1 2 creative loafing anD write club atlanta present fiction contest partY at highlanD inn ballrooM clatl.com 1/12/17, 7pM

2 ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016 ❘ clatl.com 3

TIME AND PLACE 10:14 p.m. December 18, 2016, 420 Moreland Ave N.E. Brandon EngLiSh Brandon

Fire up the Death Star Contents How the election hacked holiday movies Dec. 22 - 28, 2016 Volume 45, Issue 35 clatl.com 10 By Curt HoLMan

Overdose reversal drug goes OTC Southern fried State will loosen access to a life-saving — but still Ludacris opens his long-awaited airport 6 expensive — overdose reversal drug eatery, Chicken+Beer By Maggie Lee 15 By HiLary Cadigan Cyndi Holiday hilarity Living the dream S Highwire Comedy’s Lost Without Yule explores highs Big Jesus goes big with sophomore LP, aBido 9 and lows of the Christmas season 22 Oneiric By CaroLine Cox By Ben SaLMon

Send an illustrated version of CL to illustrateCL@ For a chance to have your photo published in an upcoming issue, send the creativeloafing.com, or tag it #illustrateCL, and it image and the time and place it was taken to [email protected]. may be featured above. Size: 2.5" x 2.5" .jpg or .eps

clatl.com ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016, 2016 ❘ 3 404

NEWS H o M e L essness NEWS e L ectors

CLATL.COM | 404.688.5623 More police, please PUBLISHER • SHaRRy SmItH Dispute between city and shelter shows no signs of ending [email protected] IntERIm EDItOR-In-CHIEF/ nEwS EDItOR • tHOmaS wHEatLEy [email protected]

ART DIRECTOR • Wes Duvall MANAGING EDITOR • Alicia Carter MUSIC EDITOR • Chad Radford Can’t win ‘em all: FOOD EDITOR • Hilary Cadigan SENIOR WRITER • Rodney Carmichael Georgia electors EDITORIAL ASSISTANT • Adjoa Danso PHOTO EDITOR • Joeff Davis pick Trump GRAPHIC DESIGNERS • Katy Barrett-Alley, Amy Gomoljak, Abbie Leali, Despite the emails, phone calls, and Liz Loewenstein, Melanie Mays, Jonathan Splitlog eleventh hour protests, georgia’s 16 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS • Cliff Bostock, Olivia Cathcart, Caroline electoral college members on Monday Cox, Stephanie Dazey, Paul DeMerritt, Rebekah Goode-Peoples, Angela Hansberger, Curt Holman, Hal Horowitz, Jacinta Howard, unanimously supported Pres.-elect Don- Brad Kaplan, James Kelly, Maggie Lee, Bobby Moore, Bobby Power, ald trump, sending the businessman and Sucheta Rawal, Austin L. Ray, Tai Saint-Louis, Ben Salmon, Jeff reality tv star to the white House. Tobias, Sonam Vashi, Bobbin Wages, Jonathan Williams CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS • Dustin Chambers, shortly after noon, the republican Brandon English, Perry Julien, Erik Meadows, Mia Yakal DavisJoeff electors gathered in the state senate as INTERNS • Savannah Elder, Kory Jordan dozens of protesters carrying signs read-

ing “Dump trump” and “Don’t Let russia OPERatIOnS manaGER • KaRtRIna tHOmaS [email protected] Decide” marched outside. after a short OVERLOOKED?: Peachtree-Pine shelter leaders, including longtime Executive Director Anita Beaty, prayer, they joined other electors in state- DIRECtOR OF maRKEtInG, allege city has directed police not to patrol area. PROmOtIOnS anD EvEntS • nICK taPP houses across the country, fulfilling their [email protected] BY Maggie Lee does the Almighty’s work, providing a place for pledge to support the goP winner, and SALES EXECUTIVES • Andrew Cylar, Justis Godfree, hundreds of people who have nowhere to go. But handing the keys to the country to trump Megan Hoot, Carrie Karas, Taylor Long, Oscar Pope, Julie n the evening of Nov. 28, Nanette its critics say the facility stifles the area and fails and Mike Pence, the vice president-elect. Romano Walker heard shots while working to help people get off the street. The litigation SALES ASSISTANT • Connie Irvin the night before, more than 40 men, at the Metro Atlanta Task Force for over ownership of the building, plus another suit SOUtHCO mm women, and children came to the capitol CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • Chris Ferrell the Homeless’ shelter at Peachtree against Emory University, seems unending. to launch a last-ditch effort to convince INTERIM CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER • Bob Mahoney Oand Pine streets. She got the women and children Beaty several months ago denied rumors georgia’s electors to prevent trump from CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER • Blair Johnson on the floor, where they stayed for 30 minutes, that the shelter would close in November. Board EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT • Mark Bartel taking office. robert Lowe, a retired im- Walker says, until someone gave them the all clear. member Joe Beasley said during the press confer- VICE PRESIDENT Of PRODUCTION OPERaTIONS prov professional, said he felt a duty to • Curt Pordes But it was hard to get back to normal, especially ence that Central Atlanta Progress, the Down- come out because “i have to look [my VICE PRESIDENT Of CONTENT/COMMUNICaTION for people who are in a difficult place anyway. town business group, offered the task force an $11 • Patrick Rains “There is no normal routine at that point,” million settlement. Beaty says no formal offer was 28-year-old son] in the eye ... this is the DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES • Becky Turner last thing we can do.” CREaTIVE DIRECTOR • Heather Pierce says Walker. “It’s still in the back of your head, made. CAP declined to comment. will there be a next time?” APD directed questions to Reed’s office. A Dani washburn, the co-founder of natIOnaL aDvERtISInG SaLES VMG Advertising Police that evening responded to a shots fired Reed spokeswoman called accusations that the Democracy spring georgia, an advocacy 1-888-278-9866 or 1-212-475-2529 call, but no victim was located, so no report was mayor has directed the police to allow criminal group focused on fair elections, said the SR. VP OF SALES • Susan Belair filed. About a week later, police answered another activity to take place are “patently false.” SR. VP OF SALES OPERATIONS • Joe Larkin sunday night effort was about “protect- shots fired call and found a man sitting inside the “This year alone, more than 1,000 arrests have ing the integrity of the republic and the women’s shelter who said he’d been shot in the occurred, largely for narcotics activity” within a about the constitution.” leg. Police later arrested a suspect. In May, a man two-block radius of the shelter, the spokesperson cover after trump locked up the electoral This week’s was shot and killed outside the shelter. wrote. “The reality is Peachtree-Pine has attract- votes needed to win the presidency on cover features Task Force Executive Director Anita Beaty ed illegal and drug activity for years. In addition, illustration and says people outside the shelter are getting more the leadership of Peachtree-Pine contributes to nov. 8, activists across the country spent design by Wes weeks urging the people who make up Duvall. violent and volunteers are getting scared. She the problem by doing nothing to prevent it.” and some other task force leaders, and supporters The city says illegal activity is one reason it the electoral college to not vote for the think Atlanta Police and Mayor Kasim Reed are wants to take over the building to create a public candidate and either select another per- allowing drug dealers and others to hang around safety complex. Atlanta City Council this year son or send the matter to the U.s. House on nearby streets. Beaty accuses some, but not all, authorized the city to enter talks for the building. of representatives to pick a different officers of ignoring law-breaking on the block. Advocates wonder where the homeless will go. president. Creative Loafing © is published by CL Atlanta, LLC, “The mayor needs to get up, to demand police Reed’s office did not answer a repeated ques- www.creativeloafing.com But georgia’s electors — and 288 protection for this block,” Beaty said at a meeting tion about progress of another Reed plan: selling 115 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 301, Atlanta, GA 30303. electors in other states — cast enough Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta GA. of shelter leaders and supporters last week. bonds to finance several small and well-resourced votes to make trump and Pence’s victo- The city, however, says the shelter has at- shelters that could house and help Peachtree-Pine Creative Loafing is printed on a 90% recycled stock. ry official. the inauguration is scheduled It may be recycled further, please do your part. tracted illegal and drug activity for years and that clients. It said only it was working with United for Jan. 20, 2017. C Distribution, Rack/Box Sales, the shelter isn’t doing anything about it. Way on offering shelter options. C Consulting, SIMNet of Georgia — THOMAS WHEATLEY Peachtree-Pine’s supporters say the shelter [email protected]

4 ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016 ❘ clatl.com 5

NEWS government

Decriminalizing HIV Activists want changes to state laws that unfairly punish HIV-positive people

