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Harvey Milk Fest: Music, art and tolerance **COVER STORY
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Living in London, England, Breton frontman Roman Rappak is used to a big-city climate of tolerance, ...Living in London, England, Breton frontman Roman Rappak is used to a big-city climate of tolerance, he says. People are who they are, gay or straight, bisexual or transgender, and that’s the way he and his band mates like it.
But there are still laws hindering the population, and there’s still work to be done in every town these indie/dubstep/electro-house musicians tour. On Saturday (May 12), they’ll be in Sarasota at the third annual Harvey Milk Festival (HMF), and they look forward to playing a crowd that’s as committed to social change as they are.
“You always think, when you talk about racism and bigotry, that it’s kind of old-fashioned, so it always feels a bit shocking and backwards that it still exists,” Rappak said in a recent phone interview. “If you come from London or a big city, it’s really weird to uncover that stuff. It’s strange that people haven’t gotten the message yet.”
Some haven’t, but the projected 5,000 attendees at HMF have. When they congregate at Selby Five Points Park on First Street, they’ll be championing equality while soaking up tunes from more than a dozen acts. Breton, of course, is the headliner (they just released their debut “Other People’s Problems” in the United States in early April), as is the synth-pop CLAPS from Minneapolis and Sarasota’s MeteorEYES.
Harvey Milk
The latter’s vocalist is Shannon Fortner, the founder of HMF, who launched the festival in 2009 as an homage to Harvey Milk. Milk was the first openly gay man to be elected to a public office in California, and he was tragically assassinated in 1978. Fortner’s HMF tribute has evolved from a humble, local showcase with Sarasota bands to a destination music festival that is hooking international talent. HMF became a nonprofit organization last year and grew to a 501(c)(3) in 2012.
“It went from being just an equal rights rally, just as a political platform to raise awareness, and then I decided to combine my activism and music,” Fortner says. “We’re still honoring Harvey Milk and what he stood for. We still need people to be honest and open and supportive like he was. It is nice to be someone who birthed an idea and watched the community step up to support it.”
Rounding out this year’s entertainment lineup are: the August Name, the Pauses, the Northwest, the Sexual Side Effects, Cassolette, HenryHenryHenry!, Elysian Sex Drive, the Northwest, the Send Offs, and (the) Umbrella Cult.
Amber Taylor, the frontwoman for the Sexual Side Effects (SSE), a post-punk/glam rock band from Atlanta, is bringing her “sideshow-like” stage show to HMF.
“I spasm and freak out and get bruises and cuts and injure myself at some shows,” she said with a laugh. “But my impression is that, in Sarasota, it seems like people are liberal and open-minded to cool music.”
The Sexual Side Effects
Taylor is transgender — a fact she doesn’t often share with the mainstream media, she said. So, performing in front of a non-bigoted audience is a major positive.
“We don’t usually tell people, but they find out later, and by then, we’ve already kind of won them over,” Taylor said. “That is a big struggle though.”
Fortner hopes that struggle will one day dissipate. She, too, she has encountered personal obstacles, most involving a six-year-long relationship with her England-based partner.
“We’ve been forced to live apart for six years due to outdated immigration laws and the fact that we’re gay,” Fortner says. “At the festival, Equality Florida will be passing around a petition to spread awareness about these types of issues that a lot of people don’t know about.”
The HMF schedule begins at 5:30 p.m. today with a screening of the music documentary “Hit So Hard: The Life and Near Death Story of Patty Schemel” at the Selby Public Library. The film contains rare footage of Kurt Cobain and depicts the true tale of the Hole drummer’s drug addiction. A post-screening reception will be held at Ivory Lounge.
On Friday is “The Sile
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This week in live music: Heartless Bastards, Washed Out, Steve Aoki, Lady Antebellum + more
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Sensory Overload: Elysian Sex Drive w/The Sexual Side Effects/The Proper Crooks A multi-media party ...Sensory Overload: Elysian Sex Drive w/The Sexual Side Effects/The Proper Crooks A multi-media party featuring dancing girls, Dollface fashion and live music as hosted by funk-percussive, groove-tronic rock tribe, Elysian Sex Drive. They’re joined by two other musical acts – Clearwater's The Proper Crooks, a languidly melodic rock trio with a post-punk kick; and The Sexual Side Effects, from Atlanta, their jangly driving alt rock drawing on Brit Invasion and glam influences. (Local 662, St. Petersburg)
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Live music picks: Dec. 30-31
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The Sexual Side Effects
The Atlanta alt-rock outfit is celebrating a successful fundraising effor...The Sexual Side Effects
The Atlanta alt-rock outfit is celebrating a successful fundraising effort for a new video. The band’s Kickstarter campaign, which is still up and running through Dec. 31, has surpassed its goal of $2,000, but the quartet is hoping that total keeps rising. The bigger the number, the better the video. The band will team with director Michael A. Simon, who also helmed many of the “VH1 Storytellers” shows between 1996 and 2001 and, more recently, NBC’s “The Sing-Off” and MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew.” The band has finished up a debut EP, “High Maintenance,” out in February. The single “Aurora,” with its lush guitar swirl and dramatic melodicism, is the tune that caught the attention of director Simon. Check it out on the band’s website and at iTunes. With the Swear and the Worsties.
9 p.m. Dec. 30. $8; $5 before 10 p.m. The Drunken Unicorn, 736 Ponce De Leon Place N.E., Atlanta.
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Performer Presents: The Sexual Side Effects
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[...] With Joan Jett’s steely stare and Juliette Lewis’ wounded innocence, the inimitable Amber Tayl...[...] With Joan Jett’s steely stare and Juliette Lewis’ wounded innocence, the inimitable Amber Taylor planted her pink boots in the middle of the stage, stroked the neck of her guitar like a cock and flat out owned the audience. [...]
