Exclusive Interview With American Idol Judges: Part Deux, Why they Like Savannah, The South and ME !

SEASON SEVEN OF AMERICAN- IDOL IS JUST TWO MONTHS AWAY.
AUDITIONS WERE HELD IN SEVERAL CITIES---WHICH INCLUDED ATLANTA AND CHARLESTON.
SO DOES THAT MEAN WE'LL SEE MORE SOUTHERNERS NEXT SEASON OR MAYBE ANOTHER FINALIST FROM OUR AREA?

"It's a good party town."
RANDY JACKSON SAYS THATS WHY HE LOVES SAVANNAH.
AND IT LOOKS LIKE HE'S NOT OUR ONLY FAN.
"Ryan dont we love Savannah, were southerners. The south shall rise again."
NOT ONLY DO THE IDOL JUDGES LOVE SAVANNAH BUT THEY LOVE THE SOUTH...AND THEY HOPE THIS REGION IS REPRESENTED A LITTLE BETTER IN SEASON 7'S FINALS.
"I didn't like the finals last year because I think I like to see the south represented in the final of the show, " said Simon Cowell.
THERE WERE FOUR SOUTHERN CONTESTANTS IN SEASON 6'S TOP 12... CHRIS SLIGH FROM SOUTH CAROLINA, MELINDA DOOLITTLE FROM TENNESSEE, PHIL STACEY FROM FLORIDA AND OF COURSE SAVANNAH'S OWN STEPHANIE EDWARDS.
BUT THE FINAL TWO WERE JORDIN SPARKS FROM ARIZONA AND BLAKE LEWIS FROM WASHINGTON.
"I think it's important that we do get a great contestant from the south because without that contingent I don't think the show works as well, " added Simon.
SO THIS YEAR THREE OF THE SEVEN AUDITION CITIES WERE IN THE SOUTH.. AND RANDY JACKSON SEEMS TO FEEL PRETTY GOOD ABOUT THOSE CHOICES.
"We just feel that the south is coming back stronger than ever."
HISTORICALLY .. SOUTHERN CONTESTANTS HAVE BEEN QUITE SUCCESSFUL...IN FACT, ALL SIX IDOL WINNERS HAILED FROM SOUTHERN OR SOUTHWESTERN AMERICAN STATES..
KELLY CLARKSON FROM TEXAS, RUBEN STUDDARD AND TAYLOR HICKS BOTH FROM ALABAMA, FANTASIA BARRINO FROM NORTH CAROLINA, CARRIE UNDERWOOD FROM OKLAHOMA AND JORDIN SPARKS FROM ARIZONA.
AND WHILE SOUTHERNERS HAVE DOMINATED THE COMPETITION VOCALLY.. ONE THING THAT WAS MISSING AT THIS YEARS CHARLESTON AUDITIONS WERE THE SUPER CRAZY COSTUMES... RANDY AND RYAN HAD THEIR OWN THEORY TO WHY THAT WAS THE CASE.
"Are you saying that the people in the south are smarter, that they dont have to act like bufoons. They don't have to dress up cause they have great personalities. I like this girl."
AND I LIKED RANDY TOO.. AFTERALL HE'S PULLING FOR THE SOUTH.
"AMERICAN IDOL" RETURNS WITH A 2-NIGHT, 4-HOUR PREMIERE TUESDAY, JANUARY 15TH, AND WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16TH RIGHT HERE ON FOX 28.

Exclusive Interview With American Idol's Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest Part One

