ATLRetro

Burlesque royalty is coming to Atlanta as 2011 Miss Exotic World Indigo Blue performs at this Friday’s Southern Fried Fundraiser Spectacular at 9 p.m. at Bart Webb Studios, a bargain $10 for the all-star line-up. All proceeds support the second annual Southern Fried Burlesque Fest (SFBF), scheduled for March 8-11, 2012, and the show also features the first Miss Southern Fried Burlesque Fest Queen Miss Siren Santina from Knoxville, TN, Fonda Lingue, Ruby Redmayne, Blast-Off Burlesque‘s Sadie Hawkins, Talloolah Love, Lola LeSoleil, Katherine Lashe and Ursula Undress (Syrens of the South Productions) Founded by Lashe and Undress, the first SFBF not only showcased some of the best local and regional performers but treated Atlanta to such national stars as Dirty Martini, Jo “Boobs” Weldonand Jonny Porkpie, as well as classic greats Tiffany Carter and Gyna Rose Jewel. The 2012 festival will be headlined by burlesque legends Satan’s Angel and Shannon Doah; The Queen of the Quake, Kitten De Ville; Perle Noire, the Black Pearl; The Lady Ms. Vagina Jenkins and Siren Santina!For the lowdown on SFBF’s fabulous first year, read our preview here and a post-event review by Talloolah Love here.

Back to the lovely Miss Indigo Blue. She’s been heating up the Seattle “nouveau burlesque” scene since the early ‘90s with a style that’s not just sexy but exudes an edgy sense of humor. Known for clever, racy routines; authentic 1930s-60s costumes and ribald reformulations of pop culture icons like Holly Golightly and Wonder Woman, she has performed across the nation and in Europe. While she has just taken the top crown, she is a three time award-winner at the annual Miss Exotic World competition at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas – the top honor in neo-burlesque, and also holds the First Runner Up title from the Jennie Lee Tassel Twirling Contest. Her BurlyQ Cabaret, founded in 2002 in Seattle, now has satellites in New York and London. She performs solo and with the Emerald City All-Stars and the Atomic Bombshells; is president and chief twirling officer (CTO!) of TwirlyGirl.net, a maker of creative pasties; and is the founder and headmistress of the Academy of Burlesque in Seattle.

Indigo Blue looks vivaciously vintage. Photo credit: Paule Saviano.

ATLRetro caught up with Indigo Blue recently, and she teased us with a few juicy details about her journey south, which also includes teaching gigs on Sat. Nov. 12 at the Artifice Club’s Mechanical Masquerade: A Paranormal Fantasy and at SpinArela, as well as her career, thoughts on her secret to success and what it’s like to be reigning queen of burlesque!

Without giving away any big secrets, what can you share about your plans for the Southern Fried Burlesque Fest fundraiser this Friday night?

I’m really excited to perform at the fundraiser! I’ll be bringing the sash & tiara for all to see!

I understand you’re also teaching a workshop on “Steampunk Burlesque: Being in Character” at the Mechanical Masquerade? Are you a big follower of steampunk, and what distinguishes steampunk burlesque from traditional burlesque?

I love the anachronism, whimsy, and creativity of Steampunk. It’s a style, a philosophy, and a culture; burlesque is a performance art form and a culture. The workshop is intended to integrate the two and enable those who like to play with an alter-ego to develop ways of creating  more dramatic and effective characters using burlesque techniques.

Finally you’ll be teaching “The Art of the Tease” at SpinArela. Can you tease us with a sneak preview of what students will learn in that class?

I love the Art of the Tease! My favorite parts are hearing from the students what they most crave to learn, and watching them understand how to implement the tools of the tease. We will play with gloves & boas!

Jeepers, Creepers, Where'd she get those Indigo Blue peepers?! Photo credit: Karl Giant.

You’re headmistress of the Academy of Burlesque in Seattle. Why is it important to you to teach burlesque versus just being a performer, and what do you enjoy most about teaching?

I feel called to be a teacher. I love sharing what I know, and I love the process of watching students evolve and grow through the study and practice of burlesque. My personal mission is to exemplify embodied femininity, and to support people’s personal transformation through burlesque.

Many burlesque performers can only dream of winning the title of Queen/Miss Exotic World at the Burlesque Hall of Fame. What did you do to earn the title; what’s the secret to your success, in your opinion; and what did it mean to you personally to win?

The secret? Hard work! I have been dancing since I was 5, stripping since I was 21, and competing in the Miss Exotic World pageant for 10 years. It doesn’t take that long for everyone… But it did for me!

Winning was a wonderful acknowledgement of my professional career this far in burlesque. It has given me the opportunity to represent the Burlesque Hall of Fame, an organization I deeply believe in and am committed to.

Can you share a little bit about what’s so special about the Burlesque Hall of Fame (BHOF) as an event with folks (performers and mere spectators) who may never have attended? 

The BHOF Weekend is an incredible opportunity to develop meaningful connections with performers of all generations, as well as The Place to see the pinnacle of international burlesque performance. The Friday Night show featuring vintage vixens is an inspiring and powerful glimpse into our shared artistic history.

Indigo Blue performs at the 2011 Burlesque Hall of Fame. Photo credit: Diane Nagel.

When did you first start performing burlesque and what inspired you to this vintage art form?

I began creating comic erotic skits “burlettas” in 1994 for Tamara the Trapeze Lady‘s Fallen Women Follies. After attending Tease-o-Rama in 2001 in New Orleans, and then Exotic World in Helendale shortly afterwards, I knew I had found my people.

How did you come to choose the name Indigo Blue, and how does your “blue” persona inspire your acts and costuming?

When I was a peep-show stripper in the ‘90s, my name was Indigo!  Blue has always been my favorite color, since I was a child.

Seattle's glamorous Indigo Blue. Photo credit: Don Spiro.

What’s the burlesque scene like in Seattle, and do you have any recommendations for travelers on how to tap into what’s going on there?

Seattle’s burlesque scene is second only to New York in size, and has produced some of the most stellar, high-production value shows in the world. The active Seattle Burlesque Google calendar lists most shows, and the Seattle Burlesque Press blog has regular previews and reviews.

What other burlesque performers (legendary or contemporary) have inspired you the most personally and why?

