City in a Forest

Satellite image of Atlanta, Georgia.

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If you’ve ever flown into Atlanta, and that’s about 100,000,000 passengers per year, you’ve certainly noticed one thing as you soar over the city: the trees. Atlanta’s urban canopy gives it an enduring nickname – City in a Forest, and towering pride if not a-plenty of pollen. These green guardians beautify our neighborhoods, clean our air, and cool our homes, but it takes a community to ensure they’re around for all to enjoy. In honor of Earth Day, Arbor Day and Springtime in the Peach State, we thought it’d be fun to celebrate the season with a look back at our roots and the shade they provide.  This month we take a look at trees with a few friends who help keep Atlanta green, the conversation colorful.

Since it’s inception, Trees Atlanta has planted over 100,000 trees.

As a growing metropolis it can be difficult to ensure our developmental haste doesn’t destroy the abundance of green space that makes Atlanta so special. That’s where Greg Levine, Co-Executive Director and Chief Program Officer of Trees Atlanta, plants a strong foot forward. Greg lives, eats (well, not really), and breathes trees, having planted his first tree, a purple leafed Japanese maple, when he was just five years of age. Gene and Greg talk special projects like The BeltLine Arboretum, the purpose and prodigy of planting, public art, and a good bit about the people populating the tree community.

Frederick Law Olmstead, the “Father of Landscape Architecture”.

In the 1970′s Jennie Richardson got a notice that a freeway was going to transplant her home and pave over the historic Olmstead Linear Park, so she got her hands dirty for peace of mind. Frederick Law Olmstead, the “Father of Landscape Architecture” designed the Olmsted Linear Park in the 1890’s as place for residents of the city to enjoy the outdoors. For forty years Jennie has fought to preserve and protect one of the city’s oldest parks, her efforts now turned toward perpetuation. Jennie stops by to discuss the history and heritage of Olmstead, the important responsibility we all share to preserve the forest, plus what you can do to support the Olmstead Linear Park Alliance.

Wayne Shannon, Tree Cowboy. Photo by: Jason Maris.

The Tree Cowboy, aka Wayne Shannon, is an ISA Certified Arborist/urban forest conservation manager. A soon to be Masters graduate from Georgia Tech, this Tree Cowboy, is full of deep thoughts and practical information. Wayne joins Gene to explore life in the tree tops and to talk about the many sides of timber.  From counting rings to common sense safety issues, from helping a homeowner to providing notable chefs with hardwood for their grills, there is much more to the life – and death – of a tree than we see from 30,000 feet.

Daniel Blignaut’s “A Conversation with Trees” opens at the Bill Lowe Gallery on April 26th.

Artist Daniel Blignaut sees trees like he sees life, in colorful shades of seasonality and cycle. Calling upon sapling memories from his own upbringing, Blignaut paints the canvas with a childlike innocence meets Masters in Architecture style, creating his own language for discourse about human emotion, philosophy, primal patterns, aesthetic beauty, and psychology through physicality.  Through Blignaut’s stunning exhibition, “A Conversation with Trees”, Atlantans have the ability to create their own dialogue by visiting the Bill Lowe Gallery for an Opening Night Reception with the artist on April 26th, coincidentally both Arbor Day and Frederick Law Olmstead’s birthday.

We’ve got quite the show, so take a quick break from reveling in the great outdoors and please enjoy.

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Special thanks to Nicholas Cooper-Kedrick for his help in producing this episode of Sidewalk Radio and for writing our web post for this month.

ON THE ROAD: ATHENS

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In Athens, Georgia, most roads lead back to education, to football, and to music.  In turn, these cultural catalysts inspired development in visual arts, historic preservation and most certainly food (see Sidewalk Radio friend, Hugh Acheson).  This month, we take the show “on the road” and visit this cultural nexus to explore why this small town is so prominent on a national stage.  Interestingly and coincidentally to our endeavor, we find that “touring” has had a lot to do with it.

