Sunday, June 29, 2014

Paving on S. Candler begins June 30

From: http://thedecaturminute.com/
The Georgia Department of Transportation has contracted with E. R. Snell Contractor, Inc.  to mill and pave the South Candler Street section of Route 155 from College Ave. to Memorial Dr. beginning Monday, June 30. Work will take place between the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on weekdays only.

There will be no work during the Independence Day Holiday weekend. Work will resume Monday, July 7.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

The Clermont Hotel's Rebirth Is Under Way!



     Atlanta GA.     Photo credit: Next Stop...Decatur
  From: atlanta.curbed.com
Hey Blondie, put your hard hat on! Interior demolition work started on the Clermont Hotel, the famously shady Ponce de Leon Avenue inn that sits atop the Clermont Lounge, officials told Curbed Atlanta. Exact plans are still largely a mystery, but this week's progress marks the first step in converting the 90-year-old eyesore into a four-star boutique hotel. Developer Ethan Orley has also now provided just the slightest hint of a timeline for the project. The leader of Clermont Hotel Partners LLC — a team of New York- and Nashville-based investors — said construction will begin in earnest sometime this fall.

Orley's team purchased the 88,000 square-foot Clermont Hotel, which was closed due to health violations and foreclosed upon in 2009, for $2.5 million in late 2012. That said, and as Creative Loafing has previously pointed out, anywhere from $10 to $30 million in improvements may be needed. The plans of Atlanta-based G+G Architects will include a rooftop bar and "a restaurant with a notable chef to attract a local crowd," the paper reported. A two-story parking deck will be added and a nearby house on Bonaventure Avenue will be converted into more rooms. The Clermont Lounge — the longtime basement home of Blondie and her beer-crushing bosom — is expected to remain untouched. Smartphone photos, as always, will prompt expulsion.

— By Curbed Atlanta contributor Tyler Estep

315 West Ponce project scheduled for late 2014 Completion

From http://atlanta.curbed.com/archives/2013/09/05/in-decatur-mixeduse-project-finally-ready-to-go.php
The project is scheduled for a late 2014 completion. Per Carter, it will included two five-story residential buildings and will offer one, two and those three-bedroom apartments coveted by intown families. 315 West Ponce is designed to expand upon an existing office building, with which it will share a 400-plus-space parking deck that was the crux of neighbors' contentions. "(The project) is designed to be consistent with the vision of the Decatur Strategic Plan," a Carter website post reads. "It will bring vibrancy to the downtown area, in addition to significant contributions to the tax base of the city."

Friday, June 27, 2014

Decatur's Pied Piper Parade July 4th at 6 p.m.

     Decatur GA   Decatur's July 4th Pied Piper Parade. File photo
From: http://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com/index.aspx?page=388
Join Decatur's July 4th Pied Piper Parade as it winds through downtown Decatur. Decorate your wagon, ride your bike, skate, or walk in this event.

The City Commissioners will lead the parade in the mini-firetruck. Neighborhoods and organizations are encouraged to make floats and join the fun.

Parade line-up is at the First Baptist Church of Decatur at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6 p.m. It ends at the Community Bandstand on the square with a presentation of colors and the Star Spangled Banner.

Anyone may participate in the parade but those with vehicles must register by completing the July 4th Pied Piper Parade Guidelines form.

The concert, featuring the Callanwolde Concert Band, begins at 7 p.m. in the Community Bandstand. Fireworks begin at dark (approximately 9 p.m.) and are shot from the top of the DeKalb County parking deck.

For information call 404-371-8386 or email Katie.Abel@decaturga.com. For 24-hour information call the Decatur Events Hotline, 404-371-8262.


Call for Artists for Oakhurst Arts & Music Festival


From: decaturartsalliance.org
The Decatur Arts Alliance invites you to apply for booth space in the juried outdoor artists market area of the Oakhurst Arts & Music Festival.

The Artists Market, open 10 am-7 pm, features the juried work of 50 artists in all types of media.

Download an application form here.http://oakhurstartsandmusicfestival.com/market/
The festival is held in the historic Oakhurst neighborhood in the City of Decatur, Georgia, just five miles from downtown Atlanta. The artists market is open from 10 am until 7 pm on Saturday, October 11, 2014. The festival features continuous entertainment on the music stage adjacent to the artists market, a children’s arts festival and a community nonprofit area.

