Wednesday September 17, 2008
GRAMMY / Atlantis Opening Party @ Opera
Atlanta, GA
I honestly don't
even know where to begin.
To be truthful, I'd heard a lot of not-so-good things about Atlantis but my
experiences couldn't have been further from what I heard. I had a blast
(although it was pretty exhausting).
It all started at the Granada Suites in Atlanta on Wednesday. We were invited to
participate in the limo roll / red carpet opening festivities. I didn't realize
what an honor it was until I saw how few of the 200 or so bands were involved in
it (Thanks again, Bevin.). It was a surreal feeling climbing into a ginormous
stretch Hummer limo with the boys as Journey's "Wheel In The Sky" blasted
inside. There were actually strobe lights flashing inside, plenty of room to
stretch out, drinks and ice in coolers along the walls. It was everything you'd
think. I wish I had some pics of us in the thing. I'd be lying if I said I
didn't think about the gas crisis, global warming and all of that other stuff.
But just once, I thought, I'm going to see how that half lives.
It wasn't long
before I was hanging out of the sunroof like a rock and roll dog checking out
the scenery along with a couple of the other guys. One of the
Liquor Boxx
guys was yelling at the innocent people on the street. Let's just say that most
of his dialogue is not suitable for mixed company. I do have a soft spot for
things that are both disturbing and funny and
this was that. We're lucky we didn't get arrested (or at least stopped).
By the time we arrived, it had gotten even weirder. A bank of photographers was waiting for the limo to pull up. As you know, I have been a photog so I certainly know the drill from the other side. I didn't think I'd be walking the GRAMMY sponsored red carpet so quickly. Amanda was amongst the media shooting as you can see from the pics. We hammed it up suitably. Of course, I made good and sure that every photographer got everything they might possibly want. Dan, Cat, Donna and all the others that I didn't get the chance to be introduced to looked like they did a great job. I hope I get to see more of the images.
After walking the red carpet, we retreated upstairs to Opera and the opening
night party. I couldn't believe how many people I knew and I was even more
surprised at those who recognized us from the Movie Screams Rock Show broadcast
two days before. I couldn't begin to name all the people I saw and spent a bit
of time with but it was good to see our Athenian friends Daniel, Brandy and the
Blue Flashing Light guys. In fact, some of Daniel's pics are mixed in with ours.
(Thanks!) Man-about-everywhere Bruce Burch was hanging out too. We also made
quite a few new friends.
Liquor and
booze was free. I wanted water but that was $5. Free liquor and charging for
water had Frank calling this "heaven". I just got a cup of ice. Frank and
the guys had whatever they wanted. The DJ spun funk and the party got
crazier and crazier. It was completely out of control and claustrophobic by
the time Amanda and I checked out for the evening.
I later heard that clothes began to be removed but you'll have to ask
someone else about that!
All in all,
it was quite an interesting beginning to a crazy several days.
More to come as soon as I can write it!
ROCK!
C