By Julia Turner and Collin Kelley

Five Intown neighbors will mark the season with annual holiday home tours that will not only offer a glimpse inside beautifully decorated interiors, but also a chance to taste food from local restaurants and shop for last minute gifts. Mark your calendars.

Virginia Highland Tour of Homes

The 17^th annual Virginia Highland Tour of Homes is set for for Dec. 10-11. Presented by the Virginia Highland Civic Association, tour times are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The seven homes on this year’s tour include several beautifully renovated bungalows, a new construction that captures the spirit of the craftsman style in meticulous detail, as well as a new construction contemporary home in the Modernist/International style. Also featured is a renovation that appeared in an issue of Southern Living magazine earlier this year.

Food tastings from local restaurants will be held in each of the seven homes on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Restaurants will include Genki Noodles and Sushi, Atkins Park, Goin’ Coastal, La Tavola/El Taco and D.B.A. Barbeque.

Over the past six years the tour has raised over $100,000, which has helped create the Cunard playground at John Howell Park, renovate Orme Park, and plant trees with Trees Atlanta. Funds raised this year will also go towards the new Highland Park project, annual grants to local schools, and other projects.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 the weekend of the tour. Tickets may be purchased online at vahitourofhomes.org or Intown Ace Hardware, Aurora Coffee or San Francisco Coffee.

Peachtree Garden Club Christmas Home Tour

Peachtree Garden Club’s annual holiday treat is set for Thursday, Dec. 8, and features four distinctive homes in close proximity in an exclusive northwest Atlanta neighborhood. The homes, two on Garraux Road, one on Garraux Place, and one on Nancy Creek Road, will be festively decorated and open to Tour goers from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online for $26 at peachtreegardenclub.org. Tickets are also available in person at Boxwoods, The Mercantile in Brookheaven, Erika Reade Ltd., Glen Weakley Ltd., and Gramercy Fine Linens & Furnishings.  Or you can urchase at the door of any of the homes on the day of the tour for $30 per ticket, cash or check only.

All proceeds benefit the Peachtree Garden Club Community Fund, which in turn supports charitable, scientific and educational needs in the fields of horticulture and conservation through the donation of funds to organizations in the Atlanta area.

Avondale Christmas Tour of Homes & Holiday Market

Visit some of Avondale Estates’ oldest homes on Dec. 11from 3 to 8 p.m. The tour features seven homes starting with and English Tudor on Covington Road, built in the early 1920s. Other homes include a newly renovated ‘30s bungalow, a transformed ‘50s brick bungalow, and a brick two-story American foursquare built in the late ‘40s. Points of interest on the tour are The Museum School, a new addition to the community, a charter school that opened in the fall of 2009, and Avondale Baptist Church, with its sanctuary filled with members’ nativities from around the world.

The Holiday Market will be open from noon to 6 p.m. and feature 30 booths where shoppers can purchase a variety of items such as jewelry, pottery, purses, bottle stoppers, soaps, lotions, leather items, jams and jellies, baked goods, pecans, grits bits, and cured meats. The holiday café will serve delicious soups and desserts.

Trolleys for the tour will run from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 5:30-7:30 p.m., or participants may drive themselves to each location. Tickets may be purchased for $12 in advance at Avondale City Hall, Finders Keepers Furniture, REAL Salon and Seventeen Steps, or for $15 on the tour day at the Avondale Community Club. Assure your place on a trolley by signing up in advance at various Avondale businesses or contact Margaret Lunsford at mplcvl@aol.com. More information can be found at avondaletourofhomes.com.

Decatur Candlelight Tour of Homes

The 29th annual Decatur Holiday Candlelight Tour of Homes is Dec. 2 and 3 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The tour features homes in the Winnona Park and Glenwood Estates neighborhoods, including six single-family homes and one condo located in a completely renovated apartment building.

In addition to the seven beautiful homes, guests on the tour will also enjoy seeing points of interest that include the historic chapel at Decatur First United Methodist, the chapel at Agnes Scott, and the brand new 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue.

The tour supports several local non-profits that benefit the Decatur community. The Decatur Education Foundation works to help Decatur youth realize their full potential, not only in the classroom but also through learning experiences that contribute to personal development. The Decatur Youth Fund provides scholarships to low-income youth for summer camp programs. The DeKalb History Center collects, preserves and shares the history of DeKalb County. The Oakhurst Community Garden Project teaches environmental awareness through hands-on gardening and outdoor education programs.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and will be available soon at select locations in and around Decatur. For more, visit decaturtourofhomes.com.

