THE INTERLOCK TO HOST A BIRTHDAY BLOCK PARTY FOR THE COMMUNITY ON JUNE 22

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/13/24

The West Midtown neighborhood is invited to celebrate The Interlock’s third birthday with vendors, specials and more

Saturday, June 22, 11 am – 3 pm

The Interlock is turning three and what better way to celebrate than with a community block party! From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, the West Midtown neighborhood is invited to enjoy a live DJ, food and drink specials from everyone’s favorite spots, a variety of vendors, refreshing treats, giveaways and more.

Guests at The Interlock’s Birthday Block Party can expect live entertainment from DJ Steve, painting classes from Miss Pink on The Highline and so much more. Memorable photo opportunities will be found across The Interlock, including an extravagant balloon arch. Beeline Boulevard will be closed to vehicular traffic and lined with exciting vendors such as the Atlanta Ice Cream Truck, Kona Ice and The Pretty Additions Henna. Various food and drink specials and promotions will be available from Holiday Bar, Knuckies, Pour, Velvet Taco, Puttshack, Saint Germain, Guac y Margys, Humble Pie, Drawbar and Taste.

Guests can help wish The Interlock “Happy Birthday” by picking up a birthday card on The Highline for participating tenants to sign. Those who get at least three signatures on their card will be entered to win exciting giveaways. For updates and future announcements, follow @theinterlockatl on Instagram or visit online at TheInterlockAtl.com.

TICKETS FOR DISNEY’S THE LION KING AT THE FOX THEATRE ATLANTA ON SALE FRIDAY, JUNE 21

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/12/24

Performances Begin on Wednesday, Oct. 2 and Play for 3 Weeks through Sunday, Oct. 20 at the Fox Theatre

Disney Theatrical Group and Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta announced today that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King will go on sale to the public on Friday, June 21 at 10 a.m. ​ Atlanta’s most eagerly awaited return will once again leap onto the Fox Theatre stage on Wednesday, Oct. 2 for a limited engagement of 3 weeks through Sunday, Oct. 20. ​ The opening night is Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

In Atlanta, The Lion King will play multiple performances. For exact days and times, visit broadwayinatlanta.com. Extra Magic Packages, which include an excellent seat in the theater and show merchandise, are also available. Beginning Friday, June 21, tickets will be available at the Fox Theatre Box Office at 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, by phone at (855) 285-8499 and online at foxtheatre.org/the-lion-king. Orders for groups of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling the Fox Theatre at (855)-285-8499.

Ticket buyers are reminded that the Fox Theatre is the only official retail ticket outlet for all performances at the Fox Theatre. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that the Fox Theatre is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

The Lion King has been touring North America for more than 22 years, and during that time has welcomed over 23 million theatergoers, making it North America’s longest-running and most-attended Broadway tour. Having already played more than 10,000 performances in over 90 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to Atlanta at the Fox Theatre.

ABOUT THE LION KING

Celebrating 26 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 28 global productions have been seen by over 112 million people.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart, and Thomas Schumacher, The Lion King has made theatrical history with three productions worldwide running 20 or more years and two others running 25 or more years. 

Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), there are currently eight productions of The Lion King around the world: Broadway, London, Paris, Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, Sao Paulo and on tour across North America. The Lion King has played over 100 cities in 28 countries on every continent except Antarctica; its worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.     

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®:  Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. 

Director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor, the first woman to win a Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical, remains actively involved in the show, launching new productions and maintaining the flagship Broadway production. 

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs from the Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer.  The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to Lebo M’s rich choral numbers.

Elton John, Lebo M, and Hans Zimmer all collaborated on the 2019 version of the film, executive produced by Julie Taymor and Thomas Schumacher, which has gone onto extraordinary worldwide success.

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated The Lion King feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.  Other members of the creative team include:  Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), Anthony Lyn (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor), Lisa Dawn Cave (production supervisor), Thomas Schlenk (general manager) and ARC/Mark Brandon, CSA (casting). Anne Quart serves as executive producer.

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com, www.facebook.com/thelionkingusa and www.instagram.com/thelionking. ​

The Atlanta engagement of Disney’s THE LION KINGis presented by arrangement with Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta and is a subscription offering of the 2024/2025 Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta season.

