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Tongue & Groove is back, this time at Lindbergh
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Instead of chewing their cuticles over the economy, the owners of Tongue & Groove actually are thrilled to be back on the scene, nearly a year and a half after shuttering the nightclub’s original address in Buckhead Village.
Friday night, Michael Krohngold and his business partners officially are welcoming night crawlers back into the club, now located at 565 Main St. at the Lindbergh City Center.
“We look at it this way,” Krohngold explained to Buzz during an advance peek this week. “Everyone is looking for escape right now. We like to think we’re providing a fantasy world for people where they can forget things for a while.”
And the club’s stylish interiors, done by Krohngold’s artist wife Patti (with Michael in photo), reflect the vibrant neighborhood’s famous MARTA station a few feet away.
Practically the entire two-floor space has been “tagged” with stylish graffiti art-directed by Patti Krohngold, who was inspired by the graffiti she saw covering trains and walls on a recent trip to Amsterdam.
The gold VIP area comes complete with a gold leather banquette and an antique chandelier Krohngold discovered at Love Train Antiques. The entire light fixture was created with inverted champagne flutes. Clubgoers who used to gyrate at the old location will recognize the egg-shaped sculptures dangling over the dance floor and the original club’s trademark 8-foot mirrors are hanging on the wall.
Prices range from a $7 Grey Goose vodka drink to the full-on VIP bottle service, featuring a $600 magnum of Dom Perignon.
And while Krohngold traditionally has been known as a nomadic nightclub entrepreneur, opening and closing venues as tastes evolved over the years, he says he’s excited that Tongue & Groove is back and in its 14th year of operation.
“It’s so difficult to establish a brand that sticks with people. We’re proud to have done that with Tongue & Groove. People have met here and gotten married and now we see them with their kids around town. It’s nice to have been a part of that.”
Tongue & Groove hosts a private VIP party Friday night from 7 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to join the soiree at 10 p.m. For info: www.tandgonline.com.
BROOKING BUILDS FOR KIDS
Atlanta Falcon Keith Brooking put his Georgia Tech degree to good use Wednesday. For a good cause.
A bundled-up Brooking, representing his Keith Brooking Foundation, reported for duty in sub-freezing temperatures with about 200 other volunteers at the Lewis Academy of Excellence in Riverdale for the Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP playground build.
The objective: to construct an entire playground in just six hours. The facility is one of 17 being constructed across the country by Home Depot and children’s charity KaBOOM.
We hear that Brooking scored a check for $1,000 from Home Depot for his foundation, helped to build a rock-climbing wall and picnic tables, and did a little painting.
If fans vote for him as the charitable promotion’s MVP at nfl.com/homedepot.com, he’ll receive a follow-up check for $25,000. Should Brooking win, he’ll be keeping the honor in Home Depot’s corporate hometown. Last year’s inaugural NFL Neighborhood MVP winner? Former Falcon and do-gooder Warrick Dunn.
WE HEAR THAT …
“Inside Edition” cameras were spotted Thursday in Athens on the campus of the University of Georgia. Alas, not because of a celebrity scandal or a weird story. Deborah Norville, the host of the show, was doing some taping on North Campus. Norville, who earned a journalism degree from UGA in 1979, was also on hand Thursday evening to help host the centennial gala for the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
WANTED: THANKFUL READERS
The deadline is fast approaching for our reader-driven Thanksgiving edition of Peach Buzz. E-mail Buzz Central — buzz@ajc.com — your unique, poignant or humorous thoughts on what you’re thankful for in these difficult times. Include your full name, where you reside, a daytime phone number and a photo that might be published. The best Buzz reader responses will be published in the Turkey Day column.
COLE COMING TO TOWN
Designer Kenneth Cole, chairman of the world’s largest HIV/AIDS research organization, will give the keynote address at an Emory University ceremony marking World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. In the fourth annual “Quilt on the Quad,” the university will display 800 panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cole is an Emory alumnus. The quilt display is sponsored by Emory Hillel.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actress Marlo Thomas is 71. Singer Dr. John is 68. Actress Goldie Hawn is 63. Actress Nicollette Sheridan is 45. Singer Bjork is 43. Country singer Kelsi Osborn of SHeDAISY is 34.
OVERSCENE
The actress formerly known as “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” Jane Seymour, perusing the racks at Hue Studio at Phipps Plaza, dining at Twist, relaxing at 29 Spa in the Mansion on Peachtree and supping at La Grotta in the Ravinia Hotel by Perimeter Mall. Seymour was in town for two art shows at Wentworth Gallery.
Contributing: Gayle White and news services
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Idols revive ‘Misbehavin’ ’ musical revue
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When Richard Maltby, the creator of “Ain’t Misbehavin’, ” saw “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard in 2003, he thought Studdard (pictured with Billie Allen Henderson, widow of original music arranger Luther Henderson) would be perfect in a revival of the musical revue.
It took five years, but he got his wish on the Broadway classic’s 30th anniversary.
“Ruben is sensational,” Maltby told Buzz at the cast after-party at the Georgian Terrace following opening night Tuesday at the Fox Theatre. “Every performance, he grows. He’s just beginning to find himself. At the first rehearsal, he said he wasn’t sure he could do this. But watching him, I know he can.”
Maltby also nabbed two other “Idol” contestants from that year for the cast: the powerful Frenchie Davis and the surprisingly supple Trenyce Cobbins.
