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

Entertainment

By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour

REBOUND (06.09.03)

It was good to see/meet many of our ATLANTAHAPPS.COM subscribers at Centennial Olympic Park for Budweiser's "Nu Soul Soundstage" last Tuesday featuring the modern and urban "British Invasion" that we know as FLOETRY! As if their last performance at The Variety Playhouse didn't takeover Atlanta, they returned with a vengeance and pretty much solidified this city as one of their most loyal fan bases. Name your favorite songs off of their CD and they pretty much performed it, and even remixed some! Natalie (the Floecist) and Marsha (the Songstress) gave 110% of their soul on that stage and the crowd felt every bit of it, singing right along with them that you could hear it all the way down Marietta Street.Their band's music director is Hidden Beach Recordings trombonist, Jeff Bradshaw whose album, "Bone Deep", drops l ate this summer; so if you spotted one of three people passing out green flyers throughout the crowd for Jeff's upcoming album (wearing a white t-shirt), you'll know that one of them was me! Most impressive to me was after Floetry was done, they actually stayed around to sign almost everyone's CDs, pictures, t-shirts--whatever!

Spotlight Artist - Algebra

I mean, I went to their private reception afterwards, which they never made it to, and called Jeff to find out they were still out there, hours later, communing with their fans--that is truly commendable for major artists nowadays!

Wednesday's event was Brodie Love performing at Vinyl for their weekly "Five Dollar Soul" event. I was fortunate enough to be a part of a stellar band consisting of our musical director and Kelly Price's bassist, Tres Gilbert, Jorrel (aka J-Fly) on drums, myself on keys, and one of Japan's tightest guitarist on U.S. soil, Tak! Look out for Brodie when finally drops his CD because this guy is a great songwriter as well as performer!

For you cinematic film buffs, June has got the goods on some of the best major and independent films in the country during the Atlanta Film Festival, June 6th-14th (visit www.imagefv.org/ for movie titles/times and locations). Coca-Cola also has a the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival, showing major motion pictures past and present, playing at the Fox Theatre from June 1st-August 25th (visit www.foxtheatre.org/coke_series.htm for movie titles and times). This is a good chance for you to catch movies you may have just missed or to see a classic you haven't seen in years or have never seen on the big screen. I finally got to see "The Lord of the Rings--The Two Towers" last Thursday and I was very impressed with the set de signs and climatic battles towards the end, as it actually followed the book very closely...kind of the way I thought it would look (and that's saying a lot with my imagination)! Is it just me or were you also pissed off when you first read "The Hobbit" just to find out it was only one of three books you would have to read to get the whole story, back in the day?!

Friday was on and poppin' with this month's edition of Soul Sista's Juke Joint at Apache Cafe'! There are so many talented women in Atlanta as well as other parts on the East Coast as there were artists featured that night from Florida all the way up to Virginia. Our band played for Metroya Antoinette who did a great job as a virgin to the mike, though not in the studios as she's working on her first release. Also featured were Kerisha Roi, Earth, Samantha Raheem (VA), and Ish! (FLA). I especially have to mention Samantha, a poet and student in Virginia, was probably one of the best female spoken word artists I have ever seen "live"...period! I was so impressed I had to purchase her self-titled CD she was selling that night.

Check her site out at www.samanthaspeaks.com/home.html

If you can catch her in person, I highly recommend you make it out, and I believe she has tour dates listed as well. Kerisha Roi definitely had a star following as her longtime friend, band mate, and now Motown recording artist India.Arie came through to catch her performance. No, India didn't perform but then again, we weren't expecting her to because she was amongst family in the former Yin Yang Cafe', so she was at liberty to sit back, relax, and watch for a change.

I think you know by now that I will plug "Sensual Saturdays" at Tarrazu as often as I have the chance, but I assure you it's not solely for the benefit of just seeing me and my band perform, because you get to witness the next future stars who are just wanting to get an opportunity and audience to test their vocals and original material on. Maya Neida once again blessed the mike and the audience with her a very soulful performance that had ALL of Tarrazu Coffee bar clapping! Another special highlight this particular evening were my guest musicians. My usual drummer had to go out-of-town but left me with a very apt replacement named Pete Alexander who became an instant crowd favorite (the guy is fierce on the drums), and we also had the guitarist from "Fusion Fridays" at Tarrazu, Walt Atkinson sit in with the band that night. There were literally no seats for those who got there late but they stood were they could and enjoyed what they heard, and we enjoyed playing! If you ever want to see a real jam session of just pure music, unrehearsed and free styled, you have to come to at least ONE session on Saturday--that's all it will take. Next week we have a special treat for the ladies when are next guest will be a male vocalist by the name of Carmichael. This guy is about 6'3, nice build, has locks, and sounds JUST like Will Downing (that's just a little incentive for the ladies to come through--I have very little shame).

