INsite Atlanta November 2012 Issue

NOVEMBER 2012

www. insiteatlanta .com

VOL. 21, NO. 4 FREE

ANNUAL GUIDE TO THE STARS OF THE CITY

2012

Your Votes, Your Winners Ben Folds ★ Matthew Perry ★ Robert Plant The Who ★ Chris Pine ★ RZA

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TICKETMASTER.COM AND AT ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS. TO CHARGE TICKETS BY PHONE, CALL (800) 745-3000.

ATL_INSITE_Bodies-Titanic_10X7-V2.indd 1

10/23/12 11:16 AM

Live On Stage!

NETworks presents

Disney © ©Disney

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

NOVEMBER 27- DECEMBER 2 • THE FOX THEATRE FoxAtlTix.com/Beauty • 855-ATL-TIXX

PG 2 • November 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

CONTENTS • NOVEMBER 2012 • VOLUME 21, NO.4 Atlanta’s

Entertainment Monthly

on the big screen with soundtrack played LIVE by the AtLAntA Symphony orchEStrA

INTERVIEWS 06 10 10 14 15 23 25 27 28

Matthew Perry Chris Pine Jack McBayer Victoria Justice The RZA Robert Plant Andrew McCarthy Ben Folds The Who

FEATURES 08 21 26 29 30

06

November 23/24 Fri/sat: 8pm | superpops! | atlanta symphony hall richard kaufman, conductor

the exciting, quicksilver score, played live before you, provides bigger thrills, bolder adventure, and badder buccaneers! make your plans now! aso.org | 404.733.5000

10

Best of Atlanta High College Night Travel to Jordan NCAA Top 25 NBA Preview

sponsored by:

make it a group!

404.733.4848

COLUMNS 04 05 05 06 07 13 18 19 19 20 30

Presentation licensed by Disney Music Publishing and Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Non-Theatrical © Disney

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

14

Explore more than 200 shops, salons, services, galleries, and destination dining spots. Discover why Decatur is one of Southern Living’s Top Ten Tastiest Towns!

25

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

Follow us on the web!

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

Restaurants and shops on Sycamore Street.

CONTACT US 2250 North Druid Hills Rd. #234 Atlanta, GA 30329-3118 phone 404-315-8485 website insiteatlanta.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION 404-315-8485 • advertising@insiteatlanta.com Editorial content of INsite is the opinion of each writer and is not necessarily the opinion of INsite, its staff, or its advertisers. INsite does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor do the publisher or editors of INsite assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. No content, i.e., articles, graphics, designs and information (any and all) in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from publisher.

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

Check out our Best of Atlanta Guide on page 8!

NOVEMBER 2012

www. insiteatlant a .com

Follow #Indiecatur for holiday happenings and hoopla!

VOL. 21, NO. 4 FREE

ANNUAL GUIDE TO THE STARS OF THE CITY

2012

Find out about Terrific Thursdays in November and December at VisitDecaturGeorgia.com.

Your Votes, Your Winners

Advertising funded by the Decatur Craft Beer Festival.

Ben Folds ★ Matthew Perry ★ Robert The Who ★ Chris Pine ★ RZA Plant

decatur-insite-nov-2012.indd 1

insiteatlanta.com • November 2012 • PG 3 10/19/12 10:26 AM

Around Town

Basketball is back. The Atlanta Hawks welcome Houston for the season opener on Nov. 2 at 7:30pm in Philips Arena. Joe Johnson is gone, and the team is seemingly waiting for a blockbuster trade. But that doesn’t mean you can’t see quality basketball in the “House of Highlights,” or whatever we’re calling it now.

Go to atlantahawks.com for tickets.

NOV 02

The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces will host its fourth annual fine arts festival at Chastain Park on Nov. 3-4 in Buckhead.

More than 180 fine artist and artisans will display their works during this two-day event along a tree-lined lane overlooking the park.

Visit www.chastainparkartsfestival.com for more details.

Theatre/Film/Performance

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” returns to the Center for Puppetry Arts on Nov. 8 and runs through Jan. 6 for the complete holiday season. Tickets for patrons two and older range from $16.50-$20.50. Go to puppet.org for more details.

NOV 08

The Mighty Diamonds Nov. 9

NOV 03

Irish music phenomenon Celtic Thunder will visit the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Nov. 4 at 7:30pm.

The group was once named Billboard’s Top World Album Artist. Tickets range from $62.16-$89.25. Don’t miss a unique musical ensemble. Go to foxatltix.com or call 1-855-285-8499.

NOV 04

The Fernbank Muesum of Natural History will host its “Forest Guided Tour” on Nov. 4 from 10am-noon. Enjoy the great outdoors with an educated tour of the Fernbank Forest. Learn more about the character and importance of Georgia’s Piedmont old-growth forests. For more information and advance reservations, go online to fernbankmuseum. org or call 404-929-6400.

NOV 04

Check out the Mighty Diamonds at Center Stage on Nov. 9. Donald “Tabby” Shaw, Fitzroy ”Bunny” Simpson and Lloyd “ Judge” Ferguson formed in 1969 in the Trenchtown area of Kingston, Jamaica. They are the most consistent and long-running vocal trio in Jamaican musical history and for the past 41 years have been entertaining and educating the world with their sweet harmonies and conscious lyrics. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of the show. Go to centerstage-atlanta. com for show details.

NOV 09

The Atlanta Opera opens its 2012-13 season on Nov. 10 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center with Bizet’s “Carmen.” Set in Seville, the action of Carmen pivots around Carmen, a gypsy who has the power to seduce

NOV 10

Don’t miss the Lupus Foundation “Night of Hope Gala” on Nov. 10. This inspirational evening at Mason Murer Fine Art, 199 Armour Drive, NE, Atlanta 30324 will include fabulous food, auctions and live entertainment. Lovette Russell, this year’s distinguished honoree, will receive the Mary Cann Achievement Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. To purchase tickets, make a donation or for sponsorship information, visit lupusga.org.

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens turn on their “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” event on Nov. 17. There will be more than 1.5 million lights shining in one of Atlanta’s most beautiful areas. For more information, go to atlantabotanical.org.

NOV 17

The Earl will host Today the Moon, Tomorrow the Sun on Nov. 20 with Alexis & the Samurai and Forget Cassettes. Tickets are just $10 in advance. Go to badearl.com for more details and other shows.

NOV 20

The Atlanta Hawks host division rival the Oralndo Magic on Nov. 21. If you’re looking for a fun game (and a win) this would be your best candidate early in the season. Tickets can be found online at atlantahawks.com. The team has eight home games this month.

NOV 20

If you are a woman with a history of childhood sexual abuse, you may suffer from a number of symptoms. If these symptoms are left untreated, it can impair your ability to deal with everyday events, work or even function in healthy relationships.

Nightmares, trouble sleeping · easily agitated or startled · low people who have experienced a traumatic energy,Many changes in appetite · memory problems, difficulty focusing · event likeavoiding you have, may suffer from one places, activities or peopleor all

of these symptoms. You may have nightmares, trouble sleeping, memory problems, trouble Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event suffer from these symptoms, focusing, avoid social situations, or become which are signs ofagitated posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD. If the symptoms are left easily or startled.

untreated, it can impair the ability to work, socialize and function in a healthy Emory University is looking for participants for a relationship.

research study on the effects of an FDA approved medication for the symptoms of PTSD, memory Emory University is investigating the effects of early intervention in preventing and learning in women between the ages of 25 is a doublechronic PTSD using an FDA approved medication (paroxetine). This and 55 who have experienced childhood sexual blind study sponsored by the VA. If you are a Veteran, recently back from the war abuse. You do not need a diagnosis of PTSD and havetoany of these symptoms, please call to obtain more information and to see participate.

if you qualify for the study.

Study screening, health/trauma questionnaires, memory tests, lab tests, medication and MRI/PET scans will beare conducted at Emory University and Emorymore Briarcliff campus.

If you interested in learning about this research opportunity Compensation will 404-712-9536 be provided for participation. please call or Please call email Stacy Laddclecour@ at 404-712-2014 or email mdent@emory.edu emory.edu.

PG 4 • November 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

Other Stuff

ASO’s Pirates of the Caribbean Nov 23,24

NOV 10

from the war and experiencing some of these symptoms?

Advancing Possibilities ADVANCING THE PThe OSSIBILITIES

Music/Comedy/Sports

any man who suits her fancy. Tickets range from $25-$132. Go to atlantaopera.org for more details.

DO Are YOUyouNaEED HELP ?

Veteran returning

Compensation will be provided for participation.

Museums/Exhibits/Arts

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra brings the brilliant soundtrack of “Pirates of the Caribbean” to the Atlanta Symphony Hall on Nov. 23-24. Conductor Richard Kaufman will lead this part of the SuperPOPS! Series as the symphony performs the movie soundtrack while attendees can watch the film in a whole new way. Consider it 4D. Tickets are $29-$61.

Go to atlantasymphony.org for more details.

NOV 23

“A Soulful Christmas” comes to the Nov. 27-Dec. 3. This is a Christmas spectacular for the whole family. See the Chocolettes Live, as the story takes you back in time to visit your Christmas favorites like: “Santa Clause Is Coming To Town,” and more. Go to www. asoulfulchristmas.com for more details.

NOV 27

The Alliance Theatre is excited to announce a hilarious new holiday musical on the Hertz Stage. “Holidays with The Chalks” combines improv with country music spoofing at its finest. The show runs Nov. 30 through Dec. 23. Visit facebook.com/AllianceTheatre for more information.

NOV 30

CardiovasCular disease researCh Emory University, Department of Psychiatry is currently conducting a research study on Cardiovascular Disease and Depression. Dr. J. Douglas Bremner, Psychiatrist, is investigating the brain mechanisms through which depression increases the risk of death in patients with cardiovascular disease.

If you would to participate in this study, you must have a current diagnosis of cardiovascular disease either with or without depression. If you think you may have signs of depression, but have never been assessed, we can provide an assessment for you.

To learn more about this study, call Emory’s Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit at 404-712-2059 or kelly.tracey@emory.edu.

Procedures involve health and mental health assessments, MRI, PET and SPECT scans conducted at Emory University. Volunteers will receive compensation for their time.

LOCAL

LOCAL EVENTS

On Tap this Month EMAIL EVENTS TO ONTAP@INSITEATLANTA.COM All November: Atlantic Station

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL TOTEM

Cirque du Soleil is back in Atlanta with its touring production Totem all November for a limited engagement under the blueand-yellow Big Top at Atlantic Station through Dec. 30. Tickets for Totem can be purchased at any time online via www. cirquedusoleil.com/totem or at the Cirque du Soleil box office, located inside the entrance tent at Atlantic Station. Since its world premiere in 2010, Totem visited over 14 different cities in 4 different countries and performed in front of more than 1.5 million spectators.

Nov. 1-18: MJCCA

BOOK FESTIVAL OF THE MJCCA

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta has been hosting its Book Festival for 20 successful years. Expect this year to be the same blend of exceptional authors, speakers, celebrities and books. Highlights include actor Tony Danza on Nov. 17 discussing his book “I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had.” There will be several of your favorite artists and authors available for signings and discussions. A complete listing of events and ticket prices can be found at atlantajcc.org.

Nov. 3-4: Chastain Park

CHASTAIN ARTS FESTIVAL

The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces will host its fourth annual fine arts festival at Chastain Park on Nov. 3-4 in Buckhead. More than 180 fine artist and artisans will display their works during this two-day event along a treelined lane overlooking the park. This event consistently ranks among the region’s top art events year after year, with great attention to every detail from helping customers to supporting artists. Visit www.chastainparkartsfestival. com for more details.

Nov. 9-10: Fox Theatre

CHRIS TUCKER

Have you been wondering what happened to comedian/ actor/Jackie Chan brother Chris Tucker? Well, he’s back with an all new live show. Tucker, who was a fantastic stand-up comedian before taking a dip into action and serious film roles, will bring his act to the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Nov. 9-10 at 8pm. You will remember Tucker from “Friday,” the “Rush Hour” series and that one random appearance in “The Fifth Element.” Tickets are $35-$65.

Go to foxatltix.com for more information.

Nov. 10: High Museum of Art

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART COLLEGE NIGHT

Inspiration comes in many forms. What inspires you?

For us, art is inspiring. Attend College Night at the High Museum of Art on Nov. 10, from 7pm to midnight and take an inspirational walk through time with the museum.

Join us for a night of celebrating the past 100 years of modern art, and look to the future for what’s next. Student admission will be $7 with a valid student I.D. Tickets and membership information are available at www.high.org.

Food and alcohol will be available for purchase.

Nov. 29: Georgia Dome

FALCONS WELCOME SAINTS

One of the best home games of the season comes to the Georgia Dome this month. The Falcons will host hated division rival New Orleans on Nov. 29. Sure, the Saints have been hit with scandal and adversity, but they still have Drew Brees under center. Will they be a challenge for the Falcons, who are looking like the NFL’s best team? Don’t miss a likely shootout in the Dome for Thursday Night Football on the NFL Network. Go to atlantafalcons.com for more information.

EVENTS HAPPENING FOR SMALL CHANGE IN ATLANTA

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

By Marci Miller SIPS IN PINK THE CITYAT LENOX SQUARE MALL 2011 SOUTHEASTERN SHOW CALLAWAY GARDENS PHOENIX FLIES HUNGER WALK/RUN 5KFLOWEROLYMPIC MACY’S PIG ICE SKATING IN CENTENNIAL August, Check Website for Deals Through Feb. 28, FREE Feb. 25 27, Adults $18 ($15 in advance) March 13, Noon-4pm, $25 for runners 8th ANNUAL GERMAN BIERFEST October 27, CELEBRATION 2012 – JanuaryOF1,LIVING 2013 LANDMARKS” PARK “CITYWIDE Various Restaurants Callaway Gardens Monday –Downtown Friday 10am – 8pm March 5-20, Free www.atlantadowntown.com 17800 US Hwy 27 Saturday 10am – 9pm Various Landmarks Around the City Pine Mountain, Georgia Sunday noon – 6pm, $3 per rider phoenixflies.org This Square summer Lenox Mall promotion encourages callawaygardens.com

www.choa.org patrons to experience DowntownofAtlanta The Phoenix Flies: A Celebration Living

on ice! Throughout the heated months of Admission Callaway Gardens is Landmarks wastocreated in 2003 by The Atlanta For more than 50 years, Atlantans haveof started July and August, featured restaurants in the complimentary through the end this Preservation Center as abyway to celebrate the their holiday traditions riding theoffering Macy’s Downtown Dining District willrescue be month (Price isofnormally $15 for adults, 25th anniversary the dramatic of the Pink Pig. of allproviding ages are now invited to refreshing signature cocktails, hip happy $6.50 perKids child) guests with Fox Theatre, an Pink eventPig that changed Atlanta’s ride the Macy’s train on top of the hours and deals that won’t want tothe miss. the opportunity to you enjoy time with their preservation This year, list Lenox Squareoutlook Mall. forever.

Atlanta’s most unique Participating restaurants include Atlanta family and friends reconnecting in nature. includes free guided of Therides Fox Theatre, and beloved holidaytours tradition beneath Grill, AzioPark, Downtown, BLTtheSteak, Max Free admission includes Virginia Piedmont Historic Oakland Cemetery, the signature 170-foot, 1950’s themed Pink Lager’s, No Mas! Cantina and The Sundial Hand Callaway Discovery Center, Day CivilTent.

War AAtlanta Tour,proceeds Tullie Smith Pig portionWalking of the ride’s will Restaurant.

Visit the website for a complete Butterfly Center, Sibley Horticultural Farm House, Margaret Mitchell House, the benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. list deals.

Center, Mr.Park Cason’s Vegetable newofBeltline and much more. Garden, Callaway Azalea Bowl, Overlook DECATURBrothers WINE FESTIVAL Garden, Discovery Bicycle Trail, Pioneer Friday, November 2, 5:00pm – SHOW 10:00pm AMERICAN CRAFT COUNCIL IN ATLANTA Log Cabin, Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Decatur Artwalk, Free March 10-13, Regular admission: $13 November nature 3, 1:00pmtrails – 4:00pm, $35 per ticket Chapel, and daily programs.

Children under 12: free Downtown Decatur Square Cobb Galleria Center www.decaturwinefestival.com THE UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta Feb. 10 27, Tickets range from $15 - $35 craftcouncil.org/Atlanta The annual Decatur Wine Festival, metro Turner Field Green Lot Atlanta’s largest outdoor wine festival, is held 521 Capitol Avenue, Atlanta Thisthe 3-day event is the largest juried fine craft on square in downtown Decatur, Georgia. universoulcircus.com Show in the southeast.

The show been Proceeds benefit the Decatur Arts has Alliance, which producesmarketplace the Decatur for Artsregional Festival and the premiere fine The UniverSoul Circus many other arts free to theoffers community craft lovers andevents, collectors, and guests continues itswork surge each year. to Themeet 2012 Decatur Wine Festival the chance and purchase from YELLOW JACKET to the top of the showcases morefrom thanaround 500 the domestic and esteemed artists country.live To entertainment international wines.

Kick and off the festivalranks with FAN reachDAY first-time collectors established craft aSaturday, Friday August evening ThisFree single-night with interactive funky 6,ArtWalk.

3pm –its6pm, collectors alike, the newest show category for art experience, which is free and open to rendition of a traditional Bobby Dodd Stadium Grant Field Under $100. participating artists isatHandmade the public, features openings and receptions circus.

UniverSoul has www.ramblinwreck.com Artists who sell work for under $100 will have citywide. Visit each participating local captivated audiences their booths specially marked for patrons businesses to view art of all kinds, meet artists, from around the world Festivities at 3ap.m. on Callaway Plaza interested inbegin starting collection. and enjoy complimentary and beverages. with food its unique brand with music, prizes, inflatables and games for that blends circus arts, the kids.

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

HOUSE CHOMP AND STOMP CHILI FESTIVAL theater and can enter the stadium to meet Saturday, 3, 11:00am – 6:00pm, Free the Marchfans 12,November 11am-3pm, Free Founded in players Atlantawill over 2011 Yellow Jackets.

Football be $5 Tasting Spoon Available Atlanta Motor Speedway 17 years ago, the audience seated with their position groups at various Cabbagetown Park 1500 Tara Place, Hampton will watch amazement as Paul stilt points playing field.

Head coach Corner ofon Tyethe Street andinKirkwood Avenue atlantamotorspeedway.com walkers make their way across a tight Johnson will sign autographs from 4-5 p.m. www.chompandstomp.com rope, horse riders perform death-defying and be available for photographs from Visit will the track’s Open House for free.

Activities stunts, and contortionists bend into This festival honors Cabbagetown’s 5-6 p.m.

Please limit autographs to ONE include championship legends racing onpast the incredible and beautiful shapes. where music and food have always defined item per player or coach.

This willdrawings be the quarter-mile “Thunder Ring. ” , free neighborhood’s spirit.

Chomp and Stomp will first toyour get thecar 2011 football for bigopportunity prizes, drive own onindividual the track feature a chili cook-off including poster well2011 as ofschedule cards, ticket CHEERSPORT NATIONAL with restaurant theaspurchase Labor Day and chilis, 5K run,throughout artistNASCAR market, information and other items the CHEERLEADING & DANCE tickets, fans canmusic, selectbeer theirand seatsmore. for theThis Labor live bluegrass is afternoon.

Most campus parking lots will Day10th Raceanniversary Weekend, tour thefestival.

Speedway’s race CHAMPIONSHIP the of this be available. control tower and suites, take photos with Feb. 18 – 20 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.

Youth/Student $7,27, Kids221under Free for walkers Saturday, August – 7pm5 are Free November 21 – January Cobb Galleria Centre Parking is free Monday – Friday 4:30pm – 10:00pm $30 Online, $35 At the Door Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta Saturday 10:00am – 11:00pm Turner Field Green Lot Woodruff Park, Downtown Atlanta Sunday 10:00am 10:00pm, $10 per person for 90 sehort.org 755 Hank Aaron–Drive, Atlanta www.germanbierfest.com minute session (includes skate rental) hungerwalkrun.org Centennial Olympic Presented byPark celebrates the Southeastern This summer event the greatness www.centennialpark.com Horticultural Society, this annual premier Join thousands of runners and walkers at of German beer in a family-friendly gardening event promotes preservation this annual event that benefits the Atlanta environment. Complete with authentic Celebrating itsFood fourteenth anniversary season, and awareness of plants Community Bankflowers and fiveand other local German food, activities for the kids, music downtown Atlanta’s only outdoor ice skating through education andBierfest artistic expression. nonprofits.

Participants can register as a team and fun, the German is not only rink at Centennial Olympic Park is an annual Show activities include speakers, juried or individually online or register the day of the only authentic German Bierfest in holiday tradition. Visitors enjoy covered competition, kids’ activities, Landscape & the event.

There will be activities for all ages Atlanta, but the only family-friendly beer observation seating, theatrical lighting on the Discovery Gardens and more. including livemusic. entertainment more. festival asgames, well.

For the price of admittance, real ice and holiday After the &skating,

Gates the open“Holiday at noon, 5Ktherunbeer & walk begin attendees can drinkintheall theywhere can visit Lights” display at 2 p.m. safely consume.

Designated drivers are 10th ANNUAL OAKHURST WINE CRAWL the park transforms into a winter wonderland encouraged and can attend for free.

No one with thousands of lights that make up the Saturday, Feb. 26, 4 pm-7 pm sparkling display. under the 21 will be permitted to $25 in advance for of Tasting Glass A-TOWN DAYage consume alcohol.

A designated driver $30 day26,ofNoon-8pm, event March $5 THE 86TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CAROL service will also be on site for those who Oakhurst LakewoodBusiness District CONCERT find themselves in an unsafe condition to oakhurstga.org 2002 Lakewood Ave SE, Atlanta Friday, November 30 @ 7:30pm drive home. atownday.com Sunday, Decemberin2 this @ 6:00pm, College Participants year’sMorehouse event will get Saturday, December 3 @ 7:30pm, Spelman College to sample wines from around the world A-TOWN DAY is a health festival, concert, PIGSwww.morehouse.edu & PEACHES BBQcare FESTIVAL Free, while allof the businesses in the and a exploring major Awareness August 26 & 27,day Friday 5pm - 11pm celebrating Oakhurst neighborhood.

There will be 20 all things Atlanta.

A-TOWN benefits Saturday 10am – 10pm, Free isDAY This beloved holiday tradition held annually participating establishments and the event thethree Diabetes of Atlanta The Ben Robertson Community Center, Kennesaw on nightsAssociation early in December.

