Whiskey & A GO-GO!

Whiskey A Go-Go is a famous nightclub in Los Angeles, but this L.A. Story happened right here in Macon. The last few weeks our city has been an outpost for the Hollywood set. Steve Balderson’s women in prison film “STUCK!” wrapped production on Sunday.

The films lead actresses included Starina Johnson, Karen Black, Cult Film Queen Mink Stole, Bob Dylan’s daughter-in-law Susan Traylor, Lead Guitarist of The Go-Go’s Jane Weidlin, Stacy Cunningham (who’s parents now live in Macon) and L.A. Belly dancer Pleasant Gehman.

Kim & I hosted the cast & Crew party at my house on Friday night. Can I just say the house was crawling with some very cool cats. L.A. celebrity photographer Austin Young flew in to shoot portraits of the cast and luckily came to the dinner. I Had A GO-GO in my home! Still wrapping my head around that while at the same time freaking out a little! A little advice on entertaining Non-Southerners…they love the BBQ from Pig in a Pit! And just to satisfy the vegetarians, I picked up some Tomato Tarts from Fountain of Juice. All I have to say is there were no leftovers!

Saturday night was a Hollywood reprieve…The Jazz Association of Macon’s garden party was delicious. Hosts Ned & Priscilla Esser and of course Mother Nature created a perfectly perfect event…aside from the pavement diving granny. But hey, it ain’t a party ‘til there’s some blood shed!

I hosted the film’s Wrap Party on Sunday @ The SoChi Gallery. Ok, the film IS about women in prison and they are all on death row. The main character, Daisy, is sentenced to hang so of course I had to make a statement with my signature cocktail: The “Hangin’ Daisy.” It was lethally yum and soothing to the throat. But I have to say the highlight of the event was having one of the film’s stars (and world-renowned belly dancer) Pleasant Gehman entertain us all with a eye-popping dance.


One more thing I must say is that all the cast & crew absolutely loved Macon! Several did not want to leave. So, we can all be proud of the fact that we live in a beautiful & welcoming city! We are hoping that “STUCK!” will premiere at MAGA 2010…if so it will definitely be the place to Go-Go!

See you @ the Cox Capitol Theatre on Friday. My kids are desperate to see TWIGHTLIGHT (again!)


Future Love Paradise
The “Nashville Portraits” Party @ The Humminghbird
Featuring T.Graham Brown, Jimmy Hall & Toni Price
Thursday, May 14th, 8:30p
$10 Admission

Mark Brooker’s Farewell Party @ The SoChi Gallery
Thursday, May 14th @ 9p
$5 Admission, Cash Bar

Mary Cassatt Traveling Exhibit
Georgia Children’s Museum
May 12 – 22, 10:30a – 5:30p
$3 admission ages 2 and up

“Twilight” @ the Cox Capitol Theatre
Friday, May 15, 2009 Showings @ 7:00p & 9:45p.
Tickets are $5.00

Macon's Midnight Rider "Trolley Bar Crawl"
Friday, May 15 begins @ 8p

College Hill Corridor’s Movie In The Park
“The Graduate” May 17th @ 8:30p. FREE Event.

Tina Turner Tribute Concert
starring Las Vegas performer & Macon native Michelle Marshall
May 23rd @ 7:30pm
The DouglassTheatre
$20 Adults, $10 Children
For Tickets call: 478-742-2000

DISCO NEVER DIED. It was just Resting Up for US!
STUDIO 54 PARTY @ The SoChi Gallery is a ‘To Be Real’ deal.
Friday, June 5th. 9pm until.

DISCO & DIVA'S STUDIO 54 PARTY with SHIRLEY Q LIQUOR @ Club Synergy.
Friday, June 12th. 70's themed event so come dressed as your favorite 70's Diva or Dude. Cash prize for the best dressed. $10 advance tickets, $12 @ the Door.

Check out my new column in Macon Magazine called The SoChi Life premiering in the June/July issue.

DRIVE. DRINK. ZINGO. $20 plus $2 per mile. Way cheaper than a DUI & no driving around looking for your car the next day. They pick you up in your car and drive you home. 478-254-6555.

"STUCK!" & the Art of SoChilizing

If you don’t already know, Hollywood has come to Macon. One of the films currently in production is a women-in-prison film noir (Black & White) directed by Steve Balderson called “STUCK!” I’ve had the pleasure of being an extra in several scenes. But today’s shoot was Creepy-licious! Not quite like the swine flu, but it did involve me wearing a pig mask & a suit! I can’t really go into it but..Wow! I’m hoping that the film will make its debut at the Macon Film Festival.

You know about First Friday, right? It’s the FIRST Friday of every month in Downtown Macon. Beginning at 5pm all the art galleries, shops, bars, restaurants are abuzz with lots of fun folks & SoChilizing.

This First Friday began for me at the Macon Arts’ opening of artist Nancy Huggins’ “SEEN” exhibit. I had my eye of the Tricycle & the Dead Bird piece. I know, sounds odd but go check it out. The exhibit is on display through the end of May.

