TODAY’S CREATIVE LOVING PROFILE
Before we Bankhead or Buckhead bounce too fast into the future, let's pay homage to this past holiday season. Eleven50 did indeed win the award for the venue to host the most parties. But let me tell you, the sexiest and most diverse parties were held in the homes of some of the ATL's hottest personalities.
Filmmaker Nia Hill's party, in her oh-so-fab loft, featured the turntable mastery of Cha Cha from 88.5 and art provided by the new Va-Hi gallery, L. Nichole. In attendance were the likes of ubiquitous guest Adam Cashin, state Rep. Doug Teper & investor A B Ware; artist Tommy Taylor & writer Becky Kleinman; the AJC's Sonia Murray; five-time Olympian Teresa Edwards, who is also USA Basketball's 2000 Female Athlete of the Year; gallery owner Uri Vaknin; and Cole, the sista who holds down the track, "I Can Do Too," produced by Dallas Austin from the soundtrack for Girlfight.
Not to be outdone, Atlanta designer Jay Reynolds and his partner Chris Henry hosted the most nontraditional holiday party at their Prado home, which included a performance by drag queen Ms. Varla Jean, the illegitimate child of Ernest Borgnine & Barbra Streisand. Representing in grand fashion was Flambro Imports' director of PR Aida Flamm; actor Mitchell Anderson from "Party of Five"; former Mrs. Georgia, Kim Vaughn; Edward Holifield with the Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS organization; face painter/wig beater Richie Arpino; and, of course, the boy magnet, super shooter "ta-Lou-la-belle" Freeman.
Another lively lil' vibe worthy of mention was the one created by the boys at the Nickle & Dime Studios in Avondale Estates, held in a converted theater. It was sort of interesting because many of the folks there were folks I see everyday at coffee shops and joints like Eats and Fellini's, not eating but working. Since I was not in LA, I knew they weren't actors, but musicians. As sad as I hate to report, the so fresh, so clean, renovated studio caught ablaze the next day ... seriously.
As many of you do, the time between Christmas and New Year's is an opportunity to reflect on the past and prepare resolutions that will be broken by the first of February. Well, that is exactly what I had a chance to do the other night. I met up with producer Scott Lowry & peeps for dinner at the Highland hipster hangout Fritti. The conversations were numerous, but I'll concentrate on the one about social activity in the good old Atlanta. So, in the theme of things, I'm closing this chapter on the "Season of Overconsumption" with a wish list as it pertains to our city's social activities:
Stimulating nightlife. There is a very high caliber of folks who are not being catered to. Believe you me; we want to do more than just come to your fly openings -- give us a reason to come back.
Places where quality folks like the ones mentioned above can actually go and have a conversation. Jus so you club owners know, a lounge concept doesn't mean blaringly loud music.
Fewer clubs attempting to replicate Miami nightlife in Atlanta. HELLO! Folks, that's why we travel to Miami.
Developers who get it.
A mayor who is passionate about the arts. Along with an Arts Council that is headed by someone who likes something other than folk art.
THE FLAG ... it's gotta go.
An Atlanta-based magazine that truly represents the diverse melting pot that Atlanta has become ... PLEASE.
I'm out.