Athens’ boy and Producer Ben Allen is creator of Grammy Award-winning records, and the Sidewalk Radio theme song.  We’re lucky.  Thank you, Ben!

At the time, groups like REM and Pylon before them did not have a large local fan base so they toured voraciously.  In doing so, they brought not only their music to towns like Boston, LA, Chicago and New York, but they also delivered the creativity and culture of a small southern town.  Great music and a cacophony of concerts made Athens a major music town.  Athens born, Grammy Award-winning producer, Ben Allen, joins Gene to talk about his hometown, sharing personal reflections and professional insights into why he and folks around the world love Athens’ music, culture and so much more.

The Georgia Theatre is not just a beacon for music, but also for Georgia’s preservation movement.

Co-owner of the Georgia Theatre, Wil Greene, played in Athens’ bands, wrote songs for others, and even earned an MS in Geography, but none of that experience nor education prepared him for the day the famed music venue caught fire and burned.  The Georgia Theatre had been for years a rite of passage for bands coming in and out of Athens, but on June 19, 2009, it nearly became a memory.  Greene, with help from organizations like the Georgia Trust and folks from around the country, rebounded and now the Theatre is better than ever.  Wil shares his road-to-recovery story with some entertaining interludes along the way.

Poetry reading by ICE. Poster design by Justine Stevens.

The impact of the University of Georgia on Athens history is beyond considerable.  In 1785, UGA became the first state-supported university.  In 1804, two years before Athens officially became a town, the first graduating class celebrated…and they haven’t stopped since.  Don’t believe us?  Head Downtown on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday night!  While it is true that Athens is certainly a party and football town, it’s also making major waves and advancements in creative exploration.  It’s no happy accident that we stopped by ICE (Ideas for Creative Exploration) to chat with Artistic Director Mark Callahan.  We talk about their process, projects and the promise of creative collaboration in higher education.

Famed UGA football coach, Vince Dooley, in front of statue celebrating 1980′s National Championship. Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker.

Game day at “Georgia” is more than a tradition, it’s a way of life.  For 25 years, Coach Vince Dooley led the University of Georgia Bulldogs “Between the Hedges” and on the road to a mind numbing 201 victories and 20 bowl games, and in 1980, to a National Championship.  Under Dooley’s leadership, UGA was first broadcast on national TV, “touring” en masse and winning fans everywhere except for in the SEC!  And, while we certainly have a high degree of respect for the impact of sport on Athens, it’s Coach Dooley’s love for and acumen in history and gardening that captured our attention in the Sidewalk Radio studio.  Take a listen to the Vince Dooley interview that is sure to make you an even bigger fan of the Athens’ icon, sports legend, Civil War authority and master gardener.

“The Tree That Owns Itself” is a gift and a tribute to cultural will trumping civil law. Just listen to the show…you’ll hear!

For ON THE ROAD: ATHENS, we had a blast, made some great friends, drank Red Blazers (rye whisky, bitters, Cheerwine from the bottle) at the Manhattan – which we encourage, caught some great shows including Dave Marr featuring Unscripted host Alan Flurry and then caught Kai Riedl followed by Reptar at the 40 Watt, saw some really cool works at Georgia Museum of Art, and had amazing conversation about history, culture and all things creative.  And, for you dear listener, this is the road trip you can take right from your radio or i-thing.  Please join us & enjoy!

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VOX POP: ATHENS SPECIAL

For those in the know, which is a lot of folks, Athens, Georgia is a special place and especially creative.  As a preview to this month’s ON THE ROAD: ATHENS episode which airs on Monday the 25th, we met up with a select group of friendly and inspiring talents who call Athens home.  Their interviews are in a very relaxed and conversational style, just like Athens, and the places we visit along the way are a must the next time you stop by town.

Cine Theatre. Design Team led by Carl Martin & Carol John.

