersweet end to an era.

GAME OF THRONES

The response to George R.R. Martin’s recent revelation about missing his deadline for The Winds of Winter shows how passionate fans are about the beloved fantasy series. Season 5 was a doozy, from Daenerys’ dragon-back ride out of Meereen and Sansa and Reek’s escape from the abusive Ramsay Bolton to the downfall of Cersei Lannister and the apparent death of Jon Snow at the hands on the Night’s Watch. Season 6 can’t come soon enough.

MARVEL’S JESSICA JONES

Daredevil proved Marvel was ready to move outside the family-friendly comfort zone of its film franchises. Jessica Jones, a sexy noir crime thriller so bleak it’d give Captain America nightmares, goes even darker to tell the story of a superpowered PI who hangs up her cape and turns to the bottle. Krysten Ritter and David Tennant (as her uber-creepy stalker and former captor, a mindcontrolling deviant named Kilgrave) both deserve

serious award consideration. By the end, you’ll be chomping at the bit to see Daredevil, JJ and Luke Cage crossover to become The Defenders.

MASTER OF NONE

Aziz Ansari, coming off a scene-stealing supporting player run on Parks & Rec, established himself as a bona fide star with this offbeat romcom. While charting a relationship’s two-year evolution, the series touches on topics ranging from immigrant families and racial stereotypes to the creative artist’s struggle. Realistic and relatable, it’s a smart, warm, endlessly funny look at what it’s like to come of age, hook up and fall in love during the Uber era.

LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER

Former Daily Show correspondent proved himself heir to Jon Stewart’s abdicated news satire throne with the second season of his acclaimed HBO show. With creative control and freedom to skewer anyone/anything he sees fit, Oliver tackled topics ranging from profit-driven megachurches and the FIFA corruption scandal to the Syrian refugee crisis with a wondrous blend of wit, passion, insight and incredulity. Long may he reign!

THE AMERICANS

Though audiences and Emmy alike continue to ignore one of TV’s most gripping thrillers, the story of Soviet spies living undercover in Reaganera America continues to build nerve-wracking dramatic tension. The order to indoctrinate their born-again daughter (Holly Taylor) into the family business added tension to the relationship between Elizabeth and Philip (Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, both amazing). Season 3 deserved to garner a much bigger audience.

EMPIRE (SEASON ONE)

Sure, season two has gone off the rails, focusing too much on the soap and not enough on the opera. But season drew direct influence from The Lion in Winter and elements of Jay-Z’s life, coming off like a hip-hop twist on Dallas with just a dash of King Lear. As Cookie Lyon, the great Taraji Henson proved herself to be TV’s fiercest diva. But Jussie Smollett’s star-making musical performances made him the show’s biggest surprise.

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FEB. 10 – 15

ASH VS. EVIL DEAD

The Walking Dead started with a bang, but by mid-season began to whimper. This undead romp from director Sam Raimi never lets its foot off the gas. Bruce Campbell’s Ash remains as quick with a smart-ass quip as he is with a chainsaw, providing levity to lighten up the horror. Raimi seems reinvigorated by this return to his cult classic, with inventive camera work and impressive effects. The show’s biggest drawback is airing on Starz: If it were on AMC or FX, it’d be a campy smash.

FEB. 18 – 28

Buy Tickets (Atlanta): Ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Office Buy Tickets (Duluth): InfiniteEnergyCenter.com • 770-626-2464 • Venue Box Office

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BY BRET LOVE

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HONORABLE MENTIONS

Better Call Saul, Black-ish, Hannibal, Inside Amy Schumer, The Jinx, Last Man on Earth, Parks & Recreation, Silicon Valley, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Walking Dead

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More info at www.cinemoms.com insiteatlanta.com • January 2016 • PG 9

THEATER

ALVIN AILEY RETURNS TO ATLANTA An Interview With Dancer Daniel Harder

BY BRET LOVE

EW DANCE companies carry the worldwide name recognition of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. And even fewer dance works boast the influential artistic legacy of Ailey’s Revelations, which the New York Times hailed as “modern dance’s unquestionable greatest hit.” 2011 brought two significant milestones in the Ailey company’s history, marking both the 50th anniversary of Revelations and the end of legendary choreographer Judith Jamison’s tenure as Artistic Director. We recently spoke with Daniel Harder, a dancer who joined the Ailey company a year before Jamison’s retirement, to get some perspective on the company’s past, present and future under current Artistic Director Robert Battle. How did you originally get involved with the Alvin Ailey company? I grew up in Maryland and went to a performing arts high school. I started dancing around age 14 or 15. After graduating from high school, I went to Ailey’s program with Fordham University. After graduating from the BFA program, I spent a year with Ailey II, which is our second company. I auditioned for

the main company in 2010 and was accepted, and have now been with the company for six years.

the touch to Robert Battle, our current artistic director.

How has it been working under Robert Battle What do you think sets the Alvin Ailey Dance these last four years? Company apart from other companies that Working underneath both of them has truly you’ve seen? been a pleasure. I know Mr. Battle is wanting to Mr. Ailey always wanted his dancers to continue honoring the past, bringing in works be a reflection of the audience. So therefore that reflect what is going on currently, but also when you’re coming to an Ailey looking to expand his vision and performance, you’re getting an what the company is capable of by ALVIN AILEY looking at what the future might experience that is going to touch AMERICAN DANCE the human spirit. You’re going to hold. That’s great, because the THEATRE be able to look on stage and see a company constantly feeds me as a FEBRUARY 10 – 14 reflection of yourself, a reflection dancer. Not only by being able to FOX THEATRE of experiences you’ve had or can wear so many different hats because relate to. Not to take anything we have a very diverse repertory, FOXTHEATRE.ORG away from other companies, but also artistically. It gives you a but some people can’t relate to chance to be different characters being a swan. With our company, you have a and to explore different facets of yourself. chance to look up and see a plethora of human experiences, and I think that is what sets the How would you describe Robert’s Ailey Company apart. choreographic style? What makes his work unique for you as a dancer? You joined the company during the final years What I love about Mr. Battle’s choreography of Judith Jamison’s tenure as Artistic Director. is that it is very physically demanding and Can you talk about Judith’s influence? athletic, but there is also a vulnerable quality I was lucky enough to be one of the last four to it. Whether it be No Longer Silent, a work dancers that Ms. Jamison hired in her last he created at the Julliard School that deals with season. Working with Ms. Jamison, there’s such different images that Mr. Battle was inspired a deep understanding of the history and the by in the holocaust, or his new work that just legacy of the work. But there’s also this idea premiered in New York, Awakening, which of continuing to pass the torch, be it to the has a very ritualistic quality. There is always dancers, through the work that she brought in a sense of community within Robert’s work. for the company, and even with the passing of That is something I love, because it allows us as

dancers to hone in on what we’re being asked to do but also to tap into the other people on the stage. That’s a great experience to have. It is never about self. His work balances strength and sensitivity in equal measure. Can you tell me a few details about the program you’ll be performing at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta? This season we have several new works, including Awakening. We have a new work by Ron Brown, who has choreographed 6-7 different pieces for the Ailey Company. He has a new work set to Afro-Cuban jazz music, titled Open Door. We also have new productions of Alvin Ailey’s Blue Suite, which was his first choreographic work, as well as his solo piece, Cry, which was performed by Ms. Judith Jamison. We have a lot of different things going on this season that I’m really excited to bring to Atlanta.

WATCHING FROM A DIFFERENT LENS Actress Emily Tarver Learns to Let Her Freak Flag Fly

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

F YOU DON’T SKIP COMMERCIALS you’ve seen her in those quirky Havertys furniture commercials or in ads for Lowe’s, Xfinity or AT&T. She was in the raucous new Tina Fey/Amy Poehler vehicle “Sisters” as well as the NBC/USA Network’s “Donny!”. And later this summer she joins the season four cast of Orange Is The New Black via Netflix. You recognize the face, now remember her name: Emily Tarver. During a holiday visit to her parents’ home in Georgia, the Texas-bred, Brooklyn-based actress spoke at length with INsite. How did the whole “Donny!” show happen? [Legendary adman Donny Deutsch] wanted to break into the whole comedy/sitcom world. He didn’t want to do a reality show, so he came up with the idea of a show within-a-show with a Dr. Phil-type character. It was definitely Donny’s brainchild originally. Since it’s his concept, it’s refreshing to see that he’s not afraid to look foolish in it. I think, for whatever reason, he likes to be put in his place. He likes to be pushed around by strong women. He likes to be the butt of the joke. I think people who have true confidence, which he for sure does, don’t have the fear of looking stupid. How does the real Donny differ from his onscreen character? PG 10 • January 2016 • insiteatlanta.com

On the show he’s a buffoon who is always putting his foot in his mouth and Donny does that off-screen sometimes too. He just says exactly what’s on his mind and I think he realizes that can get him in trouble sometimes. And a lot of the time he’s right, and it’s coming from a lifetime of knowledge and experience.

It’s a good time for comedy on TV and a great time for women in comedy, especially. When you’re looking at human experiences, of course women are funny. Regardless of genitalia, people are funny. Your latest film “Sisters” is a good example. Written by [SNL alum] Paula Pell and starring the two hottest women in comedy, a true powerhouse team. They share a kind of yin/yang sense of humor that complements each other so well. In many ways, they really are sisters. Seeing them read each other’s minds was a cool thing to witness. With the cast so stocked with trained improvisational actors, was there any room to sort of play with the script a bit? It’s interesting because when I went to the audition, I improvised a lot. And then when I got to set, as much as I’ve done and as confident as I am on set, I was really intimidated. I just wanted to do a good job. So I was afraid to do what I did in the audition. I was afraid to improvise. My nightmare

would’ve been them going, “Can you just stick to the script, idiot?!” So how do you see it now? When I watch the scene, I know there were a million things in my head that would’ve been funny but I was afraid. I was holding back because I wanted to do the right thing - or what I thought was the right thing. But next time will be different, I won’t be afraid to “let my freak flag fly.” And people are going to totally recognize you from that one scene. It’s weird that scene not only made the trailer but every time they’re doing late-night shows or Ellen, they’re showing that scene. I’ve seen the movie three times in the theater and there’s so much other stuff that I think is as good or better. I don’t know why they picked up on that scene but I couldn’t be more happy about that. You go way back with Amy from the Upright Citizens Brigade but did know Tina before the shoot? Yeah, I saw Amy every night for four years at the UCB theater. I’d never met Tina before and I was thinking, “Oh God, please let this person be as kind and wonderful as I think she is.” And she was the most humble like, “Oh, I suck at this right now. I hate what I’m doing.” She’s just so perfect and funny. They’re both awesome.

Was moving to New York from Texas a bit of a culture shock for you? Something bigger than me made me move to New York. I just was so not afraid at all. It made me a stronger version of myself. How did your parents react? They were really scared. They’re realists. “You know the odds are so hard-core against you that you could actually succeed at this.” And I was like, “Yes I do know that, but the odds are that hard for anybody to succeed. And people succeed. So if it’s possible for one human, then why not me?” And now [twelve years later] I’m still there, and looking forward to a new year with new opportunities! Donny! airs Tuesday nights on USA.

COMEDY

A NEW KING OF MEDIA

Sebastian Maniscalo is Really Making a Name for Himself

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

from him. Growing up, I could never even take a nap on the couch because he’d come home and go, “What did you do today?!”