Davis played the role made famous by the late, great Nell Carter. Carter’s daughter, Tracey Hardy (who lives in Atlanta and works at the CDC), came by the party to congratulate the ensemble.
Hardy thought Davis channeled Nell well: “I really believe my mom would have enjoyed that — though she probably would have wanted to jump on stage!”
“Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” runs through Sunday at the Fox Theatre.
OVERSCENE
Atlanta Thrashers players Garnet Exelby, Eric Perrin, Erik Christensen and mascot Thrash presenting the team’s brand new third-edition Thrashers jersey to WWE Raw Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho before his match Monday night at Philips Arena downtown. The Thrashers were special ringside guests at the event. Jericho, incidentally, comes from hockey stock (his dad, Ted Irvine, notably played for the L.A. Kings, New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues). Thrashers rep Kenan Woods told Buzz Wednesday that the new jerseys — which were debuted at last Friday’s home game — are now available for purchase online (www.thrashers.nfl.com) and at the arena.
WANTED: READER THANKS
Yes, it’s once again time for our reader-driven Thanksgiving edition of Peach Buzz. E-mail Buzz Central — reldredge@ajc.com — your unique, poignant or humorous thoughts on what you’re thankful for in these difficult times. Also include your full name, where you reside, a daytime phone number and a photo that might be published. The best Buzz reader responses will be published in the annual Turkey Day edition of the column.
CALENDAR FOR A CAUSE
Elite model Adam Gates was actually a little sheepish the other night at Bazzaar when asked how he became Mr. June in Atlanta celebrity shutterbug Richie Arpino’s 2009 Swimsuit Calendar benefitting Breast Friends. “Richie is one of my best friends and I know it’s for a good cause,” he told Buzz. Still, Gates, 27, of Canton spent a good portion of the shoot pruning up in a shower scenario before the photog opted to re-position him half-submerged and clinging to a beach ball in a pool. “It’s a living!” Gates joked at the launch party. “Plus, it’s kind of cool to know you’re on someone’s wall for a whole month.” Arpino is donating all proceeds from this year’s calendar to the breast cancer charity as a tribute to his late sister-in-law Janie Arpino, who succumbed to the disease last year.
HIGH FIVE
Television
The Top OnDemand programs for the week ending Nov. 16, as determined by Comcast customers in metro Atlanta:
1. Beyonce, “Single Ladies” video, Music Choice
2. T-Pain, “Chopped N Skrewed” video Music Choice
3. Entourage,” “Seth Green Day” episode, HBO
4. “True Blood,” “I Don’t Wanna Know” episode, HBO
5. SpongeBob Squarepants, “Plankton’s Army” episode, Nickelodeon
— Courtesy: Rentrak’s OnDemand Essentials
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff is 62. Actress Bo Derek is 52. Drummer Todd Nance of Widespread Panic is 46. Actress Ming-Na (“ER”) is 45. Rapper Mike D of the Beastie Boys is 43. Country singer Dierks Bentley is 33. Actor Joshua Gomez (“Chuck”) is 33. Country singer Josh Turner is 31. Actress Nadine Velazquez (“My Name Is Earl”) is 30.
Contributing: Rodney Ho and news services
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Fans frenzied at premiere of ‘Twilight’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As executive director of the Grammys’ Atlanta chapter, Michele Rhea Caplinger knows a little something about hyperventilating fans. But nothing prepared her for the pandemonium outside the Mann Village Theatre Monday night in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Westwood, the site of the “Twilight” premiere.
“I’ve been to nine Grammys but this was crazy!” Caplinger told Buzz via cell phone Tuesday. Thankfully, Caplinger had a couple of Atlanta bodyguards on the red carpet: Ed and Dean Roland of Collective Soul, whose song “Tremble for My Beloved” is on the “Twilight” soundtrack (currently the No. 1 album on the Billboard charts). The rocking Rolands were personally invited to the premiere by “Twilight” author Stephenie Meyer, who has also become a bit of a rock star since writing the phenomenally popular series of vampire books.
Meyer, a Collective Soul fan, originally included snippets of lyrics from “Tremble” in “Breaking Dawn,” her fourth book in the “Twilight” series.
The movie features young actors Robert Pattinson as head hunky vampire Edward and actress Kristen Stewart as beautiful heroine Bella (think “Gossip Girl” meets “Dark Shadows”). But most of the screams were reserved for Pattinson.
“He handled the frenzy as best he could,” Caplinger said. “He seems really grounded.”
“Tremble for My Beloved” receives primo placement in the film as well. Caplinger says she and the Rolands were thrilled to see the rocker used prominently in an early pivotal scene when Edward saves Bella from a near-death experience.
Caplinger says the decade-old song, originally included as the lead-off track on the Stockbridge-birthed band’s 1999 “Dosage” album, was written for Ed Roland’s now 10-year-old son, Lindsey. For her part, the Grammy guru says, she had a handle on the popularity of the books and how hotly anticipated the movie is thanks to her own 14-year-old, Sarah, a major Meyer fan.
“She’s a little beside herself with me today,” Caplinger conceded with a laugh. “But I’m out here on Grammys business and Ed just called and asked if I wanted to go. I’m planning to make it up to her and her friends this weekend with a viewing party sleepover in Atlanta. But I still may have to explain why I didn’t get her an autograph!”
