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January 2009
Celebs pack Atlanta W for Grammy party
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Big Boi at the W. Staff photos by Pouya Dianat
The downtown W just opened - and didn’t waste time in snagging a celeb-studded party to celebrate.
The new hotel (not to be confused with its sister properties, the W Midtown or W Buckhead) hosted a Thursday night bash honoring Georgia’s Grammy Award winning artists.
Strolling the red carpet was Big Boi, who said he’d love to add another Grammy to his collection. He also said he’s taking his innovative hip hop ballet, “Big,” on the road.
“We’re always trying new things,” said the artist also known as Antwan Patton.
Brothers Kristian and Brandon Bush
The nicest guys there had to be Sugarland’s Kristian Bush was there with brother Brandon, who shook hands and introduced themselves like they were greeters at church.
Brandon Bush, a member of the band Train, says the country’s troubled times have people yearning for music with a hopeful and genuine sound.
“There’s a new search for authenticity,” he said.
Dallas Austin, too, predicts troubled times are going to result in a clean new sound coming from the music industry, particularly Atlanta artists.
“We’re going to revert back to where we came from, a very organic sound,” he said. “Everyone needs to humble down. A lot of junk is going to go away.”
Which brings us to our next question. Austin was filmed during the past season of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” trying to coax a recordable sound out of aspiring songbird Kim Zolciak. So we asked if Austin anticipates seeing the leggy blonde stroll down the carpet with next year’s nominees.
“I wouldn’t think so,” he said with a chuckle.
Don’t misunderstand. Dallas isn’t talking bad about poor Kim.
“I’m not the kind of person to slam anybody,” he said.
Mychael Knight
Project Runway’s Mychael Knight was rocking his country club chic look, a cardigan and bow tie.
“I’m black royalty, I can’t help it,” he said.
We asked if bowties are making a comeback.
“They never went anywhere,” he said. “A true gentleman always has a tie or two - long tie or bow.”
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Braves gala, fan event raise $100K for charities
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Braves players, coaches and fans raised money for a host of area nonprofit organizations this weekend.
Proceeds from Friday night’s Diamond Gala at the InterContinental Hotel and Saturday’s AutographFest at Turner Field brought in more than $100,000 for local groups including Special Olympics Georgia, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.
Friday night, the legendary Hank Aaron made a special appearance, and players including the newly signed Derek Lowe, Tim Hudson, Buddy Carlyle, Matt Diaz and pitching coach Roger McDowell served as guest dealers at gaming tables.
No one had a bigger time than commentator and former player Brian Jordan.
“We’re having some fun! I got the sweet touch!” he shouted from behind his roulette table.
Blackjack players at catcher Brian McCann’s table seemed to be parting with lots of “Braves Bucks,” the play money guests placed bets with and later traded for gifts.
“I’m actually taking money from people, it’s not good,” McCann joked. He’s serious, though, about community involvement. “We play the game of baseball for a living, we’re very blessed. It’s our duty to give back.”
A crowd formed around Chipper Jones’ craps table, where the third baseman demonstrated some deft rolling of the dice.
“Any chance we get to give back to the community is a pleasure of ours,” he said. Although the well-heeled crowd was smaller than at Saturday’s event at Turner Field, fans kept Jones busy posing for pictures and signing memorabilia, which he was happy to do.
“I would be really worried if they weren’t asking for my autograph,” he mused.
Speaking of diamonds
The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta honors its past presidents at the Diamond Ball, April 18 at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre.
The evening features live entertainment, a cocktail buffet by Carriage House Catering, beer and wine and signature Diamond-tinis.
Guests who purchase a glass of champagne for $25 will have a chance at a one-carat rock valued at $5,000, donated by Belk. Raffle items include a visit to Blue Med Spa in Buckhead, an overnight stay at the InterContinental and a $150 dining certificate at Au Pied de Cochon.
Natalie Rutledge chairs; the committee includes Leslie Foster, Gretchen Payne, Breigh McKinney, Kati Hyland, Allison Carter and Jennifer Johnson Lynch. It’s cocktail/black-tie optional.
Tickets are $75 per couple and sponsorship levels range from $250 to $1,000. Info: 770-422-5266.
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Atlantans have a Ball in DC
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When President and Mrs. Obama took a spin to “At Last” at the Southern States Ball on Tuesday night, Atlantans Ann Huff and Mildred Spalding were among those in the crowd.