Next on the agenda was Alan Gibson’s Art Show @ The SoChi Gallery hosted by Macon Magazine. The show drew a huge crowd of big spenders. Apparently this crowd is recession proof because the art was flying off the wall. The show almost sold completely out! At the end of the evening someone said that it looked like The SoChi Gallery was being looted – the crowd was departing and all were carrying artwork in their arms! A happy-ending indeed.

So good in fact that a confession was in my immediate future. The Street Corner Confessions booth was a fun new addition to the First Friday celebration. Of course, I can’t reveal what I confessed…aside from the fact that I loved the “I Confessed” sticker that I got to wear afterwards. It was quite the conversation starter!
My night ended at the Tic Toc Room with Carey Pickard, Chris Howard, Mechel McKinley Aiello, Jesse & Sarah Gerwig-Moore and some very Delish Tuna! The tuna was the dinner special and man, it’s just about the best thing I’ve ever had there. Red & Raw perfection. TRY IT!

This past Sunday we celebrated FAMILY DAY by attending the closing performance of “FOOTLOOSE” @ Theatre Macon. Standout performances by Jake Adams, Jake Grisamore, Rachel Giannattasio & Denver Pickard made the musical quite terrific!
Happy Mother’s Day to all your mother’s out there!

Future Love Paradise

“The Beauty of Place” Art Opening reception
@ FrameworksGallery
Featured works of Karen Lawrence, Bill Suttles & Jane Gibout.
Thursday, May 7th. 6-8pm. 1205 Johnson Ferry Rd., Ste 110; Marietta

IT’S 5 o’clock SOMEWHERE Party
Friday, May 8th, 5-10pm @ Cherry St. Plaza. Live Music featuring A1A…cash prizes for Best Parrothead costumes. $35 in advance/ $40 @ the door.

Moondance 2009 presented by Friends of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail,
May 8th @ 7pm
Tickets: $50, $40 for Friends of the Trail
For Tickets call: 722-9909

Tina Turner Tribute Concert starring Las Vegas performer & Macon native
Michelle Marshall
May 23rd @ 7:30pm
The DouglassTheatre
$20 Adults, $10Children
For Tickets call: 478-742-2000

DISCO NEVER DIED. It was just Resting Up for US!
STUDIO 54 PARTY @ The SoChi Gallery is a ‘To Be Real’ deal.
Friday, June 5th. 9pm until.

DISCO & DIVA'S STUDIO 54 PARTY with SHIRLEY Q LIQUOR @ Club Synergy.
Friday, June 12th. 70's themed event so come dressed as your favorite 70's Diva or Dude. Cash prize for the best dressed. $10 advance tickets, $12 @ the Door.
Check out my new column in Macon Magazine called The SoChi Life premiering in the June/July issue.

DRIVE. DRINK. ZINGO. $20 plus $2 per mile. Way cheaper than a DUI & no driving around looking for your car the next day. They pick you up in your car and drive you home. 478-254-6555.

LAVA LAMPS ARE HOT!

SoChi was Roaring with events on Saturday night. Dressed in our best 20’s garb…we head downtown. Kim in an amazing red Flapper dress and I in black tie with the vest I’ve not worn since our wedding 12 years ago. We first hit the grooviest hippie haunt in town…..Onie Sanders’s B’day party/Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser @ The Armory Ballroom. This was the FUN party to attend this weekend! Laura Starling was DJ’ng and Miss Onie herself was belting out the tunes. Lava Lamps Galore, a Hippie Chic Backdrop from Macon’s own Backdrops Fantastic , Go-Go dancers, silent auction not to mention the 48 lava lamp giveaway. BUT the Go-Go Dancer pedestals were calling my name...a little 80’s Limelight throwback maybe. Dancing Pedestals, are you kidding me! I could not resist.. we got up on there and danced to “Le Freak” by Chic. A little warm-up for the Studio 54 Party on June 5th.

Onie’s party wasn’t the only game in town. Historic Macon’s Party of the Year was two blocks down on Third Street in the old Karsten Denson Hardware Store….very authentic with the 20’s theme. Best in Show certainly goes to Maura Pipkins’ Norma Desmond who was “Ready for Her Close-up, Mr. DeMille.”

Sunday was my 12th wedding anniversary. We chose to celebrate with our first weekly “Family Day.” We loaded into the car and hit the road for Atlanta…with a mind on a mission. Stop One was Stefan’s Vintage Clothing in Little 5 Points…had to get the Perf “HALSTON” suit for my Studio 54 Party. Kim found an awesome Disco-Chic dress & boots! Have you BEEN to Little 5 Points lately? It was a joy…all the creative types out on a beautiful day: hula-hoopers, artists, musicians all doing their curbside shows. I dig a circus atmosphere!

Then on to the Atlanta Civic Center for the KING TUT exhibit. Ok, the boy king sure had some bling in his tomb. You should go check it out before the exhibit closes on May 29th. Tut was about 19 yrs old when he died and stood 5’6’’ tall. Among the cooler things was the golden sandals that were on his feet when he was buried….Oh, and the urns that his organs were put in…kinda freaky but that’s the way they did it. The Tutankhamen exhibit is certainly worth the drive.