As far as the vintage ladies, I am inspired by the coy elegance of Toni Elling, the bawdy curtain-humping of Marinka and the fierce intensity of Wild Cherry. My contemporary inspirations continue to be Dirty Martini, Julie Atlas Muz, Miss Astrid and Tigger. I am also constantly impressed by the stellar Seattle scene, including in particular Inga Ingenue, Waxie Moon, The Shanghai Pearl, Lily Verlaine and Ernie Von Schmaltz.

Will you be returning to Atlanta for Southern Fried Burlesque Fest 2012?

I’ll be there in 2013!!!!

By Spookie Susie

Can you give us a quick update on any major happenings with Pin Ups for Soldiers since we last chatted with you?

We now have our 2012 Pinups for Soldiers Charity Calendar in hand and are actively selling those at events and online. For just a $15.00 donation you get a calendar full of beautiful pinups AND you help us send care packages to over 800 troops this holiday season through our Santa for Soldiers initiative. We are currently taking orders for the 2012 calendar via our Facebook page; just look under the SHOP tab. You can purchase a calendar for just $15, and for an additional $10 you can also purchase a calendar as a gift for a soldier and Pinups for Soldiers will ship it to one our units on your behalf. We will have calendars in hand in October. You can also purchase a calendar through donating via our PayPal located on our website; make sure to note “calendar” on your instructions and include your mailing address.

We also have some exciting events coming up in the next couple of months. As you know, we will be at Mon Cherie’s Rockabilly Lounge on November 12 to honor all the veterans of our great country. Then on December 10, we will be at Trader Vic’s for a Pearl Harbor Remembrance. We will be selling and signing calendars at both events.

Left to right: Danielle Davis (De De), Danielle Camp (Pretty Polly), Diana Ellison (Sweet Adeline), Dena Stahl (Avenging Angel) at Hell on Wheels Beerfest. Photo Credit: Fresh Eye Photography.

Your next major care package drive is Santa for Soldiers. Can you tell us about that program?

We started Santa for Soldiers last year. We get each soldier a Christmas stocking of their own and fill it with goodies. Anything from necessities like gold bond and sunscreen to fun goodies like playing cards and CD/DVDs. We really depend on the support of the community to help us make this happen and we need to help now more than ever. Last year we sent stockings to just under 200 soldiers. This year we will be sending to over 800! We are asking that our supporters help, either by donating stockings and/or items or by making a donation on our website or Facebook Fan Page. Every dollar makes a difference. It means so much to a soldier to receive something from home, especially during the holiday season when not being home is even harder. It lets them know that they are remembered and appreciated.

What kind of fun shenanigans can we expect at Mon Cherie’s Rockabilly Lounge this Saturday?

We are very excited to be involved in this event with Mon Cherie. This will be our first time participating in one of her shows, and we are looking forward to it. Not sure what all Mon Cherie has up her sleeve but we know it will be great! You will just have to come out to the show and see for yourself November 12th!

Pinups for Soldiers co-founder Dena Stahl.

How did you meet photographer Danielle Camp, and what made you two decide to start Pinups for Soldiers?

Danielle and I have been friends for over 18 years. Danielle wanted to do a Pinup shoot and asked if I was interested in helping her build her portfolio. I reached out to my friends for ideas and one of them mentioned that she had always wanted to do a Pinup calendar. It was March 2010 and my husband, SGT Travis Stahl was deployed to Afghanistan serving our country. During his deployment I became aware that there were many soldiers who did not receive care packages from home, Travis began giving items from the care packages I was sending to those soldiers. We decided that if we were going to make a pinup calendar we were going to make it a nonprofit and use it to raise money so that we could send care packages to soldiers stationed overseas.

Tell us about having your husband deployed.

Having a husband deployed is one of the hardest things I have ever been through. A year of sleepless nights waiting on a phone call, email or text to confirm he is okay, the constant worry and not knowing where he is or what is going on, the fear that enters your body any time there is a knock on the front door, the empty spot in the bed beside me, handling everything on the homefront on my own…is all very hard. However, I am honored to be a soldier’s wife. He is my husband, my hero, and his dedication to not only me and our family, but to our amazing country, makes me so proud.

How many units does PUFS help? Do you have a most memorable request for assistance?

Currently we are supporting three units totaling almost 200. The units are stationed in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. We have a unit that is about to deploy, bringing us to almost 600! We are always touched when we receive emails from soldiers. For me, they are all memorable. The requests we get range from necessities to soldiers wanting pictures. Our motto is “Brightening Lives Protecting Ours,” and that is our mission and we take it to heart. We feel as if the American Soldier is a true patriot and should be honored and appreciated. We want them all to know that they are not forgotten.

What is your favorite reaction to the receipt of a PUFS care package?

We LOVE to get pictures from units we support and emails letting us know we did make a difference and put a smile on their face!

We heard the exciting news that renowned modern day pinup model, Bernie Dexter, is participating in the 2012 calendar. How did she become involved?

My husband, SGT Travis Stahl a bronze star recipient who proudly serves our country as a Combat Medic in the United States Army emailed the wonderful Bernie Dexter and introduced her to Pinups for Soldiers (PUFS). Bernie’s father served in the United States Navy. Bernie Dexter is a gem and you won’t find a better person in the pinup world or otherwise. We cannot articulate how over the moon we are about her involvement and support.

Dena Stahl.

Are any of your calendar girls in the armed forces themselves?

Glad you asked this question. Yes, we have a member of the United States Army, Miss Sweet Adeline in the 2012 Calendar. She inspires me. Not only does she serve our country with great honor but she also makes the time and gives so much back to her peers. We are blessed to have her as a part of the PUFS family but also as a friend.

You held a Motorcycle Poker Run this summer to help raise funds for the troops and a Memorial Ride for 9/11. Do you have a strong supporter base in the biker community?

We also included the Mini Cooper community in the run. We have found that the biker community has a very heavy veteran presence and proud Americans in general who stay active in the community. The American Legion has been a wonderful support system for us; they will be the first and last stop on this run. The Poker Run was September 10 at the American Legion Post 127 located in Buford, GA.

What can interested girls do to be considered for the 2013 calendar?

I really appreciate the effects Buy Clonazepam doing to me.