“I think it was the most elegantly dressed crowd I’ve ever been around,” said Huff, co-owner of the Huff-Harrington gallery.
She wore an off-the-shoulder, taffeta opera length gown in olive green, close in hue to the stylish gloves Michelle Obama wore during the day on Tuesday.
“I was trying to match her gloves,” Huff joked.
Spalding wore a bolero jacket with her sleeveless black gown, and Huff was grateful for her gown’s long sleeves.
“We had heard that the coat lines would be extremely long and we thought we were being very smart and had our driver drop us off and left our coats in the car,” she said. “We absolutely froze walking into the ball.”
Huff and Spalding joined up with former Atlantans John and Meredith Cross while in D.C. They’ll be home in time for tonight’s ARThouse gala, benefiting the Atlanta Ballet, the Georgian National Ballet and the ATLart Foundation.
Ann Huff
Speaking of Huff-Harrington, gallery assistant Linda Mohan scored inauguration tix in a most fabulous way. She and Gannon Gingrey Manning, daughter of U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey, both get their tressed trimmed at True at the Avenue West Cobb.
Salon owner Lynda Baker let Mohan know that Gannon Manning might be able to help, and the rest is memorable history.
“Just seeing the happiness, the hope in everybody’s eyes, it was like nothing I’ve ever seen,” Mohan said.
BMaynard Scarborough
As soon as he has a free minute, we need to get the scoop from Atlantan BMaynard Scarborough, who also attended the Southern States Ball.
“The Ball was amazing,” he said in a quick e-mail before catching a flight home.
Once he’s gotten settled and rested we hope to hear more.
Deane Bonner
Other metro Atlantans at the Southern Ball included Cobb County NAACP president Deane Bonner and boxer Evander Holyfield.
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Barack-tail Hour party plans?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Are you planning to toast our new president later? Mixing up a cocktail to the chief?
Or has your inauguration celebration started already?
Linda Green of Virginia Highland, who works at a preschool, left work and headed to a friend’s house, where a group of Obama supporters joined in an inaugural toast.
“We snacked and drank champagne to welcome the new family to the office,” she said. “Listening to Obama was very emotional for us.”
Adrienne Graham, chief talent acquisition consultant at Hues Consulting & Management, has plans later.
“My family is heading to Weezy’s Movin’ On Up Café in Duluth for an inauguration party this evening at 5:30 p.m.,” she said “We are excited and overwhelmed by this historic event and have been watching coverage and Twittering/Facebooking about it all day.”
Sabrina Sexton, a financial institution e-business manager, took a similarly high-tech approach to partying tonight. Her fiance heard about a party at Halo on Twitter, and RSVPed via Facebook.
“This inauguration is, no matter what your political beliefs, a historic moment in our country’s history,” Sexton said. “I am looking forward to celebrating the occasion with others who not only recognize this but also share my support for President Obama. I watched the inaugural ceremony at home today, so I’m excited about watching the Inaugural Address with a group of people in a festive atmosphere.”
He’s wearing a tux, she’s wearing a black cocktail dress.
Looking for an inauguration libation?
Here are some ideas:
P’cheen International Bistro & Pub will be mixing up five different champagne cocktails for $5 each, starting at 5 p.m.
The Red Clay Democrats, Young Democrats of Georgia, and Young Democrats of Atlanta are putting on the Atlanta Inaugural Ball tonight at Halo. The event starts at 7 p.m. and is free. Dress is formal.
The Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center hosts the Stylish And Elegant Inauguration Ball tonight from 7-10 p.m. The event features an open bar, cocktail buffet and dancing. Tix are $25. Info: nafi@treselegantevents.com, 770-559-1306.
The Centre @ Arbor Connection, 7475 Douglas Blvd Douglasville hosts An Event To Remember from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tix are $20 at the door. Info: 404-428-9831 or Eventofyourdreams@yahoo.com.
The Atlanta Press Club has a post-inaugural mixer at Eros from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight.
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse is offering a $44 dinner special in honor of our 44th president.
Do you have party plans tonight? Or have you had enough presidential pomp and circumstance?
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Sunday brunch for 25 cents? It’s true!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cold? Hungry?
Broke?
We’ve found the closest thing to a free lunch here in the ATL. Well, free brunch, anyway.
The Bureau in the Old Fourth Ward has been offering a 25-cent Bailout Brunch every Sunday in January.
