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February 2009
Mixing it up with the 2 Live Stews
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ryan Stewart, left, and Doug Stewart, from 790 The Zone’s 2 Live Stews at the Crown Royal event at the Midtown W.
Les freres Stewart were high above the streets of Midtown this week, mixing it up with a bunch of Atlanta bartenders.
The occasion was an exclusive Crown Royal event for the folks who man the bars at Atlanta restaurants and nightclubs. Under the tutelage of mixmaster Steven Kowalczuk, who makes it happen at Room at Twelve and Trois, guests tried their hand at creating whiskey-based libations.
“We’re from the old school. Our old man used to keep one of these in the trunk,” joked Doug Stewart, hefting a commemorative case of Crown Royal and assorted bar accoutrements.
Crown Royal whiskey master Kevin Mulcahy gave the crowd a brief history of the venerable brand, and led a tasting. Here’s an important tip we picked up: to “nose” a glass of whiskey, hold it under your chin but breathe in from your mouth. Don’t plant your nose in the glass and sniff like it’s a glass of red wine - unless you’ve got serious sinus troubles.
Here are a few of the folks who turned out for the event.
Bill Holbrook and Kelly Koklas
Tasha and Brandon Mize
Elmera Memar, from left, Lauren Abrams and Yujin Chon
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$1,000 to join a gym?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The wet treatment area at 29 Spa, at the Mansion on Peachtree
What recession?
The super-luxe Mansion on Peachtree has just announced it’s selling memberships to its spa and fitness center.
The swank set-up features ergonomically designed equipment with Ferrari leather seating, built-in iPod ports and a sumptuous, wood-paneled locker room.
Membership costs include a $1,000 initiation fee and a $150 monthly fee. For couples the initiation fee is $1,500 and then $300 per month.
Members receive discounts on spa treatments and free valet parking for three hours during their visits to work out.
The Mansion, site of Tom Colicchio’s acclaimed Craft Atlanta and NEO, holds a prospective members’ mixer March 12.
See the Mansion Web site for more information.
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Newsflash: Someone’s hiring!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
SB’s an emissary of goodwill, so here’s some news about Goodwill.
They’re hiring.
Goodwill of North Georgia needs to fill more than 40 jobs for its newly opening store in Cobb County.
The store, opening in early April, will be located at the East-West Connector and Powder Springs Road, right near the Waffle House.
Goodwill is going to need workers to accept donations, work as cashiers, and serve as supervisors. The pay scale will vary, depending on the job, said spokeswoman Elaine Armstrong. Goodwill is also looking to fill managerial positions at other locations, she added.
Cobb County, like everywhere else it seems, has seen a recent spike in first-time unemployment claims. In December, the number of Cobb County residents filing increased by 106.8 percent over December 2007, Armstrong said.
So the timing of the new store couldn’t be better, offering “a great opportunity for us to provide jobs during a time when many businesses are cutting their workforces,” Armstrong said.
Interested workers should apply in person between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 4-6 at the George E. Ford Center, 4181 Atlanta St. in Powder Springs. You’ll need valid, government-issued photo identification and your Social Security card.
For more information see Goodwill’s Web site.
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What are you giving up for Lent?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For today, laissez les bon temps roulez!
Beginning tomorrow, many Christians begin the 40-day period of sacrifice and self-reflection leading up to Easter.
Do you give up something for Lent? A friend of mine once gave up gossip for Lent. Not a bad idea. Another friend gave up going to the Wendy’s drive-through. We feared she might starve to death, but she made it. (I’m giving up Chick-fil-A so as soon as I file this I am going to the CFA in the CNN Center for lunch.)
Some folks take on a new responsibility during Lent, like setting aside time for a special daily devotional.
Are you giving anything up or taking anything on this Lenten season?
We heard from a number of metro Atlantans who are entering the season of Lent with sacrificial spirits. Here’s what they’re deciding to forego.
Tom Murphy, Murphy’s Restaurant in Virginia-Highland: desserts
Norris Broyles, Norris Broyles Architects: Irrational exuberance and windfall profits
Neal Creech, Creech Custom Builders: alcohol
Kurt Hartman, VP, Hines: looking at statements from my broker
Andy Andres, DPR Construction: talking about the economy and finding reason in the bailout and stimulus package
Bob Voyles, Seven Oaks Company: bread
Jan Schroder, Schroder Media: tortilla chips and tequila
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Jimmy Fallon, heading to Atlanta, talks to the AJC
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jimmy Fallon, shown with Tina Fey at his previous workplace, is coming to Atlanta for an Alliance Theatre benefit next month. Photo by MARY ELLEN MATTHEWS/AP
Jimmy Fallon is taking over the Late Night reins when Conan O’Brien moves to the helm of The Tonight Show, but not before a stop in the ATL.
