Pretty Southern

Author: Lauren

  • Southern Theatre Hosts Salute to Motown

    The Earl Smith Strand Theatre is bringing Motown hits this Fourth of July weekend. At this marvelous Marietta, Ga., theatre y’all will be treated to hits by Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, and a host of Motown greats.

    “Our focus for Independence Day weekend this year is to celebrate music born in America, music still alive today,” said Earl Reece, Strand director and show producer. We’ve been enjoying Motown music for over 50 years, and still, young people today know the words to songs like ‘My Girl’ and ‘Stop in the Name of Love.’ Motown is truly America’s music.”

    The Strand’s Salute to Motown musical revue will be a non-stop salute to some of the best music in the history of America. The show will tell the story of the origins of Motown, starting when Berry Gordy opened Motown Records in 1959 and posted a sign that proclaimed “Hitsville, U.S.A.” There wasn’t much of a reason to brag – yet. But soon his prediction came true. Emerging at the peak of the civil rights movement, Motown gave Americans everything they could want in music: anguish, romance, joy, and a reason to dance.

    Fabulous performances in Salute to Motown include a cast of soulful singers who are all local professional talent with choreography by Cindy Mora.

    “Some work as professional backup singers, have been on national tours, or are attending some of the top performing arts colleges in the nation,” said Director of Business Development & Marketing, Cassi Costoulas. “Motown may have started in Detroit, but its universal appeal helped unite Americans of all races across the country and especially in the South.”

    Smokey Robinson said “I would come to the South in the early days of Motown and the audiences would be segregated. Then they started to get the Motown music and we would go back and the audiences were integrated and the kids were dancing together and holding hands.”

    Salute to Motown promises to be a show filled with fun and exciting memories of extraordinary Motown sounds. Patrons can move, dance, laugh, and romance to the vibes of Motown, Friday and Saturday, July 1 & 2 at 8 p.m. and Sunday and Monday, July 3 & 4 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 day of show.

    For more information, tickets, or to join The Strand’s email list, visit www.EarlSmithStrand.org or call the Box Office at 770-293-0080. The Box Office is located at 117 North Park Square, Marietta, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and two hours before the show.

    ~ Contributed by Cassi Costoulas

     

  • Southern Song for N’awlins Lovers

    It’s Thursday which means ’tis time for another Pretty Southern song. Today’s selection was close for making our Top 5 songs about Southern girls; yet, the characters featured in these lyrics aren’t very representative gentility. This song simply rocks.

    Better Than Ezra’s “Southern Thing” is a true homage to their Delta roots. This New Orleans band gives a shout out to Robert Johnson (featured as our first Pretty Southern song) for whom all Southern rock stars should build a shrine. Mr. Johnson deserves credit for those strong guitar melodies which Better Than Ezra pumps into their tunes.

    Like most Southern rockers, Better Than Ezra does a fantastic job of telling stories through their music. It’s reminiscent of minstrels roaming the country side in King Arthur’s times. There’s a simple, fine art of narration and Better Than Ezra can call themselves masters. Plus only N’awlins natives could sing of a Kappa from Tulane and a Blackjack dealer on a renegade throughout the South.

    “Now when they held up the bank in Mobile, they finally made it on the evening news. She’s a Georgia peach never within reach. He’s a fellow from Baton Rouge.”

    We hear almost every state below the Mason Dixon line featured in “Southern Thing”. From Memphis to Mobile, N’awlins to Georgia, Better Than Ezra takes us across the South and back in just four minutes.

    “Gulf breeze on the porch, Me and my honey rocking back and forth…Pretty mama come and take me by the hand. Don’t mock what you don’t understand, it’s a Southern thing!”

    Do you have a suggestion for next week’s Pretty Southern song? Please comment below!

  • Southern Soles Keeps Ladies in Style

    This unique boutique offers something for everyone. Even the chic furniture in this precious store is for sale.

    Y’all can find it all: walking shoes Singapore, purses, jewelry, and eclectic accessories displayed across refurbished antique shelves. Spend an afternoon relaxing in a plush chair shopping for the perfect new pair.

    “This is a place where you can come and feel like you’re at home,” said owner Michelle Philabaum. “I wish my house was this cute!”

    Southern Soles location at The Avenue East Cobb is ideal for enticing traffic. “We waited for the right time and right spot,” Michelle explained. Her husband, Rick Philabaum, masters all photography for Southern Soles, with Michelle’s mama Andrea and sister-in-law Summer Lindvig also working in the store. Plus her brother Marc Ragin’s PR guru wife Carol to handle the marketing, the whole family is in business together!

    Although, this isn’t the Ragin family’s first enterprise. Their original boutique, Magnolia’s, was on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and became the social hub of the town. “It was Southern charm in the North,” Michelle laughed. “Magnolia’s was very fashion focused. We wanted to bring the same trendiness here.”

    Another fun heel at this unique Atlanta boutique

    When it comes to defining Southern style, Michelle believes Southern hospitality is huge. “It’s all about kindness. It’s not necessarily about sitting in a swing on the porch, sipping sweet tea and eating watermelon. It’s a sense of comfort, like you’re at home wherever you are.”