Grant Park Candlelight Home Tour

Grant Park captures the holiday spirit with their Candlelight Home Tour on Dec. 10 and 11 from 6 to10 p.m. The neighborhood is Atlanta’s largest historic district with homes built in the Victorian, Craftsman, Italianate and various other styles from the turn of the 20th century.

The Candlelight Tour of Homes features eight to 10 homes representing renovations as well as new homes built to reflect the historic district’s character. Adding to the festivity are caroling hayrides, visits with Santa, an Artists’ Market, and holiday concert by the St. Paul choir.

The holiday home tour provides funds to three of Grant Park’s community enriching non-profits – St. Paul, the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool and the Grant Park Parent Network.

All activities, including the ticket booth and where pre-purchased tickets are exchanged for programs, are at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 501 Grant Street. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the weekend of the tour and may be purchased by calling (404) 688-7501 or online at CandlelightTourofHomes.com.

Hundreds voted during the month of October after readers nominated their favorites and decided who should be on the final ballot. That means the shops, restaurants, concerts and events were truly selected by you, our readers.

If you don’t see your favorite holiday shopping, dining or event destination,  share your ideas with other readers in the comment field after this article.

BEST PLACE FOR LAST MINUTE GIFTS

Richard’s Variety Store
Locations in Midtown and Buckhead
richardsvarietystore.com
Cards, costumes, board games and classic toys are just some of the items that make Richard’s two locations treasure troves for unique and kooky gifts. It’s old five-and-dime store vibe will appeal to traditionalists, while kids (of all ages) will have a field day with all the tchotchkes on display.
Runners-up: At the Collective and Ten Thousand Villages

BEST SHOP FOR UNIQUE ORNAMENTS & DECOR

Ten Thousand Villages
1056 St. Charles Ave.
(404) 892-5307, atlanta.tenthousandvillages.com
This fair trade retailer features artisan-crafted home decor, personal accessories and gift items from more than 130 artisan groups in some 38 countries. You’ll definitely find something cool and unusual here.
Runners-up: Traders and Davonshire.

BEST GIFT FROM A LOCAL ARTISAN

Young Blood Gallery & Boutique
636 N. Highland Ave.
(404) 254-4127, youngbloodgallery.com
Young Blood is the home for emerging artists and DIY crafters, whose work is now highly sought after around the country. If you’re looking for something truly unique from a local artisan, look no further than Young Blood’s space in Ponce-Highland.
Runners-up: Janke Studio and Hats by Suzseams

BEST ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTS

Morningside Farmers Market
1393 N. Highland Ave.
morningsidefarmersmarket.com
Unlike many of the local farmers markets, Morningside is held year-round every Saturday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. From the freshest organic produce to items made by local artisans, you’re sure to find something for your “green” friends.
Runners-up: Ten Thousand Villages and Atlanta Habit ReStore

BEST HOLIDAY CLOTHING

Junkman’s Daughter
464 Moreland Ave.
(404) 577-3188, thejunkmansdaughter.com
This Little Five Points mainstay is the place for retro and far-out fashions. You’re sure to find a fun dress, pair of shoes, bag, gloves and accessories in the funky shop. There’s plenty of stuff for the guys, too.
Runners-up: Fab’rik and Mitzi & Ramano

BEST CHILDREN’S GIFTS & CLOTHING

Sprout
1170 Howell Mill Road
(404) 355-2043, sproutatlanta.com
Sprout has books, toys, furniture and clothing for kids in this bright, airy space in White Provision, which it shares with The Seed Factory.
Runners-up: Heliotrope and Egg’s Nest

BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR YOUR PET

Highland Pet Supply
1186 N. Highland Ave., #G
(404) 892-5900, highlandpet.com
Toys, beds and food for cats and dogs are available at this popular Virginia Highland shop when you absolutely positively cannot leave your pup or kitty off the Christmas list.
Runners-up: The Pet Garage and City Dog Market

BEST PET CARE & BOARDING

Piedmont Bark
501 Amsterdam Ave.
(404) 873-5400, piedmontbark.com
Short, long-term and daycare services are available for dogs at this Midtown business, where there’s plenty of time for play, interaction with humans and walks three times a day.
Runners-up: Barking Hound Village and Spot for Dogs

BEST FESTIVE FOOD SHOPPING

Alon’s Bakery & Market
Locations in Virginia Highland and Ashford Dunwoody
alons.com
Delicious sandwiches, prepared foods, gift baskets and sinfully good sweets have made Alon’s a holiday shopping destination for years.
Runners-up: A Piece of Cake and The Mercantile.

