Thank you for such a great, respectful piece about the show. I was afraid that all the media outlets who were so interested in what happened back in April wouldn’t be interested in following through to come back and cover the positive part of the story. It is very much appreciated.
[...] Just got a (very vague) press release from The Coca-Cola Company explaining what they intend to do with all those thousands of Atlanta Braves jerseys, bats and mitts that went into the old 42-foot Coke bottle they retired after 12 years of fireworks displays over Turner Field. (Here are photos of both bottles.) [...]
The Coke memorabilia giveaway on Thursday…the Maddux number retirement ceremony on Friday. And hopefully a 4 game sweep of the Mets culminating on Sunday.
I was at a Hot Topic last night and overheard the two clerks talking about the movie. One of them had admitted to not having read any of the books, and only watched the movies. I chided him and told him he needed to get all the books, sit down, and read them. There are a lot of things in the books that were left out of the movies, some that were minor and didn’t really affect the story when left out, and others that were cruicial to the story. For example, in the fifth book (”Order of the Phoenix”) Harry and his friends encounter all sorts of obstacles before getting to the room with all the prophecies, and Harry retrieves the prophecy. It also left out some of the cruelty that Umbridge inflicted upon the students, especially Harry, like when she injured Hedwig’s wing. I forget what she did in the book, but I remember one time yelling “you *****!” at the book. When a book can get a reaction like that from the reader, you know it’s good.
I hope too much wasn’t left out in this movie. I really couldn’t see anything that could be left out, but some things could have been changed around a bit.
I’m with you, Patrick, on the books. I read and enjoyed all of them, but haven’t been nearly so dedicated to the movies. They have their moments — love Quidditch on a big screen — but I didn’t even see “Half-Blood Prince” last night. (Too many photos to file, too many blog posts to write…) For those that just can’t sit still through a book, though, seems like they’re a solid entry into a cultural phenom.
Of course the movie butchered the book, I’m not about to sit through six hours of Snape’s detention, Moanin’ Myrtle’s well, moaning over Draco Dobby’s moodiness or the non-lovefest between Molly and LeFleur.
That said, they did a decent job with the bones of the book and the added scenes. The romance scenes were too slow, a hint really would’ve been enough in most cases although the audience around me hooted and hollared over anything.
I have a reccomendation though, while you may love your light-up wand please do not wave it in the air during the movie. Save it for the lines waiting outside the theater.
AJC…i hope you keep this daily segment: “What to Do on (weekdays)”…this tool is so helpful to me because it gives me a glimpse of the life and happenings of ATL on each given day. it also helps for when family are in town and this is a simple reference to things to do while they are visiting ATL. Thanks again for this segment.
[...] sells movie tickets, two for $15.99, for Regal and AMC theaters. I was thinking of seeing Harry Potter, but I, for one, am not a big fan of spending big bucks for cinema blockbusters. I called a few [...]
Great! Glad it helps! I’ll keep it up in this blog on weekdays, and on weekends, too. If you’ve ever got ideas or recommendations, feel free to share them, too, by commenting here, e-mailing me at jgumbrecht@ajc.com or shooting me a message on Twitter at http://twitter.com/insideaccess. Thanks!
Art, if it has to be subsidized thru donations or the govt and they can’t make it on their own thru selling their “art”, then obviously not enough people care about it and its time to get a real job!!
Even thought I never really went to eyedrum, it’s sad to see the ignorance of the south shining here in these comments. Way to stereotype yourselves guys as a bunch of culturally ignorant, backwoods cretins.
To “the Captain”, let me draw you a picture with a person playing a violin with tears in his eyes about the sad news. You’ll just have to image the sound.
I think the variety of perspectives on art are revealing themselves in this thread, John and Bushwacker. Of course there are those who look at it as a business on which to make money, but for many others, it’s to learn, educate or entertain, to affect the space or people in the areas where we live or, in the case of an arts space, a way to connect with the community. Eyedrum, for its part, is a volunteer operation.
A decline is civilization is precipitated by a decline in the creative arts. It’s creativity that keeps this economy going to begin with. Take that away and you have a bleak horizon.
How about trying this…go through the place and start charging the “artists” that are living there some rent? Yeah, they are there…been there and seen them and walked in on them.
Eyedrum is a great space, but it’s way too big. Rent on Memorial Drive / Cabbagetown has got to be going through the roof with all of the recent improvements. They should move out to the next cool (and cheap) district.
Haters are proof you’re famous. Keep it going, Eyedrum.
John, yes, image the sound. Why would you even read an article about something that you have nothing positive to add (and make incredibly retarded grammatical errors in the midst of your hating)….you’re a genius, and your energy is so well spent.
i’m an artist, have a real job (so that i can afford to pursue creative endeavors), and i love art.
You see, John is a closet homosexual who thinks if he speaks out against culture, free expression and creative thoughts, no one will know he is gay…….BUSTED.
So if someone thinks the art there is mostly not very good, childish, and not worth paying to see they are a closet homosexual? Maybe John is just a blue collar open homosexual. Like you need to be into art to be into man on man loving. I like the place for a show but the art there is not very marketable. Sometimes things have to close because people do not care enough to fork over money to keep it open. The high stays in bussiness because people want to go there and see the art. Eyedrum had a great spot there for awhile but the area is being built up and the land is worth money now.
Just call Washington and ask for taxpayer cash to bail out this artsy organization! They’ve got plenty of coin from taxpayers to do what they need! It’s just a phone call away—taxpayer money: it just keeps on giving!!!!
What a shame. The eyedrum is more than just a place to see art. They host great bands and have always been a point of pride for residents such as myself in the area. A friend of mine just opened and art gallery in Savannah. There is kind of a twist to it though. The upstairs is a tattoo parlor while the downstairs is a gallery. Its a great idea. This way money is always coming in. And lastly, pay no attention to the “Johns” of the world. He is bound to a life of suburban nothingness with either a horrible construction job or an entry level loan officer with a generic degree in date rape er, i mean business from UGA.
Markets are wonderful things, great at setting the price of widgets and spreading prosperity. But market forces are inadequate to provide some of the things which make life enjoyable, including museums, symphony orchestras, opera, ballet, and much theatre (beyond a narrow band of work, such as big musicals and a few light comedies). It’s not just small nonprofits like Eyedrum which depend, in part, on contributions. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, generally considered one of the 2 or 3 finest on the planet, doesn’t stay open due to ticket sales – in fact, the entrance fee is voluntary, although most choose to pay it. The bulk of their budget comes from donors. The finest performing arts organization in the South, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, does better than most at selling tickets, but still at least half their budget is donations – which help keep the ticket prices lower than they would otherwise happen to be.
Nonprofit arts organizations go through an application process to the IRS to qualify for tax-exempt status (I’ve helped several through this process), making their donors’ gifts deductible against their taxes. Most people understand this, but there are always a few people who haven’t thought this through. For them, the Market is God, the great god Market will provide all we need, and there’s no need to think beyond that article of faith.
“Commercial Viability of Art” is almost a contradiction in terms.
Mainstream cultures will embrace art that represents their own perspectives, or that they can relate to enough to affect their perspectives, and incorporate them. Perspectives that represent alternative cultures, communities, lifestyles, etc. are less likely to be embraced by the larger numbers of people. That doesn’t make them irrelevant; it just makes them unpopular. They don’t enlighten, nor broaden, nor add, subtract or edit; they present something foreign, difficult to interpret or assimilate. That translates into lack of value for the patron.
If one chooses to be unpopular in order to stay true to their muse(s), then the associated lack of public support and funding goes with the gig. There’s not much room to complain. Presenting art that represents one’s muse in such a way that maximum numbers can relate to it is the optimal challenge to any artist, regardless of medium or genre.
some of these comments are straight from the movie, “deliverance”. what a bunch of hicks. maybe a smaller space will help preserve the whole idea of eyedrum. peter street has available space and its opened up a whole new approach to the presentation of up and coming artist and craftsmen. these are trying times for everyone and benefactors are not clamouring to support the arts like they once were. i hope these artist find a viable location and to those naysayers; “here piggy, piggy…”
Never heard of them? Who the heck are they ??? Sounds like a group with good intent but can’t maybe they seek funds like others do and have a car wash, auction, beg on the side of the road? Really I can only say they must not have a great Board to be in this fix.
I’ve lived in Atlanta since 1985, and it seems that the ugly attitudes exhibited by folks like John are becoming more the norm than the exception. It’s too bad. Atlanta used to be a great town, ready to embrace new forms of art and full of interesting characters and places. It now seems to be becoming just a big city full of yahoos who pride themselves on their own ignorance and intolerance. That’s nothing to be proud of, but I’m sure John, Bushwacker and the whole gang will read it as high praise.
I’ve been to Eyedrum a few times years ago. A great space with some nice shows. I hope the manage. Perhaps a less expensive place might be an idea. Remember, it is not really the space, but what is put in it that makes it.
And let me thank John and company. You never disappoint! You lift people up- if only by making them happy they are not like you!
Benton, don’t believe it. In my experience, Atlantans are more educated, sophisticated, and open to new forms of art than ever. We have more, and better art collectors than ever. Theatre companies that didn’t exist 25 years ago are now nationally respected, with loyal audiences. Robert Spano is making Atlanta one of the leading centers for contemporary classical music – and selling tickets.
The internet lets a few loudmouth soreheads set the tone – if we let them. So don’t let them.
You’re right, BPJ — the best way to keep the conversation honest and productive is for the commenters to move it in that direction. Not all comments will be positive, nor should they be, but I hope the tone of these conversations, at least, will be thoughtful and helpful.
I went to eyedrum a couple of times. In theory, a great place for art and music; in practice, it was just a bunch of GSU hipster-than-thou kids sitting around drinking PBR, making noise on an old drum set and some tin cans. Not surprised that this urban collective wasn’t able to pay the bills. But fine if that’s what you’re looking for I guess. And lay off the rednecks, dangit, we wuz here first.
Oh yeah, someone (Edgewood Adam) has to throw in the old go back to the suburb comment. Not to defend John or anything….since he never said he lived in the burbs… but the art scene is thriving in Alpharetta so bite me. Matilda’s anyone? That place is PACKED every weekend.
You ITP people are so cool bashing the burbs and all. Why don’t you try going outside your comfort zone? It’s not all Chili’s and Fridays up here.
Even the Fox can’t survive on ticket sales alone, even though they have among the top, if not the top ticket sales in historic venues in the nation. The Fox relies upon private donations and benefactors.
Private support is appropriate for arts groups such as Eyedrum. Certainly, taxes should never support them. Inability to attract private funding, designed as a tax write-off for the donors, indicates clearly that either the organization isn’t sufficiently managed, or that their output isn’t of sufficient value.
what a person intends to realize and actually does realize is like a mathmatical correlation between the unexpressed but intended and the unintentionally expressed.
Atlanta is a city dependent on tax revenues derrived from convention business and tourism. The theory behind public finance for the arts is that the arts contribute to the financial welfare of the city by making it a more attractive cultural destination for tourists and conventions, and for corporations looking to relocate.
The theory simply put is that the tax revenues gained will exceed the taxpayer money spent, or not collected from non profits.
Public art often has the greatest cultural impact, but fails to meet the Bushwacker test for economic viability.
Atlanta is in he midst of a full blown arts crisis. Major galleries and performing arts organizations are disappearing, making Atlanta a less attractive cultural destination.
Many private donors are tapped out because of the economy and guys like Madoff.
Yes we have the world of Coke, the Aquarium and a bunch of strip clubs. But the longterm picture is that cities like Miami and even Nashville will be kicking our butts soon because they are commiting to culture.
[...] 11-year-old community arts organization’s financial trouble quickly picked up headlines on blogs and discussions on listservs. It’s not debt that finally spiraled out of control, Eyedrum [...]
Hey “Art, if it has to be subsidized thru donations or the govt and they can’t make it on their own thru selling their “art”, then obviously not enough people care about it and its time to get a real job!!”
I’m with you, I’d much rather my shoes get made by slave labor. Let the market decide everything!
I feel the same way about highways! All road should be toll roads.
And little kids that can’t afford to build their own swimming pools? Well screw them! I’m not paying for them to go swimming.
The the market drove everything, we wouldn’t have the woodruff arts center, the second largest arts center in north america. Nor would you have public parks, swimming pools, stone mountain or state parks.
Charlotte, NC decided to become the second largest banking capitol of the US. As soon as they did that, they decided to invest heavily in arts and culture to draw industry and it completely worked. As Atlanta arts funding and its major and minor institutions start dying it will be fun to hear you complain then about why you don’t have a job and why industry is moving elsewhere.
Though Charlotte, Denver and other growing cities also managed to get their act together on mass transit.
Woodruff isn’t supported by taxes. They’re supported by private and corporate donations, some bond issues. Stone Mountain was originally developed as a private enterprise, not public works. Comparing physical infrastructure like roads, parks and pools to arts funding is just plain stupid. You don’t really think that’s a very valid argument, do you? Really?
For the relatively small amount of funding that Eyedrum needs, go get some corporate sponsorship. There’s a political buzz about upcoming limits on how much corporations can write off for donations (thanks for the tax reform, Mr. President), but all that would do is increase competition for those funds. It’s part of their financial planning, all you have to do is go talk to them, sell them on supporting your non-profit enterprise, and give them enough lead time to dedicate their budget.
Eyedrum is a great alternative art space, but it was an unwise move to take on a space bigger than they were willing or able to market successfully, especially since the artists involved dislike even the concept of marketing.
Oh and to John: Ignore the haters, you have every right to your opinions on art. Ridiculous how people who are for free speech are so ready to slam you for expressing yours. The fact that you even bothered to comment on the arts shows you have some interest. And that can develop over time into a rich experience for you. It can be the art of flyfishing, or painting. Just because someone says it is art doesn’t mean it is art to everybody!
I hope eyedrum survives, it offers anyone interested a very interesting experience. They just need to evolve with the times. It really is a strong economy that allows all that free expression! The government can only do so much, and they are more unethical that the majority of companies that get so much grief for trying to survive as well!
People don’t schedule conventions in Atlanta to attend mediocre art galleries in the city. They come because of the airport and cheap convention space at the GWCC. But, atlanta’s lost a lot of convention business because of all the homeless downtown and crime, which the city never changes. Instead, atlanta cops spend time looking for jaywalkers, too afraid to deal with the drug / crime problems.
Pragmatist,
Other cities have airports and convention centers. People come to Atlanta because of the cultural attractions- MLK Center, World of Coke, The High, The Aquarium and yes, a vibrant art scene.
That is why we are in the process of getting beaten by Miami, Charlotte Nashville and other smaller but smarter cities.
I agree that crime is a problem but it is a problem in most big cities. Do you think Miami is crime free?
I look at this and it gives me chills, the most chilling thing is that our young minority men still don’t get it. A prison will be built for them before a house. They can go there and remain the slave that our civil rights leaders gave their time and many times their lives to change. We need to wake up as a people and stop dreaming. The nightmare has to end.
[...] the news about how Braves fans could get a piece of the old 42-foot Coke bottle adorning left field, it seems only right to let you know how the new [...]
I saw an article today in the AJC (”Gallery Walks”) that I wanted to send to a friend out of town. I could not find it online. Was I not looking hard enough or is the “AJC Lving & Arts” Section not avalable online?
Most content of this type actually lives on our entertainment portal site, http://www.accessatlanta.com, rather than AJC.com. We’re in the process of switching content management systems — AJC.com went live last week, and Access goes this week — and I hear that navigation and searching will be simpler then.
Regardless, AccessAtlanta.com is the better place to look first for entertainment, to-do etc. type stories.
Aww, thanks! As always, feel free to share your ideas, too, whether in the comments, on Twitter @insideaccess or by e-mailing me at jgumbrecht@ajc.com.
The new one seems very slick, but I’m still kind of waiting to see what else it does. I want there to be more. Maybe I just need more flashing lights and genuine artifacts to make me happy.
[...] I was just feeding my blog addiction when I stopped one of my new favorite blogs (Inside Access with Jamie Gumbrecht) and was surprised to learn that WonderRoot was burglarized las week. WonderRoot is a kick-ass non-profit community arts center. The good news is that a suspect is in custody and several of the computers have been recovered. Please click here to read the full article. [...]
I think people should be asking what the Atlanta did with the millions that the panda’s have already earned during their tenure here. When Mei Lan was born, they raked in the money left and right! Where did it all go?
I think people should be asking what the Atlanta ZOO did with the millions that the panda’s have already earned during their tenure here. When Mei Lan was born, they raked in the money left and right! Where did it all go?
I liked the panda exhibit. The problem with the zoo is that they only have 1/10 of the amount of animals they had 30 years ago. The only exhibit that is as big as it used to be is the reptile house, which I guess is the easiest/cheapest to care for. In the 1970’s the zoo had an amazing number of monkeys/apes, exotic cats, and birds. The conditions now may be better for the animals that are left, but there is not nearly as much variety. Would you rather watch a high definition documentary about apes or go to the zoo and see a black speck 75 yards away at the top of a hill? You used to be able to see the massive Willie B. in his cage, and it was quite an impressive and amazing site to see. Now you just see some black dot at the top of a hill.
I agree. I think some of that missing money should have gone to upgrades b/c to be honest, our zoo SUCKS. I mean, these animals are literally walking around on gravel. The restaurants have terrible food. The appearance of the zoo is circa 1975. I think some big wigs up top took the money and just didnt care about the zoo as long as people are coming. Sad…..
I found a 2006 story in our archives, too — sorry, I couldn’t find a URL — that talked about the financial trouble the zoo was in pre-panda cub. It mentioned specifically that the non-profit that runs the zoo expected a spike in visits and dollars because of Mei Lan, but “the birth of the cub does not significantly alter the financial outlook.”
Thanks Jamie,
Sorry, I don’t buy it. I have season passes and have had so for years. I know what the crowds look like, especially after Mei Lan was born.
The raked in money hand over fist. Where did it all go?
DH and John, if you are members at Zoo Atlanta, then you should know where the money raised from the pandas goes. It goes to the conservation of these beautiful giant pandas..read up a bit before you blurt out stupid comments. The zoo is wonderful compared to seeing Willie B. in a cage! I loved Willie B and miss him, but pls don’t say you would rather see a large gorilla in a cage over seeing them in a natural setting, like they would be in the wild. Geez!!!!!!!!
John – Zoo Atlanta is about animal conservation and well being, NOT placing an animal in a cage for human enjoyment, I visited in January and got to see the Gorillas close up, and found the staff exceptionally friendly and willing to do all they could to allow me to see Ivan, If you know anything about Willie B then you would have seen the documentary that is for sale in the zoo store, the reaction when he walked on grass for the first time was priceless, how can you compare that to your views??
The pandas are part of a breeding programme that ZA are doing exceptionally well with, or would you rather see them only on your HD TV, as without zoos like ZA offering the dedication and support that is the only place they would be in the future, i know what i would prefer!
I live in IL and make a point to travel to Atlanta to see the pandas and the other animals at Zoo Atlanta. I am member of the zoo even though I don’t live there. I believe in supporting the animal conservation efforts of the zoos. The pandas are a huge expense for the zoos that have them.
Cheryl, my understanding is the zoo leases the pandas from China for a large amount of money. That money goes to panda conservation. If you have any figures on how much more money other than the panda lease money went to panda conservation lets hear it.
Sir real, the only thing in the zoo that is like 1975 is the reptile house, and that is the most impressive exhibit there and probably has over half the zoos animals.
Well, for starters, all four USA zoos with pandas raised money after the 5.12 Sichuan Earthquake in 2008 to help after the one of the two main breeding and research centers was destroyed. I believe in excess of $200,000 was raised.
In addition, each USA zoo is involved at its own expense in research that is beneficial to the pandas. Each zoo has an area it concentrates in. Memphis Zoo, for example, concentrates on nutritional issues related to pandas. What I find interesting is that Atlanta doesn’t seem to regard the pandas as anything special, nor does it seem to support its zoo. Visit the Memphis Zoo sometime and everywhere you look is a donor’s name, and there are also new exhibits coming online all the time. This fall Memphis will open a Grand Teton exhibit with elk and 5 orphaned grizzly bear cubs complete with a waterfall and stream the bears wade in to catch their fish dinner. After that opens, a new Hippo Camp will be built. San Diego’s Zoo just opened their huge Elephant Odyssey. When San Diego needed a new $100,000 bamboo cooler for their pandas, their supporters raised the money in about two weeks through an online appeal.
I am sure there are annual reports available from Zoo Atlanta that outline how funds are spent. Their Administration Building is right up front at the parking lot and you can drop by and ask there. But I bet that’s too much effort in a town that seems so disinterested in such a valuable asset.
[...] the non-profit Cabbagetown gallery and music venue that can’t afford to pay its rent, sent word tonight that it hasn’t gotten a decision yet from its landlord. For now, a benefit [...]
Most of the money for the Pandas goes to China. The actual conservation is supposed to take place there, but most of the Pandas in China are in captivity. As for Zoo Atlanta, it is land-locked and cannot expand. It seems to me they are trying to crowd more animals in the inadequate space they have – Warthogs, MeerKats, etc. Good luck trying to get copies of their finanacial records. The Open Records Laws in the State of Georgia are very restrictive.
i am wondering why/where the article is opining how the concert went?
i was there. where were you? customarily there would be some type of write up regarding the local take on the world traveled “star”. while i enjoy your interview, where is the acclaim, or the critism of the songs, the presentation, the stage presence, the fact that the precussionist is her son? i guess it was a busy news night in mid town atlanta, i missed the crime, punishment, wrecks, hold ups, and saw a pretty nice lady present a pretty good song table and was wonderful.
bobby c.
Hi Bobby! Alas, I wasn’t at this show. I was working on another story last night, which should be posted later today. I should point out, too, that this wasn’t my interview, but rather an interview completed and written by an AJC freelancer as a preview to the show. (If I do the interview, it’s typically announced in the headline with capital letters.) I hear, though, that we’ll soon be launching music and arts blogs, so hopefully those folks will be able to focus more of their time on criticism and music-specific discussions. Meanwhile, what was the best moment of the show? Anything that particularly got to you? Wish I could have been there.
What about the Fire/Police Mayoral Forum? Maybe we should check out important events as they happen instead of worrying about whats on TV tonight or where to get drunk and have a good time.
Hi AH! As always, the daily to do list is open to ideas. The best way to get the info out in this blog is to add events to the AccessAtlanta.com calendar before the day of an event. (There’s a link to the “add a listing” page in every “to do” post.) Community meetings and forums have certainly been mentioned before. Getting people outside the house and into the community is part of what I hope this blog will do.
For those who are interested, here’s a link to more information about the forum AH is talking about: http://tr.im/tHQl
John, I don’t have the figures, but they are probably held in the offices of Zoo Atlanta..as clm said, not sure how easy it would be to get them. BUT in regards to the reptile house..it’s old and outdated in the least. Why would you want the animals to be in places that were “appropriate” in 1975 anyway? That’s the reason zoos have changed so much in the last few decades..Please continue to support the zoo as long as you can, but also try to enjoy the animals in the natural settings they belong in, or as close as possible in the space Zoo Atlanta has.
Being critically endangered, attention is what they need…they do need help.
Seems like a tough task to fundraise for animals during an economic low, especially when the prospect of things getting better seems a long way off. But just a small donation by many people can make a huge difference. They are worth the price of admission.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, everybody. Really interesting variety of perspectives. The (deeply unscientific) poll results are an interesting mix, too. As always, will keep you updated.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
gloATL’s outdoor performance last night at the Woodruff Arts Center was a multi-media extravaganza of dance. The performance repeats tonight (Saturday 7/25) at 8:30 pm. It’s a rare free event conducted under even rarer Atlanta temperate summer skies. My only advice is GO GO GO!
Scottish singer Paolo Nutini is playing the Variety Playhouse tonight – he puts on a great show. Starts at 8, ticket prices are around $30 including additional fees.
The problem is, the zoo wants to raise money to keep the pandas here, but they are having more serious budget issues. They have cut back on medical and food supplies for the other animals; they have laid-off employees; and they have put hiring freezes on keeper positions. This is an atrocity that zoo management is attempting to raise money to keep pandas and yet they are not taking adequate care of the other animals. This is a sentiment that is shared by the majority of the keeper staff. Yes, the zoo answers to the USDA, but the USDA is understaffed. Inspections are infrequent, the inspector shows up at the zoo office and phone calls are placed to all departments to let them know the inspector is on grounds, the veterinary staff escorts the inspector around, thus taking them to certain areas first and allowing the animal areas to straighten up to prepare for the visit. If an inspection were to take place today, the keeper staff would not dare raise the issues of medicine or food to the inspectors for fear of losing their jobs. So, should the pandas stay? You be the judge, but the majority of the keepers I have spoken with at Zoo Atlanta don’t think so.
Ken, sounds like you don’t get out much. There’s danger everywhere. A tree could fall on your house for God’s sake. Take some risk and get out there and enjoy life. Life is uncertain and tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Besides that, you’ve exaggerated. Most of those places are pretty decent. Grow some “balls”!
no one ever gave me a free backpack but now you can just show up begging and get all the stuff for free for your kids (all nine of the kids) and they want me to give up my money for a mother who is not stopping herself from over population of the earth so it this not rewarding folks for having children just to get stuff for free
Chris: Though I agree with your comment in general, I’m not sure any woman (though I could be wrong) would have additional children JUST to get stuff like a backpack for free. Though that is probably not on their mind in the backseat of some beater car that in 6 years, they can send kiddies to school with backpacks bought with someone else’s dime.
It’s not worth going out into the insanity to save the $4.23 I might save on taxes. On the other hand, it we could go to the fair tax plan, then I’d have enough money to buy my kid’s school stuff without a “tax free holiday.”
Hey folks, we’re not discussing crime or your opinion on who goes shopping. Nobody is going to force anyone to buy stuff, to watch “Hotel for Dogs” or to donate a backpack. This post is obviously meant to inform willing shoppers about fun to be had during the tax-free holiday. Stay on topic. Many thanks to those who are, and to those moving the conversation forward!
what’s wron with you people. This list even incues Phipps Plz and you think it a thug hang out. This article is so different than the posts. Nobody has more children for backpacks. We are living in a tough economy. Every little bithelps a struggling family. But do know the increased sales help RETAILERS. There are almost 300k unemployed Georgians. For those of us not having he sam experience, ponder this. The un-educated\under-educated children of today could be the burden of society tomorrow.
I watched Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince last Monday. I was so thrilled to go see it in the theater, watched all other’s at home on DVD. I was soooo disappointed………I expected much more than I got. The movie was boring, not what we are used to see when watching a Potter movie. To all who read this, SAVE your money, this movie is not worth the expense, go buy yourself something nice and do not waste your time. I have never been more disappointed in a movie that is being advertised as the best Potter ever, I am sorry I disagree, it was awefull.
Thanks Jamie- that really needed to be said!!!
This is a great website. I am always look for things to do around town. I have never taken advantage of tax-free weekend but this year is an exception. I need a new laptop and I have a daughter graduating this year and the expenses of that are really adding up. I only wish I could get a discount on her pictures this weekend
Jamie, I hope and pray you NEVER, EVER get robbed at gun or knife point at one of these Atlanta-area shopping malls like my family and I have. If you ever have to look and see the look of horror and tears in your child’s eyes when a rude & vicious lowlife thug is holding a knife to your throat and demanding your purse and your car keys and whatever is in your shopping bags, I doubt you will have such a condescending or flippant attitude to those of us who have. It just isn’t worth losing everything you have including your life or your child just to get something for free or save a few dollars on sales tax. Life is too short and too precious. Bless you and have a blessed day, Jamie.
[...] The National Black Arts Festival is shorter this year — from 10 days down to five — but the calendar is jam-packed with cultural, artistic and musical gems. And a lot of it is free, or inexpensive. Inside Access blogger Jamie Gumbrecht runs down a wealth of activities every day. [...]
Not Being a Victim Ever Again: I’m so sorry to hear what happened to you, and I’m sorry if I came across as flippant or condescending, but I wholeheartedly believe that readers relying on this post for entertainment info can make their own decisions about where they’re going and whether they think it’s safe — without negative stereotypes playing out in the comments. This is not an appropriate forum for the topic. Unfortunately, crime happens everywhere — at shopping centers, but also in homes, schools and neighborhoods. Like you, most of us have experienced it, or someone close to us has. We can’t always live in fear; I hope this post, rather, will give people more information to have a fun, easy weekend of shopping, if they choose. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Kids Museum Ball Mover… I don’t remember seeing a name on it, but it has cranks & pullies to move balls from one location to another with a large hopper that fills up & then they can dump.
ImagineIt Museum across from Centennial Park and The Georgia Aquarium @Baker St….It’s the Ball Mover that I can never get my kids to stop playing to leave the darn place…LOL..Ok Vanna, What’ d I Win?…LOL
I don’t think it’s enough background info. As large as Atlanta is that could be any number of things. Maybe we can narrow it down to a general area in the city or whereever.
Yep, it looks exactly like that ball transportation system at Imagine It, which is a fantastic place to take your kids to play. You just need enough adults to keep track of the kiddies, as they will go in all different directions.
$12.50 for a child 2 and up? That’s absurd, especially with the economy the way it is! I’m sure to the wealthy and upper class, it’s just a drop in the bucket for them, but when you have two adults and 2-3 kids 3 and up, that’s $100 and up(not to mention transportation, food, etc.). maybe you shouldn’t start charging kids til they’re school age-like 6,for example. Why 6? I took a couple of kids to Sci Trek once and only the two older kids understood it well enough to participate in the events. The younger two cried too much,were crying for food constantly,and I had to stop to take them to the bathroom every 15 minutes or so.There were no free tickets for us like the Atlanta family behind me (I guess they assumed we could afford it because we were not black). No wonder they went out of business.
Also, it’s common for museums and cultural institutions offer free days or discounted admission for residents of their city or county. (The High Museum has one this weekend, for instance.) To be clear, it has nothing to do with race.
How about the other 360 days a year! You don’t have to be a minority (I’m not…) to understand that majority culture gets the majority of air time by definition.
Virginia, I was in agreement with you until I read your comment about “guess they thought we could afford it, since we were not black”.
Not all black families expect things to be free, nor do all black families get everything free..
If you have 2-3 kids, then you and your husband need to figure out what y’all want to do without in order to take your children places that you have to pay to get in..That’s what me and my husband do in order to take our 2 greandkids places…Oh, and by the way, I’m not black..
I am a single parent who loves taking my kid out on adventure days (Zoo atlanta, fernbank, krispy kreme, Cleveland Ga, etc). I dont expect things to be always be free. I give up getting my nails done, buying new jeans, Starbucks (that was hard to do) and other things I WANT just to afford the oh so pricey adventure days my son has grown accustom to. I know how hard it is with one child, but Virginia, I did myself a favor, I stopped at one child. You choose to have more than one child, and you knew that taking care of them and providing for them was not going to be free. So suck it up. Shop around for the best deals, take advantage of online coupons, and certain offers/discounts your credit card company give away. Oh, and just in case you havent notice, I am BLACK
Your White arts festival and other events, activities, etc. is 365 days a year, 24/7, we’re all exposed to your history, your culture, your everything everyday, that’s why other cultures represented in the United States of America have to do their own thing, otherwise, there will be no representation.
Actually the “National White Arts Festival” occurs everyday at any major museum or festival – have you ever been to the High Museum or Dogwood festival?
Hey Chris, and everybody: Inside Access is a blog about fun things to do in Atlanta. This can be a good discussion, so let’s keep it civil and on-topic. This is not the place for race-baiting or hurtful stereotypes. Thanks for reading.
tee hee….wow Chris actually had an impact. People, people. you scoop trash, place in dumpster and keep moving you don’t disect and attempt comprehension.
Virgina- Come to my house with the museum manager and lets settle all of this over a beer. After all- Obama is teaching us that we can solve the worlds longest hatred over a 12oz draft (as long as the white house media is there to take the photos) PS- Virgina, I bet may even chip in the $1.75 for the beer so you could enjoy it.
Stated perfectly by Reign, “Your White arts festival and other events, activities, etc. is 365 days a year, 24/7, we’re all exposed to your history, your culture, your everything everyday, that’s why other cultures represented in the United States of America have to do their own thing, otherwise, there will be no representation.”
Sorry Jamie…this is supposed to be about fun things to do in the ATL. However, until people overcome their fears and lack of knowledge about other races and also seek more exposure to other ethnic groups and traditions, there will be very little racial change in this country. I didn’t see anything in your blog stating that this festival was only for black people…
Wow while this does sound pricey just look for coupons. Everyone take a deep breath and laugh at Stephen Hawkins comment b/c I’m sorry thats just funny. While it may be expensive it may be one of the best times your kids have this summer. You never know.
Viginia’s ignorance aside, there’s no law that says that you have to take your child some place that costs too much. Part of being a responsible parent is teaching your child how to spend money wisely. It’s a good idea to show them that they don’t have to spend a lot of money in order to have fun. There are parks and festivals that are free, and there are other museums where the admission is a lot less.
Besides being a biggot, Virginia is not very good at math. A family of 4 with everyone older thatn 2 years costs $50. If it is too much for you, don’t go. Or, go on a discounted day as others have pointed out. This is a great activity place for kids, but is better for 4-7 year olds than toddlers.
WoW…I’m white and I’m so sick of the black/white & white/black race cards….I personally love color so mine is red/white and blue!!! Proud to be an American
Okay, I am a Black American(proud to be) and I have two teenage boys. I am also a housewife. When I ask my husband, if we could have more children, he said,”You can with your new husband because, I can not afford anymore”. Being that, I do not want a new husband, I settled for the two, I have. Back on point, my children only go places and do things that we can afford w/o pulling money from mortgage,car payment insurance, you know, the things we need. In other words, if we can not afford it, we do not do it. In closing,will this country ever get over race?
[...] had a busy but wonderful weekend at The National Black Arts Festival. Although I volunteered throughout the weekend at the festival, I found the time to partake in the [...]
OK, enough everyone. It’s a Children’s Museum. Let’s keep it clean. If you want to pay you can pay. If you want to come when it’s free-come when it’s free.
Mark… no shootings took place during the event or around the event. NBAF is a cultural celebration of art and culture. Those who would carry guns and use them aimlessly won’t be found at NBAF events. And I guess those who don’t realize that miss out on a wonderful experience.
Did you click on the link about the mole rat pups? I wouldn’t want them living in my house or anything, but the babyfied version incites a little “Awwww…” out of me.
Mark: I sent you an e-mail as well, but to be clear, the comments section is a place for conversation, not taunts or put-downs. You seem bent on moving the discussion away from what people do for fun around Atlanta. Diversity of opinions are welcome, but we must be respectful of others and treat this like a discussion. If you’d like to talk more about this, please feel free to email me at jgumbrecht@ajc.com. Thanks.
“So ugly they’re cute.” Oh, I do know. Greatest cat I ever had wasn’t cute on first glance, but then became so cute I couldn’t look at him without squealing.
Race, gender and sexuality are serious issues in America…indeed, around the world. Myself being a non-hetero black male, I can certainly attest to that. And yet there are those from every walk of like who have something worthwhile to say, something much needed to give. This article was written by a white woman who clearly understands this dynamic. She has risen above the fray, attempting to enlighten us all with good news–doing us proud. We all have our crosses to bear, but if you’ve got time to judge, you’ve got time to love.
i predicted this when the concert was first announced. i respect sir paul, and would love to see the show, but $100 for an oversold lawn ticket at piedmont part is simply too much. it has nothing to do with the economy, it has to do with the fact that this ticket is overpriced for what it is. anyone who was at the ABB/DMB show in 2007 knows that the long bathroom and beer lines, coupled with the sheer pack of people on the lawn means that this show just isnt worth $100 (after ticketmaster gets done “conveniently” charging me $15 to take my money and print the ticket)
best of luck to the piedmont park conservatory, but i think they are destined to undersell this event.
if it was $50 + charges it would be a different story.
Not surprised by this at all…$100 is way too much for most people given the hassles of the crowd (and getting there early enough to actually get a decent spot on the lawn), the heat, and waiting 15 minutes to buy a beer or take a leak…
People learned that you can hear the music from outside the park anyway. The DMB show was simply to many people. You were just looking at a big screen. I enjoyed watching the show 2 months later in HD at home.
Very good points, el jefe and TK. Still, even if it remains undersold, this will be a huge crowd of people who are apparently game for the crowds, heat, waits etc. I got tickets for my little sister and her boyfriend — huge fans who needed a bribe with a date on it to spur the trip south — and I have no idea how to tell them to navigate the area. I fear any advice I give will be useless when faced with a crowd of 40,000.
I would love to see Sir Paul but G.A. seats in the middle of August in Atl. don’t add up for a splendid time guaranteed for all. It will be hot and sticky. Then throw in 30,000 of your favorite new friends and you hope the people near you practice good hygiene habits.
Keep in mind that this event is a BENEFIT for the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Yes, the tickets are pricey, but the PROFITS from the concert will help expand the new north area of the park.
Plus, it’s going to be a hugely fun party, no matter what.
You have a chance to see a living legend. One of only 2 living beatles (along with Ringo). Google his setlist from Coachella. It is a greatest hit selection from McCartney solo, Wings and above all the Beatles including Lennon and Harrison tributes. It is an immense and intense list. Don’t miss out on the chance. And for those complaining about the price. Give me a break. Have you ever donated any money in your life to a worthy cause? Not only are you making a donation that will help that city of Atlanta by supporting the “Central Park” of our city (and increasing your property value by the way..) but you will be getting to see a legend for your investment. Instead of giving to a charity buy a darn McCartney ticket. You will be helping promote green living and paying to expand the size of public park that we all use for free. $100 isn’t that much out of your total bank account when you think of it that way is it? -Tommy M.
$100 for a ticket to watch a washed up old singer at the crummy Piedmont Park? Are you serious? I wouldn’t pay $1 to see that old guy. They should bring in some rappers instead and let everyone in free.
This is the set List from Coachella show a few monts ago for all you cheapskates complaining about the cost of your donation This was part of a festival so expect at least this many but possibly more. By the way, I have to be out of town for this show so I can’t make it and it is KILLING ME.
Main set: Jet / Drive My Car / Only Mama Knows / Flaming Pie / Got to Get You Into My Life / Let Me Roll It (with a coda of Purple Haze) / Honey Hush / Highway / The Long and Winding Road / My Love / Blackbird / Here Today / Dance Tonight / Calico Skies / Mrs. Vanderbilt / Eleanor Rigby / Sing the Changes / Band on the Run / Back in the U.S.S.R. / Something / I’ve Got a Feeling / Paperback Writer / A Day in the Life > Give Peace a Chance / Let It Be / Live and Let Die / Hey Jude
First encore: Birthday / Can’t Buy Me Love / Lady Madonna
Second encore: Yesterday / Helter Skelter / Get Back / Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) > The End
Paul has sold out something like 88 of the last 90 concerts. They went on sale in Dallas at 10AM and 70,000 tickets were sold in eight minutes. NYC and Boston are all sold out as was Halifax. They had the same problem last week in DC, so promoters should consider the fan base of the city and what they support. I would bet Atlanta and DC would sell out regardless of price for a hip hop show. The fan base of the Falcons and Hawks are not McCartney fans.
I think another factor is that there were already other “major” shows scheduled that night. I know of several folks who were excited about the possibility of getting to see McCartney, but already had tickets to either the Def Leppard/Cheap Trick show at Lakewood or the Steely Dan show at Chastain.
Speaking of “washed up”. Def Leppard? Saw them a few years ago. HORRIBLE? Joe Elliot’s voice is gone. And Steely Dan? Sure after they initially made their comeback in the late eighties but now they are resigned to making the easy buck playing Chastain and the Alpharetta amphitheatre going through the motions for 50+ year old Buckhead and OTP dorks that still think they are cool.
Error above in my last post. Steely actually made their comeback around 1994. Now they just take the money. I have seen them 4 times since their comeback and every year they get worse and make less of an effort. Funny thing is the ticket price (along with their egos-Becker and Fagen) go up with each year gone by. I would NEVER pay another cent to see them again. Sell your ticket on Craig’s list and go see McCartney and support your free public Piedmont Park (and Atlanta).
The DMB show @ PP 2 yrs ago was The Longest Day of my life. Hothouse, stupid redneck drunks, stupid frat-boy drunks, thieving cab drivers, people saving “seats” amidst the dirt & tree roots. So, this time I paid for 2 VIP tix @ $400 each. It’s worth it for decent bathrooms and a spot on the hillside. Sir Paul won’t take the stage before 9 p.m., so why would I want to arrive at 4 p.m. and broil for hours?
Awwww, thanks, Macca! I think we’ve come to a solution: spend the morning and early afternoon wandering the Center for Puppetry Arts, then hand-delivering them to the proper entrance. Of course, if you live two blocks from where thousands of people are gathering, I imagine you’ve got good strategies for moving around in the area.
The Beatles have always been my favorite band and I’d love to see McCartney for the first time. But an August show where you have to claim a seat in the afternoon sun/heat? No way.
I REALLY DO NOT CARE HOW MANY SHOW UP…I WILL BE CAMPED AT THE GATE AT NOON WAITING TO GET IN. $100 IS WELL WORTH THE PRICE TO KEEP YOU COBB COUNTY PANSIES AT HOME.
Melvin you are one sick puppy! Paul is a beautiful, talented, amazing legend. This hiphop crap will be long gone in another 40 years, but the legend of the Beatles, and especially Paul, will still be going strong. It’s not only young black men who live in Atlanta, in case you have forgotten!
I will be there ready to be entertained royally, as I have in the previous 16 times I’ve seen Paul, with the Beatles, Wings, and on his own. I am worried about the heat and access to restrooms, as well as standing for hours on end before the show even starts. Would have prefered an indoor venue, or even across the street at Grady Stadium, but when Paul arrives on the stage, all pains and aches will be forgotten.
I have been waiting for Sir Paul McCartney to return to Atlanta. His divorce delayed touring for a year –and that was a disappointment. So when I heard McCartney was coming to Atlanta I was elated –for about 10 seconds. Then I found out he was playing Piedmont Park.
I do not mind at all paying $100 for the show and it would be well worth it if the concert were being held at a proper venue like GA Dome, Philips or Encore Park. But I will not be going to Piedmont Park.
I run the Peachtree Road Race every year and realize how difficult it is getting out of the area with 50K other people. I’m holding out, hoping that McCartney will return for a show in a proper venue. However, if this doesn’t sell out I doubt there will be a return trip during this tour. I may be waiting another two or three years again.