Fallon will be headlining at A Tony Evening, benefiting the Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre, on March 21 at the Midtown W.
He agreed to answer a few questions via e-mail.
Q: You’re about to take over the “Late Night” slot - what are your thoughts? Excited? Nervous? Both? Should we expect sketch comedy? Comic impersonations?
A: I am more excited than nervous now. There’s no sense in being nervous anymore - I just got to get out there and try my best. As far as impersonations and sketch comedy - I might throw a few in the mix now and then, but basically, my job is to be host and make you laugh at 12:30 at night.
Q: Talk a little about your experience on SNL. The show became a factor in the political campaign last year, with Tina Fey’s impersonation of Sarah Palin - resulting in Palin appearing on the show. Were you watching during that run?
A: Sure! Tina was knocking it out of the park! That was one of the best things to ever be on Saturday Night Live. My experience on that show was fantastic. It definitely helped prime me for my new job as talk show host. Just doing the news segment on that show and intro’ing guests and reading jokes every week - it’s kind of what I’ll be doing now. Just five nights a week instead of one.
Q: What sort of audience are you looking to attract?
A: Everybody. Anyone who will watch. We’ll take ‘em!
Q: Who will be your first guest?
A: Robert DeNiro
Q: Who are you going after?
A: The Queen of England. (if you have her e-mail - please help.)
Q: Talk about your involvement in the Alliance Theatre Gala. How did you get involved?
A: I’ve always had a great time performing in Atlanta. So, I’m happy to help. I can’t wait to come back for this event.
Q: Do you like grits? Do you know what they are? No Googling.
A: Yes. Grits are a great new indie band. We have them booked for our first week.
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Hold your horses: tornado interrupts weekend race plans
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Barrys and their four-legged family are fine, but their Coweta County farm took a pretty bad hit from this week’s storms. They’ll see y’all next month instead of this weekend.
The Bear Creek Hounds Point-to-Point Races, scheduled for this Saturday, have been postponed to March 28.
Bear Creek Farm, owned by developer Hal Barry and wife Linda, was sustained major tornado damage this week. Everyone - including all of the horses and hounds - is safe and unhurt, but the tornado left a big mess of downed trees, collapsed fences and destroyed run-in sheds at the Barrys’ Coweta County spread.
The judges stand and a hay barn were destroyed although the main barn, which houses about 30 horses, was spared.
The event benefits the Joan Hope Latiolais Fund at Shepherd Center Foundation. Joan Latiolais has been a patient at the Shepherd Center since October, when she was severely injured while riding her horse.
The farm is at 1539 Bear Creek Road in Moreland, about 45 minutes from Atlanta. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. and events start around noon. Admission is $25 in advance, $35 on race day, $10 for ages 7-15 and free for children 6 and younger. For information, call 404-992-6112, e-mail mwoodham@mindspring.com or see the farm’s Web site.
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Is it hot in here?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta firefighters will sign calendars for charity from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Peachtree Center Mall Food Court. Photography by Tim Wilkerson
Here’s some hot charity news for you.
Some of the buffest local firefighters, featured in the Georgia Heat Firefighters Calendar, will be on hand Wednesday to meet fans and sign their sizzling photos.
The 2009 calendars are $15 each and benefit the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. The organization partners with firefighting units to provide fire safety and prevention education and supports Georgia burn centers and victims.
The foundation was good enough to send pix of a few of the cover models for, uh, research purposes. We’ve posted them here as a public service. You know, so you’ll be able to recognize the guys if you show up for the signing.
For information call 404-320-6223 or see the web site.
The calendar signing is from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Peachtree Center Mall food court, at 231 Peachtree St. in downtown Atlanta.
See you there!
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“The Office” star Ed Helms coming to Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ed Helms, shown here with “Office” co-stars Angela Kinsey and Creed Bratton, was inspired by Theatrical Outfit’s Tom Key to pick up the banjo.
When viewers of the NBC hit The Office saw oafish Andy Bernard play his banjo in an episode, they might not have grasped the Atlanta connection.
