:: If an event isn't on ATLANTAHAPPS.COM, it's not happening ::

Entertainment

By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour

LIVE YOUR PURPOSE (01.01.04)

2003 was a definitely another turning point year for me—oh, and today just happens to mark my one-year anniversary as Entertainment Editor for ATLANTAHAPPS.COM! Time goes by quicker than you expect, huh? I have met some of the most amazing, interesting, and eclectic mix of people, have seen some really interesting things, been to some really interesting places, and have had some of the most profound life-altering experiences within this recent span of 365 days. All to say that I am just thankful to The Creator for getting me through each day learning something new and putting me on the path as I get closer and closer to my life’s purpose. Speaking of purpose, the title of this article is actually what I see every time I turn my cell phone on. It is my reminder not just to plan and talk about my purpose but to actively live it…let it be a part of my daily life so that I will always be dedicated to it. I’m not going to encourage you to make any resolutions or any affirmations to stay on your goals, because if means that much to you, you wouldn’t need a symbolic commencement correlating with the beginning of the new year—your new life begins the moment you decide to change your approach and take the path you were meant to, yah mean?

Okay, so this is an Entertainment page, but I’d like just to take the opportunity to write this simply because it is a blessing to have made it this far when many others didn’t make it and have left us to consider what we can accomplish with the time, opportunity, resources we have while we still breathe and warm blood still flows through us. I am still humbled each day I wake up and see the sunlight coming through my window in the early morning. I am grateful for the people in my life who enhance this experience and journey called life—not just the ones who encourage and lift me up, but even those who try to break me, curse me, or hate because they challenge me to rise above and become stronger. I am here by the volition to fulfill my purpose and by acknowledging that I have no power to create change by my own “power” or “greatness” but by the energy given me by the One who placed me on this earth...whoever can make the claim that they did it all on their own is truly one amongst the billion of us “normal” folk! I am thankful for the thousands of you that I get to greet weekly though whose faces I don’t get to see or thoughts I may not get to know (unless you write back ;) I do not take this for granted and I will strive to continue to bring you quality information, events, and trend-setting people to your computer screens and conscious.

2004…who knows what will occur this year, but I’m up for whatever! I see no day different from the next but another round to the damn thing, so whatchu plannin’ on doin’ with the time you have?! Do you want to keep wishin’ you had a social life, or are you going to take the chance and get out and see what this city has to offer? I know some of you have demanding jobs and lives, and may even have families to take care of, but the beauty of life is having fun (or finding ways to have fun) no matter where you are, whom you’re with, or what the situation may be. True, that’s easier to say, because there are some days you don’t even want to deal with anyone or anything, or you may not be able to get away, but rules are meant to be bent or even broken every now and then…it’s even healthy for you (legally, ethically, and/or morally, mind you—LOL)! Don’t be afraid of mistakes that you feel you might make…what is really a “mistake” if it inevitably gets you to where you’re going and what you should become? If you happen to already be where you want to be and have everything you need, why not give back and show others how to reach their highest levels (not necessarily yours). If you’ve been blessed but you don’t share those blessings, you have created a leak in your boat so that the rate of water coming in and the rate at which you try to bail it out are the same (i.e. you stay afloat…but you ain’t goin’ nowhere)! Also, if you haven’t taken the time to take care of you, then now’s the time to do it (I’m speaking to myself as well), because you can’t help others while dragging your own weight around.

This is your time…this is your moment…this is your day to shine…this is also your cue to stop reading this and get your butt off that seat and do something (or at least when it’s time to clock out)!!!

See ya in a few ;)

peace2ya!

P.S.—We got some very cool things in store for you so you may want to bookmark this page as well as forward it to your friends…Feel free to e-mail me at: ahmed@atlantahapps.com

The views in this article are not necessarily the views of ATLANTAHAPPS.COM or it's affiliates.

SENSUAL SATURDAYS at Tarrazu Coffeebar

Join us every Saturday
Time: 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)

SUDARABAJAN Productions present...

"SENSUAL SATURDAYS"
(as a part of Tarrazu's Liquid Jazz Series)

Featuring a three-piece (keys/drums/bass) neo-jazz band,

THE FORMULA

Enjoy a sensual atmosphere of candlelight's, chill conversations, cool sounds,and good food as you leave the stress of the work week behind you. As an extra treat, each week will feature a different up-and-coming vocalist to sit in with the band and grace the mike, for your listening pleasure. The dinner and dessert menu is definitely for the discriminating palate...and you won't need any reservations.

Time:
9pm-12am (NO COVER!)

Address:
265 Ponce De Leon Avenue (around the corner
from Old Spaghetti Factory)
Suite D
Atlanta, GA 30308
404.815.2077

Dress:
Comfortably Fly!