development and research at Georgia State University’s school of public health. “Getting people on adequate treatment (defined as no detectable viral load) clearly diminishes trans- mission considerably.” Georgia has one of the highest diagnosis rates of HIV in the nation. According to a re- cent study by the Big Cities Health Coalition, metro Atlanta had the country’s second-highest rate of HIV diagnoses, second to Washington, D.C. Nearly half of metro Atlanta cases are in Fulton County. “So how well has our criminalization law done to drive down [HIV] cases?,” asked Mel Medalle, a SisterLove policy and advocacy ad- visor. “I don’t think very well.” To people who aren’t knowledgeable of ad- vancements in HIV treatment and prevention, Dixon Diallo said, “it might seem like these Lauren ShayLauren Lavin laws are helping people ... But there is no sense of agency or responsibility to someone who is not HIV positive.” For example, Martinez said she could be taken to court for not informing a partner of her status prior to having sex, even if she contracts an STD her partner might be DESTIGMATIZE: Nina Martinez sits in an art piece called “Cages” by the Youth HIV Policy Advisors carrying in the process. “Complying with the HIV Criminalization Group. “This piece represents the layers of stigma felt by people living with HIV: law assumes that disclosure is safe,” she said. internal feelings of shame and fear, interpersonal conflict, and stigma codified into law,” she says. “But there’s nothing to stop that guy on a Fri- day night from giving me syphilis.” By Sean Keenan that comes with living with the condition. One audience member asked whether a Nina Martinez, a public health analyst and pre-sex, contractual understanding could eorgians living with HIV can be Georgia Equality activist, said she hasn’t had a thwart cases in which people raise issues with locked away for up to a decade relationship in 11 years. That’s because Mar- the terms of their sexual exploits after the for neglecting to inform sexual tinez is worried she could be beaten or crimi- fact. Medalle said having such a document partners of their status, even if nally charged for merely engaging in romantic could help in theory but “in the real world, they’veG been told by a doctor that their viral endeavors with someone who is not aware of the stigma would outweigh that every single loads are too low to transmit the virus. her condition. Martinez told the few dozen time.” Under Georgia law, HIV-positive people people in attendance that, after being sexually Marxavian Jones, an activist with NAESM, are required to tell partners of their status pri- assaulted, she kept quiet in fear of “going to a group that provides education and services or to sex. If they don’t, they could be charged prison for my own rape.” for people affected by HIV/AIDS, reminded and convicted for “reckless conduct” — a Panel speakers said they’re working with the crowd that the virus does not discriminate. felony — even if they don’t transmit the virus. local politicians to create legislation that could “When talking about HIV, it’s not just People who divulge such personal info to oth- reduce the stigma surrounding HIV. Many numbers, these are lives,” Jones said. “People ers can face harsh discrimination, and even people don’t know that HIV-positive people who are married catch HIV. People who have violence, for saying they have HIV. In other taking proper medication can have normal sex one partner catch HIV. People who have sex cases, their privacy could be compromised. lives with virtually no risk of passing the virus for the first time catch HIV. Everyone’s story According to the Center for HIV and Law to others, said panel moderator Dazon Dixon is different, and it’s unfair to put rules and la- Policy, more than 30 states have laws about Diallo, founder and president of SisterLove, an bels on how people have to share their private prior notification and spitting or biting, even advocacy group focused on African-American and personal information.” though medical experts say such behavior women with HIV/AIDS. The panelists said they’re working to draft a does little, if anything, to contribute to the Dixon Diallo said appropriate use of pre- legislative proposal — they said it’s too early to transmission of HIV. And Georgia activists exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, and antiret- share specifics — for the upcoming General As- who are trying to end HIV stigma want state roviral therapy can now virtually quash the sembly to address Georgia’s laws and “decrimi- lawmakers to revisit laws here. chances of transmission during intercourse or nalize HIV,” once and for all. The topic was raised on Nov. 30, the eve- other exchanges of bodily fluids, citing a two- “The H in HIV stands for humans, and we ning before World AIDS Day, at an event or- year study of more than 1,000 couples that seem to be missing that humanistic approach,” ganized by advocacy group Georgia Equality. knew of their partner’s status. Jones said. “I am not a walking infection. I am During a panel discussion at the event, four “Treatment is prevention,” said Dr. Rich- a human. Don’t lock me up for who I am.” C HIV-positive people talked about the stigma ard Rothenberg, associate dean of faculty [email protected]

clatl.com ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016, 2016 ❘ 5 NEWS H ealtH care New Arrivals: End this Lifesavers on sale year with Overdose reversal drug to be available over the counter a bangle.

Featuring precious metals and gems from $309 to $4,200. Joeff Davis/Joeff CL file

Amsterdam Walk . 500 Amsterdam Ave . Atlanta . 404/892-8294 SOS: Change allows people to purchase naloxone from pharmacies in injectable and nasal form. Decatur Square . 117 East Court Square . Decatur . 404/370-3979 www.worthmorejewelers.com By Maggie lee “It’s that same kind of medicine where sec- onds count,” says Bennett, adding that AHRC drug that can prevent overdose will continue to hand out naloxone kits and train- deaths from opioids like heroin ing. “I’m hoping that the manufacturers will take should soon be available from a deep look at their consciences and not let the Georgia pharmacists without a bottom line be the only line.” Apersonal prescription. Republican Gov. Nathan Deal announced the Georgia this week authorized wide sales of deal for sales earlier this week, which is being ac- naloxone, often known by the trade name Narcan. complished by tweaks to state rules and an order Under a statewide rule change, people without to pharmacists. a prescription will be able to walk up to a phar- “The state of Georgia and the country as a macist and buy the overdose reversal drug as an whole are currently experiencing an opioid abuse injection or nasal spray. epidemic. In the fight against this trend, naloxone “It will allow people greater access to this life- has come to be considered an important and life- saving medicine,” says Mona Bennett, co-founder saving tool in treating opioid overdoses,” Deal of the nonprofit Atlanta Harm Reduction Coali- said in a written statement. tion (AHRC). Her organization has long been Georgia already has a Good Samaritan law handing out naloxone kits and providing training that gives some legal immunity to people on cer- to laymen. tain minor drug charges if they call 911 for help About 30 states already allow such sales. An in- when someone overdoses. It’s meant to make sure jected dose runs $45 and a nasal spray runs $110 at people feel safe calling for help. CVS in the states where the direct sales are allowed, “Don’t run. Call 911 and get medical atten- says company spokeswoman Erin Shields Britt. tion,” Bennett says. An overdose can last longer Britt says she expects CVS will explore sales in than naloxone. Georgia under the new state rule. In other states, Under the new rule, naloxone is still regu- she says, the company has taken some time to lated — buying naloxone won’t be like buying review rules and have a training period for staff aspirin. Georgia pharmacies will collect the before starting sales. name, address, and date of birth of all nalox- Greater access to the drug could mean fewer one buyers, though nothing limits the amount overdoses, which is good news. The downside: they can purchase. The Georgia Department The drug is prohibitively expensive, Bennett of Public Health is advising would-be buyers says. She says she hopes there are congressional to get familiar with how to recognize signs of hearings about it, the same way Congress grilled an overdose and to learn about how to admin- Mylan, the manufacturer of EpiPen, over a huge ister the drug. C price jump for the emergency allergy treatment. [email protected] Make money by Making a difference. When you donate blood plasma at Octapharma Plasma, you help in the creation of life-changing medicines, while putting a little extra money in your pocket for the things you want or need. NEW DONORS earn up to $250 for the first five donations

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Blossom and build New digital TV network puts women of color in focus

lenges, however. “Trying to get content creators to see the vision before our website was com- plete has absolutely been the biggest challenge of this process,” Williamson says. “People feel like they don’t want to lose their content. A lot of times people feel like, ‘If I keep my content on my site, if I point people to me, I will grow.’ They want to protect their brand, which I to- tally understand.” Blossom’s subscription model offers those creators who do see the vision the opportunity to not only track and document their viewer- ship, but also to interact with their audience. During the first three months following the launch, Blossom will offer 30-day trial mem- berships before requiring the $6.99 monthly fee. Williamson’s hope is to build a following of Erika Smith Erika truly engaged subscribers. “This is gonna be a community network,” she says. “I really want the communities around the country to curate the content. I want [the viewers’] stories to be IN BLOOM: Diamonde Williamson (seated center) poses with panelists following the first taping of told; I want the stories to be told from their Blossom’s original series “The Blossom Roundtable.” (left to right) Nakia Stephens, Shelly Nicole, Melani perspective. I want them to really dive in and Carter (floor), Ebony Blanding, Styles by Fash, Brittany Inge, Ashley Marietta, and Khalima Gatson start formulating their own ideas. That’s where these networks miss the mark half the time: You can’t tell the story if you’re not connected By tai Saint-LouiS Thus was born Blossom: a digital televi- to the people.” sion network set to launch on Jan. 29, 2017. As she gears up for the official launch of hen Diamonde Williamson “It’s like Netflix powered by women of color,” Blossom, Williamson has poured just as much travelled to the 2016 Ameri- Williamson explains. If all goes as planned, on energy into finding content as she has into can Black Film Festival in launch day Blossom will offer around 20 titles, identifying and bringing together her tribe. June, she had seen and done a mix of original content, created by the net- Over the summer, she partnered with local enoughW in the realm of television production to work’s internal team of about 13 producers, as screenwriter Nakia Stephens to host #Cre- know exactly what her career’s legacy would be. well as curated content created by women of atorsWanted: A Collaborative Weekend for Having worked in production on popular reality color seeking to showcase their work in front of Creatives in Media, which included mixers, a vehicles “Chrisley Knows Best” and “Iyanla: a larger audience than they might have access to panel on collaboration, a screening of Stephens’ Fix My Life” and in development alongside on their own. series, “Cream x Coffee,” and a workshop on “Real Housewives of Atlanta” executive Blossom’s goal of “redefining reality” is pitching for television. The weekend is sym- producer Carlos King, Williamson had moved quite literal: The bulk of the networks’ content bolic of who Williamson is at her core and what back to Atlanta from L.A. determined not only will be non-scripted. Because, as Williamson she plans on offering through Blossom. to create content that empowered women, but points out, while shows like “Black-ish,” “At- It’s about more than just the content. This to do it right here where her friends and loved lanta,” “Insecure,” and “Queen Sugar” have platform allows Williamson not only to share ones were. managed to finally present the variety in repre- what she’s learned from executives at networks She had also already learned how difficult sentation that many people of color have been like OWN and VH1, but also to leverage what it was to successfully pitch and bring a show to seeking of late, that balance isn’t reflected in she’s learned to change how women like her development. And so she had begun the process reality TV, which continues to offer the same define success in film and television. Clearly, of developing content that reflected women narrow, unflattering portrayal of women of she’s skipped more than a few baby steps along like herself, with the intent on distributing color in particular. While developing shows this six-month journey. “Sometimes we scare that content via YouTube. “But once I went like “The Blossom Roundtable” — an intimate ourselves out of shooting really high,” says the to work at the ABFF, I really got to see how conversation between women of color in the 27-year-old. “But in order to be truly disrup- many content creators from around the country media — and the live-streamed news program tive on a high level, you have to start high.” C wanted so badly to be picked up by Paramount “#unrefined,” Williamson and her team have [email protected] or NBC,” says Williamson. “Like, they were been seeking docu-series and other innovative A preview version of Blossom is currently crawling over each other to get there, and I ideas that are representative of multicultural available at BlossomNetwork.tv. realized these people only felt validated by the millennial women across the board told in vari- recognition of these networks. But what if you ous formats. More arts and culture news don’t get picked up? What happens to all this Gathering the curated content to add to clatl.com good content?” Blossom’s line-up hasn’t come without its chal- SHOP LOCAL: Spencer Sloan, who created this piece dubbed “Amanda Seyfried Departs at LAX Airport,” is one of six participating artist in the latest WonderRoot CSA. arts C omeDy arts

Holiday hilarity Highwire Comedy’s Lost Without Yule explores highs and lows of the Christmas season sPenCeR sloan

