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Entertainment

By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour

BACK ON TRACK (05.27.04)

I apologize for playing "ghost" for a minute. I'm human, and with that comes the necessity to get away to re-assess and regroup, feel me? So how are you doing? I hope personal and professional progress has been an active part of your daily agenda. Me? Just taking the time to write this so I can give you another weekly dose of my mind--you know the deal. My hair has grown a lot over the past few months and it's double-strand twisted at the moment (when it's unraveled into a single twist, it looks really fly)! This city is full of events going on all over the place, huh? Memorial Day Weekend is gonna be off the chain if you consider how many people, especially African-Americans have relocated to Atlanta. You know what that means--this city is already a national hotspot, so friends and family of these recent Atlanta transplants will have this city mob deep in traffic as well as physical bodies all around town (i.e. clubs, restaurants, concerts, etc.). According to most e-weather services, looks like nothing but these all weekend:

so I figure you won't have to pull out the umbrella until Monday rolls around. I can already smell the inviting smell of charcoal, which signals the unofficial start of summer, in backyards and parks all over the city (although my almost two years as a vegetarian will just limit me to nostalgic memories).

Triflin' dudes (not to be mistaken for "men") need to go ahead and get film for their camcorders, or batteries and Smart Cards for their digital cameras, 'cause ya know triflin' females (not to be mistaken for "women") will be showcasing the latest "what-is-the-most-I-can-show-without-going-to-jail-but-still-run-the-risk-of-getting-violated" outfits for this season; I'll just watch--shaking my head, of course--but just watch.

Anyway, in about a month from now, my band, The Formula, will be reaching a milestone in that we would have been playing together, doing "Session Saturdays" at Tarrazu, for a year. Not many new bands can claim that, and especially holding down a CONSISTENT event every week--pretty big in industry terms! I honestly haven't thought of what to do, but gimme a week or two and I'll have something...if even just to celebrate with those who have come through religiously every week to even those who came at least once. Our society highlights too much drama and depression, so this is definitely a good reason to celebrate!

Let me take a quick moment to supply you with links for what's happening on this weekend since the number of events is pretty high this go round for me to just type and list (you can forget that!):

www.atlantahapps.com/upcoming_events.htm (general overview of remainder of May happs)

www.atlantafestivals.com (27th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival)

www.atlantapeachcarnival.com (2004 Atlanta [Caribbean] Peach Carnival...Bajan massive...where ahl y'ahl iz cuz I cyan't fine yuh?!)

(Bim baby! Some of you are lost, huh? )

www.sol-fusion.com (This Friday featuring the "Soulbrother", Pete Rock!)

www.funkjazzkafe.com (Part II: Spirits in Action. 10-year Anniversary Celebration this Saturday)

www.accessatlanta.com (click on "Events" for rest of Memorial Day events throughout the city)

Again, I hope you can forgive me for the long absence, but I had to stay away for a minute. I also want to give a quick shout-out to all the Taurus, Libra, and Scorpio peeps out there. I've met some rather interesting members of your respective signs who have brought some very enlightening revelations to me in the past month or so. Kinda funny that all but Fire signs have made an impact on me, recently. Maybe that's who's next, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised if I meet a Sagittarius, Leo, or an Aries who fills in the gaps. Okay I'm done, and I leave you with and untitled freestyle poem I wrote today to capture a snaphot of my mind at this particular moment...

My Purpose in life by Ahmed Sirour

What am I meant to do in this lifetime that explains why I have been given the things that I have? Am I the salve to the wound inflicted by those who further infect the masses with their lies and deceit? Am I a turning point for everyone that I meet? A seat of power is pointless if I don't even know where I stand. I've been blessed to begin to understand the constructs of the Universe, but the curse is that no one seems to get what I'm trying to share. It's people's greatness, not their flaws, that they fear the most. To some, this is just a random post with a random thought thrown here and there but can you see further than that? I sat here not knowing what I would say and although there's a play of words, don't let the important points fly like birds who wander away from the flock. One of the biggest shocks you'll come to know is not the truth you come to learn but that many seem to rather burn in the sun than to take the life-saving water you have to give. Many that wish for long life don't do what it takes to live.

Hmmm.

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	April Foolishness	MY STRANGE WORLD...Part XXVII	Just keep Moving
The Ying and the Yang	Industry Rule 4080

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.