That’s right: brunch for a quarter. Bloody marys and mimosas are $3.75, and there’s a two-drink minimum.
They were packed last Sunday and have received hundreds of calls this week,” reports publicist Caren West. “We have groups of 50 trying to book tables. It is quite crazy.”
Who can blame the masses looking for cheap eats these days?
The Bureau’s one of many Atlanta outfits that seem to have turned the recession into a marketing concept.
Kenny Leon, for example, was supposed to be directing a play in New York right about now.
But with the crummy economy crippling Broadway, Leon’s focusing full time on Atlanta’s True Colors Theatre Company, where he serves as artistic director. Not one to let hard times keep him down, Leon and his team have launched the True Colors Stimulus Package.
Patrons can order half-priced tickets to “Miss Evers’ Boys” through the month of January, using the code STIMULUS when calling for tickets at or ordering online.
“I thought there were clever and creative ways we could help people ride this storm out.” Leon said. “It’s a way to say to our community: we’re all in this economic meltdown together. This is a time to connect and engage. This is the opportunity for us to show the significance of the arts. When the economic meltdown turns the other way we will have grown our fan base.”
Info: 404-588-0234.
In similar news, auto dealers like Ford and General Motors pioneered “employee pricing,” but if you’re more into Southern comfort food than a car payment, South City Kitchen has you covered.
At Tuesday’s “Eat Like You Work Here” event, diners get the same 25 percent discount that folks working there receive.
“People are looking for a way to save some money,” said Robby Kukler of parent company Fifth Group. “I think people want to continue to eat out. Some can’t eat out as often, therefore they need to look for some really good values.”
The discount will be offered at both SCK’s Midtown and Vinings locations.
Call 404-873-7358 (Midtown) or 770-435-0700 (Vinings) for reservations. They promise you won’t have to wash dishes.
Houlihan’s in east Cobb is running a Dow-themed promotion from Feb. 9-27. On days when the market’s up, each table receives an order of Italian donuts with dipping sauce. On down days, diners receive a card for a free appetizer with entree purchase to be used on their next visit. And regardless of market performance, guests can enter to win a $10,000 savings bond.
Stock-tail hour at the Atlanta Ritz-Carlton
Carlos Ruiz, mixologist at the downtown Ritz-Carlton’s Atlanta Grill, has created a most timely libation.
The Market Report cocktail, made with Martell V.S.O.P Medallion, Marie Brizard cherry liqueur, fresh lemon juice and a burnt orange twist for garnish, is served straight up when the Dow’s climbing and on the rocks when it’s in the tank. We’re guessing Ruiz has plenty of ice on hand.
“I actually sold a few straight up,” Ruiz said. “People are optimistic.”
![Zaya_Bar_Photo[1].jpg](http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/shared-blogs/ajc/social/upload/2009/01/recession_as_marketing_tool/Zaya_Bar_Photo%5B1%5D.jpg)
In other booze news, Zaya Mediterranean Restaurant in Inman Park has a special menu of “Bailout Beverages,” featuring $4 mixed drinks and $3-$5 glasses of wine.
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Foxworthy talks Smoltz, charity work
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Foxworthy says it’ll be odd to see his buddy in a Red Sox uniform, but he’ll cheer him on
Of all the Braves fans upset about John Smoltz leaving for Boston, no one’s more bummed than his buddy, comedian Jeff Foxworthy.
“It’s sad to me,” Foxworthy said during an interview Tuesday. “I don’t think he ever envisioned this day coming.”
Foxworthy was at a family wedding in Texas as Smoltz was finalizing plans to make the move.
“He kept calling me and said, ‘you’re not going to be mad at me are you?’”
Of course not, Foxworthy responded. He said it’ll be strange to see Smoltz in a Red Sox uniform, but that he’ll support his friend’s new team.
“I hope they go to the World Series,” said Foxworthy, adding he’ll probably fly to Boston one weekend to cheer Smoltz at his new job site. “He was a pretty good face for the (Braves) franchise.”
Indeed, Smoltz and Foxworthy are both known for their community involvement. They recently teamed up at a charity event that raised money for the pitcher’s foundation. Coming up, Foxworthy is to be honored Feb. 20 at the Fun Fete, benefiting Prevent Child Abuse Georgia.
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation will also be recognized at the event, to be held at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead.
“Let’s face it - parenting is hard work,” said DePriest Waddy, CEO of PCA Georgia. “Jeff’s sense of humor has helped many of us get through those hard times. We have always admired his work and his passion for children and families.”