ORGET HOWARD STERN, THE new king of all media - circa January 2016 at least - is Sebastian Maniscalco. And unlike a lot of today’s comics, your act While he’s not exactly a household name tends to be family-friendly. yet, the Chicago-bred comic has a full slate I like blue or dirty humor as much as the of multi-platform events scheduled this next person, however I don’t live that life. I year. In addition to graduating from comedy don’t do drugs or whatever. I only talk about clubs to theater-sized venues, he has roles what I know, real experiences that happen in three upcoming movies, his own social to me. It just so happens that usually those media hashtag, a week-long run at the experiences are PG. Beacon Theater in May, I ONLY TALK ABOUT WHAT I There’s definitely a an NBC development deal for a sitcom based KNOW, REAL EXPERIENCES Seinfeld influence on his life and a humor there. And you’ve THAT HAPPEN TO ME. book scheduled just did a for publication this Comedians in Cars fall. Not bad for a with him. comic who started It was surreal, out as a waiter at man. This is a guy the Four Seasons in I grew up watching Beverly Hills and first and here I’m goin’ played Atlanta at the out for a cuppa now-defunct Funny coffee with him! It Farm a decade ago. was like a Johnny Maniscalco spoke with Carson moment, INsite the day after you know? We shooting an episode spent four or five of Jerry Seinfeld’s hours together and Comedians In Cars the car he picked Getting Coffee. for me was a 1969 Z-28 Camaro, You’re on a great orange with a white trajectory from racing stripe. It playing the Improv was crazy. a year ago to the middle slot at the What’s the process Oddball Festival last for a show like summer to headlining that? The Tabernacle this It was a little month. nerve-racking at It’s my immigrant first. We get in the Italian work ethic. JANUARY 23 • Tabernacle car, and there’s It’s from my father tabernacleatl.com cameras and crew constantly breathing all over and there’s down my neck! I’ve a police escort. He been doin’ this for 18 years now, poundin’ said at the very beginning it was going to be the pavement and shakin’ hands and kissin’ a little tense having all these people around babies. Now that I’m going into the theaters us, but after a while it was just like me and there’s a lot of pressure to sell out. It’s a him out for a drive. challenge but I’m having a ball doing it.

SEBASTIAN MANISCALO

Your style of comedy is definitely a throwback to the vintage Tonight Show style. I kinda feel like I’m an old soul. I grew up with Sammy Davis, Jr. and Frank Sinatra, the classy guys who just presented themselves that way. For people who haven’t seen your act tell us a little bit about it. It’s about being brought up in this immigrant family with their values and morals and beliefs. But wherever you come from, I think everybody can relate to having a father and a mother who were kind of overbearing and I definitely find the humor in it. Your dad’s work ethic is a major theme of your act. It’s the typical American dream. He came here with nothing and started a business at 15 and now he’s 70. He cuts hair for a living. This guy’s gonna die behind that chair; he’s never retiring. I definitely get my work ethic

Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!

And like Seinfeld’s new residency at the Beacon, you have a long run coming up there as well. We’re shooting a special there on May 7. At first we just put two shows on sale and now we’re up to seven! My father was like, “What are you doing?! You’re gonna kill yourself!” Seinfeld is doing a residency there once a month this year and ironically enough, he’s performing on the Thursday before I perform there on Friday. You’re currently working on a show for NBC. Could it be on the air by this fall? If we move fast enough I think we could get that on by fall. But if not it’s OK, because in this business one door closes and another door opens. Right now standup comedy comes first and my book will be coming out in maybe November, so who knows? It would be great if the TV show could come out around the same time as the book. Now you sound like my father!

Atlanta’s Favorite Pizza!

Multiple Atlanta Locations: JohnnysPizza.com insiteatlanta.com • January 2016 • PG 11

MOVIES

Movie Reviews STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS (PG-13)

1/2 If you’ve waited this long for my review before deciding whether to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens, I appreciate your misplaced loyalty; but you’re an idiot. This is the movie lovers of the original trilogy have been waiting for, suffering through the Jar Jar Binks years (a.k.a. the prequel trilogy) in the interim. It combines the best of the old, including much of the original cast, with new heroes, villains and robots. Director/cowriter J.J. Abrams, who is George Lucas on steroids, might have called this episode “The Search for Luke,” hinting at a long-range plan for the Stars to align in a crossover between the Wars/Trek universes. In the meantime the MacGuffin here is a map to the location of decades-in-exile Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). His sister Leia (Carrie Fisher), now a general, is searching for him. The First Order, which has replaced the Empire as arch villain, wants to find him first and kill him. Caught up in the action are scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), deserting Stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega); Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), “the best pilot in existence”; and new cute robot BB-8. On the dark side is Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), a Darth Vader-wannabe of surprising ancestry. Oh, and Han Solo (Harrison Ford) is still around, with his faithful sidekick Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew). Despite getting top billing, Ford could be a surprise nominee for Best Supporting Actor. The 3D is OK but not a major asset, but in any number of dimensions this reawakening of the Force brings back the original sense of awe and wonder to thrill old fans and enchant the – er, Next Generation. –Steve Warren

THE BIG SHORT (R)

 They should give college credit for watching The Big Short, a genius movie you have to be a genius to appreciate fully. It’s more difficult than the Econ 101 course I flunked in college, but worth seeing for whatever you can get out of it. Just don’t expect to turn off your mind and relax. It’s perfect counterprogramming for the purely visceral The Revenant. The subject is the financial collapse of 2008 and those who profited from it while the rest of us lost whatever fortunes we had. Christian Bale plays eccentric Dr. Michael Burry, who forecasts the bursting of the housing bubble in 2005 and bets against the mortgages banks are bundling into dubious bonds. Mark Baum (Steve Carell) reaches the same conclusion from a standpoint of skepticism. Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt and countless others are involved – too many for most of us to understand who they are and what they do when we’re already dealing with information overload, despite occasional attempts to dumb things down by having cameoing celebrities explain things.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

(Anthony Bourdain compares subprime loans to three-day-old halibut that works in a stew.) If the details are fuzzy the conclusion is clear: the banks and other financial companies engaged in outright fraud and a lot of people should have gone to jail. It’s not quite a comedy but there’s plenty of irony on view, and it should leave you with the desire to purchase investments the way Concussion makes you want to play football. –Steve Warren

CONCUSSION

 Ten years ago, it may not have been a big deal. But in this current climate of concussionconscious football, Cleveland Browns QB Johnny Manziel not showing up for his post-head injury examination on January 3 was headline-making news. The Browns organization, its fans and anyone else who’s half paid attention to ESPN over the past decade know how serious head injuries are. Dr. Bennett Omalu (Will Smith) is the central reason why you care. As the movie reveals, the Pittsburgh coroner is a brilliant, caring man who takes his time with autopsies, often listening to Teddy Pendergrass in his headphones and asking dead bodies to help him figure out exactly how they died. When the corpse of Mike Webster, a beloved Pittsburgh Steeler whose head injuries drove him to suicide in 2002, comes to Dr. Omalu’s table, the weathered brain reveals that something was very wrong. “God did not intend for us to play football,” says Dr. Omalu when he finally gets a grasp of what chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is. As you’d expect, the NFL isn’t terribly excited about the discoveries, so the imposing corporation starts to make the doctor’s world a living hell. Outside of a hard-toswallow Nigerian accent, Will Smith carries the emotional burden of it all pretty well. He gets help in the David vs. Goliath fight from Alec Baldwin, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Albert Brooks. Sadly, none of that has aided Concussion much at the box office. Who knew folks would rather watch football than a movie about football’s downside? But this pseudo autobiography needs to be seen. Here’s hoping Dr. Omalu’s courageous story gets a second chance at life on cable. –DeMarco Williams

CAROL (R)

 I hate the end of the year, when so many good films arrive with advance awards and acclaim that great films would be hard-pressed to live up to. Not having seen them at the Sundance, Cannes, Toronto or Venice festivals, I find it hard to modulate expectations to avoid disappointment. One victim is Carol, which I saw days after it won four New York Film Critics awards. It’s perfectly fine, but not that good.

CAROL

It also suffers in comparison to director Todd Haynes’ previous 1950s melodrama, Far from Heaven. Carol (Cate Blanchett) is a pampered housewife being divorced by her husband (Kyle Chandler) because she’s had a long affair with her friend since girlhood (Sarah Paulson). Though Carol’s main concern is at least partial custody of their four-year-old daughter, during her 1952 Christmas shopping she can’t help falling in love with Therese (Rooney Mara), a naïve shopgirl who can’t quite seem to get interested in the men who pursue her. Considering how hard it is for out lesbians to win custody fights today in some places, Carol’s decision to be true to herself, while winning cheers from the audience, is probably foolhardy. Though beautifully filmed with a vaguely “early ‘50s” production design, Carol is filled with anachronisms (e.g., the telephones, filter-tip cigarettes and a mention of “stereophonic radio”) for the specific time involved. If this tale of midcentury modern love could have been filmed in 1952, Lizabeth Scott and Jean Simmons might have played the leads; but there wouldn’t have been a love scene and they would have had to die in the end. –Steve Warren

JOY (PG-13)

1/2 David O. Russell’s string of hits had to end sometime. Joy is the true-ish story of the young woman who invented a self-wringing mop with a washable head. Her story is interesting and largely well-told, but it gets lost amid too many stories the movie tries to tell. The flashbackheavy first half-hour introduces Joy (Jennifer Lawrence) and her: grandmother (Diane Ladd), agoraphobic mother (Virginia Madsen), father (Robert De Niro) and his second ex-wife, exhusband (Edgar Ramirez), half-sister, childhood friend and two children. Most have their own subplots. Joy’s ex-husband lives in her basement, as does her father, until he finds a new girlfriend. She’s played by Isabella Rossellini, who seems to have brought her character with her from a David Lynch movie. Her very specific mention of a gun breaks the Chekhov Rule about not introducing a firearm into a plot unless you intend to use it. It’s a red herring, as is the sexual tension-inducing presence of Bradley Cooper as the head of the QVC network, where Joy’s mop takes flight. When he has only five minutes to spare, Cooper uses most of it to tell his life story. As if there weren’t enough plots to follow, there’s also a soap starring Susan Lucci that Joy’s mother watches 24/7. It doesn’t get as sudsy as Joy. I can watch Jennifer Lawrence in anything; but between this, Serena and the Hunger Games finale, 2015 was her three dog year. –Steve Warren

DADDY’S HOME (PG-13) 1/2 PG 12 • January 2016 • insiteatlanta.com

The dad v. stepdad premise of Daddy’s Home is well established in the trailer, where most of the jokes are given away too. There are still a few good ones left, including a fertility clinic scene (with shades of Boogie Nights!) that refutes the film being sold as a family comedy. Brad (Will Ferrell) has been married to Sara (Linda Cardellini) for eight months and is beginning to make inroads toward acceptance by her two young children – which means a lot to him because he can’t have kids of his own and really wants to be a father. Then the kids’ real dad, Dusty (Mark Wahlberg) returns in hopes of another chance. What starts as an undeclared war between the men is eventually declared. Brad loses all the battles (Spoiler alert: Wahlberg’s in good shape) but you can never doubt who will win the war. As if Brad wasn’t firmly established in the first two minutes, his dorkiness is reaffirmed by his job at a “smooth jazz” radio station. (Don’t worry – you don’t have to listen to much of the music.) If you don’t know that some men have the parenting gene and some don’t, Daddy’s Home will be a revelation for you. If you do it will be an intermittently amusing movie that largely wastes some good talent. –Steve Warren

THE HATEFUL EIGHT (R)

1/2 If you’ve loved any of Quentin Tarantino’s first seven films you won’t hate The Hateful Eight. It’s pure, excessive, ultra-violent, politically incorrect Tarantino. The plot is a season of Survivor as scripted by Agatha Christie and set in post-Civil War Wyoming. In this twistory a blizzard strands the passengers from two stagecoaches in the period version of a truck stop. Included are bounty hunters Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell and Russell’s prisoner, Jennifer Jason Leigh. Jackson has three dead bodies to collect for but Russell likes to watch his catches hang. Besides Jackson, a former slave turned Union officer, there are two Confederate veterans (Bruce Dern, Walton Goggins), a Brit (Tim Roth) and a Mexican (Demian Bichir). Cowpoke Michael Madsen is the eight guest. Unfortunately it’s not National Brotherhood Week. No one trusts anyone else. Everyone has their grudges, prejudices and agendas, so alliances form and shift; there are more conspiracy theories than in an Oliver Stone film festival. There’s also plenty of humor, Tarantinostyle. (Sometimes I was the only person in the theater laughing out loud.) I couldn’t tell whether Russell was trying to imitate John Wayne or trying not to, but everyone’s fine, with Leigh and Goggins doing career-best work. Tarantino’s eight film. Eight actors listed above the title. But the story’s only broken into six chapters. Why not eight? Go figure. –Steve Warren

