INsite Atlanta March 2014 Issue

MARCH 2014

INSITEATLANTA.COM

VOL. 22, NO. 8 FREE

Irish Recipes Travel to Ireland The Chieftans

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C I R T PA

Y A D S ’ K

E V E N TS G

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Plus our Guide to

March Madness!

PG 2 • March 2014 • insiteatlanta.com

CONTENTS • MARCH 2014 • VOLUME 22, NO. 8 Atlanta’s

Entertainment Monthly

INTERVIEWS 06 Vera Farmiga 10 The Chieftans 12 The Lion King 15 Audra McDonald 16 Rodrigo Santoro 17 Harlem Globetrotters 21 Michael McDonald 22 Amber Nash 23 Peggy Vail 24 Jimmy Nelson 27 Max Raabe 28 The Fleshtones 27 Driftwood

06

16

FEATURES 08 11 21 25 26 29

March Madness Dining St. Patty’s Day Guide Irish Recipes World’s Best Road Trips Travel to Ireland NCAA Tournament

COLUMNS 04 05 05 07 13 14 18 19 19 20 30 30

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

22

27

www.insiteatlanta.com 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 Glenn Lafollette glenn@insiteatlanta.com Music Editor John Moore john@insiteatlanta.com

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Contributing Writers / Interns: Jon Latham, Ryan Loftis, Rodney Hill, Alex S. Morrison, Steve Warren, Dave Cohen, Jennifer Williams, Matt Connor, Ed Morales, Sacha Dzuba, David Weinthal, Benjamin Carr, Kalena Smith, Justin Patterson, Lee Valentine Smith, Amanda Miles, Patrick Flanary, Ian Coverdale CONTACT US 130 West Wieuca Road, Ste. 111 Atlanta, GA 30342 phone (404) 256-4328 • website insiteatlanta.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION (404) 256-4328 • 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.

© Copyright 2014, Be Bop Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Check out our St. Patty’s Day Guide on page 11!

MARCH 2014

INSITEATLAN TA.COM

VOL. 22, NO. 8 FREE

Irish Recipes Travel to Ireland The Chieftans

R ST. PAT

I CK’S D

AY

DE

STAFF LISTING

EV E N TS GU I Plus our Guide to

March Madness!

insiteatlanta.com • March 2014 • PG 3

Around Town Georgia Reproductive Specialists is looking for non-smoking females between the ages of 21 and 31 who are interested in donating their eggs to infertile couples who otherwise could not conceive. GRS will offer $7,000 in compensation to qualifying participants. Visit ivf.com or email donor@ivf.com.

Theatre/Film/Performance

Museums/Exhibits/Arts

Music/Comedy/Sports

The Strand invites Marietta to Zoo Atlanta will host Pajama Day on pull on its boots and get back to March 15. Wear you PJs to the zoo, its roots in the most high-spirited and lounge around with the wildlife hometown hoedown this side of with special keeper talks, crafts and the Mason-Dixon line – The Pickup Truck appearances by Zhu Zhu, the giant panda mascot.

Revue: A Hometown Country Show. The Go to zooatlanta.org for more details.

Pickup Truck Revue will kick off on March 7 and give Marietta the chance to do the boot On March 15, the Georgia MG scootin’ boogie to country favorites old and Walk returns to Piedmont Park Have you been diagnosed with new. Visit earlsmithstrand.org for tickets. for the second year. Local citizens Bipolar 1 Disorder? You may be who are affected by MG will eligible to participate in a research Max Raabe and the Palast gather at the MG Walk to raise funds and study to evaluate an investigational Orchester offer the ultimate night awareness for those who live with the disease. drug for Bipolar Disorder. Participants must be out, transporting audiences to the Go to mgwalk.org.

18-65 years old, currently taking Valproic Acid high glamour of the Weimar Era or Lamotrigne and medically stable. All study- in Berlin in the 1920s while celebrating their Love bacon? Don’t we all. Check related office visits, medical evaluations and study new release “Golden Age” during their March out Bacon Chase 5K on March medication will be provided at no cost to qualified 2014 U.S. tour. They perform at Georgia State 22. The festival will open before participants. For information, call 678-992-0109. University’s Rialto Center for the Arts on the run exalting all that is hammy.

March 8 at 8pm. Tickets are $46, $38 and $23. Bacon-themed activities, music, and revelry The classic “Gone With The Visit rialtocenter.org for more. await as you prime your palate for your journey Wind” opens a new exhibition at into meaty majesty. The festival opens at 8am. the Margaret Mitchell House in The Fourth Annual Dahlonega Go to baconchase.com for more.

Midtown on March 1. For the 75th Trail Fest returns on March 14anniversary of the motion picture version of 16 in Hancock Park in Dahlonega.

The Center for Puppetry Arts Margaret Mitchell’s novel, the exhibition “Stars The event will celebrating the welcomes “1001 Nights” for Fall on Atlanta: The Premiere of Gone With Dahlonega’s designation as an Appalachian two weeks, starting the Wind,” highlights the famous film. Go to Trail Community. Head to dahlonegatrailfest. on March 25, in atlantahistorycenter.com for more details. org for more. the Downstairs Theater.

For tickets, go to “Dream A Little Dream,” a new Kicking off Horizon Theatre’s puppet.org. collaborative album from Pink 30th Anniversary Season, blue Martini and The von Trapps, collar collides with blue blood and will be released March 4 on siblings divide in “Elemeno Pea” Heinz Records. The group will perform at (pronounced L-M-N-O-P) by Molly Smith Atlanta Symphony Hall on March 2. More Metzler. Performances run March 14-April 13. information can be found at pinkmartini.com Go to horizontheatre.com for more details and vontrapps.net.

ALL MAR

ALL MAR

MAR 07

MAR 15

The Atlanta International Auto Show returns on March 26-20 at teh Georgia World Congres Center. There will be more than 30 different lines of cars and trucks represented.

Visit goautoshow.com for tickets and details.

MAR 15

The Laughing Skull Lounge will host its Comedy Festival March 26-30. The five-day event will bring together the best comedians in the business to see 60 pro-level comics compete.

Comics from shows like “Chelsea Lately,” Comedy Central, IFC and more will be unhand.

Go to laughing skulllounge.com for complete show pricing and details.

MAR 08

MAR 22

MAR 01

MAR 16

MAR 04

Other Stuff

MAR 26

MAR 26

Take part in Over The Edge, a benefit for Special Olympics Georgia. Fundraisers will take part in rappelling down the Buckhead Tower on April 25 an April 26.

Visit specialolympicsga.org for complete information and event details.

APR 26

MAR 25

MAR 14

BIPOLAR RESEARCH STUDY Have You Been Diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder?

You may be eligible to participate in a research study to evaluate an investigational drug for Bipolar Disorder.

Participants must be 18-65 years old, currently taking Valproic Acid or Lamotrigine and medically stable. All study-related office visits, medical evaluations and study medication will be provided at no cost to qualified participants.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL

678-992-0109

Northwest Behavioral Research Center PG 4 • March 2014 • insiteatlanta.com

Pure Exhilaration!

Interested in participating in a challenging, exhilarating event that you will remember for the rest of your life? Experience the rush of rappelling 20 stories from the side of a building while benefitting Special Olympics Georgia.

Buckhead Tower Friday April 25th and Saturday April 26th Meet the challenge in raising $1,000 for Special Olympics Georgia and become an Edger!

Visit www.specialolympicsga.org/2014ote to register and learn more about the event or contact Autumn Unrein at Autumn.Unrein@SpecialOlympicsGA.org Special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Autotrader.com

LOCAL EVENTS

LOCAL

On Tap this Month

EVENTS HAPPENING FOR SMALL CHANGE IN ATLANTA

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

EMAIL EVENTS TO ONTAP@INSITEATLANTA.COM

March 15: Philips Arena & Gwinnett Arena

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

The world famous Harlem Globetrotters will take fan interaction to a new level when the 2014 “Fans Rule” World Tour comes to Philips Arena (1pm) and Gwinnett Arena (7:30pm). The 1pm show will feature online voting at harlemglobetrotters.com/rule, where all fans can choose which new game-changing rules they want to see in their hometown.

Head to harlemglobetrotters.com for tickets and information.

Fan response to the rule changing was so overwhelming, the team is doing it again – so don’t miss out.

March 22: Red Brick Brewing Co.

CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

This has been a long time brewing — pun intended. The First Annual Georgia Craft Beer Fest, hosted by Red Brick Brewing Co., will be hosted on March 22. This celebration of Georgia brewing culture showcases tastes from local breweries around out the state. The event is aimed at bringing everyone together in support of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild.

Enjoy beer samples while absorbing the smooth sounds of live music. The celebration of brews and music will continue from 1-6pm.

March 23: Centennial Olympic Park

PUBLIX GEORGIA MARATHON

Maybe you hate yourself. Maybe you think running 26.2 miles is an acceptable distance to burden your body with. If so, time is still available to register for the Publix Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon on March 23. The event 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. Online registration is open now. Go online to georgiamarathon.com for more information.

March 28-April 6: Various

ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL

The Atlanta Film Fest returns March 28-April 6 in theaters all over Atlanta. The festival started in 1976 and offers an amazing, diverse blend of independent films, including genre films such as horror and sci-fi. The historic Plaza Theatre in Atlanta’s Poncey-Highland area and 7 Stages Theatre in Little 5 Points will again serve as the festival’s primary venues. For a complete listing of entries, screenwriting contests and showtimes, go to atlantafilmfestival.com.

April 5: Atlantic Station

BEER CARNIVAL

The Fifth Annual Beer Carnival is set for April 5 from 1-5pm and pour up plenty to taste and experience for beer lovers and carnival enthusiasts alike. Formerly Winter Beer Carnival, this year’s event is being thawed out and moving to a new early spring date at Atlantic Station in Midtown and will be expanded to offer more beers, carnival games, activities, DJs and great food. Go to thebeercarnival.com for a listing of all 100 types of beers including traditional favorites, premium craft beers and an assortment of seasonal and favorite craft brews from near and far.

April 5-6: Olmsted Linear Park

FESTIVAL ON PONCE

The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces is proud to announce the 3rd Spring Festival on Ponce. This event will feature over 150 local and regional artists with the beautiful backdrop of historic Olmsted Linear Park.

Visitors will enjoy fine art and crafts, children’s area, live acoustic entertainment and local food and beverage concessions including “gourmet” food trucks. For more information, please visit festivalonponce.com for a complete listing of details.

SIPS IN THE CITY CALLAWAY GARDENS PHOENIX FLIES ATLANTAFeb. FAIR28, Check August, Through FREE Website for Deals

“CITYWIDE CELEBRATION OF LIVING LANDMARKS” February 28 – April 6,Restaurants Children ages 2-11 - $1; Adults Various Downtown Callaway Gardens March 5-20, Free ages 12 and up $5 ($8 on Saturday after 6 p.m.), www.atlantadowntown.com 17800 Hwy 27 Around the City VariousUS Children 2Landmarks and under are free.

Pine Mountain, Georgia phoenixflies.org Turner Field – Grey Lot This summer promotion encourages callawaygardens.com atlantafair.com

patrons to experience DowntownofAtlanta The Phoenix Flies: A Celebration Living

on ice! the heated months of Admission tocreated Callaway Gardens is For over Throughout 25 was years, the Atlanta Fair at Atlanta Turner Landmarks in 2003 by The July and August, featured restaurants in the complimentary through the end of this Field has beenCenter bringing thrills, excitement Preservation as the a way to celebrate the Downtown District willrescue beresidents. offering month (Price $15 for adults, and ofDining theisMidway to Georgia 25thsounds anniversary ofnormally the dramatic of the refreshing signature cocktails, hipcarnivalhappy $6.50 peronce child) providing guests with What was a dream of three Fox Theatre, anonly event that changed Atlanta’s hours and deals that you won’t want to miss. loving brothers from Southeastern Kentucky the opportunity to enjoy time with their preservation outlook forever. This year, the list has blossomed into one of the largest city Participating restaurants Atlanta family and reconnecting ininner nature. includes freefriends guided tours of include The Fox Theatre, fairs that the Southeastern United States offers.

Grill, Azio Downtown, BLT Steak, Max Free admission includes the Virginia Piedmont Park, Historic Oakland Cemetery, Lager’s, No Mas! Walking Cantina andCenter, The Hand Callaway Discovery Day Civil War Atlanta Tour, TullieSundial Smith PHOENIX FLIES “CITYWIDE CELEBRATION Restaurant.

Visit the website for a complete Butterfly Center, Sibley Horticultural Farm House, Margaret Mitchell House, the OF LIVING LANDMARKS” list ofBeltline deals.

Center, Mr. Cason’smuch Vegetable new Park more. Garden, March 8 - 23,Brothers Free andAzalea Callaway Bowl, Overlook Various Landmarks Around the City Garden, Discovery Bicycle Trail, Pioneer AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL SHOW IN ATLANTA phoenixflies.org Log Cabin, Ida Cason Callaway Memorial March 10-13, Regular admission: $13 Chapel, nature trails daily programs.

The Phoenix A and Celebration of Living Children under Flies: 12: free Landmarks created in 2003 by The Atlanta Cobb Galleriawas Center THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS Preservation Center as a way to celebrate the Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 25th anniversary of the rescue Feb. 10 27, Tickets range from $15 - $35of the craftcouncil.org/Atlanta dramatic Fox Theatre, an event Turner Field Green Lot that changed Atlanta’s preservation outlookAtlanta forever. This year, the list 521 Avenue, ThisCapitol 3-day event is the largest juried fine craft includes Atlanta Cyclorama, Piedmont Park, universoulcircus.com Show in the southeast. The show has been

By Marci Miller 2011 SOUTHEASTERN HUNGER WALK/RUN 5KFLOWER SHOW AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL ATLANTA SHOW Feb. 25 27, Adults $18 in advance) March 13, Noon-4pm, $25($15 for runners 8th ANNUAL GERMAN BIERFEST March 14 – 16, Friday: 10 am - 8 pm, Saturday: 10

Youth/Student $7, Kids2 under 5 are Free Free for walkers Saturday, am - 6 pm, August Sunday: 27, 11 am –- 57pm pm, $13 one-day pass, Cobb Galleria Centre Parking is free $30three-day Online, $35 the Door $28 pass,AtChildren 12 and under are free Two Galleria Parkway, Turner Field Green LotAtlanta Woodruff Park, Downtown Atlanta Cobb Galleria Center sehort.org 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta www.germanbierfest.com craftcouncil.org hungerwalkrun.org Presented bycelebration the Southeastern This summer celebrates theallgreatness This three-dayevent of things Horticultural Society, this annual Join thousands of runners and at of German beermore in than a family-friendly handmade features 225 walkers ofpremier the top gardening event promotes preservation this annual event that benefits the Atlanta contemporary jewelry, clothing, furniture, and environment. Complete with authentic and awareness of flowers plants home décor artists from across the country Community Food Bank and fiveand other local German food, activities for the kids, music under oneeducation roof.

It’s your chance toexpression. feel, through andBierfest artistic nonprofits.

Participants can register as a team and fun, the German istouch, not only and explore high-quality American craft Show activities include speakers, juried or individually online or register the daylike of the only authentic German Bierfest in you’ve never seen before.

ThisLandscape is for the all largest competition, kids’ activities, & the event.

There will befamily-friendly activities ages Atlanta, but the only beer juried, indoor craft show inmore. theofsoutheast –a Discovery Gardens and including live entertainment & more. festival asgames, well.

For the price admittance,

must-attend fornoon, craft Gates opencan at theall5Ktherunbeer & walk attendees drinklovers. theybegin can at 2 p.m. safely consume.

Designated drivers are 10th ANNUAL ATLANTA SCIENCEOAKHURST FESTIVAL WINE CRAWL encouraged and can attend for free.

No one Saturday, 26, 4 pm-7 March 22 –Feb. 29, Pricing varies pm by location under the of 21 will be permitted to $25 in advance for Tasting Glass A-TOWN DAYage Various Locations around Metro Atlanta consume alcohol.

A designated driver $30 day26,ofNoon-8pm, event March $5 atlantasciencefestival.org service will also be on site for those who Oakhurst LakewoodBusiness District find themselves in an unsafe condition to oakhurstga.org 2002Atlanta Lakewood Ave SE,Festival Atlanta is a week-long The Science drive home. celebration atownday.comof local science and technology held at various throughout metro Participants in locations this year’s event will get Atlanta.

Atlanta residents of all ages will have to sample wines from around the world A-TOWN DAY is a health festival, concert, PIGS & PEACHES BBQcare FESTIVAL the toallofexplore the science while the businesses in and the and opportunity a exploring major Awareness celebrating August 26 & 27,day Friday 5pm - 11pm technology in the region and see how science Oakhurst neighborhood.

There will be 20 all things10am Atlanta.

A-TOWN Saturday – 10pm, Free DAY benefits isBen connected to all parts of our lives.

Scientists participating establishments and the event the Diabetes of Atlanta and The RobertsonAssociation Community Center, Kennesaw and educators fromout local schools,The and expects sell quickly.

Bus B-Aware to Foundation.

This eventmuseums willFur feature www.facebook.com/PigsAndPeaches companies will uncover mysteries and explain will be on poetry, hand to live music, cartransport show and participants lotsactivities, of family discoveries in a range of hands-on from bar to bar.

Tickets can be purchased friendly events.

The event features a non-sanctioned facility tours, stimulating presentations, from Steinbeck’s Ale House, Backyard BBQ, Anything Butt andUjoint, Peach and riveting performances to expand our and Karvana Coffee Shop, all located ina Dessert PARK Contest, as enthusiasts well as a WEEK Kansas City INMAN RESTAURANT community of science and inspire Oakhurst village.

Barbeque Society sanctioned new generation curious thinkers.Professional March 28-April 3,of$15 Contest, is recognized $25 & $35which for three-course meal as a Georgia State NATIONAL Championship Barbeque Cookoff.

STONE MOUNTAIN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL & IHOP PANCAKE DAY CELEBRATION inmanparkrestaurantweek.com ARTIST MARKET Over $14,000 cash and prizes will be Tuesday, March 1,in7 am-10 pm, Free Pancakes March – 30, Saturday 6pm Besides awarded to House contest winners. food International of 10am Pancakes Savor29historic Inman Park– with three-course Sunday 11am – 6pm, Free for sale, from and free music from of Locations throughout Metro Atlantaa number dinners 11 local restaurants.

Proceeds Stone Mountain Village Open local and national acts, festival goershelps will IHOPPancakeday.com will benefit Project Hand, which stonemoutainvillage.com be treated to a large Kid Zone (withchronic many people prevent or better manage attractions FREE to families), vendor On thisthrough day, customers willunique receive one disease comprehensive nutrition care.

The Fifthand Annual Stoneexhibits.

MountainThe Bluegrass booths sponsor Silver free short stack (three) ofand IHOP’s famous $1 raffle tickets will be sold will go towards Festival & Artists Market is a two-day festival Wings paratrooper aerial exhibition buttermilk pancakes.

All they ask is team that the charity.

The winner of the raffle will win mixing bluegrass musicians and self-taught returns thed’ouerves, event, and will jump into the patrons consider making a donation to asouthern hostedtoartists hor beer and wine party and artisans visitors will enjoy festival on Saturday, August 27.

Crowds support local children’s hospitals through at Park’s Edge Restaurant for thirty of their folk and outsider art and crafts, live music, will be Each treated to local aPark wonderful display of Children’s Miracle Network other local friends.

Inman restaurant will bring children’s area and foodorand beverage aerobatics and performances in charities.

Since beginning concessions “gourmet” food trucks tastes from including their patriotic restaurants forits theNational winner. the There will be ainhuge, fireworks Pancake Day 2006, IHOP The sky. winner willcelebration be also announced at the end of grand finale.more has raised $5.35 millionfortoa the restaurant week.than Check the website support in the communities complete charities list of participating restaurants. in

Inman Park, Civil War Atlanta Walking Tour, the premiere marketplace for regional fine Druid Hills, Grant Park,UniverSoul Castleberry Hill and The Circus craft lovers and collectors, and offers guests much more. All tours are free. its continues the chance to meet and purchase worksurge from YELLOW JACKET to the top of the live esteemed artists from around the country.

To HUNGER WALK/RUN 5K entertainment ranks FAN DAY reach first-time collectors and established craft March 9, 12:00pm – 4:00pm, $25 for runners, free for with interactive Saturday, August 6, 3pm –its6pm, Free collectors alike, the newest show category walkers ($25 donation encouraged), Parking isfunky freefor rendition of a traditional Bobby DoddGreen Stadium Grant Field Under $100.

Turner Field Lot isatHandmade participating artists circus.

UniverSoul has www.ramblinwreck.com 755 Hankwho Aaronsell Drive, Atlanta Artists work for under $100 will have captivated audiences hungerwalkrun.org their booths specially marked for patrons around the world Festivities at from 3ap.m. on Callaway Plaza interested inbegin starting collection. with its unique brand Join thousands of runners and walkers at with music, prizes, inflatables and games for this annual event that benefits the Atlanta that blends circus arts, the kids. MOTOR From 4-6 p.m. the gates willHOUSE open ATLANTA SPEEDWAY OPEN Community Food Bank andFREE five other local theater and music. and fans can enter the stadium to meet the March 12, 11am-3pm, Free nonprofits.

Participants can register as a team Founded in Atlanta over 2011 Yellow Jackets.

Football players will be Atlanta Motor Speedway or individually online or ago, register day of 17 years thethe audience seated with their position groups at various 1500 Tara Place, Hampton the event.

There willinbe activities all ages willthe watch amazement as stilt points on playing field.

Head for coach Paul atlantamotorspeedway.com including games, live entertainment & more. walkers make their way across a tight Johnson willat sign autographs from 4-5 p.m.

Gates open noon, perform the 5K rundeath-defying & walk begin rope, horse riders and will be available for photographs from at 2 p.m.

Visit the track’s Open House for free.

Activities stunts, and contortionists bend into 5-6 p.m.

Please limit autographs to ONE include championship legends racing on the incredible and beautiful shapes. item per player or coach. be the quarter-mile “Thunder Ring.This ”, freewilldrawings first opportunity to get the 2011 football for big prizes, drive your own car on the track poster well2011 as ofschedule cards, ticket CHEERSPORT NATIONAL with theaspurchase Labor Day NASCAR information and other items throughout the CHEERLEADING & DANCE tickets, fans can select their seats for the Labor afternoon.

Most campus parking lots will Day Race Weekend, tour the Speedway’s race CHAMPIONSHIP be available. it operates.

FESTIVAL PEACHTREE LATINO control Feb. 18 –tower 20 and suites, take photos with which

the Atlanta $30 for 2-dayMotor pass Speedway pace car and a SIMON GAMEPLAY NASCAR Sprint Series winner’s trophy, $20 for 1-day passCup TOUR Saturday, August 20gift @ shop 10am,and Free discounts much more.

Kids Under at5 AMS are Free Discover Mills Mall, Lawrenceville Georgia World Congress Center www.simon.com 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., Atlanta cheersport.net The Simon GamePlay tour will connect fans of all ages to the hottest video cheerleading games before Bring it on…this electrifying they are launched and available in stores. and dance competition features teams The recently launched Nintendo 3DS competing from across America. This gaming system will take center stage with year, it expects to grow larger than ever a “Nintendo Lounge, ” with couches, with over 9003DS teams participating, from snacks and games.

Nintendo also offer ages three through college. will Cheersport “Street Pass,”bytournament-style play loved using was founded all-star coaches who Nintendo 3DS devices.

GamePlay will competitive cheerleading and dance. feature 10 gaming pods, including 2 mature Check the website for the full competition zones, with products from instrusty leaders schedule. like SEGA, Capcom, 2K and Atari.

Sunday, August 28, 11am – 7:30pm, Free Piedmont Park www.festivalpeachtreelatino.com

Festival Peachtree Latino has been the largest family & multicultural event in the southeast since 2000. They have featured hundreds of exhibitions, family activities, sporting events, parades, arts & crafts, ethnic foods and outdoor musical performances featuring renowned international musicians on two stages. The best part about it is that the event is absolutely FREE!! This year, Festival Peachtree Latino has more to offer, with new attractions and a larger schedule of musical performances.

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TV

NO VACANCY

Bates Motel’s Vera Farmiga Lives in the Present

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

C

ONCEIVED AS A “contemporary prequel” to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 film Psycho, A&E’s Bates Motel details the life of Norman Bates and his mother Norma, prior to the happenings in the film. The modern-day drama, set in fictional White Pine Bay, Oregon, centers around Norma Bates’ motel and her life and travails with her unusual son.

Developed by Carlton Cuse, Kerry Ehrin and Anthony Cipriano, the popular television series debuted last March. As season two is set to begin this month, gregarious and opinionated star Vera Farmiga (The Conjuring, Higher Ground, Up in the Air) spoke with the press about the show, her character and her now infamous blood-curdling screams.

As season two begins, how much of the upcoming storyline do you know in advance?

