Home > Social Butterfly > Archives > 2008 > September
September 2008
Festival of Trees finds (another) new home
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Festival of Trees was at the Atlanta History Center last year, and moves to SCAD this year. Photo by Todd McQueen.
Atlanta’s cherished annual Festival of Trees, which moved last year from its long-time home downtown to the Atlanta History Center, is moving again.
This year’s event will be held at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
“It was time for us to relook at the festival,” said chair Kitty Correll. “We’re a city that’s changing. Our main goal is to give back as much money as we can to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.”
The 31-year-old event has raised some $17 million over the years for the hospital. Last year’s event was nearly scotched due to scheduling conflicts at the Georgia World Congress Center. The Atlanta History Center, which happened to have an opening in its calendar, stepped in to save the day and hosted the festival and preview-night gala that preceded it.
This year, SCAD-Atlanta hosts a Dec. 5 gala featuring 30 trees decorated by students in honor of patients. Tickets are $150 each for the event, which is “holiday festive” attire and will feature live and silent auctions and dancing. Plans are still coming together for a public display of the trees.
The 28th annual Children’s Christmas Parade is planned for 10:30 a.m. to noon downtown. It steps off at Peacthree Street near Baker street and follows a 1.5-mile route through downtown.
“Children’s is thrilled to be working with the Savannah College of Art and Design, all the parade participants, sponsors and volunteers for the 2008 holiday season,” Correll said. “We are thankful for the opportunity to provide Atlanta with memorable holiday experiences while raising money for Children’s.”
For more information see the Children’s web site.
Permalink | Comments (8) | Post your comment |
Political partying
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nicholas Stewart’s girlfriend is cooking Thursday night. His cousin will bring the brew.
The occasion? The vice presidential debate.
“It’s sort of a guilty pleasure,” said Stewart, an internet marketer who lives in Grayson.
He and girlfriend Shatonya Eberhart, cousin Casimir Thompson and Thompson’s wife Ena Hull, enjoyed similar festivities during last week’s presidential debate.
“That was great,” Stewart said. “The first 20 minutes, it was almost like someone was writing a comedy sketch: the number of times Obama said McCain was correct, or how McCain couldn’t look to his left (at Obama).”
They’re expecting serious entertainment value out of Thursday’s debate between Republican Sarah Palin and Democrat Joe Biden.
“I just know it’s going to be material for Saturday Night Live,” said Stewart, noting they won’t just sit there and watch. “While we’re watching, we’re also Twittering.”
What are your debate-watching plans this Thursday?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Wine South festival takes the year off
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Afraid you missed the ninth annual Wine South festival?
Fret not. There isn’t going to be one.
Instead, the yearly sip and nibble fest is taking 2008 off. Wine South is participating in this weekend’s Atlanta Home Show at the Cobb Galleria Centre, and will relaunch in 2009 at the Galleria.
“I think it’ll be successful there,” said Steve Gibson, president of the Winegrowers Association of Georgia.
Wine South, founded by wine expert Dan Thompson, started at Villa Christina but quickly outgrew that venue. It spent five years at the Gwinnett Center before moving in-town last year.
The move to the ATL didn’t work out so well. Parking was a nightmare, Thompson said, and instead of growing as projected, the numbers actually dipped last year.
“Much as we recommended everyone take MARTA, they didn’t,” he said.”It was extremely difficult to get around.”
Have you attended Wine South over the years? What did you think of last year’s event in Atlanta? Will you attend next year in Cobb County?
Permalink | Comments (5) | Post your comment |
Michael Phelps stops by
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Photos by Jason Getz.
It’s good to be Michael Phelps.
Since winning a history-making eight gold medals during the Beijing Games, the Olympic swimmer has been awarded a $1 million bonus from Speedo, which he used to start a charitable foundation. He’s graced the cover of “Sports Illustrated” and hosted “Saturday Night Live.”
But here’s the really good part.
