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Entertainment

By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour

Post Labor Day Thoughts...

There's so much on my mind that I'm trying to concentrate on what I'm typing. I just got out of a studio session with an artist a few hours ago (a collaboration on writing with a track I produced last night), plus I'm gearing up for an upcoming performance later this month that I'll tell you all about when the details are set, I've gotta put some more tracks together for some more projects, which is cool with me 'cause it's keeping me busy, then I'm concerned about my extended family in Barbados who have been affected by this new hurricane [Ivan] that already has wreaked havoc on them plus Grenada, and is currently on the same course Charley was on (let alone the damage that Frances just did these past few days to my peeps in Florida and to some of us in Georgia), and I'm looking at my life thus far and what I've been through thus far this year, what I've had to endure, what I've gained, what I've lost, ultimately what I've learned...and this is probably the longest run-on sentence I've composed in quite some time!

It's been an emotional/physical/mental/spiritual rollercoaster and it looks like I'm not getting off any time soon. I've attended more events than usual but I've also cut some out, and overall I'm trying to find originality and innovation where things are starting to become redundant in certain scenes and circles. Speaking of which, Jill Scott's latest offering is quite the breath of fresh air I needed, musically. I've already learned how to play four or five songs and can't wait to perform them, provided the right vocalist gets up to sing one. A good number of the songs are actually favorable to men in that while some are like those, "get your act together" type songs, there are actually more that are uplifting, positive, and even apologetic to the good men out there who've been consistently representing but haven't been getting the respect they, we, deserve in the mainstream of music. I haven't yet had a chance to cop Anita Baker's newest, but I hear it's going to re-establish her, picking up where she left off.

As for this past Labor Day's festivities, I truly enjoyed the Shandon Anderson Youth Foundation's First Annual Labor Day Weekend. Thursday's kickoff at Eleven50 had a slow start and I had a long day so I left just as things were about to pick up...a guy needs his sleep, ya know?! Earlier that day, though, was the Youth Fitness Summit at Centennial Park and it was fun to see SO many children having fun and participating in a variety of sports and health activities, including an aerobic workout--I even met Arden Smith (i.e. Arden's Garden juices)! I was impressed by Shandon's desire to be completely involved with the youth in his program and smiled when I saw this little girl who would not leave him, following him every where he went. Friday's Comedy Show at the Fox Theatre featuring D.L. Hughley with Bruce Bruce was hilarious, to say the least--for those who attended, "that $#!t was nice" (you'll get it if you were there)! I missed Saturday morning's Golf Tournament but did make it to the Black-tie Gala at the Atlanta History Center/Swan House, which was very beautiful, especially to see us all dressed up and looking fly for a good cause.

Yours truly even arrived via limo like I was somebody important (which I am but the world doesn't know that just yet ), but I had to leave before I could catch the Hidden Beach Unwrapped Band (i.e. Mike Phillips, Jeff Bradshaw, and the incomparable Karen Briggs) because I had to perform at Tarrazu--and we had a VERY hot set that night..."standing room only" as I like it! Sunday was the Madden Tournament, which I couldn't make (my daytime hours have been tied up with music) but the India.Arie acoustic set at Compound was very nice, especially seeing everyone in white with a hint of blue. I wasn't feeling how Compound's staff was rushing us out after the evening was over, but I looked beyond that. Overall, I know that this was just the first go at this, but for a first annual event, I was impressed at what they got accomplished and can see that it will only improve with each successive year. More importantly, it was good to see the youth who were directly benefiting from this foundation at some of the events (or at least the ones they could attend as minors) and to know that an NBA athlete, or any athlete for that matter, was humble and generous enough to give of his time and efforts to make a vital difference in the lives of what we hope will be our future leaders and trendsetters over the next 20 years or so. Even just speaking to him, it's not about ego or status...it's simply doing the right thing and making a difference with whatever you've been given and spreading that idea to others who will in turn do the same. Shandon Anderson, I commend you!

You can see most of the photo coverage of these events, courtesy of JiMiFLix, at: http://www.ambianceproductions.net/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=SAYouth

In closing...

I'm not gonna lie...I'm a little too tired to list what's happening this week by hand, but that's why I make sure I have a back up plan--TA DAH...http://atlantahapps.com/upcoming_events.htm

I will, however, provide those of you who've kept up with me, updates on events and possible inclusion on my guest list or ticket giveaways that come to me, when they're available. Oh, you don't know what I'm talking about? Hmmm...remember when I asked those of you who stay up on these articles to e-mail me with "So what's up?" in the subject line? No? Well, for the few who did--namely Mia and Brettina--they will be first in line for any giveaways or guest lists I add them to for events that are coming up, just as my way of saying thank you for reading and for paying attention

. Of course, if I start getting more e-mails from this point with the above mentioned phrase in the subject line, it won't count 'cause that's null and void now, but I'll give you all another chance at a later date. Oh, the Taste of Atlanta is coming up next week so hit this link: http://www.tasteofatlanta.org/ and get your tickets now because from what I sampled last month during the kickoff reception...oh...my...God!

Be good this weekend...or perhaps be "bad"--we all need to release and find our balance so let's call it the "ying" to our "yang", cool?

P.S.--I'm going To be interviewed on 91.9FM WCLK's "S.O.U.L." with Jamal Ahmed this Friday (09.10.04), to talk about my band THE FORMULA, as well as other things going' on. His show airs from 9pm - 1am, so tune in on your radio and check me out or even go online and hear it live at: http://wclk.com/listen_live.htm!

peace2ya!

ahmed@atlantahapps.com

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. ??	Get Connected	Playing Catch Up/Finding Inner Strength	And Yet Another
MOVIN' ON...AND UP	CAN'T STOP THE FLOW	THE GREATER PURPOSE

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.