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September 2008
Leon protege nearly misses ‘Senior Year’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Acworth actor Justin Martin had almost given up on landing a role in “High Musical 3: Senior Year,” the upcoming second sequel of the Disney tween gold mine franchise.
“The casting directors told me I was just too small,” Martin, 14, tells Buzz.
Then “High School Musical” director Kenny Ortega saw Martin’s audition tape and wanted to know why he hadn’t had a chance to see Justin.
“After a few weeks went by, I got the call,” Martin recalls. “It was amazing. Kenny is a wonderful director and a great guy to work with.”
There was an extensive four-month shoot for the upcoming Oct. 24 theatrical release, and weeks of rehearsal before that. In the film, Martin plays a new character, Donny, who’s a sophomore with a crazy friend Jimmy, a fellow underclassman and a girl-crazy would-be rocker.
“My character is the more calm guy who tries to keep Jimmy from falling off the face of the Earth,” Martin explains. “He’s the stage manager. The guy who helps his friends from going crazy.”
Martin says some of the elaborate musical numbers in the family-friendly film took a week or more to create. He’s well aware that his profile is about to be enhanced substantially when “High School Musical 3” hits theaters next month.
“I never would have thought I’d ever get to be a part of such a huge phenomenon,” he says.
Even at 14, Martin is an amazingly centered young man. His old True Colors Theatre mentor Kenny Leon cast him last year in the new ABC TV movie version of “A Raisin in the Sun.” He played Sean “Diddy” Combs’ son in the critically acclaimed film (now out on DVD) without being intimidated by the hip-hop impresario.
“When I’m on the job, I don’t really get star-struck,” Martin told us. “I’m able to keep my focus.”
Martin says he learned that level of professionalism at an early age working with Leon at Atlanta’s True Colors Theatre: “Kenny has really helped me to craft myself as an actor. He gave me an important piece of advice — don’t act, become the person.”
A TASTE OF THE TOUR
Normally, we pop into the Palm at the Westin Buckhead to hear general manager Willy Cellucci spin a yarn as juicy as his joint’s steaks. But the other night, Cellucci was prepped for show as well as tell. In honor of the annual Tour Championship taking place at East Lake Golf Club, Cellucci had commissioned an impressive new PGA Hall of Fame mural that now greets guests at the eatery’s entrance.
“We wanted to do something special to honor the guys,” said Cellucci, himself an avid golfer. “They’re such good guys, and so many of them have become Palm customers over the years. It’s a pretty impressive group of guys I’ve gotten to meet over the years,”
Included in the mural, accented with a lush grass background that took a week to create: David Toms, Stewart Cink, Aaron Baddeley, Rocco Mediate, Butch Harmon and Mark Calcavecchia.
Among those swinging a club at this year’s Tour Championship spotted sawing into a steak at the Palm last week: Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Mike Weir and Tim Clark.
‘BEAUTIFUL’ INTERACTIVITY
To commemorate its 10th annual “Most Beautiful Atlantans” issue, Jezebel magazine is asking readers to nominate themselves this year.
“It’s a way of being interactive and by now, most of our readers know we’re looking for more than just outer beauty,” Jezebel editor Beth Weitzman explained over lunch.
So, we had to ask: Do most Jez readers, er, embody the necessary levels of self-esteem to nominate themselves, or do friends do it for them?
“Believe it or not, most people nominate themselves!” Weitzman said laughing. “You’ve got to be pretty self-confident to do that.”
Weitzman stresses this isn’t just a beauty contest.
“We’re looking for people who are involved in their communities, who are giving back to the city. Otherwise, we’d just call it the Models Issue!”
To nominate yourself, go to jezebelmagazine.com by Friday.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Author Elie Wiesel is 80. Singer Johnny Mathis is 73. Actor Barry Williams (“The Brady Bunch”) is 54. Country singer Marty Stuart is 50. Singer Trey Anastasio (Phish) is 44. Actor Kieran Culkin is 26. Rapper T-Pain is 24.
TRANSITIONS
The Clubhouse restaurant at Lenox Square has quietly shuttered its doors in its prime storefront location at the Buckhead retail emporium. When Buzz attempted to phone Monday for an explanation, we were greeted with a recorded message saying the restaurant’s number had been disconnected.
SICK BAY UPDATE
Part-time Atlantan turned “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Toni Braxton confirmed to B98.5FM’s Steve and Vikki Monday that her recent heart ailments (she suffers from angina attacks) haven’t hampered her high-stepping on the ABC reality show. “At first, I was a little scared to work,” the singer said. “It was scary, but I’m OK.”
As a safety measure, Braxton says she’s examined by her cardiologist before and after each live “Dancing” performance.
Contributing: News services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Blais preps for Flip chain, maybe TV
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta’s own Richard Blais is still working the “Top Chef” juju, hoping to parlay his TV exposure into … more TV exposure.
Blais, who was at Piedmont Park for three “Top Chef Tour” demonstrations Saturday with season three runner-up Casey Thompson, said he’s pitching ideas to cable networks such as Bravo (of course), A&E and TLC. He just taped a “Movie & a Makeover” bit for TBS, too.
Buzz checked out the third hourlong cooking demo. Thompson was the lead cook this time, allowing Blais to do most of the talking before 40 or so foodies squeezed into the tour bus space.
“Being on stage like this helps prepare me for TV,” Blais told Buzz afterwards, jokingly adding, “I’m working on my corny jokes and dead air.”
Thompson’s original plan to cook a squash soup was squashed when the dishwasher accidentally dumped the squash. So she did impromptu shopping at the weekly Green Market, found some okra and eggplant, threw in some sweet peppers, cilantro, jasmine rice, fish sauce and a pouch of Curry Simple to make a tasty creation.
“This is our version of the Quick Fire Challenge,” Blais quipped, referencing a weekly “Top Chef” staple.
Blais and Thompson dished about fellow contestants, the judges and their current projects. While Thompson is moving to San Francisco to work with some wineries, Blais recently left Home to open a chain of burger joints called Flip. He hopes to open the first one on Howell Mill Road in October featuring a signature liquid nitrogen milkshake bar.
“Yes, I’ll have the bacon milkshake,” he said, noting a creation from the show. “Each Flip will be regional. So here, we’ll have a Krispy Kreme milkshake.”
Krispy Kreme vs. bacon in a shake? Hmm … hard to guess which one will be more popular!
A FANTASY RIDE
On Saturday, Six Flags Over Georgia’s Goliath roller coaster was rechristened — for the day — The Goliath Fantasy Ride, in honor of Atlanta Grammy winner Ciara.
No, it had nothing to do with the way she writhes in videos.
Instead, it was an early promotion for her third CD “Fantasy Ride,” due in December, along with a way to give three students from her local alma mater, Riverdale High School, a free day at the park. Students Ashley Clayton, Shaneka Pickering and Muoi Ung all won an essay contest, for which they were asked to write about whom they admired. Believe it or not, none of them said Ciara. (Clayton and Pickering picked their moms; Ung said Martin Luther King Jr.)