Remember how Phelps said Lil’ Wayne kept him company on his iPod until the moments before a race? The hip-hop artist repaid the shout-out with a signed iPod loaded with 40 unreleased tracks.
One of them is titled “Michael Phelps.”
“It’s all about me,” Phelps said during a visit to the Warren/Holyfield Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta Wednesday afternoon. “I was pretty pumped when I got it.”
Phelps dropped by the Boys and Girls Club as part of a nationwide tour to talk to kids about setting goals and maintaining active, healthy lifestyles. At 3 p.m., sporting a new beard and dressed casually in jeans, sweater and ballcap, he unfolded his lanky frame from a black SUV with tinted windows, sent one more text message, then greeted his young fans.
“Oh my God! Oh my God!” Tatiana Avery, 9, said, waving her hand in the air like it was on fire after shaking Phelps’ huge mitt.
Inside, Phelps sat with Kailyn Jackson, 8, for a few minutes as she worked on sentence structure, and helped Horace Wyatt, 8, with his math homework.
“He’s got it under control,” Phelps said. “He doesn’t need my help.”
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and Yasmine Harris, 10, look over her homework.
He spoke to groups of kids in the gym and pool areas, posed for tons of pictures and held his own as teen journalist Ayana Wade fired questions at him:
Must-have gadget? Cell phone. Worst habit? Sleeping through the alarm. Biggest influence? Michael Jordan. One thing people don’t know about him? He hates pickles. “These are funny,” he said of Wade’s questions.
Ayana Wade gets the goods.
He talked for a few minutes to some grown-up journalists, too. It’s been an adjustment, getting mobbed by fans every time he’s in public, but he’s getting used to it. He was more nervous before his turn as SNL host than before his Olympic competitions. And he’d taken a hiatus from working out until jumping in the pool Tuesday to swim a couple of miles, after which he was “in a lot of pain.”
The best swimmer in Olympic historyshares some tips
Moving forward Phelps wants to promote his sport so that swimming isn’t seen as just an Olympics event. And in 10 years, he says he’ll be retired and playing golf full time. But for now, he says he’s enjoying the post-Beijing blitz and looking forward to London — and seems never to tire of talking about his triumphs in China.
“It’s one of the coolest things, representing your country, wearing the stars and stripes, hearing the national anthem play,” he said. “It’s been an amazing accomplishment, something that hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
Phelps signed some autographs before he had to go
Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment |
Wireless etiquette
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cartoon by Jim Sizemore, cartoonstock.com
It would be great if we didn’t need to be reminded that “libraries, theaters, museums and houses of worship are no place for a ringing phone.”
But how many times have you been privy to someone’s conversation against your will at a place where cell phones should be silenced or turned off?
With buzzing Blackberries and chirping cell phones threatening to erode what’s left of our collective civility, here to save us from ourselves is AT&T’s Be Sensible campaign.
At a glance, the campaign’s advice, like leaving the table to answer a phone call or speaking quietly when others are around, seems like such common sense that no one would need to hear it.
And yet … we all have a story to tell about a worship service or live performance being interrupted by someone’s ringing or yapping.
What’s yours?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Botanical ball is a family affair
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jennifer Fowler, left, and her grandmother Dottie Fuqua. Photo by Jim Fitts
Jennifer and Terance Fowler’s first date was eight years ago, at the junior party after the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s annual Garden of Eden Ball. A year after that, they exchanged vows at the garden’s Day Hall, having become engaged in the ABG’s Japanese garden.
Now they are chairing the Sept. 27 Garden of Eden Ball. Themed Bell’ Acqua, it honors philanthropist Dottie Fuqua, Jennifer’s grandmother.
“I want it to reflect not only my love of the garden but my love of my grandmother, ” Fowler said.
Fuqua and her late husband, J.B. Fuqua, donated the funds for the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory, the Fuqua Orchid Center and the Center for Conservation and Education.