ITS NEVER TOO EARLY TO TALK ABOUT AMERICAN IDOL?
THE NEXT SEASON STARTS AIRING IN JANUARY, BUT THE ROUNDS OF AUDITIONS HAVE ALREADY SWEPT THE COUNTRY.
AND, IT SEEMS THERE WILL BE SOME CHANGES TO THE FORMAT OF THE SHOW ACCORDING TO SHOW PRODUCER PATRICK LYNN.
"At some point during the season they are gonna let people play instruments. It's not gonna happen in the early rounds. There gonna decide probably at the studio shows and let them do down the road."
BUT WHEN I SPOKE WITH SIMON... HE DIDNT SEEM TO BE ON THE SAME PAGE.
"It's not going to happen."
SO I'M NOT SURE WHO'S IN CHARGE HERE BUT IF THIS CHANGE PANS OUT IT COULD SKEW THE PLAYING FIELD IN FAVOR OF MORE INSTRUMENTAL-FRIENDLY GENRES LIKE ROCK AND COUNTRY.
ALSO NEXT SEASON THERE WILL BE FEWER CELEBRITY MENTORS LIKE BARRY MANILOW AND DIANA ROSS BECAUSE PRODUCERS SAY THEY TOOK ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE CONTESTANTS....AND OF COURSE FROM SIMON.
"According to Ryan I was the reason the ratings went down so I'll be there less,"said Cowell.
"We also hope Randy's new look will help this season," added Ryan.
AND SPEAKING OF LOOKS....WE DIDN'T SEE TO MANY CRAZY COSTUMES IN CHARLESTON... BUT NO WORRIES..YOU'll STILL BE ENTERTAINED BY CRAZY'S FROM OTHER CITIES.
"There was one guy who waxed his entire body and brought in a bag of hair," according to Paula Abdul.
BUT YOU'LL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL JANUARY TO SEE HIM.
IN REAL TIME, THE SHOW IS ABOUT TO PULL INTO ITS HOLLYWOOD PHASE.
160 HOPEFULS WILL BE GOING TO TINSELTOWN AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
FROM THERE THE FIELD WILL BE NARROWED TO THE TOP 24 -- EVENLY SPLIT BETWEEN THE BOYS AND THE GIRLS.
AND NEXT SUMMER, THE ANNUAL "IDOL" LIVE TOUR MAY BE COMBINED WITH THE "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE" TOUR - TO CREATE A SHOW WITH BOTH SINGING AND DANCING.
LOTS OF CHANGES AND LOTS OF ANTICIPATION FOR THE SHOW THAT GETS MORE VOTES THAN A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

THE TV SHOW MAKING NEWS : SAVANNAH IS A GO !

We were told today that our newsroom will be the stars of the second season of TV Guide Channels "Making News". The crew will be here right after Thanksgiving for about 5-6 months to shoot us day in and day out. The show will be 13 episodes beginning to air in the Spring. They will follow us each day to our stories and shoot the day to day happenings in the newsroom. This past season aired at 8 pm on Mondays. Season one was TV Guide networks highest rated summer series.

Stay Tuned..

Top Costumes this Halloween: Acme Costumes

RETAIL EXPERTS PREDICT THAT AMERICAN CONSUMERS WILL SPEND ALMOST TWO BILLION DOLLARS ON HALLOWEEN COSTUMES THIS YEAR.
SO HAVE YOU DECIDED WHAT YOU'RE GONNA DRESS UP AS ? YOU STIL HAVE SOME TIME LEFT.. AND IF YOU NEED SOME IDEAS.. NO WORRRIES!


A GARDEN CITY COSTUME SHOP GIVES US A LOOK AT THIS YEARS MOST POPULAR ATTIRE AND THERE ARE A FEW YOU MAY BE SHOCKED TO SEE!
THIS HALLOWEEN PIRATES WON’T ONLY RULE THE SEVEN SEAS, THEY’LL BE KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR. ACME COSTUMES IN GARDEN CITY SAYS THANKS TO JOHNNY DEPP....PIRATES ARE THE MOST POPULAR COSTUME CHOICE FOR BOTH KIDS AND ADULTS THIS HALLOWEEN.
FROM THE TRADITIONAL PIRATE, TO THE SEXIER VERSION.. THE CHOICES ARE ENDLESS !

FOR ADULTS, IT’S ALL ABOUT TAKING ON FANTASY ROLES FROM FRENCH MAID TO VAMPIRE.
AND IT MAY BE HARD TO BELIEVE.. BUT THIS YEARS MOST FAMOUS INMATE...IS TOPPING THE CHARTS."The jumpsuit with Paris Hilton and the tiara and the orange jumpsuit."
AND WE CANT FORGET THE RECENT QUEEN OF THE TABLOIDS... BRITNEY SPEARS...