Theand concert expects sell out quickly.

The Fur Bus B-Aware to Foundation.

This event feature www.facebook.com/PigsAndPeaches features a combined chorus ofwill both the will be on poetry, hand to live music, cartransport show and participants lots of family Morehouse and Spelman College Glee Clubs from bar to Ticketswith be purchased presented in bar. alternation selections from friendly events.

The event features acannon-sanctioned from Steinbeck’s Ale House, Ujoint, each individual Glee Club as Backyard BBQ, Anything Buttthey andperform Peach special arrangements of Christmas carols, and Karvana Coffee Shop, located in Dessert Contest, as well as all a WEEK Kansas City INMAN PARK RESTAURANT anthems, spirituals, and African songs.

Over Oakhurst village.

Barbeque Society March 28-April 3, $15sanctioned Professional 7000 people comeisfrom all over as the southeast Contest, recognized $25 & $35which for three-course meal a Georgia each year to attend the concerts, which are State NATIONAL Championship Cookoff.

IHOP PANCAKEBarbeque DAY CELEBRATION inmanparkrestaurantweek.com presented free of charge as a gift of music to Over $14,000 cash and prizes will be Tuesday, March 1,in7 am-10 pm, Free Pancakes the community. awarded to House contest winners. food International of Pancakes Savor historic Inman Park withBesides three-course for sale, and free music from a number Locations throughout Metro Atlanta dinners from 11 local restaurants.

Proceeds THE CHLDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARADEof local and national acts, festival goers will IHOPPancakeday.com will benefit Project Open Hand, Saturday, December 1, 10:30am – Noon,which Free helps be treated to a large Kid Zone (withchronic many people prevent or better manage Downtown Atlanta attractions FREE to families), vendor On thisthrough day, customers willunique receive one www.choa.org disease comprehensive nutrition care. booths andstack sponsor exhibits.

Silver free short ofand IHOP’s $1 raffle tickets will(three) be sold willThe gofamous towards Wings paratrooper aerial exhibition buttermilk pancakes.

All they ask is team that Strike up the and join Children’s the charity.

The band winner of the raffle will win returns the event, and willaand jump intoparty the Healthcare along the streets of downtown patrons making donation to a hostedtoconsider hor d’ouerves, beer wine Atlanta one of the August Southeast’s premier festival on Saturday, 27. through Crowds support local children’s hospitals at Park’sfor Edge Restaurant for thirty of their holiday theNetwork 32nd annual Children’s will be parades, treated to aPark wonderful display of Children’s Miracle or other friends.

Each Inman restaurant will local bring Christmas Parade.

If you can’t make aerobatics performances init charities.

Since beginning tastes from and their patriotic restaurants foritstheNational winner. downtown, youcelebration watch the Children’s the There will be ainhuge, fireworks Pancake Day 2006, IHOP The sky. winner will becanalso announced at the end of Christmas Parade live on WSB-TV Channel grand finale.more has raised than $5.35 millionforto2a the restaurant week.

Check the website (ABC). Santa and Mrs. Claus, award-winning support in the communities in complete charities list of participating restaurants. marching bands, floats, dance groups and which it operates.

FESTIVAL PEACHTREE LATINO giant helium balloons will be seen all along the Sunday,route.

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

Festival Peachtree Latino has been the largest family & multicultural event in the WINEThey FESTIVAL southeastDECATUR since 2000. 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.

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

BY E-MAILING SUBSCRIPTIONS@ATLANTAONADIME.COM SUBSCRIPTIONS@ATLANTAONADIME.COM

ENTER ON SUBJECT LINE:SIGN SIGNME MEUP UP INSITE! INSITE! ENTER ONTHE SUBJECT LINE: insiteatlanta.com • November 2012 • PG 5

TV

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Matthew Perry “Goes On” to New Things With NBC Comedy

BY JENNI WILLIAMS

W

ITH NBC’S NEW SHOW GO ON, TUESDAY nights just got a little funnier… and maybe a bit reminiscent of the sitcom’s good ol’ days. Probably your funniest “Friend,” Chandler—err—Matthew Perry has taken on a new role about love, loss, support groups and the problems that make us all a little more similar than we might think.

Perry plays Ryan King, a loveable (duh—he’s still Chandler, like it or not) sports talk radio host who heads back to work after becoming a widower. Haunted by visions of his late wife, Ryan gets signed up for a support group in which he meets an eclectic cast of characters, including the group’s lovely leader (played by Laura Benanti).

On his very first visit, Ryan shakes things up by encouraging the group to deviate from their normal session and launch a tournament-style competition (March Sadness!) to find out whose story is the worst. And, as you could guess, the slapstick, lax approach to grief lands him on the other side of the fence and more than interested in his new friends.

So, life after Friends (okay, we know he’s done a million things since) still worth living? Insite sat down with Perry to find out.

What drew you to this show? Post-Friends… What made this one special?

I would say it was just written really well. I was looking to do a drama, and had met all the networks and studios in the development season about finding a drama. But I got sent this really great script written by Scott Silveri from Friends who I really admire, so I was in.

Speaking of Friends… There was always the curse that no one could get on a hit show afterwards, but now you’ve got one. What was missing before?

Friends was a magical thing. No one’s going to ever have anything like that again.

The situation on Go On is actually quite sad. How do you guys walk that line between the serious and the funny?

That’s the tonal challenge of this show, and nobody knew whether it was going to work. Nobody knew whether people were going to laugh at these sad situations. I think it was the third episode when we did a comedic run– I had said that it’s hard to tell people that my wife has passed away, so I should just get vanity plates that say it and then everybody sort of starts pitching on what those vanity plates could say. You know, like “deadwife” or “nomowife” and things like that. That was a really risky scene, and people loved it. So then, we knew that audiences were going to laugh at this stuff.

You’ve said in the past that you have a tendency to avert kind of a personal thing and to go with the joke whenever you can. Is that still a trait or yours? What do you find interesting about that when Ryan has that trait?

Well, I don’t think that’s a current trait of mine, but it was one of Chandler’s. Given any kind of serious situation, he would divert it by trying to make it a joke. And it makes for a very good character in a sitcom, because it’s a built-in excuse for someone to be funny.

My character in Go On in the pilot is certainly like that, but by Episode 3 or 4, for the most part he’s realized that he needs this group of people in spite of himself. So he’s less apt to make fun of it now, and more apt to take part in it.

You talked about the quality of writing you found in the script, but could you talk a little bit about your co-stars?

Scott Silveri panicked about a month before we started the show.

He was like, “This is a show about a guy who lost his wife! We have to have as many funny people surrounding him as possible!” That sort of panic led to the casting of Sarah Baker, who’s hilarious, and Brett Gelman, who’s just really, really funny. Laura Benanti is hilarious too. It’s sort of my job, if I’m looking to do a TV sitcom, to

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try to surround myself with the funniest people possible, and it was Scott’s job to make that happen as well. So, with John Cho playing my boss, and Alison Miller playing my assistant, everywhere you look is just a funny, smart, talented, driven person, which makes the show even better.

When did you first realize that you were funny?

Well I would always be the kid that got in trouble in school, that’s for sure, for joking around. I guess it was seventh grade I got put in a play in school in Ottawa, Canada. I was cast in a role in a show and it was funny. I felt so good to get laughs. So it was probably then… seventh grade in Ottawa.

You were drawing a couple of comparisons between the characters of Chandler and Ryan. What is the key to securing that connection with your audience that makes you so identifiable?

I think it’s sort of a wearing his heart on his sleeve kind of person that I’ve played a lot, and I think people can sort of relate to that journey. I like to play people that say things that normally people don’t say; things that they’re sort of feeling or thinking, but that they wouldn’t say. And I think that both Chandler and Ryan King have that aspect. When I read Go On, it was almost like this is Chandler 10 years later… if something really bad had happened to him.

VIDIOTS UPCOMING DVD RELEASESAND REVIEWS

BY B. LOVE & JOHN B. MOORE

CIRCLE JERKS: MY CAREER AS A JERK As one of the most influential California hardcore bands of the ‘80s, it’s great to see the Circle Jerks finally get their due. David Markey (1991: the Year Punk Broke) manages to synthesize the Jerks’ story rather succinctly in just over an hour via interviews with frontman Keith Morris (currently in OFF!), guitarist Greg Hetson, drummers Lucky Lehrer and Earl Liberty, and bassist Zander Schloss. The doc also includes plenty of early live performances and insights from punk legends like Henry Rollins and J Mascis.

DUCK DYNASTY: SEASON 1 “Rednecks with money” has officially become a recognized reality show subgenre.

The latest, most entertaining variation on the theme, Duck Dynasty, follows the antics of the Robertsons, a Louisiana family that runs successful hunting supply company Duck Commander. The obvious standouts are brothers Willie (the CEO) and Jase (clearly NOT the CEO), and their crazy Vietnam vet Uncle Si. This show could very well be completely fake, but it’s still funny as hell and more satisfying than most reality shows.

HUNG: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON HBO’s favorite man-whore is back for a final season. Thomas Jane as Ray Drecker is a former high school jock now paying the bills as a male prostitute. The cast is rounded out

by Anne Heche as Drecker’s whiny ex-wife

and the brilliant Jane Adams as his pimp, Tanya, a feminist hippie in way over her head.

The story follows Drecker as he gets in trouble with the cops (thanks to spurning one of them when she got rough on their dates), has his nest egg stolen and still ends up on top (pun intended).

THE INCREDIBLE MEL BROOKS: AN IRRESISTIBLE COLLECTION OF UNHINGED COMEDY It’s impossible to overstate Mel Brooks’ influence on the modern comedy scene. From his seminal work on Your Show of Shows and as a duo with Carl Reiner, to movies like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, to the meta Broadway success of The Producers, the man has been making millions laugh for 65 years.

This lovingly packaged boxed set features an expansive collection of Brooks at his zany best, from talk show appearances and songs from his movies to documentaries on his enduring legacy. With a 60-page book featuring essays by the likes of Leonard Maltin and Gene Wilder, it’s a musthave for diehard fans.

MAD MEN: SEASON 5 Think all is well in Don Draper’s world after marrying his gorgeous young secretaryturned-copywriter, Megan? Not even close.

The couple argues over Don’s disinterest in work and Megan’s return to acting. He butts heads with aggressive new hire Michael Ginsberg. He butts heads with Peggy, who’s growing increasingly frustrated by her lack of upward mobility in the firm. But he’s not alone: Roger Sterling, Pete Campbell, Joan Harris, Don’s ex-wife Betty and Lane Pryce all battle personal demons in what is arguably the show’s most dramatic (and best) season to date. Can’t wait for season six!

Under The Lights A CHRISTMAS CAROL

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

by Harold M. Leaver, recounts the tale of his stint as a Macy's Department Store elf.

Besieged by bratty kids with overzealous parents and donning in a humiliating costume, he finds that his cynical self and his elfin alter ego, "Crumpet," are not exactly compatible. The play is adapted from David Sedaris' best-selling book Holidays on Ice. This special holiday tale is a modern classic made famous when it originally aired on National Public Radio.

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

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

THE SANTALAND DIARIES Nov 23 - Dec 30 Alliance Theatre Box Office (404) 584.7450 horizontheatre.com

Deck the halls with peals of laughter as Horizon Theatre Company brings back its popular annual holiday production of The Santaland Diaries. The satirical, sarcastic and merry misanthrope, played

Nov 27 - Dec 2 The Fox Theatre Tickets (855) 285.8499 foxatltix.com

The award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast will come to life on stage at the Fox Theatre.

The original creators of the Broadway production are together again for this new touring production. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

purCHaSe oNe, TWo, or all THree aND SaVe!

JaN. 15-20

JaN. 25-31

aprIl 2-7

For multi-show packages call: 404-252-8960

or visit www.TheateroftheStars.com For GroupS oF 10 or more, Call (404) 881-2000 insiteatlanta.com • November 2012 • PG 7

omeletes, free-range chicken and breakfast sausage. They now offer fresh baked bagels to compliment their fresh baked pastries. Enjoy weekend Sweet Specials on a variety of pancakes.

Your Votes, Your Winners

BEST BURGER The Vortex Bar & Grill Little 5 Points 404.688.1828 Midtown 404.875.1667 thevortexbarandgrill.com

DINING

2012

See the Full List of Best Of Categories online at INsiteAtlanta.com

BEST BAGELS BEST DELI Goldberg’s

BEST BAR FOOD Graveyard Tavern 1245 Glenwood Ave. 404.622.8686

Six Area Locations goldbergbagel.com

graveyardtavern.com

Goldberg’s is a favorite stop for deli and bagels dine in or to go. Here you will find authentic kosher meats and dishes. All Goldberg’s locations offer full dine-in seating.

Check out their newest location at Toco Hills.

BEST BARBECUE Fat Matt’s

Shrimp Lobster Queso

Their menu offers great bites no matter what your in the mood for. Find rib sticking Graveyard Sliders and Beef Nachos to more refined tastes like Edamame and Tuna Tartare. Most menu items also offered late night.

BEST BREAKFAST The Flying Biscuit

The Vortex's award winning hamburgers are big, beautiful and delicious. There are 20 varieties offered and you can create your own version with a unique combination of toppings. Some unique varieties include the Elvis Burger, Splanish Fly and Double Bypass burger.

BEST BURRITO Willy’s Mexicana Grill 19 Area Locations Catering 404.422.7107 willys.com

Atlanta’s original burrito chain. Willy’s award winning signature Californiastyle burritos keep the concept of freshness true. Their rice and beans are cooked daily using no lard or animal products. Willy’s restaurants are vegetarian friendly offering grilled tofu and veggie burritos. College Students make sure to check out their $4 burritos on the first Tuesday of the month with college ID. Planning a tailgate this fall? Order a Willy’s truck to come to your event by calling their Catering Hotline.

1811 Piedmont Ave. 404.607.1622

Candler Park 404.687.8888 Midtown 404.874.8887 flyingbiscuit.com

BEST CAJUN Copeland’s

Featuring finger-licking-good smoked meat and tangy sauce. Eat ribs by the slab, half-slab, as a combo or chopped pork sandwich. Great barbecue chicken and sides as well.

Listen to3454-Insite-BOA local blues bands in this 1friendly honky-tonk.

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The Flying Biscuit serves great breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week starting at 7 am. They are known for their mouthwatering biscuits and original affordable menu items. Find great

Copeland's Famous New Orleans Restaurant and Bar offers great

fatmattsribshack.com

Thank you Atlanta for voting Willy’s

Cumberland 770.612.3311 Kennesaw 770.919.9612 copelandsatlanta.com

ATLANTA’S FAVORITE DELICATESSEN!

BEST BURRITO 2012. It has been our pleasure to serve you since 1995.

Soup’s on at Willy’s!

Chicken Tortilla Soup is returning Nov 1 Call 404-422-7107 or order online www.willys.com Willy’s will be in Concourse B at Hartsfield Jackson airport… arriving Dec 2012 21 Locations Atlanta · Athens · Gainesville FL PG 8 • November 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

Full Breakfast & Lunch Menu goldbergbagel.com

Voted Best Deli Best Bagels

25 Kinds of Bagels - Breads - Deli Sandwiches Deli Meats - Smoked Meats - Smoked Fish 1272 W.Paces Colony Square 4520 Chamblee- 4383 Roswell Rd 1062 Johnsons 3003 N. Ferry Rd at Food Court Dunwoody Rd 404 256-3751 Ferry Rd. Druid Hills Rd. 404-266-0123 404-888-0877 770-455-1119 At Wieuca 770-578-3771 Toco Hills Georgetown Shopping Ctr Just off I-75 Road 404-329-5000

BEST BAR FOOD /graveyardtavern

/GRAVEYARD_EAV

1245 Glenwood Ave, SE Atlanta, Ga 30316 404-622-8686 We Deliver thanks to Zifty.com

Cajun cuisine in a French Quarter inspired setting. You will feel like your back in the Bayou when tasting their Shrimp Etouffee, Fried Catfish Creole or Crawfish Po-Boy. Don’t miss their famous bruch buffet. Spice up the holidays with a Copelands Famous Fried Turkey dinner for parties large and small. Call store locations for details.

BEST CHINESE Chin Chin

3887 Peachtree Rd. 404.816.2229 and other area locations chinchinonline.com

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

Chin Chin has several locations around Metro Atlanta, each with the same great flavor, healthy portions and elegant décor.

A perennial Best Of winner!

#1 Chinese Restaurant in Atlanta 3652 Roswell Rd. 404.816.9090 landmarkdiner.com A landmark of good eats, 24 hours a day!

When you crave a 2 a.m. breakfast or an 8 a.m. steak, the food at Landmark Diner will hit the spot. The buckhead location featured is now offering four new fish entrees.

Broiled Chilean Sea bass, Broiled Eastern Halibut, Broiled Grouper Teriyaki style, and Grilled Corvina Fillet.

BEST GREEK Athens Pizza

SPECIAL

$4.99

1341 Clairmont Rd. 404.636.1100 athenspizzaatlanta.com

(Brookhaven Location)

ORIGINAL AWARD WINNING CHEF

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

BEST CUBAN Havana Restaurant

3979 Buford Hwy #108 404.633.7549 havanarestaurantatlanta.com

VIEW ART OF CHINESE COOKING THROUGH OPEN KITCHEN LUNCH

3887 PEACHTREE RD • 404-816-2229 1100 Hammond Drive • 770-913-0266 Sandy Springs BUCKHEAD/BROOKHAVEN

An Atlanta icon at their original Buford Highway location for many years. After the building was lost in a fire many thought that they would have to live without Havana’s great Cuban cuisine. But they found a new location up the road and their Cuban menu is as good as ever!

The Papadopoulos family at Athens Pizza continues to serve the same delicious Greek cuisine to the Emory / Decatur area that their customers have come to expect. Some of the favorite recipes on their Greek dishes go back 50 years. There is much more than pizza here. Try the Veal Parmesana, Roasted Lamb or the Oven Baked Chicken.

BEST DINER Landmark Diner

BEST INDIAN Bhojanic

617 Johnson Ferry Rd • 678-560-5550 East Cobb

1715 Howell Mill Rd • 404-609-5618 Atlanta

699 Ponce de Leon • 404-881-1511 Midtown

270 Rucker Rd. • 770-569-9883 Alpharetta

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

WWW.CHINCHINATLANTA.COM

Best 1Of Continues on Page11 Copelands_InSite1111_Copelands_InSite1111 10/26/11 10:41 AM Page

Spice up the Holidays with a Famous Cajun Fried Turkey & all the fixin’s

Healthy Vegetarian Items Always Available

Your Neighborhood Pizzeria!

Available for Take-Out Only.

Ask about our full service Catering and Delivery.

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

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

www.CopelandsAtlanta.com

BEST PIZZA!

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

FILM

HIT THE ROAD, JACK!

CHRIS PINE AS JACK FROST

Conyers Native Counts Down the Final A Star on the Rise MILLER Days to a Graceful Exit From “30 Rock” BY MARCI HRIS PINE IS A STAR ON THE

C

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

rise. Hollywood born and raised, this young actor comes from a long lineage of Hollywood actors. He made his feature film debut opposite Anne Hathaway in “The Princess Diaries 2” and is now well know from TV as Captain Kirk in the rebooted Star Trek Franchise. He just completed the new Star Trek feature film “Star Trek Into Darkness” and has just started filming “Jack Ryan” in London, where he takes on the infamous role based on the popular Tom Clancy novels.

But what has got to be Chris Pine’s most unique role comes just in time for Thanksgiving, that of Jack Frost in the new animated film, “Rise of the Guardians”. In the movie, Jack Frost bands with childhood icons Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Sandman and the Tooth Fairy to save the earth from an evil spirit named Pitch. The cast includes Hollywood heavyweights Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman and Jude Law and is sure to be a hit this holiday season. We recently caught up with Chris Pine from London to talk about his experiences working on his first animated film.

I

N THE PAST DECADE, CONYERS, Georgia-born Jack McBrayer has enjoyed a number of memorable roles in television and film. His newest movie, the animated comic-fantasy “Wreck-It Ralph” has just opened across the country but the versatile actor will likely always be best-best known for his role as Kenneth, the perpetually positive page on NBC‘s 30 Rock. As the series winds down to its final episodes, the gregarious McBrayer took a break on the set to discuss his feelings on the impending demise of the show and what his future may hold. Hint: it involves comedy and television, and he‘d really, really love to go to Hawaii.

What is the atmosphere like on the set these days? Do you ever have a moment to stop and think, “Oh wow, these are the final days”?

It is weird, knowing that there are finite episodes and stuff. To me, it kind of feels like your senior year of high school. You know, you’re having fun and “Oh, it just doesn’t matter, I already got into college.” But you know that, on graduation day, you’re going to be choking back tears and hugging people that you never even spoke to. It has been great fun and business-as-usual so far -- but towards the end it’s going to get real emotional.

Looking back, what stands out as one of your favorite memories of 30 Rock?

I do have to say, very generally, we’ve gone for seven years, and being that we’ve gone on for so long, we’ve had so many amazing guest stars and storylines and stuff. Everyone has been onboard, everyone has been game. People you would not expect to say yes to this kind of stuff.

It’s very flattering for all of us that they would join us for this nonsense.

Working with Catherine O’Hara and Bryan Cranston was special. They’re so talented, but just nice people. And that has been a big lesson for me as we’ve had these huge stars on our show but they’re all such lovely human beings.

Also working with Tim Conway in season two was a biggie for me. I love that dude, but we’re buddies now.

I HAVE TO BE PREPARED FOR THE NEXT THING TO NOT LIVE UP TO, YOU KNOW? MAYBE NOT LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS CREATIVELY—BUT OF COURSE, MAKE IT WORK.

Any one specific thing that you’ll never forget about doing the series?

One specific thing for me is we would have this Halloween party every year and it’s real fun because everybody’s kids are there. There would be little costume things and they would set up, you know, little trick or treat things and a fake graveyard. That has been a real marker for me, just seeing how long the show has gone and how long people have been onboard. Because when we started, they had infants and now it’s like you’re watching these seven year olds walking around in their, I don’t know, Pokemon outfits or whatever seven year olds do. It has just been crazy to watch the progression of time from that perspective, too.

Because time marches on, closer to my death.

What are your post-30 Rock plans? Would you prefer to continue in TV or are you looking more towards film work at this point?

You know, sir, that is a very good question.

I have to say I am a fan of television. But my concern is: what is the future of television right now? The good news is there’s so much great stuff on -- you know, all these cable channels -but I know that I do prefer comedy. The bar has been set pretty high for me just working on 30 Rock for seven years.

