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The Hunger Games: The Next Harry Potter or Twilight?

3/26/2012

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On the heels of this weekend's huge opening of The Hunger Games (it earned $214 million worldwide!), I have to stop and think:  Is this our replacement for Harry Potter and the beloved Twilight series?   Now that Harry Potter is over and Twilight will eventually end, at least the book-turned-movie fan population who's been coping with the loss of HP has something new to focus their attention on. 
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I've never been one for sorcery or glittering vampires, and I admit, I've only seen the first HP movie and somewhat boycotted Twilight, but The Hunger Games really caught my attention.  Although the whole idea of America turning into Panem and the Capitol hosting a fight to the death seems somewhat far fetched, I think the idea of survival of the fittest speaks to all of us at a core level, myself included.  Just like any good junkie, I read the book and was immediately sucked into the characters and the story line, staying up late and ditching friends to read, over going out for the night.  My Amazon basket right now includes the next two books in the Suzanne Collins series:  Catching Fire and Mockingjay, which will also be made into movies in the coming years. 

You know how any time we read a book and then see the movie, we always walk away from the theatre somewhat disappointed that the film didn't meet our expectations?  Or maybe that the writers and directors of the film left out pieces of the book that you felt were important?  Well, I have to say, of all the movies I've seen as interpretations of a book, The Hunger Games stayed more true to the written version than most.  Granted, little bits and pieces were removed, but overall, the folks behind the scenes made some right decisions.  I will say, I did enjoy the book more, but I think that's for one very specific reason that we don't always consider.  When a reader is following along in a novel, he or she is reading every thought, every feeling, every observation of the narrator.  Whereas, in a film, it would be silly to vocalize all of those things.  Instead, the actor has to emote all of those thoughts and feelings, leaving it up to the audience's  interpretation.  We don't become as connected to the individual narrating the story through a film as we do in a book.  We simply have to be accepting of that and open our minds to the movie version.

Now, in order to keep up with the "Team Edward" t-shirts, I've gotta get to the screen printing store to have my jersey made.  Number 12 with "Everdeen" across the shoulder blades.  Oh yeah.  The odds are ever in my favor.

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Micah Dalton's "Blue Frontier" Album Release

3/17/2012

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Micah Dalton is a tried and true Atlanta favorite, known and respected by just about everyone involved in this southern music community.  Not only is Dalton a fiercely talented writer, musician and vocalist, but he is also deeply involved with the community and making music with others.  Micah started ATL Collective (co-founded with David Berkeley), an eclectic group of musicians in Atlanta who come together once a month at Eddie's Attic to perform a series of songs by one selected artist.  This month, for example, they'll be covering Bruce Springsteen's album, Born in the USA, on March 18th.  These aren't your typical cover shows, though, as they make each event of musical storytelling a unique experience, leaving you with the feeling that you've just listened to this classic album for the very first time.  Another collaborative effort of Micah's is the annual Christmas show at Eddie's Attic, which he performs in with Ryan Horne and Nathan Angelo.  I went this past year and had a blast-- so great to see a community of artists come together and create something as memorable as these guys do. 

Though Micah has many other albums that precede this one, I'm especially excited about Blue Frontier.  I've listened to the album at home, of course, as well as got a little live preview of a few songs at the Christmas show.  I keep finding myself with the track, The Way Our Seasons Change, on repeat.  Needless to say, Blue Frontier will undoubtedly be his best CD to date.  

The official release date for Blue Frontier was on March 13, 2012.  To kick off the release, Dalton hosted a CD release party last night at The Vinyl with live performances by the band, Shook Foil and singer-songwriter, Peter Groenwald.  Another great collaboration that I was thrilled to be present for.  Micah and his band took the stage at the end of the night, accompanied by The Shadowboxers and vocalist Molly Parden, performing some of his previous hits, as well as introducing us to the new musical stylings on his latest album. Funny, because even Micah said in his live performance that he's gotten a lot of positive feedback about The Way Our Seasons Change (the song I mentioned earlier), and that it seems to really resonate with people.  I can relate.  I couldn't help but notice the track, Bad Blood, off of Blue Frontier, was a crowd favorite-- myself included.  I also loved how Micah, an Ohio native, threw in a little MoTown flair to some of his music (I'm a Detroit-born girl, so some MoTown flavor is always appreciated).  After the performance, I bought the hard copy (because I still listen to CDs... I'm old school like that) of Peter Groenwald's EP, Sweet Science and of course, Micah's newest addition.  You can purchase your own copy on iTunes, Amazon, or through his website listed below.   