Now...here's the part that truly coincides with the title of this article...where this week's activities kinda fell-off. Sunday was the Atlanta Hair & Fashion Show that was at the Fox Theatre's Egyptian Ballroom. No other term but the phrase "ghetto-fabulous" can best describe what I witnessed that evening. Now, I will admit that there were some very nice pieces as well as a few professional models who helped give a little credibility to give the show any serious thought, but the rest of it was like one of those shows somebody's church would put together in the fellowship hall with the usher board raising money for new white blouses and black skirts! Martini Girl Clothing Store probably had some of the better designer pieces, but Traxx Studios had the most flagrant scene based off of "The Matrix" (with theme music and all) and their own announcer who reminded me of one of "In Living Color's" characters, Blain & Antwan from the "Men on..." skit. Given my column-mate, Shauna Marie could not (and most-likely would NOT) cover this event, I just had to give my review. With a music collection worthy of the former "Bounce" nightclub on Bank head (I had to do it Solo--LOL), colorful weaves and tracks that must have left a whole stable of horses bare-bottomed, an "expert commentator" who couldn't describe the ingredients on a box of rice, and a finale that would make Luke or the "2 Live Crew" proud, I gave that show "two snaps down"!

This week, the entertainment scene will rebound and soar as we look forward to one of two big events occurring on the same day this week! Phillippia's Album Release Party and Algebra headlining in ASCAP's Liquid Soul Cafe'...both on this Thursday, June 12th!

Two of Atlanta's premiere female artists will be taking the stage at Apache Cafe' and The Cotton Club, respectively. I'm not asking you to choose given how difficult a decision this may be for you to make, but all I know is that I HAVE to be at Phillippia's event because I'm a part of her band that evening, and I DID already catch Algebra during her show with Vivian Green two weeks ago. You make the call! On the flipside of the 12th is the 21st...Donnie "live"...more details to come!

CD of the week: "SALT" by Lizz Wright
Release Date: 05.13.03 (Verve)

A Georgia-native and yet another star to rise from the Atlanta music community. I've had the pleasure to meet Lizz Wright a number of times before I even knew she was a singer. All I thought to myself was that this is a very even-tempered and pleasant person that I'm always seeing at different events. Later I'm told she's a pretty good singer, but it gets left at that. Then one day she's announced to take the stage at one particular Soul Sista's Juke Joint and I am dumbfounded by the me llifluous sound leaving this young ladies' lips! Immediately I know that everything I heard was an understatement and knew that she was going to "blow up"! I was elated to find her on Joe Sample's "Pecan Tree", but I wasn't even aware she had a solo album until I happened across it at Tower (yet another plug, so I hope I get a discount--LOL) while looking for Dwele. This CD is so rich and lush with sound and lyrics that it's hard to pick a favorite. I love the first track "Open your Eyes...You Can Fly", which is so unique in its harmonic arrangement as well as her remakes of "Afro Blue", "Soon as I Get Home" (from "The Wiz), and "Walk With Me Lord" (the funkiest version of this standard church hymn I've ever heard)! She's been featured in VIBE, BET, and why are you looking for more reasons...JUST GET IT!

Additional news...

Contemporary Gospel artist, Bebe Winans, and Nu Soul artist, Lina have joined the ranks of the avant-garde artists in the Hidden Beach Recordings camp.

Speaking of Hidden Beach, their platinum debut artist, Jill Scott just finished directing her first music video for labelmate, trombonist Jeff Bradshaw for his first single "Slide" off of his upcoming debut album, "Bone Deep" due late summer. She also stars as the main character of the song, set in the "Harlem Renaissance" era of the 1920s. Click on www.hiddenbeach.com/press/05-27-03.htm for the full story.

Finally, Hip-Hop is figuring out that name-dropping brand names in songs will secure endorsement deals, but can also initiate and boost sales for their own product. Evident is how Busta Rhymes' hit "Pass the Courvoisier" increased U.S. sales of the France-based liquor. With advent of Nelly's "Air Derrty" by Nike, and 50 Cent just recently signing with Reebok, it's pretty evident that the Hip-Hop community has begun to command the respect of Corporate America (from a purely economic standpoint, of course), which now sees them as a viable commodity. Jay-Z figured it out and only hypes his own brands (i.e. Roc-a-Wear Clothing line and Armandale Vodka). Who would have thought Run DMC's "My Adidas" would have gone this far--LOL!

If you are a jazz vocalist, instrumentalist, or band looking to showcase your talent to a large audience in a competitive format for a significant amount of money, now is the time to brush up your skills and start rehearsing because you will soon know what it is that I'm keeping secret for the time being. All I have to say is that a great opportunity is coming, so if you have that swing that makes all the hep cats holla (Cab Calloway is smiling somewhere) then you betta get your act together--R&B acts betta do the same! More to come...

peace2ya!

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

JUNE EVENTS

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

For The Love Of Music

You Want More

Non-Stop Action

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 21, 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

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.

www.authorsden.com/ahmedasirour

KINDRED-The Family Soul "Surrender to Love"

Click here for introductions..

Jeff Bradshaw is up next, and more to come from Hidden Beach in 2003...