THE REVENANT

FILM

2015 YEAR IN MOVIES

Several Great Films You May Have Missed BY STEVE WARREN

THE REVENANT (R)

 Few if any actors have endured what Leonardo DiCaprio does in The Revenant, but is endurance the same as acting? Likewise, The Revenant is an endurance test for viewers, but is endurance the same as entertainment? I’m afraid this is one of those films I admired but can’t say I enjoyed. I’m not sorry I saw it but there’s no one on my speed dial I would call and say, “Dude, you’ve got to see this!” This American frontier survival/ revenge drama begins with natives attacking explorers in a breathtaking scene of 360-degree action, wherever Emmanuel Lubezki swings his formidable camera. (An Oscar threepeat is predicted for the cinematographer of Gravity and Birdman.) Soon Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) is mauled by a bear in a scene that had me wondering how they got insurance when they shot it. Eventually John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy) tries to put Glass out of his misery; he leaves him for dead and kills his son. But Glass isn’t dead. Though barely able to move initially, he drags himself through the snow on Fitzgerald’s trail, with more heavy breathing than in a porno. The Revenant is brilliantly done – another feather in the cap of director Alejandro González Iñárritu - but painful to watch. Still, I may buy the DVD if it includes an explanation of how they shot scenes like the bear attack and one in which a horse jumps off a cliff, tossing its rider into a tree. –Steve Warren

SISTERS (R)

1/2 There are enough current and former SNLers in Sisters that you may mistake it for a twohour sketch that didn’t make the show, without the language being bleeped. If you enjoy it in a theater you’ll want to see it again at home to hear the rest. I missed a lot of jokes because of the audience laughing and the woman behind me repeating her favorite lines at full volume, drowning out the next two or three lines in the process. Maura (Amy Poehler) and Kate (Tina Fey) play the title roles. They’re devastated when they learn their parents (James Brolin and Dianne Wiest) are selling the house they grew up in. Well, Maura grew up; Kate, not so much. Although the house has to be in perfect condition for the new owners, the sisters decide to throw one last blast for their old friends, to show that “double21s” can still party. Kate also decides a neighbor, James (Ike Barinholtz), is the man Maura needs because she’s been too busy helping others to have a life herself. (The role seems to have been written for Mark Wahlberg but Barinholtz is a fair substitute.) Maya Rudolph plays the designated party pooper, Bobby Moynihan the obnoxious clown. The picture could have been half an hour shorter but then it might not have set a record for penis, vagina and anus jokes. Melissa McCarthy, the gauntlet has been thrown down. –Steve Warren

THE DANISH GIRL (R)

 Before Caitlyn Jenner, even before Christine

Jorgensen, there was Lili Elbe, recipient of the first recorded gender transition surgery. Her story, reaching the screen at a time when the topic is trending, gives Eddie Redmayne a shot at his second consecutive Oscar. He starts out as Einar Wegener. In Copenhagen in 1926 he’s been married for six years to fellow artist Gerda (Alicia Vikander, also possibly Oscar-bound, though her lead performance is being pushed as supporting). He paints landscapes, she paints people. Einar finds he enjoys wearing his wife’s clothing when she has him act as body double for a female model. He gets so in touch with his feminine side that it becomes a separate, dominant personality, and Lili starts appearing in public. Then it’s just a matter of meeting a surgeon with a revolutionary idea. In terms of educating the public on a subject we’re all still learning about, the film may make it too easy to accept the initial diagnosis that Einar has a “chemical imbalance” and is mentally ill; but like Gerda, who never knows who she’ll come home to, we love him/her, even at their worst. The acting of the leads is brilliant and the well-chosen locations compete with them for our attention. Director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech, Les Misérables) affirms his place as king of the period pieces. –Steve Warren

ANOMALISA (R)

 Some people will want to see it for the puppet porn, and you probably don’t want to sit next to them. Others will want to see it because Charlie Kaufman, writer of Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, is back in form after several disappointments (well, some people liked Eternal Sunshine...) capped by his directorial debut, Synechdoche, New York. He wrote this one based on his own play, and co-directed it (with Duke Johnson) in stop-motion animation. Much of it deals with such mundane matters it’s hyper-real – a lot of it takes place in what looks like a hotel room I stayed in recently – yet with at least a little bit of a twist. While Jennifer Jason Leigh has been praised for her vocal performance in the title role, the real star is Tom Noonan, who plays all the characters but (Anoma)Lisa (JJL) and Michael Stone (David Thewlis). That everyone, male and female, young and old, sounds the same is intentional, but Noonan manages to give each character some personality without changing his voice. Stone is a customer service expert in Cincinnati to speak at a conference. He’s got emotional problems he tries to solve by looking up an old girlfriend who holds a grudge about the way he dumped her, then by starting something with a new woman who feels undervalued. I won’t reveal anymore, not for fear of spoilers but because you may find out I didn’t understand it. Come for the puppet porn, stay for the psychological insights; leave the kids at home. Oh, and try the chili. –Steve Warren See the rest of our movie reviews at insiteatlanta.com/movies.asp

The Martian

NLY THREE FILMS ON INSITE’S Top Ten list this year are also in the Ten Best of the Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA). Five received no votes from the other 54 members and one received only one other vote. However, this year there definitely diamonds to be found in the rough. Several of our favorites weren’t widely reviewed due to only playing a week or two at art houses in a few cities. Others opened early in the year and were forgotten by most at the end. See this as an opportunity to discover some films you missed the first time around. 2015 SEFCA TOP 10

1. SPOTLIGHT 2. MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 3. ROOM 4. BROOKLYN 5. CAROL 6. THE BIG SHORT 7. THE MARTIAN 8. INSIDE OUT 9. BRIDGE OF SPIES 10. TRUMBO

Now here’s my list. Google the titles you don’t recognize and check out some undiscovered gems. 2015 INSITE TOP 10

1. THE MARTIAN 2. STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS 3. SPOTLIGHT 4. LISTEN TO ME MARLON 5. BRIDGE OF SPIES 6. THE CUT 7. WHEN MARNIE WAS THERE 8. THE HATEFUL EIGHT 9. OUR BRAND IS CRISIS 10. PAPER TOWNS

SECOND TEN (listed Alphabetically) Brooklyn, The Danish Girl, Good Kill, Human Capital (Il capitale umano), Love & Mercy, 99 Homes, Room, The Salvation, Straight Outta Compton, Woman in Gold BEST ACTOR 1. Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl Runners-Up: Mark Ruffalo, Infinitely Polar Bear; Jake Gyllenhaal, Southpaw BEST ACTRESS 1. Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn Runners-Up: Sandra Bullock, Our Brand Is Crisis; Brie Larson, Room

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR 1. Michael Shannon, 99 Homes Runners-Up: Jacob Tremblay, Room; Paul Dano, Love & Mercy BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS 1. Cara Delevingne, Paper Towns Runners-Up: Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight; Alicia Vikander, Ex Machina BEST ENSEMBLE 1. Spotlight Runners-Up: Brooklyn, Straight Outta Compton BEST DIRECTOR 1. Tom McCarthy, Spotlight Runners-Up: Ridley Scott, The Martian; Steven Spielberg, Bridge of Spies BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY 1. Spotlight: Tom McCarthy Runners-Up: 99 Homes: Ramin Bahrani; The Hateful Eight: Quentin Tarantino BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY 1. Steve Jobs: Aaron Sorkin Runners-Up: Room: Emma Donoghue; Carol: Phyllis Nagy BEST DOCUMENTARY 1. Listen to Me Marlon Runners-Up: 3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets; Amy BEST FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM 1. The Cut Runners-Up: Human Capital (Il capitale umano), The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared BEST ANIMATED FILM 1. When Marnie Was There Runners-Up: Anomalisa, Shaun the Sheep Movie BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY 1. Victoria: Sturla Brandth Grøvlen Runners-Up: The Revenant: Emmanuel Lubezki; Room: Danny Cohen

Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn

WORST TEN 1. Serena 2. Jupiter Ascending 3. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. 4. Nasty Baby 5. Results 6. Pan 7. Entertainment 8. Aloft 9. A Little Chaos 10. Fifty Shades of Grey insiteatlanta.com • January 2016 • PG 13

Winter Guide

& Roll Race Winter Beer Fest Valentines in the Garden Shamrock Atlantic Station Central Park Masquerade - January 30; Session 1: Atlanta Botanical Garden - Feb. 13

EVENTS

1pm - 5pm; Session 2: 7pm - 11pm atlantawinterbeerfest.com

Dr. King Celebrations

Morehouse College Friday, January 17 -29 morehouse.edu

Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King at Morehouse College this month. e college will present a wealth of forums, musical celebrations and day service activities. Events begin with a Community-wide Interfaith Harmony March and Rally on Sunday, January 17. Monday, Jan. 18 oﬀers a “Day Of Service”. Georgia Rep. John Lewis will speak ursday evening Jan. 21 at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center. At 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26 the University Center Library is holding an Open House opening up their archives of over 13,000 historical documents and artifacts. For more information visit Morehouse.edu

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Opening Night: Tuesday January 26 Festival: January 26 - February 17 ajff.org

e Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF), returns for the 16th year January 26 with the Opening Night Gala and film held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. is year’s screening will be the t h r i l l e r Remember, from Oscar-nominated director Atom Egoyan and starring Oscar-winners Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau. e festival continues at various theatres around Atlanta through February 17 with films offering romance, comedy, action, and adventure. ese films take you around the world and through time. Visit AJFF.org for film schedule.

Don’t miss the Atlanta Winter Beer Fest now in its 6th year. ey will have over 100 beers to sample, including many new local breweries from Atlanta and Georgia. ere will also be a small selection of wines and ciders. Enjoy Live Music on multiple stages, DJ and more. Additional fun and games will be on hand. Visit AtlantaWinterBeerFest.com.

Oyster Festival Park Tavern, February 13; 1pm - 11pm

parktavern.com

The Oyster Festival is a day long event that features live music from local bands, DJs, cold beer and other tasty beverages and tons of fresh raw, steamed, and fried oysters with plenty of cocktail sauce and crackers. Not an oyster lover? Indulge in their delicious fried shrimp and yummy french fries. Tickets include admission into the event and entertainment (bands and DJs). Food and beverage not included with ticket price. SpiralEntertainment.com

Ringling Bros. Circus Philips Arena Feb. 10 - 15 PhilipsArena.com

Infinite Energy Center Feb 18 - 28 infiniteenergycenter.com

atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Enjoy an elegant evening of music, dancing, cocktails, desserts and orchids at the most romantic spot in Atlanta. Take a stroll through the tropical conservatories, sample heart-melting treats from the city's top caterers, sip specialty cocktails from cash bars, dance to live music. Guests also receive a free long stemmed rose while supplies last.

North Atlanta Home Show

Infinite Energy Center Feb 19 - 21 atlantahomeshow.com

Remodel, Repair, Refresh at the 19th Annual North Atlanta Home Show is the largest Home Show in Gwinnett. More than 150 companies will be displaying the latest in home improvement products and services. Take advantage of one-stop comparison shopping for everything for your home, inside and out and talk face to face with hundreds of experts on the latest home remodeling.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey brings the unbelievable to children of all ages in an all-new show Circus Xtreme! Experience unimaginable family fun, as amazing performers from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder. Be astonished by circus performances never seen before.

March 6 jlatlanta.org

The Junior League of Atlanta welcomes runners of all ages to take part and also welcome walkers, dog walkers and strollers. The Shamrock ‘n Roll Road Race features a family-friendly 5k, 10k, and Belk Kids Fun Run 1k for little runners. Participants will also enjoy postrace festivities including food, beverages, and sponsor booths and activities.