The exhibit was a few hours and by the time we left we were starved….where to eat with all the great options in Atlanta? My kids wanted Mexican. We wanted to go to Zocalo in Midtown but the line to get in was ridiculous…so it was on to Rosa Mexicano @ Atlantic Station is always a safe bet. Be sure and try their pomegranate margarita & the made-at-your-table Guacamole Dip. It’s their specialty.

Future Love Paradise
Macon Art’s First Friday Art Opening featuring work by artist Nancy Huggins.
First Friday, May 1st @ 5pm.

Alan Gibson’s Art Show & Sale. The SoChi Gallery First Friday, May 1st. 6-9p

Mo Leverett performing @ art, music coffeehouse The 567 Café 7pm, First Friday, May 1st

Drag Show @ Synergy 8pm, First Friday Special Guest: Mr. Charlie Brown

Macon Gardens, Mansions & Moonlight May 1st – 3rd

Celebration of Champions, Alzheimer’s Association Benefit Concert with The Manhattan Transfer ’09 Honoree is Mrs. Betty Heard Monday, May 3rd @ the Grand Opera House for Ticket info: 478-746-7050

IT’S 5 o’clock SOMEWHERE Party Friday, May 8th, 5-10pm @ Cherry St. Plaza. Live Music featuring A1A…cash prizes for Best Parrothead costumes. $35 in advance/ $40 @ the door.

Moondance 2009 presented by Friends of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail May 8th @ 7pm Hors d’oeuvres, Music & entertainment Tickets: $50, $40 for Friends of the Trail For Tickets call: 722-9909

Tina Turner Tribute Concert starring Las Vegas performer & Macon native Michelle Marshall May 23rd @ 7:30pm
The DouglassTheatre $20 Adults, $10 Children For Tickets call: 478-742-2000

DISCO NEVER DIED. It was just Resting Up for US! STUDIO 54 PARTY @ The SoChi Gallery is a ‘To Be Real’ deal. Friday, June 5th. 9pm until.

DISCO & DIVA'S STUDIO 54 PARTY with SHIRLEY Q LIQUOR @ Club Synergy.
Friday, June 12th. 70's themed event so come dressed as your favorite 70's Diva or Dude. Cash prize for the best dressed. $10 advance tickets, $12 @ the Door.

True Blood returns for a second season HBO on June 14.

Check out my new column in Macon Magazine called "The SoChi Life" premiering in the June/July issue.

DRIVE. DRINK. ZINGO. $20 plus $2 per mile. Way cheaper than a DUI & no driving around looking for your car the next day. They pick you up in your car and drive you home. 478-254-6555.

The Pied Piper & the Fabulous Bastard

Last week I was “White Trash.” This week I’ve acquired two equally complimentary names: “The Pied Piper” and “SoChi's Fabulous Bastard!” Can’t determine which I love the most! ☺ More on that later.

Macon’s biggest Pot Party was a smoking success! The FIRED WORKS Preview Party was a HIT. If you didn’t make it Friday night, you missed a great time. Beer, wine, food, music and lots of fun people...…but no worries…the pottery show & sale is on through April 26th. Go check it out. Of the many terrific potters a few of my faves are Mark Knott, David Posner, Michael DeBarry, Jim Peckham & Michael Schmidt. Lots of serious talent under that one fabulous roof of the Round Building. Can I just give a shout out for a second? I must say that Beth Dunwody was the Beautiful Butterfly of the evening. Absolutely Stunning!

So, the fam went to see the Zac Efron flick “17 AGAIN” on Saturday night. The highlight was the trailor for “MY SISTER’S KEEPER.” I mean, in 3 minutes it had me crying. The evening took a turn south once the Zac Attack began. I’m just not that into predictable teen flicks….but the kids loved it. “LESS THAN ZERO” was made mention of in an 80’s flashback, so that made me happy.

What’s up with all the labels? Larry Najera called me “The Pied Piper” this week. The following day Priscilla Esser called me “SoChi’s Fabulous Bastard.” I took them both as compliments, is that wrong?

Now the peacocking matador in me loves this, but … Can a “Fabulous Bastard” still be a “Pied Piper?”

The Pied Piper of Hamelin and I have had common things happen to us. And I have taken a Rat out…but what about the children? MY children SPECIFICALLY. This complimentary “title” made me start thinking what kind of Pied Piper am I Really? For my kids, I mean. They tell me, as all kids tell their dads, “you’re the best dad in the world.” But I know it isn’t so. I don’t spend enough time with them. Do they really buy-in to what I’m selling? I couldn’t even talk them into going to the Second Sunday Jazz in the Park on Sunday. My now well-known eBlast is the reason for the Pied Piper title in the first place..but my kids don’t read that. So it’s up to me to connect with them.

Yesterday we decided to begin “FAMILY DAY” every Sunday. Some kind of family activity that we all do together…Bowling, Picnics, Tennis, Braves game, Museums, playing at the River Walk, etc….something fun that we do together. LOVE. LOVE will Keep Us Together!

Future Love Paradise

DRIVE. DRINK. ZINGO! $20 plus $2 per mile. Way cheaper than a DUI & no driving around looking for your car the next day. They pick you up in your car and drive you home. 478-254-6555.