Before the trio got to their front-row “Fantasy Ride” with the R&B singer, Ciara signed the artwork for her new “Go Girl” single for hundreds of fans who just happened to be at Six Flags. “This is a blessing!” said Ciara. “I mean, I used to come here religiously when I was younger. I remember when I used to have to save up money for a season pass — or try to get the hook-up.”
Ciara’s parents and other members of her family joined her during her afternoon-long visit. So of course Buzz had to ask what they thought about the “nude” shot of her on the current issue of Vibe magazine. She maintains it was Photoshopped.
“I had on a bikini.” Before mom and dad saw it, “I got them on the three-way [phone call] to explain. And they — like they always have been — were supportive.”
HIGH FIVE
Music
The top-selling albums at Decatur CD for the week ending Sept. 27:
1. TV on the Radio, “Dear Science”
2. Calexio, “Carried to Dust”
3. Kings of Leon, “Only By the Night”
4. Okkervil River, “The Stand Ins”
5. Dead Confederate, “Wrecking Ball”
Courtesy: Decatur CD
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Critics of the bailout plan say it will save Wall Street while it would do virtually nothing to help out Main Street. And as always, you’re on your own, Martin Luther King Boulevard.”
“Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update” anchor Amy Poehler
during this week’s faux newscast.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer Jerry Lee Lewis is 73. Actor Ian McShane is 66. TV personality Bryant Gumbel is 60. PBS newswoman Gwen Ifill is 53. Actress Emily Lloyd is 38. Actress Natasha Gregson Wagner is 38. Guitarist Josh Farro of Paramore is 21.
Contributing: Rodney Ho and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Dogs, ‘Bama fans roll on the Fur Bus
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The anxiety over finding gas has been a boon for Atlanta’s wackiest recreational transportation service, the Fur Bus. The phone was ringing off the hook Friday as gas supplies remained scarce. It seems that University of Georgia and University of Alabama football fans are desperate to find a ride up to Athens for Saturday’s kickoff.
As of Friday afternoon, three Fur Buses were completely booked and three additional coaches had to be added to the company’s fleet headed up Atlanta Highway.
And for the Fur Bus fleet, gas is not a problem. All the company’s vehicles run on diesel.
“We’re busy!” Fur Bus general operations representative Allyson Greenfield told Buzz. “People are concerned about this, so a lot of them have decided to travel together.”
It doesn’t hurt that the $100 per person Fur Bus fare includes a cookout, open bar, safe transportation to and from the stadium and a parking spot outside UGA’s famous arch.
Added Greenfield: “Some fans who have booked seats don’t even have tickets. I think it’s more about just being there for the Georgia-Alabama matchup that’s important for a lot of people.”
On the off chance that things get dull between interceptions, Fur Bus president Trey Humphreys is packing his costumes (Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race participants will recall that Humphreys routinely wears outrageous Uncle Sam-themed outfits atop the bus each July Fourth).
Alas, Humphreys wouldn’t go into details about whether he’ll don his signature synchronized swimmer’s onesie for the occasion. But he has ruled out one particular color scheme.
Said Humphreys: “I won’t be wearing red and black. I prefer to stand out.”
For info: www.furbus.com.
SMILEY ON THE RADIO GETS THE HOT SLOT
Just last month, Rickey Smiley told the AJC how much he wanted to be on the radio in Atlanta with his syndicated morning show, bragging that he could take on Steve Harvey, Tom Joyner and V-103’s formidable Frank Ski and Wanda Smith.
Lo and behold, the popular stand-up comic has his chance: Hot 107.9 has officially dumped “the A Team” in favor of the more economical option of a syndicated show. Smiley, a Birmingham native, has a penchant for doing prank calls. (On Friday, his new station played a few samples, such as Smiley posing as an old woman asking a tattoo parlor for a $10 tattoo of the “Last Supper” on her back.)
Smiley’s syndication is run by Radio One, which, not so coincidentally, owns Hot. His program starts airing on the station Oct. 6.
While Griff lost his job in August, two other key “A Team” players are being moved to different time slots. On Monday, Rashan Ali will start doing middays, while Emperor Searcy returns to afternoons.
Ali will be far from the only female voice at mid-day. While she replaces Maria More, she’ll compete with V-103’s Porsche Foxx and Kara at 95.5/the Beat.
SPA SPORTS GREENER GRAND OPENING
OH2 Medical Spa, which is touting itself as the only medical spa in the country constructed in compliance with the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) Green Building Rating System, celebrated its grand opening in style Thursday night in Alpharetta. One impressive feat? Spa co-founder Randy Rudderman ended up designing and contracting the build-out of the medical spa himself. He learned so much about recycled building and debris materials, water and energy conservation that he’s becoming LEED-certified himself. The spa’s other impressive feat: getting a gaggle of bold-faced Atlantans up Ga. 400 for the opening soiree, which benefited the Captain Planet Foundation. Attendees included Mindspring founder Charles Brewer’s wife Ginny Brewer and friend Ann Dahlia; real estate guru David Tufts; WXIA’s Karyn Greer and Tom Sullivan; photographer Parish Kohanim; personal shopper Robanne Schulman; and jewelry designers Jennifer Jiunta and Mark Edge.
Organizers made showing up especially appealing for at least one impeccably toothed attendee. We hear a limo was sent for an always-gracious grinner. …
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Saturday: Actress Jayne Meadows is 88. Director Arthur Penn is 86. Producer Don Cornelius (“Soul Train”) is 72. Singer Meat Loaf is 57. Singer-actor-director Shaun Cassidy is 50. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow is 36. Rapper Lil’ Wayne is 26. Singer Avril Lavigne is 24.
Sunday: Blues singer Koko Taylor is 80. Actress Brigitte Bardot is 74. Singer Ben E. King is 70. Writer-director-actor John Sayles is 58. Actress-comedian Janeane Garofalo is 44. Actress Naomi Watts is 40. Rapper Young Jeezy is 31. Actress Hilary Duff is 21.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I haven’t seen anyone worth getting up for yet.”
An unidentified blond bombshell, surveying the eligible men from her seat in the decidedly female-heavy patio crowd at JCT on Thursday night during Atlanta singer-songwriter Ben Deignan’s set.
Contributing: Rodney Ho and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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T.I. stops by V-103 on 28th birthday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
V-103’s Frank Ski and Wanda Smith scored the first in-studio interview with Atlanta rapper/actor T.I. Thursday morning as the artist, also known as Tip Harris, celebrated his 28th birthday. The performer will release his much-anticipated album “Paper Trail” on Tuesday. On air, Ski acknowledged the rapper’s ability to compartmentalize and multitask: Much of the record was written and recorded as T.I. was facing down multiple federal weapons charges (the rapper pleaded guilty; sentencing has been delayed while he completes his community service).
Ski asked: “Do you feel like God is saying, ‘OK, Tip, you’ve got a second chance. What are gonna do with it?’ “
Replied T.I.: “Yeah, sure, absolutely.”
