Guests who showed up Friday evening for "MetroFresh in the Garden's First Taste," a Ben Deignan concert and preview of the new MetroFresh Cafe at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, got a little something extra -- a surprise performance by Collective Soul's Ed Roland. The crowd was enjoying the evening when Richie Arpino, who is MetroFresh owner and founder Mitchell Anderson's partner, took the microphone to thank everyone and to announce a special surprise to herald the new cafe. Up walked Roland, who sang "The World I Know," then capped his performance with a sweet smooch for wife Michaeline. Coming up next at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is "Blooms & Bubbly," celebrating sparkling wines and blooming flowers. The event is from 5 to 8 p.m. April 7 and features chef demonstrations, a harp performance and champagne, beer and wine at the cash bar amid a backdrop of blooming tulips, hyacinths and daffodils. Admission is free for garden members (including actress Jennifer Garner and husband Ben Affleck, who signed up for a family membership during a recent visit) and $18.95 for guests. www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.
Overscene in Midtown
Cee Lo Green was spotted last week at W hotel in Midtown, dressed for the start of spring. The performer was wearing a khaki short-sleeve shirt and khaki shorts with sunglasses. His latest song, rendered family-friendly to "Forget You" for mainstream radio play, last week topped Atlanta radio charts for the second week in a row.
Rock for a paws cause
The 1873 Society Club, the junior board of the Atlanta Humane Society, plans a fun event at 6 p.m. tonight at the SweetWater Brewing Company, 195 Ottley Dr. The evening will feature brewery tours, beer tastings and entertainment by the Yacht Rock Revue. Tickets are $45 at the door. You must be 21 to attend, and they'll be checking ID at the door.
Tweet of the day
"What a great day in Kansas City."
- Cincinnati Bengals receiver and social media pro Chad Ochocinco, who is making the most of the downtime created by the NFL lockout by trying out for an Major League Soccer roster. He began a four-day trial with Sporting Kansas City last week and was scheduled to play in a minor-league game Monday.
Celebrity birthdays
Political commentator John McLaughlin is 84. Comedian Eric Idle is 68. Composer Vangelis ("Chariots of Fire") is 68. Basketball Hall of Famer Walt Frazier is 66. Singer Bobby Kimball of Toto is 64. Actor Brendan Gleeson is 56. Actor Christopher Lawford is 56. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Earl Campbell is 56. Actor Christopher Lambert is 54. Singer Perry Farrell of Porno for Pyros and Jane's Addiction is 52. Actress and writer Amy Sedaris is 50. Model Elle Macpherson is 48. Singer-harmonica player John Popper of Blues Traveler is 44. Actress Lucy Lawless is 43. Country singer Regina Leigh of Regina Regina is 43. Country singer Brady Seals is 42. Former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is 40. Tennis player Jennifer Capriati is 35. Pop singer Kelly Sweet is 23.
Contributing: news services
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