TheRealAtlanta.com: So, I want to start by thanking you for agreeing to share your story with us – I look forward to hearing you expound on what your struggles have resulted in – your own jewelry line, community activism, and tireless advocacy of the homeless.  It’s so brave of you and I think it’s a gift for people to be able to hear about your journey.  We have a lot to talk about, but to begin, on a more personal level, because you have experienced homelessness, I wanted to know your opinion on how it is a stigmatized condition and how you combat that.

JA: The worst part of it is that most people think that somebody’s homeless just because they’re lazy, that they don’t want to work, that it’s something they’ve done. And I remember I had a home, a husband, a job, one on the way, life was beautiful, and one day it’s all gone and it’s just me and two children – homeless – and there was nothing I did.  It made me stop and look at maybe the person on the street who needed a hand like I needed it.  It’s not always something you’ve done.  You could catch a cold and it turn into something more serious and you miss some days from work.  They say we’re all two paychecks away from being homeless ourselves, and it is that.  It is truly that simple.  I just want people to know that not everybody who’s sitting out there homeless is there by a decision they’ve made.  Sometimes things happen beyond our control, and [the homeless] are not all begging for a dollar.  Sometimes they’re begging, “Can you help me find a way to get back on my feet-a safe transition?”  Because I reached a point where I was a single mom with two small children under the age of four, and to make a safe transition where I was fortunate enough not to have to sell my body or do anything to get back on my feet was amazing, but there’s a lot of women out there that don’t have the same opportunities that I had. 

TRA: Right.

JA: And I think it’s important to raise awareness that not everybody is on drugs and some people just want a job so they can provide for their family.

TRA: And that’s absolutely what you’re doing with your company – raising money.  It’s all over your Facebook, you’re always talking about it, and that’s so valuable because finding volunteer opportunities in this city that are worthwhile can be a challenge, but you’re definitely a voice for that.  You’re a networker and you’re a warrior.  So what were the events that resulted in you becoming homeless?  You went through a divorce and then. . .

JA: I found myself in a bad marriage.  Two people that probably should’ve never had a first date ended up getting married.

TRA: I think that happens a lot.

JA: It does happen a lot.  And one day he had enough; I had enough.  We had one child already with one on the way and the thought of the rest of our lives together was more than either one of us could bear.  Also through decisions I’d made in my past I had nowhere to go and nowhere to call my home, so I started relying on some family and friends and we moved from couch to couch.  You know I don’t regret my decision to leave a bad situation, I just regretted having to drag two children through it. 

TRA: I can’t imagine.  Just to paint a picture for people, what was your greatest daily challenge when you were going through that?

JA: Sometimes just finding something to feed my son.  And the questions he asked, you know,  “Where are we going to sleep tonight?  Do we have enough gas in the car to get somewhere?”  A three year old shouldn’t have to be worried about those things.  And then when my daughter was born, it got harder because it’s hard enough to find a place for a toddler and a full-grown woman but an infant?  Then it reached a point where we were running from my ex-husband, and were moving from place to place just to avoid that harassment so it got kind of tough sometimes.  You know, when you go to ask for help they all look down on you like you should just get a job.

TRA: And you had a job, right, but you fell ill?

JA: Well, when I first left I was pregnant with a difficult pregnancy.  I wasn’t allowed to work – the doctors wouldn’t allow me to go to work.  I couldn’t do anything.  The system was set up in such a way that when we finally got some help, as soon as I got to work they cut off the assistance, so I couldn’t afford what we had so it was either stay home and not work and stay on the system so I could feed my children, have a roof to put over their head, or go to work and then we’d be back out on the street.  So it wasn’t until the President enacted a plan to help people go back to work where you could go back to work and keep your assistance for so long and then they would reduce it and eventually take it away so you could transition into a working life and learn how to budget your money and learn how to get a place with all of those things that I was able to go back to work.

TRA: That was something I wanted to ask you about too, but first I have to ask to which President were you referring? 

JA: It was Clinton.

TRA: He’s cute.  I love that he plays the saxophone.  I always had a little crush.

JA: He actually made it so [the bill] provided childcare for a working single parent because that’s the most expensive thing that you have.  I was able to receive my childcare, keep my children covered with insurance while I went to work and those were the two biggest concerns of mine.  Going to work to have to pay for childcare – there goes my whole check, and also no insurance?  Um, children get sick. 

TRA: They’re into everything.

JA: Yes.  They get sick; they get hurt.  And I couldn’t stand the thought of not being able to take my children to the hospital if they needed to or to the doctor to get their regular shots, they’re immunizations.  It was one of the best things the President did.

TRA: Absolutely.   Actually my next question was concerning that transition when you were getting back on your feet.  What government institution, organization, or individual was most resourceful to you during that time – other than obviously yourself?

JA: I have to give the DEFACS system in South Carolina a big shout out for that.  They truly took the President’s plan – taught me how to do a resume, taught me how to interview, helped me find the perfect childcare, set me up for a lot of success so when I walked in one day to an optical shop I was prepared to interview. 

TRA: Talk about your experience with that.

JA: I walked into an optical shop one day and told the guy if he took a chance I would never call in sick for work, I would never miss a day, I’d never be late, I’d be his hardest worker, there’s nothing he would ask that I couldn’t do.  I didn’t want him just to give me a job, I wanted an opportunity, and he took a shot on me.  A big shot on me and put me to work.

TRA: Did you have any experience?

JA: None whatsoever.  No optical experience whatsoever.  I was fortunate enough that my mom had been in optics for a while, but that’s what she knew that’s not what I knew.

TRA: Well girl, you always have on a killer pair of shades!   I don’t know if that has always been . . .

JA: Yes.

TRA: Then you had it in you all along! (We laugh)

JA: He gave me a shot and I was able to work with him for a year, then through many difficult situations I had to move out of the state, so I ended up in Georgia and my greatest joy was the day I got to walk into a general manager’s meeting and there he was.  I got to hug him, and we cried, and just to [be able to] thank him for giving me a shot.

TRA: Wait, you were in the same board room?

JA: Well the company had a conference for all the general managers and I had risen to the point where I was a general manager as well and [my former boss] was there.  So, to get to thank him for giving me a shot to supply for my family, to be a productive member of society was the most wonderful thing.  We cried for 20 minutes. 

TRA: I’m crying now!

JA: But I took every chance he gave me, every piece of information and latched onto it and just climbed and clawed, and when they told me I was too young to be a general manager I didn’t listen.

TRA: How old were you at the time when they told you that you were too young to be a general manager?

JA: Twenty-six.

TRA: Wow.

JA: And by twenty-seven I was a general manager.

TRA: You showed them.

JA: Yeah.  (She smiles.)  I’ve been a general manager up until about a year ago in optics, but when I left the last company I was with and I Joined the company I’m with now, Show Your Colors By Jennifer was starting to evolve so I knew I had to step back from all the strain from being a general manager so I could run [my own] company the way it needed to be.

TRA: Now tell me about your company Show Your Colors by Jennifer because this is really special.  Tell us how we can buy bracelets .

JA: Well we do have a website, ShowYourColorsByJennifer.com, and you can contact us on Facebook through Jenn Austin.  We also have just had our first wholesale deal in a boutique store in Riverdale.  We just put the product in the store today.

TRA: Congratulations!  I didn’t realize this was such a big day for you.  I’d buy you a shot but you don’t drink.  I’ll buy you a book, because I know you like to read a lot.

JA: That’ll work.  We just put our first one in there today, sold one in California off our website yesterday so yeah, it’s been crazy.

TRA: So you’re already intra-national, next step is international.

JA: We’ve sold two in Afghanistan.

TRA: Really?  Wow.

JA: Yeah, we reached the world even before we hit the United States.

TRA: Another tribute to our technological age.  Sometimes it’s quicker to reach the world.  (We laugh.)