We always want to make it clear that we are a volunteer-based organization, and philanthropy to the soldiers is our number one priority. Being in the calendar is a side bar to the main goal. Girls must first volunteer their time to the cause prior to being considered for the calendar. We will be holding a casting call for the 2013 calendar in January once we have wrapped up all our efforts and events for the 2012 calendar.

All photos courtesy of Pinups for Soldiers.

By Jordan Barbeau
Contributing Blogger

Monday, November 7

Grammy award-winning alternative rock band Foo Fighters headlines a show at the Gwinnett Arena. This veritable rockfest also features the talents of punk rock band Social Distortion and The Joy Formidable. Folk/pop band Fletcher C. Johnson plays the 529, along with Southern rockers Turf War and garage/punk/black metal band The Husseins. From 3 PM on, savor tropical sounds and libations, as well as a Polynesian dinner during Mai Tai Monday at Smith’s Olde Bar. Northside Tavern hosts its weekly Blues Jam. To break up the Monday monotony, head over to Fat Matt’s Rib Shack for dinner and a show, as local blues/jazz band Dry White Toast performs at 8 PM. For a classy, laid-back evening, head over to Café 290 around 8:30 PM for their Big Band Night, featuring the jazz talents of Joe Gransden and his 16-piece band and special guest Maria Howell.

Tuesday, November 8

Splatter Cinema presents a rare 35 mm screening of Lance Henriksen cult classic PUMPKINHEAD(1988) at the Plaza Theatre, preceded by an “unbelievably realistic” recreation of a scene from the film and a collection of classic horror movie trailers. Read our Retro Review by Tom Drake here. Reveling in several different genres, Joy Kills Sorrow, an all-strings band from Boston, plays at Eddie’s Attic, along with folk-rock band The Lumineers. Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a Joe Gransden jazz jam session starting at 9 p.m. Crosstown All Stars play Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Catch Tues. Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon, featuring video mixes of ’80s, ’90s and 2Ks hits.

Wednesday, November 9

The Scott Glazer Jazz Group, with special guest Joe Gransden, swings their way into Blind Willie’s for a bluesy night. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. The Hollidays make it a soulful night at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays presented by Godiva Vodka, at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

The Stumblers.

Thursday, November 10

The Stumblers serve up rockabilly goodness with a free show at Twain’s. Tongo Hiti play Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night at Trader Vic’s. The Breeze Kings and The Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack.  Grassville plays Bluegrass Thursday at Red Light Cafe.

Friday, November 11

Atlanta’s premiere horror and psychotronic film festival, the two-day Buried Alive Film Fest kicks off today at the Plaza Theatre. Tonight’s movies include a variety of horrific short films such as the obligatory zombie film this time with a French perspective, CABINE OF THE DEAD, the acclaimed indie feature film I DIDN’T COME HERE TO DIE and more. Be sure to check out our exclusive preview here.

Celebrate DJ Romeo Cologne’s Birthday Boogaloo by coming out to The Star Bar in Little Five Points. This party is sure to be the funkiest happening of the night! As for the sexiest, that’s got to be the Southern Fried Fundraiser Spectacular at Bart Webb Studios featuring Indigo Blue, Siren Santina, Fonda Lingue, Ruby Redmayne, Blast-Off Burlesque‘s Sadie Hawkins, Talloolah Love, Lola LeSoleil, the lovely Syrens of the South and other regional burlesque stars. Tickets are just $10 and all proceeds support next year’s second annual Southern Fried Burlesque Fest (March 8-11, 2012). For the lowdown from Miss Indigo Blue herself, our Kool Kat of the Week, click here.

Rebecca DeShon’s Hoop Essence are among the participants spinning in the Atlanta World Hoop Day Hoop Jam), and you should too! This event helps bring exercise and fun to impoverished children in the form of hula hooping, and we guarantee you’ll be having just as much fun as the kids are. The Nick Longo Band brings their energetic and diverse style to Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX, where drinks and food compliment documentaries on Atlanta’s largest IMAX movie screen. Little Joey’s Big Band plays tonight at Fat Matt’s.

Saturday, November 12

The Buried Alive Film Fest continues all day at the Plaza Theatre. Shows today include Nutman’s Nightmares, a short series at 2 pm hand-picked by ATLRetro contributing blogger and Fangoria writer Philip Nutman; Georgia Fever Dreams, a quartet of local shorts at 4 p.m. including an adaptation of Stephen King’s SURVIVOR TYPE; and two features the hilarious horror black comedy THE SELLING at 6:30 p.m. and “ultimate midnight movie” CHILLERAMA at 9 p.m., a mash-up of four different gleefully cheesy horror movies.

The Artifice Club presents the 2nd annual Mechanical Masquerade: A Paranormal Fantasy at Blue Mark Studios, a renovated 110-year-old church. The night plays out like a story, with mythical creatures parading around a supernatural-themed masquerade ball. The fantastical festivities include a bazaar, libations, costume contest and performances by an eclectic ensemble of talent including steampunk funk by Montague Jacque Fromage, the Mezmer Society, Doc Volz and his Steampunk Trunk, The Ghosts Project, Vauxhall Garden Variety Players and the Fantasia de Mode Fashion Show presented by The Steampunk Chronicle. Also attending the ball is special guest S. J. Chambers, co-author with Jeff VanderMeer of THE STEAMPUNK BIBLE. Be sure to read our Really Retro preview with Chambers here. 

In honor of Veterans Day, the bimonthly Mon Cherie’s Rockabilly Lounge supports our troops with the Pinups for Soldiers Burlesque Show with a special appearance by Nashville’s Violet Vixen. This special evening is dedicated to Chameleon Queen’s Dad and the squadron he served during the Vietnam Crisis (we still call it war) Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, better known as: “Ugly Angels.” Funds raised from the sales of pinup calendars and donations go to sending care packages to the troops overseas, so come out and have fun for a good cause! Also performing is Sonoramic Commando, named for the ’61 Plymouth engine, and as usual, Rev. Andy spins Psychobilly Freakout and swing dance. Read Spookie Susie’s preview of the event here.