OVERALL, CHILDREN’S COSTUMES SHOW A HEAVY INFLUENCE OF MOVIES AND TV, PARTICULARLY DISNEY....AND CHARACHTERS FROM THE 80'S.
"I'm seeing more of a return to old smurf or beetlejuice so it's kind of retro Halloween."

ACCORDING TO YAHOO! SHOPPING, HERE ARE THE TOP 10 LITTLE CHARACTERS LIKELY TO COME TRICK OR TREATING IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD THIS YEAR:
PIRATE, STAR WARS CHARACTER, HANNAH MONTANA, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL CHARACTER AND WIZARD OF OZ.

THE TOP ADULT COSTUME CHOICES ARE PIRATE,SCHOOL GIRL, NURSE, CHEERLEADER AND RENAISSANCE COSTUMES. ACME HAS COSTUMES TO BUY OR RENT AND ALL OF THE MAKINGS IN BETWEEN FROM GLITTER & EYELASHES TO PROTHETIC PIECES.

IF YOU REALLY WANNA GO ALL OUT ...THE SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP CAN BE THE TRICK THAT GIVES YOUR FRIENDS A SCARY TREAT.
"We have artists on staff than can teach you how to do it or you can make and appointment."

FROM SEXY TO SCARY YOU CAN GET ANYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR HALLOWEEN COMPLETE.
"You can pretty much get about anything here except milk and bread."

ACME COSTUMES IS LOCATED OFF HIGHWAY 80 IN GARDEN CITY. THE STORE IS OVER 10 THOUSAND SQUARE FEET WITH OVER TEN THOUSAND COSTUMES.
SO IF YOU CANT FIND SOMETHING.. THERE .. I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO TELL YA.

Poseidon Day Spa

IT'S THE END OF ANOTHER WORK WEEK AND YOU MIGHT BE NEEDING SOME R AND R!
LOCATED WITHIN THE MANSION ON FORSYTH PARK, THIS FULL-SERVICE SPA BLENDS HISTORIC ELEGANCE WITH CONTEMPORARY AMENITIES IN AN UNDERWATER LIKE OASIS.
THE SPA IS KNOWN FOR THEIR MASSAGES, WHETHER IT BE SWEEDISH, DEEP TISSUE OR EVEN HOT STONE.
A HIGHLY TRAINED MASSEUS WILL MASSAGE AWAY ALL OF THE STRESS FROM YOUR BACK DOWN TO THOSE NEGLECTED HANDS.
THEY ALSO OFFER FACIALS, BODY WRAPS AND POSH LITTLE ROOM FOR MANICURES AND PEDICURES.
POSEIDON IS A POPULAR SPOT FOR LADIES LOOKING FOR A GIRLS GETAWAY OR BRIDAL PARTY.
AND FOR THE LOCALS THERE IS A SPECIAL TREAT, DISCOUNTS ON A 50 MINUTE SWEEDISH MASSAGE OR A SIGNATURE FACIAL.
JUST ANOTHER ONE OF SAVANNAH'S SECRETS ..TUCKED AWAY INSIDE OF ITS MOST CHARMING HOTELS.
Poseidon Spa at Mansion on Forsyth Park
700 Drayton Street • Savannah
(912) 721-5004 • spadesk@mansiononforsythpark.com

YOU NEED FITNESS !