Their patronage began after Dottie Fuqua, an avid gardener, joined the board. “We had a board meeting one day and decided we would never be a first-class garden without a conservatory, ” Fuqua recalled. “I said, ‘What would it cost?’ “
At least $1 million was the response. She shared the details of the meeting with her husband (his favorite question for her was always, “What did you do today?”). “A few weeks later, he came to me and said, ‘I put aside the money for your garden.’ I nearly fainted, ” Fuqua said. “He used to call it his glass house.”
The Fuquas’ legacy of support continued with their son, Rex Fuqua, who has chaired the garden’s board and one of its capital campaigns.
Jennifer Fowler, who remembers the 1989 opening ceremonies for the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory, inherited her grandmother’s love of gardening, but not her green thumb. “Gra-Gra has always known all the Latin names of everything in her garden, but I can’t keep anything alive, ” she joked.
Tickets to the ball are $400. Call 404-591-1575 or go online to www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.
Stomp divots for a cause
Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about two years ago, Bill Wilkins (above), chairman and CEO of Atlanta-based Wilkins Media Co., has dedicated his time and resources to research efforts.
His company is organizing a charity polo match set for 2 p.m Sept. 28. Team Fox Polo for Parkinson’s, to be held at the Chukkar Farm and Polo Club in Alpharetta, will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
“This is a sneaky disease,” said Wilkins, father of five and grandfather of seven. “You have it for years prior to the time it surfaces.”
So far, Wilkins’ condition is limited to a tremor in his right hand, but he knows others aren’t as lucky.
“I met two young guys in their 40s with families where the disease is winning, ” said Wilkins, 70. “That’s even more reason for me to get involved.”
Tickets are $25 or $50 for adults, $5 for children under 12. For details, go to www.poloforparkinsons.com or www.chukkarfarm.com.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Wall Street woes affecting your giving?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lila Hertz, left, and Sacha Taylor are pleased with last month’s Fashion Cares haul, especially given these uncertain economic times.
When I ran into philanthropist Sacha Taylor at an event last night, she was excited to talk about last month’s successful Fashion Cares bash.
The event, also chaired by Lila Hertz, raised $800,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Greater Atlanta Affiliate and the Atlanta AIDS Partnership Fund.
That sort of haul would be something to celebrate any time but Taylor was especially thrilled “in this economy.”
I also chatted with caterer Tony Conway, who senses event hosts want to dial down the glitz a little. He said he’s had a few menus tweaked recently to offer more comfort-food fare.
With no Wall Street’s bleak streak persisting, anyone who’s chairing a 2009 gala has to be worried about lining up sponsors and reeling in big-ticket auction items.
Are current economic conditions making you think twice about your giving? Whether you’re reconsidering signing on as a platinum sponsor or simply pondering the size of your offering check this Sunday, does the state of your 401 (k) give you pause when charitable organizations come calling?
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Celebrations of ATL’s Latino community
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
From left, Hugo Hernandez, CEO of El Club de Comerciantes, Augustin Cruz, founder of newspaper Prensa Alterna, Judith Martinez-Sadri, editor of Atlanta Latino newspaper, Farid Sadri, publisher of Atlanta Latino. Photos by Mary Lou Pickel.
My colleague Mary Lou Pickel stopped by the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead Monday night for a cocktail reception and dinner honoring the 198th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain. Here’s her report:
Mexican Consul General of Atlanta Salvardor De Lara addressed the crowd of about 300, after which guests broke out into shouts of “Viva Mexico!”
The event was sponsored by the Institute of Mexico, a local non-profit that works to promote the understanding of Mexican culture. Diners enjoyed Chiles en Nogada, a dish made with green poblano peppers stuffed with meat, apples and raisins, covered with white walnut cream sauce and red pomegranate seeds. The dish represents the green, white and red of Mexico’s flag.
Amiel Bibliowicz, owner of Globocash telemarketing and wife Patricia Boezio, Honorary Consul of Ecuador and president of Abaco Mortgage Group.
