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

Entertainment

By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour

GET CONNECTED (07.22.04)

I got a few e-mails and a few calls from friends about last week's article as they asked if someone or something pissed me off. Not the case at all...it's just that sometimes you have to "air out" your mind and not let your thoughts stagnate when you keep them inside too long, but knowing when to do so also helps as you don't just want to say anything and everything. I breathed easier

! Anyway, let's get to what's going on thus far in quite an extensively packed week/weekend:

2004 ATLANTIS MUSIC CONFERENCE

If you're a local musician/singer trying to get your music out there and/or want to network and mingle with some of the nation's (even the world's) most influential music industry executives and kick it with some of the hottest talent to be showcased who will more than likely blow up pretty soon after this weekend and you haven't registered for this event or even purchased a wristband to attend at least one day's worth of performances, I think you should seriously consider another profession!

I've been dropping the weblink to the official site for the past two weeks so I hope some of you have been taking this very seriously (here it is again www.atlantismusic.com). Those of you who are my out-of-town readers who make frequent trips to Atlanta. The ATL is an industry hotspot for talent but you obviously knew this as the biggest R&B and Hip-Hop stars in the world, currently, both hail from this city--do record-breaking weeks at #1 on Billboard and a Grammy for "Album of the Year", respectively, mean anything to any of you?

Anyway, and even as I write this though it will be past tense by the time you read this, the kickoff red carpet event, Brash Bash, at Eleven50 (07.21.04) will feature "...special VIPs, industry executives, up-and-coming artists and current hit makers such as R&B favorites Tony Rich and Kelly Price, Atlanta's own 112, Hip-Hop powerhouse CeeLo, indie rock veterans Five Eight, and other special VIPs arrive via limo to walk down our red carpet! Other invited guests include Collective Soul, Neil Portnow - NARAS President (i.e. the Grammy Awards head honcho, for those not in the know!), Jagged Edge and many more!" There will also be top executives from TVT, Sony, and Virgin though I know that there will also be some incognito A&R reps from various majors and Indies who will be milling around throughout the course of the conference to find the next "it" act to sign--I'd ask for credentials/biz cards just to be safe if you start getting courted!

Don't feel bad if you miss this event, although it was listed on the site, because I'm missing Jill Scott at Earth link (but at least I saw and met her at the last Funk Jazz Kafe)! Anyway, the conference will still have many of the same big cats at various venues to check out this year's showcases as well as panels that will provide attendees with priceless information as cats like Matt Serletic (Chairman/CEO of Virgin Records) give you the inside rundown of the industry (see the full panel schedule and speakers at: http://atlantismusic.com/panel_schedule.php). Plus, you KNOW there will be a lot of after parties, most that you will only find out if you attend one of the showcases or panels. Hey, it's only $30 for a 3-Day Showcase Wristband to attend as many as you can make throughout the city. Walk-up registration for "the works", including panels and workshops, are available at $250 and can be attained 10am - 7pm/Thursday & Friday, and 10am - 2pm/Saturday at the host hotel, the Atlanta Renaissance Hotel (2nd floor) @590 West Peachtree St., NW (404.881.6000).

Of course, the main people behind the scenes that are the main resource for information and happen to be some of the hardest working women in the city (I say just women simply because I have seen nothing but these wonderful ladies making this company and event jump off) at www.360media.net. If you need anything regarding this conference, contact them or track one of them down at an event! I also want to thank them for making sure ATLANTAHAPPS.COM got to cover this event so I'll be as many places as me and my people can be bring back post-coverage next week! If you're attending, see ya there, and if you're performing I'll be checkin' ya out, and I mean all genres represented!

NATIONAL BLACK ARTS FESTIVAL

With so much going on for me on the personal tip, I have unfortunately missed the beginning portions to this great festival but, like any good movie, it's doesn't matter what part you walk into, because you know you'll enjoy the rest either way, so I will be making it up by catching today's performances at Underground as well as going to the market vendors and checking out some of the literary and arts events during the weekend. As a lover of diversity (especially extracted from the African Diaspora), and coming from the "melting pot" known as New York City, the National Black Arts Festival is something I look forward to each year, so you can understand how hard it is that music and the arts have decided to convene during the same space of time!

WHERE DO I GO/WHAT DO I DO???!!! It's a juggling game, but I console myself that I have caught various shows of Giwayen Mata who performed Sunday & Monday at Spelman (I was actually a stagehand during one of their shows their a few years ago--spectacular and spiritual)! Many of my musical friends/associates whom I've played with or for will be performing so I'll catch as many as I can (under "Events" click on "Jubilation Square" which is the main stage for the majority of the acts that will be performing. There is so much available for you and/or the family so you have to visit www.nbaf.org because there is way too much to list on here!

However, let me remind you that Funk Jazz Kafe's third installment to their 10th Anniversary Celebration is this Saturday as well, and when you consider who the surprise performers were last time around, that's only more incentive to fall through and be a part of history and shed the worries of the work week behind you!

You gotta hit www.funkjazzkafe.com to get the full rundown and where to get your advanced tickets while they last (discount information included)!

In closing...

Nelly is now part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats (new NBA expansion team majority owned by former BET headman, Bob Johnson). Can't hate and it's about time rappers started using their money not just to flaunt and bling and step up into the entrepreneurial game. Jay-Z had a head start so hopefully more will throw their bid in and make use of the fame and funds that area available to them as opposed to being pimped by the media and the label executives who usually run things...including them! Now if they could only make smart/responsible music, keeping the tight beats of course, along with smart moves and still stay fly, crunk, gully or whatever that would be a truly huge feat!

Stay revolutionary...or get there...

P.S.--to my boy Gerry, let me know how "my hook-up" went...as fly as she is you owe me big!

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	MILESTONES	Memorial Day Hangover
THE [right] FORMULA	CONFESSIONS/Pt. ??

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.