Creative Loafing: Map to Atlanta’s Entertainment Underbelly

They are everywhere: stationed outside bars in trendy neighborhoods, placed strategically outside liquor stores and novelty shops, and even in front of supermarkets. I am referring to the little stands where Atlanta’s Creative Loafing (CL) newspaper is housed. The Creative Loafing has been described as an “alternative newsweekly” publication. It’s a free newspaper located on stands throughout the metro area (mainly in urban areas).

Thumb through the first pages, and you’ll notice a few things that you won’t see in your typical newspaper. Those things include, but are not limited to – blatant profanity and politically incorrect narratives. And it appears that the publication is especially concerned with the physical well-being and cleanliness of Atlanta’s public-for there is a plethora of ads for the ever-popular “Full Body Massage and/or Body Shampoo.” (Call me old-fashioned, but isn’t a body shampoo, the same thing as a shower? HmmmâÂ?¦) In any event, the ads become increasingly risque as one nears the end of the issue. In addition to the “spicy” ads located in the rear, is a set of classifieds advertising everything from upscale condos for sale, to local part-time employment.

The Creative Loafing actually has three different publications for three southern U.S. cities: Atlanta (GA), Tampa Bay (FL), and Charlotte (NC). Dubbing itself “Shelter from the Mainstream”, this colorful newsweekly is literally crammed with information and advertising for local entertainment venues. Many of Atlanta’s underground artists seek out this coveted periodical, as a way of keeping their fingers on the pulse of the entertainment and art world. Additionally, the Creative Loafing is a wonderful source of mental fodder. For example, the “Blotter” is a popular section of the paper which outlines the often hilarious [true] criminal scenarios taking place around the city. These anonymous accounts are derived from real police reports. And the examples are always deadpan descriptions of the most bizarre situations. But given Atlanta’s extraordinary daily occurrences, the “Blotter” is never hungry for material.

Like many adult cable shows, most of the content in the Creative Loafing represents the things that many people are thinking – but don’t have the nerve to say out loud. The newsweekly, in essence, represents a demographic of people who, like me-are fairly comfortable with their politically incorrect views. The articles are typically geared to singles, and to those upwardly mobile individuals who prefer to be in the know about all things “underground.” The CL is, in effect, a massive bulletin board of miscellaneous information which may-or may not have anything to do with anything you really need. (How’s that for random?) The Creative Loafing also has quite an online presence. Just recently, they introduced the Georgia Music Directory-somewhat of a Yellow Pages for independent musical artists in the metro area. This section puts faces with the names listed in the ads, and provides contact information for the musician or band, in addition to providing a little info about tour dates and show times.

This publication is definitely for the well-rounded adult. Nonetheless, this whimsical little newsweekly literally has something in it for everyone-a virtual map leading to all things related to entertainment. No genre is left untouched; no topic is taboo. Read the Creative Loafing one day, and you may not only find your dream home, but also a spouse to put in it. Search the ads for a used Fender electric guitar, and you may just find three stages on which to play with it.