And Buzz realized we want to be adopted by T.I.’s mama when she called in to wish her son a happy birthday. Alluding to how she handled her weapons-wielding son’s takedown in a Walgreens parking lot last year: “Prayer. You take it one day at a time. That’s all I could do, even before that little incident.”
Buzz’s mama? Well, she routinely made a bigger deal out of us walking our Keds across a freshly mopped kitchen floor. …
W HOTEL IN BUCKHEAD GOES FOR COOL
Here’s a basic rule at Buzz Central: A social gathering filled with gorgeous models being paid to lounge around in sexy robes is usually the sign of a great party.
Or a not-so-subtle indication that you’ve stumbled into the Playboy Mansion.
Rest assured, we were definitely in the upstairs private reception suite at Bluepointe in Buckhead on Wednesday night as the W Atlanta Buckhead hotel reps gave guests a sneak peek of what to expect this November when the much-anticipated, high-end hipster hotel opens at 3377 Peachtree Road. The models were showcasing the bath accessories in each room.
But guests shouldn’t expect a carbon copy of the hotel brand’s Perimeter or Midtown destinations. “Think country club cool,” said incoming Buckhead W general manager Marylouise Fitzgibbon, who recently has transitioned from the Perimeter property to helm the company’s latest Atlanta endeavor.
“The Midtown W is all about techno glam,” Fitzgibbon told Buzz. “That’s perfect for Midtown but we’ve conceived the Buckhead property as something utterly unique for here.”
Fitzgibbon leaned in and added: “I live in Buckhead and so do my girlfriends. Believe me, none of us want some New York hotel concept crammed down our throats. We want it to be a place where both the Buckhead residents and visitors will feel completely at home.”
Still, Atlantans did get treated to one unfamiliar taste at the party: The Amazon Cooler martini, an eco-friendly cocktail made with Veev Acai Spirits, basil leaves, lemon juice, simple syrup and a cucumber slice.
We’re told Whiskey Blue nightclub owner Rande Gerber overnighted a case of Veev (it’s not readily available here) so Atlantans could sample one of his New York club’s best-selling cocktail concoctions. As with the Midtown W, Gerber also will oversee a Whiskey nightclub concept at the Buckhead W this fall.
The drinks evaporated long before the cucumber garnishes could lose their crispness.
And take it from us: We’ve chatted up a lot of stuffy hotel GMs over the years; Fitzgibbon just might just be the most vivacious and vibrant we’ve met. For example, on Thursday, Fitzgibbon sent us an e-mail invite to a hotel hard-hat tour and dished that a disco ball had just been installed in her Buckhead W office.
MACINTOSH HAPPY ABOUT ‘LES MIZ’
Sir Cameron Macintosh — the British producer who created an entertainment empire from such mega-musicals as “Cats,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Misérables” — was in town taking in the Theater of the Stars’ new streamlined version of “Les Miz.”
And according to TOTS publicist Karen Hatchett, Sir Cameron gave the show his royal seal of approval. “He was very happy about it,” Hatchett told Buzz. “He said he was a bit nervous initially to make changes in the way the show has always been done, but he felt good about our approach and about the set/scenic design and creative team. … He was excited about the good response to the show here.”
The Atlanta production traded the original turntable staging concept for video projections based on the drawings of “Les Miz” novelist Victor Hugo. The musical runs through Sunday at the Fox Theatre (404-817-8700, ticketmaster.com).
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Fitness expert Jack LaLanne is 94. Singer Bryan Ferry is 63. Actress Melissa Sue Anderson (“Little House on the Prairie”) is 46. Singer Tracey Thorn of Everything But the Girl is 46. Actor Jim Caviezel (“The Passion of the Christ”) is 40. Singer Christina Milian (above) is 27.
OVERSCENE
Among those paying tribute at Wednesday’s memorial service for Buckhead Stan Milton Oasis hair salon owner Stan Milton at Peachtree Christian Church: B98.5 FM’s Steve McCoy and Vikki Locke, Dr. Peter Abramson, Spanx spokeswoman Misty Elliott, psychotherapist Karin Smithson, salon owner Richie Arpino and Legendary Event catering owner Tony Conway.
Contributing: Wendell Brock and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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A couple of ATL fans react to Aiken news
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As you may have heard, second season “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken is on the cover of this Friday’s People magazine next to the headline: “Yes, I’m gay.” One liberal dose of smelling salts and a mug of lavender-scented green tea later, Buzz had recovered enough to ask some local folks familiar with the singer for their thoughts on the announcement.
Erin Lee, a 32-year-old legal secretary from Stone Mountain, has seen Aiken in concert 25 times, but hesitates to describe herself as a Claymate. On Wednesday, she said she had become disillusioned over time by Aiken’s cagey comments about his sexuality and is relieved he’s finally letting it out. “The elephant is finally out of the room, thank goodness,” she said. “Maybe he’ll be happier and won’t be so creepy about it.”
Atlanta singer Vanessa Olivarez, who was on “American Idol” the same year as Aiken, said she respected his choice to stay private all these years about his sexuality but supports his move now.
“His career is established enough that it’s OK if he comes out,” she told Buzz on Wednesday. “He’s built a fan base with all these religious Christians. Clay himself is very religious. This will show them that you can be gay and religious.”
Olivarez said Aiken never said a word about his sexuality during the show in 2003 but “my gaydar — or Claydar — has always been beeping since I met him. It’s something everyone always knew.”
On the mag’s cover, Aiken is holding his infant son, Parker Foster Aiken, who was conceived via in vitro fertilization with friend and producer Jaymes Foster. The singer says his son helped him address the issue.
“It was the first decision I made as a father,” Aiken told People. “I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasn’t raised that way, and I’m not going to raise a child to do that.”
WEBCAST FAN SAVES DAY FOR BIOFUEL RACERS
And folks trying to find gas in metro Atlanta think they’ve got it tough. Atlantans Brian Pierce, 36, and Nik Bristow, 27, managed to complete their (almost) nonstop, veggie-powered version of the famed Cannonball Run on Wednesday, making it from New York to Los Angeles in less than 40 hours — though their trip almost ended in Flagstaff, Ariz.
The co-workers at Atlanta-based ad agency Fitzgerald & Co. had planned to drive Pierce’s biodiesel-powered Volkswagen Jetta TDI nonstop, pausing only to change drivers and refueling from onboard cans carrying BioWillie, singer Willie Nelson’s own branded biofuel. They soon learned, though, that they had less fuel than they needed: Their plastic jugs hadn’t been filled all the way.
But a fan following their live Webcast of the consciousness-raising Willie Run came to their rescue. Indiana trucking agent David J. LaFaive enlisted a driver near Phoenix to deliver three jugs of fuel to the VW in Flagstaff. He met them just in time, Pierce said. “We had about a gallon left.”
“We thought the whole thing was ruined, but the people who were watching and rooting for us saved the day.”