Photo credit : Next Stop...Decatur

Thursday, June 26, 2014

The Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival June 28-29

From: http://www.oldfourthwardparkartsfestival.com/
We are excited to bring another vibrant component to the newly completed Historic Fourth Ward Park: ART!

The Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival at the Historic Fourth Ward Park is a two-day celebration of community and tradition presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, for people of all ages, races, customs and interests. The Festival is a major celebration of the arts while honoring the rich history of our community.

At this festival, there is something for everyone: fine arts and crafts, a children's play area, local food and beverage concessions, live acoustic entertainment in the amphitheater, plus a new "Emerging Artists" pavilion for new artists and artisans.  All this within the environment of Atlanta's most lovely park, part of the celebration on the Beltline redevelopment.  Formerly, this area flanked "City Hall East," which is now under redevelopment as Ponce City Market by Jamestown Properties.  This area is targeted as one of the prime examples of urban redevelopment and innovation, benefiting the surrounding communities.

Want to learn more about the Historic Fourth Ward Park?  Click HERE.

Here is a short video on The Old Forth Ward area.





http://acrossthestreetatlanta.com/


Wednesday, June 25, 2014

New Season of Theatre for the Very Young

Sent in by alliance theatre
The Alliance Theatre is pleased to announce its 2014/15 season of Theatre for the Very Young. The new season includes one encore production and two new productions developed for children ages 18 months to 5 years old. Theatre for the Very Young is an artistic experience for children that overcomes age and developmental barriers, expanding the consciousness of the very young audience members. Each production nurtures creative thinking, allowing the very young to experience art and culture on their terms.
New Season of Theatre for the Very Young
http://www.alliancetheatre.org/
Here is a video about theatre for the very young.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Towne Cinema to become Music Venue

    Avondale Estates, GA.   Photo credit: Next Stop...Decatur
   
It looks like it's official, the Avondale Estates city commissioners approved a permit to transform the old Towne Cinema into a music venue. You can read more detail info about this at decaturish.com

Atlanta’s Music Midtown Festival 2014 Lineup

--
From: http://blog.clickscape.com
Music Midtown 2014 Lineup Announced
Posted on June 24, 2014 by Sarah Eick

Atlanta’s Music Midtown Festival has announced its’ star-studded lineup for this year. The featured headliners for the 21st annual event are Eminem, Zac Brown Band, John Mayer, and Jack White. There are plenty of supporting acts lined up and more will be announced before the concert.






 Below is the list of acts performing at Music Midtown 2014:

Eminem
Zac Brown Band
John Mayer
Jack White
Lorde
Iggy Azalea
Bastille
Run DMC
Gregg Allman
Fitz and The Tantrums
B.o.B
twenty one pilots
NEEDTOBREATHE
Mayer Hawthorne
Banks
The Strypes
AER
Sleeper Agent
Magic Man
Bear Hands
Ron Pope

The two-day festival will take place on September 19th – 20th at Piedmont Park. Tickets will go on sale Saturday, June 28th at 10am and can be purchased at musicmidtown.com and livenation.com.
--

Monday, June 23, 2014

Little Shop of Stories.... The Way they Were.

Found this picture of Little Shop of Stories when they first opened in Decatur at 515 N McDonough St.
Now they are located on E. Court Square
 http://www.littleshopofstories.com/

Sunday, June 22, 2014

New Solar-powered Parking Meters for Decatur to be installed this week

 From thedecaturminute.com
The new downtown Decatur parking meters have arrived and they’re getting installed next week. The PALs (Parking Attendant Liaisons) will be walking around showing people how to use the new machines. As the new pay stations are installed, the old meters will be covered with a blue bag and a sticker that says “Pay at Pay Station.”
New Parking Meter Basics:
• The new solar-powered pay stations and single meters accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit or debit cards, as well as good old-fashioned nickels, dimes and quarters, and dollar coins too....Read more

Friday, June 20, 2014

King Kong at The Fox Theatre Sunday June 22

King Kong  will be at The Fox Theatre Sun June 22. Part of the Fox Theatre’s Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival. Starts at 2 p.m. June 22. $12; $10 in advance. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 855-285-8499, foxtheatre.org

Decatur Beach Party Today June 20

From : http://decaturdba.com

Dig Your Toes In the Sand in Downtown Decatur!
Friday, June 20 • 5-11 pm

Tickets are $8 in advance, or $10 at the gate
Child tickets (3-12 years old): $5, includes all games and activities
Children less than three years old, FREE

Head to downtown Decatur on Friday, June 20 from 5-11 pm for our annual Beach Party. Celebrate the start of summer at the famous Ponce de Leon Beach with 60 tons of sand perfect for digging and sand castle construction. Kids will love the enormous inflatable slides and bouncy houses, and the boardwalk with all kinds of fun kid-appropriate games, sponsored this year by Circus Camp. Doug Brake and the Sizzle, Hiss, Pop Band will be on hand to entertain the young set. For grownups, Terry Lee and the GTs perform live on the plaza where there is plenty of room for dancing. The food court returns with funnel cakes, sweet treats and cold beverages. It’s a guaranteed great time for all ages!