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WREN?
Do you have some sage recommendations for tweaks to the 2009 Atlanta Braves roster? You may want to fire up the laptop Thursday at 3 p.m., when Braves executive vice president and general manager Frank Wren will be live on Braves.com to field questions from baseball fans. Wren, in his ninth season with the Braves, recently completed his first year as the team’s executive vice president and GM.
To be part of the online conversation, fans have to register in advance on either Braves.com or MLB.com. Registration is free.
A NOVEL CONCEPT
At last week’s Atlanta Pet Rescue benefit at Park Tavern in Midtown, we were immediately intrigued by the table of guys scrutinizing jewelry under fluorescent lights in the back of the facility. Turns out it was Arnold Shapiro and Michael Nelson, the proprietors of the Marietta business Gold Fund Raising Concepts. And unlike a lot of local businesses these days, Shapiro and Nelson’s is booming.
“We’re booked straight through the holidays,” Shapiro told Buzz. Essentially, Gold Fund Raising Concepts gets invited to metro Atlanta fund-raisers and social gatherings, where attendees are invited to bring old gold to said soiree and sell it for cash (Nelson was guarding a stack of greenbacks large enough to stifle the voice-over guys for both the Saxby Chambliss and Jim Martin attack ad campaigns). Mere minutes into the fund-raiser, the company had already collected about 20 pieces in a Ziplock bag and paid out $600. According to Shapiro, Gold Fund Raising then, in turn, donates 60 percent back to the nonprofit.
“With the economy the way it is, people need cash and nonprofit contributions are also down,” he said. “When you factor in the price of gold, this is win-win for everyone.”
Recently at Zaban Park at Marcus Jewish Community Center in Dunwoody, the company cut the JCC a check for $10,000.
Said Shapiro: “We’ve been invited back!”
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actor Alan Young (“Mr. Ed”) (above) is 89. Talk show host Larry King is 75. Talk show host Dick Cavett is 72. Media mogul Ted Turner is 70. Fashion designer Calvin Klein is 66. Actress Allison Janney (“The West Wing”) is 48. Actress Meg Ryan is 47. Actress Jodie Foster is 46. Country singer Billy Currington (below) is 35.
OVERSCENE
Rapper Young Jeezy dining with a friend at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse. We’re told he enjoyed “the lighter fare, chicken, salmon, etc., and chose not to eat any red meat.” Jeezy the young also ordered a bottle of Far Niente Napa Valley wine.
Got a tip for Peach Buzz? 404-526-2749 or buzz@ajc.com
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At early party, familiar ones call Turner 70
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Technically speaking, CNN founder Ted Turner turns the big 7-0 on Wednesday. But since the Mouth of the South is on the Left Coast this week hawking his best-selling memoir, “Call Me Ted,” 500 of his closest friends and family members turned up Saturday night at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta to pay tribute.
Media mogul turned rancher Turner himself began the evening’s entertainment, surprising guests with an a cappella rendition of “Home on the Range.”
Among those in attendance: Turner’s children, grandchildren, ex-wife Jane Fonda and her family, Andrew and Carolyn Young, Hank and Billye Aaron, CNN president Jim Walton and wife Sarah, CNN chief international corespondent Christiane Amanpour, Ted’s Montana Grill co-founder George McKerrow Jr. and wife Ginair, and employees of Ted Turner Enterprises and his numerous ranch properties in Montana.
Veteran Turner family event planner Barbara Roos oversaw the gorgeously decorated ballroom. The evening’s theme honoring the retired America’s Cup sailor was a nautical one: “Don’t Worry About The Wind, Adjust The Sails.”
Legendary TBS and CNN fixture and longtime Turner friend Bill Tush served as the evening’s emcee.
The centerpieces on each table were environmentally friendly arrangements that were being donated to Turner’s Captain Planet Foundation (guests also were advised against bringing gifts and to instead make donations to the eco-friendly charity).
On the menu? Turner’s beloved bison, along with Maine lobster, butternut squash soup and birthday cake with fresh berries.
“The entire evening was themed around the things that are important to Ted,” attendee Jenn Hobby told Buzz Monday.
Oh, and the special musical guest flown in to serenade Turner? None other than song-writing legend Burt Bacharach was there to tickle the ivories. (We hear that while Bacharach traditionally refrains from performing anything outside his own catalog of hits, he finally relented and sang “Happy Birthday” for Turner).
Naturally, the man who once gifted United Nations charitable causes with a check for $1 billion made sure that guests at his birthday were given keepsakes of the evening. The birthday boy posed for pictures with each guest and the developed snapshots, along with an autographed copy of “Call Me Ted,” were awaiting each at departure.
THUNDER DOME
The Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders let us in on a little secret the other night as they volunteered their time at Paws for Cocktails, a benefit for Atlanta Pet Rescue at Park Tavern: They love it when you get rowdy at their workplace — Sunday’s loss at the Georgia Dome notwithstanding.
“That’s why we jump up and down on defense so much,” explained Brandy, a four-season cheerleader with the team (team policy allows the women to be identified only by their first names). “Plus, all that noise completely psyches out the visiting team.”
Brandy says the energy at work this season is light years away from the drama of last season. “It’s a much more positive, energized environment,” she says. “The commitment and excitement are there, on and off the field. We were a little scared to get too excited at first, because no one knew what to expect this year. But we’re thrilled.”
