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

Entertainment

By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour

SURVIVOR (03.03.04)

No, I'm not talking about the idiotic reality t.v. show. I'm talking about thriving in adversity. Challenge is a catalyst for growth. Opposition is a key to attaining endurance. There is no easy path to success, because if it came that quickly with no resistance, you'd be susceptible to the first hard knock without the reserves needed to bounce back or simply absorb the blow. Haters will abound, so don't expect them to go anywhere, but let me share a quick little story told to me by a Kenyan associate of mine. It's an African folklore tale about a cruel farmer who felt his donkey was too old to be of any use to him anymore.

A farmer took his donkey to the outskirts of his farmland and proceeded to dig a hole in which to bury his donkey. It took a few hours until he finally dug a sufficiently deep enough hole and then pushed the animal into it who fell in. The farmer then began to shovel the dirt back in the hole to bury the donkey. The donkey initially didn't move because it was in pain from the fall and from the dirt hitting it on the head and back, but finally got up onto its hooves. As the dirt kept piling on the donkey's back, the wise old animal shook it off and stamped on it. So with every shovel of dirt into the hole by the farmer, who's back was to the hole while tossing the dirt over his shoulder, the donkey continued shake the dirt off of itself and stamp it into the ground beneath it. This went on until the ground below the donkey was high enough for it to escape its would-be grave. That's pretty much the end of the story, although a friend of mine added her own additional ending to the story where the donkey, before leaving, kicks the farmer in the ass with its hind legs for being so cruel--hey, whatever suits you!

Point being there will be those who try to bury you with their contempt, their malice, and their lies all while you are at the bottom of your particular situation...but you can use their very methods to keep you down to bring yourself right back up again.

This may seem irrelevant to an Entertainment column but 1) the entertainment industry is so shady, this message is very much needed for those who are trying to make it the right way, 2) we all can use encouragement every now and then, and 3) this is MY column and I can do as I damn well please (per the publisher's kind permission, of course).

Ah-ite, so I'd like to say that, so far, I've met one particular goal of avoiding Corporate America, sacrificing the money, the comfort, the benefits, etc. and to do this thing that I love called music...and making it to one year, this month, of doing my own thing! Although this has been a particularly rough going, it has been worthwhile so far, and I KNOW that I wouldn't have met the influential people I have or been in the great situations I have been in without taking that chance. If there is no God, then I am one of the luckiest individuals on this Earth (of course, that's not the case). All I want to say, before I move on to the social scene this weekend, is that you should really question what you want to do with the talent and skills you have, how bad you want what you really want out of life, and then make a determination that no one will deter you from getting there but you. There will ALWAYS be haters, and the more hate you receive, the closer you may be getting to where you need to be! On we go...

THE ITINERARY (editor's picks)...

THURSDAY (03.04.04)

Urban Film Review is proud to feature the film "Amour Inifinity: A Brooklyn Love Story" @ Georgia Pacific Auditorium (133 Peachtree St./Downtown)...a "re-screening" because of last's week's...um..."snowstorm" LOL!

A single father trying to raise a young son in a rough-and-tumble Brooklyn neighborhood. Derek is having problems with his girlfriend Tasha, the mother of his child, and he's lost his job and is trying to find work; he hardly needs any more drama in his life, but that's what he gets when he runs into an old friend from school, Amour (Jamie Burton-Oare), and finds himself falling in love. Derek has to face a tough decision -- for the sake of his son, stick with a relationship that's not working, or take a chance on a new love that may or may not work out?

and afterwards...

Latin Night w/ Salsa Lessons @ The Havana Club (Thursdays & Fridays through March 19th) 247 Buckhead Ave./404.869.8484 for more info.

FRIDAY (03.05.04)

Soul Sista's Juke Joint @ Endenu Restaurant. Starts @ 10pm featuring Skye Divine, Madam CJ, K. Willis and the Collection, Shauna Marie (giving her Atlanta farewell performance before leaving for Japan this month), and Terumi. Admission $15. Go to www.soulsistasjukejoint.com for more info.

SATURDAY (03.06.04)

"Blazing The Runway" Fashion Show Benefit for Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter presented by Divas Unlimited @ Georgia World Congress Center. Featuring Supermodel Tomiko Fraser, Maybelline spokesmodel and spokesperson for the Lupus Foundation of America .Doors @ 6pm. Go to: http://www.gwcc.com/gwcc/gwccframeset.php?filename=calendar.html

...then afterwards...

THE FORMULA @ Tarrazu Coffeebar, 9pm-12am. I swear, everywhere I turn now, there are new bands trying to cop our unique style (imitators were bound to come about), including how we are named (but I'm not calling you out, as yet

). I suppose that IS a form of a compliment, but why settle for anything less than the original!!

SUNDAY (03.07.04)...the "add some diversity" day (especially for families)

Orchid Daze @ the Atlanta Botanical Gardens (every first Sunday & Tuesday of the month) 9am-5pm. For more info: http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/home/events_and_exhibits/exhibits/e_ex_od_winter.htm

ASYO (Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra) Winter Concert @ Atlanta Symphony Hall. Conducted by Jere Flint and narrated by Kelly McCoy. Program will feature pieces by Wagner, Copland, and Sibelius. Starts @ 3pm/$10. www.atlantasymphony.org

Universoul Circus @ Turner Field ***LAST ATLANTA DATE*** (1pm, 4pm, and 7pm shows) $15.50-$26. Call 404.249.6400 for more info or visit: www.universoulcircus.com

MONDAY (03.08.04)

Hawks vs. Lebron--oops--I mean, Cavaliers @ Philips Arena. 7:30pm. $10-$85. 800.462.2849 or visit: www.hawks.com Hey, the pulled one out with the Lakers (literally), so go fig--LOL!

then afterwards...

Souled Out Mondays (open mic) @ Blues in the Alley/9pm-until (Underground Atlanta). Hosted by Corey Whitehead and featuring the house band The Hot Dog Sauce Band (don't ask). $6/men - $4/women. www.bluesinthealley.net

And finally, signs that the End of the World is near...

Teena Marie has officially signed on with Cash Money Records (yes, the same New Orleans based label that brought you Juvenile, The Hot Boyz, Cash Money Click, Lil' Wayne, Mannie Fresh, Baby/Birdman, and the new term added to the American lexicon, "bling, bling") has signed the legendary song stress to their new Cash Money Classics imprint. I don't know what to think...I really don't! For more info on this story, click here: http://www.eurweb.com/articles/headlines/03032004/headlines1345903032004.cfm

For everyone who's been e-mailing me questions and sending me event info, check your inboxes and/or look out for the postings on future articles (they should be posted within the article of week that it will be occurring). Thank you for your input and until next time...

ahmed@atlantahapps.com

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

Ahmed Sirour writes a weekly journal for ATLANTAHAPPS.COM

Ahmed Sirour is a Georgia Regional Representative for Hidden Beach Recordings

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 Defferred	A special interview with Rachelle Ferrell	Super Weekend

Tit for Tacky	The Grammy Rocks the Love's Below	Click This	It ain't over

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.