Party with a purpose! Proceeds from this event, DBA’s largest fundraiser, help support free Decatur concerts in May and September along with many other popular events and activities that are offered free to the community.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Krog Street Market set to open in 2 months

 From http://krogstreetmarket.com/
KROG STREET MARKET
It's a destination for Atlanta’s intown culture - those who are always searching for unique, specialty creations. It’s designed to be as authentic as the 1920’s warehouse it’s built into. With market stalls to sell produce, goods, and prepared food, along with a few southern-grown restaurants and retailers, the market will offer Atlantans a gathering place of sorts – a locale for taking in an extraordinary meal or picking up a few inspiring ingredients – a west coast-style market, right in the heart of Inman Park.

--

In a related story.
From http://atlantarestaurants.blog.ajc.com
  By Bob Townsend
John Kessler broke the story here in May, and Krog Street Market made it official . Chef Todd Ginsberg will open Atlanta’s first contemporary Israeli restaurant  with his partners at The General Muir, Ben and Jennifer Johnson and Shelley Sweet.
Yalla, which means “let’s go,” will join their previously announced sandwich shop, Fred’s Meat & Bread, at the Krog Street complex, expected to open later this summer.
Also announced today, Xocolatl, a micro chocolate factory” from owners, Elaine Read and Matt Weyandt. According to a press release, Read and Weyandt will roast, crack, winnow, stone grind and temper onsite organic cacao ethically sourced from small scale growers in the Americas.”
Look for handcrafted and hand wrapped artisanal chocolate bars. And visitors can sample flavors at a tasting bar while watching the chocolate making and packaging process.

Peach Jam celebration at the Decatur Farmers Market June 25

 From decaturfarmersmarket.com
Peach Jam at the Decatur Farmers’ Market
Join us for the annual Peach Jam celebration at the Decatur Farmers Market. We will celebrate with a whole hog BBQ and BBQ sauce competition.


When:
June 25, 2014 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where:
DECATUR FARMERS MARKET
Wed. 308 Clairemont Ave; Sat. 498 N. McDonough
Decatur, GA, 30030
http://decaturfarmersmarket.com/wordpress/?ai1ec_event=decatur-farmers-market-48&instance_id=21458

h/t   the decatur minute

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Jimmy Buffett at Drive-Ins Nationwide June 19

The nearest drive in showing this concert would be The Tiger Drive-In in Tiger, GA.
2834 Old US Hwy 441 S.
Tiger, GA 30576
 Although you are purchasing an advance ticket, please arrive by 7pm to have the best chance to have a space for your car. Please throw light yard chairs and a picnic blanket in your trunk as the theater is all grass and you can walk in and we will find a great place for you to watch. You do not need your car radio to listen as we have boom boxes on the deck for all to hear. For more information about this venue, please visit www.tigerdrivein.com or call 706-782-1611.

ATL COLLECTIVE Presents CROSBY,STILLS & NASH @ Eddies Attic June 19


 From eddiesattic.com
On Thursday June 19th,
ATL Collective is presenting their most harmonious album to date. Yes, Crosby Stills and Nash. Already singing along i.e their 1969 debut album? Yeah, us too. They’ll be back at their old home of Eddie’s Attic for this treat. And the show is going to be so sweet they’re doing two. Pick one or come to both. But get your tickets now. Not only do you save $3 if you buy in advance, but you guarantee you get a spot. Their shows have been selling out. Consider yourself warned.