I’ve seen McCartney before and he does put on a great concert. But honestly, when I saw the price of the tickets, coupled with the fact that you have to arrive 4 hours before the concert, and no lawn chairs or even water is allowed, so you’re forced to sit on the ground and then fight the lines to get something to drink – it just wasn’t worth it to me. If it were priced a little more reasonably, and we were allowed to bring in chairs and our own drinks, I think they would have gotten a better response. I’d rather just donate $25 to the Piedmont Conservancy and be done with it. (Not all people going to the concert are Atlanta residence. I personally would have to drive in about 40 minutes. And there’s no Marta near me.)
To Tommy M. – not nice to insult people who want to see Steely Dan – calling the band washed up, and the patrons old – when you’re soliciting a Beatle who’s been around since the 60’s! Everyone has their own preference. Respect that.
Sir Paul who? He must be another guy trying to pawn a ponzi scheme. If he ain’t American I ain’t interested. I might open me a mobile geritol and viagra stand on ponce and make me a killing with of all these old geezers.
Y’all gonna have cancer after this concert. Bring your sun tan lotion.
Paul will put on a great show, no doubt. Saw him on the Flowers in the Dirt tour (which wasn’t called that), and it was fantastic. But this un-venue stinks. The Dome would have been much better…
Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but I think Live Nation is offering 1/2 price tickets to the show today only. If you’re looking for an excuse, now’s the time to buy!
[...] “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” sold out its entire 29-show run at the 400-seat Southwest Arts Center. Quite a feat, but not a surprise, given the star power of actresses Nicole Ari Parker, Crystal Fox and Robin Givens, and director Jasmine Guy. (Here’s an earlier blog post with links to interviews about the show.) [...]
Paul McCartney in concert = you bet. Paul McCartney + the middle of downtown + the middle of August + porta potties + no lawn chairs + not enough vendors + nowhere to park = no thank you.
am i the only person that doesn’t think marta is going to be utilized for this show? dmb was a different crowd, young hipsters. paul is gonna attract a wider variety of people,but primarily suburban whiteys. call me crazy, i just don’t think they’ll be interested in using marta. a lot of people think marta is dangerous, not to mention marta doesn’t go out to east cobb.
not to mention, btw, dmb tickets were like $40 with service fees. i will pay $100 per ticket to see U2 in october, with a seat close to the stage and everything. but $90 services fees included for sir paul in the park, general admission style? paaaass.
“For Colored Girls” is now running on much more than the star power of Crystal Fox, Nicole Ari Parker, and Robin Givens; it is running on the word-of-mouth from so many of us who have informed others that Jasmine Guy has assembled one of the most talented casts in True Colors Theatre history.
It would be a mistake not to acknowledge the other cast members: Danielle Deadwyler, Yakini Horn, and Nevaina Rhodes, along with Omelika Kuumba on drums. As someone who has witnessed this piece several times, it is damn near impossible to pick a specific favorite lady in this ensemble. Yes, they all are just that good which is just more proof of Guy’s deftness as a director and her unique abilities as a performance artist.
It is also beyond me why someone from AJC has not reviewed “For Colored Girls” with the same intensity that Wendell Brock reviewed “Blood Knot.” While “Blood Knot” deserved all the superlatives it received, Jasmine Guy and the entire cast of “For Colored Girls” deserve more critical attention. Of course, the show does not need the critical attention to sell tickets!! The audiences have spoken.
[...] volunteer activates that I do. I’ll be assisting the Piedmont Park Conservancy in presenting Paul McCartney to the city of Atlanta as part of the conservancies green awareness [...]
Agreed A White. Well said Leslye. Absolutely inspring and enjoyable. I was fortunate enough to have seen the original on Broadway and this version does Ms. Shange and Ms. Guy real proud.
If you move quickly, you can get 1/2 price tickets to the show tonight. Check out the details on the Atlanta Bargain Hunter blog http://tinyurl.com.au/x.php?1wrb
I’ll be checking throughout the extended show dates to see whether the half-price deal will apply to those as well.
Is it from the Wren’s Nest? Looks like the thing that holds the pieces of string that had to be undone as punishment. Don’t remember the full story – is that right?
Just walked down to buy my tickets. Gone. This is an unbelievably popular show. The folks at AtlanTix told me that a FEW tickets will be available tomorrow, but you have to move hastily to get them. No word yet on whether they will be available for half-price for the extended shows. Let’s hope so!
Dee. I have seen Steely Dan 5 times. They aren’t that good anymore. Sorry but they get worse ever year. They are 2 guys, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen and they sleppwalk through their sets for people that think they know good music and want to pretend they are hip jazz fans. And Def Leppard? You have to be kidding me. Maybe in 1984.
I got to the Dave Matthews show 2 years show at around 6. An hour before the Alman Brothers came on. We had fine seats, a little back but the screens are HUGE. We went with 2 others friends and had a fantastic time. The lines were not theat big for the beers or the toliets. I really can’t believe that so many people thought it was so inconvenient to see the show there. Once again…think I should state since no one seems to get it. It is a BENEFIT show. If you don;t have the money to donate on behalf of benefitting the free public park the stop by Subway and grab your 3.99 meal of the day and go home and watch tv.
Great! These three-day posts will be buried a bit by end-of-the-week posts, but it will still be online, and linked directly from our newsletters, AccessAtlanta.com and AJC.com, if you need to check back. Thanks for reading!
There are plenty of places to park. The parking deck at 14th and Juniper is advertising parking and there is a parking deck in the park now that will be open. http://tinyurl.com/greenconcertparking
[...] McCartney will be at the park on Aug. 15 for a show. (Inside Access reported earlier this week that there are still thousands of tickets are left, more than some [...]
[...] pm August 6, 2009, by Jamie Gumbrecht Were you able to identify what was in this week’s Access Points picture game? Access Points: It's the String Man at The Wren's Nest! Jamie [...]
[...] What is this? And where is it? Those are the questions for this week’s Access Points game. (UPDATE 8/6: Want to know the answer? Here it is.) [...]
SweetWater has added Saturday tours from 2:30 – 4:30 – to the schedule. Great afternoon trip for those over 21. The tour is free and there is a plastic tasting cup for free as well – or you can get a souvenier pint glass for $8 – either way you receive 6 sample tickets to try all of the beers available.
195 Ottley Drive, Atlanta GA 30324 – 404.691.ALES – http://www.sweetwaterbrew.com
I’ve been meaning to get back to this round of comments — apologies for being so behind — but I just wanted to thank you for such thoughtful, helpful comments. You make good points about what the AJC has and hasn’t done, and I don’t know if we’ll be able to fix it. (We don’t have a theater critic on staff anymore, and I’m certainly not the person who makes those decisions.) Moreso, sharing your experience with “For Colored Girls…” may help others, too. So keep your ideas and comments coming.
Can you explain the low distribution for movie “The Hurt Locker”? We have been searching for it in local theaters for 5 weeks. Why is it not being played? We see it eventually moved to 3 theaters, but all are much too far away.
Hi Wendy — I have no specific knowledge about this, other than that it was produced outside a major film studio, which can easily keep it from theater ubiquity, and in general, the reception toward Iraq war movies has been lukewarm-to-cold the last few years. This has gotten great reviews and buzz, though, which can change things. I’ll ask around, and if I hear more about it, I’ll let you know. Where in the area were you hoping to find it?
All: I understand where you are coming from. I just saw Paul’s concert at FedEx Field (Washington, D.C.) and the folks at FedEx field screwed things up royaly–parking nightmares (the show started 1 1/2 late to accomodate late arriving fans) and there was no water on the ground floor of the stadium for about an hour (so no colas or any food that required water for preparation, also bathroom situation was then complicated), but having to put up with all of that–the show was truly spectatular, magnificant, and completely wonderful in all respects. It may be the best concert I’ve ever been to–so, it’s worth it and I recommend that you attend, you won’t regret it I promise.
The problem is not Paul McCartney. The problem is the disaster that was the 2007 concert and the hot GA. Summers- with NO ice chest allowed. Making someone who is donating to the park stand in long lines and pay high prices for bad food, and a bathroom, WHILE missing the concert is just wrong. I am going but am contemplating deliberate dehydration- just hope I don’t pass out from the heat.
One of these days, I need to go there NOT for work. If they haven’t gotten sick of all my questions already, surely they won’t mind them during the official tour?
Thanks Amy! I’ve heard nothing but happy comments from readers so far, so I think the weekend format is here to stay. Check back during the week, too, for a daily update of things to do!
I’ve never been to a concert at Piedmont park, so I’m just trying to get an idea of what to expect. I’ll be staying at Regency Suites. Looks like a mile or so walk. Is there anyway of knowing when McCartney will be taking the stage. Do you take a blanket and scope out an area? I’ve never seen McCartney or the Beatles and figured this was my best chance.
I have tickets that allow entry at 4:00. Should I really go that early? Any tips on where to put the blanket? How far are the vendors from the viewing area?
Thanks to those of you who went in the past for answering Q’s!
I’m going I bought pre-buy tickets, now I’m kind of wishing I didn’t because of the economy, the tickets are expensive. I have paid tickets for dragon-con for 80$ before but it lasts 4 days, that makes it worh it. I have always wanted to see a ex-beatle and I don’t think he’s going to come around too many more times. So’ I’m going.
I remember when I saw Jefferson Starship and the Black Crowes at Piedmont park, its a SWEAT FESTIVAL plus waiting in lines to Pizz and waiting in lines for about anything plus how much does overpriced beer and food costs. Wish You could bring a cooler into this place but I bet you can’t. I am going with the nephew whose 20 and never seen a concert like this, especially a sweat fest, I have been to those above and Lakewood and midtown music festivals I know what their about you lose about 5 pounds in one day. Swear you will never go again, then a band comes and your right there. I love music.
Last thing though, I have had alot of friends that have seen Paul play before, they said hands down that paul is in their top 5 of the best concerts they have ever seen. Thats why I’m going.
What the yell is convenient about a $14.10 Convenience Charge PER TICKET? The amount just keeps going up. If it is a single purchase for multiple tickets, how is it a per ticket charge? How long is Tickemaster going to get away with this?
Hurry, hurry. As of 4:00 PM Monday, August 10, 2009 the Tuesday (8-11) and
Thursday (8-13) performances of “For Colored Girls” at 8:00 PM are sold out!! Wednesday’s 8:00 PM performance is almost sold out. The best remaining seats
are for the 2:30 PM Thursday (8-13) performance. But please be quick!!
While it’s under less-than-ideal conditions (outdoors in the August ATL heat, general admission, pricey tickets, etc…), my husband and I are driving 6 hours for this show. Why? Who knows if an opportunity to see a musical legend such as Paul McCartney will come our way again. We’re big Beatles fans; we’re big McCartney fans, so it’ll be worth it for us. Totally understand if people don’t want to pay that much for a ticket, though. Kinda bummed that cameras aren’t allowed (but we’d probably be so far back that we wouldn’t get any good pics anyway).
Guys, this is PAUL McCARTNEY…you know, like one of those dudes with the hair from the Ed Sullivan Show…like 45 years ago. The dude still ROCKS!
There are NO excuses not to go. If sitting on the grass in the park, drinking beer and hearing the equivilent of “Jesus reading from the Bible” is not something to look forward to – then get busy writing your will.
Cool, i’m glad there’s still a couple places left to see outdoor movies this summer. I love outdoor movies, i go to them whenever i can! in fact, i found a whole listing of them here, check it out: http://blog.openaircinema.us/blog/tag/georgia/
And i’ll see you at the movies!
Jamie, thanks for the link regarding what can and can’t be taken into the concert. I have my ticket and wouldn’t miss it for the world. I guess I’m pushing the limits with this question but I have a bad back and just can’t stand or even sit on the ground without back support. Do you think I can take in a cushion that sits directly on the ground but offers back support — especially if I don’t carry in the allotted one blanket per person. Who made up these crazy rules — the one thing you don’t need in GA in the middle of August is one blanket PER person!
I won free tickets and I’m still not sure if I will go…Yes I would like to see Paul but I know it will be a living he ll ….. They have made it hard in every way…ok , so you charge a lot for your tickets…you’ve made your money…don’t be so damn greedy , let us bring our own food a nd water and at least make it a little fun….money, thats what I want….mooooooney, thats what I want….
but what I really don’t understand is they kicked the arts festival and dogwood out of the park because they didn’t want people touching the grass. sooooooooo, how do you justify 50,000 people stomping on the grass all day long? mooooney, thats what I want….(”money” sung by the Beatles) sing with me now….Mooooooney, that’s what I want….
I wonder if we will be among several thousands of middle-aged folks having a hard time standing up from the ground when Paul takes the stage. And don’t even mention sitting on someone’s shoulders…that would take 2 hours and an act of God. Our backs and bottoms will probably pay for it afterwards, but it will be great.
[...] When Piedmont Park officials told me a week ago that there were still thousands of tickets left for the August 15 Green Concert, plenty of you seemed surprisd to learn that superstar Paul McCartney hadn’t yet sold out. [...]
It sounds like Thursday and Friday should be pretty calm — most of the unloading and building should be done. I fear for the folks coming into town on Saturday for something other than Paul McCartney.
A new beginning for the really old or (young at heart)
175 years old and new again! Evergreen, as it was named long, long , ago (1834)
has been renovated and standing proud while visitors return and enjoy again.
(A two YEAR process to renovate Anderson’s oldest historical mansion)
A get away from the chaos of our busy stressful lives, To slow down and relax and marvel at an era long ago thru the doors of TWO old beautiful antebellum mansions.
Once a National Award winning Restaurant for a quarter of a century (1982-2007)
Chef Peter and the Eleven-O-Nine Restaurant still has the homey good feel but is now a
Unique Day Spa specializing in R&R and skin care (open since 1999)
Next door is the beautifully renovated Evergreen Bed & Breakfast. The refinished original heart of pine floors, fresh paint and new kitchen will delight overnight guests.
An overnight stay for business, romance, friendship, rekindling, wedding or anniversary.
Have an unforgettable time and memory waiting for anyone who wants to experience something out of the ordinary and feel new again!
Life’s short…enjoy it !
Overnight at Evergreen with breakfast 108.00 (includes tax)
Day Spa services from 15.00!
Packages for couples R&R massage, facials, overnight too…228.00!
You’re Invited…….Open House August 27th. 2009….. 5-7 p.m.
RSVP… 864- 375-9064
Hi Coop! Those should fall in the medical supplies category, so you’re good to go. For your own comfort, I’d recommend avoiding the ultra-super-jumbo-sized bottles of either.
You people lost the Civil War…enough please find something else to write or talk about. This topic is really old I don’t care what type of spin you put on it
Professor, perhaps it wasn’t clear, but this is a work of fiction about a girl growing up in Georgia in the 1960s. While the title has the word “Confederate” in it, if you took time to read the post or the book itself, I think you’d see that it has nothing to do with putting a spin on the Civil War. You might actually enjoy it.
You should be fine bringing a small camera, the no camera rule is aimed at cameras with detachable lenses.
Everyone will be entering the same gates, but the people with pre-sale tickets will be moving through the gates and the regular GA ticket holders will have to wait until 5pm. I recommend going to the part of the line that is moving forward. There will be people around to help you get in on time without confusion.
—- there is so much inconsistent info about this event!
I bought my tickets on the pre-sale date but nothing on the printed out ticket from ticketmaster says pre-sale or early entry on it. How are they able to tell who bought what and how can you tell for sure so you can plan on when to arrive? It sounds like it could be mass confusion at the event. Thanks!
Hmmm…I’ll check that out, Mike B. I received two e-mails and a phone call from Ticketmaster saying that my tickets could get in at 4 p.m. Have you heard anything from them?
Once you enter Piedmont for early entry, do the tickets allow you to go in and out? Meaning, can you leave to revisit your hotel before the show and still get back in to Piedmont?
Ashley’s Pal: You’re totally right. Piedmont Park Conservancy folks say point-and-shoot cameras will be fine, it’s really detachable lenses, lights — camera equipment that can get a high quality image from far away — that’s the problem.
Mike B.: The bar code on your pre-sale ticket should say that it is a pre-sale ticket, which will allow you to get in at 4 p.m. Pretenders will have to wait till 5 p.m.
Leona’s girls: Once you’re in, you’re in. If you exit, there is no re-entry.
Thanks Jamie. Yes I did get an email from Ticketmaster Wed Aug 5th saying…
“Hello, this is Ticketmaster Customer Service with an important alert for your upcoming event. Paul McCartney scheduled at Piedmont Park Conservancy, on Saturday, August 15, 2009, with a door time of 3:00pm, has changed times. The door time now will be at 4:00pm. Original tickets will be honored for the new time.”
My tickets were purchased the first day of the pre-sale, June 25th via ticketmaster but nowhere on the ticket does it say pre-sale. It just says general admission and “DRS 4pm”, never a mention of the 3pm referenced in their email to me. Since most people aren’t fluent in bar code, I’m guessing a bunch of confused people might try to get in early only to be turned away via the scan and thus slowing up the line for those who legitimately purchased early. Hopefully it will all run smoothly! Let us know if you hear any other helpful info. Thanks!
[...] Points games within the first few responses. Matt Scofield’s childhood-memory-turned-guess on last week’s Access Point was rewarded by The Wren’s Nest with free passes to the West End house [...]
There must be a good reason tickets are not sold out, but it certainly has nothing to do with Paul’s unrivaled talent. If he’s getting old and doesn’t sing as beautifully as before, he’s still pretty good and his legend and all that he represents are good enough reasons for us to go to this concert. C’mon, $100 is nothing. I’m flying 4,6 miles from São Paulo to Atlanta just to see him.
Junkman’s Daughter in Little Five Points, *NA* did you get lost? You clicked the wrong article. Political responders go under the politics page not the Inside Access.
Do we know exactly what time 10th Street will be closing and at what junction? I’ll be driving in around 10 pm on Friday and my hotel is on 10th Street, Hotel Midtown. Just wondering. Thanks!
Hi Gary! The folks at PPC said a seat that stays on the ground — no arms, no legs — is fine. Back supports were fine, too. It sounds like you should be OK!
Hi Andy! Piedmont Park says the streets will close only on the day of the concert, so you should be fine at 10 p.m Friday. They’ve also said that it will be 10th Street around the park, so I wouldn’t expect to be able to drive between Monroe and Piedmont. Hope that helps!
And, for Andy: Piedmont Park says the streets will close only on the day of the concert, so you should be fine at 10 p.m Friday. They’ve also said that it will be 10th Street around the park, so I wouldn’t expect to be able to drive between Monroe and Piedmont. Hope that helps!
No car. Great, what are the rest of us supposed to do to get there? People need to stop assuming MARTA is always an option. It’s not, especially for out of towners. Yeah, i might be able to find a park and ride but that’s going to add another hour and a half. Wasn’t a parking garage just built out there for this reason?
EXPECT A HUGE MESS BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE TO PRINT THE “GATE OPENING” TIME ON THE PRE-SALE TICKETS AND THEN THE EARLY ENTRANCE TIME CHANGE. I HAVE A VIP TICKET AND CALLED TICKETMASTER TO GET STRAIGHT ON WHAT TIME I COULD GET IN. TICKETMASTER RESPONDED WITH “ALL GATES OPEN AT 5″.
OF COURSE, THIS IS FALSE…BUT HEY, I ONLY PAID $36 FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE ON THIS $400 TICKET. IDIOTS!
This article says that point and shoot cameras are fine, but the link to the full list says that cameras of any size are strictly prohibited. Since every cell phone has a camera I’m sure they can’t do anything about that, but is there a definitive word on point-and-shoot cameras? Since it’s miles from possible parking there won’t be much chance to go back to a car to drop off a camera if they stop you at the gate.
Not a local resident: The parking garage at Piedmont wouldn’t come close to accommodating the number of people that will be at this show. What direction are you coming from? I’m happy to help you find a convenient MARTA station with free parking. (Plenty of the stations closer than the the end-of-the-line stations have parking, too.) Feel free to e-mail me at jgumbrecht@ajc.com, too.
[...] just in case you weren’t sure, this week’s Access Point photo game was outside Junkman’s Daughter in Little Five Points. Tim was the first commenter to identify [...]
Do you know how crowded the so-called “VIP” area will be? My husband and I are Paul’s age and probably not nearly as nimble as he is. Should we be there at 4 or do you think there will still be a good area for our blankets if we come in closer to 6 when it is a little cooler? BTW, this is my second concert — the first being on August 18th, 1965 when my best friend and I saw the Beatles at the Atlanta Coliseum.
Thanks!
Im bringing a friend who is in a wheelchair.Will there be a hadicapped section where he will be able to see or should we just try to get there early as possible to get up front?Please help.I cant find any handicapped information.
LynnMargaret: I haven’t asked specifically about scooters, and while you’ll probably be able to find an easy enough place to lock it up, you won’t be able to bring it in the pedestrian-only area.
Others: I’ll check on your questions Friday and post what I can!
1. ADA accessible seating is located near the Charles Allen Drive Gate. VIP ADA access is at 10th and Monroe Drive.
2. There is ADA seating for General Admission, VIP and Patron ticket holders
3. Many people were not aware of the online application for ADA seating.
4. Canine companions allowed.
5. A ticket holder may be denied entry to, or removed from, the accessible seating area if he or she is not disabled.
6. Handicap portable bathrooms are conveniently located near each seating area.
7. 1 companion can join each ADA concert attendee, if space is available.
8. Additional wheelchairs will be available for emergencies only.
9. MARTA is the best mode of transportation to the Green Concert. MARTA does provide ADA shuttles to the Park. Each train has a special wheelchair space at one end of each rail car. MARTA Accessibility
10. There will be volunteers located in designated handicap area.
11. Although not anticipated, if the area fills up the companion/guest is asked to move outside of the ADA seating.
12. No reserved spots in designated handicap area.
13. ADA MARTA buses will able to drive through h 10th street barricades.
14. MARTA’s last Southbound train leaves midtown at 12:45am and the last Northbound train leaves at 1:10am. Point out ADA seating on a map if someone wants to know the distance.
15. There is no ADA parking. MARTA has ADA buses. ADA taxi will be available.
MARTA riders: “Please be aware that rail service will end at 1 a.m.” – This is posted on the Marta website – check out their Press Center – Press Releases. They discuss the Green Concert… I keep seeing 1:10am, but I’d get to your station by 1:00, just to be sure…
Hey Josh! Piedmont Park says the ADA area will be signed, and guards at the gate will direct you there. Check out Nancy’s comment above for full info! And, there’s no official time to start lining up — just a time when they’ll start letting folks in.
Nancy: I’m not sure how crowded the VIP area will be, but you can see it on the map. Sorry I don’t have better advice on this one.
Sharon: VERY good tip about MARTA service ending at 1 a.m. Many, many thanks.
Stage: “Sweeny Todd” High School Production put on by an all teen cast members of FCFT Inc., Wonderfully done dark comedy recommended for all 10 y/o and up. Held at the YMCA Community Center Friday and Saturday @ 7:30 pm and Sunday @ 2:30 pm. Advance tickets are purchased via fcft.net for $8 or $10 at the door if seating is available. Directions to the “YMCA” are: Take Huiet Road, off of Hwy 54 between PTC & Fayetteville, thru stop sign and turn right onto “YMCA” property; building is on the right at u-turn in parking lot.
[...] Artspalooza is from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, Aug. 22 and Aug. 29. The Woodruff is located at 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Interested in more activities this weekend? Check out Jamie Gumbrecht’s InsideAccess blog. [...]
Does anyone know how to tell whether tickets were bought through the Park Conservancy (and give you early admission)? I can’t remember whether I bought through the Amex pre-sale or the conservancy.
My Dad braved an Atlanta Stadium full of screaming Beatles fans to take me to the August 1965 concert for my birthday. A once-in-a-lifetime memory from one of the first “Cool Dads” !!!!! 44 years later – we’ll be sharing my birthday this Thursday – and this memory always comes up! Thanks, Daddy !!!
HELP- I am wondering about ticket entrance times; early admission for conservancy & amex is at 4pm, general admission is at 5pm. I bought discounted tickets off craigslist but there is some confussion about the entrance times.
The guy that I bought these tickets from, said that entrance times had been changed around a bit. Can anyone tell me when the REAL admission times are and how to tell if you have that actual ticket in hand because so many of us purchased them through a third person broker. Thanks!!!!
We are also bringing our teenage kids with us. One who has no idea of who Sir Paul is and doesn’t care for the Beatles And our other child who doesn’t show interest in most music, is a fan of Paul McCartney and willing to pay for his own ticket and by the way already had a fav song before I asked him I can’t figure out my kids but we are in this together, attending a concert as a family. My husband & I are used to hearing our kids whine about all kinds of needless things. Tomorrow, they will have justifable cause and its our intention to give our standard answer of the day, ALL day long,”Just deal with it.” This is Paul McCartney, Dad & I really want to see and enjoy this concert and YOU are going to allow us to enjoy this concert”. These kids have been instructed to not bother us unless they are truly in dire need of medical attention- are you bleeding? Who died?
Is the house on fire? So we are going to have fun and our kids are not allowed to ruin it; no matter how unentertained they find themselves. Good bless, smile and enjoy it. If not, good bless, smile, deal w/ it and complain to your therapist when you get home. We are planning a happy day.
When gates open, will it be a mad dash for the seats, or is there some order (lines, etc.). I have regular (non-Presale). How early should I get there to avoid seeing Paul as a little ant on stage. Thanks, guys!!
FINALLY…. I live in the north Buckhead area by Chastain Park and its the perfect setting for a Fine Arts Festival. I’ve also been to the markets at Atlantic Station and Virgina Highlands,, and I LOVE THEM, all the great cities have little markets like that, and knowing that these guys are behind it..well frankly makes sense. I often go down to Atlantic Station with my girlfriend for lunch and walk around. Its great that people in our community are investing back in our community. I’m going,, and I’m telling as many of my neighbors as I can,, even thou I would love for it to be my little secret. GOOD LUCK!
Atlanta Artist: the deadline to apply was July 4, but check out the festival Web site linked above. The organizers may well have some other opportunities, given all the other markets they run. Thanks for reading!
We brought staduim seats with no arms and legs, but there was metal in them so they took them at the VIP area. Yet, we’ve seen tons of our exact seat on the field.Go figure. Glad we could support Piedmont – we love Piedmont!! – but the VIP area is awash in complaints. We may just move to the field. Folks are having more fun there.:) If are in VIP and looking for different food cross over and go to the back of the field. We brought a pizza back from there.
I’m about as big a Paul McCartney and Beatles fan as there is in Atlanta but I didn’t go to the concert. None of my friends, no one I even know for that matter, are Beatle fans or had any interest in going. I tried to find anybody I knew who might have been attending but not a one.
I wasn’t really about to go by myself.
Anyway, around 10:15 or so I saw a report on Fox 5 from the concert saying that it would go on until about 11 or 11:30. I eventually decided to drive down to the Ansley area. I got to Piedmont and Monroe, pulled into the parking lot and heard the last couple measures of the guitar solos from The End in my car with the window rolled down.
Just as Paul would have wanted it I’m sure, idling in a parking lot for five minutes.
I’m glad I did it though. My timing was, all things considered, pretty good.
I have seen Paul McCartney the last three times he was here and this to me wasn’t his best show. He was very good, but there were times the show seemed to be in a real lull. At one point, the woman behind me yelled play something we know. Cant believe some of the song choices. I realize he cant do every hit he has had but how bout…All my lovin, cant buy me love, i wanna hold your hand, Help, She Loves you…How do you leave these out and put in Flaming Pie, Only Mama Knows, Mrs Vandebilt and Calico Skies…. Still a good show but nowhere near his best
All in all a great show. I did find that since the crowd was of an older generation, they were somewhat testy with each other as they couldn’t take the heat(before the rain) nor could they get their bodies around as easy as the more agile folks. And they complained because people were standing. They must not remember being 20. Vendors were great, not too few or too many. Could have used more porto potties. And designated pathways to get to the potties and vendors. People making their own paths got old! But I had a blast in spite of them.
I thought the McCartney show tonight was fantastic. The sound system was probably the best I’ve ever heard. It was a show full of nostalgia, but it wasn’t entirely nostalgic. McCartney played a substantial number of newer songs, all of which were quite good. Unfortunately, some don’t like to be challenged whatsoever. That want to be spoon-fed nothing but the familiar. So kudos to McCartney for challenging the audience a bit. One of the new songs was called “Sing the Changes” and it’s near Beatles quality in my opinion.
I just got back from the concert. I have to say that it was great. I was one of the youngest people there (15) which felt pretty good. My family and I were supposed to get in the ADA (Americans with disabilities) entrance for personal reasons other than actually having a disability. The security guard wouldn’t let us through, even though we’d already called someone who worked at Piedmont Park. This person called the head of Live Nation (the group that puts on all of Paul’s shows) and he said it was okay if we wen’t through. We were also told that there’d be free water once we got in, but once again, that wasn’t the case. I was one of the lucky people that got to take advantage of the presale, but unfortionatly, it was so disorganized that everyone got in at the same time. There was only one entrance, which was crazy. In the 6 hours I spent waiting there, and the time that Paul was performing, I must have second hand smoked 3 packs of cigarettes, and countless doses of marijuana. The guy standing next to me was blowing smoke in my face the whole time. That said, it actually was a fantastic concert. The rain started pouring during “Blackbird,” and got even stronger during “Here Today,” but really, I thought it just added to the moment. I was willing to sit through the pouring rain to see Paul McCartney. When Paul started playing “I’ve got a feeling,” my mother inquired as to whether that was one of my favorite songs (she asked because I’d mentioned it before). I replied that it was my favorite, at which point, the guy next to me said “Mine too.” I didn’t know weather to hug him or to punch him (for blowing his smoke in my face), so I compromised and didn’t do anything. Paul played some great songs. It was nice to hear him change it up. Lou is obviously a fan of the early Beatles. Paul’s had other good stuff since then. I think that the biggest disapointment was that Paul didn’t play “Maybe I’m Amazed.” Too bad.
And no, Mitchell. I’m the biggest Paul/Beatles fan in Atlanta.
Also, yesterday I unintentionaly met Rusty Anderson in Guitar Center. I was returning a defective bass and the guy at the counter said “Hey, you know that Rusty Anderson’s in the next room.” I was in disbelief and asked him to repeat that several times. Finally, I walked in there. I just kind of stared at him for 5 minutes. He probably thought I was deranged. Eventually, I worked up the courage to ask him for an autograph, which he game me. This has been the best weekend of my life!
Lou: maybe because McCartney still has a vital solo career and his recent stuff is actually very good? If people in the crowd don’t know the newer stuff, that’s their loss. McCartney is more than a nostalgia act. If you want to hear all those songs, there are many great Beatles tribute acts around.
Great show! My first time seeing Paul, and I really enjoyed it. The rain cooled everything off for sure. I was surprised that Paul mentioned Shea Stadium during his comments. Some people booed, so I guess he figured out that we’re all Braves fans. I liked the setlist, and was floored when they did Day In the Life into Give Peace a Chance. Definitely didn’t expect that. The fireworks during Live and Let Die were amazing. Great job Paul! I’ll go see you whenever I get the chance.
This is my 3rd time seeing Paul, and it was absolutely fantastic. Im 23, so im rather young for a McCartney fan, but I grew up loving The Beatles! Im glad he added some songs he hasnt done in the previous couple of years, it was a good change. I think his voice was wonderful and his ability to entertain a crowd has not diminished at all over the years! I agree about the cigarette smoke and the weed at the park-it was pretty extensive. Not to mention the vendors were going through the crowd selling beer during “here today.” I missed a touching song that meant a lot to me because the guy was screaming “Who wants a cold beer” right in my ear. Good thing Ive heard Paul play it twice before.
Did anyone else have trouble with stadium chairs? On the Piedmont Park website they changed it to where Stadium chairs were allowed-they even had a picture of it on the site! As soon as we tried to get in, they told us they werent allowed! I think a lot of it was unorganized and going to the bathroom/getting refreshments was virtually impossible. You could barely get through without someone bitching at you for stepping on their blanket. Gosh, get a life!
But really, even with the rain, the show was fantastic. I enjoyed every minute of it and I PRAY that Paul will tour again!
Oh and I have to disagree-I think my twin sister and I are the biggest fans in Atlanta. But of course everyone thinks the same thing about themselves. You should see my Beatles tattoo?
Oh, did anyone else hear Paul say that the Shea Stadium was 45 years ago? Its only 44 though, because it was in 1965. Oh well. Hes Sir Paul McCartney-he can say whatever he wants for all I care. I love that man!
It was 1963, I was almost 10, and The Beatles came into my life and have been present ever since. My 29 year old daughter and her 30 year old boyfriend had family over for a ‘listening party’ from their home down the street from the Park. It started to rain and then lightning, we went inside and started talking. I stood up and said, I am going to the Park – I want to hear Paul! Katie and Mike said they wanted to go too, so we made a mad dash down the street to the Park. We walked in, no tickets, and enjoyed the concert from the sidelines! Best concert of my life! The Beatles have BEEN my life. Rain,Peace,Love, Family,My Life’s Music. Thank you LORD. Thank you Sir Paul .
A living legend just rocked the house tonight in Piedmont Park! Paul was AMAZING! He looked great, his band was awesome, the stage was incredible. I thought the crowd was one of the best I have been in – no one was complaining around us, the lines weren’t too long (10 minutes or so), food was good, beer was cold, and the music blew me away. This was my 2nd Macca concert and by far the best of the two. Live and Let Die was phenomenal and A Day in the Life into Give Peace a Chance was truly memorable. By far, even with the rain, crowded trains and long walks, the best concert I have ever been to! I will never forget it.
My first Paul McCartny concert and it was awesome! My husband and I were older than most of the people around us (57 & 61) but everyone was friendly. Food, beer, and port o potty lines weren’t bad at all, you just needed to scope things out and not be a lemming (go where everyone else goes). Marta was great except for the far too few North Springs trains. Overall fab experience, Paul is a great entertainer and still sooooo cute!
Toyed with not going….live a few blocks away….close walking distance the deciding factor. Knew I would always regret being that close and not taking the opportunity to see Sir Paul. After all, he’s the first guy I ever had a crush on back in 1963. Other two sisters claimed John and George. Sorry Ringo.
Anywho, the concert was fantastic. Cool breeze…..a little water never hurt anybody. Great crowd even down to the triangle heads and the plastic cloud people. Amazing what will work in a rainstorm! Lots of happy people everywhere. Hubby and I able to relive a little of the “give peace a chance” era. It felt good to go back there. Wish everybody could have felt it. But back to the concert…top of the line, a-one, well done. A wonderful memory.
Thanks Sir Paul. Thank you so much. I’ll still always regret you didn’t marry me. (I was only 8 at the time so you’re forgiven!)
The performances were great. I was not familiar with the Script before the concert, but the band put on a great show. McCartney was awesome. Highlights: Something as tribute to George Harrison, Blackbird (in the rain), Back in the USSR, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band.
I have never experienced a more disorganized entry into a concert. As mentioned above, the promised early entry did not happen. Police and volunteers gave conflicting instructions. People who walked up got in before people who had been line for hours.
The crowd ranged from very friendly to a voluntary manslaughter case waiting to happen. Some apparently didn’t hear the word “green”: trash covered the ground.
So I bought VIP tickets to support the cause – love Piedmont!! – with the side benefit of what I thought would be a little less chaotic journey as I was traveling solo with kids under 15. It was a trip – if you want a play book of how not to treat your donors… VIP entrance far, far away from main hotels; disorganized, long line that had limited staff; they took our armless, legless stadium seats because there was some metal in the support – boo; by the time we got in the field was 1/4 full, so those who anticipated early entry to get a field seat would have been better off going through the main entrance; food and drink were “free,” but the food choices were limited; only one vendor area and the line was always long; and by the time we got around 5 there were few seats left in the VIP area that were not obstructed by trees. What all this did was get folks complaining to the point that it was taking away from our good day. It was a trip and really borderline punishment to be in the VIP area. What were those good Conservency folks thinking?
But on the subject of good… with my sweet kids surrounded by endless voices of digruntled adults,however justified those adults were, we decided to use Piedmont Park for one of its favorites uses – walking! We crossed over to the field and found all the food!! The kids did a dance for sweet tea and pizza! We then ditched that VIP hill again and trekked in the field entrance near the stage. Found a hand-squeezed lemonade booth – heaven – and a vendor line so short that we were able to have time to try on shirts before we bought them. And we loved that Irish band! But best of all, around 7:30 we just casually walked our way to within a few feet of the stage. No kidding! The kids were mesmerized and so was I. There was Sir Paul! And we danced and sang, with an incredible beach- like breeze blowing. And everyone around us was happy!! There are moments that occur in live that you never forget – and watching those kids laughing and singing Blackbird with Paul McCartney in the pouring rain, just feet from the stage, is one of those moments for me.
In the end, what paying 400 per ticket did was contribute to our beloved park, test our ability to say Let it Be, and utimately triggered us to embark on one of the most amazing concert adventures of our lives.
Following up Brett, Paul has been releasing solo records for 39 years now, maybe two of which were not top-forty hits, and maybe one of which (Press to Play) isn’t packed with fantastic songs. If you don’t know “Mrs Vandebilt,” the album’s been out for better than three decades and has gone triple platinum. Maybe you should stop by Decatur CD or Criminal Records today and do a little catching up?
Not my all-time favorite concert but definitely a top lifetime memory for me. Been a Beatles fan for 45 years and have never seen Paul. Compared to the other bazilllion shows I’ve been to this crowd was pretty stiff where I was sitting (nothing a little Geritol can’t cure I suppose). Great set list; really liked the new stuff too! The rain was a minor annoyance but added to the experience. The sound was pretty clear, but I think the visuals could have been more psychedelic, given the era of the songs, the earthy “green” event and the fact that it’s the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. Sir Paul: what can you say about a legend! He was energetic, charming and his voice sounded strong and fresh. Of all of the songs for some reason I can’t get Drive My Car out of my head. Finishing up with Sgt. Peppers/The End was perfect! Thanks Paul for all of your talent and music over the years! What a great night for the Park, the city and me!
There were many angry folks who had bought their tickets at pre-sale and had thought they were getting in an hour before general admission. My family wasted hours walking around trying to locate an entry for the pre-sale tickets. The AJC had a map of the park on Aug.7 plainly stating that gates will now open at 4pm for VIP and park pre-sale tickets. There was even a map showing a separate entrance for VIP/patron. There was a line for VIP but nothing for pre-sale. Park officials just kept telling us that there was only one entry time for everyone now, 4pm. We walked back down to the main entrance to find a small crowd of disgruntled pre-sale ticket holders complaining loudly about the park entry changes. The VIP ticket holders I talked to were also not happy that they spent $400 on a ticket that would gain them entrance the same time as general admission. A last minute effort by park officials at 4pm to appease the complaining pre-entry ticket crowd let those holders who happened to be standing at the gate skip the long general admission line and enter in a separate line along with all the general admission at 4. Needless to say we were so frustrated by the time we entered the park but hours later when Paul took the stage we were in heaven! We have been fortunate to see Paul seven times beginning in 1976 with Wings and were amazed at the age of 67 he still has the same vigor and love for entertaining as the young man we first saw in his early thirties. A comment for Lou…you may not have liked some of the songs selected to play but remember everybody has there favs and Calico Skies happens to be one of ours. It brought tears to my 27 year old daughter’s eyes! We love you Paul and God bless you! Hope we have the good fortune to spend and evening with you again someday.
I can’t add anything to the comments above, other than it was my first show, loved it, and it was an awesome first concert experience for my 13 year old son, who was blown away by it. A great bonding experience!
My biggest negative: the exit plan, or lack thereof. How did they expect 40,000 people to exit at one time through the same 3 narrow gates that took hours for them to enter? It freaked me out to be caught in the massive jam of humanity. Other exits should have been opened, gates/fences taken down, ANYTHING, to let the people free!!
I think that concert was the best night of my life… And I don’t think I’ll have one that’s better! I’m saying that and I’m only 11. Apart from John Lennon, I don’t think anyone could compare to Paul McCartney’s shows- not that I know what John Lennon would be like, but he’s still my favorite. I think the best part of the concert was when he sang Live and Let Die. That was amazing! I hope I’ll get a chance to see him again!
First Paul McCartney concert I ahve ever been to, and I definatley would go again. I am a little behind on his new releases but they were all good. Paul was fantastic. “Live and let die”, and “Something” were awsome. “I saw her standing there” was great, and “Jet” and “Band on the run” were killer. As far as Paul goes he was great, awsome act, definatly in my top 10 concerts that I have ever seen and would glady go again. I’m 40 and have listened to the beatles and Paul most of my life. My friends had always said he was great to go see and he was.
Now as far as the Green thing, it was a chinese fire drill, I have been to 2 other concerts at Piedmont park, The Black Crowes and Jefferson Starship, those were free concerts and the way they set the stage up I thought was it was smart where they put it on the opposite side. Getting into the event, we bought pre-buy tickets, it didn’t matter they were letting people in period. Whats the point of pre-buying? Walking around between everybodys blankets was like a version of “Human Tetris”, if you got drunk you were screwed. The rain sucked but oh well, it happens in outdoor concerts, it cooled people off more than anything. As far as being a green concert, I gurantee there will be garbage there the next day, how may trash containers they had was very few. They could have set it up better with lanes for people to walk in and some garbage cans. As another poster said, bathrooms and vending wasn’t that bad if you didn’t go to where everybody else went. There was ciggerette and Pot smoke, didn’t bother me but alot of people it did.
One thing that wasn’t that bad. Marta, they acttually had their act together was very controlled.
Lastly I have been to those Piedmont shows and midtown music festival several times. I really don’t think I’m going to go to another outdoor show, I like indoor shows, the seats and all. I think outdoor shows are really a younger persons thing like Bonnaroo, i would love to go but I don’t want to be outdoors the whole show, standing room only. My feet were killing me.
I hope if Paul McCartney comes again that he will play at the Ga Dome or Phillips arena, i will be there in a second. I have no complaints on Sir Paul he was fantastic, on Piedmont park, ya’ll need to think about this a little harder before you do it again.
Sir Paul’s performance was a shining highlight to a day of disorganization and mahem. It would be difficult to find more ways to make this a poor experience for the concertgoer. From the rude vendors (25 minutes in a line for wine, while the “lady” in the beer tent next door was selling it to her friends without a wait) to the bizarre setup (sticking vendors in the middle of the audience to block as much of the view as possible,) this was a lesson in how to infuriate your patrons.
Hopefully, the Conservancy raised enough money from this concert so they can erect a wall around the entire park. That would help keep out all those pesky people who want to go walk on their beloved grass. How about a glassed-in observation room so that you can see the grass without really touching it?