Mariachis played after dinner and guests sang along. Guests included Marco, Lucero and Luis Martinez Obregón, three siblings who own Zocalo in Midtown; Patricia Boezio, Honorary Consul of Ecuador and president of Abaco Mortgage Group in Sandy Springs and husband Amiel Bibliowicz, owner of Globocash, a telemarketing company in Smyrna.
Also, Hugo Hernandez, CEO of El Club de Comerciantes, Augustin Cruz, founder of newly-launched newspaper Prensa Alterna, Judith Martinez-Sadri, editor of Atlanta Latino newspaper in Norcross and husband Farid Sadri, publisher of the paper.
Latin Fever turns 20
This year’s Latin Fever Ball celebrates two decades of growth of Atlanta’s Latino community.
“It’s inspiring to still be a part of such a well-renowned event that serves such a wonderful purpose,” Enrique Dorta, one of the original founders, told us in an e-mail.
¡Viva Las Américas!, starts at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead. The black-tie bash features cuisine from across the Americas, Latin music and dance and a silent auction.
Members of the Latin Fever Guild, which has raised more than $3 million to benefit the Latin American Association, include Del Clark of Georgia Power, Barbarella Diaz of Diaz Foods, Dorta of Enrique Designs, Carlos Pagoaga of The Coca-Cola Company, Mariana Piñango of Turner Broadcasting System, community volunteer Lucie Rivera O’Ferrall, Paola Salazar of Univision 34 Atlanta, Alberto Smith of Budweiser; community volunteer Annie York Trujillo and Raul Trujillo of MundoHispánico.
Gala tickets start at $250 each. Info: www.thelaa.org/latinfever.
Fashion fete
Tootsies toasted the launch of designer Hilton Hollis’ fall collection at an event catered by JCT Kitchen to benefit The Atlanta Speech School.
Hosts were Genevieve Bos, Gabriela Carroll, Cynthia Good, Sonja Greenbaum, Clayton Howell and Vickie Schwartz.
What’s cookin’?
Local notables including Atlanta & Company’s Holly Firfer, Atlanta City Councilwoman Mary Norwood and Q100’s Bert Weiss whip up fab eats at Party for the Kitchen, benefiting Open Hand.
The event is Oct. 23 at Cucine LUBE Kitchen & Bath Design Center, 34 Irby Ave. The VIP reception is from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; the main event is from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tix are $125 each, or $500 at the VIP level. Info: 404-419-3333, www.projectopenhand.org.
They have washboard abs, literally
Bulloch Hall, the historic home in Roswell, plans a New Orleans-style fund-raiser. “Sip of the South,” at 6 p.m. Sept. 27, will feature a Cajun feast by Chef Josh Brannon and entertainment by Cajun band Hair of the Dog (they play the washboard, we’re told). Tix are $45. Call 770-992-1731, ext. 230.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Do you rent or own your tux?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With the fall social season upon us, it’s time for ladies to line up their roster of ball gowns - and for guys to simply reach into the closet and pull out the tuxedo.
You fellas really have it easy.
Of course, y’all can have a little fun glamming up your dinner jacket (a tuxedo properly refers just to the jacket, although it’s come to mean the whole ensemble) with fab tie/cumberbund sets.
Locally, I like Southern Proper and H. Stockton for bow ties in general and society sets in particular.
You can’t go wrong shopping at Brooks Brothers or Ben Silver, especially if your guy is super-traditional, like mine.
Oh that reminds me. I spotted these fantastic t/c sets from Vineyard Vines when we were down in St. Simons last week. I really wanted to get this one, below, with martini glasses, but the Fly’s guy said he has enough formal finery. He is wrong, of course. I should have gotten it.
Back to the question at hand though. Do you rent or own your tuxedo? As you might guess I strongly encourage the latter.
Rented tuxes IMO are alright if you are a guy who is:
- Going to the prom
- Serving as a cotillion marshal
- Acting as ring-bearer
In other words, you haven’t finished growing. Everyone else needs to own a tux. Everyone.
Agree? disagree?