AJC Decatur Book Festival - Labor Day Weekend

 From decaturbookfestival web site
The ninth annual
AJC Decatur Book Festival is finally upon us! Over Labor Day weekend, tens of thousands from metro Atlanta and beyond will share the historic downtown Decatur square with world-class authors, illustrators, editors, publishers, booksellers, and artists for a weekend filled with literature, music, food, art, and fun. - See more about the 2014 lineup at: https://www.decaturbookfestival.com/2014/index.php#sthash.R7eWgt65.dpuf

h/t decatur metro

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Thirty-six Summer ideas for waterborne Adventures

 Sea Horse Oceanfront Inn,  Neptune Beach  Fla.  /  Jacksonville Beach, Fla. area. Photo credit : D.G.Whitefield

From Garden and Gun http://gardenandgun.com/article/2014-guide-summer-south
Thirty-six ideas for waterborne adventure that will have you soaking up every last drop of summer

Beachfront Campsite
Capers Island Heritage Preserve
South Carolina

You don’t need a million-dollar home to wake up a shell’s throw from the beach. Though remarkably close to civilized Charleston, three-mile-long Capers remains a beautifully undeveloped option. A classic Southern barrier island, it has brackish impoundments populated by ibis, ospreys, and alligators; maritime forests; an ocean teeming with flounder and redfish; and a stunning “boneyard” front beach—a natural graveyard of bleached tree remains. Free camping permits are available through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, though you’ll need a boat to get there. If you don’t own a watercraft, paddle out via kayak or reserve a boat with Charleston’s Coastal Expeditions. Bugs can be tough in the island’s interior, so plan accordingly.—dnr.sc.gov/mlands

Bluegrass on the Banks
Red Wing Roots Music Festival
Mount Solon, VA

Deep in the Shenandoah Valley alongside the North River, Natural Chimneys Park has long been a summertime destination: Its annual jousting tournament has drawn equestrians since the 1800s. These days the area is attracting a different type of boot-clad crowd, thanks to Virginia-based roots band the Steel Wheels, who last year launched the Red Wing Roots Music Festival. Back for its sophomore run (July 11­–13), the outdoor gathering features a lineup of forty performers, including Sarah Jarosz, Trampled by Turtles, Pokey LaFarge, and the Hackensaw Boys. Beyond the tunes, join the Steel Wheels for morning bike rides through the mountains, cast a line in Mossy Creek, and be glad this is one music festival with a lot better scenery than the sunburned back of the guy in front of you.—redwingroots.com

SEE ALSO: Three Hotel Pools Worth a Plunge

Boat Beer
Westbrook Brewing Co. White Thai

Just about any beer on the water is a good beer—as long as it’s cold (and you’re not at the helm). But White Thai, from South Carolina’s Westbrook Brewing Co., raises the bar on summer sipping. A light-bodied Belgian-style witbier (in cans!), it’s punched up with the additions of lemongrass, ginger, and lemony hops, and about the most refreshing thing this side of an iced-down glass of lemonade. Your crew will thank you.—westbrookbrewing.com

Bonefish Lodge
Deep Water Cay
Bahamas
more:
http://gardenandgun.com/article/2014-guide-summer-south

Bill Murray Crashes Couple's Engagement Shoot

From: http://video.ajc.com
Bill Murray Crashes Couple's Engagement Shoot and is Not Amused: A South Carolina couple taking their engagement pictures got an unexpected visitor when actor Bill Murray happened to pass by. The actor tried to make the couple smile for the pictures and ended up posing for one himself. Mara Montalbano (@maramontalbano) has the story.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Lido Shuffle - Boz Scaggs

Great song one of my favorites.

Lido missed the boat that day
He left the shack
But that was all he missed
And he ain't comin back

At a tombstone bar
In a jukejoint car
He made a stop
Just long enough
To grab a handle off the top

Next stop Chi town
Lido put the money down let em roll
He said one more job ought to get it
One last shot 'fore we quit it
One for the road

Lido.. woah oh oh oh
He's for the money
He's for the show
Lido's waiting for the go

Lido.. woah oh oh oh
He said one more job ought to get it
One last shot 'fore we quit it
One more for the road

Lido will be runnin'
Havin' great big fun
Until he got the note
Sayin' tow the line or blow it
And that was all she wrote

He'll be makin' like a bee line
Headin' for the border line
Goin' for broke
Sayin' one more hit ought to do it
This joint aint nothin' to it
One more for the road

Lido.. whoah oh oh oh
He's for the money
He's for the show
Lido's waiting for the go

Lido.. woah oh oh oh oh oh oh
One more job ought to get it
One last shot then we quit it
One more for the road

Lido.. woah oh oh oh
He's for the money
He's for the show
Lido's a waitin' for the go
Lido.. woah oh oh oh