BEST WINES & CHAMPAGNE

Green’s
Locations on Ponce de Leon Avenue and Buford Highway
greensbeverages.com
If you need some liquid fortification to get through the holidays, there are two locations of Green’s with beer, wine, liquor and even fine cognac and single malts.
Runners-up: Ansley Wine Merchant and Tower

BEST RESTAURANT FOR GLOBAL CUISINE

Doc Chey’s
Locations Emory Village, Virginia Highland & Grant Park
doccheys.com
Prepared fresh and made from scratch Asian food are hallmarks of Rich Chey’s noodle outposts. Whether you just want a simple bowl of chicken fried rice or coconut soup or maybe a Korean taco, Doc Chey’s three locations have you covered.
Runners-up: 10 Degrees South and Bocado

BEST PLACE FOR CARRY OUT

Metrofresh
931 Monroe Drive, Suite A106
(404) 724-0155 or metrofreshatl.com
Actor Mitchell Anderson cut his teeth in the culinary world with Souper Jenny before striking out on his own with MetroFresh. Located in Midtown Promenade, MetroFresh has become the go-to for grabbing a sandwich, soup or something sweet.
Runners-up: Doc Chey’s and Grant Central Pizza

BEST RESTAURANT FOR FAMILY OR VISITORS

Yeah! Burger
Locations in West Midtown and Virginia Highland
yeahburger.com
With the proliferation of burger joints in Atlanta, Shaun Doty has carved a successful local brand that appeals to all ages. With made-to-order burgers, a casual but sophisticated atmosphere and damn good onion rings, Yeah! Burger is a great place to stop off after some holiday shopping to refuel.
Runners-up: Ted’s Montana Grill and Vintage Pizza

BEST ORGANIC FOOD SHOPPING

Your DeKalb Farmers’ Market
3000 E. Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur
(404) 377-6400, dekalbfamersmarket.com
A haven for organically grown food, the DeKalb Farmers’ Market supports small farms that are environmentally responsible and sustainable. Get your meats, seafood, dairy and fresh coffee here without compromising your principles.
Runners-up: Sevananda and Return to Eden

BEST PLACE TO GET FIT

Urban Body Fitness
500 Amersterdam Walk, Unit R
(404) 885-1499, urbanbodyfitness.com
This local gym is now in its new home at Amsterdam Walk and has a full complement of trainers, classes, chiropractic care and much more to keep you healthy.
Runners-up: Catalyst Fitness and B2B Fitness

BEST SPA OR SALON

Blue Med Spa
190 10th St.
(404) 815-8880, bluemedspa.com
Chosen by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the best spas in the world, Blue Med Spa is a great place to treat yourself or friends to a facial, massage or a little botox pick-me-up before the holiday parties, this cool retreat will make you relax the moment you walk in the door.
Runners-Up: Crimpers and Blo Beauty Bar

BEST HOLIDAY CONCERT OR SHOW

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The Center for Puppetry Arts
1404 Spring St.
(404)873-3391, puppet.org
This live action version of the classic TV special was a huge hit during its premiere in 2010 and every show sold out. Kids and adults will get a kick out of this timeless story.
Runners-up: Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony and A Christmas Carol at the Alliance

BEST PLACE TO SEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS & DECORATIONS

Downtown Decatur
decaturga.com
The City of Decatur knows how to do the holidays with the historic courthouse square and streets festooned with colorful lights and decorations. Adding to the spirit of the season will be annual Holiday Home Tour and a host of other community events.
Runners-up: Centennial Park and Atlantic Station

BEST PLACE TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR

At home
Times change and so do the ways people celebrate holidays. Once upon a time, if you weren’t liquored up and kissing everyone at a New Year’s Eve party then you were a total loser. Now, staying at home with friends and family and watching festivities in New York or the Peach Drop at Underground on TV is our readers’ favorite way to ring in the New Year.
Runners-Up: Centennial Park and Underground Atlanta

“It’s been my privilege to work alongside the dedicated staff at Eddie’s Attic for the past 6 1/2 years.  I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished, and of our stewardship of a brand that, for almost 20 years now, has been dedicated to amplifying the magic of the artist/listener connection in an intimate listening room setting. I’m grateful for the support and loyalty of our customers and the City of Decatur, and thankful for the many aspiring and accomplished songwriters and musicians that have graced our stage.