JA: And then if you’re fortunate enough to catch us at some of the events, I’m usually making the bracelets on site.  I always have my stuff to make [the bracelets] with me wherever I am.

TRA: I’ve seen you even at the bar.  Working away.

JA: It’s actually very relaxing to me, especially when my team’s losing in football, but we won’t talk about that.

TRA: I know.  I’m so sorry your team lost the SuperBowl, but I think that we were all Saints in our hearts this year even if it was just a little bit.  In fact, I was at a Superbowl party with you and your husband when I found out that you bedazzle your bracelets.  You know I love to be bedazzled.

JA: I put sterling silver letters into them, and we’re working on some other projects right now.

TRA: What other projects?

JA: Well I just took my first order for a dog collar, and I’ve got some other things coming. 

TRA: So are you transitioning right now from working for someone else to owning your own company or are you already at that point?

JA: I’ll probably continue to work for somebody else just because I love to give back so much. Truly that’s what attracted me to optics, but [my husband] has been fortunate enough that he is able to exclusively work for [Show Your Colors by Jennifer].  He’s not doing anything else.

TRA: What a blessing!  So his company isn’t separate from your company?

JA: It’s all one group – it’s all underneath me.

TRA: He works for you.

JA: He does.  That’s why his car license plate says, “VP/General Manager.”  Mine says, “Founder.”

TRA:  I love it.  That was actually something that I wanted to touch on a little bit here.  Jay, your husband, was homeless for a time and now he’s the Vice President of your joint company that gives twelve percent of its proceeds to Crossroads Community for the homeless.

JA: We give to various homeless organizations.  Last quarter was Crossroads Ministry, and we’re probably going to roll into this quarter with Crossroads just because we believe so much in what they do.

TRA: And I want to get back to what they do because I think it’s a great organization as well. But first I wanted to ask, taking into account that you and Jay were homeless together for a time, and have both risen to such success, what is it like to have someone who is not only your partner but also a fellow warrior?

JA: It’s wonderful.  The passion for [combating homelessness] never dies.  It’s not something I have to revive in him or that he has to revive in me because we remember what it’s like not to have anywhere to go, or the cops harass you because you’re trying to stay out of the way and they see you, or when you’re not eating right but it’s what you have.  The fact that somebody gave both of us a chance at one point when nobody else would really makes us want to work hard, and this one thing we’re going to pride ourselves on as we go forward.  We’ll be hitting some of the homeless shelters [looking] for the people who are really wanting to make a change in their life, and we’re planning on putting some people to work as we go forward.

TRA: Eternally giving back.  That is you and Jay as I’ve always known you.  So, tell me a little bit about meeting each other, and you’re journey through homelessness and back together.  Also, of course, I’m curious about the initial spark because I see it every day still with you two.

JA: I actually met him when I was at work at my second job.  When I finally got on my feet the last thing I ever wanted to do was go back to not having anything so I worked two jobs.  My children would never have nowhere to call home again.  So it was during that time that I met him at a baseball game.  As you know we’re two baseball junkies.

TRA: I didn’t know that about you two.

JA: Love baseball.  And my mother said when she heard me talk about him the very first time she knew he was the one. 

TRA: How did she know?  Did she say?

JA: She told me right away, she said, “Oh my god, you’ve met the one.” And she said she knew because I compared him to my father.  All the things I loved about my father, all the things that drove me crazy, there he was.  She said she knew right then that this was the one, and it was perfect from the beginning. Then through a series of events Jay and I became homeless again, and because I wouldn’t put my children through any more drama, they went and lived with their father.  So, Jay and I struggled together.

TRA:  So when you and Jay implement the purple and black colors in the bracelets that you make, what does that represent for the homeless?

JA:  Well the black is the despair and the hopelessness that you live in when you’re homeless.  You don’t see an end to it.  You feel like you’re in a room with no lights.  The purple is the royalty. It’s the first time you’re a productive member of society.  You have a house – I remember moving into my first house with my kids.  We had nothing but they were so happy to say, “This is my room – this is mine.”  It’s just such a wonderful thing, and the first time you’re writing that rent check or mortgage payment.  You might as well be king or queen.

TRA: What a feeling to have!  Getting back to Crossroads, what were your reasons for choosing that particular organization to donate twelve percent of Show Your Colors by Jennifer’s proceeds towards, and what other organizations do you feel are doing a worthy job of helping people to plug in?

JA: Well, Crossroads is an amazing ministry.

TRA: Where is it located?

JA: On Courtland Street in Downtown Atlanta.  It’s a wonderful, wonderful organization.  They really work with the whole entire person.  They actually have a program where they bring you in for ninety days.  They help you get your medicine.  They help you get your I.D.  They get you a mailing address.

TRA: I think a mailing address is key.  That’s something that I feel sets it apart from other organizations, and it seems to me communication is one of the biggest advancements toward accelerating the transition out of homelessness.

JA: It truly is, I mean when you apply for some jobs, you need a mailing address to put on your application.  [Crossroads] is a place for your family to correspond with you, it’s a place to get your driver’s license and your birth certificate.  If you’re fortunate enough to get food stamps or a check or these things, it’s a mailing address for these places to send it to you.  A lot of people don’t think about that – and you can’t do anything without a driver’s license or a birth certificate.

TRA: Right.

JA: You have to have an I.D.  You have to have a birth certificate.

TRA: So they’re really good about gathering the essentials. 

JA: And the wonderful thing is they have a clinic there, and if you have high blood pressure or diabetes or AIDS you can go get their medicine there.  [The people who run Crossroads] said that the ministry started just by giving out sandwiches, and then they started noticing the same people coming through and so began to ask questions like “Why are you here?” “How can we help you not be here tomorrow?” Their whole program is about helping you get off the streets to be a productive member of society, and anybody who will help [the homeless] instead of just feeding them is wonderful in my book.

TRA: I know that from personal experience volunteering with Crossroads when you shared with me how to connect to them.  I found out that you just show up from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. any day and volunteer to make sandwiches and serve food.

JA: They give them a warm meal, not just the sandwiches.  It’s something warm every day to eat.  And we’ve had several canned food drives where we take the food to them, and they take that food and actually prepare it for the homeless.  But you get a meal and a lesson and it’s a wonderful place to donate your time.

TRA: Definitely.  I’m sure they appreciate all you have done through Show Your Colors.  Speaking of which, your husband mentioned that you guys were celebrating the one year anniversary of your business soon.  Where da party at?

JA: Well it will be in May at Highland Cigar Company.

TRA: Is there an exact date yet?

JA: No exact date, but check Facebook for the upcoming announcement.

TRA: What can we expect from this party?  Will your bracelets be for sale?

JA: I’ll have bracelets and bow ties and for the select few I may be actually making them there.  Our last party we did have an auction.  We’ll be having a silent auction, and a vegetarian spread.

TRA: Sounds like great food, great people, and a great cause.  Is the crowd going to consist of people that have worked for you in your company or will the invitees be those who support the cause and support you?

JA: We want to bring a lot of people together who support the cause.  We’ll try to bring some people from each organization that we’ve helped this year so that everybody’s represented, and we’re trying to reach out to different organizations because the idea is to bring awareness for the homeless, and not just Show Your Colors by Jennifer.

TRA: Understood.  I can’t wait until May for the party.

JA: You have to wear purple and black to come.

TRA: Perfect, I’ve been looking for an excuse to buy a purple dress.  Anyway, I thank you so much again for sharing your story, and here’s to many more years of success for Show Your Colors by Jennifer.

JA: Thank you very much.  Thank you.