Ed Helms, who plays Andy, started picking in high school, not long after taking in a production of Tom Key’s “Cotton Patch Gospel.”
Later this month Helms pays a sort of tribute to Keys, executive artistic director at Theatrical Outfit, by performing at its fundraiser. The event, ATLexis: Words, Wit and Wisdom, features a number of prominent Atlantans performing Southern literature.
Guest performers include U.S. Rep. John Lewis, WABE host Lois Reitzes and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and Emory professor Natasha Trethewey. Helms, a Westminster Schools graduate, will play his banjo.
We talked with him the other day.
Q: Is it hard to play the banjo?
A: The banjo is a sonofabitch. That’s part of why it’s so rewarding. You work really hard. When I saw Tom Key in Cotton Patch Gospel, I was already into bluegrass. It’s a really extraordinary production. My high school did a production. No one could play the banjo, so I picked it up, learned the songs and that was the beginning of my long, torrid love affair with the banjo.
Q: Most guys play the guitar in high school to pick up chicks. How’d the banjo work for you?
A: I just completely misread chicks in high school. This is just one example of how. I’ve been trying to press X-box to make “Banjo Hero.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about coming back to Atlanta to visit family or participate in events like ATLexis?
A: I love being able to feel attached to the creative community in Atlanta. That’s a real privilege for me. A year or two ago I did a benefit for the Horizon Theater. I feel like Atlatna has such a vibrant creative community. Any chance I get to reconnect is exciting for me.
Q: What do you miss when you’re in L.A.?
A: You don’t really know until you leave the South how beautiful it is from an aesthetic standpoint. Atlanta has changed immeasurably since I moved around, not necessarily in ways I’m thrilled about. But it’s lush. I love the organic smells in springtime. L.A. is not lush. It’s an irrigated desert.
Q: What would you be doing right now if you weren’t acting?
A I have no idea. I don’t know what else to do. I never even saw an alternative. I think I would just be miserable. This is a very tough career. It’s hard on your constitution, it’s hard on your ego, it’s not stable. But it is sort of the only thing I could do.
Q: Your character works for a nutty boss in a fairly monotonous job. What’s the worst job you ever had in Atlanta?
A: I didn’t work in Atlanta much except summer jobs. I was a lifeguard at Brookwood Hills community pool. I loved that job. It was awesome. When I became assistant manager there - or assman, as we called it - the responsibilities took some of the fun out. The lack of bodily function control that children have in swimming pools is far more than what you would imagine. The clean up duty falls on the lifeguards.
Q: Did you ever wish someone would get into trouble so you could perform a daring rescue?
A: I never wished anyone would start to drown or anything, but I did sort of wish a beautiful woman would get into the deep end over her head. I could give her a hand and then she would become completely smitten with me. Until she learned I played the banjo.
ATLexis2009 starts at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Balzer Theater at Herren’s. A post-gala cast-party follows next door in the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University. Tickets are $250 per person each. E-mail whitney.brown@theatricaloutfit.com, call 678-528-1506 or see the theater’s web site.
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My frugal Valentine
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Image from Associated Content
Cupid’s cutting back this year.
A number of studies show retailers aren’t feeling much love this Valentine’s Day, as shoppers indicate they’ll spend less
This survey from the National Retail Federation says we’ll each spend an average of $102.50 on Valentine’s gifts and merchandise, down from last year’s $122.98.
Similarly, IBIS World Research has released a study charmingly titled Can’t Buy Me Love, which says Americans will spend $28.6 billion this holiday, a 4.8 percent drop from last year and a 6.8 percent drop since 2007.
But a study from AT&T suggests consumers haven’t let a tight economy completely trump romance.
The communications giant found that its customers say text-messaging is complementing - but not replacing - traditional Valentine’s greetings.
While 48 percent of texters said getting a Valentine’s Day text message has the same or more meaning as a card, and more than two-thirds of texters feel that way about receiving a picture message, most of them are going to buy an actual card as well.
Of the 36 percent of texters who intend to send a Valentine’s text or picture message, 67 percent percent also plan to send a traditional card, the AT&T study found.
Are you cutting back this year? Doing away with Valentine’s gifts altogether? Or have you found a little room in your budget to celebrate?
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Bill Clinton to Shawn Mullins: I should have brought my sax!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins recently entertained former President Bill Clinton, and now lends his talents to an upcoming charity event. Photos by Jessica McGowan.