I’m confident that Alex and Dave will do a great job taking Eddie’s Attic to the next level.  I believe its best days are ahead of it, and I look forward to supporting its continued success as an advisor, loyal customer, and fan of performing songwriters.

Thank you for your friendship and support these past years, and for helping to remind others that Live Music Matters.”

Eddie’s Attic, opened in 1992 by Eddie Owen, has become an internationally known venue where the likes of the Indigo Girls, John Mayer, Sugarland and Justin Bieber played early in their careers before becoming superstars.

50 Cents. Period’s mission is to help further the education of girls in or from developing countries by providing sanitary products, facilities and health education to young women who would otherwise miss a week of school a month during menstruation for lack of funds. The cost of these sanitary supplies at two pilot schools in Hyderabad, India, is just 50 cents a month per girl.

“50 cents can literally change the future for these girls,” said Ann VanSlyke of Mingei World Arts and a founder of 50 Cents. Period. “Typically, once the girls in poor communities begin their periods, they fall further and further behind in their studies, drop out and start having children. Something so simple as support for issues around menstruation can mean greater access to education, creating pathways out of poverty for whole families.”

Following the theme of the day, Turn DecatuRED, participating businesses on Oct. 22 will devote proceeds from the sale of certain items for the day or donate a percentage of the day’s profits, among other creative ideas. The businesses will be flagged with red balloons and red sidewalk chalk. Volunteers for 50 Cents. Period will roam the streets as “reducators,” handing out information, answering questions and directing visitors to participating DecatuRED businesses. The gazebo on the Decatur Square will also be staffed with volunteers answering questions and the girls 50 Cents. Period. assists in India, Nepal, Uganda and the refugee community of Atlanta. “We will also be collecting packages of sanitary napkins to be distributed to local refugee women through our sister project Period at Home, “says VanSlyke. “If you bring a full package of sanitary napkins, you will be entered into a raffle for a gift card to Cakes and Ale!”

See attached for a complete list of participating Decatur businesses, visit www.50centsperiod.org .

How can you participate in Car-Free Day? Make a commitment to reduce your automobile use on Sept. 21. That might mean biking or riding MARTA to work, walking to the store or the Blue Sky Concert, sharing a ride with friends and neighbors, or riding the bus.

Car-Free Day aims to reduce excessive automobile use for one day out of the year and to remind the community that the care is not the only or bet way to make many kinds of trips. Most trips people take are less than three miles. Walking not only saves gas, but it contributes to your health and the health of the community.

Why I Love Decatur

Decatur is home to me.  I grew up here walking to school, the library and downtown for a movie at the Decatur Theatre or a banana split at Lane’s Drugstore.  Today it has the same feel even though the shops are different and there are more food options.  The streets are filled with folks walking everywhere.  The square is packed with festivals and events all year long.  Someone told me we are becoming known for our quality and variety of beer and pubs – a town for real beer connoisseurs.  I say we are known for our quality and variety of people – a true community where people are involved and belong.  I hear people say frequently “this feels like the town where I grew up” and they name cities in all areas of the country.  To me, the Decatur of today is progressive, creative and lots of fun.  I’m proud to call it my hometown.

What to Do

Visit the square in downtown Decatur and cool off in the misting fountain that is part of the “Celebration” statue on the MARTA Plaza.  Read about our first African American Mayor and community activist Elizabeth Wilson on the plaque dedicating the statue to her.

Take a stroll through the Old Decatur Cemetery – Free Second Sundays Strolls are held May through September beginning at the 1881 wellhouse at 2:30 p.m. with Cathy Vogel.  Or just enjoy the 58 acres with headstones dating back to 1825. decaturpreservationalliance.org

Spend some time at the Oakhurst Community Garden amidst the community plots, chickens, bees, garden pond, Cobb Adobe playhouse made from the earth, and peace pole.  The Garden is part of the Gardens for Peace network along with Agnes Scott College and Columbia Theological Seminary. oakhurstgarden.org

Where to Eat

Pastries A Go Go is my favorite go-to spot for Sunday brunch – homemade sticky buns, biscuits and sausage gravy, and cheese grits along with the traditional Southern fare.  Lunch is great there also – try the chicken salad or the BLT.  pastriesagogo.com.  Plus owner Bob Light made my daughter’s awesome wedding cake!

