It’s been eons since RuPaul dominated the A-town underground club scene, plastering the city with his own posters adhered with wallpaper and wheat paste, frustrating any would-be hoodlums’ attempts to tear down his image.  As he advertised himself in 1983, RuPaul is still “Red Hot.”

At Outwrite Books, Atlanta’s foremost queer bookstore on the corner of 10^th and Piedmont, RuPaul is not in drag.  Still, down to the orange silk kerchief peeking out of his crisp black suit over his purple and pink ribbon-striped collar, he is flawless.  Of course, I am straining to see all of this through the bookstore window.  My friends and I are numbers 225-228 in line to have our books, “Workin’ It: RuPaul’s Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style,” signed by the author himself.

Due to what feels to this Georgia Peach like the bitter cold, I have, along with my crew, eschewed the line in favor of drinks at Gilbert’s Mediterranean Cafe a few doors down from Outwrite.  Not that I wouldn’t suffer alongside fellow fans and shiver away the hours if absolutely necessary, but for my money I’d sooner suffer a cocktail.  However, having settled inside a warm booth for a comfortable wait, I slip outside again just in time to hear Rupaul accepting a plaque from some lackey on behalf of Mayor Kasim Reed over Outwrite’s loudspeaker.

Though a California native, Rupaul claims Atlanta as the place he came up, tirelessly traipsing over his competition, working nights at clubs like the now-defunct Club Weekends on Peachtree Street.  Long-time fans will recall RuPaul’s towering high-heeled presence, made all the more transcendent with a red mohawk, his hairstyle at the time.

Now filming the second season of his hit reality series, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” on Logo, RuPaul, having held onto his star with those gorgeous acrylic nails, has traveled a long way from Peachtree Street.  Upon receiving his gift from the Mayor, RuPaul betrays just how long of an absence when he inquires about former Mayor Shirley Franklin.  Apparently no one had told him about the recent election of Kasim Reed but the crowd’s laughter at the mention of former Mayor Franklin tips him off and without missing a beat he says, “Oh, did you vote her out of office?”  Certainly the Mayor will always have his or her perks, but RuPaul will always be the reigning Queen of Atlanta.

Though by no means out of touch with politics, (He purposefully chose the spotlight over retirement to be an example of freedom during the Bush administration), RuPaul is more concerned with being himself and pioneering a way for others to do the same.  His book is in part a revelatory autobiography of how he became successful, complete with how-to tips on putting together the perfect wig down to what he eats for breakfast, as well as a testament to how far diligence and hard work can take you.

If RuPaul’s utilization of drag propelling him to succeed as a frontman, movie star, face of M.A.C. cosmetics, reality show power-diva, and now author is any example, then the limits to success exist only as ideas in the mind.  Whether or not he has a double-wig and a manicure, RuPaul always dons that fierce attitude, commanding all those who strive for stardom, “Girl, you betta work!”

Selected quotes from RuPaul’s new book, Workin’ It! RuPaul’s Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style (available at Outwrite Books in midtown):

“When the going gets tough, the tough reinvent.” – pg. 12

“What other people think of me is none of my business.” – pg. 22

“The Saboteur has been practicing a strenuous workout regimen your whole life, but it’s never too late to counterbalance it with positive musculature.” – pg. 21

“My guess is people want to put you in a box with a pretty little bow because reality is far more complex than they’re willing to comprehend.” – pg. 61

“To me, the whole concept of being able to transform your identity with a mop of synthetic hair represented the totality of advancements made in the industrial age: a cheap, non-biodegradable tool of vanity.  It made me feel proud to be an American.” –pg. 83

And my personal favorite:

“Hell, I even think a unibrow is sexy.” – pg. 103

Me too, Ru!

(TheRealAtlanta.com brief photo review of the event and the venue:)

Atlanta native Laurah Norton Raines is pretty busy these days.  Having achieved such accomplishments as writer, teacher, as well founder/editor of her own on-line literary magazine to boot, it is a wonder that she has the time to write such compelling, award winning short stories, such as Old Scratch and Medicine.  Both of these stories won first place in the Creative Loafing fiction contest in 2008 and 2009 respectively.  Also speaking to her impressive skill is the fact that she has been published in magazines such as Fringe, Failbetter, Night Train, and the Post Road Journal.  Her work is also found in various anthologies.

