Chinese Lantern Festival

Chinese Lantern Festival

Centennial Olympic Park

Photography by Bonnie M. Morét

Celtic Women: Home for Christmas

Celtic Women

Atlanta Symphony Hall

Photograph by Bonnie M. Morét

Thievery Corporation at Tabernacle Atlanta

Thievery Corporation

At Tabernacle Atlanta

Photograph by Bonnie M. Morét

Andra Day with Chloe x Halle in Atlanta

Andra Day at The Tabernacle

Atlanta, Ga.

Photograph by Bonnie M. Morét

 

In case you weren't there, below are highlights from Andra Day's unforgettable performance at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga.  Atlanta-based sisters and YouTube sensations Chloe x Halle opened the show.

Jim James and Twin Limb at The Tabernacle in Atlanta

Jim James

Tabernacle  Atlanta

Photo by Bonnie M. Morét

Happy Veterans Day

Fitz & The Tantrums at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Nov. 7

Fitz and The Tantrums

At The Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA

Photo by Bonnie M. Morét

Soulful indie-pop band Fitz and The Tantrums' animated performance at The Tabernacle in Atlanta had the crowd moving around the entire time.  

Barns Courtney opened the show.

 

Lindsey Stirling's Brave Enough Tour at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Lindsey Stirling

Brave Enough Tour

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center

Photo by Bonnie M. Morét

Loreena McKennitt at Atlanta Symphony Hall

Loreena McKennitt

Atlanta Symphony Hall

Photo byBonnie M. Morét

 

Picturesque Glamping at Horsetrough Falls in the Chattahoochee National Forest

Mark Trail Wilderness

Photo by Bonnie M. Morét

The Inaugural Atlanta Concours d’Elegance at Château Èlan Winery & Resort

1997 GTR-1 Le Mans, Homologation Special

Inaugural Atlanta Concours d’Elegance

Château Èlan Winery & Resort

Photo by Bonnie M. Morét

 

George Thorogood & The Destroyers with The Outlaws at Atlanta Symphony Hall

George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Atlanta Symphony Hall.
  Photograph by Bonnie M. Morét

2016 Mazda/SCCA Pro Racing Awards Banquet at Infinite Energy Center

John Doonan with Nathanial "Sparky" Sparks

2016 Mazda MX-5 Cup Champion

Photo by Bonnie M. Morét

 

On Friday, Sept 30, I had the pleasure of attending the Mazda/SCCA Pro Racing Awards Banquet at Infinite Energy Center. 

It was great to see old friends like Mike Collins the new SCCA president and meet a fellow Louisiana girl, Sarah Montgomery, the 22-year-old Global Mazda MX-5 driver. 

The winning vibe and high energy could be felt throughout the evening. 

Highlights below:

Prophets of Rage with AWOLNATION and Wakrat at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, Oct 4

Prophets of Rage

Photography by Bonnie M. Morét

 

New supergroup, Prophets of Rage, which includes Rage Against the Machine bassist Tim Commerford, legendary guitarist and activist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk, as well as Public Enemy's Chuck D and Cypress Hill's B Real performed at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre  at Encore Park on Tuesday, Oct. 4.   

AWOLNATION and Wakrat opened the show and got the crowd going.  The powerful mix of DJ Lord's fifteen minute seque was the perfect way to begin "The Rage."   

From doing the right thing, to taking a stand against wrongdoing, the message of the evening was positive activism ... don't just sit there, RAGE AGAINST! 

Highlights below:

Charlie Puth and Hailey Knox at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga., Oct. 1

Charlie Puth
The Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA
Photo by Bonnie M. Morét

A fan-filled Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga., welcomed Charlie Puth on Saturday, October 1st.  Hailey Knox opened the evening.  

Highlights below:

Alice in Chains with Staticland at the Tabernacle, Sept. 21

Alice in Chains

At the Tabernacle

Photo by Bonnie M. Morét

 
The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga., was the place to be on Wednesday, Sept. 21.  Staticland opened and Alice in Chains rocked the house with the music fans know and love. 

