Sunday, May 10, 2009
A+E, Food, Life, In this Issue..., Style, Atlanta
Reader's Choice
Sunday Best 2009
Arts and Entertainment
BEST LOCAL CELEBRITYELTON JOHN
THE LOWDOWN: Go ahead, snicker if you must. Tell us he’s a part-time resident. But you know what? We’re cool with the rock star/fashion plate winning this category. In fact, we embrace it—just as he has embraced Atlanta. Sir Elton is the most powerful advocate our city’s ever had. And when it comes to star wattage, he towers over all of our rappers, athletes, R&B singers, actors and country singers combined. That’s right, we said it.
THE RUNNER-UP: André Benjamin
BEST LOCAL CELEBRITY YOU LOVE TO HATE
BEST LOCAL SCANDAL
The Real Housewives of Atlanta
THE LOWDOWN: It wasn’t even close. Whether together or separately, Bravo’s local icons of narcissism and conspicuous consumption dominated both categories, suggesting that our frustration/fascination with the polarizing foursome of Kim, Sheree, Lisa and NeNe hasn’t ebbed. Much as we hate to admit it, we’re eager to see what new cast member Kandi Burruss brings when the show returns on July 28.
THE RUNNERS-UP: Kim Zolciak of “Real Housewives” (love to hate): Michael Vick (scandal)
BEST TV NEWSCAST
CHANNEL 2 ACTION NEWS
THE LOWDOWN: Whether it’s the “coverage you can count on,” the computer game-inspired weather graphics, the latest in sports or the fact that the daily Cash 3 drawing immediately follows, the people of Atlanta can’t get enough of Channel 2 Action News.
THE BASICS: 5, 6 and 11 p.m. weeknights, WSB-TV.
www.wsbtv.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: 11Alive News
BEST TV NEWS PERSONALITY
MONICA PEARSON
THE LOWDOWN: Breezy, bright and neat as Donna Reed, Monica’s been dishing out the news to Atlantans since 1975, and has won 28 Emmys along the way. We’ve seen her hairstyles come and go. We’ve seen her single and married. And we’ve never been let down by her calm, sympathetic demeanor.
THE BASICS: 5, 6 and 11 p.m. weeknights, WSB-TV.
www.wsbtv.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Brenda Wood
BEST RADIO STATION
Q100
BEST DRIVE-TIME MORNING SHOW
THE BERT SHOW
THE LOWDOWN: Miley Cyrus, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, Nickelback and Justin Timberlake all coexist peacefully on our readers’ favorite station for mainstream pop, rock, R&B and hip-hop hits. Speaking of playing together nicely, “The Bert Show” eases our readers’ listeners into their workdays, powered by the easy camaraderie of ultimate wingman Bert Weiss, easygoing Melissa Carter, upbeat Jenn Hobby, twentysomething singleton Wendy Adams and the darkly comic id of Jeff Dauler (who scored a close second in our “radio personality you love to hate” category).
THE BASICS: WWWQ, 99.7 FM.
www.q100atlanta.com.
THE RUNNERS-UP: DAVE-FM (radio station); The Regular Guys (morning show)
BEST RADIO PERSONALITY
MARA DAVIS
THE LOWDOWN: Every now and then, you’ll hear this DAVE-FM midday mainstay make some errant wicked comment during her “Radio Free Lunch,” or you’ll hear her singing along with the “Daily Cheese” (“Afternoon Delight” by Starland Vocal Band is our personal fave), and you’ll think, “this woman is awesome.” We know; we’ve been there. Not to be missed.
THE BASICS: 9 a.m.to 2p.m. weekdays. DAVE, 92.9 FM.
www.929dave.fm. www.maradavis.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Clark Howard
BEST TALK-RADIO SHOW
THE CLARK HOWARD SHOW
THE LOWDOWN: Sadly, WSB and HLN’s Clark Howard won’t be running for mayor of Atlanta. Which is a real shame, since our city has never more desperately needed a penny-pincher in office.
THE BASICS: For your own financial reform, tune in Saturdays and Sundays at noon and 4 p.m. on HLN, and Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. to 4p.m. on WSB NewsTalk 750-AM.
THE RUNNER-UP: Neal Boortz
BEST SPORT-TALK RADIO SHOW
MAYHEM IN THE A.M.
