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VIDEO THRILLED THE RADIO STAR
Radio DJ and filmmaker Steve Barnes shows us around his favorite Atlanta hotspots.

Steve Barnes is a busy man. As well as presenting the “All Access” morning rock show on Atlanta’s 92.9 DaveFM, he is the star and producer of his own feature films, and still finds time to spend with his growing family. And if getting up at 3am every weekday isn’t enough commitment to your city, he is also an active member of the local Atlanta community and has raised around $250,000 for charity, through organized celebrity softball events.

He uses AirTran Airways up to 15 times a year to complete his busy casting, distribution and filming schedule, but is still firmly rooted in Atlanta, where he lives with his wife, two young children and a houseful of gadgets.

Steve Barnes“I can’t walk past the Mac store in Atlanta without going in. It’s vast. The whole of No Witness [his latest film offering] was cut on a Mac, and I can’t leave the store without buying extras to help with the next film.”

Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, he moved to Atlanta in 1992 and has since set up the production company Barnesology Pictures. In 2003, he signed a deal with Green Valley Entertainment to star in and produce three feature films, the first being No Witness, a gritty crime drama in which Barnes stars alongside Jeff Fahey and Corey Feldman. The film is shot completely in Atlanta with a production team made up entirely of locals, and features a few of the places that give the city its character.

“The character that I play in No Witness lives in the city’s old cotton mill (Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts, 170 Blvd SE). The buildings were converted into luxury apartments, and Jane Fonda, one of our recent “All Access” guests, is a former resident of the same apartment.”

Just as the industrial remnants of old Atlanta become trendy new apartments, the city as a whole reflects the same reinvention with its thriving music, art and media industries now boosting the economy.

Two Urban Licks“Music and the arts of all kinds are incredibly well represented, and there’s a great live music scene that has produced some serious homegrown talent. For every genre of music, from hip-hop to rock, there’s somebody who’s come out of Atlanta. I sometimes chill with friends at The Loft (1374 West Peachtree St) to catch good live bands and have a beer.”

So where would he take one of his celebrity “All Access” guests if he wanted to impress?

“It would have to be Shout (1197 Peachtree St NE), which is a massive, funky restaurant-cum-cocktail bar, offering all kinds of cuisine from contemporary Asian to classic Italian and Middle Eastern flavors. Also, there’s Two Urban Licks (820 Ralph McGill Blvd), which is great for ribs and seafood dishes and has an open-air garden with a fantastic view of Midtown Atlanta.

“The live music scene is a big part of Atlanta’s character, and places like the Apache Cafe (64 3rd St NW) have a great dive-like vibe, with musicians jamming everything from classic jazz to hip-hop. It’s really atmospheric and features in a few of the scenes in No Witness too, because I just love the look and feel of the place. The brick walls, the low lighting— it’s a fantastic place to see a band.

The Westin Buckhead

“For a relaxed time and a really great burger, I head down to Meehan’s Public House (4058 Peachtree Rd NE) to soak up the Celtic vibe and maybe a drink or two. The people of Atlanta are really on the go, a very industrious bunch of people, so quality downtime is essential. This makes it a fun city with great food and music on offer.

“If I want to spoil myself, I’ll check into The Westin Buckhead (3391 Peachtree Rd NE) and have one of their luxurious showers. The place is huge with over 5,000 rooms and walking distance to Phipps Plaza for great shopping.”

No matter where you decide to eat, sleep, play and party during your visit to Atlanta, be sure to tune-in to Atlanta’s very own Renaissance man.

WORDS BY OWAIN THOMAS

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