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By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour
PURSUING PURPOSE (06.24.03)
It gets more and
more challenging each day to balance out my life at this point and be
able to compile all the things that I can to meet all the expectations
of me. For those who have just recently tuned in to this corner of
ATLANTAHAPPS.COM, checking to see what’s poppin’ and exciting in the
entertainment world, specifically in Atlanta, there was a time when I
just expounded on any topic that was on my heart to share with all of
you who have honored me with your presence by visiting and reading my
page. Just prior to my promotion to Entertainment Editor, I had
mentioned to my readers at that point that I had taken a “leap of
faith” after my corporate job situation changed due to budget cuts.
Although there were resumes that were floating about (and are probably
still adrift somewhere), I decided to take the road less traveled and
embark on a journey of deeper exploration into the gifts and talents
that I believe I have been blessed with. Despite how much one
accomplishes, isn’t it funny how we seem to just dwell on the negative
aspects…the trials…the setbacks (or at least that’s what they seem to
be?) On your own, making rent, covering bills, meeting deadlines,
keeping busy, staying optimistic, and fighting procrastination seem to
be a day to day scenario that takes its toll on you to the point that
you reconsider if taking a chance on pursuing what you believe you were
meant to do was such a good idea to begin with.
Last night, I sat on the floor with my stereo playing, listening to some music I finished during a studio session, but something sounded and felt different. I sat there listening to this music in disbelief that what I was hearing had anything remotely to do with me; I’m not saying it was the greatest thing ever recorded but it was a shocking that I found myself stunned by something I produced, the way I feel when I hear great musicians who have been playing for years! I then looked over to the one drawing I ever framed, from the one art class I ever took in college, and looked in complete amazement at the figure that seemed so alive in it. I looked at it and could not believe that this drawing bore my signature on it, to indicate to me who rendered it. I then looked at some poetry that was filled to overflowing from years of compositions that just piled up from life experiences and started to read a few. I saw emotion and depth, and intricate wordplay that were woven together in a seemingly effortless manner. I truly felt detached from the very things that would seem right to attribute to me…but they are not of me. I sat there realizing more than ever, that this is a Divine blessing and I am just the vessel chosen to deliver it into the physical world, just as these intangible thoughts came to my mind and were made visibly tangible into these words that you are reading now. I’m not trying to convince or preach to anyone about the realness of God or a divine creative being, or anything like that but I know that I have been given a purpose and been blessed with the gifts to carry it out. But I also know that if I don’t do it, no one else can or could do it the way I could.
I can’t front, concerning the happs from last week, because I simply missed covering a lot of events because I was working on music for gigs as well as secret projects that will soon come to light. I missed Monica perform at HMV, in Lenox Mall, last Thursday to promote her new album, I missed…no…couldn’t make to see Donnie at Earthlink Live last Saturday, which I heard he had the place lit, and I passed up a number of invites to some pretty hot events (keep telling yourself “it’s okay Ahmed…it’s okay”), and I…well…you get the point!
HOWEVER, I did get some studio work in and I hope to share some snippets with you on this page by next week as well as tell you where you’ll here it on a larger scale, hopefully. Also, I will FINALLY reveal to you next week what I have been hinting about for the past three weeks or so about you musicians and vocalists out there looking for a big break! In addition, last week’s edition of “Sensual Saturdays” saw it largest crowd ever! I wish I would have known but trust me that I’ll have pictures taken for the upcoming one! I know that we all joke about the abnormal female to male ratio in Atlanta, but I think Saturday night confirmed any doubts (i.e. men, if you a re looking to meet some of Atlanta’s most beautiful and eligible women, with financial stability, you might want to catch this Saturday’s set…but it would help if you met most of the criteria that they meet as well). I think Flirtingtime.com should set shop at Tarrazu Coffeebar for one of their functions.