Maybe the best concert I have ever seen in 35 years. Why? McCartney/Beatles’ songs are the songs of 2 generations. Most of his tunes are so familiar, we have heard them a thousand times minimum.
McCratney’s dialogue was great. Unlike John, he never really takes himself too seriously outside the music. GREAT reference to George Harrison and Paul’s version of “Something”. I got chills during A Day In The Life when they broke into “Give Peace A Chance”. Hey Jude, Back in the USSR, Get Back, Live and Let Die (awesome!) the list goes on. I felt my life flashing before my eyes. Paul sounded great, he was so enthused about being there and playing his wide range of tunes. And he did them so well.
67 years old, almost 3 hours without a break-except for waiting for his 2 encores. Incredible. Scratch another thing off my bucket list!
Note to Paul-thanks for not playing Say, Say, Say and Let ‘em In.
Living in midtown a block from the park a group of us went. We did everything midtown, coctail party at a home on Myrtel, strolled to concert around 7:30 after a quick drink at Blakes when all the burb’s crowd were safley inside the park. Found a great spot on the hill,near a bar and had an evening that a lifetime of memories are made of. Atlanta and Piedmont Park were so lucky to have this concert. Outdoor park concerts such as this put us on the map as a world class city and concert venue. If this had been in the Dome, it would of been just another mediocre concert up there with Brittney and Blue Man Group. Of course he is going to play new music also, anyone going thinking they were to hear a Beattles set all night, well, I pity them. I am glad to of been a part of Atlanta history last night and thank the PPC for bringing this event to our great city and thrilled this concert closes the gap on the 52 acre park expansion, that we will all be able to enjoy in the future!
Have to add that I would not like to see McCartney at an outdoor venue again. I actually know of several people that did not come because the venue was Piedmont Park. Who ever thought an outdoor concert in Atlanta in the middle of hot as hell August must be crazy!
What a great concert. Went with my sister and a friend. What a great trip down memory lane. My sister saw the Beatles at the old Atlanta Stadium and still has her ticket so I think she may qualify as one of the biggest fans. She has every single album they made framed and hanging on the wall. Paul is just as cute now as he was in 1964.
The music set was good and yes I enjoyed his new music. You have to expect that he would want to introduce new things. Even Jimmy Buffet does that. I found it somewhat strange that there were tons of beer and wine vendors but the food was far, far away. As for checking for cameras, food being brought in, lawn chairs, etc. the security failed miserably. Everyone had their cameras. I saw sandwiches from Publix and other food items obviously not bought inside the venue. I also wondered about the pre-ticket entrance but honestly we had such a great view it didn’t matter. Lots of pot and cigarettes which surprised me. Parked in Ansley Park at a friend’s house and walked in thru the Botanical Garden’s back entrance saved us about 1/2 mile of walking. Overall, a great evening with a living legend. Aside from sore legs from standing for 4 plus hours and being soaked, I would rate this as one of the best concerts I have seen and I have been to many concerts throughout the years.
Angie, simply put, you are an idiot. I could go through your posts, line by line, and point all the truly stupid and inaccurate things you said. But, I’m not going to do that. Instead, I’m just going to say that any confusion and discomfort you experienced were of your own making. Learn to read, learn to process information, and then learn to apply it, as any moderately intelligent human being can. I went to the concert (my second @PP and 4th time to see McCartney), and the only moderately unpleasant aspect was the rain, which is an Act of God.
GREAT show. GREAT music. In my opinion, Paul made up for the rainstorm by playing a really long show full of great song choices. I was especially happy to hear Something (on ukelele), Eleanor Rigby, Got to Get You Into My Life, Hey Jude, Let it Be, and gosh- just SOOO many other wonderful Beatles tunes I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see played live. My first Paul show, and Im SO glad i went! It was awesome… and the rain was very ironic to me since it was the 40th anniversary of woodstock, i almost felt like it was fated. It was actually kinda nice…
Not-so great food selection for vegetarians/vegans which was pretty disappointing considering Paul is a vegetarian himself… (we waited 2 hours for a falalfel pita and then they ran out on us – also the veggies were cooked on same grill as meat – which personally i think is yucky!). Hopefully in the future, we will see more veggie choices at EVERY concert… especially ones promoting green living.
Also, being a green concert, i was surprised at the amount of trash, although, I have to say, there werent ANY trash/recycling cans on the field to use… but i figure with the amount of volunteers they had, MAYBE they did that on purpose to avoid trash and recyling getting mixed together… I mean, lets face it, when a bunch of drunk people are having a good time (seeing PAUL McCARTNEY for cryin out loud), they may not read whats on the can (trash vs. recycling) – the volunteers had quite a back breaking job of picking up smashed beer cans for a few hours after the show! Maybe that was the plan… IM just glad i didnt bring a blanket to have to carry around after it was trampled and soaked after the rain!
That being said, I had a fabulous time. it was a great show and I LOVE YOU DEARLY PAUL! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!! I hope i get the opportunity to see you again. Rain OR shine.
I’m 9 years old and I love the Beatles! Paul is my favoite. My favorite song is “I Saw Her Standing There.” I did have to wait for a while in the sun, but it was worth it. I love the Beatles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Drove from Birmingham,Alabama to see Paul McCartney for the first time ever, and we enjoyed every second. Ages in our group ranged from 24-56. Of course ther were songs I would have loved to hear, but honestly, there just wouldn’t have been enough time to to satisfy all…just too many great songs out there. There will always be people that will search for and focus on the negative details (glass 1/2 empty vs 1/2 full), but the truth is, IT WAS A FANTASTIC CONCERT. Paul had a wonderful sense of humor, told some great stories, gave tribute to Jimmy Hendrix/anniversary of woodstock, the fireworks were awsome, AND came back for 3 encores! The atmosphere was suitable for all ages – no raunchy jokes or filthy language – just great music.He was a true gentleman!
Clarke, any moderately intelligent human being can go to the Aug.7th Atlanta Journal, page D6, and read what was advertised for the entry into this concert….there is no confusion. By the way, intelligent people don’t resort to name-calling. I will not waste anymore time on your post.
What a fab-ulous experience! Yes, it was hot, but that is Georgia in August! I am 56 and I was able to handle the heat and the crowds! The fact that this was an outdoor concert added to the mood and the magic. My one teensy distress was that we did “follow the rules” and wait in the long line to get in the gate, and then saw others just walking up the street and walking in.
I will always remember singing “Hey Jude” and the segue from “Day in the Life” into “Give Peace a Chance”gave the experience a little of the Woodstock vibe (along with the rain!). I am so glad I went to this concert!
Great music, and I had great company as always (my gorgeous girlfriend). But this was by far the worst concert venue ever and it was hard to let it overshadow enjoyment of the music. Waiting more than 4 hours in the blazing sun on a blanket for PM was about as fun as that description reads – it really sucked. Drunk morons next to us who thought their dance floor included every blade of grass they could reach whether there was anyone (like us) already in place or not. Lots of bad information from this blog about when gates opened, what you couldn’t bring in (saw plenty of stadium seats with arms that this blog said were prohibited) and getting there. Wish I’d paid heed to the comments left on one of this blogs earlier posts warning what a bad concert venue Piedmont Park is. And, of course, it rained during PM’s performance, couldn’t have come hours earlier when it could’ve helped with the heat. Script sucked, too. All in all, you couldn’t pay me to go to another outdoor concert especially at Piedmont. The homage to “green” was more classic liberal BS – the trash that was left by this “environmentally-friendly” crowd was appalling and disgusting.
I am surprised, that people seem to be surprised that there were cigarettes & pot being smoked. Thanks for the good buzz! I thought the show was very well organized. Never had to wait to get a beer, and the lines for the portopotties were reasonable. Even everyone in line for the pottys were singing and dancing and having a great time.
I hope Piedmont Park makes this an annual tradition of having a major concert in the park. How about the Stones next year!
Probably the best McCartney show I’ve seen – I think this was my 6th one. A range of music from Beatles to Wings to Fireman – band has really gelled after playing together for several years. Loved the fireworks! They can’t do that in Phillips… so yes, it was worth the unorganized staff, ATL PD giving out different info from the volunteers/staff, the not getting in @ 4 if u had presale, the people who got territorial about their blankies, the couple who got directly in front of me, the people who unknowingly dumped their tarp water on my feet, & the people who got there to wait “@ 7 am” & yelled “Go to the end of the line!” like a deranged mob & cheered as the dejected people who had been directed by APD to “another gate” @ the opposite end of the Park had to walk all the way back to Charles Allen again…. sorry about the run-on sentence there. All that being said, we had quite a show & I would go again! But only for Paul. I wouldn’t go through that for anyone else. Peace y’all.
Angie, any times and details of entry that were changed were well publicized, and notifications via telephone and email were sent out. Bottom line, dear, I knew EXCACTLY what and when was going on and you didn’t. I knew exactly where to enter and did so exactly when I wanted to. I guess you had an $80 ticket and wanted to be treated as if you paid $400. Try a little common sense, honey, and perhaps next time you won’t be so disappointed and whiny. You thought that was “hot”? I guess you didn’t attend the Allman Bros./DMB double-bill on Labor Day 2007. And, as for you ignorant people complaining about he didn’t play such & such, well (a) the Beatles have a large catalogue and (b) back in 1990, it was a big deal when he’d play even a couple of Beatles songs. Just be glad that he now embraces them in concert
I loved seeing McCartney in Piedmont Park last night. As always, he was brilliant. I was particularly impressed with The Script who opened for him. In fact, I liked them so much, I blogged about them on the 60 Second Marketer website in a posting called “I have seen the future of Rock N Roll and its name is The Script.” Cool.
Easily the best concert I’ve experienced. I didn’t have any of the negative experiences that are on this blog. Heat?…um, August=hot weather. It was 100 in Chicago for Lollapolooza last week. This was the best weather you could hope for.
I loved the Piedmont Park venue too. The audio was perfect. We also read online that the entrance was at Ch Allen/10th Street. Guess what…that’s where we got in! We waited for an hour before the doors opened, but then dashed for a spot near the front (and well in front of the VIP seats). Kudos to the PPC and their VOLUNTEERS for doing the best they could and throwing a memorable concert.
Oh yeah…this ‘Paul McCartney’ seems to have some potential. Keep your eye on him. He might go places.
Marta was surpisingly organized and full of police and felt safe. Not a big fan of walking miles to get to and from a venue however. They really need to approximate the time Paul was coming on since it ended up being 3.5 hours after the gates opened but then I suppose people would come in later and later . Rain sucked and was not a big fan of the newer songs. Wanted to hear more Wings songs like “Silly little love songs” but overall was good show seeing a living legend and someone who basically started it all with the Beatles.Liked the Hendrix stories etc… Food was decent and lines were not too bad.. people were cleaning garbage all thru the show. It seemed pretty coordinated.
What a horrible experience I had at McCartney’s Piedmont Park concert. I am outraged at how poorly Piedmont Park and McCarthey’s producers handled the VIP section. I quickly scanned previously posted comments and saw some agreement with my experience.
I waited 45 years to see a Beatle, so I decided to splurge for the high-priced tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime event. After TicketMaster’s surcharge, shipping, handling, and taxes, my $400 tickets cost me $650 each. But hey, for that price I should get reserved seats close to the stage, and perhaps some special treatment. When I got to the Park, I found out that the seat number printed on my tickets meant nothing, and was told so by a surley park volunteer. The VIP section was a hill side about 1/4 mile from the stage with no seating. We had to find an empty patch of grass in the dirt to park our butts. I would have felt better if someone had just placed a gun in my face and demanded my money. Instead, I not only feel like a victum, but I also feel like a a chump for allowing myself to be ripped off. Please don’t waste your money on VIP tickets, the cheap seats are far better. For that matter, McCarthey sounds better on CD, so use the money to upgrade your system, buy the CD’s you don’t have and have a great time. I was at the Dallas TV Cast 30 year reunion, which became notorious for how poorly it was organized. This event was just as bad for the VIP section. No show producer or entertainer will ever again get one penny of my money, and I will never again set foot in Piedmont Park!!!
This was a special treat for my wife (over 50) and my son (15). Not real impressed by the lack of organization by the promoters (conflicting entry time) and a few rude people who broke line. Not a big fan of the genral free for all admission venue but it did allow me the chance to purchase tickets at a reasonable price. Having said that, it was everything I had expected-I got to see a legend! To get to see someone who had so much influence over my generation is something I never expected to experience! the show was good, his set was fine (how could you pick what to play and please everyone out of such a long career?), sound was good and the park was a cool place to be for a concert. I know the concert had some warts but overall I would do it again.
This concert was grueling for Paul’s 60ish and not so agile fans. First of all the directions on getting in were horrendous and wrong! We walked from one end of the line, found out we needed to be at the other side of the park,and had to walk another very long way to get in that gate. As a matter of fact, my best friend ended up dehydrated and collapsed before getting into the gate and had to be hauled away by ambulance. She missed the concert, and Paul has been her idol since 1964. Sitting on the ground was terrible, old bones can’t take it, and I was miserably uncomfortable sitting there all those hours. The rain, altho nothing we could do about it, was dreadful, soaking wet all nite. The process of getting in was so poorly executed, and wrong information was given at every turn. Now Sir Paul, he was incredible, as always, and if it wasn’t him on stage I would have left. Next time, I’ll see him only in an airconditioned arena WITH SEATS
Paul was fantastic as usual. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to see him! I also want to thank the MARTA people for keeping things moving fast. The park organizers however should have done a better job and directed people into separate lines. Why advertise early entry when there is no attempt made for that to happen? Also, at one point the main line was detoured down a side street as if going to another gate and then made to loop back up on the opposite side of the road. This was a confusing mess and many people were simply crossing the road and breaking line and police officers were giving us conflicting stories on where to line up. I don’t blame the police however, it was just poor organization. Also, it would be helpful if the organizers had somehow mapped out at least a few paths for people going on and off the field for refreshments/bathrooms instead we got drunk people almost stepping on you (if you were sitting) or almost knocking you down if you were standing. Still despite all that and the rain it was a magical show and Paul still has IT after all these years.
Still despite all that and the rain it was a magical show!
Paul put on one heck of a show…despite being in line and waiting for Paul for HOURS, I would do it all again to see his stellar performance. Ticketmaster and Piedmont Park on the other hand should be slapped for their performance.
The venue was wide-open, and it permitted large numbers of people to enjoy the experience. Paul and his band were great! The Script was also enjoyable to listen to! The only down-side to the whole experience was the mess that people left behind after the concert! There were enough beer cans, water bottles, and food containers to fill a semi trailer several times over. Perhaps the “green” concert was more about money than any environmental concerns!
As a visitor to Atlanta I think it was a great concert, Sir Paul was in fine voice and very giving and appreciative of the audience. Kudos to the overwhelmed staff and emergency workers who were always nice and professional. I knew the concert would be interesting when I read that it was the promoters biggest show. There was a complete lack of organization in waiting for entry and in the set up of the field with no access or exits for pedestrians or emergency personnel. There was however enough food, drink, and restrooms for all. Exactly how big was the attendance number and how much beer was consumed by the 30 to 40 thousand in attendance?
To those of you who were not allowed to bring in your stadium seats, what, if any, provisions were made for you — did they hold on to your seats for you, and were you able to retrieve them after the concert?
I’ve got a feeling that I get back in my life every time the band is on the run, I was standing there (in Piedmont Park) as day tripper yeah, it was yesterday. Hey dude, I said, look at all the lonely people trying to live and let die, give peace a chance since I can’t buy me love, you don’t need to go back in the USSR nor pray Lady Madonna to drive my car, we are lonely hearts, kind of blackbirds in a state of helter skelter and I am just a paperback writer trying to get you into my life. The end.
Gracias Pablo.
There was room for improvement concerning not having signage and more entry points to make it a smoother experience for the concertgoer. That being said, Piedmont Park itself turned out to be a beautiful space to host this event, with lush grass everywhere to plant one’s self for a few hours. I didn’t see any bare spots.
This was a concert for the ages. I saw Paul in Columbia, S.C. in 1993 and he was even better on 8/15/09. It simply defies imagination that a man Paul’s age could have as much energy as he did, playing so many songs without a break – a true Energizer Bunny he was. We experienced not only a fantastic show from THE legend of rock legends, but an astonishing display of human and vocal endurance. One got the sense that Paul played so many songs after the first encore because he wanted to pay the fans back for having been rained on. No spirits were dampened that I saw. The one song that most aptly summarized everyone’s mood was one of his more recent hits – “Dance Tonight” – a simple and catchy tune that lightened all moods despite the downpour then occurring.
What made the concert most special for me was that I was able to take my daughter, who hadn’t seen Paul live before. I sang Beatles love songs as lullabies to her when she was an infant and toddler, and she has grown up loving Beatles music. She was enthralled by Sir Paul and his music last night. This was in all likelihood a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The both of us will remember last night for the rest of our lives, and it is sure to be among our most cherished memories as we both grow older.
Since people who complain probably post their views more than those who simply appreciated and enjoyed Sir Paul’s show, I want to thank the Piedmont Park Conservancy for bringing this tremendous inter-generational experience to our city. Had Paul played just another Philips Arena show, so many families who made memories in the Park together last night would have lost out. Obviously, the Park is not set up for every-day concert-going — and if you expected perfection you’re more than a little naive. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for Atlantans and Beatles fans, and we owe the Conservancy and their volunteers gratitude for this event and everything else getting accomplished for our Park.
My wife and I made the trip from Ohio to see the show. This was my 8th McCartney show, her 4th. Well worth the trip, the entire thing was an adventure! From our first experience with MARTA (which turned out to be pretty good, when we’re back in town I would probably use MARTA again) to the experience with Piedmont and waiting in line since 11:30 to use our presale early entry tickets (haha, right?) to the most incredible performer and concert!
As for the show, what can I add that hasn’t already been said. The new material was incredible, love “Only Mama Knows” live! “I’m Down” was a great addition to the set, and one I did not expect to hear. And “Day Tripper?” All I can say is “WOW!!!”
I popped the big question to my wife at Paul’s concert in 2005, so this was a great chance for us to remember that night and had yet another special memory to our scrapbook of life together! (And Paul, if you read this … Melissa and I want to thank you for that great night in Detroit! And thank you again for reading my sign and making me get down infront of 20,000 people!)
I survived the concert last night, and lived to tell the story. Thank God for Paul McCartney. Only Paul McCartney could take a perfectly horrible misery marathon like Atlanta’s concert preparation, and still make you feel glad to be alive. The people in the Atlanta audience were fantastic, considering that a huge number of them received such lousy, inconsistent info, about the event that by the time Paul took the stage we were dehydrated, exhausted, sunburned, and broke. Paul still saved the day.
I drove from Tennessee with my 18 year old daughter to see Paul McCartney and I would drive to Alaska to see him again!! I am 42 and have been a Beatles/PM fan as long as I can remember. This was the ultimate concert experience! What a magical night!! Thank you, thank you, thank you Sir Paul for beautiful music and beautiful you…
Looooove reading your comments and takes on the Paul McCartney shows. Definitely a diversity of opinions, although most of you seem pretty happy with how it turned out. A reminder: please keep it civil and push the conversation forward. I’ll be compiling some of these comments into a post on Monday, too!
What a great show! There are words I am sure to express appropriately, however I don’t know what they are. For all the problems expressed, I did not see any, perhaps you all are just not experienced concert goers and lacking in navigational skills.
Being in my mid thirties I came to know and appreciate the Beatles about the same time as everything else that was popular at the time, U2, REM and The Cure. Very quickly I recognized how much these bands owed to the Beatles and McCartney especially. I have seen concerts all over the world. My job made this possible, but seeing the Macca in my hometown in our park again I don’t know the words. I was happy to see kids at this show, perhaps this show will be the beginning of their musical journey and what a way to start.
I have to agree with Pentagon Cowboy about how bad the VIP section and organization was but P.M. made me forget it all. It was a great show …. There could also have been more done to make it a true green event.
Had a blast at the McCartney show. We flew down to Atlanta from Rock Island, Illinois. It’s part of the Quad Cities, which includes Moline, IL – home of John Deere, for reference. Anyway, my wife and I were the ones about 8 rows back that had the sign that read “BABY’S FIRST MCCARTNEY SHOW – DUE FEBRUARY 10TH” that he read during the concert! It was a surreal experience. He read the sign and then commented, wondering if the baby could hear the music because “they say that they can”. He then strummed a few notes and did a little opera singing as a joke. It’s something we’ll never forget!!! I could tell that he had read the sign a few songs earlier. He made eye contact with us and nodded and smiled. Then, at the end of the concert he referenced our baby again during his goodbye’s and did a little baby holding motion! Finally, as he exited the stage I was thinking about throwing the little Beatles onesie we’d bought onto stage, but there were some pyrotechnics going off. He looked back at my wife and I and gave us both a big thumbs up. Truely a remarkable experience! If anyone knows of any bootleg of the audio or even better, the video of the concert please let me know!! Does any think Piedmont will make a video of the concert similar to what Dave Matthews did a couple years ago?
Fantastic Show! Drove down with my 21 year old from St. Louis, who is a huge Paul McCartney fan. We were not disappointed. We had no idea where/what Piedmont Park was, but did some checking before purchasing tickets. If you had researched the park on the website, you should have known what the $400 tickets were going to get you – up on the hill – with the stage clearly marked. Buyer beware – do your research. We bought the cheapest tickets, waited in line from 1:00 on, (only because there were already people there & my daughter wanted to get the “best spot”) and once we got in, we made it close to the stage. We knew in advance what to expect. The money we saved from the VIP tickets we spent on a hotel within walking distance(actually less than $400 for two nights). The park was wonderful – the music great, and the rain just made for some fantastic memories. It was all worth it to see my daughter’s excitement and we can’t believe that Paul sang for as long as he did. Also, we didn’t mind sharing our blanket with strangers who just walked in at 7:00 pm. We had room. Could things have been done better- hey, I’ve been volunteering in the school system for over twenty years, and have learned there is a system for getting things done, but, they didn’t ask me. I was there for the show and they certainly put on a great one. The volunteers did the best they could, all were friendly – they just needed a few hundred more! Hats off to the “Vitamin Water” people – they saved us from dehydrating in the line.
Has there been an “official” count on the number of spectators?
I like it that the general tone to the comments is ’so what – it was Paul McCartney’. Yes, it was disorganized, hot and it rained. Who cares? I went in with no expectations and found the back entrance by chance. Got in line at 3:56 – they let us in 4 minutes later. WooooooHoooooo.Stood about 10 feet in front of the mixing board – perfect! I think they call what happened to me and my friend “Instant Karma”. Great awesome incredible show. Thanks JPM.
[...] of astute observations and critiques are mixed in, along with the usual argument and name-calling. Give ‘em a read, or get the abbreviated version below. (These are copied straight from the posts, shortened, but [...]
I have always been one to tell it like is! Here is what the Sir Paul concert was like. We had to drive a long distance to get to Marta, then we had to wait in line to buy tickets at Marta, then we had to wait for the train, then we had a ride on the train to down town. After we got off of the train we had to walk about a half mile to stand in line in the blazing hot sun for a couple of hours before we got in. Then we stood up for six hours in the hot sun before the first horrible band played. I now have a wonderful sunburn! Then after the first band played Sir Paul had us waiting a whole hour before he finally came out to play. By the time he came out there were so many drunk people throwing up etc. It was so impossible to even see the screens it became a complete waste of the day.
Sir Paul, you have lost total touch with your fans, that was the concert from hell! Sir Paul, you made my dream turn into a nightmare. I was Sir Pauls number one fan, but after this there is no way I would ever go to see him again if this is the way he treats his fans. After what we had to go through for hours I learned a lesson not to do it again! Sir Paul, I think it is now time to put the guitar pic away and enjoy your retirement!
Alexandra, if you expected VIP treatment, you should have purchased a VIP ticket. I was on my feet a total of 12 hours without sitting down that day, but it was totally worth it. You waited in line for 2 hours? Big deal. My wife and I were there near the gate at 11 a.m. and managed to get right up to the stage when the gates opened — many people camped out the night before, I was told. These are the true fans, unlike those who write off a musician just because things didn’t go your way that day. And I guess you never took public transportation before, eh? Yes, you have (gasp) stand in line, especially when you take your sweet time to get to the concert. Wake up; there were 40,000 people at this concert. What did you think it would be like?
Paul was great, but we should be getting some refunding from the Park/Ticketmaster. We paid a lot of money for VIP which was suppose to include admission to the park one hour earlier than everyone else. Everyone was confused and didn’t know where to go (especially VIPs) when the gates opened for all. There also were no air conditioned bathrooms like were promised from what I saw. Isn’t this a breach of contract?
I was awake and the fact that they made all of those people wait in the hot sun is so unfair, in fact that as you say Aaron made it even worse. You wake up and smell the roses. No entertainer should treat their fans that way. next time you can go and do the same thing again, I fact be my guest if you are that dam dumb! You were probably one of the drunks and di not even pay attention to the concert when he was playing! you sound like one of the hilbillys from here that have never been anywhere else in the world or know how to treat other human beings! I have the right to express my experience just like anyone else! Get real, but better yet get a real life! Some of us do have lives and taking 12 hours from leaving the house to getting back home is almost impossible for those of us who do own businesses and have families. Our time needs to be respected just as Sir Pauls time is respected. Just because a person is an entertainer do not give him the right to put us all through hell just to see a flash of him on stage. by the way the VIP tickets were no different or anymore comfortable than the general admission tickets! Really Aaron, you should be ashamed of yourself!
Alexandra, Aaron: Clearly you’ve got different perspectives on how the concert went, and that’s probably not going to change, and that’s fine. But please keep your responses under control. This blog isn’t about name-calling, and certainly not about making assumptions about each other based on stereotypes. Keep your comments respectful. Thanks.
Thank you Aaron… well said! Alexandra, maybe you should just stay home & NEVER go to a concert again! Give me a break! When there are 40,000 fans at a concert, you wait in line (for food, drinks, merchandise, restroom, etc.) – get over it! If you don’t like crowds, don’t buy a ticket! Poor you… waiting an hour until Paul came out. Uh, in case you’ve never been to a concert before, they need to set up in between bands. Hello! And how dare you blame Sir Paul McCartney for your bad experience. What does he have to do with the hot sun, long lines, MARTA, & drunk people?!? Seriously, do us all a favor & take a happy pill. ; )
P.S. I suggest sunscreen so you don’t get a sunburn & glasses so you can see the big screens. They were as big as a building. How could you not see them?? Please…
Thanks for minding the ship! We did get carried away, but it was still hell at the concert! We appreciate being able to voice our feelings on Access Atlanta! TKS, Alexandra
Sir Paul McCartney’s show is one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen! What amazing talent & energy! I’m thrilled to say that I’ve seen a Beatle live! We could have cared less about the rain. Ponchos from the dollar store worked just fine. The big screens & sound were great!! It was a night I’ll NEVER forget!! ; )
The only negative for me was seeing all of the trash on the grounds. It took me about 5 seconds to pick up our cans/water bottles & drop them off in a recycle bin.
Absolutely loved Paul and his band — they were tight and energetic the whole evening!
Now, about the Piedmont Park Conservancy and its “Green Concert” — they receive a grade of about an “F-” for lack of security and crowd control, and lack of recycling bins and marked pathways throughout the meadow… they should have learned more from previous events that have been held at the Park in the past, especially regarding what it takes to accommodate a crowd of this size!
Tracy, I said I will not buy a ticket again! Do you honestly think Sir Paul knew nothing about how the concert was run? He created most of the Green concert. There is still no reason to wait an entire hour betwen bands, ( which pay for the tickets) are out there waiting! As Jamie Gumbrech said, we will not agree on the event. I do however have the right to tell it like I experienced the concert, being we live in a free country and have the right to do so. I was at the original Woodstock so I do know how concerts are. I have traveled all over the world and have been taking the transit for years. You have the right to go back and experience the concert the way you experienced and I have the right to not go which I will not be going again. We moved so many times just to try to see the screens on the sides but the crowd was so out of control after having six hours to get drunk we could not enjoy it. You have your rights and so do I. It is great to know there are some that had a great time. I was not one of them! Good luck to all of you who will be putting up with this type of treatment! After reading about the VIP tickets on here there was no difference between the general admission or VIP. Good wishes and good luck to all!
I am such a Beatles fan that I named my dog George Harrison, so as you can see I love Paul and have loved him for years but after this concert I changed my feeling about him. I felt he was like God, which no man is. I guess what it did was open my eye’s to reality!
My husband and I, in our early 50’s, had a blast. We went in knowing the day would be long, hot and possibly wet. We made the best of it and with good food, drinks and plenty of people-watching it was not difficult. Paul gave the audience everything they wanted (BEATLES) and more. It was awesome to see the middle-agers and teenagers, even little ones, so excited, singing and chanting (”Give Peace a Chance”)…our only regret was not bringing our own teenagers.
I completely agree with the complaints about the confusion regarding presale entry time and location and folks breaking line. My 7YO called a couple out about it and they shamefacedly retreated, but lots of others didn’t. (Could have used more volunteers to police that, I think.) Yes, it was hot (duh, it’s Atlanta in August) and, yes, it rained (ditto). But that just made it all the more Woodstock-y! Some of us were there, too. Perhaps in altered states of mind, but that’s another story. In any case my kids and husband and I had a GREAT time. Macca put on a fantastic show — sprinkled new with old, rock and mellower tunes. Definitely worth every penny and the relatively minor inconveniences. Thanks to the Conservancy for bringing him here and to such a fab venue.
Alexandra, your series of posts is one of the most pathetic whinefests I’ve ever read. All of the things you complained about were either already announced beforehand or out of Paul’s control. He and his team had nothing to do with the way the park ran the concert. He was responsible for his performance and the production of his performance. That’s it. If your time was so precious perhaps you shouldn’t have bought a ticket in the first place. There were many people who waited in line since early in the morning, and they all seemed to have a blast.
Alexandria, please shut the hell up. Best concert of my life and I think that Paul treated his fans great as in 3 encores. I saw no drunks, saw the screen very well, was in no lines at all except for the Marta ride afterwards and that was expected.
Thx to Peidmont park for putting on such a great show!!!!
Loved the concert — wow, what a show! — but not the logistics. Some failures I noted:
I saw no volunteers nor any directional signage for the concert when I exited the Midtown station at 2:00 PM. In fact, I rarely saw a volunteer the whole time. Funny, since as a Conservancy member I had offered to be one but had been turned down.
There was no designated line or gate for presale ticketholders. If there was one, it wasn’t publicized anywhere in advance nor created by volunteers on site. Most presales got stuck in the same long line as the later entries: A major mishandle that caused great animosity among those patrons. The few volunteers who passed by the blocks-long line on 10th had no knowledge to share or any apparent way to ask a question or get answers from someone in charge.
The no food or water ban was a serious health concern for the many older people who had arrived early for the presale entry and then had to stand in line a lot longer than expected in 90+ degree heat. Also, there was no way to handle a medical emergency created by those conditions except with a 911 call.
That same ban created a huge windfall for the food and drink vendors, provided you could get to them. Three dollars for one small bottle of water? That’s price gouging, people. (Where were the water fountains?) Even the kids selling them outside the park asked for just a buck. IMO the producer and food vendors should be fined for overcharging the captive audience for that necessity. In the future, bottled water prices inside the park should be set by the City for future concerts.
No aisles were created or maintained for emergency vehicles, security personnel or easy patron access to vendors and the toilets. IMO this was a major breach of public health and safety guidelines for such events. Suppose there had been a lightning strike during the rainstorm? (N.B. I sat right next to the Kaiser Permanente First Aid station, so I saw and heard about the difficulties people were having in getting there for help.)
Why didn’t the Conservancy present a short talk or program about its work and goals between the two acts? IMO it missed a golden opportunity in not doing that, and in not asking patrons to haul out their trash and/or place recyclables in designated receptacles after the concert was over. This was The Green Concert, right?.
IMO these logistical failures were caused by a lack of coordination and communcation between the organizations involved, both before the event and on the day. IMO an experienced large-event planner needs to be put in charge of each area to see that everything runs smoothly.between the professionals and the volunteers. Also, the Conservancy and its co-sponsors should recruit enough volunteers, provide advance training for them, and provide those at critical points with radios and bullhorns so they can ask questions and get answers in in real time, and handle crowd problems promptly. There also should be a central command center that can be called by other volunteers with their cell phones for informational Q&A.
I hope my comments will be read as constructive criticism that is intended to help make future concerts at Piedmont Park more pleasurable for everybody.
I understand your frustration about some aspects of the concert performance, but at least some of your frustration is misplaced.
As mentioned above the 2 things McCartney and his management are in charge of are his performance and the staging. Everything else is the responsibility of the promoter (in this case Live Nation) and the venue (in this case the Piedmont Park Conservancy).
Most people I talked to actually had good experiences with MARTA (which surprised me somewhat). The whole ticket entry and waiting had 0 to do with McCartney and his team. This is the responsibility of Live Nation and Piedmont Park. Unfortunately a number of us were e-mailing/phoning Piedmont Park about the entry and were really concerned it was going to be a huge mess because they didn’t seem to have a plan to separate the early entry from the non-early entry tickets. Unfortuantely this turned out to be true.
I thought the Script was fine as an opening act – nothing special, but easy to listen to and didn’t overstay their welcome. McCartney took the stage 42 minutes after the Script finished (I was checking my time on my phone) this was actually slightly faster than previous shows. it takes about 45 minutes for the stage hands to remove The Script’s equipment, set up McCartney’s and test all the sound and lighting.
I was obviously closer up then you were as I was very close to the soundbooth. I will say there the people were largely very upbeat and enjoying themselves, even during the rain.
Also, don’t blame others for things that might not be their fault. if you got a sunburn – you should have used sunscreen – I did, i’m a redhead and did not get burned at all. I drank alot of water before the show knowing I would be out in the heat for hours. I had a poncho and a plastic tarp (that ended up with 15 people under it during the rain) for that possibility. knowing it was an outdoor concert you do have to prepare for it – and i’m not saying that you didn’t.
if you had problems with sound or lighting that would fall under McCartney’s team.
It’s disappointing to see someone have a bad experience and i hope your next one is better.
I journeyed with my family: sister, husband, two daughters and my sister’s girlfriend to Atlanta, and despite the long trip, sitting on the grass and the painful walk to MARTA- we truly LOVED the show! It was such a thrill for me to experience Paul’s show with my teenaged daughters who have grown up listening to him since they were in the womb. My oldest daughter, Michelle, was so hoping to hear him sing “her song” to her, but alas, he could not cover every song in the Beatles, Wings, and his solo catalogues. If it were left up to the audience we would have kept him there singing for 24 hours straight.
I thought it was a beautiful night despite the rain. (Thank you, God, for no lightning.) Piedmont Park is a lovely place and I thought it was pretty well organized (as well as could be expected for 40,000+ fans.
For those of you who missed this concert (or did not enjoy it)I am sorry but it was one of the best nights of my life. All of the Beatles oldies and new Paul songs struck a good balance and Sir Paul is still spry and rock the house at 67. We love you Paul! You only get better with age!! The Murphy family
p.s. Kudos to MARTA for moving that huge crowd out of there quickly and efficiently!!
Having loved Paul (and the rest of the Fab 4) for most of my life, and having seen Paul 18 times, both with the Beatles and after, missing a concert in ATL was not imaginable! The hours of standing and sitting on rock-hard ground have left me a mess only my Chiropractor may be able to fix up, but the alternative, missing the man who has made by far the greatest impression on my life for the last 45 years was unimaginable.
The small number of people who complained about the actual performance make me terribly sad. Paul has so much great music to pull from, he certainly wasn’t going to do only Beatles music. Paul is the greatest legend ever, and there will never be a greater performer, writer, person on this earth!
Wull love you forever Paul! Please come back (to an arena with seats, I hope!).
Awesome show!!! Paul amazes me by the mere fact he plays at such a high level at 67 years of age. I know at 67 i could never have his energy (LOL)!!!! His stage presence is incredible and has the best eye movements when singing than any artist on earth.
This was my fourth time seeing Sir Paul. He is just such a great performer and a great musician. This concert was nothing but spectacular. I really enjoyed both Beatles and Wings music. The crowd was great. It rained for about 30 minutes which was good because it was over 90 in the heat.
The only bad thing was that ticketmaster ripped us off again. There was suppose to be early enterance for America Express/Mccartney fan club and conservitory members and the crowd got so big they let everybody in at once. Also, waiting in line was complete disorganized. We sat in line for hours and hours to be first at the stage and again the crowd got so big in front of the gates that people who only waited 15 minutes before the gates opened ran right in and never went to the end of the line. I was extremely angry about it. My friend and I still got a pretty good spot, we were very lucky I can run fast.
[...] about the origin of the Junkman’s Daughter sign. It’s a cool story written up on the AJC Insider blog by Jamie Gumbrecht. Also, related to the recent Paul McCartney concert in Piedmont park, she [...]
[...] blog by Jamie Gumbrecht. Also, related to the recent Paul McCartney concert in Piedmont park, she pointed to a great story about how an Atlanta hifi store pioneered a sound engineering technique in the mid-60s that is [...]
By far the best show I’ve ever seen. I’ve always enjoyed the music of the Beatles and McCartney but never was an avid fan. Half way through the show I thought to myself “now I understand”. What a performer. It’s like he was determined that everyone have a good time. Thought the sound was incredible. Great show!
I really don’t understand this woman and her comments. How could she expect anyone to control the sun or provide shade for the entrance line which was at least three quarters of a mile long.
FYI, this was my 16th time seeing Paul (Beatles three times) and I’m older now and knew my limitations so I arranged to arrive at 3:30, expecting to be no where near the stage. I waited in line for approx 1 hour and yes, it was very hot at times. But the line moved pretty well (except for the cheaters cutting in line)once the gate opened and when I got in the park I found a perfect place on the hill in the shade, right of the stage. If this woman was so hot, why didn’t she moved to the largely shaded hill on the right. The temp never got unpleasant under the shade. Now, I would have loved to be near the stage and this was the first MACCA concert EVER that I couldn’t see his pretty face up close, but I knew I’m not physically able to withstand the heat. This woman (if she was REALLY at Woodstock) is older than me so why didn’t she seek shade give way to the youngsters who don’t care about the heat? I could see the stage and the screens perfectly.
To say she is a huge fan and then blame Paul for the heat, the lines and the rain is absurd and she apparently has no understanding of the time required to set up his equipment. Oh, and the Irish band was fab – I loved three of the five songs they performed. MARTA ran great for the huge crowds, no problem there either. The only problem I had was the people staggering up the hill throughout the concert – the Conservancy should have created a couple of roped off passage ways so that we didn’t get continually stepped on.
Paul was great as usual and any problems with the venue were not of his doing. He looked fab, sounded beautiful and his energy is amazing for anyone, but especially for a 67 year old man. The fact that he donated his time for the concert seems to completely have gone over the head of this woman. He made no money and donated his time for a grat cause. Clearly he doesn’t need fans like this who claim to love him and then bad mouth him for things that were not within his control when she should be on her knees thanking him for being such a generous human and such a generous and brilliant performer.
Bank of America’s Museums on Us program allows customers in free on Sept. 5-6, Oct. 3-4, Nov. 7-8, Dec. 5-6, Jan. 2-3 and more 2010 dates they haven’t yet posted. You can find more info here: http://museums.bankofamerica.com/
That program gets you into the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, but not the IMAX movie. You can also get in to the High Museum of Art, Zoo Atlanta, Millennium Gate, the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Atlanta History Center.
Paul was amazing…totally killer and the night was a “once in a lifetime thrill”. Sadly, the Piedmont Park Conservancy botched the entire VIP process for everyone who paid $400. The Piedmont Park Conservancy advertised early admission for the VIP ticket. It took 30 minutes to get the first 500 people (I counted…I was about the 500th person in line.)through the “ONE TICKET TAKER” entrance on Monroe…while we could see hundreds of people streaming down the hill on the other side of the park at the St Charles entrance. My girlfriend was directly in front of Paul’s microphone about at 4:02…WHERE HE WAS STILL PERFORMING HIS SOUNDCHECK (IN PERSON)…and she paid $80 for a non-early admission ticket. Explain that one to me!! People in the VIP line were furious. Once inside the VIP area, I waited in a line of only 14 people (I counted.)for another 30 minutes to buy a t-shirt…the VIP area sold out of all XL shirts one hour after the gates opened…I had to go buy one in the general admission area. They had schwag beer…Bud, Bud Light, and Bud select…and they were lukewarm until after 7 or so meaning that that had not been properly iced down. In the end I must say not even the major downer caused by the clearly unprepared PPC could diminish the PAUL McCARTNEY experience. Paul is the pinnacle of music, their is none higher.
[...] told you last week about an interview with Decatur author Amanda C. Gable, and her upcoming events at the Decatur Book Festival and Blue Elephant [...]
Will this “trust” become a partner in future profits? Or will the reconstruction donations primarily benefit Mr. Greene with only his word that he will do good in the community? While historic trusts are good for publically owned property, and commercial venues are good when maintained buy the business owner… non profit donations should not be made for the primary benefit of the commercial enterprise.
What kind of “open book” cooperation is there between the trust and Mr. Greene? How much insurance was there and how much is going in his pocket due to “lost business”?
Too many questions to just crack open my wallet to save a bit of nostalgia.
I agree with David. This was intended, prior to the fire, as a “for profit” venture. How has that changed, if so, and what happens to the operation going forward in terms of ownership, control, etc.. This is the same thing on the surface, if Burger King had a fire and the public contributed to the restoration. Too many questions yet.
The trust is to ensure the building gets saved. No private business could support the debt that it will take to rebuild to modern codes. The only two options are that we get help from the public via a nonprofit, or the Georgia Theatre goes away forever. Sounds like you prefer the latter David.
Let me clarify something. I feel this facility enjoyed some success as a venue for music. However, Athens if full of “venue’s for music”. I would be glad to help with the restoration, but do I give something small, or will I consider something of consequence?
To answer Wilmot … there are two choices to end up with a sole owner, the non profit buys the pile of ashes and rebuilds it and operates as a non profit OR the commercial entity foots the bill.
But for people to donate to a business with nothing in return except the fact that the building survives is preposterous.
If the business owner cannot do it, or was underinsured, that simply means his business has failed. Step aside if you can’t do it on your own.
If the trust wants to rebuild the building, sign the deed to the trust and the business owner can operate the business in a partnership deal.
The building has some nice history but for those that give will only be able to say “Hey I gave some good money so that guy could make a lot of money.”
What is the payoff for the donaters … in writing, other than “nice building, huh?”