MICAH DALTON - "AMERICAN STORY" - BLUE FRONTIER ALBUM PROMO

Ok, so my original plan did not include posting a video, unless I could find one of the songs from the new album (no success there), BUT I came across this at the last minute and it cracked me up.  Thanks for the laugh, Micah!  Check it out, folks.
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Micah Dalton's discography includes:
Blue Frontier (2012)
Gathered 'round The Greasefire - EP (2010)
Pawnshop (2008)
The Advancement - EP (2006)
These Are The Roots (2004)

Check out Micah's webpage at:
www.micahdalton.com    

"Like" Micah on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/micahdalton
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"Home is Wherever You Are" with the SK6ERS in Athens

3/14/2012

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Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - The Melting Point Athens - Nicole Kovacs Photography
I have been a fan of Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers since the fall of 2010, when a friend of mine told me to listen to them. I obliged, and within a few minutes of YouTubing a few of their songs, I had gone to their website to order their newest album at the time, Glassjaw Boxer.  Though this is a relatively new band in my repertoire (they started in 2003.. I'm behind the times, apparently), it was like a whirlwind romance, as my love grew quickly for the music of these Massachusetts natives.  Glassjaw Boxer has insightful lyrics, many written by Stephen Kellogg, expressing his love for his family, and a clear American folk-rock influence.  

In October of 2011, SK6ERS released their newest album, Gift Horse, and as obsessed as I was with Glassjaw Boxer, I learned that Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers only get better with time.  Gift Horse is a well-rounded album, both upbeat and emotional.  It begins with their popular single, Gravity (official music video below), a free-spirited message of positivity and humility, and finishes off with Noelle, Noelle, a tear-jerking song for Kellogg's daughter that expresses a father's desire to always protect his little girl.  I adore the lyric in Gravity, saying, "It's okay in the clouds, but I love it, right here, with my feet on the ground".  Rules to live by.  (Read my top 10 favorite SK6ERS lyrics below!)

Now, through all of this time, I've never gotten to see these guys perform!  I know, it's a crying shame.  So when I heard that they'd be in the Atlanta area three times (yes, THREE) over the course of this winter, I did my research to see which show they would be headlining and which would be the most bang for my buck.  I decided upon their March 8th show in Athens, Georgia, as part of their "Home is Wherever You Are" (that's a line from their song, My Favorite Place, on their Gift Horse album... check it out) tour.  It was at the Foundry at Puritan Mill's venue, Melting Point, and probably the smallest, most intimate show they had out of the 3 in the Atlanta area, but that's exactly what I like... an up close and personal performance.  Not only was I wowed (as expected) by Stephen's vocal performance but I was super impressed by the wide range of instrumental talent that Kit "The Goose" Karlson showed-- piano, tuba, accordion, and more.  Not to mention, some RIDICULOUS guitar skills by Sam Getz and some rhythmic perfection on the drums by Brian "Boots" Factor. 

All in all, if you haven't made it to see one of Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers' shows, you must find time in your schedule to squeeze this in.  You'll thank me, I promise.  Their "Home is Wherever You Are" tour is still in full swing with  a handful of shows in the northeast left.  If you don't make it in time, iTunes is your friend. 



Check out the SK6ERS official website here:  http://www.sk6ers.com/
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - The Melting Point Athens - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - The Melting Point Athens - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - The Melting Point Athens - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - The Melting Point Athens - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers - The Melting Point Athens - Nicole Kovacs Photography
Nicole's Top 10 SK6ERS Lyrics (Mostly from "Glassjaw Boxer" and "Gift Horse", in no particular order):
1.  "She was on fire and wild and American"
2.  "Brown-eyed actress"  (I'm sure you can't guess why on Earth I'd like that one)
3.  "Did you ever think that, maybe, if you're not happy, it's because of you?"
4.  "And I'll wear your memory underneath my shirt like an Indian tattoo"
5.  "It's okay in the clouds, but I love it, right here, with my feet on the ground"
6.  "She's got a sun kissed smile that the winter won't go near.  And her hips could shake a mountain and her              lips could start a fire."
7.  "Call it artistic or agnostic, altruistic, now I've lost it.  This uncertainty just gets to me."
8.  "I don't have the time for your nostalgia or your criticisms.  You live and learn.. me, well, I learn to let go."
9.  "With a fierce disposition like the beat of a drum, you get hurt more than others but you had more fun"
10.  Umm and the entire song, "Noelle, Noelle"
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Hey You Down There!

3/6/2012

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A friend of mine who works for a local apartment complex was having issues with tenants not cleaning up after their pets... so what did she do?  Being a filmmaker as well, she made a video... and I star in it, along with my "dog", Rover, played by the talented (and not so slobbery) Dominick Racano.  It's pretty silly and ridiculous, but gets her point across with humor, which I think is always the best way.  So take a look. 
You can see other videos of mine HERE
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    About...

    I would simply like to share my love for life with you-- be it inspirational music, photography, written word, joyous works by local artists, theatre and independent films, travel, community outreach projects, silly musings and adventures, or little things I've learned along the way.  All categories are open for discussion!  If there's something you'd like to hear more about, just ask! 

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