Midtown Culture Archives

gloATL Presents ROEM July 23-24 at Woodruff Arts Center – Midtown Atlanta GA

July 23, 2010 by Thom Abbott

gloATL Presents ROEM July 23-24 at Woodruff Arts Center – Midtown Atlanta GA

There is a reason that Midtown Atlanta GA is called the “heart of the arts.” With the Woodruff Arts Center, High Museum, soon to arrive Museum of Modern Design, the Fabulous Fox Theatre and a couple other small playhouses, there is always something exciting to see and do!

And tonight and tomorrow night are certainly no exception with gloATL’s presentation, ROEM. I’ll be there to check it out, and with any luck, capture a few photos!

For more information about the event, click on the picture above to read the text and information about the event!

Margaret Cho Calls Midtown Atlanta Home

July 17, 2010 by Thom Abbott

Margaret Cho Calls Midtown Atlanta Home!
I’m still working on a blog post (or series) about my recent adventures called working as an extra on various film and TV productions that are happening in Atlanta. But I’ll fill in with tidbits as they come along.

I’ve had the opportunity to work numerous times on the Lifetime TV series, Drop Dead Diva. Depending on the specific set, you may, or may not have much interaction with the actual stars of the show.

Two weeks ago, I was on set with the infamous Margaret Cho, who stars as Terri Lee, the assistant of Jane Bingum, played by Brooke Elliott. At one point I wanted to poke my head in the office where she was sitting and tell her how fantastic she was when she was the star entertainer on an Atlantis Cruise I was on a few years ago. Turns out my partner, Ray Benitez DID talk to her when he was on set and she remember the cruise well!

Margaret took time out to talk with Fenuxe Magazine here in Atlanta. She mentioned that she has moved from Peachtree City to Midtown Atlanta. Well of course, MY first question is why she did not call ME to be her REALTOR!! Second Question….What Midtown Atlanta Condo building did she select? Hmmmm…I don’t have the answer for that own.

But, if Margaret Cho calls Midtown Atlanta home, shouldn’t you?

Let me show you why I love Midtown Atlanta, call it my home, and now, so does Margaret!

Money Makes The World Go Round — Or At Least The Wheels!

July 14, 2010 by Thom Abbott

Money Makes The World Go Round — Or At Least The Wheels in Midtown Atlanta!
I got a late start today….I worked from home in the morning, and headed into the office about 1pm.

As I’m rolling down 14th Street, I always try to keep up on what may, or may not be happening in Midtown Atlanta!

Well, needless to say, I almost rear-ended a car when I caught a glimpse of probably the most striking modern motorcar I have ever seen. It was parked in the driveway of the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown Atlanta.

I shudder to even think what this car costs, let alone to insure, drive or maintain.

Money Makes The World Go Round — Or At Least the Wheels!

Midtown Festival Of The Arts Is Coming to Atlanta September 25-26

July 1, 2010 by Thom Abbott

ATLANTA – JULY 1, 2010

Atlanta area residents and visitors will enjoy a new regional arts event this fall when the debut Midtown Festival of the Arts opens September 25-26.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and festival organizers today officially announced the details for the new neighborhood arts festival which will celebrate Midtown Atlanta’s diverse arts and entertainment offerings. The press conference was held at the new Loews Midtown Atlanta Hotel, a sponsor of the event.

The premiere festival will be proudly presented in and along world famous Peachtree Street between 5th and 10th Street. The road nickmaned the “Midtown Mile” will be temporarily transformed to showcase a vibrant artist market – including up to 100 visual artists – as well as stages for performing arts, literary arts offerings, and a culinary arts area featuring chef demonstrations, special tastings and retail booths from more than 25 outstanding restaurants.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce the new Midtown Festival of the Arts and to observe the widspread community effort that brought this Festival to fruition,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “The two-day neighborhood event promises to be a joyous gathering that showcases the important cultural assets of our city, embraces all of our citizens, and positively represents Atlanta’s diverse cultural tapestry.”

Created by Midtown Festival of the Arts, Inc, the event also includes a family friendly kid zone, Midtown Mile Road Race, a public art display and auction, a planned beer garden and other festival attractions such as street performers, spoken word events and film presentations.

“Our goals are to showcase the best of Midtown Atlanta while celebrating the Southeast as a destination for arts, culture and entertainment,” said Leslie Johnson, President of Midtown Festival of the Arts. “The time is right to strengthen Midtown’s already vibrant neighborhood.”

The Midtown Festival of the Arts will be a free event accessible by MARTA’s Midtown and North Avenue stations. Festival hours are Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm. A festival kickoff event (yours truly is the Chairman of THIS event!) is planned for Friday, September 24, with an Art Auction featuring 30 bar stools created by Midtown artists. On the morning of Saturday, Sept 25, the Midtown Mile Road Race will take place from Colony Square to the Fox Theatre. A Saturday evening outdoor film event on Peachtree and 10th is planned with a start time of dusk.

Reed also emphasized the importance of community to create a successful event.

“As Mayor, I take pride in observing the broad based, generous and spirited support that members of our community have extended to the Midtown Festival of the Arts, and in knowing that hundreds of volunteers will make it a great success,” said Reed. “This Festival has my complete support, and I look forward to attend this new signature event in Atlanta.”

Museum of Design (MODA) Moves to Midtown Atlanta

June 21, 2010 by Thom Abbott

Museum of Design (MODA) Moves to Midtown Atlanta

Museum of Design Midtown Atlanta Midtown Atlanta has long had the name, “Heart of The Arts,” and with good reason. From the High Museum and Woodruff Arts Center, to the Fox Theatre, 14th Street Playhouse and the Laughing Skull Theatre, we’ve got some art happening in Midtown.

So, it just seems a natural fit to hear that the Museum of Design (MODA) is moving from Downtown Atlanta to a new location across the street from….The High Museum! How perfect could that be!

Now, let me be the first (well, maybe not) to say, I did not even KNOW about MODA and the Downtown Atlanta location! Now, it will be right across from another major museum, and hopefully this will bolster its image and awareness.

In an article at ArtsCriticATL.com, Brenda Galina, the MODA Executive Director said, “Having Peachtree frontage in the culture district is a dream.” The new location will be on the ground floor of the new headquarters for Perkins + Will, an architectural firm and will be located at 1315 Peachtree Street.

The Museum of Design will need to work to generate more income and grants to be there for the long term. But with a great location in Midtown Atlanta, art lovers now can get a “two for one” by having two museums across the street from each other!

Thomas Ramon Realty wishes Ms. Galina and the museum the best and we look forward to seeing the new “digs” when they open next year!

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