DELTALINA WAGS HER FINGER AT THE DOME
Here’s another reason to get off the couch and into the Georgia Dome for Atlanta Falcons home games this season. Buckhead-based Delta flight attendant Katherine Lee has shot a series of instructional yet hilarious “Delta Safety First” intros for each pre-game at home. Lee, aka Deltalina, the fetching redhead who has been wagging her finger at Delta passengers this year on the airline’s new pre-flight video, also has become a breakout star on YouTube. So why exactly is Deltalina popping up on the Jumbotron at the Dome? Delta is the official airline of the Falcons, you see.
In her video welcome to fans at last Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Lee authoritatively told fans: “In the event of a Falcons touchdown, opposing fans may notice a sudden increase in volume inside the Georgia Dome. This is normal. For the safety of all Kansas City Chiefs fans, please remain in your seats and as quiet as possible.”
Apparently, Deltalina’s finger wagging worked: The Falcons beat the Chiefs 38-14.
The airline video star also has her own Facebook fan page these days, We Love Deltalina and It Shows.
To check out Lee’s most recent Falcons video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyUQWIuwzlk.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Newswoman Barbara Walters is 79. Actor Michael Douglas is 64. Actor Mark Hamill is 57. Actress Heather Locklear is 47. Actress Aida Turturro (“The Sopranos”) is 46. Actor Will Smith is 40. Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones is 39. Rapper T.I. is 28.
OVERSCENE
Rappers Busta Rhymes and Ice-T, record mogul “L.A.” Reid, New York Knicks players Malik Rose and Quentin Richardson, and the birthday boy’s gal pal, Janet Jackson, helping Atlanta producer Jermaine Dupri celebrate his 36th Tuesday night at Tenjune nightclub in New York.
Contributing: Bo Emerson, Rodney Ho and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Celebrity school super Cox on ‘Good Morning America’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Even though “Good Morning America” co-anchor Diane Sawyer ended up mistakenly demoting her to a teacher Tuesday morning, state Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox awoke early to do a local shot on the ABC show to discuss her recent million-dollar win on Fox’s “Are You Smarter Than a 5th-Grader?”
Cox appeared live with students from the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf. Conceded Cox to Sawyer: “There were quite a few people who had decided I wasn’t going to do well.” Cox has elected to donate her winnings to Georgia schools, even though her kids, who helped her cram for the Jeff Foxworthy series, were less certain they wanted to see the windfall blow away. “That was always the intent,” Cox told Sawyer. “They just wanted me to do well and make Georgia proud.”
The recent People magazine profile subject also commented on her new official “smarter than a fifth-grader” status. Joked Cox: “When you’re a teacher, the idea that the kids might be smarter than you is standard operating procedure!”
WSB reporter Ross Cavitt also sneaked onto the national telecast during ABC’s report on our city’s scarce gas situation Tuesday. Cavitt was briefly seen helping to push a fuel-famished car into a gas station while he was out reporting on shortages.
OVERSCENE
At Terminus Center Buckhead Flying Biscuit Cafe: rapper-actor Bow Wow, record producer-songwriter Jazze Pha, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and WXIA anchor Brenda Wood. At the West Paces Ferry Flying Biscuit Cafe location, meanwhile, servers report waiting on TV Judge Glenda Hatchett, “House of Payne” actress Cassi Davis, rapper Bonecrusher, former Falcons player Warrick Dunn and record and film producer Dallas Austin.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers is 66. Actor Kevin Sorbo (“Hercules: Legendary Journeys”) is 50. Actress-writer Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) is 46. Singer-guitarist Marty Cintron of No Mercy is 37. Guitarist Juan DeVevo of Casting Crowns is 33. Actor Kyle Sullivan (“Malcolm in the Middle”) is 20.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I just put on my Spanx and I’m ready to go. “
“The Office” star Steve Carell on his pre-Emmy Awards regimen (while giving Atlanta Spanx founder Sara Blakely’s signature product a shout-out) on “Entertainment Tonight.”
Contributing: News services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Tyler Perry donates truckload of food to charity
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For a few minutes on Tuesday morning, relief finally flickered across the face of Hosea Feed the Hungry executive director Elisabeth Omilami.
For weeks, the Atlanta charity started in 1971 by Omilami’s father, civil rights icon Hosea Williams, has battled bare shelves. There’s been a steady uptick in folks needing food from the nonprofit as the economy has headed further and further south.
But Tuesday morning, Atlanta director/writer/producer/actor Tyler Perry showed up with a Publix truck full of food to feed more than 1,000 families for two weeks.
“When you feed the hungry, you become that job,” Omilami told Buzz. “It follows you home every night. So many people are struggling just to pay their rent and put gas in their cars right now. It’s wonderful to have Tyler stand with us again as he did in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He understands our needs because he’s been there.”
Perry joked with the assembled media pointing cameras at him as he maneuvered a large hydraulic hand truck loaded down with a pallet of spring water. “The Family That Preys” director was inspired to make the donation after seeing the empty shelves on TV during a report on the donation-challenged charity last week on WSB-TV’s news.
“[WSB reporter] Carol Sbarge just showed up last week,” Omilami recalled. “We didn’t call her. And then Tyler saw the piece and decided to act. It’s faith that gets you through situations like this.”
Perry, casually dressed in jeans, a blue shirt and matching Braves cap, gamely constructed boxes as he helped Omilami pack up the donations of green beans, stew and other staples.
The actor said the charity was close to his heart because he’s been out on the street himself.
“I can’t imagine being in that position right now, especially with children,” Perry said, shaking his head. “If more people who are in my position or corporations who are in an even better situation all do their share, we could help a lot of people in need right now.”
Still, Omilami knows one exceptionally generous donation won’t single-handedly solve the problem.
“People can’t forget about the working poor right now,” she said. “They need us more than ever.
If you’d like to make a donation: www.hoseafeedthehungry.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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Stylist Stan Milton set the cutting edge
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city seemed a little less stylish Monday as word spread about the passing of Buckhead hair salon owner Stan Milton. For more than 25 years, Milton created some of the city’s signature coifs as he built one of Atlanta’s premier salons.
Milton (right, with client Susan Forehand) died Monday at Piedmont Hospital after a lengthy illness. In 2007, he moved his mainstay Miami Circle business to the Eclipse Building on Pharr Road.
Among his high-profile clients? B98.5 FM’s Vikki Locke.
“Many, many women have him to thank for their cutting-edge looks,” Locke told us. “I just loved talking to him. He was a very deep, spiritual person. You would end up talking to him about things you wouldn’t even talk about with your husband.”
While Milton had stopped seeing visitors in recent days, he and Locke kept in touch via text messages.
“I hold Stan in the highest regard for his integrity and his regard for people,” said Susan Forehand, a client of 26 years. “What Stan did best for clients was looking beneath the surface for each person’s inner beauty and bringing that out in each.”
Carter-Barnes Hair Artisans co-owner Carey Carter competed with Milton for high-end clients but admired him greatly. “Just the name Stan Milton says ‘quality’ to our entire city,” Carter said. “And back in an era when hairdressers were typically perceived as just that, he elevated us as artists. His death is a huge loss to our industry.”
