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

Entertainment

By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour

Memorial Day Hangover (06.02.04)

Memorial Day Weekend. What can be said? The festivals, the highlights, the many people, the weather, the surprises, the amount of time it would take to get into all the details...let's just say that if you are reading this and do not live in Atlanta (or were not here this weekend), there was SO MUCH that occurred! From Shirley Horn to Russell Gunn puttin' it down as some of the premier performers at this year's Atlanta Jazz Festival, to the all the Caribbean Massive who represented (including yours truly in Barbados paraphernalia) at the Atlanta Peach Carnival Parade of Bands, to even watching the Northern Hemispheres of the world become frozen in ice in The Day After Tomorrow...I sincerely believe that Funk Jazz Kafe (www.funkjazzkafe.com) gets top prize for creating the biggest buzz as everyone was wondering who this show's featured performer would be. I can't lie that I had more clues than most going in as I knew who was rumored to be there as well as finding out that there would also be three other surprises to go along with the feature act, although the rest I didn't have names for. Bear in mind I had to get there late 'cause I had to play with my band, The Formula, on Saturday.

QUICK TANGENT: By the way, for those who showed up at Tarrazu last Saturday, they got treated to some innovative original material and we even had surprises that even surprised me because I didn't even expect them! We had a trumpet player sit in with us, which really added a nice touch, then Good Life Magazine surprised us and took our pictures to add us to their June publication coming out next week (thanks for the love), and to top it off, I had an impromptu vocalist/keyboardist from NY (who just finished playing on tour for Alicia Keys for the past two years to go solo) named Rogiers who shut the place down! All I gotta say is that local vocalists competing for major recognition in Atlanta should be very glad this cat doesn't live here! Check for more on him at www.fibbymusic.net.

Anyway, by the time I got to The Tabernacle, it was close to 1 am. The concert was only just starting and the first vocalist was an independent artist named Lady Alma who hails from Philly. I find out later that she is also a vocal coach/mentor to another very prominent Philly artist. Anyway, this lady rocked! she looked to be about in her early to mid 40s but her energy was ridiculous and her vocal style and music sounded as young and fresh as anyone out now! The next artist in the string of surprises was Dionne Farris who came out on a rock joint with my girl Trina (lead singer of 3-5 Human) on background vocal. She followed with a more subtle ballad before leaving out with her rendition of Nina Simone's "See Line Woman". To top it off she was accompanied by Giwayen Mata, the all-female African drum & dance troupe who brought a powerful and festive performance to add to Dionne's set (should have seen Dionne get down doing African dance)! Well, I wasn't sure who'd be next but they got me again when it turned out to be Caron Wheeler (from Soul II Soul)! And yes, she did the two classic bangers starting with, "Keep on Movin" and then "However Do You Want Me"! Wow! I kinda wish I didn't know who the last performer was 'cause I would have been in a slight state of shock, but sometimes when you do what you do, people want to tell you ahead of time--and let me be clear that I didn't leak anything! Anyway, the featured performer was none other than one Ms. Jill Scott! Yup, the woman who flipped the script on the entire music scene with her debut album, Who is Jill Scott? came to the ATL and caused a huge commotion in the building! She began with "Long Walk" (the live album version), then "Slowly Surely", and then paused and did a new song from her upcoming album, Beautifully Human (release date: Aug. 31st), a capella; be ready to hear some very inspiring lyrics that are so needed today! She then ended with what I believe to be her best version of, "The Way" and had the audience chanting about loving themselves and others.

I was fortunate to stand beside her backstage, along with all the other performers, although it was virtually impossible to really even talk to her with all the other people gravitating around her space. All seemed for naught until I had a chance to speak to her husband, Lyzel, who surprisingly gave me his cell number and I spoke to him recently to see about setting up a phone interview with Jill that I can share with my readers hopefully soon. On a side note, how cool is it to have a woman pen a song about you that everyone in the world knows and sings (i.e. "Lyzel in E-flat/You Love Me")? Anyway, kudos to Jason Orr, founder of Funk Jazz Kafe, on another spectacular edition of a series of events for this year to celebrate his company's 10th year anniversary (see Funk Jazz Kafe photo coverage at: www.ambianceproductions.net/gallery & www.vipphotos.net/gallery/funkjazz05292004). Oh, and JiMi's photo of me that he took, that I didn't even know he took till I saw it on the site, was me being mesmerized watching Jill Scott for the first time ever--hopefully that explains why I look so goofy! Oh, and my headband says "BARBADOS", in case some of you were wondering

Speaking of anniversaries, The Formula is just a few weeks away from our FIRST! Although I officially clocked us in at June 28th, 2003, we will be celebrating our first anniversay on June 26th at Tarrazu Coffeebar! It is a blessing to have made it this far and at the same place! Of course, we've also played at various events, from house parties numbering no more than 40 or so attendees, to playing in concert venues where the number was over 1000 in attendance--and we were the house band! In almost one year's time, I've met and played with some of the most talented musicians and vocalists from around the way to around the world, and all without even leaving the comforts of home! I'd actually like to do a larger jam session on one additional day so I'll let you all the know the details because I want to share this occasion with all who enjoy live music! But mark June 26th down because I'm inviting all who can make it to join us!

INDUSTRY BULLETIN BOARD

If you're a female vocalist or poet between the ages of 19 - 28, and are not currently signed (i.e. not under any contractual/legal obligation), there's an opportunity for you that could be something worthwhile for your career. If you'd like to check it out, click on this link: www.soulversive.com/artistsinfo.html

UPCOMING JUNE EVENTS

In an attempt to keep things flowing and not clutter this page, I'm just going to utilize our "Upcoming Events" page to allow you quick access to what's happening around the city. I will, however, list certain events that I either wish to emphasize or that were not listed because I just got word of it, and I'll keep it on this page. That being said proceed to the following link:

www.atlantahapps.com/upcoming_events.htm

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 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

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.