Marco Wine Dinner, Wednesday April 22nd $60/person

The Red Tomato’s Spring Outdoor Concert featuring The Neo Kats.
April 24th , 6pm - Concert @ 7pm
$15 for Concert only/$30 for Dinner & Concert
For Reservations, call: 478-994-6336

DISCO NEVER DIED. It was just Resting Up for US!
STUDIO 54 PARTY @ The SoChi Gallery is a ‘To Be Real’ deal.
Friday, June 5th. 9pm until.

DISCO & DIVA'S STUDIO 54 PARTY with SHIRLEY Q LIQUOR @ Club Synergy.
Friday, June 12th. 70's themed event so come dressed as your favorite 70's Diva or Dude. Cash prize for the best dressed. $10 advance tickets, $12 @ the Door.

Macon Gardens, Mansions & Moonlight, May 1 – 3

IT’S 5 o’clock SOMEWHERE Party Friday, May 8th, 5-10pm @ Cherry St. Plaza. Live Music featuring A1A…cash prizes for Best Parrothead costumes. $35 in advance/ $40 @ the door.

Moondance 2009
presented by Friends of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail
May 8th @ 7pm
Hors d’oeuvres, Music & entertainment
Tickets: $50, $40 for Friends of the Trail
For Tickets call: 722-9909

Check out my new column in Macon Magazine called "The SoChi Life" premiering in the June/July issue.

Ain't No Party Like a White Trash Party 'Cause a White Trash Party Don't Stop!

As I was walking into church on Easter morning, a girl says to a friend, “There’s that White Trash Guy from Facebook!” YES, she was talking about ME, and NO, I was not offended. Is that wrong?

The fact is I hosted THE WHITE TRASH PARTY @ The SoChi Gallery on Friday night. If you are a Facebooker, you’ve probably already seen the photos. You can’t get much trashier than having throw-down on Good Friday, but hey, it went along with the theme. So I say, Good Friday, Great Party!

There has been a lot of chatter about the theme. There was no malicious intent here…just a dark stab at the floundering economy. It worked! A record number of SoChilites came dressed in their finest trashy apparel. This was a costume party! And man, were there costumes. If you didn’t dress up you felt downright out of place! Mitch Kersey of Amanda Jane Salon awarded Best Dressed prizes. 1st, 2nd & 3rd place were awarded to: Priscilla Esser, Amy & Troy Tarpley and Starling Thornsberry.

AIN’T NO PARTY LIKE A WHITE TRASH PARTY ‘CAUSE A WHITE TRASH PARTY DON’T STOP! And it’s not a party until someone gets arrested! Of course, the first was SoChi’s own Holly GoLightly, Priscilla Esser who relished the flashing bulbs and true Roadhouse applause like the true star she is! Her crime was being “too Hawt!” You are IT, baby, the Queen of the Doublewide!

The stereotypical décor included old tires, a pink flamingo, a clothesline hanging overhead full of the expected garments, a ROADHOUSE type DJ booth (thanks to Kevin Nichols of DKH Entertainment and an old RV parked curbside. Other treasures included the camo koozies supplied by Dent Tricks,“The Best of Jerry Springer” DVD was playing on the TV and an on-site Tattoo artist was giving airbrushed Tatts…..T-RASHY to the core décor!

Saturday I received an email from an Atlanta publicist. It said, “You’ve got Atlanta living vicariously though SoChi!“ I’ll take it!

Did you know that Macon has a thriving BLOG scene? Log onto http://www.blogsroundtown.com/ to check them all out. Rate your faves and I hope that TOAST OF THE TOWN is one of them!

MOVIE NEWS:
Steve Balderson’s new movie “STUCK!” will begin filming soon in Macon, thanks to MAGA. The director attended the ’09 Macon Film Festival and fell in love with the city!

Want to be in a movie? Ashton Kuctcher, Katherine Heigl & Tom Selleck are filming “FIVE KILLERS” in Atlanta. If you’d like a part in the film, email a recent photo to cherrixcasting@yahoo.com Include your height, weight, all clothing sizes, ALL CONTACT INFORMATION so they will know how to contact you. Include the make/model/color of your car or truck. No experience necessary. OR "mail" your info to: Marty Keener Cherrix, Five Killers, 931 Monroe Drive NE, Ste. A-102, # 449, Atlanta, GA 30308-1795. Filming begins soon in Atlanta area!

DRIVE. DRINK. ZINGO. $20 plus $2 per mile. Way cheaper than a DUI & no driving around looking for your car the next day. They pick you up in your car and drive you home. 478-254-6555.

Check out my new column in Macon Magazine called “The SoChi Life” premiering in the June/July issue.

See you at the Fired Works Preview Party on Friday Night!

Future Love Paradise
Thirsty Thursday @ The Patio behind The Hummingbird
hosted by NewTown Macon
Thursday, April 16, 5 – 7pm

Atlanta Film Festival, April 16-25

3rd Annual Eco-Trunk Show
Celebrate Earth Month in Style!
With Host Laura Seydel
Thursday, April 16, 2009
10:00am - 6:00pm
EcoManor
Atlanta, GA

The 4th Annual FIRED WORKS, Central Georgia’s largest Pottery event. Be Sure and go to the Preview Party on Friday, April 17th @ The Round Building in Central City Park.