WonderRoot’s CSA program aims for social impact Community-supported agricultures (or Csas) continue to garner wide appeal among city folks, like us atlantans, who want easy, direct access to locally grown produce. HollyRenee a batch of Csa “shares” comes once a week to once a month, featuring a roundup of the freshest in-season fruits and veggies. atl- based nonprofit arts center WonderRoot has taken this concept and created its own quar- LIGHTS UP: Highwire Comedy’s new sketch comedy show Lost Without Yule has plenty of LOL- terly art-based concept, dubbed the Won- worthy moments. derRoot Csa, and season 10 is underway. also based on a “share system,” Wonder- By CaRoline Cox It’s a process that Second City uses in its famed Root’s Csa shareholders invest in local art- revues, and I was confident that I would find a ists by purchasing shares at the beginning of he deeper you sink into adulthood, group of actors within the Highwire community the season, giving them exclusive access to the more holiday seasons go from who were ready for it. studio visits, artist conversations, and a pick- up party held each quarter. But this Csa lists for Santa and Elves on Shelves The actual production that came out of iteration is unique from those in the past. to family drama, gift-related money this process was due to the combination of the the six artists featured — Brandon english, Twoes, and ramping up of end-of-year stress. hearts and minds of the six actors in the cast, natalie escobar, antonio Darden, inkyoung Luckily, Highwire Comedy is here for us with a along with a little bit of chance. I asked the Chung, andrew Cantanes, and spencer temporary reprieve in the form of Lost Without actors to list both the things they love about sloan — were picked by local curator allie Yule, a new holiday-themed sketch comedy the holidays and the things they hate about the Bashuk, and each of their pieces touches on show, happening now through holidays. During our first rehears- issues such as police brutality, immigration, Dec. 30. We chatted with Amanda als, actors would draw one of these mental health, and more. Lost Without Rountree, the show’s director, ideas out of a hat and improvise “We feel that this is so important in the Yule about what viewers can expect scenes inspired from it. From those, current state of the nation because these topics need to stay in the forefront of the from the mature-audiences-only Through Dec. 30. I picked my favorite scene ideas, $12.50-$15.50. conversation,” says WonderRoot’s arts inno- comedic performance. and the actors fleshed them out. We Fridays, 8 p.m. vation specialist iman Person. “i also think it’s Highwire Comedy had 30 pieces of paper in that hat great because sometimes it feels as if these How did the idea for Lost With- Co., 451 Bishop St. but only used about seven of them. conversations stay in a bubble. in many cas- out Yule come about? N.W. 470-231-7350. It could have been a very different es, freedom fighters and artists are the ones I love the holidays and have al- highwirecomedy. show. that keep the conversation going. these is- ways loved being a part of holiday com. sues cannot stay in back of people’s minds.” shows. Last year at Highwire, we What can audience members Person adds that, for the first time, the had our very first holiday sketch expect? Csa program is opening up a more inclusive, show, A Very Wary Christmas. It was a different Because there’s so much love in this show, audi- sliding scale participation model, priced at $200 to $600, to appeal to a younger, process than this year’s show. It was written by ences can expect not just a funny comedy show. more nascent generation of art collectors. many different writers who had gone through It’s definitely that, but it’s also heartwarming. season 10 is currently underway, and shares our sketch program or who teach for our sketch can be purchased until the pick-up party, program. Last year’s holiday show was a huge Anything else you want readers to know? which takes place in early march. “Csa is the hit, so we knew we definitely wanted to have This show is one-of-a-kind, and next year we’ll perfect opportunity for this group of people another one this year. Because of my experience be doing a very different one, so this month is invested in the lifestyle of collecting art,” she studying and teaching at Chicago’s Second City, your only chance to see the funny-crazy-loveli- says. “Which is actually not as daunting as it this year I wanted to create a written sketch ness that is Lost Without Yule! C may first seem.” C show through the process of improvisation. [email protected] — Caroline Cox 10

arts cover story FIRE UP THE DEATH STAR How the election hacked the holiday movies BY KURT HOLMAN W ALTPicTURes DisNeY

DARKNESS DESCENDS: Rogue One captures the political zeitgest whether it intends to or not.

he Thursday after the presidential No matter who you voted for, the election fantasy can snap you back to toxic realities. times. But the archetypal story easily fits the election, I introduced my daugh- of 2016 proved a divisive, disruptive chapter Sometimes the parallels are drawn for beliefs of any beholder. Some may see the ter to Batman Returns, hoping in modern U.S. history, exploding the conven- you. Rogue One offers a prequel to 1977’s rebels invading an Imperial base as stand-ins to avoid the turmoil of current tional wisdom left and right with aftershocks Star Wars: A New Hope that evokes some for, say, hackers breaching the firewalls of the Tevents with a fanciful superhero story. that could reverberate for years. Certainly it iconic villains from the Galactic Empire. Democratic National Convention. Seen Batman Returns lately? In it, Os- proved that American voters can tolerate more Coincidentally, in November President-Elect Other films offer more overt politics that wald “The Penguin” Cobblepot is born to a sexism and bigotry than believed. Donald Trump’s chief strategist, Steve Ban- still seem universal. In the cerebral sci-fi wealthy family and becomes an improbable And after a year and a half of news, non, himself a former documentary film- film Arrival, the Earth’s scientists struggle political candidate, despite being inexperi- political ads, polls, tweets, memes, and maker, spoke admiringly of the Sith Lord: to cooperate to decode the intentions of enced, vengeful, lecherous, and prone to use hashtags from #imwithher to #MAGA, it’s “Darkness is good. Dick Cheney. Darth alien visitors. Arrival sets a hopeful tone at a words like “grope” and “pussy.” extremely hard to detach from campaign Vader. Satan. That’s power.” (In context, he divisive time — but political conflict is such So, yeah, not the best way to escape the mode, even at the movies. The presidential was being deliberately hyperbolic.) a constant that it’s message will, alas, prob- news of the day. Incidentally, Cobblepot’s race hijacked the culture so completely that And Rogue One co-writer Chris Weitz ably never go obsolete. One can only hope campaign ends when Batman releases a hot seemingly any new movie can echo or com- pointed out over Twitter: “Please note that that Arrival’s pro-science message does not mic recording that reveals the Penguin’s ment on recent politics, even when no edito- the Empire is a white supremacist (human) itself become controversial. true colors and turns the public against him. rializing was intended. organization.” He then deleted the tweet You’ll find some of the most obvious po- Only in the movies, eh? It’s not the movies’ fault. They take so and apologized for politicizing the film amid litical connections in Jackie, which casts Nata- That visit to Gotham City offered a re- long to make, the country may look differ- the inevitable calls to #boycottStarWars, but lie Portman as a shocked and grieving Jackie minder that culture often tries to hold up ent on release than it did during production. the lines seem pretty clearly drawn. Kennedy during the hours and days immedi- a mirror to society but can’t always predict But if you go to the cinema over the holidays In Rogue One, the gradual activism of re- ately following her husband’s assassination. what gets reflected. hoping for a break from political arguments luctant rebels makes a heartening, timely case Jackie depicts a time of arguably even greater with the family, a little detail in a Hollywood for the importance of dissent during dark See Fire up the Death Star p.12

10 ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016 ❘ clatl.com 11

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arts cover story

Fire up the Death Star from p.10 national trauma and confusion than today, but it has deeper similarities. Jackie’s script evokes the first lady’s advocacy for White House restoration (which drew criticism for its expense). Jackie turns to historical precedents when grappling with the magnitude of her husband’s funeral, essentially using W

the past as an emotional anchor. While AL Washington norms seem particularly PIctUres DIsney t D fragile in the present day, Jackie offers a ALe touching tribute to tradition. roBInette Through archival footage, JFK’s cameo appears in Hidden Figures, a docudrama about the unsung contribu- tion of African-American women to the U.S. space program. While it’s easy to HHHII HHHHH be cynical about present-day America, Rogue one La La Land Hidden Figures offers hope by finding Billed as “A star Wars story” As he showed with 2014’s cinematic love letters are sel- a date at a planetarium, literally the intersection of two American tri- separate from the adventures Godzilla, director Gareth ed- dom more sincere than Damien dance on air. umphs: the space program and the Civil of Luke skywalker, rey, and wards can craft action spectacles chazelle’s moonstruck ode to Admittedly, neither of the Rights Movement. The story tends to company, the latest entry in the of great magnitude, but he strug- Hollywood, jazz, and romance it- leads is a powerhouse singer, but be heavy-handed and schematic, but it space opera saga seems at odds gles to deliver interesting char- self. emma stone and ryan Gos- the vulnerability of their voices with itself. It clearly aspires to be acters. Apart from a deadpan ling make a bewitching pair as makes them more sympathetic. persuasively argues that social justice and a gritty war movie about rebels robot (voiced by Alan tudyk) two of Los Angeles’ struggling stone’s expressiveness seems to human achievement can both be reached and misfits on an impossible and Donnie yen’s blind master of dreamers: she’s a movie buff convey her every stray thought through hard work and cooperation. mission, like The Dirty Dozen the Force, the film’s antiheroes all barista trying to break through and emotion, while Gosling’s cool- In one of the first scenes, a Southern with droids and aliens. But it blur together. Rogue One deliv- as an actress, he’s an uncom- er acting style makes his passion- police officer’s suspicion of the Soviets also tries to retain that “yippee, ers plenty of action, especially promising jazz pianist longing to ate demonstrations really land. La trumps his apparent racism toward the Star Wars is fun!” tone that’s during the heist-like final act, open his own club. La Land doesn’t just follow two protagonists: “Damn Russians could be defined the films. the inside but makes you miss the lovable Paying tribute to classic U.s. lovers, but shows how they help watching us right now!” he declares be- jokes for franchise fans and the ensemble of The Force Awakens. and French musicals of the 1950s each other realize their dreams as fore escorting them to work. Given the soundtrack’s similarities to John But they’ll be back in episode vIII and 1960s, chazelle presents a artists. If the film has bittersweet accusation that Russia genuinely tried Williams’ classic themes can around this time next year, which Los Angeles of splashy primary touches, it’s definitely less bitter undermine Rogue One’s risky will beg the question of how colors and such an effervescent than sweet. A day that you see La to sway the 2016 vote, Hidden Figures’ intentions. much Star Wars is too much. atmosphere, it seems perfectly La Land is a good day. C portrait of the Cold War seems both pre- natural when stone and Gosling scient and almost naive. break into song and even, during [email protected] Race also informs the period drama Fences, particularly a subplot in which in which Negro League baseball star turned sanitation carrier Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington) opposes his son’s pursuit of HHHHI football, despite his chance of a college Fences scholarship. In the film, Troy’s bitter- the work of late playwright and launches into paint-peeling ness at his own experience and his wish August Wilson used to be a fights. you’ll feel like you’ve spent to protect his son blinds him to how race fixture on the Atlanta theater years under the Maxsons’ roof. scene, especially during Kenny that’s not always to the relations improved over the decades. Leon’s tenure as Alliance theatre good: the script written by Wil- Troy may not be right, but the validation artistic director. the long-awaited son doesn’t open up the material of present-day bigotry provides support- adaptation of the Pulitzer-win- much, so the walls of words can ive context for his point of view. ning Fences, arguably Wilson’s feel almost claustrophobic, and Politics can cast a shadow over even most famous work, partially suc- you’ll relish the rare moments the most innocuous-seeming new release, ceeds at transferring the writer’s when the cast can act without like some kind of Six Degrees of Donald larger-than-life theatricality to speaking. Plus, some elements Trump game. Sing, about talking animals the movie screen. of the source material have aged in a TV singing competition? A literal Denzel Washington, direct- poorly, like troy’s brother Gabriel reality star is president-elect, holding de ing himself in the meaty role of (Mykelti Williamson), a mentally troy Maxson, clearly relishes the disabled man presented as kind facto public competitions for cabinet post. rhythm and musicality of Wil- of a holy fool. But as a major os- The World War II spy movie Allied?

son’s dialogue. Partnered with car contender, Fences showcases PArAMoUntPIctUres Swastikas have seldom been more preva- likes of viola Davis as troy’s wife a kind of hyper-verbal acting not lent in today’s headlines. rose and russell Hornsby as his often seen at the cineplex, and The Bryan Cranston/James Franco son Lyons, Washington holds the cast do their utmost to hit comedy Why Him? That’s certainly a volleying conversations, spins tall grand slams. question a lot of people have been asking tales, shares tender moments, since Nov. 9.