Highlights below:  

Music Midtown 2016

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

Honda Stage

Music Midtown 2016

Photo by Bonnie M. Morét

While the 2016 chapter of Music Midtown has closed, the vivid memories live on. The music lineup featured fresh talent spanning the several genres which included crowd-pleasing favorites like Twenty øne Piløts, St. Lucia and Nathaniel Rateliff and The Nightsweats--my personal favorite. 

In spite of the weather, fun was had by all. 

Kudos to the Live Nation Team, sponsors and volunteers for doing an excellent job and a round of hugs to the security team for keeping us safe. 

Highlights below:

Heart at Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Sept. 17



Heart at Chastain Park Amphitheatre

Photo by Bonnie M. Morét

 

Touring with Cheap Trick and Joan Jett, Heart performed to a sold-out Chastain Park Amphitheatre on Saturday, Sept. 17.  The Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy, brought us down memory lane playing Heart's biggest hits along with a few hits by friends.

Highlights below:

Goo Goo Dolls, Collective Soul and Tribe Society at Chastain Park Amphitheatre

John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls
Photography by Bonnie M. Morét

On Sunday, Sept. 4, the crowd at a nearly sold-out Chastain Park Amphitheatre enjoyed the music of Tribe Society, Atlanta's own Collective Soul and the Goo Goo Dolls. 

Highlights below:

Steven Tyler at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Sept. 1

Steven Tyler wows a packed Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Photography by Bonnie M. Morét

Steven Tyler carried a packed Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre through a musical diary of his  life. From childhood memories to Woodstock, through Aerosmith to his current album, he captivated a most attentive audience. His autobiographical “My Own Worst Enemy" brought many to tears, including me. 

Tyler was backed by Loving Mary, a seven-piece country-rock band from Nashville that includes longtime Aerosmith pal Marti Frederiksen on vocals and guitar. Along with singer/bassist Rebecca Lynn Howard. 

It was most apparent that Tyler and Loving Mary were having genuine fun on stage and the Out on a Limb tour proves it.  "We’re All Somebody from Somewhere” was a crowd favorite. 

La Vie Artistique Magazine was the only camera allowed to photograph the concert. Exclusive images below:

Seal at Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Aug 20

Seal at Chastain Park Amphitheatre

8/20/16

Photography by Bonnie M. Morét

 

Seal played to an enthusiastic crowd at Chastain Park Amphitheatre last night.  He opening with Crazy and ended with Life On the Dance Floor.   

Concert highlights are below: 

The Art of Food: Healthy, Easy and Delicious

Greek yogurt and organic blueberries drizzled with
 Dazzle Mountain Farm and Apiary's wildflower honey.
Photo by Bonnie M. Morét

The U.S. Olympic Dive Team: Road to Rio

Sam Dorman, 3-meter.

USA Diving selected Atlanta to host its official team ‘Send-off’ prior to departing for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. The ‘Send-off’ took place from July 19-23 at the Coach Herb McAuley Aquatic Center on the campus of Georgia Tech. It was Team USA’s final public appearance on American soil. 

“We are excited to be returning to Atlanta and the site of the 1996 Games for our final preparation for the 2016 Games in Rio” said Linda Paul, President& CEO of USA Diving. “We are also thrilled to be including the 1996 U.S. Olympic divers in this final training camp.” 

Team USA held open practices, participated in team building exercises and visited local children’s hospitals. In addition to featuring this year’s Olympians, several members of the 1996 U.S. Olympic Diving Team also made the trip to Atlanta to participate in various activities.  

311 Rocked The Tabernacle in Atlanta, July 29th & 30th

311's Nick Hexum at

The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga.

 

311, the rock band out of Nebraska who, get their name from the Omaha police code for indecent exposure, performed to a sold-out crowd at The Tabernacle in Atlanta last night. 