Laurah was gracious enough to sit with me in her office at Georgia State University, where she teaches American Literature and Freshman Composition, to tell me about herself, her writing, and who she thinks is just great in the genre of magical realism.

TheRealAtlanta.com:  Tell me about Laurah.  Where are you from?

Laurah Norton Raines:  I’m not really from anywhere.  For most of my life I have lived equally in North Carolina and Georgia.  I went to high school in Georgia, though. I did my undergrad at Gilford College, which is a Quaker school that offered many programs focusing on creative writing.  I then returned to Georgia, was given the Paul Bowles Fellowship while at Georgia State University, received my MFA in creative writing and was hired on at Georgia State to teach.

TRA:  How did you get started with writing?

LNR:  Well, I’ve been writing all my life.  My dad is a writer, and before I could write myself, I would dictate stories to him. When I went to college, I majored in English and was originally going to be a screen writer, but I found that in writing dialogue, you can’t really paint the picture, so I switched to creative writing.  After my undergrad was completed I went to work at Bank of America and would have panic attacks in the bathroom from being confined to a cubby all day. That’s when I realized that I needed to go back to doing what I enjoy, which is writing.  I then went back to school to work on my MFA.

TRA:  I read the stories you gave me which helped acclimate me more to your writing style and I found that you write about the mundane in everyday life.  Would you say that is pretty accurate?

LNR:  People say I’m a hyper-realist, but for me, I can’t really pin-point what kind of writer I am.  I just write.  People tell me what kind of writer I am but I have yet to confirm those observations. However, what I do in my writing is draw from particular time frames within a period.  It may be a minute occurrence within an hour that I write about.  I never write about events that extend over a great period of time.

TRA:  Well, Slow Freeze seemed to be spot on regarding real life scenarios.  I could definitely place me and my husband within the story.

LNR:  Yeah, Slow Freeze is a good example of my position of my writing and it is one of my most important pieces.  Yes, my stories are influenced by real life and Slow Freeze has been technically deemed as Creative Non-Fiction but it is a little different.  With this piece, I have taken real life events and “fictionalized” them which, does not happen in true Creative Non-Fiction writing.  In Slow Freeze the basic events are true with a slight change in the details. Typically, Creative Non-Fiction writers do not change the details in their writing. They approach non-fiction using creative writing tools. With that said, my story Off Highway 75 would probably be the one most fitting the Creative Non-Fiction moniker.

TRA:  Tell me the way you come up with your ideas for stories, and do you have a specific writing method?

LNR:  Some people are everyday writers.  I am not.  I don’t even write every week.  I usually get an idea in my head or a mental picture of something and think about it for a long time; a couple of months at least.  Then I begin writing it down. I tend to write in “spurts.”  As far as a method toward writing, I don’t think I have one.  I feel that a person should write in the way that works best for them.  Like in my case, if I feel too much pressure to write, it begins to feel like an assignment and that will not work for me.

TRA:  Right…so does that mean you are no longer working on the novel you mentioned some time ago?

LNR:  No I am not. I was working on a novel at one time because you have to write a novel to get tenure.  You can write a book of short stories, though, so I’m doing that.  I’m just not a novelist.  Novels take a lot of time in which to develop plots and I am more into flash fiction.  I love writing in tight prose.  Now, that does not mean I write in the minimal sense, but that my plots occur within a short span of time.

TRA:  Laurah, who are the authors that pique your interest?

LNR:  Right now I have an interest in magical realism and slip stream in which the piece falls within genres. So I am reading Kelly Link.  Her book, Magic for Beginners is one of my favorites.  I also love St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves by Karen Russell.  I find their stories fascinating!  I feel their writing styles force readers into metaphorical elements and cause them not to take things so literally.  I find that I have to pick images that posses a universal quality when I read these authors.  I also like the fact that there are a lot of women writers who are representing the magical realism and slip stream genres right now.

TRA: I know…that is great…

LNR: Yeah, so I hope to expand my writing into that genre some time soon…

TRA:  Laurah, congratulations on all of the things you have done to bring light to the literary world.  Thank you for taking the time to talk to me and I hope to see your book of short stories on the shelves in the near future.  Can you tell the readers where they can find out more about you?