I did, however, make it out to one big function last Sunday, which was a private birthday party for I’na Saulsberry, manager at Justin’s, who celebrated her “25+one” birthday at One [Midtown Kitchen]. The invite requested everyone to wear some form of red…and ladies, before you get any ideas to plan one of your own parties like this, please keep in mind…most men don’t own any semi-formal or formal attire of such color unless they are Kappa’s, colorblind, or make a living as a pimp. The lady of the hour came in at around midnight, and in a way that would have made 80s sex-symbol Vanity proud, with her entourage fully decked in dresses (circa 1985) and sporting hairstyles ranging from Janet Jackson’s “Control” action, Patti LaBelle’s “New Attitude” do, and Jody Watley’s “unbeWEAVEable” era…waltzing in on the red carpet with Madonna’s, “Material Girl” blasting on the speakers! V-103’s DJ Cowboy served up the music (and jokes) as we danced to a number of 80s classics from Duran Duran, Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, and even went into early 90s with Bell Biv Devoe’s, “Poison”! Miss I’na was working it out, sporting that wild Mohawk that suits her oh so well! The crowd got into a dance circle as these two guys were taking turns dancing in old school 80s and 90s fashion! Leave it to yours truly to jump in and turn it into an old school dance battle (sort of like the one in “House Party”), and I even manage to pull of that Bobby Brown move where you jump one leg over the other one—best believe I had to get that one right and not fall on my @$$ as all of it was being taped on video camera! You should have seen Vince McCant get down—WOW!
Well, let’s get on with what’s coming up…
Old school hip-hoppers can catch the “Native Tongues Tour” featuring The Jungle Brothers and Black Sheep at Apache Café (doors at 10pm/$15 cover)…”Remy on The Roc’s” (Remy Martin and Rocafella Music) RSVP info can be found on the event page of the this Website or call 877.596.6186 (the list gets cut after 1500/no exceptions)…www.twentytwentyhosts.com (click it for Thursday’s event)…Sol Fusion @ Frequency this Friday (doors at 9pm/Free before 10pm/no athletic gear)…and for Saturday…
The first Hidden Beach Recordings Listening Party for “HIDDEN HITS…VOLUME 1” (in conjunction with “Sensual Saturdays” at Tarrazu Coffeebar) from 8pm—9pm, followed by “live” music from 9pm-12am by THE FORMULA featuring the smooth vocal stylings of CLEVELAND! Special guest appearances and giveaways, courtesy of Hidden Beach Recordings.
CD of the Week: HIDDEN HITS…VOL. 1 (Various artists)
Release Date: 07.01.03 (Hidden Beach Recordings)
What
record label do you know of actually listens to most of all of the demo
tapes/CDs they receive and actually pick what they feel are the best
ones, and then decides to create a compilation of these unsigned artists
and create a CD full of yet unknown talent and release it nationwide
giving these underground artists an opportunity that rarely occurs…if
ever? Well, Hidden Beach Recordings, the only label I’ve repped for and
will continue to, is changing the game by doing just that bringing
artists who usually have been in the background (some literally
background singers for major artists) an d bring them to the front of
the mike in an unorthodox project that will be one of the most original
and freshest additions to a currently stagnant industry (though I must
give props to Monica and Beyoncé—yes Beyoncé—for doing some
justice to major artist releases of recent and upcoming). There is
talent in here from all over the country and even entries from Paris,
France to give this project international status. You should also know
there is native talent enlisted from Atlanta including Tori
Alamazeand Quinn. Instead of reading this review, hear for yourself
this weekend what everyone will here next month…come to the first
“Hidden Hits…Vol. 1” Listening Party this Saturday night at Tarrazu
Coffeebar from 8pm-9 pm (special appearances and giveaways included)!The
full press release can be seen at this link:
http://www.hiddenbeach.com/press/06-16-03.htm
Additional News...
As if sneaker and alcohol endorsement wasn’t enough…now Hip-Hop is taking over the automobile world! How the hell did Snoop Dog convince Cadillac to create his own limited edition ride called the “Snoop De Ville”?!! And if that isn’t enough, P.Diddy hooked up deal with Lincoln to create the Limited Edition Sean John Navigator, available at the top of July, including features like: a Pioneer Premier Audio system with satellite radio, 3 DVD players, 6 TV monitors, and a Playstation 2, logo-embossed leather seats, heated/vibrating driver and front pas senger seats, suede covered center consoles, and black wood interior! Priced at a steal ($85,000…but who’s getting robbed), only 100 will be manufactured.
It’s not because I have the greatest affinity for Hip-Hop, but it’s spreading to the point that Sylvester Stallone is making a film about the murders of the Notorious B.I.G.and Tupac Shakur…and Stallone actually plans to be in the film as the detective that uncovered the scandal that the LAPD was involved in their deaths…now that’s DEEP!
Armageddon draws near…
peace2ya!
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
ONE MORE THING...
CDs you must get are: DWELE, LIZZ WRIGHT (both available nationwide), and PHILLIPPIA and KEM, album "Kemistry". 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
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, July 5, 2003
Time: 9 p.m. - 12 p.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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:
9pm-12pm (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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