PUTTSHACK TURNS UP ITS TECH-INFUSED MINI GOLF SUMMER EXPERIENCE WITH ‘SUMMER VIBES TO THE MAX’ 

Posted by John and Liz Attaway, 6/11/24

Enjoy Maxed Out Mondays, Wayback Wednesdayz, RTD Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop, and More

Puttshack, the world’s first and only tech-infused mini golf experience, is cranking up summer vibes to the MAX with exclusive limited-time-only deals, all the ‘90s hip-hop feels – and a special summer drink menu bringing real West Coast cool direct to Puttshack.   

Beginning June, Puttshack Atlanta will feature Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop – the debut ready-to-drink signature cocktail from Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s new premium spirits company – marking the first feature collaboration with a national beverage brand for Puttshack. 

“As a tech-forward company that’s obsessed with creating the best guest experience, we are always innovating our game and finding new programs, new partners, and new ways to welcome everyone in,” says Susan Walmesley, Puttshack COO & CMO. “Puttshack is about bringing everyone in to play, and connecting with Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop – which has just hit the market – is a perfect way to kick off the season for summer fun in our venues.”

Guests can enjoy Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop cans on the course, BOGO mini golf on Mondays, throwback videos on Wednesdays, a “Maxed Out” national sweepstakes, and a limited summer-ready cocktail. Both brands are excited to celebrate summer with such a no-brainer combo of a great game and great beverage to share with friends – leveraging their shared value of “changing the game”: via mini golf and competitive socializing for Puttshack – and of course through the indelible mark that icons Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg have left on music and pop culture. 

“Puttshack and Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop make for a perfect partnership – nothing pairs better with high-tech mini-golf than a sip of a smooth, laid-back all-natural cocktail, courtesy of two groundbreaking icons,” says Rocco Milano, EVP Sales of Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop. 

Any great party needs more than great drinks. Puttshack is amping up the offers to get guests out of the heat and into its indoor tech-forward mini golf experience with a little something for everyone.

MAXED OUT MONDAYS  

This summer, Puttshack is keeping the weekend vibes going with Maxed Out Mondays. They’ll be kicking off each week with a limited-time-only cocktail, The Lowrider, and Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop canned beverages on the course to fuel the game. They are also offering a buy one, get one free mini golf game with code: MAXEDOUT to all Puttshack Perks members for use every Monday throughout the summer. They’re also rewarding high scores! Any guest who scores 550 or higher on Mondays will be emailed a $50 digital gift card for use toward any Puttshack purchase on a future visit.

WAYBACK WEDNESDAYZ  

Puttshack is dialing up the nostalgia with Wayback Wednesdayz and taking it back to the 90s. Prepare to relive the golden age of hip-hop, as they pump up the jams with music videos featuring icons like Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre. The go-to eatertainment destination is also offering $10 off $50 or more to guests who dine in with the promo code: WAYBACK.

NATIONAL SWEEPSTAKES

Puttshack is hosting the flyest sweepstakes of the summer…literally! From June 1st to July 31st, they’re giving mini golf enthusiasts the chance to score big with Puttshack Perks. Simply sign up on the website, and they’ll pick one winner at random to win a Maxed Out summer experience in Las Vegas! 

Further details and information on signing up for Puttshack Perks to take advantage of our Summer Vibes to the Max offers are available at www.puttshack.com/summervibes.

“CTHULHU: THE MUSICAL” IS COMING TO ATLANTA IN JULY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/11/24

Smith’s Olde Bar on July 9th

Tickets here.

After sold-out performances all over the west coast, Puppeteers for Fears, Oregon’s only dedicated puppet musical horror troupe, will bring its original show, Cthulhu: the Musical!, to Atlanta for a performance July 9 at Smith’s Olde Bar as part of the company’s 2024 summer tour.

Far from the lo-fi puppet show stereotype, the production features a full cast of five actors with elaborate custom-made puppets, a full-rock band, and projected multimedia backgrounds for an immersive and engaging theatrical experience.

