Marietta Stories | Crazy Cool Stories From The Community Builders Of Marietta, Georgia

A lot has changed for Buddy Finethy since Bill interviewed him in 2018. Buddy bought out his Hawg and Ale partners, his friend Big John took over the menu (and added soul and love) and Buddy found musicians to create a unique soundscape. All of these elements result in a unique Marietta community. COVID pushed them to the brink, but with the help of the community and some PPP loans, they are coming back even stronger.  Check out Buddy and Big John at the Hawg & Ale Smokehouse 25 Powder Springs Street.

Adrian Crutchfield's life changed with when: he was brought on stage and given a saxophone by Kenny G and when Prince told him to restart his solo career. Adrian is coming to Marietta Jazz and Jokes and plans on dancing and playing during his 11-19-21 concert. You do not want miss one of the best sax players on the planet as he comes to Marietta Jazz and Jokes !! PRINCE , LIONEL RICHIE , BETTE MIDLER , CEELO GREEN , have all had him on speed dial !! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marietta-jazz-and-jokes-featuring-former-prince-saxman-adrian-crutchfield-tickets-184378810987?aff=erelpanelorg  

Gabriela Anders' dad was famous in Argentina for his jazz arrangements. She loved jazz too, but grew her talent in new directions. She came to the US and developed her skills even more and was lucky to work with many great artists. Now she is coming to Marietta Jazz and Jokes on November 13th to share her music with us. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marietta-jazz-and-jokes-featuring-international-superstar-gabriella-anders-tickets-184334899647  

Blaine Clotfelter caches Bill up on the theatre and the new play, The Andrews Brothers. When one of the Andrews Sisters get chicken pox, three brothers take over and hilarity follows. Bill was there opening night and it was so good to unwind, surrounded by friends and watching grown men dressed up and singing their hearts out. The shows runs until 11-13-21. Don't miss out! https://mariettatheatre.com  

Bill speaks with the Dr. Thomas Olson of Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Atlanta, Alex Gutherie, Marietta native and star of The Voice, Alex Faas who coordinated the event, Jeannie Sandoval, a mom that lost her daughter Monica just 2 1/2 months ago and Kyle a 15 year old cancer survivor.  Donate and help this great cause! https://give.choa.org/site/TR/Events/ClickforKids?px=1096690&pg=personal&fr_id=1080

For 50 years, MUST Ministries has served Cobb and Cherokee Counties, even through COVID. Their biggest fundraiser, the Gobble Jog is back for 2021 and everyone should sign up.  Dr. Ike explains the mission and the impacts of CVOID and the future of MUST. You won't want to miss this important interview. Go to gobblejog.org to learn more!

Lara Ferreira loves concerts and campers and they combine elements of those loves along with a speakeasy vibe at the Third Door. Bill Nowicki and Paul Southern get the behind the scene tour including all the touches that bring folks to The Third Door every week. https://www.thethirddoor.net  

On my way to my interview with Brad Hawkins, the new director of the Aviation History and Technology Center, Doug Lester had to share some of his career. He is certainly proud of his 38 years Lockheed. The outdoor aviation museum has many planes that helped define not only Marietta's history starting in WW2, but world history.  Brad explains all that and gives you his story too...

Lindsey Coleman, Marietta native and lover of all things Marietta, bought the food tour company, runs the Ghost tours and the history tour too.  Bill spoke with the tour guide and the the customers of one of the Ghost tours. We all learned a lot and shared our love of Marietta. https://www.mariettafoodtours.com    

Chalktoberfest is back! Sally Macaulay is excited to present the biggest fundraiser for the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. Beer tickets are still available and with over 80 artists, music and activities for the non-professional artists. October 9th and 10th!

Taylor Rambo became the executive director of the Georgia Symphony recently after a career built on learning and doing. He earned degrees in music business and entertainment and two masters and volunteered and worked helping non-profits excel. After COVID hit 2020, Taylor was furloughed in DC and decided to return to Marietta and restart. Now he brings his knowledge and energy to bring the symphony to the next level.  This is his story.

Amy Reed just took over the director job at the history museum and she has plans. Good thing her fried and co-worker, Christa McCay knows how to execute Amy's creative ideas. In their latest collaboration, Marietta 1899, Color Captured in Black and White,  Amy and Christa created a memorial day weekend in Marietta full of every day life.  I love what the future holds for the museum and so will you.

In this epic podcast (1 1/2 hours long), Andy Gaines traces his earliest memory of the Strand (3rd grade) to his shift from business major to what he calls his underwater basket weaving degree to Tyler Perry's studio to working out west and then back to Marietta and dealing with COVID.  Phew, no wonder it is so long!

Amie Burke's daughter Jaida came up with an idea for kids to do nice things in the community and KIDS (Kindness in Doing Service)  was born. Bill catches up with the group and members of the Cobb Police and later Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson as they prepare backpacks for kids returning to school. Everyone had a great time helping, see the pics on mariettastories.com Hee's their Website if you would like to help. https://kids-care2018.org  

Alexandra Beswick the Central Region Manager of the Cobb Library System gave Bill Nowicki a tour of the renovated Switzer Library. The improved library includes a maker space and redesigned Georgia Room among many other things.

Matt B Davis grew up in Marietta and had more fun vying for class clown than listening to his conservative parent's advice. Good thing he didn't. He couldn't stand trying to fit in.  He is now an entrepreneur and runs a company. Some of his old Marietta friends are miserable in their traditional jobs and think he might have had the last laugh.

What could be better than Marietta Stories and The Marietta Visitor Bureau Teaming together?  I can't think of anything.  Bill talks with Courtney Spiess the Executive Director of the Marietta Visitors Bureau!  

Ira Blumenthal is a Renaissance man. He has succeeded in the corporate world, but his passions run the gamut. From author of books to screenplays, to lacrosse coach to professional speaker, Ira keeps reinventing himself. However, he is most proud of the title of husband, father and grandfather. Ira shares his decades of wisdom and how to focus on the important parts of life.

Two magical musicians scheduled to play on Fountaines Lewis newest event: Gwen Hughes and Zach Wilson. Both have great stories and they preview the festival. Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marietta-international-music-festival-tickets-158151343927?aff=ebdsoporgprofile\ Gwen Hughes https://www.instagram.com/gwenhughesmusic/ Zach Wilson https://www.instagram.com/zachwkeyz/  

Kelly Halbach wanted to be a nurse to work three days a week. When that didn't work out, she went to something she knew: bartending. Bartending came natural and something is very good at and could pay the bills. She didn't give up on college and when she graduating from Kennesaw State, she bought Mulligan's. Now Kelly and her Mom (her Mom is the cook) make Mulligan's a place to hangout and create community.