12 ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016 ❘ clatl.com 13

FOOD first look Fearless fusion At Amara, chef Bhavesh Patel takes inspiration from Indian cuisine but eschews tradition

ART PLATE: (clockwise from top left) Paneer gnocchi with lemongrass, curry leaf, and coconut milk; Amara’s glass-backed bar and sunken dining room; pomfret with pickling spice; masala prawns with roasted pepper kachumber and lime-kokum syrup; Brussels sprouts “bhel” with garbanzo beans, sweet potato, tomato, boondi, and tamarind dressing

By sucheta rawal dishes while hiding under the kitchen table. His house-made mint chutney. strong mezcal against sweet pineapple and spicy culinary curiosity carried him through Indian, The beet and coconut samosa ($8) resembles bitters, while the East India ($8) eases cognac mara is easy to spot, thanks to its American, and international restaurant kitchens. a phyllo-wrapped Greek spanakopita but instead into smooth dark rum. From German Riesling electric blue and white sign. A “I wanted to elevate international cuisine to a presents delicately flavored diced beets seasoned and Napa Valley chardonnay to Argentinian Persian rug welcomes diners into the higher concept by adding spices and using mod- with black mustard and curry leaf. Grilled octo- Malbec, the half page wine selection spans the spacious, modern-industrial interior, ern cooking techniques,” he says, noting that the pus tentacles ($14) are soft and succulent, served globe. Beer lovers can choose from more than withA pendant lights dangling from a high vaulted idea behind Amara was to make Indian food more with a salad of cucumber and tomatoes (typically a dozen local and imported brews, including ceiling. A glass-backed bar with yellow chairs is approachable. referred to as kachumber in Hindi). Gnocchi ($18), Indian Kingfisher, SweetWater, and Second Self central to the space, where one can watch people Amara’s menu is familiar yet original, offering a popular Italian pasta dish, finds itself blended ($5 each). There’s also a good selection of inter- stopping by after work, or even a workout, to grab generously portioned tapas and entrees. It’s fusion with Indian paneer into light and fluffy rectangles national nonalcoholic beverages that follow the a drink and a bite with a soundtrack of inter- — but not in the derogatory sense. Patel presents that pair exceptionally well with a Thai-style restaurant’s theme, including homemade lemon- national jazz, rap, and techno beats. The sleek bold flavors, merging French, Italian, and Indian curry of coconut milk and lemongrass. ade mixed with berries, a Cucumber Derby with sunken dining area leads to a semi-open kitchen cooking techniques with a passion for experimen- The blending of cultures can be found in all ginger and soda, Mexican Coke, and the beloved where executive chef Bhavesh Patel (Spice Mar- tation — derived, perhaps, from his three science sections of the menu. Warm Indian Indian cola Thums Up. ket, Table 1280, Morningside Kitchen) is hard at degrees. He incorporates a variety of proteins naan ($5) is topped with fragrant Purists, beware: Amara is not work creating a singular array of Indian-inspired typically eschewed by Indian chefs, such as pig truffle oil instead of the usual but- Amara another Indian restaurant serving American cuisine. ear, foie gras, mussels, and pork belly, and fear- ter or ghee. Unusual flavors of ice 870 Inman Village traditional Indian fare. Instead, it’s Located just past Inman Quarter at the inter- lessly blends ingredients from the East and West. cream ($8) are prepared in partner- Parkway N.E. a place where there are no set rules. section of N. Highland Avenue and Inman Village Think jaggery-tamarind glazed hangar steak, ship with neighboring shop Queen 470-305-7405. But it works. Patel has carved a amaraatlanta.com. Parkway, Amara is the first collaboration between sweetbreads in sambal sauce, or idli (steamed rice of Cream and include gulab jamun new niche for himself in his fearless Patel and restaurant owner Sandeep Kothari, cakes) stuffed with wild mushrooms. (fried doughnuts), tooti frooti fusion of ingredients, spices, and the man behind Midtown’s sleek Indian eatery, Brussels sprouts “bhel” ($7), a twist on the (mixed candied fruit), Parle G (a cooking methods from all over the Tabla. Amara is like Tabla’s equally modern but classic Mumbai street food, becomes in Patel’s nostalgic Indian cookie brand), and Ovaltine. world. more casual and capricious little sister. “We want hands a vibrant slaw of fried Brussels, sweet pota- Chocolate chai pot de creme ($8) is a full-on While there, I overheard an Indian family people to be able to walk to Amara and stop by toes, black chickpeas, yogurt, and tamarind sauce. mouth party with its intriguing combination of at an adjacent table. The younger diners were for cocktails and sharable plates before they move Traditionally a sweet or savory vegetarian dish salty popcorn, sweet caramel, buttery nankhatai trying to persuade their elderly parents to keep on to the next place for the night,” Patel says. from the state of Gujarat in India, the pulled goat cookie crunch, and rich creamy molten chocolate. an open mind. “It’s not Indian food, but try it,” Growing up in England, Patel would watch ghugra ($9) at Amara is a crispy empanada stuffed House cocktails pair well with Patel’s eclec- they said. “You will like it!” C his grandmother slowly simmer traditional Indian with tender shredded goat meat and served with tic dishes. The Smoking Gun ($10) contrasts [email protected]

clatl.com ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016, 2016 ❘ 13 hungry?

@cl_atlantafood 15

FOOD feature FOOD CHeaP eatS

Southern fried Suzy Siu’S BaoS Ludacris opens his long-awaited airport eatery, Chicken+Beer

tap ($6-$6.75) include uncommon finds like

Wild Heaven’s Wise Blood and Eventide’s Dry Cadigan Hilary Irish Stout. The menu, billed as “Southern-style comfort food,” was designed by executive chef Andrew Tabb and overseen by Luda and Todd Richards (White Oak Kitchen, Richard’s Southern Fried). TAKE A BAO: Suzy Siu’s $20 bao box. Waiters during Monday’s opening circled the room with trays of beer, champagne, and Pull up to the cheery counter at Suzy Siu’s Baos, mini versions of apps ($6.99-$13.99) and mains all retro-sleek subway tiles and sunshine yellow ac- ($14.99-$24.99). Despite the usual misgivings cents, and you’re met with a helpful pronunciation one has about celebrity-backed restaurants and pictorial: Think Lil Bow Wow, not Scott Baio. The the airport, the offerings are pretty impressive. newest addition to Krog Street Market brings a quick Crawfish and corn fritters were moist and meaty, and affordable lunch option in the form of baos, little their sweetness counterbalanced by roasted red sandwiches served on fluffy steamed yeast buns peppers, scallions, and a dollop of spicy lemon known as mantou.