Who has been your favorite guest star on the show?

PG 10 • November 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

What was the set like with Catherine O’Hara around?

She’s a very talented comedic character (SCTV, “Best Of Show”)?

I do have to say that was one of my favorite days of shooting. You know, she played my mother. It was an entire day of me laughing and sometimes, oftentimes, unsuccessfully not laughing and ruining takes. So fun and so funny and so just pleasant to be around.

What plot line would you write for your character that hasn’t already been explored?

Okay. Well, I’ve been so fortunate just with any storyline, any script we‘ve had. I’ve not been wanting for anything. But if I had my druthers, it would have been that I was sent to Hawaii. I would just love it if, for some reason, Kenneth was sent to Hawaii. I’m such a sucker for sunshine and beaches and swimming pools and all that.

Historically, that plot usually arrives in the final days of a show, like those season six episodes of Sanford and Son that were shot in Hawaii.

Even the Bradys did it! You know, Modern Family did it. I even think The Jeffersons did it. But I’d like to send Kenneth to Hawaii to, I don’t know, maybe to blow up something? I don’t even care why - but, just send me, Jack McBrayer, to Hawaii. And who knows, we’ve still got a few more episodes…!

What got you excited about being part of “Rise of the Guardians?

I guess what excited me was the opportunity to work with all these wonderful actors and film makers. I’m a huge fan of Alec Baldwin and Hugh Jackman. And I know with Guillermo del Toro’s involvement as executive producer, it sounded like it was going to be a different kind of film. And I loved the idea of all of these characters whom we all knew as children and kind of grew up believing in… this idea that they all knew one another. And I was kind of shocked that I hadn’t thought of the idea myself. I thought it was a unique take on a universally shared series of stories. And I thought the idea of linking them together was very interesting.

Tell us about your character Jack Frost?

Jack Frost is the spirit of mischief and fun.

And he’s the guy that brings snow days and snow balls fights. He’s been asked by the rest of the guardians of childhood, comprised of Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and Sandman, the bringer of dreams, to join them to fight off this enemy called Pitch (voiced by Jude Law) who is the bringer of nightmares, fear and anxiety. And really the story is about belief and how the power of the imagination conquers all.

This is your first time doing an animated movie. How did that compare to doing live action and is there one medium you prefer over the other?

I don’t prefer one to the other. They are definitely a different beast for sure. The big challenge that I had in animation is that I had to learn that the only tool you have is your voice. You have to really use and modulate your voice to paint the picture of the character because the rest is given up to the animators. So I learned a great deal watching and listening to Alec Baldwin who, as you can tell even from the trailer, has an incredible ability to control and shift and shape his own voice. And to go

low and to high and to go soft, and to go rough and to go gentle. He’s really wonderful at it.

So I learned a lot from him.

Did you get to interact with any of the other actors?

I naively I thought that maybe I would have the opportunity to work with them. But of course, Jude lives in London, Hugh spends a lot of his time in Australia, Alec is in New York, I’m in Los Angeles…so everybody is spread out all over the world. So I got one chance to work with Alec in a booth and I actually found that a lot of times, it’s much easier to work alone in that vacuum than it is to work opposite the other actors. I think in Alec’s case, I was so involved in his performance that I forgot that I actually had to speak and participate in the scene.

Can you share anything about your new feature film, Star Trek Into Darkness?

I can’t tell you anything really. And I think that’s really the great joy of J.J. Abrams and his team. And I think people sometimes take his incredible secrecy as J.J toying with people and playing some kind of big game. J.J. wants to retain as much mystery as possible up until the last second so the experience of watching the film is as fun as possible.

Your next role is that of action hero Jack Ryan. What has it been like taking on such a beloved character?

We only started filming about a week and half ago but it’s been kind of fast and furious.

The story is an interesting one. Jack is not Jason Bourne and he doesn’t have fancy fight moves. What he really relies on is his analytical skills and his brain. And it’s kind of a classic case of a normal man being thrown into extraordinary circumstances and trying to find his way out of the labyrinth where he finds himself. And we have a really incredible cast including Keira Knightly, Kevin Coster and Kenneth Branagh who is also directing it.

So it’s a good story with interesting characters.

1363 Clairmont Rd. 404.633.9233 bhojanic.com Bhojanic understands the need for authentic Indian fare. The finest vegetables and meats are used to create the flavorful experience of the Indian culture. The food you find at Bhojanic is exactly like the food cooked in the homes of India.

BEST INEXPENSIVE RESTAURANT

600 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404.888.9149 eatsonponce.net For over 20 years now, people have been heading down to Ponce to experience their great jerk chicken and pasta dishes. Over all this time Eats has maintained the great quality of their food and kept their prices low!

BEST ITALIAN Sotto Sotto 313 N Highland Ave 404.523.6678 wrestaurants.net When Riccardo Ullio opened Sotto Sotto, he envisioned a restaurant serving all of the delicacies from his childhood. Over a decade later, the cozy authentic Italian spot in historic Inman Park has been named Atlanta’s Best Italian Restaurant by too many publications to mention. Sotto Sotto’s kitchen strives to create authentic Italian food with flavors developed from centuries of Italian culinary traditions.

Mediterranean Grill is a perenial Best Of Winner. For over a decade their loyal customers have continued to flock to this family / chef-owned and operated restaurant. They serve authentic regional dishes like gyros, falafel and kabob sandwiches made to perfection. Try their fall off the bone lamb shank.

BEST MEXICAN Pancho’s Mexican

2641 Buford Hwy. 404.325.2898 panchomexican.com

Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina has become an Atlanta landmark. They offer superior quality and great value that makes Pancho’s a hit with customers. You will find inspiring dishes like their Filet Mignon Medallions or Pancho’s Florentine (chicken breast stuffed with spinach and cheese) and also affordability like their $4.99 lunch specials and their selection of combination diner platters for just $9.95!

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN Mezza mezzabistro.com 2751 Lavista Rd. 404.633.8833

Mezza a Lebanese bistro and dar offers one of the most characteristic elements of Lebanese cuisine. Much like tapas, Mezza is an array

ant ur

Best

ensive Re xp s ta

In e

BEST MEDITERRANEAN Mediterranean Grill

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

Outdoor

Dining

eatsonponce.net • now accepting Visa & Mastercard Atlanta’s Original Havana Restaurant established in 1976

Sandwiches • Burgers 22 Hot Dog Varieties Smoked Polish • Great Sides Visit us on

Voted Best Hot Dog

770-449-7433 6025 Peachtree Parkway (State 141) Peachtree Plaza Shopping Center Norcross, Ga. 30092

FULL MENU OF CUBAN CUISINE

Same Smiling Faces & Great Food for over 35 Years 3979 Buford hwy #108 Atlanta, Ga 30345 404.633.7549 HavanaRestaurantAtlanta.com

4320 Powers Ferry Road I Atlanta 4 0 4 .2 5 5 .7 2 7 7 w w w .h o r s e r a d i s h g r i l l .c o m insiteatlanta.com • November 2012 • PG 11

of hot and cold appetizers.

At Mezza you will find the most authentic middle eastern tapas and great wines. Enjoy belly dancing and hookahs while dining on the weekends.

Mezza Lebanese Bistro

BEST NOODLE BOWL BEST TAKE-OUT Doc Chey’s

1556 N. Decatur Rd. 404.378.8188 1424 N. Highland Ave. 404.888.0777 563 Memorial Dr. 404.688.4238 doccheys.com The original pan-asian noodle house in Atlanta.

Menu includes dim sum, salad bowls, soup bowls, noodle bowls and rice plates. Best Spicy Thai Basil Noodle Bowl in the city! Their bowls are great for take-out serving parties large and small.

BEST OUTDOOR DINING Horseradish Grill

BEST PIZZA Johnny’s Pizza

BEST SUB SANDWICH Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs

Johnny's Pizza has been synonymous with great pizza in Atlanta since 1977. They specialize in NY style pizza, which is thin in the middle and thick around the edges.

The secret to their success is in the preparation. They always use the finest ingredients accompanied with friendly staff that keeps customers coming back. Try one of the house specialties: Johnny’s Deluxe, Pesto Buffalo Chicken.

Consistently voted Best Sub Sandwich in the Atlanta market, Baldinos Giant Jersey Subs has been recognized as the only true New Jersey Style submarine in the South.

They bake their bread fresh daily and every sub is either sliced fresh or grilled when ordered. When you eat a Baldinos sub you know the difference.

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

1810 Cheshire Bridge Rd. Multiple Area Locations johnnyspizza.com

BEST RIBS Pig-N-Chik pignchik.net

BEST TACOS Tomatillos

Sandy Springs 404.255.6368 Brookhaven 770.451.1112 Emory Area 404.474.9444 Pig-N-Chik’s ribs have won numerous awards over the years. They are St. Louis cut and cooked until they show a pink smoke ring. Their ribs are nice and tender with just the right smokey flavor. They are served naked without the sauce as owner Jim Graddy feels ribs should stand on their own.

Add BBQ sauce if you like as there are homemade Pig-NChik sauces on the tables. An order of ribs comes with a thick slice of white bread to mop it all up!

1242 Glenwood Ave. 404.622.9448 tomatillos-atlanta.com Tomatillos in East Atlanta just over a year ago and has already earned a legion of fans. The restaurant is named after the tomatillo in which their signature sauce salsa verde is made from. But it isn’t just the sauce that makes their tacos so great it is the ingredients. Fillings like shrimp and steak to brisket and potato green chili are what keep people coming back. Their customers also rave about their catfish and fried chicken tacos. Come Tuesday for the Crunchy Taco Special: Three Tacos for $5!

4320 Powers Ferry Road 404.255.7277 horseradishgrill.com

BEST SOUTHWESTERN Agave

Adjacent to the beautiful Chastain Park, Horseradish Grill housed in a historic building brims with neighborhood charm. Their menu celebrates the cultural, regional and seasonal elements of Southern cuisine. This includes using ingredients from their own organic garden. The result is a genuine alfresco dining experience on every possible level.

242 Boulevard SE 404.588.0006 agaverestaurant.com

BEST TAPAS Eclipse di Luna

Agave’s unique blend of eclectic southwestern cuisine, extensive tequila bar and wine list coupled with exceptional service makes this one of Atlanta’s top restaurants. They are the recipient of numerous awards from various publications for their inspired dining experience.

Eclipse di Luna has set the trend in tapas style restaurants in Atlanta. With over two dozen tapas to choose from, there is something to please any taste. Their tapas is priced affordably to encourage multiple sampling.

4505 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. 678.205.5862 764 Miami Circle 404.846.0449 eclipsediluna.com

Best Of Continues on Page16

agave restaurant

an eclectic southwestern eatery & tequila bar . est. 2000

NOVEMBER SPECIALS

www.baldinos.us

MONDAY – Baldinos Extra Special (#7) TUESDAY – Like it Hot? Grilled & Toasted The HOT Italian WEDNESDAY – Ham it Up - (#5) Boiled Ham & Cheese w/ soup or side THURSDAY – “Check Out Our New Chicken Breast” – Try our #21 FRIDAY – Meatless Combo - Tuna (#10) or Veg Stir Fry (#27) w/ side SATURDAY – Steak Out- A-Steak Sub Your Choice (#11,13, or 19) SUNDAY – American Special - (#14) w/ choice of soup or side

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

Reservations at 404 588 0006 or online at : www.agaverestaurant.com 242 Boulevard S.E. Atlanta . 30312

$3.49 All Day!

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PRE SELECTED CHEF’S MENUS & PRIVATE ROOMS AVAILABLE Consistently Voted One Of Atlanta’s Best Restaurants INsite Magazine Best of Atlanta Winner Best Southwestern Cuisine & Best Margarita !!

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FILM FILM

TRUMP Movie Reviews CARD ARGO



In 19 years of covering entretianment, rarely have I seen such a complete career turnaround as Ben Affleck has executed over the past 5 years. Affleck was reduced to the butt of punchlines by a series of poor decisions in his personal and professional life. But rather than decline into irrelevance, he shrewdly stepped away and reinvented himself as a director. The films he’s done since, including Gone Baby Gone, The Town and now Argo, have established Matt Damon’s BFF as the best actor-turned-auteur this side of George By B. Love Clooney.

Coincidentally, Clooney and Grant s one of AmericA’s Heslov (Syriana) co-produced thismost taut political thriller, successful which tellsand the high true profile story ofbusinessa covert Donald trump waswho wellmanaged known CIA op men, to rescue 6 Americans long before survivor Burnett to escape the U.S. producer embassy mark in Iran during tapped him to crisis star inofthe Apprentice.

ButHave the hostage 1979.

The plan? there’s no denying that Tony the reality show exfiltration specialist Mendez (Affleck) turned trump from a cartoonish curiosity enter Iran as a Canadian film producer looking into a bona fide phenomenon, withescape his signato shoot a shlocky sci-fi flick, then with ture fired!”– inextricathe catchphrase– six disguised as“You’re members of his crew.

As an bly entering thecommands pop culturethe lexicon. actor, Affleck screen, trading Although the Apprentice initially floun-and his trademark smarm for genuine charm dered a bit in the ratings, Burnett and trump an increasing confidence in his own charisma. stumbled uponhe a winning formula abystellar recruitAs a director, wisely assembles cast ing and Alan third-tier actors, thatsecondincludes Arkin, Johnathletes, Goodman, models musicians a celebrity edition Bryan and Cranston andforVictor Garber.

The ofinterjection the show. now in its third incarnation, of humor keeps like things light in the celebrity Apprentice tosses disparate the early stages, but Affleck expertly ratchets stars such as rocker Bret michaels, wrestler up the tension along the way, until your heart Goldberg, baseball legend Darryl strawberry, is literally pounding in your chest. The result is former governor ron Blagojevich and sharon a nail-biter with grit and soul; easily Affleck’s osbourne together for a variety of teambest work to date. Expect it to be indesigned the running building exercises and challenges to come Oscar time. test their business mettle. “the Donald,” as the crazy-coiffed –Bret real Love

(Denis Lavant), as he goes from one acting “appointment” to another. Or you could just view Holy Motors as a sketch comedy without laughs – SNL’s worst. Night. Ever.

Carax has declined to enlighten interviewers, saying each viewer should take from the film what they will. I think he was just giving Lavant, who has appeared in most of his films, a chance to show off his versatility in 11 different roles – although wigs and makeup often do more than the man inside them. The vignettes range from intensely dramatic scenes to bizarre assassinations to a Kylie Minogue song to an accordion band concert reading to a demonstration of so how motion through about them for many capture animation.

Some will years, butisaused lot ofintimes somebody that youpull you in, others away. who don’t think of sopush highlyyou turns out Critics to be a star. loved at Cannes came up with You justHoly don’tMotors know what will happen with all sortsand of the Deep pressure heatMeanings, of battle. but the final twists leave it finally twisted and suggest it What a celebrity to do to really wasn’tdoes really about thehave people after all. set themselves apart and show that they’re –Steve Warren

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

A

estate magnate if often known, recently held CHASING MAVERICKS court with reporters to discuss the show’s  current season.

For someone with no passion for the

Can you tell us a(Sharks, little bit aboutmassive the selecsurfing world rocks, waves tion process? and undertows? No thank you!), this movie it’s very interesting, so many completely shook me.because It’s based on the true celebrities want to be on the show the story of surfing legend Jay Moriarty,after a 15-yearsuccess of the previous two seasons.

We old phenom who learned the ropes from wanted some athletes, actors, some his neighbor, surfing some veteran Frosty Hesson models and some wrestlers, so i would say (Gerard Butler). Beach bums to the max, they probably six or seven people per spot we set out together on a 12-week challenge to train were turning down. the hardest thing is that young Jay to ride a monster of a wave— the we really have some good people that want elusive legend known as Mavericks. Because to go on very badly. But i guess maybe we’ll it’s athem true for story one ofbecause the sport’s finest save theabout next show, it looks athletes, I’m sure fans know how this story like that’s going to happen.

turns out, but without giving away spoilers I’ll just is saythis it’s season heartwrenching.

The story touches How going to be different than on the emotions of two men from different past seasons? generations left by Well, when struggling you have aagainst successthe likevoid we’ve theiryou fathers, but to discovering a new kind of had, don’t like do too many changes. kinship eachisother.

It’s a love story, story What wewith do have a different tone. thea cast of dedication and determination, a story about has been very interesting: they’ve been very heart and and very true courage from a boyalso whoa lot refuses tough nasty, but there’s of to and be held back by respect his troubled Butler fun humor with to whatpast. happens, and Elizabeth Shueweare which i don’t think hadabout in thethe lastonly one.faces you’ll recognize, but the story shines brighter With Joan [rivers] and with Piers [morgan], the nasty celebrity glitz.really Go see it, give your itwithout was really people hating each heartstrings a tug, and enjoy some crazy other. these people hate each other, buttanned it’s guysfunny. doingiwicked things on the also think that might be water. the biggest –Jenni Williams differentiation in terms of the three casts.

HOLY Can youMOTORS usually tell right off the bat who is  going to do well and who isn’t? that’s always the most interesting quesEach is a somewhat person tion to of meus because i’d like to different think of myself to each individual we come in contact with. as being okay with people. But often i’ll say, Taken to extremes that might explain “this one is going to be a star,” and then hethe unexplainable Carax’s filmknow. of a turns out to be a in dud.Leos You never really dayfeel in like the you’ve many known lives ofthese Monsieur Oscar You celebrities

in it to win it? i can tell you seasons 1 and 2 and FESTIVAL OF from LIGHTS from  the regular Apprentice, people really want to win. every once in a while you’ll Do you want soap yourhappen curry? often.

Though have a quitter, but itwith doesn’t set mostly in New York, Festival of i think the reason they do it is the levelLights of is pure Bollywood saving intensity they feel forsoap theirwithout charity.the Unlike grace of musical numbers.

The Singh family the regular Apprentice, where somebody is broken upfor in aGuyana in 1980 when works for me pretty good salary for athe US won’t allow (Jimi year, with this one Vishnu the money goesMistry) to char- to immigrate lets his wife Meena (Ritu ity.

Last yearbut we raised millions of dollars.

Singh Panda) theirthat daughter Reshma everybody has aand charity they love; some move to New York.

Meena a janitorial are foundations they’ve set upgets themselves job in a company bysokindly years in advance of therun show. i thinkAdem they (Aidanfight Quinn).

After anbecause abruptit’s leap of 13 really more intense a charity they’re fighting for. to Adem, they have years Meena is married

a young daughter; and Reshma (Melinda

What are your favorite challenges to watch Shankar), a high school senior, is an the celebrities tackle? ungrateful bitch who resents her stepfather.

Well, webad dogrades have a and lot of different challengDespite disciplinary issues, a es, whether we goand back to the selling the good SAT score a screenplay thatofignores lemonade doing basic reality getorher intosomething NYU. Inelse the very meantime without having to moves deal with Proctor Gam-of she leaves home, in with the &family ble or Kodak, etc. sometimes [sponsor-based Asha, a classmate she had known in Guyana, challenges] are sort of butbrother. they’re and gets engaged to interesting, Asha’s older expensive for us to do. the ratings suggest Throw in a rape, a miscarriage, drug that the fans’impossible favorite partinternational of the show by smuggling, travel, far is thecelebrations boardroom,(Note and the Indian to boardroom Jewish readers: has longertoover the not yearsHanukah) because ofand the gotten title refers Diwali, that. the challenges still have plenty of time a fairy tale ending, and despite some good and we’re focused on both aspects, but we got acting by the women in the cast you’ve have been lengthen the boardroom one of thetrying year’s to worst movies. because of strong viewer requests.

–Steve Warren You’re like a prosecuting attorney in the LINCOLN boardroom. Do you meter your approach to  different personalities?

Yes, i think you deal withSteven differentSpielberg people Blockbuster director differently. i deal with method Goldbergactor differently and ultra-talented Daniel than i deal with Governor Day-Lewis have chosenBlagojevich. for theiri first dealt with Dennis Joan Abraham rivers collaboration therodman story and behind differently than some of the Lincoln’s push to win theother CivilcontesWar and tants.

You have toensure have that simultaneously thatability. slavery would

cease to be a cancer on the American soul.

How do you feel backfor in the Day-Lewis is a going shoo-in BestboardActor at room after a little hiatus? next year’s Academy Awards, showcasing i just get political a great kick out of it.and i really like Lincoln’s flexibility personal iteccentricities. a lot. they want to renew it(and for Spielberg’s) another Day-Lewis’s two or three we’re thinking the Lincoln is aseasons, study and in contradictions: about that. i like having a bit of same man who could little quote thea break Bible between shows, where it goes on once a year. and Shakespeare by heart could also--if

circumstances required--snicker his way

Do you ever feel bad about firing through folksy, scatological jokessomeone, using his or is it just part of the job? high-pitched Midwestern twang. Lincoln i always feel bad… no, not always. someused moral suasion and an appeal to history times i don’t like people. the hard ones are to influence his fellow politicians, but he when you really like and respect somebody wasn’t above the usual political shenanigans and they make a mistake. Like, as an ex-

ARGO “ The interjection of humor keeps like things light in the early stages, but (Ben) Affleck expertly ratchets up the tension along the way, until your heart is literally pounding in your chest. The result is a nail-biter with grit and soul.”

Our review:  (including bribes and threats) to make sure things went the right way. Day-Lewis PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4 is joined by a fantastic supporting cast,  including Sally Field as Mary Todd Lincoln and Tommy Lee Jones as abolitionist Despite the R rating, Paranormal Activity 4 Congressman Thaddeus Stevens (although is the teenage edition of the franchise. The protagonists are Alex Newton), turned phrase, But(Kathryn It was a James It Spader nearly out steals to the Be showaingood 15, a blonde hottie, and Ben (Matt Shively), a small role as durIng a hilariously mercenary FLuke. the very FIrst show I was a LIttLe a geek who’d like to get his hands on her but Republican lobbyist). IfwIth Lincolnone has oF any the exasperated contestants and I used flaws, it’s in the thickly laid-on musical can’t put down his videocam long enough. the LIne, “you’re FIred!” when Mark Alex’s family[producer] takes in Robbie (Brady Allen), score and a surprisingly cursory treatment the weird little kid across the street, when I agreed to do the show we dIdn’t have of Burnett the end of theand war and the president’s his single mom is hospitalized.