READY TO GET FIT WHILE HAVING FUN?
THERE'S A BOOTCAMP THAT IS TRAINING PEOPLE FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF FIGHT.
"Boot Camp in Richmond Hill is designed to get you in the best shape possible in the quickets amount of time,"SAID OWNER DEREK FRAZIER.
RICHMOND HILL BOOT CAMP SESSIONS ARE AN HOUR LONG AND DESIGNED TO GIVE YOU ONE ON ONE ATTENTION.
EACH SESSION IS FILLED WITH EXERCISES LIKE KETTLE BELL SWINGS, BALL SLAMS, AND THE ISOMETRIC SQUAT... AND YOU GET A VARIETY OF EXERCISES SO THAT YOU DONT GET BORED.
SO WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT THE END OF SIX WEEKS?
"Most people stay at the same weight the first 6 weeks cause you lose 10 pounds of fat and replace it with muscle."
AND THIS IS NO SCREAMING AND YELLING BOOT CAMP... DEREK MAY BE AN ARMY VET..BUT THE ATMOSPHERE IS ALWAYS SUPPORTIVE.
WE'LL KEEP YOU UPDATED ON THE PROGRESS OF ALL FOUR OF FITNESS BOOT CAMPERS...AND LET YOU KNOW WHAT THEY ACHIEVED AT THE END OF 6 WEEKS.
www.YouNeedFitness.com

24 e

With an eclectic collection of furnishings and accessories Broughton Street’s award winning 24e hopes to help people fuse their individuality and inventiveness with their home environment.
“We have traditional styles to contemporary furniture. Its more than a furniture store, its a lifestyle store,” said Ruel Joyner.”
And as our likes and dislikes often change so does 24e.
"Our store literally changes from every 7 to 14 days and I think it morphs along with fashion and trends.”

"We've had people from Alabama in U-hauls which is cool."
And its no wonder people come from afar...24 e recently won the number one specialty furniture store in the country in the Arts awards, the equivalent to the Oscars in the design industry.
"People like Bloomingdales win this, Neiman Marcus and we won this in Savannah."
But 24e’s notoriety doesn’t end there.
They designed the main stage at the Inc 500 conference where Bill Clinton spoke…the green room and situation room for President Bush.
And even a home that was featured on the popular HGTV show "My Celebrity Home"

Plus, with schools like SCAD they are seeing an influx in talent that contribute to the success of the store.
"We employ a lot of the students and they give us a lot of energy and a lot of great ideas."
Even if not in the market for a new look for your home.... 24e is still a place that can keep you updated on the latest trends
"Even if you’re coming in just to get inspired or get ideas it’s something really unique."
24 e is located at 24 East Broughton...
For more info check out their website at www.TwentyFourE.com

Learning to Fly at Savannah Aviation

Imagine using a typical four-seat plane to take weekend trips with your friends and family....turning an all-day drive into a short flight in a private plane.
You don’t have to be a commercial or military pilot to take enjoy the view from up above.
Savannah Aviation trains people just like you and i to become private pilots...and while it may be challenging..that’s not all that it is.

On an introductory flight you can expect to be flying a Cessna 172 from engine start to takeoff to landing to shutdown. Once you’re in the air you’ll literally see the world from a whole new perspective.
We had some great views of a cargo ship traveling the Savannah River, the beach and the Tybee pier jutting into the ocean.

Flying lessons involve both flight and ground work in which you learn about aerodynamics, weather, FAA rules and how to plan a cross country flight.
And while all of this may seem exciting I know some of you may be wondering just how dangerous flying lessons are.
"I have duplicate controls on my side of the airplane. So in terms of a risk factor there is nothing the student can get us into that i cant get us out of, " said instructor Bob Whitmer.

Lessons cost between four and seven thousand dollars...you pay as you go and you can take as much time as you need.
Even better...you don't have to own a plane, you can simply rent one .

American Idol Update: Charleston Auditions

So far we only know of one girl from our area that made it through the first cut of American Idol in Charleston. She is from Tattnall County. If you know someone who is going back to Charleston for the 2nd cut please let us know.

The second cut will be in early September with producers and if they make it through that round they will go in front of Paula, Simon, and Randy that same day. This third cut will be the one that sends contestants to Hollywood.