HBO’s “Grey Gardens”
Saturday, April 18th @ 8pm
The Riches to Rags story of Jackie O’s aunt & cousin who lost it all. Starring Drew Barrymore & Jessica Lange.

Historic Macon’s PARTY OF THE YEAR, April 25th This year’s theme is “The Jazz Age.” Flappers & Gangsters, baby! The old Karsten Denson hardware store will become a 1920’s Speakeasy for the night.

Macon Gardens, Mansions & Moonlight, May 1st – 3rd

Moondance 2009 presented by Friends of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail
May 8th @ 7pm
Hors d’oeuvres, Music & entertainment
Tickets: $50, $40 for Friends of the Trail
For Tickets call: 722-9909

“Tina Turner” Tribute Concert Impersonator Michelle Marshall May 23rd
7:30pm The Douglass Theatre. $20 Adults, $10 Children

Spring Break Broke!

Spring Breaking is a challenge in this economy, but we needed to escape the pollen and recharge our batteries. We left Macon in a downpour. The traffic was at a crawl. Would we miss our flight? The car became The Little Engine that Could..”I think I can, I think I can.” Well, it couldn’t. After doling out a “few bucks” we got on the next flight out.

We jetted to Philadelphia on Friday then hopped a train to Bryn Athyn, PA. Old friend Missy Thorne Pendleton greeted us at the depot and whisked us off to Starbucks for my first & second Triple Venti Lattes of the day! I now realize I am addicted because I was in a fog from 6a-3p without those shots of espresso!

The Sandefur 4 went to Pennsylvania for a weekend of fun, friendship & doctor appointments. The ROARING 20s Party at Cairnwood was a fundraiser for the Beaux Arts high style mansion located in a true estate setting. The place was decked out in Pre-Black Tuesday decadence.

A great Philly find: Capogiro Gelato. OK, if you love real gelato, you’ll LOVE this place. Seriously delish and ½ the fat of ice cream. They will ship up to 6 pints anywhere in the country. Their flavor list changes daily.

After a few doctors appointments at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia we hopped yet another train for New York City. We bought Business Class tickets and couldn’t find a seat. Sitting on the floor of the train’s café seemed all too Great Depression-esque! This is what I’d call the BURNT TOAST of the week. At least NYC is at the end of the track!

It may be Spring but it’s still chilly in NYC. We slipped on some outerwear and hit the streets in search of food. With the economy in the toilet New York isn’t nearly as hopping as it usually is - and dinner reservations are easy to come by. MARS 2112 was the kids’ choice. You get there via space shuttle and are greeted by aliens. Upon arriving in Mars we notice that the place is all too real…we were about the only life forms there. So apparently the bad economy is intergalactic! The $16 hamburger didn’t send me into orbit either. The server said that Brad Pitt was here with his kids two weeks ago and had to leave early because of the “fans”…I’ll say it was probably more the “Food” that made him flee. Kids will get a kick out of the shuttle ride to Mars and the Martians walking around, but this is a “must not” for Foodies.

A Foodie MUST is Serendipity 3. Andy Warhol proclaimed it his favorite sweet shop and stars still flock to this quaint eatery. The real star here is the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate ($8.50) which is one of the best things on earth and you start with that first. They have an unbelievable dessert menu but their food is scrumptious too. Try the Caviar Burger with sour cream and cucumber slices ($18.50) or the High Heel Pump Prosciutto and melted brie on raisin pumpernickel with Russian dressing ($14.50.)

I’m a blue jeans kind of guy and there is no better place to buy them than Abercrombie & Fitch on Fifth Avenue. This has got to be the crown jewel of the chain. I felt like I was at Studio 54! The music is blaring. All the sales people are gyrating models. I mean seriously, it’s hard not to get your move on here. And hey, the ACF Models are live and in person here. After buying 3 pair of jeans, I felt 20 years younger.
You have to see a show while you are in the city of Broadway. We saw SHREK, the Musical and Billy Elliott, the Musical. Billy Elliott is a total MUST SEE! It’s excellent. Had my daughter not begun projectile vomiting during the show it would have been near perfection.

We got home in time for my Sunday Haircut by Jack Adams @ Chadwick Hudson Salon. Hey, eyebrow guru Victoria Wright is now there too. She’ll pluck you up.

Do You ZINGO? It’s the COOLEST new thing in town! $20, plus $2 per mile. Way cheaper than a DUI & no driving around looking for your car the next day. They pick you & your car up and drive you home. 478-254-6555. DRIVE. DRINK. ZINGO!

Join The SoChi Tribe and check out my new column in Macon Magazine called The SoChi Life premiering in the June/July issue.
Future Love Paradise

THE WHITE TRASH PARTY @ The SoChi Gallery
Friday, April 10th
“Business in the Front. Party in the Back!”

Thirsty Thursday hosted by NewTown Macon
The Patio behind The Hummingbird
Thursday, April 16 from 5 – 7p

FIRED WORKS pottery show & sale, April 17th -26th @ The Round Building in Central City Park
Onie Sander’s Fourth Annual Birthday Benefit for the Macon Area Habitat for Humanity April 25th, 7p-2a The Armory Ballroom $25 admission.