Robbie’s that. we thought we’d say, “get the heLL out assassination. playmate for six-year-old Wyatt (Aiden C. Snideror asoMethIng. oF –John here” Lovecamp), Alex’s adopted brother, but hisyou imaginary friend Toby. Fans of fact that raised such self-sufficient ample, scott Hamilton, from the last season. prefers THE MASTER series know that means trouble. Ben rigs children? i had to let scott go. i’m a great fan of scott: the that on happens in Well, to i’mrecord gettingeverything a lot of credit the chilHe won olympic gold medals and he’s a great laptops “Scientology-ish” would be an apt the house because otherwise they’d have to, dren. everybody’s been asking about ivanka champion. But he understood that he made of show the and culti really Paul had Thomas like, hireanswer a cinematographer and the is yes, she’ll beand backthe onseries the adescription mistake on the no Anderson in The Master.

First we would losethey’re indie cred.

Thenkids.

Ben disappears show. But very good they went choice. i feltdepicts very badly about that, because The Disciple, Freddie (Joaquin for mostgood of the rest ofand thethey movie things to very schools, wereasgreat imeet considered him to be a greatQuell person, but i Phoenix in an award-worthy performance), go bump in the night – and day, objects have to do what’s right. it’s never fun, but it’s students. i couldn’t wait to get them on the a wacky, alcoholic, who’s move themselves, chandelier and show. by i had no idea thea show would falls be into easier when i don’t sex-obsessed like somebodysailor or when at sea (in morereally waysbad. than one) when World an ancient symbol starts showing itsninth anddemonic tenth season, which is pretty they’re really, War II ends. After a series of jobs that end up.

Afterin an things get really amazing thehour worldorof so television. in drunken brawlsfired, he ”meets Master, strange, leading to an inconclusive ending That line, “You’re becameThe a pop culThere’s been lotsunrelated of news surrounding NBC ture phenomenon.

Can you talk about the Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and a seemingly post-credit scene lately, showIfdoes well for PA3 them.was origin of it? who introduces him to The Cause, which that mayand setyour up PA5. you thought What you do to back turned out be awar goodand phrase, it heit claims cantoend curebutcancer starting to think get tooNBC slickneeds and to make toogetmuch in the this ratings was a fluke.

During the lives very first show i was sense, through visiting past under hypnosis onegame? will restore your lack of faith i know Jeff Gaspin (chairman of nBc aand littleengaging exasperated one of therepetitious conin with annoyingly in Well, the series. as testants i used thegames. line, “You’re fired!” exercisesand and word Dodd’s wife Universal television entertainment) –Steveand, Warren you know, he’s new to the role. i think he’s When [producer] markwarns Burnett agreed (Amy Adams) wisely himandhei doesn’t goingSESSIONS to do a spectacular job at nBc. they to do the show we didn’t like haveFreddie that. Wein his THE need a loose cannon need more shows like the Apprentice. not thought we’d say, “Get movement. the hell out ofHoffman here” or  already controversial something.

And all of a sudden America went necessarily from a reality standpoint, but doesn’t seem charismatic enough to attract advice of his andthe hisimaginatherapist, theythe need shows thatpriest capture crazy over the show. happens to behis a great a following.

Does itDodd believe own On a 38-year-old man confined to an iron lung catchphrase. tVAnderson?

Guide or oneIsofThe the major shtick? Does Master tion. decides to lose his virginity with the help frankly, certain shows that are on should entertainment magazines did a poll and, after drivel or a movie about drivel? It may suck of a sexual surrogate.

Based solely on that be changed because, while they get some “Here’s Johnny!” and one other great, it was you in for a while until you realize there’s 10-second elevator pitch, it’s remarkable that pretty good reviews, they don’t get people #3 on the top 100 phrases in television hisno there there, or it may make you a true movieit’s (which is get based on We’ve a truehad story) watching. tory! so that wasI’m a pretty bigevolved honor. it’s been this nice to both. believer.

Maybe just not enough, got made at all, so we’ll call the fact that an amazing thing and an amazing phrase that emmy nominations and a lot of good acbut except for Phoenix’s acting and the it’s also one of the year’s best films a minor just seems to work. it really caught on, and colades passed our way, and that’s always production design recreating (mostly) 1950, it’s been anpositive amazingresponse thing to The watch.

Hawkes an awardnice. But John ultimately you delivers have to have people whatever Master has miracle. watch. nBc is going to really do well. i know worthy turn as California-based journalist/ received is a mystery to me.

What do you think is your biggest accomtheir Mark leadership and on i think they’re winners, poet O’Brien, whose work writer/ –Steve Warren plishment, your business success or the so i thinkBen they’ll turnscript it around. director Lewin’s was based. Fans of insiteatlanta.com • November 2012 • PG 13

Hawkes’ breakthrough roles in Winter’s Bone and Martha Marcy May Marlene will be both surprised and impressed by his equally awardworthy work here: His tender, witty turn as the innocent and endlessly optimistic O’Brien is a complete 180º turn away from the caustic rusticity for which he’s known. Hunt is an even bigger surprise as the surrogate, adding rich layers of warmth and emotional complexity I’d never before realized she was capable of. But the real star here is Lewin, whose script handles a touchy topic– sex with the disabled– in a touching way that shines a refreshingly honest light on the awkwardness of human sexuality in general. This is a feel-good movie in the very best sense of the word, deftly balancing comedy and drama, sex and friendship, love and tragedy in a wonderful way few films dare even to attempt. Expect many nominations, including Willian H. Macy as the world’s coolest priest, come awards season. It’s my favorite film of 2012.

–Bret Love

SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS 

After the brilliant In Bruges the next film (and first shot in America) by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh was almost bound to be a letdown. Seven Psychopaths stays out of those bounds for an hour or so before fizzling out in the homestretch. The self-referential script is about a blocked screenwriter named Martin (Colin Farrell) struggling to write a screenplay.

All he has is the title, “Seven Psychopaths,” so he advertises to meet real psychos he can base characters on. Fortunately he already knows a couple: Sam Rockwell (who has long belonged on the A-list and does some of his best work here) and Christopher Walken, whose business is kidnapping dogs and returning them for rewards. Unfortunately they’re marked for extinction for stealing the wrong dog, a shih tzu belonging to gangster Woody Harrelson.

There’s a Vietnamese man seeking revenge for My Lai, a shared mistress, a Dexter-ous serial-killing couple – more fresh ideas than psychopaths; and there are plenty of cameos: Harry Dean Stanton, Michael Pitt, Michael Stuhlbarg and Gabourey Sidibe among them.

Everyone’s so crazy Walken blends right in, and Martin, who’s only alcoholic, is the normal one.

The cast has fun with all the dark humor and casual killing, but as “Martin” struggles to find a “life-affirming” ending, so does the real Martin.

What they settle for disappoints but there’s plenty to enjoy before that.

–Steve Warren

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK 

Is there any role Bradley Cooper cannot play?

Here, he stars as a husband high on a false sense of sanity and in denial over his wife’s scandalous affair, and nails it. Pat Solitano leaves rehab, moves back in with his parents and seeks to mend his damaged marital relationship. Only later do we learn that the reason he went to rehab in the first place was a rage-fest sparked by the discovery of her infidelity. Enter Jennifer Lawrence, playing the neighborhood’s other crazy ex, Tiffany, who’s way too young to be a widow. The movie follows Pat’s developing friendship with Tiffany, as well as his family and friends. The story is emotionally tender and raw, and the genuine love you have for these characters sneaks up on you without any warning whatsoever. The film takes a simple approach to a complicated situation, allowing the beauty of the resolution to shine. Kudos for a great supporting turn by Robert DeNiro, and I loved seeing Julia Stiles back on screen. This movie is heartwarming and goes against the grain of modern cynicism. I loved it. Look for both Cooper and Lawrence to get nods once awards season starts. Make sure you’ve seen it before then.

–Jenni Williams PG 14 • November 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

SINISTER 

Hundreds of horror movies (17 this year, if you’re not into ancient history) have opened with a family moving into a house where Something Awful happened. In Sinister, Ellison (Ethan Hawke) is researching another of his true crime novels that make the local law look like fools. Sheriff Fred Dalton Thompson tries to discourage him from searching for a missing girl who was never found after the rest of her family - her parents and two siblings - were hanged in the backyard of the house Ellison moves into with his wife (Juliet Rylance) and their two kids. In the otherwise empty attic he finds a box with five super-8 films and a projector. Each film shows a family being murdered but one child disappearing, in crimes dating back as far as 1966. For the better part of an hour Sinister consists of Ellison watching the films late at night, interrupted each time by noises that send him searching the dark house for possible intruders without turning on any lights. Each sequence is creepily suspenseful but the returns diminish with redundancy.

Mythology about Bughuul, a.k.a. Mr. Boogie, a.k.a. “The Child Eater,” leads to an ending that’s clever enough but goes on too long after making its point.

–Steve Warren

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 

At once informative, moving and frustrating, Linda Goldstein Knowlton’s documentary follows four teenage girls who were adopted from Chinese orphanages by Americans. The filmmaker started doing it after adopting a 10-month-old Chinese girl herself, perhaps to get an idea of what she was in for. It never occurred to me that China’s “One Child” policy dictates the number of children a couple can raise, not the number they can give birth to.

Because boys are so heavily favored there, abortion and abandonment are common when girls are conceived. Fang, Jenna, Ann and Haley are luckier than many. While some may have abandonment issues, all have better lives in America than they would have had in China.

Some travel to China frequently, when not traveling to Europe and vacation homes. Their adoptive parents mean well and are doing a good thing, but no one ever mentions the thousands of children in American orphanages who need homes, and Knowlton never asks herself or anyone else why they decided to adopt from China rather than domestically. Knowlton does a good job of what she sets out to do but the elephant in the room will be too much for some.

–Steve Warren

TAKEN 2 

Taken 2 deserves neither the trashing it took from critics nor the love shown by audiences at the boxoffice. No longer an unknown quantity like the original, a sleeper hit, it delivers what viewers now expect: fast-paced action with Liam Neeson, past his prime but not acting like it, kicking butt in a photogenic foreign setting. This time it’s Istanbul, where Bryan Mills (Neeson) goes on business and is joined for vacation by his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) and their teen daughter Kim (Maggie Grace).

The Albanian who kidnapped Kim in Paris and was killed by Bryan, left behind an angry father (Rade Serbedziga) who wants revenge. With his own life at stake as well as Lenore’s and Kim’s, Bryan does what he does best – which, to cut past the many chases, means setting up another sequel. Except for the climactic action sequence that’s less focused and exciting than the 47 that preceded it, Taken 2 is swift, sharp and tense, with little to think about and less time to think about it.

–Steve Warren

FILM

VICTORIA JUSTICE

A Sweet Treat in the New Halloween Comedy, Fun Size!

BY MARCI MILLER

I

F YOUR KIDS ARE FANS OF Nickelodeon than you are already familiar with actress Victoria Justice. A native of Florida, Justice moved to LA as a young child to pursue her dream of acting and singing and ended up guest starring in several TV shows including Gilmore Girls, Everwood and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.

Justice’s first major role came in 2005 on the series Zoey 101. Her character, Lola Martinez was an outgoing actress who eventually became best friends with the other students. In 2008, she got her own show, Victorious. The series takes place in a performing arts high school and revolves around Justice’s character Tori Vega as she pursues a singing career. This gave Justice the chance to not only act but sing as well. And now, she is taking her career to the next level with a starring role in the upcoming Halloween comedy, Fun Size. We recently had a chance to speak with Victoria Justice about her transition from the small to big screen.

You have a stellar career at such a young age.

How does it feel to have so much success in both music and acting?

It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m super grateful to be where I am right now and to be able to do what I love is incredible. But I’ve also worked really, really hard to get to the point that I am right now. I’ve been in this business since I was eight years old, which is when I started out in South Florida doing modeling and commercials. And then I moved out to L.A. when I was about eleven to pursue TV and film, and music has always been an underlying passion of mine. So when I was given my own TV show, Victorious, which is about a girl at a performing arts high school where I was able to combine my love for acting and music, it was honestly a dream come true. And now my first leading role in a featured film; it’s completely surreal and I’m honored to be a part of Fun Size.

It’s a project that I’m really proud of, so I hope everyone enjoys it.

You’ve done a movie now, and you’ve done a series. Do you have a preference over which way you like to work better?

I like both for different reasons. Victorious was really fun because I had music in the show, so the performances would be cool. But it was a really rigorous schedule. I would sometimes work 18 hour days. And then on the weekends, I would have to record new music or have to learn a song or have to learn choreography. So it was just a lot that went into filming that show, and it could be a really exhausting schedule. But I did enjoy it. And then Fun Size was something just for me.

My character Wren is a very different character than Tory Vega. She’s a normal teenage girl. I feel like she’s really relatable in a lot of ways. She’s not necessarily the popular girl. She’s just kind of somewhere in the middle navigating the waters, trying to find out who she is, and she’s kind of dealing with a lot at home. So I really liked playing that character because it was something different than my TV show.

How do you personally relate to your character, Wren?

I guess I relate to her in the sense that she has a lot of responsibility that’s thrust upon her as a teenager because my mom, played by Chelsea Handler, is dating this younger guy and she’s kind of going through a bit of a midlife crisis.

And she puts a lot of the responsibility of taking

care of my little brother onto my character, Wren, so in a lot of ways, she’s the responsible parent figure to him. And I think I can relate to the fact of having to mature and live responsibly at a young age. Growing up in show business and being in the public eye since I was about 12-years-old, and then being given my own TV show when I was 16, I’ve had to mature a lot faster than the average teenager.

What is it like to be part of the Nickelodeon family and be among that group of up and coming young stars?

It’s just a great experience being on Nickelodeon. I’ve been on the network since I was 12-years-old, and they have been really good to me over the years by giving me my own show. Its fun working with the other shows, like we did IPartied with Victorious, which was a crossover of iCarly and my show, and that was fun. And yes, it’s also like a family environment, and I was a part of that family from 12 to 19, so quite a few years. Victorious just ended recently, so I’m no longer going to be filming new episodes of that, although they are still airing new episodes.

What was it like to work with Johnny Knoxville, Chelsea Handler, and Josh Pence during the filming of Fun Size?

It was great. Johnny Knoxville is super professional and just like a really nice, down to earth, friendly guy. I loved working with him.

He’s super cool. Chelsea Handler is good at what she does. She’s very funny in the film, but also brings heart to her character which I think is a really nice balance that she pulled off. And I love Josh Pence. I think he’s so talented and such a nice guy. He was great to work with, and we became good friends. He actually came to my first concert on the Naked America tour along with Tom Mann who plays Roosevelt in the movie, so that was really sweet of them.

MUSIC

THE EVOLUTION OF THE RZA

The Rapper/Producer/Actor Formerly Known As Robert Diggs Adds Writer/Director To His Resume

BY BRET LOVE

I

’VE BEEN A HUGE FAN OF THE RZA ever since I first heard the Wu-Tang Clan’s “Protect Ya Neck” played in the Atlanta branch of BMG Distribution (where I worked as a college intern), just after the band was signed to Loud Records. The last time we spoke was at the L.A. press junket for Kill Bill, so it was great to hook up with him when he came through Atlanta on a recent promotional tour for his debut directorial film, The Man With the Iron Fist. Under the tutelage of Quentin Tarantino, with a script co-written

by Eli Roth, the film marks the latest stage in the evolution of the artist born Robert Diggs.

We had a great talk about his love of martial arts cinema, his move behind the camera, and what’s coming next in his influential career.

Tell me about when you first fell in love with martial arts cinema. What attracted you to it?

The first time I witnessed it was at the age of nine. What attracted me to it as far as a deep passion came a few years later, when I saw movies like Enter the 36 Chambers, Master Killer, Death Chambers… The themes of brotherhood, loyalty, chivalry and sacrifice really attracted me. When I saw the film Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang, with Gordon Liu as a director, the swordplay blew my mind. That was the reason why I took Wu-Tang as the name of my crew, because our tongue was like a double-edged sword. The fantasy part of it, the oppression, the brotherhood and the straight-up choreographed ass-kicking had me addicted.

The African American community and the Asian community don’t always get along, yet there are thematic things that both cultures have gone through historically.

I have a lot of friends from the Asian community as well. Some of them are just as rough and ghetto as me. They like Gucci bags.

The same thing my girl gon’ do, their girl gon’ do– get the shoes, the bag, go to the clubs, have a good time. That’s not being ghetto, that’s being American.

You’ve done a lot of movies before, as an actor and soundtrack producer. What made this the right time to write and direct?

It was a natural progression. My first entry into the film world was with Jim Jarmusch, who was very generous with his wisdom.

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai was my first movie, and me and Jim became buddies.

But it wasn’t until I met Quentin Tarantino that I saw this path I wanted to take, which is to become a director. I asked him if he would mentor me, and he said yes. I took my time, listened to him, studying and trying to be around him as much as I could. After I felt I’d learned it, I was ready to show it.

What are the key things you learned from watching Quentin work?

I started just learning camera angles and technical things. I watched Quentin do almost twenty takes. I watched them work meticulously to set up the shots and get the dialogue. He has this unique way of capturing things: He’s super-focused on his shots. I had a chance to spend time with Ridley Scott and an actor, so I also got to see multiple cameras working together. Anytime I was on any set, whether I was scoring, acting or just hanging out, I made that my college course.

From what I’ve read, The Man With the Iron Fists sounds like a traditional martial arts story about one man rising up to help protect his village. How do you twist on that classic storyline?

The twist on it is that you have different characters after different things, but who all have a reason why they want that shipment of gold. I took into consideration the fact that, when you’re watching a movie, you need different things stimulated– action for your visual, but the sound also stimulates you. I put a lot of time into the sound effects, design and music. Some people have short attention spans, so if the story doesn’t interest you, there should be a series of [set pieces] that hold you captive. The thing I love about a Grindhouse-style movie is that you can go to the bathroom, come back and still catch up. I took that into consideration.

If they do get a chance to see it 2 or 3 times, then they’ll see the layers.

Can you give me a brief synopsis of the storyline?

You have a village called Jungle Village, which is named this way because everybody in it is an animal. You have the Hyena Clan, the Lion Clan, the Wolf Clan, all there to protect their different territories. They don’t cross each other’s paths. The government is sending a shipment of Imperial gold to their troops, and it has to pass through Jungle Village safely. They make a deal with the leader of the Lion Clan, who controls the south gate, and give him a portion of the gold to work with the other clans. But when it comes to money, things get funny. I play the character of the Blacksmith, who makes weapons. He doesn’t really want to do it, but he’s a very talented man. They’re using these weapons to wipe each other out, but at the same time you know that any man that gets involved with the underworld knows how to use the weapons he has crafted.

I PUT A LOT OF TIME INTO THE SOUND EFFECTS, DESIGN AND MUSIC. SOME PEOPLE HAVE SHORT ATTENTION SPANS, SO IF THE STORY DOESN’T INTEREST YOU, THERE SHOULD BE A SERIES OF [SET PIECES] THAT HOLD YOU CAPTIVE.

process of editing, and all the steps you take. If it’s raining and your script calls for sunny, then no, it’s raining. Adaptation is very important.

And the film that you shoot may not be the film that you edit. It’s like grocery shopping: You’ve got all of the ingredients, now you got to make the meal. If you look at food, you can take beans, cabbage and rice and, if you cook it with curry, it’s Jamaican. But if you cook it with teriyaki, it’s Japanese. It’s still the same ingredients!

Going forward, how are you going to balance filmmaking and music? Are we going to get another Wu-Tang record?

I’m taking it step by step. I really love what I’m doing. When we achieve success with this, then I’ll continue to make films with music.

I think what I’m bringing to the film world is a man who understands the music side, the film side and the artistic side. And I respect executive decisions because I don’t want to waste people’s money. That’s important to me as a man. It’s an honorable thing.

You co-wrote the script with Eli Roth. What did you learn about the art of storytelling from working with him?

I wrote a lot of songs and a lot of short stories, and I’ve got award-winning books.

But a screenplay is different. I had a 90-page piece of work, but it wasn’t proper. I could tell you the story, but when you read it, you’d get lost. Eli is a great writer, a very smart dude, plus he types 60 words a minute. He helped me understand character development. Not just story structure, but how to translate a story into a screenplay so that it could be understood. A script is a map, and everybody has to follow that same map. Say I have a section in there like, “And then he did this, and Boom!” What does that mean to a DP? What does that mean to a Production Designer? It has to be like, “As he entered the room with a red Kumani on, he slowly slid across the floor as the light flickered.” They’ll take that detail and recreate it, and you’ll see it come to life if it’s well-written. I could write stories and poetry before, but now I can write screenplays.

I learned long-form narrative.

What did you learn about the craft of filmmaking?

I learned that preparation is the key to making a good film. You must prepare every nuance. After this experience, I think I’ve been initiated into the fraternity of directors. I think I truly understand what goes on both behind and in front of the camera. I know now the

insiteatlanta.com • November 2012 • PG 15

BEST TASTY DOGS Dog Days Hot Dogs 6025 Peachtree Parway (State 141) dogdayshotdogs.com 770.449.7433 The line often extends out the door at Dog Days Hot Dogs located in the Peachtree Plaza Shopping Center at Peachtree Corners. People line-up to get one of their 22 classic dogs. Some of the favorites include: Chicago Dog, Chilli Cheese Dog, OTP Dog and Baked Bean Dog.

BEST WINGS Taco Mac

imprint on Atlanta’s comedy scene. Check out Joe Matarese, Vic Henley , Adam Newman and Trevor Williams this month.

11 Area Locations yoforia.com

BEST BREWERY Red Brick Brewing 2323 Defoor Hills Rd. 404.355.5558 redbrickbrewing.com

Yoforia is a new frozen yogurt concept that emphasizes natural and organic ingredients. It’s name represents a healthy and delicious yogurt treat that sends your taste buds into a state of euphoria.

Red Brick, originally known as the Atlanta Brewing Company, is the oldest operating craft brewery in the state of Georgia, and has a proud history of brewing award winning beers over the years. Red Brick opens its brewery doors for public tastings each Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (5pm-8pm), and Saturday (2pm-5pm).

BEST HAPPY HOUR Tavern at Phipps

BEST YOGURT Yoforia

NIGHTLIFE BEST ACOUSTIC CLUB Eddie’s Attic

24 Atlanta Locations tacomac.com

515 N. McDonough St. 404.377.4976 eddiesattic.com

Taco Mac buffalo wings have been an Atlanta favorite for many years. The wings are fresh, never frozen and offered in Signature, Boneless or Jumbo varietiess.

Decatur's most prominent music venue features some of the best acoustical music in the city. Made famous by the frequent appearances of the Indigo Girls, they still offer great new acts on a nightly basis.

