Geoff “Googie” Uterhardt (far left)

BEST LOCAL MALE ACTOR

Geoff “Googie” Uterhardt

THE LOWDOWN: Whether injecting his engaging comic sensibility into works like ART Station’s “Five Course Love,” Theatre in the Square’s recent “Room Service” or Atlanta Lyric’s “Little Shop of Horrors” last fall, Uterhardt makes a distinct impression. Although we’re not sure what to make of his adopted moniker “Googie,” it scarcely matters—an Uterhardt by any other name would still be as charismatic and as frequently hilarious.
THE RUNNER-UP: Tim Stoltenberg

Chris Ozment
Vicki Ellis Gray in Actor’s Express’ “When Something Wonderful Ends.”

BEST LOCAL FEMALE ACTOR

Vicki Ellis Gray

THE LOWDOWN: A relative unknown (at least to us), Gray left an indelible mark in our memories in the recently staged one-woman play “When Something Wonderful Ends” at Actor’s Express. And we weren’t the only ones. Gray’s bravura performance makes her as an actress worth watching for in the future.
THE RUNNER-UP: LaLa Cochran

Spark St. Jude
Tyler Perry

BEST LOCAL FILMMAKER

BEST LOCAL MOVIE STAR

Tyler Perry
THE LOWDOWN: Perry keeps adding new chapters to his impressive life story. Smash-hit theatrical productions; a thriving movie factory; the syndicated sitcom “House of Payne” (produced at his Krog Street facilities); a nod as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people; a role in next year’s “Star Trek” reboot—and he’s stated he hopes to one day launch his own television network. Clearly, this Atlanta-based one-man empire isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
THE RUNNER-UP: Jane Fonda (movie star)

Spark St. Jude
Regal Atlantic Station

BEST MOVIE THEATER

Regal Atlantic Station Stadium 16

THE LOWDOWN: Surrounded by the pedestrian-friendly development of Atlantic Station, this theater provides an ideal spot for date night, as well as a place for friends to gather. With plentiful parking and numerous nearby restaurants, it’s easy to plan dinner and a movie here. Audiences keep coming back to this 16-screen theater for the latest hits and blockbusters—and for that irresistible popcorn.
THE BASICS: 371 17th St. in Atlantic Station. 404-347-9894. www.regmovies.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Landmark Midtown Art Cinema

Charlie McCullers
Antwan “Big Boi” Patton and Peng-yu Chen in the Atlanta Ballet’s “big.”

BEST DANCE COMPANY

Atlanta Ballet

THE LOWDOWN: It’s a given that this dance company would present classic ballets, like “Romeo and Juliet” and an annual production of “The Nutcracker.” But the Atlanta Ballet’s schedule also features groundbreaking performances such as “big,” its recent collaboration with Big Boi, making it clear that the group is committed to bringing dance to diverse audiences.
THE BASICS: www.atlantaballet.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Several Dancers Core

BEST CONCERT VENUE

Chastain Park Amphitheatre

THE LOWDOWN: Seeing a show at this amphitheater, which plays host to everyone from classic pop stars to country singers, isn’t just entertainment—it’s an experience. Concertgoers go all out with their picnic spreads, which go way beyond a basket of sandwiches and potato chips accompanied by a checkered tablecloth.
THE BASICS: 404-733-4955. www.classicchastain.com. www.livenation.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Courtesy of Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Artist’s rendering of the new Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

BEST NEW CONCERT VENUE

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

THE LOWDOWN: As this issue went to press, this new 12,000 seat venue hadn’t yet hosted its first concert (a May 10 bash with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra). But early buzz has music fans on the edge of their seats. And who could blame them? With 45 acres of lush greenery, 40 flat-screen TVs, giant projection screens, upscale concessions and two-story bathrooms, this 12,000-seat amphitheatre looks set to change the Atlanta concert-going experience forever. Or at least up the ante considerably.
THE BASICS: www.vzwamp.com
THE RUNNER-UP: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

BEST KARAOKE

Metalsome at the 10 High

THE LOWDOWN: If you have yet to discover the awesomely bad karaoke hosted each Saturday night at the 10 High, you’re missing out on a combination of unapologetic hair-metal guitar solos, drunken renditions of “Stairway to Heaven, ”rowdy sing-a-longs to the hits of KISS, Def Leppard, Pat Benatar and Warrant, and a packed house of screaming, tone-deaf wannabe superstars. Oh, and the crackerjack live band’s nothing to shake a fingerless-gloved fist at, either.
THE BASICS: 816 N. Highland Ave. 404-873-3607. www.tenhighclub.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Star Bar

BEST COMEDY CLUB

The Punchline Comedy Club

THE LOWDOWN: With a lineup that includes established and emerging comedians, this club has been bringing laughs to the city since it opened in 1982. The venue hosts a weekly open mic night, as well as a periodic kids’ cabaret, which puts young performers in the spotlight.
THE BASICS: 280 Hilderbrand Drive, Sandy Springs. 30328. 404-252-5253. www.punchline.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Funny Farm