Join  the African Children’s Choir on A Journey of Hope

Monday the 8th

This, folks, is an amazing story of restoration for these children and many more from Africa’s poverty and disease stricken Uganda and surrounding areas.  These children come from a twenty five year history of performing in what is known as Music For Life, in an effort to better their lives and the lives of many of the children they have left behind them on their journey to America and Vancouver.  Monday night you get the opportunity to share in this celebration and in the amazing transformation it brings to their lives.  To learn more about this story log on to http://www.africanchildrenschoir.com for a short video of recent events.  It will touch your heart and bring excitement and a new belief in humanity to your soul.  You really should see this.

Monday night the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center will be the place to share in this event, and you don’t want to miss it.  The songs of the children will ring in your hearts for…there’s no telling how long.  Get over to www.cobbenergycentre.com now for your tickets!

Michael Flatley’s Lord Of The Dance at The Cobb Center!

Wednesday the 10^th

Not everyone has seen what was originally known as the River Dance, but if you’ve ever seen it you’ll never forget it.  Michael Flatley says this show is proof that you can do what you can dream, a dream that for him came to be in a two year frame of time.  Full of energy, Celtic song and traditional Irish dance this is a powerfully entertaining show, one that quite honestly makes you want to get up there and join in the fun!  They make those steps look so easy … until they start doing jumps and such in mock battle. Don’t miss it, get your tickets at www.cobbenergycentre.com.

Wow, There’s Lots Going On at The Cobb Performing Arts Center This Week

Yeah, we’re not done yet, it’s a packed week of amazing shows at the Civic Center this month, like it was everyone’s off week and we got really lucky here in Atlanta.  Super, check it out!

Jamie Cullum, The Pursuit
Friday the 12^th

… and …

Craig Ferguson

Sunday the 14^th

So you don’t have to travel very far to get tickets … www.cobbenergycentre.com

Agatha’s Mystery Dinner Theatre, A Fun Getaway With Dinner

All Week

This is a blast!  For three and a half hours you get an interactive dinner show combining tons of laughs and a five course meal.  The show takes place all around you between courses, since there is no real stage involved.  So everyone in the room gets a front row seat so to speak.  The best part is that you get to participate in the action if you so choose.  Well, I don’t know, the best part could be the food, really.  To each his own opinion.  Still, you get a nice wine with dinner, and that might help you to loosen up your professional stiffness and become part of the play rather than just the audience partaking of a fabulous five course meal.  Expect to pay around $60, including the tip and wine.  www.agathas.com

Princess Diana Celebration Month at The Atlanta Civic Center

There’s plenty of opportunity to get over to the Civic Center to see the Diana: A Celebration exhibition. Check out the dates, and there are a lot of them, at www.atlantaciviccenter.com

At The Masquerade This Week …

Crime In Stereo, The Wonder Years

Tuesday the 9^th

Destroy The World, 7 Sisters Entertainment

Wednesday the 10^th

OTEP,  Envy on the Coast, Fall of Troy

Thursday the 11^th

The Chariot, Deathloch, Reverse Negative and more

Friday the 12^th

Infected Mushroom, Full Metal Prophet, Babylon System, Chris Grass, Captain Crunk,

Saturday the 13^th

Left Lane Cruiser, Dead Rabbits, Rabbit, The Hot & Cold, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, Suckers and Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers

Sunday the 14^th

Tickets are in the $10 range and you can get them at www.masq.com.

Get Your Game On at The Phillips Arena This Week …

Setting up your week in sports, here’s the line up this week at Phillips:

Thrashers vs Nashville

7pm on Tuesday the 9^th

N Y Rangers

7:30 Friday the 12^th

Harlem Globetrotters at 1pm and Hawks vs. Detroit

7pm on Saturday the 13^th

John Mayer

Next week John Mayer is in the line up …

… so you can get your tickets now by going to

www.philipsarena.com

2010 Atlanta Orchid Show and Sale at The Atlanta Botanical Garden

Friday the 12^th

It’s an orchid celebration at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, where the Tower of Flowers still cascades down and around you on into April, the Atlanta Orchid Society holds their orchid show and sale from 9am till 5pm this Friday through Sunday, and the orchid photography display in the gallery comes to a close on Sunday, the 14^th.  Spring is in the air, and your favorite orchids are calling your name!  Go delight your senses before they’re all gone.  www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Variety Playhouse Stage Shows

Cross Canadian Ragweed and Wreckless Kelly

Tuesday the 9th

Driveby Truckers

Friday and Saturday the 12^th and 13^th

Tickets www.variety-playhouse.com/

Sketchworks Comedy Club is Always A Hit

Friday and Saturday Nights

Go get your laughs in, and take a group of ten for just $10!

www.sketchworkscomedy.com

Country Music’s Sara Evans at The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds

Saturday the 13^th

Not to be leaving the Georgia Mountain Fair for last on the list, but this one is a Saturday event.  One that’s full of fun, natural beauty and history surrounding every step of your day there.  Sara Evans was named 2006 Female Vocalist of the Year.  Tickets for the concert run $30-40.  Take a look at the events calendar and fun stuff to do and plan to be there by going to

GeorgiaMountainFairgrounds.com

This was my first visit to the High Museum of Art since I was a small girl and it’s been 20 years since I stepped over its threshold.  I have always wanted to go back to the High (as we Atlantans call it) because my experiences were enthralling but as adulthood ensued, I never  made the time.  I was born in the 70’s, raised during the 80’s.  I was bathed in culture with such exhibits featured at the High like the “China Exhibit” in which I can recall a memory of a huge card-catalog – like box filled with drawers of Asian spices one could pull out and sniff.  During field trips we frequented the museum when the “Sensations” exhibit came and we would stick our hands in holes filled with various items to heighten sensory awareness.  Not knowing what was at the end of that hole was what kept us loving when “Sensations” was at the High. My early contact with the High garnered life-long memories and now it was time for me to pass some of that on to my four-year-old and my girlfriend’s 15 year old daughter.

Therefore, on a day in late January, the three of us trudged through the cold and drizzle in search of artistic displays that could warm us at least visually and aesthetically. After checking our coats, (which is free!) paying the for the ticket (only $18, and tickets were buy one get one free on that day) the enthusiastic guide handed me a map of the museum and asked us, with even more enthusiasm if we were going to see the Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit which was one of the featured attractions and one of the artists recently covered in my young friend’s art class. We headed up to the second floor of the immaculate space and made our way to see what gifts the great Italian artists and scientist left behind for us.

We were all excited to see authentic pieces of the work of the one of the most famous artists in the world.  The da Vinci Exhibit, which will be at the High until February 21^st, contained about 50 works but boasted only 20 pieces that were actually done by the hand of the artist himself.  Most of these were drawings done in the early stages of his career. At that time, according to the information written on the wall signs next to the pieces, da Vinci was very interested in horses and equestrian arts and many of the pieces displayed exemplified that. One of the most impressive features of the exhibit were the huge statues made by Giovan Francesco Rustici, giving evidence to the influence Leonardo da Vinci had on the younger artists following him. Moving through the exhibit, we could see three stages of Leonardo da Vinci’s career:  the beginning, when he himself was a student, the phase when he was perfecting his craft as a sculptor, and finally, as a teacher, when artists inspired by him learned from his expertise and benefitted from his guidance.

The High had so much to offer that the different exhibits felt as if they would never end! As soon as we thought we might be done discovering, we stumbled upon more to see.  Our observations ranged from the John Portman Exhibit on Art and Architecture showing models of buildings from around the world to paintings highlighting local culture by Hale Woodruff featuring the consequences of erecting “housing projects” like Hearndon Homes on Northside Drive.  A beautifully colorful and moving political piece, the painting entitled, “Results of Good Housing,” speaks to the era in American history when housing projects were seen as the solution for the poor (which equaled out to blacks)  to receive adequate places to live during the Depression.  In actuality, this undertaking further pushed blacks into the bondages of racism and stereotyping.  Right now, Hearndon Homes is being demolished for many good reasons. One of the positive effects will be eradicating racial scars of the past.