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The Sexual Side Effects release "Aurora" single
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Atlanta-based alt rock quartet The Sexual Side Effects released the first single off their upcoming ...Atlanta-based alt rock quartet The Sexual Side Effects released the first single off their upcoming debut EP release, High Maintenance, this past Thursday. The release of the single, “Aurora,” also saw the launch of a month-long Kickstarter fundraising campaign. The fund will finance the production of the video for the new single, which will be produced by the acclaimed Michael Simon (VH-1 Storytellers, America’s Best Dance Crew, The Sing Off).
Of “Aurora,” Simon says, “…its melody is lush, both new and familiar at the same time, and Amber’s [Taylor, vocalist] voice is passionate and restrained, never fighting the words. The band has made “Aurora,” a soft-yet-rockin’ example of The Sexual Side Effects’ sound – driving with smooth guitars and smooth vocal harmonies – available to their fans for free download HERE.
A home based show is in order for the celebration and closing of The Sexual Side Effects’ Kickstarter campaign. This ‘Eve Before The Eve’ show will take place on Friday, December 30 at the Drunken Unicorn. Elizabeth Elkins’ (Granville Automatic) dirty rock outfit, The Swear (Atlanta), and the regionally infamous The Worsties (Nashville) are also on the bill.
Though Simon has agreed to direct the band’s video pro bono, The Sexual Side Effects still need to raise at least $2,000 on Kickstarter to cover equipment rentals and the like.
In exchange for donations, fans will receive autographed records, collector DVDs, t-shirts, SSE-branded condoms, and, for top-dollar pledges, a dinner date with Amber. Fans will have an opportunity to make last minute pledges at the band’s December 30th show. High Maintenance gets released on February 11, 2012, and will be available for download at iTunes and TheSexualSideEffects.com.
Tour Dates:
12/30/11 – Drunken Unicorn, Atlanta, GA
01/25/12 – Deep South the Bar, Raleigh, NC
01/26/12 – Sugarland Nightclub, Brooklyn, NY
01/28/12 – The Bitter End, New York, NY
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Georgia Music News 05/07/12
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"It would be understandable to expect The Sexual Side Effects to be a lot more outrageous than they ..."It would be understandable to expect The Sexual Side Effects to be a lot more outrageous than they are, especially when one of their songs is provocatively titled “I’m in Love With a Girl (But She Used to Be a Man).” But there’s no camp or confrontation on their EP High Maintenance – its five tracks are straightforward, chiming rock songs, aside from the pretty acoustic version of “Aurora.” Proving that you can’t change everything, Amber Taylor sounds like a guy, albeit a high-pitched one, sorta like if Geddy Lee sang for a ’90s Brit-pop band."
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Amber Taylor: "I'm the sexual side effect"
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As lead singer/guitarist and current business manager for the Atlanta band The Sexual Side Effects, ...As lead singer/guitarist and current business manager for the Atlanta band The Sexual Side Effects, Amber Taylor, 33, is busy. She’s booking clubs for her band to play, she’s writing songs, she’s posting flyers around the city promoting upcoming gigs. She also holds down a day job working as a web designer and computer programmer.
The Sexual Side Effects headline the annual East Atlanta Strut on Saturday, Sept. 17. SSE plays My Sister’s Room on Oct. 1 with local artists, and plays Atlanta Pride this year, taking the Bud Light Stage on Oct. 8.
Taylor is also involved in a TV project about transgender artists and musicians being shopped around by a producer.
The Sexual Side Effects includes “Spikey” Mike Sidner on bass, Matt Foster on guitar and drummer Clay McClure. The band is working with producer John Briglevich (Drivin’ N Cryin’, Edwin McCain) on a debut EP.
“The ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ is what we got going — except the one-inch part,” Taylor says in deadpan humor.
So how did the band come up with the name The Sexual Side Effects?
We came up with the name after all those drug commercials started coming out and talking about “sexual side effects.” Everyone has heard the term. It’s easy to remember. Basically, I’m the sexual side effect.
When was the band formed?
I’ve always had my solo projects and in 2007 came across our drummer, who is the founder of The Sexual Side Effects. Earlier this year the bass player and I started talking about reforming the band and all the stars started to align. All these opportunities came up. We found the right producer. We have a video person we are working with, photographers. The band is more than the four guys in the band — it’s all of us, from the booking agent to the photographer.
How long have you been performing and what goes into promoting SSE?
I’ve been playing music for 20 years. I learned to play the guitar when I was 13. I had a knack for it; I was born with a gift to understand the guitar. It’s just taken this long to get the momentum going as far as business. You have to understand business aspects of [the music industry]. There’s been very little sleep this year for me. If we do it right, we can go all the way.
When did you transition?
I started transitioning (with hormones) at 23 and didn’t live full time until 27. I’ve been slowly changing for 10 years. It basically took a long time to live different. The past five years people have been switching from saying sir to ma’am. I really haven’t told people in the straight world I’m transgender. They have no clue. The time is going to come when it will be time to announce it. Some will be upset, others will be like “wow” — trans people are just normal people.
I’ve been very lucky and that also gives me a sense of obligation to go out into the world — I have a greater purpose.
Tell us about the trans musician documentary that includes you.
I was contacted by the director — he does “Survivor” and “VH1 Storytellers” — because he loved one of our songs, “Aurora,” which is one of the big singles we are working on. We emailed back and forth and he had no idea I was trans. We talked about a friend who was trans and I told him I was trans. He was floored.
Then he said he was putting a show together and taping the pilot in L.A. It’s about trans musicians, spoken word artists. Being a trans musician is different because you are exposed to everybody. He’s shopping it around and the series will also go on tour.
Share some of your experiences being a trans musician.