CHuCky aioli. Cheddar grits came topped with well-sea- Legend says mantou originated in ancient China, soned bites of shrimp, smoked bacon, tomato, with a famed military strategist who tricked his en- and spinach. Catfish, battered and fried, sat emies by floating the buns down a river in place of k aHng prettily atop corn edamame succotash with corn human heads he was meant to sacrifice. Suzy Siu’s relish and a delicate parsnip puree. takes cues from the Taiwanese varietal, gua bao, a TEAM C+B: Ludacris (middle) at the podium with interim airport GM Roosevelt Council Jr. (from Then, of course, came Luda’s famous traditional street sammie filled with sliced pork belly. left), Jackmont CEO Dan Halpern, and Mayor Kasim Reed chicken and pecan waffles — brined 24 hours Owners Michael Lo and George Yu first intro- for maximum juiciness, drizzled with whiskey duced gua bao back in 2014 at their Decatur restau- By Hilary Cadigan maple syrup, and impossible to eat politely even rant Makan (recently rebranded as Taiyo Ramen). Straits, would be closing down. if you’re mid-conversation with the family of In their version, crisp slices of Riverview Farms pork wo decades ago, an 18-year-old Nearly four years later, on Nov. 17, late Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson. belly come topped with pecan sugar, pickled red on- Atlantan named Chris Bridges Chicken+Beer finally opened its doors. In many ways, Chicken+Beer shares DNA ions, and cilantro. “We think of it as the great Asian moved out of his father’s place Normally, I skip promotional debuts: the with One Flew South, Jackmont Hospital- sandwich,” says Lo, who believes baos can be “a and into an apartment complex crush of TV cameras, the stilted speeches, the ity’s first independent airport concept, where great vehicle for anything delicious.” Toff Riverdale Road. The move was strate- thumbnail-size food samples. But I’ve been Richards was once founding chef, Tabb chef de In addition to the pork belly, Suzy Siu’s offers gic: He’d heard through the grapevine that bumping Luda anthems since I was literally 13, cuisine, and Slater GM. As the first American five new baos ($4-$4.50 each, with discounts on Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International and the chance to see the mayor and other local airport restaurant to be nominated for a James multiples) packed with untraditional local ingredients Airport would be expanding soon, meaning bigwigs officially inaugurate a restaurant named Beard Award, it set a solid precedent, and Yu says will change with the seasons. There are hits the people who lived near it would get paid after an album that featured tracks such as Chicken+Beer already seems poised for similar and misses (the Korean fried chicken’s “spicy sauce” to move out. A year or two later — kaboom. “Hoes in my Room” and “Blow It Out Yo Ass” success. is a bit overwhelming, while the fried fish filet lacks “I won’t disclose the amount of money proved too delightful to pass up. “It has been a long time coming, and when flavor), but our table’s favorite was the Korean BBQ they tried to offer everybody to move out, Arriving at the international terminal, I was I say long time, I mean a long time,” said Luda beef, made of ganjang-marinated short rib brisket but that was my first business plan,” he said. greeted by a life-size cardboard cutout of Lu- at the podium. “But anything that’s worthwhile with lettuce and scallions. Vegetarian-friendly options “It’s funny how things come full circle.” dacris directing me to the security checkpoint. usually does take a long time.” include roasted cauliflower or fried green tomatoes On Dec. 13, Bridges — also known as For the record, even when invited to the airport He added that his ultimate goal is to expand with pickled carrots and creamy shiso remoulade. rapper-turned-actor-turned-entrepreneur by Luda himself, you still have to take off your Chicken+Beer into a global concept. Sides are just $2 each and include roasted Korean Ludacris (perhaps you’ve heard of him) shoes and submit to a TSA pat-down. After the official ribbon-cutting, which street corn with gochujang butter, kimchi fritters, and — presided over the official ribbon-cutting Chicken+Beer is located in Concourse D, included Mayor Kasim Reed, airport and Jack- sweet potato salad. Worth the calories: Yu’s famous ceremony for Chicken+Beer, his brand-new alongside other local concepts like Grindhouse mont executives, and several giant pairs of scis- shrimp and pork stuffed spicy wontons ($5), served airport restaurant partnership with Atlanta- Killer Burgers and Terrapin Tap House. The sors that somehow made it through TSA, I man- in a decadent pool of roasted garlic chili oil that you based concessions firm Jackmont Hospital- 90-seat space is modern and unfussy, with flat- aged to get about 60 seconds of face time with can sop up with your baos if so inclined (we were). ity. screen TVs and multi-colored light fixtures Luda himself. He was friendly and didn’t seem “The biggest factor that inspires our menu is Luda has been hinting at a hometown hanging from the ceiling. A black and white to judge me too harshly as I unprofessionally definitely the availability of ingredients … based on restaurant named for his third LP ever since mural featuring musical notes, skyscrapers, and babbled about my fandom-since-middle-school what our farmers, ranchers, and fishmongers are tell- Chicken-n-Beer dropped back in 2003. In peaches dominates the back wall. and posed for a photo. ing us is best,” Lo says. “That’s a big departure from early 2012, the concept began to look like a The large picture window behind the well- “Uh, what’s your favorite thing on the the current state of mass Asian food in America, reality when, after much heated debate, the stocked bar looks out onto the runway. Here, menu?” I asked, suddenly remembering my du- where you can find the same menu at thousands of city controversially approved more than $3 you can watch planes taxi while sipping boozy ties. Chinese, Thai, or Japanese restaurants across the U.S. billion in airports concessions contracts for slushies ($12.50 each — remember, it’s still the “Come on, Luda’s chicken and waffles!” he year-round.” C 150 new businesses. Chicken+Beer was one airport) or choose from an impressive beer and replied. “It’s the whiskey syrup that makes it — Hilary Cadigan of them. The same week brought news that cocktail selection managed by former H. Harper good.” C Suzy Siu’s Baos, Krog Street Market, 99 Krog Ludacris’ Midtown Singaporean restaurant, Station owner Jerry Slater. Eight local drafts on [email protected] St. 404-996-6504. www.facebook.com/suzysiusbaos.

clatl.com ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016, 2016 ❘ 15 16

FOOD quiC k B i TEs Atlanta restaurant news Hired Guns 2017, SweetWater debuts Woodlands, and more Erik MEadows/Erik CL FilE

TOP CHEFS: The 2017 Hired Guns lineup includes renowned chefs from Montreal, New Orleans, and Boston. and George Howell out of acton, Massachu- By JaMEs oxEndinE setts.

ittle 5 staple the Star Community Festivals Jerk Chicken Grill, a quick- service Bar (b.k.a. star Bar) is for sale, Jamaican concept named after Jamaican corn- according to a sales listing by bread fritters, is slated to open at Glenwood real estate brokerage firm the Place (925 Garrett st.) early in 2017. Festivals, sLchumacher Group. developed by native Jamaican winston Fergu- son, will serve jerk chicken, pork, and fish in a Gunshow has announced the Hired Guns lineup format similar to Moe’s. The Glenwood location for 2017. The culinary stars coming to town to will be the first of 12 planned over the next five cook with kevin Gillespie, Joey ward, and crew years. include Hakim rahal and Pablo rojas of Provi- sions (Montreal), Jennifer Carroll of requin athens-based Keba Sandwiches is slated to (washington, d.C.), Justin devillier of la Petite open its first atlanta shop at 1403 oxford road Grocery (new orleans), and Jamie Bissonnette n.E. in Emory Village on Jan. 6, 2017. keba will of Toro and Coppa (Boston). rahal and rojas set up in the former yogli Mogli space, dishing kick off the 2017 series on Jan 29. out Mediterranean doner kebabs, roasted meat and veggies stuffed into pitas. on Jan. 6, SweetWater Brewing Co. will un- veil a new building, a new brand, and some The Beacon Atlanta is slated to add Margue- clever new barrels as part of its innovative rite’s Jerk Bistro, a casual sit-down Jamaican- Woodlands Project. The woodlands Project is fusion restaurant, to its tenant roster. a project a 37,000-square-foot space that will produce from veteran chef and caterer Charlene Mar- barrel-aged artisan beers under the woodlands guerite Diaz, Marguerite’s will serve Jamaican name. The facility isolates Brettanomyces, favorites such as jerk chicken, turkey, and lactobacillus, Pediococcus and other bugs, al- shrimp; oxtails; calypso corn; and curry goat lowing them to intermingle with the wood for for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. new flavor profiles. all woodlands brews will be small batch limited releases. woodlands will , one of the co-founders of 5 JasonTravis Pho Dennis Lange debut its first brew, Through the Brambles, a seasons Brewing Co., is planning a northern blackberry Brett beer, on opening day. italian resto to open at Post riverside (4403 northside Parkway). Adalina will open in the Hugh Acheson will open the second location former the river room space. lange intends to of his Ponce City Market concept, Spiller Park T

o create a customer-driven “destination restau- Coffee, in the redeveloped Toco Hills shopping rant” with a seasonal menu by using his con- Center by next spring or summer. spiller Park’s nections to several local farms. C rotating coffee menu includes intelligentsia out [email protected] clatl.com/omnivore of Chicago, Phil & sebastian out of Calgary,

16 ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016 ❘ clatl.com 17

FOOD drinks

Your handy dandy drinking guide for the world’s busiest airport Holiday spirits By Brad kaplan t’s the holidays. At the airport. bar program is equally impressive, And you need a drink. Hopefully, with eight Georgia-brewed beers on you just want to kick off that va- tap, a nitro line, classic cocktails (mint cation with a celebratory cocktail. julep, anyone?), and boozy slushies IMore likely, winter weather delays have like Old Forester bourbon with fresh you down, or your nerves are on edge ginger and lime. You can also find a in anticipation of unwinnable political decent drink if you choose carefully battles over slices of inedible fruitcake at Jay Z’s strangely out of place 40/40 with your in-laws. Either way, we’re Club (what?). But really, we all know here to guide you to the best bars across Luda wins out over Jay Z any time the many concourses of Hartsfield- you’re in Atlanta. Head upstairs for Jackson Atlanta International Airport the Terrapin Tap House, featuring (ATL to you and me). beers from the Athens brewery as well The good news is, there are few as a smoke lounge offering cigars and better places in town for a bar crawl. hookahs. Don’t believe us? At the airport, there’s no need to step foot outside, public transportation is fast and free, Concourse E: One Flew South made and the walkways are motorized to chucky it cool to eat at the airport back in help those who might stumble through 2008 and has been winning raves k a field sobriety test. That said, this is Jeff ahng; from media and travelers from around an airport with limited space for bar the world ever since. The origi- storage, and most of what’s on offer nal airport concept from Jackmont

tends to be mass-produced plonk. Brad moore; Hospitality comes with a bar menu Sure, mass-produced plonk comes designed by Jerry Slater, owner of in handy at times like these, but this the recently shuttered H. Harper guide will help you find the diamonds Station and known for his love of k in the potent-potable-rough that is the James aplan; whiskey. Classically-inspired cocktails, ATL airport bar crawl. sake, and a surprisingly diverse wine Pro tip: No matter which terminal menu make the ride out to E worth- your flight is leaving from, if you have while. Keep your eyes open, too, for time, it’s worth a quick hop on the camp an excellent American whiskey selec- subterranean trains to get down to tion. Bottles of Pappy Van Winkle concourses D, E, or F for the airport’s have been known to appear around three most legit drinking destinations. BOOZE WITH A VIEW: (clockwise from top left) Chicken+Beer offers a wide selection of local drafts and house-made release dates. cocktails on Concourse D; Chicken+Beer’s mint julep; One Flew South’s bar is a chic and cozy place to knock a few back on Concourse E; Papi’s offers a decent selection of brews and cocktails on concourse T. Domestic Terminal (Pre-security): Concourse F: The bar menu at Drinking options are limited before you Ecco will have wine geeks wishing encounter ATL’s frequently lengthy Concourse A: Come for the superb pizza at Varasa- their layover was just a bit longer, security line. Let’s just say that Atlanta no’s but stay for the shockingly well-stocked bar that Concourse B: TGI Friday’s is your best bet in B. with three dozen wines by the glass ChopHouse & Brewery is the best of features great choices in wine, cocktails (like a basil Luckily, they usually have a few local beers on draft. that offer the chance to hop around the bunch if you feel the need to get gimlet), spirits (like Fidencio mezcal or St. George the world’s great grape regions. In a your drink on before a pat-down. gin), and local craft beer (there’s a Three Taverns setting every bit as trendy as its Mid- Belgian-style IPA on tap). They even had a bottle of Concourse C: Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint will get the town sister restaurant, Ecco’s wine list highly limited Fiddler bourbon from Atlanta’s ASW job done, though the Southern shtick is laid on thick. focuses on breadth rather than depth, Concourse T: Your best bet in T Distillery. Cat Cora’s Kitchen has a similarly shock- with a cru Beaujolais here, a chinon is Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Cafe, ingly-good selection. It is run by the same group that from the Loire there, a Napa cab, a which showcases local Georgia beers and runs Varasano’s, but here you can find Cat’s signa- Concourse D: D clearly stands for drinking. Way Russian River chardonnay, a simple makes a decent enough mojito or a sim- ture ouzotini among other cocktail oddities. If you’re down at the end of the terminal is Chicken+Beer, prosecco from the Venetto, and so ple Cuba libre. There’s also an outpost a smoker, and only if you’re a smoker, head down to a brand new destination from Chris “Ludacris” on. Cocktails feature classic old world of Grindhouse Killer Burgers, which tiny TAP, a gastro pub and smoking lounge (cough). Bridges and Jackmont Hospitality (see p.15). The components like calvados, sherry, and has self-described cheap wine (hello, Chartreuse. If Ecco is packed, head to white zinfandel!), several beers on tap, nearby El Taco for a frozen mojito or and cocktails that don’t quite rise to the More on the Web: Food culture, served fresh at clatl.com/omnivore margarita. C level of killer. [email protected]

clatl.com ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016, 2016 ❘ 17 18 music feAture AtlAntA’s top 10 albums of 2016 into an atmosphere of shimmering and melodic post-punk.

