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By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour
FOR THE
LOVE OF MUSIC (06.02.03)
May
is officially over and June is "Black Music Month"...and
there is going to be plenty of it! But before I delve into our
next upcoming events, I must make mention of a few this past week that
are well worth mention. ASCAP yet again delivered
a wonderful concert highlighting two women who are re-shaping the image
and sound of female artists on the local and national scene,
respectively. The opener for last Tuesday's concert at the Cotton
Club was local, up-and-coming talent by the actual birth-name
of ALGEBRA! I was told
that was her mother's favorite subject, and consequently hers in
school—seriously! Any way you do the math (you had to see that
one coming--LOL), this young lady has the vocals, the style, and the
attitude to be
I completely believe the true measure of an artist’s true talent come
s into full realization when you see them perform “live”, and as
much as I loved Vivian’s CD when it was released, I was not prepared
for the performance she put on…PHENOMENAL!
There was not one person in the building who was not shaking
their head or clapping in elation when she left that stage!
She opened her set with “Wishful Thinking” and it pretty much
became a sing-a-long from that point on, and specifically from the
women. Her drummer (as well
as the rest of her band) was simply ridiculous…and then I find out
that’s her man—lucky bum!! A
pivotal point in her performance was at the end of “What is Love?”
when the band went into this climatic drive while Vivian was doing some
seriously difficult vocal somersaults displaying her arsenal from years
of training and performing…then she kneels before the drum set while
the drummer slowly starts to build and get crazy and she’s still on
her knees taking it all in like she’s at an altar catching the Holy
Ghost! At that particular
moment she OWNED the entire audience and the rest of the night!
“Emotional Roller coaster” had EVERY woman in the building
singing! I wouldn’t say
it was necessarily "female-bonding" or
"male-bashing" because of the lyrics of failed
relationships, as some of her lyrics testified to, but just an
overall concert of empowerment that seemed to focus on the strength
of womanhood and the trials and successes women experience.
I was definitely moved by both performers and I would have paid
$30 for a concert that was only half that!
Again, if you haven’t been to Apache Café on Wednesday nights and you’ve had the time and chance to go, and you love “live” music, then what really is your excuse?! Last Wednesday’s jam session was very special because it was truly in the spirit of improvisation and innovation, where artists and musicians did things they wish they could duplicate but didn’t even know they could do and took performances to levels previously untouched (including yours truly who initially came in with a melancholy demeanor). However, I don’t want to take all the attention away from other events that occur on Wednesdays like the new “Five Dollar Soul” series that recently started and is going on at Vinyl (next to Earthlink Live on W. Peachtree St.). A hot local talent by the name of Brodie will be taking the stage next Wednesday!
Some lovely ladies pose for the camera on the terrace of Frequency at the Ludacris' private party.
Last Thursday, rapper Ludacris held a private party at Frequency for the “2Fast 2Furious” soundtrack release and his big-screen debut. I made it out there despite battling my seasonal case of sinusitis, which added a minor headache that I felt the loud music I was going to encounter would only add to.
Surprisingly, I got into the flow of things and started taking a few pictures before my long-time friend as well as one of the promoters of that particular event, Solo of www.Soloentertainment.com, talked me into getting on the dance floor. I'd like to thank the various ladies who gave me a workout session and made me wish I had done some preliminary stretching beforehand! Friday was a change of pace as I caught the latter part of the Jacque Leisure Band at Churchill Grounds Jazz Club who were swinging and doing there thing at what I feel is the only real straight-ahead jazz venue in the city--on offense to the others.
Ahmed (r) with Joseph London in black shirt, (a.k.a. "Solo" of Soloentertainment.com) who's company assisted in marketing/promoting the Ludacris event.
"Sensual Saturdays" has seen its second straight week of a well-attended performance this past weekend! Thank you for telling your relatives, friends, and associates...and thank you to the many promoters who've come through and have booked us for their own events and/or venues!
