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Entertainment

By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour

APRIL FOOLISHNESS (04.01.04)

I was wondering where April Fool's Day came from so I figured I'd do a little research as my insatiable mind will never seem to ever be quenched in the pursuit of knowledge. Basically, the rundown is that most ancient cultures regarded April 1st as New Year's Day given that it was the first day of a month closest to the vernal/Spring equinox (i.e. the Sun is perpendicular to the Equator so that day and night are equal in length at that point, although, afterward, the Earth will slowly begin its 23.4 degree tilt toward the Sun that makes our hemisphere warmer and the Southern hemisphere cooler). However in 1582, with the purpose of correcting the Julian calendar that over time had become off by 10 solar days, Pope Gregory XIII (who more than likely took credit for some unknown astronomer's work) added those days back and arranged leap year days to occur ever four years to bring the calendar back in sync with the Earth's annual 365.25 day revolution around the Sun. January 1st was then placed as New Year's Day only because it was the day that newly elected Roman officials assumed their office, just like our government does later in the month. Some people, many in France, didn't want to change their observance of April 1st, so other people would play tricks on the traditionalists in one way or another to thwart or fool them for their observance of a now defunct day. So, there you have it.

Still though, shouldn't the "new" in New Year mean something like "beginning"? Spring makes more sense since the world is new and born again...resurrected from the barren death of Winter, yet we choose to celebrate in the very middle of the coldest season where not much of anything on the Earth is blossoming and new, all because of tradition. How foolish is that?! Oddly, I remember associating the theme of this day with my eldest uncle who tends to be branded as the "black sheep" of my mother's family because he took the religious path of becoming a "Black Muslim" of the Nation of Islam in the midst of a West Indian family with staunch Christian beliefs (those who know, know what I speak of). My grandparents used to call him "foolish" and probably indirectly implied that he was so because this day actually happens to be his birthday! I think he's eccentric, at the most, and a bit of a conspiracy theorist (i.e. "Conspiracy Brother"), but everyone has been fooled and only become foolish when they decide to be ignorant about the truth about things in light of undeniable facts. Hey man, Happy Birthday, if you're reading this, and your nephew gotcha back--even if you do believe the Knicks are gonna make it all the way each year--LOL!

Fools scoff at wisdom, but I'm not trying to re-issue the biblical Proverbs here. Speaking of the Bible, and I in no way am proporting any religious belief by the number of references I've made (I'd even say I was anti-religious...pro-spiritual, perhaps), but I have to mention quite a foolish/funny occasion when early in former Vice President Al Gore's campaign for the presidency, he was addressing a religious audience in some Christian church. I suppose he was trying to show he had some level of piety for a politician and tried to blend in by mentioning how John 16:3 was his favorite verse in the Bible, which was a Freudian slip as he actually meant to say John 3:16. What's even funnier is what that misquoted scripture actually says. But enough as I leave this topic with my twist on a popular saying...

Fool me once...shame on you. Fool me twice...start running!

On a completely different note, I want to say thank you to JiMi! for catching me looking a little more decent and dressed up this week at the grand opening of Compound (truly a beautiful spot with beautiful people of almost every race). This is as rare as you'll see me get dressed up throughout a normal week so save it if you want to archive the moment--LOL! http://www.ambianceproductions.net/albums/Compound/CompoundATL_051.jpg

Also, check out his coverage of both Compound and Sol Fusion, last Friday, and the Usher Album Release Party also at Compound on last Monday (as well as other events throughout the city at:

http://www.ambianceproductions.net/gallery/albums.php.

Shout-out to J. Carter for another successful Sol Fusion held at the Abbey (you keep doin' it well, bruh, but NYC usually holds it down in the ATL)! www.sol-fusion.com

AND NOW FOR THE HAPPS...

The following "Picks of the Week" is sponsored by the letter "A", the number "7", and The Formula...a long time supporter of quality live music entertaintainment:

THURSDAY (04.01.04)

www.apachecafe.info

FRIDAY (04.02.04)

(Fri.-Sun.)

http://www.dogwood.org/scheduleofevents.html

then...

http://soulsistasjukejoint.com/advancetickets.htm

SATURDAY (04.03.04)

SESSION SATURDAYS featuring The Notorious F.O.R.M.U.L.A @ Tarrazu Coffeebar, 9pm-12am (no matter what the site says). This ain't no cover band! We don't just play music, we make it! P.S.-- There's been no name change...I'm just actin' the fool!

No cover, but "gas money" donations are extremely welcome!
http://tarrazucoffeebar.com/page4.html

SUNDAY (04.04.04)

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/tickets/touring/alegria/atlanta.htm

MONDAY (04.05.04)

TUESDAY (04.06.04)

BlackBuster Movie Night celebrating National Poetry Month @ Level 3 (3rd floor) presented by the NPM Triad.
Showings are @ 7pm (Pinero) and 10pm (Bamboozled). Cover: $1 Donation (not mandatory). Join us for drink specials, movie discussions, popcorn.

WEDNESDAY (04.07.04)

"Soulful Tour" starring Ruben Studdard @ the Symphony Hall (Woodruff Arts Center) @ 8:00 PM

www.ticketmaster.com

Well, it's time for me to go, but lemme say something. I sometimes wish I could know all the people--you--who come here and read this page. It sometimes baffles me that the words I'm writing are simply the thoughts in my head that then make their way out of me and become tangible words that I type up, and then they get posted onto this webpage, and then subscribers like you, numbering in the thousands (from right around the corner to various parts of the world), actually log on and will read and know the contents of my mind. Most times I won't think of this as much as I'm elaborating now, but I must admit a certain level of wonder and curiosity at how this synergistic relationship works though I cannot actually see it, or most times, have no way of knowing that it is even happening. I can only hope that I am providing you with some useful information, and that I'm guiding you to quality events, and that I am giving you insight that you are not normally exposed to...maybe you even smile at something said. It's just kinda cool and I am thankful--grateful even--to be a part of your world in even the small increments that you allow. Be cool and have fun this week...yeah, every moment you can find...each day...every hour...as much as possible without getting off track or getting into [too much] trouble!

Holla...

peace2ya!

ahmed@atlantahapps.com

The views in this article are not necessarily the expressed views 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 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	survivor
Stuff on my mind	Represent your hood

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.