Entertainment

By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour

Music performed by: Ahmed and the Formula live at Tarrazu Coffee Bar

A NEW TREND? (01.26.05)

Interesting week, thus far in entertainment. If you haven’t seen the list of nominees for the Academy Awards as yet, which came out on Tuesday, then you may not be aware that African-Americans have a stronger presence this year than in those previous. If I researched correctly, I believe this is the largest number African-American actors have posted for the big awards show (5 nominations for the acting categories, alone). I’ll admit that I’m not the type to jump in excitement when Hollywood decides to throw a few bones into the hood just to keep the colored section happy--was that harsh to say? Whoopi’s clueless psychic in Ghost, Denzel’s rebel ex-slave turned “war hero” Glory, Cuba’s stereotypical loud black athlete in Jerry McGuire, and even Halle’s soft porn exhibition with “Massa”, I mean Billy Bob, in Monster’s Ball seem pretty unwarranted and undeserving of Oscars, to me. What intrigues me this time is that the actors who have been nominated this year have actually put on Oscar-worthy performances, in my lowly opinion.

That there are two black actors in the “Best Actor” category is a surprising change (Don Cheadle and Jamie Foxx). In addition, Jamie Foxx has pulled off a rare feat by being one of the few actors in the Academy’s history who are up for an award in the “Best” category in lead AND supporting roles. Not bad for a young comedian who’s first big break was “In Living Color”, which I’m not knocking at all since that show has, in fact, turned out a number of big stars like Jennifer Lopez, Jim Carrey, and the Wayans brothers (their movies made serious money if you disagree).

Ray garnered 6 nominations including “Best Picture”. Hotel Rwanda received 3 including Sophie Okonedo - HOTEL RWANDA “Best Supporting Actress” (Sophie Okonedo), and I was even surprised to find Tupac: Resurrection putting Hip-Hop in Hollywood with a nomination for “Best Documentary Feature”.

Morgan Freeman - MILLION DOLLAR BABY Morgan Freeman is back in the hunt with a “Best Supporting Actor” nom in Million Dollar Baby. I’m not expecting any miracles but I think that the actors and films chosen are more than worthy of their nomination along with their competitors.

Should most not win, if none at all, I’m comforted by the belief that Chris Rock will have something poignant to say to capture the essence of my inner thoughts if that particular scenario plays itself out. You can go here and view the list: http://www.oscar.com/nominees/nominees.html

Speaking of the best in Hollywood, I pause to give respect to one of the best in the business who left us this past Sunday—Johnny Carson. A lot of people broke into the business because of him, and although he will be missed, his talent and generosity to the entertainment industry will not be forgotten.

Last weekend...

I have to give it up to The View @ King Plow Arts Center along with VIP Universal.com for an excellent viewing party for the NFC Championship, Falcons vs. Eagles game. I won’t mention the game for those of you who, like myself, were somewhat disappointed (but they did a great job, overall, for a newly arranged team), but I will say that I’m glad I checked my e-mail that Sunday morning to find that a party was on for those who wanted a smaller, more intimate alternative. At that the last minute, I opted not to go to the viewing party at the Georgia Freight Depot—THANK GOD! Come to find out there was a long ass line and to make matters worse, people up and left when I was told they were charging $25 for women and $35 for men at the door! What kinda crack were they smokin’?! If the crowd was upset, I can only imagine how much money the promoters were out of! Instead, the coolest and sexiest party was the aforementioned one at The View, FOR FREE, and the food, drinks, and parking were all FREE! Then, there was even a DJ spinning between commercials to keep the crowd hyped while we watched the game on a large projection screen (even a trip to the buffet and you still had the plasma screens right behind the food table so you missed nothing). Then, I had some of the finest women sitting at my table, but there were beautiful women all over the place! Apparently word got out to the point that before halftime, there was standing room only. When I left, they turned the place into a club and cleared the tables for an instant dance floor.

I called as many of my friends as possible but nobody wanted to change their boring party plans and MISSED OUT, then they were upset when I described how it went…if any of you I called are reading this, here’s what you missed out on in color: http://vipphotos.net/gallery/view01232005 Don’t listen to me and this is what could happen to you!