CD of the Week, "SUBJECT" by Dwele
Release date: May 20, 2003
All I can
say is that I haven't heard anyone out that's like this native of
Detroit, MI. Maybe it's that Motown-vibe that makes me think of
Stevie Wonder when I hear this guy's intricate song arrangements,
as blasphemous a comparison as that sounds--the man can really play!!
He was first heard on Slum Village's sole hit, "Tainted",
from their most recent album, but that was only a foretaste of what he
had in store. I'm rarely impressed by many of the new artists who
come out, but this guy has a genius that almost saddens me because I
don't know if the mainstream will readily accept him. Trust me
when I say this is a must-buy! Tower Records has this on-sale
for ONLY $8.99! I'd buy this at regular price!
How many artists do you know that can take Frank Sinatra's "I
Get a Kick Outta You" and totally re-write it and make it into
a slow, sexy urban ballad, keeping only the title line?! Go sample
it at www.Towerrecords.com
keyword: Dwele.
ADDITIONAL NEWS...
I'm excited to find out that one of my all-time favorite hip-hop
groups are getting back together to produce a new album! It seems
"A Tribe Called Quest" will be hittin' the
studios next month for the reunion album...some dreams do come true!
Come on, if you're between 25-35, don't front like you weren't noddin'
your head to classic Tribe cuts like "Bonita Applebaum",
"Check the Rhyme", or "Scenario" back in the day!
If you're an aspiring artist (whether solo, duo, or band) and you fit
the R&B or Jazz genre, something big is headed to Atlanta, though
I'm not at liberty to let the cat out of the bag at the moment. My
advice to you is to get whatever demos you've been working on ready and
polished within the next 30 days or so. I promise you that if you
were looking for an opportunity to shine, it is coming very soon...so
put on your game face and bring your "A game", 'cause if you
got it, it's time to bring it! Don't say I didn't give you a
headstart!
Also, vote for these music videos: "Far Away" by
Kindred, and "Bouncin' Back" from
"UNWRAPPED Volume 2" from Hidden Beach
Recordings on BET's "106 & Park"
video lineup! Hidden Beach Recordings has been stepping it up with
quality music and now with quality videos to add to that! If you
haven't seen them yet, then tune in and see something that everyone in
your family can appreciate aside from the misogyny that we're usually
inundated with in some of the videos that amazingly make the Top Ten
List.
BY THE WAY...
If you are a vocalist (R&B/Jazz/Neo-Soul) and you wish to be featured during "Sensual Saturdays", drop me an e-mail at: ahmed@atlantahapps.com, especially if you have a demo CD I can review. Plus, every now and then I have extra passes or guest invites to exclusive events that I don't mind extending to my readers, but only if you're on my e-mail list...just my way to say "thank you". Have a productive week!
Some of Atlanta's Hidden Beach Recordings Reps (l-r) Taurean Joiner, Angie Griffin and Ahmed
( Mass Appeal Media & "Hip-Hop Appreciation Week")
The views in this article are not necessarily the expressed views of ATLANTAHAPPS.COM or it's affiliates.
welcomes our newest editor, the lovely Shauna Marie. please check out Shauna Marie's page at: www.atlantahapps.com/shaunamarie
Ahmed Sirour writes a weekly journal for ATLANTAHAPPS.COM
Ahmed Sirour is a Georgia Regional Representative for Hidden Beach Recordings
JUNE EVENTS
(events in bold are ones I'm playing in)
(a brief overview...and this is just what I heard so don't hold me accountable if anything changes or gets cancelled--just my disclaimer):
06/06 - Soul Sista's Juke Joint (every first Friday) at Apache Cafe' (64 3rd Street/Midtown) 404.876.5436 (go to www.apachecafe.info then click on "calendar/event info").
06/06 - Poetry Reading at Hidden Talent Book Store at the Cobb Galleria Convention Center. Starts at 6:00 PM for network session. $5.