I’m still figuring out what it is, and that is part of my process. You know, I’ve never had the luxury of a second season. I’ve done three series before. And they all never had the opportunity to go beyond 13 episodes in the first season. And so I wanted to sort of take it an episode at a time and not get ahead of myself. In hindsight, in the experience of season one, I felt okay,

especially having sort of a big bomb land in the last episode. For me, it was impossible to dig as deep, initially, with the root of this new character. Television is a much slower process to discovering that background history, the personality, the psychology, and the characters’ goals. And there were so many unknowns. There’s an intimacy.

But now there’s a level of sportsmanship, in that we can throw harder jabs at each other. It’s the deeper level of trust that has been established between us all. It’s interesting developing a character over TV time and I’ve wanted to pace myself with the information that was coming at me. But I think for this season, I did ask for more clues. I wanted to have the trajectory. I wanted to have more answers at the start, which I was provided. So I think you’re in for a better second season.

Last year, you starred in The Conjuring.

What attracts you to darker roles in general?

I think actually the projects choose us. But why like there’s this magnetism oftentimes with dark subject matters, I don’t know. Actually, to be honest with you, I do find dark stories uplifting. I think it’s during the darkest moments of our lives that we see the light. There’s a lot of darkness in Bates Motel. But again, there’s a lot of joy. I always look at things and I choose to look through the lens of

. . .

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THE WRITING IS SO DEMANDING, THEY REALLY WANT YOU TO CAUSE SHOCK WAVES. AND IT’S JUST MUSTERING THAT EARNESTLY – AND KEEPING YOURSELF HONEST IS REALLY HARD AND MOST CHALLENGING. positivity. And I think our story is, yes, it’s a story about dysfunction. It’s dark. But it’s a story about commitment and love and family and resilience and loyalty. Maybe it’s because our childhoods were so straight and narrow and full of light and love and goodness. Maybe that’s why we tend to veer toward the darkness a bit more. I am attracted to the sordid and the wacky and the unorthodox. But I love infusing it with lightness.

Will we learn more about your character’s background this season?

Yes, because I think what’s happening, she’s built this brick by brick. And I think, all of this has developed sort of a really complicated psychological issues like depression that she squashes and low self-esteem and fear and guilt. And all that trauma which she hasn’t dealt with, and all these stressors. She’s got pretty significant stressors that affect her parenting capacities and also affect every other relationship that that she can take on.

I feel like she’s kind of driving the bus from the backseat. The way she can function in society, so far without not having dealt properly with it, is driving this bus, or life, from that backseat. Or she herself may look at it as, you know, creative visualization.

I mean, she shoves everything inside this vault. And she just takes on this fresh and fabulous outlook on life. For her, I think the hotel’s success, like achieving success, which she equates to happiness, is the one thing she’s always struggled with achieving.

So her mission at the start of Season Two is to sort of change that. And that involves being more involved in the community.

And she develops friendships outside of her relationship with Norman.

When you first took the role, were you worried how it would work, set it in the modern day?

I’d be lying if I didn’t have some reservation about it when initially was presented with the offer. I thought there are so many things that can go wrong. But then it became, to me, simply a story. At

the heart of the story is this relationship between mother and son. But I didn’t feel any sort of pressure of, really, everything that we knew about Norma Bates was through the fractured psyche of Anthony Perkins’ version of Norman. I think it’s so original. You just thank your lucky stars.

You thank the writers for thinking of you.

And you claim it. And, you know, I’m a mom. I’m a mom of two toddlers. The story for me resonates. It’s unnervingly relatable.

It’s like my inspiration for the role’s development is always point-blank myself. I see the way my strength and my weaknesses shape my babies and that’s what the story is about. It’s a rare gift of a very personal melody that I’ve been given in the form of Norma Bates.

You also have a rare gift for iconic screams in your popular “freak-out” scenes. Do you rehearse them in advance or do they just come natural to you?

Yes, any extreme emotion, I don’t like rehearsing. Like, laughter is like even harder to do than a scream for me. I’m a screamer by nature. It’s like my vocal cords, my mom will tell you that I probably did a lot of screaming therapy as a child. I don’t practice it. But I never quite know how it’s going to come out. It never quite comes out the same way twice. And it’s something that’s like a jump off the springboard. For me personally, it’s like taking a jump off the high dive in the pool. You’ve just got to go for it …and let it rip.

Besides the screams, what’s the most difficult part about playing Norma?

To me it’s very simple. It’s just being earnest in my emotion. The writing is so demanding, they really want you to cause shock waves. And it’s just mustering that earnestly - and keeping yourself honest is really hard and most challenging. And it’s really, for me, it’s going home and forgetting about it all and being present for my own children, and I don’t have a problem doing that. It’s a job. It’s an on and off switch that I’m super passionate about.

THEATER WORLD PREMIERE

Under The Lights ON THE STAGE THIS MONTH! SHREK THE MUSICAL

Now - Mar 16 Alliance Theatre Box Office (404) 733-5000 AllianceTheatre.org/shrek A delight for the whole family, Shrek The Musical based on the b e l o v e d Dreamworks film character and William Steig’s 1990s book will charm the ogre out of everyone.

Watch Shrek the ogre leave his home and give up his privacy to rescue the princess Fiona, herself under a curse that makes her nervous about her looks. In this fairy tale world, there is someone for everyone no matter what they look like. This wonderful musical ran for 12 months on Broadway and is now adapted to a family friendly one-act experience. Watch Shrek the ogre leave his home and give up his privacy to rescue the princess Fiona, herself under a curse that makes her nervous about her looks. In this fairy tale world, there is someone for everyone no matter what they look like. Under the guidance of theatrical magician Rosemary Newcott, this show will transport audiences to a rich visual experience with a hilarious take on fairy tales. Magic for the kids, romance for the romantics and snarky humor for all.

ONCE

March 4 - 9 The Fox Theatre (855) 285-8499 FoxTheatre.org Once is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music.

Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friend-

Tickets

ship and collaboration evolves into a powerful but complicated romance, heightened by the raw emotion of the songs they create together. Brought to the stage by an award-winning team of visionary artists and featuring an ensemble cast of gifted actor/musicians, Once is a musical celebration of life and love. It is thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty and unforgettable in every way. Once is the winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. In 2007, Once won the Acadamy Award for music and lyrics including Best Original song for “Falling Slowly.” Once also and won an Oscar for independent film. Once is playing at The Fox Theatre for a limited engagement from March 4-9, as part of the 2013/14 season.

as low as

$25

THE TALL GIRLS

Mar 7 - 30 Alliance Theatre Box Office (404) 733-5000 AllianceTheatre.org/thetallgirls The Alliance Theatre’s The Tall Girls is a play set in the depressionera Midwest where the success of a girls’ basketball team may be the only way to a better life for the team’s members. When a mysterious young man gets off the train in Poor Prairie, everybody talks, especially the high school girls looking for a meal ticket – the marryin’ kind. He’s from Poor Prairie, but nobody knows where he’s been and his story has some gaps. A few things are clear, though – he’s teaching at the high school, he knows basketball, and most importantly, he has the only inflated basketball in town.

As for that meal ticket? He may just have that after all, if he can get his Poor Prairie girls team good enough to sell a few tickets. And keep them out of the sights of the Committee on Play, Girls Division (it’s the 1930s – when basketball was “dangerous” for girls). Mixing elements of live, on-stage basketball playing with a touching coming-of-age story, The Tall Girls is the perfect production to see during March Madness.

Hoosiers meets A League of Their Own in this gritty Depression-era sports drama.

By Meg Miroshnik, 2012 Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition Winner for The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls Directed by Susan V. Booth

March 7–30 As a healthy young female

, you have the power to give the gift of life and love.

You can help a couple build the family they’ve dreamed of by donating your eggs...and receive $7,000 for doing it! Donation is completely confidential and health screening is provided at no charge. If you are a non-smoking female between the ages of 21 and 31 and are interested in more information about egg donation, please visit our website or e-mail us at

Tickets @ 404.733.5000

alliancetheatre.org/tallgirls Groups 404.733.4690

donor@ivf.com Series on the Hertz Stage

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

insiteatlanta.com • March 2014 • PG 7

MARCH MADNESS Dining Guide

Where to get a bite with friends during the Basketball Tournament Johnny’s NY Style Pizza

1810 Cheshire Bridge Rd. 404.874.8304 Multiple Locations at JohnnysPizza.com Johnny’s Pizza has come to be synonymous with great pizza and subs in Atlanta. They specialize in NY Style pizza, which is thin in the middle and thick around the edges. All their menu items are reasonably priced. Their Calzones start at just $5.55 and the Stombolli is $8.10. Find 11 subs on the menu for just $5.95. The Cheshire Bridge location featured has lunch specials from $6.85 and offers $5 pitchers of PBR. Johnny’s restaurants offer dine-in, take-out and delivery.

Twin Peaks

3365 Piedmont Rd. Buckhead 404.961.8946 TwinPeaksRestaurant.com Twin Peak’s mountain lodge-style sports restaurant is becoming a Buckhead landmark, while the beautiful Twin Peaks girls create scenic views. Twin Peaks offers high-quality comfort food with a wide array of sandwiches and salads to choose from. They have an extensive selection of draft beers served from 32 taps.

This is a perfect place to sneak out of the

office for a couple of hours during those early round games or after work and get together with friends. They have private rooms that may be booked and a lively rooftop patio adorned with the beautiful Twin Peaks Girls.

Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs 80 Powers Ferry Rd. 770.321.1177 5697 Buford Hwy. 770.455.8570 baldinos.us

Since 1975, Baldinos has been serving the best sub sandwich in the South. Their true New Jersey style subs can’t be beat. The rolls are baked in-store every day. Each sub is sliced fresh and made to order. Hot subs are grilled not nuked or pressed. And only the freshest produce is used. Salads, soups and delicious baked goods compliment a true value menu. Check out Baldinos $3.49 Daily Special during March with a different sub every day that will keep you coming back.

Hudson Grille

Five Atlanta Locations HudsonGrille.com Hudson Grille is the perfect place to catch the game, to meet friends for a great meal, or enjoy drinks

BEST PIZZA!

&

Multiple Atlanta Locations: www.JohnnysPizza.com PG 8 • March 2014 • insiteatlanta.com

Chicago’s Nancy’s Midtown

265 Ponce De Leon #A 404.254.5103 NancysPizza.com

Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!

ER! W INN

from one of their expansive bars. Favorites from the menu include their 1/2 pound hand-pattied Brasstown Beef burgers, steaks, craft sausages and brats as well as fresh seafood. Hudson Grille offers 50+ draft beers, party rooms and 360-degree views of HD TV's. During the tournament they are offering $4.20 SweetWater pints, $2 shorties and $2 beer specials.

Chicago has some the best pizza in America and that great pizza can be found in Midtown Atlanta at Chicago’s Nancy’s. Part of what has made Nancy’s so famous is the freshness of the pizza. The dough is made from scratch while vegetables and toppings are delivered daily. Nancy’s in Midtown has multiple TV screens and seats 70 inside and 25 on their patio. See their ad on the Back Page for coupons offering $4 and $5 Off online orders. They provide take-out and delivery to the area.

Stout Irish Pub

56 East Andrews Drive 404.869.1151 StoutIrishPub.com

Buckhead's Irish Pub has tons of flatscreen TV's, Golden Tee, Jukebox, Corn Hole and Darts. Their screens are normally tuned in to international football (soccer) weekend mornings but will be carrying all the tournament action in the afternoon and evenings. Stout offers a full premium bar along with wide selection of over 50 beers, dark ales, refreshing lagers and rich stouts on draft. Their menu offers great sliders, salads, starters and pub fare sandwiches like battered fish and award winning Reuben.

Mo’s Pizza

3109 Briarcliff Rd. 404.320.1258 MosPizza.com

Mo’s has been serving up great pizza in Atlanta for over 30 years! But the menu isn’t limited to pizza: sandwiches, subs, wings, nachos and salads ensure that anybody who comes here can find something they like.

Check for daily lunch and dinner specials.

Everything is made using the freshest ingredients including the dough built from scratch every day. Come to Mo’s in March and catch all the tournament action. There is plenty of seating inside and they have a huge deck to hang out on and plenty screens.

bold international flavors. You’ll find an assortment of burgers, salads and sandwiches along with several pizzas and tacos. Their large menu offers something for everyone.

Both locations have flat screens throughout with great views from any seat.

Chin Chin

242 Boulevard SE 404.588.0006 AgaveRestaurant.com

Brookhaven 3887 Peachtree Rd. 404-816.2229 Multiple locations ChinChinAtlanta.com

Chin Chin is consistently voted Atlanta’s Best Chinese restaurant. Their menu offers exceptional Chinese cuisine at affordable prices.

What could go better with March Madness then ordering in Chinese. Chin Chin offers dining in, catering and take-out.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant

848 Peachtree Street 404.870-0805 3242 Peachtree Road 404.264-0253 GordonBierschRestaurants.com

Gordon Biersch is an upscale brewery restaurant specializing in handcrafted German lagers brewed in-house. Gordon Biersch features an American menu with

Agave Restaurant

Come to Agave for March Madness and enjoy Two for One Appetizers at the bar from 5pm - 7pm. It’s the perfect spot to watch the games. Looking to celebrate your bracket victory? Enjoy one of the over 100 tequilas and their award winning margaritas.

Fellini’s

7 Area locations FellinisAtlanta.com

Fellini’s offer a simple menu that focuses on quality that can’t be beat. Find iconic pizza’s like the Spinach Mushroom and Fellini’s Special. Fellini’s also has great salads and calzones. All locations offer seating indoors and out. Their open Monday - Saturday 11am until 2am; 12 noon until 12 midnight on Sunday (most locations).

Taste of the Month...WINGS! Hudson Grille

5 Atlanta Locations HudsonGrille.com

Stout

56 E. Andrews Drive StoutIrishPub.com

$3.49 Specials

www.baldinos.us

March TAiLgATe MadnessHeADquArTers Marietta 80 Powers Ferry Rd 770-321-1177 (closed Sundays)

Doraville 5697 Buford Hwy. 770-455-8570

OctOber SpecialS COMING NEXT MONTH

$3.49

ALL DAY

Monday – baldinos Combination (#4) w/ your choice of side Tuesday – Turkey out with (#18) Lean Smoked Turkey & Cheese Wednesday – Itzza Meatball (#12) w/ choice of soup or side Thursday – The Grilled American – Grilled & Toasted!

Friday – Meatless Combo – Tuna (#10) Veg Stir Fry (#27) w/ side saTurday – Steak Out - Any Steak Sub Your Choice (#11, 13, or 19) sunday – Italian Special – (#15) w/ choice of soup or side

Festival Issue

Marietta: 80 Powers Ferry rd.

Doraville: 5697 Buford Hwy. (at Hwy 120, 1/4 mile east of Big Chicken) (1/4 mile outside i-285) 770-321-1177 770-455-8570

Email steve@insiteatlanta.com for Deadline Info

AWARD WINNING CUISINE!

agave restaurant OVER 100

Hudson Grille jumbo wings come bone-in and boneless with original Anchor Bar Buffalo wing sauce. The boneless wings are tender, juicy, premium pieces of 100% chicken breast, lightly seasoned and fried. Also try their other flavors: Maker’s BBQ, Sweet and Spicy, Thai Ginger, Lemon-AKI, Jerk, Lemon-Pepper and Samurai. Wash down their wings with one of their 50+ draft beers.

During the tournament they are offering a $4.20 SweetWater pint special!

Stouts Signature Wings come dripping in four degrees if hotness, Southern BBQ, Irish Whiskey-Honey Glazed, Coca Cola-Teriyaki Glaze, Sweet Thai Chili Sauce, Honey Mustard, and Lemon Pepper. You can also order them dry in Chipotle BBQ Spice Rub with Bacon Ranch, Garlic-Parmesan, Ranch Powdered, Sea Salt and Pepper. Wash down their delicious wings from their wide selection of over 50 beers, dark ales, refreshing lagers and rich stouts on draft.

Hooters

Taco Mac

Many have tried to copy them but there is only one original. Hooter’s wings are breaded on site daily and tossed in their special sauce.

Hooters wings are fresh, never frozen and have been their signature menu item since the first Hooters opened in 1983.

Hooters now offers 15 wing sauce varieties on boneless, traditional, naked or Daytona style wings. These delicious chunks of fresh chicken can’t be beat. Hooters makes you happy!

In 1979 a couple of guys from Buffalo NY were driving down I-85 on their way to Florida and stopped in Atlanta.

They decided to stay and open up a restaurant that featured the great chicken wings they loved from home and the Taco Mac concept was born. Their buffalo wings have been an Atlanta favorite ever since.

Taco Mac wings are fresh, never frozen and offered in Signature, Boneless and Jumbo varieties.

13 Atlanta Locations Hooters.com

BLUE AGAVE TEQUILAS

25 Atlanta Locations TacoMac.com

PHOTOS BY MARK PETKO

An eclectic southwestern eatery & tequila bar est. 2000 Reservations at

404.588.0006

ER! W INN

or online at: www.agaverestaurant.com

242 Boulevard S.E. Atlanta 30312

agave restaurant

insiteatlanta.com • March 2014 • PG 9

MUSIC

THE CHIEFTAINS’ PADDY MALONEY On The Band’s 50-Year History & The Music of Ireland

BY BRET LOVE

I

music to TV shows. I wanted to put together a combination using all the old Irish instruments, playing traditional Irish music. I came in at the right time.

The album The Chieftains 1 came out in 1962, and it got into strange places: The BBC’s famous DJ John Peel was playing it alongside the Beatles and Rolling Stones. I remember meeting him while playing the Edinburgh Festival in 1968.

We were all still semi-professional at this stage, and we did a week there and blew everybody away.

T’S ALWAYS ONE HECK OF AN early St. Patrick’s Day celebration when The Chieftains come to Atlanta.

The traditional Irish music group– Paddy Moloney on Uilleann pipes and tin whistle, Matt Molloy on flute and tin whistle, Seán Keane on fiddle and Kevin Conneff on bodhrán and vocals– was founded way back in 1962. And although they’ve lost a few members over time, the current lineup has been together for over 30 years now.

One of world music’s first breakout I’ve read that The Chieftains was success stories, The Chieftains were originally designed to be a onenamed Group of the Year off project.

by London’s prestigious WE’VE GOTTEN HUGE That’s true, because Melody Maker magazine RESPECT FROM OUR OWN there wasn’t much interest in 1975, and have racked in traditional Irish music!

PEOPLE, AND WE’VE up an impressive range OPENED THE DOOR FOR But I wasn’t going to let of accolades in the years this go. I thought there was PEOPLE WHO DIDN’T since, including winning six Grammy Awards KNOW ABOUT IRISH MUSIC a big world stage out there (and 18 nominations), BEFORE. THAT HAPPENS for The Chieftains to play The guys didn’t have to being the first Western AT EVERY CONCERT! THEY on. leave their jobs until ’75, band to play the Great CAME AND LISTENED AND when I realized the market Wall of China, and being SAW AND CONQUERED was there. We sold out named the official musical THEMSELVES. THANK the Albert Hall in London ambassadors of Ireland GOD, IT’S BEEN GROWING with three weeks’ notice, in 1989.

AND GETTING BIGGER and it was time to pull the Over the years, they’ve stakes up.

EVERY YEAR. worked with practically every legend in the music business, The folk music scene in the 1960s was including Luciano Pavarotti, the Rolling centered upon singer-songwriters. Did Stones, the Who, Willie Nelson, Paul you encounter resistance to your allMcCartney, Van Morrison and Elvis instrumental approach?

Costello. And their last album, 2010’s Ry I had great faith that one day what we Cooder-produced San Patricio, proved did best– playing traditional Irish music– that The Chieftains have lost none of was going to soar, and I wasn’t going to their creative verve even as Moloney and be stepping down the ladder by changing company approach their mid-70s. the style. Our first concert in the Albert We recently spoke with the charming Hall was just music– no flashing lights and witty Chieftains frontman about the band’s evolution, the challenges of staying or smoke screens, and we didn’t have dancers or singers– so to together for 50 years, and the indelible imprint they’ve left on the music of Ireland.

I’ve read a lot about the Chieftains’ history, but don’t know much about your life before you started the band. How did you originally get into playing music?

My grandfather was a flute player. They lived in rural Ireland in a small cottage without running water or electricity, and going there for summer holidays was just like paradise. In the evening after work, the melodeon would come down off the dresser and the music and stories would start. That was the environment in which I was raised. My mother bought me a tin whistle when I was six and I taught myself how to play, then I progressed to the Uilleann pipes when I was nine or ten, and it all developed from there. I was fascinated by and loved all forms of music.

At what point did you realize you wanted to make a career of it?

I was going to be an accountant at one stage! (Laughs) In the late ‘50s, we’d been invited to play at various radio stations and add PG 10 • March 2014 • insiteatlanta.com

see the crowd dance around the theatre, coming back for encore after encore, was just magic. There were tears in our eyes that night. We didn’t realize that people from the rock world were listening to us, like The Rolling Stones, Marianne Faithfull and Paul McCartney, so the whole social thing started to develop and word got out. We were taking our time and gradually creeping in. Then in ’75, we were on the front page of Melody Maker as Group of the Year. That was huge!

You beat out legends like the Stones and Led Zeppelin at a time when you were still working day jobs to make ends meet.

How did that recognition change things?

We didn’t want to get carried away.

There were lots of decisions to be made, and managers came and went because I wouldn’t give in. I wasn’t out there

for the quick buck. It was all going to be done a gradual scale… and it still is! We’re in the performing arts, not rock ‘n’ roll.

It’s a great living, and we’ve made some great records. Even our last album, San Patricio, did so well that it got an editorial in the New York Times.

You guys have lost a few members over the years, but the core of the band has been together for decades. What are the keys to a successful long-term musical partnership?

Matt Molloy says I’m the mommy!

(Laughs) I started this whole thing, and I’ve kept it together. Our order is a democracy, but I come up with something and all of the sudden it’s there before they know what’s happening. I think with good old traditional Irish music, everybody in the band has the opportunity to perform solos and such, and they trust me. There’s no dictatorship or anything about what you should or shouldn’t play. They’re all great musicians in their own right, and I have total respect for everybody.

We’re like a big family: We used to have falling outs… although not so much lately.

Your music has influenced practically every musician to emerge from Ireland in the past 40 years. What artistic legacy do you hope the Chieftains will leave on Irish music?

I guess we have influenced quite a lot of young musicians, and at the moment we’re the Musicians in Residence for the World Academy at the University of Limerick. We go down there and give master classes. We’ve gotten huge respect from our own people, and we’ve opened the door for people who didn’t know about Irish music before.

That happens at every concert!

They came and listened and saw and conquered themselves.

Thank god, it’s been growing and getting bigger every year.

But I’ve got to stop at some point. I mean, it’s been 50 years now, for heaven’s sake!

Saint

Patrick’s Day 2014

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 15 12 - 1:30 PM Peachtree Street at Ralph McGill stpatsparadeatlanta.com

Celebrate Georgia’s rich Irish heritage at the 132nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

The parade features floats, bands of every kind, military units, bagpipe & drum corps, thousands of children, Irish dancers, clowns, high tech firefighting equipment, police units, drill teams, dogs, horses, antique cars, and dignitaries from Ireland.

The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade begins at noon Saturday, March 15, Peachtree Street at Ralph McGill, and proceeds down Peachtree toward Woodruff Park. For additional information, visit stpatsparadeatlanta.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival

Saturday, March 15 1:30 PM Underground Atlanta underground-atlanta.com

After the parade the celebration continues at Underground Atlanta at the St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Festival goers will enjoy Irish dancing troupes, bagpipers, magicians, and a vendor’s market.

Parades, Races, Events and Festivals

Shamrock ‘N Roll Race

Sunday, March 9 Atlantic Station shamrocknroll.org

Celebrate this St. Patrick's Day with music, good food, and a run for charity. The Junior League of Atlanta’s 10th annual ShamRock 'n Roll Road Race raises funds to train and educate the membership of JLA for effective community service as well as to continue its work in the community.

There is a Tot Trot at 8am, 5K race at 8:30 am, followed by the 10K at 9:00 am. Dogs and strollers are welcome.

Shamrockin For a Cure Saturday, March 8 Alpharetta shamrockinforacure.org

Eat, Drink and Cure CF. The 6th annual benefit for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will take place on 7 pm Saturday, March 8 at The Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.

Band X will perform along with great food and drink, live auction, silent auction and more. Tickets are $85 per person and includes: admission, entertainment, all food and drink. Every dollar raised at ShamRockin' for a Cure goes to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Visit shamrockinforacure.org for more info.

THE PUBS

Fado Irish Pub - Buckhead fadoirishpub.com/atlanta

On March 15, Fadó closes down Buckhead Avenue setting up stages, bars, beer gardens, food tents and more to throw their St Patrick’s Day event. 6 Nations Rugby and English Premier League matches start early. Outdoor street festival starts at noon with Irish Dancers, Bagpipers, live music including the best U2 tribute band in the world, Desire at 9pm!