Smith’s Olde Bar showcases the talents of the Haley & Alexis Band, Flat Cat and Cherry Bomb.  Washington, D.C. ska/sould band The Pietasters headline a show with the All Night Drug Prowling Wolves and the Antagonizers at the Star Community Bar. Denim Arcade brings the 80s back to @tmosphere! Click here for our Kool Kat feature on leading lady Becky Cormier Finch, also of Ren-rock band Three Quarter Ale. The Fox Theater features Australian Pink Floyd, a tribute honoring the famous rock band. The Chris Robinson Brotherhood plays at Center Stage. Eddie’s Attic goes ’70s with the funky stylings of The Susi French Connection. For a bluesy/jazzy evening, head over to Fat Matt’s to check out the Swamp Funk Trio and Tony Bryant. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Sunday, November 13

Center Stage provides a musical look back at the legacy of one of the most influential rock bands of all time in the form of Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience. Stephen Simmons serves up blues “dunch” between 1-4 PM at The Earl. Fatback Deluxe brings on the blues at Fat Matt’s. The Raconteurs send off the weekend with a bang with a performance at the Tabernacle.

Ongoing

The Center for Puppetry Arts’ official stage adaptation of the Rankin-Bass misfit Christmas TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is back for a second year with Rudolph, Clarisse, Hermie. Yukon and all the beloved characters. Watch for an interview with adapter/director and Center Artistic Director Jon Ludwig soon. Through Dec. 31.

Fabrefaction Theatre Company brings Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s chilling, suspenseful, heart-pounding masterpiece of murderous barber-ism and culinary crime to the stage. A tale of retribution and in essence, obsession, SWEENEY TODD, THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET serves up a delicious portion of gruesome humor, sinister spite and suspicious meat pies. Through Nov. 13.

The Supremes at the Apollo Theater. Photo courtesy of The Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. Photo by Kwame Brathwaite.

Explore one of America’s most iconic theaters in AIN’T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING: HOW THE APOLLO THEATER SHAPED AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT, a special exhibition at the Atlanta History Center . Presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, in collaboration with the Apollo Theater Foundation, the display includes historic and contemporary costumes, playbills, music scores, graphic images and recorded music. Through March 4, 2012

LIFE AND DEATH IN THE PYRAMID AGE: THE EMORY OLD KINGDOM MUMMY features the first public viewing in 50 years of the oldest Egyptian mummy in the Western Hemisphere, acquired from excavations at Abydos by Emory Theology Professor William A. Shelton in 1920. Watch for a Really Retro piece on this fascinating exhibit at Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum soon. Through Dec. 11, 2011.

If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.

By Tom Drake
Contributing Blogger

Splatter Cinema Presents PUMPKINHEAD (1988); Dir: Stan Winston; Screenplay by Ed Justin, Mark Patrick Carducci et al; Starring: Lance Henriksen, Jeff East, John D’Aquino, Kimberly Ross; Tues. Nov. 8; 9:30 PM; Plaza Theatre; Trailer here.

Short: “There is a Heavy Price.”

Medium: PUMPKINHEAD is about a father (Lance Henriksen) wronged, and the price paid by everyone around him for his vengeance. A dirt biking crew of college kids goes up into the mountains for some good publicity shots and in the process kills an innocent child accidentally. The grieving father (Ed) goes to an old woman who summons a powerful vengeance demon to kill them all. As the demon begins to kill those involved, Ed can feel it and tries to change his mind. The old woman laughs and tells him that once the process has begun, it can’t be stopped. Pumpkinhead begins to slaughter the folks one by one, and none of the locals will help them because they’re “marked.” That is until a teenager takes pity on them and tries to hide the last ones alive in a church. This doesn’t work out too well, but it does buy them some time until Ed finds them and tries to help them kill the demon. They finally find a link between Ed and Pumpkinhead, so one manages to live. Barely.

Maximum Verbosity: I think fictional universes are dreary places…primarily because a lot of the fiction that we enjoy as fairly common place doesn’t seem to exist in them. The laws of sympathetic magic are fairly clear, and the link between Ed and the demon is rather fascinatingly well done. But it takes several fairly obvious instances for anyone involved to figure out the link. Though to be fair, in the horror genre, figuring anything out at all when faced with blindingly terrifying otherworldly horror is an amazing feat. Being quick about your wits like Ash (EVIL DEAD) or Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a feat unto itself. And usually that level of moxie cannot happen until it has been earned by several harrowing experiences.

Lance Henriksen plays a grieving father who conjures a vengeance demon in PUMPKINHEAD (1988) Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox.

For a low budget horror movie of the late ‘80s, PUMPKINHEAD has very good production values. It also has a very complicated script. No one (well, almost no one, except Joel [John D’Aquino] who is just generically a dick) is really black or white. I personally found Ed’s axis to be the most fascinating. The movie could have worked JUST fine without Ed changing at all or having him die at the resurrection of Pumpkinhead. But it didn’t work like that. Ed felt and saw the pain that he had caused and, as a result, began to try to save those whose doom he had sealed. In the end, only this choice allows the innocents in the group, most of whom were actually trying to help his son, live.

PUMPKINHEAD is an excellent metaphor for the futility of vengeance and the axiom that no good deed goes unpunished. Aside from Joel (who is just generally a dick), no one wishes ill will or malice. And the rough hill justice is far from perfect. After all, what is done to the locals who all sit quietly by and ignore the demon hunting the innocent victims around it? And yet, it is a fascinating reflection of their locality. Without the presence of the local law, Pumpkinhead is a fiercely independent figure of vengeance which no one, knowing the price, would invoke lightly. Interfering with his administration of hellish vengeance carried an even heavier price, and Bunt (Brian Bremer), the teenage local, knew the laws of his land and chose to disobey them anyway. His mercy was not rewarded.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the use of a flamethrower. Also of particular note is Pumpkinhead himself, who has no lines, but obviously has quite a personality. I’d say he steals the show, but since the name of the movie is PUMPKINHEAD, he really just sort of keeps it. He not only kills, but he kills with skilled taunting cruelty that very few other horror villains really match. It is irony with cruel casual gore but it doesn’t drown us in it and doesn’t celebrate it. It just is, which is what Pumpkinhead should be. A force of nature.

Pop-surrealist/guest curator of CUTE AND CREEPY Carrie Ann Baade posed in costume besides Jessica Joslin's OTIS, bone and metal assemblage.