BEST BAR FOR TEAM TRIVIA

TACO MAC

THE LOWDOWN: Our enlightened readers have declared Taco Mac the best spot to engage in a battle of useless factoids. This probably has less to do with the trivia itself (which is a lot of fun), and more to do with the extensive beer selection and all of the bright, shiny flat screens everywhere. It’s always good to have a backup plan if your team is too smart to require your input—or if they’re notorious losers.
THE BASICS: Multiple locations. www.tacomac.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Manuel’s Tavern

Spark St. Jude
Francine Reed

BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN

Francine Reed

THE LOWDOWN: There’s a good reason SP readers appreciate Reed, and it’s not just because our city claims the Illinois native as one of its own. Atlanta’s Queen of the Blues has worked with artists as diverse as Miles Davis, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Etta James, Delbert McClinton and Smokey Robinson, and is best known these days to many as Lyle Lovett’s backup singer and duet partner. And no less an authority than Bonnie Raitt once called her a “national treasure” in front of a Chastain Park audience. Who are we to argue with all those folks?
THE RUNNER-UP: Jennifer Nettles

Spark St. Jude
CUTLINE:

BEST LOCAL MUSIC PRODUCER

Jermaine Dupri

THE LOWDOWN: He launched platinum acts Da Brat and Xscape on his So So Def label. He worked magic on crucial albums for Usher and TLC. He’s helmed black music departments for three major labels. He even helped resurrect Mariah Carey’s career after “Glitter.” So J.D.’s newest job—introducing new artists via TAG Records, a partnership with TAG Body Spray—should be a breeze.
THE RUNNER-UP: Dallas Austin

BEST LOCAL RECORD LABEL

Daemon Records

THE LOWDOWN: Owned and operated by the Indigo Girls’ Amy Ray, Decatur-based nonprofit label Daemon Records is run by and for artists, allowing musicians to create the music they want to make. Daemon has released albums from such artists as the Athens Boys Choir, Cordero, James Hall, Michelle Malone, Danielle Howle, Magnapop, the Rock*A*Teens and folk storyteller Utah Phillips. It’s also the home of Ray’s solo albums, including 2005’s well-received “Prom.”
THE BASICS: www.daemonrecords.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: So So Def

BEST OPEN MIC NIGHT

Eddie’s Attic

THE LOWDOWN: Open mic isn’t an afterthought at Eddie’s Attic: It’s a proving ground for aspiring Atlanta acts that draws competitors from across the country and even across the pond. Each Monday night winner receives a slot at the biannual Open Mic Shootout, a prestigious competition that helps introduce the winner to a wider audience.
THE BASICS: 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 404-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Thursdays at Ragamuffin Music

BEST JUKEBOX

The EARL

THE LOWDOWN: Our readers love the jukebox at the EARL for its diversity—from of-the-moment indie rock by acts like Band of Horses and Yeah Yeah Yeahs to classic icons like Johnny Cash, Elvis, Prince and the Kinks, it provides an awesome soundtrack for those hours when the bar isn’t playing host to some of the best local, regional and national live acts around.
THE BASICS: 488 Flat Shoals Road. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: The Righteous Room

BEST POOL HALL

The Independent

THE LOWDOWN: This tricked-out Midtown bar is the best for a night of pitcher-drinking, s**t-talking, quarter-popping billiards. While you’re waiting for a table to open up, catch some Thrashers, Hawks or Braves action on one of the bar’s flat screens, or brush up on your dart-throwing abilities.
THE BASICS: 931 Monroe Dr, Suite C205. 404-249-9869. www.independentatlanta.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Twain’s

Courtesy of the High Museum of Art
The High Museum

BEST MUSEUM

THE HIGH

THE LOWDOWN: In 2006, the High Museum successfully wrangled with the Louvre to bring many of the world’s most famous masterpieces to Atlanta in a rotating exhibit. When the Louvre collection says farewell next fall, it will be replaced by part of China’s famed terra cotta army dating from the second century B.C. The museum has also hosted Elton John’s personal photo collection as well as the works of Annie Leibovitz and many other contemporary artists.
THE BASICS: 1280 Peachtree St.. 404-733-4400. www.high.org.
THE RUNNER-UP: Fernbank Museum of Natural History

BEST MUSEUM YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF

WAFFLE HOUSE MUSEUM

THE LOWDOWN: The very first Waffle House was opened in 1955 on East College Avenue between Avondale Estates and downtown Decatur. For more than 50 years since then, the 1,700-store chain has endured as a southern cultural and gustatory resource (despite, or perhaps because of, visits from Kid Rock). Renovation of the original site should be completed soon. It will be strictly a museum—sorry, no “scattered, smothered and covered.”
THE BASICS: 2719 East College Ave., Decatur. www.wafflehouse.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Imagine It! Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Spark St. Jude
Krause Gallery

BEST ART GALLERY

Krause Gallery

THE LOWDOWN: One of the highlights of the Castleberry Hill Art Stroll. Ben and Kate Krause curate a mean collection of artworks from a striking roster of local and visiting artists. Here you’ll find carefully selected showcases of paintings, sculptures, drawings and installation art. The best part of visiting this lofty space is that viewers never know what to expect until they step inside—which is what keeps them coming back.
THE BASICS: 291 Peters St. 404-522-6205. www.krausegallery.com.
THE RUNNER-UP: Mason Murer Fine Art