Stout - Andrew’s District stoutirishpub.com

Stout Irish Pub in Buckhead opens up early at 6am for Kegs and Eggs March 15 and 17. The St. Patrick’s Day celebration takes place Saturday, March 15 from noon to 3am at Andrews District. Two DJ’s will be spinning, live music from Stillhouse and $1.50 Green Beer all day.

Passes are available for $5 advanced; and $10 at the door. For more information visit andrewsdistrict.com

Meehan’s - Sandy Springs meehanssandysprings.com

On Saturday, March 15, is holding Sham Rock and Roll. Beginning at noon, there will be beer, drink specials and barbecue available along with the opportunity to support St. Baldrick’s by shaving your head or donating to the foundation. Kids are also welcome, where there will be plenty of events available and live music beginning at 5:00 p.m. Meehan’s Public House is setting a goal to raise $100,000 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to benefit childhood cancer research. Don’t miss out on the fun event for a great cause!

The Elder Tree - East Atlanta eldertreeatl.com

The Elder Tree is gearing up for the biggest St. Patrick’s Day event in East Atlanta Village.

Load up on their Bangers & Mash and Corned beef & Cabbage while enjoying a pint from the bar. As always, The Elder Tree will open early to carry the Premier League matches. For more information on the days events visit www.eldertreeatl.com.

Ri Ra Irish Pub - Midtown rira.com/atlanta

This newest addition to the Atlanta Irish Pub scene personifies everything Irish.

From the meticulous craftmanship of the bar, authentic cuisine to welcoming staff.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Red Brick Brewing Cloverfest atlantanightlife.com/cloverfest

Atlanta's hottest new St. Patrick's Day party takes place at the Red Brick Brewing Company, as Cloverfest promises to get you bangered and mashed in style while at the same time supporting a good cause. Join the crowd as the party kicks off with live bands, DJs, a full bar, party favors and some of Atlanta's favorite food trucks. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Atlanta's Habitat for Humanity. Get your green on and get ready to party like a champion at this great St. Paddy's Day bash!

Park Tavern - LuckyFest parktavern.com

Starting at 1pm Saturday, March 15 the Park Tavern at Piedmont Park will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with Luckyfest 2014!

Live performances by Dr. Quinn, Desire, Moby Dick and Action Jackson. DJ’s from Ampd Atlanta will also be on hand. Come on out and enjoy the park along with tons of green beer.

insiteatlanta.com • March 2014 • PG 11

STAGE

HEAR ME ROAR!

Atlanta Native Nia Holloway Takes on Disney’s The Lion King.

BY MARCI MILLER

D

ISNEY’S THE LION KING returns to Atlanta and will play at The Fox Theatre for the first time ever on April 10, 2014 for a limited engagement of three weeks through April 27, 2014. The North American touring productions of THE LION KING have been seen by more than 15 million theatergoers and grossed over $1 billion to date.

In its 17th year, the show remains the highestgrossing Broadway show in New York history and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.

THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony Awards and has also earned more than 70 major arts awards. The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice.

We recently had the chance to speak with Atlanta native, Nia Holloway who plays the role of Nala in the upcoming Atlanta show.

Nia is the youngest Nala in the history of the production and only a few months ago was a junior at Norcross High School before she was whisked away to star in THE LION KING. Nia is now living her dream come true and shares the details of what it’s like to be a student one day and the star of a major Disney production the next.

How long have you been performing?

My parents tell me that I was singing sentences before I was saying sentences. But I’ve been

singing forever. My first dance class started when I was about 8 years old and I’ve also done vocal training and acting training. I’ve also done performing at places like Philips Arena, the Apollo Theatre in Harlem three times (I was a two time winner) and I also did “Majors and Minors” which is on the HUB Network. And then I got this and it changed my life.

How did you get the role of Nala?

There was an open audition in Atlanta. But you had to be 18 years old…but we went for it anyway. And we got an audition in Atlanta and then I had a call back the very next day and then about a month after that, I got a call saying there was a final casting in New York. And about a week after that, I was on spring break. And it was extremely boring, but then it got extremely exciting once they told me I got the role of Nala.

about what you need to go through for each performance: I probably have the least difficult costume in the whole show. One person in the ensemble has about 14 costume changes and I know Scar and Mufasa have a lot of mechanics in their costumes. Motors on their hips and they have a lot going on. My costume is pretty simple. I have a leotard, pants that go over it. They have this thing on me, it’s my corset and its all hand beaded. It’s probably about ten pounds. When I first started I was totally oblivious to the fact that I had to sing and dance and wear a ten pound corset at the same time so it hit me like a train…it definitely adds to your endurance.

I sweat off pounds like crazy after every performance.

What are you doing about school?

I’m finishing my senior year on the road right now. As we speak, I have my school work in front of me. It’s hard, but I have great counselors at my school, Norcross High School. And my principal has been such a great help. They’ve been working it out to make it a little easier on me. But with the time differences, sometimes I have to wake up two hours before school starts in Atlanta, get my work done. It’s pretty tough, but it keeps me busy. I never get bored.

What is your favorite scene to do in the show?

I love “Shadowlands” which is my solo. I love it because the way the song progresses. It starts in a dark and hurtful place because Nala has to leave her family, and I understood that because I had to leave my family and friends and it was a total change in my life. It starts very dark and then progresses to something very powerful and strong and at the end, it takes you to a place where you feel like you can take on the world… you can do anything. So I feel like that song can relate to anybody in the audience no matter what they are going through.

We know the costumes and sets of the Lion King are very elaborate, tell us a little bit

How do you feel about coming back to Atlanta?

I am so excited to be back in Atlanta. First

off, I’m going to be excited just to sleep in my own bed. It’s been about six months since I’ve been home for longer than a week. I miss my friends and my family so much. I love southern hospitality, so I can’t wait to be home and enjoy. And it’s like a dream come true. About five years ago, I was standing outside the Fox Theatre auditioning for American’s Got Talent, hoping for an opportunity and it brings tears to my eyes to think that I’m going to be inside there and people are going to be coming to see me. I feel that because my family and I were so determined, our vision is coming to life.

THE WORLD’S #1 MUSICAL

RETURNS TO ATLANTA!

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TRUMP Movie Reviews CARD 12 YEARS A SLAVE (R)

 There have been other movies that didn’t flinched when it came to illustrating the physical atrocities of slavery. In a quiet moment, you can all still see the graphic imagery from Amistad and Roots in your heads. Yes, this movie —an adaptation of Twelve Years A Slave, Solomon Northup’s 1853 autobiography about being a free, successful black man in New York who was kidnapped and forced into nomadic servitude in Louisiana— has unimaginable moments where flesh is ripped and blood is spewed, butB.that’s By Lovenot what’s most lasting here.

What stays with you long after the cringing s one of AmericA’s most stops are thoughts of the emotional toll successful and high profile businessthe evilmen, mustDonald have had on those exploited. trump was well known Northup (a spectacular Chiwetel Ejiofor), long before survivor producer mark Burnett like countless others, was torn from tapped him to star in the Apprentice. But his family.noWhite overseers nary bat an eye about there’s denying that the reality show ruining multiple lives with the exchange turned trump from a cartoonish curiosity of paperwork.

Ourphenomenon, lead thinks with of hishiswife and into a bona fide signatwocatchphrase– children often.

Director SteveinextricaMcQueen ture “You’re fired!”– heightens moments with a stubborn bly entering such the pop culture lexicon. camera that focuses on Ejiofor’s faceflounfor 60 or Although the Apprentice initially so uninterrupted seconds.

Slave owners wave dered a bit in the ratings, Burnett and trump the Bible upon and sometimes lightlyby(especially stumbled a winningtalk formula recruittheseconddevilishly Michael ing and perfect third-tier actors, Fassbender), athletes, but sheer spews from almost everything models andevil musicians for a celebrity edition It’s now all such a confusing psychological ofthey the do. show. in its third incarnation, dance, but McQueen’s never blinks. the celebrity Apprenticecamera tosses disparate His such shotsasare stunning.

Foghorn-like noises stars rocker Bret michaels, wrestler are eerie.baseball (Noted legend composer Hans Zimmer Goldberg, Darryl strawberry, handlesgovernor the music.)

Casting is aand revelation. former ron Blagojevich sharon Benedict together Cumberbatch, Pal of Dano, osbourne for a variety team-Sarah Paulson,exercises Paul Giamatti and Alfre designed Woodardto all building and challenges leave an business impact, no matter how little screen test their mettle. “theeach Donald, ” asStill, the it’s crazy-coiffed real when time gets. the moments estate if often known, recently held a Ejioformagnate and newcomer Lupita Nyong’o, court with reporters discuss the show’s slave/concubine whotopicks cotton with more current fervor season. than any man on the plantation, are in shots together. The two family-less souls Can tell us a littlebond bit about the selechaveyou a brother-sister that feels sincere. tion process?

The lone casting call that feels forced is Brad it’s very because soadvocate. many The Pitt’s as a interesting, Canadian anti-slavery celebrities want air to be on the after theand “white savior” comes off show a bit clichéd success of the previous two though, seasons. itWedoesn’t unnecessary.

Thankfully, wanted some athletes, some actors, some and take the ultimate spotlight from Ejiofor models and some wrestlers, so i would say to Nyong’o. Oscar voters will learn how probably six their or seven people spot we pronounce names soonper enough. were turning down. the hardest thing isWilliams that –DeMarco

spoilers in its advertisements. But upon exiting the theatre, it was pretty forgettable, aside from a few quotes seen in the trailer.

–Christian Perez

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

A

we really have some good people that want toBAD go on very badly.

WORDS (R) But i guess maybe we’ll save them for the next show, because it looks  like that’sBateman going to has happen.

Jason proven that he can

direct with his first outing, but this film is

How is this season going by to beitsdifferent unfortunately spoiled trailers.than The past seasons? story follows Guy Trilby (Bateman), a grown Well, when you have a success like we’ve man entered into a children’s spelling bee had, you don’t like to do too many changes. for reasons he initially refuses to divulge.

What we do have is a different tone. the cast He exploits a loophole in the competition’s has been very interesting: they’ve been very rules and thatvery allow himbuttothere’s not only tough nasty, also astay lot ofin, but to advance all the way to the national, fun and humor with respect to what happens, televised event. way,lastheone. meets which i don’t thinkAlong we hadthe in the young competitor Chaitainya Chopra (Rohan With Joan [rivers] and with Piers [morgan], withnasty whom he forms unlikely bond itChand), was really people reallyanhating each that is the source of most of the film’s comedic other. these people hate each other, but it’s scenes.

If you’ve redbe band also funny. i thinkseen that the might thetrailer, biggestthe best bits are almost entirely given away. differentiation in terms of the three casts. Bad

Words is a good film and the performances

BAG MAN (R)

(Zero Stars) You know how sometimes you add up 2 + 2, and somehow wind up with -4? This noir-ish Tarantino knockoff is a bit like that, with a whole significantly weaker than the sum of its parts. The set-up feels wonky right from the get-go: DeNiro (in a ridiculous pompadour wig that does most of the work), cast as a paint-by-numbers baddie named Dragna, through reading about them for so many hires but Johna lot Cusack, as somebody a paint-by-numbers years, of times that you assassin Jack, turns to retrieve don’t thinknamed of so highly out to bea asmall star. black await instructions You justbag don’tand know whatfurther will happen with in room and 13 of seedy motel in the middle pressure theaheat of battle. of nowhere. Who is Dragna? Why does he What doesbag? a celebrity have to do really want this And why does he to continually set themselves apart thatnot they’re reinforce the rule thatand Jackshow MUST look in in to win it? are no answers on offer, only theit bag?

There i can tell you from seasonsa 1beautiful and 2 and scenes of DeNiro punching young from the (whose regular identity Apprentice, peopleexplained) really woman is never want to win. every a while multiple times in once the in face untilyou’ll she is a have a quitter, but it doesn’t happen often. of bloody pulp, then handing her the number iathink reason they doAnd it isthat, the level goodthe plastic surgeon. moreofthan intensity forantheir charity. Unlike anything,they is asfeel good explanation as any for the Apprentice, where whyregular Bag Man is a strong earlysomebody contender for works for a pretty for a worst for filmme of 2014.

It’s allgood style,salary no substance, year, with this one the money goes to charand director David Grovic’s gritty, shadowy, ity.

Last year we millions of dollars. pseudo-noir styleraised is a weak, outdated rip-off everybody has a charity that they of Pulp Fiction that comes alonglove; 20 some years are they’ve set up themselves toofoundations late to feel relevant.

There’s no character years in advancenoofnarrative the show.arc, so ijust think they development, terrible really fight more intense because it’s a chardialogue, sadistic violence, and an array ity for. (Crispin Glover as a of they’re clichédfighting caricatures quirky motel clerk, Verne Troyer as a Serbian What are your favorite challenges to watch dwarf, and Sticky Fingaz as a pimp with an the celebrities tackle? eye patch). The whole thing feels as lost and Well, we do have a lot of different challengmisguided as Brazilian supermodel Rebecca es, whether we go back to the selling of the da Costa (as a hooker) looks. You wanna lemonade or doing something else very basic know what’s terrible,& terrible without havingintothe dealbag? withAProctor Gammovie. ble or Kodak, etc. sometimes [sponsor-based –Bret Love challenges] are sort of interesting, but they’re expensive for us to do. the ratings suggest BETTER LIVING THROUGH CHEMISTRY that the fans’ favorite part of the show by (NR) far is the boardroom, and the boardroom  has gotten longer over the years because of It’s fun watch the always-reliable Sam that. the to challenges still have plenty of time Rockwell playing a worm that turns, but there’s and we’re focused on both aspects, but we nothing or lengthen extraordinary about this have beenunique trying to the boardroom gray comedy.

Rockwell is Doug Varney, the because of strong viewer requests.

only pharmacist in Woodbury (not the town in Thelike Walking Dead). He’s also aindoormat, You’re a prosecuting attorney the walked on Do regularly by his (Michelle boardroom. you meter yourwife approach to Monaghan), their 12-year-old son (Harrison different personalities?

Holzer), his father-in-law Howard) and Yes, i think you deal with(Ken different people even his delivery Schwartz).

“One of differently. i deal boy with(Ben Goldberg differently thosei deal authentically nice guys, ” Doug finds than with Governor Blagojevich. i his life changing whenrodman he meets spirit, dealt with Dennis anda kindred Joan rivers Elizabeth than (Olivia Wilde), the new trophy differently some of the other contestants.

Youtown. have toShe have that ability. wife in teaches him alternative, recreational uses for the pills he peddles and How do youher feelhow going he teaches theyback can in bethe usedboardto get rid room after a spouses. little hiatus? of unwanted Jane Fonda narrates the i just –get a great kick out of it. i really like movie a bit too much – including a workout itreference a lot. they want renew it forshe’s another that letsto you know playing two or three seasons, and we’re thinking herself (but not why she’s in this movie); but about i like having bit appearance of a break when that. she finally makes aalittle cameo between shows,less where goes a year. she’s on screen thanitshe wasoninonce Lee Daniels’ The Butler. Fans of the former Atlantan lured Do feel billing bad about someone, by you her ever special will firing be disappointed. or is it just part of the job?

Besides Rockwell the chief asset is the model i always feelbehind bad… the no,opening not always. sometown shown credits, and it times don’tbecause like people. themade hardfrom onesLegos. are seemsi retro it’s not when you really like and respect somebody –Steve Warren

are you largely noteworthy, Can usually tell rightespecially off the batBateman, who is who is character opposite of what he going toplaying do wellaand who isn’t? has come to bethe known But therequesjust isn’t that’s always mostfor. interesting enough in it to warrant tion to meadditional because i’dmaterial like to think of myself strongokay recommendation. has a asa being with people. ButBateman often i’ll say, goodone directorial maybe be he more “this is goingeye, to beand a star, ” andit’ll then satisfying an additional after turns out towith be a dud.

You never viewing really know. shaking off the disappointment the glaring and they make a mistake. Like, as an exYou feel like you’ve known these of celebrities

MONUMENTS MEN THE SCENE COMBINES BOTH EDGY SUSPENSE AND IRREVERENT HILARITY, A TOUGH BALANCING ACT TONE-WISE, BUT ONE WHICH (GEORGE) CLOONEY SEEMS TO SAVOR. BY THE TIME THE CREDITS ROLLED, EVERYONE IN THE AUDIENCE CLAPPED AS THEY WIPED TEARS FROM THEIR EYES. Our review: 

GENERATION WAR, PARTS I AND II (NR)

In Germany, the film has sparked a passionate discussion about personal  It turned out to Be a good phrase, But responsibility It was a and Binge viewing comes to the multiplex the legacy of guilt for Nazi atrocities.” No, it’s FLuke. durIng the very show I was a that LIttLe only a movie, and not the kind plants any with Generation War, an epic World War FIrst one oF the contestants and I used serious thoughts in your head.

II exasperated melodrama that was wIth made for German the LIne, “you’re when [producer] –Steve Mark Warren television.

It’s filmed on a largeFIred!” scale, spanning more than four years in nearly five Burnett and I agreed to do the show we dIdn’t have hours; but its content down to a simple that. weboils thought we’d MONUMENTS say, “getMEN the(PG-13) heLL out message: War Is Soap. Just about anything any  oF here” or soMethIng. German went through during WWII happens There aren’t many films that can entertain teaching an important history lesson, to at least of the five characters, fact that you raised such self-sufficient ample, scottone Hamilton, frommajor the last season. while as George Clooney’s latest film has done. twentysomethings who start as eager children? i had to let scott go. i’m a great fan of scott: Clooney– the film’s star, co-writer, innocents and become disillusioned with the Well, i’m getting a lot of credit onproducer the chilHe won olympic gold medals and he’s a great and hasbeen assembled a great onwar for one reason or another.

One of them, dren.director– everybody’s asking about ivanka champion. But he understood that he made for ishisyes, adaptation theonRobert is Jewish they’re best had friends, and theteam answer she’ll be of back the aViktor, mistake on theand show and iallreally no so screen The Monuments Men tellswent the they’re not even that, though macho Edsel show. book.

But they’re very good kids. they choice. i feltanti-Semites, very badly about because story of a multi-national group of historians, Wilhelm and his younger brother Friedhelm to very good schools, and they were great i considered him to be a great person, but i architects join the army.it’sThe fighting takes students.educators, i couldn’t curators wait to getand them on the have to doGerman what’s right. never fun, but it’s artists, thewould Alliedbeforces place on the iRussian front so Americans don’t that show.were i hadassembled no idea theby show into easier when don’t like somebody or when identify serious have toreally, feel too awkward itsninth and and tenthrecover season, works which isofpretty they’re really bad. about rooting for to were stolen by the the Germans in the battle scenes, which make cultural amazingimportance in the worldthat of television.

Nazis during World War II. Ever since their war look more exciting than The Monuments That line, “You’re fired,” became a pop culchemistry waslots firstofestablished in the Ocean’s Men phenomenon. but less so than There’s been news surrounding NBC ture CanLone you Survivor. talk aboutViktor the trilogy, Clooney and Greta, lately, and yourMatt show Damon does welland for them. origin of it? a bartender who wants to be a Eleven have reassurance thetoaudience Whatbrought you think NBC needsthat to do get back it turned be ahe good phrase, it star, are in out love;to but can’t stay inbutBerlin. in the game? be ratings treated to measured moments of both was a fluke. the who very becomes first showa nurse, i was will Wilhelm andDuring Charlotte, Well, and i know Jeff Gaspin (chairman nBc alove little exasperated onewill of the comedy.

As the ensembleof film each other but with neither tell conthe other. drama Universal television entertainment) and, as testants the line,is“You’re fired!”and reveals more and more acting heavyweights Althoughandthei used screenplay formulaic you know, he’s to the role. i think he’s When mark Burnett i agreed (including Johnnew Goodman, Cate Blanchett, doesn’t[producer] develop nearly enoughand supporting goingDujardin, to do a spectacular job at nBc. they to do the show We Hugh Bonneville, and Bill characters for we a didn’t projecthave of that. its length, it Jean need more like the thought “Get the hell outcombat of here” or Murray) – allshows of whom playApprentice. charactersnot with strikes awe’d goodsay, balance between and necessarily reality standpoint, but something. all ofimpossible a sudden America went unique skill from sets–a we watch as relationships camaraderie.And It uses coincidences they needfriendships shows that capture the imaginacrazy overoccasional the show. meetings it happensbetween to be a great are challenged, and to allow some bloom, tion. collective sense of purpose gets them catchphrase. tV Guide or one of athe major their of the characters, and they face ridiculous frankly,the certain showsofthat are One on should entertainment magazines did a poll and,from after through roughest spots. of the number of near-death experiences, be changed because, while they get someBob “Here’s Johnny!” and one other great, it was which their escapes are sometimes more hair- best sequences has Bill Murray and pretty good reviews, don’t getApeople #3 on thethan tophairbreadth.

100 phrases Like in television hisBalaban (Waiting Forthey Guffman, Mighty brained a page-turner watching. tory! so thatthe waswell-crafted a pretty bigGeneration honor. it’s been it’s nicethe to trail get both.

We’veart hadthief following of a Nazi of a novel, War Wind) an thing andadjust an amazing phrase that to emmy a lot of good his nominations farmhouse inandGermany.

Theacscene canamazing be enjoyed if you your expectations just seems to work. really on, and colades passed our way, and that’s always both edgy suspense and irreverent accordingly.

Don’tit fall forcaught the hype that combines it’s been antoamazing thing toreveal watch.a country hilarity, nice. Butaultimately you have to people tough balancing acthave tone-wise, promises “insightfully watch. nBc is going to really do well. i know By still grappling with how previous generations but one which Clooney seems to savor.

What do you think so is tragically your biggest accomtheirtime leadership and irolled, think they’re winners, the the credits everyone in the could have become misdirected. plishment, your business success or the

so i think they’ll turn it around.

insiteatlanta.com • March 2014 • PG 13

audience clapped as they wiped tears from their eyes. That’s a pretty good indication that you’ll get your money’s worth by seeing this movie.

–Kalena Boller

ROBOCOP (PG-13)

 I went into this film with very low expectations, and with good reason: Having grown up only knowing one RoboCop, there was no reason to think that the 2014 remake could be any better. And yet, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was this movie fun to watch (thanks in large part to the visual and special effects and stunt teams), but the writers and director José Padilha were able to fold in the soul of the original 1987 film while making the story more relevant to today’s audience. The film also has many surprising faces involved: Michael Keaton reminds you why he should be getting more roles (in case Batman didn’t do it for you), the buck stops when Gary Oldman is on-screen, and rounding out the cast is Samuel L. Jackson as Pat Novak, the boisterous talking head pundit trying to sell the “robo-cop” technology to the masses.

The story is obviously familiar– a good cop is seriously injured in the line of duty and an enterprising Raymond Sellars (Keaton) takes advantage of Alex Murphy’s (Joel Kinnaman) grieving wife so that he can create and sell a half-human, half-law enforcement droid to the American market. But don’t let the idea that this is simply an action movie fool you.

Topics ranging from the connection between politics and the military-industrial complex to the question of what makes us human are all subtly brought to the surface. Still, War and Peace this isn’t: There are several buttkicking, rock ‘em-sock ‘em moments for those who don’t feel like thinking too much.

If I had one criticism, it was that some of the sequence transitions felt rushed. But it’s nothing that a good reaction shot of Gary Oldman can’t conquer.

–Kalena Boller

THE ROCKET (NR)

 Here’s a wonderful film that fills in the outline of Laos on your world map, giving the country a culture and a personality.

With an amazing young actor (actually an amateur), Sitthiphon Disamoe, as protagonist, The Rocket has scenes that would be great for a family movie but others that would traumatize young viewers. The latter include the opening, when a woman gives birth to twin boys and only one, Alho, survives. The film is an Australian/Laotian (and Thai) production, like the dam that displaces the Laotian villagers when Ahlo is ten. The family, including his father and grandmother after his mother dies, becomes nomadic, and extends to include

HOME RELEASES THE LATEST DVD, BLU RAY & VOD RELEASES

BY BRET LOVE AND JOHN MOORE

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

This surprisingly good dramedy directed

by Jill Soloway follows Rachel (Kathryn Hahn), a stay-at-home mom married to a tech entrepreneur (Josh Radnor) and living in LA’s trendy Silver Lake. Rachel has slew of wealthy white people problems that spill out in her therapy sessions: she’s bored, has a lackluster sex life, and lacks the motivation to do… well, anything. So why not invite a stripper/hooker to stay with her family?

Afternoon Delight has all the makings of a ho-hum indie, but Hahn is fantastic in her first real starring role, making her character surprisingly sympathetic.

PG 14 • March 2014 • insiteatlanta.com

Kia, a girl Ahlo’s age, and her Uncle Purple, James Brown’s biggest Laotian fan. Sharp, independent and resourceful, Ahlo is under suspicion because of a superstition that says one twin is blessed, the other cursed.

