Around Town @ - HE'S BACK! Baton Bob returns to Midtown's streets!

OH MY GAWD he's BACK!!! After a two-year "mysterious" hiatus from pounding the streets of Atlanta, Baton Bob (the "Ambassador of Mirth") is coming back to entertain his adoring street fans of Midtown.

So who is Bob? Well, for those relatively new to the area and un-aware of Bob's huge popularity, Baton Bob is known for his outrageous outfits, whistle blowing tweets and baton twirling spins and throws. Each weekend, Bob would march the streets of Midtown dressed in one of his over the top majorette outfits to the surprise of the mid-day brunch crowd at the Flying Biscuit, Gilbert's, Caribou Coffee, Joe's on Juniper and our recent loss to the Midtown community, Outwrite Bookstore. The self-proclaimed "Ambassador of Mirth," Baton Bob would give his street audience a show they wouldn't forget. If you heard a tweet of a whistle you knew Baton Bob was right around the corner to entertain you.

So why the "mysterious" void of appearances these past few years? Well let me give you the inside low down. To my surprise I received a call from Bob this week saying, "Rob, this is Baton Bob and I'm giving you the exclusive scoop on my return to the center stage of Midtown." Having heard this, I grabbed my iPad and headed down to Caribou on Piedmont to meet up with the "Ambassador of Mirth." 

Rob: OMG Bob, you’re back and you look FABULOUS!

Bob: LOL, well thank you, it's great being back where it all began.

Rob: I can't tell you how many people have wondered what happened to you and what you've been up to.

Bob: Well, let me fill you in on the reason for my hiatus and what's been happening with me. To begin, 2010 was an awful year for me. My parents were abducted by a relative on my father's side of the family and placed in an assisted living facility. Every avenue we took to search for them left us high and dry. It wasn't until I reached out through my Facebook page that the "smell of sweet success" in finding them was around the corner. A worker at the assisted living facility where my parents were being kept contacted me to say they had been there these past 18 months. Through extensive and exhausted legal battles I got my parents back. Because of this, the appearance of Baton Bob around Midtown was placed on the shelf. Since finding my parents, my father passed in 2011 and my mother was then properly placed back into her own home which I renovated from top to bottom. So as you can see, Bob has had his share of sorrow for sometime. BUT NOW HE'S BACK...and ready to shake his pom-poms and re-greet his fans!

Rob: Well, we’re thrilled your back and can't wait to hear what's going to happen next.

Bob: As I mentioned before, the character Baton Bob will be coming back on a limited basis to the streets of Midtown. Yet, the exciting new thing is that I will launch a new character named Shake-A-Bag-Bob. This character will be a glorified cheerleader who will be shaking a set of pom-poms (yes, made from shopping bags...lol) instead of twirling the high-flying baton that the Baton Bob character is known for.

Rob: LOL, you just crack me up! So what can the public expect from Shake-A-Bag-Bob?

Bob: Well, Shake-A-Bag-Bob and Baton Bob will not only be appearing on the streets of Midtown but also going on tour across the country. My show will involve a multitude of characters and stories you've just got to see. I will be testing the show May 26th at the new "OZ" resort in south Georgia. And I will launch the "Myrtle Hat Tour" at an exclusive engagement at Park Tavern adjacent to Piedmont Park on Friday, August 10th. As I take the tour across country, I will tailor the show around the community I am visiting so that the appearance is special to those attending the venue.

Rob: So for those that can't get enough of you, what else do you have up your sleeve? Or in your case... your pom-poms?

Bob: Lawd let me tell you, there's a lot going on! Fans can visit my website at www.batonbob.com  and order up Baton Bob postcards. I will also be doing seasonal greeting cards, note cards, coffee table book and even a Baton Bob and Shake-A-Bag-Bob paper doll. Hush, but don't tell anyone... I'm even going to have a Baton Bob doll which you can dress up in your favorite costume and have a parade in your own living room. It will be a modern day BARBIE! LOL....

Rob: Whoa Bob, there IS a lot going on! Next thing you'll tell me is that you’re going to have your own reality tv show.

Bob: Don't think that hasn't crossed my mind. I think Midtown has some additional space for one more piece of drama to bring laughter to their lives. And if it's about me, then so be it!

Rob: Well Bob, the community of Midtown (and the world) is thrilled to see you back. Any parting words for your fans?

Bob: Considering all the past circumstances these last two years, I am blessed and fortunate to get back in this position of fun and merriment. The universe has opened back up it's arms to me AND I PLAN TO DELIVER

So there you have it folks, the return of Bob to Midtown is a return to the fun Midtown it is known for. Next time you hear a tweet of a whistle you'll know who's about to arrive. Oh my gawd it's BOB!

TOP SECRET NEWS FLASH: At the close of our interview I asked Bob if we would be seeing him back on the streets anytime soon. He told me to promise not to tell anyone (yeah right, I'm not going to let this be his own little secret), yet he WILL be making a surprise appearance this Sunday, May 20th at 1 p.m. on the corner of 10th and Piedmont. Grab your brunch table seats and be prepared to see the return of Midtown's iconic entertainer. Welcome Back Bob!