I’d also like to know how long you’ve owned your tuxedo and how many times a year you wear it. Anyone out there into vests instead of tie/cumberbund and braces?
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment |
Fake Southern accents
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A reader responding to an earlier blog post, about the final performance of the play Peachtree Battle brought up a dreadful topic I thought we could discuss.
Fake Southern accents.
“I did not feel that the fake Southern accents of some of the actors were credible enough to use,” Margaret says.
She’s not the only one noticing slapped-on Southern speech on the stage or screen. Fake South-in-the-mouth syndrome drives me nuts.
How about you?
Glenn Close is, of course, a magnificent actress. Her overwrought, vapors-on-the-veranda accent in the 1999 Southern flick Cookie’s Fortune was not.
Nicole Kidman’s Aussie voice arm-wrestled with the twang she affected in Cold Mountain.
Kyra Sedgwick won a Golden Globe for her lead role in The Closer, but who’s buying that molasses drawl?
On the other hand, Scarlett Johansson and John Travolta both sounded like they were raised in sugar cane country in A Love Song for Bobby Long, a superb 2004 indie film set in New Orleans.
What Hollywood doesn’t seem to get is that not all Southerners sound alike. There’s a big difference between the Virginia gentleman and the Mississippi belle, the West Virginia coal miner and the Tidewater skipper.
Does it bother you when characters in plays, television shows or movies mangle Southern accents?
Permalink | Comments (4) | Post your comment |
Back at it
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
My first stop on my first day back after being gone for five weeks was Monday’s Corps de Ballet luncheon, benefiting the Atlanta Ballet.
“This is where all the fashionable people are today,” declared ballet artistic director John McFall.
Indeed, the capacity crowd of around 500 included most of Atlanta’s usual social suspects: Marlene Alexander, Melanie Boltax, Sally Dorsey, Mary Frances Garrett, Kristin Gibbs, Jada Loveless, Leslie McLeod, Eileen Rosencrants, Dottie Smith, Karin Smithson, and Lisa Tush, to name a few.
Victoria Palefsky, who hasn’t lived in Atlanta long but has jumped into the social scene with both feet, gave me an update. The Mobile, Ala. native who moved here with her husband from San Francisco just in time to chair last year’s Atlanta Symphony ball, is already cracking on a March 21 event benefiting the Alliance.
The ladies of Table 25 appeared to be in cahoots with someone. Three people at that table - located at the front, right beside the stage - won raffle prizes. But Kate Denny, Susan McDowell and Caroline Tucker had all bought their tickets at different times and locations. They must just be living right.
Joanne Chesler Gross called for order at her table to toast the engagement of Cathy Cooper. Best wishes to the bride and congratulations to Brad Champion
McFall, who entertained with a graceful plie, reminded everyone of the ballet’s new performance home, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, although the Nutcracker will still be at the Fox.
He also saluted the men in the audience, as the Corps de Ballet luncheon tends to be mostly women. Guys in the crowd included ballet chair Sandy Rose, dancer Christian Clark, guest Timothy Wright, Blue MedSpa’s John Stupka and gallery owner Timothy Tew, who will co-chair the 2009 ballet ball with Michelle Edwards Croslan, an attorney with Smith, Gambrell & Russell.
The Corps de Ballet luncheon, chaired by Amy Nelson and Crystal Cox, moved to the Buckhead Ritz this year.
“It was a very late night, setting up in this room,” Nelson said during her welcoming remarks.
The crowd heard from ballet executive director Barry Hughson, who noted corporate support is a vital component of a thriving arts scene.
“We are embarking on a transformational time in the Atlanta Ballet,” said Hughson, who announced that Belk has signed on as a corporate sponsor for two years.
Photos are coming, so stay tuned.
Mark your calendars
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta’s Young Adults Department plans a September Soiree from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Meet and greet and nibble on complimentary appetizers. It’s $5 for members and $10 for non-members.Come toast the New Year starting at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Bluepointe in Buckhead. Enjoy a complimentary apple-tini and appetizers. (The Rosh Hashanah resolutions are free, too.) The evening is sponsored by Stephanie and Jay Meiselman and family and is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Details: 678-812-3982, youngadults@atlantajcc.org or atlantajcc.org.