The play is adapted from the 1929 short story, The Call of Cthulhu,” by horror icon, H.P. Lovecraft, and tells the story of his most famous creation: Cthulhu, a giant, malevolent, octopus-faced elder god who hibernates beneath the ocean, communicating to humans through their dreams, slowly driving them mad. Though Lovecraft is not as much of a household name as writers like Stephen King or Edgar Allen Poe, he is widely considered to be the creator of the genre of gothic horror, and the creatures and themes he created are highly influential on modern literature of all genres. The story PFF chose to adapt is dark, disturbing, and totally unfit for musical comedy—all qualities that make it a perfect fit for their irreverent style. 

“We are always looking to turn classic themes on their head instead of rehashing tired storylines,” says PFF Artistic Director Josh Gross. “So when thinking about what our next piece might be, I sometimes add the words, ‘the musical,’ to different phrases in conversation to see how people react, if it has that magic combination of familiar hook, and new twist. When I said, ‘Cthulhu: the Musical,’ for the first time, a bunch of heads immediately turned in my direction, and strangers started asking where they could see it. So I knew we had to do that as a show, even though the challenge of turning something so dark into musical comedy was pretty daunting. It was definitely worth it though. There was a lot of comedy to be found and this show is so much fun to perform.” 

Cthulhu: the Musical! will be directed by Katy Curtis, and with a script and original songs from playwright Josh Gross.  Performances will feature live puppetry, a full rock band, and multimedia backgrounds courtesy of visual artist and Production Designer, Aubry Hollingshead. It stars Hunter Prutch, Alyssa Marie Mathews, Alex Giorgi, Owen Webb, and Forest Gilpin. 

ART FROM THE OTHER SIDE: CELEBRATING THE ART OF AARON SIMMONS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/11/24

Distillery of Modern Art

July 14 1-5pm

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of art, community, and remembrance on July 14 from 1PM-5PM at the Distillery of Modern Art. This special event, hosted by SPS Productions, will feature over 20 amazing artists showcasing their work, as well as two live painting performers creating art before your eyes. In addition to the incredible display of talent, we will be hosting a gallery show for the late artist Aaron Simmons. Aaron had a dream of sharing his art with the world, and now, from beyond, his work will finally have its moment in the spotlight. Any pieces of Aaron’s work sold during the event will go directly to his wife Stephanie and their daughter Skylar, so come show your support for this talented artist and his family. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Aaron’s life and legacy through his beautiful artwork.

Information here.

SHOP AND STROLL AT THE UNCOMMON BIZARRE IN PIEDMONT PARK THIS WEEKEND

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/10/24

Two-Day Art Festival Featuring a Diverse Array of Over 100 Local and Regional Artists 

Free to Attend on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16th, 2024

Introducing the Uncommon Bizarre, a new two-day event brought to you by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces. This summer, shoppers and event enthusiasts are invited to Piedmont Park on Saturday, June 15th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 16th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., to explore a diverse range of vendors including makers, crafters, jewelers, photographers, and skilled artists in various mediums. Eventgoers of all ages are also invited to explore culinary delights and summer sips from food trucks while they shop, stroll, and mix and mingle with the juried artists. The Uncommon Bizarre at Piedmont Park (1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309) is free to attend, open to all ages and leashed dogs are welcome. For more information, please visit  www.affps.com. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/affps. 

Photo: Ben Dashwood

HOTEL FORTY FIVE MACON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/7/24

Hotel Forty Five is on the corner of history and music. This hip historic boutique hotel by Tribute Portfolio is in the “Macon Skyscraper,” a 1941 Banker’s Health & Life Insurance Company. John and I recently visited on a weekend getaway to Macon that’s only about an hour and some change from Atlanta! The hotel is steps from restaurants and bars, the Macon Auditorium, the Tubman Museum, and natural attractions for hiking or riding! It is in the center of it all! 
 
What is in a name? The Hotel Forty Five’s name is rich in Macon history! It gets its name from the 45 degree angle of the street formed by Cherry, First, and Cotton Street and was designed to transport cotton barges to and from the Ocmulgee River. Also, Macon is known for its rich musical past and the numerous 45 records produced there, so the name is a nod to this history. As we said, corner of history and music! Did you know Macon is the home of The Allman Brothers Band? If you walk around the corner from the hotel, you’ll find Grant’s Lounge, a staple jam bar where bands would jam night after night to get a record deal. And you can see it today and hear live music!! 
 