THE LOWDOWN: Between Chris Dimino’s encyclopedic baseball knowledge, Nick Cellini’s hilarious misanthropy and the larger-than-life ego of food-obsessed Steak Shapiro, this long-running morning show provides a fast-moving and informative balance of hardcore sports talk, interviews, opinion and entertainment that’s accessible even to non-diehards.
THE BASICS: 6 to 11 a.m. weekdays, 790 the Zone (790-AM).
THE RUNNER-UP: Chuck & Chernoff (middays, 680 the Fan)
BEST RADIO PERSONALITY YOU LOVE TO HATE
NEAL BOORTZ
THE LOWDOWN: Critics skewer the Atlanta-based, nationally syndicated talk-radio host as an insensitive blowhard who honed his hatemongering skills as a speechwriter for former governor Lester Maddox. His loyal listeners are more apt to call him “the Talkmaster” or “High Priest of the Church of the Painful Truth.” Both camps tune in religiously, hungry for their recommended daily allowance of outrage.
THE BASICS: 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 750 AM WSB.
THE RUNNER-UP: Jeff Dauler (Q100’s “The Bert Show”)
BEST LOCAL MAGAZINE
ATLANTA MAGAZINE
THE LOWDOWN: Consistent, comprehensive and always raising the bar for local journalism, Atlanta Magazine employs some of the greatest editors, writers, photographers and designers (er, after The Sunday Paper, of course). But seriously, the staff puts out a stellar read month after month, year after year, and we applaud them for it.
THE BASICS: On newsstands everywhere. www.atlantamagazine.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Atlantan
OUR FAVORITE ANSWER: The Sunday Paper (naturally)
BEST ARTS FESTIVAL
THE DOGWOOD FESTIVAL
THE LOWDOWN: After being banished to the Lenox Square parking lot in 2008, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival was happy to return to Piedmont Park for its 73rd anniversary this year (dogwoods must not like asphalt). Atlanta’s premier rite of spring brings out sculptors, painters and musicians alike, and packs the whole thing into one weekend, coinciding with the blooming of the dogwood blossoms.
THE BASICS:
www.dogwood.org.
THE RUNNER-UP: Inman Park Festival
BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL
THE ATLANTA JAZZ FESTIVAL
THE LOWDOWN: Nearing its 32nd year, this city favorite has expanded despite budget cuts and a floundering economy. Showcasing legends and up-and-coming acts to diehard fans and new ears alike, the month-long festival celebrates jazz with live music, food and other events, culminating in a three-day blowout over Memorial Day Weekend.
THE BASICS: Various venues through May 31.
www.atlantafestivals.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Dogwood Festival
OUR FAVORITE ANSWER: Music Midtown (we know how you feel, brother)
BEST FILM FESTIVALTHE ATLANTA FILM FESTIVAL
THE LOWDOWN: Atlanta’s signature film event has been bringing some of cinema's most exciting voices to town since 1977, with screenings, workshops, panels, readings and parties. Having screened early films by Steven Spielberg, Victor Nunez and Spike Lee alongside works by fresh faces, the festival aims to build a strong independent media arts community.
THE BASICS:
www.atlantafilmfestival.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
BEST IMPROV GROUP
WHOLE WORLD IMPROV THEATRE
THE LOWDOWN: With its actors' quick on-the-spot wit and hilarious impressions, the award-winning Whole World has been responsible for countless slapped knees and split sides since 1993 (Lance Krall of VH1’s “Free Radio” is an alum). Plus, unlike at most theaters, audience interaction and the consumption of alcohol are encouraged.
THE BASICS: 1216 Spring St. NW. 404-817-0880.
www.wholeworldtheatre.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Dad’s Garage
BEST THEATER COMPANY
ALLIANCE THEATRE
THE LOWDOWN: This 2007 Tony Award-winner is widely recognized the Southeast’s largest regional theater, known for its mix of big-ticket works (August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” and “Radio Golf”) and more intimate fare, its annual playwriting competition (with the winning script receiving a production at the theater), and fun, quirky ventures (last year’s Second City collaboration and an adaptation of Cartoon Network’s “Class of 3000”)—and for incubating future Broadway productions (2004’s “The Color Purple”).
THE BASICS: 1280 Peachtree St. in the Woodruff Arts Center. 404-733-4650.
www.alliancetheatre.org.