Paul was great, the stage was great, the sound was good.
My girlfriend and I walked in, without waiting, at about 6:30. We stood probably 100 feet from the stage. There needs to be a “no blankets past this point” rule enforced next time Piedmont tries something like this. I witnessed a few verbal altercations between people trying to walk and those who felt ENTITLED to all the room that their blankets covered. Give me a break.
In response to David and “Maybe, Maybe Not,” people who donate to this cause can feel good about their donations on two fronts: (1) They’re contributing to the preservation of an historic building. I can’t remember the exact numbers, but I believe the Georgia Theatre building is over 100 years old; and (2) they’re helping to restore a bit of nostalgia from the many wonderful memories they may have formed through events and concerts they attended at the Georgia Theatre. With the Georgia Theatre partnering with the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, folks can now make tax deductible donations towards a legitmate philanthropic cause (See # 1 above). I think this is great, and I wish the Georgia Theatre and Wilmot Greene all the luck in the world.
Sorry David, but you are wrong. The payoff for the donators is that they get to live in a community with a Georgia Theatre. This is what people in Athens want, and they are the ones driving the fundraising. Your comment about ’so this guy could make a lot of money’ shows your lack of understanding of the situation. The owners will pay for the majority of the expense of rebuilding. The public is simply trying to help with the difference between what the business can make and what it will cost to rebuild. The public risks nothing except living in a town with less music if they don’t give. The numbers just don’t make sense for any type of ownership (profit or nonprofit) unless a big chunk is taken off the top via donations, and the public trusts the current owners, because of years of goodwill, to run the club in a manner that best represent the interests of the community. This is why we live in Athens! If they eventually make a profit,,, good for them!
Hey folks: there are some good questions in this discussion. I just talked with Mark McDonald at the Georgia Trust, who explained more why they decided to partner with a for-profit group, how the Georgia Theatre fits into their non-profit mission and how the arrangement works. Thanks for reading!
To those claiming it will save an old building … once the building is burned and gutted any rebuild only nets a “new” building made to look old. It is sad it burned, I lost many brain cells in the building in its “cinema draft house” days. You might as well level it, build a state of the art new building and slap the old marquee on it. When something dies a natural death, you cannot bring it back.
Great show!! I drove up from Florida and this was my second McCartney show. This shows was fairly organized compared to the other hundred outdoor shows I have been to.i.e. Bonnaroo, Phish @ Big Cypress. among others. Having been to a lot of GA shows I was kind of curious as to how the early entry was going to work. Thankfully I just got a regular ticket. I thought it was kind of a joke to have to early entry times, I mean it is general admin show. So lets say you got in an hour early, you still can’t stop others from getting to the front when they “let em’ in”. My only complaint was the people with the blankets. At a general admin show, the only spot you paid for is the spot your feet are in. Not where you blanket is. If you want to sit down and have you own space go to the back not the front row. I have also saw a few people complain about cigarettes and pot smoking. You went to a rock concert, outdoors, not the opera. They kind of go hand in hand.
THANK YOU Piedmont park, THANK YOU PAUL, and THANK YOU ATL.
Suggestions are always welcome, and concerts at Centennial Park get a nod in the daily to do lists pretty frequently. (And, of course, it’s always easy to find in the AccessAtlanta.com calendar.) It’s important to me, though, to showcase a wide variety of events.
It looks like the inside of the whale sharks colon, and I would know, cause I was there and I swam with them. If you didn’t know that, read the paper, apparently my arrival is a big story. I got my picture on the front page, not like that missing Blairsville woman, or that goofy health care thingy.
Oh, Miley, sorry, but you must have seen some other paper — you weren’t on the AJC’s front page any time in the last few days. I’m sure your arrival did well on AJC.com, but even then, it hasn’t cracked the most popular stories. Hope you’re having fun!
Had a wonderful time at Paul McCartney Saturday in Piedmont Park. Seeing my favorite artist, in my favorite part of my favorite city was a dream come true. I thought the show was fantastic! I am probably a bigger Paul McCartney fan than I am a Beatles fan, so the first half of the show was my favorite. I’m thrilled he plays some new songs and Wings songs. I do wish he’d play some of the huge Wings hits that he leaves out every time he tours; but I know what to expect and am happy with what I get. I know most everyone there is wanting Beatle songs and that’s what he delivers…he ain’t no dummy. But I just marvel over how great he is. My thought is how lucky we are that he’s had a good head on his shoulders, has taken care of himself, still makes music and tours. He didn’t end up like Michael Jackson. Thank you Paul…you’re the Man!
Have you tried using http://ZoToDo.com? I don’t think its really used for this sorta thing in general, but you could create a public To Do List and put up your weekend events there.
If you live in the Canton area, there is a chili cookoff, corvette car show and live bluegrass music at noon on Saturday FREE!! Right off the square downtown Canton.
Check out the Attractions section on http://www.mapyeti.com … it’s a great resource for finding/posting sales or specials for Atlanta businesses and attractions.
Chi Walking, Meditation Workshop and Labyrinth Walking Meditation all start the week of Sept. 7 at the Wellness Center at DeKalb Medical. Call 404.501.2222
Definitely, SUNMAN. I post the weekend to do list every Thursday, and daily to-do lists during the rest of the week. Till then, check out the searchable calendar on AccessAtlanta.com. You can narrow it down to the type of stuff you’re interested in and the area around Atlanta that you’re visiting, among others things. Does that help?
[...] Mozart 3 pm WCRB-FM (99.5) Piano Concerto No. 11, with pianist Mitsuko Uchida. … Tax-free weekend shopping center events:Tommy Emmanuel performs: 8 pm July 30 at The Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave NE. Grupo Fantasma [...]
Finally!! Someone was thinking,, I mean who wants to sit and watch a movie while its hot out.
I visit the market area often with friends and family on the weekends, I mean lets face it there isn’t a whole lot to do in Atlantic Station unless your going to eat and buy something at Old Navy. But when the market area is set-up, I can walk around and find interesting things to look at and speak with some of the most interesting people and my friends and I can look around and just enjoy our day. We often make an afternoon about.
When the market isn’t set up,, we’re in,, we’re out. I can go to a mall anytime. Its not like Lenox or anyone else.
I’ve been to the movies there (twice: Shopaholic and GREASE) and enjoy the fact that its not overly crowded and now that the weather is getting cooler, it will be more pleasant, and my girlfriends and I look for interesting jewlery and things in the market place,,they have some of the “coolest artist”. and NO ONE in Atlanta does this. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE MARKET!!!!
So FINALLY,, A.S. has two gold stars.. One for the market and one for the movie series… I can’t wait for Audrey Hepburn…
I hope they don’t mess it up. PS: Jamie,, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog.
We will be moving on, but really, a few thousand people had a swell time, and the nature of a blog means info gets posted as it’s available, even if it’s staggered. Onward to new things on Monday!
Jamie, I’m Hope’s Dad and believe me, I enjoyed watching my Daughter
as much as she did watching the Beatles. That is one date I’ll always cherish, as she said that was 44 years ago but she’s still my baby.
Thanks for printing her comment of that wonderful evening.
Bill Pritchard
There was nothing “dumb” about this. The proceeds benefited an excellent cause – camp for children with disabilities. Read about the cause here and educate yourself: http://www.camptwinlakes.org/
99X and Door44 did a great job organizing the event! We had a great time and i know i will be looking for this event same time next year! Thanks to all those involved. PS: inflatable water slides rock!
On Wednesday night, make sure you check out the “Max the Hero” cartoon, which was produced & directed by Mike Salva; written & performed by Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy, and Michael J. Nelson. (You might know them from Rifftrax or Mystery Science Theater 3000.)
[...] This Michael Jackson-themed community walk will benefit community arts center WonderRoot. (Yep, I wrote about them earlier this week.) Come dressed in your best Michael gear, even if it’s just a lone white [...]
My first guess was CD’s making up a fish, and thus probably at the GA Aquarium. But since I work there, and don’t recall ever having seen it, I’m thinking those guys who said CNC’s new facility might be on to something.
Isn’t the fish at the Fish Market made of copper? These are obviously CDs … possibly covering a wall in a music venue? The Tabernacle or Variety Playhouse??
[...] Night at the Museum event, 1-9 p.m., Barrow County Museum, Winder. FREE. Movies: “WALL-E” shows for Movies & The Market, 8:45 p.m. Atlantic Station’s Central Park, Atlanta. [...]
Hey Jeff! You might’ve missed it, but the Red Bull soapbox races is listed under Saturday’s items to do.
Meanwhile, ChippersLoveChild, I didn’t mention Motley Crue because I had a feeling that their fans are the passionate variety that know about it well before I’m going to tell them.
Good news, Wes! You can search the AccessAtlanta.com calendar only for music events, or you can check out our Atlanta Music Scene blog. It has a list of live music picks: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/
[...] of creative guesses on this week’s Access Point, but just a few of you knew it was a fish in the watershed exhibit at the Chattahoochee Nature [...]
I thought the place was insured. I guess the investigators found something a little fishy and then suddenly Wilmont was all “OMG lol donations pls”. I heard Tim Bryant on the radio specifically say that the building was insured and when investigators were done it would be fully restored. Oh it was under-insured you say?A major historical landmark and it was “under-insured”? You’re joking right? All this “invest in Athens history because it feels good k” feels like a bunch of smoke & mirrors.
@truth: Bands usually had to pay a high price if they were unknown and wanted to play the Theater. If anything there will be just as much if not MORE music now that it’s gone.
What about Marshall Tucker Band tonight at Mable House Barnes ampitheater (sp)? Rain is diminishing, not super hot out…great night for great southern rock and roll.
Thanks for the suggestion, ATLGirl! Not everything gets on this list — we’ve got the calendar that lists everything, and I only have so much time to trim it down — but readers (and me!) always appreciate an endorsement from someone in the community.
I’ve got no specific information on that; race organizers say they’re following Piedmont Park rules, and weapons are on their list of items not to bring. That seems to be the typical list of banned items for events there.
We did a walking audio tour of this exhibit as a podcast back when it was at the Civic Center. Cheryl Muré, the director of education then (and I think now), was very gracious with her time. It sounds like a lot of the interactive stuff is new.
Name says it all, weapons, beer, never go good together. And before you go off spouting I am some left wing liberal gun hating nut..
I am a NRA member, have a conceal carry permit, and own more than a few myself.
I didn’t see the first one, but I’ve been trolling the AJC archive for a comparison. They say the Aquarium exhibition has 40 objects that have never appeared before. I also read a few stories out of the Civic Center exhibition that clearly aren’t in this one. So there we go!
OMG! This is about good clean or fairly clean fun and the first thing out of somebody’s mouth is some gun gripe. Ridiculous! Please stay out of my neighborhood and spend your day defending your second amendment right at home! Geez. Get a friggin grip people!
“Why would need weapons for this?” You may not be a liberal gun hating nut but you don’t read very well. Alcohol is on the no-no list. GA does not issue a conceal carry permit. Not carrying means staying out of trouble to you???
Crazy!!
Yes you can carry at a public gathering, store, just about anywhere now. But if you are asked not to bring one you cant. That is part of the law now alos, If you are are asked to take to our vehicel and you refuse you get a new pair of shiny braclets.
Before this conversation gets too crazy, just a reminder: please be respectful and keep the conversation moving forward. I hope we all have a wonderful, safe time!
Thanks Red Bull for bringing good times and fun to Atlanta. It was awesome to see so many folks gathering on the street to have a good time. Blocking off Tenth Street should happen again soon for
a nice block party with dancing and some good cooking.
“Block party.” Not sure how traffic feels about it, but it sounds like a great idea, Chris. The neighbors seemed to be good sports about a soapbox strip in front of their houses. Maybe it’ll happen!
Fun! Thanks for sharing, Nancy! What was it like? (Was there cake? Yes, I totally have a cake hangup.) Meanwhile, here’s an interview with Alton Brown from my colleague Rodney’s Radio-TV Talk blog: http://bit.ly/RQhtv
how did team clermont do? so tired of trying to save the pandas – they have a nice home in china… we need to save the clermont lounge! h8 foreclosures/mortgages/the concept of money.
Conventions book fun places. International draws do not roll up the sidewalks at 3AM. Without more night life, Atlanta is as exciting a draw as Dallas, or St Louis or Topeka. Everything was fine with the 4AM closing, until a few bad apples spoiled it, compounded by the fumbled attempted monopoly of night life that was created with the disaster known as Underground.
Midtown is the PERFECT place, IF an entertainment district is firmly established in the commercial area. Residents: You should be remained that YOU are the intruders into the commercial zone. If you want peace and quiet move to the suburbs, where the zoning forbids night clubs. Do not move next to the airport, and expect everyone to keep YOUR interpretation of ‘peace and quiet’. That complaining residents live in a box with 1000 other people suggests you don’t REALLY care about ‘noise’.
DISCLOSURE: I reside within the SPI-16 commercial zone, 150 feet from an all-night “club”, on one of the busiest streets in Midtown Atlanta, and have just learned to DEAL with the noise.
I don’t criticize grammar in comments, but I think a journalist is fair game — it is hay bales, not BAILS. How’d that get past the writer AND the editor???
Seriously…the bloggers don’t have editors. Everything you’re seeing here has generally passed through my eyes only, and we’re all human. After many hours in the hot sun, everybody makes mistakes! However, it’s corrected now! Thanks!
I lived across from the last vision. I’m ok with clubs. I used to live on Crescent with all the clubs. The difference between the clubs on Crescent (with the exception being Opera as they had a shooting there) and Vision is the shootings that happened associated with vision patrons- and the boom boom cars oh and the public urination, trash, screeching harpies hanging out in the parking
No comments Add your comment
Fool
July 11th, 2009
4:13 pm
Thank you for such a great, respectful piece about the show. I was afraid that all the media outlets who were so interested in what happened back in April wouldn’t be interested in following through to come back and cover the positive part of the story. It is very much appreciated.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 12th, 2009
12:58 pm
Aww, thanks. It was great to see the show going up, and always interesting to see a dress rehearsal. Hope it’s going well this weekend!
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Jamie Gumbrecht » Blog Archive » New AJC blog: Inside Access
July 12th, 2009
2:27 pm
[...] Consider the difference — here’s the calendar entry, here’s the blog post. [...]
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INTERVIEW: ‘I Have a Dream’ curator Gabi Serrano | Inside Access
July 13th, 2009
4:02 pm
[...] “I Have a Dream” exhibition had already been in New York, Michigan and Tennessee when it arrived in Atlanta a few months ago. [...]
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Want a piece of Braves Coke bottle memorabilia? | Inside Access
July 13th, 2009
5:51 pm
[...] Just got a (very vague) press release from The Coca-Cola Company explaining what they intend to do with all those thousands of Atlanta Braves jerseys, bats and mitts that went into the old 42-foot Coke bottle they retired after 12 years of fireworks displays over Turner Field. (Here are photos of both bottles.) [...]
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One More
July 13th, 2009
8:27 pm
The National Archives has a Civil Rights exhibit too:
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2009/07/10/morrow_archives_exhibit_slavery.html
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Jamie G.
July 13th, 2009
8:30 pm
Thanks, One More!
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KnightInATL
July 14th, 2009
4:10 am
The Coke memorabilia giveaway on Thursday…the Maddux number retirement ceremony on Friday. And hopefully a 4 game sweep of the Mets culminating on Sunday.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 14th, 2009
10:59 am
I see your weekend plans are set, KnightInATL.
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Patrick
July 15th, 2009
8:32 am
I was at a Hot Topic last night and overheard the two clerks talking about the movie. One of them had admitted to not having read any of the books, and only watched the movies. I chided him and told him he needed to get all the books, sit down, and read them. There are a lot of things in the books that were left out of the movies, some that were minor and didn’t really affect the story when left out, and others that were cruicial to the story. For example, in the fifth book (”Order of the Phoenix”) Harry and his friends encounter all sorts of obstacles before getting to the room with all the prophecies, and Harry retrieves the prophecy. It also left out some of the cruelty that Umbridge inflicted upon the students, especially Harry, like when she injured Hedwig’s wing. I forget what she did in the book, but I remember one time yelling “you *****!” at the book. When a book can get a reaction like that from the reader, you know it’s good.
I hope too much wasn’t left out in this movie. I really couldn’t see anything that could be left out, but some things could have been changed around a bit.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 15th, 2009
12:57 pm
I’m with you, Patrick, on the books. I read and enjoyed all of them, but haven’t been nearly so dedicated to the movies. They have their moments — love Quidditch on a big screen — but I didn’t even see “Half-Blood Prince” last night. (Too many photos to file, too many blog posts to write…) For those that just can’t sit still through a book, though, seems like they’re a solid entry into a cultural phenom.
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Is the new Harry Potter movie too scary for your kids? | A Blog for Busy Moms - MOMania
July 15th, 2009
1:31 pm
[...] here’s an AJC story from a reporter who went last night to the show. She’s got photos from the [...]
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PHOTOS: Midnight ‘Harry Potter’ fans at Mall of Georgia | Inside Access
July 15th, 2009
1:44 pm
[...] wrote about the crowds — who was there, why they came and what costumes they wore — in an earlier blog post, but words might not do it [...]
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Kar
July 15th, 2009
2:24 pm
Of course the movie butchered the book, I’m not about to sit through six hours of Snape’s detention, Moanin’ Myrtle’s well, moaning over Draco Dobby’s moodiness or the non-lovefest between Molly and LeFleur.
That said, they did a decent job with the bones of the book and the added scenes. The romance scenes were too slow, a hint really would’ve been enough in most cases although the audience around me hooted and hollared over anything.
I have a reccomendation though, while you may love your light-up wand please do not wave it in the air during the movie. Save it for the lines waiting outside the theater.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 15th, 2009
4:25 pm
Jeez, Kar, it’s not the magical version of waving a lighter or cell phone at a concert?
You make a good point: the Harry Potter movies have taken quite long enough to come out without turning each book into a three-movie series.
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woodie
July 15th, 2009
4:31 pm
I read all the books and saw the movies and I lost interest. So I’ll wait till it comes out on TV.
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Massai
July 15th, 2009
5:42 pm
AJC…i hope you keep this daily segment: “What to Do on (weekdays)”…this tool is so helpful to me because it gives me a glimpse of the life and happenings of ATL on each given day. it also helps for when family are in town and this is a simple reference to things to do while they are visiting ATL. Thanks again for this segment.
Massai (Atlanta)
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Cheaper movie tickets | Free lasagne | Help a kid | Atlanta Bargain Hunter
July 15th, 2009
5:46 pm
[...] sells movie tickets, two for $15.99, for Regal and AMC theaters. I was thinking of seeing Harry Potter, but I, for one, am not a big fan of spending big bucks for cinema blockbusters. I called a few [...]
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 15th, 2009
11:46 pm
Great! Glad it helps! I’ll keep it up in this blog on weekdays, and on weekends, too. If you’ve ever got ideas or recommendations, feel free to share them, too, by commenting here, e-mailing me at jgumbrecht@ajc.com or shooting me a message on Twitter at http://twitter.com/insideaccess. Thanks!
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john
July 16th, 2009
9:36 am
Good. Art Sucks. Close it down. Waste of space. I can draw pictures with crayons and it is just as good as these “artist” that draw pictures as well.
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Daniela
July 16th, 2009
9:39 am
LOL @ john! That was hilarious and I agree with you for the most part!
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Bushwacker
July 16th, 2009
9:45 am
Art, if it has to be subsidized thru donations or the govt and they can’t make it on their own thru selling their “art”, then obviously not enough people care about it and its time to get a real job!!
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Justin
July 16th, 2009
9:46 am
Amazing place. Amazing memories. EyeDrum needs to persevere.
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wxwax
July 16th, 2009
9:51 am
Cultural institutions like these, no matter how small, enrich our community. They make Atlanta a better place.
I’m sorry to hear they’re in trouble. I hope they have a forgiving landlord, unlikely as that may be.
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the Captain
July 16th, 2009
9:54 am
Even thought I never really went to eyedrum, it’s sad to see the ignorance of the south shining here in these comments. Way to stereotype yourselves guys as a bunch of culturally ignorant, backwoods cretins.
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demonspeed1102
July 16th, 2009
9:57 am
I would like to know what “real job” John and Bushwacker have?
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john
July 16th, 2009
10:00 am
To “the Captain”, let me draw you a picture with a person playing a violin with tears in his eyes about the sad news. You’ll just have to image the sound.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 16th, 2009
10:04 am
I think the variety of perspectives on art are revealing themselves in this thread, John and Bushwacker. Of course there are those who look at it as a business on which to make money, but for many others, it’s to learn, educate or entertain, to affect the space or people in the areas where we live or, in the case of an arts space, a way to connect with the community. Eyedrum, for its part, is a volunteer operation.
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woodie
July 16th, 2009
10:07 am
A decline is civilization is precipitated by a decline in the creative arts. It’s creativity that keeps this economy going to begin with. Take that away and you have a bleak horizon.
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Been There
July 16th, 2009
10:11 am
How about trying this…go through the place and start charging the “artists” that are living there some rent? Yeah, they are there…been there and seen them and walked in on them.
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Mechanicsville
July 16th, 2009
10:14 am
Move Eyedrum to a cheaper location like Mechanicsville and be a part of a neighborhood’s revival.
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Lucas
July 16th, 2009
10:16 am
Eyedrum is a great space, but it’s way too big. Rent on Memorial Drive / Cabbagetown has got to be going through the roof with all of the recent improvements. They should move out to the next cool (and cheap) district.
Haters are proof you’re famous. Keep it going, Eyedrum.
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Lucas
July 16th, 2009
10:17 am
I second Mechanicsville.
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mowse
July 16th, 2009
10:19 am
wow, haters never cease.
John, yes, image the sound. Why would you even read an article about something that you have nothing positive to add (and make incredibly retarded grammatical errors in the midst of your hating)….you’re a genius, and your energy is so well spent.
i’m an artist, have a real job (so that i can afford to pursue creative endeavors), and i love art.
….couldn’t keep it to myself, i s’pose.
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Dos Prompt
July 16th, 2009
10:22 am
You see, John is a closet homosexual who thinks if he speaks out against culture, free expression and creative thoughts, no one will know he is gay…….BUSTED.
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The Boykin
July 16th, 2009
10:52 am
So if someone thinks the art there is mostly not very good, childish, and not worth paying to see they are a closet homosexual? Maybe John is just a blue collar open homosexual. Like you need to be into art to be into man on man loving. I like the place for a show but the art there is not very marketable. Sometimes things have to close because people do not care enough to fork over money to keep it open. The high stays in bussiness because people want to go there and see the art. Eyedrum had a great spot there for awhile but the area is being built up and the land is worth money now.
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ObamasGotBling
July 16th, 2009
11:10 am
Just call Washington and ask for taxpayer cash to bail out this artsy organization! They’ve got plenty of coin from taxpayers to do what they need! It’s just a phone call away—taxpayer money: it just keeps on giving!!!!
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Edgewood Adam
July 16th, 2009
11:13 am
What a shame. The eyedrum is more than just a place to see art. They host great bands and have always been a point of pride for residents such as myself in the area. A friend of mine just opened and art gallery in Savannah. There is kind of a twist to it though. The upstairs is a tattoo parlor while the downstairs is a gallery. Its a great idea. This way money is always coming in. And lastly, pay no attention to the “Johns” of the world. He is bound to a life of suburban nothingness with either a horrible construction job or an entry level loan officer with a generic degree in date rape er, i mean business from UGA.
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BPJ
July 16th, 2009
11:20 am
Markets are wonderful things, great at setting the price of widgets and spreading prosperity. But market forces are inadequate to provide some of the things which make life enjoyable, including museums, symphony orchestras, opera, ballet, and much theatre (beyond a narrow band of work, such as big musicals and a few light comedies). It’s not just small nonprofits like Eyedrum which depend, in part, on contributions. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, generally considered one of the 2 or 3 finest on the planet, doesn’t stay open due to ticket sales – in fact, the entrance fee is voluntary, although most choose to pay it. The bulk of their budget comes from donors. The finest performing arts organization in the South, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, does better than most at selling tickets, but still at least half their budget is donations – which help keep the ticket prices lower than they would otherwise happen to be.
Nonprofit arts organizations go through an application process to the IRS to qualify for tax-exempt status (I’ve helped several through this process), making their donors’ gifts deductible against their taxes. Most people understand this, but there are always a few people who haven’t thought this through. For them, the Market is God, the great god Market will provide all we need, and there’s no need to think beyond that article of faith.
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abc
July 16th, 2009
11:27 am
“Commercial Viability of Art” is almost a contradiction in terms.
Mainstream cultures will embrace art that represents their own perspectives, or that they can relate to enough to affect their perspectives, and incorporate them. Perspectives that represent alternative cultures, communities, lifestyles, etc. are less likely to be embraced by the larger numbers of people. That doesn’t make them irrelevant; it just makes them unpopular. They don’t enlighten, nor broaden, nor add, subtract or edit; they present something foreign, difficult to interpret or assimilate. That translates into lack of value for the patron.
If one chooses to be unpopular in order to stay true to their muse(s), then the associated lack of public support and funding goes with the gig. There’s not much room to complain. Presenting art that represents one’s muse in such a way that maximum numbers can relate to it is the optimal challenge to any artist, regardless of medium or genre.
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marcus
July 16th, 2009
11:37 am
some of these comments are straight from the movie, “deliverance”. what a bunch of hicks. maybe a smaller space will help preserve the whole idea of eyedrum. peter street has available space and its opened up a whole new approach to the presentation of up and coming artist and craftsmen. these are trying times for everyone and benefactors are not clamouring to support the arts like they once were. i hope these artist find a viable location and to those naysayers; “here piggy, piggy…”
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OneChris
July 16th, 2009
11:51 am
Never heard of them? Who the heck are they ??? Sounds like a group with good intent but can’t maybe they seek funds like others do and have a car wash, auction, beg on the side of the road? Really I can only say they must not have a great Board to be in this fix.
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Benton
July 16th, 2009
12:02 pm
I’ve lived in Atlanta since 1985, and it seems that the ugly attitudes exhibited by folks like John are becoming more the norm than the exception. It’s too bad. Atlanta used to be a great town, ready to embrace new forms of art and full of interesting characters and places. It now seems to be becoming just a big city full of yahoos who pride themselves on their own ignorance and intolerance. That’s nothing to be proud of, but I’m sure John, Bushwacker and the whole gang will read it as high praise.
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gttim
July 16th, 2009
12:12 pm
I’ve been to Eyedrum a few times years ago. A great space with some nice shows. I hope the manage. Perhaps a less expensive place might be an idea. Remember, it is not really the space, but what is put in it that makes it.
And let me thank John and company. You never disappoint! You lift people up- if only by making them happy they are not like you!
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BPJ
July 16th, 2009
12:24 pm
Benton, don’t believe it. In my experience, Atlantans are more educated, sophisticated, and open to new forms of art than ever. We have more, and better art collectors than ever. Theatre companies that didn’t exist 25 years ago are now nationally respected, with loyal audiences. Robert Spano is making Atlanta one of the leading centers for contemporary classical music – and selling tickets.
The internet lets a few loudmouth soreheads set the tone – if we let them. So don’t let them.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 16th, 2009
12:29 pm
You’re right, BPJ — the best way to keep the conversation honest and productive is for the commenters to move it in that direction. Not all comments will be positive, nor should they be, but I hope the tone of these conversations, at least, will be thoughtful and helpful.
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CommonSenseMarketing
July 16th, 2009
12:34 pm
“Eyedrum”? With a great name like that, it’s difficult to understand why they are failing.
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atlnative
July 16th, 2009
12:44 pm
I went to eyedrum a couple of times. In theory, a great place for art and music; in practice, it was just a bunch of GSU hipster-than-thou kids sitting around drinking PBR, making noise on an old drum set and some tin cans. Not surprised that this urban collective wasn’t able to pay the bills. But fine if that’s what you’re looking for I guess. And lay off the rednecks, dangit, we wuz here first.
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Ugh
July 16th, 2009
1:05 pm
Oh yeah, someone (Edgewood Adam) has to throw in the old go back to the suburb comment. Not to defend John or anything….since he never said he lived in the burbs… but the art scene is thriving in Alpharetta so bite me. Matilda’s anyone? That place is PACKED every weekend.
You ITP people are so cool bashing the burbs and all. Why don’t you try going outside your comfort zone? It’s not all Chili’s and Fridays up here.
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Economix
July 16th, 2009
1:30 pm
Why should taxes fund private entertainment, including arts or sports? People should pay for their own entertainment—very simple.
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abc
July 16th, 2009
1:35 pm
Even the Fox can’t survive on ticket sales alone, even though they have among the top, if not the top ticket sales in historic venues in the nation. The Fox relies upon private donations and benefactors.
Private support is appropriate for arts groups such as Eyedrum. Certainly, taxes should never support them. Inability to attract private funding, designed as a tax write-off for the donors, indicates clearly that either the organization isn’t sufficiently managed, or that their output isn’t of sufficient value.
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Rachel Ray
July 16th, 2009
2:27 pm
A martini would taste great right about now.
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Edgewood Adam
July 16th, 2009
2:35 pm
To Ugh,
I am from Alpharetta. Yes it is.
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Edgewood Adam
July 16th, 2009
2:37 pm
Originally that is.
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mowse
July 16th, 2009
3:28 pm
http://picasaweb.google.com/murphismerlin/MowseCafeNuevo#
Jes some art…
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earball
July 16th, 2009
4:27 pm
what a person intends to realize and actually does realize is like a mathmatical correlation between the unexpressed but intended and the unintentionally expressed.
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econ101
July 16th, 2009
4:41 pm
Atlanta is a city dependent on tax revenues derrived from convention business and tourism. The theory behind public finance for the arts is that the arts contribute to the financial welfare of the city by making it a more attractive cultural destination for tourists and conventions, and for corporations looking to relocate.
The theory simply put is that the tax revenues gained will exceed the taxpayer money spent, or not collected from non profits.
Public art often has the greatest cultural impact, but fails to meet the Bushwacker test for economic viability.
Atlanta is in he midst of a full blown arts crisis. Major galleries and performing arts organizations are disappearing, making Atlanta a less attractive cultural destination.
Many private donors are tapped out because of the economy and guys like Madoff.
Yes we have the world of Coke, the Aquarium and a bunch of strip clubs. But the longterm picture is that cities like Miami and even Nashville will be kicking our butts soon because they are commiting to culture.
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INTERVIEW: Eyedrum executive director Robert Cheatham | Inside Access
July 16th, 2009
4:53 pm
[...] 11-year-old community arts organization’s financial trouble quickly picked up headlines on blogs and discussions on listservs. It’s not debt that finally spiraled out of control, Eyedrum [...]
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Robbie
July 16th, 2009
5:17 pm
Hey “Art, if it has to be subsidized thru donations or the govt and they can’t make it on their own thru selling their “art”, then obviously not enough people care about it and its time to get a real job!!”
I’m with you, I’d much rather my shoes get made by slave labor. Let the market decide everything!
I feel the same way about highways! All road should be toll roads.
And little kids that can’t afford to build their own swimming pools? Well screw them! I’m not paying for them to go swimming.
The the market drove everything, we wouldn’t have the woodruff arts center, the second largest arts center in north america. Nor would you have public parks, swimming pools, stone mountain or state parks.
Charlotte, NC decided to become the second largest banking capitol of the US. As soon as they did that, they decided to invest heavily in arts and culture to draw industry and it completely worked. As Atlanta arts funding and its major and minor institutions start dying it will be fun to hear you complain then about why you don’t have a job and why industry is moving elsewhere.
Though Charlotte, Denver and other growing cities also managed to get their act together on mass transit.
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abc
July 16th, 2009
5:34 pm
Woodruff isn’t supported by taxes. They’re supported by private and corporate donations, some bond issues. Stone Mountain was originally developed as a private enterprise, not public works. Comparing physical infrastructure like roads, parks and pools to arts funding is just plain stupid. You don’t really think that’s a very valid argument, do you? Really?
For the relatively small amount of funding that Eyedrum needs, go get some corporate sponsorship. There’s a political buzz about upcoming limits on how much corporations can write off for donations (thanks for the tax reform, Mr. President), but all that would do is increase competition for those funds. It’s part of their financial planning, all you have to do is go talk to them, sell them on supporting your non-profit enterprise, and give them enough lead time to dedicate their budget.
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2busy2bu
July 16th, 2009
6:31 pm
Eyedrum is a great alternative art space, but it was an unwise move to take on a space bigger than they were willing or able to market successfully, especially since the artists involved dislike even the concept of marketing.
Oh and to John: Ignore the haters, you have every right to your opinions on art. Ridiculous how people who are for free speech are so ready to slam you for expressing yours. The fact that you even bothered to comment on the arts shows you have some interest. And that can develop over time into a rich experience for you. It can be the art of flyfishing, or painting. Just because someone says it is art doesn’t mean it is art to everybody!
I hope eyedrum survives, it offers anyone interested a very interesting experience. They just need to evolve with the times. It really is a strong economy that allows all that free expression! The government can only do so much, and they are more unethical that the majority of companies that get so much grief for trying to survive as well!
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Pragmatist
July 17th, 2009
1:35 pm
People don’t schedule conventions in Atlanta to attend mediocre art galleries in the city. They come because of the airport and cheap convention space at the GWCC. But, atlanta’s lost a lot of convention business because of all the homeless downtown and crime, which the city never changes. Instead, atlanta cops spend time looking for jaywalkers, too afraid to deal with the drug / crime problems.
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econ101
July 17th, 2009
4:27 pm
Pragmatist,
Other cities have airports and convention centers. People come to Atlanta because of the cultural attractions- MLK Center, World of Coke, The High, The Aquarium and yes, a vibrant art scene.
That is why we are in the process of getting beaten by Miami, Charlotte Nashville and other smaller but smarter cities.
I agree that crime is a problem but it is a problem in most big cities. Do you think Miami is crime free?
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janice grisham
July 17th, 2009
4:48 pm
I look at this and it gives me chills, the most chilling thing is that our young minority men still don’t get it. A prison will be built for them before a house. They can go there and remain the slave that our civil rights leaders gave their time and many times their lives to change. We need to wake up as a people and stop dreaming. The nightmare has to end.
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PHOTO: Turner Field’s Coke bottle debuts and Braves win | Inside Access
July 17th, 2009
5:23 pm
[...] the news about how Braves fans could get a piece of the old 42-foot Coke bottle adorning left field, it seems only right to let you know how the new [...]
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To do list: July 19 | Inside Access
July 19th, 2009
12:04 am
[...] art: Last day for “I Have a Dream,” 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Atlanta. [...]
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Mary Ann Powell
July 19th, 2009
10:59 am
I saw an article today in the AJC (”Gallery Walks”) that I wanted to send to a friend out of town. I could not find it online. Was I not looking hard enough or is the “AJC Lving & Arts” Section not avalable online?
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 19th, 2009
4:42 pm
Hi Mary Ann!
Here’s a link to the story: http://www.accessatlanta.com/news/content/arts/stories/2009/07/19/atlanta_arts_walks.html
Most content of this type actually lives on our entertainment portal site, http://www.accessatlanta.com, rather than AJC.com. We’re in the process of switching content management systems — AJC.com went live last week, and Access goes this week — and I hear that navigation and searching will be simpler then.
Regardless, AccessAtlanta.com is the better place to look first for entertainment, to-do etc. type stories.
Thanks!
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JoeV
July 20th, 2009
4:41 pm
Please keep up the good work! This blog is full of great info and is very much appreciated.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 20th, 2009
4:47 pm
Aww, thanks! As always, feel free to share your ideas, too, whether in the comments, on Twitter @insideaccess or by e-mailing me at jgumbrecht@ajc.com.
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Jerry Raynor
July 21st, 2009
8:23 pm
I like the old coke bottle better.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 21st, 2009
9:00 pm
The new one seems very slick, but I’m still kind of waiting to see what else it does. I want there to be more. Maybe I just need more flashing lights and genuine artifacts to make me happy.
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730 Club – Atlanta » Blog Archive » Arrest in WonderRoot burglary; arts center lab to reopen
July 21st, 2009
11:41 pm
[...] I was just feeding my blog addiction when I stopped one of my new favorite blogs (Inside Access with Jamie Gumbrecht) and was surprised to learn that WonderRoot was burglarized las week. WonderRoot is a kick-ass non-profit community arts center. The good news is that a suspect is in custody and several of the computers have been recovered. Please click here to read the full article. [...]
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DH
July 22nd, 2009
12:22 pm
I think people should be asking what the Atlanta did with the millions that the panda’s have already earned during their tenure here. When Mei Lan was born, they raked in the money left and right! Where did it all go?
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DH
July 22nd, 2009
12:23 pm
Edited because I left the word “zoo” out.
I think people should be asking what the Atlanta ZOO did with the millions that the panda’s have already earned during their tenure here. When Mei Lan was born, they raked in the money left and right! Where did it all go?
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john
July 22nd, 2009
12:33 pm
I liked the panda exhibit. The problem with the zoo is that they only have 1/10 of the amount of animals they had 30 years ago. The only exhibit that is as big as it used to be is the reptile house, which I guess is the easiest/cheapest to care for. In the 1970’s the zoo had an amazing number of monkeys/apes, exotic cats, and birds. The conditions now may be better for the animals that are left, but there is not nearly as much variety. Would you rather watch a high definition documentary about apes or go to the zoo and see a black speck 75 yards away at the top of a hill? You used to be able to see the massive Willie B. in his cage, and it was quite an impressive and amazing site to see. Now you just see some black dot at the top of a hill.
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SirReal
July 22nd, 2009
12:35 pm
I agree. I think some of that missing money should have gone to upgrades b/c to be honest, our zoo SUCKS. I mean, these animals are literally walking around on gravel. The restaurants have terrible food. The appearance of the zoo is circa 1975. I think some big wigs up top took the money and just didnt care about the zoo as long as people are coming. Sad…..
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 22nd, 2009
12:35 pm
Hi DH! This doesn’t quite address your question, but this story from April gives some sense of where the zoo is at financially: http://www.ajc.com/living/content/printedition/2009/04/29/zoo0429.html
I found a 2006 story in our archives, too — sorry, I couldn’t find a URL — that talked about the financial trouble the zoo was in pre-panda cub. It mentioned specifically that the non-profit that runs the zoo expected a spike in visits and dollars because of Mei Lan, but “the birth of the cub does not significantly alter the financial outlook.”
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DH
July 22nd, 2009
12:42 pm
Thanks Jamie,
Sorry, I don’t buy it. I have season passes and have had so for years. I know what the crowds look like, especially after Mei Lan was born.
The raked in money hand over fist. Where did it all go?
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Cheryl
July 22nd, 2009
3:56 pm
DH and John, if you are members at Zoo Atlanta, then you should know where the money raised from the pandas goes. It goes to the conservation of these beautiful giant pandas..read up a bit before you blurt out stupid comments. The zoo is wonderful compared to seeing Willie B. in a cage! I loved Willie B and miss him, but pls don’t say you would rather see a large gorilla in a cage over seeing them in a natural setting, like they would be in the wild. Geez!!!!!!!!
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Dawn UK!!
July 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
John – Zoo Atlanta is about animal conservation and well being, NOT placing an animal in a cage for human enjoyment, I visited in January and got to see the Gorillas close up, and found the staff exceptionally friendly and willing to do all they could to allow me to see Ivan, If you know anything about Willie B then you would have seen the documentary that is for sale in the zoo store, the reaction when he walked on grass for the first time was priceless, how can you compare that to your views??
The pandas are part of a breeding programme that ZA are doing exceptionally well with, or would you rather see them only on your HD TV, as without zoos like ZA offering the dedication and support that is the only place they would be in the future, i know what i would prefer!
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Karen
July 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
I live in IL and make a point to travel to Atlanta to see the pandas and the other animals at Zoo Atlanta. I am member of the zoo even though I don’t live there. I believe in supporting the animal conservation efforts of the zoos. The pandas are a huge expense for the zoos that have them.
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john
July 22nd, 2009
4:50 pm
Cheryl, my understanding is the zoo leases the pandas from China for a large amount of money. That money goes to panda conservation. If you have any figures on how much more money other than the panda lease money went to panda conservation lets hear it.
Sir real, the only thing in the zoo that is like 1975 is the reptile house, and that is the most impressive exhibit there and probably has over half the zoos animals.
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EA
July 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
Well, for starters, all four USA zoos with pandas raised money after the 5.12 Sichuan Earthquake in 2008 to help after the one of the two main breeding and research centers was destroyed. I believe in excess of $200,000 was raised.
In addition, each USA zoo is involved at its own expense in research that is beneficial to the pandas. Each zoo has an area it concentrates in. Memphis Zoo, for example, concentrates on nutritional issues related to pandas. What I find interesting is that Atlanta doesn’t seem to regard the pandas as anything special, nor does it seem to support its zoo. Visit the Memphis Zoo sometime and everywhere you look is a donor’s name, and there are also new exhibits coming online all the time. This fall Memphis will open a Grand Teton exhibit with elk and 5 orphaned grizzly bear cubs complete with a waterfall and stream the bears wade in to catch their fish dinner. After that opens, a new Hippo Camp will be built. San Diego’s Zoo just opened their huge Elephant Odyssey. When San Diego needed a new $100,000 bamboo cooler for their pandas, their supporters raised the money in about two weeks through an online appeal.
I am sure there are annual reports available from Zoo Atlanta that outline how funds are spent. Their Administration Building is right up front at the parking lot and you can drop by and ask there. But I bet that’s too much effort in a town that seems so disinterested in such a valuable asset.
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Short on cash, Eyedrum plans Aug. 14 benefit art auction | Inside Access
July 22nd, 2009
9:22 pm
[...] the non-profit Cabbagetown gallery and music venue that can’t afford to pay its rent, sent word tonight that it hasn’t gotten a decision yet from its landlord. For now, a benefit [...]
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clm
July 23rd, 2009
8:33 am
Most of the money for the Pandas goes to China. The actual conservation is supposed to take place there, but most of the Pandas in China are in captivity. As for Zoo Atlanta, it is land-locked and cannot expand. It seems to me they are trying to crowd more animals in the inadequate space they have – Warthogs, MeerKats, etc. Good luck trying to get copies of their finanacial records. The Open Records Laws in the State of Georgia are very restrictive.