Falcons cheerleader Margaret is new to the squad this season and told us she’s having a ball in the big leagues. “I grew up in Alabama, where we have no professional teams,” she explained. “Getting to work in the Dome is just completely wild. I can’t wait for game day.”
FAKED OUT AMONG THE PHARAOHS
Initially, we were a little confused when a leggy Egyptian model approached us the over the weekend at the Atlanta Peach magazine sneak peek of “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” exhibition at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. Turns out the dark-haired beauty was actually Atlanta charitable fund-raiser Angela Karatassos. Atlanta Peach publisher Elizabeth Schulte Roth had somehow talked the trademark blond Karatassos into having Buckhead Carter-Barnes makeup wizard Kiev Osborne transform her for the evening. Our favorite moment? When Karatassos sent off cellphone pics of herself to her hubby, Kyma executive chef Pano I. Karatassos, who was busy working at the chic Greek eatery and had no idea his wife was playing desert dress-up. When we asked if she might keep the outfit on as a surprise for when Pano arrived home, she just smiled and said “Hmmm …”
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actress Linda Evans is 66. Actor Oscar Nunez (“The Office”) is 50. Actor Owen Wilson (“The Royal Tenenbaums,” “Zoolander”) is 40. Singer Duncan Sheik is 39. Actress Peta Wilson (“La Femme Nikita”) is 38. Actress Chloe Sevigny (“Boys Don’t Cry”) is 34.
Contributing: News services
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Monica Pearson shows off Broadway talents
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
She’s unparalleled in Atlanta for anchoring the news at WSB-TV, but on Saturday night at the gala benefiting The Lyric Theatre at the W Midtown hotel, Monica Pearson multi-tasked as co-emcee, fierce auctioneer and song-and-dance hoofer.
On stage, Pearson kicked off the evening’s festivities for the city’s only professional full-time musical theater by belting out, “Give My Regards to Broadway.”
Did we mention she was sporting a Janet Jackson-esque microphone and white tie and tails? The number ended with Pearson doing “A Chorus Line” kicks with five dancers in black tie.
“Tonight is the first time I’ve ever worn white tie and tails,” Pearson joked with us when she arrived back at her table in a chic gray skirt and jacket. “I actually had to go to a guy for help as I was getting dressed. I was trying to figure out what went where. I think the ladies may have it a little easier than the men.” Between newscasts, Pearson has been busy rehearsing for the charity event (including three rehearsals Saturday) as a favor to her longtime friend Carey Carter, the evening’s co-chair.
Later, as auctioneer, Pearson successfully negotiated $3,500 each out of a pair of donors for a Broadway-themed trip to New York. When one bidder hesitated, Pearson cracked: “This is not Marshalls!” The joke got a laugh, applause and most importantly, in these economic times, the attendee’s plastic.
Former “American Idol” Diana DeGarmo showed off her new stylish dark hair when she arrived to sing a few numbers, most notably, “Good Morning Baltimore” from Broadway’s “Hairspray,” where she recently portrayed Penny Pingleton.
“Since I only sang backup on this in this show, I’ve had to remind myself to sing the lead vocal this time!” she confided to the crowd.
There was no shortage of talent from co-chair Mary Welch Rogers either. In addition to fund-raising, the actress surprised attendees singing the title selection from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” which perhaps, not coincidentally, kicks off the Lyric’s 2008-2009 season Dec. 5 at The Strand Theatre in Marietta.
OVERSCENE
NBA legend Julius Erving celebrating his new purchase of the former Heritage golf course in Norcross at The Palm steakhouse in Buckhead. The eatery’s general manager Willy Cellucci tells us Dr. J is renovating the 27-hole course to tournament quality and renaming it Celebrity Golf Course International. Fellow celebrants included baseball great Ken Griffey Jr., former Chicago Bear Richard Dent, former Atlanta Falcon Terrance Mathis and PGA pioneer Lee Elder. Olympian Edwin Moses, producer Jermaine Dupri and pop star Nelly also popped in to congratulate Dr. J.
BIRTHDAY ON ICE
When guests arrived at Q100 Bert Show producer Jeff Dauler’s private 35th birthday party at the Hard Rock Cafe downtown late Saturday night, a Skyy vodka bar was awaiting them.
Made out of solid ice.
Attendees also were treated to a photo booth, courtesy of Wow Photo Booth and a cake roughly the dimensions of Dunwoody.
Dauler’s secret weapon: his party planner and spouse Jessica Dauler, who also happens to be the businesswoman behind Jessicashops.com, a Web site that tells Atlantans where are the best bargains are.
On stage was up-and-coming Atlanta singer-songwriter Ben Deignan and his band Suburban Soul. Local music scenesters who have only caught Deignan gigging around town as a solo acoustic act, got a shock as they entered the club during the set. A wave of very tight rock n’ soul smacked fans in the face (we’re pleased to report that pressing one’s face to the surface of the Skyy bar for a few seconds relieved any lingering stinging sensation). By the time Deignan and crew closed the set, the guitar-slinging singer, a whirling dervish on stage, had soaked through his shirt.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Guitarist Gerry McGee of The Ventures is 71. Singer Gordon Lightfoot is 70. Movie director Martin Scorsese is 66. “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels is 64. Actor Dylan Walsh (“Nip/Tuck”) is 45. Actress-model Daisy Fuentes is 42. Singer Ronnie DeVoe of New Edition is 41. Guitarist Isaac Hanson of Hanson is 28. Actor Justin Cooper (“Liar, Liar”) is 20.