BEST COLLEGE BAR BEST DANCE CLUB QUAD

3500 Peachtree Rd. 404.814.9640 tavernatphipps.com The Tavern’s Friday Happy Hour is legendary. Inside the restaurant, tables are full and bar area is packed wall to wall while the heated patio outside is great for people watching. They offer live musical entertainment to keep the party going.

BEST LATIN MUSIC Loca Luna 550 Amsterdam Ave. 404.875.4494 loca-luna.com

714 Spring St. 404.870.0040 quadatlanta.com

BEST LOOKING WAITSTAFF BEST BILLIARDS Twin Peaks BEST TRIVIA 3365 Piedmont Road 404.961.8946 Corner Tavern twinpeaksrestaurant.com

Located at 714 Spring St. in Midtown, Quad is Atlanta's most popular 18+ dance club featuring the best of local and international DJ talent. Open from 10p -4a weekdays and 10p-5a on Fri. & Sat. Quad is also a favorite late night destination. Check the web site for upcoming events.

When Twin Peaks opened their first Atlanta location in Buckhead this summer, it turned heads. The mountain lodge-style sports restaurant with the Twin Peak Girl wait staff has certainly created some scenic views.

BEST COMEDY CLUB Laughing Skull Lounge BEST IMPROV 878 Peachtree St. 877.523.3288 Whole World Theatre laughingskull

1174 Euclid Ave 404.521.0667 thecornertavern.com

Corner Tavern knows how to keep their customers occupied. Whether it be Pool, Trivia or Darts, there is always something to do here. Trivia is held Tuesday and Wednesday nights with Dart leagues on Thursdays. They have tournament quality billiard tables that stay occupied most nights. Corner Tavern also has a great beer selection and Poker nights.

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Hours • M-Th 11am-10pm • Fri 11am-11pm Sat 12pm-11pm • Sun 1pm-10pm PG 16 • November 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

lounge.com

Located in the back of the Vortex in Midtown, this intimate comedy club has made a big

Samba. Salsa. Merengue. They have it all at Loca Luna, where you'll find live Latin music nightly and great food. Loca Luna offers a great space for getting your groove on. The entire place is drapped in tropical and authentic latin decor.

1216 Spring St. 404-817-7529 wholeworldtheatre.com Now in their 20th year, Whole World Theatre remains among the top improv theatres in town with laugh out loud comedy sketches nightly.

BEST LOCAL MUSIC The Earl

488 Flat Shoals Ave. 404.522.3950 badearl.com The Earl prides itself on booking the hottest local acts in Atlanta. Check their schedule and you'll see that the club features the best bands that the ATL has to offer. Shows run nightly, so keep checking back to see when your favorite is playing.

The Only Thing We Over Look is the Park!

LIFESTYLE BEST BOOT CAMP Higher Purpose Fitness

3130 Mathis Airport Pkwy 678.525.6347 higherpurposefitness.com

BEST MUSIC VENUE INDOOR The Tabernacle

All Boot Camps are not alike. This one located in Swanee / Cumming burns fat fast. They offer 45 minute high energy sessions to get you in and out. Their trainers are highly certified with degrees from top nationally recognized organizations.

This turn of the century church turned concert venue attracts some of the biggest national acts to Atlanta. Check out Social Distortion (Nov. 11); Cypress Hill (Nov. 17); Megadeth (Nov. 26) and 2 Chainz (Nov. 28).

BEST MUSIC VENUE OUTDOOR Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

BEST CAR WASH Cactus Car Wash Midtown 404.876.3232 Buckhead 404.846.4040 cactuscarwash.com

parktavern.com

1/2 Off Sushi Nightly from 10pm–Midnight Wine Wednesday – 1/2 Priced Bottles of Wine • When It rains We Pour $1 Drafts!

Wednesday Thursday Friday 5pm-8pm Saturday

2pm-5pm

Best Patio Scene

ys

Wednesda

Cask W ild Card

Thursdays Team Triv ia

Fridays

Live Band

Saturday Games

www.RedBrickBrewing.com

BEST BREWERY

2200 Encore Pkwy. 404.733.5050 vzwamp.com

Fun Events Every Night!

152 Luckie Street 404.659.9022 livenation.com

2323 Defoor Hills Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30318 • 404.355.5558 • info@atlantabrewing.com

Available for Private Parties Call for details

Winner of multiple awards in Atlanta, their Ponce location was recently rated as best nationally. See their Best Of Atlanta coupons for $3.00 Off and Free Exterior Wash with Emission Test (Ponce location).

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre has quickly become the entertainment destination for music lovers across the region. Set on 45 acres of beautifully-landscaped wooded land in Alpharetta, the 12,000-seat Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park provides a unique setting for both music lovers and first-time concertgoers.

BEST PATIO SCENE Park Tavern

500 10th Street NE 404.249.0001 parktavern.com

BEST FITNESS CENTER Urban Body Fitness 730 Ponce De leon Place 404.201.7994 urbanbodystudios.com

Voted Best in Atlanta by INsite readers two years running, Urban Body is a favorite destination for those looking to get fit intown.

BEST HAIR SALON Van Michael Five Area Locations vanmichael.com

Voted one of Atlanta’s best and most affordable salons by numerous publications over the years. They now have five salons including the newest East Cobb location.

BEST ROCK CLUB 529

529 Flat Shoals Ave 404.228.6769 529atl.com This popular East Atlanta venue has been building a large following. Upcoming acts include: Cult of Youth (Nov. 9); King Kill 33 (Nov. 10);The Left Field Experiment (Nov 16).

BEST MARTIAL ARTS Unit 2 Fitness

240 Ponce De Leon Ave. 404.745.3019 unit2fitness.com The guys and gals who work out at Unit 2 take it seriously. Whether it be Brazilian Jiujitsu, Kickboxing, Boxing or Mixed Martial Arts you know you are in for a fight in one of their sparring sessions. The staff is comprised of World Champion martial artists BestcompetMartial who have Arts ed at the highest levels. They have a full gym with free weights, weight machines, and cardio equipment.

CP SIDE 1

The Park Tavern has arguably the best backyard in the city in overlooking Piedmont Park.

This provides for great atmosphere. They have a large patio area dotted with table seating and even private cabanas. The patio can be transformed for Weddings and in winter becomes an Ice Rink. They offer half-off Sushi nightly from 10pm - Midnight. Wine Wednesday are half-off priced bottles of wine and whenever it is raining they pour $1 drafts.

Best Of Continues on Page 21

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CONCERT CALENDAR THURSDAY NOVEMBER 1 EARL Frontier Ruckus EDDIE’S ATTIC Nuala Kennedy Band FAT MATT’S Chickenshack FIVE SPOT Day of the Dead Show FOX THEATRE Frankie Valli MASQUERADE Abandon All Ships SMITH’S Scotty STAR BAR Mark Sultan FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2 529 Yamin Semali EARL Paul Collins’ Best EDDIE’S ATTIC Tim Easton & Patrick Sweany FAT MATT’S Seminole Jackson FIVE SPOT Bearknuckle THE LOFT The Dirty Gov’nahs MASQUERADE Motion City Soundtrack NORTHSIDE TAVERN Albert White PEACHTREE TAVERN Roger Creager STAR BAR Red Sea TABERNACLE Nas, Lauryn Hill SATURDAY NOVEMBER 3 529 Electric Six EARL Lost In The Trees EDDIE’S ATTIC Rebecca Loebe FAT MATT’S Beverly Watkins FIVE SPOT The Solar Bears MASQUERADE The Mighty Mighty Bosstones NORTHSIDE TAVERN Ike Stubblefield PEACHTREE TAVERN Corey Crowder SMITH’S The Kicks STAR BAR Subsonics TABERNACLE The Script VINYL Makeshift Jukebox SUNDAY NOVEMBER 4 EARL Cadence Weapon EDDIE’S ATTIC Shannon Whitworth FAT MATT’S Tony Bryant FOX THEATRE Celtic Thunder MASQUERADE The Battle of the Bands VINYL Wolf Gang MONDAY NOVEMBER 5 529 The Fresh & Onlys EARL SSION EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Pead Boy GWINNETT ARENA The Who STAR BAR Memphibians TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6 529 The Soft Moon EDDIE’S ATTIC Bleu & Special Guests FAT MATT’S Crosstown Allstars FIVE SPOT Cheap Shots Comedy MASQUERADE Alesana SMITH’S Cabinet STAR BAR Citizen ATL WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 7 529 Red Fang EARL Earth EDDIE’S ATTIC Carolina Story FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blue Mission FOX THEATRE Heart MASQUERADE Converge SMITH’S Kung Fu TERMINAL WEST Walk The Moon THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8 529 The Futura Bold CENTER STAGE Walk Off The Earth EARL JD McPherson EDDIE’S ATTIC Trixie Whitely FAT MATT’S Chickenshack MASQUERADE Revocation PEACHTREE TAVERN The Roycrofters SMITH’S Truth & Salvage Co. STAR BAR Abby Go Go FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9 529 Cult of Youth CENTER STAGE Taking Back Sunday EARL Darwin Deez EDDIE’S ATTIC Jacopierce FAT MATT’S Rumblefish FIVE SPOT Billy Martin & Wil Blades Duo PG 18 • November 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

FOX THEATRE Chris Tucker THE LOFT The Mighty Diamonds MASQUERADE Twiztid NORTHSIDE TAVERN Johnny McGowan SMITH’S Sixpence None The Richer STAR BAR Lindsay Rakers Band TABERNACLE Citizen Cope VINYL Clap For Daylight SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10 529 King Kill 33* CENTER STAGE Anthony David EARL Jucifer EDDIE’S ATTIC Student Showcase FAT MATT’S Hogs Wylde FOX THEATRE Chris Tucker THE LOFT Pathfinder Metal Fest V MASQUERADE Go Radio NORTHSIDE TAVERN Swami Gone Bananas SMITH’S Soup TABERNACLE Regina Spektor VINYL United Streets of Atlanta SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11 EARL Cold Specks EDDIE’S ATTIC Elizabeth Mitchell FAT MATT’S Tony Bryant FIVE SPOT Yellow Dubmarine THE LOFT Kreayshawn SMITH’S March Fourth Marching Band TABERNACLE Social Distortion MONDAY NOVEMBER 12 EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Pead Boy MASQUERADE Yellowcard VINYL ZZ Ward TUESDAY NOVEMBER 13 529 Tamaryn FAT MATT’S Crosstown Allstars THE LOFT Timeflies MASQUERADE Dillon Francis SMITH’S Kevin Scott’s Musicians Jam VINYL Ash WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14 529 Simon Joyner EARL Jarrod Harris EDDIE’S ATTIC Lucy Wainwright Roche FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blue Mission MASQUERADE Falling In Reverse TABERNACLE The LONGLIVEA$AP Tour VINYL David Choi & Clara C THURSDAY NOVEMBER 15 529 Sex BBQ CENTER STAGE 2012 Funniest Accountant EARL Ben Trickey EDDIE’S ATTIC Tom Russell FAT MATT’S Chickenshack FIVE SPOT Neil Cribbs & Guests MASQUERADE Roky Erickson SMITH’S Enter The Haggis STAR BAR Paint Fumes TERMINAL WEST Pinback FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16 529 The Left Field Experiment CENTER STAGE Dom Kennedy EARL Stereomonster EDDIE’S ATTIC Jen Foster FAT MATT’S The Radio Ramblers FIVE SPOT Jimkata & Bodega Roja MASQUERADE Dr. Dog NORTHSIDE TAVERN Stoney Brooks PEACHTREE TAVERN Debris SMITH’S Nathan Haggis VINYL Stevens Layne SATURDAY NOVEMBER 17 CENTER STAGE Radio One Comedy Tour EARL Book Club EDDIE’S ATTIC Graham Colton FAT MATT’S The Blues Barons FIVE SPOT The Bitteroots FOX THEATRE Trey Songz MASQUERADE Dance Gavin Dance NORTHSIDE TAVERN Lola & The Blues Ladies PEACHTREE TAVERN Once

PHILIPS Madonna SMITH’S Dirty Dozen Brass Band STAR BAR Southern Culture On The Skids TABERNACLE Cypress Hill VINYL Saving The Fox SUNDAY NOVEMBER 18 EARL Stevie Tombstone EDDIE’S ATTIC Claire Lynch Band FAT MATT’S Tony Bryant FIVE SPOT Pokey LaFarge MASQUERADE Motionless In White SMITH’S Rosie Flores, Marti Brom MONDAY NOVEMBER 19 EDDIE’S ATTIC Open Mic FAT MATT’S Pead Boy FIVE SPOT Just Jo MASQUERADE Curren$y TUESDAY NOVEMBER 20 EARL Today The Moon, Tomorrow The Sun FAT MATT’S Crosstown Allstars MASQUERADE Face To Face SMITH’S Kevin Scott’s Musicians Jam TABERNACLE Lamb of God VINYL A Concert For Adina WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 21 529 Social Studies CENTER STAGE The Stuffing EDDIE’S ATTIC Scotty Cram FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blue Mission FIVE SPOT Adam Klein & The Wildfires THE LOFT The Stuffing MASQUERADE The Sword TABERNACLE Waka Flocka Flame VINYL The Stuffing THURSDAY NOVEMBER 22 FAT MATT’S Chickenshack FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23 529 Roomrunner EDDIE’S ATTIC Bi-Annual Songwriter’s Open Mic FAT MATT’S Leonard Blush FIVE SPOT Sumilan FOX THEATRE Martina McBride MASQUERADE Southern Fried Sideshow NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat PEACHTREE TAVERN Parker Smith SMITH’S Col. Bruce Hampton

PHILIPS ARENA presents Madonna (Nov. 17)

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 24 529 Stone Mountain Freeway EARL Jonathan Toubin EDDIE’S ATTIC Ellis Paul FAT MATT’S Sly Dog FOX THEATRE Mannheim Steamroller MASQUERADE Dying Fetus NORTHSIDE TAVERN Mudcat PEACHTREE TAVERN Radiolucent SMITH’S Zach Deputy VINYL Scrilla SUNDAY NOVEMBER 25 EDDIE’S ATTIC Kristian Bush & Friends FAT MATT’S Tony Bryant MASQUERADE Battle of the Bands MONDAY NOVEMBER 26 529 Om, Daniel Higgs EARL David Bazan Band EDDIE’S ATTIC Kristian Bush & Friends FAT MATT’S Pead Boy TABERNACLE Megadeth TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27 529 Red Sea, Small Reactions EDDIE’S ATTIC Jay Loftus FAT MATT’S Crosstown Allstars SMITH’S Kevin Scott’s Musicians Jam WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 28 529 Aborning FAT MATT’S Frankie’s Blue Mission MASQUERADE Bootylicious TABERNACLE 2 Chainz VINYL twenty one pilots THURSDAY NOVEMBER 29 EDDIE’S ATTIC Jacob Jeffries Band FAT MATT’S Chickenshack GWINNETT ARENA Eric Church MASQUERADE The Faint SMITH’S Duncan Sheik VINYL Red Wanting Blue FRIDAY NOVEMBER 30 529 The Ruination EDDIE’S ATTIC Ryan Horne FAT MATT’S The Tone Prophets NORTHSIDE TAVERN Robert Lee Coleman SMITH’S Cigar Store Indians TABERNACLE Of Monsters & Men

Road Warriors

This Month’s Hottest Shows

BY SACHA DZUBA

NOVEMBER 3 – A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS, NAKED EYES, GENE LOVES JEZEBEL

The Buckhead Theatre A trio of classic 80’s bands, all under one roof!

A Flock of Seagulls are an English New Wave band known for wild 80’s hair and hit singles including “I Ran (So Far Away)”, “Space Age Love Song,” “Wishing (If I Had a Photograph of You)” and “The More You Live, the More You Love”. Naked Eyes, another British new wave band, had their first hits with their covers of “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me” and “Promises, Promises”. Both bands are working on the release of new albums. Gene Loves Jezebel are a rock band with gothic overtones. They are best known for songs such as “Love In Motion”, “Heartache”, “Desire (come and get it)”, and “Gorgeous”. Forget 80’s night at a dance club, grab your hairspray, your most striking makeup, and bring out those 80’s clothes, because not only are they fashionable again…tonight, you’re going to need them!

Dancin’ shoes required!

NOVEMBER 3 – GARY SINISE & HIS LIEUTENANT DAN BAND

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre How often do we, in our day to day lives, send a silent prayer out there to all of our troops on foreign soil? Local servicemen and heroes Marine Cpl. Todd Love and Army SFC Michael Schlitz returned home after sustaining devastating and debilitating injuries. Gary Sinise & His Lieutenant Dan Band and the Stephen Tunnel to Towers foundation are working in tandem to raise money to build “smart homes”

for local war heroes around the US, including Michael and Todd. Though known primarily for his film roles and CSI: NY, Gary Sinise can play a mean bass! Along with the consummate musicians of his Lt. Dan backing band, they are set to bring a tight set of music covering multiple artists and spanning genres from r&b, to country, to hard rock. This fun evening of goodwill and music is all about honoring our heroes. Join Gary and his band in honoring our service men and women, and military veterans who put their lives on the line each day in the name of our great nation and the freedom for which it stands.

NOVEMBER 5 – THE WHO PERFORMING QUADROPHENIA

The Arena at Gwinnett Center The Who is one of rock and roll’s most legendary bands, defining entire “generations”, creating the first billed “rock opera” Tommy, and continuing to influence musicians old and new. U2, Queen, The Flaming Lips, Rush, Pearl Jam, The Stooges, and Green Day, are among just a few of the numerous bands that cite The Who as seminal influences. Founding members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend bring the entirety of their iconic 1973 double album, Quadrophenia to the masses. A night of classic rock and roll from some of the greatest and most celebrated musicians of rock, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear the clash of mods and rockers, live!

NOVEMBER 16 – DR. DOG

The Masquerade In a sea of indie bands, how can you pick a standout? Dr. Dog epitomizes backwards

glances to the past, fusing elements of the Band, the Beatles, and the Beach Boys, along with the sound of more current bands such as Pavement, the Polyphonic Spree, and Broken Social Scene. Their EP, Wild Race, is a continuation of their new sound, adding afrobeat and psychedelia to their original lo-fi folk rock. This band is dedicated to exploring and rearranging, making all their songs sound new and fresh whenever they perform live. Full band harmonies and dueling lead guitar lines punctuate their psychedelic indie folk rock. An evening with Dr. Dog is just what the doctor ordered.

NOVEMBER 17 – MADONNA 2012 WORLD TOUR

Philips Arena No one can deny that Madonna, topselling female artist of all time, is a phenomenon blessed with an incredible career spanning nearly 3 decades. The ways that she shocked society and smashed sexual boundaries were responsible for challenging views on sex, sexuality, religion, feminism, and style. Not only has she created some of the most loved pop songs of all time, she is also known for her best-selling coffee table book “Sex”, starring in Evita, writing best-selling children’s books, and directing new film W. E.. Madonna is one of our most mediasavvy and celebrated cultural icons. This tour is her party celebrating her latest album MDNA. The show will be a spectacle of dancing, lights, costumes, and perhaps a touch titillation and controversy. Don’t miss the material girl!

NOVEMBER 21 – THE SWORD

The Masquerade Though the Sword is often considered a doom metal band, they are clearly more influenced by the sounds of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and

WE GOT NEXT WHITE WIRES

NOVEMBER 23 – THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE

The Masquerade Hailing from Toronto, The Birthday Massacre is the perfect blend of 80’s electronica, heavy guitar riffs, moody and evocative melodies, horror and lush darkness blended with childlike innocence. There are elements of Depeche Mode meets the Cure, with the lovely added measure of gothic babydoll singer Chibi. Her energetic, cute, presence brings vocals that perfectly match the dark fairytale style of their music. Check out their latest album, Hide and Seek, which continues their fascination with the macabre and mysterious. Do not miss this fantastically melodic and heavy darkwave band with vivid style and sound that is undeniably their own.

NOVEMBER 24 – MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER

The Fox Theatre Neo-classic electronic music composer, Chip Davis, is best known as his alias, Mannheim Steamroller. His new age-ey, electronic take on Christmas music is well known to all holiday shoppers and enthusiasts; especially his take on “Deck the Halls”. Christmas Symphony is their most recent release, but fantastically fresh, since the electronic elements have been replaced with the instrumentation of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. This upcoming performance is Mannheim’s 27th annual production, with lots of multimedia effects and spectacle. Join the Fox Theatre and start the December celebrations early this year with Mannheim Steamroller’s holiday-classic, signature sound.

Artists on the verge of making it big

Latest Project: WWIII (Dirtnap Records) For Fans of: 20/20, Cheap Trick and The Knack Why You Should Care: Because this Canadian trio has been steadily turning in fantastic records for

BY JOHN B. MOORE

O

Deep Purple. There is certainly a retro metal feel to their music. Their most recent album, on new label Razor & Tie, is Apocryphon. Highenergy with great melodies and nods to past classic rock/metal juggernauts, the Sword is an unrelenting collection of heavy riffs and thundering beats. Sling your air guitar and bring your neck brace for afterwards!

NTARIO’S WHITE WIRES PUT their stamp on garage rock with their first album, Girly Girly Girl. With the follow up, 2010’s WWII, they opted for the punk rock route, so that left pop music untouched… until now.

On their latest, WWIII – easily the band’s best effort to date - the trio (comprised of singer/guitarist Ian Mahire, drummer Allie Hanlon and bassist Luke Martin) made pop music cool for the rest of us once again.

The infectious-as-hell album owes a lot to Tom Petty and Cheap Trick, and just about everyone in between.

Mahire spoke with us recently about those inspirations, the new record and how they

the past few years, channeling everyone from Cheap Trick to The Buzzcocks.

can record an album in two days and still have time left to tack on a gripping rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

I last interviewed you guys a year-and-ahalf ago. What has the band been up to since then?

A lot of things have happened since then. We’ve played a lot of shows; we’ve done three U.S. tours since then, California, SXSW, and the east. We’ve released songs on three comps, recorded two singles, and recorded an album.

I love this record. What hit me was how pop some of these songs are. Was that a conscious decision?

Thank you! Yes, it was indeed a conscious decision. We set out to make a pop record. I think doing a pop record places itself in our catalogue, and I think it places all the rest of our records at the same time. Life is fleeting; we need to cram it all in; here comes a pop album from the White Wires!

What were you guys listening to when you were working on this one?