Savannah Idol Hopeful Prepares for Charleston Auditions: Chelsea Allen

Seems like American Idol just ended but auditions for next season have been underway for weeks. On Saturday morning the Charleston Coliseum will be filled with thousands of people hoping to become the next American Idol.. And many of them live here in the coastal empire and the low country

Savannah’s Chelsea Allen is one of the many from our area trying out . You may recognize her from MTV's making the band...and while she made it quite far on that show. After talking to last years Savannah Idol finalist Stephanie Edwards she realized that American Idol might be a little more about the music and less on the drama.
Chelsea says,” after I talked to her, kind of just realized how much training they got when they were there and how well they were treated, we didn’t get any of that."
Vocal coach Roger Moss worked with Stephanie before she made it to Hollywood and is now prepping Chelsea to be his second local success story.
"If Chelsea is Chelsea she will knock em dead. She already has a great look, incredible presense,"said Moss.

And Moss says there are a few other challenges that idol hopefuls must overcome.
"The big challenge is repertoire, knowing a lot of music and knowing a lot of different types of music."
He's also a firm believer in age appropriate music.
"You find the lyrics that you can sell."
And lyrics that the producers haven’t heard a thousand times that day.

Right now Chelsea sings in the local band John Doe. She says they perform about four times a week and it’s this experience that has truly helped her become an artist.
"I don't need Simon Cowell to say that I’m good for me to believe I’m good so i don’t need this to validate me."
We will be tracking about 10 of the areas hopefuls as they go through the auditions in Charleston and will bring you all the highlights Friday through Sunday night on Fox 28 News at Ten.....make sure you tune in. You just might know Savannah's next big star.

Luxury & Exotic Car Rentals

Imagine a weekend driving a hot car that you never thought you'd even get close to. You see the cars in Hollywood and on the big screen.
But now there's a way you too can take the wheel of some of the world’s sportiest and sexiest cars."It’s just kind stepping away from the mundane life for a little bit and driving an exotic car and just feeling like a rockstar for a few days,” says owner Shane Atwood.

Precious Metals Luxury and Exotic Cars are sporting some of the hottest rides for a small fraction of what you'd pay to own one. While a good amount of business comes from tourists, about thirty to fourty percent of their business comes from locals looking for a sporty way to celebrate a special occasion.
"We do a lot of birthdays, we do a lot of anniversaries. We do a whole lot of welcome back home from Iraq presents and I love doing those."

The Lotus Elise can rocket zero to 60 in just four point nine seconds. It's the closest thing to a true racecar that you can legally drive on the streets in America. For three ninety-nine a day you can drive this Dodge Viper SRT-10 convertible. There are only about 14,000 vipers worldwide. "This car is pure American muscle it’s just absolutely throw you back in your seat power."

For more information of Precious Metals entire fleet of luxury cars. Visit www.preciousmetalscars.com or call 888-9-Be-Seen. Similar to other rental car companies you must be 25 years old, have a clean driving record and proof of full coverage insurance.

ARE YOU AUDITIONING FOR AMERICAN IDOL ? LET ME KNOW!

CHARLESTON AUDITIONS: EMAIL ME IF YOU ARE GOING jbeale@fox28tv.com
HERE ARE SOME DETAILS YOU WILL WANT TO KNOW:
MORE INFO IS AVAILABLE AT www.americanidol.com/auditions

On Thursday, August 16, registration begins and continues until the morning on Saturday, Aug. 18. This means that auditioners can pick up their wristband and will be told to return on Saturday morning for the actual auditions. Please note that there is usually a line of people Thursday morning waiting to register. The benefit to coming during the day/night on Thursday afternoon and Friday is that auditioners probably won't have to wait in line because the doors are open 24 hours a day.

On Saturday August 18th at approximately 8am, the contestants will go inside the venue to begin auditions. Approximately 1 hour after the auditioners enter the venue, auditioners should begin exiting (around 10am).

Venue
Location: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418

Lineup/Registration: No one will be allowed to line up prior to 6:00AM, August 16, 2007.
Registration begins August 16, 2007 and continues to the morning of August 18.

Actual Auditions: August 18, 2007 / Approximate Start Time: 8:00AM
Line Up: South Plaza Ramp / Look for the "Front Of Line" banner.

Parking: $4 Per Car, Per Day / Be prepared to pay for parking each time you park as there are no in or out privileges.