Historic Macon’s PARTY OF THE YEAR April 25th This year’s theme is “The Jazz Age.” Flappers & Gangsters, baby! The old Karsten Denson hardware store will become a 1920’s Speakeasy for the night.

Backstabbers & Mobsters

The economy is down and backstabbing is on the rise. In times of crises, the true “you” comes out. And Trust me…the way you act now will not be forgotten by your peers when the economy takes an upturn.

Reverse that stabbing motion into a drinking motion. You’re broke, Get Drunk! Malicious acts will not be forgotten. I’m thinking of having a Backstabbers Ball just to take a stab at some fun. I’ve already started on the guest list!

I’d go a long way for a nu-way to have fun. It’s Spring Break and we are in need to escape the pollen. We jetted to Philadelphia on Friday then hopped a train to Bryn Athyn, PA. Old friend Missy Thorne Pendleton greeted us at the depot and whisked us off to Starbucks for my first & second Triple Venti Latte of the day! I now realize I am addicted because I was in a fog from 6a-3p without those shots of espresso!

The Sandefur 4 came up to Pennsylvania for a weekend of fun, friendship & doctor appointments. The ROARING 20s Party at Cairnwood was a fundraiser for the Beaux Arts high style mansion located in a true estate setting. The place was decked out in Pre-Black Tuesday decadence. This was an amazing event in that all the food, décor & entertainment is 100% donated by the vendors. The fun was seeing all the folks dressed in their best Flapper & Gangster costumes. Wouldn’t it be nice if real life mobsters were only that obvious!

Back in Philly, our first stop was Capogiro Gelato. OK, if you love real gelato, you’ll LOVE this place. My friend Missy Pendleton is a super freak for this low-fat delicacy. Seriously delish and ½ the fat of ice cream. They will ship up to 6 pints anywhere in the country. Their flavor list changes daily.

After a few doctors appointments at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia this morning we are now on our way to New York City via an Amtrak train. We bought Business Class tickets and here we are with no seat. I am writing my latest issue of Toast of the Town, sitting of the floor of the train’s café – how very Great Depression-esque! This is what I’d call the BURNT TOAST of the week. At least NYC is at the end of the track!

Future Love Paradise

Artist Stephen Kennedy’s first Macon show at the Contemporary Arts Exchange
First Friday, April 3rd

THE WHITE TRASH PARTY @ The SoChi Gallery. Friday, April 10th “Business in the Front. Party in the Back!” Costume party.

Historic Macon’s PARTY OF THE YEAR April 25th This year’s theme is “The Jazz Age.” Flappers & Gangsters, baby! The old Karsten Denson hardware store will become a 1920’s Speakeasy for the night.

The BRAT PACK

I didn’t mean to bust any cherry blossoms but I just couldn’t help myself! In my best Andrew McCarthy getup fresh from the runways of Treasure Vintage and a ½ a can of hairspray later, I joined Brat Pack SoChilites for the PRETTY IN PINK party @ The SoChi Gallery. OK, I’m an event planner and I dig a theme party! I’ve been wanting to do this particular party for a long time…so I could pass up the timing, heck, the city is washed in Pollen & Pink! Perfect timing!

Brat Packers included “Hostess Gift” bearing Carey Pickard, Betsy Delves in her terrif 80’s Eyebrows, Curtis & MTV’d Jenn Hayslip, Rachel Dobson, Pretty in Pink Anna Payne and husband, Ron “Captain America,” Purple haired punkers Amy & Clayton Hellis, the ever-chic in sparkly pink Priscilla Esser and Jimmy Leg Ned…OH, and the “Isn’t That Nice, Like Miami Vice” Jesse Gertwig-Moore and his Pink Pretty Sarah. The BIG 80’s Hair award goes to BJ Dunwody…whose mile high hair was complimented by the long low-hanging curl! The list goes on, but I promise they were all PRETTY IN PINK! Especially Mitch Kersey was smashing in his prom dress!

The signature PINKtinis went down smooth…so smooth in fact that one guest couldn’t find her way out of the bathroom. Claimed she was locked in .. only the lock was on the inside. “It ain’t a party til something gets broke!” Well that something was the bathroom door at The SoChi Gallery. Girlfriend in a coma, I know, I know, It’s serious! How does it end, you ask? She got busted loose thanks to the brawn of SoChi architect Gene Dunwody, Jr. OH, did I mention to 80’s sled parked at the front door? Thanks Onie Sanders! Did you get a photo of the Drag queen on the hood?

I must give a major shout out to DJ Kevin Nichols of DKH Entertainment & Macon Lights! He ROCKED it old school with the 80’s Tunes & vintage MTV videos & the amazing pink lights! Thanks Man!

OK, what about that Lawnmower Grand Prix in Third St. Park! Were you there? Those lawnmowers flying…literally! One of the professional racers crashed in his best “It ain’t a party til something gets broke” kind of way. Long story short the ambulance took him away in a stretcher amidst great fanfare. I must give props to “Little Miss John Deere” aka Ashley Smith for doing an outstanding job emceeing the event….decked out in a John Deere cap with her best racer fan center-part and cowboy boots!