Every band we’ve played with in the last couple years has had a major influence on this new album. We’ve played with so many great bands. To go through the list would basically be to reiterate the liner notes of this album... but it’s true, that’s what shapes us, the stuff we’re inspired by. In addition to all of our current favorites, at the time of writing and recording WWIII, we were listening to lots of the 70’s ‘n 80’s punk bands from the radioready side of things, bands like 20/20, the Records, the Knack, the Shoes, the Nerves, Cheap Trick, Kidda Band, Buzzcocks, Undertones, Protex, Teenage Head, Pointed Sticks, I could go on for days here. What else, Tom Petty, Canadian 80’s bar rock, oh, and the Sing Sing Records catalogue has been a big eye opener. Also, been majorly hooked on stuff with dominant bass lines, stuff like the Equals. Each song kinda has its own model.

The last record was recorded in just a few days. How long did you have for this one?

For us, writing an album is different than a 45. Doing an album is a lot of material. We went through about 30 songs to distill down to these 14. In a very loose-use of the term, we’ve got a system. Over the past five years and three albums, we’ve improved our system. The system involves writing the songs, recording demos, e-mails, practices, live recordings, e-mails, discussion, simplifying, modifying, and then familiarizing. Doing it like this allows us to work on an album while we are in different countries. This album was recorded in just two days! In fact, at the end of tracking everything on the second day, we even had time to spare...so we recorded a gripping rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

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

In addition to this new album, we also recorded a 45 in the same session. Not just “Happy Birthday.” We also recorded two songs for a single, which will be released on Total Punk Records. In addition to that addition, we are playing a lot of shows in the US this fall. Watch our Facebook, Twitter and Bandcamp pages for info. Please come party with us! insiteatlanta.com • November 2012 • PG 19

MUSIC

MUSIC

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

The Dean’s List THE REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN WIDESPREAD PANIC – Wood BAND – Between the Ditches (Brown Cat) Live, acoustic and at their very best (SideOneDummy) Rockin’ the washboards

JM: It’s hard to believe Re verend Peyton’s Big Damn Band has been at it for eight albums now. But, as Between the Ditches shows, the band is far from slowing down. Their most consistently solid record to date is filled with the same rural blues/Americana folk jams that helped the trio build a solid fan base across the globe. Yet somehow, their sound comes across as a little more accessible this time out.

That’s not to say that the album is overpolished, or that the music has changed much from the beginning. The band has just concentrated into a tighter sound, which is no doubt the result of playing more than 250 shows a year.

Regardless of what they’re singing about, from classic cars (“Big Blue Chevy ‘72”) to corporate greed (“Shake ‘Em Off Like Fleas”), Rev. Peyton and his cohorts almost dare you to keep your foot from tapping.

While not exactly trying to one-up Dylan, the band has also come a long way lyrically, since their first few records. In the end, Between the Ditches is easily the best album this year to make use of the washboard.

VON GREY – Self-Titled EP (VG Music) Sisters doin’ it for themselves

BL: With all due respect to Hanson and their devoted legion of “Mmm-bop”-ing fans, teen bands are typically little more than a beguiling novelty. You’d have to go back to the Jackson 5 to find one whose songs withstood the test of time.

It’s a little early to predict Von Grey’s potential longevity, but the Atlanta-based quartet certainly seems to have the goods.

Annika, Fiona, Kathryn and Petra Von Grey are classically trained, write their own songs and have performed over 200 shows, including a supporting slot on Sarah McLachlan’s tour.

They blend influences ranging from country and bluegrass to rock and pop with the skill of a much younger Nickel Creek, with instrumental prowess and vocal harmonies that recall that group at their best. Best of all, there’s a dynamic seriousness to their compositions that belies their age. On the strength of this 5-song EP (produced by Nick Didia of Springsteen and Train fame), I’d say they are definitely a band to watch.

PG 20 • November 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

LVS: Since the prolific Athensbred band is on hiatus at the moment, this impressive new set will just have to satiate the diehard Spreadheads.

And, make no mistake, that’s precisely who this ambitious set is made for.

The band has released a wealth of electric material, so the all-acoustic dates captured here were a special treat for their devoted followers. The jaunt, during January and February of 2012, found the band on a brief “Wood Tour” that touched down in only four cities– Washington DC, Atlanta, Denver and Aspen.

The ambitious release features acoustic renditions of fan faves along with new takes on familiar Panic staples. “Tall Boy,” “Ain’t Life Grand” and “Climb To Safety” are all stripped to the core, and the minimalist results are breathtaking to hear. In the context of the acoustic format, the band also includes some choice covers. The oftcovered Jimmy Cliff standby “Many Rivers To Cross” and Sonny Boy Williamson’s tired, yet somehow still evergreen “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl,” from the Denver show, are presented here from their original mid-set positions.

The crowd is audibly rapt and in blissful nirvana with the unveiling of each new tune. But perhaps the biggest surprise of all is Panic’s acerbic look at John Lennon’s “The Ballad of John and Yoko,” from the Washington show. It opens disc one and, yes, it’s typically stretched out and ambling.

But the undeniable vibe of good humor and joyous communal experience is contagious.

Locally, Georgia fans can relive the band’s January show with some exceptionally wellpresented tracks. Longtime collaborator and undisputed improv potentate Col. Bruce Hampton joins the band on “Fixin’ To Die,” with the predictable frenzy of intuitive spontaneity and raucous celebration. The fun continues with “Counting Train Cars” and continues through “C Brown,” “Blight,” and an unusually ponderous and exploratory space jam during “End Of The Show.”

Queen and Aerosmith, Springsteen and the Foo Fighters as influences, but in addition they also sound a bit like some of the better hair metal bands from the late 80’s (think big guitars, hooks sharp enough to rip flesh and melodies that stay with you for days).

With just under a dozen rapid-fire songs, each coming at you with more energy than the last, you leave Tonight Changes Everything almost exhausted. From the Zeppelin-meets-Petty “My Love is Good” to “Through the Night,” which could have been written by Freddie Mercury, it’s clear this band is on the verge of breaking big.

This marks the third self-released effort by the band, which begs the question: Why has no one signed these guys yet?!

Rest of the Class BLACK PISTOL FIRE – Big Beat ’59 (Rifle Bird)

So, apparently the ‘70s finally made it up to Toronto JM: On Black Pistol Fire’s sophomore release, Kevin McKeown is in constant competition with himself, making his fat, crunchy, distorted guitar chords battle his vocals for attention. And the effect sounds more than a little similar to two other garage rock bands comprised of duos. I’m assuming the comparisons aren’t lost on the band, considering their second track on Big Beat ‘59 is called “Stripes or Keys.” The Austin, by way of the Great white North, band is also comprised of drummer Eric Owens.

While it would be easy to simply write these guys off as another “also ran” band in a suddenly crowded genre, for every song that sounds like it was cribbed from an old CCR or Led Zeppelin deep cut, they throw out a pretty compelling argument to give ‘em another shot. On tracks like the infectious “Crows Feet” and porch stomper “Hot Mess,” the band gives us snatches of what might be.

Let’s call this one a draw and wait to see what record #3 has to offer. GRADE: C+

BAD BOOKS – II (Favorite Gentlemen)

THE KICKS – Tonight Changes The return of Manchester Orchestra’s side-project Everything (Self-released) BL: Bad Books’ Classic, rocking & ready for the Big Time

JM: First off, how is there not already another band named The Kicks?

Secondly, the latest full-length from The Kicks is unabashed melodic rock

just begging for a stadium.

The Nashville band cites everyone from

second album proves that the first was no mere frivolous oneoff, highlighting the contrast in songwriting styles between Manchester Orchestra frontman Andy Hull and singersongwriter Kevin Devine while at the same time showing them forming a more symbiotic bond. Hull’s passionate, straightfrom-the-gut emotionalism seems more

restrained here than on Simple Math, while Devine’s introspective folk musings are becoming increasingly poppy.

For longtime fans of both acts, the results can either be a blessing or a curse. As Hull and Devine begin balancing each other out stylistically, they’re finding an artistic middle ground that’s defining the Bad Books sound. It’s infectious, organic and mainstream accessible. But for those who prefer Hull when he sounds as if he might break apart at the seams with unbridled passion, it also feels a little… well, safe.

Don’t get me wrong, there are good songs aplenty: “The After Party” opens with a foreboding groove that recalls “Shake It Out,” ultimately erupting with the revelation that “I hate to be alone.”

The Devine-led “No Rewards” sounds like latter-day Elliott Smith covered by Matthew Sweet, “Forest Whitaker” is a candy-coated synth-pop convection, and “Never Stops” is percolating pop-rock perfection.

But in the end, Hull and Devine are at their best when following their own distinctive muses, such as on Hull’s haunting “Pytor,” the folksy melancholy of “Lost Creek,” and Devine’s heartbreakingly fragile closer, “Amibivalent Peaks.” Elsewhere, the whole doesn’t seem quite as great as the sum of its parts. And while it may do well to tide fans over until Manchester Orchestra’s next album, one hopes that Bad Books doesn’t become Hull’s full-time focus anytime soon. GRADE: B-

TRAPPER SCHOEPP & THE SHADES – Run, Engine, Run (SideOneDummy) The new sons of Son Volt

JM: Whiskeytown, Old 97’s, Son Volt, have you met Trapper Schoepp & The Shades yet? Despite the awkward moniker, I think you guys will get along.

These kids from Milwaukee play a particularly satisfying brand of alt-country that borrows some of the best parts of those bands mentioned earlier, as well as some rock chops from groups like Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ and Lucero. On Run, Engine, Run, the band’s third effort, thanks to a deal with indie powerhouse SideOneDummy, they are bound to start winning over fans beyond the Midwest.

The album, a lyrical love note to the locals, has enough charm to appeal well beyond its roots, destined to be a fav among everyone from hipsters in Williamsburg to surf rats in SoCal. Not completely flawless, the album does include a few songs that sound like the band is trying a bit too hard to write a few “aw shucks” ditties in the vein of John Mellencamp (in particular, the title track).

And it does take a couple of spins for the songs to really take hold, but it’s more than worth the time spent when you realize songs like “Pins and Needles” and “So Long” will be making it to the top of your playlists (or on all your mix tapes? Gotta admit I have no idea how old you are) for years to come.

GRADE: B+

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Best Of Continues on Page 22

W

WED. NOVEMBER 07, 2012 • 8:30PM CHUNKLET MAGAZINE PRESENTS:

EARTH DAUGHN GIBSON • STEMBO THU. NOVEMBER 08, 2012 • 8:30PM WORDPRODUCTIONS PRESENTS:

JD MCPHERSON • SEAN ROWE FRI. NOVEMBER 09, 2012 • 9:00PM WORDPRODUCTIONS PRESENTS:

SAT 11/03 8:00 FRI 11/09 9:00

SAT 11/10 8:00

SAT. NOVEMBER 10, 2012 • 9:00PM DUDE CITY PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS:

JUCIFER • DYSRHYTHMIA LAZER/ WULF • FROM EXILE

SUN 11/11 8:00

SAT. NOVEMBER 17, 2012 | 9:00PM WORDPRODUCTIONS PRESENTS: TRIPLE EP RELEASE PARTY

SUN. NOVEMBER 18, 2012 | 8:00PM WORDPRODUCTIONS PRESENTS:

SAT 11/17 9:00

“GREENWOOD” ALBUM RELEASE STEVIE TOMBSTONE MULESKINNER MACQUEEN TRIO TODAY THE MOON, TOMORROW THE SUN ALEXIS & THE SAMURAI FORGET CASSETTES

SAT. NOVEMBER 24, 2012 | 9:00PM TRIPLE DS PRESENTS: SOUL CLAP & DANCE OFF

JONATHAN TOUBIN THE COATHANGERS THE GAYE BLADES

MON. NOVEMBER 26, 2012 | 9:00PM OK PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS:

DAVID BAZAN BAND PLAYS PEDRO THE LION’S “CONTROL” STAGNANT POOLS Tix available at Fantasyland Records, Decatur, CD, Criminal Records, The EARL & badearl.com

are kept. Cirque du Soleil has the biggest costume workshop in the world. They are all hand made in Montreal and there is a large team working on a daily basis to maintain them. The life span of each costume is about 6 months, so every few months they have to be replaced.

Inside the Grande Chapiteau, a large oval framework on stage represents the skeletal substructure of a huge turtle shell that serves both as a decorative set element and as acrobatic equipment. Weighing in at 2700 pounds, depending on the artistic needs, the skeleton is raised to the top of the tent or opened at an angle like an enormous shell.

The visual environment of TOTEM is a marsh lined with reeds near an island (the stage), on which images are projected. Set Designer Carl Fillion gave it curves and non-linear forms to reflect the natural world. Tilted slightly forward, the image marsh acts both as a stage entrance and as a projection surface. Through the magic of moving images it becomes a virtual swamp, a river source, a marsh, a lake, an ocean, a volcanic island, a pond and a starry sky.

While inside the main tent, we met “The Lovebirds” who are actually a new edition to Cirque du Soleil, trapeze artists Sarah Tessier and Guilhem Cauchois. This duo came from the National Circus College in Montreal, Canada and were hired before they even graduated. Their act is a combination of acting and acrobatics and a sneak peek of their performance was quite breathtaking.

TOTEM opens in Atlanta on Friday, October 26 and is scheduled to be here through the end of December.

Recommended for all ages, the show promises to be a positive, fun and beautiful view of mankind.

Tristan Prettyman

Citizen Cope with special guest

Kenny Roby

Regina Spektor with special guest

Only Son

Social Distortion with special guest

THE LONGLIVEA$AP TOUR

WED 11/14 8:00

BOOK CLUB BLAKE RAINEY & HIS DEMONS JEREMY RAY

with special guest

Lindi Ortega, The Biters

SUN. NOVEMBER 11, 2012 | 8:00PM OK PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS:

COLD SPECKS

The Script

Reserved Balcony/General Admission Floor

DARWIN DEEZ TIKKA • HOLLERADO

SUN 11/18 8:00

A$AP Rocky with special guests

Schoolboy Q, Danny Brown, A$AP Mob

Cypress Hill with special guest

Action Bronson

Yeasayer with special guest

Sinkane

Tickets for original 9/8 show will be honored

TUES 11/20 7:00

WED 11/21 8:00

Lamb Of God with special guests

In Flames, Hellyeah, Sylosis

Waka Flocka Flame with special guests

Wooh Da Kid, Reema Major MON 11/26 7:00

Countdown to Extinction 20th Anniversary Tour

Megadeth with special guest

Kyng THUR 11/28 8:00

A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK AT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S NEW SHOW, TOTEM! E’VE ALL SEEN IT…THAT majestic blue and yellow tent that has sprung up at Atlantic Station in recent days, highly visible to all those traveling on the downtown connector. That tent is actually The Grand Chapiteau and it means Cirque du Soleil is back in town, ready to thrill and delight Atlantans of all ages. This new show, TOTEM, traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly.

We recently had the chance to go behind the scenes of TOTEM and meet and greet with cast and crew members who work tirelessly to bring this spectacular show to life. It takes 8 days to set up all the equipment and about 2/12 days to take it all down. It’s a big operation and the show travels with close to 200 performers and staff members combined.

Inside The Artistic Tent, there is plenty of equipment for performers to rehearse and hone their acts. On the other side is the dressing area.

Each performer has their own space complete with make up mirror as they all do their own make up, which can take anywhere from 1 – 1 ½ hours. This tent is also where all the costumes

SSION HOUSE OF LADOSHA • NNXT

TUE. NOVEMBER 20, 2012 | 8:00PM WORDPRODUCTIONS PRESENTS: ALMOST ACOUSTIC

EVENTS

BY MARCI MILLER

MON. NOVEMBER 05, 2012 • 8:30PM TIGHT BROS. NETWORK & TRIPLE DS PRESENTS:

SAT 12/08 6:30

THUR 12/13 7:30

2 Chainz with special guest

Cap1

Metalocalypse: Dethklok with special guests

All That Remains, Machine Head, The Black Dahlia Murder

Asking Alexandria with special guests

As I Lay Dying, Suicide Silence, Memphis May Fire

Umphrey’s McGee

4 NIGHTS! 12/28 w/ Bright Light Social Hour 12/28 - 31 12/29 w/ Zoogma

12/30 w/ Moon Taxi 12/31 An Evening with Umphrey’s McGee

FRI 01/18 8:00 THUR 01/24 8:00 FRI 02/15 8:00

Ellie Goulding Keane with special guest

Youngbood Hawke

FUN.

TabernacleATL.com CHARGE-BY-PHONE: 800-745-3000. Advance tickets for all shows available at the Tabernacle Box Office on show nights. Tickets subject to applicable fees. twitter.com/TabernacleATL facebook.com/TabernacleATL

insiteatlanta.com • November 2012 • PG 21

less plus all the new releases. They pay cash for used Blue-ray, cd’s, dvd’s and games. If you can’t find it they will special order it for you.

thank you for your support, atl anta!

Best OUtDOOR MUSIC VenUe 2012 ConCert SeaSon Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers • Eagles • Project 9-6-1 Cinco Party: Shinedown/Five Finger Death Punch • The River’s 97 Days Of Summer Kick Off Concert: Styx/REO Speedwagon • Jackie Evancho • Foster The People • Bon Iver • ZZ Top/3 Doors Down • July 4th All-American Celebration: ASO • Furthur • Crosby, Stills & Nash • Last Summer On Earth: Barenaked Ladies/Blues Traveler • The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue • A Celebration Of The Beatles: ASO • Yes • Kelly Clarkson/The Fray • Il Divo • Honda Civic Tour: Linkin Park/Incubus • Sugarland • My Morning Jacket • Kicks 101.5 Country Fair: Alan Jackson • Rush

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PG 22 • November 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

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MUSIC

LED CELEBRATION

Zeppelin’s Robert Plant on the Band’s New Concert Film and Legacy

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

C

ELEBRATION DAY” IS THE title of the third song on Led Zeppelin III from 1970. It’s also the name of their new concert film, featuring Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones with Jason Bonham on drums. The band played a special concert at London’s O2 Arena that originally attracted over 20 million ticket applications for the 12,000 seats that were available for the December 10, 2007 performance. Originally staged as a tribute to Atlantic Records executive Ahmet Ertegun, the film has circulated among collectors as a bootleg, but this month (actually November 19, if you plan to camp out for it) the two-hour, sixteen-song performance is commercially available -- in six different formats, including a deluxe CD, DVD combo and even as a three-LP vinyl box set (perfect for holiday gift-giving).

Singer Robert Plant recently spoke with the international press about the film and his legacy of blues-based rock and roll.

You started the show with “Good Times, Bad Times.” Why did you select that particular song and do you think it sums up Led Zeppelin’s career?

It’s a pretty concise piece of music in the Zeppelin world. It’s like a ‘tune’, rather than an extended piece of music for itself. So it was a good place to start: nice and concise and that finale at the end of the track, there was a little bit of a knowing and interesting look between Jimmy and I. On the outro, it’s guitar and then a little bit of vocal scat, and then a bit of guitar, and he was very interested to get into a groove early on.

When you looked over to see your former band-mates playing beside you, what did you think? Was it weird or welcome?

The thing is, we don’t see each other too often, but we’ve just spent an hour or so discussing this stuff, and no sooner do we start talking, some little innuendo creeps in. It’s just what happens when you’ve spent a lot of time together, some old memory pops up, and you go, ‘Whoa, that’s one to forget!’ There’s lot of those things drifting around.

In retrospect, how do you personally feel about the classic material now, especially “Stairway To Heaven”?

Well, I struggle with some of the lyrics from particular periods of time. The musicality and the construction of it, you know, is peerless. But maybe I didn’t feel quite the same about the lyrics later on in life, as I got further down the road. Maybe I’m still trying to work out what I was talking about. Every other fucker is!

How do you compare the peak of your Zeppelin period with the rapid rise and hype of today’s stars?

The bands that were playing when we first kicked off together, nobody expected it to be anything beyond the next experience.

Even if it was making records, or not, there was no concept of thinking about [occasions such as] this and looking like a bunch of soccer managers doing an interview at the end of the match. It was more like, everybody was just having a

great time. The great thing about what we were, when we were really happening, that was our sole purpose in creative life: that we were always creative. You would just move off on an angle or a diagonal somewhere and another shape of music would come through. We would build that and develop it into a new project each time.

There was no thought about, ‘What do you think about it now?’ I was still about thinking about whether or not I’d finished my French homework, you know?

How did it feel to be playing with Jason instead of his dad?

Well, Jason lost his father when he was a young boy, and he’s been struggling with that from that time onwards. The thing is, his father encouraged him to play the drums from when he was a tiny little kid. In those days, his dad used to coach him and chide him and stuff like that, but when his dad left him, he was left to his own devices, but always referring to his dad, and also referring to the great drummers that he knew. So it was kind of inevitable over the years. There’s always been a kind of rope between us, as friends and family and stuff, so it was appropriate and it was wonderful.

Did the age difference add a new dimension to the group?

His vigor was so fantastic. He drove us, you know? Jason would blast through the whole thing. It was peculiar; it was strange at times. But, at the same time, it was very rewarding for all of us, and it really did work as a performance with him kind of driving us on. It was great for him, great for his family, and great for his grandma, John’s mum, Joan. The whole thing was just a kind of easing of all those years of discussion and debate, from Jason to us.

you like, the country blues, so many more doors have opened in the last 40 years, to access singers like King Solomon Hill and some fantastic guys from the Delta who maybe only cut four or five sides, but they shaped so much for other people. I mean, Willie Brown -- who Robert Johnson sings about in Cross Road Blues -- I think he cut five or six sides, and he was great, but the game was the game. Everybody was out to play all sorts of different kinds of music --

along with the blues. Robert Johnson used to play all sorts of stuff, including songs of the day. So the references to those old players, to me, is a kind of home of the heart. I still feel moved by what their lives and their worlds and their aspirations might have been. It’s untouchable, really.

Because they came from another time, and we kinda come from another time, really.

So, for me, the blues and rock ‘n’ roll is still part of the pulse of my life.

What was your reaction to the show when you were in the moment?

There was a real feeling of camaraderie and successful adventure, really. It was nuts that we didn’t do any warm-up gigs or nothing like that. That was the warm-up!

Which is a really good way of doing things, but it does have its downsides. In truth, the idea of actually being where I am now in my lifetime, to get back in the middle of that music was a spectacular experience, and I was approaching it from a different angle, so to get through it and come out the other side was something not much short of miraculous, I think. But great fun.

Led Zeppelin obviously had a great chemistry—musically, at least. Do you see that same sort of immediate chemistry in any of the current bands on the scene?