Inside the hotel, the lobby winds up through the elevators with retro flooring and bank vibes, while the old directory is still visible from the elevator lobby! Downstairs is the beautiful restaurant Loom with a full bar and dining room, and they also have Reckon coffee bar with pastries and drinks for early risers. Upstairs on the 6th floor is Hightales Rooftop bars with sweeping historical and downtown views, live music, and full beautiful bar! A full review of the amenities is below! 
 
Inside the room, touches of industrial lighting fixtures, a Macon street drawing morphed into a mural with a woman’s face, hints of leather, marble, and retro like the cutest 50s mini fridge and pink funky dresser desk, it is an eclectic mix of angles, textures, and vibes. They even have a schematic of the original building in the restroom. Beyond that, the large king bed was comfy, the beautifully light and bright bathroom stuns, and the historical views can’t be beaten! 


 

As for the restaurant, Loom weaves a tapestry of southern dishes with elevated flavor and fresh ingredients into what the chef calls “Southern Revival!”  Located in the Hotel Forty Five downstairs, Loom is bright, light, and fresh to match the freshness of their food, and has a large loom mural on the wall that draws the eye. As for our favorite dish, that is the King Salmon. The dish is a must in Macon! A well-seasoned, cooked perfectly salmon filet with an amazing tangy and sweet bourbon glaze that will make you want to lock the plate. It sits on top of creamy jasmine rice that mixes with the bourbon glaze harmoniously! Then paired with crunchy seasoned carrots!  

For our appetizers we got Crispy Cauliflower, Bread Service, Burrata, and Fried Green Tomatoes. First, the Crispy Cauliflower is tender, yet crispy, earthy red pepper emulsion and earthy tart capers all drizzled in arugula oil. The next appetizer is Burrata. It is cool and creamy cheese paired with sweet apple gastric and nutty crushed pistachio. A flavor explosion of sweet, nutty, creamy! On the side we got the bread service, which is amazing corn bread. It is warm and buttery, sweet and savory. Finally, the fried green tomatoes are super crunchy outside and tangy, tender tomatoes, creamy and sharp pimento cheese then finished off with tangy tomato chutney to round out all the flavors.  

We also got another entree with the King Salmon, the Smoked Pork Chop. It is tender, charred and well-seasoned topped with a sweet red relish on a bed of funky blue cheese grits and spicy collards. We got all of this with a bottle of champagne for national wine day.  

After our dinner we went upstairs to the Hotel Forty Five, Hightales Rooftop Bar. They have hand crafted cocktails like the Got the Feelin’ James Brown, a super spicy yet fruity tequila concoction with spicy agave and raspberry! But the best part? THE best views of the historical and downtown portions of the city!  

ALIEN ANT FARM X DRIVEWAYS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/7/24

What’s your MANTRA? John and I headed to Center Stage Atlanta, The Loft, to see Alient Ant Farm and Driveways show on 5/18/24! We are very familiar with Alien Ant Farm out of Riverside, CA, a rock band that started in 1996 and hit it big with their cover “Smooth Criminal” and other greats like “Movies” in 2001 on album, ANThology*! We still watch these videos on YouTube today!  

Their sound is considered nu metal, a blend of alternative, post-grunge, pop punk, and metal all rolled into one sound that pays homage to several genres. Did you know some of their influences are Faith No More and Primus? The band is very interactive and interacts with the crowd most of the concert. Like, Dryden Mitchell, coming to the gate and talking or having us sing along to even stopping the music to address a guy giving him the bird. It was fun to watch!  

But, this tour is to introduce and promote their new Album Mantras. Their new single that is out is called “So Cold” and still has the same feel as their other rock songs.  

Driveways is a newer band that we were not familiar with before the show. They are out of Massachusetts starting in 2015 and are considered a pop punk, post-hardcore band with a mix of genres. Most notable is the Blink-182 influence that comes through with many of their songs*. A fun fact we found on Everybody wiki is that in April 2020, their album Night Terrors was named on Alternative Press’ list of 20 Underrated Pop Punk Albums from the 2010s. They had a large following of fans at the concert! 