A night to remember, hope
Bethany Diamond felt helpless when she lost a dear friend to ovarian cancer five years ago.
Then she got busy.
As a tribute to the late Debbie Flamm, Diamond launched Ovarian Cycle to raise money for research. This year Diamond’s group held its fifth annual “Ride to Change the Future,” a six-hour, indoor bike ride. More than 230 people participated, raising more than $230,000.
On Sept. 17, Diamond will present checks to Ovarian Cancer Institute and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at Bazzaar in Midtown. (www.bazzaaratlanta.com.) The event, from 6 to 8 p.m., features appetizers and a cash bar; a minimum donation of $20 is requested.
Ovarian Cycle will also launch “Talk Teal,” a partnership with Ovarian Cancer Institute and the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance to raise awareness of the disease, often detected when it’s too late. To become a Teal Ribbon sponsor at the $100 level and above, call 404-271-6787, or e-mail anne.ehlers@ovariancycle.org. For more information, see www.ovariancycle.org.
Social column smackdown
There’s not usually a lot of fighting going on at events I cover on the society beat Well, at least none I’m supposed to see, anyway.
It’s high time that changed. The first two people to buy VIP tables at Wild Bill’s “Fight Night” event Sept. 19 win gloves signed by mixed martial arts fighter Randy Couture.
While you’re there, enter to win gift cards, diamond studs or Citizen watches from D. Geller & Son.
Info: 404-626-2126.
Remembering and moving forward
Photo by Thomas E. Franklin, The Bergen Record
On Sept. 11, 2001, the Rev. John Moeller was where he is much of the time: at the MUST Ministries headquarters, where homeless and at-risk families come for food, emergency shelter and financial assistance.
As the staff and volunteers absorbed the terrible news, they gathered in a circle with clients who were receiving services at MUST that day.
As the group joined hands in remembrance, a homeless man spoke up.
“Those people in New York, they need our help,” he said, digging into his pocket for a few coins. Other clients followed his example, taking up a meager offering that was a treasure nonetheless, Moeller said.
“They gave their last pennies for neighbors they didn’t know,” he said.
On Thursday night, the seventh anniversary of the terrorist attacks, Moeller and his wife, the Rev. Laurie Moeller, hosted a group of friends at their east Cobb home.
The crowd enjoyed a spread provided by Carriage House Catering and beverages from Sherlock’s. Co-hosts included Jim and Ellen Westbrock, Clint and Cathy Donley and David and Missy Worden.
The evening event, featuring live music, was meant to raise awareness about MUST and the people it serves. To learn more see the MUST site.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Cosmetic surgery: a reason to celebrate?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Looks like I missed lots of fun parties while I was in Beijing, including one that sounds really intriguing.
Themed “Wine and Wrinkles,” the bash was held at an area cosmetic surgeon’s office, I guess to encourage people to knock back some vino and then sign up for a face-lift. I’ve asked for a party recap, so stay tuned.
As you might guess, I see a lot of plastic surgery on my beat - usually women, who are often happy to tell you all about it - but I suspect some men, too.
Cosmetic surgery cases runs the gamut from people who go in for Botox injections on their lunch hours to major ordeals like Isabelle Dinoire, the French woman who required an entire facial transplant after being mauled by her dog.
Critiquing the procedures certain celebs or politicians have had - or should have - provides endless fodder for gossip mags. Here’s a helpful list from a group of Orange County, Calif., surgeons telling U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton “what to do with her face” now that the race for the White House behind her. Nice, huh? Lest you think only ladies are coming in for it, here’s wisdom from a cosmetic surgeon who says U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel tops his list of politicos most in need of the knife.
But there are also troubling reports like this one, about teen girls requesting breast implants as high school graduation gifts.