One of the biggest things personally that I feel, as I change, is I’m not being feminine enough. I’ve come to realize that I’m the Joan Jett. Part of me is still a boy.
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AJC: Live music picks: Feb. 10-12
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The Sexual Side Effects
The Atlanta alt-rock outfit is gaining momentum and buzz both around Atlant...The Sexual Side Effects
The Atlanta alt-rock outfit is gaining momentum and buzz both around Atlanta and farther afield after a successful trek up the East Coast. This homecoming show is a celebration of the release of the band’s debut four-song EP, “High Maintenance,” a disc that has already spawned videos for the songs “All She’ll Ever Hurt” and “Aurora.” The latter is a propulsive bit of atmospheric glam, brimming with ringing guitars and yearning vocals, and one of the catchiest songs released by a local band in recent memory. Check out the videos and the songs on the band’s website and at iTunes.
9 p.m. Feb. 11. $10. The Masquerade, 695 North Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-577-8178.
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ATL’s Sexual Side Effects tap top director for music video
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When an A-List television director calls and wants to make your music video, you scream a little, th...When an A-List television director calls and wants to make your music video, you scream a little, then say yes. Then you say yes again to make sure he heard you. Now all that Atlanta’s trans-fronted rockers The Sexual Side Effects need is you.
Frontwoman Amber Taylor got just such a call from Michael Simon. Who? You many know him better from his resume, which includes “VH1 Storytellers,” “America’s Best Dance Crew,” “Rock Star: INXS” and 18 live “Survivor” finales. Simon found the SSE (photo) and their new album’s single “Aurora” on the internet and fell in love, which prompted the call.
“Certain songs I’ve heard throughout my life have transcended the moment, stopped time, and had an immediate effect on me,” Simon says in a video on the band’s Kickstarter page, which helps projects raise funds to make their dreams come true. “Aurora is such a song; its melody is lush, both new and familiar at the same time, and Amber’s voice is passionate and restrained, never fighting the words. I fucking love this song. In a perfect world, this would be a #1 hit!”
Clearly, Simon is on board to make the video. The band, which has rocked rocked its way into local hearts for years, will raise a minimum of $2,000 with your help, and they’re well on their way. Watch their pitch above, listen to “Aurora” below, and go donate what you can to contribute. Next stop, the Big Time.
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Atlanta – Eve Before the Eve
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Bonus points for all of us, New Year’s falls on a Sunday this time around. Among other things (like ...Bonus points for all of us, New Year’s falls on a Sunday this time around. Among other things (like nursing those Sunday hangovers), this lends another weekend night for joy and celebration.
If you’re in Atlanta, check out “The Eve Before the Eve” at the Drunken Unicorn on Friday, 12/30. It’s a high-octane show featuring the glam rock stylings of the city’s own, The Sexual Side Effects – this show also marks the completion of the band’s month long Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for Michael Simon’s [VH-1 Storytellers] direction of their new music video.
The show will also feature Atlanta’s energy-rock staple, The Swear, fronted by Elizabeth Elkins of Granville Automatic. And Nashville’s The Worsties will be there to open the night right.
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What Up’s with David Joseph and The Sexual Side Effects!!
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Doobious.org had the chance to interview David Joseph about the new music video he directed for The ...Doobious.org had the chance to interview David Joseph about the new music video he directed for The Sexual Side Effects, All She’ll Ever Hurt. As a bonus we got to meet Clay McClure and the lovely Amber Taylor of The Sexual Side Effects!! Check out what they had to say about the making of their new music video All She’ll Ever Hurt and find out what’s next with The Sexual Side Effects!!!
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Premier of the Video ‘All She’ll Ever Hurt’ by The Sexual Side Effects
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Watch the premier of the video “All She’ll Ever Hurt” by The Sexual Side Effects on Monday February ...Watch the premier of the video “All She’ll Ever Hurt” by The Sexual Side Effects on Monday February 6th at 1pm on The Sexual Side Effects’ website. The song “All She’ll Ever Hurt” is the first video to be released from the their debut album “High Maintenance” available on Bandcamp and iTunes.Watch the video (2/6 @1pm):
http://www.thesexualsideeffects.com/?=fbvideoevent
Get your copy of the album here:
http://thesexualsideeffects.bandcamp.com/album/high-maintenance
Credits:
Director: David Joseph
Camera: Lynsi Blankenship
Fire: Stephanie of La Coco Rouge
Filmed at The East Atlanta Strut Festival and Encyclomedia
Special thanks to David Joseph, Lynsi Blankenship, Stephanie of La Coco Rouge, Fran Colemen, the East Atlanta Strut Committee, and John Briglevich
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Kickstart Your Heart and Libido The Eve Before NYE With The Sexual Side Effects!
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Leave your medications, beer goggles, and baggage at home because this Friday, December 30, it’s tim...Leave your medications, beer goggles, and baggage at home because this Friday, December 30, it’s time to get down and rock out at the Drunken Unicorn. The Eve Before The Eve party will feature a musical triple threat comprised of two Atlanta bands, The Sexual Side Effects (SSE) and The Swear, along with Nashville’s Foxiest Band, The Worsties. With a theme of “Do Something Bad Before you Do Something Bad on New Year’s Eve” how could you go wrong attending this show?
The Sexual Side Effects are one of Atlanta’s most talked about bands right now because of their combination of a unique sound, a unique lead singer, and a unique approach to grass roots marketing which has proved this band not only as a local rock ‘n’ roll staple, but also as an up and comer on the national music scene. Their first single, “Aurora,” garnered the attention from an award winning music video director, Michael Simon (VH-1 Storytellers). Simon agreed to help with their music video pro-bono if they could raise the funds to cover the basic costs of the video. Within 10 days of a month long fundraiser, the band’s Kickstarter.com project had met its initial goal of $2,000. The Sexual Side Effects put on a high-octane show with an eclectic, electric dreamy 70’s glam rock sound full of rich chords, hypnotic vocal melodies, and ethereal guitars. (If you are interested in helping fund SSE’s first music video and receiving a few perks in return, you have until 6 a.m. EST on January 1st to contribute to the band’s Kickstarter fundraiser.)