Some of the most amazing paintings were of the Civil War era from the American Art exhibit.  On the walls were expansive portraits depicting the beautiful landscapes of the southern most regions of America. The beauty of the pictures contrasted with the desolation of deserted farms and plantation houses as the War swept through the land and the slaves ran for freedom.

The African Exhibit featured many different examples of the rich culture of the African peoples and was refreshing after viewing paintings that were both pleasing to the eye and painful reminders of a shameful past the Civil War can evoke.  My daughter, whose father is from Ghana, was excited to observe pieces from his home land and we marveled over huge masks made from wood used by the Bwa peoples from Burkina Faso.  Pieces from Nigeria, the Congo, Rwanda, and the Ivory Coast were also proudly displayed.

After three hours and complaints from my daughter that her feet were hurting, I turned to my friend and asked her if she was ready to leave.  She looked at me, gave me a hug, and told me she was glad we came.  She said she learned a lot and that she was anxious to get to school to let her art teacher know how much she had learned over the weekend.  I asked my daughter what she liked the most as we left the building and she said, “The Ghana stuff.”

The visit made an impression on all of us and definitely made me realize that going to the High is a great way to instill knowledge and culture within us without even leaving the city.  Take an afternoon, grab a friend or co-worker and check out all the wonders the High Museum of Art has waiting for you.

By Dee Corley

Orchid Daze: Tower of Flowers at Atlanta Botanical Gardens

February 6 through April 11

If you are a flower lover you’ll be in your element as walls and banners of orchids surround you as high as you can see, cascading and climbing with each step you take at Atlanta Botanical Gardens.  Since 2003 Orchid Daze has been an Atlanta tradition, sharing the Garden’s world-renowned collection of around 10,000 orchids with all who will make time to enjoy them.  This year, rather than the usual carpeted layout the Garden has built towers with their beautiful orchids. The arrangements appear as a mosaic, filling the air with fragrances and splashing vibrant colors throughout the show.  Although the Gardens are closed on Mondays, you’ll find plenty of beauty and things to enjoy throughout the rest of the week.

Tickets and Directions.

The Greatest Show on Earth: Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey

February 12^th through 21st

Everyone should enjoy an amazing night at the oldest and greatest circus on earth at least once in their life!  Nothing can compare to the form of entertainment that’s about as old as our nation itself with the wonderful circus animals and amazing shows you’d only expect to find at a real old style circus.

Barnum’s Funundrum is a show that celebrates P. T. Barnum himself, with the chance to get acquainted with the circus animals and learn about them before the show starts.  Illuscination is a show centered around a modern day Houdini by the name of David Davinci.  Zing Zang Zoom is a traditional style circus show with acrobats, clowns, elephants and more.  You’ll have the time of your life, so hurry and get your tickets at http://www.ringling.com.

Choose a Magical Night for Your Valentines Day at The Mansion on Peachtree

February 12^th – 15^th

If you’ve found yourself in a hectic weekend schedule and just haven’t had room to fit celebrating the love of your life into the fourteenth like you normally would, The Mansion on Peachtree can make up for the missed event with a luxurious one night stay on the day after Valentines.  Through the 15^th you’re greeted with a tea light and rose petal turndown, sharing champagne and Essence of Chocolate.  Then wake up to a full breakfast for two.  A candlelight dinner and spa treatments are available, too. Check out The Mansion at http://www.rwmansiononpeachtree.com/index.cfm

Mardi Gras Madness at Serpas Restaurant

February 16

Serpas brings Mardi Gras to Atlanta with true, traditional Cajun foods, drinks and décor from 5:30 to 10:30 Tuesday night.  Come out and enjoy a $4 Hurricane, a mixed drink that is well known on Louisiana’s Bourbon Street and enjoy the atmosphere that a lively Mardi Gras celebration is all about.  This is a restaurant that has been voted One of the Ten Best New Restaurants in America.  Housed in an original cotton storage building, this restaurant boasts a huge mural of a cotton flower most Georgians would recognize as a “bole” in recognition of the buildings history.  Chef and owner Scott Serpa draws from his Louisiana upbringing to bring this fabulous Mardi Gras styled event to you.  The restaurant has been managed by Scott and his wife Dawn for more than ten years.  For Reservations go to http://www.serpasrestaurant.com/

Victory Beer Tasting fun at Octane Coffee Bar and Lounge

February 17^th

If you’re a beer lover you’ll want to be at the Octane Coffee Bar and Lounge, where Hop City is having their Victory Beer Tasting event from 5:30 to 7:30 on Wednesday evening. Octane coffee Bar and Lounge was named one of the top ten boutique coffee shops by Bon Appetit Magazine!

Enjoy a Night of Laughs at The Punchline Comedy Show

February 17^th

Wednesday at the Punchline is variety night unless a scheduled entertainer is present, which happened to be Grandma Lee until a TV appearance changed that for this week.  She’ll be back and in the meantime you get to enjoy the variety of fun comedians that will be available to keep you rolling.  Drinks of course are available and the staff really makes you feel welcome.  Careful, it may make you want to come back again.  Smoking is permitted outdoors.  Check out seating and order tickets for the table of your choice at http://www.punchline.com/.

Donnell Rawlkings  at the Laughing Skull Lounge
February 18^th – 21^st

Donnell Rawlkings, better known as “Ashy Larry” on The Chappelle Show livens up the Skull Lounge for three nights only.  Rawlkings took over where Dave Chappelle left off on the show, a huge undertaking for him that went well for him.  This is an 18 and over show, so don’t bring the kids.  Got get your tickets in time at http://www.vortexcomedy.com/.

Nigel Dupree with Breaking Vegas and Citizen Icon at The Hard Rock Café
February 19^th

One of our own bands from Kennesaw Georgia, Nigel Dupree is onstage at The Hard Rock Café with Breaking Vegas and Citizen Icon.  This is a newer band, formed in ‘09.  Nigel grew up with the best of the best Rock and Rollers, forming within him a dream of being a Rock Star.  Nigel is the son of Jackyls Jesse James Dupree.  He’s on a mission to soar and no less, and with him are Josh Hilton on Bass and Adam Townsend on the drums.

Citizen Icon (read detailed TheRealAtlanta.com coverage) is also a group out of Atlanta and is nothing to take lightly.  A rock show for sure, this is another team that’s only been around a little while although they all have been members of successful bands beforehand.  Breaking Vegas, another group out of Atlanta, was formed in ’08 and rocks with a flavor of their own.  All three of these groups will be awaiting your arrival ready to show you how to really rock at The Hard Rock Café.  Get your tickets at the door or by going to www.ticketalternative.com

The Larry Griffith Band at Beluga Martini Bar
February 19^th

One of the winners of the 2005 People’s Choice Award and 2006 Best CD for the album “High Wire Walkin”, The Larry Griffith Band will be at the Beluga Martini Bar on Friday the 19^th with the Blues they’re known for and their fun mix of new and old R&B, old Rock and Roll, and ’70 hits.  Prior to starting his highly entertaining band, Griffith performed as a drummer for Taj Mahal, Sean Costello and Best New Artist winner Susan Tedeschi, to name a few.  Griffith is an award winning singer/songwriter/performer that picked up the electric guitar and never looked back.  Lots of fun awaits you starting at 10:30, so you’ll want to get a good table and your favorite martini.

Beluga Martini Bar is famous in Atlanta for their fine cocktails and for service that can’t be beat.  Six days a week you can find live entertainment for your dancing enjoyment in Buckhead at the place with the top reputation and with some of the best bartenders a martini could ask for.  For more information on Belugas location and to see their events page listing a two month schedule of  top-rate entertainment you’ll want to visit their website at http://www.belugamartinibar.com/.