Contributing: News services.
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At Press Club, Ted Turner lets loose on GM, President Bush
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Aside from a not-entirely-unfounded fear of lodging a luncheon roll in one’s windpipe, CNN founder and memoirist Ted Turner delighted and entertained a sold-out crowd of admirers Friday at the Atlanta Press Club luncheon at the Commerce Club downtown.
Introduced by former CNN chairman and old pal Tom Johnson as “a hero and the only genius I’ve ever known,” Turner, the author of “Call Me Ted,” strode to the podium for a wide-ranging series of remarks and questions from the audience.
With apologies to Atlanta Press Club sponsor General Motors and their employees in the room, the co-founder of Ted’s Montana Grill said he’d rather bail out the U.S. restaurant industry than auto workers.
“They deserve what they’ve done,” Turner said. “Toyota will take them over at some point. Giving the auto industry $25 million might get them through Christmas!”
Calling President George W. Bush “one of the dumbest people in the country,” Turner expressed hope for the incoming Barack Obama administration. “We need to have smart people instead of dumb people running things,” he explained.
When Buzz asked him to finish his thoughts on the economy that he started to explain this week on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” Turner told us: “It’s simple: you shouldn’t spend more money than you make. You don’t buy more than you can afford. That’s how you get rich. We need to start saving money. This could be as bad as The Great Depression.”
And Turner reminded the audience that no one is immune from corporate changes.
“I would loved to have kept my job at Time-Warner, but I was let go. And I was Time’s Man of the Year! I’m proof that anybody can be let go. Don’t think you have job security.”
Georgia State journalism major Heath Croft asked the question of the luncheon, however.
When the college senior asked Turner what he thought of the current CNN Headline News, Turner made a gagging noise.
Said Turner: “How many people think I like Nancy Grace?! And that other guy whose name was bigger than the [CNN] logo? That guy who went to Fox [News], thank God? Glenn Beck. I can’t watch it anymore.”
Staton has ‘Praise’ for her choir
For “I Will Sing My Praise to You,” her brand new praise and worship album, R&B and gospel legend Candi Staton shares the spotlight with Snellville’s Hope & Life Fellowship choir and its music director John Brockman.
“I’m so blessed to have them on this record with me,” the Stone Mountain resident told Buzz. So how did Staton find the talented singers? She’s a member of Hope & Life Fellowship. A nonsinging member at that.
“I just love sitting there listening to other people praise the Lord,” she explained. “It’s never ‘Candi, did you bring a track?’ They don’t do that to me. I can go there and just be a worshipper. You have to have a moment, you know?”
Saturday, Staton performed numbers from “Praise” and signed copies for fans at the Stonecrest Mall Borders Books & Music in Lithonia.
Staton performs her R&B and disco hits annually in Europe in concerts before 50,000. The singer says it’s those old R&B fans who are more likely to check out her gospel offerings. But not the other way around.
“A lot of folks still think if you sing secular, you’re going to hell. But I look at Jesus’ life. He didn’t hang out with the religious folk too much. He went where he was needed. Instead of taking water to the ocean, he was taking it to the desert,” she said.
Celebrating 50 with the ASO
When the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 50th anniversary Saturday night in Symphony Hall, there will be a special guest more than twice as old as the orchestra itself.
Ruth Allen, 101, was one of the orchestra founders. She taught violin in Atlanta for over 70 years. Former students can be found in professional symphonies in London, Boston, Baltimore, Atlanta and other cities.
Buzz recently caught up with the lively Mrs. Allen at Lenbrook retirement home on Peachtree Road in Buckhead. She no longer plays music, but reads voraciously. She had a copy of “Audacity of Hope,” by Barack Obama, and cast her absentee ballot for the president-elect.
Allen said began playing violin when she was 8 — a late start these days — and studied under legendary Hungarian violinist Leopold Auer shortly after he moved to the U.S. in 1918.
She said aspiring musicians should start “as early as possible to get their muscles used to play and to train their ear.”
“She was a wonderful teacher,” said former student Raymond Page of Raleigh, who teaches music and played with the Alard Quartet for many years.
“She’s basically a sweet person, and I never saw her get angry, but you knew when you disappointed her.”
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Saturday: “People’s Court” judge Joseph Wapner is 89. Actor Ed Asner is 79. Actor John Kerr (“South Pacific”) is 77. Singer Petula Clark is 76. Actor Sam Waterston (“Law and Order”) is 68. Bandleader Kevin Eubanks (“The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”) is 51.
Sunday: Actress Marg Helgenberger (“CSI”) is 50. Jazz singer Diana Krall is 44. Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal is 31.
OVERSCENE
Professional race car driver Danica Patrick dining on an apple walnut salad prior to greeting 200 awaiting fans at ESPN Zone in Buckhead. Patrick challenged fans on a racing simulator for a pair of round-trip AirTran tickets. The racing star was doing well until the final turn of the last lap when a finalist put her virtual car into a wall. She finished third.
Contributing: Kirsten Tagami and news services.
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Grady talent put to good use again
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house at last year’s fund-raiser for Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center in Cedartown when a group of talented Grady High School students hit the stage to perform at the sold-out benefit.