Opening for The Sexual Side Effects, the other two bands are female-fronted rock bands. The Worsties are a high energy group from Nashville that mix ‘70’s era punk with ‘80’s glam pop and new wave beats. Formed in 2005, The Worsties have been constantly touring since 2008, sharing the stage with big name nationally recognized acts. Their music has been featured in TV programs, Journeys (shoe and clothing) stores, and Fuse on Demand. The band received the 2010 Nashville Independent Music Award for “Best Pop/Indie Band.”
The Swear will also share the stage with SSE and The Worsties. Fronted by award-winning songwriter Elizabeth Elkins, The Swear have also been featured in TV programs and movie soundtracks and listed for best albums of the year in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Creative Loafing, and Georgia Music Magazine. Their music has been described as dark power-pop with an edgy rawness.
AND on top of all that – it’s only $5 for three bands, which is a complete steal for less than $2 per band! (Or less than $3 per band if you get there after 10 p.m., but who would want to be late to NYE’s pre-eve, pre-gaming at the Drunken Unicorn?)
21 and up only. Doors open at 9 p.m. $5 cover charge before 10 p.m. and $8 afterwards. CASH ONLY (cover charge and cash bar inside). (FYI—There’s an ATM in the parking lot in case you forget to bring cash with you.)
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Gilded Trash – A Night Of Glam Rock
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To all my little boys and girls out there who are looking a fix of glitter and rock, you are in luck...To all my little boys and girls out there who are looking a fix of glitter and rock, you are in luck! Thank you to Atlanta’s own Amber Taylor for hooking this town up with a night of glam, known as “Gilded Trash” on Friday July 22nd at The Masquerade. Amber Taylor is the dreamer and promoter of what is planned to be a monthly glam rocked themed party, she is also the singer of The Sexual Side Effects who headlined the night. I over heard many a sparkly attendee, say ” Wow, Amber’s band is really good, they really rock.” The Sexual Side Effects or SSE as the fans started chanting started their set off with T-Rex and ended with Bowie. Both performances were met with wild dancing and overjoyed expression from the crowd. SSE’s set was seasoned with the gender bending sensuality as performers shimmied and slithered their shiny silver selves all over the stage. Not to be outdone, The Chameleon Queen reigned as sexy royalty as she brought a touch of sophistication with a classic fan dance.
NYC’s STARBOLT9 and The Unsatisfied from Chattanooga were bringers of rock as well. All bands were accompanied by twin golden go-go dancers. DJ Tiny Tears filled the gaps between bands with new and old glam rock and fiercer than life, Dax Exclamation Point MC’d. Body painting, jewelry vendors and drink specials oh my were also a part of the festivities. The night had something for everyone. A firm date has not been set for the next Gilded Trash event, it should be sometime in September. Stay tuned and follow the trail of glitter…
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Rockmageddon Show Blows Roof Off Smith's Olde Bar
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The evening opened up with The Sexual Side Effects, a band that I’d heard good things about, but unf...The evening opened up with The Sexual Side Effects, a band that I’d heard good things about, but unfortunately I missed their opening set. When I got there in between SSE and the next band’s set, the crowd had nothing but rave reviews and comments about how refreshing SSE’s sound was to hear. I’ve put them on my “Bands to Stalk” list now. However, I did try to Google “The Sexual Side Effects” and wow – just wow – lots of medical SSEs. Once I found the band’s site, I pulled up a couple of their demos, Aurora and I’m In Love With A Girl (But She Used to Be A Man), on SoundCloud. From these two demos, I can tell you that SSE has a very solid, psychedelic sound – the kind you might hear when falling down a rabbit hole.
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Kool Kat of the Week: Gilded Trash-Talking with Amber Taylor of The Sexual Side Effects
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Return to the outrageous glittery days of ‘70s glam rock at The Masquerade this Friday July 22, from...Return to the outrageous glittery days of ‘70s glam rock at The Masquerade this Friday July 22, from 9 p.m. into the wee, wee hours. The theme party promises not just classic hits from the likes of T. Rex, David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Brian Eno—we imagine there’s got to be some Gary Glitter, too—spun by Glitterdome’s DJ Tiny Tears but also live music from neo-glam bands The Sexual Side Effects, Chattanooga’s The Unsatisfied and New York’s Starbolt 9. And that’s just the tip of the sequins as attendees are fully immersed in the glam-orous life with burlesque by the always provocative The Chameleon Queen, scandalous banter by model/artist Dax Exclamationpoint, body-painting by Erick Jara’s Dreamskin Art, gilded go-go dancers on the dance floor, a glam-inspired art show by Chris Buxbaum and vivacious vendors such as Diamond Star Halo and Aries Chain Mail.
ATLRetro tracked down Amber Taylor, the creative mastermind behind this glam resurrection and lead vocalist/guitarist of The Sexual Side Effects, to find out all the dazzling details about what’s happening Friday night, what’s new with her band and whether the rumor is true that she’s about to become a TV star.
When ATLRetro first saw the profile shot for The Sexual Side Effects Facebook page, we had to do a double-take because we thought that cute chick in the middle stomping her foot was Noel Fielding. We’re guessing you’ll take that as a compliment?
If you want to get it on with Noel then the answer is yes, because chances are I want to get it on with you too.
OK, let’s get to Gilded Trash? How did you get the idea and why a tribute night to glam rock in 2011?