Atlanta Intl. Auto Show

Georgia Dome March 9 - 13 goautoshow.com

Annual showcase of over 400 new 2016 import and domestic cars, light trucks, vans and sports utility vehicles. There will be factory and dealer Representatives on hand to answer questions. Come view a wide variety of styles: luxury cars, economy cars, family cars, sports cars, hybrids, electric vehicles, convertibles, limited production cars.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Peachtree St. in Midtown, Atlanta

March 12 atlantastpats.com

Polar Plunge

Special Olympics of GA Lake Lanier Saturday, February 20, 11AM - 3PM specialolympicsga.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 18

Be “Freezin’ For A Reason!” The Polar Plunge is the Special Olympics largest fundraiser. Participants collect pledges in exchange for the opportunity to jump into icy waters of Lake Lanier. All proceeds collected by Plungers will benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Georgia. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume, highest fundraiser, highest fundraising team, and more.

MonsterEnergySupercross

Georgia Dome - February 27 supercrossonline.com

Monster Energy Supercross comes back to the Georgia Dome on Saturday, February 27. Be amazed by their high-flying action and feel the excitement as the stars of Supercross show off their best moves, most breathtaking stunts, and battle it out for the top spot. The events feature the very best in motorcross entertainment and racing.

Monster Jam Georgia Dome - March 5 monsterjam.com

Featuring all your favorites including: Alien Invasion, Dragon, Bounty Hunter, Grave Digger, Jester, Monster Mutt, Rottweiler, Scooby-Doo and more. PG 14 • January 2016 • insiteatlanta.com

2016

Celebrate Georgia’s rich Irish heritage at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Featuring floats, bands of every kind, military units, bagpipe & drum corps, thousands of children, Irish dancers, and more. The parade begins at noon Saturday, March 12, Peachtree Street at Woodruff Arts Center, and proceeds down Peachtree ending at 5th street. For additional information, visit stpatsparadeatlanta.com.

Georgia Marathon

Centennial Olympic Park March 20 georgiamarathon.com

The 2016 Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon will host more than 16,000 runners and head through some of the most noteworthy and historic areas in greater Atlanta, including Piedmont Park, and the start and finish area in Centennial Olympic Park.

Atlanta Film Festival Several Atlanta Theatres

April 1 - 10 atlantafilmfestival.com

The Atlanta Film Festival celebrates the best in independent filmmaking. The festival shows a diverse range of independent films, including genre films in horror and sci-fi. The historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta's Poncey-Highland area and 7 Stages Theatre in Little 5 Points have served as the festival's primary venues.

START THE NEW YEAR LOOKING GOOD! presents New Year specials at Unit 2 Fitness, Urban Body Fitness and Knuckleup.

4540 Roswell Rd. (404) 339- KICK Knuckleupfitness.com

500 Amsterdam Ave. (404) 885-1499 urbanbodyfitness.com

As a perennial Best Of Atlanta winner, KnuckleUp Fitness is an alternative fitness club that combines traditional gym services such as Kickboxing and Indoor Cycling with Muay Thai and Mixed Martial arts classes. Their state of the art gyms offer great sparring and sports training. Their mission is to provide members with personalized attention and an array of fitness options. It is ideal for those who want to get into shape but are bored or uninspired by traditional workouts. While the Ponce location is still on the Beltline, Urban Body Fitness’s location on Amsterdam offers access to Piedmont Park. UBF is much more than a traditional gym. In addition to offering free weights, machines, cardio, boot camp, aerobics and spin classes, amenities include: shampoo/body wash in the showers, Q-tips, Kleenex, mouthwash, free towel service and a fresh pot of gourmet coffee going all day! The no hassle workout space is welcoming to everyone.

Station Control

2015 BREAKOUT PERFORMANCES BY BENJAMIN CARR TARAJI P. HENSON

Kristen Dunst in Fargo

How is it possible that 12 months ago we had not yet met Cookie Lyon? From her first episode, Henson sauntered out of prison, into Empire and changed viewers’ lives for the better with her badass matriarch on the hit Fox soap opera. Henson - already an Oscar nominee - managed to snag an Emmy nomination for best actress in a drama, though she lost out to How to Get Away With Murder’s equally worthy Viola Davis. Cookie was perhaps the most watchable, quotable, fun character of the entire year.

ROBERT DURST

The best show of the year was a documentary with millionaire Durst’s life of alleged crime at the center of it, but his interview at the center of the six-episode HBO series The Jinx comes across like a bravura performance of a master manipulator. Accused of multiple murders, he steps in front of the cameras to tell his side of the story and comes across like a man with a lot to hide, trying to get away with murder.

KIRSTEN DUNST

The film actress, known for Spider-Man, Bring It On and Melancholia, took on the lead role in the second season of FX’s Fargo. And she was a total revelation. Holding her own against heavyweight performers like Ted Danson, Jean Smart and Patrick Wilson, her Peggy Blomquist was an insane, delusional and resourceful mess of a woman who starts the series by hitting a man with her car and ends it with a bang.

BEN MENDELSOHN

The most intriguing, compelling performance

240 Ponce De Leon Ave. (404) 745-3019 Unit2fitness.com

in the first season of Netflix’s excellent, bleak Bloodline came from its villain. Playing Danny, the black sheep criminal son of the Rayburn family, Mendelsohn was all bruised emotions and perpetual hurt. And his character spends the entire first season trying to spread the suffering among his family members. It’s hard to watch and harder to avoid.

KRYSTEN RITTER

Known for Breaking Bad and Don’t Trust the B - in Apt. 23, Ritter changed gears near completely to play Jessica Jones, a Hell’s Kitchen PI in the new Netflix series from Marvel. Coping with PTSD from a recent, strange abduction and brainwashing, she spends the first season tracking down the evil Kilgrave while trying to protect the few people she dares to love. It’s a great show with a better central performance.

TITUSS BURGESS

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is an absolute delight, and UGA alum Burgess is one of the best things in it. Playing the title character’s roommate Tituss Andromedon, Burgess is a singing, preening wonder determined to be a star. The character may never get it right. But Burgess already has.

INsite’s 2015 Readership Poll

If your serious about getting in shape and kicking some ass this New Year, then Unit 2 Fitness is where you need to go. Whether it be Brazilian Jujitsu, Kickboxing, Boxing or Mixed Martial Arts they have what you’re looking for. The staff is comprised of World Champion martial artists who have competed at the highest levels. Their gym has heavy bags, free weights, weight machines, cardio equipment and a sparring ring. Atlanta on a Dime highlights special deals and low cost events happening around town. Deals on tickets and free ticket contests are offered every Thursday to email subscribers in the Atlanta on a Dime Newsletter. It is a free service. Sign up by emailing Subscriptions@AtlantaOnADime.com. Enter on subject line: Sign Me Up!

BEST CROSSFIT & CARDIO CLASS F I T N E S S

Let us Know How We Are Doing!

Our annual poll is currently being conducted online at insiteatlanta.com Let us know more about you and how we can make INsite better. Just take a few minutes to fill out a quick questionnaire. All participants are eligible to win prizes!

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11,000 SQ/FT Gym in Midtown • 240 Ponce De Leon Ave. ATL, GA 30308

(404)745-3019 • UNIT2FITNESS.com

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& click on Readers Poll today! insiteatlanta.com • January 2016 • PG 15

MUSIC

TOP 11 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR INsite Music Critic’s Offer Their Best Choices from 2015

This list is so strong we had to take it to 11! By Bret Love, Lee Valentine Smith, Demarco Williams and John Moore

at the CMA Awards, where he won Album of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. His timeless debut is classic country with a dash of Southern rock, soaked in whiskey and deeply soulful.

25 Epic, ambitious and emotional, Adele’s third album is solid from start to finish, with her towering voice masterfully navigating the highs and lows of love, loss and heartache. From the smash single “Hello” and the sassy “Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” to the pianodriven“When We Were Young” and acoustic guitar ballad “Million Years Ago,” the dynamic, multi-platinum album proves that career artists still have a place in today’s increasingly fickle music biz.

KENDRICK LAMAR

To Pimp A Butterfly Hip-hop desperately needs imaginative innovators to break the commercedriven rut. In 2015, Compton native Kendrick Lamar emerged as the genre’s new messiah. This epic masterpiece is challenging on a musical level, with producer Sounwave bringing live instrumentation that ranges from futuristic funk and free jazz to classic G-funk. Over it all, Lamar flows like a modern griot, dropping dense sociopolitical rhymes that recall mic legends such as Chuck D and KRS-One.

CHRIS STAPLETON

Traveller His tunes have been recorded by legends like Adele, Allison Krauss, Alan Jackson and George Strait. But this 37-year-old singer/songwriter wasn’t a household name until his duet with Justin Timberlake PG 16 • January 2016 • insiteatlanta.com

CYHI THE PRYNCE

Chase The Sun (Warner Brothers) Holden first gained attention by posting his self-produced performances on You Tube. His majorlabel debut, released last April, continues to grow in popularity as the New Year arrives. The big-budget, major-label production touches are evident but his message remains as distinct and intimate as his earliest online efforts. The title track “Go Chase The Sun” is a convergence of the personal and general themes of the collection. The empowerment anthem encourages both local and global evolution while tending to the details of an ordinary life. Greg Holden plays January 23 at The Loft.

Black Histori Project II-N.A.A.C.P. It’s a sad state of affairs when Cyhi’s only headlinemaking mainstream moment of the year came when he released the feather-ruffling “Elephant in the Room.” Yes, the track took jabs at Cyhi’s then-G.O.O.D. Music boss, Kanye West, but there was so much more thought-provoking prose from the Decatur MC than that. On this 11-track, masterfully produced follow-up to the equally evocative Black Histori Project in ‘14, Prynce again shows off a side that’s gritty (“Master P”), hungry (“Get Money”) and secure emotionally (“What We Have”). By the time the thunderous “Weak People” ends (and Cyhi has snapped on everybody from wack rappers to complacent everyday folks), it’s resoundingly clear that this underrated lyricist has made a strong case for album of the year.

LARRY CAMPBELL AND TERESA WILLIAMS

PUSHA T- KING PUSH

GREG HOLDEN

ADELE

have “that hunger” referenced in the title. It’s a modern take on the band’s airy, often R&B-tinged, guitar and keyboard-driven sound. Yes, they pause to reflect on the past a bit, which seems an unwritten law for aging rockers. But here, their legendary past serves as an inspiration to carry on into the future.

Self-titled (Red House Records) Campbell is probably best known as Bob Dylan’s lead guitarist from ‘97 to 2004. Williams has worked with her share of illustrious icons as well, including stints with Phil Lesh and Levon Helm. On their debut, the couple stand center-stage for a wide-ranging cache of material that deftly showcase their musical diversity and instrumental dexterity. An apt historical comparison could be the musical and personal teaming of Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris, or much more recently in Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s duo recordings. Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams play January 26 at Eddies Attic.

THE ZOMBIES

Still Got That Hunger (Cherry Red/The End Records) In five decades of existence, the Zombies have only released six studio albums. The progressive psych outfit from St. Albans, led by founders Colin Blunstone (vocals) and Rod Argent (keyboards and vocals), does indeed still

Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude Like the 55-year-old OG who insists on wearing baggy jeans and Jordans instead of slacks and Stacy Adams, Pusha T is secure enough in himself that critics’ cries for his bars to expand beyond bricks and boutique shopping go largely ignored. With lines like, “Drug money kicked around like it’s F.I.F.A.,” the 38-year-old spitter drops an ill double entendre —F.I.F.A., of course, is the governing body of international soccer but it’s also in the midst of an embarrassing multimillion dollar scandal—but he also gives a not-so-subtle middle finger to haters, too. The lyrical fire only continues across the eerie bass lines of “Untouchable” and “Crutches, Crosses, Caskets.” But to critics who say the homie has no substance, Pusha recruits the great Jill Scott on “Sunshine,” a #BlackLivesMatter anthem of sorts that spews, “The badge is the new noose/ Yeah, we all see it/But cell phones ain’t enough proof.”

PJ BOND WITH COMMUNIPAW

Where Were You? (Black Numbers) With only his second full length release, New Jersey’s PJ Bond has put out the kind of record seasoned veterans have been trying their entire careers to make.