THE RUNNER-UP: Dad’s Garage
BEST LOCAL PLAYWRIGHTLAUREN GUNDERSON
THE LOWDOWN: The New York-based actor, playwright and author continues to impress theatergoers in her Atlanta hometown, most recently with the election-themed “Class,” which garnered positive reviews during its world premiere at Dad’s Garage last October.
THE RUNNER-UP: Valetta Anderson
BEST LOCAL THEATER DIRECTORKENNY LEON
THE LOWDOWN: Leon’s established himself as a national name with Broadway productions of “Gem of the Ocean,” “Radio Golf” and “A Raisin in the Sun” (not to mention last year’s successful TV version of the latter starring Sean “Diddy” Combs). But the founding artistic director of True Colors Theatre hasn’t abandoned his Atlanta roots; he recently directed "Miss Evers' Boys" at True Colors, and the Alliance's production of "Gem" at the start of the season; he also staged last November’s “Swimming Upstream” at 14th Street Playhouse.
THE BASICS:
www.truecolorstheatre.org.
THE RUNNER-UP: Susan Booth (Alliance Theatre)
BEST LOCAL FILMMAKER
BEST LOCAL MOVIE STAR
BEST LOCAL MALE ACTORTYLER PERRY
THE LOWDOWN: Fed up with reviewers who don’t get or just don’t like his movies, Perry stopped inviting them to advance screenings last year. But he didn’t need such a move to silence his critics: His string of cinematic and theatrical hits, his expansive new production facility and his burgeoning TV empire (TBS ordered 80 additional episodes of his second series, “Meet the Browns,” following a successful 10-episode start earlier this year) have already done that. And don’t forget his trash-talking alter ego Madea (not that she’d let you). Jermaine Dupri may fancy himself Atlanta’s Donald Trump, but one-man entertainment industry Perry is indisputably the second coming of Ted Turner.
THE RUNNER-UP: Jane Fonda (movie star); Ludacris (male actor)
BEST LOCAL FEMALE ACTORDAKOTA FANNING
THE LOWDOWN: Although the Conyers native is firmly ensconced in Hollywood, SP readers are still quick to embrace her as one of our own. (Heck, we still get votes every year for “Smyrna’s own” Julia Roberts. Which we’d like to talk to you guys about.) It doesn’t hurt matters any that 15-year-old Fanning is one of the best actresses of any age working today, and appears to be a grounded young lady in little danger of following in Lindsay Lohan’s footsteps. We heartily approve.
THE RUNNER-UP: Holly Hunter
BEST MOVIE THEATERREGAL HOLLYWOOD STADIUM 24
THE LOWDOWN: The flagship of the metro area’s Regal Cinema outposts is a little bit of a drive for some residents, but with 24 theaters, ample parking and friendly concessionistas, it’s worth the trek. Plus, we just really dig the giant-spaceship façade.
THE BASICS: 3265 N.E. Expressway Access Road, Chamblee. 707-936-5737.
www.regmovies.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
BEST DANCE COMPANYATLANTA BALLET
THE LOWDOWN: Known for its award-winning performances and its eagerly anticipated “Nutcracker” production each year at the Fox, the Atlanta Ballet (now comfortably ensconced at the Cobb Energy Centre) is celebrating its 80th anniversary. The company’s artists consist of local and international talent, some of whom are still students attending school in Atlanta. So if she says she’s dancing to work her way through school, maybe it’s not the kind of dancing you’re thinking of.
THE BASICS:
www.atlantaballet.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Dance 101
BEST CONCERT VENUECHASTAIN PARK AMPHITHEATRE
THE LOWDOWN: Where else can you enjoy a gourmet picnic under the stars while taking in your favorite musical act? Chastain features something for everyone, presenting an eclectic array of pop stars, country singers and classic favorites.
THE BASICS: 4469 Stella Drive. 404-733-4949.
www.classicchastain.com.
www.livenation.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Tabernacle
BEST KARAOKE BARMARY'S
THE LOWDOWN: There are 15,000 reasons why you might say Mary's has the best karaoke in town—and you can sing along to all of them. Patrons ranging from hipsters to doctors flock to this "(mostly) gay bar" for its friendly and unpretentious atmosphere.
THE BASICS: Karaoke on Tuesdays and Saturdays. 1287 Glenwood Ave. 404-624-4411.
www.marysatlanta.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Metalsome at 10 High
BEST COMEDY CLUBTHE PUNCHLINE
THE LOWDOWN: The Punchline is a nationally recognized comedy venue, having having brought such talents as Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle to town since 1982.