LNR:  Sure, readers need to check out my magazine, which is called Sub-Lit.  The website is http://www.sub-lit.com/.  There you will not only find some of my writing but that of other writers who are a part of the Sub-Lit team.

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

UNIVERSOUL Under The Bigtop Continues …

If you missed the Universoul Circus last week you’re in luck since it will be continue into March in Atlanta.  This is a completely unique experience, with all the classic circus acts from a black culture standpoint. Check it out on their site and get your tickets.  Don’t wait til they hit the road again.  www.universoulcircus.com

There’s Always Something Going on at The Masquerade…

Twiztid, Pot Luck and Kung Fu Vampire, March 1st

POS – Comedy, Music and Getting Real, March 4^th

A Loaded Friday Night – Pick your Music, March 5^th

Next Big Thing Tour, Up and Coming Punk and Alternative, March 6^th

More next week…

www.masq.com/2009_site

Professionals Date and Dash With an RSVP at The Mood Lounge

March 3^rd

This ought to be a blast, speed dating with class for college grads and professionals at the Mood Lounge.  The first Wednesday of every month you can find a new event on the website calendar, educating you on where it will be held, the age group attending and how to register.  This is not just an Atlanta thing, but it is a regular thing in Atlanta, and this week it will be held at the Mood Lounge.  Get on the ball and get registered and get more information about it at www.dateanddash.com/event.php?id=1854.

Tom Rhodes at The Punchline Comedy Club

March 4^th through 7^th

This guy has been around a long time, paying tribute to our Viet Nam vets in his own stylish way.  As always, expect to find the best comedy and the best comedians at The Punchline.  Tickets and your choice of seating can be found at www.punchline.com/index.asp

DJ Talent at Tringali’s Restaurant

March 5th

DJ Talent says you don’t want to miss another one of his parties, so if you’re a fan you oughta be there.  This is in the old Atlanta underground.  Go to www. eventful.com/atlanta/venues/tringalis-/V0-001-000329008-3.

Fresh Fest at the Civic Center

March 5^th

Friday night brings you Salt n Pepa, Biz Markie, Whodini and Doug E. Fresh. Get your tickets at www.atlantaciviccenter.com

Bird Watching and Power Vinyasa Yoga at Piedmont Park

March 6^th

It’s time to take a relaxing, fun yoga class with the Atlanta Yoga Club and you can enjoy the Park at the same time for just five bucks a class.  Bring a yoga mat and your own water.  Or, if you’re into a love for birds, take the bird watching walk, whether you’re a regular at it or just wondering about it.  Get more info at www.piedmontpark.org

Lewis Black at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

March 6^th

Performing frequently and internationally to a sold out house, you know this is a show you don’t want to miss if you’re due for a laugh.  This is your opportunity to vent without having to say a word, as Black eagerly does it for all of us in one fell swoop.  He’s also a regular contributor on The Daily Show.  Get a live view at the Cobb Energy Center, tickets are available at www.cobbenergycentre.com.

Orchid Daze: Tower of Flowers at Atlanta Botanical Gardens

through April 11

Still available to ooh and ahh over is the Tower of Flowers event.  Even if you made it there a week or two ago you still have a chance to get back over to the Botanical Gardens and enjoy the amazing fragrances and colors cascading down around you, and maybe take some folks along who haven’t experienced it.  Check out the website for directions and times. atlantabotanicalgarden.org/site/involvement/orchid_daze

After a long workday, in the midst of Atlanta’s rush hour traffic, there exists a happy alternative to stalling on Interstate 75 or winding slowly down Peachtree Street.  Midtown’s Hotel Palomar, located on West Peachtree Street across from the staple Biltmore Hotel, is the eye of the urban grind storm, offering a complimentary happy hour between 5 and 6 p.m daily.  Including validated valet parking, the Palomar eliminates any possibility of frustration usually associated with parking in the city.

Whether your preference is red or white wine, the Palomar offers generous pours of either, rotating different varieties depending on the day of the week.  A knowledgeable attendant serves the wine, should you have questions about the grape, vineyard, etc.  The hotel restaurant, Pacci Ristorante, listed amongst Esquire’s best of 2009, pairs the tasty hors d’oeuvres placed around the lobby.

I choose red wine and settle in for a read by a couple that is here for a romantic evening away from the kids. Aside from this couple imbibing in their vintage between themselves, there is a gathering of cheerleaders anticipating an upcoming competition.  A group of posh professionals discuss the day in earnest tones before the hotel’s marble fireplace while others, like myself, browsing a magazine or listening to an i-pod, sip solo.

