By Clare S. Richie
Mark your calendar for the upcoming Good Gracious Show – March 14 at 8 p.m. at Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points. Bring your neighbors, kids, or parents to this showcase of Southern talent and Atlanta pride. With live musical acts, comedy acts, poetry, storytelling, interviews with local philanthropies, and more – you will each connect to something in the show.
The March show line up includes singer-songwriter Gareth Asher, rockin’ Americana from Hannah Thomas, comedy with Dad’s Garage Improv, poet Theresa Davis, the Atlanta Drum Academy, 48 Hour Film Project, good deeds from The Giving Kitchen, news from Trees Atlanta, and more.
For show creator and Master of Ceremonies, Boyd Baker, this idea had been percolating for more than a decade. “Being a fan of [NPR’s] A Prairie Home Companion and the Colorado radio show eTown, I saw no reason Atlanta couldn’t mount something even better,” Boyd said.
While these radio shows inspired Boyd, he envisioned an on-stage community cultural experience that included conversations with the local artists. With community being a key ingredient.
“Bringing people together in different ways” has always been the driving force for Boyd’s pursuits. For his children, Boyd served as Mary Lin’s PTA president, established the Mary Lin Foundation, and began the annual Inman Frosty 5K fundraiser. For his friends and neighbors, he started the Cowabunga Dude Soap Box Derby and the yearly Chilinardo chili cook-off on Leonardo Avenue.
Last year, with a little help from his family, friends and other believers, Boyd brought his variety show idea to the stage thanks to $15,000 raised through Kickstarter.
Boyd also relies on an inner-circle of “Superfriends” to help pull together each show. “They do it for the love of the show and belief in the concept,” Boyd reflected.
Carrie Shelvin serves as stage manager, assisting the acts and coordinating their timing. Melissa Pressman works the front of the house and merchandise. Stage technical support is Jeff Rosenberg with Martin Steib managing sound and lights. Boyd covers everything else from, securing acts, public relations, marketing, sponsorships, scripting and hosting the show.
Good Gracious held its first show last June at Agnes Scott’s Gaines Chapel with an audience response that proved Atlanta was hungry for this kind of entertainment.
“After three shows, we’ve had over 24 performers/creators, and about 1,000-plus fans. From chickens to bluegrass to acapella to marching band to drone films, there is nothing but variety in what we’ve done.”
The Good Gracious Show has found a home at the Variety Playhouse. The venue is a perfect fit and the location provides plenty of places to grab dinner and a drink within walking distance.
As the audience continues to grow, Boyd sees it becoming a regular bi-monthly event and believes it’s a natural to air on public television.
Tickets are $17 in advance at GoodGraciousShow.com.