In a land littered with unexploded bombs, there’s a town that has an annual rocket festival. That becomes Ahlo’s chance to move from the cursed to blessed category – or not. You’ll be rooting for him and looking forward to future work by writer-director Kim Mordaunt.

–Steve Warren

SON OF GOD (PG-13)

 An ambitious effort from Lightworks Media, Son of God tells the story of the life of Jesus Christ. It’s a story with which most people are at least somewhat familiar, but the film focuses more on the man rather than on divinity. Jesus is depicted as a political irritant, meddlesome teacher and gentle folk hero. As the titular character, Portuguese actor Diogo Morgado shows us love, anguish, hope and mortality. There are true moments of inspiration in Son of God, but unfortunately director Christopher Spencer seems to have edited out about 80% of what was filmed. The movie seems like it should and could have been better, but is presented entirely in brief, nearly unconnected snippets. The film is over two hours long, but feels as if it’s a collection of five-minute stories cobbled together.

There is dynamic no momentum built, and the climactic ending leaves viewers with equal parts “Wow!” and “Okay, we finally got there.” The setting in ancient Israel is amazing, and some of the actors turn in good performances. The story is inspiring and full of good family content, but it’s also blunt and bloody, to the point that some audience members actually hid their eyes. Son of God plays like a Reader’s Digest Condensed Book about the life of Jesus and takes some strange artistic licenses, but for many it will prove worth watching. The story deserves a better film, but it’s good enough, and the pre-Lenten release makes the timing relevant.

–Justin Patterson

STRANGER BY THE LAKE (NR)

 Murderers need love too. Kate Winslet found that out in Labor Day, and now it’s Pierre Deladonchamps’ turn. He plays Franck, a regular at a scenic gay cruising spot in rural France, who sees Michel (Christophe Paou), the object of his attraction, commit a murder. Since they’re both still alive that minor detail doesn’t put a crimp in their sex life. What does is that Michel doesn’t want to hang around for drinks and dinner, let alone a sleepover; after hot sex in the woods he takes off for what he refers to as “my life.”

ALL IS LOST

We unfortunately missed this one in theaters. It’s a shame, because it was among the more gripping and unusual films of 2013. There is no dialogue to speak of. There’s only one actor, Robert Redford. There’s no character development– we never learn his name, his background, or why he’s out to sea all by himself. There’s only action, and a growing sense of dread, as a lone yachtsman awakes in the middle of nowhere to find his boat’s hull pierced by an errant shipping container, gradually beginning to sink. It’s like Life Of Pi without the Tiger, or Cast Away without Wilson. And it’s fantastic.

BEVERLY HILLBILLIES: OFFICIAL FOURTH SEASON

Decades before Honey Boo-Boo or the

ROBOCOP

NOT ONLY WAS THIS MOVIE FUN TO WATCH, BUT THE WRITERS AND DIRECTOR JOSÉ PADILHA WERE ABLE TO FOLD IN THE SOUL OF THE ORIGINAL 1987 FILM WHILE MAKING THE STORY MORE RELEVANT TO TODAY’S AUDIENCE. Our review:  When a body is found the beach becomes a crime scene, but that only slows traffic for a day or so, even though a police inspector is beating the bushes questioning people.

The situation builds (slowly, in European fashion) to a suspenseful climax and an unsatisfying ending. While love doesn’t have to be rational, Franck’s declaration of affection for Michel doesn’t make sense on any level (except that the sex is good) and his eyes don’t seem to believe what his lips are saying.

–Steve Warren

WINTER’S TALE (PG-13)

 An early frontrunner for the worst picture of 2014, Winter’s Tale is the kind of romantic fantasy I’m usually a sucker for, but in this case it’s the movie that sucks.

The story spans 1895 to the present amid the unchanging walls and ceiling of Grand Central Station, and a Hugo-like upper

Duck Dynasty boys came along, the Beverly Hillbillies were mining comedy gold from stories of country bumpkins who became rich and famous. Like other classic ‘60s sitcoms, the show’s silly shenanigans hold up fairly well after 50 years, as long as you can stomach the heavyhanded caricatures of nouveau riche naivete. Season four was the show’s first in color, and these digitally restored episodes now look even better than they did when they originally aired. All hail the original wave of hillbilly hilarity!

A CASE OF YOU

It’s surprising this indie rom-com didn’t get bigger buzz. Leads Justin Long and Evan Rachel Wood are big names for a low-budget film, and the story is quirky and sweetly romantic. Long plays Sam, a novelist stuck churning out quickie books

room with a God’s-eye view. Two main characters, Peter (Colin Farrell) and Pearly (Russell Crowe), are also unchanging – at least from 1916 on. Pearly is pursuing Peter with the same constipated intensity Crowe’s Javert used on Jean Valjean, but Pearly is on the dark side. When he reports to his boss, Lucifer (an unbilled Will Smith), the movie really goes to hell. In the meantime Peter has attempted to rob the home of terminally ill Beverly (Jessica Brown Findlay), but she stole his heart instead. In the present, when a certain donut chain is on every street in New York, Peter is still carrying a torch for his lost love, who didn’t share his immortality gene, and evading Pearly with the help of a flying white horse that shows up whenever he’s in a tight spot.

The horse is the only thing I liked about Winter’s Tale, which is supposed to take place at the intersection of Love and Magic but instead proves the twain never meet.

–Steve Warren

for just-released movies, while Wood plays Birdie, the barista he has a crush on. Sam uses Birdie’s Facebook profile to learn her likes, and then attempts to become her perfect mate by taking up everything she seemingly adores. This eventually culminates in the predictable (yet, surprisingly, still entertaining) moment when Sam is exposed.

NURSE JACKIE: SEASON 5

Season 5 focuses on whether Jackie (Edie Falco), now divorced and trying to work out child custody, can stay sober despite a slew of personal and professional problems.

New characters include the brilliant Adam Ferrera as Frank, Jackie’s new cop boyfriend; and Morris Chestnut as Dr. Ike Prentiss, a military vet brought in to head up the ER. While not as emotionally tumultuous as in previous years, season five ends up being one of the series’ best to date.

MUSIC

BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME

Broadway star Audra McDonald highlights ASO Gala

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

G

O BACK HOME IS ACTRESS-singer Audra McDonald’s latest album. On the disc, released last year, the multitasking Broadway and TV star revisits some of her favorite show tunes. She will bring a generous selection of those songs, and many more, when she headlines the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s fourth annual Symphony Gala on March 8 at the Woodruff Arts Center. Honoring the 20th anniversary of the ASO’s Talent Development Program, a project that aids gifted African-American and Latino instrumentalists.

Proceeds from the event will support the orchestra and youth and Community programs. The Tony and Grammy-award-winning McDonald, known for a number of successful Broadway productions, a fouryear-stint on the ABC-TV drama Private Practice, as well as the recent made-for-TV version of The Sound Of Music, spoke with INsite recently from New York.

Let’s talk about the ASO Gala. How did it come about? Did they reach out to you, and have you worked with them in the past?

I was in Atlanta years ago when I did [the Kurt Weill song-cycle] The Seven Deadly Sins. They asked if I would come down for this event and I said sure. I think it’s a great cause.

How will the Gala set differ from your regular concert program?

It’ll be a mixture of songs from my albums, my most recent album, some of my favorite movie classics and songs from the Broadway stage. Just individual songs and pieces with great orchestrations.

The landmark broadcast of The Sound Of Music featuring live staging of the play what was that like?

It was very exciting, and very nerve-wracking.

Was the fact that it was broadcast live add to the nerve-wracking aspect, or did that spur you on to an even greater performance?

Well, you’ve got one shot and you get that shot in front of millions and millions of people. There’s a lot of nerves involved because you want to make sure everything is perfect. But at the same time, I think the audience would understand if this little slip or that little mishap happened, because it is a live situation. We all certainly tried to put our best foot forward.

What’s the backstory on the production?

Obviously, it involved a ton of cues and advance preparation.

Yes, pre-production started on that as early as six months before, but [the cast] started two-and-ahalf to three months before the actual air-date. You need time to figure all that out for construction and everything. It was basically a big football-field of a studio we were working in. It was a very long process to pull off those three hours.

The orchestra was pre-recorded and all the vocals were live, right?

Yes, they pre-recorded the orchestra because there was no place to actually put the orchestra in there. All of our singing was live, but we had to sing to that. If, for some reason, they pressed play and it didn’t work, then he was standing by, literally, with his hands on the keyboard to start playing it.

That was one of the contingency plans they had in place.

I didn’t see or hear any problems in the televised version, but obviously, something must have happened to trip you up along the way.

Yes, literally. My first couple of steps down, from the top step down to the bottom step, in the opening shot, the opening prayer. I couldn’t find really find the bottom step because the nuns habits are very thick and long. So I was having a hard time finding the lower step. I don’t think anyone out there in the living rooms caught that. But I certainly knew that, if I don’t find this step, then I’m gonna trip and fall on my face. And that wouldn’t be a good way to open the entire production.

It would have certainly changed the tone of the whole show. (laughs) That’s true!

That production harkens back to the Golden Age of television, when a televised play, one of the old standards, like Mary Martin in “Peter Pan,” for example, was a big deal.

I think that’s very much what they were aiming to do; what they wanted to do.

Today, all the lines between TV and theater are totally blurred.

I agree with you, the lines are definitely blurred.

And I think television is incredibly difficult. You need a very specific and honed skill-set to be successful in television. There’s a lot of different factors that go into what makes a good television show and good performances.

Was it difficult to do a dramatic, non-musical, TV role?

For me it was interesting because I delving into an area I was uncomfortable in, an area I didn’t know much about. I was afraid of the camera. But I very much enjoyed being a part of it, learning all I could. It was a great challenge for me.

How did you finally find your comfort zone in the medium?

I didn’t. There wasn’t a comfort zone, and that’s why I wanted to do it. It wasn’t comfortable. So it was learning how to get comfortable. That took the whole four years for me. It wasn’t my safest place, where I felt most at home. That place is the stage.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s fourth annual Symphony Gala is 7:30 pm, March 8 at Symphony Hall. For info and tickets, visit www. atlantasymphony.org. insiteatlanta.com • March 2014 • PG 15

FILM

THE BOY FROM BRAZIL

Rodrigo Santoro On His Homeland, Hollywood Success & the 300 Role That Made Him Famous

BY BRET LOVE

F

EW BRAZILIAN ACTORS HAVE EVER achieved so much Hollywood acclaim in such a short time as Rodrigo Santoro.

Born in a mountain town near Rio de Janeiro, Santoro first made a name for himself in myriad telenovelas on Brazil’s Globo TV network. By age 28 he was appearing in huge Hollywood hits like Love Actually and Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, which ultimately led to high-profile roles on the iconic TV show Lost and in films such as 300 and Che. In the last year alone, Santoro has filmed Jane Got A Gun (with Natalie Portman and Ewan McGregor), recorded voiceovers for Rio 2, and starred in 300: Rise Of An Empire, the prequel to the 2007 action epic about fierce warriors who defended Sparta against the attacking army of Santoro’s Persian King Xerxes. The latter film, produced by visionary 300 director Zack Snyder, ultimately proved to be one of the most challenging projects of the actor’s 20-year career.

Santoro recently took time out of his busy schedule to speak with us about growing up in Brazil, the film that made him famous, and the rigors of returning to the role of Xerxes.

What are some of your favorite memories of growing up in Rio? I was born in the city of Petrópolis, about 50 minutes from Rio, and grew up there. My childhood was mostly in Petrópolis, a very beautiful city surrounded by mountains, but sometimes we would come into Rio. My grandfather on my mother’s side had a little farm there. When I was seventeen, I moved to Rio and then went to university.

I started out studying journalism, and then I discovered acting and never stopped.

Did you have a relationship with the arts growing up, or did that come later?

My mom is a painter, and had a studio in our house.

She worked with ceramics, porcelain, oil and acrylic, and redecorated the house a hundred times. But I never envisioned this lifestyle. I had a lot of doctors in my family and idealized the profession, but it wasn’t in my heart.

Growing up with my cousins, we would always do little performances for the family, but I only did it as a hobby.

When I went to university to study journalism, I met students who were totally engaged in theatre, and that’s

I THINK PEOPLE HAVE THE WRONG IDEA, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE WHAT THEY CALL “SUCCESSFUL,” WHICH IN MY OPINION IS ALL ABOUT THE POINT OF VIEW. THINGS ARE NOT STABLE AT ALL. BUT I LIKE THE IDEA OF GENERATING PROJECTS, AND LOOKING FOR STORIES THAT HAVE PARTS THAT ARE RIGHT FOR ME AND THAT I FEEL CONNECTED TO AND INTERESTED IN.

how it started. I did street theatre just for fun, and then I ended up working on TV in Brazil.

Were there any major differences going from a smaller scale to huge Hollywood productions that you had to get used to?

I think the language was the first obstacle. I did not grow up speaking English. You learn the basics in school, but I was spending a lot of time playing soccer, so I wasn’t spending much time studying back then. Then, here I am with an opportunity to work outside Brazil. So I had to study, study, study when I was doing Love, Actually.

Now, I feel much more familiar with it. I wouldn’t say “comfortable,” but it doesn’t get in my way so much. I travel a lot– back and forth from American to Brazil– so it’s something I have to keep an eye on.

Talk to me about the movie 300 and the impact it had on your career.

I was in Hawaii shooting Lost at the time. I had my career back in Brazil, 300 was coming out, and I had just signed up for 6 months on Lost. When I was in Hawaii, I saw the trailer for 300, and I remember my sensation…

We made that movie in a huge studio with 4 [blue screen] walls and nothing around it. We had storyboards and the graphic novel, but that was the most concrete thing we had in terms of what this was going to look like. When I say, “my army,” I look back and there’s nothing but a blue wall. There were some soldiers and my wardrobe was real, but the rest was all virtual. It was the most challenging experience I’d had in terms of the way you shoot. It takes a lot of concentration, a lot of focus, and a lot of imagination. I had to build in my mind that whole universe in order to believe and to make the people watching me believe.

When you saw Synder’s vision for the first time, how did that measure up to your imagination?

I couldn’t speak! I saw it and thought, “What?! Wow!” The first screening was in an IMAX theater, and it was too much. I had no idea that the visuals would be so fantastic.

It was incredible. I think 300 opened more opportunities for me because the movie did very well. The character was not a stereotype of what I could play being Latin, being Brazilian. People would never expect me to play that character. When people come to me and they know that I played Xerxes, it’s because they looked at my IMDB page.

We’re talking 5 to 6 hours of make-up every day, and 2 hours to remove it. I was the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. It was a very long process. Everything about it was challenging: The wardrobe was very delicate, and I had

PG 16 • March 2014 • insiteatlanta.com

to learn how to move in a very particular way because of the character. He was described by [artist] Frank Miller as a giant, 9 feet tall, with the voice of thunder, and hairless, with no hair on his body at all. We’re talking about serious shaving, and really going through a transformation.

What made you want to endure all that again for the sequel?

When they approached me, I had never done that before.

I’ve never come back to a part, especially six years later.

How do I approach it? How do I make it fresh? Now, looking back with perspective of what I did before, but also having to match what I did. I thought that was all very interesting. It was a challenge. It was the same character, but I’m a different person now. I can’t talk about the story too much. But the film does go a little bit into Xerxes’ backstory, trying to explore how he became the God-king character that you saw in 300.

What did the physical regiment of getting ready for this role entail for you?

A lot of sweat and no fun! It required a very strict diet– no ice cream– and discipline. It’s not the first time: I’ve done a couple of different diets before. I dropped 30 lbs for the Heleno movie, which is a lot on an already slim guy.

The diet for 300 had me focus on gaining muscle, while also being very lean. We’re talking about a God-King, and for a God-like body, which is based on Greek Mythology.

We had to carve it. We had to work it with a lot of weights and a lot of discipline. You have to sleep well and eat well.

You have to hit the gym at the right time. You work like an athlete. You really have to work hard to get there.

What do you want to do as you move forward in your career?

I’m still very curious as an actor, and I’m enjoying it.

I would like to produce more. I had a good experience producing Heleno. Nothing was easy about it, but it taught me a lot and at the end it was very satisfying. I like the idea of putting [projects] together, but I also like being an actor. For me to direct, I would have to wake up and say, “I really want to tell this story.” It’s not about going behind the camera; it’s more about seeing something where I think I can tell the story in a unique way. But right now I’m very into acting. It’s not easy to be an actor. I think people have the wrong idea, especially when you are what they call “successful,” which in my opinion is all about the point of view. Things are not stable at all. But I like the idea of generating projects, and looking for stories that have parts that are right for me and that I feel connected to and interested in.

SPORTS

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Invade Atlanta

Each Globetrotter player has a specialty as part of the game. What is your specialty?

HE WORLD FAMOUS HARLEM I’m mostly known for spinning the ball Globetrotters make their annual visit and I hold the record for spinning the ball to the Atlanta area, bringing their on my nose. I can make it roll to my head. entertaining and zany brand of basketball Anytime I do that trick the kids absolutely to both Philips Arena and the Arena at eat it up, they smile and they laugh and Gwinnett Center on March 15th. Among they’re having a good time. That’s mostly the very talented players on the roster is what I’m known for.

Scooter Christensen, who’s been with the Globetrotters for nine years and who played How do you balance the competitive his college basketball at the University of basketball aspect to being a Globetrotter Montana. He helped lead the Grizzlies to with being an entertainer first? the NCAA Tournament in 2002 and still We’ve all come from competitive basketball ranks second all-time in assists. Scooter has and that competitiveness never leaves you the unique distinction of holding the official but it was a challenge for me my rookie Guinness World Records® record for the year to switch off that longest duration spinning YEAH, IT’S PRETTY COOL competitiveness and go a basketball on the nose: TO KNOW THAT WE CAN GO to the entertainment side, 5.1 seconds. INsite’s Dave Cohen recently talked ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, which we’ve all mastered now. As I always tell with Scooter about life as a HERE IN THE STATES OR people, when you go to a Globetrotter.

OVERSEAS, AND WE’RE game you ALWAYS THE HOME TEAM. WE Globetrotters never remember the score How does one go from BRING THAT RED, WHITE AND but you always remember Missoula, Montana, BLUE ALL OVER THE WORLD going home laughing and where the University of AND PEOPLE SEE THAT AND smiling because that’s Montana is located, to HEAR THAT “SWEET GEORGIA what it is all about. I also traveling the world with BROWN” SONG AND THEIR tell people all the time the Globetrotters?

FACES JUST LIGHT UP. that you can come to a Well, during my senior Globetrotter’s game and year at Montana we went see me do some amazing tricks but if my to the NCAA Tournament and we played attitude is not good then pretty much you’re against Oregon in the first round, which was not a Globetrotter because you have to be a huge accomplishment at that time. You a people-person and you have to love being always want a chance to go to the “The Big around kids and families.

Dance” and we did that my senior year with a great group of guys that were with me on Whereas most fans have a particular team that team. After that I played for a couple of they are a fan of, in your situation everyone minor pro leagues, one in the CBA playing in Minot, North Dakota and two ABA leagues in is a fan of the Globetrotters, right?

Yeah, it’s pretty cool to know that we can Las Vegas and after that I wound up going to go anywhere in the world, here in the states an NBA camp that was being held in Vegas. or overseas, and we’re always the home team.

I did fairly well there and one of the assistant We bring that red, white and blue all over coaches with the Phoenix Suns saw me play the world and people see that and hear that during that camp and liked my game. We exchanged information and I wound up being “Sweet Georgia Brown” song and their faces just light up. a practice player with the Suns, as well as an assistant Media Coordinator. Through those The Harlem Globetrotters will perform at practices we used to have pickup games on the weekends and the Globetrotter scouts came to Philips Arena on March 15 at 1:00 p.m. and one of those games and the rest is history. I’ve that night at the Arena at Gwinnett Center at 7:30 p.m. been with the team for nine years now.

BY DAVE COHEN

T

Save $5!

Sat. March 15 1:00pm

7:30pm

Use code: TROTTER Philips Arena: Valid online at ticketmaster.com, the Arena Box Office, or by phone at 800-745-3000 Gwinnett Arena: Valid online at gwinnettcenter.com, the Arena Box Office, or by phone at 1-888-9AXS-TIX Not valid on CS or VIP, Valid thru game day, Subject to availability, Additional Fees may apply.

insiteatlanta.com • March 2014 • PG 17

CONCERT CALENDAR SATURDAY MARCH 1 529 Iron Chic BLIND WILLIE’S 28th Anniversary Gala CENTER STAGE Algrebra Blessett EARL Peter Buck & Alejandro Escovedo EDDIE’S ATTIC Garrison Starr FAT MATT’S The Tone Prophets MASQUERADE Memphis May Fire SMITH’S Freddy’s Finest STAR BAR Super X-13 TABERNACLE Emblem3 VARIETY Shovels & Rope VINYL Interstellar WILD BILL’S Nappy Boy Bash

FAT MATT’S Snake Legs MASQUERADE Tribal Seeds SMITH’S Jared & The Mill VARIETY Sharon Corr VINYL Jessica Hernandex & The Deltas

SUNDAY MARCH 2 EARL Bonaventure Quartet EDDIE’S ATTIC Alasdair Fraser FAT MATT’S Snake Legs LOFT Hopsin MASQUERADE Led Zepplin 2 SMITH’S Two Cow Garage VINYL Tim McNary

TUESDAY MARCH 11 529 Weary Heads CENTER STAGE George Thorogood EARL Little Tybee EDDIE’S ATTIC Adron & Faye Webster FAT MATT’S Burning Time MASQUERADE Hellfyre Club SMITH’S Never Feast STAR BAR Shut Up & Dance TABERNACLE Broken Bells

MONDAY MARCH 3 529 Red Sea EARL Catch 23 EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Pork Bellys MASQUERADE The Fratellis SMITH’S Lion in the Mane STAR BAR Monday Night Comedy TUESDAY MARCH 4 529 Big Songs & Average Dongs EARL Joycut EDDIE’S ATTIC Farewell Drifters FAT MATT’S Burning Time MASQUERADE Comeback Kid SMITH’S Hamell On Trial STAR BAR Shut Up & Dance WEDNESDAY MARCH 5 529 Dark Sister EARL Yellow Ostrich EDDIE’S ATTIC Bart Crow & Ruston Kelly FAT MATT’S Georgia Flood MASQUERADE Hellbound Glory SMITH’S Planetrawk STAR BAR Starlight Girls THURSDAY MARCH 6 529 Hello Ocho EDDIE’S ATTIC Music for Tomorrow FAT MATT’S Chickenshack LOFT Nipsey Hussle MASQUERADE July Talk SMITH’S Kickin’ Valentina STAR BAR Salts TABERNACLE Bring Me the Horizon VINYL Afton Showcase FRIDAY MARCH 7 529 Jay R Da Star EARL Wham Bam Bowie Band EDDIE’S ATTIC Smokin’ Novas FAT MATT’S John Sosobee MASQUERADE Punk Rock Show SMITH’S Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds STAR BAR Blaine Cartwright 50th B’Day Bash TABERNACLE Excision VARIETY Black Lips, Deerhunter VINYL Rathborne SATURDAY MARCH 8 CENTER STAGE Kindred the Family Soul EARL Com Truise EDDIE’S ATTIC Andy Davis FAT MATT’S Mr. Chapman’s Quarterly Revue MASQUERADE Ron Pope SMITH’S Willie Sugarcapps STAR BAR The Coathangers TABERNACLE St. Vincent VINYL Afton Showcase SUNDAY MARCH 9 529 Shroud Eater CENTER STAGE Pusha T EARL Ex Hex EDDIE’S ATTIC Hunter Callahan PG 18 • March 2014 • insiteatlanta.com

MONDAY MARCH 10 529 Dinos Boys EARL Bear’s Den EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Pork Bellys MASQUERADE The Orwells STAR BAR Monday Night Comedy VINYL Truckfigthers

WEDNESDAY MARCH 12 529 Air Wolves EARL The Locksmyth EDDIE’S ATTIC Communicaid+Nation FAT MATT’S Georgia Flood SMITH’S Brave Combo STAR BAR Dirty Bourbon River Show THURSDAY MARCH 13 529 System Fucker CENTER STAGE Mint Condition EARL Ben Trickey EDDIE’S ATTIC Barry Waldrep Band FAT MATT’S Chickenshack MASQUERADE Curren$y SMITH’S Cabinet STAR BAR Muuy Bien FRIDAY MARCH 14 529 The Body CENTER STAGE Mint Condition EARL Ruby Velle & Soulphonics EDDIE’S ATTIC Delta Moon FAT MATT’S The Rockoholics FOX Aziz Ansari MASQUERADE The Bastard Suns SMITH’S Last Waltz Ensemble STAR BAR Cletis & His City Cousins VARIETY Tinsley Ellis VINYL Green River Ordinance SATURDAY MARCH 15 529 Black Lodge CENTER STAGE Black America Pageant EARL Takenobu EDDIE’S ATTIC Bob Sima FAT MATT’S Little G. Weevil FOX Chelsea Handler MASQUERADE Shamrock Music Fest SMITH’S The Bluefields VARIETY Roxie Watson VINYL Gasoline Heart WILD BILL’S Green Solo Cup Party SUNDAY MARCH 16 CENTER STAGE Black America Pageant EDDIE’S ATTIC Buddy O’Reilly Band FAT MATT’S Snake Legs MASQUERADE Agent Orange TABERNACLE Bob Weir VINYL Afton Showcase MONDAY MARCH 17 EDDIE’S ATTIC Daley FAT MATT’S Pork Bellys FOX Robin Thicke MASQUERADE Emmure SMITH’S Floodwood STAR BAR Monday Night Comedy TUESDAY MARCH 18 529 Cerebral Ballzy CENTER STAGE Him EARL Great Good Fine Ok