Thursday, June 12, 2014

Selig update on Suburban Plaza / Drive thru Starbucks

Selig update on Suburban Plaza

From: http://clairmontheights.org/node/4041
Selig Enterprises has forwarded an update on its Suburban Plaza redevelopment project. In addition to restating Selig's commitments to the community, the letter includes this redevelopment timeline:

demolition of parts of existing structures: in the coming weeks (summer 2014)
facade renovations: fall 2014
anticipated redevelopment completion: summer 2015
new tenants open for business: fall 2015
-----------------------------------
 From: http://www.medlockpark.org/search/label/Suburban%20Plaza
Selig Enterprises invites community feedback in advance of filing a special use land permit (SLUP)  for a drive-through Starbucks at Suburban Plaza. DeKalb County requires SLUPs for all new drive-throughs.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 24, 7pm, at North Decatur Presbyterian Church (611 Medlock Road). photo credit: http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Celebrate Lenox Square’s Grand re-opening Wed June 11 thru Sat, June 14

 From: http://www.simon.com/mall/lenox-square/stream/lenox-square-celebrates-grand-re-opening-1327606
Event Dates: 6/13/2014 - 6/14/2014

Celebrate Lenox Square’s grand re-opening Wednesday,  June 11 – Saturday, June 14.  Beginning at 12 p.m. on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14, shoppers can take part in fun activities throughout the mall.  Visitors can also shop a special pop-up shop from Nicole Miller and enter for a chance to win prizes every hour from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Macy’s stage.**  You'll also find fun activities througouth the mall from brands like UGG, Williams-Sonoma, Walking Company, and Macaron Queen.  Even a fun Photo Booth and the Jezebel Magazine Selfie Station!

Wednesday, June 11                    

Macy’s Hosts Kevin Hart and Terrance Jenkins from “Think Like A Man Too”
The first 125 guests to make a purchase of $35 or more in Papi underwear the day of the event will be able to meet the actors at 5:00 p.m.

Friday, June 13

    12 pm       adidas and Black Girls Workout Too Demonstration
    1:30 pm   Premier Salon Style and Product Tutorials/Demos
    4 pm         California Pizza Kitchen Pizza Dough Tossing  & Demos 
    4:30 pm   7 For All Mankind Fashion Presentation      
    5 pm         Mistura Product Tutorials and Demonstrations 
    5:30 pm   La Maison de la Bridal Bridal Gown Presentation     

Saturday, June 14

    12 pm      Sprinkles Cupcakes Photo Booth       
    2:30 pm  adidas and Forum Demonstrations with DJ Silver Knight  
    4 pm         C. Wonder Wonder Wheel!     
    5 pm         Mistura Product Tutorials and Demonstrations 
    5:45 pm   7 For All Mankind Fashion Presentation  




Sunday, June 8, 2014

Spanx Opens Store at Atlanta Airport


From: ajc http://www.ajc.com/news/business/spanx-founder-celebrates-opening-of-atlanta-airpor/nTWK3/
 By Kelly Yamanouchi

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta entrepreneur Sara Blakely celebrated the opening of the first airport Spanx store with a hosiery ribbon-cutting event at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Thursday.

The store, which opened in October, is one of the first free-standing Spanx stores. In the past couple of months Spanx has opened three other shops — in Tysons Corner, Virg., King of Prussia, Pa. and in Paramus, N.J. — to sell its shapewear. Another airport Spanx store is planned for Detroit Metro Airport’s McNamara Terminal.

Spanx targets a fast-growing airport customer segment — female business travelers, according to Gregg Paradies, chief executive of The Paradies Shops. Atlanta-based Paradies Shops operates and manages the Spanx store, which opened as part of a massive overhaul of concessions at the Atlanta airport.

Friday, June 6, 2014

EDDIE'S ATTIC 40TH BI-ANNUAL SONGWRITER’S OPEN MIC SHOOTOUT

40TH BI-ANNUAL SONGWRITER’S OPEN MIC SHOOTOUT
Tyler Childers - Final (Part 2) @ Eddie's Attic 39th Open Mic Shootout - 11/23/2013 from Jacob Elliott on Vimeo.
-- Here is video of 39th Open Mic Shootout --
Info from :  http://www.eddiesattic.com/
 Saturday, June 7th 7:00pm / doors at 6:00pm Advance general admission: $20 At the door: $25 Table of 4 reserved seats: $100 Advanced sales end at 5:00pm the day of each show.
 Remaining tickets are available at the door. he 40th Bi-Annual Songwriter’s Open Mic Shootout is a head-to-head competition of Open Mic Winners from the past 6 Months. Each act performs only one song, and single elimination determines if they move on to the next round. We’ll give away $1,000 to the ultimate winner, plus a number of other sweet prizes. Previous winners who have gone on to national acclaim include John Mayer and Jennifer Nettles (of Sugarland). Our shootout sells out consistently, so don’t wait on getting your tickets! To see this year’s lineup click http://www.eddiesattic.com/?event=40th-bi-annual-songwriters-open-mic-shootout