THE HAPPS…

Everything I would have posted this week, as well as the remainder of January events, we’ve listed on: www.atlantahapps.com/upcoming_events.htm So, let me just give you a heads up for a few upcoming quality events in

February…(02.03.05-THU) The Return of The Hush box Lounge @ The Food Studio (the King Plow Arts Center/887 W. Marietta Street/Studio K-102). It’s free with your RSVP to: rsvp@hushbox.com. This cool & diverse cocktail party kicks off @ 8pm

(02.04.05-FRI) March of Dimes Downtown Atlanta Walk America Kickoff Luncheon @ the Westin Buckhead. Free. 11:30am-1:30pm. Please see the full press release at: http://360media.net/pdf/walkamerica_kickoff05.pdf

(02.08.05-TUE) Bearden's Blues and Other Colors @ Symphony Hall (Woodruff Arts Center) at 7:00 PM. Featuring performances by Branford Marsalis and his Quartet; Scene performances by Charles S. Dutton and S. Epatha Merkerson and a conversation with the performers moderated by Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Admission TBA.

(02.11.05-FRI)~P.S. Productions presents "A Cure for the Soul", benefiting the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia. “This chic fundraiser will take place at Compound, located on 1008 Brady Avenue NW and feature a silent auction, tranquility rooms provided by Spa Sydell, Atlanta's finest entertainment drenching the night with melodic tunes, and the sounds of Capitol Recording Artist, Javier. From 7 to 11PM, join "A Cure for the Soul" in their efforts to help break he "sickle cycle." Tickets are currently on sale for $35.00. Call 800-505-9849 to purchase or for more information.”

***I’ll be back with a list of some of the best Super bowl viewing parties for you to consider***

THE WRAP-UP

There’s a new lady in my life and I have to give her a shout-out now. Matter of fact, her birthday was yesterday. So let me take this time to show my love to the beautiful, vivacious, and energetic…Solana! Before any of you ladies get jealous (yeah, right…y’all ain’t studying me, anyway), I’m talking about my niece who was just born yesterday weighing in at 6 lbs./14 oz., and 21 inches long. Congratulations to my “baby” sister, Somaia…you’ve made me an uncle, which means I’m gonna be broke because of your daughter since I’m the only uncle/aunt-type relative she’ll ever have! May the Creator bless her in all ways from this day on…and may she be musically talented so her uncle can manage her and make some money (I’m kidding…sorta)!

Speaking of birthdays, looks like I’m up to bat in just a matter of days…February 22^nd to be exact. I haven’t decided if I would do anything special except that I might hit up that upscale vegetarian spot, Lush. It’s been an interesting but rough 338 days, thus far, since my last birthday. I just hope Rachelle Ferrell calls me again to sing “Happy Birthday”…and I record it this time!

peace2ya!

ahmed@atlantahapps.com

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

SESSIONS SATURDAYS at Tarrazu Coffeebar

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

SUDARABAJAN Productions present...

"SESSIONS 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

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
Life's Purpose	And We are off	A Dream Deferred	A special interview with Rachelle Ferrell	Super Weekend

Tit for Tacky	The Grammy Rocks the Love's Below	Click This	It ain't over	survivor
Stuff on my mind	Represent your hood	April Foolishness	MY STRANGE WORLD...Part XXVII	Just keep Moving
The Ying and the Yang	Industry Rule 4080	Back on Track	MILESTONES	Memorial Day Hangover
THE [right] FORMULA	CONFESSIONS/Pt. ??	Get Connected	Playing Catch Up/Finding Inner Strength	And Yet Another
MOVIN' ON...AND UP	CAN'T STOP THE FLOW	THE GREATER PURPOSE	Post Labor Day Thoughts...	Weather Report
Tastefully Done	A Word to the unwise	Changing Seasons	Natural High	Hat's the Moral
Coming Home	Vote or Lie	You Have Options	Things I See	What's Really Goin' On?
In Closing	New Years Revolution	What really matters to you?	Super Sunday

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.