On the eve of their return to the charitable footlights at Saturday’s benefit for the Atlanta Lyric Theatre at the Midtown W hotel, Buzz was honored to observe a rehearsal this week in the Grady High auditorium.
Under the direction of teacher Lee Pope, 14 Grady musical theater students were busy finalizing dance steps, punching up lyrics and doing the occasional backflip for us and the benefit’s co-chair, Mary Welch Rogers.
“This is exciting for the Lyric Theatre because it’s an opportunity to build community,” Rogers told us. “These young people represent the future. Hopefully, we’ll see some of them onstage at the Lyric in the future as well. It’s win-win.”
The students were rehearsing “Magic to Do,” their big opening number from the musical “Pippin.”
Grady senior Miriam Huppert has fond memories of participating in last year’s benefit.
“Everyone was really receptive,” she said. “It will be great to be able to participate again. This time, though, we’re doing something a bit more Broadway.”
Kevin Johnson, 17, emerges onstage to bring his fellow student “muses” to life in the number.
“It’s a happy song and you get to incorporate some fluid movements into it,” he explained. And Johnson isn’t bashful about revealing his secret weapon for the number: “My dimples!”
Grady student Ryan Lamotte, 18, is excited that they’ll have an opportunity to show off skills they’ve learned from their teacher, too.
“Mr. Pope has taught us so much and it’s great that we have a chance to expand that and show other people how talented he is, too.”
Cracked the modest Pope: “I’m just a control freak!”
Added Jonnaia Reynolds, 16: “We’re just hoping to make the audience happy.”
Some tickets remain for “Atlanta Lyric Theatre Gives Its Regards to Broadway” at the Midtown W Saturday night. Former “American Idol” contestant Diana DeGarmo and an as-yet-unnamed iconic Atlanta anchorwoman are also set to perform. Call 404-377-9948.
Make a donation, get a cupcake
With the holidays looming and the economic slump continuing, we’re betting that Hosea Feed the Hungry director Elisabeth Omilami is fretting about how she’s going to feed folks on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Well, since the Highland Bakery in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood has been fortunate enough to see its burgeoning business extend into a 1,200-square-foot expansion, owner Stacey Eames is opting to lend a helping hand to the charity this holiday season.
During this month and next, when Highland Bakery’s devoted dessert fiends line up to score cupcakes, bread and croissants and donate two canned goods for Hosea’s Feed the Hungry, they’ll be treated to a complimentary bagel or cupcake.
Said Eames: “We’re excited to celebrate our new addition by helping those in need through the holidays. Donations are down this year and we wanted to help by raising awareness of the program.”
Free treat for fans of the Braves
Looking for an economical family field trip this weekend? From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, fans can enjoy free admission at the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame downtown. Yup, the Braves will offer freebie tours of Turner Field and admission to the museum, featuring more than 600 artifacts, including Hank Aaron’s No. 715 bat and ball, Warren Spahn’s Cy Young Award and Purple Heart, the Braves’ 1995 World Series trophy and our personal fave, Sid Bream’s knee brace from his now historic slide home in 1992.
In addition, fans will get a gander at the stadium’s dugout, the press box and broadcast booth and even a peek inside their favorite players’ lockers in the Braves’ clubhouse.
Buzz has been reassured, incidentally, that Chipper Jones has carefully removed any and all traces of his trademark chewing products from the vicinity.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis (above) is 74. Writer P.J. O’Rourke is 61. Zydeco singer-accordionist Buckwheat Zydeco is 61. Actress Laura San Giacomo (“Saving Grace”) is 47. Rapper Reverend Run of Run-DMC is 44. Atlanta singer-songwriter Butch Walker is 39. Actor Josh Duhamel (“Las Vegas”) is 36. Drummer Travis Barker (below) of Blink-182 is 33.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I love those people but I love my own house. The White House reminds me of a museum. How do you sleep in a museum? But they’re going to need me so I’m going to be there.”
Future first lady Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, in the new People magazine (out today) on her plans to move part-time to Washington to look after granddaughters Malia and Sasha.
Contributing: news services.
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Ted Turner on the economy: ‘Maybe some children will have to move back home’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sure, Ted Turner has been on “Good Morning America,” “60 Minutes” and CNN this week to promote his fascinating new memoir, “Call Me Ted.” But for his visit to “The Late Show With David Letterman,” Ted offered some timely thoughts on the current raggedy state of the economy: “I think we’re going to have to change our lifestyle. And maybe it will be for the good. For the last 40 years, we’ve equated how much we had with how happy we are. Advertising tells us if you buy a big car and a new TV, you’re going to be happier. But I really don’t think we’re happier than we were in the ’50s. Back when we were living within our means and people had savings. We might have to get to know our neighbors and play bridge with them. Maybe some children will have to move back home. On ‘Sanford & Son,’ the father and son lived in the same house. They had a lot of fun.”
Laughing, Letterman then asked if he could move in with the CNN founder.
Ted’s retort: “If you change your name to Turner!”
Atlanta job searches start network’s day
“Good Morning America” workplace contributor Tory Johnson was live from Atlanta on the ABC morning show today, broadcasting from AmericasMart downtown as she hosted “the earliest job fair in America.” Yes, GMA’s “Great American Job Fair” launched here at 6 a.m. Throughout the 7 to 9 a.m. broadcast, Johnson, the founder of womenforhire.com, offered tips for the under-employed and provide valuable information to those in an increasingly jittery job market.