Guests at this year’s gala benefiting the Partnership Against Domestic Violence are in for an awesome evening.
Singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins is scheduled to perform at the Feb. 21 event, being held at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead.
Best known for hits “Lullaby” and “Shimmer,” Mullins also recorded a song called “Eggshells,” telling the story of a woman who has endured an abusive situation.
“It’s never not been on my mind,” he said.
Suzanne Sitherwood and Guy Griswold chair the black-tie event, which raises money for violence prevention, emergency intervention, and long-term advocacy for battered women and their children in metro Atlanta.
“I do upwards of 150 shows a year, and after each show I go meet people and thank them for coming,” Mullins said. “There isn’t a single show where someone doesn’t say, ‘Your music helped me through something. So I’m really excited to be involved.”
The gala features a cocktail hour and seated dinner, silent and live auctions and a raffle of a 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S coupe valued at $94,000. Raffle tickets are $100 and 1,500 will be sold. Tickets to the event are $350 and sponsorships range from $5,000 to $75,000. For info call 404-870-9616, e-mail development@padv.org or see the PADV Web site.
We caught up with Mullins Monday afternoon at Inman Perk to talk about his fledgling acting career, his recent encounter with President Clinton and his thoughts about becoming a first-time dad later this year.
Q: What are you writing these days?
A: I’ve been going to Nashville a lot to write in a country vein. Simplifying sometimes is the way to go. The first 10 or 15 years of songwriting, I would think how can I be smarter in my songs. I just wrote a song called “Light You Up.” I have a really good feeling about it.
Q: What do you think people want from the music scene today, given the dreary headlines that dominate the news?
A: We need hope right now. We all need to feel like the struggle is going to end. Things are going to be ok. We’re going to work it out.
Q: You performed in Washington around the time of the inauguration?
A: It was a fundraiser for Terry McAuliffe who is running for governor of Virginia. I got to meet Bill Clinton. What a presence. He’s like a rock star. He made it a point to come over and say hi. He said, ‘I should have brought my sax!’
Q: How’s the acting going? (Mullins is appearing in a new online series called High Rise, and just read for a part in a movie called “Get Low,” starring Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek.
A: When I was a kid I was in a lot of plays and musicals. I took classes at the Alliance. I haven’t had any training as an adult. I don’t really know what I’m doing as an actor. I’m so in my element as a singer and songwriter and musician.
Q: How are you preparing to be a father?
A: The biggest thing is stopping all the negative stuff that a kid can pick up on, just being the most happy, positive adult I can be. I’d like to write songs for my kid. That’d be really cool. I can’t wait to be able to sing for my kid.
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Grammy Night in Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We didn’t make it to L.A. for the Grammy Awards, but were happy to meet street musician Mitch Green, who was taking requests outside a private party Sunday night.
Metro Atlanta and beyond was well-represented at this year’s Grammy Awards, with Ne-Yo, Sugarland, T.I. and CeCe Winans among the winners. The closest we got was the private party hosted by the Atlanta chapter of The Recording Academy. The event, which featured the Grammy Awards telecast on a huge screen, was held at the Hard Rock Cafe downtown.
Richard Redding, above, showed up in this fetching marching band get-up.
“I’m the drum major of funk,” he explained. Aha.
He attended with friends Celina Butler, Dr. JoAnn Donaldson and Esy Bait.
We also visited with Willie Turrentine, Stephany Garcia, Stevie Green and Ricarrah Riddle. The crowd of sponsors, artists and invited guests took in a buffet spread and then indulged in dual chocolate fondue stations, one milk chocolate and one white chocolate.
Also enjoying the evening were Sharee Clarke, left, and Angel Williams
and Trace Ellington, left, and Carmen Jones
Outside on the sidewalk, we ran up on a private concert. Jamie Flick and his son Benjamin, 10, are visiting from Pennsylvania (hope y’all are enjoying the 70-degree weather, fellas!) and had tried going into the Hard Rock. No dice. It was a private party, remember?
But street performer Mitch Green was taking requests. Benjamin wanted to hear the “Sesame Street” song and Green pulled out his trumpet to oblige.
“Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?” he asked, pulling the horn from his lips. “I’ve been trying to find it for a long time.”
The Pennsylvanians were on their way so Green asked if we had any special requests. I asked if he knew “Blessed Assurance,” No. 77 in the Methodist hymnal.
“Oh! That’s a good one,” Green said. Then he helpfully provided a list of Methodist churches in the area.