The night is about classic Glam Rock old and new—not ‘80s hair metal. I know a lot of really great musicians around the world who are influenced and inspired by the Glam movement of the early 1970s like I am. What better way to bring all of these people from across the globe together than to have a full-blown crazy club night with burlesque queens, circus freaks and half-naked body-painted go-go dancers where they can put on a real show.
Other glam-inspired nights I have seen or been involved with have everyone playing cover songs. While this is great, this is where we bring something different to the table by showcasing original music, hopefully cultivating a classic glam revival in the music scene. Even more important than that is to give the glam experience to a new generation that is bombarded at all angles by Disney princesses, hip-hop and dance-pop that has been run through so many record label marketing groups and filters that there is no real music or emotions left. This is about bringing classic Glam Rock into the hearts and minds of the 21st century.
You’ve put together a pretty diverse line-up of live acts, DJs, go-go dancers and burlesque performers such as The Chameleon Queen? How did you decide on the line-up?
The only way to create a magical night that is this big and have as much reach is to get as many people involved as possible. The live music is the core, but we didn’t just want to have another concert, we wanted to augment the night into something beyond that. We put the word out and started getting different types of performers and components involved with the night. It doesn’t stop at bands, burlesque, dancers, drag-queens, DJs and vendors. We have so much more we want to do as far as showcasing performers in the future, but we simply have ran out of room on the bill for this first night.
A lot of credit goes to the Gilded Trash team as well—David Dominick, our production manager, and Meredith Greer, our stage manager/talent coordinator. They have been the key in cultivating the talent and organizing the night.
Does your band, The Sexual Side Effects, have any special plans for that night that you can tease us with?
There are some last minute additions to the show that will inject a metric ton of fun into our set. All I can say is BARBARELLA, Alien Girls and Spacemen.
What advice do you have to folks who are afraid to glitter and boa it up and otherwise show off their glam self? And where’s the best place in Atlanta to go shopping for glam clothes and accessories?
Well, I know a lot of guys who don’t want to reach out to their inner-drag-queen. Glam is not all about being feminine there are many ways to be glam in a masculine way. Glam is about dressing up, it’s about fashion as a whole—or the lack there of. The mods of the ‘60s to me are glam before their time. Rockabilly, punk, Halloween, it doesn’t matter; just look good! Take you shirt off, Guy-liner (it’s not just for breakfast anymore), wear death metal gauntlets (yes, I may rock these if no one else does). We all look good in different things. If you’re a guy and don’t want to rock the glitter, put on a sharp looking suit, shine up your shoes and style your hair like Moz. A little blue streak in your hair may help, too.
For shopping, there are so many places to go. I would suggest going to Little 5 Points or to your local thrift/consignment store to find some goodies. In L5P, Libertine is great for make-up and fun accessories, Stefan’s for old vintage stuff, Junkman’s Daughter for crazy weird stuff, Rag-O-Rama and Psycho Sisters for budget glam. Party City and costume stores are other places that may be closer to you. The list goes on. At Gilded Trash, we will have Diamond Star Halo selling really fun jewelry and accessories, as well as Aries Chain Mail.
Any hint as to what you’re going to wear, or will that have to stay a surprise?
I am too hot for clothes, they just diminish my presence.
Will Gilded Trash be a regular feature at Masquerade, and is it true that you’re planning a Gilded Trash in New York, too?
We have plans to do this show throughout the year. It will not be month by month, so if you miss one, it may be a while till you get to go to the next. We will be bringing it to NYC, and I am currently working with people up there on planning the event.
You’re no stranger to glam, having headlined The Chamber‘s Glitterdome and goth/psychedelic band Cobweb Strange. How did you personally discover ‘70s glam and what about it gave it such a lasting appeal to you?
Being transgendered has had the biggest impact on my attraction to Glam Rock. When I was younger, I had many conflicting feelings about my gender-identity, and Glam was a medium that helped me break down the walls within myself that society forced on me. As my physical form has changed over the years, my attraction and emotions toward glam remain consistent.
Who’s your favorite ‘70s glam rock performer and why?
Primarily David Bowie, but not just because of Ziggy Stardust and the costumes/theatrics. His songwriting, unique voice, and strange approach to music all inspire me. I also love Marc Bolan. My favorite thing about him is how he brought the rock with his guitar. He truly is an inspiration I feel when I play guitar on stage. It is a real shame he is not around anymore.
What’s next for the The Sexual Side Effects? I hear you have an Aug. 12 gig at Drunken Unicorn and you’re recording a CD with Drivin’ N Cryin’/Edwin McCain producer John Briglevich.
Yes, we have a gig with our friends—and old bandmates—Flat Cat at the Drunken Unicorn on August 12 at their CD release party.
We are currently working on an EP in the studio. It has taken a lot of time because of scheduling and all of the other things in play with the band—shows, booking, promotions, etc. We don’t have a release date yet, but will be filming a video around September-ish with a highly acclaimed Hollywood director. More to come.
Can you tell us anything about the 2012 TV show/music series you’re starring in? If not now, how soon will you be able to let the cat out of the bag?
Right now, the first footage is being edited, that I filmed in L.A. back in June. I have seen a brief clip, but that is all I know for the moment. We will be making announcements about the show in the near future as things move forward. What I can say: It is a very well-known director that is behind the project, so expect very, very, very, big things.
Anything else you want to share about your Glam-orous life?
I am really grateful for all the other people here in Atlanta who have supported us, people in the music scene, our friends, the press, the clubs and promoters. Nothing could have happened if it wasn’t for them and I want to thank them all from the bottom of my heart. I want to continue to get to know new people around town as well as on tour and look forward to running into you!
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Amber Taylor – Music and Fashion
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The newest feature to The Backstage Beat, Music and Fashion, combines the best of music and fashion ...The newest feature to The Backstage Beat, Music and Fashion, combines the best of music and fashion as seen and photographed by Perry Julien.