By S. J. Chambers
Guest Contributing Blogger

Something unprecedented happened in Tallahassee, FL, last October 14. Over 2,000 people, masked and unmasked alike, showed up at the Florida State University’s Museum of Fine Art for the opening of CUTE AND CREEPY, which runs through Nov. 20. Guest curated by FSU painting professor and pop surrealist extraordinaire Carrie Ann Baade, CUTE AND CREEPY is one of the first exhibits to look at the new surreal, grotesque and macabre dark art that is beginning to permeate popular art, and is exhibiting 25 of the most cutting edge artists working today like Kris Kuksi, Elizabeth McGrath, Jessica Joslin, Kate Clark, Kathie Olivas and Chris Mars. In addition to being the first exhibit to collect all the facets of the bizarre and strange under one museum roof, Baade explores what a “Weird” aesthetic really is, its cultural significance, and why now, as she writes in the catalog’s introduction, “is the time to revel in the macabre.”

Can you find the Diva-in-Sheep's clothing posing next to Kate Clark's mixed media sculptures?

And revel Tallahasseans did. On opening night, Professor Baade treated gallery-goers to not only art, but a dark carnival-like atmosphere where the weird, the cute and the creepy came to life and swarmed the space. There were acrobats, Goths, Steampunks and unclassifiable fabulous costumes, one of which was what I can only describe as a Were-sheep Diva. Even Professor Baade got into the spirit with a beautiful Steampunk/Surrealist vintage costume.

The FSU Fine Arts museum has never seen a crowd like this before. In fact the 2,000 attendees were four times the amount of any prior opening. At one point in the night, people were shuffling from one room to the next, gridlocked as though they were in line for Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. But this was a show that people want to return to, and throughout the gallery, people began making rendezvous to return for more quiet contemplation.

Gallery-go-ers contemplate the cute and/or creepy aspects of one of Kathie Olivas's "Misery Children."

I, for one, am not surprised at the success of this rare and intriguing exhibit. It is in line with a prominent and emerging trend in the arts. In 2010, Tim Burton’s retrospective at New York’s Museum of Modern Art became its third most-attended show in its history (Matisse and Picasso hold rankings first and second). Then, earlier this year, the Boston Athenaeum presented a very thought-provoking exhibit on the work and genius of Edward Gorey. What better way to bookmark the year than with Florida State University’s Museum of Fine Arts fall exhibit: CUTE AND CREEPY.

S. J. Chambers is a writer and native Tallahasseean. She is co-author of THE STEAMPUNK BIBLE (Abrams Image), which was just featured on CBS SUNDAY MORNING, and the editor of THE STEAMPUNK BIBLE, VOLUME 2.0. She can be found espousing ephemeral musings on her Twitter. Meet her on Sat. Nov. 12 at The Mechanical Masquerade Presents: A Paranormal Fantasy. 

All Photos by S.J. Chambers.

You thought the Halloween season was over? Think again, because the Buried Alive! Film Fest (BA!FF) is about to invade ATLRetro’s favorite movie palace, the Plaza Theatre, over the weekend of November 11-12 and unleash a slew of weird, wonderful horror films on lucky attendees.

Founded by horror fanatic Luke Godfrey (Atlanta’s Godfather of Gore, who started the Zombie Walk Atlanta, as well as one of the sick minds behind Halloween attraction Chambers of Horror and the award-winning monthly Splatter Cinema screenings at The Plaza), Buried Alive! has been generating international attention as the coolest, strangest movie festival in Atlanta. Since we’ve interviewed Luke (here)and Festival Director/filmmaker Blake Myers, (here), we decided to go after Programming Director (and our own contributing blogger) Philip Nutman. Despite his insane schedule, ATLRetro managed to get a few minutes of his time…

ATLRetro: Describe this year’s festival.

NUTMAN: “Psychotronic” – a whacked selection of crazy short films and some cool features. Comedy, gore, zombies, disappearing cats, resurrected goldfish, amputees, killer sperm; this year’s selection of films defy classification. The range is from the bizarre to the very serious, from the downright demented to very funny. Every program block is different. We have a terrific selection of local shorts. But the feature I’m most excited about showing is CHILLERAMA. It is the sickest, most freakin’ insane anthology film I’ve ever seen. It’s a total reinvention of an early 70s grindhouse movie…*very* retro. And I mean *in-f***ing-sane*

Let’s come back to CHILLERAMA. But first, how about the short films? And how do you program them?

My title as “program director” is an honorific; the BA!FF board all watch the movies and we selected them together. Last year was the festival’s most successful to date. This year we received a ton of submissions and we had to make some tough choices. Please don’t ask me to name favorite films; they are all different and we’re excited to show them. ‘ Nuff said…but, check out the program listing at the official website.

Understand this: we do this for love of Independent filmmaking, not money. None of us involved – Luke, Blake, Alyssa Myers, Mark Malek – make a dime off the festival. This is about supporting people who make movies and deserve to have them screened; bringing the best shorts and features we can find to Atlanta; entertaining the audience…and supporting The Plaza, which is a nonprofit and an Atlanta treasure.

Writer/director Ryan Lieske is your guest filmmaker and Patrick Rea is your “featured filmmaker” this year. Why?

Because they are two of the most talented, diverse filmmakers out there. Ryan is coming into town on his own dime – we have no funding to be able to afford to fly people into Atlanta. We screened the fake trailer for CLEAN BREAK  and the actual short last year. Ryan and the Collective Studios gang came into town at their own expense and had a great time. But if DOWN TO SLEEP, his most recent short, which we’re screening, was crap, we would have rejected it. He’s coming back to Atlanta because he loves the festival.

Patrick Rea's EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS.

If all goes to plan, we also will have the world premiere of the trailer of British filmmaker Ashley Thorpe’s new short, BORLEY RECTORY. He’s so hard at work, he doesn’t have the time to come to the festival this year. (Editor’s note: Thorpe won the BA!FF Visionary Award for three animated shorts, including the haunting highwayman story SCAYRECROW, last year.)

Patrick Rea is a prolific filmmaker. He submitted three films last year and we rejected two of them. This year we accepted three out of five. His films keep winning awards and getting better. He’s a director to watch out for. So, since we’re screening three of his films, all of which are different, he deserved to be “featured filmmaker.”

But everything in the festival is solid gold. I’m especially delighted we’re screening Eddie Ray’s SATANIC PANIC: BAND OUT OF HELL, which is totally nuts. And Chris Ethridge and Jayson Palmer managed to pull off what I thought was an unfilmable Stephen King story with SURVIVOR TYPE. These are in the local shorts section. The quality of talent in Atlanta keeps growing, and we want to support that.