I’m putting on my PEOPLE MAGAZINE hat for a sec: I had the pleasure giving a MAGA T-Shirt to actor Timothy Olyphant on Sunday. He is the star of THE CRAZIES, which is currently being filmed here. Actor/Director Spike Lee is in town on a scouting mission. Former Maconite & MAGA survivor Carrie Preston is in the new film DUPLICITY starring Julie Roberts & Clive Owen is in theatres now! Go check out Carrie’s Appletini!

Now, I’m off in search of a Cherry Blossomtini!


Future Love Paradise
Artist Stephen Kennedy’s first Macon show at the Contemporaty Arts Exchange First Friday, April 3rd

Correction
Sorry, I made a mistake in last week’s TOAST. I messed up my wife’s recipe for the dip. Here is the corrected version:

JUST PEACHY AND A LITTLE NUTTY TOO DIP

INGREDIENTS

1) 3 16OZ TUBS PHILLADELPHIA CREAM CHEESE

2) 1 18OZ JAR PEACH PRESERVES

3) 1 16OZ BAG PECAN HALVES

3) 1 8OZ TUB SOUR CREAM

4) 1 STICK BUTTER

5) 1 TBS SALT

6) 1 TBS SUGAR

DIRECTIONS

1) PREHEAT OVEN TO 425*

2) LINE A BAKING SHEET WITH PECANS

3) MELT BUTTER IN MICROWAVE

4) POUR OVER PECANS

5) BAKE 20 MINUTES

6) IN A BOWL MIX CREAM CHEESE, PEACH PRESERVES, SOUR CREAM

7) TAKE PECANS OUT OF OVEN WHEN READY. POUR INTO BOWL, MIX SALT AND SUGAR AND THEN SPRINKLE OVER PECANS UNTIL WELL COATED.

8) COOL PECANS, CHOP PECANS WELL. MIX WELL INTO CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE

SERVE WITH BIG WHEAT THINS.

Petit Gently

The Toast of the Town was, well, The Toast of the Town @ this week’s “Peaches, Pecans & Pralines” Fundraiser for The Mentor’s Project, Center for Racial Understanding, Tubman Museum & Volunteer Macon. Ashley Smith & I were “celebrity chefs” representing TOAST OF THE TOWN lifestyle blog. Ashley served her Praline Chicken Salad and I served my wife’s original recipe: Peaches & Pecan dip…which was a hit! I can’t take an ounce of the credit. Here is Kim’s recipe:
JUST PEACHY AND A LITTLE NUTTY TOO DIP

1) 3-16OZ TUBS PHILADELPHIA CREAM CHEESE

2) 1-18OZ JAR SMUCKERS PEACH PRESERVES

3) 1-16OZ BAG PECAN HALVES

4) 1-8OZ TUB SOUR CREAM

5) 1 STICK BUTTER

6) 2 TBS SALT

7) 2 TBS SUGAR
Throw it all in a mixer and push play! Serve with Wheat Thins. Hmm, Hmm, Good!

This past Friday the 13th brought some serious Jazz to Maconga. So what’s a boy to do? Of course, throw a SwankFest. NYC’s George Petit Quartet played a private gig @ The SoChi Gallery on Friday night. The band was utterly amazing and in this intimate setting…life don’t get no better! I was standing there amazed that these World-Class NYC Jazz Musicians were playing in my gallery! It was SO a night to remember, that is if you didn’t have to many of the signature cocktails: the Petit Gently…a swanky red concoction – vodka based, of course! Good To Go Catering provided the munchies. Their hot crab dip rocks!

Saturday night brought the George Petit Quartet to the Cox Capitol Theatre. The event was sponsored by the Jazz Association of Macon and the Macon Film Festival. This was simply the most amazing musical experience that I have ever had in Macon, Georgia! If you missed it….You certainly missed out!

Post Petit was a little late night After Party @ Ned & Priscilla Esser’s for a little mix, mingle & late night Karaoke! The band and select guests were fortunate enough to get an invite….The band boys were so down to earth and were loving the local flava. We were begging them to make another trip down soon. My Toast of the Week go to the Swankiest SoChilite in town, Priscilla Esser. Not only did she bring home the bacon (George Petit Quartet) she also fried it up in a pan (catering the post Petit After Party.) The gal is A-mazing!

The evening however did end on a sour note: I sang Karaoke. OK, it was my first time. Albeit, I murdered John Denver’s “Annie’s Song.” Sanging ain’t my fortay! But, I do sorta see karaoke bars in my future!

Future Love Paradise

“PRETTY IN PINK” Party
Attire: 80’s Retro or just come as your best Brat Packer from the 80’s hit flick. Friday, March 20th. 8pm Admission: $10. Cash Bar. The SoChi Gallery

2nd Annual Lawnmower Grand Prix in Third Street. Watch professional lawnmower racers reach speeds of 60 mph as they race around Third Street Park. Saturday, March 21st Free Event

Middle GA Youth Ballet PINK TUTUS & JAZZY BLUES Sunday, March 29th 2:30pm Grand Opera House $8 Students/Seniors $10 Adults For info: 478-301-5470

I Love Rock-n-Roll, Put Another Dime in the Jukebox, Baby!
Upcoming concerts @ Chastain Park, Atlanta:

HALL & OATES, April 17th SEAL, April 18th HEART & JOAN JETT, May 24th THE FRAY, June 12th BLONDIE w/ PAT BENETAR, August 2nd

7" DOES Make a Difference!