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bobby c
July 23rd, 2009
9:13 am
i am wondering why/where the article is opining how the concert went?
i was there. where were you? customarily there would be some type of write up regarding the local take on the world traveled “star”. while i enjoy your interview, where is the acclaim, or the critism of the songs, the presentation, the stage presence, the fact that the precussionist is her son? i guess it was a busy news night in mid town atlanta, i missed the crime, punishment, wrecks, hold ups, and saw a pretty nice lady present a pretty good song table and was wonderful.
bobby c.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 23rd, 2009
10:37 am
Hi Bobby! Alas, I wasn’t at this show. I was working on another story last night, which should be posted later today. I should point out, too, that this wasn’t my interview, but rather an interview completed and written by an AJC freelancer as a preview to the show. (If I do the interview, it’s typically announced in the headline with capital letters.) I hear, though, that we’ll soon be launching music and arts blogs, so hopefully those folks will be able to focus more of their time on criticism and music-specific discussions. Meanwhile, what was the best moment of the show? Anything that particularly got to you? Wish I could have been there.
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AB
July 23rd, 2009
11:46 am
There is also the art walk in Roswell and the Westside Art Walk . . . probably more.
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AH
July 23rd, 2009
12:26 pm
What about the Fire/Police Mayoral Forum? Maybe we should check out important events as they happen instead of worrying about whats on TV tonight or where to get drunk and have a good time.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 23rd, 2009
12:38 pm
Hi AH! As always, the daily to do list is open to ideas. The best way to get the info out in this blog is to add events to the AccessAtlanta.com calendar before the day of an event. (There’s a link to the “add a listing” page in every “to do” post.) Community meetings and forums have certainly been mentioned before. Getting people outside the house and into the community is part of what I hope this blog will do.
For those who are interested, here’s a link to more information about the forum AH is talking about: http://tr.im/tHQl
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Cheryl
July 23rd, 2009
11:28 pm
John, I don’t have the figures, but they are probably held in the offices of Zoo Atlanta..as clm said, not sure how easy it would be to get them. BUT in regards to the reptile house..it’s old and outdated in the least. Why would you want the animals to be in places that were “appropriate” in 1975 anyway? That’s the reason zoos have changed so much in the last few decades..Please continue to support the zoo as long as you can, but also try to enjoy the animals in the natural settings they belong in, or as close as possible in the space Zoo Atlanta has.
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To do list: July 24 | Inside Access
July 24th, 2009
12:15 am
[...] Visual art: Castleberry Hill Fourth Friday Art Stroll, 7-10 p.m., Castleberry Hill neighborhood, Atlanta. FREE. STORY. [...]
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Mria
July 24th, 2009
6:06 pm
Cool camp for girls. LOVED it last year and this year is only getting better!
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Jeremy
July 24th, 2009
11:26 pm
Being critically endangered, attention is what they need…they do need help.
Seems like a tough task to fundraise for animals during an economic low, especially when the prospect of things getting better seems a long way off. But just a small donation by many people can make a huge difference. They are worth the price of admission.
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To do list: July 25 | Inside Access
July 25th, 2009
12:02 am
[...] For families: Girls Rock Camp ATL Showcase, 7:30 p.m., The Variety Playhouse, Atlanta. STORY. [...]
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 25th, 2009
1:38 am
Woohoo! Thanks, Mria! It was really great just to spend an afternoon at camp. The show has got to be fantastic.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 25th, 2009
1:45 am
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, everybody. Really interesting variety of perspectives. The (deeply unscientific) poll results are an interesting mix, too. As always, will keep you updated.
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Sara
July 25th, 2009
2:56 am
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sara
http://pianotutorial.net
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Cassie Bradley
July 25th, 2009
12:17 pm
gloATL’s outdoor performance last night at the Woodruff Arts Center was a multi-media extravaganza of dance. The performance repeats tonight (Saturday 7/25) at 8:30 pm. It’s a rare free event conducted under even rarer Atlanta temperate summer skies. My only advice is GO GO GO!
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 26th, 2009
7:15 pm
Thanks for the input, Cassie! How was the crowd when you went?
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rachael
July 27th, 2009
5:02 pm
I love your fan girl articles! Maybe because I can totally relate…
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 27th, 2009
9:51 pm
And really, that’s the reader I’m going for: nostalgic, giddy and loving.
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LAS
July 28th, 2009
12:16 pm
Scottish singer Paolo Nutini is playing the Variety Playhouse tonight – he puts on a great show. Starts at 8, ticket prices are around $30 including additional fees.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 28th, 2009
12:23 pm
Thanks, LAS! Never seen him, but I’ve heard great things…
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concerned
July 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
The problem is, the zoo wants to raise money to keep the pandas here, but they are having more serious budget issues. They have cut back on medical and food supplies for the other animals; they have laid-off employees; and they have put hiring freezes on keeper positions. This is an atrocity that zoo management is attempting to raise money to keep pandas and yet they are not taking adequate care of the other animals. This is a sentiment that is shared by the majority of the keeper staff. Yes, the zoo answers to the USDA, but the USDA is understaffed. Inspections are infrequent, the inspector shows up at the zoo office and phone calls are placed to all departments to let them know the inspector is on grounds, the veterinary staff escorts the inspector around, thus taking them to certain areas first and allowing the animal areas to straighten up to prepare for the visit. If an inspection were to take place today, the keeper staff would not dare raise the issues of medicine or food to the inspectors for fear of losing their jobs. So, should the pandas stay? You be the judge, but the majority of the keepers I have spoken with at Zoo Atlanta don’t think so.
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Ken
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
You are in danger of getting shot or robbed at any of those places except Town Center or Mall of GA. Everywhere else is pretty much thug infested.
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ladilovely
July 28th, 2009
9:30 pm
Always, someone has to start with negativity. Think positive and say it will be a wonderful event at all locations.
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BigBalls
July 28th, 2009
9:39 pm
Ken, sounds like you don’t get out much. There’s danger everywhere. A tree could fall on your house for God’s sake. Take some risk and get out there and enjoy life. Life is uncertain and tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Besides that, you’ve exaggerated. Most of those places are pretty decent. Grow some “balls”!
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Courtney
July 28th, 2009
9:44 pm
It is amazing how many Thugs hang out at malls. I guess I would too if I lived in a crack house or ghetto.
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Chris
July 28th, 2009
10:00 pm
no one ever gave me a free backpack but now you can just show up begging and get all the stuff for free for your kids (all nine of the kids) and they want me to give up my money for a mother who is not stopping herself from over population of the earth so it this not rewarding folks for having children just to get stuff for free
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Kat
July 28th, 2009
10:20 pm
Chris: Though I agree with your comment in general, I’m not sure any woman (though I could be wrong) would have additional children JUST to get stuff like a backpack for free. Though that is probably not on their mind in the backseat of some beater car that in 6 years, they can send kiddies to school with backpacks bought with someone else’s dime.
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SayWhat?
July 28th, 2009
10:45 pm
It’s not worth going out into the insanity to save the $4.23 I might save on taxes. On the other hand, it we could go to the fair tax plan, then I’d have enough money to buy my kid’s school stuff without a “tax free holiday.”
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 29th, 2009
12:20 am
Hey folks, we’re not discussing crime or your opinion on who goes shopping. Nobody is going to force anyone to buy stuff, to watch “Hotel for Dogs” or to donate a backpack. This post is obviously meant to inform willing shoppers about fun to be had during the tax-free holiday. Stay on topic. Many thanks to those who are, and to those moving the conversation forward!
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nuphaz2
July 29th, 2009
7:04 am
what’s wron with you people. This list even incues Phipps Plz and you think it a thug hang out. This article is so different than the posts. Nobody has more children for backpacks. We are living in a tough economy. Every little bithelps a struggling family. But do know the increased sales help RETAILERS. There are almost 300k unemployed Georgians. For those of us not having he sam experience, ponder this. The un-educated\under-educated children of today could be the burden of society tomorrow.
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hanneke
July 29th, 2009
10:04 am
I watched Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince last Monday. I was so thrilled to go see it in the theater, watched all other’s at home on DVD. I was soooo disappointed………I expected much more than I got. The movie was boring, not what we are used to see when watching a Potter movie. To all who read this, SAVE your money, this movie is not worth the expense, go buy yourself something nice and do not waste your time. I have never been more disappointed in a movie that is being advertised as the best Potter ever, I am sorry I disagree, it was awefull.
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wonderful09
July 29th, 2009
11:06 am
Thanks Jamie- that really needed to be said!!!
This is a great website. I am always look for things to do around town. I have never taken advantage of tax-free weekend but this year is an exception. I need a new laptop and I have a daughter graduating this year and the expenses of that are really adding up. I only wish I could get a discount on her pictures this weekend
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Not Being a Victim Ever Again
July 29th, 2009
12:30 pm
Jamie, I hope and pray you NEVER, EVER get robbed at gun or knife point at one of these Atlanta-area shopping malls like my family and I have. If you ever have to look and see the look of horror and tears in your child’s eyes when a rude & vicious lowlife thug is holding a knife to your throat and demanding your purse and your car keys and whatever is in your shopping bags, I doubt you will have such a condescending or flippant attitude to those of us who have. It just isn’t worth losing everything you have including your life or your child just to get something for free or save a few dollars on sales tax. Life is too short and too precious. Bless you and have a blessed day, Jamie.
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Free admission: Zoo, Fernbank, High, Garden | Atlanta Bargain Hunter
July 29th, 2009
12:59 pm
[...] The National Black Arts Festival is shorter this year — from 10 days down to five — but the calendar is jam-packed with cultural, artistic and musical gems. And a lot of it is free, or inexpensive. Inside Access blogger Jamie Gumbrecht runs down a wealth of activities every day. [...]
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Rochelle
July 29th, 2009
1:11 pm
All ya’ll crazy and need Jesus
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 29th, 2009
3:21 pm
Not Being a Victim Ever Again: I’m so sorry to hear what happened to you, and I’m sorry if I came across as flippant or condescending, but I wholeheartedly believe that readers relying on this post for entertainment info can make their own decisions about where they’re going and whether they think it’s safe — without negative stereotypes playing out in the comments. This is not an appropriate forum for the topic. Unfortunately, crime happens everywhere — at shopping centers, but also in homes, schools and neighborhoods. Like you, most of us have experienced it, or someone close to us has. We can’t always live in fear; I hope this post, rather, will give people more information to have a fun, easy weekend of shopping, if they choose. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
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LeeDawg
July 29th, 2009
4:07 pm
Its a mobile at fernbank science center
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Liviangel
July 29th, 2009
4:11 pm
It is in the Childrens Museum Imagine It. Not sure what it is called but you move the balls through the tube and wire systems.
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Sean
July 29th, 2009
4:13 pm
Kids Museum Ball Mover… I don’t remember seeing a name on it, but it has cranks & pullies to move balls from one location to another with a large hopper that fills up & then they can dump.
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Liviangel
July 29th, 2009
4:16 pm
Its called Tools for Solution
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Birthday Dad
July 29th, 2009
4:17 pm
ImagineIt Museum across from Centennial Park and The Georgia Aquarium @Baker St….It’s the Ball Mover that I can never get my kids to stop playing to leave the darn place…LOL..Ok Vanna, What’ d I Win?…LOL
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HUH?
July 29th, 2009
4:49 pm
I don’t think it’s enough background info. As large as Atlanta is that could be any number of things. Maybe we can narrow it down to a general area in the city or whereever.
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jburgess
July 29th, 2009
4:49 pm
ga lottery tumbler
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Kat
July 29th, 2009
5:04 pm
Yep, it looks exactly like that ball transportation system at Imagine It, which is a fantastic place to take your kids to play. You just need enough adults to keep track of the kiddies, as they will go in all different directions.
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Meashelle D.
July 29th, 2009
5:38 pm
It’s the Georgia Lotto Machine
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L Bagwell
July 29th, 2009
6:36 pm
Imagine It! museum
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Blaxar Savajez
July 29th, 2009
6:36 pm
Shop Online instead and avoid all of Atlanta’s infamous THUGZ.
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J. Christopher
July 29th, 2009
6:57 pm
Its the method of determining coverage used by my HMO
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Rachel Ray
July 29th, 2009
7:24 pm
It’s a margarita machine! Pour me one!!!
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Michael Vick
July 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
It’s a device used to fight dogs….I had several myself.
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wild imagination
July 29th, 2009
7:45 pm
its the shell of a boeing 747
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shellnew
July 29th, 2009
7:47 pm
its the undercarriage of an ingles grocery cart
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honest in Atlanta
July 29th, 2009
7:55 pm
gumball machine
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taylor
July 29th, 2009
8:31 pm
I have no idea…but I like the idea of the game.
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Stephen Hawkins
July 29th, 2009
8:33 pm
Its the Mayors answers to the city sewage problems
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Jeff Foworthy
July 29th, 2009
9:51 pm
Rectum? Hell, it damn near killed him!
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Ms Ima Fatazz
July 29th, 2009
9:55 pm
CIRCUS HIGH WIRE.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 29th, 2009
10:23 pm
I am loving some of your answers.
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National Black Arts Festival highlights: July 30 | Inside Access
July 30th, 2009
7:03 am
[...] National Black Arts Festival continues through this weekend. Check back every morning to see some highlights from the [...]
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TRUTH
July 30th, 2009
9:10 am
It’s the matter inside Shirley Franklin’s brain!!!
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bruno
July 30th, 2009
2:33 pm
Looks like a very small miniature of the Wright Brothers plane from the Tellus Museum…
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Dennis
July 30th, 2009
3:08 pm
A gum ball despenser (with a spiral chute)
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Access Points: Ball machine at Atlanta’s Children’s Museum | Inside Access
July 30th, 2009
4:00 pm
[...] you able to guess what was in this photo and where you could find [...]
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NotAgain
July 30th, 2009
5:19 pm
When is the National White Arts Festival?
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Virginia
July 30th, 2009
10:04 pm
$12.50 for a child 2 and up? That’s absurd, especially with the economy the way it is! I’m sure to the wealthy and upper class, it’s just a drop in the bucket for them, but when you have two adults and 2-3 kids 3 and up, that’s $100 and up(not to mention transportation, food, etc.). maybe you shouldn’t start charging kids til they’re school age-like 6,for example. Why 6? I took a couple of kids to Sci Trek once and only the two older kids understood it well enough to participate in the events. The younger two cried too much,were crying for food constantly,and I had to stop to take them to the bathroom every 15 minutes or so.There were no free tickets for us like the Atlanta family behind me (I guess they assumed we could afford it because we were not black). No wonder they went out of business.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 30th, 2009
10:19 pm
Virginia: Imagine It! does offer Target Free Second Tuesdays, which allows folks to visit the children’s museum without paying admission. There’s one coming up 1-8 p.m. on Aug. 11. For more info: http://www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org/visitors/calendar/target_free_second_tuesdays
Also, it’s common for museums and cultural institutions offer free days or discounted admission for residents of their city or county. (The High Museum has one this weekend, for instance.) To be clear, it has nothing to do with race.
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Are you kidding me?
July 31st, 2009
4:08 am
How about the other 360 days a year! You don’t have to be a minority (I’m not…) to understand that majority culture gets the majority of air time by definition.
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Becky
July 31st, 2009
9:19 am
Virginia, I was in agreement with you until I read your comment about “guess they thought we could afford it, since we were not black”.
Not all black families expect things to be free, nor do all black families get everything free..
If you have 2-3 kids, then you and your husband need to figure out what y’all want to do without in order to take your children places that you have to pay to get in..That’s what me and my husband do in order to take our 2 greandkids places…Oh, and by the way, I’m not black..
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Nicole
July 31st, 2009
9:39 am
I am a single parent who loves taking my kid out on adventure days (Zoo atlanta, fernbank, krispy kreme, Cleveland Ga, etc). I dont expect things to be always be free. I give up getting my nails done, buying new jeans, Starbucks (that was hard to do) and other things I WANT just to afford the oh so pricey adventure days my son has grown accustom to. I know how hard it is with one child, but Virginia, I did myself a favor, I stopped at one child. You choose to have more than one child, and you knew that taking care of them and providing for them was not going to be free. So suck it up. Shop around for the best deals, take advantage of online coupons, and certain offers/discounts your credit card company give away. Oh, and just in case you havent notice, I am BLACK
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BobT
July 31st, 2009
10:29 am
Thats way too much money.
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Chris
July 31st, 2009
11:18 am
When is the National White Arts Fesitval? Oh that’s right, we don’t have that.
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Reign
July 31st, 2009
11:33 am
Your White arts festival and other events, activities, etc. is 365 days a year, 24/7, we’re all exposed to your history, your culture, your everything everyday, that’s why other cultures represented in the United States of America have to do their own thing, otherwise, there will be no representation.
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Lisa
July 31st, 2009
11:35 am
Actually the “National White Arts Festival” occurs everyday at any major museum or festival – have you ever been to the High Museum or Dogwood festival?
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Brooke
July 31st, 2009
11:51 am
Hey Chris the National White Arts Festival can be found in any Powder Springs trailer park…cmon.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 31st, 2009
12:17 pm
Hey Chris, and everybody: Inside Access is a blog about fun things to do in Atlanta. This can be a good discussion, so let’s keep it civil and on-topic. This is not the place for race-baiting or hurtful stereotypes. Thanks for reading.
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Delight
July 31st, 2009
12:19 pm
tee hee….wow Chris actually had an impact. People, people. you scoop trash, place in dumpster and keep moving you don’t disect and attempt comprehension.
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Annie
July 31st, 2009
12:55 pm
Not Again, the National White Arts Festival is everyday.
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hbshep
July 31st, 2009
1:31 pm
Let’s stay focused here. Playing the race card was the wrong thing to do Ms. Virginia. Keep it simple…..!!
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Stephen Hawkins
July 31st, 2009
2:11 pm
Virgina- Come to my house with the museum manager and lets settle all of this over a beer. After all- Obama is teaching us that we can solve the worlds longest hatred over a 12oz draft (as long as the white house media is there to take the photos) PS- Virgina, I bet may even chip in the $1.75 for the beer so you could enjoy it.
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tl
July 31st, 2009
2:26 pm
Stated perfectly by Reign, “Your White arts festival and other events, activities, etc. is 365 days a year, 24/7, we’re all exposed to your history, your culture, your everything everyday, that’s why other cultures represented in the United States of America have to do their own thing, otherwise, there will be no representation.”
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Mark
July 31st, 2009
2:50 pm
I agree with Chris. You people want to be equal, but have this festival, BET, Black history month, etc. You people are your own worst enemies.
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Pete
July 31st, 2009
3:02 pm
How about a black violence history month. You excel at that.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
July 31st, 2009
3:08 pm
Pete: totally inappropriate. Treat it like a discussion between mature adults, or don’t talk. Take your hate elsewhere.
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GT
July 31st, 2009
3:26 pm
Thank you Nicole, well said!!! We need more responsible parents, single or married, black or white. Good luck raising your son!!
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midtowngirl
July 31st, 2009
3:31 pm
Mark, wouldn’t it be nice if you were PEOPLE??!! Don’t be mad…maybe in your next miserable life…PILGRIM…
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radtech
July 31st, 2009
3:41 pm
Sorry Jamie…this is supposed to be about fun things to do in the ATL. However, until people overcome their fears and lack of knowledge about other races and also seek more exposure to other ethnic groups and traditions, there will be very little racial change in this country. I didn’t see anything in your blog stating that this festival was only for black people…
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Sarah
July 31st, 2009
3:42 pm
Wow while this does sound pricey just look for coupons. Everyone take a deep breath and laugh at Stephen Hawkins comment b/c I’m sorry thats just funny. While it may be expensive it may be one of the best times your kids have this summer. You never know.
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Barker
July 31st, 2009
3:42 pm
Viginia’s ignorance aside, there’s no law that says that you have to take your child some place that costs too much. Part of being a responsible parent is teaching your child how to spend money wisely. It’s a good idea to show them that they don’t have to spend a lot of money in order to have fun. There are parks and festivals that are free, and there are other museums where the admission is a lot less.
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Brad
July 31st, 2009
4:32 pm
Besides being a biggot, Virginia is not very good at math. A family of 4 with everyone older thatn 2 years costs $50. If it is too much for you, don’t go. Or, go on a discounted day as others have pointed out. This is a great activity place for kids, but is better for 4-7 year olds than toddlers.
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Brenda
July 31st, 2009
4:52 pm
WoW…I’m white and I’m so sick of the black/white & white/black race cards….I personally love color so mine is red/white and blue!!! Proud to be an American
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Charles
July 31st, 2009
8:41 pm
And this is why we need a National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta and across the United States. Is it 2009 or 1909?
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Access Points: Can you guess what and where this is? | Inside Access
July 31st, 2009
9:38 pm
[...] Think you guessed correctly? Here’s the answer. Bonus Access Point image: answer and story posted at 4 p.m. Thursday! Jamie [...]
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notaracist
August 2nd, 2009
1:02 pm
Okay, I am a Black American(proud to be) and I have two teenage boys. I am also a housewife. When I ask my husband, if we could have more children, he said,”You can with your new husband because, I can not afford anymore”. Being that, I do not want a new husband, I settled for the two, I have. Back on point, my children only go places and do things that we can afford w/o pulling money from mortgage,car payment insurance, you know, the things we need. In other words, if we can not afford it, we do not do it. In closing,will this country ever get over race?
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Mark
August 2nd, 2009
1:10 pm
You can find black art on building walls downtown, overpasses, and in the ‘hood. Who needs a freakin festival when black art is all over?
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rachael
August 2nd, 2009
6:54 pm
I took a class on the history of Jazz with Dr. Andrews when I was an undergrad. It was excellent. Nice to see him pop up on the to do list!
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Medicine for Melancholy | Misadventures in Atlanta
August 3rd, 2009
8:00 am
[...] had a busy but wonderful weekend at The National Black Arts Festival. Although I volunteered throughout the weekend at the festival, I found the time to partake in the [...]
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Summer winds down, but free outdoor movies continue | Inside Access | film news
August 3rd, 2009
10:16 am
[...] the original here: Summer winds down, but free outdoor movies continue | Inside Access Tagged as: atlantic-station, events, Festival, film, mall-of-georgia, movies, restaurants, [...]
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Mark
August 3rd, 2009
3:13 pm
How many shootings took place during the “event”?
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Margaret Kargbo
August 3rd, 2009
4:29 pm
thanks Jamie for posting this info…and for quelling the hate that some people just can’t seem to get over. many thanks!
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Henry
August 3rd, 2009
4:32 pm
OK, enough everyone. It’s a Children’s Museum. Let’s keep it clean. If you want to pay you can pay. If you want to come when it’s free-come when it’s free.
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Le Le
August 3rd, 2009
8:23 pm
Mark… no shootings took place during the event or around the event. NBAF is a cultural celebration of art and culture. Those who would carry guns and use them aimlessly won’t be found at NBAF events. And I guess those who don’t realize that miss out on a wonderful experience.
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Rusty
August 4th, 2009
9:17 am
Really, I don’t think either of them are that bad.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 4th, 2009
9:21 am
Did you click on the link about the mole rat pups? I wouldn’t want them living in my house or anything, but the babyfied version incites a little “Awwww…” out of me.
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Mark
August 4th, 2009
9:51 am
I have more “culture” on my shower curtain.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 4th, 2009
10:31 am
Mark: I sent you an e-mail as well, but to be clear, the comments section is a place for conversation, not taunts or put-downs. You seem bent on moving the discussion away from what people do for fun around Atlanta. Diversity of opinions are welcome, but we must be respectful of others and treat this like a discussion. If you’d like to talk more about this, please feel free to email me at jgumbrecht@ajc.com. Thanks.
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Bob
August 4th, 2009
1:56 pm
Some things are so ugly they’re cute.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 4th, 2009
1:59 pm
“So ugly they’re cute.” Oh, I do know. Greatest cat I ever had wasn’t cute on first glance, but then became so cute I couldn’t look at him without squealing.
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Eternity
August 4th, 2009
2:58 pm
Race, gender and sexuality are serious issues in America…indeed, around the world. Myself being a non-hetero black male, I can certainly attest to that. And yet there are those from every walk of like who have something worthwhile to say, something much needed to give. This article was written by a white woman who clearly understands this dynamic. She has risen above the fray, attempting to enlighten us all with good news–doing us proud. We all have our crosses to bear, but if you’ve got time to judge, you’ve got time to love.
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Browncoat
August 4th, 2009
3:53 pm
The bulldog is the ugliest animal
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el jefe
August 4th, 2009
8:11 pm
i predicted this when the concert was first announced. i respect sir paul, and would love to see the show, but $100 for an oversold lawn ticket at piedmont part is simply too much. it has nothing to do with the economy, it has to do with the fact that this ticket is overpriced for what it is. anyone who was at the ABB/DMB show in 2007 knows that the long bathroom and beer lines, coupled with the sheer pack of people on the lawn means that this show just isnt worth $100 (after ticketmaster gets done “conveniently” charging me $15 to take my money and print the ticket)
best of luck to the piedmont park conservatory, but i think they are destined to undersell this event.
if it was $50 + charges it would be a different story.
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TK
August 4th, 2009
8:22 pm
Not surprised by this at all…$100 is way too much for most people given the hassles of the crowd (and getting there early enough to actually get a decent spot on the lawn), the heat, and waiting 15 minutes to buy a beer or take a leak…
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FALCON JOSH
August 4th, 2009
8:26 pm
People learned that you can hear the music from outside the park anyway. The DMB show was simply to many people. You were just looking at a big screen. I enjoyed watching the show 2 months later in HD at home.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 4th, 2009
8:33 pm
Very good points, el jefe and TK. Still, even if it remains undersold, this will be a huge crowd of people who are apparently game for the crowds, heat, waits etc. I got tickets for my little sister and her boyfriend — huge fans who needed a bribe with a date on it to spur the trip south — and I have no idea how to tell them to navigate the area. I fear any advice I give will be useless when faced with a crowd of 40,000.
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Steve From Dalton
August 4th, 2009
9:01 pm
I would love to see Sir Paul but G.A. seats in the middle of August in Atl. don’t add up for a splendid time guaranteed for all. It will be hot and sticky. Then throw in 30,000 of your favorite new friends and you hope the people near you practice good hygiene habits.
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Macca
August 4th, 2009
10:16 pm
Keep in mind that this event is a BENEFIT for the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Yes, the tickets are pricey, but the PROFITS from the concert will help expand the new north area of the park.
Plus, it’s going to be a hugely fun party, no matter what.
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Tommy Mngsde
August 4th, 2009
10:18 pm
You have a chance to see a living legend. One of only 2 living beatles (along with Ringo). Google his setlist from Coachella. It is a greatest hit selection from McCartney solo, Wings and above all the Beatles including Lennon and Harrison tributes. It is an immense and intense list. Don’t miss out on the chance. And for those complaining about the price. Give me a break. Have you ever donated any money in your life to a worthy cause? Not only are you making a donation that will help that city of Atlanta by supporting the “Central Park” of our city (and increasing your property value by the way..) but you will be getting to see a legend for your investment. Instead of giving to a charity buy a darn McCartney ticket. You will be helping promote green living and paying to expand the size of public park that we all use for free. $100 isn’t that much out of your total bank account when you think of it that way is it? -Tommy M.
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Macca
August 4th, 2009
10:19 pm
Jamie, if you need advice on how to navigate the area, feel free to email me. I live two blocks from the concert area.
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Melvin
August 4th, 2009
10:24 pm
$100 for a ticket to watch a washed up old singer at the crummy Piedmont Park? Are you serious? I wouldn’t pay $1 to see that old guy. They should bring in some rappers instead and let everyone in free.
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Tommy Mngsde
August 4th, 2009
10:27 pm
This is the set List from Coachella show a few monts ago for all you cheapskates complaining about the cost of your donation This was part of a festival so expect at least this many but possibly more. By the way, I have to be out of town for this show so I can’t make it and it is KILLING ME.
Main set: Jet / Drive My Car / Only Mama Knows / Flaming Pie / Got to Get You Into My Life / Let Me Roll It (with a coda of Purple Haze) / Honey Hush / Highway / The Long and Winding Road / My Love / Blackbird / Here Today / Dance Tonight / Calico Skies / Mrs. Vanderbilt / Eleanor Rigby / Sing the Changes / Band on the Run / Back in the U.S.S.R. / Something / I’ve Got a Feeling / Paperback Writer / A Day in the Life > Give Peace a Chance / Let It Be / Live and Let Die / Hey Jude
First encore: Birthday / Can’t Buy Me Love / Lady Madonna
Second encore: Yesterday / Helter Skelter / Get Back / Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) > The End
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Joe Joe
August 4th, 2009
10:43 pm
Paul has sold out something like 88 of the last 90 concerts. They went on sale in Dallas at 10AM and 70,000 tickets were sold in eight minutes. NYC and Boston are all sold out as was Halifax. They had the same problem last week in DC, so promoters should consider the fan base of the city and what they support. I would bet Atlanta and DC would sell out regardless of price for a hip hop show. The fan base of the Falcons and Hawks are not McCartney fans.
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uglyredhonda
August 4th, 2009
10:46 pm
I think another factor is that there were already other “major” shows scheduled that night. I know of several folks who were excited about the possibility of getting to see McCartney, but already had tickets to either the Def Leppard/Cheap Trick show at Lakewood or the Steely Dan show at Chastain.
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Tommy Mngsde
August 4th, 2009
10:51 pm
Speaking of “washed up”. Def Leppard? Saw them a few years ago. HORRIBLE? Joe Elliot’s voice is gone. And Steely Dan? Sure after they initially made their comeback in the late eighties but now they are resigned to making the easy buck playing Chastain and the Alpharetta amphitheatre going through the motions for 50+ year old Buckhead and OTP dorks that still think they are cool.
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Tommy Mngsde
August 4th, 2009
10:56 pm
Error above in my last post. Steely actually made their comeback around 1994. Now they just take the money. I have seen them 4 times since their comeback and every year they get worse and make less of an effort. Funny thing is the ticket price (along with their egos-Becker and Fagen) go up with each year gone by. I would NEVER pay another cent to see them again. Sell your ticket on Craig’s list and go see McCartney and support your free public Piedmont Park (and Atlanta).
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The Professor
August 4th, 2009
11:32 pm
The DMB show @ PP 2 yrs ago was The Longest Day of my life. Hothouse, stupid redneck drunks, stupid frat-boy drunks, thieving cab drivers, people saving “seats” amidst the dirt & tree roots. So, this time I paid for 2 VIP tix @ $400 each. It’s worth it for decent bathrooms and a spot on the hillside. Sir Paul won’t take the stage before 9 p.m., so why would I want to arrive at 4 p.m. and broil for hours?
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 5th, 2009
1:39 am
Awwww, thanks, Macca! I think we’ve come to a solution: spend the morning and early afternoon wandering the Center for Puppetry Arts, then hand-delivering them to the proper entrance. Of course, if you live two blocks from where thousands of people are gathering, I imagine you’ve got good strategies for moving around in the area.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 5th, 2009
1:44 am
“If you’ve got time to judge, you’ve got time to love.” Very nice. Thanks, Eternity.
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David
August 5th, 2009
4:43 am
The Beatles have always been my favorite band and I’d love to see McCartney for the first time. But an August show where you have to claim a seat in the afternoon sun/heat? No way.
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tc
August 5th, 2009
7:09 am
do it on the cheap and watch them on youtube. Go see a real performer like Jean Luc Ponty, Pat Metheny, Chuck Mangione…
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OZZFEST
August 5th, 2009
7:21 am
I REALLY DO NOT CARE HOW MANY SHOW UP…I WILL BE CAMPED AT THE GATE AT NOON WAITING TO GET IN. $100 IS WELL WORTH THE PRICE TO KEEP YOU COBB COUNTY PANSIES AT HOME.
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cowo
August 5th, 2009
8:17 am
Melvin you are one sick puppy! Paul is a beautiful, talented, amazing legend. This hiphop crap will be long gone in another 40 years, but the legend of the Beatles, and especially Paul, will still be going strong. It’s not only young black men who live in Atlanta, in case you have forgotten!
I will be there ready to be entertained royally, as I have in the previous 16 times I’ve seen Paul, with the Beatles, Wings, and on his own. I am worried about the heat and access to restrooms, as well as standing for hours on end before the show even starts. Would have prefered an indoor venue, or even across the street at Grady Stadium, but when Paul arrives on the stage, all pains and aches will be forgotten.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 5th, 2009
8:23 am
Hey folks, an early reminder: please be respectful toward each other in the comments, and let’s not let this stray too far off topic.
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PHOTOS: Overnight at Fernbank Museum’s first sleepover | Inside Access
August 5th, 2009
8:29 am
[...] I posted earlier this week about the first public sleepover at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. [...]
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Mark
August 5th, 2009
8:38 am
I have been waiting for Sir Paul McCartney to return to Atlanta. His divorce delayed touring for a year –and that was a disappointment. So when I heard McCartney was coming to Atlanta I was elated –for about 10 seconds. Then I found out he was playing Piedmont Park.
I do not mind at all paying $100 for the show and it would be well worth it if the concert were being held at a proper venue like GA Dome, Philips or Encore Park. But I will not be going to Piedmont Park.
I run the Peachtree Road Race every year and realize how difficult it is getting out of the area with 50K other people. I’m holding out, hoping that McCartney will return for a show in a proper venue. However, if this doesn’t sell out I doubt there will be a return trip during this tour. I may be waiting another two or three years again.
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Dee
August 5th, 2009
8:49 am
I’ve seen McCartney before and he does put on a great concert. But honestly, when I saw the price of the tickets, coupled with the fact that you have to arrive 4 hours before the concert, and no lawn chairs or even water is allowed, so you’re forced to sit on the ground and then fight the lines to get something to drink – it just wasn’t worth it to me. If it were priced a little more reasonably, and we were allowed to bring in chairs and our own drinks, I think they would have gotten a better response. I’d rather just donate $25 to the Piedmont Conservancy and be done with it. (Not all people going to the concert are Atlanta residence. I personally would have to drive in about 40 minutes. And there’s no Marta near me.)
To Tommy M. – not nice to insult people who want to see Steely Dan – calling the band washed up, and the patrons old – when you’re soliciting a Beatle who’s been around since the 60’s! Everyone has their own preference. Respect that.
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The Dogfighter Returns
August 5th, 2009
8:50 am
Sir Paul who? He must be another guy trying to pawn a ponzi scheme. If he ain’t American I ain’t interested. I might open me a mobile geritol and viagra stand on ponce and make me a killing with of all these old geezers.
Y’all gonna have cancer after this concert. Bring your sun tan lotion.
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yubyub
August 5th, 2009
10:29 am
Paul will put on a great show, no doubt. Saw him on the Flowers in the Dirt tour (which wasn’t called that), and it was fantastic. But this un-venue stinks. The Dome would have been much better…
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Drew
August 5th, 2009
10:54 am
Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but I think Live Nation is offering 1/2 price tickets to the show today only. If you’re looking for an excuse, now’s the time to buy!
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 5th, 2009
12:10 pm
Hey Drew! I noticed the Live Nation half-off sale, but didn’t see Paul McCartney on the list. Do you have a link with the info? Thanks!
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‘For Colored Girls…’ sells out, adds performances | Inside Access
August 5th, 2009
12:34 pm
[...] “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf” sold out its entire 29-show run at the 400-seat Southwest Arts Center. Quite a feat, but not a surprise, given the star power of actresses Nicole Ari Parker, Crystal Fox and Robin Givens, and director Jasmine Guy. (Here’s an earlier blog post with links to interviews about the show.) [...]
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Joy
August 5th, 2009
12:38 pm
Paul McCartney in concert = you bet. Paul McCartney + the middle of downtown + the middle of August + porta potties + no lawn chairs + not enough vendors + nowhere to park = no thank you.
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miss marta
August 5th, 2009
1:00 pm
am i the only person that doesn’t think marta is going to be utilized for this show? dmb was a different crowd, young hipsters. paul is gonna attract a wider variety of people,but primarily suburban whiteys. call me crazy, i just don’t think they’ll be interested in using marta. a lot of people think marta is dangerous, not to mention marta doesn’t go out to east cobb.
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miss marta
August 5th, 2009
1:02 pm
not to mention, btw, dmb tickets were like $40 with service fees. i will pay $100 per ticket to see U2 in october, with a seat close to the stage and everything. but $90 services fees included for sir paul in the park, general admission style? paaaass.
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miss marta
August 5th, 2009
1:03 pm
@Joy, thanks for proving my point!
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Leslye Joy Allen
August 5th, 2009
1:08 pm
“For Colored Girls” is now running on much more than the star power of Crystal Fox, Nicole Ari Parker, and Robin Givens; it is running on the word-of-mouth from so many of us who have informed others that Jasmine Guy has assembled one of the most talented casts in True Colors Theatre history.
It would be a mistake not to acknowledge the other cast members: Danielle Deadwyler, Yakini Horn, and Nevaina Rhodes, along with Omelika Kuumba on drums. As someone who has witnessed this piece several times, it is damn near impossible to pick a specific favorite lady in this ensemble. Yes, they all are just that good which is just more proof of Guy’s deftness as a director and her unique abilities as a performance artist.
It is also beyond me why someone from AJC has not reviewed “For Colored Girls” with the same intensity that Wendell Brock reviewed “Blood Knot.” While “Blood Knot” deserved all the superlatives it received, Jasmine Guy and the entire cast of “For Colored Girls” deserve more critical attention. Of course, the show does not need the critical attention to sell tickets!! The audiences have spoken.
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JW
August 5th, 2009
1:31 pm
Who would want to see McCartney when Def Leppard and Cheap Trick are in town?
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Future Relics Gallery » Blog Archive » Paul McCartney Concert
August 5th, 2009
2:47 pm
[...] volunteer activates that I do. I’ll be assisting the Piedmont Park Conservancy in presenting Paul McCartney to the city of Atlanta as part of the conservancies green awareness [...]
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A White
August 5th, 2009
3:14 pm
@ Leslye:
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
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ziza
August 5th, 2009
4:07 pm
Agreed A White. Well said Leslye. Absolutely inspring and enjoyable. I was fortunate enough to have seen the original on Broadway and this version does Ms. Shange and Ms. Guy real proud.
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Access Points 2: Can you guess what and where this is? | Inside Access
August 5th, 2009
4:08 pm
[...] were quick with last week’s inaugural Access Point, so quick that I’m cutting out the bonus image. Still, this shouldn’t be hard for kids [...]
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Kitty Boo
August 5th, 2009
4:17 pm
It’s Mayor Shirley Franklin at a city council meeting.
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Mark
August 5th, 2009
4:49 pm
Maybe an entry to the Black arts festival?
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Rana Cash
August 5th, 2009
4:54 pm
If you move quickly, you can get 1/2 price tickets to the show tonight. Check out the details on the Atlanta Bargain Hunter blog http://tinyurl.com.au/x.php?1wrb
I’ll be checking throughout the extended show dates to see whether the half-price deal will apply to those as well.
Rana
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Matt
August 5th, 2009
5:01 pm
Is it from the Wren’s Nest? Looks like the thing that holds the pieces of string that had to be undone as punishment. Don’t remember the full story – is that right?
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Rana Cash
August 5th, 2009
5:28 pm
Just walked down to buy my tickets. Gone. This is an unbelievably popular show. The folks at AtlanTix told me that a FEW tickets will be available tomorrow, but you have to move hastily to get them. No word yet on whether they will be available for half-price for the extended shows. Let’s hope so!
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Julie
August 5th, 2009
7:33 pm
That looks part of an art exhibit of southern culture during Jim Crow that can be found at the High Museum of Art.
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Needabailout, too!
August 5th, 2009
8:57 pm
It’s an antique child’s doll, currently being displayed at Tavis Smiley’s Black History exhibit at the Civic Center.
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Tommy Mngsde
August 5th, 2009
9:36 pm
Dee. I have seen Steely Dan 5 times. They aren’t that good anymore. Sorry but they get worse ever year. They are 2 guys, Walter Becker and Donald Fagen and they sleppwalk through their sets for people that think they know good music and want to pretend they are hip jazz fans. And Def Leppard? You have to be kidding me. Maybe in 1984.
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Tommy Mngsde
August 5th, 2009
9:40 pm
I got to the Dave Matthews show 2 years show at around 6. An hour before the Alman Brothers came on. We had fine seats, a little back but the screens are HUGE. We went with 2 others friends and had a fantastic time. The lines were not theat big for the beers or the toliets. I really can’t believe that so many people thought it was so inconvenient to see the show there. Once again…think I should state since no one seems to get it. It is a BENEFIT show. If you don;t have the money to donate on behalf of benefitting the free public park the stop by Subway and grab your 3.99 meal of the day and go home and watch tv.
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To do list: August 6 | Inside Access
August 6th, 2009
12:06 am
[...] “Akeelah and the Bee” shows for Movies & The Market, 8:45 p.m., Atlantic Station’s Central Park, Atlanta. [...]
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Eric
August 6th, 2009
8:10 am
yes, useful format.
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Karen
August 6th, 2009
9:51 am
I like the new format. Great idea!
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 6th, 2009
9:54 am
Great! These three-day posts will be buried a bit by end-of-the-week posts, but it will still be online, and linked directly from our newsletters, AccessAtlanta.com and AJC.com, if you need to check back. Thanks for reading!
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David
August 6th, 2009
9:56 am
There are plenty of places to park. The parking deck at 14th and Juniper is advertising parking and there is a parking deck in the park now that will be open. http://tinyurl.com/greenconcertparking
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K. Buyer
August 6th, 2009
11:38 am
Tickets are available online at: http://www.ticketalternative.com
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Paul McCartney talks music, parks and Michael Jackson | Inside Access
August 6th, 2009
12:19 pm
[...] McCartney will be at the park on Aug. 15 for a show. (Inside Access reported earlier this week that there are still thousands of tickets are left, more than some [...]
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Kim
August 6th, 2009
1:21 pm
Since the Black Arts festival was in-town this past weekend, I am guessing it is art work or an artifact being displayed at one of the venues.
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chuck allison
August 6th, 2009
2:59 pm
Aunt Fanny’s kitchen off Spring Road near Smyrna.
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Gail
August 6th, 2009
3:01 pm
Is it part of the art exhibit in the State Dept of Agriculture building?
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DEIDRE
August 6th, 2009
3:05 pm
It’s Mayor Shirley Franklin at a city council meeting – LOL THAT IS TOO FUNNY!!!
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Paul McCartney talks music, parks and Michael Jackson | Inside Access | Wildtonemusic
August 6th, 2009
3:06 pm
[...] here: Paul McCartney talks music, parks and Michael Jackson | Inside Access Posted in Talk About Music | August 6th, 2009 Leave a [...]
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Access Points 2: String Man at The Wren’s Nest | Inside Access
August 6th, 2009
4:02 pm
[...] pm August 6, 2009, by Jamie Gumbrecht Were you able to identify what was in this week’s Access Points picture game? Access Points: It's the String Man at The Wren's Nest! Jamie [...]