Last Comic Standing Winner Josh Blue at the Punchline

February 19^th -21^st

This guy is funny!  Blue has Cerebral Palsy and shares many of his obstacles and experiences in life with his audience to keep you holding your sides with laughter.  Blue has been on The Ellen Degeneres Show talking about his artwork and Paralympic Team experience. For tickets and seating go to http://www.punchline.com/shows.asp?showdate=2/19/2010

Whether you are heading to a metal show at Lenny’s or to the bottom of a pitcher at 97 Estoria, chances are you will pass through the Krog Street Tunnel.  Intersecting Dekalb Avenue and Wylie Street, the graffiti-blanketed tunnel conjoins more than Cabbagetown and Inman Park.

From the humblest tag – an artist’s signature, to intricate pieces – in the sense of slang for masterpieces – the tunnel is a cultural hub.  Along with its 4 and ½ star ranking on yelp.com, the tunnel has that other factor which makes something a place: pathos.

Built in the early 1900’s and becoming a popular canvas since the ‘80’s, the tunnel’s persistent controversy is more intriguing than its history.  Though not legally a free space to draw graffiti, and despite certain neighbors’ disapproval, it is clear the tunnel is going to be painted regardless of any resistance.

Even when a long-time Cabbagetown resident jumped from a tree at 2 a.m. and punched a kid who was tagging the wall, artists remained undeterred.

The tunnel today is proof that creativity will find its own avenue. Though it is considered poor form to “tag” over another’s work, any blank space the tunnel once had has been exhausted with multiple layers of spray paint. Unless one were to hazard a column closer to the road, in order to make a mark on this notorious street forum, it is considered a necessity to eclipse fellow artists. It is this “here today, gone tomorrow” sentiment that perhaps furthers the competition while also maintaining the public interest in the tunnel’s constant evolution.

Yet the Krog Tunnel does not just serve as a street gallery for tourists and locals alike to enjoy, it triples as a political forum and advertisement space also.  Littered with show posters, anti-war sentiments, and simply sentiment, the tunnel embodies a certain pulse of the city.  Though some artists simply scribble “Akron cats is da hardest,” another takes it upon themselves to lend perspective, i.e. “3,000 DEAD IN IRAQ IS BAD.  1,000,000 DEAD IN DARFUR IS WORSE.”  Whynatte, Atlanta’s original canned coffee drink, is endorsed in yellow letters on the outside of the tunnel on the Wylie Street side.

Many artists eschew a platform altogether and let the art speak for itself, using the colors of the Rasta – red, yellow, and green – to paint the sun rising out of a woman’s hair.  Someone even portrayed Detective Lenny Briscoe from the infinite-seasoned Law and Order.

Though not advisable at night – just a thought prompted by the sight of a column boasting a Sur 13 gang tag – visiting the Krog street tunnel and observing the diversity it represents is a must for those who want to see and know Atlanta.  May be if not visiting on purpose – a good idea might be just to begin noticing, when you inevitably drive through it, the constant evolution of one of Atlanta’s most interesting free exhibits.

Feel free to explore the original TheRealAtlanta.com photo collection here by the author of the article. Click on any photo image at the bottom of the page to get to a higher resolution one.

“Michael Jackson’s This is It” Release Party at Blockbuster
(25^th at 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.)
All over Atlanta fans are invited to celebrate Michael’s movie release on DVD at midnight. Starting at 9:00, there will be performing and teaching of the infamous songs “Beat It” and “Thriller” by Choreographer Desiree Nathanson of Dance 101. In honor of his fashion statement, Atlanta Coats of Love will be collecting gloves and coats. This will be at the Brookhaven Blockbuster on 3944 Peachtree Road.
Directions

Origin at Emory University
(25^th – 28^th at 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.; 29^th at 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. )
Celebrating Charles Darwin’s 200^th anniversary of birth and The Origin of Species, which is his 150-year-old work of art. In this free exhibit you will explore 4 works of his art and see his evolution thoughts through his eyes. The presentation will be inside the Woodruff Library at Emory University, 540 Asbury Circle, Atlanta.
Directions

Northlake Mall presents Dine and Dance
(26^th at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.)
Every last Tuesday of the month, this dancing event will be held in the Northlake‘s Food Garden. The John LaMatittina Band will be providing music for the night. This social event is free and open to the public. The mall is at 4800 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30345 which is only 12 miles northeast of the downtown.
Information

The Fox Theatre presents Young Frankenstein
(26^th - 29^th at 8:00 p.m.; 30^th at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.; 31^st at 1:00 pm & 6:30 pm.)
The winner of three Tony Awards, Mel Brooks, created this new musical comedy based off Mary Shelley’s memorable book. This enjoyable  revision of the Frankenstein legend will surely please every audience.  The Fox is at 660 Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta.
Tickets

Flamingo Fridays at the Sanctuary Nightclub & Lounge
(29^th at 9:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.)
The Sanctuary continues their notorious Latin dancing every Friday night. Salsa, Merengue and Bachata will be the core dances at this Buckhead hotspot. Ladies are free before 10:00 p.m., and there is a free beginner/intermediate Salsa lesson at 9:00 p.m. The Sanctuary is at 3209 Paces Ferry Place NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.
Information

The Masquerade presents Scary Kids Scaring Kids
(30^th at 6:00 p.m.)
Scary Kids Scaring Kids, named from a Cap’n Jazz song, are a post-hardcore/indie rock band that formed in 2002. They are known for a reckless and rousing live show.
Dance Gavin Dance, a more emo-leaning band, will also be in the showcase. Come support SKSK this Saturday on their very last tour! The Masquerade lies at 695 North Avenue NE.
Tickets

The Silver Scream Spook Show at the Plaza Theatre
(30^th at 1:00 p.m. & 10:00 p.m.)
For thirty minutes a live stage show full of  comedy, dancing girls, magic tricks, and frights! Afterwards, on 35mm film the classic horror Buck Rogers Planet Outlaws will be showing. Located at 1049 Ponce De Leon Avenue.
Information

Ferst Center of the Arts presents Natalie MacMaster And Donnell Leahy
(31^st at 5:00 p.m.)
The married couple are two of the world’s most notable fiddlers. Along with their Celtic music fiddling, they will be singing and dancing. This uplifting performance is not one to miss. 349 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta 30332 is where the center is.
Information

]]> http://therealatlanta.com/2010/01/25/fun-things-to-do-in-atlanta-week-of-january-25th-to-31th/rachaelrene/feed/ 0 http://therealatlanta.com/2010/01/24/atlanta-book-exchange/summerstanley/ http://therealatlanta.com/2010/01/24/atlanta-book-exchange/summerstanley/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:02:39 +0000 Summer Stanley http://therealatlanta.com/?p=2072 By Summer Stanley. To borrow the words of Tennessee Williams, treasured American writer, the Atlanta Book Exchange is “a world within the world.” Located across from Manuel’s Tavern, near the intersection of North and North Highland Avenues, the newer location of this Atlanta fixture boasts more space but less foot traffic than the beloved cottage in Virginia Highlands. Admittedly there was ]]> By Summer Stanley.

To borrow the words of Tennessee Williams, treasured American writer, the Atlanta Book Exchange is “a world within the world.”  Located across from Manuel’s Tavern, near the intersection of North and North Highland Avenues, the newer location of this Atlanta fixture boasts more space but less foot traffic than the beloved cottage in Virginia Highlands.

Admittedly there was something charming about that old location, where longtime employee, the late Jim Degnan lived as well as worked, but the perk of the new one is the cozy seating nested amongst the numerous quiet nooks.  Though the community mourns the loss of Degnan, his spirit still remains memorialized alongside other black and white portraits of fellow greats hanging on the store’s esteemed walls: Henry Miller, Samuel Beckett, Sylvia Plath, and D.H. Lawrence are amongst those who keep his company.

The crux of the Atlanta Book Exchange’s allure winds within the intimate catacombs of its shelves.  It’s range of used, out-of-print, as well as new books are all intriguing and classic finds.  Their variety is unparalleled.

