After three years together, Thomas Brook and Manny Recinos knew it was time to tie the knot. They decided they would travel to a state where same-sex marriage is legal while also holding a ceremony and reception in their home state of Georgia.
They searched online for an LGBT-friendly venue, located the Georgian Club in Cobb County, and met with the assistant manager to tour the facility on Feb. 19.
They loved it.
“The assistant general manager, Andrea Wilson, was very friendly and accommodating,” Brooks says.
The Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus today announced the AGMC Women's Chorus Project, a new ensemble that will feature women performers. The group says the new musical group will be “committed to effecting social change through the power of music.”
Kevin Robinson, artistic director for the chrous:
“We're building the launch pad for this new group with this exciting project. Rehearsals begin in January and the ensemble will make its debut in AGMC's spring concert, No Rest for the WICKED: The Music of Stephen Schwartz. The project is expected to quickly grow in membership and following, and to assume the formal title of Atlanta Women's Chorus.”
Dr. Melissa Arasi, who is currently the supervisor of music, theatre and dance for the Cobb County School system, has been tapped to lead the AGMC Women's Chorus Project.
Organizers of the second annual Marietta Rainbow Festival are promising a bigger and better Pride celebration this year in an expanded space that will include games, live entertainment, food vendors as well as booths set up for education and information about local organizations. There will also be plenty of space for fun for the kids.
Johnathon Murphy, managing partner of LeBuzz in Marietta and a main organizer of the event slated for July 29-30, says the OTP Pride celebration this year incorporates LeBuzz's new space in the former space of El Mariachi and the neighboring space of Enigma.
"We went from a 6,000 square space and added 14,000 square feet, so now we have about 20,000 square feet to hold the festival this year," Murphy said.
Organizers promise a bigger and better celebration in 2011
Atlanta Police Chief George Turner has now suspended Investigator Bennie Bridges without pay after he was arrested in Cobb County for DUI and possession of marijuana.
Bridges was arrested Feb. 3 and put on administrative leave — with pay — while an internal investigation was conducted.
A press release from the APD now says Bridges has been suspended without pay after meeting with Turner today and while the Office of Professional Standards continues to investigate the matter.