10. Jeff Crompton Trio, Magic Word (Southern Crescent) This is what a 21st century jazz 8. Rae sremmurd, Srem- trio should sound like. Jeff Cromp- mLife (eardruma/inter- ton (alto sax), Evan Lipson (bass), scope Records) and Bob Stagner (drums), bound Don’t let the viral mega- by a deep immersion in an evolving, success of “Black Beatles” take more than century-old art form, away from the bigger story. Rae play like men possessed. They’re Sremmurd successfully followed up on a quest for something elusive its zeitgeist moment with a sopho- and profoundly beautiful, which more album that’s measured and they find in a balanced triumvirate mature while retaining the euphor- of swinging, soulful noise. Cromp- ic vibe that made Swae Lee and ton’s nine compositions (all his, Slim Jxmmi stars. The brothers save for two improvs) draw mostly have a knack for squeaky melody, from Ornette Coleman’s post-bop and Mike WiLL Made-It provides wavelengths, deeply colored by John the big trap beats. Add it all up for Coltrane’s blues. a collection of party-starters that are more interesting and ambitious than anything Rae Sremmurd has kicked out yet. CourtesyAtlAntiC urbAn

Gucci Mane, Everybody Looking 9. Warehouse, super low (Bayonet) Warehouse’s sophomore album at first feels dominated by front- hat a long strange trip a lengthy voting process followed by ex- woman Elaine Edenfield’s snarling 7. Lil Yachty, Lil Boat (Qual- 2016 has been — a real life haustive debate, CL’s staff of music scribes voice. From piercing wails to sultry ity Control Music, Capitol “empire strikes back” sce- and confidants made the case for Atlanta’s grumbles, she startles and disarms Records/Motown) nario has unfolded over a 10 best albums of the year. Polling was with impressive vocal dynamism. With his debut mixtape, Lil Wyear bookended by the deaths of Mr. space democratic; no russian hackers influenced She is matched, however, by bassist Yachty placed himself at the fore- Josh Hughes and drummer Doug front of a new wave of Atlanta hip- oddity himself, David bowie, and the first the selection process. Bleichner’s breathless rhythms hop artists whose lo-fi, DIY, and American to orbit the earth, John Glenn. there are a lot of choice albums in here. and Ben Jackson and Alex Bailey’s emotionally distraught take on the in Atlanta, gentrification continues ravag- each one pushes the city into progressive new shimmering guitars, balancing music is widely criticized by many ing the land, picking away at the cultural musical terrain and comes strongly endorsed spontaneous outbursts with struc- of their predecessors. But Yachty tured tension. Songs such as “Os- institutions and neighborhoods the city’s by the team of writers that works here. remains unfazed by the criticism, cillator,” “Reservoir,” and “Simul- and it shows. Lil Boat is the perfect creative types have long called home. but — Chad RadfoRd, MusiC editoR taneous Contrasts” temper meticu- embodiment of what Yachty calls Atliens are at their best under duress. After lous control and terse improvisation See ATL’s Top 10 p.20

18 ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016 ❘ clatl.com DECEMBER 29TH | center stage theater waka flocka flame with lex luger DECEMBER 30TH | center stage theater drivin n cryin with dan baird DECEMBER 31ST | the loft at center stage DANCE YOURSELF CLEAN NEW YEARS EVE PARTY january 13TH | vinyl at center stage melodime and truett january 14TH | the loft at center stage d.r.a.m. the big baby dram tour WITH RIVER TIBER AND ARI LENNOX january 16TH | the loft at center stage rich the kid keep flexin tour january 17TH | the loft at center stage riff raff january 19TH | the loft at center stage SAFETYSUIT with armors january 21ST | center stage THEATER TOM SEGURA NO TEETH NO ENTRY TOUR january 21st | vinyl at center stage greco with arc & stones and trash panda january 24th | the loft at center stage sevyn streeter the girl disrupted tour january 25TH | THE LOFT AT center stage DAVE EAST january 25TH | VINYL AT center stage KHALID january 27TH | center stage theater christopher titus january 28TH | VINYL at center stage 24HRS with YE ALI january 28TH | the loft at center stage J BOOG WITH JO MERSA MARLEY AND JEMERE MORGAN january 31ST | center stage THEATER ATMOSPHERE FRESHWATER FLY FISHERMEN TOUR WITH BROTHER ALI, DEM ATLAS, PLAIN OLE BILL & ONE LAST WORD february 8th | vinyl at center stage lovesweat feat. steve everett, paul pfau, jd eicher and connor pledger february 9TH | center stage theater rick astley february 10TH | center stage theater chris d’elia early show: 8 I late show: 10:30 february 11TH | center stage theater beth hart buy tickets and see the full calendar: centerstage-atlanta.com 20 music ATL’s Top 10 ALbums 2016

THURSDAY DECEMBER 22 CHINUA HAWK PRESENTS: WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS CL scribes reflect on the albums FRIDAY DECEMBER 23 SONGS FOR KIDS FOUNDATION PRES: AN EVENING CELEBRATING that defined the year in music THE MUSIC OF ADELE SATURDAY DECEMBER 24 ATL’s Top 10 from p.18 songs. Think of “Shooter” as the confident and sprawling offering as much to millennial aesthetics B.O.B. bubblegum trap — street cred bol- ride-or-die chick’s club-banger la- from a band that’s quickly become as it does to the era that turned TRILL HAVI / JAQUEBEATZ stered by appearances from Quavo, ment upon realizing her dude ain’t a local fixture. The psychedelic out Sly and the Family Stone and ROXXANNE MONTANA / LONDON JAE Young Thug, and Skippa da Flippa, quite the hitter he hyped himself qualities swirling inside songs Funkadelic’s weirdest moments THURSDAY DECEMBER 29 but it’s mostly fun. up to be, followed by the sense of such as “Tear Wagon,” “Lurky of perfection. SIMO empowerment that comes from be- Murky,” and “Nail Tractor” THOMAS WYNN & THE BELIEVERS ing unafraid to fly solo. With indi- are filled with magnificent sonic NEW YEAR’S WEEKEND vidual grinds that have established highs and spooky valleys teem- 2 NIGHTS WITH RUNAWAY GIN them as noteworthy Atlanta-based ing with mystery and hallucina- FRIDAY DEC. 30 - SATURDAY DEC. 31 artists and tastemakers for years, tory wonders. Working alongside THURSDAY JANUARY 5 this collective effort is fueling a producer Ben Price, the group CAPITAL ARMS / 32 PINTS heightened level of success for rendered an album that functions KILLING KUDDLES / THE CONCUSSION THEORY both. You might say they’re on like a maze of jazz and post-rock FRIDAY JANUARY 6 some grown woman shit. structures where every chiming SAM HOLT BAND PRESENTS note, rhythm, and melody snakes A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION HONORING around one another, forming a THE LATE MICHAEL HOUSER slow and glowing mass of wonders SATURDAY JANUARY 7 6. Omni, Deluxe (Trouble In for the imagination. It’s music for 1. Gucci Mane, Everybody THE CHARLIE FOG BAND Mind) taking drugs to, a soundtrack for Looking (Atlantic Urban) THE BITTEROOTS As albums sprawl outward in painting beautiful works of art, Time in the pen was good SUNDAY JANUARY 8 the age of streaming, efficiency is and Hello Ocho’s final full-length for Guwop. After a three-year POKEMON WHOAH! an increasingly lost art. But not in this configuration. At least they prison bid, health, recovery, and HYSTERIA MACHINE CABARET for Omni. Singer and bass player went out on a high note. mental focus weigh heavy on the WEDNESDAY JANUARY 11 WRINKLE NECK MULES Philip Frobos builds tension in the Zone 6 trap god’s psyche. With COLD HEART CANYON rhythms as Frankie Broyles slices Everybody Looking, Gucci, along through it every time with shards with producers Mike WiLL and THURSDAY JANUARY 12 THE ELI PROJECT BENEFIT CONCERT FT. of electric guitar and drums on the Zaytoven, crafts an album worthy JOHN STRINGER group’s debut album. Full disclo- 4. Young Thug, Jeffery of a lifetime achievement award. sure, the group’s former drummer, (300 Entertainment/ATL) “Out Do Ya,” “Pussy Print” ft. ASHLEY RIVERA Billy Mitchell, is a regular CL There’s no denying that Young Kanye West, and the brilliant “1st FRIDAY JANUARY 13 PORCH 40 / INJURED PENGUINS contributor. Songs such as “Wire,” Thug’s proper debut full-length, Day Out Tha Feds” push trap GLEN PRIDGEN BAND “Afterlife,” and “Earrings” are Jeffery, was one of Atlanta’s most production to groundbreaking prickly new wave dance pop num- talked-about albums of 2016. new musical terrain. Variety is SATURDAY JANUARY 14 bers that rarely exceed three-and- Through songs such as “Wyclef thick here, and the album’s mes- A SLOW BOAT TO CHINA a-half minutes while clicking and Jean,” “Future Swag,” and sage is essentially the same as the SUNDAY JANUARY 15 KELLER WILLIAMS MIDTOWN PRES.: whirring like nifty little gadgets. “Harambe,” Thugger, born Jef- cautionary tale Gucci delivered BATTLE OF THE BANDS fery Lamar Williams, incorporates 2. Childish Gambino, Awak- with 2009’s “Heavy.” But now, FOR PAWS ATLANTA everything from rhythmic reggae en, My Love! (Glassnote) he’s looking at the flip side of the THURSDAY JANUARY 19 production to the frenzied tempos Childish Gambino, aka Don- coin. He’s back on the streets, THE BURNING PEPPERMINTS of NOLA bounce. Jeffery breaks ald Glover, is fearless when it he’s cleaned up, and in 2016, he HUNTER SHARPE / OGINALII the mold for Atlanta hip-hop in comes to trying out new things. was unstoppable. Brrr. C FRIDAY JANUARY 20 2016 and finds Young Thug think- Awaken, My Love!, the third [email protected] ROBOT PARTY / TREY BROUSSARD ing in much bigger terms. album from the star of FX’s THURSDAY JANUARY 26 hit TV show “Atlanta,” and his Contributors: Rodney Carmichael, LOCUS PROMOTION PRESENTS: longtime cohort Ludwig Görans- Doug Deloach, Emily Maxwell, PROFESSOR JOHN / TASTE son, is a collection of psychedelic Billy Mitchell, Chad Radford, Tai DISTOPIA / BRASS LIGHTNING soul, funk, and ’70s rock excur- Saint-Louis, Ben Salmon, and FRIDAY JANUARY 27 sions. Songs such as “Me And Joseph Tiller PEOPLE’S BLUES OF RICHMOND 5. Speakerfoxxx and Your Mama,” “Riot,” and “Baby BIG SOMETHING Bosco, Girls in the Yard Boy” carry socially and political- WWW.SMITHSOLDEBAR.COM (Fool’s Gold) ly conscious undertones, steeped DAILY FOOD SPECIALS! KITCHEN OPEN LATE! A-Town homegirls Speaker- in heavy bass lines, fuzzed-out OPEN MON - FRI @ 5PM SAT & SUN @ NOON foxxx and Bosco’s Girls In The guitars, and Gambino’s wide vo- MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Ya rd collaboration arrived this cal range — he doesn’t rap here, DIRTY BINGO & TUESDAY BREWSDAY year as a bass-dropping, confetti but he does croon and scream. WEDNESDAY GOOSE ISLAND INDUSTRY NIGHT cannon-popping summer jam with 3. Hello Ocho, In Portu- Awaken, My Love! is a testa- THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL & TEAM TRIVIA a lesson in self-esteem to boot. guese (Self-released) ment to Gambino’s musical and Wanna hear more? Find all WWW.TICKETWEB.COM The project is full to the brim with Hello Ocho’s second proper lyrical versatility. It’s a trippy, things music in Atlanta at ROLL TIDE! GO STEELERS! anthemic girl power and party album, In Portuguese, arrived a one-of-a-kind avatar that owes clatl.com/cribnotes