We met up with architect and curator Carl Martin at Cine, the fabulous art house movie theatre and art gallery that is right next door to The National, a Hugh Acheson restaurant; see a movie, then get the stuffed medjool dates with celery, manchego cheese, smoked paprika.  Our interview is with one of Athens’ coolest collaborators, and certainly a great host for our VIP tour.  LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW WITH CARL NOW.

Darren and his dog, Dash. Painting by Jennifer Hartley.

While we were hangin’ and talkin’ to Carl at Cine, we had the pleasure of an impromptu art tour with artist Jennifer Hartley, who happened to be hanging her show there that afternoon.  LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW WITH JENNIFER NOW.

“Terrain Installation” by Rinne Allen. Photo credit: Rinne Allen.

Just down the block from The National and Cine is the home and studio and garden and wonderland created by Rinne Allen with her husband Lee.  Rinne gave us an audio tour through her world.  It’s fascinating and picturesque.  Rinne has a cool connection to Sidewalk Radio, her brother Ben Allen composed our theme song and is a guest on Monday’s show.  Oh, and Rinne collaborated with Hugh Acheson to produce A New Turn in the South, a book that won a James Beard Award.  Cheers to that.  LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW WITH RINNE NOW.

Michael Lachowski at Georgia Museum of Art. Painting by Radcliffe Bailey. Photo credit: Gene Kansas.

Our last visit, before kicking around town for more art, food and music, is with Michael Lachowski.  A founding member of Pylon, an artist, a publisher, and now with the Georgia Museum of Art, Michael is certainly one of Athens’ most active and influential creative talents.  Take a listen to the interview, you’ll see. LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL NOW.

AND, MAKE SURE TO TUNE IN ON MARCH 25TH AT 6:30PM EST FOR “ON THE ROAD: ATHENS” WITH FEATURED GUESTS: COACH VINCE DOOLEY, PRODUCER BEN ALLEN, IDEAS FOR CREATIVE EXPLORATION’S MARK CALLAHAN, & WIL GREENE OF THE GEORGIA THEATRE.  LISTEN LIVE HERE.

EXTRA: ATHENS SLINGSHOT.

Kai Riedl has a makeshift band of creative friends and fanatic supporters helping to launch Athens Slingshot.

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Kai Riedl is a musician, a scholar, and most recently, along with UGA Art professor Eric Marty, the co-founder of Athens Slingshot, a new art, music and cultural event taking place in Athens, Georgia on March 9th.

If you love Athens, art, music, and have a keen interest in hearing about how to start your very own cultural festival, you’ve gotta take a listen to this interview.

We’re excited about Slingshot, and we’re also very amped up about ON THE ROAD: ATHENS, an upcoming episode of Sidewalk Radio where we, well, take the show on the road.  That episode airs March 25th.

Enjoy this Sidewalk Radio EXTRA, and make sure to get to Athens  to take part in this inaugural event.

Hollywood South

Atlanta, aka “Hollywood South”, is rapidly becoming a leader in the film industry.

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To say that the film industry is making an impact on Georgia’s economy would be like saying that “The Godfather” is a decent little movie.  An understatement of blockbusting proportion.  In 2012, direct economic benefits of film production came to nearly $3.1 billion for the state.  Films like “The Blind Side”, “Driving Miss Daisy”, and “Forrest Gump” were all filmed in Georgia.  But, it’s not just A-list actors and revenues generating buzz, Hollywood is also a boon to students, residents, cultural events and local communities.  This month, we explore the epic of cinema in the South and why Georgia wants to continue to roll out the red carpet.

The premiere of “Gone with the Wind” prompted the then governor to declare December 15th a Georgia state holiday.

Atlanta and Georgia’s history in film goes way back, most famously to “Gone with the Wind”, premiering at Loew’s Grand Theatre on December 15, 1939.  The Fabulous Fox Theatre has also played a major role as one of the grandest movie houses ever built, and one of Atlanta’s proudest preservation efforts.  To talk about the tax credit that’s helping to relaunch an already storied career is the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Lee Thomas, Director of Film, Music & Digital Entertainment.