What a lovely indulgence that check-in time also coincides with happy hour!  Guests may drop their baggage at the lobby’s front door and be handed a glass of their preference.  Upon entering the Palomar, one has arrived.

The aforementioned Pacci Ristorante extends to the Palomar’s second-story rooftop bar, Alto-Rex, complete with open-air fire pits and a view of the classic Biltmore.

Eminently gracious, the young wait staff could not have been more unpretentious despite their snazzy surroundings.  Without giving too much away, they dish on celebrity sightings, a personal thrill for this entertainment reporter, and their anticipation of Summertime when the bar will be railing-to-railing with a scantily clad, affluent, and increasingly famous crowd.

Ever accommodating to all visitors, the Palomar staff is meticulous in their event planning, especially when it comes to the holidays.  Valentine’s Day was completely booked, with a preceding week of tarot-card readings for two and a special menu from Pacci.  Keep an eye on the hotel’s website for the forthcoming St. Patrick’s Day if you prefer to down your cocktails in style.

Though saving the experience of a full meal at Pacci for a luxurious date, I can’t keep from sampling their refreshing Avocado Citrus salad as well as their mouth-watering Anson Mills Polenta- made sweet and savory by its combination of mascarpone cheese and honeycomb.  This is definitely a restaurant geared toward the refined palate.

Take an hour for a glass of wine, spend the evening for a few more, or escape for the weekend and enjoy all the Hotel Palomar has to offer.  Oh, and did I mention there’s a Wii in the lobby?  Never has playing it appeared more suave.

Checkout our photo gallery of the place:

Despite the fact that a substantial snowfall blanketed Atlanta on Friday, February 12^th, the originally scheduled date for the Goodie Mob concert, the legendary Hip Hop quartet “made it rain” at 9 PM on Saturday, February 20^th to a packed Tabernacle Music Hall. Fans old and new came out and represented Atlanta and the love they have for the group as they cheered, danced, and rapped along to all of Goodie Mob’s hit songs. Opening the reunion concert was Atlanta native B.o.B. a.k.a. Bobby Ray, with his eclectic mix of rock and rap which set the mood for the upcoming Goodie Mob performance.  B.o.B. and his band rocked out the popular song, “I’ll Be In the Sky” along with a few other well-received songs by the young rapper.

Shortly after B.o.B.’s energetic opener, Goodie Mob burst onto the stage looking dapper and sleek in black outfits of various styles.  As each member of the group took the stage, fans hollered and threw their hands up in hot anticipation of what was coming next by way of musical entertainment offered up by the Goodie Mo-B, as they are sometimes referred to by fans. They wasted no time giving the  audience what they wanted as they launched into “Goodie Bag” from their Soul Food album, sending the crowd into an appreciative frenzy and that was just the beginning.  Goodie Mob performed many songs from their debut album including “Thought Process,” “Live at the O.M.N.I.”, “Sesame Street”, and of course, the unofficial Atlanta anthem, “Dirty South”. The group’s female mix master, DJ Princess Cut, added both a freshness and a unique sound to their classic hits by sampling various songs from other artists.

One of the highlights of the night was during the unselfish shout out made to their Dungeon Family brethren, Outkast, while the group took a short break.  Goodie Mob’s voluptuous dancers and DJ Princess Cut kept the crowd highly engaged as she played songs from Outkast’s legendary albums Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens, and Aquemini. Reenergized and ready to finish off the pumped fans the group members T-Mo, Cee-Lo, Khujo, and Big Gipp glided back on the stage dressed in long pastel colored robes and this time, Goodie Mob graced the crowd with “Black Ice,” “Fly Away,” and “Beautiful Skin,” from their Still Standing album.  During “Beautiful Skin,” fans rocked and swayed to the powerful beats as Cee-Lo Goodie rapped about the pride black women should feel for themselves and demand from others. The music didn’t stop there, though. The members of Goodie Mob broadened their performance repertoire by giving their audience a taste of music from their solo projects. Cee-Lo Goodie broke out on the stage under a single spotlight and belted out his Gnarls Barkley hit “Crazy” while T-Mo and Khujo performed some of their duo ventures from the Lumberjacks albums.