From David Cordingly’s Under the Black Flag: The Romance and Reality of Life Among the Pirates, including a chapter on “Women Pirates and Pirate’s Women,” to The Art of Queen: The Eye, the making of the CD-ROM based on and with backup music by Queen, the Atlanta Book Exchange consistently impresses with a choice assortment.

The character of this bookstore is that of a soothsayer, a seer and revealer of much, spanning thus far time and the ages, weaved through story upon story.  Peruse the “Foreign Authors in Translation” section: there is Gogol.  There is Borges.  If you dare, available for browsing is “Molecular Biology.”  “Sociology” bares Jeffrey Rosen’s Unwanted Gaze: Destruction of Privacy in America that only grows more applicable as the 21^st century advances.

“Asian History,” “African History,” an entire section dedicated to Theodore Roosevelt, as well as Fidel Castro’s autobiography, My Life, can all be found in the house on North Highland Ave. next door to Buddy’s.

Comic books, arty books, nude arty books, a book of short stories entitled, The Night My Mother Met Bruce Lee: Observations On Not Fitting In, by Paisley Rekdal await.  The “Self-Help” section implies a “whatever works” approach, boasting both How Alcoholics Anonymous Failed Me, by Marianne Gilliam as well as the 4^th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous in its collection.

So the next time you’re at Manny’s for a beer, or stuck in traffic on North Highland Avenue, stop in and ruminate a while, because this merely grazes the surface of what the Atlanta Book Exchange means when their sign outside says “BOOKS.”

Thieves’ final performance  and CD release party was at Kavarna Coffee Shop in Oakhurst [editor: area in Atlanta, GA] on Friday, January 15, 2009.  The all-girl group, comprised of Jessie Calmes on vocals and guitar, Meta Gary on violin and vocals, Rene Lambert on bass and mandolin, and Khalilah Karim on backup vocals and accordion have come a long way to develop their sound of lilting, poetic folk.  Directly after the post-show cigarette break, I gathered the band for some giggle-ridden girl talk, where they recalled their worst show ever, performing with the legendary Desk Ark, as well as a possible comeback.

Summer Stanley: Thieves, I was just ruminating on how it’s rather unusual to have a CD release party in conjunction with your final show, so to begin, is it really the final show?

Rene Lambert: So far.

Jessie Calmes: It was a publicity scam (Laughter).  We’re gonna come out of retirement in a month.

Summer: Like Jay-Z?

Jessie: Like Jay-Z.

Summer: Well it did him a lot of good.

Jessie: We’re all gonna marry Beyonce too.

(The girl gaggle giggles)

Khalilah Karim: (Laughing) I think I’m already married to Beyonce.  We have little Beyonces running around.

Summer: All right, well, the reason I ask is because I heard a little birdie mention that a French band contacted you through MySpace that wanted to tour with you.  Care to comment?

Jessie: It’s possible that after some months we might come out with a bunch of different, new material and maybe a reincarnation.

Summer: OK. OK.  So this would be like same people, different name and sound?

Jessie: Maybe.

Summer: Maybe?

Jessie: This is all hypothetical.

Summer: All right I’ll take hypothetical.

Meta Gary: I think we might just sing in French.

Summer: I’d pay to hear an American girl band sing French lyrics.  Well kind of in a “looking back” vein, I know it’s pretty immediate, but how did Thieves originate and how long were you together for?

Rene: Originally we were all hanging out being sad and were like, “Hey, let’s make music.”

Jessie: It basically started with a different formation in the beginning, and we all were really bummed out about uh, ladies.

Summer: Mmm hmm.

Jessie: And so we literally just drank a lot of whiskey and wrote lots of songs really, really late at night.

Summer: Some of the best songs have been written that way.

Jessie: And then played them out of tune for the while.

Meta: Much to my dismay.  I heard that there existed a group of really, really sad girls, and I was like, “I have got to get in on that.”  And so I did.  And uh, I brought ‘in tune’ with me.

Jessie: Meta made us tune our instruments.

Rene: She was like, “I can’t do this unless we tune!”

Jessie: And then we became “legit.”

Summer: Wow.  When was it that you guys started playing shows regularly?

Jessie: Our first show was for Amy and Matteas’ benefit after their accident (scooter accident) two summers ago.

Summer: Yeah, that’s been a while.  Well what bands have you guys been members of previous to Thieves?

Rene: The Bangers, Stanley’s Car – back in Louisiana.

Summer: Cool.  What kind of a band was Stanley’s Car?

Rene: Ska.

Summer: So do you foresee yourself continuing as a musician after this?

Rene: Of course!  Absolutely.

Summer: Do you have any upcoming projects at all?

Rene: Hopefully.  I don’t know just yet.

Summer: But you will.

Rene: Yes. Of course.

Summer: (To Jessie) What about you?

Jessie: I did vocals for Bangers and now I’m in the Gazelles.  I play drums.

Summer: Cool.  I didn’t know you played drums.  Who are The Gazelles? Are you performing around town now?

Jessie: We’ve been playing around Atlanta – I think we’re gonna book a show at Lenny’s soon.  It’s kind of, I don’t even know, garage rock, 60’s girl groove. . .

Rene: Think Black Sabbath.  It’s like old school metal.  It’s awesome.

Jessie: Dirty.

Summer: I can’t wait!  (To Khalilah) And what previous bands have you been in?

Khalilah: I was in a small band back in the early nineties, well it was kind of like mid-nineties, called Destiny’s Child.

(Laughter from everyone)

Khalilah: And um, I got kicked out because my dance moves were not up to par, but you know, I made it again with Thieves.  So me and Beyonc’ are still close ‘cuz she’s having my babies.

Summer: I think you’re the only one who isn’t ill with her after she left Destiny’s Child to go solo.

Khalilah: (Laughing) You know, I’m OK as long as I get paid.  You know they’re still using my lyrics.

Summer: (Laughing) Do your thing girl!

Khalilah: I’m a survivor (laughs).  But whatever.  But really, no.  This is it.

Summer: No future projects?

Khalilah: Unless someone else wants me.  Yeah, and if Thieves does a comeback tour…

Summer: Oh well I’ll miss you and I’m glad I got a lot of good pictures to memorialize this properly.  (To Meta) And for you?

Meta: I was in one band in college – it was a math rock band.

Summer: A math rock band?  What kind of band is that?

Meta: Um…

Jessie: It’s like math-y rock.

Summer: I’m sure it all adds up.

Meta: Good one.  It’s like instrumental rock. . .

Summer: That sounds like genius rock!

Meta: I was in a genius rock band called Baracka.

Jessie: (In mock disbelief)It was called Baracka?

Kahlilah: Was it really?  Baracka?  Like the movie? (Laughs)

Meta: Yes it was.  And it’s also a Mortal Combat character.

Summer: You are cool.

Meta: I always played music my whole life and I was in that band and then I kind of stopped for just being busy until I met these guys and I started…

Summer: And how did you guys meet?

Meta: (Gestures to front door of Kavarna) Out front right there.

Jessie: Yeah.

Meta: We were sitting at a table smoking cigarettes. . .

Jessie: And we were like “Oh, you play violin?  And you look good?!  OK.”

(Everyone laughs.)

Jessie: “Put on that hat!”

Meta: “Are you interested in being sad?  Am I?!”

Khalilah: Any excuse to cry.

Summer: I really like that you guys were on the melancholy trip here.  This is something that I didn’t know about you guys personally, but your music is very cathartic and haunting so I get it.

Jessie: At one point we actually covered Otis Redding’s “Sad Song.”

Summer: I wish I had heard that one!  I also wish I had heard your famous cover of Mariah Carey’s “Shake it Off.”

Khalilah: A lot of people really wish they had heard “Shake it off.”

Rene: If we only knew everyone would chant.  If we only had one more chance we could have prepared it.