Have you ever been a Playmate of the Month? Well, my tribe is the Family of the Month for the March issue of Georgia Family Magazine. I can only imagine what these Playboy centerfolds go through. It’s a strange sensation knowing that strangers are getting a peak into your personal space and judging you. I have to say it’s been a positive experience much in the way that the Girls Next Door feel towards Hef. I would have to say our “Hef” has been writer Angela Hall Weight who has confessed her desire to be a SoChilite!

Ok, here’s the situation, your co-worker desperately needs a makeover! How do you approach the situation? Well, my right arm Mary Brooke is a peach, a doll – but that hair will stop traffic…and not in a good way! So off to the Amanda Jane Salon she trotted. Stylist Mitch Kersey said, ”We all know Mary Brooke is a hot mess in her own right but when she came in, she gave the term a whole new meaning.” After some caramel & blonde highlights minus 7 inches in length, she went from Nappy to Snappy! And now, we’re all Happy! Thanks Mitch!

It’s First Friday in Macon, Georgia…what to do: dinner at the country club or drag with the Queens downtown? Nobody mixes a Grey Goose & Tonic quite like Val, but my kids chose the Drag Queens and we headed SoChi for First Friday. The art opening at Macon Arts Gallery was our starting point. Dinner at Acapulco Mexican Restaurant was a food fiesta. Try their Avocado Salad with Steak and Italian Dressing & the Raspberry Margarita.

With a full tank we headed down Cherry and ran into a queen in full drag regalia. “Dude looks like a Lady!” One by one they emerged: Tangerine Summers, Raveon, Deonna Sage & Asia - holding court curb-side as their royal subjects applauded and handed them not roses, but dollars. Famed Dragger Charlie Brown was in town for a special performance at Club Synergy. You club kids of the 80’s will remember “Ms” Brown from the late night Atlanta nightclub Backstreet. Don’t deny it….you’ve been there.

Bite of the week: The Seafood Nachos @ The Shamrock! Hey now, even SoChilites have to venture NoChi occasionally.

The economy sucks but we still must SoChilize! Keep your eye on the prize….This Too Shall Pass!
Check Priscilla Esser’s new blog: “The Fabulous SoChi Life!” http://priscyesser.blogspot.com/

Future Love Paradise
The Jazz Association of Macon presents renowned Jazz musician George Petit in concert @ CCT, March 14th. For tickets, contact the Cox Capitol Theatre.

Pretty in Pink Costume Party @ The SoChi Gallery… Attire: 80’s Retro or your Brat Packer. Admission: $10. Cash Bar. Friday, March 20th. 8pm.

Lawnmower Race in Third Street
Saturday, March 21st Free Event

Middle GA Youth Ballet PINK TUTUS & JAZZY BLUES
Sunday, March 29th
2:30pm Grand Opera House
$8 Students/Seniors $10 Adults. For info: 478-301-5470

I Love Rock-n-Roll, Put Another Dime in the Jukebox, Baby!
Upcoming concerts @ Chastain Park, Atlanta:
HALL & OATES, April 17th
SEAL, April 18th
HEART & JOAN JETT, May 24th
THE FRAY, June 12th
BLONDIE w/ PAT BENETAR, August 2nd

The SnowChi Life!

While at a wedding reception at The Hay House on Saturday the buzz was about the snowcast…seriously, it was 72 degrees! I thought of blowing off the reception and going home for a swim and soak up a little sun before the winter storm came. This was a meteorologist’s snowjob, right? Wrong!
Sunday’s “winter wonderland”, as my mom referred to it, was a freaking miracle! The kids of SoChi were in full assault mode….snowballs were flying and snow walls were constructed in the street in hopes that if school wasn’t canceled for Monday then surely cars wouldn’t be able to exit the hood. These kids were like an ant army, working together for a common, yet sinister, goal. It Snowed in SoChi!
Have you ever been the Playmate of the Month? Well, my family is the Family of the Month for the March issue of Georgia Family Magazine. I can only imagine what these Playboy centerfolds go through….it’s a strange sensation knowing that strangers are getting a peak into your personal space and judging you. I have to say it’s been a positive experience much in the way that the girls next door love Hef. I would have to say our “Hef” has been Photographer Steve Shroeder & writer Angela Hall Weight who has confessed her desire to be a SoChilite!
Bite of the week: The Seafood Nachos @ The Shamrock! Hey now, even SoChilites have to venture NoChi occasionally!

Future Love Paradise

The L Word’s Series Finale. Sunday @ 9pm on Showtime. Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to the hottest lesbians on television.

The Jazz Association of Macon presents renowned Jazz musician George Petit in concert @ CCT, March 14th. For tickets, contact the Cox Capitol Theatre.

I Love Rock-n-Roll, Put Another Dime in the Jukebox, Baby!
Upcoming concerts @ Chastain Park, Atlanta:
HALL & OATES, April 17th
SEAL, April 18th
HEART & JOAN JETT, May 24th
THE FRAY, June 12th
BLONDIE w/ PAT BENETAR, August 2nd