EDDIE’S ATTIC The Wheeler Brothers & Waller FAT MATT’S Burning Time LOFT Sam Smith MASQUERADE Reuben & the Dark SMITH’S A Pony Named Olga STAR BAR Shut Up & Dance VINYL The Colourist WEDNESDAY MARCH 19 529 Liquor Store CENTER STAGE AER EARL Shearwater EDDIE’S ATTIC Noah Gundersen FAT MATT’S Georgia Flood MASQUERADE Carcass SMITH’S Arden Sparks Roots STAR BAR N.E.C. VARIETY The Straits VINYL Andrew Belle THURSDAY MARCH 20 529 Solids EARL Dum Dum Girls EDDIE’S ATTIC Al Stewart FAT MATT’S Chickenshack FOX Ellie Goulding MASQUERADE We Butter The Bread w/ Butter SMITH’S Hackensaw Boys STAR BAR D.I.P. TABERNACLE The Glitch Mob VINYL Pigpen Theatre Co. FRIDAY MARCH 21 CENTER STAGE Southern Soul Assembly EARL Japanther EDDIE’S ATTIC David Wilcox FAT MATT’S Boo Hoo Ramblers FOX The Moody Blues MASQUERADE The Ocean SMITH’S The McLovins STAR BAR The Fleshtones TABERNACLE Tyler, the Creator VARIETY Marcia Ball VINYL Three of Clubs Tour

SATURDAY MARCH 22 529 Holy Ghost Tent Revival EARL Power Trip EDDIE’S ATTIC Michelle Malone FAT MATT’S Larry Griffith FOX Crosby, Stills & Nash PHILIPS George Strait MASQUERADE Action Bronson SMITH’S Col. Bruce Hampton STAR BAR Aku You VARIETY Cosmic Charlie VINYL iStandard Producer Showcase SUNDAY MARCH 23 EARL Pains of Being Pure At Heart EDDIE’S ATTIC Antje Duvekot FAT MATT’S Snake Legs MASQUERADE Grouch & Eligh VINYL Swear & Shake MONDAY MARCH 24 529 Ancient River EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Pork Bellys STAR BAR Monday Night Comedy TUESDAY MARCH 25 529 Outer Spaces EDDIE’S ATTIC Stevens Layne FAT MATT’S Burning Time PHILIPS Miley Cyrus LOFT American Authors MASQUERADE We Are The In Crowd SMITH’S Never Feast WEDNESDAY MARCH 26 EARL Arfo-Klezmer Orchestra EDDIE’S ATTIC Cicada Rhythm FAT MATT’S Georgia Flood MASQUERADE Betty Who VARIETY Johnny Clegg Band THURSDAY MARCH 27 EARL The Bohannons EDDIE’S ATTIC Teitur FAT MATT’S Chickenshack MASQUERADE Arsonists Get All the Girls SMITH’S Big Daddy Love STAR BAR Lightin’ Ray & the Mystics VINYL Lydia FRIDAY MARCH 28 529 Mercy Killings EARL Cosmonauts EDDIE’S ATTIC Grocery On Home FAT MATT’S Swamp Funk Quartet MASQUERADE Ye Flask SMITH’S The Free Byrds SATURDAY MARCH 29 529 Holly Hunt EARL Cousin Dan EDDIE’S ATTIC Callaghan FAT MATT’S Kerry Hill Band MASQUERADE Baconfest 2014 SMITH’S Lion & Company VARIETY Yo La Tengo VINYL Nathan Angelo WILD BILL’S Colt Ford SUNDAY MARCH 30 EARL Waxahatchee EDDIE’S ATTIC Greg Trooper FAT MATT’S Snake Legs MASQUERADE Battle of the Bands VINYL Afton Showcase MONDAY MARCH 31 529 Calabrese EDDIE’S ATTIC Pokey LaFarge FAT MATT’S Pork Bellys

Miley Cyrus at PHILIPS: March 25

Road Warriors

This Month’s Hottest Shows

BY SACHA DZUBA

MARCH 17 – MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE

MARCH 8 – ST. VINCENT

Tabernacle Annie Clark, once a member of the Polyphonic Spree and live performer with Sufjan Stevens in now better known as St. Vincent.

She is consistently given accolades for her bold musical style, along with her unique and striking guitar playing. Her music and style is a beautiful Frankenstein’s monster of Goldfrapp, David Bowie, Kate Bush, PJ Harvey, and Feist. St. Vincent’s latest offering is self titled and filled with R&B horns, bubbling and smooth 80’s synths, juddering guitar, and rhythms that groove and pulse. Discover catharsis in the sublime through the music of St. Vincent.

MARCH 14 – CHILDREN OF BODOM

The Masquerade Children of Bodom are a brilliant melodic death metal band from Finland; fronted by talented and charismatic guitarist/singer Alexi Laiho. These musicians deliver incredible live performances, showcasing their fantastic skill as musicians. Lead guitar lines, blisteringly fast, frenetic keyboard runs that often mirror or harmonize with the guitars, and pulverizing drums; their music is a full on assault. Touring in support of their latest release, Halo of Blood, they’re sure to mix plenty of new cuts with old favorites. Be there to salute the kings of Melodeat, make sure to bring a neckbrace for afterwards. Metal horns required!

The Masquerade From the very beginning, Mindless Self Indulgence have embraced humor and their own quirky personalities to create a band that are truly loved, their fans clamor for their anti– cool cheesiness, nerdiness, and insanity.

Quirky stop–starts in their music remain a staple, but they currently exhibit a slightly more accessible and dancier sound with catchy sing–a–long choruses. That isn’t to say that they aren’t still wacky with plenty of off–the– wall lyrics, views, and stories that punctuate their songs. They genuinely have a sound that is all their own. MSI are certainly influenced by industrial/dance music, they are Frank Zappa meets Atari Teenage Riot; combining synths, chugging rock guitars, video game sounds, tight tempo changes and style shifts. Known for comedic audience interactions and plenty of crazed onstage antics, this is a band that you just have to experience live.

MARCH 18 – HIM

Center Stage H.I.M are the progenitors of a crafty mix of gothic rock, metal, and alternative known as “Love Metal”. These Finnish rockers initially came to prominence through their cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” and skateboarder/tv personality Bam Margera’s uber fandom. Although emo may not be in vogue anymore, these rockers still

have a passionate fan base that sport their Heartagram logo with pride. Rock guitars meet synthesizer melodies and passionate vocals with their edgy, but catchy songs that you can’t help but sing along with. Expect plenty of tracks off of their latest release, Tears on Tape; but the furor is sure to erupt when they play fan favorites, “Join Me In Death”, “Right Here in My Arms”, and of course “Wicked Game”. A great excuse to break out the boots and guyliner, a night of pure, unadulterated, Love Metal.

MARCH 20 – DUM DUM GIRLS

The Earl Beginning as a bedroom recording project from lead singer Dee Dee Penny, the Dum Dum Girls are currently touring to support their latest album release, Too True. They have a refreshing sound that brings shades of Blondie, Siouxsie, the Cocteau Twins, and the Pretenders into my aural memory. Signed to the now legendary Sub Pop Records, there is a classic rock and roll sound at their core, that they wrap tightly in swirling shoe gaze guitars and fuzz/noise guitars and dark baselines of post punk. along with sultry vocals from frontwoman Dee Dee. Introspective, sometimes haunting, always lovely; the Dum Dum Girls will not disappoint, don’t miss them.

MARCH 20 – ADAM JAMES / AUBRYN / HALEY DREIS

Smith’s Olde Bar (Atlanta Room) Good things come in threes, Adam James, Aubryn, and Haley Dreis; these singer/songwriters from Nashville are hard–working, driven, and extremely talented. Adam James is a masterful guitarist and brilliant songwriter, always holding true to his motto of “don’t let good enough be good enough”. Aubryn projects soulful passion through her larger than life voice, and hosts multiple writer’s rounds along with her own weekly webcam concert series.

Haley Dreis, violinist and guitarist, brings a pop sensibility to her songwriting style and maintains true dedication to all aspects of self–

WE GOT NEXT THE MIZZERABLES

managing her music career. These dynamic performers bring a spirited and exciting presence to the intimacy of Smith’s Atlanta room; open your ears and put your finger on the pulse of Nashville.

MARCH 20 – ELLIE GOULDING

The Fox Theatre Ellie Goulding has a pop–electronic sound that is bursting with vocal and melodic layers that capture your aural attentions and hold them. A self–taught singer and guitarist, Ellie creates carefully crafted songs that urge every fiber in your body to hit the dance floor and move along with the hypnotic beat. Possessing a highly impassioned, breathy voice; her songs evoke a visceral emotion in the listener. Blend Adele with Lorde, throw in some Björk and Imogen Heap and you’ve got a glimmer of Goulding’s signature sound. I’m sure that people will be dancing in the aisles of the Fox by the time Ellie gets to “Lights” and “Burn”. Bring your dancing shoes and prepare to be captivated by this stylish and accomplished performer.

MARCH 31 – POKEY LAFARGE

Eddie’s Attic Pokey LaFarge and his 5–piece band are a slice of Americana straight from the 1920’s.

Their blend of swing, early jazz, blues, and ragtime make old–time music not so old and far more timely than you might think. Currently signed to Jack White’s record label, these skilled musicians bring the spirit of a crackling vinyl record to life on their latest self–titled release. These are songs that tell stories steeped in nostalgia. They have a raw energy and deft skill at performing. “American music is the tops: People respond to it all over the world because it’s expressive and powerful” says Mister LaFarge. This is the music of the secret speakeasy that you’ve always wanted to attend, don’t forget your password.

Artists on the verge of making it big

Latest Project: Every Last Stitch (Whoa! Records) For Fans of: Naked Raygun, The Methadones, Screeching Weasel Why You Should Care: Because they are quite possibly the next great pop-Punk band from Chicago.

BY JOHN B. MOORE

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closely on writing new tunes, and it was obvious things were moving in a different direction. Plus, I always wanted to play outside of Chicago more than just once or twice a year, and that was never happening with About the Mess. The band was never very flexible, and schedules were persistently in the way, and I was always pushing to do more, but constantly up against roadblocks. When we started The Mizzerables, we set a different tone from day one. We are a flexible band... if someone can’t do a show or tour, we can get someone else to fill in without anyone getting all butt hurt over it. Those silly egos just don’t exist. I took a queue from Ryan from Off With Their Heads on how he handles his band. It’s a lot more about the music than the people playing it at any given moment in time.

What was behind your decision to leave About the Mess?

There were a number of things... When I left, it wasn’t really About the Mess anymore, not since Jack had quit the band for personal reasons. Adam and I had started working

Can you talk about the new record?

I really enjoyed making this record. There are a few songs that are actually pretty old songs of mine that ended up on the album. My old band Ten Ninety was recording a full length around the time I went on tour with Common Rider. When I got back from tour, we just never finished it, but I thought there were some good songs on there that I always wanted to record, so two of the songs are actually from that era. The next album is likely to include one more that I always wanted to finish. They made sense for the album, which mostly has songs about dealing with and overcoming personal, internal bullshit, whether it be with a positive tone like “Pick it Back Up” or a more solemn tone like “One More Day” or “Every Last Stitch”.

I definitely tried to write new songs that were not all straight pop-punk tunes. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good blistering pop-punk record, and bands out there doing that right now are some of my favorites, like Dear Landlord or Teenage

EING A POP-PUNK BAND IN CHICAGO– THE unofficial home to some of the greatest pop-punk bands out there– is a pretty daunting task. But Joe Mizzi and his crew in The Mizzerables seem to be more than up to the challenge. That’s not to say their stellar debut, Every Last Stitch, is solely devoted to the genre. They actually draw just as much from a band like The Lawrence Arms or Naked Raygun as they do from The Methadones or Smoking Popes. But at the core of this record are some really great pop-punk songs.

Formed after Mizzi left About the Mess, The Mizzerables have their sights set on being much more than a strong regional act, and are already plotting out their global takeover.

Bottlerocket. But I dug into some different stylistic tones, especially from the ‘90s. It’s one of the things I really respect about a band like Rancid and what Tim Armstrong is doing with Tim Timebomb and friends, and even Rancid to a degree, there’s a ton of variety, but done in Tim’s own unique way.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned since starting your own label?

I could talk for days about this. I’ve definitely learned how much things really have changed since my first run with the label over 10 years ago, which was right around the time Napster first hit, but before it became the way of the land.

Not everyone had iPods or iPhones yet. Most of the bands I work with are hyperlocal at the time I work with them, so the most important thing is that they get heard. Records and vinyl are great, but they don’t do anybody any good sitting around collecting dust, so I sell them for as cheap as I can… I’m trying some new ideas with The Mizzerables that are more physical, like handing out digital download cards or CDs at shows, or even on the street, pretty much to anyone I come across. I think people are more keen to listening to something, even if it ultimately takes them online, if they have something physical to connect with it. I think it’s a huge mistake for any new band to allow people to walk out of a show without something in their hand that allows them to listen to their music, even if that means giving a lot away for free, and I see it all the time.

As a label, I need to figure out how to make that happen as well, which means providing the bands something that will help get their music out there and sell records. Hopefully I can incorporate some of the ideas I’m trying out with The Mizzerables into future releases with other bands. insiteatlanta.com • March 2014 • PG 19

MUSIC

MUSIC

Album Reviews JINGLE BELLS!

ELVIS – Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis [Legacy Edition] (RCA/Legacy) Another live gem from The King

THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – Kudos To You! (PUSA, Inc.) ‘90s-era jokers return to rocking the vote

The Top Holiday Albums Of All Yule Time The Dean’s List

Reviews by Brett Love, John B. Moore, Lee Valentine Smith & Blue Sullivan

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

E

CHUCH RAGAN – Till MidnightSEASON BRINGS VERY CHRISTMAS (SideOneDummy) a new batch of albums, and this seasons’ The punk/folk fusion at aitsstarry best selection of slate includes holiday cheer from every possible genre of Ragan was not music. New greetings fromJM: country-pop’s the first Kelly Clarkson (a commercial romppunk-rocker called pickJ.up an acoustic Wrapped In Red), soulful to Mary Blige (This guitar (that trend Christmas, a duet-heavy collection with guests goes at least as far Marc Anthony, Jessie J, and Barbra Streisand), backThe as John R&B nostalgia from Kool and GangDoe (Koolof X).

But damn if he Christmas features a set of standards and two hasn’t perfected the new songs), even punk stalwarts Bad Religion image of punk-rocker as born-again folkie (a lean group of fast and ferocious rock aptly overHoliday the pastSongs). seven years. titled Television favorites On Till Midnight, his fifth fullfrom studiotheeffort, also get into the spirit with songs Ragan has evolved his style slightly– soundtrack of Mad Men. Even the cast of still appropriately loose, but with lyrics that seem Duck Dynasty have issued a batch. to flow easier than on previous albums. In pressCROSBY materials, Ragan admits there are quite BING a fewChristmas love songs(MCA) on this one. And there are.

Merry “Wake With You” is simply beautiful, and The king of all Christmas quite possibly the most songs, Crosby’s version sincere song Ragan’s to tape.

“I love to write love songs of ever Irvingput Berlin’s “White because it’s the most Christmas” is one of the powerful emotion,” he explains.

“It’srecords what grounds us to this Earth most popular of and makes us want to fight to make the world all time. Constantly in a better place. ” print since its original Ragan’s heart-on-sleeve songwriting– release in the ‘40s, the unhidden behind a barrage of loud drums song has sold, in various and distorted guitars, formats, well over 100 but offered frankly and backed by little more than acoustic guitars, million copies. fiddles and soft drums– is what makes Till Midnight so immensely compelling. It’s ELVIS PRESLEY honest and brave, stripped of all pretention Elvis Christmas (RCA/ and gimmicks. Ragan continues to be one of Sony) the best things not only in the Combining Elvis’going, Christmas Album andpunk/ Elvis folk genre, but in all of music right now.

Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas, this collection is a two-fer grab-bag of The King’s GUIDED

BY VOICES – Motivational Jumpsuit most popular holiday-themed songs from the (GBV Inc) ‘50s and the early ‘70s. Of course, it includes EarlyChristmas, contender for” the year’s best “Blue arguably onerock ofsong Elvis’ most popular releases.

BS: Guided by Voices BARBRA STREISAND is one of the five greatest rock bands The Classic Christmas Album (Sony) ever tocombines walk planet Released in September, Classic Earth.selections, Don’t agree? the singer-actress’ two holiday TakeAlbum the 100 greatest 1967’s excellent A Christmas and her by 2001’s whatever fairly recent return to the songs genre, with you want Christmas Memories. Theband ’67 tracks find &theput themat up those bands singer heragainst creativeGBV. peak,Unless with lush Marty contain the words “Stones,” Paich arrangements, while “Beatles, the 2001” songs ” orrecent, “Ramones, ” your band does not are“Zeppelin, of the more David Foster-style compete. This is the closest thing tobookend scientific production.

An incredibly satisfying fact that opinion is capable of. of styles for your holiday contemplation.

This week saw the release of the fifth Guided

by Voices album since the reunion ANDY WILLIAMS the “classic” (1987-1996) TheofAndy Williams Christmaslineup Albumin 2010.

Motivational Jumpsuit is the same mixed bag (Columbia) that the other four have been.

Thisofficial doesn’t Although he recorded at least eight compromise Guided by Voices’ greatness, Christmas albums over the course of his because driven by career, the this firsthas one,always from been 1963,aisband the very a giant’s fistful of bulletproof songs.

Some best.

An end-of-the-Camelot-era classic, the of these have come on brilliant (see: Bee collection is highlighted by thealbums perpetual Thousand, Alien Lanes, Under Time the Bushes, favorite, “It’s The Most Wonderful Of Under the Stars & Isolation Drills), but a lot of The Year.” them haven’t. isn’t one of their greatest albums, TONYThis BENNETT but it has enough good songs to Snowfall, themore Tonythan Bennett Christmas make(Sony) it worth your money. It also has the Album best rock you will hear thiscollection year, “Planet From 1968,song Bennett’s beautiful Score”– 100 glorious seconds of mod-punk continues to radiate the warmth of the season. that recalls lost studio session aborted Arranged andaconducted by notedfortvanand film ‘70s supergroup featuring of The soundtrack vet Robert Farnon,members the record Cheapquality Trickthat andhas Theendured Jam. the It does hasWho, a timeless what all great GBV songs do: it rumbles like decades. Bennett added A Swingin’ Christmas to his catalog in 2008, but Snowfall remains

PG 20 • March 2014 • insiteatlanta.com

the truly essential holiday release from the a thousand monster trucks cranking up, and graceful entertainer. makes singing along at the top of your lungs feel CHIPMUNKS like cheating death. F*ck rock and roll.

THE Guided by With VoicesThe were put here to save you.

Christmas Chipmunks (Liberty/EMI) OneYOUNG of theDUBLINERS biggest albums THE – 9 of 1961 continues to(YD be Records) a popular holiday novelty. Mischievous ‘munks Alvin, Simon A new twist on historic rootsand Theodore, led by their perpetually perplexed human “parent” Dave (Ross Bagdasarian)LVS: rompCeltic through rocka wide gets range of holiday standards and skits, featuring a much-needed shot the massive hit single “The Songthe in Chipmunk the arm with (Christmas Don’t Be Late). ” Fun forofall 9,ages.the release newest album of THE BEACH BOYS insurgent anthems The Beach Boys Christmas (Capitol) fromAlbum LA-based In 1964, the Beach Boysrockers followedThe up “Little Young Saint Nick,” Active their holiday hit commercial from the yearpeak Dubliners. since the with wholehas of the category in thebefore, late-‘80s, thea band albums of traditional bounced around the major labels over the original fare,if not years, selling a ton of and concert tickets, albums, in the process. all delivered in the familiar Their current collection findsharmonythe band as laden Beach Boy with an independent unit, funding the record style.

Of the bunch, fan incentives and contributions. The result Wilson’s wistful bristles with a palpableBrian freedom: Untied from “Christmas Day,” able the labels’ demands, the band is finally Al Jardine to express themselves featuring with the same sort of lead vocals, is the abandon they exude in on concert. pure Opening salvo “Wereal Thestandout Mighty”forblends Christmas joy. their usual lilt with a frantic hardcore beat and a call to arms of their own independence.

VINCE GUARALDI Similarly, “Up In The Air” finds the band in Charlie Brown a delicious time-warp,Afirmly rooted in the (Fantasy) college rock groove ofChristmas the ‘80s that the Alarm FirstBig appearing 1965 as companion and Countryinforged, butthewith a distinctly soundtrack to the classic animatedcontains Peanutsthe modern feel.

“Seeds of Sorrow” TV special,ingredients jazz legendofGuaraldi’s necessary Irish rock,quiet, yet itoften also moody songs has takensoonoften a life missing of its exudesset a of carefree bravado own withoften-maligned new interpretations, in the genre.and Allannual in all, a reissues.

It is currently available in a deluxe gift refreshing return to form. package, with the newly remastered album and a DVD of the television show.

Rest of the Class

VARIOUS ARTISTS

ATHE Very SpecialPROFESSIONALS Christmas (A&M/Universal) AMERICAN – We Make it Our Originally issued to benefit Special Olympics Business in(Charlie 1987, the collection in the Box) has spawned a number ofMediocre key tracks, often over-played on commercial comeback efforts radio and television. But it is undeniable an incredible time-capsule of popular music, preJM: It’s been almost a grunge revolution. With decade appearances by U2, between their Whitney Houston, Sting,debut John Mellancamp, and its followand Madonna, the all-starup,gang Weoffer Makechilly it Our renditions of standards. Worth having Business, butfor San the cover art by Keith Haring alone, therockers Francisco quadrouple-platinum-selling record remains a The American favorite with several generations.

Professionals are willing to give it another shot.

NATTheir KINGsophomore COLE effort is crammed with The Christmas (Capitol) plenty of catchySong hooks and Beatles-inspired Originallyand released in 1960 Magic melodies, manages to beasaThe pretty decent Ofpop Christmas, this compilation remains record. What this trio doesn’t cool offer, vocalist-pianist Cole’sremotely most-popular however, is anything new orrelease. original.

AtThey oversound 6 million in official salesobsessed and inclusion like any other band with onThe countless various artists collections, theThe Beatles (including the Gin Blossoms, tracks are almost with Smithereens, andallainstantly slew offamiliar other melodyeven casual listeners.

Coles inventive delivery, happy bands that tried to snag a comparison attoone and experimental, continue to thatinviting famed British band). There’s a similarly influence jazz vocalists every Christmas. decent local pop-rock band in every town, occasionally slipping an original song or two MICHAEL BUBLEset at the local college bar. into their covers Christmas (Warner) It’s a pleasant enough record, but quickly It’s a no-brainer Buble, forgotten minutesthat after the the lastnewsong plays. generation Sinatra/Bennett, would create a (C+) Christmas album. And the selections are no surprise, either, but the disc sold like crazy

LVS: Like They in 2011 when it was originally Might released.

Be Giants, Subsequent issues of theThe recording includeOf a Presidents “duet” with Buble and Bing, on a reworked, The United States Of questionably necessary America but still enjoyable have no version of “White Christmas. ” reservations about p r o d u c i n g MANHEIM impressive volumes STEAMROLLER of infectious, funny and smart pop music.

A Fresh Aire Christmas Best known for the commercial alt-pop (American wallop of their biggest hits, “Lump” and Gramaphone) “Peaches, ” the band was thought to be a The second retired entity edition until late last year, when core of holiday fare fromBallew and Jason Finn members Chris the often-maligned booked some studio time just for the fun of new-age conglomerate it. stillWith sounds and cold Andrew McKeag along for the ride and“guitbass, distant as” when it recorded the bulk on the trio wasthe released of albuminin1988. their home city of Seattle.

But itresult also remains The is just asa cohesive (and, perhaps favorite with listeners, most importantly, amusing) as 2008’s These offering tunes People, their sort-of Are Thefamiliar Good Times, and highlighted by by Seattle pop stalwart swan-song produced traditional Kurt Bloch.German carol “Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming, emotional piece withstands If radio” an stations such as that early PUSA and transcends the Steamroller’s typical synth supporters 99X still had any market onslaught. traction, jumpy and catchy songs like “Slow, Slow Fly” or even “Rooftops In Spain” JOSH GROBAN would be national hits. Here, the songs are Noelpart (Warner) just of the overall package, fated to mega-selling holiday albumand of 2008 beThe ingested primarily by fans curious returns withwhile the popular vocalisttoils tackling onlookers, the album in the predictablebasking (“SilentinNight”) andself-released, the divine moment, its own, (“PetitinPapa Noel”). term office.