For nearly two hours Goodie Mob put their all into performing for their fans that chilly Saturday night.  Even after being on the hip-hop scene for over 15 years, the foursome’s presence was still as fresh as it was in 1995. What was most impressive was the sense of camaraderie that was felt between the men as they moved across the stage. Goodie Mob proved they are still standing as one of the most prolific acts in southern hip hop and that nothing, including last week’s snow fall, can keep them from bringing the lyrical heat.

On a cool and brisk Tuesday night, Rachael Spencer and I sat down with Will Brown from the band Romeo Spike for an interview. A very cordial young man and was quite welcoming to us both. After talking for a bit, we dove directly into the interview. The other band members weren’t able to make it to the interview, but did provide answers. Through the four of them, this is the end result.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Who is Romeo Spike?

-Will Brown (drums)

-Donn Aaron (guitar, pedal steel, backing vocals)

-Sky Ross (bass guitar, backing vocals)

-Mike Kunz (lead vocals, keyboards, guitar)

TheRealAtlanta.com: Where did the name Romeo Spike originate?

There are actually different reasons behind this one. Will talked about the actual Romeo spike, which was used in the historic southern cities, traditionally, for men to climb trees and poles to meet their ‘Juliet’s.’ Mike also echoed this, as well as Donn. Another  main reason comes from Donn’s second solo album, Unfinished Symphonies. One of his favorite songs on the album was indeed called, “Romeo Spike”

TheRealAtlanta.com: What kind of music does yours fall under? Who are your major influences?

There were entirely too many bands to list. When we were talking to Will and through the answers that we received from other members of the band, there is no doubt that they not only love what they do, but there is a world of influence out there. A little southern rock, but a constant breath of fresh air every time they play.

TheRealAtlanta.com: How did you guys come together?

According to Will, Mike and Donn came together through a musical competition. This eventually evolved into a song-writing team that eventually became Romeo Spike. They continued writing music and loved what they did, but when it came time to play live, they knew that they needed to add to the band. The result is now known as Romeo Spike. They have been playing together, collectively, as a band for just under a year.

TheRealAtlanta.com: What inspired you to make music together?

Mike and Donn already had something special. But, Will and Sky added to the mix. All of them emphasized how much they enjoy playing together and how much of a cohesive unit they all are together. A great deal of camaraderie between these four gentleman.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Anything specific about your instruments? Brand loyalty or just what works?

All of them told us that they have no particular brand that they are loyal to. However, they all have a certain sound that they are looking for. They have their favorite instruments, tuned how they like and when it feels right, it is right. Will mentioned ‘warmth’ with instruments a few times, talking about the feeling of the music. The warmth of a vintage is so much more natural compared to new aged instruments, from drums to keyboards.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Most favorite and least favorite venues?

Hummingbird in Macon was preferred by all members of the band. Will also mentioned Buffington’s in Milledgeville and Mike mentioned Juanita’s in Little Rock. Will told us a story about a venue in Nashville, where it was a mom and pop who were running the place. As soon as the band walked in, the owners came up to them and asked, “Ya’ll are bringin’ people, right?” After that, there was a rather odd mix of bands, the last of which finally got off the stage at 1:00am and the place was closing at 2. The owner of the bar told them that nobody had bought beer in the last thirty minutes, so there wasn’t any real point in playing. They got the point and have not been back since. As far as places in Atlanta, The Star Bar (Little 5 Points), The Earl (East Atlanta) and Lenny’s (Midtown) were all pointed out to us.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Any covers we might hear? Do you have a set list of songs or do you just wing it?

The only cover that they play on occasion is the Cowboy Song by Thin Lizzy. Will mentioned a couple of others that they may bring out, but swore us to absolute secrecy. If you go to one of their shows, keep an ear out for some classic rock. Given that Donn and Mike switch instruments so often, they try and stick with a set list of songs, otherwise the switching can become cumbersome. But, given their love of music, one could almost guarantee it won’t be the same show twice.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Who writes the songs?

On their album, it was mostly Donn and Mike. However, they do have some new music written and it is more of a collaborative effort. A musical accident, if you will. Something that started out as a warm-up jam and just evolved from there. The lyrics are typically Donn and Mike, but there is an understanding with all of them that they all have unique backgrounds and a great deal of mutual respect. It was also pointed out that the end product that we, as the audience, hear is what they all have decided on. That end creation isn’t just something that they said, “Okay” and walked away from, they worked on it and tried different things until they were equally satisfied.