So back to CHILLERAMA…

It’s going to blow the audience away. It’s sick, totally twisted and hilarious. It’s a contemporary retro grindhouse anthology film that takes place in an old, about-to-close Drive-In. The four films are written and directed by Adam Green (who made the HATCHET flicks), Joe Lynch (WRONG TURN 2, which was better than the original), Tim Sullivan (2001 MANIACS) and Adam Rifkin (DETROIT ROCK CITY). It’s a love letter to ’50s/’60s/’70s exploitation movies. Sullivan’s I WAS A TEENAGE WEREBEAR is like a ’50s AIP teen monster movie crossed with a Frankie & Annette BEACH BLANKET BINGO film. It’s a musical with gay leather boy werewolves and is hysterically funny. Adam Rifkin’s WADZILLA is the biggest “come shot” on film; giant killer sperm – what’s not to love? Adam Green’s THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANKENSTEIN is like what if Ed Wood made a Jewish anti Nazi propoganda movie starring the Golem. It’s nuts. Joe Lynch is responsible for the wraparound story at the Drive-In which turns into a totally demented narrative with sex-crazed zombies. Words don’t do the flick justice. It’s totally retro with post-modern humor. (I can’t believe I just said that; damn, that sounds pretentious!). Watch the trailer online and “come” see the movie – we have a stunning print. I nearly puked up my dinner with laughter after I first watched it.

And final words?

NUTMAN: If you love independent filmmaking, horror, weird shit – you need to come to the festival and support The Plaza.

Check out the full frightening film schedule here.

Tuesday, November 1

The Kinks’ Ray Davies invites you to come dancing at Center Stage. Grab your horn and head to Twain’s in Decatur for a weekly Joe Gransden Jazz Jam session starting at 9 p.m. JT Speed is at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Catch Tues. Retro in the Metro nights at Midtown’s Deadwood Saloon, featuring video mixes of ’80s, ’90s and 2Ks hits.

Wednesday, November 2

The current line-up of Guns ‘N Roses finally brings the arena tour supporting their 2008 CHINESE DEMOCRACY album stateside, and one of the first dates is here in Atlanta at Philips Arena tonight. Compared to a crazy awesome mash-up of Joni Mitchell, Green Day, The Replacements and Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers, The Front Bottoms bring their eclectic indie punk acoustic sound to The Masquerade tonight. Slamdance On The Road presents the award-winning and critically acclaimed documentary SUPERHEROES directed by Michael Barnett, and the short HELLO CALLER at The Plaza tonight. It’s described as “a profoundly funny, eccentric and inspiring film that chronicles the extraordinary lives of real-life superheroes as they take to the streets to protect and support their communities.” Filmmakers and superheroes will be on hand for a Q&A after the screening. Get ready to rumba, cha-cha and jitterbug at the weekly Swing Night at Graveyard Tavern. The Hollidays make it a rhythm & soulful, rock n rollful night at Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Danny “Mudcat” Dudeck blues it down at Northside Tavern. Southern rock meets Funkytown at Smith’s Olde Bar with Sol Driven Train and Atlanta Funk Society. Dance to ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s hits during Retro in the Metro Wednesdays presented by Godiva Vodka, at Pub 71 in Brookhaven.

Thursday, November 3

Out on Film presents a celebration of the 10th anniversary of a modern silent classic CLAIRE, called an “uncompromising work of art” by American Cinematographer and “charming and poignant” by Variety at 8 p.m. at the Woodruff Arts Center. The Orchestra de Lune under Anne Richardson’s baton plays the soundtrack live to the 35mm print, and filmmaker, cast and crew will be in attendance. See a trailer here and buy tickets here.

The Center for Puppetry Arts’ official stage adaptation of the Rankin-Bass misfit Christmas TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer starts a two-month run through Dec. 31. Watch for an ATLRetro ‘Tis the Season exclusive behind-the-scenes preview soon. Influenced by botany, chicken and compassion, Atlanta soul country rockers Villain Family claim their sound lies somewhere betwixt Edgar Allan Poe and Hank Williams. Find out for yourself what that means when they play the Star Bar tonight with French funk ‘n’ roll duo Inspector Cluzo and Oakland folk/bluegrass/rock band Tornado Rider. Tongo Hiti serve up Retro-Polynesian luxurious live lounge sounds, as well as trippy takes on iconic pop songs, every Thursday night at Trader Vic’s. The Breeze Kings and The Chickenshack bring on the blues respectively at Northside Tavern and Fat Matt’s Rib Shack. Drunk on Crutches play Bluegrass Thursday at Red Light Cafe.

Friday, November 4

Pack your bags and grab your boarding pass. Then head on over to The Shelter as Mon Cherie and her fabulous crew of flight attendants & cruise Directors present the first of her new Bon Voyage, World Tour Destination Party series. The first sultry excursion is to The Islands of Hawaii – Where Everyone Gets Lei’d (well, at least the first 80 people, she promises!) Doors open at 9 p.m., and the tiki-inspired fun kicks off at 10 p.m. with a Bon Voyage Fanfare Celebration, complete with confetti & streamers as you arrive in the enchanted isles just as the Luau begins. A Hula Gals & Tiki Show stars LaLa Masseur, Stormy Knight, Toniet Gallego (aka Chinita La Chou Chou of Blast-Off Burlesque), Marilynn Chen and New Orleans Jon. More festivities include Maui Wowie Shots, a Pin-Up Swimsuit Contest, Holiday Spa Pampering, Tiki Fabulous Games & Prizes and Industrial Dance & Surfing Craze brought to you by DJ 313 and DJ Rev Andy. For the entire destination schedule, click here.

Queensryche brings their chaotic creative mix of metal and ‘70s art rock The Masquerade. International Bruce Springsteen tribute band Bruce in the USA rocks Variety Playhouse. You may spy Unknown Hinson, the King of the Country-Western Troubadours, and burlesque lovelies Syrens of the South at The Earl. It’s a punk rock/hard rock night at Star Bar with Tweezer, El Caminos and Nashville’s Spider Virus. HERO plays soulful soft rock at Fernbank Museum of Natural History’s Martinis and IMAX.