Over nearly a dozen tracks, Bond shows a huge step forward lyrically and vocally from 2009’s You Didn’t Know I was Alphabetical. Teaming with Communipaw was a brilliant move, expanding the sound to pedal steel, piano and 12 string on various tracks, for a much fuller album. A brilliant, satisfying record from start to finish.

MURDER BY DEATH

Big Dark Love (Bloodshot Records) On their seventh album, Murder By Death has managed to turn in their best collection of songs in their more than decade-long tenure. On Big Dark Love, the five piece have written a stellar record that blurs the line between haunting (“Big Dark Love”), beautiful (“Strange Eyes”) and at times bordering on optimism (“Last Thing”)… well, optimistic-ish. Adam Turla’s subtle, but emotive vocals blend perfectly with the slew of instruments he’s paired with (cello, mandolin, flugelhorn…) and the lyrics, though dark at times are pure poetry.

TOYGUITAR

In This Mess (Fat Wreck Chords) In This Mess is a nearly flawless debut. The four-piece grab a disparate collection of musical influences, from garage rockers to Thin Lizzy and Mott the Hoople, and yes, a handful of old punk, cram them into a studio and produce a record that is still wholly original. They go way beyond the obvious pop punk clichés to deliver an even dozen tracks that sound like nothing else being put out right now.

MUSIC

SAM RUSSO

Punk Veteran Treks Across the U.S. for his Red Scare Across America Tour

BY JOHN B. MOORE

AM RUSSO HAS BEEN KEEPING one hell of a schedule since his 2013 release. Discovered by Brendan Kelly, the punk veteran connected the UK native with the folks at Red Scare who put out his record, Storm, and convinced him to trek across the U.S. as part of the Red Scare Across America Tour. Along with touring aside Kelly, he’s shared stages across the globe with folks like Frank Turner, Tim Barry and Lucero, before finally settling down to record his next record, Greyhound Dreams. The record picks up nicely where Storm left off; ten Roots/Americanaheavy tracks. It’s quite impressive to hear a boy from England play Americana better than most Americans. Red Scare is producing this record and they put out the last one. Did you connect with them through your tour with Dan and Brendan from The Falcon? Yes I was lucky enough to get on a tour with those guys in the UK and we became fast friends. Brendan does a lot of A&R for Red Scare and he sent some of my songs from Storm over and convinced Toby (Jeg) it would be a good idea to put the record out. The first time I ever spoke to Toby I was in Manchester just wandering around in the snow killing time before a shift and he called and invited me into the fold. At the time I was working odd jobs and really living hand to mouth and it gave me hope to know that someone across the ocean had heard my stuff and had enough faith in me to stick their neck out. I felt a part of something for the first time in a long time. That’s pretty much how I’ve felt ever since. Toby and Brendan take a chance every time they do anything with me, and I’m really grateful they’re both such reckless alcoholics. I feel like the happy mistake of the family. Is there a significance to the album title? The title came to me while I was watching my dog run. He’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen and I get lost in watching him run sometimes. I was just staring at the wet grass, it was early morning before work and I was stealing a daydream while he flew around the little track he runs on. I got home, wrote the words down and they just made sense to me. I thought about it all day at work and when I got home I wrote a song called “Dream All You Want” – the first song I wrote for the record, and the line came out as “I dream like a greyhound taking the lead.” The whole record is about chasing your dreams. Never giving up. The last time we spoke we also talked about the novel you have been working on. Do you

I HAVE THREE RECORD RELEASE SHOWS OVER HERE IN THE UK BUT NOTHING CONCRETE STATE SIDE. BUT I AM ITCHING TO GET BACK OVER. CUE TOBY! I’D LOVE TO DO ANOTHER HUGE TOUR.

have an update there? Have you found time to work on it? Still working on it. It might take me a lifetime! I’ve really struggled to keep her up. I love writing it, it’s such absolute torment but I love the work ethic and the routine and it keeps me sane in a backwards way. I’ll keep on it and wrestle it out I’m sure. I’ve changed it a lot, written a lot of sections and worked over a bunch of ideas, I just need a few months to bolt myself to a chair and type! Willy Vlautin gave me some great advice, he said, “Keep going no matter what.” I’ll carry that a long time. When did you start working on the songs that made it onto Greyhound Dreams? As soon as I finished Storm basically. There’s a song on there that literally took two years to write. It’s called “Moving North” and I feel like I wrote it a hundred times. Roo Pescod plays piano on it and it just finally came out how I wanted it to after grinding it out for so long. That felt good. There’s also a song on there called “Western Union” that I wrote with my good friend James Hull from Leagues Apart almost five years ago. We re-wrote it, gave it a lick of paint and it just felt right closing out the album. It’s the first time I’ve written a record from scratch because with Storm I had this narrative that I cobbled together from these songs that were basically diary entries – Greyhound Dreams is less linear and more thematic. Do you have plans to tour the US when the record comes out? I have three record release shows over here in the UK but nothing concrete state side. But I am itching to get back over. Cue Toby! I’d love to do another huge tour.

Album Reviews

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

Ron Pope + The Nighthawks

Violent Mae

Taking a cue from Corey Smith or the early days of Zac Brown, New Yo rk- v i a - Na sh ville-based Ron Pope is a very successful (2 million single sales, and over 100 million streams), totally independent singer-songwriter. The artist already has a considerable canon of independently released albums, but he considers his follow-up to his most recent offering as his official debut, christened in a truly democratic band situation. Where 2013’s Calling Off The Dogs was a concept collection of relationship songs, here he breaks free of the somewhat limiting song-cycle format for this newest permutation. After adding The Nighthawks as his backing and collaborating band and holing up in a secluded lake-house in Blue Ridge, Ga., the new model Pope bristles with a fresh energy and renewed sense of urgency. On the bulk of the collection he certainly seems comfortable enough in the decidedly Americana direction. “Hotel Room,” a featured track, infuses traditional guitar-driven country with a subtle rock swagger. Perhaps best known to many for a stint on MTV’s Total Request Live, he seems to be quickly adjusting to the full-throttle group-think direction with the aid of his Brooklyn-based bandmates - including standout Alex Brumel, the self-proclaimed “maxi-instrumentalist” of the outfit. The LP was produced by Pope and Ted Young (Rolling Stones, Grace Potter) and showcases a true melting pot of regional styles that comprise the pure American music of the moment. Highlights include the infectious “Ain’t No Angel” and the smoldering “Southern Cross.” - LVS Ron Pope + the Nighthawks play February 18 at Variety Playhouse. –Lee Valentine Smith

With fuzzy, often swirling guitars and vocals as haunting as Johnette Napolitano or PJ Harvey, the Connecticut duo Violent Mae turn a solid ode to ‘90s college rock on their sophomore effort, Kid. Coming off like a soundtrack to a David Lynch noir flick that doesn’t actually exist, Kid is 11 thoughtful, moody lo-fi indie tracks, with a sound so complex and atmospheric you’d expect an Arcade Fire-type line up. In fact, the band is just Becky Kessler on guitar and vocals and Floyd Kellogg on drums and a slew of other instruments. While the Violent Mae traffics heavily in sweetly melancholic songs like “Away” or “Murdered Bird,” each one dripping with woe and gloom, the effect does starts to numb you after 45 straight minutes. You can’t help but wish for at least driving, explosive song speed up in double time. Regardless, a solid effort. –John B. Moore

Self-titled (Brooklyn Basement Records)

Mylène Farmer Interstellaires

(Cherrytree/Interscope Records) For her 10th studio release, iconic vocalist Farmer has joined forces with producer Martin Kierszenbaum (Natalia Kills, Robyn, Lady Gaga) and the result is her best album to date. The entire record is atmospheric, but the title track really sets the subdued yet uneasy scene. Bass-heavy rhythms anchor the gauzy narratives infusing Farmer’s breathy delivery with a pulsing dose of electro-sensuality. The song that’s getting the most attention is undoubtedly “Stolen Car” which also serves as the lead single. Her new version of the Sting-penned tune features the former Police front-man in a thankfully restrained duet, performed in French and English. The result wouldn’t be too far out of place on an obscure foreign film soundtrack, but here the cinematic melody is the centerpiece of a delightfully rich palette of sonic textures - from the pale funk of C’est Pas Moi to the positive, quasi-Pharrell feel of “Voie Lactée.” Overall, it’s a pastel scoop of soft hooks and catchy, synth-driven pop, with an inspired cover of Cheap Trick’s “I Want You To Want Me” rounding out the set with an inspired reading. –Lee Valentine Smith

Kid (Telegraph Recording Company)

A Tribe Called Quest

People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (Legacy)

The first album from the Queensbased Hip Hop collective A Tribe Called Quest was not only one of the best debuts to come out of the ‘90s (released in April of 1990) it is also easily one of the top Hip Hop records to come out of that decade. At 14 songs, the album introduced a wildly imaginative new sound, blending jazz with rap, slowing down the vocals so they poured rather than spewed out, helping create a whole new subgenre and laying the groundwork – along with fellow Native Toungues Posse members De La Soul - for everyone from Digable Planets to The Roots. Legacy Records has just put out a 25th anniversary edition of People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (they even had the wordy album title thing down long before the emo kids). More than two decades later the album still deserves the ecstatic praise it received when it first came out. Songs like “I Left My Wallet in El Segundo,” “Bonita Applebum” and “Can I Kick it,” still sound remarkably fresh in 2015. With Q Tip and Phife Dawg (Malik Taylor) taking turns at the mic, both have very distinctive vocals and complement each other greatly. They sample everyone from Lou Reed to Stevie Wonder on this one and lyrically, the album is smart, sometimes serious, but just as often witty – “Ham ‘N’ Eggs” is still one of the funniest/oddest songs to grace a 1990s Hip Hop album. The anniversary edition includes three bonus tracks; remixes by Ceelo Green, Pharrell Williams and J. Cole, none of which live up to the originals, but the album is a perfect reminder that People’s Instinctive Travels… needs to move back into regular rotation. –John B. Moore

For a full list of our album reviews, please visit insiteatlanta.com insiteatlanta.com • January 2016 • PG 17

MUSIC

SWEDISH METAL SINGER SADDEST LANDSCAPE Moa Holmsten Discovers Springsteen BY JOHN B. MOORE

OR DECADES NOW, JERSEY’S favorite son has been a muse to many. Hell, there are bands who owe their entire careers to ripping off Bruce Springsteen. That’s why it’s so heartening to hear Swedish musician Moa Holmsten’s tribute to Springsteen, not only for the way she completely re-interprets his music but because she was not a Bruce acolyte when she started working on the record. The result of writer’s block, ‘Bruised Arms & Broken Rhythm’ is 14 beautiful, original takes on the classics like “The River” to deep cuts like “Soul Driver” off of ‘Human Touch’. The album is certain to be a surprise for fans of Holmsten who know her solely from her time as singer for the metal band Meldrum. This is such a brilliant idea for a record. How long have you wanted to do this? Thank you! I was trying to write my follow up to my album, ‘Do You Want Me Death?,’ and just could not, being in the emotional baby bubble I was in. But I was in need to create... and me and Tony Naima, my longtime musical partner, recorded “My Hometown” for fun, by accident, just to simply get my mojo going, to get me to sing, to be creative without any pressure. We then did “Badlands,” and after that, we were stuck in a beautiful haze of Springsteenland. When did you first discover Bruce Springsteen’s music? From an early age I was aware of the most prominent Bruce Springsteen songs. I always liked them but for whatever reason didn’t listened to him that much. And if I started this project being a big fan, I think I would be coming from the wrong angle. I wanted to discover a new artist (to me), and handle the songs respectfully carried in my arms... but still be able to dissect them, put the pieces together again in a frame and color in the unique way that they spoke to me. Were there any songs you wanted to cover, but

for whatever reason they didn’t turn out the way you wanted? There are a bunch of songs we started recording, we rerecorded, we changed, we edited, but some of them we eventually realized would not end up on the album. “Incident on 57th Street” was close to getting ditched. We had so many versions of it, none of them worked out. But I loved the song and the story and kept fighting for it. My last suggestion was to do it a cappella. It’s by far one the most ballsy moves I’ve done, and I think it’s one of the strongest tracks on the album. What songs off of this record are you most proud of? Besides “Incident on 57th Street” I would say “Tougher Than the Rest.” I love my vocals on this classic pop song and everything it symbolizes. Also being the first track off the record and showing the world a new take on Springsteen. The response has been overwhelming. Did you send this record to Springsteen to get his reaction? I know it’s on its way and I can’t wait to hear his response. Most people obviously know you best for your work with Meldrum. Do you consider yourself a metal musician who also happens to play pop/rock music or a pop/ rock musician who also happened to be in a metal band? I’m a musician, a singer, a writer, a creative force. Period. Whatever musical landscape I dig my dirty feet in. I suggest you save the effort by not labeling me at all. I don’t do that myself. I’m a Sagittarius, the ones who cherish their freedom more than anyone else. Narrow me down and I’ll run away. Art and craft works the same way for me. I’m always in need of change, exploration and movement. Learning by doing. I don’t know what happens next. I don’t have a creative plan. I just create and I see where art takes me. I have a brindled past, by choice and by accident. But when you navigate through life by pure lust, this is where you end up. It might seem messy and hard to follow to others, but to me it’s beautiful.