    Southern Soles is a one-stop-shop with almost all of their shoes offered at department store prices or better! However, it’d do you good to make a pit stop at shoe hero before going to the store. In here you’ll find Cole Haan, Me Too, Seychelles, Poetic License, and Gentle Soles by Kenneth Cole.

    “Everybody’s said their excited to have a local shoe store, and not having to go to the mall. But we didn’t want to be a ‘shoe’ store. We’re a boutique with a unique sense of style offering girly items. We’re just a group of women having fun!”

    Southern Soles first anniversary is coming up in August. For more information, visit Southern Soles website or their Facebook page to check out what’s happening at their sweet shop.

  • Defining A True Southerner

    The voice of the South has been long hushed by oppression. We at PrettySouthern.com have risen to tell tales of chivalry, elegance and refinement. Most importantly, this is a website about love.

    We’ve had some tough times lately: war, recession, and all sorts of nasty things. There’s still a lot we have to be thankful for. We’ll learn how some folks are born into grace, fall from it, then learn to accept love back into their lives. We will not talk of religion. We will not read of material happiness. This is about the intangible things that truly make a Southerner in our modern era.

    Today being a Southerner means being a lover. Beautiful, courteous, artistic, passionate, hardworking; most importantly, a soul touched by grace. As we get started there are a few things y’all need to understand about Southerners. Every one of us is charged with a missing: be iconic. What makes someone a symbol? It truly comes boils down to being a paradigm, an example of all the goodness the world has to offer.

    Southerners are a people blessed with sugary graces. Because of this y’all see us smiling more than the rest of the United States. We learned early on the world will take care of itself. Carrying a carefree mind allows one to engender positivity…and we’re a smiley bunch.

    Y’all might know a couple of ways to make a Southerner happy. It’s about Family, Food and Fun. You’ll find these loves in any region of America. The three F’s are especially important in the South and the reason we founded PrettySouthern.com.

    You can see love exemplified in the weddings we write about, in the adorable photos we post of newborn babies and cute puppies. It’s about your neighbor bringing you mint from his garden so you can concoct a fresh julep. Or your lady friend who just opened her first boutique and is looking to grow her business. That’s the funny thing about the inherent grace each of us possesses (even Yankees) it’s about being thankful for the little things and trying to help each other out.

    Thanks for stopping by and hope y’all have a blessed day.

  • Southern Girl Song #5

    Southern girls are one of a kind! Anywhere a gal goes in the world, when she names her home state inevitably she’ll hear a flattering response.

    “You’re a Georgia Peach!” the new friend might cry, or “Oooh, we’ve got a Southern Belle!” he’ll declare as his eyes glisten at the sight of this sweet thing before him.

    As a race, Southern girls have become accustomed to this type of flattery. All we can do is smile, nod, and sweetly say “Thank you, sir” before continuing on our merry way. The man privileged to witness this encounter will be ever-changed by his interaction with a Southern girl.

    How many songs have been dedicated to the fairest ladies in the land? There are too many to count. This week we’ll be sharing PrettySouthern’s Top Five songs about Southern girls.

    To start the week off on the right note, here’s Southern Girl Song #5 by Incubus, “Southern Girl”

    “You’re an exception to the rule. You’re a bonafide rarity. You’re all I ever wanted, Southern Girl. Could you want me?”

    Yes, Brandon Boyd, a Southern Girl would want your handsome self, especially if you keep serenading her! Even these rockers from California recognize the amazing qualities possessed by a Southern lady.

    A few notes about these gentlemen. Incubus formed in 1991 and is set to release their latest album “If Not Now, When?” on July 12. Their new single (available on iTunes) “Adolescents” is a rather ironic title track after 20 years of jamming together. The album itself showcases a level of maturity a band can only reach after being together so long.

    Want to see Incubus in concert? They’re heading South of the Mason Dixon line later in September.

    Tuesday, Sept. 13 in Virginia Beach, Va., @ Farm Bureau Live

    Friday, Sept. 16 in Charlotte, N.C. @ Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre

    Saturday, Sept. 17, in Atlanta @ Verizon Wireless, Encore Park

    Here’s hoping this Southern girl can see Incubus in action! If y’all have a suggestion for a Pretty Southern Song, please comment below!

  • Bates House of Turkey

    Alabama: it’s a great state celebrating its own quirky goodness. Nothing exemplifies the good ole Bama nation like Bates House of Turkey.

    This haven of turkey treats is always a true delight. They offer everything including BBQ Turkey, Roasted Sliced Turkey, and the Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich. The taste is just like the food from Grammy’s kitchen.

    Our feature photo of the Turkey Salad Plate consisting of a generous scoop of homemade turkey salad, hard-boiled egg, wedge of cheddar cheese, carrot, pickle and two servings of fruit. This meal will hold you over from ten in the morning until a late supper!

    If your tummy still has room, spring for a piece of pecan pie to end your meal. Should you need the restroom, look for the sign “Roost Area”…so cute!

    Ultimately this place beats the pants off most fast food you’ll find while road tripping. If you’re looking for a good home-cooked meal while cruising through Alabama, y’all have got to stop at Bates House of Turkey.