In this installment, we feature Amber Taylor from the band “The Sexual Side Effects”. She is photographed at The Drunken Unicorn, and is wearing clothing from Junkman’s Daughter in Little Five Points.
About The Sexual Side Effects
Fans can’t get enough of The Sexual Side Effects, an eclectic and electric alternative rock group from Atlanta drawing on the influences of post-punk and ‘70s glam rock. Front girl Amber Taylor’s on-stage antics and entrancing vocals mesh with the band’s melodic guitars to captivate audiences. Not even a year old, the band has already headlined street festivals, and played to sold out crowds. SSE has just been nominated for Best Alternative Band at the 2012 Georgia Music Awards. The band’s first music video is an official selection at the 2012 Atlanta Film Festival, and the band have attracted the attention of an acclaimed Hollywood director, who is directing their second video. The group has been touring to promote their debut EP, HIGH MAINTENANCE, available for a free download on the band’s web site, www.thesexualsideeffects.com.
About Amber
I’ve always loved all kinds of music but a few genres have influenced me. Post-Punk, Goth music and darkwave make up a lot of my favorites as well as the glam rock of the ‘70s (not to be confused with hair metal of the 80’s). We have an event we throw a couple times a year called “Gilded Trash” and we showcase different bands from around different scenes that embody the spirit of David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Joan Jett and Brian Eno. It is a great excuse to get all made up and go swimming in glitter.
Amber’s Personal Style
It’s really easy to butch it up in Rock N Roll, especially when you’re always on the go, loading equipment, and rockin’ out. A lot of times I have a casual rock n roll style, but sometimes you have to glam it up. I will admit I don’t always glam it up nowadays, but every now and then I do. I have been in the goth scene for a long time too, and find it hard to not wear all black. Sometimes a color will sneak in there, but if it does I like it to have glitter with it. Not a lot of people know, but I was a professional dominatrix, for some time and I still like to rock fetish clothing for special events.
photos © www.julienphotography.com 2012
View the photos: http://atlanta.thebackstagebeat.com/2012/03/amber-taylor-music-and-fashion/
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CL Picks - September 16, 2011
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The Issues, Asphalt Valentine, The Sexual Side Effects
Local rock and burlesque acts collide in R...The Issues, Asphalt Valentine, The Sexual Side Effects
Local rock and burlesque acts collide in Rockmageddon, where pop rock band the Issues headlines with opening sets by hard rock outfit Asphalt Valentine and post punk act the Sexual Side Effects. Burlesque dancers such as Stormy Knight and the Chameleon Queen also perform. — Jonathan Williams
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CL Picks - August 12, 2011
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The Sexual Side Effects, The Charges, Flat Cat, Abby Wren & The What It Is – From bandmate swapping ...The Sexual Side Effects, The Charges, Flat Cat, Abby Wren & The What It Is – From bandmate swapping to gender bending, these four local acts share more than just the stage. And with Flat Cat celebrating the release of its new CD Artbreak Hotel, it’s sure to be a glammy riot grrl good time. $8, 9p.m. Drunken Unicorn. 404-870-0575. www.thedrunkenunicorn.net. – Jonathan Williams
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CL Picks - May 20, 2011
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Three locals light up the Drunken Unicorn’s stage tonight. Attention System headlines with its guita...Three locals light up the Drunken Unicorn’s stage tonight. Attention System headlines with its guitar and synth driven seduction of the senses. Satellite District’s similar sonic approach is accented by subtle Latin grooves while the Sexual Side Effects embrace glam rock’s androgynous leanings.
— Jonathan Williams
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CL Picks - April 28, 2011
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The Sexual Side Effects, Modern Paranoia, DJ Aesthetic – It’s been quite a while since Atlanta’s Amb...The Sexual Side Effects, Modern Paranoia, DJ Aesthetic – It’s been quite a while since Atlanta’s Amber Taylor has brought her gender-bending glam rock out of the closet. Tonight, she and her revamped Sexual Side Effects headline with opening sets by syth-rock act Modern Paranoia and Das Bunker’s DJ Aesthetic. $5 10 p.m. 529. 404-228-6769. www.529atl.com - Jonathan Williams
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This Week In Retro Atlanta: Sep. 12-18, 2011
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Friday, Sept. 16
Let the heathen be wakened and come out; It’s ROCKMAGEDDON AND B!TCHIN BURLESQUE...Friday, Sept. 16
Let the heathen be wakened and come out; It’s ROCKMAGEDDON AND B!TCHIN BURLESQUE at Smith’s Olde Bar. Rock out to the ISSUES, Asphalt Valentine and The Sexual Side Effects (read our Kool Kat with glam-orous Amber Taylor here) and cleav(age) your innocence as Mon Cherie Presents burlesque acts by New Orleans Jon, Stormy Knight, Katarina Laveaux, The Chameleon Queen, Scarlett Page and Lola Lesoleil. Also features a Rock N’ Roll Bazaar, The Final Battle Raffle and boobalicious cupcakes by The Sugar Dolls.
Saturday Sept. 17
This weekend’s big music event is today’s East Atlanta Strut with five stages of live local music, including The BareKnuckle Betties (featuring Kool Kat Julea Thomerson), Jimmy Anderson Blues Band, Chicken and Pigs, blues and rock band The Stooge Brothers and the neo-glam Sexual Side Effects headlining the Earl Stage at 9 p.m. with special guest performers including Jade Lemons, Bucky Motter, Aileen Loy, fire dancing by La CoCo Rouge and the go-go dancing Glam Squad (Alix Tichelman & Natalie Armstrong). But it’s not all about the bands, the day-long extravaganza also features the Imperial OPA Circus, a comedy stage, 5K run & walk, artists’ market, the Famous Strut Parade, free kids village, carnival stalls, bull ride, community booths, food and beverages. Funds raised benefit East Atlanta community projects and organizations.