“Our original goal was to get 50 employers,” Johnson told Buzz. “The response was incredible. Hundreds of Atlanta employers wanted to get involved.”
Included at the fair: technology companies, retailers, insurance companies and even nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and YMCA.
As she talked to “hundreds of Atlantans” preparing for today’s broadcast, Johnson learned a few things about the metro area’s employment situation.
“What I sense is that the city of Atlanta went quickly from being optimistic about growth to desperation. Where did the gas go? What’s happened to our city? Atlanta is certainly not alone.”
Johnson says it may be necessary to rewire our spendthrift selves as we move forward.
“Unfortunately, the lessons of the Great Depression were not permanent. But if you lived through it, it became a textbook lesson that was never forgotten. A lot of us may be experiencing that now. We’re determined not to let this happen to us again.”
The “Good Morning America” job fair ran from 6 to 10 a.m. at AmericasMart, Building 2, 240 Peachtree St. N.W.
OVERSCENE
Actor Ashton Kutcher surprising wife Demi Moore with “an intimate and elegant” 46th birthday party Tuesday night at Dolce Enoteca, the Atlantic Station eatery he co-owns. (Moore is in town shooting the film “The Joneses” with David Duchovny.) We’re told that the party was decorated in a black and white theme, white candles and lilies on each table. Guests enjoyed dinner followed by red velvet cake, which we hear is Moore’s favorite. The birthday girl wore “a sexy black dress” and stayed close to her hubby, who at one point jumped behind the bar to play sommelier.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Producer-director Garry Marshall is 74. Actress Frances Conroy is 55. Actor Chris Noth is 54. Actress Whoopi Goldberg is 53. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel is 41.
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Flirty baby almost makes it to the top
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta native Shonté Hayes didn’t think much of it when she saw a cute baby contest online. She just sent in a sweet photo of her son Aidan Jones and forgot about it, because, as she says: “You always think your child is the cutest child in the world.” But then she got the news that Aidan was one of eight semifinalists chosen from 40,000 cutie-pie contest entrants. The prize: a photo shoot and free trip to New York for Hayes, 30, Aidan’s father, Antwoine Jones, 28, and the then-13-month-old baby. Aidan didn’t win a spot on the cover of Babytalk magazine or a debut on “Good Morning America” but his photo does appears on Page 55 of Babytalk’s November issue. “Aidan was our ladies’ man on the set,” the magazine said. “Once he laid eyes on [semifinalists] Keira and Alina, he was all smiles for the day.”
“He’s real friendly with all babies,” says Hayes, who moved with Aidan to Jones’ home state of North Carolina a month ago. “He played with the little boys, too.”
Playing the flirt isn’t unusual for her son, who is now 16 months old, Hayes says. He wasn’t uncomfortable in front of the camera, either. As an only child, he’s used to being the center of attention.
More photos featuring Aidan and seven other finalists are online at www.babytalk.com.
Patrick to race fans at ESPNZone
Fans can watch Danica Patrick race in Atlanta tonight, without all the grit and roar of an IndyCar event. Patrick will visit ESPN Zone and compete against three challengers — via video game. The first 200 fans to arrive at ESPN Zone can meet Patrick, get autographed posters and photos with the driver. WSB sports director Tony Schiavone will host the event.
Patrick will be at ESPN Zone, 3030 Peachtree Road N.W. in Atlanta, at 7 p.m. today. The event is free, but seated guests must purchase food and beverage. Seating begins at 5 p.m. For more info, check out www.espnzone.com/atlanta.
Usher dips into catalog for show
The last time an Usher concert was in town it was four years ago, at Philips Arena, and it was a great show.
When Usher’s current tour stopped in Atlanta Monday, it was at the far-smaller Tabernacle, and not only was it a great show, but it was great Usher.
In his 14 years in the music business (believe it or not), Atlanta’s 30-year-old R&B superstar has enjoyed quite the ascent. “And with that success, there’s been some distance,” the five-time Grammy winner conceded before his performance. “I want to get back and do something more intimate. A more personal ‘thank you.’ “
So Monday evening, the heavily female audience at his “Ladies Only” concert was close enough to him that they could untie and tie his shoes, he joked. But what was particularly remarkable about his near-sold-out, 90-minute set was that Usher was just as accessible and giving.
The singing and dancing phenom reached waaay back into his five-album catalog, performing rarities such as first solo hit “Think of You” and album tracks “Seduction” and “Bad Girl”; songs he was merely featured on, like “Lovers and Friends” (with Lil Jon and Ludacris) and “I Need A Girl” (with Diddy); and bits of songs he just seemed to like, such as Prince’s “Do Me Baby” and “Adore,” Stevie Wonder’s “Rocket Love,” OutKast’s “Prototype,” John Legend’s “Green Light” and T.I.’s “Whatever You Like.”
“I didn’t bring you all the way here just to look at me,” the elegantly attired Usher told a crowd that included Grammy winner Johnta Austin, rapper-actor Bow Wow, choreographer-turned-record label power Devyne Stephens and V-103’s Wanda Smith. “I told y’all I was going to give you a show!”