Saturday, November 5

The Criminal Cuties PinUp Pageant is the latest in an ongoing series of events to raise money to save Criminal Records, the hard-hit L5P record and comics shop, with some sexy fun at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.) Get the seductive scoop from this week’s Kool Kat Amber Lu here. Jump, Jive & Wail commemorates the 1940s era with an evening of swing dancing to the live music of the Peachtree Jazz Edition‘s 18-piece Big Band ensemble. This free event starts at 7 p.m. at Kennesaw State University’s Dept. of Museums, Archives & Rare Books (Museum of History & Holocaust Education), and also includes free swing dance lessons, a 1940s-style photo shoot, refreshments, a surprise raffle, and more! Attendees are invited (but not required) to wear 1940s attire. The High Museum of Art continues its MODERN MASTERS OF FILM series with THE CHELSEA GIRLS (1966), Andy Warhol’s voyeuristic peek into eight rooms at New York’s infamous Chelsea Hotel with a Velvet Underground soundtrack. Introduction and post-film discussion with Thomas Kiedrowski, Warhol aficionado and author of Andy Warhol’s New York City. Burnt Bacon brings their heady mix of blues, funk, country and soul to Northside Tavern. And as usual, DJ Romeo Cologne transforms the sensationally seedy Clermont Lounge into a ’70s disco/funk inferno late into the wee hours.

Sunday, November 6

Bonaventure Quartet serves up a jazz-ilicious blues “dunch” between 1-4 PM at The Earl.  

Ongoing

Fabrefaction Theatre Company brings Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s chilling, suspenseful, heart-pounding masterpiece of murderous barber-ism and culinary crime to the stage. A tale of retribution and in essence, obsession, SWEENEY TODD, THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET serves up a delicious portion of gruesome humor, sinister spite, and suspicious meat pies. Through Nov. 13.

Explore one of America’s most iconic theaters in AIN’T NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING: HOW THE APOLLO THEATER SHAPED AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT, a special exhibition at the Atlanta History Center . Presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, in collaboration with the Apollo Theater Foundation, the display includes historic and contemporary costumes, playbills, music scores, graphic images and recorded music. Through March 4, 2012

LIFE AND DEATH IN THE PYRAMID AGE: THE EMORY OLD KINGDOM MUMMY features the first public viewing in 50 years of the oldest Egyptian mummy in the Western Hemisphere, acquired from excavations at Abydos by Emory Theology Professor William A. Shelton in 1920. Watch for a Really Retro piece on this fascinating exhibit at Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum soon. Through Dec. 11, 2011.

If you know of a cool happening coming up soon, send suggestions to ATLRetro@gmail.com.

By Shellie Schmals

Today, we are also fighting a war of our own ­ the recession. The current unemployment rate in Georgia is 10.3%, which is higher than the national rate of 9.1%. Everyday the reality of foreclosure hits with homeowners displaced and businesses closing.  When Criminal Records announced plans to shut their doors, the outcry from fans could be heard from all over Atlanta. Since September, The King of Pops, Variety Playhouse, WonderRoot and Pamela Caltabiano have coordinated projects to SAVE CRIMINAL RECORDS ATLANTA.

The list of advocates continues, as Amber Lu, a PinUp model and longtime friend of Criminal Records, becomes the producer of the Criminal Cuties PinUp Pageant on Saturday November 5 at 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.). As a benefit for Criminal Records, Amber Lu’s own war on the recession touches on several retro loves we share with her – PinUps and the neighborhood music and comics store – so we had to make her Kool Kat of the Week.

Amber Lu channels her inner Julie Newmar. Hair and make-up by Cherry Dame. Photo credit: Robin Cook.

ATLRETRO: Why a benefit for Criminal Records?

Amber Lu: When I found out Criminal Records was on the brink of closing its doors, I decided I wanted to throw a benefit of some sort to help them stay open.  I have a lot of close friends that work at Criminal, and it has become a home away from home for me. I am a PinUp model myself, so I thought it’d be fun to integrate the idea of Classic PinUps with what is becoming the retro aspect of the modern record store.  Plus, a pinup pageant is a great way to draw people in to the store for the rest of the fundraising events going on that night, i.e., our silent auction, bake sale, photobooth and DJ!!

What qualities are you looking for in Miss Criminal Records 2011?

A real PinUp should have the qualities I like to refer to as “The 3 P’s of PinUp”:

Amber Lu Amazes as Mary Jane, Spider-Man's girlfriend. Hair and make-up by Cherry Dane. Photo credit: Grant Beecher.

These qualities, along with a love for music and everything awesome, are what will help Miss Criminal Records 2011 earn her crown!!

How is Criminal Records an asset to the Little Five Points community?

Criminal Records is the reason I venture into Little Five Points most days… There is ALWAYS something going on there! Bands playing live in-store shows to promote their records… vegan bake sales… Record Store Day… Free Comic Book Day… book signings… Asshole Santa every Christmas?! Too many good things to count! I’ll never forget the day I [first] walked up to Criminal Records, when they were in their old location, and I saw the Indigo Girls playing on the curb there! Where else could you see that?!  I was new to Atlanta at the time, and had no idea that shows like that were a regular occurrence at Criminal. I also had the opportunity to meet Michael Cera and, my personal favorite, Jason Schwartzman, due to the fan-girl antics of the amazing Lillian Hughes, who set up a Fan Meet-n-Greet for the movie: SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD! Criminal is always on the look out for fun exciting events for comic book and music fans alike. It is a very neighborhood-oriented store and focuses on supporting local artists,  as well as the communities’ well being. Only a few small reasons we need to preserve indie record stores, [and] Criminal Records in particular!!

Some say that vinyl and even CDs are considered Retro now. How are they still relevant  in a world of MP3s and digital downloads?

Vinyl has made a huge comeback in the past few years. Many people prefer its sound to the digitally remastered CDs out there. In fact, most bands nowadays put their music out on vinyl before they’d think about putting a CD out to sell. It is sad to me that CDs have somehow become a thing of the past – “retro” if you will; iTunes obviously changed the music industry immensely, and in my opinion, for the worse. Although I do enjoy being able to have my music available on my phone and at the touch of a button, I can’t help but be sad for newer generations of music fans who may never experience the excitement of going to a record store, discovering a new band, taking their CD home, enjoying reading through the album cover, and appreciating the artwork while they experience the music out loud!

