Bet the Favorites
It’s no secret that Atlanta’s A-List isn’t just about what we like or what we think is cool. No, we have our integrity. There is no greater evidence of that than our unabashed, unflinching, and unreserved favoritism (you were expecting something else?). When the people we know (and like) do something about town (or elsewhere) that’s of note (or not) we like to give them a hand. One such person is Alvin Townley.
Alvin Townley is smart, thoughtful, articulate, fit and friendly. Sort of everything you would expect from a Boy Scout. Maybe that’s why he’s an Eagle Scout. What makes Alvin a little different from some others who have achieved this milestone, which requires a significant public service component (and that’s our hook), is that he is about to publish his second book about the lives and careers of famous, and not so famous, leaders who have also become Eagle Scouts. Alvin’s first book included profiles of men like New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, and even one of the Tuskegee Airmen. His new book, The Spirit of Adventure, profiles the up and coming generation of Eagle Scouts and the accomplishments some of these men have made in a very short period of time.
Alvin will be signing The Spirit of Adventure this Tuesday night, May 12 at two locations in the Atlanta area. He will be at the Barnes & Noble location at Perimeter Mall from 5:00-7:00pm, then at the North Point Mall store in Alpharetta from 7:30-9:00pm. I really don’t know how he thinks he is going to make that drive up 400 in thirty minutes, but hey, he’s a an Eagle Scout (sort of like MacGyver, but with badges).
Do the Right Thing
Another theme around here at Atlanta’s A-List is “that vision thing.” Now, we don’t pretend to be presidential about anything, but we also don’t think you need to be elected leader of the free world to have some idea about how to make the world a better place (though we do think that if you are so elected, you should some idea). The point is this. We spilled a lot of ink (or pixels) recently over the 500 Songs for Kids event. It wasn’t just about the music; it was the cause. There are a couple more of those this week.
It’s not a wide open event but Atlanta’s A-List (or one of its alter egos) will be at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Conference this Thursday to see the increasingly controversial Bill Cobsy address the conferees. You can get involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs right here in Atlanta by joining Club Blue.
That evening (Thursday night) we will be headed to Park Tavern for the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s River Revival Watershed Sessions. Advance tickets are $40 if you get them by tomorrow (May 11) and $55 at the door. That ticket buys you food, beer from SweetWater Brewery, and lots of music. Performers include Amy Gerhertz and Gareth Asher. If you like roots rock with a message you should like these guys. The UC Riverkeepers’ mission is to preserve and protect the Chattahoochee River watershed, which if you live in the burgh, is the source of the water you will brush your teeth with tonight, take your shower with in the morning, and wash your car with next week. You needn’t have been in the ATL for too long to remember that a few weeks without rain and we can face some serious water issues around here. Get out, take in some local artists, take in some local beer, and support these good folks who are looking out for us.
Favorite Son
The Wood Brothers return to Atlanta this Friday night (May 15) at the Variety Playhouse. We’ve covered one half of this fraternal duo before (and here too) and as a team they made Atlanta’s A-List Best of Oh-Eight in the categories of “Best Live Cover” and “Best Recording.” Guess we don’t need to make the point that they are one of our favorites. Little brother Chris is taking some time off from his other project (MMW) and New York’s most populous borough to make a three week, fifteen city tour. They were exceptional last year opening for Grace Potter and we expect they will be even better when they lead the bill on Friday night. Advance tickets are only $15 and we cannot tell you what a bargain that is.
Odds and Sods
Here are a couple of quick hits: The Coathangers at the Drunken Unicorn on Monday night; Chris Trapper at Eddie’s Attic on Wednesday; Young Antiques for free Friday at Atlanta Brewing Company (later that night at Star Bar); and, of course, rockers Mastodon on Friday at Center Stage.
There is so much more on tap, the only way to stay current is to watch the blog every day (we will post a review of the new Metric and Neko Case records this week) and follow us on Twitter. That’s Atlanta’s A-List and his horse was fast as polished steel.