Oatland Island Wildlife Center

Savannah may not have its own traditional zoo, but there is a place where some of the world's most diverse creatures roam in habitats very similar to their home.

The Oatland Island Wildlife center features a 2 mile native animal nature trail that winds through maritime forest, salt marsh, and freshwater wetlands. Along the way, visitors can observe native animals such as Florida panthers, alligators, diverse raptors and many more in their natural habitat.

More than 50 indigenous Georgia animals are used in educational programs, many of which are an endangered and threatened species. "All the animals we have at Oatland either are native or at one time did range into Georgia," said the center's director Chris Gentile.

And if just seeing these animals isn’t enough, you can even adopt one of your favorite wildlife friends. "The money that they give helps us take care of the animals for that year", said Gentile. Oatland Island wildlife center is located 5 miles east of Savannah off the Islands Expressway.

They are open Monday through Friday 9 am- 4 pm and Saturday and Sundays 10am-4pm. For more information visit OatlandIsland.org.

ARE YOU AUDITIONING FOR AMERICAN IDOL ? LET ME KNOW!

The upcoming American Idol auditions will take place in Charleston and Atlanta. If you are planning to audition please e-mail me at jbeale@wjcl.com or call me at 912-629-1280.
We will be going to the Charleston audition, which is 2 hours away, and we'd like to come follow you through the audition process.

AMERICAN IDOL AUDITIONS IN CHARLESTON

THURSDAY, AUGUST 16
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18

Thursday, August 16 and Friday, August 17 – Line-up begins, wristbands will be distributed
Saturday, August 18 Auditions begin

Where: North Charleston Coliseum

5001 Coliseum Dr. North Charleston, SC 29418

Want Skin like the Stars but Not with the Price? Cosmetic Chemistry at MW Labs in Savannah Can help Keep Your Skin Looking Young & Healthy

If you suffer from chronic skin problems or maybe you just want to slow the signs of age.... listen up! One of Savannah's best kept secrets may be able to help. Cosmetic chemist Michael Warshaw was recently honored for his invention of an award winning formula for an anti-bruise body lotion but he has many more skin-sational products !

Warshaw established MW labs in 1986 as a skin care and disorder treatment facility and now creates his custom formulations for the cosmetic, medical, and spa industries.
But his products are not just for anti-aging. He says many people show up with very challenging skin problems.

So what are some of these key ingredients that make his products a cut above the rest. He uses a good amount of green tea, which can help block the skin from free radicals.
Warshaw says ginger serves many purposes from easing pain all the way to easing a common pregnancy complaint.
"I’ve had women use my ginger lotion I’ve made up to minimize their morning sickness."

The majority of the people who call MW Labs want products that will help keep their skin healthy, but it's not only adults that find his products useful. "There was a little girl who never wore a dress in her life and we cleaned up her eczema that she had for years."

And Warshaw’s products are especially helpful for those who have sensitive skin. "We really do formulate for people who are chemically and allergy sensitive." Warshaw says he is a good resource for those who cant get help anywhere else and need a little cosmetic chemistry. "People have used what I got, they believe in what I do and they see results and that’s the bottom line."

MW labs hope to open a few stores in the near future.
But for now all of the products, including his award winning anti-bruise lotion, are available by calling MW Labs at 912-236-9430.

Harry Potter Parties !

After 10 years, the saga of "Harry Potter" is expected to draw to a close with Saturday’s release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” but you can enjoy one last potter party this Friday night at two of Savannah's largest bookstores.

Barnes & Noble at Oglethorpe Mall is having a "Midnight Magic Costume Party" at 8 p.m. Friday. The store will have a costume contest, a potion demonstration and live animals from Oatland Island. They will be giving away 300 Harry Potter wands and old Harry Potter movies will be shown inside the mall.

At 9 p.m. Books-A-Million at 8108 Abercorn Street will celebrate with a costume contest, a magician, trivia, crafts and face painting. Both locations will have events up until one minute after midnight when they can begin selling the book.