In tribute to Milton, the Stan Milton Oasis salon will be closed through Wednesday.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Peachtree Christian Church at 1580 Peachtree St. N.W.
THIS JUST IN
Atlanta’s own teen pro tennis phenom Donald Young has been added to the already-impressive list of celebs participating in the 2008 Advanta World Team Tennis Smash Hits fund-raiser to be held Oct. 12 at Kennesaw State University.
Young will compete against Andy Roddick at the benefit for part-time Atlantan and tennis buff Sir Elton John’s AIDS Foundation.
For more info or tickets: www.ejaf.org/smashhits08.
BISON STAMPEDE SET FOR DOWNTOWN
Ted’s Montana Grill co-owner George McKerrow Jr. took time out from flyfishing, horseback riding and creating new business strategies with company namesake Ted Turner to phone Buzz Central from Montana on Monday. McKerrow was calling to spread the word about the bison burger chain’s inaugural Ted’s Montana Grill Bison Stampede 5K Race and Family Fun Run set for Oct. 4 at 8:30 a.m. at the chain’s flagship downtown store at 133 Luckie St. N.W.
“It’s a way for us to bring attention to downtown and also to raise some money for the ecological causes that we’re committed to,” said McKerrow. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Captain Planet Foundation, the Clear Air Campaign, the Georgia Conservancy and the PATH Foundation. Pre-registration is $20 for adults and $15 for children 14 and under. For info, call 770-518-8002 or www.tedsmontanagrill.com/bisonstampede.
Between leisure activities, McKerrow said he and CNN founder Turner spent the weekend with one eye on the economic reports and the proposed government bailout Congress is mulling.
“It’s pretty scary,” the Longhorn Steakhouse founder conceded. “Nobody really knows where the bottom is to this thing. And casual dining establishments like ours have been the hardest hit. Folks at the top are a little better insulated and other people are looking to fast food right now. Our customers are the middle class folks getting squeezed the most right now. We’ve all got to chin up and get through it. The strong will survive.”
ISAAC HAYES’ ESTATE REVEALED
Late soul man and former Atlantan Isaac Hayes has left his estate to his wife, Adjowa, his children and the Isaac Hayes Foundation, which promotes literacy, music and nutrition, according to his will.
The will was filed last week in Memphis Probate Court. The Commercial Appeal in Memphis reported that the value and contents of Hayes’ estate hasn’t been filed.
Part of Hayes’ humanitarian work included building a school in Ghana.
The 65-year-old singer and composer died Aug. 10.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actor Mickey Rooney is 88. Singer Julio Iglesias is 65. Singer Bruce Springsteen is 59. Actor Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”) is 49. Atlanta music producer Jermaine Dupri is 36.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Well, as I remember, it was pretty good.”
Ex-President Bill Clinton on the economy during his years in the White House on “The View.” He was answering criticism that his administration was partly responsible for setting in motion the current economic crisis.
OVERSCENE
Former Atlanta Braves player Otis Nixon posing for pictures at Hudson Grill & Bar. Former Braves player John Rocker and Kansas City Chiefs player Tank Johnson enjoying family-style dining at Vita on Peachtree Road.
Contributing: News services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Travel Channel host hits sites across Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Buzz Central’s various vibrating handheld devices worked overtime during the weekend as Travel Channel “Passport to Great Weekends” host Samantha Brown hit town.
Buzz tipsters spotted Brown all over town and dutifully passed along the sightings.
On Saturday night, Brown and her camera crew took in the sights and sounds of Turner Field. Brown had a pitching lesson with John Smoltz and impressed all by burning a ball at 36 mph in the fan favorite “Throwing Heat” game. She also got in step with the Heavy Hitters drum corps before taking in the game in a suite with Parkview High School grad Katie Francoeur, wife of Atlanta Brave Jeff Francoeur, and other Braves spouses.
Brown and crew also were overseen shooting segments at the Georgia Aquarium, the Varsity, Underground Atlanta and Chateau Elan in Braselton. She also scored a taste and a tour of Rathbun’s in Inman Park, courtesy of owner/chef Kevin Rathbun.
Q100 FM’s shopping goddess Jessica Dauler, meanwhile, introduced Brown to the city’s many and varied retail emporiums.
“To be honest, I think Samantha and her crew were really surprised how modern and cosmopolitan a city Atlanta has become for shopping,” Dauler said Sunday. The pair roamed the racks at Lenox Square mall and Phipps Plaza, ending up with a $300,000 shopping spree at Mednikow Jewelers at Phipps Plaza.
The bling came complete with its own security guard.
“It was very ‘Men in Black,’ ” Dauler recounted laughing. “With the multiple SUVs and security, we were probably better protected than the president. It was an incredible experience.”
At Opera nightclub in Midtown, the red carpet was literally rolled out for Brown’s visit on Friday night. Inside, bottles of Veuve Clicquot bubbly were awaiting the Travel Channel traveler.
We’re told the Atlanta-centric edition of “Passport to Great Weekends” will air next spring.
DANCING FROM THE STREET WOWS
Sure, “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing With the Stars” get all the attention. But Buzz loves MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew,” which shook up the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center Saturday night.
Five of the show’s most notable groups (all of whom come from the Prince school of spelling) reprised favorite routines from the show and showcased a few new ones, too.
It was an impressive, high-energy display of street dance, choreographed acrobatics and break dancing that kept the young crowd on its feet the entire two hours.
Season 1 winners JabbaWockeeZ, in Kabuki-style masks that evoke Blue Man Group, Insane Clown Posse and “Phantom of the Opera,” embodied kinetic precision and grace. They could headline their own Vegas act now.
Season 2 winners Super Cr3w showed off hip-hop stylings with a vengeance, Break Sk8 proved that old-fashioned roller skates can actually be cool and A.S.I.I.D gave us the heartwarming story of Joey Antonio, the chipper near-deaf dancer.
But Buzz’s favorite was Fanny Pak, a Los Angeles crew who brought a wicked sense of humor, especially during a “Carrie”-like prom scene where one dancer poisons the rest.
Georgia got plenty of musical love during the show. The groups danced to Ne-Yo, Akon and James Brown, and got the entire audience to do the Soulja Boy dance. They also did a lovely tribute to part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson and her bro, Michael. The finale featured a frenetic dance-off with 30 dancers wowing the crowd on a relatively cramped stage.
KICKS TIX
Monday at 10 a.m., tickets for the Kicks Country Jam featuring Gary Allan, Joe Nichols, Eric Church and Heidi Newfield go on sale. The show is Nov. 1 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park.
Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre box office or charged by phone at 404-249-6400.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer David Coverdale (Whitesnake, Deep Purple) is 57. Singer Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde is 51. Singer Joan Jett is 50. Opera singer Andrea Bocelli is 50. Actor Scott Baio is 47. Actor Tom Felton (“Harry Potter” films) is 21.
OVERSCENE
Actors Greg Kinnear (star of the new film “Flash of Genius”) and Dennis Quaid (star of the upcoming “The Express”) hanging out at the bar at Bluepointe in Buckhead before dinner at Dantanna’s. Both actors were busy around town, promoting their new fall theatrical releases.