Tickets to Fun Fete are $250 each. E-mail jenniferh@pcageorgia.org, call404-870-6589 or see the PCA Georgia Web site.
Foxworthy, who said his favorite Christmas presents are always the letters his teenage daughters write him, said he’s glad to support PCA Georgia.
“For whatever I didn’t have growing up I didn’t have to go through (abuse),” he said. “We didn’t have a lot, be we knew we were loved.”
His pal Smoltz won’t be able to attend, since he’ll be heading to spring training with his new team.
By the way, Foxworthy said, the Braves sought to put his celebrity to use when hashing out the $60 million deal with Derek Lowe.
“I got a message from the Braves PR department. Derek Lowe was coming in and they wanted me to come talk him into joining the Braves,” Foxworthy said. “I was like, not after what you did to my buddy.”
You might be a loyal friend if …
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Memories of the Strand Theatre?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Erin Deebel (from left), Emily Greenwell and Rachael Krempasky of the Dance Stop Company pose at the grand opening of the newly renovated Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta. Photo by Allen Sullivan/aesullivan@ajc.com
After years of fund-raising by civic leaders and community members, the 1930s-era Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square has been exquisitely restored.
The new performance home of the Atlanta Lyric Theatre, which staged its first production last month, the Strand welcomed hundreds for its grand opening gala on Saturday night.
The evening began with a seated dinner by Carriage House, followed by a montage of movie clips and live performances by the Lyric and the Pebblebrook High School’s performing arts program.
“People asked me, ‘What big names are going to be at the grand opening gala?’ ” executive director Earl Reece told the sold-out crowd. “The big names are in the audience. With your support and your friendship, you’re the reason the Strand Theatre was rebuilt and reborn.”
He led the crowd in what he billed as the Strand’s “first singalong” to wish happy birthday to Earl Smith, who as board chairman has led the movement to bring the historic theater back to life.
“This has been a journey we’ve been traveling a long time,” Smith said. “A lot of fun along the way, and some difficulties.”
The Strand was built in 13 months for $150,000 and was renovated in 17 months for $4 million.
“You have demonstrated what this means to Marietta, Cobb County and Atlanta,” Smith told guests.
Also enjoying the evening were Lyric general manager Brandt Blocker, reminding everyone that “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” begins Jan. 16; and Junior League of Cobb-Marietta president Carey Merritt, talking up the April 18 Diamond Ball, honoring past presidents and benefiting the League’s charitable partners.
And Lexie and Greg Amaden, Billie and Mickey Blackwell, Lillian and Buddy Darden, Mary Margaret and Clem Doyle, Michelle and Will Goodman, Spain and Scott Gregory, Theresa and Lon Jenkins, Mary Lou and Dan Stephens and the Rev. Sam and Carolyn Storey.
Following the performance, patrons gathered for a dessert and champagne reception, and shared their memories of attending movies at the Strand years ago. Pat Chilton remembered taking in shoot ‘em up westerns. Nelah Gabler recalled seeing Disney movies as a child, and later had her first date there.
What are your memories of the Strand Theatre?
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Give up the BarackBerry?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Photo by Ozier Muhammad/The New York Times
Our next president has a huge fight waiting for him as he takes office this month.
Whether to give up his BlackBerry.
“I’m still clinging to my BlackBerry,” Barack Obama said. “They’re going to pry it out of my hands.”
This article says the nation’s 44th president is being advised to hang up the electronic device for security purposes. He’s not giving up without a fight.
“I’m still in a scuffle around that,” Obama said in an interview broadcast on the Today Show. “How do you stay in touch with the flow of everyday life?”
Indeed, how do you?
Has your BlackBerry become your indispensable companion? Or do your 2009 resolutions include laying off the e-mail during your off-hours.
Anyone have tips on breaking the habit for President-Elect Obama, if he does indeed have to surrender his BlackBerry?
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Attention brides: read this before you register
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Are you getting married this year?
Considering registering for china or crystal?
Listen up: Waterford Wedgwood has joined the long list of corporations seeking bankruptcy protection.
According to this article the venerable brand will continue to operate while administrators seek a buyer.
“Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton are quintessentially classic brands that represent a high quality product which is steeped in history,” the administrators said in a statement. “The administration team will be working closely with management, customers and suppliers during this time to ensure operations continue whilst a sale of the business is sought.”