A week is not complete without at least one lunch at Taqueria del Sol.  Follow the line, order your food, sit down and enjoy delicious “from scratch” Southern, Mexican and Southwestern tacos, enchiladas, yummy guacamole and shrimp corn chowder – all at a great price. taqueriadelsol.com

No. 246 just opened in downtown Decatur and so far I have been twice in two weeks. Owned by Ford Fry with Chef Drew Belline this Italian inspired, locally driven restaurant is a little loud but the food is superb.  Try the Hairloom Tomato Salad and the Spaghetti with Georgia White Shrimp.  I’ll be back to try the pizza and see what the latest special is.  no246.com

Where to Shop

Little Shop of Stories is a must-visit bookstore for children (& adults).  In addition to books, they host special events, authors, and much more.  I took my grandson to the release of the newest Pete the Cat book – Rockin’ in My School Shoes with James Dean and Mr. Eric. We rocked the house! littleshopofstories.com

Right next door is Vivid Boutique (vividdecatur.com) with handcrafted artisan jewelry created on-site, affordable gifts, candles, vegan leather handbags, vintage-style tea towels and aprons – eclectic and very affordable!  Scoot right across the street to Wild Oats and Billy Goats (wildoatsandbillygoats.com), a whimsical, colorful folk art gallery filled with paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and more – all from outsider artists.

Don’t leave Decatur without visiting Heliotrope – my all-time favorite shop to find everything I didn’t know I needed and more.  Everytime I walk in there, I find something I can’t live without and my friends love their birthday gifts – especially those by Decatur artist Erin Smith (erinsmithart.com). heliotropehome.com

Coming Up

The AJC Decatur Book Festival is my favorite event in Decatur – and there is a whole year-round calendar of special events. The Book Festival is the largest independent book festival in the country and it is right here in downtown Decatur on Labor Day weekend.  Books, music, authors, funnel cakes and lots of fun. decaturbookfestival.com

Eddie & Agnes concert series featuring The Civil Wars on Oct. 9 and 10 and The Blind Boys of Alabama on Oct. 22.  Legendary acoustic music venue Eddie’s Attic teamed up with my alma mater Agnes Scott College to host an ongoing concert series.  Tickets are available at ticketalternative.com or eddiesattic.com.

In September, Decatur hosts three free concert series – Blue Sky Concerts on the Square every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., Concerts on the Square every Saturday night (except during the Book Festival) from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and Jazz Nights at Scottish Rite every Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Solarium in Oakhurst. Visit decaturdba.com and oakhurstjazznights.com.

By Ty Collins

Michelle Malone is back in town this weekend as part of Park Tavern’s ongoing Unplugged in the Park shows. Malone will play Sunday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. The Atlanta native’s career has been filled with highs and lows, but she’s found new wisdom in the old mantra that music matters.

I went to a show back in the late ‘80s, possibly the early ‘90s, at the Fox. Certain things about that evening are etched into my memory:  My mom drove me there. The lobby was draped in a brume of Patchouli. The Indigo Girls, in all of their pre Lilith Fair glory, headlined it. Insane Jane may have played. I’m almost positive Kristin Hall belted out a few. Hollyfaith was definitely on the bill; front man, Rob Aldridge stood in for Michael Stipe on “Kid Fears” – one of the show’s many collaborative encores. There were other things, too: the line to the bathroom, the beer-soaked carpets, and the little stars in the ceiling.  There was also Malone, a cigarette tucked in the headstock of her signature Martin acoustic – her songs as riff-packed and jubilant as they were plaintive.

The Atlanta-born singer-songwriter remains a vibrant link to this city’s rich musical past.  I chatted with her from her home in Decatur – that’s Decatur, Al. She briefly touched on why she calls the little berg just southwest of Huntsville home these days.

“Well I’d been [in Atlanta] my whole life,” she said, “and I just thought it was time for a change. I lived in Boulder, Col. for a couple of years and headed back down South because my father was ill, and I wanted to be closer to him, but I wasn’t ready to be back in there just yet. So I found this little town here; it’s pretty Mayberry-esque. When I moved in they brought me pie.”

“Debris,” Malone’s latest album, her tenth in more than 20 years of recording and touring, is a little more Lucinda Williams than it is Andy Griffith. Though it was released more than two years ago, one of its songs, “Restraining Order Blues” wound up on an episode of the popular HBO series “True Blood.” The episode, titled “If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin’?” aired in July. Malone matter-of-factly explained how one of her bluesy throwbacks found purchase on yet another TV program. (She’s had songs on “Dawson’s Creek” and “Felicity,” as well.)