Contributing: Sonia Murray, Rodney Ho and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Seems puppet was for the birds (of prey)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When the Center for Puppetry Arts’ Jeff Domke and Alan Louis set out to photograph their brand-new brown thrasher puppet for the center’s Web site Friday morning outside the Midtown facility, they had some unexpected company.
A red-tailed hawk mistook the assembled cardboard, glue and string for breakfast and dive-bombed the pair.
“It was pretty shocking,” Domke told Buzz after the incident. “We were taking pictures of our new thrasher puppet using the sky as a backdrop when all of a sudden, I saw these wings coming at me out of the corner of my eye.”
Domke said one of the bird’s talons brushed against his skull. “I felt the cold, clammy skin of his leg on my right hand.”
Domke surmises that the sudden jerking of his arm may have frightened the hawk away.
Added Louis in an e-mail: “I suppose the hawk paid us a compliment on Jeff’s design ability, but maybe socks and brown paper bags are safer in the end.”
The red-tailed hawk then flapped its way to a nearby chain-link fence where it hung out, studying the unnerved puppet persons. Eventually, it departed, presumably on its way to a Chick-fil-A drive-thru.
The replica of the Georgia state bird is being developed as an art activity for elementary schools teaching Georgia history.
The close call had Domke reconsidering his weekend outdoor activities.
Said Domke: “I’m supposed to mow the lawn this weekend. I may wear a helmet.”
MISS JACKSON ON BABIES, DANCING AND HER EARLY HITS
What was on part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson’s mind when she spoke with us to promote her Oct. 5 Philips Arena Rock Witchu tour date here?
>>> Settling down and having kids with longtime boyfriend, Atlanta music mogul Jermaine Dupri: “At some point, it’s coming. … I know he’s waiting for me. I’m the one that’s holding up the whole thing. … I don’t know, I guess I’ll just have to see. But it’s coming.”
>>> The part she likes most in the “Rock Witchu” tour: When she touches on material from her pre-“Control” days — specifically songs from her first two albums “Janet Jackson” and “Dream Street,” including “Young Love. “That’s my favorite part of the show. … People feel like I haven’t ever acknowledged those songs. It’s too bad it’s so short. It brings me so much joy.”
>>> Her next direction musically, after her last CD, “Discipline”: “Dance is my thing. I love dance. I love dance music. … Certain people didn’t like the direction I took [with ‘Discipline’], within the company … [it wanted] a much calmer, kind of a Sade-ish route. … But to do a whole album like that, I’m not ready for that just yet. … I’m still a girl who loves to dance. So it’s dance music for me.”
TUNES FOR TOTS TIX GO ON SALE
Athens jam-rockers Widespread Panic were inducted Saturday night into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, but this morning the band will be busy giving back to Georgia public school music programs.
Tickets for its Tunes For Tots fund-raiser show, Oct. 19 at the Tabernacle, went on sale Saturday online only, at Ticketmaster.com. There will be 100 “Private VIP Cocktail Party with Widespread Panic” tickets sold, which will not only get you early admittance into the show, but hors d’oeuvres catered by Hugh Acheson of Athens’ Five & Ten restaurant, open premium bar and a 2008 Tunes For Tots poster autographed by the group. Panic’s previous Tunes’ efforts have raised some $375,000 for Georgia Public Schools music programs.
OVERSCENE
Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin dining on stuffed cabbage rolls, lentil soup and a glass of Stoole Pinot Noir at Zaya in Inman Park.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“When y’all walk in front of that spotlight, it’s like the eclipse of the sun. You can’t see me anymore.”
Legendary Party chairwoman Sally Dorsey, lightly scolding guests for inadvertently ruining the view at Thursday night’s patron party, hosted by Jack Sawyer and Dr. Bill Torres. The Legendary Party, benefiting the Shepherd Center, will be Nov. 1 at the Buckhead Ritz-Carlton.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Saturday: Actress Sophia Loren is 74. Singers Gunnar and Matthew Nelson of Nelson are 41. Rapper Yung Joc is 26.
Sunday: Actor Larry Hagman is 77. Poet-songwriter Leonard Cohen is 74. Author Stephen King is 61. Actor Bill Murray is 58. Writer-producer Ethan Coen is 51. Actor Rob Morrow (“Numb3rs”) is 46. Actress Cheryl Hines (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) is 43. Country singer Faith Hill is 41. Actor Luke Wilson is 37. Actress Maggie Grace (“Lost”) is 25. Actors Nikolas and Lorenzo Brino (“7th Heaven”) are 10.
Contributing: Sonia Murray, Jennifer Brett and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Falcons let Quaid try out his arm
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
While he was in town promoting “The Express,” his upcoming football flick, actor Dennis Quaid popped into the Atlanta Falcons practice in Flowery Branch on Wednesday to pass the pigskin.
And since Quaid portrays former Syracuse University football coach Ben Schwartzwalder in the fall film, he made it a point to swing by new Falcons head coach Mike Smith’s office.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan complimented the actor on the film, which Ryan caught at an advance screening this week. And then it was out to the field to see what moves Quaid had on the gridiron.
The left-handed actor successfully caught a few passes from Ryan and D.J. Shockley. But possibly realizing the pro players were going easy on the guy who only pretends to play for pay, Quaid quickly shed his leather jacket and had Shockley moving backward down the field in order to see how far the Hollywood pretty boy could actually throw.
The rest of the Falcons gathered around to cheer Quaid on as Shockley’s teammates ribbed him, saying, “He throws better than you!”
When one of his Falcons fans inquired about whether he ever gets tired of making sports flicks (“The Express” is his sixth, after all), Quaid quipped: “I’m always looking to make a golf movie, so if you know of a good one. …”
Alas, maybe six sports movies aren’t enough, after all.
After practice, Quaid and entourage dropped by Lefty’s BBQ in Buford to sample a rack of ribs and some Brunswick stew. The staff at Lefty’s was enthralled, save the eatery’s manager, who conceded: “I’m sorry, I don’t know who you are.”
Quaid joked: “That’s all right. I don’t know who you are, either!”
“The Express” hits theaters Oct. 10.
CABBAGE PATCH KIDS STILL ALL RIGHT AT 25
Cleveland’s BabyLand General Hospital will celebrate the 25th birthday of the Cabbage Patch Kids mass market debut this weekend, but creator and Cleveland native Xavier Roberts probably won’t be on hand. Roberts, 53, is a little shy, he said during a phone interview this week, and they’re expecting a bumper crop of Cabbage Patch fans in the North Georgia town.
Roberts said he splits his time these days between Midtown, Gainesville and London. If he wants to be recognized as the man whose signature is splashed across the left buttock of 115 million “babies,” he dons his trademark cowboy hat. If he just wants to be a guy grabbing a bite to eat, he leaves it at home. “You probably don’t know me,” Roberts joked, “but I could be the father of one of your kids.”