Lead singer Nick Hexum and his accompanying rap/reggae partner Doug Martinez are phenomenal live.  The band brought their rock-based antics to the stage and put on a two hour show.  

It was FABULOUS! 

Highlights below:

Garbage and Kristin Kontrol at Tabernacle in Atlanta, July 22

Shirley Manson of Garbage.

 

Garbage released their sixth studio album on June 10.  Strange Little Birds is their first release in four years  and with an album comes a tour. Their Atlanta performance at the Tabernacle was a crowd-pleaser with a perfect mix of old and new hits. Shirley Manson of Garbage.

The quartet will continue their tour as follows: 

July 25 – Richmond, VA @ The National

July 27 – Sayerville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

July 28 – Boston, MA @ House Of Blues

July 30 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore

July 31 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live!

August 1 – New York, NY @ Summerstage

August 3 – Washington, DC @ The Lincoln Theater

Kristin Kontrol - Kristin Welchez, Dee Dee from Dum Dum Girls - was the opening act.  Refocused and newly inspired, Kristin released X-Communicate, produced by Kurt Feldman and Andrew Miller, who played guitar on the first Dum Dum Girls album and joined the band in its last incarnation.

Highlights below:

Relive the Dream: 20th Anniversary Celebration of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games

Five of the "Magnificent Seven" 1996 U.S. Women's Gymnastics Team

Shannon Miller, Jaycie Phelps, Amy Chow, Amanda Borden, Dominique Moceanu

 The Atlanta Games were one of the largest, 197 nations competed (a record at that time). Despite all the troubles that organizers faced these Olympics had some of the best stories ever.

The Games began so joyously with Muhammad Ali, the world's best-known sports figure, igniting the Olympic cauldron.

In track and field, Michael Johnson delivered on his much-anticipated, yet still startling, double in the 200 and 400 meters. Carl Lewis pulled out one last bit of magic to win the long jump for the ninth gold medal of his amazing Olympic career.

The U.S. women's gymnastics squad took the team gold after Kerri Strug hobbled up and completed her final gutsy vault in the Games' most compelling moment. Swimmer Amy Van Dyken became the first American woman to win four golds in a single Games.

On Saturday, July 17, in spite of a rain/lightening delay, Atlanta relived the dream with a star-studded 20th anniversary celebration of the 1996 Summer Olympics at Centennial Olympic Park. The event featured live entertainment, food trucks, fireworks and an Olympic volunteer reunion.

Elevating Atlanta to international status and recognition, the 1996 Summer Olympics united the world in friendship and peace—the festivities Saturday night  celebrated the glories of the Games, reunited the athletic heroes, volunteers, the organizing team and fans at the event’s greatest lasting legacy – 21-acre Centennial Olympic Park.

Highlights below: 

Atlanta: A Peaceful Beacon of Hope for Our Nation

Photography by Bonnie M. Morét

 

Tonight, Atlanta was the Beacon of Hope for our wounded Nation.  Thousands gathered - all races, all ages and all religions stood as ONE - to rally for PEACE, protesting the recent shootings.  Atlanta city councilman Kwanza Hall stated, " Atlanta is setting an example of PEACE FOR ALL. Dr. King would be proud." 

From the Mayor to conflicting gang members ... Atlanta stood as one tonight!  I am so proud of my city!

Highlights below:

In This Moment's 2016 Hell Pop Tour At The Masquerade in Atlanta on July 5

Maria Brink of In This Moment

at The Masquerade in Atlanta, Ga.

 

On Tuesday July 5, Sunflower Dead, Shaman's Harvest, Hellyeah and In This Moment performed to a sold-out Masquerade in Atlanta, Ga.  I was scheduled to photograph In This Moment, but arrived early because I wanted to experience the entire show. I must say, I wasn't familiar with any of the opening bands or their music, but was impressed with their performances.