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Amber Hosts Wrestling Event: Monstrosity Championship Wrestling
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Monstrosity Championship Wrestling
Humans and monsters finally take it to the ring
Email
Did it A...Monstrosity Championship Wrestling
Humans and monsters finally take it to the ring
Email
Did it Add to My Thrillist
If you enjoy elbow drops, independent cinema, or the devil, then you need to hit the Wrestling With Pop Culture anniversary party/afterparty for the Atlanta Film Festival's one-night-only screening of wrestling documentary The Booker, at which you'll find no-holds-barred matchups between ATL's Platinum Championship Wrestling members and costumed monsters, who can’t wait to mash the crap out of each other.
Inside the ring there’ll be clotheslines, suplexes, and turnbuckle leaps as the battle rages between mysterious PCW wrestlers such as masked luchador Supernatural, the "crazed" Phantom, and "slasher movie-esque" battle-monsters done up by "Professor Morte" (Atlanta Zombie Apocalypse makeup maestro Shane Morton), including Satan, Frankenstein, and The Wolfman, who is known to be quite the Blitzer when attacking.
All hosted by The Sexual Side Effects' unafraid-to-wear-sequined-draws-on-stage Amber Taylor, there'll also be a wrestling-themed photobooth provided by Chambers of Horror, plus live bands including local rockers Needeep, and punk shredding by Lego-headed maniacs Death is a Dialogue, so clearly they’ve never sat through the Vagina Monologues.
AFF attendees save $5 on the party, so be sure to see The Booker doc beforehand, and be guided through four years in the life of wrasslin' hustler Steve Scarborough, who started with a four-student school in the back of a theater, expanded to 2500-seat arenas, and still intends to save pro wrestling from itself "one match at a time" -- not to be confused with "one Mash at a time", or how Bobby "Boris" Pickett has been living his life since that song came out in '62.
Photos by Dean Hesse and Kevin Griggs
Read more: http://www.thrillist.com/node/2594590#ixzz1sSmgdCRi
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New Year's Eve - Featured Shows - December 30 & 31, 2011
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The Eve Before The Eve
The Sexual Side Effects, The Swear, The Worsties
Drunken Unicorn - $8
Th...The Eve Before The Eve
The Sexual Side Effects, The Swear, The Worsties
Drunken Unicorn - $8
The Sexual Side Effects just successfully reached their Kickstarter goal to shoot a music video with director Michael Simon for their single "Aurora". Come celebrate this accomplishment and listen to some female-fronted rock 'n roll music. The Swear and The Worsties are also playing.
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The Sexual Side Effect herself hosts the Wrestling with Pop Culture Anniversary Party
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As the androgynous front woman for the glammy post-punk band The Sexual Side Effects, Amber Taylor i...As the androgynous front woman for the glammy post-punk band The Sexual Side Effects, Amber Taylor is known for her over-the-top persona, even when she’s not performing. Though her attention-grabbing antics certainly haven’t hindered the band’s success, The SSEs mission to bring back the showmanship of such ’70s rock bands as David Bowie and T. Rex, while throwing in elements of dream pop, ’90s college rock and hints of goth, has also helped the band make a bang over the past year or so. Having performed high profile slots at Atlanta Pride Festival, the East Atlanta Strut and it’s own Gilded Trash events at the Masquerade, the band recently caught the attention of award-winning TV director Michael A. Simon, who has worked on such shows as VH1 Storytellers, Rock Star: INXS and Survivor. Simon directed the video for “Aurora,” off the band’s recent High Maintenance EP, which is still in post-production.
Though “Aurora” isn’t quite ready to shine, the band has another video premiering at the Atlanta Film Festival Music & Film Experience March 29. But before that happens, Amber will be hosting the Wrestling with Pop Culture Anniversary Party tonight, adding even more freak show spectacle to an event that already features Monstrosity Championship Wrestling, luchador body painting and the LEGO-headed Death is a Dialogue. Amber and I got drunk a few days ago and had this conversation in front of the Euclid Avenue Yacht Club.
Tell me about the video that will be premiering at the Atlanta Film Festival.
The “All She’ll Ever Hurt” is in the Atlanta Film Festival’s music video competition. It’s a really cool video that was partially filmed at the East Atlanta Strut and at Encyclomedia. It’s directed by David Joseph and it’s all about authentic rock ‘n’ roll and it’s a real video, unlike a lot of videos. It will play during our performance on Thursday, March 28 at the Goat Farm.
The event at the Goat Farm is all music videos with many of the band
Amber Taylor (front) of The Sexual Side Effects hosts the Wrestling with Pop Culture Anniversary Party!
s performing. Tell me a little more about that show.
As far as I know, this is the first year the Atlanta Film Festival has had live musical performances involved in the festival. The event at the Goat Farm is going to be music day, where they’ll have two different stages and six or seven different bands. We’re the last band on our stage and there’s other stuff on the other stage, as well as an area that will be playing the music videos for each band that’s involved. We also did some interviews with Dubious.org about the video and that might be playing as well.
The night before that you’re hosting a pretty special Atlanta Film Festival event that will involve monster wrestling and other festivities.
There’ll be freaks and weirdos, thanks to me. Then there will be wrestlers and rock ‘n’ roll. After thinking about what wrestling and rock ‘n’ roll have in common with each other and what it relates to in our culture, I have surmised that it needs more freaks.
Wrestling was originally a sideshow attraction, which might be why you are part of this event.