Kiosk to accept used frying oil
Why not show how grateful we are for new improvements to Atlanta’s sewer system by not pouring frying oil down the drain this Thanksgiving?
Yes, just a few weeks before many among us will fire up our turkey deep fryers, an Atlanta company has set up a residential recycling bin for what’s left after. ReFuel Biodiesel typically works with restaurants, but introduced a community kiosk about a week ago to solve that pesky post-fried turkey cleanup issue. Robert Del Bueno, project manager for ReFuel, said state environmental agencies get a lot of phone calls this time of year as people look for ways to empty their oil jugs.
ReFuel will take frying oils that are liquids at room temperature, like peanut, canola, soy, vegetable and olive oils. What they won’t take: animal fats, bacon drippings, lard, tallow, Crisco or margarine.
ReFuel Biodiesel accepts dropoffs at its kiosk at 250 Arizona Ave. in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.refuelbiodiesel.org.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Playwright-actor Wallace Shawn (“The Princess Bride”) is 65. Organist Booker T. Jones of Booker T. and the MGs is 64. Singer Neil Young is 63. Country singer Barbara Fairchild is 58. Actress Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”) is 50. Bassist David Ellefson (Megadeth) is 44. Actor Sam Lloyd (“Scrubs”) is 41. Actress Tamala Jones (“The Brothers”) is 34. Actress Angela Watson (“Step by Step”) is 34. Singer Tevin Campbell is 32. Actress Ashley Williams (“Good Morning, Miami”) is 30. Bassist Chris Huffman of Casting Crowns is 28. Actress Anne Hathaway (“The Princess Diaries”) is 26. Singer Omarion (B2K) is 24.
Contributing: Sonia Murray and news services
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‘Bachelorette’ decides she’ll stay that way
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wasn’t it just this past summer that we heard Newnan Realtor and “Bachelorette” DeAnna Pappas burble how much she loved free-wheeling snowboarder Jesse Csincsak and she couldn’t wait to settle down with him in Colorado?
Alas, reality (as opposed to a reality show) set in. Pappas broke off the engagement with Csincsak last week. Csincsak reported the news on a YouTube video, where his heartbreak is evident.
“I did everything in my power to make this work,” he said. “She’s a great person, but she wasn’t willing to try. She wanted something different, I guess. The answer I got was, ‘I love you, but I’m not in love with you.’” (That cliché is still painful, along the lines of, “It’s not you. It’s me!”)
Neither Csincsak nor Pappas were available for comment Monday, according to a spokeswoman for the show. This continues the show’s dismal track record in terms of generating actual marriages (one, to be exact.)
In the meantime, the guy Pappas rejected, the more stable but much duller divorcé Jason Mesnick will become the next “Bachelor.”
Barnes is ‘Jones’ing
Steve Barnes, former 99X morning host, got a speaking role in the current big-budget film shooting in Atlanta, “The Jones.”
On Friday, he had a speaking role with David Duchovny, whose character tries to sell him electronics. Demi Moore and Gary Cole were in the scene as well.
“I spent about eight hours knee to knee with him on the couch, and every woman I know is fighting for details,” Barnes wrote in an e-mail to Buzz. “He was very ‘loose,’ which made it easy to work with him. No attitude and very professional.”
Barnes also hit it off with Moore, who he says looks about 30 although she turns 46 today. “She is the type of ‘A list’ star that you would think would be jaded,” he wrote. “She is NOT.”
The ubiquitous Sheree Whitfield and Kim Zolciak from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” were also on set that day. Zolciak, in an e-mail, wrote, “it was incredible!! Demi and I hit off!”
Barnes noted, “they had a man servant in tow that constantly changed out their shoes [heels to flats] like a NASCAR pit crew tire changer!”
While in town, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher were over scene at the Falcons-Saints game Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
Clermont has class
The Clermont Lounge on Ponce de Leon Avenue is getting some love from Playboy.com, which names the grungy but also charming bar one of the nation’s Top 10 “Great American Dive Bars.”
“Many of the dancers redefine the term ‘Rubenesque’ and may be pushing retirement age, but there’s a talent here that Chuck Barris would die for,” the Web site says about the spot. The infamous “Blondie” gets a mention for her poetry reading and talents crushing a beer can with her bosom.
“Cheap booze and a laid-back, communal vibe make the Clermont a colorful pit stop for Bohemians, miscreants, Mexican day workers and lipstick lesbians, rednecks and rock stars,” the Web site goes on to say and its first ever list of American’s best dives. No one was available Monday for comment, but Buzz has a feeling the cheap booze will flow to celebrate.
The Clermont, a windowless basement strip club luring locals and tourists from around the globe, has received accolades in the past with Esquire magazine last year naming the tavern one of the best bars in America. Playboy.com’s list include Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville and the Ha-Ra Club in San Francisco.
Spears son sick
The youngest son of Britney Spears and Kevin Federline has been hospitalized for some kind of reaction but was expected to be discharged soon.
Two-year-old Jayden James was admitted to the Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center on Sunday after having “a reaction to something he ingested,” a representative for Spears’ family said in a statement.
He is expected to be discharged on Tuesday, the statement said, signing off with “Get well soon, Jayden!”
The hospital is near Spears’ home in Kentwood, La., where she was reportedly staying with family. Representatives for Spears and her family didn’t immediately return messages left Monday.
Spears and ex-husband Federline also are parents to 3-year-old Sean Preston.