(B) The wondrous results

MOGWAI – Rave Tapes (Sub Pop) More twinkle than crash

JM: Despite the fact that this 1974 album was the last in a are a stunning mainstream effort of deluge offrom live one Elvis today’s best singers. records flooding the marketplace in the SUSAN BOYLE early 70’s, Recorded The Gift (Sony) Live on Stage in The Scottish pop-culture phenom’s Memphis is easily one of his top 3 concert popularity cooled a recordings. This one was ahaswelcome bit King, in the last years, homecoming for The whofewhadn’t herthe second played his hometownbut since earlyalbum ‘60s. remains a testimony Presley’s voice is still pretty damn solid her rawistalent and at this point, and theto crowd obviously eating up every bit ofimmaculate shtick he’sdelivery. throwing a follow-up at them. All of the She’s greatissued hallmarks that made Elvis shows ancash-grab event areChristmas here– the this year, but skip “Theme From 2001:release A Space Odyssey” its hokey duet tricks (which opened everyand show), the flirtation andmedleys, stick with and this one. with the audience, the the end-of-show “Elvis has left the coliseum!” pronouncement.

BARRY MANILOW This show is theInlatest in the The Swing Of Elvis collection Legacy hasChristmas re-released(Arista) (this one tied to the show’s 40th and Foranniversary), his third Christmas includes a bonustook CDthewith an impressive album, Manilow stripped-down jazz new find: a test run properly concert swinging, performed combo approach–with Mel two days before the Memphis event at the Torme-style results.

Richmond Coliseum. The accompanying disc also BELL includes five tracks recorded JOSHUA atMusical a studio in From Hollywood thatFriends year, Gifts Joshua later Bell And including “Down In The Alley,” “Good (Sony) Time Charlie’s Blues, Popular violinistGot BellThe is joined by” a“Softly numberAs of Iguests LeaveforYou, “The First holiday Time Ever Saw this” collaborative affair,I with Your and “The Twelfth Of Placido Never.” robustFace” appearances

by Alison Krauss, None of these are Branford unheardMarsalis. hits-inDomingo, Chicktracks Corea and waiting, but they’re still a great snapshot of what Elvis was up to in 1974… and a musthave for any serious Elvis collector. (B)

WE BUY & SELL

ROSWELL BS: In terms of the 10800 way it’s perceived today, Mogwai ALphAREttA hessentially Wy defined At MAnSELL “post-rock” R OAd in 1995 with its mammoth debut release, Young 770-518-3300

FLESHTONES – Wheel Of Talent (Yep Roc) Yet another rockin’ romp with the undisputed kings of the party

LVS: While it’s true the world doesn’t particularly need a Team. If you’re not new record by the familiar with Mogwai, or what most people prolific, Brooklynthink of as “post-rock,” it is instrumental rock based Fleshtones, music where the template, roughly expressed, their newest batch is: twinkle, twinkle, twinkle, CRASH!!! A lot of LEASAnt shakes and imitators have comeiLL after (like Mogwai’s shimmies with a timeless glee that is American doppelganger, Explosions in the Lvdno one makes undeniably necessary. As with every other Sky).AtBut, AtELLitE at the band’s best, of the 20+ releases by the band, the album epic, skyscraping music like Mogwai. is an instant party. One of the best garageTheEhind band’s latest release, Rave Tapes, finds rock bands still standing, the now-middlethem hamstrung by accursed subtlety. Perhaps aged madmen rock with the energy, this can be traced to glowing reviews for their abandon and mindset of 20 year-olds and soundtrack work on the (amazing) French TV the excitement is decidedly contagious. series, Les Revenants. Or maybe they’re just One would have to be deaf or just plain tired of blowing out amplifiers and eardrums. dead to ignore the insistent, garbage-can Regardless, this one has a lot more twinkling beat of drummer Bill Milhizer. Paired than crashing. Every track here is comprised with the over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek of funereal minor-key guitar and pumping, shouting of frontman, lead vocalist Peter synth- driven teutonic rock that shuffles along Zaremba, The Fleshtones turn their clever as if marching toward its own grave. lyrics into Nuggets-style pop classics.

On songs like “Remurdered,” “Heard About There’s nothing particularly new here, You Last Night” and “The Lord is Out of from the anthemic bombast Control,” the style is affecting and, in its own INNEofR!“What Wthe You’re Talking About,” to retro sway of muted way, urgent. On “Blues Hour,” “Hexon “Tear For Tear” but the raw energy of the Bogon” and “Repelish,” it sounds like the band album carries the disc to the outer limits needs to lay off the Thorazine and take a long of fun. The title references an onstage nap. Tracks like “Deesh” and “No Medicine proclamation by Zaremba that the ‘tones for Regret” sum up the album best, buildingWW as W.C REHofOUS EATand L.CO Mtracks as areDWA a “Wheel Talent” with if leading to something titanic… which never good as the punk tribute “Remember The arrives. In this way, Rave Tapes marks itself as Ramones,” the self-imposed title is a fact. the first Mogwai album that’s all come-on, no come. (B-)

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ABSOLUTELY MAD

Actor-Comedian Michael McDonald Brings His Standup Act to Atlanta

BY BRET LOVE

M

OST PEOPLE HEAR THE NAME Michael McDonald, and the first person that comes to mind is the famous Doobie Brothers singer. You know, the baritone voice behind “Takin’ It To The Streets”? This story is not about THAT Michael McDonald.

But there are some similarities: The singer joined the Doobies 5 years into their career, while actor-comedian Michael McDonald joined the MADtv cast during its fourth season. The singer became the Doobies’ main attraction, just as the actor did with his unique characters (including Stuart and Rusty Miller) and celebrity impressions on the sketch comedy show. And the singer went on to postDoobie success as a songwriter (co-writing hits like “You Belong To Me” with Carly Simon, and “I’ll Wait” with Van Halen), just as the actor went on to write and direct the TV show Cougar Town.

Now, the other Michael McDonald is bringing his standup comedy act to Atlanta, and recently sat down to talk with us about his background in improv comedy, his stint working with the legendary Roger Corman, and his 10 years on MADtv. You began your career by singing backup with Steely Dan, and then went on to form the Doobie Brothers... But seriously, how often do people show up at clubs expecting to see that other guy? And, for the record, do you ever take requests for “What A Fool Believes”?

Doobie Brothers fans are a very forgiving group. I find that if I smoke a joint with them after the show, they are generally fine with any misunderstanding. You DO have medical marijuana in Georgia, don’t you? (Gets on knees to pray…)

You were a bank loan officer before someone took you to see a Groundlings show. Tell me about how that experience of seeing improv for the first time changed your life?

The idea that people would collectively make stuff up on the spot reminded me of the times my friends and I would lie to our parents whenever we got caught doing stuff we weren’t supposed to be doing. When I realized you could make a living at it, I signed up for improvisational theater immediately.

It was either that or go into politics… but I’m not THAT good at lying.

How did the education you got from the Groundlings influence the performer you are today? More specifically, how does learning improv improve the way actors handle scripted work?

The good part is that it encourages you to trust your instincts and bring something to the table, rather than just being a robot. The bad part is that it can encourage you to veer off from the script, and a lot of writers freak out about that.

During your time with the Groundlings, you also wrote and directed films for B-movie legend Roger Corman. What was that like?

As the king of low-budget movies, Roger gave novices like me a chance to write and direct our own films. That was major. The downside was, he didn’t really pay. In fact, I’m sure he still owes me money. One of the most memorable things he said to me was, “Do a good job on your film and you will never have to work for me again.” Which was true.

You’re obviously most famous for your decade on MADtv. What were the biggest challenges and rewards of having that sort of platform as a performer?

The biggest challenge? For me, I’d have to say doing impressions. They’d hand you a script where you’d have to play a politician like John Kerry, or a celebrity like Dr. Phil, and you’d have to come up with the essence of what made them interesting. It was always nervewracking for me. I preferred doing original characters. The biggest reward was getting to play characters that you would never get to play… like a giant pale child (Stuart). I also liked trying to make my scene partners laugh.

Mo Collins was always a good target.

In recent years you’ve seemed more focused on writing, directing and producing than acting. What’s the allure for you of working behind the camera? Do you ever miss being in front of it on a weekly basis?

The allure is money, and also the fact that you don’t have to shave. You literally can walk around like a homeless person if you are a writer or director… and many do. Also, I’m a terrible at auditions. I will say something inappropriate that I think is funny, and the casting folks clearly don’t. But lately, I’ve been doing more acting. Look for me on upcoming episodes of Community and Web Therapy.

For fans that only know you from your TV work, what can they expect from your standup comedy set? Is there an improvisational element, or is it mostly scripted?

My standup stuff is kind of story-based.

Growing up, my standup comedy heroes were Bill Cosby and George Carlin, and I’d describe them both as story-based. There’s some improv and a little bit of character stuff in there, too. Also, full frontal nudity.

FOOD

IRISH PUB RECIPES For St. Patrick’s Day

BY BRET LOVE

I

RISH PUB RECIPES MIGHT NOT BE the sort of thing you’d want to make at home every day, especially if you’re trying to follow a healthy diet. But on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone seems to like a wee taste of Ireland, and we’re no exception.

Nearly 40% of Georgians claim Irish heritage, with Atlanta ranking as the 7th largest “Irish city” in North America. From the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival in downtown Atlanta to the even more massive celebration in Savannah, it seems like our home state goes crazy for shamrocks and shenanigans this time every March.

With loads of Irish pubs in the city, this year we turned to one of our personal favorites, Rí Rá Irish Pub, to get some traditional Irish Pub Recipes we could share with our readers. From classic fare like the Boxty Bites and Shepherd’s Pie to more modern Irish-American fusions such as the Guinness BBQ Burger, these dishes are virtually guaranteed to inspire an appreciation for Irish culture. Serve them up with some traditional Irish music on St. Patrick’s Day and you’ll have an enchanting taste of the Emerald Isle!

GUINNESS BBQ BURGER

INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds ground beef • 4 soft Kaiser Rolls • 4 leaf cleaned green leaf lettuce • 8 slices of ripened tomato • 8 slices of peeled red onion with the rings separated • 8 slices of yellow onion, with the rings separated and soaked in buttermilk • 1 cup flour • 3 cups canola oil • 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese • 8 oz Guinness BBQ Sauce (recipe below) • 1 tsp olive oil GUINNESS BBQ SAUCE INGREDIENTS: 4oz Ketchup • 3oz Molasses • 1oz Guinness Stout • Dash of cumin • Dash of cayenne • Dash of chili powder • Dash of celery salt • Mix all ingredients together well and chill.

DIRECTIONS: Form the ground beef into 5” patties and season both sides with salt & pepper.

• Heat a cast iron or heavy bottom pan with

the olive oil until just smoking. • Place patties into pan and sear for 3 minutes on each side • Reduce heat slightly and finish cooking burgers to desired temp. • Heat the 3 cups of canola oil in a deep frying pan to 350 degrees. • Place the flour in a large bowl and dredge the buttermilk soaked rings through until well coated. • Shake of excess flour and drop rings into the hot oil in small batch’s turning them with tongs until golden crisp. • Remove from oil and drain well. • Place the cheese on top of the burgers 30 seconds before finished to melt. • Place the burger on the bottom of the bun, spoon the Guinness BBQ sauce over the cheese & top with 3-4 of the onion rings. • Lay the lettuce, tomato and red onion on the top side of the bun and serve open-faced.

SHEPHERD’S PIE

INGREDIENTS: 3 LB fresh ground lamb • 1 LB yellow onion diced • 4 Tbs AP Flour • 2 Tbs vegetable oil • 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary • 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley • 2 cups lamb stock (chicken stock can be substituted) • 2 cups frozen peas & carrots • 8 Idaho Potatoes; 1 cup milk • 4 Tbs butter PIE DIRECTIONS: Heat large pot with oil. • Add ground lamb and brown. • Drain off grease and add yellow onion. • Cook for 3-4 minutes.

• Add the flour and cook out for 5-6 minutes. • Add the stock and mix well. • Bring to heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. • Add the chopped fresh herbs, peas and carrots. • Season to taste with salt and pepper.

TOPPING DIRECTIONS: Peel and dice washed potatoes. • Bring to boil in salted water.

• When tender enough for a fork to pierce through, remove from heat and drain. • Let the potatoes steam off until almost dry. • Mix in bowl with milk and butter. • Season to taste with salt and pepper. • Pour the Pie mixture into a 9×9 baking dish. • Spread mashed potatoes over top and broil in oven for 3-4 minutes or until mashed potato on top is golden brown. • Serve family style with fresh bread, butter and cans of COLD Guinness for a great taste of Ireland!

SHEPHERD’S PIE, PHOTO BY HEIDI GELDHAUSER COURTESY RÍ RÁ IRISH PUB

Stuart used to make me laugh myself breathless. Do you ever whip out your old MADtv characters in your live set?

Stuart might make an appearance…

What’s next for you in terms of your acting career? Do you have any aspirations to return to weekly TV at some point?

I’ll be shooting a small part with some of the folks I worked with on The Heat. The director, Paul Feig, wrote it and it stars Melissa McCarthy.

I was so excited when I got the call. It shoots this Spring in Budapest. As far as TV goes, I’d love to do a series if the right part came along.

insiteatlanta.com • March 2014 • PG 21

TV

HOLY SHITSNACKS!

Atlanta Actress Amber Nash Breaks Out on FX’s Animated Hit, Archer

BY BRET LOVE

I

’VE KNOWN AMBER NASH FOR a decade, ever since I enrolled in improv comedy classes at Dad’s Garage Theatre, where she performs and occasionally teaches.

When I eventually became a performer there myself, it was a joy to watch Nash evolve into one of Atlanta’s most talented improvisational comedians, more than capable of holding her own against the raunchy “boys club” that defined the theatre’s personality at the time.

Now, Nash has emerged as something of a cult celebrity among the ComicCon crowd thanks to her hilarious voiceover role as Pam Poovey on Archer. FX’s animated sitcom follows ISIS (International Secret Intelligence Service), a dysfunctional family of spies whose global misadventures are peppered with the same sort of irreverently witty (and raunchy) banter that once made Arrested Development a cult hit.

Coincidentally, AD’s Jessica Walters and Judy Greer are among Archer’s exceptional cast, which includes H. Jon Benjamin (Bob’s Burgers), Aisha Tyler (Whose Line Is It Anyway?), Chris Parnell (Saturday Night Live), and Lucky Yates (Dad’s Garage). But Pam Poovey has arguably developed into the show’s breakout character, with fans dressing up as her at conventions, getting her face tattooed on their body, and repeating catchphrases like “Rrrr… Bear Claw!” and “Holy Shitsnacks!”

I recently caught up with Amber for lengthy convo about what it’s like to play everyone’s favorite Human Resources Director… who’s also a gossipy pot smoker, occasional field agent, trained drift car racer, bare knuckle fighter, and amateur tentacle porn director.

Is it weird for you to suddenly be considered something of a celebrity?

Yes, but I don’t feel like I get it a lot because most people don’t have any idea what I look like. Signing autographs is such a weird thing to get used to doing.

It’s like, “Why does anybody want this?”

It’s a little weird, but also super fun and awesome that people care and want to talk to me about my work.

When I first met you, you had just joined the ensemble at Dad’s Garage. What got you into wanting to do improv?

I was in college studying biology because I thought I wanted to be a scientist. I was bored, and college wasn’t speaking to me. A friend took me to a Whole World improv show, and I fell in love. I signed up for classes that night. I was working at Dave & Busters as a cocktail waitress– worse job ever!– and I met Tommy Futch from Laughing Matters.

After I joined Laughing Matters, I met Leslie PG 22 • March 2014 • insiteatlanta.com

Sharpe and Keith Hooker, who were doing a show at Dad’s Garage called Free Parking.

The first time I went to Dad’s, I’d never seen a show there. I went in through the back door, stepped on stage, and did some sketches.

From there, I started bartending and cleaning toilets at the theatre to work my way up. I took classes, and eventually they let me on stage. At first, I was one of the kids they put in shows when somebody didn’t show up. It was five years before they asked me to be in the Ensemble.

me away for four months. Matt said, “You can’t leave for four months, because you won’t be able to record Archer! How about we put you in the opening credits, and make you a main cast member?” Everyone picked on Pam in the first season and she was pretty tame, but you could tell there was something about her. I think Adam started to get to know me better, and that’s where I think the Pam we know and love today came from.

Seeing you play at Dad’s, at first you seemed cautious, but as the years wore on How did you get cast on you developed an “anything Archer?

I STARTED BARTENDING goes” mentality.

[Dad’s Ensemble You can see that same AND CLEANING TOILETS evolution member] Christian in Pam: In season AT THE THEATRE TO Danley was working as one you almost felt sorry for WORK MY WAY UP. I an animator on Aqua her, and now she’s a bull in TOOK CLASSES, AND Teen and Frisky Dingo, a china shop. I think a lot EVENTUALLY THEY so Matt Thompson and of it is confidence. Having LET ME ON STAGE. Adam Reed had seen the experiences I’ve had at some shows at Dad’s. I AT FIRST, I WAS ONE Dad’s totally prepared me got a role as Val in Frisky in ways I would’ve never OF THE KIDS THEY Dingo, and they kept PUT IN SHOWS WHEN understood for the stuff that hiring me because they has come my way. At the SOMEBODY DIDN’T could call me anytime time, it was a boys club. I SHOW UP. and I’d be there in 10 had to have really thick skin minutes. One day, after and be able to hang with I finished my recordings, they took me to a these dudes who were going to eat me alive if monitor and there was Pam’s head. They had I made one wrong move. I always tell people one of Val’s lines that I had recorded coming that I’m in therapy because of my years at out of Pam’s mouth. They said, “We’re Dad’s. (Laughs) making this new thing; do you want to play this character?” I said yeah, but I had no idea Talk to me about Pam. What’s the joy it was going to be on FX, or who the cast of being able to play such an over-thewas going to be. Everybody else auditioned top character? for the show, and they just gave me a role.

When they first pitched her to me, they Now that I look back, I can’t even believe described her as the Director of HR, a that happened. sturdy bisexual, and everybody’s whipping post. Once Pam had sex with one of the In the beginning, it ISIS staff members, all bets were off. She didn’t seem like Pam ended up having sex with several other staff was intended to be the members that season, and at that point she central character that was unstoppable. Then we find out that she’s she has become. a drift car racer, an underground fighter, a I was in every graffiti artist… there’s nothing she can’t do. episode of season At the beginning of season four, Matt asked one, but wasn’t Lucky and I if we’d start writing Kreiger and considered a regular Pam’s Twitter feed. I’ve developed things cast member. Right through Twitter, like she’s in a jug band, she’s after that, I got got a cat named Mr. Meepers, and she’s a offered a cruise ship bouncer at a strip club. gig with Second City, which would take Was there a moment when you realized that this character was really taking off?

When Archer first started, I said that I wanted to be on a panel at Dragon*Con. What a small dream that was compared to the things I’ve been able to do since then! After season one, I got on a panel at Dragon*Con. Seeing someone dressed like Pam was the best, and there have been at least four people that have sent me pictures of tattoos of Pam that they have on their bodies.

I love the fact that the show has an ongoing narrative storyline. It has a feeling of being influenced by long-form improv.

Yeah, I love that it’s not like most animated shows, where you can just drop in anytime.

You have to know what’s going on and, if you miss it, you have to catch up. One of the things I tell my mom– who’s not a fan of the show because it is really dirty– is something we talk about in improv a lot: If it’s a journey, then you’ve got to earn it. The show is so

smart that we earn the dirtiness. It’s not raunchy just for the sake of being raunchy.

Are you getting other offers as a result of this yet?

Once I joined main cast, I thought jobs would be rolling in, because that’s how this Hollywood thing works. But that is not at all what happened. I got a voiceover agent, and I got a new agent in Atlanta for theatrical stuff.

But I don’t have a lot of on-camera experience, which is the next frontier for me. I recently got a manager, a publicist and an attorney. The fact that I have all of these things is absolutely bonkers. I get big auditions for animated stuff through my voiceover agent, but I haven’t booked anything yet.

What’s next for your career?

I want to do more on-camera work. I think I want to do my own project– either a pilot or an online series– to get it out there and see if anyone is like, “Hey, do you want to do a comedy show?” I’m doing a one-woman show at Dad’s in May. Right now it’s called The Anatomy of Personality, but I think I’m going to change the title to What’s Wrong With You? I’ll be doing some monologues and physical comedy, but I’m still writing the show. When you’re doing your own stuff that you think is funny, not somebody else’s, it makes it a lot more gratifying artistically.

FILM

ARE TRAVELERS DESTROYING THE WORLD?

Gringo Trails Director Pegi Vail Examines the Impact of Mass Tourism

BY BRET LOVE

“T

OURISM IS REALLY ABOUT selling nature and cultural heritage,” says National Geographic Traveler editor Costas Christ during an interview near the beginning of the documentary film Gringo Trails. The rest of the film explores the obvious followup question: At what cost?

The film was directed and co-produced

by Pegi Vail, an American anthropologist and Associate Director of the Center for Media, Culture, and History at NYU. Once an avid backpacker herself, Vail began the project back in 1999 as a Fulbright scholar researching the impact of backpacking on the Salar de Uyuni region of Bolivia.

Over time, the film’s focus morphed into more of a big picture examination of the impact mass tourism has on the culture and environment of a destination.

Through interviews with eco-lodge operators, members of Bhutan’s royal family, and travel experts such as Pico Iyer and Rolf Potts, the film culls stories from all along the historic “gringo trail.” The crux of the conversation is how we can reconcile the needs of tourists who want to travel off the beaten path in search of authentic experiences, and those of developing nations desperately in need of tourism revenue, without destroying the things that make these destinations uniquely beautiful.

While Gringo Trails offers no easy answers, it does offer some compelling examples of role models for sustainable ecotourism.

We recently spoke with Vail to discuss her thought-provoking film in depth.

Why inspired you to make Gringo Trails?

I originally started making the film in 1999. Prior to that I’d been a backpacker in my 20s and early 30s, and I felt like it was a culture that should be looked at. I was hired to do my own research as an anthropologist on my own tribe– travelers. I wanted to come to the film through two different perspectives, as both a participant and observer. I put the film aside and came back to it in 2009-2010. By then it had changed based on my own research in Bolivia, and seeing what I thought had become the more important story, which were these gradual changes that we could see through filming these different time periods. The environmental and cultural impact became the more important story to tell, because

the travel industry had become so huge around the world.

What was the most surprising thing you learned over the course of making the film?

We, as travelers– and I include myself in that– aren’t aware of how privileged we are to be able to travel the world and experience all of these different cultures and places. If we recognize that privilege, then we will become more responsible travelers.

Can you talk about why you chose to focus on backpackers instead of, say, luxury travelers, and the types of damage backpackers are doing when they travel to these previously unspoiled places?

There are obviously some people who are doing things more responsibly than others.

Now that we have more people traveling– more backpackers as well as mid-budget and upper-budget traveling– you’re going to see more damage in all these arenas.

But backpackers tend to spend more time in a place, and will potentially become part of communities and spend money locally. So they have the potential to make more of a positive impact with responsible travel choices.

together. We were at a Bolivian market, and the American got to haggling over 10-15 cents for breakfast. It got ridiculous, and the Peruvian and Australian travelers were getting really embarrassed and uncomfortable. But the Dutch traveler says, “No, it’s the principle!” To me, it was very telling of this idea that it makes us feel more authentic somehow to pay exactly what local people do.

Budget travelers trying to get the most out of every penny in developing nations will haggle to get the lowest price. Some consider that a selfish thing: They’re getting to explore the local community at rock-bottom prices, when the impoverished community desperately needs more revenue.

I totally agree. There are definitely negotiations IT COSTS NOTHING TO One of the most involved, learning what GO ONLINE AND READ interesting things you things are worth. But, ABOUT THE CULTURAL talk about in the film is knowing that you, the NORMS OF A PLACE. the backpackers’ herd traveler, make more MOST PLACES IN THE mentality. There’s a line money, of course you’re in the film that struck me: WORLD HAVE INTERNET going to be looked at as “Don’t tell anyone about ACCESS NOW, SO having a bigger wallet.

Haadrin Beach, because TRY TO READ ABOUT Even if you’re traveling backpackers will end up on a shoestring budget, CULTURES THROUGH there.” How does you’re still likely coming THE PERSPECTIVES OF going that herd lead from a middle-class INDIGENOUS WRITERS. to negativementality consequences? to upper-middle class People think that background. guidebooks aren’t “institutionalized tourism.” But backpacker tourism is, in It really bothers me when I hear people some ways. It begins through word-ofcomplaining that it costs $30 for tourists to see a UNESCO World Heritage Site like mouth about an off-the-beaten-path place.