Summer: Sorry, I kinda started the chanting.  I didn’t realize.  (To Meta) Well, do you have any musical projects on the horizons?

Meta: Not specifically, but yeah.

Summer: I get it.  There will be.  OK, well what else?  Looking back, do you have a best/worst show moment?  I’m gonna go one by one here, because this is gonna overwhelm my microphone, so Rene first.

Rene: Eddie’s attic is the show. (Everyone laughs.)

Summer: The best or the worst?

Rene: Um, the worst.

Summer: Tell me why.

Rene: Because everything was out of tune, and it was incredibly professional and we were not.  And it was very embarrassing.

Summer: What was the crowd’s reaction?

Rene: They just sat there.

Jessie: One person said, “You know guys, you don’t have to play all your songs every time you play.”

Summer: Ouch.

Jessie: And I would agree.  Horribly out-of-tune.  Embarrassing.

Rene: We have a copy.  You can hear it.  It’s horrible.

Jessie: We like to listen to it for s…t and giggles.

Summer: Well, those days have come and gone and you guys have arrived at this point, but what was your best show moment?

Rene: Actually probably tonight.

Jessie: It was fun.

Summer: Yeah, it was a really fun night.  It was great.

Rene: The crowd was really cool.

Summer: A lot of people showed up.

Rene: Yeah, I mean the whole environment was pretty, pretty right on man.

Summer: Yeah.

Jessie: I also think the best practice moment was today when we all sang Lady Gaga a capella to one another.  I thought that sounded really, really good.

Summer: That’s pretty cool.

Jessie: Yeah definitely good use of our time before our last show.

Summer: Oh, definitely.  And I’m sure there were, rather, I’m assuming, there were drinks.

Jessie: Yeah, well, I think there are anytime we do vocal exercises together too, which, involves Mariah Carey’s emotions.

Summer: Yes.

(The band starts doing their various Mariah Carey impressions.)

Jessie: Yeah, those are all good.

Summer: I love it!  Khalilah, best/worst show moment?

Khalilah: I guess other than tonight I would have to say our first show in Athens that I played was a really good night.

Summer: Where did you guys play in Athens?

Khalilah: Little Kings.

Summer: That’s a fun place:

Khalilah: It was a really fun day.  Good show, nice crowd, like I don’t actually know if the crowd was nice as in big, but the few people who were there were very nice.

Summer: They were like respectful and clapping at all the right times and everything. . .

Jessie: We played with The Shondas who were like a really big deal for us.

Summer: Oh cool.  Tell me about The Shondas.

Jessie: They’re this, like- they were called the next “Sleater Kinney,” but they’re like this Jewish, rrriot girlish music.

Summer: Ooooh.  That sounds really good.

Jessie: Queer.  Really, really great violinist.  And they were on the cover of Curve magazine the month before we  booked the show.  Louisa… that girl.  So we played with them in Athens and in Atlanta.  And that was cool

Summer: Cool.  Besides The Shondas who were some of the most famous people that you performed with?

Jessie: Des Ark!

Rene: Yes!

Summer: (Enjoying the enthusiasm) Say it again!

Jessie: Desk Ark was my favorite show because I’ve been listening to Desk Ark since I was like 15.

Summer: I was at that show and it was astounding.

Rene: Wow.  Yeah, it was incredible to meet Aimee.

(Aimee Argote, frontwoman for Desk Ark)

Jessie: Yeah.

Rene: She was uh, wow.  Yeah.  That was great.

Jessie: That was good.  That had to be the best I think.

Summer: Yeah, yeah.  That was at the Eyedrum.  Thanks Marissa Overton for organizing that show!  (To Meta) Best and worst for you?

Meta: Easily Eddie’s Attic.  And a side note on the Eddie’s Attic show, I think I’d been playing with them for like three weeks at that time and uh, I had them, this was, I knew that they were out of tune, but I didn’t one hundred percent know how, how.

Jessie: Bad.

Meta: How bad the situation, how deep-rooted this problem was, and so in order to learn all the songs in time for the show because the shows was booked when I started playing with them, I had them record everything, and then I learned my parts, I made up parts according to recordings, and then uh, we were on stage playing and um, nothing! Nothing!  Not a damn thing was in the same key.

(Everyone Laughter)

Summer: None of the instruments were tuned together at all?

Meta: No!  So everyone that starts playing, and all these parts that I had, you know, studied …

Summer: Right.

Meta: And learned …

Jessie: (Laughing) In key?

Meta: … were all wrong.  And it was absolutely horrible.  And I was wearing this same hat, and I kept pulling it lower and lower during the course of the show, and lower past my face because I kept wanting to hide and I wondered multiple times how bad it would be if I just quietly stepped off the stage.

Summer: (Laughing) That’s great to admit that.

Meta: It was horrible.  And the other side of that I would say is tonight, which is really ironic, because up until recording our CD, which went very quickly, we haven’t played in at least like a month or two.

Summer: I didn’t realize it had been that long.

Meta: So I wasn’t really foreseeing tonight going well, and I was kind of, I was nervous.

Jessie: I know and after that we stopped playing shows!

Meta: (Laughing) Done!

Meta: But yeah I don’t know what it was but tonight everything just felt like really solid, and the crowd was awesome.

Summer: Yeah.

Meta: Tonight was like a really good night.  It was great.  A great night to end on.

Summer: Absolutely.

Khalilah: Or to begin again on.

Summer: Don’t tease me!

Khalilah: Or to come back on!  (Laughter)

Summer: That’s going to be the vein of my article, I want you to know that I’m going to paint you guys as a phoenix rising from the ash, so I’m editing it the way that I want it to be. (Laughter)

(Jessie starts doing the “Angels in the Outfield” flying motions.  Everyone laughs.)

Summer: I just have to ask this one last question, out of personal curiosity, because I’m about to start learning the drums and I wanna know percentage-wise, how much more play I’m gonna get, than I have as a regular person now?  And in addition to play specifically, what about perks of being in a band in general?

(Everyone shakes their head, laughs.)

Summer: (In disbelief) No perks!  None whatsoever?!

Rene: Well, I mean, the connection you have with people when you play music it’s like family.  That’s my favorite perk.

Summer: I feel that.

Rene: The intimacy with friends playing music … it’s pretty rad.

Summer: Totally.

Jessie: I would disagree.

(More laughter.)

Summer: Which part do you disagree with?

Jessie: Well, whenever we play I just crawl back into my anxiety hole, which involves me quickly loading instruments into the car and avoiding eye contact with anyone.

Rene: But we get to hang out with each other!

Jessie: No.  But we’re talking about play.

Renee: Oh.

Jessie: No extra play.

Summer: No extra play at all?

Jessie: No.

Khalilah: I think that would only be lame when you’re like, “Yeah I play music and it’s blah blah blah blah.”

Jessie: Yeah, that’s nice, but no, never after a show have I been like “Hey girl how you doin’?”  It’s more like (nervously giggles, voice shaking): “Hi- thank you ha ha.”

(We all laugh.)

Summer: Yeah, you’re just like, “OK, get me outta here.”

Jessie: Well Khalilah gets all the honeys.

Khalilah: I mean since I’ve been in this band, guys, oh my god.  (Laughs) I can’t count the amount of a.. I’ve got!

Meta: She can’t count the amounts.

Khalilah: Yeah.

Summer: OK, well I’m always curious about the dating life of a musician.  Are there any other perks?

Khalilah: Yeah – stage fright.

Summer: I never would’ve thought any of you had stage fright.  It’s interesting talking to you about that, because it’s new information to me.

Jessie: I puke either before or after any first performance I’ve had with a band.

Summer: Wow.  I would too.  I was at a show in New York – I went to go see Atmosphere, and Slug has super-fan karaoke before the show where he serves at the hype man, but the fans have to rap his songs onstage without any lyrics.  The participants just have to know it by heart.  And when Slug was introducing them, he said “You guys need to be nice to these people because before I go on for every show, I have to sh… .  Literally.  And I wrote the songs.”  Sooooo. . . I get that.