“It’s just about timing,” she said. “You have a company that pitches your music to people in film and TV, and if you happen to fit the style they’re looking for … It has nothing to do with how popular you are; it’s really just timing. There’s really no more romance in it for me. I love being on stage, and I love the hour of the day when I get to perform; that’s the magic, and that’s the romance. The other 23 hours is a grind … But for that one hour of the day I get to play guitar for people who are there because they like music. I’m really appreciative of that now.”

A former Arista Records artist, Malone, laughed off her sometimes turbulent past and shaky relationship with the entertainment industry: “I kind of went crazy in college [at Agnes Scott] and in my record deal [with Arista]. I was a free spirit for a long time, and it took me awhile to get grounded. Long story short – here I am all these years later, playing music,  and enjoying it much more now that I value it and am able to make a living doing it.”

Her last show in Atlanta was in mid-July at Eddie’s Attic, a virtual big-brother program for open micers and wannabe John Mayers. But there was a time when Atlanta musicians, including Malone, had to make the rounds at grittier venues before the Fox came calling. She recalled some of her favorite haunts.

“I had a soft spot for the White Dot and the L5P Community Pub because those are the places where I really cut my teeth,” she said. “The White Dot was a free-for-all for so many up-and-coming Atlanta bands like Mary My Hope and Follow for Now. I played brunches at the Little Five Points Pub.”

So what’s next for Atlanta’s prodigal daughter? “I’m just not in a hurry to get another record out,” she said whimsically. “Music’s my lifeblood, if I stopped doing it, I’d probably shrivel up and blow away … I’m just a girl with a guitar having a good time. I don’t see why that’s important, but I’m glad it is to some people.”

To find out more about Malone, visit www.michellemalone.com.

By Collin Kelley

You probably heard Keri Hilson’s music before you actually saw her perform. The Decatur native and Emory theater major penned “Gimme More” for Britney Spears and “Take Me As I Am” for Mary J. Blige as well as songs for Kelly Rowland, Usher, Ciara and the Pussycat Dolls. Then, in 2007, she burst onto the performance scene with Timbaland and the massive hit, “The Way I Are.” Her career as a solo artist was certain, but Hilson said it’s been four years of hard work.

Hilson will be onstage tomorrow night (Aug. 6) at Aaron’s Lakewood Amphitheater with Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross and Far East Movement on her first proper tour for the album No Boys Allowed. The tour has been crisscrossing the country for three weeks before arriving in Atlanta, which Hilson still calls home.

“I lived in LA for a year, but now I’m full-time back in Atlanta,” Hilson said. “All of my family is here and I happily moved back.”

For tomorrow night’s show, Hilson said fans can expect songs from both her solo albums, sharing the stage with Lil’ Wayne and a few surprises. “I can’t say who or what, but you can count on some surprises,” she laughed.

Hilson is also ready to showcase her music to a hometown crowd. “I think people will see me in a different light, a bit more aggressive. I also want to make this show very engaging for women. I’m excited every night to get out on stage and sing these songs.”

No Boys Allowed was written with women in mind, featuring empowering songs in the pop, R&B, electro and dancehall genre that will also make you want to dance. Hit singles from the album include “Pretty Girl Rock,” “Breaking Point” and “Lose Control.”

Having a career in music and acting were always Hilson’s goals, even as a student at Tucker High School. She performed in a couple of girl groups that never went anywhere, and considered songwriting her “Plan B.” As she became a sought-after songwriter, it was only a matter of time before she fully stepped out from behind the pen.

With a hectic schedule, Hilson said she’s learned to write songs just about anywhere. “There’s no protocol or blueprint for my songs,” she said. “I know a lot of writers have methods, but my environment changes so fast, that I’ve learned to write in the studio, in a car, on a tour bus. I’ve learned to adapt to my surroundings.”

Hilson will soon return to acting and said she’s been cast in a couple of movies, but couldn’t discuss the details yet. “I was bitten by the acting bug a long time ago, so the movies are giving me the chance to get back to that side of myself.”

She’s also interested in connecting with her fans. For tomorrow night’s show, you can purchase a Keri Hilson VIP ticket, which will give you a chance to meet the performer and even come out onstage with her. “I love meeting the fans,” she said. “It’s inspiring and fantastic, especially during a show.”

The VIP tickets are available at www.kerihilsonvip.com. General admission tickets for the concert with Hilson are available through Ticketmaster.