Well, I think we were ousted by the cockney rejects in 1977 for being a bit long-winded and going on a bit. I think Mumford and Sons excite me, because they do construct and they do have drama. They have optimism, and they can turn a crowd upside-down, which is fantastic. But there’s a lot of great DJs and stuff going on, too -which is really good.

What do the blues and rock ‘n’ roll mean to you now, compared to your view of it in the mid-‘60s through the early 70s?

The thing about it is, for blues, and if

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How about nature? Well for us, art is inspiring. Attend College Night at the High Museum of Art on Saturday, November 10, from 7 p.m. to 12 midnight and take an inspirational walk through time with us!

Join us for a night of celebrating the past 100 years of modern art, and look to the future for what’s next. Take a tour of Fast Forward: Modern Moments 1913>>2013, the Museum’s latest exhibition featuring 164 works by 105 of the most inspiring artists of our time, including Picasso, Matisse, Dali, O’Keeffe, Koons, and others. These world–famous works were assembled exclusively for the High from the collection of The Museum of Modern At, New York. Explore the past century through music at a DIY DJ Station. Don’t forget to bring your records! You won’t want to miss the performance artists behind OMIGOD HELLO HOW ARE YOU as they present

Time Warped: 6 performances inspired by Fast Forward. Be inspired and make your own futuristic art with projects created by art students from Kennesaw and Georgia State Universities. Looking for some hitech fun? UGA professor Dr. David Z. Saltz will be conducting robot demonstrations and GSU graduate student Curtis Ames will be displaying infrared projections! Enjoy live performances by three of Atlanta’s newest scene-changers who provide the night’s soundtrack: Dog Bite headlines with New Animal and Moons. Student admission will be $7 with a valid student I.D. and groups of 10 or more can receive $5 by contacting Group Sales at 404-733-4550 or groupsales@woodruffcenter.org. Students with High Museum Student memberships get in FREE. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets and membership information are available online at www.high.org.

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ANDREW McCARTHY

On Travel Writing, Fear & the Journey of the Soul travel destinations– Patagonia, the Peruvian Amazon, Sudan. What’s your attraction to T TAKES ME A MINUTE TO ACCEPT “getting away from it all?” the reality that I am talking to Andrew The further I go, the closer to me I get. If you McCarthy. Though I’ve interviewed see a McDonalds or Starbucks, you relax in a celebrities that were far more famous and certain way. I don’t like that kind of relaxing. influential, there’s a deep personal connection There’s something about physically remote my younger self had to his breakthrough films, places that I find very powerful. I access myself including Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo’s Fire. in a way that is very potent. I like to go places McCarthy was the shy one, the sensitive one, the that I’m told aren’t very interesting, like Sudan. I one plagued by existential angst. When I was 17 found Sudan to be fascinating, and people there (the year those two films were released), he was to be lovely and welcoming. I like depending my on-screen doppelganger. on the kindness of strangers. I don’t find travel Twenty-six years later, I’m a frivolous thing; I no longer shy, nor filled I’M NOT GOOD AT GIVING ANY find it a necessity. with angst. And McCarthy, KIND OF ADVICE. WHAT I HAVE TO I’m not talking about though he still dabbles OFFER IN MY TRAVEL WRITING IS vacations– vacations in acting and directing A SENSE THAT TRAVEL CHANGED are great, and I’m all from time to time, is for them– but I’m MY LIFE, AND IT CAN CHANGE becoming better known talking about traveling, YOURS. I LOVE TRAVEL BECAUSE as a travel writer thanks to which is different.

OF WHAT IT DOES FOR ME ON A his exceptional work for PERSONAL LEVEL, SO I WRITE publications such as National It seems like we’re Geographic, Afar and the FROM THAT PLACE OF ENERGY challenging ourselves New York Times. His awardAND EXCITEMENT WHETHER I’M by facing those things winning stories are filled with WRITING ABOUT PATAGONIA OR most people are rich attention to detail and a PARMA HAM IN ITALY. afraid of. navel-gazing exploration of I’ve got to find the inner self as he explores some of the world’s out which explorer said, “Brave men never do most remote destinations, from the Peruvian anything: It’s cowards that discover the world.”

Amazon and Chilean Patagonia to Mount I think that’s true. I travel primarily to concur Kilimanjaro and Sudan. fear, because I didn’t want fear to rule my life.

To promote his new book, The Longest Way Traveling is an act of faith and optimism. Travel Home, McCarthy recently took the time for a obliterates fear. It just does. That’s my theory. lengthy discussion on his rebirth as a freelance writer, the fear he confronts every time he Given your affinity for wilderness, do you have travels, the benefits of the solo journey, and any thoughts on the ecological and economic the ultimate rewards of laying bare his shy, benefits of ecotourism? sensitive soul.

When people are aware, they behave responsibly. When they behave responsibly, they You describe yourself as shy and introverted. feel better about themselves. When they feel What attracted you to such an extroverted better about themselves, they treat each other craft as acting? better. And I’m all for that. I think awareness It is an odd thing, when you put it like of shared responsibility brings people closer. that. When I first acted, I felt like I was fully Besides what it’s doing for the planet, which is myself for the first time. When you’re acting, the obvious need for and benefit of ecotourism, you’re accessing yourself, but you’re playing on an emotional level I think it just feels good someone else. It’s very revealing, but you’re also for everyone involved and makes us feel less ultimately hiding. separated.

You seem to prefer traveling alone. What are Writing is a more internal journey. Where did the benefits of going solo? your interest in the craft originate?

Really, all the things we’ve been talking about.

I came to writing very late in life, but it was a My wife often does travel with me, but she likes relief because I didn’t have to wait for someone to travel alone as well. When we travel together, to give me permission, and then interpret we have our experience of each other in the somebody else’s thing. When I traveled alone place. That can be a very wonderful, intimate for months at a time, I became untethered, sort experience, but those nameless fears don’t seem of drifting. I tried to write a journal to ground to exist when we’re in Paris. When you’re alone, myself, but I was a very bad journal writer. I those fears rule us without us even knowing it. could write dialogue, I knew character and I The most important thing I say when I’m on the knew setting, all from acting. I’d write vignettes, road alone is, “Hi, can you help me?” When I say and I did that for 10 years before I tried to take that, I make myself vulnerable. Traveling solo it out into the world. I never anticipated doing is an optimistic, trusting act, and I think people anything with it, because I’m an actor, right? respond to that.

I was writing because, while I was traveling, it gave me something to do. I started reading You’ve said you view travel as a form of travel stuff, but nothing I read captured my infidelity. Did it surprise you that Dolores stuck internal experience. by you through what many might see as a midlife crisis?

Were there any travel writers that These are dilemmas of ambivalence I’ve had influenced you? my whole life. I had it with acting– I wanted it, When I started writing, I picked up some Paul yet I pulled away from it. I wanted intimacy, yet Theroux books. They changed my life. His travel I pulled away from it. I was looking to get rid books were the first ones that made me think, of that push-pull once and for all. Back to the “That’s how I want to travel!” That excited me infidelity thing: If I go have a private, personal and sent me further into travel literature. travel experience, when I come back I’ll tell you a story and show you a picture, but it really can’t You seem drawn to the world’s most remote

BY BRET LOVE

I

capture the essence of my experience. In that sense I’m unfaithful, because I’m giving myself to the world and leaving you behind. The paradox is that when I come back, I come back richer, with more to offer you. My wife is very aware of that. She also has her own rich life. She’s not just sitting around, waiting for me to come back.

Do you feel as if The Longest Way Home needed to be written so you could move on with the next stage of your life?

I think that’s totally true. There’s that Joan Didion line, “I write to know what I’m thinking.”

I travel to know what I’m feeling, and I write to figure it out. In writing something, you take responsibility for it and own it. Something happens once you’ve written it down and it’s on paper. It becomes of itself, separate from you. It’s a new experience, and I didn’t understand that to a large degree until I started writing.

What advice would you give to aspiring travel writers?

What I have to offer in my travel writing is a sense that travel changed my life, and it can change yours. I love travel because of what it does for me on a personal level, so I write from that place of energy and excitement. If you’re writing for a free trip, you’re in the wrong business.

I think what you get back is connectivity.

I think you’re exactly right, and that’s what the book is really about: How do we get to that connection? I find that connection most when I travel the world. And I want to find that connection, and bring it back home with me.

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TRAVEL

JORDAN’S NATURE RESERVES A Look At Ecotourism Edens in the Middle East

BY BRET LOVE; PHOTOS BY BRET LOVE & MARY GABBETT

I

T’S FUNNY HOW PRECONCEIVED notions can color your perspective on a place. For all the travel dreams that movies like Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade inspired, they also painted the Middle Eastern nation of Jordan (www.VisitJordan.com) as a land of ancient archaeological sites and vast, expansive deserts.

It’s not that those images are inaccurate.

But, upon visiting the country, you find that they only tell a fraction of the story. During our 10 days in Jordan, we explored many of its lesser-known natural treasures, all of which are protected by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN).

In exploring these nature reserves– from chilly mountain hideaways and pine forests to lush wetlands and majestic canyons– we discovered a side of the Middle East that’s a world away from what you’ll find in tourist hotspots like Petra and Wadi Rum.

AJLOUN/DIBEEN

As we headed north from Amman, the alien landscapes of the rock-strewn desert gradually gave way to hills dotted with olive trees and villas that looked like they belonged in the Italian countryside.

As we entered Dibeen Forest Reserve, we found ourselves in one of the last pine-oak forests in the Middle East. One of Jordan’s smaller nature reserves, Dibeen is home to 17 endangered species, including the Persian red squirrel and grey wolves. This was nothing like the Jordan we’d expected.

Climbing higher into the mountains, we eventually reached Ajloun Forest Reserve, whose 5 sq mi were established as a nature reserve in 1987. Declared an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, the reserve is also home to 12 roe deer that were reintroduced as part of a captive breeding program.

The rolling hillsides and surprisingly cool climate gave the area a Mediterranean feel, with spectacular scenic vistas from our rustic mountaintop cabin. There’s tremendous biodiversity here, from wild boar and porcupines to red foxes and golden jackals. But the only animals we saw during our sunset hike were birds. At night, though, as dense fog rolled in over the mountains, I awoke several times to the sounds of striped hyenas cackling in the distance.

In the morning, we hiked Ajloun’s trails as the sun rose over the plateaus below, with the glowing haze making for striking scenery. Eventually dawn’s pastoral silence was interrupted by the sounds of workers building new cabins and a restaurant, and we rendezvoused with our guide, Ali Abudayeh, for the next leg of our journey.

AZRAQ WETLAND

If you’ve only seen an oasis in the movies, nothing can prepare you for the sight of an Eden-like haven in the middle of the desert. Though there’s little but limestone to the west and basalt to the east, Azraq’s (Arabic for “blue”) lush marshland and sparkling waters reminded me more of the Florida Everglades, with

PG 26 • November 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

dragonflies and butterflies flitting hither and yon.

The 4.6 sq mi Azraq Wetland Reserve has been a crossroads for birds and caravans migrating along the trade route between Africa and Europe since ancient times, but in 1992 the natural springs dried up. Today, artificial springs keep the area a tourist attraction and provide a home for nearly 300 bird species, including the Hoopoe Lark, Cetti’s Warbler, Green Beecatcher and Little Ringed Plover. There are also 27 water buffalo in the reserve, as well as foxes and the occasional gazelle.

Unfortunately, the RSCN is struggling to keep the Azraq Wetlands from going the way of the dodo. Jordan has a rapidly growing population and severe water shortages, with 25% of the people in Amman getting their water from this area. The 10 million cubic meters of water currently being pumped into Azraq annually are in high demand. According to reserve manager Hazem Al Khreisha, there are between 800-1500 illegal wells (most owned by the wealthy) exacerbating the problem.

Despite external pressures, the RSCN has done an incredible job of maintaining the reserve, constructing a beautiful bird blind and launching a conservation program for the critically endangered Azraq Killifish (the only endemic vertebrate species of Jordan). But they desperately need ecotourism dollars in order to grow the Azraq Wetland beyond its current size, less than 10% of its former glory. Still, if you’ve never seen a desert oasis, the reserve truly is a wildlife-filled wonder to behold.

DANA BIOSPHERE RESERVE

You know those days in your travels when you’re glad for the adventure, but you’d never want to do it again? That’s an accurate summary of our day in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest nature reserve.

We’re not hardcore hikers, and I’m not a fan of extreme heat. Had we known we’d be taking a 14-km hike over rugged mountainous terrain (which drops from 1500 meters to the desert plains of Wadi Araba) during the middle of a 100º day… well, I wouldn’t be telling you this story.

Things started out well, as our naturalist guide spotted several Nubian Ibex moving along the ridge of a mountain across from us. Soon, we met Bedouin shepherds bringing their flocks of goats and sheep to graze on some of the 800 plant species found within the reserve.

Around lunchtime, we ran into a friend of our guide’s father, whose family had been shepherding this land for centuries.

We invited him for Bedouin tea, and our guide started a small fire and poured us some of the delicious brew (black tea with sage) as we sat in the cool shade of an Acacia tree. The elder man dug into the rucksack on his donkey’s back and offered us some of his freshly baked pita bread. We, in turn, dug into our backpack and offered him an apple and protein bar.

Next thing you know, with typical Bedouin hospitality, he was inviting Mary to ride his donkey!

Eventually we walked on, and it was then that things got difficult. Our guide was adjusting his keffiyeh and felt a sharp prick, then realized he’d been stung by a Yellow Scorpion, which has a potent venom that’s extremely painful and occasionally deadly. He was clearly in agony as we increased our pace and, as he tried sucking the toxins from his finger, we worried he might need immediate medical attention. But he assured us he was OK, telling us how his mom had put ash from burned scorpions in his milk as a child to help build up a tolerance to venom.

Eventually his swelling subsided, but the heat did not. The sun was merciless, our backpack full of water and camera gear began to feel oppressively heavy 7 miles in, my hiking boots started falling apart, and I found myself running from a crazy camel who took offense to our attempts at a photo op. But as I moaned and groaned about how miserable I was, we passed through a Bedouin village. As I saw how few basic comforts these people had in their lives, I began to feel very spoiled, and kept my mouth shut from then on, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.

We were relieved when we finally arrived at (www.Feynan.com). We were too tired to take advantage of their “Bedouin Experience,” which allows guests to visit the Bedouin village for a cultural exchange. But we did wind up sleeping on the roof of the lodge, eating fresh figs Ali had bought for us, and drinking Bedouin tea under a brilliant clear sky filled with stars. It proved to be a welcome reward after an exhausting day.

WADI MUJIB

Located 90 km south of Amman, Wadi Mujib is the lowest nature reserve in the world, entering the Dead Sea at 410 meters below sea level. Its importance to the Hebrews dates back to biblical times, and its mountainous terrain remains a crucial habitat for wildlife, including 10 species of carnivores and numerous native and migratory bird species.

The 220 sq km reserve’s importance to us was slightly more trivial: It offered our first chance to get into the water in Jordan. After days of 96-degree heat, we were thrilled to hike up the stream, which is fed by cool water flow from seven tributaries stretching north into the Kerak and Madaba mountains.

To describe the area as striking is an understatement. The valley is surrounded by stunning cliffs with colorful sediment layers that looked like intricate works of art. As we ventured further upstream, the landscape looked like the slot canyons of the American Southwest, occasionally getting so narrow that I could touch the walls on either side.

We climbed a series of refreshing falls whose waters ran cold and crisp, pulling ourselves up with ropes and ladders while trying to protect our camera gear. Eventually, we got to one we knew we couldn’t climb without getting drenched. So we simply sat and savored the sumptuous view before hiking and floating our way back downstream to rendezvous with Ali, making our way to the next stage of our amazing Jordanian adventure…

MUSIC

BACK WHERE WE STARTED

Ben Folds On His Weird Career, Reuniting BF5 & What The Future Holds

BY BRET LOVE

I

’VE INTERVIEWED SINGERsongwriter Ben Folds numerous times over the course of our respective 19year careers. But the last time we talked was way back in 2001, when he released his first post-Ben Folds Five solo album, Rockin’ The Suburbs.

In the years since, Folds has worked in kid flicks (Open Season, Hoodwinked!), TV (The Sing-Off ) and oddball collaborations (Amanda Palmer, Nick Hornby). But, as a longtime fan, I was most excited to hear he’d be reuniting with bassist Robert Sledge and drummer Darren Jessee for The Sound of the Life of the Mind, the first new Ben Folds Five album since 1999’s The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner.

Folds recently took time out of his busy schedule for a lengthy conversation about why the time was right for a reunion, what it was like working together again, and the band’s future plans.

You’ve spent more time in your solo career now than you did with the band. What did the original Ben Folds 5 era mean to you?

My perspective now is that it was a very lucky launching pad. I can’t know what I would’ve done without it. Would I still be waiting tables, or would I be doing exactly what I’m doing now? We were very lucky to have that kind of chemistry, and that our era was very open-minded. Moving a piano from city to city is a crazy undertaking that just barely works. We were really lucky to have a record label that devoted so much money to developing us out there. We got the kind of lessons in two months that you don’t get in a whole career anymore. We made shit-loads of videos and a whole ton of money. I think the band was blessed.

Your solo career has brought, not just BF5 fans along, but also their kids.

I have the weirdest career. At one point I was doing an animated children’s movie, wearing a suit on television, and then turning around and singing dirty shit in my shows. I’m very comfortable with three generations hanging out. I really love to talk to someone 80 years old, because they will tell you stuff from a point of view if you listen. I have conversations with my 13-year-old daughter and son that are

pretty damn mature: They argue about capitalism verse communism in a social sense. I hope what I’ve done [musically] is create something that works that way.

I’ve seen a lot of 18-year-old kids come out to my shows over the last couple of years, saying, “My dad used to play your stuff all the time when I was five.” What? You’re grown up: that’s fucked up! We’re different ages, but I feel the same way about people who are older. Some of my best friends are a lot older. We delineate people too much.

They are separated out and marketed according to their demographic niche. I just did an interview and they asked if I was trying to be young again [by reuniting the band]: absolutely not. We’re just doing what we do.

One of the things I love about your songwriting is that you’re an old-fashioned storyteller. You seem have a way of empathetically inhabiting a character that may have nothing to do with you.

That’s interesting. That’s the way I’ve always seen it, too. I try to see it the other way as well, where the characters you write about are all a part of you. I suppose that’s true to an extent, but characters offer a really interesting place to go.

a variety of reasons. We’d been trying to make it work since 2008. Then I got busy with a television show, or a tour, or orchestral things, or albums to produce. I’m really happy to be busy, but finally I was able to clear it out so we could get together.

The boards are clear for the next year, so we can just work.

Tell me about the process of how you got back together: I know you reunited in 2008 for a show at UNC Memorial Hall. Were you in constant contact over the years?

We’ve never really stayed in constant contact. We’re a little weird: We don’t have Did it feel the same when you got back to talk as much. When we’re together, we together, or was there something new talk our ears off. We just did 6 days of full& fresh? on, all-day rehearsals Both. They’re really I CAN IMPROVISE A SONG IN FRONT like we’ve never done honest musicians, OF AN AUDIENCE THAT WILL HAVE in our careers, and and I think I am, too.

A MEMORABLE CHORUS AND A whatever time there I think we play in was between notes STRUCTURE THAT MAKES SENSE. the moment.

There was all talk. But we EVERY SINGLE NIGHT THAT I PLAY, I was a little bit of don’t normally reCAN DO THAT. BUT I CAN’T FINISH A a different way of ally keep up. I don’t SONG WITHOUT A LOT OF DRAMA. doing things, but really know why. the dynamic pulse I’m interested in what was the same as it always was. I could see they’re doing, but I think we’re all just busy. things a little differently, for instance my When you know someone for a long time, it engineer’s point of view.

I’ve been workdoesn’t require as much talking. ing with him my whole solo career, so What made this the right time to reunite? we’ve been working together longer than the band worked together. He’s never met It just happened that way. My scheduled Robert and Darren, only heard the legends relaxed just enough. That was the main thing for me, but for them it could’ve been and the records. When we got together and started playing, I felt this part of him that was kind of like a fan, “Wow, listen to that shit. Those guys really sound like that!”

You could feel that it was very exciting for him. I hadn’t done it in a long time, so I’ve become a fan of the band, too. We were really up for trying new stuff, but– with just piano, bass and drums– people should cut us some slack. We basically sound the same from song to song.

I loved the string arrangements.

We did two songs with string arrangements and, other than that, the only overdub I believe we did is the tambourine.

There’s a moment when Darren was screwing off while we were recording “Dark Cloud”– he’s sitting there with his terrible Casio making these “wooooo” sounds like he’s luring forest animals to follow him– so I had the engineer make sure he recorded it. But other than that, the album is just

what we can do live, with basic piano, bass and drums.

I’ve read that you have enough material for multiple albums. What are your future plans for Ben Folds 5?

That’s a little exaggeration. If we had to work with all the ideas that came in [during these sessions], we’d certainly have enough for another album and maybe an EP, because we probably hit on 40 good ideas. I don’t think I’ve ever talked about this in an interview, but the way I write is horrible for everyone. I start a song, but can’t quite keep my mind on it to finish it and I move on to something else. We start recording something because it’s like, “If we don’t start recording it, Folds isn’t going to finish it.” Working that way costs more. It takes more time. The guys have to be really patient: “What’s the name of this song?” “I’m just going to call it E flat for now.” “Can you just sing some dummy words so we can hear what it sounds like?” “I don’t like any of it yet, so let’s move onto another song.” That’s the way I work. I wrote the words to “Thank You for Breaking My Heart” in a parking lot under a street light on the last day of mixing. I went in and recorded my vocal, then got in the bus and went on tour. That’s a very stressful way for them to work, but it’s because I’m afraid of finishing songs. I’m afraid it will suck.

And yet your ChatRoulette-inspired improvised songs are sheer genius!

I can improvise a song in front of an audience that will have a memorable chorus and a structure that makes sense. Every single night that I play, I can do that. But I can’t finish a song without a lot of drama. Maybe it’s because I’m looking for something. Darren, who is a good songwriter, doesn’t feel that a song needs as much of a point as I do. When I’m in improv, I have the luxury of saying, “Well, it’s just improv…” But when I’m leaving something behind and it’s my song, I agonize over fine things about the point. It’s not that I’m actually working on it. It’s just gestating, and I’m praying that I see something. insiteatlanta.com • November 2012 • PG 27

MUSIC

DEJA-WHO / QUARDO-VU

The Who Return to the Suburbs, Bringing a Re-Re-Re-Re-Tooled Edition of Their 1973 Rock Opera

BY LEE VALENTINE SMITH

T

QUADROPHENIA FELT, TO ME, LIKE AN EXPERIMENT GONE RIGHT AT A TIME WHEN THE BAND WAS AT ITS PEAK.