TheRealAtlanta.com: What is your ultimate dream? What/where is your Woodstock?

Mike wants to be the biggest band in the world, selling out stadiums and have all the guitars he wants. Donn wants to headline international tours with all the fixin’s. Sky wants to play a world benefit tour, such as Live Aid. Will wants to carve out their own niche.

Guilty (musical) pleasures :

Mike : Christmas Music (not religious, just Christmas. Especially Emmett Otter’s Jugband Christmas.

Donn : Everything But the Girl.

Will : 80’s music, Hall and Oates and Michael McDonald.

Sky : Shakira.

TheRealAtlanta.com: Any last words?

Mike : Come to Lenny’s on Thursday.

Donn : There are no ‘last’ words. Just ‘more’ words.

Sky : (none)

Will : Thanks to my dad for letting us borrow his Surburban to go on tour.

Thursday night, February 25^th at 9:00pm. They are going to be headlining the show with Author’s Apology and Metreaux as their supporting acts. Come check them out at Lenny’s. 486 Decatur St. Southeast. Atlanta, GA 30312.

We would like to thank Will Brown and the rest of the band for taking the time out of their day to come either spend time with us or to answer the questions that we posed for them. Come on down to the show and make sure to bring your dancing shoes. It’s going to be a good time and I for one am looking forward to it.

For more information about Romeo Spike, be sure to visit their website at www.romeospike.com.

Authors of urban literature, also known as street literature, have steadily made a formidable presence on bookshelves since its humble beginnings in the early 1970’s.  The pioneers of urban literature boast such authors like Iceberg Slim and Donald Goines who opened the doors to a world of survival on the streets by doing whatever was necessary.  For them, that meant unabashedly writing stories about what really went on in their lives as hustlers.  Their form of employ certainly could not be compared to the norms that most Americans experienced in their work environments.  Goines and Slim needed to tell their stories.

Urban literature is typically and preferably written by those who have actually been a part of the mores and mechanisms of urban life.  Anyone who attempts to write a piece on urban literature who has not experienced the unique culture of street life will find a critical and unforgiving audience; there are elements to urban literature that must be satisfied within the writing to convey a genuine and convincing read.  Boldly stepping up to those expectations is author Aaron Bebo with his novel, “Change For A Dollar”.  Having emerged from street life himself, Mr. Bebo knows firsthand what it takes to write a book about urban culture that stays true and upholds the standards already set by the first trendsetters within the genre. However, Mr. Bebo’s writing is a little different.  He offers more of a look into the mind and circumstances of a hustler and gives reasons such drastic changes are made for money and status. I recently caught up with Mr. Bebo to talk about his novel and the why he will be doing something very different in conjunction with its’ release: Providing an accompanying soundtrack with the book.

Born and raised in New York State in the 1970’s, Aaron Bebo’s life was catapulted into the confines of drugs and violence early on.  However, he took the cards he was dealt in life and used them to his advantage.  Being in the streets from such a young age could have ended in disastrous results but for this urban literature author, those nascent experiences gave him the materials he would need to write the compelling piece that “Change For A Dollar” is.

For example, being in the streets calls for the ability to engage in sharp observations of people and surroundings in order to survive.  Therefore if you are astute, you become a master of gauging human behavior, mannerisms, and conversations.  Mr. Bebo takes the experiences he learned in the streets and seriously applies that knowledge to the development of his characters and to the plot. By the end of the novel, you intimately know his protagonist, Malcolm Andrews and can appreciate the metamorphosis Malcolm must undergo in order to become successful on the block.  Mr. Bebo has found that in urban literature, some authors choose to focus on the act of selling drugs, the cars, and the money that come with it.  It cannot be denied that these things, which Mr. Bebo calls “surface stuff,” are central elements of the lifestyle, but what about the emotional and mental workings that go hand and hand with hustling?  What about the person or people themselves?  What is different about this novel is that Mr. Bebo shifts the focal point from the material gains that most Urban Literature seems to be concerned about to the deeper, more abstract concepts that readers may not have considered before.  This new and more substantial subject matter coupled with the excitement and intrigue that accompanies the urban lifestyle gives readers the best of both worlds.  Mr. Bebo gives readers the superficiality of the material gains if one chooses to skim the surface of the novel and he gives readers who wish to examine the deeper layers of the piece what they need to dig in.