RAPPERS, SINGERS, MODELS, PRODUCERS WANTED FOR BRAND NEW REALITY SHOW: AUDITIONS SATURDAY

MAKING THE NEXT HIT ON WWW.THENEXT.TV

RAPPERS, SINGERS, MODELS, PRODUCERS WANTED FOR BRAND NEW REALITY SHOW

MAKING THE NEXT HIT is coming to Savannah, GA on Sat. July 14, 2007 at the Coastal Georgia Center 305 Fahm St- Savannah, GA 31401 beginning at 9AM.

This show is brought to you by www.thenext.tv, a new internet network searching for the next musical/entertainment superstar. Rappers, Singers, Models, Producers, Comedians, DJ’s, and Promoters; men and women of all ages, are all welcome to audition this Saturday free of charge.

Music acts will audition for the opportunity to be on a reality show hosted by The Chief Rocker Busy Bee & work with with PIT, the producer of “Party Like a Rockstar” by Da Shop Boyz.

Models will receive the opportunity to showcase their talent in Las Vegas in August for the “Magic Show Convention” All acts will be exposed on the new reality show series and the final winners will be sent to Miami for the Comedy, Sports & Hip-Hop New Year’s Eve Celebrity Bash, record their own music video and have the chance to go on a national promotional tour.

The show is being hosted by the Chief Rocker Busy Bee, a pioneer of hip-hop, and will be aired on www.thenext.tv. Busy Bee brings his hip-hop knowledge and expertise to the show as he teaches the elements of the creation of hip-hop.

MAKING THE NEXT HIT is currently touring the country in areas such as NY, LA, DC, and Miami, in search of the next entertainment icon.

Contestants should just show up on the day of the audition. For more info call 678-613-7739 or visit www.thenext.tv All artists and models auditioning are advised to arrive early to ensure their audition spot.

Special Edition of Talk of the Town: Backstage with the Jonas Brothers

You may not know who they are but I bet your kids do!
It’s the Jonas Brothers, we're talking about and they were in concert tonight at the Civic Center. The Jonas Brothers are a group of three teenage brothers from New Jersey who play pop-punk and are the darlings of Disney radio. In tonight's Talk of the Town we take you back stage to meet the group along with the winners of our be a reporter for a day contest.

The Martin family was just one of many thrilled to see the Jonas Brothers in concert. After seeing a Jonas Brothers commercial a few months ago little Cole Martin said he was sold. "They are great, they do commercials and they're teenagers." But little did he know, he'd soon get to meet Kevin, Joe and Nick in person.

Autographs, pictures and a few questions answered and it was time for me and the Martins to take our seats for the show. One of the opening acts was an up and coming singer from Glenville Georgia, Katelyn Tarver. She got the crowd on their feet and full of energy.But when the Jonas brothers took the stage and launched into kids of the future hordes of screaming teen and tweens ran to the front of the theater even giving security a little run for their money.

There were no quiet lulls between the songs, as shrieks and cries carried one song into another. These boys clearly know they are adored and used that to work the young crowd, driving girls into a frenzy with a wave here and a wink there. For the parents at tonight’s show the Jonas Brothers was clearly reminiscent of the Beatles craze.

The next stop for the Jonas brothers is Atlanta and their new album will be available on August 7th. Just go to JonasBrothers.com.

The Sentient Bean Frantic Rabbit Poetry

Just off the south end of Forsyth Park lies a coffee shop that's serving up many flavors of entertainment. It's the Sentient Bean coffee shop, where Thursday night is home to Frantic Rabbit Poetry. Where words are used as a vehicle to educate, entertain, and inform as well as promote the not-so fine science of listening.

It’s an open mic forum inviting those to share their words and those of others.
After the open mic, they have a 2-round slam, where the winner receives half of the money collected in the notorious hat.

Poets are the only ones rocking the stage; the bean offers an eclectic array of shows from indie films to nationally acclaimed acoustic bands. And it’s the vibrant ambiance that makes this locale even more inviting.

Like the saying says the Sentient Bean is not only brewing coffee…they're also brewing community. The Sentient Bean is open from 7am to 10pm seven days a week. www.sentientbean.com

If you have a story you'd like to see featured in the Talk of the Town e-mail me at jbeale@wjcl.com.