Then more people come, and of course it Angkor Wat, while locals only pay $6 for admission. To me it shows a serious lack of ends up in a guidebook. It’s very similar perspective regarding the wealth disparity to the gentrification process. I look at my own neighborhood, where artists moved in the world. into a working-class neighborhood in Yes, because the locals don’t have that Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Backpackers and money. But those travelers will spend that artists pave the way for these places, but same money on a beer in a second! In then they tell other people, and more people terms of my research, I did a large survey come. I think it’s time to let some places of how much time backpackers spend on breathe. If you hear that too many people the ground. On average, they spend at are going somewhere, go someplace else. least 85% of their time with other travelers [rather than locals], which is pretty high.

Sometimes travelers don’t know how to get But whose responsibility is it to limit the impact tourism can have on a place? The to know local communities, so their main government? The tour operators? The interactions tend to be in the marketplace. tourists? Where does the responsibility for We had a scene in the film that got cut, making conscious lie? where there were four travelers from It’s all of the above. Travelers need to be different places– a Dutch, American, more responsible and recognize that they Peruvian and Australian– all traveling can’t have everything and do everything

they want. Tour operators need to say, “We don’t offer this sort of [irresponsible] travel experience.” There’s a good example in the film: In the salt flats of Bolivia, the guides used to bring snakes and put them around people’s necks, and the tourists would touch them. Some travelers would say, “I paid all this money; I deserve to do this!” But there was an awareness campaign mounted that educated people about how damaging bug repellent, which can be toxic to the snake, has been to the local anaconda population.

There’s been a change with the number of tourists coming in and handling animals.

What choices do you see that travelers can make to positively impact destinations they travel to?

Do your research ahead of time. It costs nothing to go online and read about the cultural norms of a place. Most places in the world have Internet access now, so try to read about cultures through the perspectives of indigenous writers. Learn about the best sustainable tourism initiatives that you can support, and know that you’re going to find them more culturally and environmentally true to these places.

Blogs seem to be the travel guidebooks of the 21st century. What role do you see bloggers playing in the problems outlined in Gringo Trails?

News travels so much faster these days. A place that’s talked about online can go viral very quickly. That’s created a huge change in the globalization of tourism. I think it goes back to people realizing the privilege that we have as travelers. I look back to my travels as a young person, and I didn’t even know that genocide was happening in Guatemala against the indigenous community in a neighboring village while I was there. It’s really important to become more aware before you go into a culture, and understand the do’s and don’ts of a community. I think travel bloggers can really help with spreading that information.

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BOOKS

BEFORE THEY PASS AWAY

Photographer Jimmy Nelson’s Extraordinary Book on the World’s Vanishing Tribes

BY BRET LOVE, PHOTOS BY JIMMY NELSON COURTESY OF TENEUES

I

’VE BEEN FASCINATED BY TRIBAL cultures for over 20 years, ever since I interviewed my grandfather about our family history and learned we had American Indian blood on both sides. In the years since, I’ve traveled to indigenous communities in Dominica, South Africa, Tahiti, the Peruvian Amazon and numerous other destinations in an effort to learn from the tribal cultures there. So you can imagine how much photographer Jimmy Nelson‘s new book, Before They Pass Away, resonated with me on a personal level.

The project began in 2009, when the British photographer set out on a journey to visit and photograph 31 secluded, visually unique tribes. The quest would eventually take him (and his 4×5 large format camera) on 13 trips covering 44 countries. From the Huaorani tribe of the Ecuadorian Amazon to the Himba tribe of Namibia, from the island tribes of Vanuatu to the Chukotka of Siberia, Nelson’s extraordinary photos document ancient cultural traditions currently in danger of going the way of the dodo.

We were delighted that the intrepid traveler took some time out of his busy schedule to discuss the evolution of the Before They Pass Away project, his favorite memories from his journeys, and the importance of the cultural conservation message he’s ultimately trying to convey.

barriers. When you are there with the tribes, it’s all about being human, not about what you can give or take from others.

I’m curious about the logistical details of putting a project of this scope together.

How did you select the tribes you’d be photographing?

In this first phase of the project I researched the more remote and most aesthetically pleasing of tribes in order to obtain the attention of the world on this subject matter.

How did you go about establishing the trust required to get these remote tribes to pose for your “carefully orchestrated portraits”?

On a number of locations, when we first arrived somewhere, the people were reluctant to let us photograph them. What we did was to leave the camera behind for the first few days, in order not to intimidate them. We would sleep in their accommodation, because we did not want to give the impression that we felt we were better than them. Wherever we went, we always approached the people with enormous dignity. We tried to communicate, usually with the help of translators. When the people finally had warmed up to us, our enthusiasm worked as a catalyst for theirs. Our passion, our perfectionism, and our teamwork seemed to be contagious.

And, in most cases, the locals soon wanted to participate in it. The positive energy and pride that emerged from working together with the people is reflected in the photographs.

Let’s start off talking about the origins of this project. What inspired the concept?

Our world is changing at breakneck speed.

Countries that were considered developing You describe your shoot in the Republic of nations not so long ago are now among the Vanuatu as “an extraordinary journey.” world’s wealthiest. It’s inevitable that such Can you share a few colorful memories rapid progress in affluence and technology from your travels for Before They Pass ultimately reaches those cultures that, Away? up until now, have managed to preserve There is one particular story of a tough their own identity and values. And when moment for me as a photographer. There is a it does, their longstanding traditions will photo of three native Kazakh gradually disappear. My men from Mongolia with OUR WORLD IS dream had always been to eagles on their shoulders CHANGING AT preserve our world’s tribes on a mountain. That picture BREAKNECK SPEED. through my photography. took three days to make, COUNTRIES THAT Not to stop change from because each morning there WERE CONSIDERED happening– because I know I can’t– but to create a visual DEVELOPING NATIONS wasn’t enough light. On the fourth morning, it was about NOT SO LONG AGO document that reminds us, and the generations after us, ARE NOW AMONG THE -20º on top of the mountain of the beauty of pure and WORLD’S WEALTHIEST. and the light was beautiful.

I took off my gloves to take honest living. And of all the the photo and my fingers important things it teaches us; ingredients literally froze to the camera. I began crying, we seem to have forgotten in our so-called and when I turned my head I saw that two civilized world. I’m privileged to have had the women had followed us to the top of the opportunity to fulfill this life-long passion. mountain. One of them took my fingers and But it is not about me: it is a catalyst for cradled them in her jacket until I got the something far bigger. feeling back and was able to take a couple of photographs. What I didn’t know was I’ve been strongly influenced by tribal that these women are actually strict Sunni societies in my life and work as well. What do you think it is that fascinates us so much Muslims, and broke all codes of modesty in order to aid me. They had noticed my about cultures relatively untouched by desperation and did what they could to help modern society?

The main message of this project would be me achieve what I was there for. to look closer. We in the developed world are very comfortable with our prejudices and our Any others you’d care to share?

When I first met the Tsaatan people, they judgments. Look closer, because you never were a bit distant and refused to pose for know what’s around the corner. Some things the photographs.

It wasn’t that they were can be very different than what they seem. unfriendly; they repeatedly offered me We in the Modern world create all these

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vodka, which, not being much of a drinker, I refused. But after failing to gain their trust in order to take their picture, I decided to put my camera away and play the grateful guest. The result was that I got completely drunk and slumped into an alcoholic stupor.

The next thing I knew, I was waking up in a teepee surrounded by 30 people, with a bladder fit to burst. Wrapped up in eight layers of clothes, with the temperature -40º outside, I didn’t see any other option but to pee in my pants and drift back off to sleep.

The next moment I woke up in a tent that had collapsed under a stampede of reindeer, which are apparently attracted to the salt in urine. So there I was, standing in -40º with a reindeer licking my clothes. Well, that broke the ice! After making a complete plonker of myself and becoming the laughing stock of the group, they finally began to open up.

Were there any lessons you gleaned from these cultures that impacted you on a personal level?

If the tribes disappear, we will lose a living example of how to treasure our natural surroundings and values like hope, optimism, courage, solidarity and friendship. We could learn a lot from these authentic cultures that build on principal aspects of humanity, such as respect, love, survival and sharing.

We’re big believers in sustainable ecotourism as a way to generate revenue to fund conservation. Did any of these tribes have programs in place where travelers

could visit them? Did they express any interest in getting to know outsiders?

The tribes I visited were remote and did not have any established tourism. But many did express interest in the outside world.

When you write that your dream was to “preserve our world’s tribes through photography” and “create a visual document reminding future generations of the beauty of pure and honest living,” it really spoke to me on a personal level. Do you have hope that these tribes will find a way to preserve their traditional way of life?

If we could start a global movement that documents and shares images, thoughts and stories about tribal life, maybe we could save part of our world’s precious cultural heritage from vanishing. I feel that we must try to let them co-exist in these modern times, by supporting their cause, respecting their habitats, recording their pride, and helping them to pass on their traditions to generations to come. Only that way can we help them keep their way of life for as long as possible.

Other than the beauty you document with your photos, what message do you hope readers come away with?

Mainly that there is a pure beauty in their goals and family ties, their belief in gods and nature, and their will to do the right thing in order to be taken care of when their time comes. They know what makes them happy, and they choose to live that life.

TRAVEL

THE WORLD’S BEST ROAD TRIPS:

10 Epic Journeys That Are More Than Worth the Drive

BY BRET LOVE

W

E LOVE HEADING OFF ON GRAND adventures. But, in the years since 9/11, it seems like the entire process of air travel has become much more of a hassle. For us, it’s become a LOT more fun to load up our Hyundai and head out on the open road. Which probably explains why we’ve driven on family vacations to New York City, Asheville, the Outer Banks, Mobile, and Tennessee in the last 18 months alone. What follows is our top 10 picks for the World’s Best Road Trips.

THE ATLANTIC OCEAN ROAD (NORWAY)

Named “The World’s Best Road Trip” by The Guardian, the Atlantic Ocean Road is an 8.3-kilometer long road running through a picturesque archipelago. Connecting the western fjord islands between Molde and Kristiansund, the road zig-zags across numerous small islands connected by causeways, viaducts and seven low bridges that jut out over the often dramatic Norwegian Sea. There are four rest areas offering panoramic views (which often include whales and seals), but the road itself is a thing of beauty often used in automobile ads. We’re hoping to visit Norway this year, and would love to drive the Atlantic Road along the way.

BASQUE CIRCUIT (SPAIN TO FRANCE)

Stretching 300 miles from Bilbao in northern Spain to the French coastal town of Biarritz, the Basque Circuit is another of Europe’s iconic road trips. For culture lovers, suggested stops along the way include Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum and Euskalduna concert hall, the historic architecture of VitoriaGasteiz (the region’s second-largest city), and the Asiatica Museum in Biarritz. But nature lovers will be equally impressed by the spectacular scenery as they make their way along the historic Roncesvalles pass through the Pyrenees, the gorgeous mountain range separating France from Spain.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY (NORTH CAROLINA TO VIRGINIA)

Running 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway ranks among North America’s most iconic roadways. With construction starting in 1935 (when it was known as the Appalachian Scenic Highway), the road was built to connect Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Shenandoah National Park. It’s been the National Park System’s most visited attraction almost every year since the mid-1940s. It’s easy to see why: With stunning scenery (particularly in Autumn), historic landmarks, and thousands of wildlife species, the parkway offers a taste of unspoiled Americana at its finest.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK ROAD (ALASKA)

With six million acres of pristine wilderness and only one 92-mile road through it, Denali National Park is a nature-lover’s paradise. To drive it yourself, you literally have to win the lottery, as the Park Service only opens the (mostly gravel) road to a limited number of private vehicles four days a year. Instead, take a shuttle bus, which stops for wildlife viewing and bathroom breaks and allows you to get on and off anywhere along the road.

Paralleling the Alaska range, the road offers lovely landscapes, exceptional wildlife (bears, moose, caribou, and even wolves), and– if you’re lucky– breathtaking views of massive Mt McKinley.

Abbottabad. Built between 1959 and 1979 by the governments of China and Pakistan, Karakoram is the highest paved international road in the world, crossing the mountain range through the Khunjerab Pass at an elevation of 15,397 feet. Emerging in recent years as an eco-adventure hotspot, the highway provides access to ancient petroglyphs, rivers, lakes, glaciers and mountains, including K2 and Nanga Parbat (the 2nd and 9th tallest in the world).

Storseisundet Bridge Atlantic Road Norway

by Jørgen Vik

PAN-AMERICAN HIGHWAY (NORTH AMERICA TO SOUTH AMERICA) Though we’ve visited many of the countries along what the Guinness Book of World Records calls “the world’s longest motorable road,” driving its 15,000+ miles is widely considered the ultimate epic road trip. Created in 1937 with the signing of the Convention on the Pan-American Highway, the road system officially passes through 17 countries (the Canadian section doesn’t count, apparently), with some sections passable only during the dry season and the 60-mile Darién Gap constituting the only break. Our friends at Trans-Americas Journey are currently on a lengthy slow-travel quest to navigate its entire length.

RING ROAD (ICELAND)

Iceland was on our bucket list long before Game Of Thrones started filming there, but the dynamic landscapes pictured on the hit show have certainly added fuel to our fantasy’s fire.

Officially known as Route 1, the 832-mile Ring Road circles the entire island, from snow-capped mountains and volcanic craters to fertile green valleys and vivid blue fjords. Completed in 1974 to celebrate 1100 years of human settlement in Iceland, the route takes travelers to some of the country’s finest attractions, including the Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

SKELETON COAST (NAMIBIA)

One of my fondest travel memories involved driving 500+ km through South Africa’s Kruger National Park and into the Drakensburg Mountains. Namibia’s Skeleton Coast is said to be equally stunning, with arid, windswept landscapes, rugged coastlines shrouded in fog, and a remarkable array of wildlife ranging from baboons and giraffes to lions and rhinos. The 6200 square mile Skeleton Coast National Park is also home to one of the world’s largest Cape fur seal colonies. Our ethical issue with the country’s stubborn refusal to end its annual, brutal seal slaughter is the only thing that has prevented us from visiting thus far.

Quiver Trees Skeleton Coast Park by Alastair Rae

SOUTH ISLAND CIRCUIT (NEW ZEALAND)

New Zealand for us feels a bit like Mordor must have felt for Frodo Baggins in The Lord of The Rings (which was filmed there)– almost impossibly far away and difficult to reach. But when we get there, I imagine we could spend two weeks just exploring the natural landscapes of South Island, venturing from Christchurch to Mt. Cook National Park, the Southern Lakes region, the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, Fiordland National Park, and the gorgeous glaciers along the West Coast. It all seems like some distant dream at this point… but then again, isn’t that what world travel bucket lists are for?

Pakistani truck in Karakoram Highway by Katorisi

GREAT OCEAN ROAD (AUSTRALIA)

Stretching 151 miles along Australia’s southeastern coast between the Victorian cities of Torquay and Allansford, the Great Ocean Road was built between 1919 and 1932 and dedicated to soldiers killed during World War I (making it the world’s largest war memorial). The route encompasses Australia’s “Surf Coast” as well as the Shipwreck Coast, a formidable stretch of coastline that has claimed more than 600 boats in the last two centuries.

Along the way, the road passes through ecosystems ranging from rainforests and beaches to sheer cliffs, including natural rock formations such as The Grotto, London Arch and the Twelve Apostles.

KARAKORAM HIGHWAY (CHINA TO PAKISTAN)

Also known as the Friendship Highway, Karakoram Highway traces one of the paths of the ancient Silk Road, running 810 miles from the Chinese city of Kashgar to the Pakistani city of

Great Ocean Road Australia by David Iliff insiteatlanta.com • March 2014 • PG 25

TRAVEL

A WEEK IN IRELAND

A Travel Guide to the Emerald Isle

BY JENNI WILLIAMS

S

O YOU’VE ONLY GOT ONE WEEK in Ireleand to cover the rolling green hills and narrow-laned streets of the emerald isle? No problem.

With a little energy and a LOT of driving, you’ll easily knock out the southern half of Ireland. Break it down by days and keep it moving in one direction. We recommend flying into Shannon and trekking it to Dublin, which takes you through dozens of small towns, letting you explore castles, farms and restaurants slightly off the beaten tourist path. You’ll do one giant circle, avoiding Dublin’s crazy airport and getting the most out of your miles.

DUBLIN

If you plan it right, you’ll be in Dublin by early evening, with enough time to scope out Happy Hour, walk the festivities by the river, and wind up in Temple Bar for a fabulous serving of fish and chips (warning: the fish has skin and won’t necessarily be white and flaky), all before jet lag sets in.

But rest easy: An Irish breakfast is the best jet lag cure there is. Sausage links, fried eggs, toast and butter are made fresh every day, but make sure to steer clear of the Irish pudding, unless congealed pig’s blood is your thing. Nourished and refreshed, put on some comfortable shoes, bring your best camera and your biggest appetite. Try the bus tours, or the hop on/hop off tours, which take you to the coast and back before dinner, soaking up more than you would with a map and a Rick Steves book.

Don’t leave Dublin without touring the Guinness Factory. Rich in history and ending with a pint, it’s pretty much the heart of the town. Plus, that happy hour spirit kicks in at the top and you’ll “watch the magic happen” with hundreds of other happy tourists overlooking the Dublin skyline.

We’ll call it Ireland’s best match to the Eiffel Tower. Knock off the day by strolling the city’s Trinity College, home of the historic Book of Kells, and quite often a good game of cricket. Head back to Temple Bar for a frothy nightcap, an Irish dance show and some hearty beef pie.

CORK

Once you set out for the west coast, you’ve got a lot of stops to make the ride enjoyable.

If castles are your thing, make sure to see The Rock of Cashel (not actually a castle- it was a monastery). It’s got a phenomenal view of some serious greenery, plus tons of religious history. You’ll also pass through Kilkenny, where you can see the castle there, huge and sprawling. Expect hundreds of people enjoying the sunlight and ice cream stands that park in on the front lawn. Don’t feel like you need to take the tour, a simple walk of the grounds will do and allow for this to be a quick stop.

You’ll soon arrive in County Cork, housing The University College Cork, so you can expect your good ole college town—bars, restaurants and academic history all within a few square miles. Staying here puts you in driving distance to The Blarney Castle (and the famous spit-slimed Blarney Stone), as well as the quaint harbor town of Kinsale, where you can hang at the beach, enjoy fabulous seafood and mix with some real locals, all while enjoying your pints, of course.

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RING OF KERRY

This is where your car really comes in handy for your one week in Ireland. Grab some ham and cheese sandwiches, get your bearings for that left side of the road, and strap in for a windy tour through the rolling mountains of southern Ireland. Gorgeous blue water, lush green slopes, and dramatic cliffs make up miles and miles of travel after the city sights of Cork and Dublin. You’ll want to stop and explore, so don’t take the tour bus for this one. Take pictures, buy trinkets from the nomads (and watch out for their live animals), and don’t miss the Skellig Ring, cliffs that offer a better experience than those of Moher.

It requires a quick uphill hike, but the view is stupendous and it’s usually sparsely populated. You can find information online at sites like, but the family who owns the Rock’s avian view hasn’t given it anything official. If you’re keeping your eye out for it, you’ll see the signs! Give yourself a full day for Kerry.

We recommend staying in Killarney, but don’t spend too much energy exploring it – this is a tourist hole, with bustling factories of commercialized food and culture.

LAHINCH/DOOLI

The gem of Ireland’s west side lands in the coastal cities of Lahinch and Doolin, Lahinch is your beach town, with restaurants, golf courses, beaches and amusement rides stacked on top of each other. Just over the mountain, Doolin is quiet, sparse and teeming with things to see.

Since it’s best known for The Cliffs of Moher, plan to take a visit. But know that any pictures you take will be dotted with all the raincoat colors of the rainbow, as hundreds of people flock there daily. You can do it on your own—no tour guide required. The Cliffs have a huge visitor’s center with information on the history behind the rocks. Give yourself about an hour and head over for a late afternoon boat ride view of the same rocks but a completely different experience. Taking you right up to the rocky face, this would be our choice if you do find yourself pressed for time.

That same boat will pick you up the next morning for an entire day out on the Aran Islands, which rank among Europe’s most beautiful islands. Three islands, barely two miles in diameter, reveal rustic Irish culture, including buggy rides (don’t let them swindle you) across some seriously harsh landscape, a view of early architecture and even a rusted old pirate ship you can explore as thoroughly as your dare. You’ll have to pick one, due to the ferry system, but guides help you decide which island is up your alley.

A bonus for nature lovers, just off the coast lies The Barrens, a natural limestone phenomenon, covering hundreds of square feet make up the landscape, creating a mazelike floor plan stretching to the horizon on all sides. Ancient burial grounds are dotted throughout and rare plants (the few that grow in straight up rock) peek out from between the grooves.

Use the last of your time in Ireland to avoid the pubs, skip out on the chips and seek out the local markets. Make a picnic of fresh cheeses, homemade breads, good protein and cold beer. Your waistline might take it out on your indulgent taste buds, but deep down it’ll be green with envy!

MUSIC

LIFE IS A CABARET

Max Raabe & Palast Orchester Revive the Sounds of Germany’s Weimar Republic

BY BRET LOVE

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UE TO THE ARTISTIC AND SCIENTIFIC developments in Germany during the Weimar Republic (between the end of World War I in 1918 and the rise of Hitler in 1933), this period is widely regarded as one of the most intellectually fertile in all of human history. Nine German citizens were awarded Nobel prizes during this era, while Dadaism, the Bauhaus school of design, and the agitprop theatricality of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill all had a major influence on early 20th century popular culture.

Few musical artists today embody the charming spirit of Cabaret-era Berlin as well as Max Raabe, whose fascination with the music of the 1920s and 1930s led him to co-found the Palast Orchester in 1986 with 12 fellow students from the Berlin University of the Arts. Raabe, who had a classical music background, scoured flea markets for shellac records from the “Golden 20s.” After a year dedicated to learning these timeless arrangements, the band gave its first public performance in 1987, quickly establishing themselves as an engaging live act.

The band has since achieved widespread international success, thanks in no small part to Raabe’s cheekily charming charisma. With his perfectly coiffed hair, dapper sense of style, and an effortless elegance rarely seen in today’s pop culture, Raabe and his 12-piece band seem just as timeless as the classic compositions that form the core of their repertoire.

But their shows go beyond mere nostalgia, incorporating droll interpretations of modern pop songs (such as “Oops I Did It Again,” “Sex Bomb,” and “Tainted Love”) in the 1920s/1930s style, as well as sly original songs in the classic style.

Though I knew little bits and pieces about the Weimar era (Bauhaus, Kurt Weill, etc.), it wasn’t until I started researching your music that I realized what an extraordinary period it was in German history. For our readers who don’t know, can you explain why the era was so culturally significant?

Before and during WW1 there was heavy censorship under

the reign of emperor Wilhelm II. When he abdicated it seems to me that the creative minds in Germany exploded with ideas and inspiration. In many fields Germany joined the leading nations: In art and architecture (think of Bauhaus); in film Germany competed with the USA; German scientist were winning Nobel Prizes. And Berlin was the center, it became leading in theater, film art, literature and music.

When and how did you become fascinated with the music of that era? And why do you think it continues to resonate now?

As a child I was glued to the radio when a certain program came that featured music on shellac records. In my home town I soon started performing songs of this era for the boy scouts or for small events at church. When I moved to Berlin I founded an orchestra to earn a little income. That is how the Palast Orchester started. The lyrics are intelligent, charming and full of humor, I think this is the most elegant pop music we’ve ever had. We take the audience for 2 hours far away from reality which is what this music was made for.

MAX RAABE RIALTO CENTER MARCH 8, 8PM $46, $38 AND $23 RIALTOCENTER.ORG

I THINK WHAT WE BRING TO THE STATES IS STRANGE, NEW AND FUNNY.

from this album, amongst them a recently discovered version of “Mack The Knife”. Of course we will also be playing songs from our newest CD, Golden Age, an album with a selection of our favorite American Songbook numbers.

When the Palast Orchester debuted in the late ‘80s, pop culture seemed to be headed in a future-focused direction. Was the band’s retro sound initially well-received, or did you meet resistance?

Our sound was immediately well received, so much so that we ourselves were surprised. Initially we had only intended to earn a little money next to our studies. However, from year to year we became more and more successful and finally decided to turn professional.

You’ve made two critically acclaimed albums now with Annette Humpe. Can you talk about that collaboration, and why you think it’s proven so fruitful?

Annette Humpe was a big star and a great singer in the early 1980’s, and a New Wave artist. She is now a big producer, composer and songwriter, like Rick Rubin in the United States.

When we got together we wrote music about the old problems between men and women. In the 1920’s they had another style, another way to handle these old problems. And we have found a modern way to speak about these old things and it’s the same humor. Humor for a new kind of pop music: a Palast Orchester Pop Music. I couldn´t have done that alone. I was very surprised at how well her way to work and my view and my background of the 1920’s merged, to create these new songs.