Cleveland will celebrate the Cabbage Patch Kids’ birthday and its Fall Leaf Festival starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.
The festival and BabyLand festivities are free. For details: www.cleveland betterhometown.org or www .cabbagepatchkids.com.
DEEN DISHES ON CLINTON CANCELLATION
In the October issue of Ladies’ Home Journal (Buzz only reads this for the fanciful jack-o’-lantern pumpkin pie recipes, mind you), Savannah restaurateur Paula Deen discusses why her scheduled chat with former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was abruptly canceled earlier this year. “I was going to meet her in North Carolina, where she was campaigning,” Deen told the mag. “I was gonna interview her on the foods she grew up on, very light and nonpolitical. But at the last minute her people called and said she couldn’t do it. I think because of my relationship with Smithfield.” Pro-union protesters routinely dog the Smithfield spokeswoman at public appearances across the country as they seek to unionize the food processor’s North Carolina plant.
Theorized Deen: “My guess is the union people called and said to Hillary’s people, ‘If you allow that woman to interview you, we’re going to tell everybody you’re not for the union.’ So the interview was canceled and my heart was broken. It was probably political and that’s not my agenda.”
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
“Inside the Actors Studio” host James Lipton is 82. Actor Adam West (“Batman,” above) is 80. Singer Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers is 68. Country singer Trisha Yearwood is 44. News anchor Soledad O’Brien is 42. Comedian Jimmy Fallon (“Saturday Night Live”) is 34. Actress/host Alison Sweeney (“Days of Our Lives,” “The Biggest Loser”) is 32. Rapper Eamon is 25.
SICK BAY
WXIA-TV reporter Jerry Carnes has chosen to go public with his prostate cancer battle.
Carnes, who was diagnosed in early August, said that at first he didn’t want to say anything, but realized that wasn’t his nature. “I rely a lot on faith and prayer,” he said. “I talked to my wife. I realized this is the kind of thing people need to know about. A lot of people I know don’t get tested for it. I can spread the word. I’d feel heartbroken if I kept this to myself and someone I knew didn’t get tested and discovered he had prostate cancer and it’s too late.”
Since cancer runs in his family (his father is going through chemo for prostate cancer), he’s chosen to have his prostate removed. The doctor caught his cancer early and Carnes plans to have the procedure in November.
Contributing: Jamie Gumbrecht, Rodney Ho and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Of chili dogs, fried pies: Oh, the memories
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
p>Not surprisingly, PBA 30’s 80th anniversary salute to the city’s favorite drive-in, “What’ll Ya Have: A History of the Varsity,” has become one of the most-watched programs during this month’s pledge drive. A final encore of the documentary airs at 8 tonight. Lots of bold-faced fans lend their memories of the North Avenue chili dog emporium, founded in 1928 by Atlanta businessman Frank Gordy. Wearing a paper Varsity hat and nibbling from a familiar red and white box, former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland recalls cruising the hot dog stand as a Lithonia High School student in 1960. Former Coke CEO Doug Ivester, a fried peach pie fan, calls the Varsity “the cathedral of hot dogs.” U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson says his parents’ first date occurred there. Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce President Sam Williams reflects: “The girls would drive by and you would wave at them. ‘Bird-dogging at the V’ is what we called it in those days.”
Our fave factoid: The Athens and Atlanta locations employ vastly different mustard applications, demonstrated in the film. Examining the methods in super slo-mo, Buzz discerned that Athens mustard slingers apply the condiment meticulously, akin to a yellow stripe on an interstate. Atlantans favor an arc, like an abstract painter artfully flinging paint onto a canvas. Or as author Roy Blount Jr. more articulately voices it in “What’ll Ya Have”: “They’re doing God’s work.”
A FAMILY FOR HOPE
Snellville is the town where everybody is somebody. Even four-legged residents. Hope, the kitty whose likeness will grace some Georgia license plates starting in December, has found a home in the Gwinnett County city. “She’s already sleeping in the bed,” said Josie Wind. She spotted Hope’s photo with an AJC story about the competition to pick the feline to be featured on the license plate. Then Wind and her sons, Nathan, 14, and John, 8, drove to the Georgia SPCA shelter in Suwanee where Hope had lived for three months.
After learning they’d been chosen to adopt Hope, they ended up taking Mavis, an orange and white cat, home as well.
Proceeds from Hope’s plates will benefit spay/neuter programs. They’ll be available in December for a one-time $25 fee in addition to regular tag fees. Drivers can request them at tag offices.
Wind can’t wait to buy one. “I’ll be the first in line,” she said.
MICHELLE NUNN: INFLUENTIAL PERSON
The Nonprofit Times last month named Michelle Nunn, CEO of Atlanta’s Points of Light Institute, to its annual list of 50 most influential U.S. people in the nonprofit sector. It is the second time Nunn has made the list. In 2007, Nunn oversaw the merger of the Hands on Network, which she led in Atlanta, with the Points of Light Foundation in Washington. The resulting Points of Light Institute is the nation’s largest volunteer coordinating organization, directing 785,000 volunteers in thousands of community service projects last year. It has affiliates across the country and in other countries.
Nunn is on the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. She has received a variety of awards and recently was named by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the “100 most influential Georgians.”
DINING WITH DENZEL
A group of local Boys & Girls Club of America staffers were headed home from Washington on Wednesday, having broken bread with actor Denzel Washington. The Academy Award-winning actor headlined at a breakfast meeting to launch the organization’s “Be Great” campaign.
“He’s a passionate advocate for our cause,” said Artis Stevens, senior director of marketing strategy and operations. “He’s a club alum, so he knows the impact of caring people being involved in his life.”
Washington was active in his native Mount Vernon, N.Y. The Boys & Girls Club of America is headquartered in Atlanta. The group from here traveling to Washington included president Roxanne Spillett, senior legal counsel Kristine Morain and staffers Evan McElroy, Jan Still-Lindeman and Angela Richmond.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer Jimmie Rodgers is 75. Actor Robert Blake is 75. Actor Fred Willard is 69. Singer-actor Frankie Avalon is 68. Guitarist Kerry Livgren (Kansas) is 59. Actor James Gandolfini (“The Sopranos”) is 47. Singer Joanne Catherall of Human League is 46. Actress Holly Robinson Peete (“Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper”) is 44. Singer Ricky Bell (Bell Biv Devoe, New Edition) is 41. Actress Jada Pinkett Smith is 37. Actor James Marsden (“The Notebook,” “Ally McBeal”) is 35. Rapper Xzibit is 34. Actors Taylor and Brandon Porter (“Party of Five”) are 15.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I just wanna say, it’s not bad to wear a promise ring because not every guy and a girl wants to be a slut, OK?”
— “American Idol” champ Jordin Sparks, defending the Jonas Brothers at the MTV Video Music Awards after host Russell Brand joked about the siblings, all of whom wear purity rings to symbolize a vow not to have premarital sex
Contributing: Sandra Eckstein, Richard Eldredge, Chris Quinn and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Port Arthur’s needs close to Falcon’s heart
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As his hometown of Port Arthur, Texas, struggled to get back on its feet Tuesday after Hurricane Ike, Atlanta Falcons player Jonathan Babineaux was busy doing his part.