Marc by Marc Jacobs on Broughton Street

New York. Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and now Savannah!
We're talking about one of Broughton streets newest high fashion additions

Broughton Street is no stranger to contemporary boutiques but with the addition of stores like Marc Jacobs, fashion in Savannah has been taken to a new level.

Marc Jacobs features dresses, handbags, bathing suits, t-shirts and all sorts of accessories. The designs are versatile enough that most anyone can find a piece that fits their fashion file.

And while Marc Jacobs continues to leave his mark in the fashion industry he's also now leaving his mark in savannah. The 4500 hundred square foot store is the largest of 5 Marc by Marc Jacobs stores in the country.

Two American Idol Auditions Close to Home !

THE PHENOMENON CONTINUES

“AMERICAN IDOL” SEASON SEVEN AUDITIONS
BEGIN IN SAN DIEGO MONDAY, JULY 30

Audition Dates Also Set For
Dallas, Omaha, Atlanta, Charleston, Miami and Philadelphia


With auditions scheduled in seven cities across the nation, the phenomenal AMERICAN IDOL begins its search for the next singing superstar. Once again, talented singers will have an extraordinary opportunity to perform before millions of TV viewers and become household names, with one winning the American Idol title and a major recording contract.

The quest to become the next American Idol is about to start. Auditions for the seventh season of AMERICAN IDOL begin in San Diego, CA, on Monday, July 30, at Qualcomm Stadium.

Auditions will continue in the following cities:

Dallas, TX Monday, Aug. 6 Texas Stadium
Omaha, NE Friday, Aug. 10 Qwest Center
Atlanta, GA Tuesday, Aug. 14 TBA
Charleston, SC Saturday, Aug. 18 North Charleston Coliseum
Miami, FL Wednesday, Aug. 22 AmericanAirlines Arena
Philadelphia, PA Monday, Aug. 27 Wachovia Center

Audition information for these cities will be announced shortly. Season Seven of AMERICAN IDOL premieres in January 2008 on FOX.

SAN DIEGO AUDITIONS
WHO: Men and women 16 to 28 years old on July 28, 2007 and eligible to work in the United States. Restrictions apply – please go to Americanidol.com for specifics.

WHEN: Monday, July 30

WHERE: Qualcomm Stadium
9449 Friars RoadSan Diego, CA 92108

LINEUP: LINEUP: Wristbands will be given out from Saturday, July 28 (starting time TBA), until 8:00 AM on Monday, July 30. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out; therefore, once they obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to Qualcomm Stadium on Monday, July 30. Additional information is available at www.Americanidol.com.

Audition information, including forms and requirements, is available at: www.Americanidol.com.

Lulu's Chocolate Bar

If you're looking for a sweet treat after dinner this weekend - a new bar in town just might hit the spot.
Lulu's chocolate bar serve everything from cheesecake to tarts to brownies and cakes.
And if a drink is what you have in mind for dessert...Well they have those too. Co-owner Janine Finn says "sometimes the dessert is the drink and people have been having fun with our chocolate martinis and our dessert martini's."
But if all of this seems a little fru fru for you...have no fear chocolate beer is here! From the drinks to décor its all a sweet treat. Lulu's is located on M-L-K Boulevard in between Correleones and Venus de Milo.
For info on their desserts and drinks you can check out the website
LulusChocolatebar.net.

Tybee Water Sports

Tybee Island is known for it's beach -- but it’s all the activities available on the island making things exciting.
The Tybee Marina offers all kinds of water sports including jet ski rental, boat rental, fishing charters, kayak rental, and even great Georgia shrimp for the seafood lover.
Tybee Island Marina is located on Lazaretto Creek just before you cross over to mainland Tybee.
For more information on all of these sports call 912-655-2316.
You can also visit tybeejetski.com...
This website has links to all of the activities available.

The South Magazine

For a complete list of locations where you can buy The South magazine or to subscribe you can check out their website at www.thesouthmag.com