I know you collected old shellac records from “the Golden 20s,” and the band covers artists like Britney Spears and Tom Jones.

What other sorts of music do you have in your collection? Is there anything you listen to that might surprise your fans?

We also released an album of compositions by Kurt Weill in arrangements that Weill had initiated so that his music would also be played at balls. We will be performing a couple of songs

I know you have roots in classical music. Do you have plans to return to those roots at some point in the future, or are you content to explore the music of the Weimar era?

Straight after accomplishing my studies I considered switching to opera, but I quickly realized how much I enjoyed the work with my own band and this wonderful music. Today I can say that I love what I am doing and don´t want to be doing anything else.

WORKINGMAN’S SUPERGROUP

Hard Working Americans’ Dave Schools Newest Project is for the People

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

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RIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN singer-songwriter folk and the experimental jam scene, popular folkrock singer-songwriter Todd Snider’s new group delights in all things blue-collar. For the past 20 years, Snider has been compiling a collection of what he calls “perfect songs,” all written by fellow “Americana”-type artists.

Recently he enlisted Dave Schools of Athensbased Widespread Panic, Neal Casal of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Duane Trucks and Chad Staehly of Great American Taxi and formed the Hard Working Americans. He claims the band isn’t a side project, it’s a work in progress.

Together, they play the songs in Snider’s burgeoning collection. Tales of hardscrabble, everyday life by respected songwriters Gillian Welch, Kieran Kane, Tommy Womack, Will Kimbrough, Kevn Kinney, Hayes Carll and others get the Workover on the band’s self-titled debut album.

On the way to a rehearsal in New York, Schools spoke with INsite at length about the new band.

How did this project happen?

Well, my involvement with Todd goes back to the ‘90s when he had a band called the Nervous Wrecks. They opened a bunch of shows for Panic. Now, fast forward to a few years ago, Panic was on the 40th Anniversary tour of the Allman Brothers. We hit Nashville and I hadn’t seen Todd in years, he was just backstage hanging out. He said, “Do you want to do a gig with me in Napa?” It was just before Christmas a little over a year ago. We put together a threepiece with Paulo Baldi (Les Claypool, Cake), learned a bunch of his songs, went out in front of a captive Todd Snider audience, and then he switched up all the keys on us! But it worked out great and we had a lot of fun and it sort of led to this project.

The new album is an incredibly cohesive collection of songs. How did you narrow down the list of possibilities for the debut?

Todd has always thought these were perfect songs for him to sing. And as a singersongwriter, there’s always the song-swap thing going on. Apparently, these are songs he’d heard and then memorized, the first time he heard

them, so he’s kept them close ever since. He’d just been looking for a way to do them. We started with about 30 or 40 and narrowed it down to 20, then went in and cut 14. And 11 are on the record. There’s a biographical storyline in the album, of all the things a person goes through in his life. A salt-of-the-earth working man and all his trials and tribulations. All the songs seem to really fit in with that idea.

By this point, the group must be really gelling as a band.

The thing is, that happened instantly. The whole idea is to not just “cover” songs, but to get Todd in the main room of the studio. He’d sort of stomp and Duane would find that beat.

So really, what we are doing is sort of distilling the songs down to their bare melody. Then we rebuilt them, and by that process, we became a band really quickly, sort of a unified sound.

In spite of the stigma of the labels, the “Americana” and “jam band” worlds seem to mesh fairly effortlessly.

Yeah, and why not put the two together? And jam bands, well that’s a genre that’s accused, and often rightfully so, of not having a lot of songcraft. Panic is different because we had the opportunity to be exposed to great songwriters like Vic Chesnutt, Danny Hutchens from Bloodkin and Jerry Joseph, and we had a few great songwriters in the band and still do. But the endless noodling and wankery sort of haunts jam bands and just the label itself haunts pop bands that jam! But Todd likes the sound that can move people and get them shaking. Jam bands love words that people can really take into

their hearts, so when you meld a good sensibility of musicianship with some great words, then you have something that can really hit people.

Were the recording sessions as fun to play as they are to hear?

It all just locked into place. The very first night, we did a quick set-up and cut the [Drivin’N’Cryin’] song “Straight To Hell.” We rearranged the entire feeling of it. And that was a big vote of confidence from all of us, for all of us to go ahead and complete this experiment. It worked out really well.

That’s a sacred anthem to a lot of people. It’s nearly “Freebird,” you know?

I was really worried about that one, because a lot of people, especially Southerners, really embrace that song. And sometimes if you go changing things around, people will get pissed off. But you know, [dnc frontman and songwriter] Kevn [Kinney] was nearly in tears of joy when he heard it. He came over to [producer] John Keane’s studio when we were mixing the song and he was just blown away.

He said, “I’d never thought about my song being done like that.” That’s what we were looking for.

And that’s what a great song is. It’s a melody and a suggestion of an emotion. You can wrap it up in any way and with a really great song, it can be interpreted. You can slam people against the wall with it, or you can caress them gently.

The Hard Working Americans are currently on tour across the country and their debut album and merchandise is available from www. thehardworkingamericans.com. insiteatlanta.com • March 2014 • PG 27

MUSIC

WHEEL OF TALENT STRING THEORY

The Fleshtones Keep On Rolling, NY’s Driftwood Makes the Case Nearly 50 Years Into Their Careers for Bluegrass, Yankee-Style

BY JOHN B. MOORE

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although I did add a few verses. It’s based on the story of the band as told by Joe Bonomo in his epic Fleshtones bio, Sweat. It’s a great, but long read, since we’ve got quite a tale to tell. So listening to a three-minute song is a lot easier. Anyway, “It Is As It Was” was something Pope John Paul II supposedly said.

Keith really likes that kind of language, so he used it as a title.

ONG BEFORE THE BLACK KEYS and The White Stripes (hell, even before The Greenhornes and The Hives) revived the Nuggets-era sound, there were the garage-rock heroes from Queens: The Fleshtones.

While many of those aforementioned bands have already Garage-rock has disbanded and seen its popularity settled comfortably resurface again into music and again since footnote history, you guys first The Fleshtones– started the band. founded in 1976– Do you have any are still touring theories about the globe and why it sees a new turning in some of resurgence every the finest songs of decade or so? their career.

That does seem Their latest to be true. I guess album, Wheel every once in of Talent, is a while music no exception, ACTUALLY, AT THIS POINT has to get back cramming a baker’s to the basics, as dozen songs of pure IT SEEMS WE KNOW MOST in garage-rock. guitar-driven rock OF OUR FANS ON A FIRSTIt’s a fun way to that proves, among approach making NAME BASIS, ALTHOUGH other things, that time music that anyone has simply allowed THERE ARE SOME NEW can do, so that’s a them to perfect their good thing. It’s very FACES SHOWING UP. song writing. democratic.

On a tour stop in Spain recently, Fleshtones co-founder Peter You guys still tour a lot. Have your Zaremba answered some questions via audiences changed much over the years? e-mail, talking about the ebb and flow of Well, you know the joke about the audience garage-rock, hitting their musical stride, becoming more “select.” Actually, at this and condensing their music biography into a point it seems we know most of our fans on catchy 3-minute song on the new record. a first-name basis, although there are some new faces showing up. And we just appear You guys have been on a hell of a run since to tour a lot because we will fly into an area, signing to Yep Roc around 2003, turning in say the west coast, and do a week’s worth some of your best songs. Was there anything about the band that changed, or did the rest of shows, then fly back home. We will be doing a lot of shows because of Wheel of of the world just finally catch up?

Talent, however.

I think we finally hit a groove as far as writing songs goes, so thanks for saying that!

It’s been great having a home at Yep Roc. The albums just seem to keep getting better. It took a while (ha, ha) to get comfortable in the recording studio. As far as the world catching up, I certainly hope so. We could use a bit more fame.

When you first put the band together in the ‘70s, did you ever think you’d be making music as the Fleshtones decades later?

Definitely not! When we got together we were just hoping to get a gig at CBGBs. What can you tell me about Wheel of Talent?

Well, the Wheel of Talent was something that just happened on stage one night. We just started spinning around, and when we stopped it was someone else’s turn to sing a song or otherwise demonstrate talent! It seemed like a ready-made title for an album, don’t you think?

Indeed. I love the song “It Is As It Was.” How long have you wanted to write a song like this?

I love it, too. It’s one of Keith (Streng)’s, PG 28 • March 2014 • insiteatlanta.com

The music business has changed a lot since your first record. What do you see as the some of the best and worst things about how labels and music business have evolved?

Well, they don’t throw money around like they used to, but that never did us any good anyway. It’s nice that people are buying LPs and 45 s again, although we never stopped putting them out ourselves. Every one of our albums also was released on vinyl. The business has gotten a lot harder. But, as Yep Roc has proven, you can still be successful if you have a vision and release great records.

The album is coming out shortly. What is the band doing for the rest of 2014?

We’re going to show up at the SXSW festival in Austin and play more dates in support of Wheel of Talent. Then we’ll re-charge our batteries and maybe record another album. When it’s this much fun, why not?

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

Gee, that seems to cover it all. Thanks a lot for thinking of us, that’s great!

BY JOHN B. MOORE

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LUEGRASS IS EXPERIENCING A resurgence that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago. But thanks to folks like Mumford & Sons, The Avett Brothers, and even punk/bluegrass hybrids like Old Man Markley and Larry & His Flask, the once overlooked genre seems to be churning out one great band after another.

Among those is upstate New York’s Driftwood, one of the genre’s most promising (but, up until now, underrated) string bands to come out in the past few years. Their selftitled third release will hopefully change their “Best Kept Secret” status.

Violinist/singer Claire Byrne spoke with us recently about the new record, the band’s founding, and what lies ahead.

Can you talk for a minute about how the band first came together?

The band began with Dan Forsyth (guitar) and Joe Kollar (banjo) playing in various rock n roll and jam band projects. They went to high school together and have been playing in various projects together for over 10 years. Eventually Dan moved out to Colorado and bought a mandolin. When he came back Joe bought a banjo and they began playing folk and bluegrass music. Their intention was to travel the country playing music. A few years later I was introduced to the group by a mutual friend, and in 2011 that same friend introduced us to Joey Arcuri, our bass player.

Just about everyone in the band contributed lyrics to this record. Has it always been that way from the beginning? How do you approach songwriting?

Since its inception, Dan and Joe have been the main songwriters. But, as the band has evolved, we have begun writing together more. Usually one person will bring an idea or musical statement to the table and we will begin tossing around ideas and arrangements.

You decided to go with a self-title for your third record. Is there any significance to that decision, titling this one simply after the band?

We felt that this incarnation of the band has been the most solid lineup we’ve had. It feels like a complete unit, and the album feels like a good representation of where we are at as a group. In some ways, it felt like the first album for the group.

Can you talk a little bit about the recording

process for this one? You recorded in an old churc,h didn’t you?

We did a significant amount of the recording in an old Baptist church in Enfield, NY, a small town outside of Ithaca. It was a unique experience, the church had a great vibe and the process was raw. We did a lot of the recording in the winter, so we would have to turn on the heat for a short time and then turn it off to record until we were too cold to do so anymore. We also only had an outhouse outside. We worked with Grammy-winning engineer Robby Hunter, and together we were able to create something we felt good about. His whole approach was to trust your ears and the songs. The songs will tell you what they need. We did some work on the album at Robby’s home studio, Joe’s home studio and our friend’s studio, Farm Land Studio, in Nashville.

There is obviously strong Americana and folk influences in this band, but it still feels a little like a rock album to me. What are your musical inspirations?

We are all very into roots music but also have a strong passion for rock n roll. We love The Beatles and we love harmonies and song writing so of course we all have a lot of influences.

Do any of you listen to anything that would surprise people?

I think a lot of the things we listen to would surprise people. I had A Tribe Called Quest playing all day at my house yesterday!

What types of bands did each of you play in before Driftwood?

As I said before, Dan and Joe were in classic rock and jam bands growing up. Joey and I are both classically trained, so we played in a lot of orchestral settings. Beyond that, Joey plays a lot of jazz, and my first band was an Irish rock band.

What’s next for the band?

We just embarked on a 5-week tour that will take us down the East coast to Miami and out to Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. After that we will take a few days off and head back out again for more dates and festivals. We are excited to be touring in support of a new album, and also looking forward to writing new material.

Those are all the questions I have. Anything else you want to talk about?

All good questions, John. I think we’ve covered it all, thank you!

SPORTS

2014 NCAA Tournament Preview

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

SYRACUSE’S TYLER ENNIS

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ABARI PARKER, DUKE’S SENSATIONAL freshman, may not be the most athletic player in the country, but he’s certainly the best player in the land. And while many hoops fans will agree with that statement in March —it’s funny how a 20-point average in February contests can have that effect on folks— we’ve been screaming his praises since November.

But for Duke to outmaneuver the 19 other teams listed in this NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament preview, the Blue Devils are going to need more than a few double-doubles from Parker; they’re going to have to have Rodney Hood, Quinn Cook and Rasheed Sulaimon give folks absolute hell for the next month or so, too. Hope your favorite teams are praying for mercy.

DUKE

FLORIDA’S SCOTTIE WILBEKIN

LOUISVILLE

Saying that the defending champion Cardinals have repeat on their minds isn’t such a reach when you realize that sophomore sensation Montrezl Harrell has a wingspan and hops that have NBA scouts drooling over their clipboards.

CREIGHTON

Will Doug McDermott be the next Larry Bird or Adam Morrison? Honestly, Bluejays Nation won’t care much if the prolific scorer (nine games over 30 points) can lead Creighton to the Final Four.

VIRGINIA

We’d be mildly shocked if these overachieving Cavaliers got farther than the tourney’s first weekend. We’d be absolutely floored if Tony Bennett didn’t win ACC coach of the year in a landslide.

FEARSOME FOUR

Though we could go on and on about Parker and Hood (16 points, four assists per night), it’s the improvement in Sulaimon’s game (zero games over 30 minutes in December; five in February) that has us thinking these Devils will dance well into the night.

SYRACUSE

While the Orange aren’t exactly coming into March on the highest of notes (backto-back loses to underwhelming Boston College and overpowering Duke), the last time we looked, the team still had two of the land’s most fearless scorers (C.J. Fair and Tyler Ennis) and one of its best biggame coaches (Jim Boeheim).

FLORIDA

At press time, the Gators were on a school-record 19-game win streak. Looking at the roster made of brute strength (Patric Young), savvy scoring (Scottie Wilbekin and Casey Prather) and freakish athleticism (Chris Walker) and you’re inclined to think they’ll keep up the winning way into early April.

ARIZONA

If it weren’t Syracuse at the top of the collegiate pile most of the year, it was this group of ferocious felines. Wildcat studs Nick Johnson and Aaron Gordon would have received Jabari Parker-like headlines had they played on the East Coast; they’ll happily settle for beating him in the Final Four.

KENTUCKY

The most gifted team in the nation (four players average over 11 ppg) is also its most vexing, not knowing if it wants to be the eighth-best team in the SEC or an Elite Eight contender.

SENSIBLE SIXTEEN WICHITA STATE

We like Cleanthony Early’s game as much as you do, but we can’t just ignore the fact that the Shockers haven’t exactly looked like world beaters against, umm, questionable opponents like the Loyola Ramblers and Evansville Aces.

MICHIGAN STATE

Too many times this season we’ve seen this Garry Harris-led squad look tired —or worse, unenthused— to be considered a serious title threat beyond the tournament’s first weekend.

KANSAS

One of the country’s highest-scoring teams (79.6 points per), the Jayhawks have the talent (Andrew Wiggins, Joel Embiid) to reach Dallas, but we worry about their tenacity way too much.

MICHIGAN

With wins over Wisconsin, Iowa, Ohio State and Michigan State since New Year’s Day, the Caris LaVert-anchored Wolverines are sharpening their claws at just the right time.

SAN DIEGO STATE

Another sleeper from the West Coast for now; but after a SportsCenter-quality showings from Xavier Thames and Co. in the early rounds, that won’t be the case very long.

CINCINNATI

If Sean Kilpatrick (20.5 ppg) had more help —in a late February game vs.

Louisville, Kilpatrick dazzled with 28 while no other player had over eight— these Bearcats might have some real bite.

CONNECTICUT

Though the Huskies are sparked by doeverything guard Shabazz Napier, you have to give credit to Kevin Ollie for stepping into Jim Calhoun’s massive coaching shoes and not tripping over himself.

MEMPHIS

These Tigers have experience (scoring leader Joe Jackson is a senior) and impressive wins (Louisville and Gonzaga). All they need now are a couple of tournament foes to cower at all the team speed.

NORTH CAROLINA

We are in awe of the turnaround that James Michael McAdoo, Marcus Paige and the others have made, but we also wonder how much magic these Tar Heels have left in them.

SOUTHERN METHODIST Legendary coach Larry Brown is changing the culture in Dallas, one gutsy, hard-fought, four-point win at a time.

These Mustangs are one year away from cutting loose on the country.

VILLANOVA

OHIO STATE

You won’t find a guy in the country who works harder than Ryan Arcidiacono.

For these Wildcats to get past the Sweet Sixteen, though, he’s going to need the whole roster to put in some overtime hours.

If OSU can’t get a couple of folks to play with the same now-or-never mindset as senior guard Aaron Craft (eight games with over three steals since January), we don’t see the Buckeyes making it past the third round.

NCAA FEARSOME FOUR insiteatlanta.com • March 2014 • PG 29

MERCHANDISE

SPORTS

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

FANATIC

BY B. LOVE

A Monthly Sports Wrap-up

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS With the NFL Combine over, draft boards will have all kinds of movement leading up to the May 8 draft. Here’s how CBS Sports saw the top players at press time: 5) Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida 4) Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn 3) Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville 2) Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M 1) Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina.

“Going into last season, I had a lot of high expectations of myself, and things don’t always happen like you plan on. I was really trying to break the [career] sack record for us for the next guys coming in. There were a lot of ups and downs, but we won 11 games, were 11-2, won our bowl game, finished No. 4 in the country for the first time in South Carolina history. So I was pretty excited about the season.” –CLOWNEY, HIGHLY TOUTED NFL DRAFT PROSPECT, on his mediocre stat totals during his Gamecocks career “The biggest thing is, if you have a place to slide, you really need to slide. We don’t want any of these unnecessary collisions, because we want our players on the field, and we don’t want the health issues to come back and haunt players 10, 20, 30 years from now. We just don’t. ... I think it’s a good rule, and I think it’s a really good step in the right direction.” –NEW YORK YANKEES MANAGER/FORMER CATCHER JOE GIRARDI on the controversial new homeplate collision rule Look a section or two over in this month’s INsite for the list of 20 teams most likely to trim the nets during the NCAA TOURNAMENT. Now, if you’re looking for a couple of sneaky squads that could wreck havoc in the brackets, Florida Gulf Coast style, you’ve come to the right place.

Depending on the match-up, here are the five good, under-the-radar teams we’re

JADEVEON CLOWNEY

I

’VE NEVER BEEN MUCH OF A “clothes make the man” type of guy. But, with hints of Spring currently in the air, there is definitely something to be said for the feeling of rocking a spiffy new outfit when you’re steppin’ LEVI’S out with your baby. Here are a few of our favorite SPRING FASHION finds:

PANTS

picking for a win or two against the big boys: 5) Mercer 4) North Carolina Central 3) Stephen F. Austin 2) Georgia State 1) Green Bay. “It’s hard to put into words what winning this race really means to you. I felt lucky (in 2004) because I was with a lot of family back then. What makes this (race) special is the people that you have with you when it happens… It just seems like it’s too good to be true, really.” –DALE EARNHARDT JR. after his second career Daytona 500 victory And finally…

With the Sochi Winter Games complete, the number totals have come in: NBC averaged 21.4 million viewers during primetime coverage from February 7-23, that’s 6% more than the viewership from the last European Winter Olympics in Turin in 2006 (20.2 million) but 12% less than the 2010 Games in Vancouver (24.4 million)… As for that other stat, the medal count, the U.S. sent a record number of athletes to Russia, but came home with a disappointing 28 medals, that’s nine less than the 37 won in Canada.

DALE EARNHARDT JR.

I was never a fan of jeans in my youth: I was raised in SHABBY APPLE the era of parachute pants and Z Cavariccis. But these days I love to pair nice jeans with a dress shirt and shiny shoes for a laid-back look that’s equal parts casual and classy. The Commuter Series KARMA MANTRA from LEVI’S (Levi.com) was originally designed for urban cyclists, but the stretchy fabric creates a flattering profile that’s perfect for any activity.

Whether you rock the formfitting 511 Slim Trouser or DURANGO BOOTS the more relaxed Cargo Pants, the line’s moisture wicking, protective finish, and tailored silhouette make it a modern favorite for the iconic brand.

DRESSES

NOBIS I love to see ladies in jeans and leggings as much as the next guy, but there’s nothing like seeing your woman walk downstairs for a night on the town in a curve-hugging dress. My lady is a big fan of vintage clothing, so she loves HARVEY’S the new Kangaroo Crossing dress from SHABBY APPLE (ShabbyApple.com). The shortsleeve sheath offers a perfect balance between sexy and sweet, with a classic black and white grid print that flatters JORG GRAY her hourglass figure perfectly.

She loves the way it fits; I love the way it looks!

T-SHIRTS

I enjoy dressing up when the occasion dictates, but I’m more passionate about my extensive t-shirt collection.

I instantly fell in love with the Buddha’s Enlightenment t-shirt from KARMA MANTRA (KarmaMantra.com): The front bears the iconic image of Buddha in teal, while the back features the “Om Mani Padme Hum” mantra of unconditional compassion.

All in all, it’s a perfect match for my personality and fashion style. I also dig the Georgia State Traditions tee from ONWARD RESERVE (OnwardReserve.com), founded by GA native TJ Callaway. It’s a great, casual way to showcase pride in our home state.

SHAPEWEAR

Sara Blakely ignited a style revolution with Spanx shapewear back in 2000. Thanks to our friends at LIVI RAE LINGERIE (LiviRaeLingerie.com), my lady recently discovered a whole new world of curvecontrolling clothing she describes as “magical.” Made in Brazil for nearly 40 years, the “Perfect Waist” from SQUEEM MAGICAL LINGERIE instantly takes inches off any woman’s waist, providing a perfect hourglass shape. Athletic pants from MARENA PANTS offer exceptional tummy control, with the Georgia company named

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Grand All Star manufacturers by Apparel magazine. Paired with a flattering, non-riding top from SNUG CAMISOLES, they make an outfit comfy enough to work out in, and sexy enough to “work it” in.

SHOES

I’ve heard that women can look at a man’s shoes and tell a lot about him. Made in Ethiopia, the Lomayo boat shoe from OLIBERTÉ (Oliberte. com) suggests that you’re cool, confident and worldly enough to care about wearing Fair Trade Certified clothing. We’re also big fans of DURANGO BOOTS (DurangoBoot.com): Though best-known for their sassy, flashy cowboy boots, they also have a newer women’s fashion line that’s perfectly suited for even the most metropolitan city-slickers.

My teen daughter loves the Savannah Lacer, which combine chic stylishness with Steampunkinfluenced ruggedness.

OUTERWEAR

With two snowstorms in 4 weeks and a late February cold spell, Atlanta weather has been even more unpredictable than usual lately. The Baker Jacket from RIDE SNOWBOARDS (RideSnowboards.com) has proven perfect for late winter cold snaps: Insulated with 160g of premium Clomax Thin insulation and equipped with Aquapel water-repelling technology, it keeps harsh weather at bay even on snow days. For warmer spring weather, the Justice Trench from NOBIS (Nobis. ca) cuts a stylish profile, with functional shoulder epaulettes, topstitched front and back gunflap, and a fabric belt at the waist that gives it a flattering tailored look. The Atlas Soft Shell Jacket from EDDIE BAUER (EddieBauer.com) is perfect for layering: lightweight, durable and wind/water-resistant, with tons of pockets and an integrated stowable hood, it’s an adaptable coat that’s perfect for the shoulder between seasons.

ACCESSORIES

We adore accessories in our family. My daughter is a fan of the Midnight Cairn Print Day Tote from HAIKU (HaikuBags.com), which offers plenty of storage space for her school binders and a burst of vibrant colors.

My lady loves the scarves of GARCIA ART WEAR (GarciaArtWear.com), which were all inspired by the paintings of late Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia. Bold, vivid and largely inspired by nature, their cornucopia of colors lends a splash of festivity to any outfit. Her most complimented conversation piece is her Large Tote Treecycle bag from HARVEY’S (SeatbeltBags.com). These eco-friendly purses are made from recycled seatbelts: We weren’t surprised to learn that the innovative concept originated as an art exhibit before being made available to the public. As for me, my favorite accessory is my new JG6600 Watch from JORG GRAY (JorgGray.com). Modern but timeless, bold yet refined, this sleek silver timepiece is a visually striking nod to tradition, making a manly statement without screaming for attention.

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