Ahmed Sirour writes a weekly journal for ATLANTAHAPPS.COM

Ahmed Sirour is a Georgia Regional Representative for Hidden Beach Recordings

-- Archive

A special interview with Rachelle Ferrell

Gotta Make Moves	The Absolut Show	You Want More	A Weekend to Remember	Off Notes
Changing Seasons	Just Getting Started	Non-Stop Action	Ideas to Flirt With	Pursuing Purpose
Will Play For Food	Lasting Power	Rebound	For The Love Of Music	PURSUING PURPOSE (Pt. II)
ABSOLUT-LY OVER!!	A Weekend to Remember	The Absolut Show Round 3	Absolut Show - Round 2	The Lina Interview
Chicago on my mind	Ja Rule talks about beef with 50 Cent	Die Empty	Giving Back	Tis the Season

Ahmed Sirour -A Product of a Sudanese-Arab (Muslim) father and a Bajan-Caribbean (Christian) mother. Ahmed was a "diamond in the rough" hewn from Brooklyn, now undergoing "polishing and re-cutting" in Atlanta. This serves as a premise to his diverse nature that comes from a diverse background. His poetic style is influenced by his love of music...specifically, jazz improvisation. He sometimes uses a rhyme form he calls "Broken Word"; basically, the rhyme scheme alternates between words and phrases but with a definite flow just like a jazz jam session where the art of freestyle takes place. Although it would seem that hip-hop, another of his influences, would seem to be a more apt description of his style, it is the marriage of youthful innovation paired with classic refinement. He is also moved by the Harlem Renaissance, which he feels is resurfacing, in spirit, throughout many major metropolitan cities, especially Atlanta. More importantly, he is moved by his belief in spirituality, believing that he is merely a vessel of God to bring forth the talent that he feels he has been blessed with.

Ahmed's goal, this year, to finally publish his first collection of work entitled, "This Would Be A Love Song...If Only I Could Sing"; a collection of poetry, essays, and short stories based on his life's experiences in the area of love and life. Ahmed is also a musician (keyboardist) and plays for and with many talented artists in Atlanta (and those who travel through the city from abroad). He currently represents for Hidden Beach Recordings (www.hiddenbeach.com), so he keeps one foot in the business and one foot (and two hands) in the art, itself. It is his hope and prayer that beyond enjoying his work, that people are actually moved, emotionally/intellectually/spiritually, by the words they read, and to know that this is merely a power that is coming through him and not from him.

SOULFUL HAPPS - A SPOTLIGHT ON URBAN MUSIC & CULTURE

Imagine for a moment if Marvin were still alive and able to record with the Roots... Or what about Pete Rock breaking-off a track for Minnie Ripperton or Donnie Hathaway. What kind of energy would these collaborations create??? The answer is found in a new Soul Music Series entitled SOULFUL HAPPS, and it's unlike anything you've ever heard. This section features artists who produce the sounds of 70's Soul, Acid Jazz, Hip Hop, and Rare Grooves appreciated by music lovers around the Atlanta area. But it's more than a sound... It's a feeling... bringing the past and the future together in a rather unique way. Click here for details

WHAT THEY ARE SAYIN...

Mr.Sirour,

I live in LA and was recently in your wonderful city and love reading you're column, Very nice. Miles...

Mr.Sirour,

I would like to begin by saying I enjoy your weekly "HAPPS" commentary. I look forward to it every Monday evening when I have down time at work. I appreciate you keeping us 'Atliens' abreast of the goings of Atlanta and upcoming music artists. Please keep doing what you are doing!

Mr.Sirour,

Now, I would like to comment briefly on your commentary for this week. Kudos to you for being honest and candid! How refreshing to hear such positive and thought provoking thoughts. I agree with you in so many ways. Just as a smile can be contagious, so can positivity.

P.S-- I saw the plug on your site for the Tarrazu Coffee Bar. It sounds like a great place. I will be trying it out this week.

Thank You,

Brettina Burney

I feel you 100% when you stated you feel a shift in the wind of this industry. I have been told by enough shallow producers to change my singing style to sound like this one or that. I was fed up of hearing this over and over so I took out my keyboards and produced myself. I am looking for people with a true vision of taking real music into the future to either assist me in promotions and possibly management. If you get a minute check me out at www.zuudiakusentertainment.com . Keep doing what you do, I will too.

Peace

Jas Tunica El

KATHLEEN BERTRAND

Visit the Website http://www.kathleenbertrand.com

Subscriber Kathleen Bertrand, her riveting performances combine contemporary R&B grooves with jazz riffs that keep audiences wanting for more...

No Regrets sets an elegant new standard for contemporary soul, and Kathleen Bertrand brings an inspiring new voice to the world of music. Look for future features on this dynamic singer in future ATLANTAHAPPS listings.

Ahmed -- Recently I read your column for "ATLANTAHAPPS.COM" As I was reading, I kept trying to listen to this very haunting melody that was playing in the background...and then finally I had to stop reading and just listen. You generously praise so many artists in your column, but your gifts are special too. I look forward to hearing more from you. "Without You" is just beautiful - I could listen to it all day.

I also am a singer/songwriter here in Atlanta. Last year, I released my "No Regrets" CD. Your words about a change in the music industry are so true and great encouragement. Thank you and keep spreading the truth. God bless you!

Kathleen Bertrand

A Collection of Poetry, Essays, and Short Stories from the life of Ahmed Sirour. A new movement in poetry, descriptive essay writing, and innovative story-telling.

Ahmed writes the way a jazz musician plays during an improvisational jam session paired with the way a lyricist freestyles in hip-hop form. It is a marriage of the past and present that creates a fusion to set the tempo for the future. His writing surpasses his racial makeup and simply becomes a unique American story by a unique American writer.