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Access Points 2: Can you guess what and where this is? | Inside Access
August 6th, 2009
4:24 pm
[...] What is this? And where is it? Those are the questions for this week’s Access Points game. (UPDATE 8/6: Want to know the answer? Here it is.) [...]
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Looking for the daily to do list? Here’s the whole weekend! | Inside Access
August 7th, 2009
12:02 am
[...] Meanwhile, here are the goods: the list of weekend events for August 7-9. [...]
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SweetWater Steve
August 7th, 2009
8:49 am
SweetWater has added Saturday tours from 2:30 – 4:30 – to the schedule. Great afternoon trip for those over 21. The tour is free and there is a plastic tasting cup for free as well – or you can get a souvenier pint glass for $8 – either way you receive 6 sample tickets to try all of the beers available.
195 Ottley Drive, Atlanta GA 30324 – 404.691.ALES – http://www.sweetwaterbrew.com
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 7th, 2009
9:10 am
I’ve been meaning to get back to this round of comments — apologies for being so behind — but I just wanted to thank you for such thoughtful, helpful comments. You make good points about what the AJC has and hasn’t done, and I don’t know if we’ll be able to fix it. (We don’t have a theater critic on staff anymore, and I’m certainly not the person who makes those decisions.) Moreso, sharing your experience with “For Colored Girls…” may help others, too. So keep your ideas and comments coming.
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Wendy
August 7th, 2009
1:28 pm
Can you explain the low distribution for movie “The Hurt Locker”? We have been searching for it in local theaters for 5 weeks. Why is it not being played? We see it eventually moved to 3 theaters, but all are much too far away.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 7th, 2009
1:47 pm
Hi Wendy — I have no specific knowledge about this, other than that it was produced outside a major film studio, which can easily keep it from theater ubiquity, and in general, the reception toward Iraq war movies has been lukewarm-to-cold the last few years. This has gotten great reviews and buzz, though, which can change things. I’ll ask around, and if I hear more about it, I’ll let you know. Where in the area were you hoping to find it?
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Sue Rodman
August 8th, 2009
8:02 am
Love this story. It makes me want to go to the Wrens Nest again. What a great place.
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Big Time Fan
August 8th, 2009
10:24 am
All: I understand where you are coming from. I just saw Paul’s concert at FedEx Field (Washington, D.C.) and the folks at FedEx field screwed things up royaly–parking nightmares (the show started 1 1/2 late to accomodate late arriving fans) and there was no water on the ground floor of the stadium for about an hour (so no colas or any food that required water for preparation, also bathroom situation was then complicated), but having to put up with all of that–the show was truly spectatular, magnificant, and completely wonderful in all respects. It may be the best concert I’ve ever been to–so, it’s worth it and I recommend that you attend, you won’t regret it I promise.
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Amy
August 8th, 2009
11:10 am
Very easy to read- I love it! Please keep this new format. Thanks!
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S. Fan
August 8th, 2009
1:22 pm
The problem is not Paul McCartney. The problem is the disaster that was the 2007 concert and the hot GA. Summers- with NO ice chest allowed. Making someone who is donating to the park stand in long lines and pay high prices for bad food, and a bathroom, WHILE missing the concert is just wrong. I am going but am contemplating deliberate dehydration- just hope I don’t pass out from the heat.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 8th, 2009
3:47 pm
One of these days, I need to go there NOT for work. If they haven’t gotten sick of all my questions already, surely they won’t mind them during the official tour?
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 8th, 2009
3:49 pm
Thanks Amy! I’ve heard nothing but happy comments from readers so far, so I think the weekend format is here to stay. Check back during the week, too, for a daily update of things to do!
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adventurous fan from Alabama
August 8th, 2009
5:46 pm
I’ve never been to a concert at Piedmont park, so I’m just trying to get an idea of what to expect. I’ll be staying at Regency Suites. Looks like a mile or so walk. Is there anyway of knowing when McCartney will be taking the stage. Do you take a blanket and scope out an area? I’ve never seen McCartney or the Beatles and figured this was my best chance.
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rick stafford
August 9th, 2009
8:49 am
please someone tell me how many people were at the paul mccartney concert atwashington fedex and many tickets were left please e-mail back
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mike
August 9th, 2009
9:06 am
Great format
thanks
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Cary
August 9th, 2009
12:35 pm
Is http://www.AscSkydiving.com going to be on your September list?
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Fan
August 9th, 2009
4:42 pm
I have tickets that allow entry at 4:00. Should I really go that early? Any tips on where to put the blanket? How far are the vendors from the viewing area?
Thanks to those of you who went in the past for answering Q’s!
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I'm going
August 9th, 2009
9:58 pm
I’m going I bought pre-buy tickets, now I’m kind of wishing I didn’t because of the economy, the tickets are expensive. I have paid tickets for dragon-con for 80$ before but it lasts 4 days, that makes it worh it. I have always wanted to see a ex-beatle and I don’t think he’s going to come around too many more times. So’ I’m going.
I remember when I saw Jefferson Starship and the Black Crowes at Piedmont park, its a SWEAT FESTIVAL
plus waiting in lines to Pizz and waiting in lines for about anything plus how much does overpriced beer and food costs. Wish You could bring a cooler into this place but I bet you can’t. I am going with the nephew whose 20 and never seen a concert like this, especially a sweat fest, I have been to those above and Lakewood and midtown music festivals I know what their about you lose about 5 pounds in one day. Swear you will never go again, then a band comes and your right there. I love music. 
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I'm going
August 9th, 2009
10:01 pm
I’m sure they will let blankets or towels, but thats it. I bet.
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I'm going
August 9th, 2009
10:09 pm
Last thing though, I have had alot of friends that have seen Paul play before, they said hands down that paul is in their top 5 of the best concerts they have ever seen. Thats why I’m going.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 9th, 2009
11:32 pm
For folks with questions about day-of logistics, here’s a link to info about what you can (and can’t) bring: http://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-events/concert-111432.html
Blankets are good to go! As for blanket placement…I’ll get back to you.
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Chip
August 10th, 2009
9:33 am
What the yell is convenient about a $14.10 Convenience Charge PER TICKET? The amount just keeps going up. If it is a single purchase for multiple tickets, how is it a per ticket charge? How long is Tickemaster going to get away with this?
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Leslye Joy Allen
August 10th, 2009
4:03 pm
Hurry, hurry. As of 4:00 PM Monday, August 10, 2009 the Tuesday (8-11) and
Thursday (8-13) performances of “For Colored Girls” at 8:00 PM are sold out!! Wednesday’s 8:00 PM performance is almost sold out. The best remaining seats
are for the 2:30 PM Thursday (8-13) performance. But please be quick!!
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Stacy
August 10th, 2009
6:18 pm
While it’s under less-than-ideal conditions (outdoors in the August ATL heat, general admission, pricey tickets, etc…), my husband and I are driving 6 hours for this show. Why? Who knows if an opportunity to see a musical legend such as Paul McCartney will come our way again. We’re big Beatles fans; we’re big McCartney fans, so it’ll be worth it for us. Totally understand if people don’t want to pay that much for a ticket, though. Kinda bummed that cameras aren’t allowed (but we’d probably be so far back that we wouldn’t get any good pics anyway).
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OZZFEST
August 11th, 2009
12:07 pm
Guys, this is PAUL McCARTNEY…you know, like one of those dudes with the hair from the Ed Sullivan Show…like 45 years ago. The dude still ROCKS!
There are NO excuses not to go. If sitting on the grass in the park, drinking beer and hearing the equivilent of “Jesus reading from the Bible” is not something to look forward to – then get busy writing your will.
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Stuart F.
August 11th, 2009
1:08 pm
Cool, i’m glad there’s still a couple places left to see outdoor movies this summer. I love outdoor movies, i go to them whenever i can! in fact, i found a whole listing of them here, check it out: http://blog.openaircinema.us/blog/tag/georgia/
And i’ll see you at the movies!
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Judy
August 11th, 2009
1:51 pm
Jamie, thanks for the link regarding what can and can’t be taken into the concert. I have my ticket and wouldn’t miss it for the world. I guess I’m pushing the limits with this question but I have a bad back and just can’t stand or even sit on the ground without back support. Do you think I can take in a cushion that sits directly on the ground but offers back support — especially if I don’t carry in the allotted one blanket per person. Who made up these crazy rules — the one thing you don’t need in GA in the middle of August is one blanket PER person!
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joe
August 11th, 2009
2:47 pm
I won free tickets and I’m still not sure if I will go…Yes I would like to see Paul but I know it will be a living he ll ….. They have made it hard in every way…ok , so you charge a lot for your tickets…you’ve made your money…don’t be so damn greedy , let us bring our own food a nd water and at least make it a little fun….money, thats what I want….mooooooney, thats what I want….
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joe
August 11th, 2009
2:56 pm
but what I really don’t understand is they kicked the arts festival and dogwood out of the park because they didn’t want people touching the grass. sooooooooo, how do you justify 50,000 people stomping on the grass all day long? mooooney, thats what I want….(”money” sung by the Beatles) sing with me now….Mooooooney, that’s what I want….
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T
August 11th, 2009
3:13 pm
I wonder if we will be among several thousands of middle-aged folks having a hard time standing up from the ground when Paul takes the stage. And don’t even mention sitting on someone’s shoulders…that would take 2 hours and an act of God. Our backs and bottoms will probably pay for it afterwards, but it will be great.
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What you need to know before the Paul McCartney concert: street closings, weather, how to get there, what to bring | Inside Access
August 11th, 2009
3:22 pm
[...] When Piedmont Park officials told me a week ago that there were still thousands of tickets left for the August 15 Green Concert, plenty of you seemed surprisd to learn that superstar Paul McCartney hadn’t yet sold out. [...]
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 11th, 2009
3:33 pm
Hi Judy! Not limit-pushing at all.
I talked with the folks at Piedmont Park today, and they said seat cushions are fine, and even cushions with a back support. The key is that they can’t have arms and legs. They want to avoid objects that can be used as projectiles, and things that would get in the way of people making a quick exit, in case of emergency. Here’s my latest post about what to know pre-McCartney concert: http://blogs.ajc.com/inside-access/2009/08/11/what-you-need-to-know-before-the-paul-mccartney-concert-street-closings-weather-how-to-get-there-what-to-bring/
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Rusty
August 11th, 2009
4:00 pm
Hopefully Midtown won’t be too jacked up the Friday before. I work on 14th Street walking distance from the park.
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Atlantic Station’s free movie series extended to Oct. 29 | Inside Access
August 11th, 2009
4:07 pm
[...] mentioned last week that a few summer outdoor movie series are finishing up even while kids are heading back to [...]
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 11th, 2009
4:12 pm
It sounds like Thursday and Friday should be pretty calm — most of the unloading and building should be done. I fear for the folks coming into town on Saturday for something other than Paul McCartney.
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rachael
August 11th, 2009
9:13 pm
“Really: no car.” Love it.
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myrna ryter
August 11th, 2009
10:50 pm
A great get away 2 hrs from Atlanta!
A new beginning for the really old or (young at heart)
175 years old and new again! Evergreen, as it was named long, long , ago (1834)
has been renovated and standing proud while visitors return and enjoy again.
(A two YEAR process to renovate Anderson’s oldest historical mansion)
A get away from the chaos of our busy stressful lives, To slow down and relax and marvel at an era long ago thru the doors of TWO old beautiful antebellum mansions.
Once a National Award winning Restaurant for a quarter of a century (1982-2007)
Chef Peter and the Eleven-O-Nine Restaurant still has the homey good feel but is now a
Unique Day Spa specializing in R&R and skin care (open since 1999)
Next door is the beautifully renovated Evergreen Bed & Breakfast. The refinished original heart of pine floors, fresh paint and new kitchen will delight overnight guests.
An overnight stay for business, romance, friendship, rekindling, wedding or anniversary.
Have an unforgettable time and memory waiting for anyone who wants to experience something out of the ordinary and feel new again!
Life’s short…enjoy it !
Overnight at Evergreen with breakfast 108.00 (includes tax)
Day Spa services from 15.00!
Packages for couples R&R massage, facials, overnight too…228.00!
You’re Invited…….Open House August 27th. 2009….. 5-7 p.m.
RSVP… 864- 375-9064
Visit http://www.spa-it.com
1109 & 1103 South Main St.
Anderson, So. Carolina
Owner- Myrna Ryter
864-375-9064
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Coop
August 12th, 2009
9:29 am
Are mosquito repellant and sunscreen allowed? Should my wife just stick those in her purse? Looking forward to seeing Paul.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 12th, 2009
9:55 am
Hi Coop! Those should fall in the medical supplies category, so you’re good to go. For your own comfort, I’d recommend avoiding the ultra-super-jumbo-sized bottles of either.
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Professor
August 12th, 2009
10:11 am
You people lost the Civil War…enough please find something else to write or talk about. This topic is really old I don’t care what type of spin you put on it
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 12th, 2009
10:20 am
Professor, perhaps it wasn’t clear, but this is a work of fiction about a girl growing up in Georgia in the 1960s. While the title has the word “Confederate” in it, if you took time to read the post or the book itself, I think you’d see that it has nothing to do with putting a spin on the Civil War. You might actually enjoy it.
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hanna
August 12th, 2009
10:43 am
Professor, i have one word for you “exlax”…………..
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Mumsy
August 12th, 2009
12:24 pm
This sounds like a good read for the other “reader” at home.
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Ashley's Pal
August 12th, 2009
2:00 pm
Here is what Ashley at the PPC sent in an email:
You should be fine bringing a small camera, the no camera rule is aimed at cameras with detachable lenses.
Everyone will be entering the same gates, but the people with pre-sale tickets will be moving through the gates and the regular GA ticket holders will have to wait until 5pm. I recommend going to the part of the line that is moving forward. There will be people around to help you get in on time without confusion.
—- there is so much inconsistent info about this event!
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Mike B
August 12th, 2009
2:44 pm
I bought my tickets on the pre-sale date but nothing on the printed out ticket from ticketmaster says pre-sale or early entry on it. How are they able to tell who bought what and how can you tell for sure so you can plan on when to arrive? It sounds like it could be mass confusion at the event. Thanks!
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 12th, 2009
2:52 pm
Hmmm…I’ll check that out, Mike B. I received two e-mails and a phone call from Ticketmaster saying that my tickets could get in at 4 p.m. Have you heard anything from them?
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Leona's girls
August 12th, 2009
3:10 pm
Once you enter Piedmont for early entry, do the tickets allow you to go in and out? Meaning, can you leave to revisit your hotel before the show and still get back in to Piedmont?
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 12th, 2009
3:36 pm
All right, everybody! Some answers for you.
Ashley’s Pal: You’re totally right. Piedmont Park Conservancy folks say point-and-shoot cameras will be fine, it’s really detachable lenses, lights — camera equipment that can get a high quality image from far away — that’s the problem.
Mike B.: The bar code on your pre-sale ticket should say that it is a pre-sale ticket, which will allow you to get in at 4 p.m. Pretenders will have to wait till 5 p.m.
Leona’s girls: Once you’re in, you’re in. If you exit, there is no re-entry.
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Mike B
August 12th, 2009
3:59 pm
Thanks Jamie. Yes I did get an email from Ticketmaster Wed Aug 5th saying…
“Hello, this is Ticketmaster Customer Service with an important alert for your upcoming event. Paul McCartney scheduled at Piedmont Park Conservancy, on Saturday, August 15, 2009, with a door time of 3:00pm, has changed times. The door time now will be at 4:00pm. Original tickets will be honored for the new time.”
My tickets were purchased the first day of the pre-sale, June 25th via ticketmaster but nowhere on the ticket does it say pre-sale. It just says general admission and “DRS 4pm”, never a mention of the 3pm referenced in their email to me. Since most people aren’t fluent in bar code, I’m guessing a bunch of confused people might try to get in early only to be turned away via the scan and thus slowing up the line for those who legitimately purchased early. Hopefully it will all run smoothly! Let us know if you hear any other helpful info. Thanks!
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Access Points 3: Can you guess what and where this is? | Inside Access
August 12th, 2009
4:02 pm
[...] Points games within the first few responses. Matt Scofield’s childhood-memory-turned-guess on last week’s Access Point was rewarded by The Wren’s Nest with free passes to the West End house [...]
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Orlando C
August 12th, 2009
4:02 pm
There must be a good reason tickets are not sold out, but it certainly has nothing to do with Paul’s unrivaled talent. If he’s getting old and doesn’t sing as beautifully as before, he’s still pretty good and his legend and all that he represents are good enough reasons for us to go to this concert. C’mon, $100 is nothing. I’m flying 4,6 miles from São Paulo to Atlanta just to see him.
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Princess
August 12th, 2009
4:16 pm
This is the little house on exhibit outside at the High Museum.
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Tim
August 12th, 2009
4:16 pm
The front of junkman’s daughter in little five points
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malika
August 12th, 2009
4:19 pm
yep, that’s junkman’s daughter in L5P.
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damien
August 12th, 2009
4:29 pm
junkmans daughter in little 5 points
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Sahar
August 12th, 2009
4:33 pm
The storefront of Junkmen’s Daughter in Little Five Point.
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Marisa
August 12th, 2009
4:41 pm
Front of junkman’s daughter in Little 5 points
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Biker Trash
August 12th, 2009
4:47 pm
A self portrait of a Ga. democrat…location: Left wing in the Capital.
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I know!
August 12th, 2009
5:06 pm
it’s junkman’s daughter in L5P.
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Geo
August 12th, 2009
5:35 pm
My first thought was Krog street bridge but junkman’s daughter is much more likely.
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Eyedrum benefits: live art auction Friday, dance-a-thon next | Inside Access
August 12th, 2009
6:04 pm
[...] the rent trouble news? You can read more about it here and [...]
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Joey Grizzard
August 12th, 2009
6:26 pm
Junkman’s Daughter – Little 5
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Sonny Perdue
August 12th, 2009
6:29 pm
Nowhere near anywhere I have ever been, or will go!
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Felix the Cat
August 12th, 2009
6:29 pm
junkmans daughter in lil 5 points next to vortex
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ATLien
August 12th, 2009
7:11 pm
J-Mart in L5P
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NA
August 12th, 2009
7:39 pm
It is either Hillary Clinton venting ath the poor kid in the Congo or Nancy Pelosi as she begins her daily routine of destroying the USA
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Andre
August 12th, 2009
7:52 pm
Junkman’s Daughter in Little Five Points, *NA* did you get lost? You clicked the wrong article. Political responders go under the politics page not the Inside Access.
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wxwax
August 12th, 2009
8:39 pm
The first thing Dick Cheney will see when he’s dead.
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wxwax
August 12th, 2009
8:39 pm
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Jules
August 12th, 2009
9:51 pm
Junkman’s Daughter in Little Five Points
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To do list: August 13 | Inside Access
August 13th, 2009
12:05 am
[...] “Legally Blonde” shows for Movies & The Market, 8:45 p.m., Atlantic Station’s Central Park, Atlanta. [...]
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Kevrock/Smarty Jones
August 13th, 2009
10:25 am
Junkmans’ Daughter in L5P. Easy.
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andy
August 13th, 2009
10:29 am
Do we know exactly what time 10th Street will be closing and at what junction? I’ll be driving in around 10 pm on Friday and my hotel is on 10th Street, Hotel Midtown. Just wondering. Thanks!
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gary cantelmo
August 13th, 2009
11:41 am
jamie – i bought a stadium seat which sits directly on the ground and has back support (about 12″ high). can i bring to mccartney show?
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 13th, 2009
11:45 am
Hi Gary! The folks at PPC said a seat that stays on the ground — no arms, no legs — is fine. Back supports were fine, too. It sounds like you should be OK!
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 13th, 2009
11:49 am
Hi Andy! Piedmont Park says the streets will close only on the day of the concert, so you should be fine at 10 p.m Friday. They’ve also said that it will be 10th Street around the park, so I wouldn’t expect to be able to drive between Monroe and Piedmont. Hope that helps!
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 13th, 2009
11:49 am
And, for Andy: Piedmont Park says the streets will close only on the day of the concert, so you should be fine at 10 p.m Friday. They’ve also said that it will be 10th Street around the park, so I wouldn’t expect to be able to drive between Monroe and Piedmont. Hope that helps!
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not a local resident
August 13th, 2009
11:52 am
No car. Great, what are the rest of us supposed to do to get there? People need to stop assuming MARTA is always an option. It’s not, especially for out of towners. Yeah, i might be able to find a park and ride but that’s going to add another hour and a half. Wasn’t a parking garage just built out there for this reason?
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Dawg Foot
August 13th, 2009
12:07 pm
If it is anything like his New York show he is pulling out the stops and only playing the hits. No Bullshat.
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Dawg Foot
August 13th, 2009
12:12 pm
@joe
don’t hate the player. hate the game. jackarse
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OZZFEST
August 13th, 2009
12:15 pm
EXPECT A HUGE MESS BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE TO PRINT THE “GATE OPENING” TIME ON THE PRE-SALE TICKETS AND THEN THE EARLY ENTRANCE TIME CHANGE. I HAVE A VIP TICKET AND CALLED TICKETMASTER TO GET STRAIGHT ON WHAT TIME I COULD GET IN. TICKETMASTER RESPONDED WITH “ALL GATES OPEN AT 5″.
OF COURSE, THIS IS FALSE…BUT HEY, I ONLY PAID $36 FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE ON THIS $400 TICKET. IDIOTS!
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Joe
August 13th, 2009
12:27 pm
This article says that point and shoot cameras are fine, but the link to the full list says that cameras of any size are strictly prohibited. Since every cell phone has a camera I’m sure they can’t do anything about that, but is there a definitive word on point-and-shoot cameras? Since it’s miles from possible parking there won’t be much chance to go back to a car to drop off a camera if they stop you at the gate.
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Joe
August 13th, 2009
12:28 pm
Oh, sorry, I didn’t see your reply about that before… the answer lies above..
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andy
August 13th, 2009
12:28 pm
Thanks for the info Jamie! Everyone ready for a great concert? 44th Anniversary of the Shea Stadium performance!
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 13th, 2009
12:56 pm
Hi mom.
I think you’re right. Perhaps a birthday present…
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 13th, 2009
1:01 pm
Not a local resident: The parking garage at Piedmont wouldn’t come close to accommodating the number of people that will be at this show. What direction are you coming from? I’m happy to help you find a convenient MARTA station with free parking. (Plenty of the stations closer than the the end-of-the-line stations have parking, too.) Feel free to e-mail me at jgumbrecht@ajc.com, too.
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br
August 13th, 2009
1:26 pm
nobody is worth that price
we can thank the greedy Eagles for starting these overpriced events
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br
August 13th, 2009
1:26 pm
no one is worth that
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Access Points 3: Mural outside Junkman’s Daughter | Inside Access
August 13th, 2009
4:03 pm
[...] just in case you weren’t sure, this week’s Access Point photo game was outside Junkman’s Daughter in Little Five Points. Tim was the first commenter to identify [...]
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LynnMargaret
August 13th, 2009
4:05 pm
Will scooters be allowed any closer, or will they have the same non-access as cars? It’s fine, if not! Just wondering. Thanks!
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Nancy
August 13th, 2009
5:16 pm
Do you know how crowded the so-called “VIP” area will be? My husband and I are Paul’s age and probably not nearly as nimble as he is. Should we be there at 4 or do you think there will still be a good area for our blankets if we come in closer to 6 when it is a little cooler? BTW, this is my second concert — the first being on August 18th, 1965 when my best friend and I saw the Beatles at the Atlanta Coliseum.
Thanks!
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Access Points 3: Can you guess what and where this is? | Inside Access
August 13th, 2009
6:09 pm
[...] UPDATE 8/13: Want to know the answer? Here’s it is! [...]
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gr8FLdüde
August 13th, 2009
7:29 pm
Baby, you CAN’T drive my car!
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Josh
August 13th, 2009
10:29 pm
Im bringing a friend who is in a wheelchair.Will there be a hadicapped section where he will be able to see or should we just try to get there early as possible to get up front?Please help.I cant find any handicapped information.
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Josh
August 13th, 2009
11:11 pm
Also,what time is are the pre entry ticket holders expected to start lining up?Any words on that ?
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 13th, 2009
11:49 pm
LynnMargaret: I haven’t asked specifically about scooters, and while you’ll probably be able to find an easy enough place to lock it up, you won’t be able to bring it in the pedestrian-only area.
Others: I’ll check on your questions Friday and post what I can!
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Nancy
August 14th, 2009
8:16 am
for ADA info click on the link on the right under “Concert Info” at http://www.piedmontpark.org/support/the_green_concert.html
Green Concert ADA Guide
1. ADA accessible seating is located near the Charles Allen Drive Gate. VIP ADA access is at 10th and Monroe Drive.
2. There is ADA seating for General Admission, VIP and Patron ticket holders
3. Many people were not aware of the online application for ADA seating.
4. Canine companions allowed.
5. A ticket holder may be denied entry to, or removed from, the accessible seating area if he or she is not disabled.
6. Handicap portable bathrooms are conveniently located near each seating area.
7. 1 companion can join each ADA concert attendee, if space is available.
8. Additional wheelchairs will be available for emergencies only.
9. MARTA is the best mode of transportation to the Green Concert. MARTA does provide ADA shuttles to the Park. Each train has a special wheelchair space at one end of each rail car. MARTA Accessibility
10. There will be volunteers located in designated handicap area.
11. Although not anticipated, if the area fills up the companion/guest is asked to move outside of the ADA seating.
12. No reserved spots in designated handicap area.
13. ADA MARTA buses will able to drive through h 10th street barricades.
14. MARTA’s last Southbound train leaves midtown at 12:45am and the last Northbound train leaves at 1:10am. Point out ADA seating on a map if someone wants to know the distance.
15. There is no ADA parking. MARTA has ADA buses. ADA taxi will be available.
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Atlanta milestones, from Def Leppard to Paul McCartney | Inside Access
August 14th, 2009
10:02 am
[...] then there’s Paul McCartney. We’ve heard plenty of folks recounting The Beatles 1965 show here, but my favorite story in [...]
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sharon
August 14th, 2009
10:14 am
MARTA riders: “Please be aware that rail service will end at 1 a.m.” – This is posted on the Marta website – check out their Press Center – Press Releases. They discuss the Green Concert… I keep seeing 1:10am, but I’d get to your station by 1:00, just to be sure…
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 14th, 2009
11:07 am
Hey Josh! Piedmont Park says the ADA area will be signed, and guards at the gate will direct you there. Check out Nancy’s comment above for full info! And, there’s no official time to start lining up — just a time when they’ll start letting folks in.
Nancy: I’m not sure how crowded the VIP area will be, but you can see it on the map. Sorry I don’t have better advice on this one.
Sharon: VERY good tip about MARTA service ending at 1 a.m. Many, many thanks.
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Rusty
August 14th, 2009
11:18 am
You’re on a roll with these awesome historical tidbits! More of this please.
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sharon
August 14th, 2009
11:55 am
U R Welcome Jamie. I also wish I knew how early to line up & whether the vendors will have vegetarian food for me! Do u know? Thanks!
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Nancy Giertych
August 14th, 2009
1:06 pm
Stage: “Sweeny Todd” High School Production put on by an all teen cast members of FCFT Inc., Wonderfully done dark comedy recommended for all 10 y/o and up. Held at the YMCA Community Center Friday and Saturday @ 7:30 pm and Sunday @ 2:30 pm. Advance tickets are purchased via fcft.net for $8 or $10 at the door if seating is available. Directions to the “YMCA” are: Take Huiet Road, off of Hwy 54 between PTC & Fayetteville, thru stop sign and turn right onto “YMCA” property; building is on the right at u-turn in parking lot.
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Deals, freebies and bargains; more than a dozen! | Atlanta Bargain Hunter
August 14th, 2009
2:17 pm
[...] Artspalooza is from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, Aug. 22 and Aug. 29. The Woodruff is located at 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Interested in more activities this weekend? Check out Jamie Gumbrecht’s InsideAccess blog. [...]
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Nancy
August 14th, 2009
4:41 pm
Sharon, Since Paul is a well-known vegetarian and animal rights activist, chances are you will find plenty to eat.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 14th, 2009
6:38 pm
Thanks, Nancy!
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jqm
August 14th, 2009
7:17 pm
Does anyone know how to tell whether tickets were bought through the Park Conservancy (and give you early admission)? I can’t remember whether I bought through the Amex pre-sale or the conservancy.
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Valerie
August 14th, 2009
9:35 pm
I was wondering the same thing, Sharon…does anyone know if there will be vegetarian food vendors there?
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Hope
August 14th, 2009
10:22 pm
My Dad braved an Atlanta Stadium full of screaming Beatles fans to take me to the August 1965 concert for my birthday. A once-in-a-lifetime memory from one of the first “Cool Dads” !!!!! 44 years later – we’ll be sharing my birthday this Thursday – and this memory always comes up! Thanks, Daddy !!!
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doitallmom
August 14th, 2009
11:34 pm
HELP- I am wondering about ticket entrance times; early admission for conservancy & amex is at 4pm, general admission is at 5pm. I bought discounted tickets off craigslist but there is some confussion about the entrance times.
The guy that I bought these tickets from, said that entrance times had been changed around a bit. Can anyone tell me when the REAL admission times are and how to tell if you have that actual ticket in hand because so many of us purchased them through a third person broker. Thanks!!!!
We are also bringing our teenage kids with us. One who has no idea of who Sir Paul is and doesn’t care for the Beatles And our other child who doesn’t show interest in most music, is a fan of Paul McCartney and willing to pay for his own ticket and by the way already had a fav song before I asked him
I can’t figure out my kids but we are in this together, attending a concert as a family. My husband & I are used to hearing our kids whine about all kinds of needless things. Tomorrow, they will have justifable cause and its our intention to give our standard answer of the day, ALL day long,”Just deal with it.” This is Paul McCartney, Dad & I really want to see and enjoy this concert and YOU are going to allow us to enjoy this concert”. These kids have been instructed to not bother us unless they are truly in dire need of medical attention- are you bleeding? Who died?
Is the house on fire? So we are going to have fun and our kids are not allowed to ruin it; no matter how unentertained they find themselves. Good bless, smile and enjoy it. If not, good bless, smile, deal w/ it and complain to your therapist when you get home. We are planning a happy day.
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JJp
August 14th, 2009
11:43 pm
At what time are you guys planning to line up?? Do you think that a “Flip Mino Camcorded” is allowed? it’s the same size of a point and shoot camera.
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Sharon
August 15th, 2009
12:07 am
Sorry, did not see this til now – I called Conservancy & exactly one veg food vendor will be there. I guess 1 is better than 0!
Personally, I would not try taking the camcorder.
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Jon
August 15th, 2009
12:06 pm
When gates open, will it be a mad dash for the seats, or is there some order (lines, etc.). I have regular (non-Presale). How early should I get there to avoid seeing Paul as a little ant on stage. Thanks, guys!!
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 15th, 2009
2:12 pm
Awww, Hope! That’s adorable. Happy birthday!
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Buckhead Family
August 15th, 2009
5:04 pm
FINALLY…. I live in the north Buckhead area by Chastain Park and its the perfect setting for a Fine Arts Festival. I’ve also been to the markets at Atlantic Station and Virgina Highlands,, and I LOVE THEM, all the great cities have little markets like that, and knowing that these guys are behind it..well frankly makes sense. I often go down to Atlantic Station with my girlfriend for lunch and walk around. Its great that people in our community are investing back in our community. I’m going,, and I’m telling as many of my neighbors as I can,, even thou I would love for it to be my little secret. GOOD LUCK!
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ATLANTA ARTIST
August 15th, 2009
5:06 pm
As an Artist..I LOVE IT… is it too late to sign up?
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 15th, 2009
6:22 pm
Atlanta Artist: the deadline to apply was July 4, but check out the festival Web site linked above. The organizers may well have some other opportunities, given all the other markets they run. Thanks for reading!
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Leona's Girls
August 15th, 2009
7:32 pm
We brought staduim seats with no arms and legs, but there was metal in them so they took them at the VIP area. Yet, we’ve seen tons of our exact seat on the field.Go figure. Glad we could support Piedmont – we love Piedmont!! – but the VIP area is awash in complaints. We may just move to the field. Folks are having more fun there.:) If are in VIP and looking for different food cross over and go to the back of the field. We brought a pizza back from there.
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Hope
August 15th, 2009
10:28 pm
Thanks so much Jamie !!!
A very special memory – and a very special Dad !!!!!
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Jeff
August 15th, 2009
11:41 pm
Didn’t get to go but enjoyed the pictures. Did he perform Say, Say, Say?
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 16th, 2009
12:18 am
Most of the set list seems to have wound up here: http://twitter.com/peachbuzz
No sign of “Say Say Say,” but perhaps will see a more definitive list soon?
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 16th, 2009
12:20 am
Oh, crud. Sorry about that, Leona’s Girls. Sorry your seats didn’t make it in. :/ Would love to hear more about the experience — the good and the not-so-good — over on this entry: http://blogs.ajc.com/inside-access/2009/08/15/see-the-paul-mccartney-show-we-need-your-help/
I hope it turned out to be a mostly great, if damp, time!
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sk
August 16th, 2009
12:22 am
Same set list as Citi Field: http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/18/a-mccartney-homecoming-at-citi-field/
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Mitchell
August 16th, 2009
12:49 am
I’m about as big a Paul McCartney and Beatles fan as there is in Atlanta but I didn’t go to the concert. None of my friends, no one I even know for that matter, are Beatle fans or had any interest in going. I tried to find anybody I knew who might have been attending but not a one.
I wasn’t really about to go by myself.
Anyway, around 10:15 or so I saw a report on Fox 5 from the concert saying that it would go on until about 11 or 11:30. I eventually decided to drive down to the Ansley area. I got to Piedmont and Monroe, pulled into the parking lot and heard the last couple measures of the guitar solos from The End in my car with the window rolled down.
Just as Paul would have wanted it I’m sure, idling in a parking lot for five minutes.
I’m glad I did it though. My timing was, all things considered, pretty good.
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Lou
August 16th, 2009
12:51 am
I have seen Paul McCartney the last three times he was here and this to me wasn’t his best show. He was very good, but there were times the show seemed to be in a real lull. At one point, the woman behind me yelled play something we know. Cant believe some of the song choices. I realize he cant do every hit he has had but how bout…All my lovin, cant buy me love, i wanna hold your hand, Help, She Loves you…How do you leave these out and put in Flaming Pie, Only Mama Knows, Mrs Vandebilt and Calico Skies…. Still a good show but nowhere near his best
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BB
August 16th, 2009
1:03 am
All in all a great show. I did find that since the crowd was of an older generation, they were somewhat testy with each other as they couldn’t take the heat(before the rain) nor could they get their bodies around as easy as the more agile folks. And they complained because people were standing. They must not remember being 20. Vendors were great, not too few or too many. Could have used more porto potties. And designated pathways to get to the potties and vendors. People making their own paths got old! But I had a blast in spite of them.
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Mark in mid-town
August 16th, 2009
1:15 am
I thought the McCartney show tonight was fantastic. The sound system was probably the best I’ve ever heard. It was a show full of nostalgia, but it wasn’t entirely nostalgic. McCartney played a substantial number of newer songs, all of which were quite good. Unfortunately, some don’t like to be challenged whatsoever. That want to be spoon-fed nothing but the familiar. So kudos to McCartney for challenging the audience a bit. One of the new songs was called “Sing the Changes” and it’s near Beatles quality in my opinion.
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Joshua
August 16th, 2009
1:24 am
I just got back from the concert. I have to say that it was great. I was one of the youngest people there (15) which felt pretty good. My family and I were supposed to get in the ADA (Americans with disabilities) entrance for personal reasons other than actually having a disability. The security guard wouldn’t let us through, even though we’d already called someone who worked at Piedmont Park. This person called the head of Live Nation (the group that puts on all of Paul’s shows) and he said it was okay if we wen’t through. We were also told that there’d be free water once we got in, but once again, that wasn’t the case. I was one of the lucky people that got to take advantage of the presale, but unfortionatly, it was so disorganized that everyone got in at the same time. There was only one entrance, which was crazy. In the 6 hours I spent waiting there, and the time that Paul was performing, I must have second hand smoked 3 packs of cigarettes, and countless doses of marijuana. The guy standing next to me was blowing smoke in my face the whole time. That said, it actually was a fantastic concert. The rain started pouring during “Blackbird,” and got even stronger during “Here Today,” but really, I thought it just added to the moment. I was willing to sit through the pouring rain to see Paul McCartney. When Paul started playing “I’ve got a feeling,” my mother inquired as to whether that was one of my favorite songs (she asked because I’d mentioned it before). I replied that it was my favorite, at which point, the guy next to me said “Mine too.” I didn’t know weather to hug him or to punch him (for blowing his smoke in my face), so I compromised and didn’t do anything. Paul played some great songs. It was nice to hear him change it up. Lou is obviously a fan of the early Beatles. Paul’s had other good stuff since then. I think that the biggest disapointment was that Paul didn’t play “Maybe I’m Amazed.” Too bad.
And no, Mitchell. I’m the biggest Paul/Beatles fan in Atlanta.
Also, yesterday I unintentionaly met Rusty Anderson in Guitar Center. I was returning a defective bass and the guy at the counter said “Hey, you know that Rusty Anderson’s in the next room.” I was in disbelief and asked him to repeat that several times. Finally, I walked in there. I just kind of stared at him for 5 minutes. He probably thought I was deranged. Eventually, I worked up the courage to ask him for an autograph, which he game me. This has been the best weekend of my life!
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Brett
August 16th, 2009
2:08 am
Lou: maybe because McCartney still has a vital solo career and his recent stuff is actually very good? If people in the crowd don’t know the newer stuff, that’s their loss. McCartney is more than a nostalgia act. If you want to hear all those songs, there are many great Beatles tribute acts around.
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Ryan
August 16th, 2009
3:43 am
Great show! My first time seeing Paul, and I really enjoyed it. The rain cooled everything off for sure. I was surprised that Paul mentioned Shea Stadium during his comments. Some people booed, so I guess he figured out that we’re all Braves fans. I liked the setlist, and was floored when they did Day In the Life into Give Peace a Chance. Definitely didn’t expect that. The fireworks during Live and Let Die were amazing. Great job Paul! I’ll go see you whenever I get the chance.
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Robbi
August 16th, 2009
3:50 am
This is my 3rd time seeing Paul, and it was absolutely fantastic. Im 23, so im rather young for a McCartney fan, but I grew up loving The Beatles! Im glad he added some songs he hasnt done in the previous couple of years, it was a good change. I think his voice was wonderful and his ability to entertain a crowd has not diminished at all over the years! I agree about the cigarette smoke and the weed at the park-it was pretty extensive. Not to mention the vendors were going through the crowd selling beer during “here today.” I missed a touching song that meant a lot to me because the guy was screaming “Who wants a cold beer” right in my ear. Good thing Ive heard Paul play it twice before.
Did anyone else have trouble with stadium chairs? On the Piedmont Park website they changed it to where Stadium chairs were allowed-they even had a picture of it on the site! As soon as we tried to get in, they told us they werent allowed! I think a lot of it was unorganized and going to the bathroom/getting refreshments was virtually impossible. You could barely get through without someone bitching at you for stepping on their blanket. Gosh, get a life!
But really, even with the rain, the show was fantastic. I enjoyed every minute of it and I PRAY that Paul will tour again!
Oh and I have to disagree-I think my twin sister and I are the biggest fans in Atlanta. But of course everyone thinks the same thing about themselves. You should see my Beatles tattoo?
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Robbi
August 16th, 2009
3:52 am
Oh, did anyone else hear Paul say that the Shea Stadium was 45 years ago? Its only 44 though, because it was in 1965. Oh well. Hes Sir Paul McCartney-he can say whatever he wants for all I care. I love that man!
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Paula Katalinich
August 16th, 2009
4:04 am
It was 1963, I was almost 10, and The Beatles came into my life and have been present ever since. My 29 year old daughter and her 30 year old boyfriend had family over for a ‘listening party’ from their home down the street from the Park. It started to rain and then lightning, we went inside and started talking. I stood up and said, I am going to the Park – I want to hear Paul! Katie and Mike said they wanted to go too, so we made a mad dash down the street to the Park. We walked in, no tickets, and enjoyed the concert from the sidelines! Best concert of my life! The Beatles have BEEN my life. Rain,Peace,Love, Family,My Life’s Music. Thank you LORD. Thank you Sir Paul .
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Kat
August 16th, 2009
4:13 am
A living legend just rocked the house tonight in Piedmont Park! Paul was AMAZING! He looked great, his band was awesome, the stage was incredible. I thought the crowd was one of the best I have been in – no one was complaining around us, the lines weren’t too long (10 minutes or so), food was good, beer was cold, and the music blew me away. This was my 2nd Macca concert and by far the best of the two. Live and Let Die was phenomenal and A Day in the Life into Give Peace a Chance was truly memorable. By far, even with the rain, crowded trains and long walks, the best concert I have ever been to! I will never forget it.
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David
August 16th, 2009
5:06 am
I’m sorry, but the first post made me laugh. A man with a massive catalog of stellar tunes and someone asks about “Say Say Say”? lol.
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Jeanne
August 16th, 2009
9:15 am
My first Paul McCartny concert and it was awesome! My husband and I were older than most of the people around us (57 & 61) but everyone was friendly. Food, beer, and port o potty lines weren’t bad at all, you just needed to scope things out and not be a lemming (go where everyone else goes). Marta was great except for the far too few North Springs trains. Overall fab experience, Paul is a great entertainer and still sooooo cute!
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Con
August 16th, 2009
9:30 am
Toyed with not going….live a few blocks away….close walking distance the deciding factor. Knew I would always regret being that close and not taking the opportunity to see Sir Paul. After all, he’s the first guy I ever had a crush on back in 1963. Other two sisters claimed John and George. Sorry Ringo.
Anywho, the concert was fantastic. Cool breeze…..a little water never hurt anybody. Great crowd even down to the triangle heads and the plastic cloud people. Amazing what will work in a rainstorm! Lots of happy people everywhere. Hubby and I able to relive a little of the “give peace a chance” era. It felt good to go back there. Wish everybody could have felt it. But back to the concert…top of the line, a-one, well done. A wonderful memory.
Thanks Sir Paul. Thank you so much. I’ll still always regret you didn’t marry me.
(I was only 8 at the time so you’re forgiven!)
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T
August 16th, 2009
10:10 am
Sat out in the heat for 5 hours but totally worth it!! Sir Paul put on an awesome show!!