06/06 - The Rebirth of Sol Fusion at Dragonfly. Music by Kevin-O, DJ Jamad, DJ Rasta Root, Congos by Tony. Doors open at 9:00 PM. Free before 10:00 PM. Complimentary martini for the first 100 ladies. Attire - vintage vogue, urban chic, and cosmopolitan. No athletic gear.
06/07 - "Sensual Saturdays" at Tarrazu Coffeebar (
www.tarrazucoffeebar.com) 265 Ponce De Leon and Penn Avenue (around the corner from The Old Spaghetti Factory) featuring the sensual jazzy/alternative/soul sounds of THE FORMULA with a different guest vocalist each week. 404.815.2077. No cover. THIS WEEK'S ARTIST: Teresa Morton (new gospel jazz vocalist)06/07 - Honey Magazine Model Search for Luster's Hot Pink Honey Girl at Club Jaipur. Looking for African American Women between the ages of 18-34 to become the 2003 Hot Pink Honey Girl. For more information, go to
www.stepsevents.com06/07 - Kasino Extravaganza at the City Hall Atrium (55 Trinity Ave - Downtown) from 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM. Admission $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Door prizes, hors d'oeuvres, and DJ. For more information, call 404.822.4440 or go to
www.kappakasino.com. Brought to you by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumni Chapter.06/10 - Ziggy Marley at the Coca Cola Roxy Theatre at 9:00 PM. Tickets are $26.
06/12 - Phillippia in concert for her long-awaited album release, "Earth Child", at Apache Cafe' (
www.apachecafe.info) 404.876.5436. Doors open at 9pm. Tickets $10/advance & $12/door (Ahmed will be playing at this event).06/13 - Maze featuring Frankie Beverly & Patti Labelle at Chastain Park Amphitheatre. Starts at 7:00 PM. Tickets from $50.50 - $85.50.
06/14 - 06/16 - World Natural Hair & Beauty Show at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. Saturday features Apollo Style Poetry Slam at Da Poet's Corner
with 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place prizes. Sign up on the spot at 3:00 PM. Also, Happy Nappy Pool Party from 9:00 PM until 3:00 AM at Ramada Plaza (1417 Virginia Ave).
06/15 - Real Men Cook Atlanta hosts its 14th Annual Father's Day celebration at the Georgia Railroad Depot from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Go to
www.realmencook.com for more details.06/15 - The Lithonia Summer Concert Series features Keiko Matsui at Stewart Amphitheater (Lithonia) at 7:00 PM. Tickets $20-25.
06/20 - 06/22 - The RAWSISTAZ Affair 2003 with panels, workshops, book signings and an 70+ Author Extravaganza for readers, writers, and literary lovers at the Renaissance Atlanta Hotel. For more information, go to
http://www.rawsistaz-affair.com.06/20 - David Sanborn and the Crusaders at Chastain Park Amphitheatre. Starts at 8:00 PM.
06/20 - 06/22 - Family Reunion Weekend sponsored by Greater Atlanta Pan Hellenic Council. Friday - Greek Mixer at Sigma Zeta Foundation (2526 Delowe Dr) from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM - $10. Saturday - Picnic at Trammell Crow Park (4980 Cascade Rd) from 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM with BBQ Cookoff and games and contests. Sunday - Worship Service at Cascade United Methodist Church (3144 Cascade Rd) at 9:00 AM.
06/22 - The Lithonia Summer Concert Series features Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, and Norman Brown at Stewart Amphitheater (Lithonia) at 7:00 PM. Tickets $20-25.
06/24 - Aretha Franklin at Chastain Park Amphitheatre. Starts at 8:00 PM. Tickets $33.50 - 51.50.
06/28 - CeCe Winans in concert at the Mable House Amphitheatre (Mableton) at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $15 - $28.