 

In This Moment, my favorite, is extremely talented. Vocalist Maria Brink has a bold stage persona, powerful vocals and sings about self-empowerment, love and sex. She’s confident and it shows.   These elements make her a dynamic leader who outperforms many onstage today.

 

Do yourself a favor and see an In This Moment performance.  Details at www.inthismomentofficial.com/tour.

 

Performance highlights below:

2016 Last Summer on Earth Tour with Barenaked Ladies, OMD and Howard Jones

Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies
Last Summer on Earth Tour
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park

 

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park played host to the 2016 Last Summer on Earth Tour on June 28. A group of great musicians playing, interacting and having fun with concert-goers who were there with the intention of having fun was memorable indeed. 

 

The music was brilliant, the venue was great and no one seemed bored. It was everything a summer outdoor concert should be. 

 

Howard Jones opened, followed by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) and then Barenaked Ladies took the stage.

 

Highlights below:

Atlanta's ASW Distillery: The Clear Choice

Everything is a work of art at ASW Distillery.

Slated to open in July, ASW Distillery (ASW) is an Atlanta "must do!"  Founded by Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson, ASW is the perfect Midtown stop  for a spirited weekend.  Their first product, a clear whiskey called American Spirit Whisey, is fabulous.  

Yes, you did read correctly, clear whiskey.  And no ... it's NOT moonshine.  Thanks to charcoal filtering and aging with oak,  American Spirit Whiskey's flavor is smooth and light.  It is perfect on the rocks, neat, in a Martini, a Bloody Mary or any cocktail usually made with vodka.  In fact, it is the ideal bridge-to-whiskey for vodka drinkers. 

I had the pleasure of meeting several of the ASW team members at the 2016 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival.  The idea of a clear whiskey piqued my curiosity, so I tried it.  Being a bourbon drinker,  I was skeptical, but after the first sip, I was most impressed.  In fact, I asked where to buy it and picked up a bottle the next day. 

The following weekend, I had a private tour of the ASW Distillery.  Chad Ralston, who is at the helm of ASW's growth and grassroots guided me through every detail of both the American Spirit Whiskey brand and ASW Distillery that will not only produce American Spirit Whiskey, but other individually branded bourbons and single malts in the years to come. 

The facility is beautiful, thanks to the lovely designs of Kelly Chasteen and architect Oliver Carter.  Clean lines and exquisite details grace your eyes upon entry.  The well-planned seating areas equipped with Wi-Fi invite you to "sit and stay a while."  Design elements include repurposed wood procured from the Old Crow distillery,  a fabulous metal door which makes a grand entry into the distillery, a chalkboard outlining the process of whiskey making and a perfectly-placed Penley painting. 

The lush , deep tones of the bar enhance the warmth of the room.  The drawers at its end are filled with corn, rye and barley to give patrons a hands-on experience to the whiskey-making process. 

Vintage pieces on display include an old typewriter,  a late 50s Polaroid camera and a pre-1920s Kentucky ballot box. 

Retail items include gorgeous Glencairn crystal tasting glasses - with or without the ASW logo, decanters, flasks, water pitchers and Yeti products.  Yes, they carry Yeti! 

I learned about sprouting barley to make mash,  the importance of temperature and water cooling,  and the difference between low wines, feints and actual spirits.  I learned about the porosity of the barrels and the aging process.  Biggest lesson learned -- never touch the fabulous Vendome copper and brass stills.  

ASW Distillery has outdoor seating in a courtyard that lends to high-quality acoustic sounds.  I sang a few notes and must say, I cannot wait to hear live music being played in that area.  

Whiskey and Wi-Fi, y'all ... it is the next intown thing to do. 

Cheers!

Weezer, Panic! At the Disco & Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

Weezer
Photography by Bonnie M. Morét

Weezer and Panic! At the Disco shared the stage at Lakewood Amphitheatre in Atlanta, Ga., on Thursday, June 16, on their joint tour across North America. Both groups are touring to promote their latest albums. 