20 ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016 ❘ clatl.com DEC 29, 3 NIGHTS! 30, 31 THE DISCO BISCUITS TUE JAN 10 LUKAS GRAHAM

JAN 13, 3 NIGHTS! 14, 15 UMPHREY'S MCGEE

FRI CIRCA SURVIVE JAN 20 WITH SPECIAL GUESTS MEWITHOUTYOU, TURNOVER

SUN JAN 22 ALTER BRIDGE

MON JAN 23 BREAKING BENJAMIN FALLING IN REVERSE TUE WITH SPECIAL GUESTS ISSUES, JAN 24 MOTIONLESS IN WHITE, DANGERKIDS, DEAD GIRLS ACADEMY

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Advance tickets for all shows available at the Tabernacle Box Office on show nights. CHARGE-BY-PHONE: 800-745-3000 All acts, dates and times subject to change without notice. Tickets subject to applicable fees. 22 music shoW previeW music Kari Leigh Marucchi with Found Found with Marucchi Leigh Kari Living the dream Big Jesus goes big with sophomore LP, Oneiric a By Ben salmon Photo rt

t’s been a big year for Big Jesus. In August, the Atlanta-based alternative rock quartet embarked on its first European tour. The Roll Call with group hired a couple of booking agents, Rumours: A Isigned on with the MDDN management com- pany, run by Good Charlotte’s Benji and Joel Mad- Fleetwood Mac den, and spent much of the year playing festival stages around the country. Tribute Before any of that happened, though, the Who are you? group sat down and made a list of dream pro- mekenzie Jackson (stevie) and alex ducers it wanted to work with for its sophomore thrift (lindsey). album. According to bass player and lead vo- calist Spencer Ussery, DIY icon Steve Albini, If you could end one trend what trend in-demand alt-rock wizard Nick Raskulinecz, would it be? tribute bands. We’re laughing, but it’s mega-celebrity whisperer Rick Rubin, and a few true. We’re waiting for an air supply others made the list. They even marked down My tribute to pop up. Bloody Valentine’s reclusive singer and guitarist Kevin Shields on the list. “We’re going to go to Which is better, Rumours or Tusk? his cave or wherever he fucking lives and make a Rumours was written at the height record with him,” Ussery says with a laugh. of all the fleetwood mac drama, and it Of course, that didn’t happen. But Big Jesus made them bazillions of dollars. Tusk did secure the services of another one of their was a product of those bazillions of dream guys: producer Matt Hyde. dollars, but it wasn’t just some rich kid musician showing off his mediocre pro-

Hyde is, perhaps, best known for producing christopher duction skills and trying to be artistic. albums by groups such as No Doubt, Cypress lindsey Buckingham was actually an Hill, and Deftones. As Ussery says, Hyde “imme- incredible producer and that record is, diately connected” with the songs that Big Jesus in our opinion, one of the greatest artis- sullivan had prepared for the recording session. tic records of all time. it’s “weird music” Fast-forward a month and Ussery along with gold. Big Jesus guitarists CJ Ridings and Thomas Gon- We like Rumours better as a record, zalez and drummer Joe Sweat were setting up DAYDREAM NATION: Big Jesus is Tommy Gonzalez (from left), Spencer Ussery, CJ Ridings, because obviously it’s one of the great- their gear on a stage in a rented rehearsal space in and Joe Sweat. est of all time, but it’s also extremely Los Angeles. Facing the stage from the middle of well written from a popular music standpoint. you could feel everything the room was a couch where Hyde sat alone and Big Jesus makes flowing pop songs with a “I’m sitting around with my acoustic guitar that was happening in that studio with watched. “He’d heard the demos, but this was the riotous low end. Oneiric’s opening song, “SP,” and I say to CJ, ‘Check out this Beatles song I those words on that record. With Tusk, first time he’d heard the songs live, and he really pairs a rugged riff worthy of the Foo Fighters learned,’” Ussery says. “He’s like, ‘Uhh, you you only feel that with a few of the wanted to capture the feel of what we want,” with Ussery’s feathery vocal melodies. “Lock & should sing like that in our band.’ Then on ka- songs, but you can hear the art oozing Ussery says. “For two days, he sat and watched Key” finds the group building a towering wall of raoke night, I’d sing ‘God Only Knows’ by the out of it. us play our songs. We must’ve played each song sound atop rock-solid rhythms. Beach Boys, and he says, ‘This 10 or 15 times. We’d finish and he’d say, ‘Again.’ On “Shrimp,” the band relin- would change the game for us.’” Who in Atlanta deserves a raise? Over and over. He’s a freak, man. You could see quishes its driving momentum to let Big Jesus Ussery and Ridings began Bryan malone (star Bar) and sean his brain working. As he’s listening, he’s breaking its shimmering post-rock side unfold With Sleep tweaking their songs. Since then, mcpherson (smith’s olde Bar), and we’ll things down.” at a leisurely pace. “Shards” moves Therapy and they’ve endured comparisons to the tell you why. those two dudes helped us get where we’re at in this town, and Big Jesus arrived at the two-week session with at the pace of a punk rock torpedo Vincas. $10-$12. 9 aforementioned Smashing Pumpkins p.m. Fri., Dec. 23. we owe them a lot. so thank you Bryan songs that Ussery says were “molded but not recalling the grittiest guitar parts on and another popular hazy rock band, The Earl, 488 Flat and sean. But they’re also two of the baked into a set form,” so Hyde could help polish Smashing Pumpkins’ Siamese Dream. Shoals Ave. S.E. Silversun Pickups. But Big Jesus most in-the-know guys out there. they them up. “He was huge, man,” Ussery says. “It The album’s closing track, “Heaviest 404-522-3950. comes across more like a hybrid of get the best bands, they’re everywhere was a true producer role.” Heart,” moves into a subterranean www.badearl.com. Soundgarden and the Beach Boys’ you want to be, and they know what In September, Big Jesus released Oneiric, a groove before blasting off into the Brian Wilson. The band bristles a bit they’re doing. they’re also musicians collection of 10 catchy, fuzz-laden rock songs album’s defining crescendo. but lets the comparisons slide. and very talented ones at that. C that straddle the lines between hard rock in- Ussery and Ridings started Big Jesus in “Our brains are wired to find associations,” — ChAd RAdfoRd tensity and shoegaze yearning. Throughout the 2009 with a throwback grunge sound, com- Ussery says. “Familiarity draws us in or push us album, Sweat’s drums thunder and snap like plete with yarling, Eddie Vedder-style vocals. away or whatever. I do it, too.” Rumours play Variety Playhouse on Fri., heavy artillery while Ridings and Gonzalez de- After realizing they weren’t “consistently Chalk it up to another big development in Dec. 23. With the Dirty Doors. $16. 8 p.m. ploy an impressive array of riffs and skyscraping good,” Ussery says, they found a new path the evolution of Big Jesus. C 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E. 404-524-7354. www. guitar leads. while goofing around with some old favorites. [email protected] variety-playhouse.com.