06/28 - The Lithonia Summer Concert Series features Yellowjackets at Stewart Amphitheater (Lithonia) at 7:00 PM. Tickets $20-25.
ONE MORE THING...
CDs you must get are: DWELE, LIZZ WRIGHT (both available nationwide), and PHILLIPPIA (first available at her album release June 12th). I'll be starting CD Reviews/CD of the Week starting next week as an added feature to this page. I'll also be doing reviews of more hot spots to eat, dance, socialize/network, etc. I'll also try to incorporate giveaways whenever possible in my attempt to give you, my readers, a little something to say "thank you" for visiting my page, for your input, and for your support! Feel free to contact me at
ahmed@atlantahapps.com.God bless and...
peace2ya!
-- Archive
If you’re looking for a new spot to kick back and chill, meet up with old friends (or new ones), a place to unwind and network after work with young urban professionals, someplace to commune after a jazz/r&b concert, movie, or a night of theatre, a cozy place to kick it with your sweetheart, or a place to flirt and engage in seductive conversations with beautiful strangers, then I highly recommend Midtown’s newest place to be and be seen…
Tarrazu Coffee Bar! Only some months up & running, Tarrazu has already begun hosting a number of functions and has served as a sanctuary for the "buppie" and "yuppie" crowds. Named after a mountainous region of South America famous for some of the world’s best coffee, Tarrazu can match Café Intermezzo with its diverse offerings of decadent beverages and treats while separating itself from comparison with a smaller more intimate setting—I would especially recommend this as an ideal spot for your private party needs (be a "baller" and rent it out for the night like Boris did for Sanaa in "Brown Sugar"—LOL).
Located at 265 Ponce de Leon Avenue (around the corner from Old Spaghetti Factory and right next door to MF Sushi Bar), Tarrazu takes centerstage with its eye-catching terrace and black awning…and then you walk in! I’m no interior decoration expert, but with beautiful hardwood floors, artistic lighting, assorted candles throughout the establishment, very cool, classy, and comfortable dinner/lounge furniture, very clean bathrooms (hey, ya know), ambient table settings, great food, coffees, and desserts, and a great wait-staff…what more could you possibly ask for?! How about "live" music on Thursdays and Fridays (sometimes, Saturdays)? Did I mention this is a solely Black-owned establishment, run by partners Nathan Horne, Robert Beckham, and Terrance Gattis? Did you know they are even preparing the groundwork for yet another location in Phipps Plaza? Did you know that entire block (from MS Sushi Bar to Nancy’s Deli) is Black-owned? Did you know that they play Hidden Beach music on a regular ;) ? Did you want me to give you anymore reasons to go there or are you wise enough to act on my suggestions with any more cajoling?
Tarrazu Owners and ATLANTAHAPPS.COM subscribers
Robert Beckham (left),Ahmed and Nathan Horne
SENSUAL SATURDAYS at Tarrazu Coffeebar
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2003
Time: 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada) Time
SUDARABAJAN Productions present...
"SENSUAL 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:
8pm-11pm (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!
Contact info:
Ahmed @770.374.3537
Visit their website for
upcoming events, lunch specials, and a preview of their dinner menu at: www.tarrazucoffeebar.com.
Tell them Ahmed sent you…no, you won’t get any discount on your
dinner check, but it just sounds like a cool thing to say—LOL!
Seriously though, I might make a deal with them about discounts if you
do mention you heard about them from this article! Or, maybe a free CD
sampler from Hidden Beach (while supplies last). 
Ahmed Sirour - Eclectic. 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.
Accomplishments:
1st Place Spelling Bee Champion 1989-90 (Hanson Place Elementary and Junior High School--Brooklyn, NY) "Who's Who Among American High School Students" 1992-93(Campbell High School--Smyrna, GA) Freshman Honor Roll 1996 (Clark Atlanta University) Poetry.com national semi-finalist 2002 Child of God (lifetime)
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
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 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.
www.authorsden.com/ahmedasirour
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