SCAD Atlanta’s Digital Media Center. Copyright SCAD.

A big part in Georgia attracting major studios and production houses is our base of local talent.  But, before the cast, crew, and future directors get their cue, they first have to be trained.  Dean of SCAD’s School of Digital Media, Tina O’Hailey, brings a colorful conversation to Sidewalk Radio, revealing how Hollywood is helping both SCAD and the students, and how that’s good news for the rest of us.

“Iceberg Slim: Portrait of a Pimp” is bound to add some street-wise character to the Atlanta Film Festival.

Chris Escobar, Executive Director of the Atlanta Film Festival, also joins Gene in the studio to talk about what he credits as Hollywood’s contributions to Atlanta’s cultural undercurrent.  Chris shares an insider’s guide to a fantastic festival, the mojo behind the movie industry in Georgia, and a good bit of back story about Hollywood’s film culture in the capital of the South.

Mark Asworth, Doritos, and a goat, captured Superbowl gold.

Last, but certainly the funniest, is Mark Asworth.  Mark has been working on his acting career and in dining rooms of some of Atlanta’s best restaurants (Sotto Sotto, and now Miller Union) for 7 years.  He’s had success on the small screen, stage and in film roles, like “Lawless”, but it was his casting as lead in the “Doritos Goat 4 Sale” advertisement by Pogo Pictures that garnered wild applause the world over; the commercial aired during the Superbowl, being viewed by over 100,000,000 people.  We want to party with you, Mark.

So, with that hopefully tantalizing preview, grab your popcorn and let the listening being.  Enjoy the show.

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For film reviews and therapy sessions wrapped into one, check out POPCORN THERAPY.

VOX POP: THE MOVIES.

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It’s Oscar time, folks. Before you load up on red wine and red carpets, take a listen to our visit to the box office, compliments of the friends and fans of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival.

This outing and these interviews are a preview to our upcoming episode, “Hollywood South”, set to air on Monday March 25th. Enjoy this show, and tune in to the feature on films next week.

THE GIFT OF GIVING

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Why do we give back?  Many reasons.  To help the community.  To help others.  To feel good about ourselves.  If you ask 100 people why they give, the majority of them would answer similarly.  If you ask those same people what they give to, the answers start to vary.  There are many worthwhile causes out there.  This month we discuss the importance of giving, the act in itself a true gift.

Bernie Marcus at the ground breaking for the Marcus Autism Center. Copyright 2008 Ross Oscar Knight Photography.

Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot, is a billionaire. And, lucky for us all, an extremely philanthropic one.  Mr. Marcus supports many causes, but the two for which he is best known are The Georgia Aquarium and the Marcus Autism Center.  So, why these two most prominently? Don Mueller, Executive Director of the Marcus Autism Center, joins us to share that story, and also discuss the progress made in autism awareness.  It’s an effort that’s paying off. In the case of MAC, hard work and generosity have propelled the center from its humble beginnings in 2 office trailers to the top autism research center in the United States, giving care to families and to those in need.

GIVE BACK TO MARCUS AUTISM CENTER.

Janice McKenzie-Crayton shares her passion for giving with “Bigs” and “Littles” at the new home of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta at 1382 Peachtree Street.

It’s hard to argue that giving back to causes that support kids in our community is not vitally important.  Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta has been doing that very thing for the past 51 years, and doing it very well.  In fact, BBBS of Metro Atlanta was named Large Agency of the Year in 2012, the top honor for this esteemed national organization.  And, for the past 21 years, the BBBS of Metro Atlanta charge has been lead by CEO Janice McKenzie-Crayton.  Janice joins Gene, a mentor and volunteer in the program for the past 14 years and a current Board Member, to talk about the gift of giving back, the difference real estate can make to a non-profit, and the March 16th fundraiser called Bowl For Kids Sake that allows teams to give back while having fun.