Thursday, June 5, 2014

30 Years Ago


Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the Dark

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Decatur Beach Party is Friday June 20

From : http://decaturdba.com

Dig Your Toes In the Sand in Downtown Decatur!
Friday, June 20 • 5-11 pm

Tickets are $8 in advance, or $10 at the gate
Child tickets (3-12 years old): $5, includes all games and activities
Children less than three years old, FREE

Head to downtown Decatur on Friday, June 20 from 5-11 pm for our annual Beach Party. Celebrate the start of summer at the famous Ponce de Leon Beach with 60 tons of sand perfect for digging and sand castle construction. Kids will love the enormous inflatable slides and bouncy houses, and the boardwalk with all kinds of fun kid-appropriate games, sponsored this year by Circus Camp. Doug Brake and the Sizzle, Hiss, Pop Band will be on hand to entertain the young set. For grownups, Terry Lee and the GTs perform live on the plaza where there is plenty of room for dancing. The food court returns with funnel cakes, sweet treats and cold beverages. It’s a guaranteed great time for all ages!

Party with a purpose! Proceeds from this event, DBA’s largest fundraiser, help support free Decatur concerts in May and September along with many other popular events and activities that are offered free to the community.

Buy tickets online here https://www.freshtix.com/events/decatur-beach-party-2014

The Cheesecake Factory at Lenox Opens June 5

The Cheesecake Factory at Lenox is good news for those of us who do not care for the hastle (and expense) of valet parking. (No one cares to wait in line for your car after eating). Anyway, here is the link stating the Lenox Square location will open on June 5th:

thecheesecakefactory.com

Read more: http://www.city-data.com/forum/atlanta/2117483-cheesecake-factory-relocates-lenox-square-atlanta.html#ixzz33gcZwq1J

 Above info from: http://www.city-data.com/forum/atlanta/2117483-cheesecake-factory-relocates-lenox-square.html

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Private Quarters on Modern Decatur Home

- From: http://www.ajc.com/videos/private-quarters/lDB2/

AMC’s ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ turns Atlanta into Texas circa 1983

From: http://radiotvtalk.blog.ajc.com
 By Rodney Ho
With varying levels of vicissitude, Atlanta on TV has masqueraded as modern-day Los Angeles (Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva”), Long Island (USA’s “Necessary Roughness”) and Missouri (ABC’s “Resurrection”).

AMC with its new series “Halt and Catch Fire,” debuting Sunday night, took on an even greater challenge: transforming Atlanta into a convincing Dallas, Texas – in 1983. (Credit our more generous tax credits on why AMC is here and not Texas.)

“Wrong city, wrong region, wrong era,” mused Melissa Bernstein, an executive producer. “Atlanta is a wonderful place to shoot but it’s a new city. There are not a lot of buildings from the 1970s and 1980s.”

She also had to find flat Dallas-like vistas, not an easy feat. It also took time to find a particular brick ranch home that resembled those in the Dallas suburbs. (They found one in Conyers.) And Atlanta is far more verdant  than Dallas. On the bright side, most of the first season was shot during the winter. The lushness only became an issue toward the end  of the shoot in March and April.
One spot that passed muster: the Plaza Theatre in Virginia-Highland, which in the pilot shows “Return of the Jedi.” (The Urban Outfitters two doors down had to be CGIed into a rug store.) An office building near the Weather Channel is used for exteriors of the headquarters.
more

AMC’s ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ attempts to turn Atlanta into Texas circa 1983, debuting June 1

Monday, June 2, 2014

Watch out for Copperhead Snakes

 From clairmontheights.org
The Emory Grove neighborhood (north of North Decatur Rd just west of Clairmont Rd) reports several copperhead sightings and one child bitten.  Normally, they don't bite.  They were seen in patches of ivy and warming themselves on pavement in the evening.  Neighbors were advised to keep their eyes open and wear shoes.