And as a few extreme examples illustrate, it’s possible to get a little carried away.
But I know plenty of women (and like I said, I suspect some guys) who love the results of the cosmetic procedures they’ve had, and recommend it to others who want to look more youthful - or just more refreshed and rested. Have you had, or would you have, a cosmetic tune-up? If you have, do you tell people? If you are considering it, what qualms do you have?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
“Peachtree Battle” is finally closing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Anna House will be back in the house for one last performance in “Peachtree Battle.” Staff photo by Elissa Eubanks.
“Peachtree Battle,” which skewers Atlanta socialites and wraps a serious look at racism and homophobia in quick-paced comedic banter, is closing after seven years. It’s the longest running play in Atlanta history.
Anna House returns as boozy Azalea Wieuca for the play’s final weekend, reprising the role written just for her during this Saturday’s 3 p.m. matinee at the Ansley Park Playhouse.
“It just wouldn’t be right to end the show without Anna playing Azalea one more time,” playwright John Gibson said in an e-mail.
“I’ve never played a character that touched so many people and made so many people laugh,” House, who left the show after its first six years, said in an e-mail. “This has been an experience I will never forget.”
The play, which has drawn 140,000 patrons and raked in $3 million, closes on its seventh anniversary, on Sept. 7.
The central plot in “Peachtree Battle” - the son of a prominent Atlanta family announces he’s marrying a Hooters waitress - is the backdrop for local name-dropping, lashing of politicians of all stripes, and a send-up of in-town social climbing and square suburban sensibilities. Racism and homophobia get examined as do a dysfunctional family’s wacky dynamics.
Over the years the play’s been updated to work in mention of current events, and guest stars, including Monica Pearson, above, have dropped by.
I’ll be out of town this weekend but I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that Atlanta businessman Barry Flink either plans to be there or wishes he could be. When I met him last year he was close to clocking 75 performances in the audience.
Have you seen “Peachtree Battle?” Will you miss it? Are you going to the final show? Hustle if you want tickets.
Atlanta businessman Barry Flink was on hand last year to toast Anna House’s 1000th performance. We’re guessing he might show up for her final show this weekend. Staff photo by Bita Honarvar.
Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment |
Back from Beijing, now off to the beach
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Carla and Brent Brown
One of my colleagues, recently back from a trip to China, warned that it takes a few days to feel right upon returning. He was not kidding.
But I did rally to make it to the Blessings of Grace fundraiser at the Marietta Wine Market on Saturday afternoon. The new charity was established this year by security management firm owner Brent Brown and wife Carla, and Cobb Superior Court Judge Tain Kell and wife Sheri.
Blessings of Grace aims to assist couples who cannot have children on their own to obtain fertility treatment. The Kells’ son was conceived through an in-vitro fertilization procedure. The Browns’ twin daughters were conceived with in-vitro and donor eggs.
“We were lucky in so many ways,” Brent Brown said. “We knew we’d have children. We didn’t know how.”
Because of his professional success, the couple was able to pursue several rounds of fertility treatments. Throughout their ordeal, they were mindful of the couples who also longed to become parents, but lacked the financial means to pursue multiple procedures, Brent Brown said.
“Our rides home (from doctors’ appointments) would be focused on other couples who couldn’t afford it,” he said.
Marietta Wine Market proprietor Randall Heard, left, pours a round for Brent Brown and Ann and James Hudgins
Bentley, right, whose owners also own the wine market, kept a hopeful vigil near a tray of cheese cubes. He had to settle for a pat from George Yinat Jr., 9, with dad George Sr.
Blessings of Grace hopes to make its first gift, known as a scholarship, to a couple this December, Carla Brown said. A board of directors, guided by medical professionals on the board, will decide on the recipient, she said.
And now, off to St. Simons
I’ll be back Sept. 8 after a jaunt to the coast for a beach trip and the wedding of two friends. Let’s hope Hanna decides to skip slamming into the Georgia coast.
Services »