GIVE BACK TO BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS.

Big Brother Don Freer with Little Brother David Axford. A perfect Match.

For a model agency, David Axford represents a model individual, and a mega success story for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta.  David, a 17-year-old high school student, has been matched with 2012 “Big Brother of the Year” Don Freer for 6 years.  At the age of 10, David suddenly and tragically lost his father.  With the help of Don, a loving and supportive family, and through his own inner strength, confidence and determination, David not only picked himself up, but became the young man his father knew he would be.  David joins Gene to share his thoughts about what it’s like to be the one who receives the gift of another’s giving.  Not surprising, the conversation quickly turns from David to how he plans to give back.  You’ll be amazed by the poise and character of David, and feel inspired by the benefits gained as a result of Don’s mentorship.

DAVID SUPPORTS THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S RELAY FOR LIFE. GIVE BACK TO FIGHT CANCER.

“Come on your honor, my client was a podless calf when he signed that.”

Gene Kansas' entry to New Yorker Caption Contest

 

Lisa Moore is principal of The Moore Firm, LLC, an entertainment and intellectual property law practice she founded, is an expert in First Amendment Law, has taught at UGA and Emory University, and is the immediate past Executive Director of Georgia Lawyers for the Arts, a non-profit organization that gives free legal advice to creative talents across the state.  In the spirit of giving back, we thought it would be fun to tap into Lisa’s expertise and have her give some free legal advice to the artists in our listening audience.  So, if you’re a songwriter, a singer, a painter or a poet, you have to listen to this part of our show…well, you don’t have to, but we think you’d enjoy it.

GIVE BACK TO GEORGIA LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS.

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A FEW OTHER GREAT CAUSES THAT NEED YOUR SUPPORT: TEAM GLEASON, ONE LOVE GENERATION, AND MANY OTHERS AT GEORGIA CENTER FOR NON PROFITS.

This show is dedicated to the memory of Ellen Stich Newell, a loving wife, sister, aunt and friend.  Her greatest gift was giving of herself to others through her steadfast support and genuine interest in their lives.  Everyone was Ellen’s best friend.  She was greatly loved, she will be dearly missed.

VOX POP: GIVING BACK

Sidewalk Radio Host, Gene Kansas, with Little Brother, Redman. Matched 12 years in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta.

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We all know the importance of giving back.  Help our fellow citizens.  Help the community.  Make the future brighter, healthier, and happier for children.  As a prelude to this month’s “Giving Back” episode, we left our seats and hit the streets with our Special Segment, VOX POP (voice of the people), to hear what fellow Atlantans are supporting.  Take a listen, then then take a moment to check out our Giving Back Sweepstakes for a chance for us to donate to the charity of your choice!

TUNE IN ON MONDAY JANUARY 28TH FOR THE FULL “GIVING BACK” EPISODE.

EXTRA: GREG ALTERMAN

Greg Alterman. Founder of Alternative Apparel.

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Greg Alterman is the entrepreneur who made an American classic comfortable.  Thank you, Greg.  While the super soft, stylish and comfy Alternative Apparel started out of his college dorm room, Alterman’s business acumen goes way back through his family’s ancestral lines. The Altermans have owned grocery stores, restaurants, and even dressed Hollywood starlets. For this Sidewalk Radio EXTRA, Gene sits down with the Atlanta native who has made it big by paying attention to the smallest details. It’s a fun, entertaining, and entrepreneurial chat with a decently funny guy. Enjoy.

Creating Christmas: Coke & A Smile.

Coca-Cola Concerts tree at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Photo credit Erik Dixon.