SARAH KERVIN Puts Her Life to Music BY JOHN B. MOORE

ITH HER SOPHOMORE EFFORT, ‘INTO THE City,’ the Brooklyn, by way of Atlanta, musician Sarah Kervin turns in an emotionally strong, beautifully stirring musical memoir of sorts about moving to New York. The album, which is bound to land on many end of the year best of lists, finds the singer offering a mix of lyrically powerful songs that stick with you long after you walk away. Despite having only two releases to her name, Kervin has managed to seamlessly merge jazz aesthetics with a soulful pop sound that is equal parts Ben Folds and Carol King. She was kind enough to talk recently about the new record, her move to New York and singing before a global audience of millions at the Olympics in China. You grew up in Atlanta. When did you relocate to Brooklyn? I was born and raised in Atlanta until I was 16. Then my parents decided they wanted to get a farm and move out of the city. Being an angsty teenager, I was of course devastated and mad to leave my PG 18 • January 2016 • insiteatlanta.com

Catching Up Over the Last Few Years

BY JOHN B. MOORE

T’S BEEN ABOUT FIVE YEARS since The Saddest Landscape last put out a full length, but they still managed to keep busy over the past few years. The northeast band, with members spread out across several states, spent time touring here and overseas, put out a number of singles and EPs and also changed their lineup a bit. Singer/guitarist Andy Maddox caught us up on the band via e-mail recently and discussed their latest release, Darkness Forgives. It’s been a few years since After the Lights. Did you consciously take some time off between records? I don’t look at as we took time off, we were still pretty busy. We released a 12” EP, a split 12”, and four 7”s, as well as toured Europe and the U.S., so a lot was done. Also we had a couple line-up changes which may account for some of the perceived time off. Ultimately we just wanted to make sure we were completely happy with all of the songs on the record and that took a little time, but the end result is a record we are proud of so whatever time was taken was worth it. You guys are pretty spread out geographically. How does that affect how you wrote songs; practiced? We are living in what might as well be four different states and meet to practice in the middle of us all. This distance caused the four of us to work on parts/ideas as much as possible on our own and made us all want to come to practice ready to kill it, armed with as many song ideas as we could all in an effort to make each time we met

city and my friends and my school. But looking back on it now, I never would have become a singer-songwriter had we stayed. After college I went to New York City with a trailer full of stuff and a little money saved up. Of course, I gave away most of the stuff on the street ‘cause my apartment was smaller than my college dorm room. And I struggled for a while but even after almost five years of some of the hardest work of my life, the big apple still seems pretty damn magical when the lights sparkle at night. Were you involved with the music scene in Atlanta growing up, either as a musician or going to shows around Atlanta and Athens? I was always involved in any type of music I could be from the earliest age I could be. I played in piano recitals, community and church choirs, musical theater companies, orchestras and bands. I recently had the opportunity to play a show at the Red Light Cafe (in Atlanta) and it was so unbelievably awesome. There is nothing in the world quite like the energy you get from a hometown audience! So much love. How did you get involved with playing pre-game Olympic ceremony in China? And how did you get over the nervousness of performing before such a massive crowd? The trip to China to play for the Olympics was a once-in-a-

up count. We are also now masters of the voice memo feature on our phones just to make sure ideas aren’t forgotten before the next practice. Is there a general theme to the songs on this record? A general sense of working through the darkness, that we can do better; The idea that maybe hiding in the shadows isn’t always good even if it is comforting; trying to work out your demons, come to peace with loss, let those around you know they are cared for, knowing you will fuck up and its ok. Hearts can mend, letting go of regret, it is ok to feel good once in a while, and learning to forgive. You guys have some shows coming up outside of the northeast - which is rare. Is it difficult to find time to tour? Yes, we all wish we could tour more and are always hoping to go to new places but the reality is we just can’t, between jobs and personal relationships at home there just isn’t much time to be on the road. We are trying to change that though, already by the end of the year we plan to hit about 20 of the U.S. states, so by our standards that is a lot. That said if we are playing near you please come see us as it may be a very long time before we are back. So what’s next for you guys? Finally getting this record out, and doing those shows in the states, after that we are looking into going to Japan in early 2016, then hopefully getting back to Europe next summer, and knowing us a pile of 7”s will come out too.

lifetime opportunity. The concert choir from the University of South Carolina where I went to college was invited to go perform. Being able to share the new sights and sounds and tastes and excitement of the trip and the epicness of the event with such an amazing group of talented singers and friends was so special. I weirdly don’t remember being that nervous! I think that we were all just young enough with that I-can-do-anything attitude that we forgot to be nervous. Is there a theme to the songs here on ‘Into the City’? ‘Into the City’ is a little catalog of my life and what I’ve experienced in the city. And out I guess! First the move OUT of the city (Atlanta) when I was young, and the sort of ongoing journey to get back. What can I say? I guess I’m a city girl at heart! But I think the biggest thing that I’ve learned through all this, and the only way I know how to face it, is to just keep going. The struggle exists in all aspects of your life, no matter the city, but you just have to trust in yourself and keep pushing and you can make it.

HOME THEATER

BOOKS

FLYIN’ OFF THE SHELVES The Best Pop Culture Books of 2015

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

till have a few of those gift cards left over from the holidays? So why not trade that impersonal token of obligation into a treasure you’ll savor all year. Books are truly your best entertainment value. INsite looks back at the very best of 2015’s pop culture books.

BEST ROCK AND ROLL BIOGRAPHY

Petty: The Biography, Warren Zanes (Henry Holt and Co.) Behind the utilitarian title is a wonderfully detailed story of Tom Petty, the man and the musician. Written by friend and fan Warren Zanes, a cool musician himself (Del Feugos) and a very talented storyteller. A treasure for the Petty fan, the book is an enthralling read, packed with the best and worst aspects of being an incredibly successful entertainer in any field. Runner up, John Fogerty: My Life, My Music, John Fogerty (Little, Brown and Company)

BEST PERSONAL MEMOIR

A Carlin Home Companion, Kelly Carlin (St. Martin’s Press) Even if you weren’t a fan of influential comedian George Carlin, this emotional memoir by his daughter is a must-have. It’s her story, presented honestly. Her candid and intelligent insights on being raised in an iconoclastic family is an often hilarious and heart-breaking adventure. Her natural knack for storytelling and remarkable strength in dealing with the lives (and deaths) of her parents is the core of the story. Anyone who has lost a parent can appreciate the sincerity and scope of her intense adventures.

BEST CLASSIC ROCK LESSON

Jeff Lynne: Electric Light Orchestra – Before and After, John van der Kiste (Fonthill Media) A meticulously detailed account of the history of ELO, mostly centering on frontman Jeff Lynne, but including necessary details on the band, its recordings and inner workings. Mostly for hardcore fans of the group and, of course, Beatle completists, but it could easily create a few new converts in the process.

BEST ROCK’N’ROLL GRIT

Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock ‘N’ Roll, Peter Guralnick (Little, Brown and Company) Historian Guralnick has exhaustively covered the soulful grit of southern-born music for years, but never so pure and focused as in this mighty account of the life and times of Sam Phillips. Eccentric beyond belief, music pioneer’s life is the stuff of legend - and grand fodder for a long tale of marketing success and backwoods craftiness.

BEST SONGWRITER’S TALE

Psychedelic Bubble Gum: Boyce & Hart, The Monkees, and Turning Mayhem into Miracles, Bobby Hart (Select Books) Hart, one of the most successful songwriters of the ‘60s, tells his intensely personal tale of dogged dedication and incredible triumphs from his beginnings as a shy, fledgling

musician to ultra-successful music industry veteran. He wrote and played on many of the best-selling songs of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and continues to produce excellent pop music.

BEST MOVIE STAR TELL-ALL

But Enough About Me: A Memoir, Burt Reynolds (G.P. Putnam’s Sons) Playing his cards close to his chest, Reynolds writes less about himself and more about a number of important people he’s encountered during his colorful career. He includes some personal friends and family, and how each one shaped his own life. Especially touching is a special chapter devoted to his “Smokey and the Bandit” co-star Sally Field, gently detailing their considerable on- and offscreen escapades.

BEST PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES

You’ve Heard These Hands, Don Randi (Hal Leonard) As the title promises, you have indeed heard the handy keyboard work of session pro Don Randi. The musician offers stories of the many artists he’s personalities he has the honor of playing and recording with. And of course he name-drops Elvis, The Beach Boys, Phil Spector, Nancy Sinatra, Phil Spector and many of the unsung Wall of Sound and Wrecking Crew characters.

BEST CULTURE SHOCK

Riot On Sunset Strip: Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Last Stand In Hollywood, Dominick Priore (Revised Edition) (Jawbone) They say great music comes from times of upheaval, and perhaps no contained area better exemplifies this than mid‘60s Hollywood. Specifically the Sunset Boulevard scene was a dynamic swirl of music, art, fashion and social change. Here author Priore follows the folk-rockers, the psychedelic experiments and the sweeping change in attitudes and culture the scene birthed some half-century ago.

NEW RELEASES THE LATEST DVD, BLU RAY & VOD RELEASES By Bret Love & John Moore

AMY By the time mainstream America knew who Amy Winehouse was, she’d started down the path of addiction that led to her untimely overdose at age 27. This exceptional documentary charts her rise and fall through her own words as well as interviews with many of her friends and family, including enabler/ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil. It’s as stunning to see the raw artistry of her early years as it is infuriating to watch that talent wasted as she proves incapable of dealing with the harsh spotlight of fame. Don’t be surprised if it takes home an Oscar. BURROUGHS: THE MOVIE Though he was also a longtime drug addict, Beat Generation icon William S. Burroughs wound up living to the ripe old age of 83. This 1983 documentary offers unparalleled access to one of the most influential cultural touchstones of the 20th century. Director Howard Brookner worked with Burroughs 5 years, interviewing peers such as Allen Ginsberg and Brion Gysin and charting the author’s life from the American Midwest to North Africa. Like Amy, it reveals the unconventional artist in a way that adds new meaning to his art. THE COMPLETE LADY SNOWBLOOD Based on a manga called Shurayukihime,

this low-budget 1973 film from director Toshiba Fujita is best known for inspiring Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. It’s easy to see the roots of Tarantino’s film in the plot, characters and settings here– the snowy landscape where The Bride fought O-Ren Ishii seems like a direct bite. Even the theme song (sung by Meiko Kaji, who also plays Lady Snowblood) will sound familiar. The Criterion Collection edition offers an excellent opportunity to see the influence behind one of our favorite martial arts revenge epics.