Additionally, Mr. Bebo wants to make sure he reaches those who may not be excited about reading his novel simply because they do not like to read or possibly cannot.  In order to reach a wider audience, Mr. Bebo’s plans to implement the innovative idea to release his book along with a soundtrack that follows the plot of the piece.  Music is a huge part of the urban scene and having a CD along with the book further represents the culture Mr. Bebo is writing about.

During my talk with Mr. Bebo, I learned that another concern for him was the craft of writing itself and the fact that credibility is key to producing a great product.  He feels that there are too many authors within the urban literature genre who do not understand that with good writing comes a responsibility to give readers a story that is convincing. Rushing to get a story down without thought and proper development makes for a book that will be lacking. He admonished that writing takes time and does not bring the instant gratification he was used to when he was in the streets.

Mr. Bebo does not look at the lack of instant gratification as a hindrance as he has gone through a metamorphosis much like some of the characters in his book. Those changes have lead him to where he is today as a hustler turned author.  Mr. Bebo can write about the changes that occur in life because he has experienced them and “Change For A Dollar” is his proof of that.

To learn more about Aaron Bebo go to his website at www.kingpen.biz for excerpts of other projects he is currently working on. You can also listen to music samples and read his essay, “Thangs Just Ain’t the Same For Gangstas,” which gives Mr. Bebo’s position as a writing educator and adviser.

Mr. Bebo currently resides in the Atlanta metro area.

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.

Stacia, a native of Cleveland Ohio, comes to us with the sounds of Reggae and Soul. Stacia has a passion for soul music so she creates music geared towards life, love, and liberty.

Stacia says, “Music has always been a love of mine.” Her musical experiences derive from her childhood. As a child she played in the orchestra, played the violin, and was a member of her high school gospel choir. Stacia started out doing background vocals for various local hip hop artist and live music with local musicians, which helped build her self-confidence to embark on her own dream of becoming an artist.

Stacia always had a goal of working in Television so with a degree in Communications, she landed a great job with 11 Alive News/ NBC affiliate here in Atlanta. She worked on the production crew where she met a lot of great and interesting people. After being there for a little over 5 years, she noticed that her dreams of music were not being fulfilled. In 2005 she gradually started getting back into her music. Doing background vocals for Eshe who is a member of Hip-Hop group Arrested Development and singing on the praise team at Solomon’s Porch Ministries, which is led by renowned R & B artist Dionne Farris.  Finally, she decided to branch out on her own and pursue her dream of music. As a songwriter, guitarist, and violinist, Stacia’s musical talents comes as first nature for her, and shooting for the stars is the only direction she wants to continue in. Stacia states, “When I set out to do something, I won’t stop until I finish. It’s my dream, goal, and passion to create beautiful music.”

Stacia mentions that she hasn’t always had great confidence in her creativity and talents. Based on experiences and personal growth, she has gravitated to the womanly built, admirable and intriguing self-confidence that is displayed in her now. She soon realized that her own fears were impeding her musical success. She is now running in a musical marathon that she hopes will never stop. With numerous gigs to note, Stacia Performed at The Sweet Auburn Music Festival in Atlanta, she is also on the soundtrack for movie “Surfer Dude” as a backup singer for Mishka of J.K. (Just Keep) Living Records, along with many live performances around the city of Atlanta. She shared the stage with well known reggae artists at the “Unite the People” show in Montego Bay, Jamaica where her single called, “Yeah” was released. She was a back-up singer for Nas at the 2008 BET Hip Hop music awards.

Her first album had a musical concentration in Reggae, so in preparation for her next, she plans to have a very active role, doing majority of her own writing and re-introducing the beauty behind the strings of her guitar. Although Stacia considers herself a soulful artist and often being compared to Sade and India Arie, she has a heartfelt feel for Rock, and this album will introduce you to it. With plans to release her first single by this summer, and her next album still left untitled, she states that her music will represent nothing less than Life, Love, and Liberty. Be on the lookout for performances at local venues and be amongst the first to get the album. Stay tuned for more updates on Stacia, “The Beauty Behind The Strings”.