HE WHO, ONE OF THE MOST LEGENDARY AND defining bands of the rock era, is back on the road, performing their influential album Quadrophenia in its entirety across the United States. Originally released in 1973, the album (and subsequent live performances and film version) was the second rock opera of the band‘s career and their sixth fulllength album during an impressive reign of popular and critical acclaim.

Quardrophenia, like their pervious opera Tommy, was hardly Broadway fluff. The title references the medical diagnostic term schizophrenia, while mirroring the four divergent personalities of the original band members. With FM-radio staples such as “The Real Me,” “5:15” and “Love Reign O’er Me,” and the challenging themes of spiritual desperation and isolation, the Townshend-penned epic continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Formed in 1964, The Who has survived the Mod movement, Monterey Pop, Woodstock, the ‘60s backlash and upheaval, , and the deaths of drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle and remains vital in the digital age. Today the band centers around the founders, vocalist Roger Daltrey and singersongwriter-guitarist-author Pete Townshend, who spoke with the press recently about their first tour in four years.

Since it’s nearly at the four decades old mark, how do you feel Quardophenia applies to the audiences of today? Are the themes still relevant?

It’s about a young man who doesn’t it in, that’s all. Today, if you cant do Twitter, for example, God, you must feel lonely! People, not just young people, are starting to communicate with texting and Facebook and Twitter and I think they are finding that if you cannot be absolutely authentic, and true to yourself, you’ll have great difficulty when you, in a sense, mature. And that’s what Quadrophenia is all about: this young man, who realizes he hasn’t quite managed to solve the problems of growin’ up.

Why did you decide to revive Quadrophenia? To update the 1997 edition?

What Roger is doing these days, is creating a new way of bringing it across. As he says, bringing it up to date. So it’s a place where we both feel comfortable doing what we do, together. You can hear that Roger has a tremendous creative investment in this. I think it’s one of the few things we’ve done where we’re able to come together. I know what my job is, I wrote it a long time ago. When I wrote it, I wrote it pretty much on guitar, and there are a few keyboard bits, so everything falls under my fingers, it flows very naturally, it feels a very graceful piece for me to perform and it kind of flies by. I am aware that it’s a taxing vocal piece and its not just the obvious tracks, like “Love Reign O’er Me,” which is a vocal tour-de-force, really.

PG 28 • November 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

At this point in your career, is it hard to agree on what to revisit from the band‘s considerable history?

We’ve really struggled to find something to look at again.

We’ve gone off in slightly different directions: Roger’s been working with a new band, I’ve been developing new music and writing a book about my life. The last time we did [Quardophenia] was in 1997 so that’s the reason for now. We’ve been anxious to work together before we drop dead!

How do you think that liberation changed you, and in turn, the band?

One of the first things that happened, was I started listening to Roger. I don’t know that I’d done it that much. And working in a much more musical or complimentary way with Roger’s voice was something that is still going on, it’s still a learning process.

How do you find ways to make the material feel fresh -- for yourself and the audience?

The Who have played the same music for such a long time on the stage and when you keep coming back and reviving it, it’s lovely to have new challenges. We were playing “Love, Reign O’er Me” and I suddenly realized I had to be quite careful, in a sense, not to get in the way. Everything that I played, really mattered to whatever it was that Roger did next. In posh musical circles, they call it obbligato. And if Roger comes up with new ways of putting it across, that will bring up new musical issues, there’s no question.

With Quadrophenia, you are revisiting not only a doublelength album, but an existing rock opera. In today’s You Tube, quick-cut world, do you think people still have the patience to live with an entire double-LP in one sitting?

I’ve noticed a lot of artists are playing their albums in completion these days. I think that’s just an echo of what actually happened in the ‘60s. Singles were what pop artists did. But it was those two important albums of the ‘60s, it was “Sgt. Pepper” Do you feel that Quadrophenia was the peak and it was “Pet Sounds,” that made this thing PERFORM of the original Who catalog? about the album was worth sitting down and MONDAY, I’m proud of it, as the composer. All of the listening to, all the way through. But also there NOVEMBER 5 albums have their qualities. The interesting was the drug culture, the fact that people could AT THE ARENA thing is, we made so few, compared to AC/DC smoke pot and they would sit for an hour and a AT GWINNETT or The Rolling Stones. If The Beatles had kept half, if it was a double. What is happening now, as the internet is getting faster, the idea that young CENTER, DULUTH. making albums, they’ve have made about 150 by now. We didn’t make albums very quickly. So people have a short attention span is just rubbish.

Quadrophenia does sort of stick out as being, I I think what’s happening is, when somebody think, the most successful rendition of the band finds something they love, since the music as a guitar, bass, drums band. Funnily enough, there are lots of field is getting richer and deeper, they will give it more time brass, lots of synthesizers, and I play some violin here and there, and attention. badly. The most important thing is that the band was on fire.

How do you address the challenges of critics who point out that That’s why its so important for me. I felt I gave the band a really great piece of music. I brought it in to the band, we recorded it, it’s only half of the original band at this point? and it worked. It felt, to me, like an experiment gone right at a One thing that Roger and I carry, is the fact that we always time when the band was at its peak. have the ability to work with the most fabulous musicians. We can take our pick. We were lucky enough, Roger and I, to be But all wasn’t rosy in The Who world at that time, right? able to tour, from about 2000 onwards with John Entwistle, so It’s fine to look back now, at us as having sold all these records we had that reinvention with us, with [Ringo Starr’s son] Zak and getting great reviews, but we had no fucking money. I mean Starkey on the drums. But what was interesting about that was seriously, it was an outrage. So one of the problems I had at the this constant drive in us to sort of recreate The “old” Who. A time was, we were really at out peak and doing good work, but bit like Springsteen going out with the original members of the would it make any difference to the quality of life we lived?

E-Street Band. You want to hear that kind of sound. But when John Entwistle died [in 2002], then we didn’t have Keith Moon [who died in 1978] or John. Somehow, for me anyway, there was When will we hear some new Who music?

I’m writing, right now. As soon as I put down that bloody book, a sense of being liberated -- and I don’t want to make a good I immediately went back to music again. The only thing is, I’m not thing out of two deaths --, but sometimes that does happen. I’m so sure whether what I write today, you can rubber-stamp it “Who not saying what I do now is better than what I did then, but I do Music.” But I do think that, as on the last album, Roger and I will feel freer to explore what I did as a musician back then and find adapt to whatever happens and whatever I write. All I can do is new things. write the music and pass it to Roger and see what happens.

THE WHO

SPORTS

2012-13 NCAA BASKETBALL PREVIEW T

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

O GET FROM LEXINGTON, Kentucky, to Atlanta, Georgia, you literally take I-75 South for 382 miles.

There are no turns, no connecting interstates, no nothing. Straight shot. None of that is news to University of Kentucky fans though. Ever since their team hoisted the national title back in April, they’ve been thinking about repeating the feat in the ATL. They have the directions memorized by now. Make a right vs. Duke on Nov. 13.

Steer clear of Louisville on Dec. 29. Go straight through the SEC. Make those moves properly and the John Calipari-coached crew should end up in the Georgia Dome for the national title.

1. KENTUCKY

What the nation’s No. 1 recruit (Nerlens Noel), the top 15 forward (Alex Poythress) and top 20 guard (Archie Goodwin) bring to the Cats is obvious, but it’s lightning-fast transfer Ryan Harrow who could be the deciding factor in repeat talks.

2. INDIANA

Hoosier basketball has been on its way back since ’10, but with Cody Zeller’s mechanics and Christian Watford’s maturity, it might start feelin’ like ’87 around Bloomington.

3. NORTH CAROLINA ST.

C.J. Leslie is the main reason the Wolfpack are thinking about their first Final Four this year.

Culture-changing coach Mark Gottfried is why they’ll be thinking about it for the next four or five.

4. MICHIGAN

If there’s a more explosive backcourt than Trey

Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. (nearly 30 points per game between them) in the land, it’s probably playing somewhere in the NBA.

5. LOUISVILLE

The Cardinals don’t blow you away with their offense (155th last season) or much anything else, but Peyton Siva and Co. do enough little things to get huge results, none bigger than getting to last year’s Final Four.

6. UCLA

If NCAA investigators can get outta top-shelf recruit Shabazz Muhammad’s way long enough for him to play, we’re certain he, Kyle Anderson and Tony Parker are good enough to lead the Bruins to the Elite Eight.

7. FLORIDA

If the Gators can get through a brutal threegame stretch in late fall vs. Marquette, Florida State and Arizona unscathed, something special could be brewing in the swamp.

8. ARIZONA

Solomon Hill had 12 games last year where he scored 15+ points. You can guess where Coach Sean Hill will lean for points. Whatever dazzling frosh Kaleb Tarczewski and Grant Jerrett add to the scoreboard will only help the brand.

a blank in the tournament (33% shooting and 27 points over final three games), has unfinished business to tend to at the Dance and in Big Ten dress rehearsals.

11. BAYLOR

We won’t even begin to discuss all the holes that NBA-bound players left in Waco. Instead, let’s just talk about Isaiah Austin, a true 7-foot center who stuffs the paint nicely.

12. SYRACUSE

After the San Diego State opener, the Orange don’t face another quality opponent until mid Jan. Let’s hope they’ve figured out their offensive leader by then.

13. DUKE

Just because these Blue Devils are absent of a marquee star or much of last year’s scoring, you’d be a complete fool to count Coach K or center Mason Plumlee out of anything.

14. CREIGHTON

We watched Creighton star Doug McDermott (22.9 points) a few times over the summer and each occasion he looked mad focused. If he carries that over to the regular season, the Bluejays might soar.

15. NORTH CAROLINA

The Jayhawks lost a lot to the NBA (Thomas Robinson, Tyshawn Taylor), but leave it to recruiting wonder Bill Self to reload (forward Perry Ellis) so quickly.

It’s seasons like this –no serious returning scoring threats; no headline-making recruits—where coach Roy Williams earns his check. Now, if he can turn James McAdoo into a scorer, the man would deserve a raise.

Aaron Craft, the plucky point guard who shot

We love the way Steve Fisher’s squads get up

9. KANSAS

10. OHIO STATE

ALEX POYTHRESS

16. SAN DIEGO STATE

and down the floor. We really love the idea of super-athletic freshman Winston Shepard joining in on all the fast-breaking fun.

17. GONZAGA

Kevin Pangos (13.6 points a night) might look like an old pro on the hardwood, but he’s only in his second year. Elias Harris and Sam Dower are the old reliables.

18. MISSOURI

The good news about the SEC move: More people get to see just how special point guard Phil Pressey really is. The bad: He has to show it against Florida and Kentucky three times this year.

19. MICHIGAN STATE

In Keith Appling and touted frosh Gary Harris, Spartans coach Tom Izzo has the makings of a great backcourt. As for the barren frontcourt, well, we’ll get back to you on that.

20. MURRAY STATE

You may not know who Isaiah Canaan (19 and nearly four assists) is right now, but trust us, after he has the Racers looking like the next Butler, you’ll never forget his name.

insiteatlanta.com • November 2012 • PG 29

Novak Djokovic

SPORTS SPORTS

FANATIC A Monthly Sports Wrap-up SPORTS

2012-13 NBA PREVIEW

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

D

DWYANE WADE PG 30 • November 2012 • insiteatlanta.com

FANATIC A Monthly Sports Wrap-up

BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

Now that SUPER BOWL XLV is over, football fans can get to the real issue: Will there be a 2011 season? If you let NFL commissioner Roger Goodell tell it, a new BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS collective bargaining agreement is imminent. But listen to “[JUSTIN] VERLANDER thrown others close to the situation and they’ll sayhad it’s not such a two pitches [Pablo] both Fanatic balls, sure thing.

Whiletoofficials workSandoval, out the numbers, knows three things that’ll happen, no lockout:to 1) when pitching coach Jefflockout Jonesordecided An SECthe defender (Auburn’ Fairley or LSU’ s Patrick visit mound.

Fors Nick a prideful athlete of Peterson) will be the No. 1 pick in the Draft; An 18-game Verlander’s standing, this was 2)an insult, season will be approved; 3) Super Bowl XLVIold will kick-off amounting to some 14-year actor as plannedRobert on Feb. 5,De 2012 in Indianapolis. telling Niro, “Yo, Bobby, I think

your phrasing’s a little off.” –San Francisco “I feel like a better playerJenkins, now than I was three years ago, Chronicle’s Bruce describing the because Ibefore think thatSandoval’s physically I’m stronger, faster, scene second ofmentally three I’m moreruns motivated on the Series court. I know how1 to react in home in World Game certain moments, and I know how to play on a big stage.

I have been more focused and dedicated to the sport(6-0) than Though the ATLANTA FALCONS I have ever been before.” -2011 MEN’S AUSTRALIAN were the only undefeated NFL team at press OPEN WINNER NOVAK DJOKOVIC time, there were a couple of squads nipping at“When theirI signed jerseymyfor top my team contract, mainstatus. goal wasThese to earn top November games should shake thingsI it. Once I started to realize I wasn’t earning my money, out: 5)I Chicago San amount Francisco, Nov. felt bad. was makingata crazy of money for 19; not 4) Houston at Detroit, Nov. 22; 3) Atlanta even pitching. Honestly, I didn’t feel like I deserved it. I at New 11;again.

2)” Baltimore at didn’t wantOrleans, to have thoseNov. feelings –GIL MECHE, Pittsburgh, Nov. of 18;taking 1) Pittsburgh atmillion New 32, who retired instead a guaranteed $12 York 4. season to pitchGiants, for KansasNov. City this

(Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers); Coach of the Year (Gregg Popovich, San Antonio); Most Improved Player (Kevin Love, Minnesota); Sixth Man of the Year (Jamal Crawford, Atlanta); Most Surprising Team (New Orleans Hornets); Biggest Disappointment (Phoenix Suns).

COLLIN KLEIN “He’s a beast. What can you say? Some of the shots he made, I was like, ‘Wow. Did he just make that in my face?’

A player like that, you have to live and die defending him one on one. If he makes big shots, you have to go to the other end and stay poised.” –New Mexico guard Dairese Gary, on JIMMER FREDETTE, BYU star and college’s leading scorer “St. Louis was fourth in baseball last year in attendance, but only 13th in payroll. In other words the Cardinals have money to burn, and it’s time to light the match. So here’s what you do if you’re St. Louis: Whatever [Albert] Pujols wants, within reason, you give it to him. What’s within reason? No idea. The closest baseball has had to a free agent like this was Alex Rodriguez in 2001, when he received $252 million for 10 years. That was $25.2 million annually, and that was a decade ago. And Pujols is better.”

–CBS SPORTS’ GREGG DOYEL And finally…

Hawaii pays $4 million to host the NFL’s annual Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium… If early estimates are accurate, Super Bowl XLV should be Stub Hub’s top-selling event ever… At press time, the Cleveland Cavs were in the midst of a 1-29 stretch, the NBA’s worst since 1996… If there’s an NFL work stoppage next season, it’s reported that Las Vegas casinos would take an $850 million hit on unplaced betting… A record 56 underclassmen declared for the NFL Draft.

“It goes back to why whopoint. has February, of course, marksI’m the here NBA’Sand halfway brought here and that my goal With that me landmark also realizing comes Fanatic’ s midseason in my heart truly isRose, to honor God with what awards: MVP (Derrick Chicago); Defensive Player of thegiven Year (Dwight Howard, Orlando); Rookie ofthat the Year he’s me and to give everything he has given me and that he has allowed me to do back to him. That is No. 1. No. 2 is, you old crap -- it’s always a comparison of one know, really to serve my teammates and black to another black. I get tired of it. I love them and do everything that I possibly get tired of defending it… If you want can for them—little or big. I’m focusing on to compare him to someone because of those two things. Again, everything above his demeanor, compare him to [Chicago 8PM, TNT) Bears QB] Jay Cutler. There are a lot of that will take care of itself and work out (Feb. in 20, We don’t if there be at more celebrities the hardwood playingand or celebrating who whine moan. Cam’s not His time and know His way andwill I am peace with onguys courtside at L.A. ’ s Staples Center. biting anybody’s head off or pushing his all of that.” –Kansas State QB and Heisman linemen. He’s just disgruntled, and not front-runner COLLIN KLEIN told INsite handling losing well, because, think about (Feb. 13, 1PM, ABC) it, he basically didn’t lose in college.” ExKlein’s KSU WILDCATS were 7-0 on the As much as Chicago and Orlando fans hate acknowledging the fact, this is probably your NFL QB WARREN MOON, on what he morning of Conference October 27.

Ten other teams Eastern Finals preview. were undefeated with them. Of course, considers unfair criticism to Carolina QB things will start to shake out this month, Cam Newton where contenders (KSU, Alabama and And finally…

Oregon) will separating thein the (Feb. 12, 2PM,begin 9PM, ESPN) The top from two teams nation go on the road to very, very According to a recent Nielsen poll, these clowns (Rutgers, Louisville, Ohio). Here’s hostile environments. a look at the biggest tests remaining for are the five most-liked NFL players: 5) five unblemished schools we haven’t quite Aaron Rodgers and Rob Gronkowski (tied); (Feb. 20, State, 12PM, Fox)3) Peyton Manning; 2) Drew Brees and figured out yet: Florida (vs. Florida your(vs. questOklahoma, to stop Jimmie Johnson from winning an unprecedented Charles Woodson (tied); 1) Troysixth Polamalu…

Nov.Gentlemen, 24); Notrestart Dame Oct. straight Sprint Cup championship.

27); Oregon State (vs. Oregon, Nov. 24); Detroit’s Ndamukong Suh was last… Valet Ohio State (vs. Wisconsin, Nov. 17) and parking stands around AT&T Park for Mississippi State (LSU, Nov. 10).

(Feb. 9, 9PM, ESPN) World Series Game 1 were charging $130 Controversial Olympic hurdler This big meeting (and another on March 5) goes afor longSUVs… way in deciding North Carolina Lolo Jones is a finalist for a slot on the U.S. “I don’t understand it.

I heard somebody bragging rights and the ACC crown. compare him to Vince Young. It’s the same bobsled team.

Must-See TV 1. NBA All-Star Game 2. Miami at Boston

3. Ohio State at Wisconsin, Pittsburgh at Villanova 4. Daytona 500 5. UNC at Duke

Top 5 Games This Month

ON’T KID YOURSELF. THE 2012-13 NBA title will be won by one of three teams: the Los Angeles Lakers, the Oklahoma City Thunder or the defending champion Miami Heat. No other squad has a chance. So, really it comes down to picking the team DNA strand you think will endure. Do you go with the new-look Lakers’ veteran mold? What about the Heat’s middleaged maturity? Or do you pick OKC’s young but super gifted bunch? INsite’s going with LeBron James and Co. repeating, only because we think the Lake Show has grown a lil’ old and the Thunder still have a lil’ more growing to do.

As for all the other 13 teams mentioned below, they’re just playing for postseason paychecks.

EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS 1. MIAMI HEAT We love the still-very-focused core (James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh), but we really like what the front office did by bringing in some bench offense (Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis) to help out the trio.

2. INDIANA PACERS With Roy Hibbert in the middle, Danny Granger on the perimeter and Paul George just about everywhere else, this is probably the second most well-rounded bunch in the East.

3. BOSTON CELTICS Whispers of the Celts’ demise are a bit premature.

Paul Pierce, the ageless Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo, the NBA’s leader in assists (11.7 per game), advanced to the East Finals last year. And they’ve added sixth man Jason Terry.

4. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS This re-configured Sixers lineup (no Andre Iguodala, but they have Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson) will take some getting used to, but if it all comes together, we see them earning home-court advantage in the first round.

5. NEW YORK KNICKS It’s the same story with these Knicks: dynamic frontcourt (Tyson Chandler, Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony) and diddly squat in the backcourt (Ray Felton and a 39-year-old Jason Kidd).

6. BROOKLYN NETS We’ve been fooled too often by Joe Johnson to believe he’ll become some aggressive scoring machine now that he’s in NYC…but it can’t hurt confidence having new uniforms, a new arena and a new PG (Deron Williams).

7. ATLANTA HAWKS Many call Josh Smith the middle-class LeBron. Honestly, he has the stat-stuffing mindset to qualify for the label. To scrap the “mediocre” tag for the team though, Al Horford and Jeff Teague have to play like it’s 2010.

8. CHICAGO BULLS If Derrick Rose can return from a devastating ACL injury by early 2013, the Bulls have a postseason shot. If not, there won’t be enough offense and they’ll have a lottery shot.

WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFF TEAMS 1. L.A. LAKERS The still-dazzling Steve Nash understands that it’s Kobe Bryant’s name sitting atop the Staples Center marquee. If Dwight Howards grasps that, too, there will be harmony and, possibly, a ticker-tape parade in early June.

2. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER Kevin Durant, the NBA’s most spectacular offensive force (28 points a night), has bulked up a bit. He won’t need that added muscle if rising stars Russell Westbrook and James Harden carry even more responsibilities.

3. L.A. CLIPPERS One of the league’s most explosive starting fives (Chris Paul and Blake Griffin lead a dazzling cast) adds a potentially potent bench (Grant Hill, Lamar Odom and Jamal Crawford). These Clips might be ready for primetime fireworks.

4. SAN ANTONIO SPURS Some say 36-year-old Tim Duncan is still a top 30 player. We’re not so sure. Others insist 30-year-old Tony Parker is in the top 20. We saw that look in his eye last year. You damn right we agree with that one.

5. DALLAS MAVERICKs We love O.J. Mayo getting a change of scenery and playing alongside Dirk Nowitzki. We’re still trying to figure out exactly how we feel about Elton Brand, Darren Collison and Chris Kaman on the same roster.

6. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES Zach Randolph only played 28 regular season games a year ago. If he has his knees –and Rudy Gay brings his hops and Marc Gasol has his heart—these will be some terrific times in Tennessee.

7. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES If healthy, the T-Wolves will be playing with a full deck in rebounding king (Kevin Love), playmaking joker (Ricky Rubio) and offseason wild cards (Brandon Roy, Andrei Kirilenko).

8. PHOENIX SUNS Does no Nash mean the Suns are trash? Not with Goran Dragic runnin’ a respectable point, Luis Scola holdin’ it down on the wing and (hopefully) focused Michael Beasley beastin’ in the paint.

NBA FINALS MIAMI HEAT OVER L.A. LAKERS, 4-2

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