Indie artist Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness performed the opening set before the headliners take the stage for separate sets. 

Highlights below:

Chris Botti and Joshua Bell at Atlanta Symphony Hall

Joshua Bell and Chris Botti
Atlanta Symphony Hall
Photography by Bonnie M. Morét

 

Grammy® Award-winning musicians Chris Botti and Joshua Bell created a virtuoso night at sold-out Atlanta Symphony Hall on Friday, June 10.  Chris Botti has become the largest-selling American instrumental artist. His success crosses over to audiences usually reserved for pop music.  Botti has multiple Gold and Platinum albums as well as several Grammy Awards. 

Joining Botti was the lauded violinist Joshua Bell, often referred to as “the poet of the violin” and considered “the greatest American violinist active today” (The Boston Herald). He has recorded numerous movie soundtracks, including the Oscar®-winning score for The Red Violin. In addition, he has collaborated with A-listers including Wynton Marsalis, Josh Groban, Placido Domingo, and has performed on every continent except Antartica.

2016 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

2016 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
Photography by Bonnie M. Morét

 

The Peach State called all food and drink lovers to Atlanta, Georgia for the ultimate Southern culinary weekend and they answered.  The sixth annual Atlanta Food & Wine Festival returned June 2-5, to celebrate the South’s main draws – its cocktails and cuisine.  

Praised as the “Hollywood of the South,” and a known culinary destination, Atlanta is the perfect city to serve as the backdrop to the highly acclaimed Southern food and drink Festival. More than 250 chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, pitmasters and artisans from Texas to D.C. gathered in Atlanta to showcase their remarkable talent and help guide guests on an unforgettable weekend celebrating the rich food and beverage traditions of the South.   

“For food lovers, there is nothing more appealing than spending a weekend indulging in exceptional food and drink by rock star culinary talent, especially when the experience includes a road trip to a fun Southern city,” explains Dominique Love, Co-founder of the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. “Around 80% of US destinations are within a short two-hour flight to Atlanta, making Atlanta Food & Wine Festival an easy weekend getaway.  And the added bonus is that the Festival brings in the best-of-the-best from Texas to DC, so guests may have their feet in Atlanta but their palates will experience a weekend of all-you-can-indulge food and drink from the South’s best destinations.”   

SOUTHERN PRIDE:  the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival proudly introduced a number of new additions that will made the trip worth it – new series of Masterclasses; an expanded Advisory Council; new Tasting Tent location; a first-of-its- kind in the US pop-up Vineyard in the City in the heart of Midtown Atlanta with a featured Sunday Brunch; Destination Delicious: The Ultimate Road Trip kick-off party and lots  more!

Cyndi Lauper's Detour at Atlanta Symphony Hall on June 5

Detour: Cyndi Lauper at Atlanta Symphony Hall

Photography by Bonnie M. Morét

June 5, 2016

Cyndi Lauper filled Atlanta Symphony Hall Sunday night with music from her new country album, Detour and many of her beloved hits from She's So Unusual. 

I must say, at 63 (her birthday is the end of this month) she looks fabulous and can still belt out her four-octave vocals. flawlessly.  The thrift shop fashionista strutted her signature style and rocked cotton candy-colored hair as well. 

Backed by a five-piece band, Lauper impressed the crowd with Wanda Jackson’s “Funnel of Love” and Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight."

She shared stories of her childhood about watching Saturday morning cartoons and running around the house with stick ponies, as she held one onstage.

She also paid tribute to The Purple One by singing “When You Were Mine,” the Prince composition she covered on “She’s So Unusual.”  Lauper explained that she’s been singing the song in her set for years, but “It’s taken on a different meaning now … Prince was always so gracious and kind to me and the True Colors Fund.  And, he was funny, too – quirky as heck!”

For those who weren't there, highlights of Cyndi Lauper's performance are below: