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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2006 > February > 25 > Entry
Poke fun? There’s a Slim Chance
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It took nearly a decade, but Slim Chance and the Convicts — Atlanta’s premier “Redneck Underground” musical act — has finally graced fans with a new album. The title alone, paired with the cover art, was nearly worth the wait.
In a parody of the classic 1973 Pink Floyd album, the Convicts’ new release, “The Dark Side of the MoonPie,” comes complete with the namesake Southern delicacy standing in for the lunar sphere.
“I actually had the idea for the title years ago,” frontman James Kelly (aka Slim Chance) told Buzz Friday. “It’s so Southern.” But when Kelly rang up MoonPie manufacturer Chattanooga Bakery Inc. seeking permission to use the iconic image and name, he was initially met with stunned silence.
“They were kind of speechless,” he recalled, laughing. “Apparently, not a lot of people call up to actually ask permission.” After he sent the bakers an old CD, and assured them there would be “no cussing” on the new project, they graciously granted permission to use the MoonPie image.
Today, old fans and their families can check out material from the disc during a live performance in Decatur. It’s scheduled at the decidedly family-friendly hour of 3 p.m., during an all-ages concert release party.
In the decade between Slim Chance projects, Kelly became a licensed psychologist and now works as a behavioral analyst. “I guess all those years being in the house band at [the late, lamented Little Five Points watering hole] Austin Avenue Buffet, I learned a few things,” cracked Kelly.
And, as usual, Kelly has some classic song titles on “MoonPie,” including: “Flat on the Floor,” “Don’t Sell Daddy No More Whiskey” and “I Hate to See You Go (But I Love to Watch You Leave).”
“I gotta give props where they’re due,” Kelly conceded. “I actually heard [World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler-turned-commentator] Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler use [“Hate to See You Go”] on ‘Monday Night Raw.’ I just knew it would be a great title for a country song!”
Slim Chance and the Convicts will perform today at PushPush Theater at 3 p.m. $2-$5. 121 New St., Decatur. 404-377-6332. Check out www.pushpushtheater.com for directions.
Money not enough
“On the Down Low” author J.L. King is up to several new pursuits. The first one hits local newsstands Wednesday. It’s billed as Just Living Atlanta-Magazine, a publication “for Atlanta’s urban, sophisticated and alternative-lifestyle communities.” And Thursday night at Gallery 253 in the Castleberry district downtown, hundreds of invited guests got an early peek.
“I’m very proud of my new baby,” said King, who celebrated with the National Black Arts Festival’s Judith Service Montier, Grammy winning singer-songwriter Kandi Burruss, Glue Inc.’s Sheri Riley and Catalyst Magazine’s Keith Brown. (Pictures can be seen at jimiflixx.com). “And this is just the beginning,” he said. “I’ve got a TV talk show deal in the works. I’ve got a radio show in the works. I’m working on my third book right now. And now with this magazine, we’re going to kick it off in three cities — Chicago next, in July, and D.C. in September.
“I’m an overachiever,” continued the Atlanta resident. “I can’t stop. I’m like the Energizer Bunny. I was telling my staff in a meeting recently, ‘I don’t know why I keep doing all of these things when I really could just stop. Enjoy my money. Play golf everyday. Be a good father. Play with my grandson.’ But that’s not enough for me. I need to do more. I want to do more.”
Festival to honor Ned Beatty
The RiverRun International Film Festival next month will honor Ned Beatty, star of 1972’s filmed-in-Georgia adventure-thriller “Deliverance.”
Beatty will receive the Master of Cinema Award, festival officials announced Wednesday. The 68-year-old actor has appeared in more than 100 movies, including “Nashville,” “Silver Streak” and “1941.”
He was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar for his role in 1976’s “Network.”
“The purpose of the Master of Cinema award is to honor someone who has mastered their craft, and Ned Beatty is a master of what is almost a lost art,” said Dale Pollock, executive director of the festival.
“He is a true character actor who can really register in any role — large or small, dramatic or humorous.”
The festival, which will include 25 feature films and 44 short films, is March 16-19 in Winston-Salem, N.C. It had not yet been decided Friday whether attendees would be required to “squeal like a pig!” before entering the gala.
Celebrity docket
Actor Brad Renfro has pleaded guilty to attempted possession of heroin in a case stemming from his December arrest during a sting in Los Angeles’ Skid Row area.
The 23-year-old actor, whose films include “Ghost World,” “The Jacket” and, as a child in 1994, “The Client,” entered the plea Thursday.
Renfro was given three years’ probation and must enter a drug rehabilitation program under a law that allows people convicted of nonviolent drug possession to receive treatment instead of jail time.
He faces up to 18 months in prison if he violates the terms of his sentence, said Superior Court Judge David Horwitz.
Celebrity birthdays
Country singer Ralph Stanley is 79. Actress Tea Leoni is 40. Actor Sean Astin is 35. Actor Justin Berfield (“Malcolm in the Middle”) is 20. Actors James and Oliver Phelps (“Harry Potter”) are 20.
Sunday: Actress Betty Hutton is 85. Singer Fats Domino is 78. Singer Mitch Ryder is 61. Singer Michael Bolton is 53. Singer Erykah Badu is 35.
Contributing: Sonia Murray and news services. If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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