THE END OF THE TOUR Jason Segel and Jesse Eisenberg turn in a beautifully engaging film based on a profile written for Rolling Stone. The story follows a book tour road trip writer David Lipsky (Eisenberg) took with Infinite Jest author David Foster Wallace (Segel) at the peak of his fame. There are lots of late-night conversations covering everything from Wallace’s weird fascination with Alanis Morrisette to relationships. It could’ve been a mind-numbingly boring affair, but it soars thanks to smart writing and stellar performances. SCORPIONS: FOREVER AND A DAY These German rockers may not be namechecked by many young metal groups looking to up their street cred. But the band has been rocking you like a hurricane for decades. Here, filmmakers document the band’s 3-year farewell tour, which kicked off in 2010. Several former band members talk about their time in the Scorpions, along with interviews with music industry folks, peers (Don Dokken, Paul Stanley, etc.) and, impressively, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!

BEST R&B/SOUL SURVIVAL

Sumdumhonky, Lloyd Price (Cool Titles) The Hall of Famer tells his own story of how he and his family have lived with and survived - racial inequalities through the years. As #blacklivesmatter becomes a sweeping panorama of current events, Sumdumhonky travels the personal backroads of the issues. Price offers a true inside look at rural racial discriminations, beginning in ‘30s and ‘40s Louisiana, continuing through ‘70s Africa through the tumultuous 2000’s.

BEST RACONTEUR’S RAMBLINGS

A Life… Well, Lived, Ray Wylie Hubbard (Bordello) Self-released on his own Bordello imprint, the cunning singer-songwriter-larger-thanlife-character’s life story is sketched out in an often non-linear narrative that occasionally eschews traditional format, punctuation and capitalization. In it, Hubbard enters ee cummings’ experimental territory with the raw wanderlust of Hemmingway. This life story reels like Bob Dylan’s Tarantula, spinning a wonderfully heady stroll through the mind of a true individual.

Atlanta’s Favorite Pizza!

Multiple Atlanta Locations: JohnnysPizza.com insiteatlanta.com • January 2016 • PG 19

TRAVEL

SWIMMING WITH GALAPAGOS PENGUINS BY BRET LOVE

URING OVER 20 YEARS IN REPORTING FROM the wild, I have had more than my share of rare wildlife encounters. Getting a chance to spend a solid half-hour swimming with Galapagos Penguins, the world’s rarest penguin species, ranks among my most treasured. Animals have an innate ability to sense human emotions and intentions. When we approach them with fear, trepidation or aggression (i.e. negative energy), their instinctual response is fight or flight. But when we approach them with respect, admiration and cautious curiosity (i.e. positive energy), they tend to find humans, as a species, profoundly fascinating. This approach has led me to have remarkable animal encounters all around the world. I’ve had memorable moments with Manatees in Crystal River, Florida; Black Bears in North Carolina’s Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge; a Red Fox in Torres del Paine National Park; and too many others to mention. Time after time I have managed to come up close to the wild animals I have been reporting on. But the extraordinary experience swimming with Galapagos Penguins was special because it was so incredibly rare. Our International Expeditions naturalist guide, Cristina Rivadeneira, said she’d never seen anything like it before in 19 years of working in the Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos Penguin Facts

Along with Cape Town, South Africa and Oamaru Harbor, New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands is one of the few places in the world where you actually have a chance to swim with penguins. Though they’re primarily found on the western islands of Fernandina and Isabela, you can occasionally find small Galapagos Penguin populations on Bartolomé, Floreana, northern Santa Cruz and Santiago. They’re the only penguin species known to venture north of the equator. Measuring around 19 inches long and weighing just five pounds, the Galapagos Penguin is the second smallest penguin species in the world. Scientists believe that at some point their Antarctica-based ancestors got caught in the powerful Humboldt Current and wound up in the Galapagos, where they genetically adapted to the heat (which ranges from 59º-82ºF on average) over time. Mating for life, they typically nest between May and January, laying one or two eggs in caves and crevices protected from direct sunlight. The nests are usually within 150 feet of the water, with one parent guarding the egg while the other goes off to feed. Galapagos Penguins cool themselves by using thermoregulation, stretching out their flippers, hunching forward to keep the sun from burning their feet, and panting to cool themselves. They can typically be found on the jagged rocks right by the shore, relishing frequent dips in the surprisingly cool waters, where they feed on small schooling fish (mullet, sardines, crustaceans) brought by the nutrientrich Cromwell Current. Their predators are many, including snakes, rats, hawks and owls on land, and sharks, fur seals and sea lions in the water. They occasionally get stuck in fishermens’ nets as well. Thus they’re extremely endangered, with less than 1,000 breeding pairs left and a total estimated population of around 1,500 individuals.

Near Misses

Despite their low population, seeing penguins in the Galapagos Islands isn’t all that difficult. We saw them virtually every day, usually hanging out on the rocks near the water in numbers ranging from one to five. But swimming with them? That’s a different story. I came close during our 2011 small-ship cruise, when we saw two different mating pairs. I was the first of our group to backflip off our Zodiac into the shockingly frigid waters of Isabela Island’s Tagus Cove. I snorkeled towards the shore just in time to briefly see one Galapagos Penguin jetting beneath the waves like a flipper-powered torpedo. And just like that, he was gone. On day three of our International Expeditions cruise last year, my daughter and I spotted another one from a distance while snorkeling the waters of Isabela’s Urbina Bay. But it disappeared into the deep long before we got anywhere near our GoPro’s range. When Cristina asked our group what we were most looking forward to seeing in the Galapagos, I told her I wanted to swim with Galapagos Penguins. She gave me an incredulous look, PG 20 • January 2016 • insiteatlanta.com

smiled and said, “Good luck! They’re very fast and don’t usually stay still for very long.” I grinned and told her I’d keep my hopes high and my expectations low. I explained that I’d had remarkably good luck in the past, swimming with Galapagos sea lions, sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins and various types of sharks in the wild. Then I told her about my crazy theory using positive energy.

A Dream Come True

By day four, odds of seeing my dream come true dropped considerably: 90% of the world’s Galapagos Penguins are found on Isabela and Fernandina. By this point our ship (the M/V Evolution) had moved on to Bartolomé Island, which is famous for its distinctive landmark, Pinnacle Rock. We saw a mating pair of Galapagos Penguins in a matter of minutes, standing on the rocks right by the water. But these two didn’t disappear into the ocean. Instead, they stuck to the rock, watching us curiously as our group swam closer (note: all images were taken using a 6-foot GoPro Pole Extender). Here’s where my theory came into play: 1) Slow Approach Although there were 9-10 people in our group, Cristina was very mindful that we should approach them cautiously and respectfully. This gave the penguins time to get used to our presence, and gave her time to determine if we were negatively affecting their behavior. 2) Provide Space Since our group was relatively small and there was a large rock effectively splitting the small cove in half, the penguins had plenty of space to escape. 3) Curiosity Since we allowed them time and space to get comfortable, the penguins’ natural curiosity took hold. While one stayed put on the rock, the other swam around us slowly, as if to check us out. 4) Studying Animal Behavior Rather than swimming towards the penguins, I actually swam away from them and waited to see what they would do. Sure enough, it worked.

5) Staying Calm & Quiet Once we realized the Galapagos Penguins weren’t going anywhere and the initial “I can’t believe this is happening” phase wore off, I tried swimming parallel to the shore. They gradually adjusted their path, swimming alongside me about six feet away. I could barely contain myself as I handed Cristina the GoPro pole so she could get some footage of me swimming alongside the penguins, which I did for nearly 15 minutes. All in all from the moment we swam over to their cove to the moment when our Zodiac picked us up to transport us back to the Evolution we spent nearly 30 delightful minutes with the adorable penguin pair. “How often do you get to do this?” I asked Cristina incredulously as we waited for our turn to climb back into the Zodiac. “Never!” she responded with a broad grin. There’s obviously no way of knowing if my theory for amazing animal encounters actually had anything to do with our amazing penguin encounter. But I personally believe that the energy we put out into this world comes back to us many times over. And incredible experiences such as swimming with Galapagos Penguins are a big part of the reason we’re so passionate about traveling this beautiful planet of ours, and doing whatever we can to help make it a better place.

LOCAL

DIAN FOSSEY GORILLA FUND INTERNATIONAL:

An Interview with Atlanta-Based CEO/Chief Scientific Officer Tara Stoinski

BY BRET LOVE

Nowadays we realize that the Gorillas and the human population in Rwanda are inextricably linked. It is one environment, and they share it. So how do we make sure they’re integrated in our plan for conservation so that they are eventually leading the conservation efforts? In terms of Dian Fossey’s victories, the model she set up of an intensive boots-on-the-ground presence day after day is responsible for Mountain Gorillas still being there today. But I do think that the way she approached local communities was really challenging and that couldn’t happen today.

ECEMBER 26 MARKED THE 30th anniversary of the murder of Dian Fossey, whose groundbreaking research and anti-poaching initiatives helped bring Mountain Gorillas back from the brink of extinction. A 1970 National Geographic cover story and the 1988 biopic Gorillas In The Mist made Fossey famous, and her work in Rwanda influenced nearly every aspect of gorilla conservation today. Unfortunately, her interactions with locals were not so productive. Her aggressive tactics to protect the gorillas Can you talk about some of Dian’s key made many enemies among discoveries as they relate government officials and local to Mountain Gorilla I’D LOVE FOR EVERYONE poachers. conservation in Volcanoes TO MEET THE GORILLAS, On December 26, 1985, Park today? IT’S TOO FRAGILE OF A National Fossey was killed in her sleep. When Dian came, the The mystery of her murder POPULATION. IT WOULD gorilla population density has never been solved, and her BE GREAT TO HAVE was very low because of marked grave at the remote FEWER PEOPLE GOING poaching. Dian started doing Karisoke research camp has long IN, BUT CONTRIBUTING anti-poaching patrols and we since fallen into ruin. But the saw this remarkable period THE SAME OR MORE non-profit Dian Fossey Gorilla of stability where the gorilla MONEY. Fund International continues population was able to grow her work, helping Rwanda’s considerably– 4% a year– Mountain Gorilla population grow from 254 which, from a scientific perspective, is a lot. One individuals in 1981 to around 500 today (more of the big discoveries Dian made was the role than half the total remaining population of of infanticide, where males kill the offspring of around 900). other individuals. In Dian’s time, about 37% of After our incredible experience trekking to infants were dying from infanticide, but that was see Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda in September, when there was a lot of poaching and a lot of we interviewed Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund males were being killed. When a male is killed International CEO/Chief Scientific Officer in a gorilla group, the group disbands unless Tara Stoinski. A Georgia Tech grad and the there is another male to take over, and any Atlanta Zoo’s Director of Primate Research infant becomes a target. During that period of until she got the Dian Fossey job in October stability, there was almost no infanticide. Now 2014, Stoinski is a global leader in the field of that the population’s grown, it’s increasing again. primate conservation (including serving on the We now have groups to up to 65 gorillas, with executive committee of the International Union 10 males in a group, which was unheard of in for the Conservation of Nature’s Section on Dian’s time. It shows us how flexible they are, Great Apes and as a conservation advisor for which is interesting, but it also shows us that we the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Gorilla still have a lot to learn. Species Survival Plan). She spoke with us from her office at the Day-to-day, what does Dian Fossey Atlanta Zoo about Dian Fossey’s legacy and the Gorilla Fund International do on the vital work her organization is doing for gorilla ground in Rwanda to ensure sustainable conservation today. gorilla conservation? Part of Dian’s legacy is that we monitor 115 What does Dian Fossey’s legacy mean to you gorillas living in 9-11 groups every day. That’s personally? roughly half of Rwanda’s gorilla population. I grew up with National Geographic, seeing Each group has a dedicated group of trackers these incredible pioneering female scientists who go and make sure everyone is there. If working in the field. I didn’t think that could someone’s not there, we send out a search party. be me, but I wanted to work with animals. I We check every gorilla daily to see if anyone thought I was going to be a veterinarian, but I is sneezing, coughing, or has a snare, in which had Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey in the back of case we liaison with Gorilla Doctors. By being my mind. with the gorillas every day, we provide them the To be working for Dian Fossey’s organization physical protection of our presence, recording 30 years later– an organization that has all of this data we’ve been collecting for the transformed the survival of a species which was last 50 years. On average, we have a staff of on the brink of extinction– to me, it’s a dream 75 people who spend 80,000-100,000 person come true. Dian Fossey worked under incredibly hours a year in that forest. What’s amazing is challenging times and built a premiere that all mountain gorillas are “protected” in conservation organization that is making a big theory. But there’s a subset that gets intense difference on the ground. For me to continue protection, where every day someone is there her legacy and make sure that Mountain protecting them and seeing if anyone is ill or Gorillas and other types of gorillas can continue injured. The gorillas with the extra protection to thrive is a huge source of pride. were increasing by 4% a year, but the other gorilla population was declining. So the idea Dian Fossey was such a polarizing figure. that we can have a national park and, as long as What do you think conservationists learned those animals are protected, it’s going to be fine? from her? That’s not the case. I think it’s important to view her legacy in terms of what relationships with local What are the biggest threats to the Mountain communities were like at the time. The attitude Gorillas today? back then was much more, “We need to protect Disease is a big threat. If a tourist gets off a these animals and keep other people out.” plane, doesn’t know they’re sick and goes on a

mountain gorilla tour, they could be exposed to a respiratory virus. [Illness spread by the] local population is a concern as well. Poaching is still a threat, even though it’s not for the gorillas themselves. They still get caught in snares, and snaring incidents are so stressful. So there are still these challenging situations where the gorillas are inadvertently threatened by hunting for other animals. And then there’s the amount of unrest in the region and the human population density. Even though it’s illegal to go into the Volcanoes National Park forest, people still go in for water, wood and beehives.