Summer: (To Meta) So perks for you?

Meta: Um, we usually get a tab.

(Everyone): Yeah.

Summer: Well that is a definite perk.

Khalilah: (To Meta) You get to show your artwork!  But I think we played because of your artwork.

Meta: I think what that is, is I get to deflect attention away from myself.

Rene: No!  From your artwork?

Meta: Yeah.  And turn it into a band show instead of an art show which is much more comfortable.

Summer: I had no idea this was a combination art show and band show.

Meta: See? (Gesturing to a flock of bird paintings on the wall).

Summer: Oh!

Jessie: It’s called Flock by Artist Meta Gary.

Summer: I’m so glad I know that now!  Do you have a website?

Meta: There’s a MetaGary.com website.

Summer: Great!  And what sorts of art do you do?

Meta: I’m a painter.  I’m currently in grad school for graphic design.

Summer: Great!  Well I’m so glad to know that extra little ditty.  Any last words before I shut off my recorder?

Jessie: OK. OK.

Rene: (short un-transcribable).

Jessie: (High-pitched Mariah Carey-esque squeal)

Khalilah: (Imitating Lady Gaga) Pa-pa-razzi!

Meta: I don’t have any last words.

Summer: OK.

Meta: That’s kind of ironic.

Jessie: This was kind of fun.

Summer: Isn’t it fun?

Dialogue in the Dark at the Atlantic Station Exhibition Center
(Ongoing until March 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Have you ever wondered what a blind person’s life is really like? In this unordinary exhibition, the blind will guide normal visitors through galleries and interactive environments without any light. This is surely to be an “eye-opening” outlook on how the blind fully use their other senses, and how sometimes valuable things are not appreciated enough. The exhibition center is located at 265 18th St., Suite 4200, Atlanta, GA.
Tickets

Dweezil Zappa plays at the Variety Playhouse
(11^th at 8:00 p.m.)
Dweezil will be rocking out with his musically inherited guitar talent from his father, along with six other members. This show is a tribute to his father, Frank Zappa. The Playhouse is located at 1099 Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points, close to the Carter Center and Virginia Highlands.
Tickets

Karaoke Monday’s at the Uptown Comedy Corner
(11^th at 8:30 p.m.)
Special K. from the Ricky Smiley Morning show will be hosting Karaoke this Monday. Come perform a song you may have in mind, or get a kick out of other people singing! Uptown is located at 800 Marietta Street, ATL, 30318.
Tickets

Open Mic at Meehan’s Public House
(12^th at 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.)
Come prepared to sing acoustic, and compete! If you win over the most people with your performance, you’ll win a pretty great prize; free bar tab, cash, and a cab ride home! Meehan’s is located at 227 Sandy Springs Place, Suite 416, Atlanta, GA 30328.
Reservations

American Idol Viewing Party at the W Hotel
(13^th at 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Review season nine’s auditions at the location they started in! There will be food from Jean-Georges Spice Market from 7-8pm and American Idol themed cocktails from Whiskey Park. The W is located in Midtown at 188 14th St. NE, ATL.
RSVP to watlanta.midtown@whotels.com
Directions

The Ansley Park Playhouse presents “A Sunday Afternoon at Loehmann’s”
(14^th at 8:00 p.m. & 17^th at 3:00 p.m.)
Shopping has become a form of fun relaxation, and the Southern ladies in this play will be displaying just that. The story starts off innocent, and then progresses into the dysfunctional standards of everyday living. It’s a very witty show that shouldn’t be missed. The Ansley Park Playhouse is located in the Peachtree Pointe Building on 1545 Peachtree Street.
Ticekts

Shen Yun at the Cobb Energy Performance Centre
(15^th at 7:30 p.m., 16^th at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., 17^th at 2:00 p.m.)
Shen Yun Performing Arts presents Chinese dancing that has been tradition for centuries. You will see the ancient legends and heroes come to life. Along with this, the Shen Yun Orchestra will be playing their original pieces with classical Western and Chinese instruments. Come to Cobb Energy for this uplifting experience at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339.
Tickets

The Loft presents Avenue X
(15^th at 10:00 p.m.)
The Loft is going to hold Avenue X – which is a new wave night presented by DJIT and Warholboy. The cover charge is $5 for 21+, and $10 for 18-20. The location is in Midtown at 1374 W. Peachtree St.
Information

Gwinnett Performing Arts Center presents Ralphie May
(16^th at 7:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.)
Ralphie May has been a professional comedian since the age of 17. He has made appearances on Comedy Central, Craig Kilborn, Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno, and The Man Show. You may have even seen him on the infamous website Youtube. The Gwinnett Center is at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097.
Tickets

Living Novel at the Relapse Theatre
(16^th at 9:00 p.m.)
The Relapse Theatre is offering something a little different in the arts department. Living Novel is a book that reads itself going along with music, all put together by Trey Duke. The general admission price is $10, but students can get in for $5. The Relapse Theatre is located on 380 14^th street, Atlanta.

Directions

Ghosts of Atlanta Walking Tour
(Every January night at 7:30pm)
Our southern city has been through a lot in its years of existing. In the tour you will experience places where the active spirits are still present. Tours begin at the corner of Ponce De Leon and Peachtree Street at the corner of the Georgian Terrace Hotel.
Reservations

Hip Hop Jam Session at the Apache Café
(5^th at 9:00pm)
The session will include guest DJs and artists, and a chance for everyone to have the mic and jam out with the band. Apache is a very welcoming place, and the cover charge is only five dollars. The café is located at 64 Third St., Atlanta, right in Midtown.
Information

Ladies Night at Loca Luna
(6^th at 8:00pm)
Starting off the night, free salsa lessons will begin at 8:00pm. After that, live salsa and meringue music will be played for your dancing pleasure. It is a free event, but you are welcome to take advantage of their tasty tapas dishes! Loca Luna is located at 550-C Amsterdam Avenue, Atlanta, 30306.
Directions

First Thursday Downtown Artswalk
(7^th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm)
The first Thursday of every month, downtown holds an open walk through galleries at numerous venues for free. You can move at any pace you would like through the cultural and historical downtown.
Information

Christian Finnegan at The Punchline
(7^th at 8:00pm; 8^th at 8:00pm & 10:00pm; 9^th at 7:00pm, 9:00pm, & 11:00pm; 10^th at 8:00pm)
Mr. Finnegan is well known for being a panelist on VH1’s “Best Week Ever” series. He is continuously making appearances on Comedy Central; you may have even seen him on “Chappelle’s Show”. The Punchline strives to present the best working comedians, and with Christian, they are definitely succeeding! The location is 280 Hilderbrand Drive, ATL, in the Balconies shopping center.
Tickets

Improv Act
(8^th at 10:30pm)
The improv act is titled Ask Dr. Frapples. In this act the audience members guide their questions to this psychiatrist, and get possible solutions to your troubles. Dad’s Garage is located inside Inman Park facing Lake Avenue. The exact address is 280 Elizabeth Street, Suite C-101, Atlanta, GA 30307.
Tickets

Behind the Sun plays at Andrews Upstairs
(9^th at 9:00pm)
Behind the Sun is a tribute band devoting their performances to their love of music by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Detroit Mutant Radio will be rocking out with their alternative hip-hop type music as well. East Andrews prides itself as “Atlanta’s most intimate concert setting”. It is located at 56 East Andrews Drive Suite #10.
Tickets

Dweezil Zappa plays at the Variety Playhouse
(11^th at 8:00pm)
Dweezil will be rocking out with his musically inherited guitar talent from his father, along with six other members. This show is a tribute to his father, Frank Zappa. The Playhouse is located at 1099 Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points, close to the Carter Center and Virginia Highlands.
Tickets