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This month, we celebrate the ho, ho, holidays with Atlanta’s very own, Coca-Cola.  Coke is the world’s most recognized brand, one of America’s most generous donors to charity, and the company’s leadership helped make and shape Atlanta into the international city that it is today…plus, Coke tastes great.  But, it’s Coca-Cola’s effervescent espousal of tradition, specifically the colorful Christmas magic they have concocted, that gives it thirst quenching, creative appeal.  What appears in the iconic bottle as a drink is, in reality, a mindset.  The Coke brand is a cultural identity curated through art and advertising, rooted deeply in the National and International psyche.  From Santa Claus to polar bears to holiday caravans and concerts, Coca-Cola – more than any other commercial factor – has made Christmas what it is today, and we happily drink it up.

Artist Haddon Sundblom, and Coca-Cola’s marketing prowess, created the imagery we associate with modern day Santa Claus.

Ted Ryan is Director of Communications for Coca-Cola’s Archives Department, an adoring father, a history buff, and clearly a huge Coke fan.  Can you blame him?  Coke did after all create the modern image of Santa Claus.  While Santa has been around for many centuries (the name  ”Santa Claus” was first used by the American press in 1773), it wasn’t until Coca-Cola commissioned artist Haddon Sundblom to lay brush to canvas in the 1930′s that we got our modern version of the pleasantly plump, jolly ole, white-haired, red-suited St. Nick.  Ted talks pop culture, the history of Santa, and wraps up the interview with some of Coca-Cola’s other heralded holiday treats.

Coca-Cola polar bears enjoying ice cold Coke and “Northern Lights”, created by Ken Stewart.

We all know Santa lives at the North Pole, but do you know where polar bears come from?  Well, the Coca-Cola polar bears come from the magical mind of Ken Stewart, their likeness from his Golden Labrador Retriever puppy, Morgan.  That’s right, the genus of the bear is a dog…well, creatively speaking, of course.  In 1993, when Ken created the “Northern Lights” commercial for Coca-Cola, animation was definitely not what it is today.  Ken joins Gene to talk about creating this famous “fairy tale”, some of the cool tricks to the trade that came from his collaboration with animation company Rhythm & Hues, and of course his adorning puppy, all of which inspired this perennial holiday favorite.

For many, “The Holidays Are Coming” marks the beginning of the festive season in Great Britain.

Zoe Howorth has had a big year across the pond as Marketing Director for Coca-Cola Great Britain.  First, the London Olympics (which were amazing, by the way), then news of a Royal baby, and now Christmas.  For most people, “The Holidays Are Coming” means busy schedules, silly sweaters, and shopping like crazy.  But, for Zoe and her team, the phrase is an “advert” come to life with Coca-Cola’s famous truck caravan commercial rolling knees up in real time.  The commercial, which has been running since 1995, is a regular feature each year in 100 different countries.  Zoe graciously and wittingly charms us on this International phone interview, giving a festive overview of the campaign that visits 64 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland.  We also get to hear a bit about Christmas in the UK, so make sure to take a listen…And, if you’re available, go see the trucks in person through December 23rd…we plan to (next year).

Jere Flint conducting at Christmas. Photo credit Erik Dixon.

Christmas is not Christmas without music, and Coca-Cola is playing lead there too.  Coke’s philanthropic contributions have helped support the arts the world over, most notably here in Atlanta through the Woodruff Arts Center.  We’re lucky to have Jere Flint join our ensemble cast for this month’s show.  Jere, a cellist in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for four decades, and Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) since 1979, brings a wonderful perspective about music and education, plus a rousing finale to a show that’s all about creating Christmas.  Hear Jere on our show, and make sure to go visit the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in person for a holiday concert if you’re in our fine city.

Get in the spirt, y’all, for this Sidewalk Radio Holiday Special.  It’s creative, it’s fun, and it’s a history lesson about creativity.  We hope all of your holidays are joyful and bright.  May your New Year be creative, cultural and full of wonderful conversation.  Enjoy the show!

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Special thanks to Sidewalk Radio friend, Ben Dupuy, for his creative input on what promises to be one of our most creative shows.