Too old for trick-or-treating, but looking for some grown-up fun that digs up the Retro spirit of All Hallows Eve Past? Here are some last-minute spooky suggestions from Atlanta’s most horrifying haunts to its most phantasmagoric parties. Want to give all our attention to haunting holiday festivities, so for the rest of your week, check back tomorrow for a Tues.-Sun. edition of This Week in Retro Atlanta.

If you ain’t got that Jack… The barren bins at grocery stores may make you think you’re out of luck for finding a last-minuet pumpkin, but Glenn Memorial Methodist Church at 1660 N. Decatur Rd NE (30307) still has a field of them. They’re giving them away for free, but have a heart and toss ’em a donation anyway.

Creepy Celebrations… Usually Monday night is a slow night for live music, but being that it’s Halloween, many local clubs are serving up candy for the ears. Just remember, no costume, no candy! So don’t be boring – wear a costume! The Booze rocks The Star Bar’s 20th Anniversary Bash, along with Dead Rabbits, Andrew & the Disapyramids, Jade Lemons & the Crimson Lust and Ghost Bikini. The Earl serves up a killer line-up of garage/punk with Davilla 666; Jacuzzi Boys; Barreracudas; and Predator. Dan Deacon, at Eyedrum tonight, counts Devo and Talking Heads as influences. Dry White Toast play their eclectic mix of blues/funk/R&B/jazz at Fat Matts. Five Spot features Georgia Soul Council. The Masquerade‘s Hell sounds heavenly with M83 treating us to Brian Eno-influenced electronica. We suspect Northside Tavern‘s weekly Blues Jam might be more “spirited” this week.

Horrific Haunts… Of course, there’s no better way to start your eerie evening than with a journey through one of Atlanta’s premiere homegrown haunts. Tonight’s the last night to brave the Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse. Check out our Kool Kat story on Madeline Brumby here.  Experience elaborate and extensive Gothic vistas, creative creatures and even spooky steampunk sets at Netherworld. If you missed our preview with co-creator/co-owner Billy Messina, read it here. Finally for adults-only scares with a torture theme, there’s Chambers of Horrors behind The Masquerade. Gorehound Productions’ Luke Godfrey provides a sadistic sneak preview here. The latter two haunts are also open the first weekend of November.

In the late ‘70s/early ‘80s, The B-52s turned disco on its head with sci-fi new wave numbers that were sure to get you twisting and twirling faster-than-the-speed-of-light. So it’s hard to imagine a more phenomenal host for Discoween, this Friday’s ‘70s inspired Halloween party at Paris on Ponce, than vocalist Fred Schneider. Indeed all the pre-buzz suggests an outrageous extravaganza worthy of the gregarious glitter-glam era, amplified by seasonal tricks and treats, including ‘70s dance hits spun by DJ Vickie Powell, Hustle dance lessons by Go-Go Ghoul Dancers, female impersonators selling ‘70s fashions, costume and dance contests for iPad prizes (OK, did you really want to win an old-school Atari?), a photo booth to record your ‘70s awesomeness, Bad Taste but good tasting ‘70s snacks provided  by Dennis Dean Catering, a raffle with period-authentic prizes including a vintage ‘70s Gucci purse and a framed photo of Elton John in the ‘70s taken by famed photographer Kate Simon, and much more.

Best of all, you don’t have to feel any shame when partying like it’s 1979, because all proceeds go to Canine Companions for Independence, a global nonprofit that provides highly trained service dogs to people with disabilities. Discoween was conceived by Fred’s friend and lifelong animal lover Cathleen (Cathy) Smith-Bresciani, who recently founded the Violet Trust to sponsor training of CCI’s service dogs. Known for throwing fashionably fun charitable fetes, she also chaired the 2010 and 2011 official after-parties for Jeffrey Fashion Cares and Fred Schneider’s Spring Thang benefiting PALS and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Tickets (age 21 & up) are $60 in advance ($75 at door) and can be purchased at the Website for Dixie Dog Wear, Cathy’s online pet accessories boutique which donates 100% its profits to various charities.

Designer Jason Wu, Cathleen Smith, Fred Schneider and Violet - a CCI service dog in training. Photo courtesy of Caren West PR.

ATLRetro caught up with Fred for a fabulous pre-peek at Discoween, his personal love of ‘70s dance music, how he got involved and what’s up next for the B-52s and his sensational side project The Superions, which he playfully described to another blogger as “the most exciting group to hit the music scene since Elvis or Lady Gaga.” At ATLRetro, we have no doubt that’s true, Fred!

ATLRetro: Why will Discoween be Atlanta’s best Retro-inspired Halloween party this year?

Fred Schneider: Any party Cathy Smith throws is the best. Ask anyone. And DJ Vicki and I know how to get people shakin’!!

What will you be doing as host of the party? Are you performing? Or Emceeing?
I’ll be doing a little of everything. I’m not performing, but the disco glitter dancers make their debut! And I’ll screen the Superions’ BATBABY mini-movie

Paris on Ponce is a very unique and cool venue. Do you shop there yourself (in which case what was your coolest Paris on Ponce purchase?) And how will that location play into the fun?

Yes, I’ve shopped there. Got a great 1931 modern designer furniture book. The venue for the party already looks like something from TRUE BLOOD!

What disco finest will you be pulling out of your closet, and any tips for putting together the ultimate outrageous ’70s disco costume?
I’m shopping tomorrow for an outfit! Anything shiny spandex is a must. Especially if it’s unflattering!

How did you get involved and why are you so passionate about Canine Companions for Independence?
My good friend Cathy Smith named a dog and is sponsoring one. I also do a line of dog cookies for her Dixie Dogwear [called] Fred Schneider’s Dogstars.

The B-52s were New Wave, which some people think of as anti-disco, but yet you were absolutely danceable. Did the band owe anything to the disco sound?
I love new wave disco. There’s lots of disco music we all liked.

What else are you and the B-52s up to now? Any recordings, other upcoming Atlanta appearances, eclectic hobbies, passionate causes?
The B-52s have a new live CD, WITH THE WILD CROWD, we taped in Athens. A DVD will come out later. One dream would be to play our 35th anniversary show at the Fox next year. My side project, The Superions, have a single and mini-movie out now, BATBABY. Our Xmas CD, DESTINATION…CHRISTMAS comes out again to save the holidays!