22 ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016 ❘ clatl.com 23

Music B.o.BSee & DoFriday, 12/23 Holiday: Chinese Xmas Eve Eve dinner Todd Ginsberg and his crew host an uncon- ventional holiday dinner for the Israeli deli before they close for Christmas Eve and Day. Bring the family along for a four-course Chinese dinner. Diners will start off with shiitake mushroom and wonton chicken soup with kreplach and potato scallion pancakes with ginger applesauce. For the mains, guests will dig into beef and broccoli, General Tso’s chicken, and Carolina rice. The team will keep it light for dessert, offering a salad of sliced oranges and almond cookies. Tickets include hot tea, but go ahead and splurge on a fes- tive beverage. $35. 5:30-9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 23. The General Muir, 1540 Avenue Place. www.thegeneral- muir.com. — AdjoA dAnso Jimmy FontaineJimmy

Monday, 12/26 Electronic SaTurday, 12/24, Hip-Hop music: TWinS Rapper, singer, and multi-instrumentalist B.o.B returns to Smith’s Olde Bar for his annual Christmas Eve concert. For those in The effects of the Oakland warehouse fire tragedy continue to resonate across the coun- the know, B.o.B has got the gifts. He has rocked the Morningside music institution since 2009, laying the groundwork there try. This MOMradio holiday party, showcas- for his 2010 Atlantic Records/Grand Hustle debut, The Adventures of Bobby Ray. Since then, he’s released multiple albums ing the depth of Atlanta’s dance music scene, and mixtapes on his No Genre imprint — a sort of nondescript descriptor to label his ambitious, entrancing soundscapes doubles as a fundraiser for Oakland fire relief efforts. TWINS, the solo one-man act led by from guitar rock to ambient meditations ranging from astute observations of human relationships to wild conspiracy theories Matt Weiner of DKA Records, creates slow and about the shape of the earth. $25-$35, $150 (VIP table), $100 for meet and greet. 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 24. Smith’s Olde Bar, 1578 hypnotic rhythms with sparse instrumentation Piedmont Ave. N.E. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com. — shAnnon BArBour and hazy electronic effects to create a dreamlike See See & Do p.24

clatl.com ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016, 2016 ❘ 23 See + Do Vodka and Latkes 2016 11th Annual New Year’s 12.29 Big Sky Buckhead 12.30 Weekend Celebration The Fox Theatre Tim Song Tim

Barreracudas

tHursdaY, 12/22, GaraGE rocK Barreracudas have been the best at ripping guitar lines, of hometown love. The song “The Lurker” gives just a brief smashing nonstop garage-shaking drum beats, and letting taste of the glam rock catchiness and pure rock ’n’ roll fun they loose with frenzied vocals for a long time, never losing steam bring to the stage. After a decade of classic ATL debauchery, show after wild show. The ’Cuda boys only have two ATL it’s great to see group go out on a high note. With Dinos Boys gigs left before they hang up their leather jackets for good. A and Gunpowder Gray. $10. 9 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 22. The Earl, 488 blowout this close to the holidays guarantees an extra dose Flat Shoals Ave. S.E. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — BM

See & Do from p.23 Kelly Hogan, on break from performing and state in songs such as “The Empty Deep.” Other recording with Neko Case, Mavis Staples, and NYE Gala numbers such as “Dead and Forgotten” juxtapose the Flat Five, performs with longtime collabora- Sol Fusion is a cultural institution in this town. pulsating beats with brooding tones and a gothic tor, singer-guitarist Andy Hopkins. The latter, And once again, on Dec. 31, it’s going down. voice to create dance floor classics. With Stefan conjoined at the fretboard with Matt Miller, The annual NYE party, curated by J. Carter and Ringer, C Powers, Divine Interface, CH-Rom, D2T. constitutes one-half of the folk-thrash guitar duo many of the same players who bring Atlanta the Donations. 9 p.m. Mon., Dec. 26. 529, 529 Flat FLAP. Rounding out the bill is W8ing4UFOs, annual ONE MusicFest, goes down at Loews Shoals Ave. S.E. 404-228-6769. www.529atlanta. the direct descendant of Smoke, Hubcap City, Atlanta Hotel in Midtown. If you’ve never been, com. — Billy Mitchell Smoke That City, and legendary progenitor of the prepare for an all-out assault on your senses — in whole shebang, the Jody Grind. With W8ing4U- the best way possible. We’re talking a three-in- WEdNEsdaY, 12/28 FOs, FLAP, and a screening of the Cabbagetown one party with DJ Skillz rocking the featured classic film Same Old Bunk. $10. 9 p.m. Wed., ballroom, while Jah Prince delivers classic hip- Dec. 28. 529, 529 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-228-6769. hop, soul, and R&B in the Love Lounge and DJ Indie rock: www.529atlanta.com. — Doug Deloach LV works the top-shelf VIP party suite. Now this is the one time of year where the party goes Kelly Hogan saturdaY, 12/31 upscale — that’s black-tie or semi-formal, so ain’t A family reunion of sorts brings together no half-steppin’. And all tix must be purchased three legacy-bearers of Atlanta’s vaunted under- in advance. Plus, there’s a special Sol Fusion rate ground music scene of the late 1980s and early Party: sol Fusion ($229) on rooms at Loews for those who want to ’90s. The Grand Chanteuse of Cabbagetown, See See & Do p.27 B I Z A R R E - New Year’s New Year’s Day Art Amok Slam! full calendar of 12.31 Eve Wonderland 1.1 Bluegrass Brunch 1.3 Red Light Cafe events online at M. Rich Building Smoke Ring clatl.com/events

Food

“Call it brotherly love. Rayvon and George Christian Pettis share the stage as ‘The Pegasus Brothers.’ Nashville-based Rayvon revels in dystopian Rebekkah holyl alt-country ovePRoductions tunes, while George wields Joi a distraught but Monday, 12/26, neo-soul, rock, funk Joi Gilliam may be a resident of Los Angeles these days, but trust and believe fun-loving blend the funk/rock/soul singer is Atlanta musical royalty through and through. Just check out her résumé, which includes a lauded catalog of classics produced by fellow hometown legend Dallas Austin, guest vocal appearances on songs by of lo-fi folk-pop.” hit-making artists such as TLC, and membership in the Dungeon Family. She’s worthy of eternal adoration. That said, whenever Joi returns to the A to take the — Chad radford, CL Music stage, consider her live show a must-see experience. $25-$40. 8 p.m. Mon., Dec. Editor. $7. 8:30 p.m. tues., Dec. 26. City Winery at Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave. N.E. 404-946-3791. www. 27. the Earl. citywinery.com. — Carlton Hargro s ee + Do 5 things Thursday, 5 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. to Do Annual Holiday Tea at Post Modern Collapse Swan Coach House at Relapse Theatre

Thu. December 22, 2016 | 9:00pm Triple Ds presents: BARRERACUDAS Dinos Boys | Gunpowder Gray ------Fri. December 23, 2016 | 9:00pm Triple Ds and Masquerade present: BIG JESUS Sleep Therapy | Vincas ------Sun. December 25, 2016 | 9:00pm Triple Ds presents: BROTHER HAWK A Drug Called Tradition | Sash The Bash ------Mooney GreG Tue. December 27, 2016 | 8:30pm Triple Ds presents: SHOOK FOIL GEORGE CHRISTIAN PETTIS Moses Nesh | Rayvon Pettis ------Wed. December 28, 2016 | 8:30pm Triple Ds presents: FAITHLESS TOWN A Christmas Sailing to Denver | Matt Megrue ------Thu. December 29, 2016 | 9:00pm Carol Triple Ds presents: OMNI OngOing, TheaTer ARBOR LABOR UNION SWOTS There have been many ------12.30 Metal McDonald | 12.31 Royal Thunder interpretations of Charles Dickens’ 01.06 Old Sea Brigade | 01.07 Ohmpark Festival Christmas classic A Christmas Carol. Film adaptations began as early as 1901, and the role of Christmas- hating Ebenezer Scrooge has been played by greats like Patrick Stewart,

Joe Pettis Joe George C. Scott, Michael Caine, Bill Murray, and ... Jim Carrey. The Muppets, Mister Magoo, and even the Flinstones have all had takes on the heartwarming — and at times A Very Very X-Mas Eve Eve truly sinister — tale. But no one does it in ATL quite like Alliance Theatre. Comedy Special Special For its 27th stage production of A Christmas Carol, acclaimed Atlanta Friday, 12/23, COmedy actor David de Vries (pictured above) We’re still recovering from Thanksgiving with the fam, and now they want returns as Scrooge, a bitter old man us for Christmas, too? 1UP Comedy is here to support everyone who wants hellbent on ruining his employee Bob to get away for just one night with a Christmas Eve Eve special, promising Cratchit’s holiday spirit. But will three double the laughs and double the fun. SweetWater Beer and Comedy’s Joe apparitions of the past, present, and Pettis hosts, and DJ Durrty Martinez will keep the party mood going till future get ol’ Bah Humbug to change it’s time to go home. Bring a friend or even that second cousin you don’t his tune? Perhaps his heart will mind hanging out with. How many different ways can relatives ask when grow three sizes this year. Oh, wait. you’re adding to the family tree, anyway? $5 suggested donation. 8 p.m. $10-$77. Thurs., Dec. 22, 2 and 7:30 Fri., Dec. 23. Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge, 644 N. Highland Ave. N.E. p.m.; Fri., Dec. 23, 2:30 and 8 p.m.; Sat., www.1upcomedy.com. — AD Dec. 24, 2:30 p.m. Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. 404-733-4650. www.alliancetheatre.org. — AliciA

more on the Web: Hundreds more things to do at clatl.com/events cArter 27

Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 p.m. Sunday, 9 p.m. Monday, 7 p.m. Post Modern Collapse Naughty & Nice Ball EARL XMAS at The Nutcracker at Relapse Theatre at Atlanta Eagle The Earl at Fox Theatre SALAH ANANSE SALAH

Afrotopia NYE: Africa to the Future

Saturday, 12/31, Party Let’s face it. New Year’s Eve tends to be the most predictable party of the year. Not to mention ostentatious. Bottle-poppin’ and bullshit. Afrotopia is none of the above. Forget the VIP sections and velvet ropes, this is how real culture gets down. Once again two of the cities top selectahs, DJ Kemit and Salah Ananse, are curating an eclectic, soulful experience. We’re talking a menu of house, soul, hip- hop, reggae, Afrobeat, AfroPop, AfroLatin, and more. Add handcrafted cocktails, fresh tapas, and a diasporic flavor full of the arts, crafts, and aesthetic of the mother continent. Some party proceeds will support the Detroit-based nonprofit AFROTOPIA, which uses Afrofuturism for transformative youth education. $25- $75. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Sat., Dec. 31. Studio No. 7, 393 Marietta St. N.W. — RC

See & Do from p.24 dive DJ and dance monthlies. But this right here cap it off right. $90/couples. $50/singles. $155/VIP. is lining up like WERC’s greatest hits. They’re 8 p.m.-until. Sat., Dec. 31 Loews Atlanta Hotel, calling it WERC-Out Fest, so you already know. 1065 Peachtree St. N.E. www.solfusionnye2017. And the lineup is ridic: featuring starRo, Xavier eventbrite.com. — Rodney CaRmiChael Omär, Xavier BLK, Jeremy Avalon, dj hourglass, Thrice Groove, MIKKOH, DJ HELIX, Wally Sparks, Florista, and Divine Interface, it’s like Party: WErC three events in one. This is where the nexus of everything cool and next in Atlanta meets. The Out Fest party will be hosted by D’ana of COVL + Iam- This is going to be oh so serious. Let’s start JamesLewis. $35-$55. 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Sat., Dec, with what we know: WERC Crew has been kill- 31. The Music Room, 327 Edgewood Ave. S.E. ing it consistently with its off-the-radar deep- www.wercoutfest.com. — RC

clatl.com ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016, 2016 ❘ 27 28

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WATCH

CL’s annual list of locals to watch considers the city’s biggest challenges and opportunities and looks to the people who will most likely impact them in the year ahead.

32 ❘ December 22 - 28, 2016 ❘ clatl.com