THE BASICS: 280 Hilderbrand Drive, Sandy Springs. 404-252-5233.
www.punchline.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Laughing Skull Lounge
OUR FAVORITE ANSWER: “Any Republican bar”
BEST BAR FOR TEAM TRIVIABONE GARDEN CANTINA
THE LOWDOWN: We’d heard about the fun to be had at “Trivia Madness” at this buzzworthy new Mexican spot. Once again, our readers are ahead of us, voting this Wednesday-night happening, hosted by Trivia Dude Entertainment, their favorite trivia contest.
THE BASICS: 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. 1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. 404-418-9072.
www.bonegardencantina.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Midway
BEST LOCAL MUSICIANJENNIFER NETTLES
THE LOWDOWN: Some of us remember the days this scrappy singer-songwriter used to hustle for gigs and fans like every other musician in Atlanta. We remember the pride we felt when Soul Miner’s Daughter scored a slot at Lilith Fair. And now, as half of the chart-topping duo Sugarland, she’s one of the biggest stars in country music. And we couldn’t be more psyched.
THE RUNNER-UP: Elton John
BEST LOCAL MUSIC PRODUCER
JERMAINE DUPRI
BEST LOCAL RECORD LABELSO SO DEF
THE LOWDOWN: Though sometimes teased for his diminutive stature, Jermaine Dupri has one of the longest lists of production credits in music. Having come a long way from producing tracks for Kris Kross, Dupri and his label have jump-jumped to the top as two of the most successful brands in the hip-hop industry. "Welcome to Atlanta," indeed.
THE BASICS:
www.jermainedupri.com.
www.sosodef.com.
THE RUNNERS-UP: Dallas Austin (producer), Daemon Records (label)
BEST OPEN MIC NIGHTEDDIE’S ATTIC
THE LOWDOWN: The gold standard in local open-mic competitions, the Monday night Songwriter’s Open Mic is a showcase for up-and-coming Atlanta talent. Don’t believe us? Past winners of the semi-annual Open Mic Shootout (which pits previous Monday night winners against each other for $1,000 and some studio time) have included future Sugarland star Jennifer Nettles and a little somebody by the name of John Mayer. Perhaps you’ve heard of him?
THE BASICS: 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 404-377-4976.
www.eddiesattic.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Kirkwood Ballers Club (Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge)
BEST JUKEBOXTHE LOCAL
THE LOWDOWN: It only makes sense that the quintessential neighborhood bar would have a killer jukebox, stocked with classic rock (Was that Rush?), alternative favorites (Pixies) and newer stuff you’ve probably never heard beforoe. The only drawback? It’s so popular, you may wait a long time to hear the songs you played.
THE BASICS: 758 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E. 404-873-5002.
THE RUNNER-UP: The EARL
OUR FAVORITE ANSWER: “My iPod”
BEST POOL HALLTWAIN’S BILLIARDS AND TAP
THE LOWDOWN: With 13 regulation pool tables, this Decatur hangout is a favorite of casual fans and league players alike. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg: Twain’s also features big-screen TVs, live music every Tuesday through Thursday, drink specials, a weekly darts tournament and its own brewpub.
THE BASICS: 211 E. Trinity Place, Decatur. 404-373-0063.
www.twains.net.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Independent
BEST MUSEUMHIGH MUSEUM OF ART
THE LOWDOWN: Founded in 1905, the High has firmly established itself as the Southeast’s gateway to the art world. In addition to hauling in about a quarter of the Louvre’s exhibits (thanks to savvy negotiations with the French), the High recently brought us soldiers from China’s Terra Cotta army, which proved to be its most popular exhibit to date. And we’re pretty sure none of them got chipped while they were here.
THE BASICS: 1280 Peachtree St. 404-733-4444.
www.high.org.
THE RUNNER-UP: Fernbank Museum of Natural History
BEST ART GALLERYMASON MURER
THE LOWDOWN: This 24,000 square-foot temple of the arts is home to an impressive array of established artists and up-and-coming talent, as well as the annual event Embrace, the fine art fair of the National Black Arts Festival.
THE BASICS: 199 Armour Drive. 404-879-1500. 325 E. Paces Ferry Road. 404-551-3900.
www.masonmurer.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Alan Avery Art Company