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Deimos
August 16th, 2009
10:12 am
The performances were great. I was not familiar with the Script before the concert, but the band put on a great show. McCartney was awesome. Highlights: Something as tribute to George Harrison, Blackbird (in the rain), Back in the USSR, and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band.
I have never experienced a more disorganized entry into a concert. As mentioned above, the promised early entry did not happen. Police and volunteers gave conflicting instructions. People who walked up got in before people who had been line for hours.
The crowd ranged from very friendly to a voluntary manslaughter case waiting to happen. Some apparently didn’t hear the word “green”: trash covered the ground.
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Leona's Girls
August 16th, 2009
10:15 am
So I bought VIP tickets to support the cause – love Piedmont!! – with the side benefit of what I thought would be a little less chaotic journey as I was traveling solo with kids under 15. It was a trip – if you want a play book of how not to treat your donors… VIP entrance far, far away from main hotels; disorganized, long line that had limited staff; they took our armless, legless stadium seats because there was some metal in the support – boo; by the time we got in the field was 1/4 full, so those who anticipated early entry to get a field seat would have been better off going through the main entrance; food and drink were “free,” but the food choices were limited; only one vendor area and the line was always long; and by the time we got around 5 there were few seats left in the VIP area that were not obstructed by trees. What all this did was get folks complaining to the point that it was taking away from our good day. It was a trip and really borderline punishment to be in the VIP area. What were those good Conservency folks thinking?
But on the subject of good… with my sweet kids surrounded by endless voices of digruntled adults,however justified those adults were, we decided to use Piedmont Park for one of its favorites uses – walking! We crossed over to the field and found all the food!! The kids did a dance for sweet tea and pizza! We then ditched that VIP hill again and trekked in the field entrance near the stage. Found a hand-squeezed lemonade booth – heaven – and a vendor line so short that we were able to have time to try on shirts before we bought them. And we loved that Irish band! But best of all, around 7:30 we just casually walked our way to within a few feet of the stage. No kidding! The kids were mesmerized and so was I. There was Sir Paul! And we danced and sang, with an incredible beach- like breeze blowing. And everyone around us was happy!! There are moments that occur in live that you never forget – and watching those kids laughing and singing Blackbird with Paul McCartney in the pouring rain, just feet from the stage, is one of those moments for me.
In the end, what paying 400 per ticket did was contribute to our beloved park, test our ability to say Let it Be, and utimately triggered us to embark on one of the most amazing concert adventures of our lives.
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Rebecca
August 16th, 2009
10:43 am
Following up Brett, Paul has been releasing solo records for 39 years now, maybe two of which were not top-forty hits, and maybe one of which (Press to Play) isn’t packed with fantastic songs. If you don’t know “Mrs Vandebilt,” the album’s been out for better than three decades and has gone triple platinum. Maybe you should stop by Decatur CD or Criminal Records today and do a little catching up?
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Paul McJagger
August 16th, 2009
11:11 am
Not my all-time favorite concert but definitely a top lifetime memory for me. Been a Beatles fan for 45 years and have never seen Paul. Compared to the other bazilllion shows I’ve been to this crowd was pretty stiff where I was sitting (nothing a little Geritol can’t cure I suppose). Great set list; really liked the new stuff too! The rain was a minor annoyance but added to the experience. The sound was pretty clear, but I think the visuals could have been more psychedelic, given the era of the songs, the earthy “green” event and the fact that it’s the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. Sir Paul: what can you say about a legend! He was energetic, charming and his voice sounded strong and fresh. Of all of the songs for some reason I can’t get Drive My Car out of my head. Finishing up with Sgt. Peppers/The End was perfect! Thanks Paul for all of your talent and music over the years! What a great night for the Park, the city and me!
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Angie
August 16th, 2009
11:17 am
There were many angry folks who had bought their tickets at pre-sale and had thought they were getting in an hour before general admission. My family wasted hours walking around trying to locate an entry for the pre-sale tickets. The AJC had a map of the park on Aug.7 plainly stating that gates will now open at 4pm for VIP and park pre-sale tickets. There was even a map showing a separate entrance for VIP/patron. There was a line for VIP but nothing for pre-sale. Park officials just kept telling us that there was only one entry time for everyone now, 4pm. We walked back down to the main entrance to find a small crowd of disgruntled pre-sale ticket holders complaining loudly about the park entry changes. The VIP ticket holders I talked to were also not happy that they spent $400 on a ticket that would gain them entrance the same time as general admission. A last minute effort by park officials at 4pm to appease the complaining pre-entry ticket crowd let those holders who happened to be standing at the gate skip the long general admission line and enter in a separate line along with all the general admission at 4. Needless to say we were so frustrated by the time we entered the park but hours later when Paul took the stage we were in heaven! We have been fortunate to see Paul seven times beginning in 1976 with Wings and were amazed at the age of 67 he still has the same vigor and love for entertaining as the young man we first saw in his early thirties. A comment for Lou…you may not have liked some of the songs selected to play but remember everybody has there favs and Calico Skies happens to be one of ours. It brought tears to my 27 year old daughter’s eyes! We love you Paul and God bless you! Hope we have the good fortune to spend and evening with you again someday.
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LJ
August 16th, 2009
11:28 am
I can’t add anything to the comments above, other than it was my first show, loved it, and it was an awesome first concert experience for my 13 year old son, who was blown away by it. A great bonding experience!
My biggest negative: the exit plan, or lack thereof. How did they expect 40,000 people to exit at one time through the same 3 narrow gates that took hours for them to enter? It freaked me out to be caught in the massive jam of humanity. Other exits should have been opened, gates/fences taken down, ANYTHING, to let the people free!!
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Tara- biggest beatles fan
August 16th, 2009
11:30 am
I think that concert was the best night of my life… And I don’t think I’ll have one that’s better! I’m saying that and I’m only 11. Apart from John Lennon, I don’t think anyone could compare to Paul McCartney’s shows- not that I know what John Lennon would be like, but he’s still my favorite. I think the best part of the concert was when he sang Live and Let Die. That was amazing! I hope I’ll get a chance to see him again!
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Eric
August 16th, 2009
11:36 am
First Paul McCartney concert I ahve ever been to, and I definatley would go again. I am a little behind on his new releases but they were all good. Paul was fantastic. “Live and let die”, and “Something” were awsome. “I saw her standing there” was great, and “Jet” and “Band on the run” were killer. As far as Paul goes he was great, awsome act, definatly in my top 10 concerts that I have ever seen and would glady go again. I’m 40 and have listened to the beatles and Paul most of my life. My friends had always said he was great to go see and he was.
Now as far as the Green thing, it was a chinese fire drill, I have been to 2 other concerts at Piedmont park, The Black Crowes and Jefferson Starship, those were free concerts and the way they set the stage up I thought was it was smart where they put it on the opposite side. Getting into the event, we bought pre-buy tickets, it didn’t matter they were letting people in period. Whats the point of pre-buying? Walking around between everybodys blankets was like a version of “Human Tetris”, if you got drunk you were screwed. The rain sucked but oh well, it happens in outdoor concerts, it cooled people off more than anything. As far as being a green concert, I gurantee there will be garbage there the next day, how may trash containers they had was very few. They could have set it up better with lanes for people to walk in and some garbage cans. As another poster said, bathrooms and vending wasn’t that bad if you didn’t go to where everybody else went. There was ciggerette and Pot smoke, didn’t bother me but alot of people it did.
One thing that wasn’t that bad. Marta, they acttually had their act together was very controlled.
Lastly I have been to those Piedmont shows and midtown music festival several times. I really don’t think I’m going to go to another outdoor show, I like indoor shows, the seats and all.
I think outdoor shows are really a younger persons thing like Bonnaroo, i would love to go but I don’t want to be outdoors the whole show, standing room only. My feet were killing me. 
I hope if Paul McCartney comes again that he will play at the Ga Dome or Phillips arena, i will be there in a second. I have no complaints on Sir Paul he was fantastic, on Piedmont park, ya’ll need to think about this a little harder before you do it again.
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MIchaelM
August 16th, 2009
11:41 am
Sir Paul’s performance was a shining highlight to a day of disorganization and mahem. It would be difficult to find more ways to make this a poor experience for the concertgoer. From the rude vendors (25 minutes in a line for wine, while the “lady” in the beer tent next door was selling it to her friends without a wait) to the bizarre setup (sticking vendors in the middle of the audience to block as much of the view as possible,) this was a lesson in how to infuriate your patrons.
Hopefully, the Conservancy raised enough money from this concert so they can erect a wall around the entire park. That would help keep out all those pesky people who want to go walk on their beloved grass. How about a glassed-in observation room so that you can see the grass without really touching it?
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World Be Free
August 16th, 2009
11:52 am
Maybe the best concert I have ever seen in 35 years. Why? McCartney/Beatles’ songs are the songs of 2 generations. Most of his tunes are so familiar, we have heard them a thousand times minimum.
McCratney’s dialogue was great. Unlike John, he never really takes himself too seriously outside the music. GREAT reference to George Harrison and Paul’s version of “Something”. I got chills during A Day In The Life when they broke into “Give Peace A Chance”. Hey Jude, Back in the USSR, Get Back, Live and Let Die (awesome!) the list goes on. I felt my life flashing before my eyes. Paul sounded great, he was so enthused about being there and playing his wide range of tunes. And he did them so well.
67 years old, almost 3 hours without a break-except for waiting for his 2 encores. Incredible. Scratch another thing off my bucket list!
Note to Paul-thanks for not playing Say, Say, Say and Let ‘em In.
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martin
August 16th, 2009
12:15 pm
Living in midtown a block from the park a group of us went. We did everything midtown, coctail party at a home on Myrtel, strolled to concert around 7:30 after a quick drink at Blakes when all the burb’s crowd were safley inside the park. Found a great spot on the hill,near a bar and had an evening that a lifetime of memories are made of. Atlanta and Piedmont Park were so lucky to have this concert. Outdoor park concerts such as this put us on the map as a world class city and concert venue. If this had been in the Dome, it would of been just another mediocre concert up there with Brittney and Blue Man Group. Of course he is going to play new music also, anyone going thinking they were to hear a Beattles set all night, well, I pity them. I am glad to of been a part of Atlanta history last night and thank the PPC for bringing this event to our great city and thrilled this concert closes the gap on the 52 acre park expansion, that we will all be able to enjoy in the future!
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Angie
August 16th, 2009
12:16 pm
Have to add that I would not like to see McCartney at an outdoor venue again. I actually know of several people that did not come because the venue was Piedmont Park. Who ever thought an outdoor concert in Atlanta in the middle of hot as hell August must be crazy!
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Casey
August 16th, 2009
12:41 pm
What a great concert. Went with my sister and a friend. What a great trip down memory lane. My sister saw the Beatles at the old Atlanta Stadium and still has her ticket so I think she may qualify as one of the biggest fans. She has every single album they made framed and hanging on the wall. Paul is just as cute now as he was in 1964.
The music set was good and yes I enjoyed his new music. You have to expect that he would want to introduce new things. Even Jimmy Buffet does that. I found it somewhat strange that there were tons of beer and wine vendors but the food was far, far away. As for checking for cameras, food being brought in, lawn chairs, etc. the security failed miserably. Everyone had their cameras. I saw sandwiches from Publix and other food items obviously not bought inside the venue. I also wondered about the pre-ticket entrance but honestly we had such a great view it didn’t matter. Lots of pot and cigarettes which surprised me. Parked in Ansley Park at a friend’s house and walked in thru the Botanical Garden’s back entrance saved us about 1/2 mile of walking. Overall, a great evening with a living legend. Aside from sore legs from standing for 4 plus hours and being soaked, I would rate this as one of the best concerts I have seen and I have been to many concerts throughout the years.
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Clarke Harwood
August 16th, 2009
12:47 pm
Angie, simply put, you are an idiot. I could go through your posts, line by line, and point all the truly stupid and inaccurate things you said. But, I’m not going to do that. Instead, I’m just going to say that any confusion and discomfort you experienced were of your own making. Learn to read, learn to process information, and then learn to apply it, as any moderately intelligent human being can. I went to the concert (my second @PP and 4th time to see McCartney), and the only moderately unpleasant aspect was the rain, which is an Act of God.
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Lovely Rita
August 16th, 2009
12:53 pm
GREAT show. GREAT music. In my opinion, Paul made up for the rainstorm by playing a really long show full of great song choices. I was especially happy to hear Something (on ukelele), Eleanor Rigby, Got to Get You Into My Life, Hey Jude, Let it Be, and gosh- just SOOO many other wonderful Beatles tunes I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to see played live. My first Paul show, and Im SO glad i went! It was awesome… and the rain was very ironic to me since it was the 40th anniversary of woodstock, i almost felt like it was fated.
It was actually kinda nice…
Not-so great food selection for vegetarians/vegans which was pretty disappointing considering Paul is a vegetarian himself… (we waited 2 hours for a falalfel pita and then they ran out on us – also the veggies were cooked on same grill as meat – which personally i think is yucky!). Hopefully in the future, we will see more veggie choices at EVERY concert… especially ones promoting green living.
Also, being a green concert, i was surprised at the amount of trash, although, I have to say, there werent ANY trash/recycling cans on the field to use… but i figure with the amount of volunteers they had, MAYBE they did that on purpose to avoid trash and recyling getting mixed together… I mean, lets face it, when a bunch of drunk people are having a good time (seeing PAUL McCARTNEY for cryin out loud), they may not read whats on the can (trash vs. recycling) – the volunteers had quite a back breaking job of picking up smashed beer cans for a few hours after the show! Maybe that was the plan… IM just glad i didnt bring a blanket to have to carry around after it was trampled and soaked after the rain!
That being said, I had a fabulous time. it was a great show and I LOVE YOU DEARLY PAUL! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!! I hope i get the opportunity to see you again. Rain OR shine.
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9 year old Beatle fan
August 16th, 2009
12:54 pm
I’m 9 years old and I love the Beatles! Paul is my favoite. My favorite song is “I Saw Her Standing There.” I did have to wait for a while in the sun, but it was worth it. I love the Beatles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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World Be Free
August 16th, 2009
12:55 pm
Can’t see how a true concert goer could find anything wrong with last night’s event. Rain? I needed a bath anyway.
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Robin Durham
August 16th, 2009
12:58 pm
Drove from Birmingham,Alabama to see Paul McCartney for the first time ever, and we enjoyed every second. Ages in our group ranged from 24-56. Of course ther were songs I would have loved to hear, but honestly, there just wouldn’t have been enough time to to satisfy all…just too many great songs out there. There will always be people that will search for and focus on the negative details (glass 1/2 empty vs 1/2 full), but the truth is, IT WAS A FANTASTIC CONCERT. Paul had a wonderful sense of humor, told some great stories, gave tribute to Jimmy Hendrix/anniversary of woodstock, the fireworks were awsome, AND came back for 3 encores! The atmosphere was suitable for all ages – no raunchy jokes or filthy language – just great music.He was a true gentleman!
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Angie
August 16th, 2009
1:08 pm
Clarke, any moderately intelligent human being can go to the Aug.7th Atlanta Journal, page D6, and read what was advertised for the entry into this concert….there is no confusion. By the way, intelligent people don’t resort to name-calling. I will not waste anymore time on your post.
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Longtime Fan
August 16th, 2009
1:17 pm
What a fab-ulous experience! Yes, it was hot, but that is Georgia in August! I am 56 and I was able to handle the heat and the crowds! The fact that this was an outdoor concert added to the mood and the magic. My one teensy distress was that we did “follow the rules” and wait in the long line to get in the gate, and then saw others just walking up the street and walking in.
I will always remember singing “Hey Jude” and the segue from “Day in the Life” into “Give Peace a Chance”gave the experience a little of the Woodstock vibe (along with the rain!). I am so glad I went to this concert!
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DH
August 16th, 2009
1:21 pm
Great music, and I had great company as always (my gorgeous girlfriend). But this was by far the worst concert venue ever and it was hard to let it overshadow enjoyment of the music. Waiting more than 4 hours in the blazing sun on a blanket for PM was about as fun as that description reads – it really sucked. Drunk morons next to us who thought their dance floor included every blade of grass they could reach whether there was anyone (like us) already in place or not. Lots of bad information from this blog about when gates opened, what you couldn’t bring in (saw plenty of stadium seats with arms that this blog said were prohibited) and getting there. Wish I’d paid heed to the comments left on one of this blogs earlier posts warning what a bad concert venue Piedmont Park is. And, of course, it rained during PM’s performance, couldn’t have come hours earlier when it could’ve helped with the heat. Script sucked, too. All in all, you couldn’t pay me to go to another outdoor concert especially at Piedmont. The homage to “green” was more classic liberal BS – the trash that was left by this “environmentally-friendly” crowd was appalling and disgusting.
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Eric
August 16th, 2009
1:22 pm
I am surprised, that people seem to be surprised that there were cigarettes & pot being smoked. Thanks for the good buzz! I thought the show was very well organized. Never had to wait to get a beer, and the lines for the portopotties were reasonable. Even everyone in line for the pottys were singing and dancing and having a great time.
I hope Piedmont Park makes this an annual tradition of having a major concert in the park. How about the Stones next year!
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Sharon
August 16th, 2009
1:29 pm
Probably the best McCartney show I’ve seen – I think this was my 6th one. A range of music from Beatles to Wings to Fireman – band has really gelled after playing together for several years. Loved the fireworks! They can’t do that in Phillips… so yes, it was worth the unorganized staff, ATL PD giving out different info from the volunteers/staff, the not getting in @ 4 if u had presale, the people who got territorial about their blankies, the couple who got directly in front of me, the people who unknowingly dumped their tarp water on my feet, & the people who got there to wait “@ 7 am” & yelled “Go to the end of the line!” like a deranged mob & cheered as the dejected people who had been directed by APD to “another gate” @ the opposite end of the Park had to walk all the way back to Charles Allen again…. sorry about the run-on sentence there. All that being said, we had quite a show & I would go again! But only for Paul. I wouldn’t go through that for anyone else. Peace y’all.
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Clarke Harwood
August 16th, 2009
1:31 pm
Angie, any times and details of entry that were changed were well publicized, and notifications via telephone and email were sent out. Bottom line, dear, I knew EXCACTLY what and when was going on and you didn’t. I knew exactly where to enter and did so exactly when I wanted to. I guess you had an $80 ticket and wanted to be treated as if you paid $400. Try a little common sense, honey, and perhaps next time you won’t be so disappointed and whiny. You thought that was “hot”? I guess you didn’t attend the Allman Bros./DMB double-bill on Labor Day 2007. And, as for you ignorant people complaining about he didn’t play such & such, well (a) the Beatles have a large catalogue and (b) back in 1990, it was a big deal when he’d play even a couple of Beatles songs. Just be glad that he now embraces them in concert
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Alexandra Brandis
August 16th, 2009
1:34 pm
Total Disaster! Sir Paul, you are so out of touch with your fans!
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Sue
August 16th, 2009
1:39 pm
What a WONDERFUL evening. Thank you, Paul. I’ll never forget it!
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Jamie Turner
August 16th, 2009
1:43 pm
I loved seeing McCartney in Piedmont Park last night. As always, he was brilliant. I was particularly impressed with The Script who opened for him. In fact, I liked them so much, I blogged about them on the 60 Second Marketer website in a posting called “I have seen the future of Rock N Roll and its name is The Script.” Cool.
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Edward S
August 16th, 2009
2:21 pm
Easily the best concert I’ve experienced. I didn’t have any of the negative experiences that are on this blog. Heat?…um, August=hot weather. It was 100 in Chicago for Lollapolooza last week. This was the best weather you could hope for.
I loved the Piedmont Park venue too. The audio was perfect. We also read online that the entrance was at Ch Allen/10th Street. Guess what…that’s where we got in! We waited for an hour before the doors opened, but then dashed for a spot near the front (and well in front of the VIP seats). Kudos to the PPC and their VOLUNTEERS for doing the best they could and throwing a memorable concert.
Oh yeah…this ‘Paul McCartney’ seems to have some potential. Keep your eye on him. He might go places.
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Dave
August 16th, 2009
3:08 pm
Marta was surpisingly organized and full of police and felt safe. Not a big fan of walking miles to get to and from a venue however. They really need to approximate the time Paul was coming on since it ended up being 3.5 hours after the gates opened but then I suppose people would come in later and later . Rain sucked and was not a big fan of the newer songs. Wanted to hear more Wings songs like “Silly little love songs” but overall was good show seeing a living legend and someone who basically started it all with the Beatles.Liked the Hendrix stories etc… Food was decent and lines were not too bad.. people were cleaning garbage all thru the show. It seemed pretty coordinated.
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pentagon_cowboy
August 16th, 2009
3:54 pm
What a horrible experience I had at McCartney’s Piedmont Park concert. I am outraged at how poorly Piedmont Park and McCarthey’s producers handled the VIP section. I quickly scanned previously posted comments and saw some agreement with my experience.
I waited 45 years to see a Beatle, so I decided to splurge for the high-priced tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime event. After TicketMaster’s surcharge, shipping, handling, and taxes, my $400 tickets cost me $650 each. But hey, for that price I should get reserved seats close to the stage, and perhaps some special treatment. When I got to the Park, I found out that the seat number printed on my tickets meant nothing, and was told so by a surley park volunteer. The VIP section was a hill side about 1/4 mile from the stage with no seating. We had to find an empty patch of grass in the dirt to park our butts. I would have felt better if someone had just placed a gun in my face and demanded my money. Instead, I not only feel like a victum, but I also feel like a a chump for allowing myself to be ripped off. Please don’t waste your money on VIP tickets, the cheap seats are far better. For that matter, McCarthey sounds better on CD, so use the money to upgrade your system, buy the CD’s you don’t have and have a great time. I was at the Dallas TV Cast 30 year reunion, which became notorious for how poorly it was organized. This event was just as bad for the VIP section. No show producer or entertainer will ever again get one penny of my money, and I will never again set foot in Piedmont Park!!!
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Long Time Fan
August 16th, 2009
4:18 pm
This was a special treat for my wife (over 50) and my son (15). Not real impressed by the lack of organization by the promoters (conflicting entry time) and a few rude people who broke line. Not a big fan of the genral free for all admission venue but it did allow me the chance to purchase tickets at a reasonable price. Having said that, it was everything I had expected-I got to see a legend! To get to see someone who had so much influence over my generation is something I never expected to experience! the show was good, his set was fine (how could you pick what to play and please everyone out of such a long career?), sound was good and the park was a cool place to be for a concert. I know the concert had some warts but overall I would do it again.
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Judy D
August 16th, 2009
4:46 pm
This concert was grueling for Paul’s 60ish and not so agile fans. First of all the directions on getting in were horrendous and wrong! We walked from one end of the line, found out we needed to be at the other side of the park,and had to walk another very long way to get in that gate. As a matter of fact, my best friend ended up dehydrated and collapsed before getting into the gate and had to be hauled away by ambulance. She missed the concert, and Paul has been her idol since 1964. Sitting on the ground was terrible, old bones can’t take it, and I was miserably uncomfortable sitting there all those hours. The rain, altho nothing we could do about it, was dreadful, soaking wet all nite. The process of getting in was so poorly executed, and wrong information was given at every turn. Now Sir Paul, he was incredible, as always, and if it wasn’t him on stage I would have left. Next time, I’ll see him only in an airconditioned arena WITH SEATS
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Claudia
August 16th, 2009
4:57 pm
Paul was fantastic as usual. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to see him! I also want to thank the MARTA people for keeping things moving fast. The park organizers however should have done a better job and directed people into separate lines. Why advertise early entry when there is no attempt made for that to happen? Also, at one point the main line was detoured down a side street as if going to another gate and then made to loop back up on the opposite side of the road. This was a confusing mess and many people were simply crossing the road and breaking line and police officers were giving us conflicting stories on where to line up. I don’t blame the police however, it was just poor organization. Also, it would be helpful if the organizers had somehow mapped out at least a few paths for people going on and off the field for refreshments/bathrooms instead we got drunk people almost stepping on you (if you were sitting) or almost knocking you down if you were standing. Still despite all that and the rain it was a magical show and Paul still has IT after all these years.
Still despite all that and the rain it was a magical show!
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Beej
August 16th, 2009
7:29 pm
Paul put on one heck of a show…despite being in line and waiting for Paul for HOURS, I would do it all again to see his stellar performance. Ticketmaster and Piedmont Park on the other hand should be slapped for their performance.
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Jerry Wilhoite
August 16th, 2009
7:52 pm
The venue was wide-open, and it permitted large numbers of people to enjoy the experience. Paul and his band were great! The Script was also enjoyable to listen to! The only down-side to the whole experience was the mess that people left behind after the concert! There were enough beer cans, water bottles, and food containers to fill a semi trailer several times over. Perhaps the “green” concert was more about money than any environmental concerns!
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Rick Allen
August 16th, 2009
8:01 pm
As a visitor to Atlanta I think it was a great concert, Sir Paul was in fine voice and very giving and appreciative of the audience. Kudos to the overwhelmed staff and emergency workers who were always nice and professional. I knew the concert would be interesting when I read that it was the promoters biggest show. There was a complete lack of organization in waiting for entry and in the set up of the field with no access or exits for pedestrians or emergency personnel. There was however enough food, drink, and restrooms for all. Exactly how big was the attendance number and how much beer was consumed by the 30 to 40 thousand in attendance?
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R
August 16th, 2009
8:05 pm
To those of you who were not allowed to bring in your stadium seats, what, if any, provisions were made for you — did they hold on to your seats for you, and were you able to retrieve them after the concert?
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GoZon
August 16th, 2009
8:09 pm
I’ve got a feeling that I get back in my life every time the band is on the run, I was standing there (in Piedmont Park) as day tripper yeah, it was yesterday. Hey dude, I said, look at all the lonely people trying to live and let die, give peace a chance since I can’t buy me love, you don’t need to go back in the USSR nor pray Lady Madonna to drive my car, we are lonely hearts, kind of blackbirds in a state of helter skelter and I am just a paperback writer trying to get you into my life. The end.
Gracias Pablo.
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Thunderstruck
August 16th, 2009
8:24 pm
There was room for improvement concerning not having signage and more entry points to make it a smoother experience for the concertgoer. That being said, Piedmont Park itself turned out to be a beautiful space to host this event, with lush grass everywhere to plant one’s self for a few hours. I didn’t see any bare spots.
This was a concert for the ages. I saw Paul in Columbia, S.C. in 1993 and he was even better on 8/15/09. It simply defies imagination that a man Paul’s age could have as much energy as he did, playing so many songs without a break – a true Energizer Bunny he was. We experienced not only a fantastic show from THE legend of rock legends, but an astonishing display of human and vocal endurance. One got the sense that Paul played so many songs after the first encore because he wanted to pay the fans back for having been rained on. No spirits were dampened that I saw. The one song that most aptly summarized everyone’s mood was one of his more recent hits – “Dance Tonight” – a simple and catchy tune that lightened all moods despite the downpour then occurring.
What made the concert most special for me was that I was able to take my daughter, who hadn’t seen Paul live before. I sang Beatles love songs as lullabies to her when she was an infant and toddler, and she has grown up loving Beatles music. She was enthralled by Sir Paul and his music last night. This was in all likelihood a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The both of us will remember last night for the rest of our lives, and it is sure to be among our most cherished memories as we both grow older.
Beatles Forever.
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G8TR
August 16th, 2009
8:37 pm
Since people who complain probably post their views more than those who simply appreciated and enjoyed Sir Paul’s show, I want to thank the Piedmont Park Conservancy for bringing this tremendous inter-generational experience to our city. Had Paul played just another Philips Arena show, so many families who made memories in the Park together last night would have lost out. Obviously, the Park is not set up for every-day concert-going — and if you expected perfection you’re more than a little naive. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for Atlantans and Beatles fans, and we owe the Conservancy and their volunteers gratitude for this event and everything else getting accomplished for our Park.
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Thunderstruck
August 16th, 2009
9:05 pm
Well said, G8TR. I echo G8TR’s thoughts and gratitude to all the volunteers who made last night possible.
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Ben
August 16th, 2009
9:44 pm
My wife and I made the trip from Ohio to see the show. This was my 8th McCartney show, her 4th. Well worth the trip, the entire thing was an adventure! From our first experience with MARTA (which turned out to be pretty good, when we’re back in town I would probably use MARTA again) to the experience with Piedmont and waiting in line since 11:30 to use our presale early entry tickets (haha, right?) to the most incredible performer and concert!
As for the show, what can I add that hasn’t already been said. The new material was incredible, love “Only Mama Knows” live! “I’m Down” was a great addition to the set, and one I did not expect to hear. And “Day Tripper?” All I can say is “WOW!!!”
I popped the big question to my wife at Paul’s concert in 2005, so this was a great chance for us to remember that night and had yet another special memory to our scrapbook of life together! (And Paul, if you read this … Melissa and I want to thank you for that great night in Detroit! And thank you again for reading my sign and making me get down infront of 20,000 people!)
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Sharon
August 16th, 2009
9:47 pm
I survived the concert last night, and lived to tell the story. Thank God for Paul McCartney. Only Paul McCartney could take a perfectly horrible misery marathon like Atlanta’s concert preparation, and still make you feel glad to be alive. The people in the Atlanta audience were fantastic, considering that a huge number of them received such lousy, inconsistent info, about the event that by the time Paul took the stage we were dehydrated, exhausted, sunburned, and broke. Paul still saved the day.
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Leigh Dinwiddie
August 16th, 2009
9:48 pm
I drove from Tennessee with my 18 year old daughter to see Paul McCartney and I would drive to Alaska to see him again!! I am 42 and have been a Beatles/PM fan as long as I can remember. This was the ultimate concert experience! What a magical night!! Thank you, thank you, thank you Sir Paul for beautiful music and beautiful you…
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 16th, 2009
10:12 pm
Looooove reading your comments and takes on the Paul McCartney shows. Definitely a diversity of opinions, although most of you seem pretty happy with how it turned out.
A reminder: please keep it civil and push the conversation forward. I’ll be compiling some of these comments into a post on Monday, too!
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Achtung Ya'll
August 16th, 2009
11:09 pm
What a great show! There are words I am sure to express appropriately, however I don’t know what they are. For all the problems expressed, I did not see any, perhaps you all are just not experienced concert goers and lacking in navigational skills.
Being in my mid thirties I came to know and appreciate the Beatles about the same time as everything else that was popular at the time, U2, REM and The Cure. Very quickly I recognized how much these bands owed to the Beatles and McCartney especially. I have seen concerts all over the world. My job made this possible, but seeing the Macca in my hometown in our park again I don’t know the words. I was happy to see kids at this show, perhaps this show will be the beginning of their musical journey and what a way to start.
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Damon
August 17th, 2009
12:16 am
My my at the snobbery , you spent that much for tix and dashed expectations….get over your whiny ass selves! $80 bucks and we had a blast !
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James
August 17th, 2009
12:24 am
I have to agree with Pentagon Cowboy about how bad the VIP section and organization was but P.M. made me forget it all. It was a great show …. There could also have been more done to make it a true green event.
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Chris
August 17th, 2009
12:48 am
Had a blast at the McCartney show. We flew down to Atlanta from Rock Island, Illinois. It’s part of the Quad Cities, which includes Moline, IL – home of John Deere, for reference. Anyway, my wife and I were the ones about 8 rows back that had the sign that read “BABY’S FIRST MCCARTNEY SHOW – DUE FEBRUARY 10TH” that he read during the concert! It was a surreal experience. He read the sign and then commented, wondering if the baby could hear the music because “they say that they can”. He then strummed a few notes and did a little opera singing as a joke. It’s something we’ll never forget!!! I could tell that he had read the sign a few songs earlier. He made eye contact with us and nodded and smiled. Then, at the end of the concert he referenced our baby again during his goodbye’s and did a little baby holding motion! Finally, as he exited the stage I was thinking about throwing the little Beatles onesie we’d bought onto stage, but there were some pyrotechnics going off. He looked back at my wife and I and gave us both a big thumbs up. Truely a remarkable experience! If anyone knows of any bootleg of the audio or even better, the video of the concert please let me know!! Does any think Piedmont will make a video of the concert similar to what Dave Matthews did a couple years ago?
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M.E.
August 17th, 2009
1:25 am
Fantastic Show! Drove down with my 21 year old from St. Louis, who is a huge Paul McCartney fan. We were not disappointed. We had no idea where/what Piedmont Park was, but did some checking before purchasing tickets. If you had researched the park on the website, you should have known what the $400 tickets were going to get you – up on the hill – with the stage clearly marked. Buyer beware – do your research. We bought the cheapest tickets, waited in line from 1:00 on, (only because there were already people there & my daughter wanted to get the “best spot”) and once we got in, we made it close to the stage. We knew in advance what to expect. The money we saved from the VIP tickets we spent on a hotel within walking distance(actually less than $400 for two nights). The park was wonderful – the music great, and the rain just made for some fantastic memories. It was all worth it to see my daughter’s excitement and we can’t believe that Paul sang for as long as he did. Also, we didn’t mind sharing our blanket with strangers who just walked in at 7:00 pm. We had room. Could things have been done better- hey, I’ve been volunteering in the school system for over twenty years, and have learned there is a system for getting things done, but, they didn’t ask me. I was there for the show and they certainly put on a great one. The volunteers did the best they could, all were friendly – they just needed a few hundred more! Hats off to the “Vitamin Water” people – they saved us from dehydrating in the line.
Has there been an “official” count on the number of spectators?
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a1agator
August 17th, 2009
3:14 am
I like it that the general tone to the comments is ’so what – it was Paul McCartney’. Yes, it was disorganized, hot and it rained. Who cares? I went in with no expectations and found the back entrance by chance. Got in line at 3:56 – they let us in 4 minutes later. WooooooHoooooo.Stood about 10 feet in front of the mixing board – perfect! I think they call what happened to me and my friend “Instant Karma”. Great awesome incredible show. Thanks JPM.
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Reader reviews: McCartney concert winners and losers | Inside Access
August 17th, 2009
8:02 am
[...] of astute observations and critiques are mixed in, along with the usual argument and name-calling. Give ‘em a read, or get the abbreviated version below. (These are copied straight from the posts, shortened, but [...]
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Alexandra Brandis
August 17th, 2009
9:42 am
Access Atlanta,
I have always been one to tell it like is! Here is what the Sir Paul concert was like. We had to drive a long distance to get to Marta, then we had to wait in line to buy tickets at Marta, then we had to wait for the train, then we had a ride on the train to down town. After we got off of the train we had to walk about a half mile to stand in line in the blazing hot sun for a couple of hours before we got in. Then we stood up for six hours in the hot sun before the first horrible band played. I now have a wonderful sunburn! Then after the first band played Sir Paul had us waiting a whole hour before he finally came out to play. By the time he came out there were so many drunk people throwing up etc. It was so impossible to even see the screens it became a complete waste of the day.
Sir Paul, you have lost total touch with your fans, that was the concert from hell! Sir Paul, you made my dream turn into a nightmare. I was Sir Pauls number one fan, but after this there is no way I would ever go to see him again if this is the way he treats his fans. After what we had to go through for hours I learned a lesson not to do it again! Sir Paul, I think it is now time to put the guitar pic away and enjoy your retirement!
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kenny smith
August 17th, 2009
9:50 am
i was the fortunate winner of the ajc contest wow what a great night.
thanks ajc Sir Paul was awesome and the park was beautiful.
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Aaron
August 17th, 2009
10:02 am
Alexandra, if you expected VIP treatment, you should have purchased a VIP ticket. I was on my feet a total of 12 hours without sitting down that day, but it was totally worth it. You waited in line for 2 hours? Big deal. My wife and I were there near the gate at 11 a.m. and managed to get right up to the stage when the gates opened — many people camped out the night before, I was told. These are the true fans, unlike those who write off a musician just because things didn’t go your way that day. And I guess you never took public transportation before, eh? Yes, you have (gasp) stand in line, especially when you take your sweet time to get to the concert. Wake up; there were 40,000 people at this concert. What did you think it would be like?
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 17th, 2009
10:04 am
Aww, Kenny, that’s great! Thanks for letting us know. Congratulations! Glad it was great.
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Guy
August 17th, 2009
10:08 am
Paul was great, but we should be getting some refunding from the Park/Ticketmaster. We paid a lot of money for VIP which was suppose to include admission to the park one hour earlier than everyone else. Everyone was confused and didn’t know where to go (especially VIPs) when the gates opened for all. There also were no air conditioned bathrooms like were promised from what I saw. Isn’t this a breach of contract?
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Guy
August 17th, 2009
10:11 am
Looks like others had it worse though….
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Alexandra Brandis
August 17th, 2009
10:42 am
I was awake and the fact that they made all of those people wait in the hot sun is so unfair, in fact that as you say Aaron made it even worse. You wake up and smell the roses. No entertainer should treat their fans that way. next time you can go and do the same thing again, I fact be my guest if you are that dam dumb! You were probably one of the drunks and di not even pay attention to the concert when he was playing! you sound like one of the hilbillys from here that have never been anywhere else in the world or know how to treat other human beings! I have the right to express my experience just like anyone else! Get real, but better yet get a real life! Some of us do have lives and taking 12 hours from leaving the house to getting back home is almost impossible for those of us who do own businesses and have families. Our time needs to be respected just as Sir Pauls time is respected. Just because a person is an entertainer do not give him the right to put us all through hell just to see a flash of him on stage. by the way the VIP tickets were no different or anymore comfortable than the general admission tickets! Really Aaron, you should be ashamed of yourself!
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 17th, 2009
10:46 am
Alexandra, Aaron: Clearly you’ve got different perspectives on how the concert went, and that’s probably not going to change, and that’s fine. But please keep your responses under control. This blog isn’t about name-calling, and certainly not about making assumptions about each other based on stereotypes. Keep your comments respectful. Thanks.
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Tracy
August 17th, 2009
10:54 am
Thank you Aaron… well said! Alexandra, maybe you should just stay home & NEVER go to a concert again! Give me a break! When there are 40,000 fans at a concert, you wait in line (for food, drinks, merchandise, restroom, etc.) – get over it! If you don’t like crowds, don’t buy a ticket! Poor you… waiting an hour until Paul came out. Uh, in case you’ve never been to a concert before, they need to set up in between bands. Hello! And how dare you blame Sir Paul McCartney for your bad experience. What does he have to do with the hot sun, long lines, MARTA, & drunk people?!? Seriously, do us all a favor & take a happy pill. ; )
P.S. I suggest sunscreen so you don’t get a sunburn & glasses so you can see the big screens. They were as big as a building. How could you not see them?? Please…
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Alexandra Brandis
August 17th, 2009
10:54 am
Thank You! You are soooooooooooo right! XOXO
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Alexandra Brandis
August 17th, 2009
10:56 am
Thanks for minding the ship! We did get carried away, but it was still hell at the concert! We appreciate being able to voice our feelings on Access Atlanta! TKS, Alexandra
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Tracy
August 17th, 2009
11:00 am
Sir Paul McCartney’s show is one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen! What amazing talent & energy! I’m thrilled to say that I’ve seen a Beatle live! We could have cared less about the rain. Ponchos from the dollar store worked just fine. The big screens & sound were great!! It was a night I’ll NEVER forget!! ; )
The only negative for me was seeing all of the trash on the grounds. It took me about 5 seconds to pick up our cans/water bottles & drop them off in a recycle bin.
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Goldie
August 17th, 2009
11:09 am
Absolutely loved Paul and his band — they were tight and energetic the whole evening!
Now, about the Piedmont Park Conservancy and its “Green Concert” — they receive a grade of about an “F-” for lack of security and crowd control, and lack of recycling bins and marked pathways throughout the meadow… they should have learned more from previous events that have been held at the Park in the past, especially regarding what it takes to accommodate a crowd of this size!
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Alexandra Brandis
August 17th, 2009
11:14 am
Tracy, I said I will not buy a ticket again! Do you honestly think Sir Paul knew nothing about how the concert was run? He created most of the Green concert. There is still no reason to wait an entire hour betwen bands, ( which pay for the tickets) are out there waiting! As Jamie Gumbrech said, we will not agree on the event. I do however have the right to tell it like I experienced the concert, being we live in a free country and have the right to do so. I was at the original Woodstock so I do know how concerts are. I have traveled all over the world and have been taking the transit for years. You have the right to go back and experience the concert the way you experienced and I have the right to not go which I will not be going again. We moved so many times just to try to see the screens on the sides but the crowd was so out of control after having six hours to get drunk we could not enjoy it. You have your rights and so do I. It is great to know there are some that had a great time. I was not one of them! Good luck to all of you who will be putting up with this type of treatment! After reading about the VIP tickets on here there was no difference between the general admission or VIP. Good wishes and good luck to all!
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Alexandra Brandis
August 17th, 2009
11:20 am
I am such a Beatles fan that I named my dog George Harrison, so as you can see I love Paul and have loved him for years but after this concert I changed my feeling about him. I felt he was like God, which no man is. I guess what it did was open my eye’s to reality!
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Beth
August 17th, 2009
12:05 pm
My husband and I, in our early 50’s, had a blast. We went in knowing the day would be long, hot and possibly wet. We made the best of it and with good food, drinks and plenty of people-watching it was not difficult. Paul gave the audience everything they wanted (BEATLES) and more. It was awesome to see the middle-agers and teenagers, even little ones, so excited, singing and chanting (”Give Peace a Chance”)…our only regret was not bringing our own teenagers.
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SchellingOutinATL
August 17th, 2009
12:17 pm
I completely agree with the complaints about the confusion regarding presale entry time and location and folks breaking line. My 7YO called a couple out about it and they shamefacedly retreated, but lots of others didn’t. (Could have used more volunteers to police that, I think.) Yes, it was hot (duh, it’s Atlanta in August) and, yes, it rained (ditto). But that just made it all the more Woodstock-y! Some of us were there, too. Perhaps in altered states of mind, but that’s another story. In any case my kids and husband and I had a GREAT time. Macca put on a fantastic show — sprinkled new with old, rock and mellower tunes. Definitely worth every penny and the relatively minor inconveniences. Thanks to the Conservancy for bringing him here and to such a fab venue.
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Brett
August 17th, 2009
12:28 pm
Alexandra, your series of posts is one of the most pathetic whinefests I’ve ever read. All of the things you complained about were either already announced beforehand or out of Paul’s control. He and his team had nothing to do with the way the park ran the concert. He was responsible for his performance and the production of his performance. That’s it. If your time was so precious perhaps you shouldn’t have bought a ticket in the first place. There were many people who waited in line since early in the morning, and they all seemed to have a blast.