*information from wiki and everybody wiki pages. 

SUMMERTIME FUN AT PIEDMONT PARK ARTS FESTIVAL 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/5/24

Featuring an Expansive Artist Market, Music, Children’s Area, Food Trucks and More 

Free to Attend on Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18, 2024

Recognized as one of the best outdoor festivals in Atlanta, Ga., the Piedmont Park Arts Festival returns to the heart of Midtown on Saturday, August 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and held in picturesque Piedmont Park, the festival will feature approximately 250 artists including painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalworkers, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters. Festival enthusiasts are also invited to enjoy all-day DJ sets from Captains of Revelry, a children’s play area, and a variety of festival food and drinks for all tastes. Free to attend, the event is open to all ages and leashed dogs are welcome. For more information on the Piedmont Park Arts Festival (1215 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309), visit piedmontparkartsfestival.com or www.affps.com. 

Photo: Ben Dashwood

THE AMERICANO ONGOING EVENTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/5/24

Every Wednesday, 4-6pm – Oysters & Champagne at The Americano 

The Americano welcomes guests every Wednesday night for a mid-week “Oysters & Champagne” from 5-7pm. Guests can wind down with fresh oysters shucked live ($2.50 per piece) paired with a refreshing glass of Veuve Clicquot ($20). 

Every Sunday, 11:30am-2:30pm – Brunch at The Americano with Live Jazz Music 

Chef Scott Conant’s The Americano hosts Sunday brunch featuring live music, with house-made favorites including Steak & Eggs, Wagyu Beef Cheek Hash, Pasta al Pomodoro, a tableside Bloody Mary Cart and much more. Brunch reservations are encouraged and can be made by visiting OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at 404.946.9070. For photos, please click HERE (photo credit: Ken Goodman).

Every Mon.-Thurs, 4-6pm – Happy Hour at The Americano

The Americano invites guests to unwind after work with friends and colleagues over artisan crafted cocktails and sommelier curated Italian wines alongside Italian-inspired antipasto every Monday-Thursday. Highlights from the happy hour menu includes:

  • SHE’S SICILY with Prosecco, Brandy, Aperol & Mint Soda 
  • VENICE CHARM with New Amsterdam Vodka, Elderflower, Amaretto, Lychee & Citrus
  • SALT & PEPPER FRITTO MISTO with Shrimp, Calamari, Cherry Peppers & Green Onion
  • MEATBALL SLIDERS with Pomodoro, Basil & Stracciatella 

Every Friday & Saturday, 5-11pm – Tableside Pasta

On Fridays and Saturdays during dinner service only, guests can order the Fettuccine Al Burro for two, which is finished tableside in a Parmigiano Reggiano wheel.

Every Day, 11am-9pm – The Americano Pool Menu 

Hotel guests at the InterContinental Buckhead can call (404) 946-9070 to order from The Americano while enjoying the pool. Locals who would like to visit the pool can purchase a day pass HERE. The menu includes: 

  • Ahi Tuna Ceviche with Watermelon, Lime, Aleppo Chili, Avocado & Pickled Onion
  • Roasted Turkey Club with Bacon, Avocado, Lettuce, Tomato & Calabrian Chili Aïoli
  • Grilled Pineapple Margarita with Cimarron Blanco, Dos Hombres Mezcal, Pineapple, Lime & Agave\

Every Friday-Sunday, 11am-7pm – Poolside Bar Service

Hotel guests at the InterContinental Buckhead can enjoy poolside bar service from The Americano every weekend. Locals who would like to visit the pool can purchase a day pass HERE.

Monthly (June 20, July 25, August 22, September 5), 5-6pm – Yappy Hour

In collaboration with Livable Buckhead, The Americano will host Yappy Hour for dogs and their owners. InterContinental Buckhead and The Americano will offer complimentary dog treats, water bowls and light bites for humans. Cocktails and additional food will be available for purchase. Entry is free, but RSVP is recommended here.