I usually do an inventory this time of year, when putting up the Christmas china and putting the regular china back out (that’s my pattern above, Cornucopia by Wedgwood). I’m thinking it might be wise to go ahead and fill in what I’m missing.
Does this news make you rethink registering for Waterford crystal or Wedgwood china? Or if you have a pattern, are you thinking of stocking up lest your fine china be discontinued?
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Real Housewives’ Resolutions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Happy New Year, Fab-lanta!
We checked in with some of the ATL’s social scenesters to see who’s pledging to do what in 2009.
Leading the way in laying down the virtuous vows? A couple of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” of course.
“One of my New Year’s resolutions is to have an impact on more lives.” - DeShawn Snow, whose foundation works with teenage girls.
Spend less time worrying about the things I cannot control and focusing on the things I can. No wine in ‘09 … makes a boring housewife.” - Kim Zolciak, who isn’t actually married, and definitely isn’t boring.
We didn’t hear back from the other three housewives, but never fear. Bravo’s planning a second season of the super-classy show. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, we checked in with folks from Atlanta’s social and philanthropic circles. Here’s what they plan to do this year.
Jack Sawyer, from left, with Sally Dorsey and Bill Torres
“I’m a workaholic and that is not going to change because I love my work so much. And I live and breathe a commitment to my clients. But I am determined to play more golf in 2009. Is that tacky?” - Jack Sawyer, regional president, BNY Mellon Wealth Management.
Joanne Chesler Gross, left, with 2008 Opera Ball chair Jody Weatherly
“Raise more funds for our wonderful cultural institutions such as the Atlanta Ballet and Opera. In spite of the bad economy, we can do it!” - corporate lobbyist turned philanthropic powerhouse Joanne Chesler Gross, who is chairing this year’s Opera Ball.
Melanie Boltax with Ron Clark Academy student Merrick Adams and MaxMara USA president Luigi Caroggio, at the fundraiser benefiting the Ron Clark Academy. Photo by Jim Fitts
“For everything I buy to put in my closet I have to take five things out to give to charity; come up with new, inexpensive ways to raise money for Camp Kudzu and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund; recommit to my family and community to be a conscientious individual in thought, words and deeds that promote a peaceful, healthy environment.” - Melanie Boltax, who organized a recent luncheon benefiting Camp Kudzu. It serves kids with juvenile diabetes, including her son Zac,13.
“Trying to match-make as many friends as possible so they will have their weddings at the Millennium Gate.” - Rodney Cook, the Atlanta designer who masterminded the Gate, and raised millions in private funds to pay for it.
“Purchase a new filing cabinet that is functional, not just decorative; throw away my cellphone manual that’s still encased in plastic; never miss an opportunity to say something nice to someone who might need to hear a kind word.” - Lisa Tush a founding member of the Bow Tie Society, which serves underprivileged teens.
“Spend more time with the cherished friends about whom I most care and decline those things that make up the hectic rush of life and that don’t really matter.” - Susan Tucker,president of Tucker & Associates and a fixture on the philanthropic circuit.
Laura Turner Seydel, left, and Sacha Taylor at the ‘Primates at the Pink Palace’ event benefiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Sacha’s reading the book by Laura’s dad. Photo by Philip Shone
“Read more for pleasure. I am off to a great start with Call Me Ted. I have magazines, literally hundreds of them, all from 2008, neatly stacked in my office with hopes I will read them all.” - Sacha Taylor, who will co-chair this year’s Veneralia gala benefiting the Michael C. Carlos Museum, Jeffrey Fashion Cares and the Swan House Ball host committee.
“Work smarter and think year-round; reduce stress and continue to be optimistic; spend more time with family and friends; remain patient and be a good listener; be flexible and be willing to change.” Mary Lou Lanaux, a Keller Williams Realtor specializing in celeb clients and luxury properties. She has former Braves catcher Javy Lopez’ padlisted for $3.5 million.
“Go to culinary school to become a pastry chef! I’ve always enjoyed cooking and loved making candy with my mother and grandmother, and always had a desire to learn more.” - Tony Conway, president/owner of Legendary Events.
“To give up sugar, my ‘drug’ of choice. I am a sugarholic for sure!” - Sally Dorsey, who with Conway will co-chair this fall’s Party in the Kitchen, benefiting Open Hand. Wonder what the new pastry chef and the recovering sugarholic will serve for dessert?
Are you planning to refine in 2009? What’s your resolution?