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Steven
August 17th, 2009
12:34 pm
Alexandria, please shut the hell up. Best concert of my life and I think that Paul treated his fans great as in 3 encores. I saw no drunks, saw the screen very well, was in no lines at all except for the Marta ride afterwards and that was expected.
Thx to Peidmont park for putting on such a great show!!!!
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bajeha
August 17th, 2009
1:50 pm
Loved the concert — wow, what a show! — but not the logistics. Some failures I noted:
I saw no volunteers nor any directional signage for the concert when I exited the Midtown station at 2:00 PM. In fact, I rarely saw a volunteer the whole time. Funny, since as a Conservancy member I had offered to be one but had been turned down.
There was no designated line or gate for presale ticketholders. If there was one, it wasn’t publicized anywhere in advance nor created by volunteers on site. Most presales got stuck in the same long line as the later entries: A major mishandle that caused great animosity among those patrons. The few volunteers who passed by the blocks-long line on 10th had no knowledge to share or any apparent way to ask a question or get answers from someone in charge.
The no food or water ban was a serious health concern for the many older people who had arrived early for the presale entry and then had to stand in line a lot longer than expected in 90+ degree heat. Also, there was no way to handle a medical emergency created by those conditions except with a 911 call.
That same ban created a huge windfall for the food and drink vendors, provided you could get to them. Three dollars for one small bottle of water? That’s price gouging, people. (Where were the water fountains?) Even the kids selling them outside the park asked for just a buck. IMO the producer and food vendors should be fined for overcharging the captive audience for that necessity. In the future, bottled water prices inside the park should be set by the City for future concerts.
No aisles were created or maintained for emergency vehicles, security personnel or easy patron access to vendors and the toilets. IMO this was a major breach of public health and safety guidelines for such events. Suppose there had been a lightning strike during the rainstorm? (N.B. I sat right next to the Kaiser Permanente First Aid station, so I saw and heard about the difficulties people were having in getting there for help.)
Why didn’t the Conservancy present a short talk or program about its work and goals between the two acts? IMO it missed a golden opportunity in not doing that, and in not asking patrons to haul out their trash and/or place recyclables in designated receptacles after the concert was over. This was The Green Concert, right?.
IMO these logistical failures were caused by a lack of coordination and communcation between the organizations involved, both before the event and on the day. IMO an experienced large-event planner needs to be put in charge of each area to see that everything runs smoothly.between the professionals and the volunteers. Also, the Conservancy and its co-sponsors should recruit enough volunteers, provide advance training for them, and provide those at critical points with radios and bullhorns so they can ask questions and get answers in in real time, and handle crowd problems promptly. There also should be a central command center that can be called by other volunteers with their cell phones for informational Q&A.
I hope my comments will be read as constructive criticism that is intended to help make future concerts at Piedmont Park more pleasurable for everybody.
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RamblinRed
August 17th, 2009
2:15 pm
Alexandra,
I understand your frustration about some aspects of the concert performance, but at least some of your frustration is misplaced.
As mentioned above the 2 things McCartney and his management are in charge of are his performance and the staging. Everything else is the responsibility of the promoter (in this case Live Nation) and the venue (in this case the Piedmont Park Conservancy).
Most people I talked to actually had good experiences with MARTA (which surprised me somewhat). The whole ticket entry and waiting had 0 to do with McCartney and his team. This is the responsibility of Live Nation and Piedmont Park. Unfortunately a number of us were e-mailing/phoning Piedmont Park about the entry and were really concerned it was going to be a huge mess because they didn’t seem to have a plan to separate the early entry from the non-early entry tickets. Unfortuantely this turned out to be true.
I thought the Script was fine as an opening act – nothing special, but easy to listen to and didn’t overstay their welcome. McCartney took the stage 42 minutes after the Script finished (I was checking my time on my phone) this was actually slightly faster than previous shows. it takes about 45 minutes for the stage hands to remove The Script’s equipment, set up McCartney’s and test all the sound and lighting.
I was obviously closer up then you were as I was very close to the soundbooth. I will say there the people were largely very upbeat and enjoying themselves, even during the rain.
Also, don’t blame others for things that might not be their fault. if you got a sunburn – you should have used sunscreen – I did, i’m a redhead and did not get burned at all. I drank alot of water before the show knowing I would be out in the heat for hours. I had a poncho and a plastic tarp (that ended up with 15 people under it during the rain) for that possibility. knowing it was an outdoor concert you do have to prepare for it – and i’m not saying that you didn’t.
if you had problems with sound or lighting that would fall under McCartney’s team.
It’s disappointing to see someone have a bad experience and i hope your next one is better.
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FAB4FAN2416
August 17th, 2009
2:40 pm
I journeyed with my family: sister, husband, two daughters and my sister’s girlfriend to Atlanta, and despite the long trip, sitting on the grass and the painful walk to MARTA- we truly LOVED the show! It was such a thrill for me to experience Paul’s show with my teenaged daughters who have grown up listening to him since they were in the womb. My oldest daughter, Michelle, was so hoping to hear him sing “her song” to her, but alas, he could not cover every song in the Beatles, Wings, and his solo catalogues. If it were left up to the audience we would have kept him there singing for 24 hours straight.
I thought it was a beautiful night despite the rain. (Thank you, God, for no lightning.) Piedmont Park is a lovely place and I thought it was pretty well organized (as well as could be expected for 40,000+ fans.
For those of you who missed this concert (or did not enjoy it)I am sorry but it was one of the best nights of my life. All of the Beatles oldies and new Paul songs struck a good balance and Sir Paul is still spry and rock the house at 67. We love you Paul! You only get better with age!! The Murphy family
p.s. Kudos to MARTA for moving that huge crowd out of there quickly and efficiently!!
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cowo
August 17th, 2009
3:06 pm
Having loved Paul (and the rest of the Fab 4) for most of my life, and having seen Paul 18 times, both with the Beatles and after, missing a concert in ATL was not imaginable! The hours of standing and sitting on rock-hard ground have left me a mess only my Chiropractor may be able to fix up, but the alternative, missing the man who has made by far the greatest impression on my life for the last 45 years was unimaginable.
The small number of people who complained about the actual performance make me terribly sad. Paul has so much great music to pull from, he certainly wasn’t going to do only Beatles music. Paul is the greatest legend ever, and there will never be a greater performer, writer, person on this earth!
Wull love you forever Paul! Please come back (to an arena with seats, I hope!).
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Douglas McGirt
August 17th, 2009
4:50 pm
Awesome show!!! Paul amazes me by the mere fact he plays at such a high level at 67 years of age. I know at 67 i could never have his energy (LOL)!!!! His stage presence is incredible and has the best eye movements when singing than any artist on earth.
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JILL
August 17th, 2009
4:53 pm
This was my fourth time seeing Sir Paul. He is just such a great performer and a great musician. This concert was nothing but spectacular. I really enjoyed both Beatles and Wings music. The crowd was great. It rained for about 30 minutes which was good because it was over 90 in the heat.
The only bad thing was that ticketmaster ripped us off again. There was suppose to be early enterance for America Express/Mccartney fan club and conservitory members and the crowd got so big they let everybody in at once. Also, waiting in line was complete disorganized. We sat in line for hours and hours to be first at the stage and again the crowd got so big in front of the gates that people who only waited 15 minutes before the gates opened ran right in and never went to the end of the line. I was extremely angry about it. My friend and I still got a pretty good spot, we were very lucky I can run fast.
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A few Atlanta history links | Rusty's Blog
August 17th, 2009
5:06 pm
[...] about the origin of the Junkman’s Daughter sign. It’s a cool story written up on the AJC Insider blog by Jamie Gumbrecht. Also, related to the recent Paul McCartney concert in Piedmont park, she [...]
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A few Atlanta history links | Rusty's Blog
August 17th, 2009
5:07 pm
[...] blog by Jamie Gumbrecht. Also, related to the recent Paul McCartney concert in Piedmont park, she pointed to a great story about how an Atlanta hifi store pioneered a sound engineering technique in the mid-60s that is [...]
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Jay B
August 17th, 2009
6:20 pm
By far the best show I’ve ever seen. I’ve always enjoyed the music of the Beatles and McCartney but never was an avid fan. Half way through the show I thought to myself “now I understand”. What a performer. It’s like he was determined that everyone have a good time. Thought the sound was incredible. Great show!
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donna matheson
August 18th, 2009
7:22 am
Please tell me which weekend Bank of America customers get in free. Thank you
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Ripley
August 18th, 2009
8:00 am
I really don’t understand this woman and her comments. How could she expect anyone to control the sun or provide shade for the entrance line which was at least three quarters of a mile long.
FYI, this was my 16th time seeing Paul (Beatles three times) and I’m older now and knew my limitations so I arranged to arrive at 3:30, expecting to be no where near the stage. I waited in line for approx 1 hour and yes, it was very hot at times. But the line moved pretty well (except for the cheaters cutting in line)once the gate opened and when I got in the park I found a perfect place on the hill in the shade, right of the stage. If this woman was so hot, why didn’t she moved to the largely shaded hill on the right. The temp never got unpleasant under the shade. Now, I would have loved to be near the stage and this was the first MACCA concert EVER that I couldn’t see his pretty face up close, but I knew I’m not physically able to withstand the heat. This woman (if she was REALLY at Woodstock) is older than me so why didn’t she seek shade give way to the youngsters who don’t care about the heat? I could see the stage and the screens perfectly.
To say she is a huge fan and then blame Paul for the heat, the lines and the rain is absurd and she apparently has no understanding of the time required to set up his equipment. Oh, and the Irish band was fab – I loved three of the five songs they performed. MARTA ran great for the huge crowds, no problem there either. The only problem I had was the people staggering up the hill throughout the concert – the Conservancy should have created a couple of roped off passage ways so that we didn’t get continually stepped on.
Paul was great as usual and any problems with the venue were not of his doing. He looked fab, sounded beautiful and his energy is amazing for anyone, but especially for a 67 year old man. The fact that he donated his time for the concert seems to completely have gone over the head of this woman. He made no money and donated his time for a grat cause. Clearly he doesn’t need fans like this who claim to love him and then bad mouth him for things that were not within his control when she should be on her knees thanking him for being such a generous human and such a generous and brilliant performer.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 18th, 2009
9:10 am
Bank of America’s Museums on Us program allows customers in free on Sept. 5-6, Oct. 3-4, Nov. 7-8, Dec. 5-6, Jan. 2-3 and more 2010 dates they haven’t yet posted. You can find more info here: http://museums.bankofamerica.com/
That program gets you into the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, but not the IMAX movie. You can also get in to the High Museum of Art, Zoo Atlanta, Millennium Gate, the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Atlanta History Center.
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OZZFEST
August 18th, 2009
10:11 am
Paul was amazing…totally killer and the night was a “once in a lifetime thrill”. Sadly, the Piedmont Park Conservancy botched the entire VIP process for everyone who paid $400. The Piedmont Park Conservancy advertised early admission for the VIP ticket. It took 30 minutes to get the first 500 people (I counted…I was about the 500th person in line.)through the “ONE TICKET TAKER” entrance on Monroe…while we could see hundreds of people streaming down the hill on the other side of the park at the St Charles entrance. My girlfriend was directly in front of Paul’s microphone about at 4:02…WHERE HE WAS STILL PERFORMING HIS SOUNDCHECK (IN PERSON)…and she paid $80 for a non-early admission ticket. Explain that one to me!! People in the VIP line were furious. Once inside the VIP area, I waited in a line of only 14 people (I counted.)for another 30 minutes to buy a t-shirt…the VIP area sold out of all XL shirts one hour after the gates opened…I had to go buy one in the general admission area. They had schwag beer…Bud, Bud Light, and Bud select…and they were lukewarm until after 7 or so meaning that that had not been properly iced down. In the end I must say not even the major downer caused by the clearly unprepared PPC could diminish the PAUL McCARTNEY experience. Paul is the pinnacle of music, their is none higher.
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Decatur author’s ‘Confederate General’ novel reviewed | Inside Access
August 18th, 2009
10:31 am
[...] told you last week about an interview with Decatur author Amanda C. Gable, and her upcoming events at the Decatur Book Festival and Blue Elephant [...]
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Sue Rodman
August 18th, 2009
9:48 pm
Excellent! Thanks for the round up.
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David
August 19th, 2009
7:46 am
Will this “trust” become a partner in future profits? Or will the reconstruction donations primarily benefit Mr. Greene with only his word that he will do good in the community? While historic trusts are good for publically owned property, and commercial venues are good when maintained buy the business owner… non profit donations should not be made for the primary benefit of the commercial enterprise.
What kind of “open book” cooperation is there between the trust and Mr. Greene? How much insurance was there and how much is going in his pocket due to “lost business”?
Too many questions to just crack open my wallet to save a bit of nostalgia.
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Maybe, Maybe Not
August 19th, 2009
9:05 am
I agree with David. This was intended, prior to the fire, as a “for profit” venture. How has that changed, if so, and what happens to the operation going forward in terms of ownership, control, etc.. This is the same thing on the surface, if Burger King had a fire and the public contributed to the restoration. Too many questions yet.
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Wilmot
August 19th, 2009
9:09 am
The trust is to ensure the building gets saved. No private business could support the debt that it will take to rebuild to modern codes. The only two options are that we get help from the public via a nonprofit, or the Georgia Theatre goes away forever. Sounds like you prefer the latter David.
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Maybe, Maybe Not
August 19th, 2009
9:10 am
Let me clarify something. I feel this facility enjoyed some success as a venue for music. However, Athens if full of “venue’s for music”. I would be glad to help with the restoration, but do I give something small, or will I consider something of consequence?
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Full of It
August 19th, 2009
10:43 am
How about Wind Down Wednesday (Concert) at Centennial Park? Free Also.
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David
August 19th, 2009
11:45 am
To answer Wilmot … there are two choices to end up with a sole owner, the non profit buys the pile of ashes and rebuilds it and operates as a non profit OR the commercial entity foots the bill.
But for people to donate to a business with nothing in return except the fact that the building survives is preposterous.
If the business owner cannot do it, or was underinsured, that simply means his business has failed. Step aside if you can’t do it on your own.
If the trust wants to rebuild the building, sign the deed to the trust and the business owner can operate the business in a partnership deal.
The building has some nice history but for those that give will only be able to say “Hey I gave some good money so that guy could make a lot of money.”
What is the payoff for the donaters … in writing, other than “nice building, huh?”
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Dan
August 19th, 2009
12:30 pm
Paul was great, the stage was great, the sound was good.
My girlfriend and I walked in, without waiting, at about 6:30. We stood probably 100 feet from the stage. There needs to be a “no blankets past this point” rule enforced next time Piedmont tries something like this. I witnessed a few verbal altercations between people trying to walk and those who felt ENTITLED to all the room that their blankets covered. Give me a break.
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Theatrical Outfit
August 19th, 2009
1:54 pm
Don’t forget Theatrical Outift! @TheatOutfit
Why Follow? Show updates, ticket deals/ giveaways, source for tips about Atlanta Arts and being GREEN!
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2001
August 19th, 2009
1:58 pm
In response to David and “Maybe, Maybe Not,” people who donate to this cause can feel good about their donations on two fronts: (1) They’re contributing to the preservation of an historic building. I can’t remember the exact numbers, but I believe the Georgia Theatre building is over 100 years old; and (2) they’re helping to restore a bit of nostalgia from the many wonderful memories they may have formed through events and concerts they attended at the Georgia Theatre. With the Georgia Theatre partnering with the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, folks can now make tax deductible donations towards a legitmate philanthropic cause (See # 1 above). I think this is great, and I wish the Georgia Theatre and Wilmot Greene all the luck in the world.
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truth
August 19th, 2009
2:34 pm
Sorry David, but you are wrong. The payoff for the donators is that they get to live in a community with a Georgia Theatre. This is what people in Athens want, and they are the ones driving the fundraising. Your comment about ’so this guy could make a lot of money’ shows your lack of understanding of the situation. The owners will pay for the majority of the expense of rebuilding. The public is simply trying to help with the difference between what the business can make and what it will cost to rebuild. The public risks nothing except living in a town with less music if they don’t give. The numbers just don’t make sense for any type of ownership (profit or nonprofit) unless a big chunk is taken off the top via donations, and the public trusts the current owners, because of years of goodwill, to run the club in a manner that best represent the interests of the community. This is why we live in Athens! If they eventually make a profit,,, good for them!
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 19th, 2009
2:38 pm
Hey folks: there are some good questions in this discussion. I just talked with Mark McDonald at the Georgia Trust, who explained more why they decided to partner with a for-profit group, how the Georgia Theatre fits into their non-profit mission and how the arrangement works. Thanks for reading!
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David
August 19th, 2009
3:24 pm
To those claiming it will save an old building … once the building is burned and gutted any rebuild only nets a “new” building made to look old. It is sad it burned, I lost many brain cells in the building in its “cinema draft house” days. You might as well level it, build a state of the art new building and slap the old marquee on it. When something dies a natural death, you cannot bring it back.
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DJ Willard
August 19th, 2009
4:32 pm
Great show!! I drove up from Florida and this was my second McCartney show. This shows was fairly organized compared to the other hundred outdoor shows I have been to.i.e. Bonnaroo, Phish @ Big Cypress. among others. Having been to a lot of GA shows I was kind of curious as to how the early entry was going to work. Thankfully I just got a regular ticket. I thought it was kind of a joke to have to early entry times, I mean it is general admin show. So lets say you got in an hour early, you still can’t stop others from getting to the front when they “let em’ in”. My only complaint was the people with the blankets. At a general admin show, the only spot you paid for is the spot your feet are in. Not where you blanket is. If you want to sit down and have you own space go to the back not the front row. I have also saw a few people complain about cigarettes and pot smoking. You went to a rock concert, outdoors, not the opera. They kind of go hand in hand.
THANK YOU Piedmont park, THANK YOU PAUL, and THANK YOU ATL.
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mark
August 19th, 2009
4:34 pm
What: Replica of the wright flyer.
Where: Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum
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Falcons Fan
August 19th, 2009
4:35 pm
A roof panel at the Georgia Dome….GO FALCONS!
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Michael
August 19th, 2009
4:57 pm
model of the Wright Brothers plane…Smithsonian
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mark2
August 19th, 2009
4:58 pm
What: Replica of the wright flyer.
Where: Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum
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Kitty Boo
August 19th, 2009
5:05 pm
Something at Fernbank.
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Rajeev
August 19th, 2009
5:39 pm
Model of plane designed by Wright brothers in Tellus Northwest Gerogia Science Museum
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easton
August 19th, 2009
6:11 pm
portion of the Georgia Dome roof
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easton
August 19th, 2009
6:12 pm
Model of plane designed by Wright brothers in Tellus Northwest Gerogia Science Museum
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G.G.
August 19th, 2009
7:07 pm
Replica of the Wright Brother’s plane.
Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum
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Gram
August 19th, 2009
7:07 pm
A section of the Georgia Dome,
Atlanta, Ga.
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Chuck
August 19th, 2009
9:16 pm
I agree with the previous comment. Why not mention free Jazz at Centennial park?
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Chuck
August 19th, 2009
9:17 pm
It makes me wonder how much good information is on this inside access
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 19th, 2009
10:43 pm
Suggestions are always welcome, and concerts at Centennial Park get a nod in the daily to do lists pretty frequently. (And, of course, it’s always easy to find in the AccessAtlanta.com calendar.) It’s important to me, though, to showcase a wide variety of events.
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rachael
August 19th, 2009
10:43 pm
eek! broken link: “How to swim with (whale) sharks.”
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 19th, 2009
11:21 pm
Whoops! Fixed! Thanks, Rachael!
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To do list: August 20 | Inside Access
August 20th, 2009
12:05 am
[...] Families: “Monsters, Inc.” shows as part of Movies & The Market, 8:45 p.m., Atlantic Station’s Central Park, [...]
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Weekend to do list: August 21-23 | Inside Access
August 20th, 2009
12:26 am
[...] “Night at the Museum 2″ shows for Movies Under the Stars, dusk, Mall of Georgia, Buford. [...]
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Paul Moffett
August 20th, 2009
8:11 am
This is the plane wing of the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk, N.C.
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Meghann
August 20th, 2009
10:31 am
Love the piece!
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style
August 20th, 2009
10:42 am
my thought
The front of junkman’s daughter in little five points
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Michael
August 20th, 2009
10:46 am
Since when is Cartersville in Atlanta?
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Greg
August 20th, 2009
11:18 am
So the building will be leveled to the ground if it is to be rebuilt?
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Miley Cyrus
August 20th, 2009
12:16 pm
It looks like the inside of the whale sharks colon, and I would know, cause I was there and I swam with them. If you didn’t know that, read the paper, apparently my arrival is a big story. I got my picture on the front page, not like that missing Blairsville woman, or that goofy health care thingy.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 20th, 2009
12:50 pm
Oh, Miley, sorry, but you must have seen some other paper — you weren’t on the AJC’s front page any time in the last few days. I’m sure your arrival did well on AJC.com, but even then, it hasn’t cracked the most popular stories. Hope you’re having fun!
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Chris R.
August 20th, 2009
1:09 pm
Had a wonderful time at Paul McCartney Saturday in Piedmont Park. Seeing my favorite artist, in my favorite part of my favorite city was a dream come true. I thought the show was fantastic! I am probably a bigger Paul McCartney fan than I am a Beatles fan, so the first half of the show was my favorite. I’m thrilled he plays some new songs and Wings songs. I do wish he’d play some of the huge Wings hits that he leaves out every time he tours; but I know what to expect and am happy with what I get. I know most everyone there is wanting Beatle songs and that’s what he delivers…he ain’t no dummy. But I just marvel over how great he is. My thought is how lucky we are that he’s had a good head on his shoulders, has taken care of himself, still makes music and tours. He didn’t end up like Michael Jackson. Thank you Paul…you’re the Man!
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Barry
August 20th, 2009
1:52 pm
Model of plane designed by Wright brothers located in the Air and Space Museum in Washington DC.
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Vangelina
August 20th, 2009
2:59 pm
Dante’s Down the Hatch on Peachtree Rd.
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Theo
August 20th, 2009
3:14 pm
John Oliver is sold out for 8/21
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 20th, 2009
3:26 pm
Great for him, too bad for ticket-seekers. Thanks for the info, Theo!
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Ryan Spretl
August 20th, 2009
4:28 pm
Have you tried using http://ZoToDo.com? I don’t think its really used for this sorta thing in general, but you could create a public To Do List and put up your weekend events there.
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ruben
August 20th, 2009
4:46 pm
Thats the replica of the Wright Brothers plane at the Tellus Museum. Great place to have a membership indeed.
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ATLANTA EVENTS: Weekend To Do List | Atlanta News on Twitter
August 21st, 2009
9:26 am
[...] post: ATLANTA EVENTS: Weekend To Do List This entry was posted in Atlanta News. Bookmark the permalink. Comments are closed, but you [...]
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kristie
August 21st, 2009
9:30 am
If you live in the Canton area, there is a chili cookoff, corvette car show and live bluegrass music at noon on Saturday FREE!! Right off the square downtown Canton.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 21st, 2009
9:52 am
Thanks for the suggestion, Kristie! Feel free to add those types of events to the AccessAtlanta.com calendar, too.
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Sue Rodman
August 21st, 2009
2:19 pm
Thanks for the mention. Lots of good ideas in the lists. So many places, so little time.
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Thomas
August 21st, 2009
3:07 pm
Check out the Attractions section on http://www.mapyeti.com … it’s a great resource for finding/posting sales or specials for Atlanta businesses and attractions.
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shirley
August 22nd, 2009
7:35 am
Chi Walking, Meditation Workshop and Labyrinth Walking Meditation all start the week of Sept. 7 at the Wellness Center at DeKalb Medical. Call 404.501.2222
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SUNMAN
August 22nd, 2009
9:07 pm
any events (concerts/ cultural) for the weekend of August 27th ? coming up from south florida
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PHOTOS: Aug. 22 Water balloon fight at the Masquerade | Inside Access
August 22nd, 2009
9:23 pm
[...] for more? Here’s a video of the first couple minutes of the fight, into the early stages of [...]
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 22nd, 2009
9:25 pm
Definitely, SUNMAN. I post the weekend to do list every Thursday, and daily to-do lists during the rest of the week. Till then, check out the searchable calendar on AccessAtlanta.com. You can narrow it down to the type of stuff you’re interested in and the area around Atlanta that you’re visiting, among others things. Does that help?
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Tommy Emmanuel | Chanel News | News | Breaking News | News Headlines | Latest News | World News | US News | Entertainment News | Daily News | News Channel | Sports News
August 22nd, 2009
11:35 pm
[...] Mozart 3 pm WCRB-FM (99.5) Piano Concerto No. 11, with pianist Mitsuko Uchida. … Tax-free weekend shopping center events:Tommy Emmanuel performs: 8 pm July 30 at The Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave NE. Grupo Fantasma [...]
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Midtown Girl
August 23rd, 2009
4:11 pm
Finally!! Someone was thinking,, I mean who wants to sit and watch a movie while its hot out.
I visit the market area often with friends and family on the weekends, I mean lets face it there isn’t a whole lot to do in Atlantic Station unless your going to eat and buy something at Old Navy. But when the market area is set-up, I can walk around and find interesting things to look at and speak with some of the most interesting people and my friends and I can look around and just enjoy our day. We often make an afternoon about.
When the market isn’t set up,, we’re in,, we’re out. I can go to a mall anytime. Its not like Lenox or anyone else.
I’ve been to the movies there (twice: Shopaholic and GREASE) and enjoy the fact that its not overly crowded and now that the weather is getting cooler, it will be more pleasant, and my girlfriends and I look for interesting jewlery and things in the market place,,they have some of the “coolest artist”. and NO ONE in Atlanta does this. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE MARKET!!!!
So FINALLY,, A.S. has two gold stars.. One for the market and one for the movie series… I can’t wait for Audrey Hepburn…
I hope they don’t mess it up. PS: Jamie,, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog.
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Tony
August 23rd, 2009
4:47 pm
Ok, does this mean you can now move on to something else other than this dumb water balloon nonsense? I’m assuming it’s over now, right?
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 23rd, 2009
5:21 pm
We will be moving on, but really, a few thousand people had a swell time, and the nature of a blog means info gets posted as it’s available, even if it’s staggered. Onward to new things on Monday!
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Hope
August 23rd, 2009
8:13 pm
Jamie, I’m Hope’s Dad and believe me, I enjoyed watching my Daughter
as much as she did watching the Beatles. That is one date I’ll always cherish, as she said that was 44 years ago but she’s still my baby.
Thanks for printing her comment of that wonderful evening.
Bill Pritchard
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Garrin
August 24th, 2009
11:22 am
There was nothing “dumb” about this. The proceeds benefited an excellent cause – camp for children with disabilities. Read about the cause here and educate yourself: http://www.camptwinlakes.org/
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Portfolio Center | Diablogue | Early Buzz: GOLD
August 24th, 2009
11:47 am
[...] the write-up about the event from this weekend’s Atlanta [...]
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Eric
August 24th, 2009
2:27 pm
99X and Door44 did a great job organizing the event! We had a great time and i know i will be looking for this event same time next year! Thanks to all those involved. PS: inflatable water slides rock!
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Barb
August 24th, 2009
5:46 pm
Tellus’ website is listed incorrectly – it should be http://www.tellusmuseum.org (altho’ the old Weinman link will still get you there)!
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 24th, 2009
5:52 pm
Thanks, Barb! I wasn’t able to get the Tellus redirect to work last week, but everything seems to be working out now. Much appreciated!
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Live Nation Twitter scavenger hunt in Atlanta on Aug. 19 | Inside Access
August 24th, 2009
11:01 pm
[...] with all this Twitter talk today, I received a press release about a Live Nation Twitter scavenger hunt to start tomorrow. The [...]
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Brett W. Thompson
August 25th, 2009
1:11 am
Thanks SO much for posting this!!
Here’s more info about Animation Attack:
http://asifa-atlanta.blogspot.com/2009/08/animation-attack-2009-press-release.html
-Brett W. Thompson, President of ASIFA-Atlanta
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PM
August 25th, 2009
2:06 am
On Wednesday night, make sure you check out the “Max the Hero” cartoon, which was produced & directed by Mike Salva; written & performed by Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy, and Michael J. Nelson. (You might know them from Rifftrax or Mystery Science Theater 3000.)
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mike
August 25th, 2009
3:38 pm
This should be done every year till we break the record. what a great idea to raise money for charity. good job everyone
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Michael Halpner
August 25th, 2009
11:36 pm
For more information on the Artmore Hotel, please visit us at http://www.artmorehotel.com. We look forward to welcoming you for the AUFF.
- Michael Halpner
GM- Artmore Hotel
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To do list: August 26 | Inside Access
August 26th, 2009
12:02 am
[...] Atlanta Underground Film Festival begins, all day, venues throughout the city, [...]
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Atlanta celebrates Michael Jackson with weekend tributes | Inside Access
August 26th, 2009
8:45 am
[...] This Michael Jackson-themed community walk will benefit community arts center WonderRoot. (Yep, I wrote about them earlier this week.) Come dressed in your best Michael gear, even if it’s just a lone white [...]
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Water balloon fight not a record breaker — next year, it’s on! | Inside Access
August 26th, 2009
11:18 am
[...] broken the record for the world’s largest water balloon fight. (Missed it? Here are photos from the water balloon fight and some very wet [...]
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Truth Seeker
August 26th, 2009
4:16 pm
CD s….don’t know where
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Quawanda Boyer
August 26th, 2009
4:16 pm
CD’s lying on the floor of a Record Store
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Bill Hancock
August 26th, 2009
4:30 pm
The Fish statue at the Atlanta Fish Market
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PJ
August 26th, 2009
4:33 pm
Chattahoochee Nature Center’s new Discovery Center
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PACKER BACKER
August 26th, 2009
4:36 pm
HARD ROCK CAFE ?
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FreekBrother
August 26th, 2009
4:48 pm
These are CDs obviously and I think I saw them at the Georgia Aquarium.
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Panic Spreader
August 26th, 2009
4:53 pm
Atlanta Fish Market.
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MattyB
August 26th, 2009
4:59 pm
Yup, Fish Market
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MB
August 26th, 2009
5:01 pm
Atlanta Fish Market’s fish on top of the building on Pharr Road.
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Melisa
August 26th, 2009
5:04 pm
CD’s. Not sure where they could be….
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Vance
August 26th, 2009
5:12 pm
Atlanta Fish Market
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Smokey the Pundit
August 26th, 2009
5:23 pm
It’s the scales on the giant fish at the Chattahoochee Nature Center.
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John
August 26th, 2009
5:23 pm
cd’s
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John
August 26th, 2009
5:29 pm
My first guess was CD’s making up a fish, and thus probably at the GA Aquarium. But since I work there, and don’t recall ever having seen it, I’m thinking those guys who said CNC’s new facility might be on to something.
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Ima Nidiot
August 26th, 2009
5:34 pm
AOL Headquarters?
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Robbin
August 26th, 2009
5:37 pm
CD’s
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D
August 26th, 2009
6:10 pm
Atlanta Fish Market
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melissa's mom
August 26th, 2009
6:20 pm
Isn’t the fish at the Fish Market made of copper? These are obviously CDs … possibly covering a wall in a music venue? The Tabernacle or Variety Playhouse??
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HIAWASSEE
August 26th, 2009
6:45 pm
ATLANTA ZOO-SOME KIND OF SNAKE SCALES.
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Leonard Gilbert
August 26th, 2009
6:50 pm
CD’s Sony Carrollton, GA
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To do list: August 27 | Inside Access
August 27th, 2009
12:07 am
[...] Night at the Museum event, 1-9 p.m., Barrow County Museum, Winder. FREE. Movies: “WALL-E” shows for Movies & The Market, 8:45 p.m. Atlantic Station’s Central Park, Atlanta. [...]
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ChippersLoveChild
August 27th, 2009
9:29 am
No reference to Motley Crue? Already can tell this blog won’t offer me much guidance for my weekend.
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Jeff
August 27th, 2009
9:50 am
how about the red bull soap box races, seems like someone didnt do a good job of weekend event listing.
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Wes
August 27th, 2009
9:52 am
Yea, and no mentioning of Chickenfoot at the Tabernacle on Sunday? They seriously need a music only calendar.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 27th, 2009
9:54 am
Hey Jeff! You might’ve missed it, but the Red Bull soapbox races is listed under Saturday’s items to do.
Meanwhile, ChippersLoveChild, I didn’t mention Motley Crue because I had a feeling that their fans are the passionate variety that know about it well before I’m going to tell them.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 27th, 2009
9:55 am
Good news, Wes! You can search the AccessAtlanta.com calendar only for music events, or you can check out our Atlanta Music Scene blog. It has a list of live music picks: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-music-scene/
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 27th, 2009
10:11 am
Love all these guesses! Keep ‘em coming! The answer and story will be posted at 4 p.m.!
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ogre
August 27th, 2009
10:44 am
ok then, how about led zepagain at variety playhouse on sat.
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ChippersLoveChild
August 27th, 2009
11:15 am
Your reasoning makes sense to me, fair enough
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tsunade
August 27th, 2009
2:50 pm
man, i wish atlanta was doing it as big as NY and LA are doing it! but i will be going to some of these birthday tributes.
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Access Points: Watershed exhibit at Chattahoochee Nature Center | Inside Access
August 27th, 2009
4:02 pm
[...] of creative guesses on this week’s Access Point, but just a few of you knew it was a fish in the watershed exhibit at the Chattahoochee Nature [...]
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Access Points 5: Guess what and where this is! | Inside Access
August 27th, 2009
5:00 pm
[...] Think you know? Here’s the answer. Access Points: Can you guess what and where this [...]
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Monica
August 27th, 2009
9:27 pm
^ Yeah, me too.
That Spike Lee party sounds like it’s gonna be great.
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Weekend to do list: August 28-30 | Inside Access
August 27th, 2009
10:22 pm
[...] Stage: “Be a Georgia Tree,” 1 p.m., Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Atlanta. Story. [...]
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Atlanta celebrates bMichael Jackson/b with weekend tributes | Inside b…/b @ Michael Jackson :: 1958 - 2009
August 28th, 2009
4:42 am
[...] here: Atlanta celebrates bMichael Jackson/b with weekend tributes | Inside b…/b [...]
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Weekend to do list: August 28-30 | Inside Access
August 28th, 2009
9:52 am
[...] Visual art: Perspectives Georgia Pottery Invitational, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., OCAF Center, Watkinsville. FREE. Story. [...]
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Jeff
August 28th, 2009
10:50 am
Thanks Jamie. My bad.
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50 Georgia artists, 4500 pieces at Pottery Invitational | Inside … | Georgia realestate live today
August 28th, 2009
1:02 pm
[...] hands, a take-home prowess send that ease makes mom bout up 20 eld later. Read the example post: 50 Colony artists, 4500 pieces at Pottery Invitational | Inside … Posted in Art, Uncategorized | Tags: all-like, and-other, Art, like-the-idea, mom-tear, [...]
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Phill
August 28th, 2009
1:33 pm
I thought the place was insured. I guess the investigators found something a little fishy and then suddenly Wilmont was all “OMG lol donations pls”. I heard Tim Bryant on the radio specifically say that the building was insured and when investigators were done it would be fully restored. Oh it was under-insured you say?A major historical landmark and it was “under-insured”? You’re joking right? All this “invest in Athens history because it feels good k” feels like a bunch of smoke & mirrors.
@truth: Bands usually had to pay a high price if they were unknown and wanted to play the Theater. If anything there will be just as much if not MORE music now that it’s gone.
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ATLGirl
August 28th, 2009
2:42 pm
What about Marshall Tucker Band tonight at Mable House Barnes ampitheater (sp)? Rain is diminishing, not super hot out…great night for great southern rock and roll.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
Thanks for the suggestion, ATLGirl! Not everything gets on this list — we’ve got the calendar that lists everything, and I only have so much time to trim it down — but readers (and me!) always appreciate an endorsement from someone in the community.
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Typical
August 28th, 2009
3:42 pm
Under what authority are weapons banned?
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 28th, 2009
3:47 pm
I’ve got no specific information on that; race organizers say they’re following Piedmont Park rules, and weapons are on their list of items not to bring. That seems to be the typical list of banned items for events there.
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Typical
August 28th, 2009
4:25 pm
I don’t think that’s a Piedmont Park rule (as long as one has a GFL).
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Gwinnett Braves $1 tix | NASCAR specials | Tour Championship special | Free movie and music | Atlanta Bargain Hunter
August 28th, 2009
4:48 pm
[...] always, for more to see and do this weekend, go to the Inside Access blog, where Jamie Gumbrecht’s got you [...]
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Rusty
August 28th, 2009
7:47 pm
We did a walking audio tour of this exhibit as a podcast back when it was at the Civic Center. Cheryl Muré, the director of education then (and I think now), was very gracious with her time. It sounds like a lot of the interactive stuff is new.
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Why would need weapons for this?
August 28th, 2009
8:39 pm
Name says it all, weapons, beer, never go good together. And before you go off spouting I am some left wing liberal gun hating nut..
I am a NRA member, have a conceal carry permit, and own more than a few myself.
Leave em at home, stay out of trouble.
Have fun.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 28th, 2009
9:56 pm
I didn’t see the first one, but I’ve been trolling the AJC archive for a comparison. They say the Aquarium exhibition has 40 objects that have never appeared before. I also read a few stories out of the Civic Center exhibition that clearly aren’t in this one. So there we go!
Meanwhile, thanks for the podcast link!
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HT
August 28th, 2009
10:21 pm
Aren’t CCWs invalid at a public gathering anyways?
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Zippy
August 28th, 2009
11:56 pm
Nobody needs weapons for this. Leave them at home. Makes pickin’s easy for me!
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hobberskins
August 29th, 2009
1:20 am
OMG! This is about good clean or fairly clean fun and the first thing out of somebody’s mouth is some gun gripe. Ridiculous! Please stay out of my neighborhood and spend your day defending your second amendment right at home! Geez. Get a friggin grip people!
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Typical
August 29th, 2009
9:03 am
“Why would need weapons for this?” You may not be a liberal gun hating nut but you don’t read very well. Alcohol is on the no-no list. GA does not issue a conceal carry permit. Not carrying means staying out of trouble to you???
Crazy!!
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funtime
August 29th, 2009
10:00 am
Yes you can carry at a public gathering, store, just about anywhere now. But if you are asked not to bring one you cant. That is part of the law now alos, If you are are asked to take to our vehicel and you refuse you get a new pair of shiny braclets.
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Cardog10
August 29th, 2009
10:49 am
I’m 21 so I’m allowed to drink, but I still can’t bring alcoholic beverages to Piedmont. Same with guns, idiot. Get a life
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ConcretelyAmbiguous
August 29th, 2009
11:06 am
This is a pretty good list for this weekend.
For other great Atlanta Events check out ConcretelyAmbiguous Events Calendar at http://concretelyambiguous.com/concretelyambiguous-events-calendar/
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drewmanc
August 29th, 2009
11:22 am
Do us all a favor. Don’t come at all.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 29th, 2009
11:52 am
Before this conversation gets too crazy, just a reminder: please be respectful and keep the conversation moving forward. I hope we all have a wonderful, safe time!
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Rose
August 29th, 2009
12:25 pm
Atlanta’s tributes are LAME!! MJ deserves bigger and better than this. =<
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Ka Pow mom
August 29th, 2009
2:08 pm
I was hoping for a live web cast. If so can you direct me to it.
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Nancy
August 29th, 2009
6:02 pm
Just got back from the 2:00 Happy Birthday 10th Anniversary show for Alton Brown’s Good Eats. It was so much fun, an absolute hoot.
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Chris
August 29th, 2009
7:49 pm
Thanks Red Bull for bringing good times and fun to Atlanta. It was awesome to see so many folks gathering on the street to have a good time. Blocking off Tenth Street should happen again soon for
a nice block party with dancing and some good cooking.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 29th, 2009
9:00 pm
“Block party.” Not sure how traffic feels about it, but it sounds like a great idea, Chris. The neighbors seemed to be good sports about a soapbox strip in front of their houses. Maybe it’ll happen!
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 29th, 2009
9:19 pm
Offer up some suggestions, Rose! Maybe if someone gets an idea in their head, it’ll happen.
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 29th, 2009
9:30 pm
Fun! Thanks for sharing, Nancy! What was it like? (Was there cake? Yes, I totally have a cake hangup.) Meanwhile, here’s an interview with Alton Brown from my colleague Rodney’s Radio-TV Talk blog: http://bit.ly/RQhtv
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blondie
August 30th, 2009
1:10 am
how did team clermont do? so tired of trying to save the pandas – they have a nice home in china… we need to save the clermont lounge! h8 foreclosures/mortgages/the concept of money.
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Lori
August 30th, 2009
9:20 pm
Awwww the Chili Dog Explosion crashed? Bless their hearts
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Rick Day
August 31st, 2009
4:15 pm
Conventions book fun places. International draws do not roll up the sidewalks at 3AM. Without more night life, Atlanta is as exciting a draw as Dallas, or St Louis or Topeka. Everything was fine with the 4AM closing, until a few bad apples spoiled it, compounded by the fumbled attempted monopoly of night life that was created with the disaster known as Underground.
Midtown is the PERFECT place, IF an entertainment district is firmly established in the commercial area. Residents: You should be remained that YOU are the intruders into the commercial zone. If you want peace and quiet move to the suburbs, where the zoning forbids night clubs. Do not move next to the airport, and expect everyone to keep YOUR interpretation of ‘peace and quiet’. That complaining residents live in a box with 1000 other people suggests you don’t REALLY care about ‘noise’.
DISCLOSURE: I reside within the SPI-16 commercial zone, 150 feet from an all-night “club”, on one of the busiest streets in Midtown Atlanta, and have just learned to DEAL with the noise.
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seriously....
August 31st, 2009
5:03 pm
I don’t criticize grammar in comments, but I think a journalist is fair game — it is hay bales, not BAILS. How’d that get past the writer AND the editor???
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Jamie Gumbrecht
August 31st, 2009
5:49 pm
Seriously…the bloggers don’t have editors. Everything you’re seeing here has generally passed through my eyes only, and we’re all human. After many hours in the hot sun, everybody makes mistakes! However, it’s corrected now! Thanks!
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Leigh
August 31st, 2009
7:57 pm
I lived across from the last vision. I’m ok with clubs. I used to live on Crescent with all the clubs. The difference between the clubs on Crescent (with the exception being Opera as they had a shooting there) and Vision is the shootings that happened associated with vision patrons- and the boom boom cars oh and the public urination, trash, screeching harpies hanging out in the parking