And that’s exactly what I hope to bring to it. I hope to beef out the freak side of things. I’d also like to announce right now, publicly, that I’m going to officially run for president. My campaign slogan is, “Amber Taylor for president: a sex change you can believe in.” We’ll definitely have campaign shirts going sometime near the election. I vote to not D) vote for none of the above but to E) vote for Amber, a sex change you can believe in. I’ve also been informed that we have direct competition within the band. Our bass player, who is unofficially known as Manwhore, is also running for president. Either of us could do a better job than anyone else.
Why don’t you run on the same ticket?
Eh. No. There can only be one lead singer. And we could only make one cool shirt, when there are two cool shirts in this sce
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TBB’s Fauxllet Fest 2012
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The Backstage Beat’s Fauxllet Fest was a full success! Raising money and hair for Locks of Love this...The Backstage Beat’s Fauxllet Fest was a full success! Raising money and hair for Locks of Love this weekend at Sidelines Marietta/The Local. We couldn’t have done this without the amazing support from some great musicians, comedians, friends and fans.
Rob and Ange were busy running the show, so if you want to leave a comment about your experience, who you loved seeing, your review…. please do. First to hit the stage that night was All the Locals, doing their best Creedence Clearwater Revival. These guys really brought it and made us all want to see them doing their own originals April 21st at The Hard Rock. Check them out! Thanks again guys! Well done!
Melissa Meacham, Ellen Mierzwinski, Sarah Bryant and Ginny Jameson from Rogue Hair Studio came out in support of The Backstage Beat and Locks of Love! Drummer Extraordinaire Charlie Korch Donates Hair to Locks of Love
Thank you so much Charlie! Great donation! Up next are two of the cutest and extremely talented girls, Sadie and Sariah. With their mom, Tina Louise and dad Monte Shane supporting them, these girls had the room listening to their every word. You can rest assured we will be keeping up with them s we follow their rise to stardom! Our pals, HT Rosen and Jordan Stylez came up and broke the crowd in with some of their very own style of comedy. We thank them for the laughs and the support!
The Sexual Side Effects took over and did some Bowie, Eno and T-Rex! What a show!!! This band has some freakin energy! Amber Taylor (singer/guitarist) moves on stage with such excitement you can not help but watch and want more along with bassist “Spikey” Mike Sidner and drummer Clay McClure! Well done SSE! Amazing show!
Our old friend and former contributor to The Backstage Beat, comedian Steph Swain took the stage and in her own laid back way told the crowd all about her issues with her husband, weight problems, work troubles and more. Thank you Steph!
Our own Rob Alex lead the Outlaws of Love straight into full-blown fun! Along with Charlie Korch and Eric Sands, these guys had all the ladies dancing… and boy was it fun! Among the set was De Do Do Do De Da Da Da, Synchronicity II, and Message in a Bottle. They even went for some deep cuts like Next to You and Truth Hits Everybody!
Having seen the next comedian before we knew we had to get him. Standup comic Bo Micadelic will most definitely command a room. He was too funny and he made sure we all knew his name… say it with us… “Bo Micadelic!”
Priest Unleashed finished the night with an awesome set of Judas Priest. Opening the set with Hellion/Electric Eye and went 120 mph from there playing for over an hour. We enjoyed it and thank them again for their support. Check them out again at Sidelines Marietta/The Local April 7th.
Thanks again to all The Backstage Beat writers and photographers who made it out, all our friends, all our supporters and the new friends we made that night. Special thanks to Sam Ivey and Joe Ivey for letting us get crazy at Sidelines Marietta and to Eric Sands with the full Orange Amps backline. Also, Kenny Cresswell with Avatar Events Group for the killer drum kit.
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The Sexual Side Effects Save East Atlanta
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“An obscenely large, naked, bald man has been spotted in East Atlanta. Eye-witness reports describe...“An obscenely large, naked, bald man has been spotted in East Atlanta. Eye-witness reports describe the giant as dressed only in a diaper and a leather harness. At a loss for how to handle the towering sexual deviant, neighborhood authorities have called in the experts.”
When a band sends out a press release that starts like this, you know they’re going to put on an amazing show. The Sexual Side Effects Save East Atlanta will take place on Thursday, April 28 at the 529 in East Atlanta.
The group, which has played throughout the southeast and already has a loyal fan base, is currently working with producer John Briglevich (Drivin’ N Cryin’, Edwin McCain, Red Letter Agent) of Sonica Recording to produce their debut EP. The Sexual Side Effects will soon be finalizing dates for an upcoming tour, so this might be one of your last chances to say you saw them “when”.
The Sexual Side Effects are an eclectic alternative rock group influenced by post-punk and 70's glam rock. Said to be “reminiscent of early Bowie” by producer Briglevish, the band is fronted by lead singer and multi-instrumentalist Amber Taylor, known to many from headlining at Atlanta’s glam rock party, Glitterdome. “Spikey” Mike Sidner (former bassist for Liquid Image) and Clay McClure (drummer, Flat Cat) round out the ensemble that Curtis Clark of 10 High and Metalsome calls “a rare treat, the kind Atlanta hasn’t seen in a long, long time”.
Modern Paranoia and DJ Aesthetic will be joining The Sexual Side Effects in their “mission to protect East Atlanta”. Modern Paranoia’s punk rock, synth lust, and pop beauty will be complemented by the spinning skills of Atlanta Underground Scene favorite and Das Bunker ATL promoter, DJ Aesthetic, who will “unleash an arsenal of pulsating post-punk, glam-rock, and Brit-pop”. (But we know it’s really just an excuse for him to play the Pet Shop Boys…)
The Sexual Side Effects Save East Atlanta will take place at The 529, located at 529 Flat Shoals Ave NE in East Atlanta. Doors are at 9pm and the cover charge is $5 for 21 and up. Get there early (from 7pm to 9pm) to see the chaos unfold in the streets of East Atlanta as circus performers, protesters, and ringleader Vortex will all be gathering to express their concern for the city!
supersonic