The defensive tackle was signing autographs for fans who showed up to support Soles 4 Souls at the Shoe Carnival in Duluth. The gently worn or new shoes were going to those in need here and to folks affected by Ike.
“For the most part, everyone’s all right,” Babineaux told Buzz. “But there’s a lot of wind damage and the power is still out. My mom is actually staying here with me until it’s safe to go home.”
His commitment to Port Arthur doesn’t end there. After Babineaux and his brother, Seattle Seahawks player Jordan Babineaux, noticed a spike in lupus cases in their hometown, the siblings formed the Babineaux Brothers Foundation.
On Monday, the pair will co-host the inaugural Drive for Lupus Now golf tournament at Towne Lake Hills Golf Club in Woodstock with the PGA Tour’s Jason Bohn and Mark Strickland. The event benefits the Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia chapter.
“Our goal is to raise money but also awareness,” Babineaux explained. “Until we saw the number of cases go up in Port Arthur, we didn’t know much about the disease. We realized a lot of other people needed to be educated about it as well.”
So which brother is the better golfer?
“If I’m being honest, I have to say Jordan is right now!” he conceded, laughing. “But things can change.”
On the subject of football, Babineaux says leadership changes in the Falcons organization have re-energized the team this season.
“A lot of new doors have opened with a new general manager and a new head coach,” he explained. “We’ve really bonded as a team. We’re young but we’re ready to fight. We even feel it from the fans this season. They’re excited, too.”
So when Babineaux kicks back after work, what’s waiting for him on the TiVo?
“General Hospital.”
“[Port Charles mob kingpin] Sonny Corinthos is my favorite character,” he said. “Having the mob in there brings a lot of men into the show.” And it doesn’t hurt that former Playboy centerfold Kelly Monaco plays mob moll Samantha McCall on the soap, either.
Said Babineaux: “Let’s just say she’s very entertaining and, um, energetic!”
For more info on Drive for Lupus: Go online to www.lfaga.org, call 770-333-5930, or e-mail info@lfaga.org.
GOSPEL MUSIC AT CITY HALL
Anyone visiting Atlanta City Hall may have thought they were in the wrong place Monday.
Instead of hearing politicians arguing with each other, the sounds of gospel music echoed in the atrium and inside the City Council Chamber.
“Victory is mine. Victory is mine,” sang gospel music legend Dorothy Norwood.
Norwood, Stellar Award winner Dottie Peoples and other gospel singers were at City Hall to recognize September as Gospel Music Heritage Month in Atlanta. The idea came after the Atlanta-based Gospel Music Channel worked with members of Congress to pass federal legislation that recognized September as National Gospel Music Heritage Month.
“As my grandfather would say, let the council say, ‘Amen,’ ” remarked City Council President Lisa Borders.
OVERSCENE
Former heavyweight champ and “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Evander Holyfield sharing some tapas and mini burgers with friends at Shout in Midtown. We’re told that Holyfield later retired upstairs to the dance floor.
BET HIP-HOP AWARDS RETURN
We experienced a “No bang, no flash” flashback at Buzz Central on Tuesday. Yes, the third annual BET Hip-Hop Awards will return once again to the city and the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on Oct. 18. At last year’s festivities, Atlantans were treated to a star-studded awards show and an international headline-grabbing federal weapons bust co-starring main nominee T.I. and a Walgreens parking lot. The nominees include Lil Wayne with 12 nominations, Kanye West with seven and Jay-Z with six. Atlantans up for awards are Big Boi, Ludacris, T-Pain, Ne-Yo, Nas, Akon, Shawty Lo, Rocko, Yung Berg, V-103’s Greg Street, DJ Drama, DJ Toomp, Bangladesh, Young Jeezy and Yung Joc. And yes, T.I. is a nominee, for best live performance, best lyricist and MVP of the year.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Singer Fee Waybill of the Tubes is 58. Director Baz Luhrmann (“Moulin Rouge”) is 46. Singer BeBe Winans is 46. Actor Kyle Chandler (“Friday Night Lights”) is 43. Rapper Doug E. Fresh is 42. Actor Matthew Settle (“Gossip Girl”) is 39. Bassist Jon Walker of Panic at the Disco is 23.
BY THE NUMBERS
Atlanta-based TNT on Tuesday renewed its drama “Raising the Bar” for a sophomore year after just three episodes despite some warning signs it might not end up being the network’s next “Closer.” TNT was initially buoyed by the show’s Labor Day opening, which drew 7.7 million viewers, the biggest debut in basic cable history. But numbers have dropped off sharply for the past two episodes, with the show losing nearly half its audience by the third week.
Perhaps Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s stringy hair — or the pedestrian characters and plots — turned people off.
Meanwhile, NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” featuring Tina Fey as Sarah Palin pulled in its biggest season-opening numbers since its emotional post-9/11 season debut in 2001. The show didn’t do as well in Atlanta as in most other major cities, but still drew a respectable 180,000 viewers.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“We had some extra money lying around.”
“American Idol” host and Dunwoody High School grad Ryan Seacrest joking with Ellen DeGeneres on “Ellen” about “Idol” adding a fourth judge this season
Contributing: Rodney Ho, Sonia Murray, Eric Stirgus and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Benefit show is more than just for Lyric
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’ve interviewed Carter-Barnes Hair Artisans co-owner Carey Carter many times over the years, yet he continues to surprise us. Over dinner the other night at Spice Market in Midtown, the Atlanta businessman quietly disclosed that at age 18, he played the lead role in the musical “Tom Sawyer” at Oglethorpe University.
“I had the straw hat and the painted-on freckles and everything,” the retired song-and-dance man told Buzz. “I was a horrible singer but I was a good dancer.”
Carter says it’s that love for musical theater that’s led him to co-chair this fall’s “Atlanta Lyric Theatre Gives Its Regards to Broadway” benefit for his favorite local musical theater. His co-chairs for the Nov. 15 gala at the Midtown W hotel are Nancy Gallups and Mary Welch Rogers.
Former “American Idol” contestant Diana DeGarmo will perform at the benefit, along with the Grady High School choral group, Carter’s secret weapon from last fall’s fund-raiser for Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center in Cedartown. The talented high schoolers ended up stealing the show and helped to raise $400,000 for the Cedartown facility.
“I’m so excited to have those kids coming back to help out,” Carter said. “I think it was the purity of their performance that just wowed everyone. They just sang their hearts out for us.”
We’re told the evening’s opening number will be performed by one of the city’s most recognized residents (Here’s a hint: When this woman teams up with her old pal Carter to emcee a charity live auction, it usually ends up making news.)
This fall, the Lyric begins its 28th season at the recently renovated Strand Theatre in Marietta.
“As a great admirer of musical theater, I’m distressed that there’s such a void of it in Atlanta,” Carter explained. “You can drive to itty-bitty towns in Georgia who are doing more in musical theater. It’s