This is the 30th anniversary of Dian Fossey’s death. What would you say are the most important aspects of her legacy today? The direct legacy from Dian Fossey is gorilla conservation and the science behind it. She originally went to Rwanda to do research under the direction of Louis Leakey, and her mandate was to look at our closest living relatives. When she got there, she quickly saw how bad things were on the ground, so she had to mobilize the protection strategy. Those were her two areas, and we still do that. Since Dian’s death, we’ve really improved community engagement, educating children about conservation by taking them into the forest and educating community leaders through conservation movies. We also do a lot of work with health clinics, trying to minimize the risk of disease transmission. Another area where we work is training the next generation of conservationists. We host 200 students every year, and we’re seeing them going into jobs in the Rwandan government or other NGOs, or getting advanced degrees.

There’s not much at the original Karisoke site to honor Dian’s work in Rwanda. Any chance of building an attraction there to ease some of the tourism pressure on the gorillas? The original grave is managed by the Rwandan government. With the 50th anniversary coming up, there may be an opportunity there. There’s definitely going to be a cap on how much gorilla tourism this environment can hold. When I started going to Volcanoes National Park, the price [for gorilla trekking] was $250. Now it’s $750. I’d love to see it be even higher. As much as I’d love for everyone to meet the gorillas, it’s too fragile of a population. It would be great to have fewer people going in, but contributing the same or more money. We’ve been doing some long-term studies to look at whether tourism is a source of stress for the gorillas. Luckily, we’re not really seeing that it is, so that’s good.

insiteatlanta.com • January 2016 • PG 21

MERCHANDISE

SPORTS

TOP FIVE TEAMS OF 2015

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS 1. U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM

Everyone knew that if Abby Wambach was going to end her legendary career (a worldrecord 184 international goals) with a World Cup championship, Team USA would have to play some of its best soccer ever. Talented squads from Germany, Japan and every spot in between descended on Canada last summer with the same goal as Wambach’s bunch. But thanks to winger Megan Rapinoe’s spunkiness, goalie Hope Solo’s stinginess and midfielder Carli Lloyd’s allaround awesomeness, the ladies maneuvered through the bracket, upsetting Germany in the semifinals before destroying Japan in the finale. And to make things even more poetic for Abby’s last rodeo, they accomplished the latter on July 5 in front of the largest American TV audience to ever watch a soccer match.

2. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Just how good is Stephen Curry? He’s so good that if someone yelled that he was the top player in the NBA, not even the president of the LeBron James Fan Club would put up much of an argument. The best player on the best team in the league, Curry shot lights out (NBA-record 286 three-pointers), he passed with precision (7.7 assists per game) and was one of the game’s finest pocket pickers (2 steals a night). Though Curry was the nobrainer MVP, these Warriors were far from a one-ring circus; Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala all played important roles in a season that concluded emphatically with a 4-2 NBA Finals win over James’ Cleveland Cavaliers. As for the critics who insisted that Curry and Co.’s magic would fade, Golden State’s 24-game winning streak to start the ’15-’16 campaign made that nonsense disappear.

3. KANSAS CITY ROYALS

On a great day, the average sports fan could probably name one player on the Royals roster. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s not important how many folks could point out Mike Moustakas (22 HRs, 82 RBI) or Lorenzo Cain (.307 BA) in a lineup. What matters is that this scrappy, just-get-theman-over-to-the-next-base group of guys somehow bested a league full of teams with overinflated egos and out-of-this-galaxy budgets. (Kansas City’s $121 million payroll was $144 million cheaper than the L.A. Dodgers’ in 2015!) That said, the Royals’ World Series triumph over the New York Mets was not only a win for an overlooked city that hadn’t had a victory parade since ’85, but it was also reaffirmation that the little, nameless guy could still come out on top.

KEEPING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS BY BRET LOVE

“N

EW YEAR, NEW YOU.” THIS IS the time every year when we all aspire to improve ourselves, whether that means losing weight, stressing less, working out more or getting more sleep. Here are a few products we’ve found to help you keep those resolutions throughout the year:

RUNNING/WALKING

4. UCONN HUSKIES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

A season ago, the Connecticut Huskies didn’t do anything groundbreaking on the basketball court. Geno Auriemma’s team (38-1) simply moved the ball with pace, boxed out their opponents well and kept their own mistakes to a minimum... oh, and they gave schools a heavy dose of Breanna Stewart every night. And while the multidimensional, 6-4 forward was more than a handful — Stewart is the only person in history to be named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player three times — Breanna was far from the Huskies’ only heroine. In fact, in the title game against nemesis Notre Dame that clinched UConn’s third straight championship, it was Moriah Jefferson and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis who paced the team in scoring. But honestly, from the season’s opening tip to the final piece of confetti dropped, UConn displayed a brand of well-rounded dominance that didn’t get nearly the national attention it warranted. Spoiler alert: The No. 1 Huskies started the ’15-16 season off with an 11-0 record.

5. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

If the Baltimore Ravens knew how to hold on to 14-point leads, the New England Patriots wouldn’t be on this list. If the Seattle Seahawks understood how good Marshawn Lynch was at the goal line, the New England Patriots wouldn’t be on this list. But here they are. It seems like every year, Pats head coach Bill Belichick and all-world QB Tom Brady climb over a mountain of naysayers, injuries and controversies — here at the INsite office, we’re still trying to figure out how the organization got out of the Deflategate mess without as much as a scratch — to win the AFC East with a 12-4 record. When that happened in early 2015, they went on to take their fourth Super Bowl since 2001. And guess what their record was this past regular season? You got it, 12-4.

BERGHAUS

I’ve gradually lost 50 pounds in the last few years, and daily fastwalking was key. The Rush Pant from BROOKS RUNNING (BrooksRunning.com) is excellent for walking or running in cool weather, made from lightweight, moisture-wicking DriLayer fabric that feels more casual HARBINGER and comfortable than running tights… Having the right shoes made a huge difference in improving my speed/stamina. The E:Motion Road N3 from PEARL IZUMI (shop. PearlIzumi.com) was named Best Debut by Runner’s World for its lightweight structure, Energy Foam cushioning and TRU MEDIC abrasion resistance… The Vapor Storm Jacket from BERGHAUS (usa.Berghaus.com) is another award-winner– the world’s first waterproof venting jacket designed for serious athletes. Extremely comfortable and lightweight, the GORE-TEX jacket provides protection from TEMPURPEDIC the elements while allowing ultimate freedom of movement.

WORKOUT GEAR

One of the tricks I used to build strength/endurance was to incorporate weights into my walks. HARBINGER (HarbingerFitness.com) has a HumanX 20lb Weight Vest NUYU designed to increase workout intensity exponentially. Its finest feature is the patentpending flex weight design, which conforms to your body comfortably and allows you to do push-ups, sit-ups or burpees without becoming imbalanced… When I work out alone, I always talk on the phone or listen to music. Marine Earbuds from TOUGHTESTED (Toughtested.com) are great for exercising because they’re completely waterproof and sweat-proof… The Self Defense Claw from TIGER LADY (TigerLady.com) is one of the coolest products we’ve seen for women who walk/jog alone. Weighing a few ounces and fitting perfectly in the palm of your hand, it becomes Wolverine-style claws when you tighten your fist. Plus, the hollow channels on the claws’ underside capture DNA, helping cops make a positive ID if you’re attacked.

IMPROVE MUSCLE HEALTH

The older we get, the longer it takes our bodies to recover from intense physical activity. My favorite Christmas gift this year was the InstaShiatsu Plus from TRU MEDIC (TruMedic.com). Cordless and rechargeable, this personal massager is remarkably effective, with custom heat settings, adjustable pressure and circular shiatsu-style massagers. It’s the closest thing I’ve ever felt to a deep-tissue spa massage… As a writer who sits hunched over a computer 10-12 hours a day, my posture could be a lot better. BETTER BACK (GetBetterBack.com) is a lightweight, portable product designed to build up back strength and improve posture in PG 22 • January 2016 • insiteatlanta.com

15 minutes a day, making any chair that you sit in more ergonomic.

RELAX/DE-STRESS

Because of the aforementioned 10-12 hour workdays and the stress of being a self-employed entrepreneur, relaxation and sleep have always been a struggle for me. The Contour Breeze Side-to-Side Pillow from TEMPURPEDIC (Tempurpedic.com) has made a huge difference in the latter, with a unique ergonomic shape perfect for side-sleepers and a cooling gel that provides extra comfort and support… My lady loves the Repose Aromatherapy Resting Cream from GILCHRIST & SOAMES (GilchristSoames.com), the brand found in luxury hotels. The natural plant extracts and antioxidants smooth and refine the skin overnight as the essential oils help you relax and get a better night’s sleep.

HEALTHY SNACKS

A lesson I had to learn before losing weight permanently was that snacking between meals is vital, and choosing healthy snacks is key. We love the gluten-free Pretzel Crackers, Baked Bites and Milk Chocolate-Covered Twists from GRATIFY (GratifyFoods.com): The former come in a variety of savory flavors (Sea Salt, Buffalo Wing, Tuscan Herbs), while the latter satisfy my sweet tooth without spiking my blood sugar… PEELED SNACKS (PeeledSnacks. com) is a new favorite for us: From the baked, high-protein flavors of their Peas Please line to the organic dried fruit in Apple Clusters and Much-Ado-About-Mango, we loved everything we tried from the organic, gluten-free, non-GMO brand… Atlanta’;s own HARVEST SOUL (HarvestSoul.com) makes delicious organic, “chewable” juices high in fiber, rich in protein and packed with flavor. The texture of the veggies, super fruits, nuts, seeds and berries takes a bit of getting used to, but the Berry Banana Fusion totally rocks our world!

TECH

Being more healthy mostly boils down to tracking stats– blood pressure, heart rate, BMI, etc. The Smart Scale from PIVOTAL LIVING (PivotalLiving.com) was named “The Best Health Tech Bargain of 2015” by Digital Trends. Rather than mere daily weight fluctuations, this high-tech device uses sensor technology to accurately measure body weight, lean body mass, body fat percentage, body mass index and basal metabolic rate, giving you a much more complete picture of your health… The waterresistant Personal Activity Monitor from NUYU (HealthometerNuyu.com) comes in at half the average price of a FitBit, yet essentially does the same things: It tracks steps, calories burned, distance and sleep patterns in real-time, wireless sends that data to a few mobile app, and helps you understand how to reach your goals via 12week Coaching Plans. It’s an affordable first step towards a better, healthier you!

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