By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour
Music performed by: Ahmed and the Formula live at Tarrazu Coffee Bar
W
YOU
GOT OPTIONS (11.10.04)
I'm
not gonna write too much this go 'round. There's
a bunch of things goin' on this weekend so I've
laid out the happs in "option" format
as opposed to my normal, singular picks. As for
things that occurred in the recent past, I
attended this cool event at Standard
Boutique to celebrate their One Year
Anniversary. It's located directly next to Cafe
Intermezzo, @ 1845
Peachtree Road. A "thank you" to Kim
Liechtenstein of www.Kimistry101.com
for the invite. The event was also sponsored by Reebok
who is re-introducing "The
Pump"--yup, you remember that,
don't cha? They
even have a "lace less" sneaker that
within the first 5 steps you take after putting
them on, will brace your foot for an exact
fit...ahh, technology.
Photo credits go to Ben
Rose who photographed the evening (go
to www.benrosephotography.com
for the full visual coverage of the event). The
young lady in the photo is a new vocalist &
songwriter that you'll hear more about...once
her manager actually gives me the info he
was supposed to send me-LOL! Got
to meet mega-producer Dallas Austin as
well. Pharell (N.E.R.D.
& Neptunes) was
supposed to have been there as well but I didn't
stay long enough to find out 'cause I had to run
to Apache to catch the last of D'Maestro,
whom I spoke of last week.
Also,
I got to attend the Pre-game VIP Reception for
the Atlanta Hawks home opener
against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Thanks to GLUE,
Inc. for the invite (especially, Erika
Kennedy, next to me in
the photo, and Sheri
Huguely--the "real glue" of
Glue). They did a wonderful job and the
reception was real fly and star-studded as
promised with major ATL entertainment figures in
attendance including Dominique Wilkins,
Mike Vick, Usher,
Ludacris, Bow Wow,
Bonecrusher, Andruw
Jones, Lil' Jon, Jermaine
Dupri,and probably many others I missed
seeing/meeting 'cause it was so packed in
there! I like the look of the new Hawks although
they unfortunately fell to the new
"#23" threat, LeBron James.
Still, this should promise to be an interesting
season, if they make the most out of their new
lineup. Photo credit goes to R.M. Lathan
of VipUniversal.com. For photos
of the VIP reception and game, go to:
I
still owe someone an album review but
honestly didn't have an abundant amount of time
to do so, but I will as promptly as I can--you
know who you are! Anyway, I said I'd keep this
short 'cause there's so much goin' on despite
the fact I sifted through much more to leave you
with these options:
Soul
Destination Thursdays @ Apache Café featuring
live a performance by Donnie.
Hosted by Jahi Kearse with
an after party set with Sir Nervex spinning. www.apachecafe.info
OR...
In other words...R is out but the show
must and will go on!
Nourishment
IV: ART/CHARITY Event Benefiting the Atlanta
Community Food Bank @ Eleven 50 (7pm-10pm)
In its fourth year, "Nourishment" is
the largest cocktail party where 100% of the
proceeds from the evening benefits the Atlanta
Community Food Bank. Featuring the Art
of Emmy Dudley, the Music of
DJ Swivel and over 75 sponsors and
raffle items.
$10 cover or 5 boxes or cans of non-perishable
food items /$15 raffle tickets /Emmy Dudley
original works on display for Sale /Cash Bar
sponsored by Quality Wines and
the New Zealand Wine Growers Association.
You are encouraged to bring cash, as this is
great way to shop for the Holidays." For
more information: http://www.bondgirlproductions.com
OR...
The Blackfilm.com BMW Film Series invites
you to an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres,
music, and the Atlanta premiere of "ISSUES:
We All Got Them" directed by Van
Elder @ the Rialto Center for
the Performing Arts.
Requested Donation $20/more info @: www.blackfilm.com
OR...
The APEX Museum presents a "Reality"
Film Experience of a Runaway Slave:
"Mattie, Johnny and Smooth White
Stones" by Cassandra Hollis. A
moving and powerful drama about love, faith and
empowerment during the days of slavery. The APEX
Museum is located on 135 Auburn Avenue/Downtown. Reception
@ 6pm/Program @ 7pm/FREE. Q&A
will immediately follow after the film. For
more info call: 404-523-APEX (2739) or
visit:
http://www.free-press-release.com/news/200410/1097774167.html
Raphael
Saadiq w/
Teedra Moses @ Earthlink Live. Doors
@ 8pm/Show @ 9pm/Cover: $27.50 general admission
Focus
on Style - FantaChic Event @ Too
Groovy Salon & Spa (265 Ponce de
Leon Ave - Midtown) from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
Shopping,
socializing and salon/spa wellness along with
complimentary wine and hor d'oeuvres (until 8:00
PM). For more info: chic_chiks_events@yahoo.com
or call: 678.938.3527.
and
when that's over you can swing a right next door
to see...
THE FORMULA - "Live
@ Tarrazu". Quite
honestly, probably one of the best (if not the
best) freestyle jam session to be found anywhere
in Atlanta. Surprise guest musicians and/or
vocalists is a constant. The very music you're
listening to on this page is only a taste of what
can only be truly enjoyed in person!
9pm - Midnight (but I don't know
when we've ended on time)
No cover...but "Gas
Money" donations are always appreciated and
encouraged  (details
below Archive list)
SUNDAY (11.14.04)
Beauty in a Blink Talent Management
2nd Year Anniversary @ the Biltmore Georgian
Ballroom (5th Street &
W. Peachtree in Midtown).
This year will include an awards
presentation on behalf of the Shandon
Anderson Foundation and it’s
mentorship program targeting the young ladies
of A A Crim High School (Femininity
101) and Body Design Artist,
Toni Acey.
A private reception will begin the night’s
events with a musical selection by the world
famous DJ Mars and hosted by
Hpnotiq from 6pm to 7pm.
The night’s conclusion will begin at
7:45pm with a fashion extravaganza hosted Hot
107.9 DJ Miss Ramona Debreaux, the
premier models affiliated with Beauty in a
Blink and a myriad of designers and boutiques
including, Baby Phat, Pieces of Adrene,
Shadrick, Undecided, Body Art by Toni
Acey,
Kalypso Blue, Nora, Bambella
and Pieces of Adrene.
***Advanced Table for 5/$100. Advanced
Table for 10/$175
$10 at Door with Invite or RSVP.
$15 at Door W/O Invite***
Table Reservations are a great way to
advertise your company at the event. Each
table purchased will include signage of your
company at the table and the opportunity to
participate in gift bag placement. (300 gift
bags distributed)
Please contact Marcia@beautyinablink.com
or (404) 783-2933 for further details.
Partial
proceeds benefit the Shandon Anderson
Foundation and the United Way
Volunteer Initiative Program.
Sponsors
include: Beauty in a Blink, E-ventzz
Event Planning, Deep Magazine,
Baby Phat, Derek
Blanks Photography, Elite
Auto Concierge, Two Eight
Counts, The Biltmore Ballroom,
Hpnotiq, The Garner
Circle, the Salon at
Castleberry, the Perennial
Strategy Group, Studio Mix
and Sound, MTE Catering
and the Super friends.
For Media information, please contact NICOLE
GARNER at PR@THEGARNERCIRCLE.COM or
770-256-1800.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR NEXT WEEK...
I had to borrow this from my associate Jodine
of Jodine's
Corner, 'cause we both love this
artist...
***"Tuesday,
November 16th, GAELLE
Album Release Party at Bazzaar,
located on 654 Peachtree Street (next door to
Fox theatre). Naked Music has
finally released the CD of Atlanta's very own GAELLE.
You've heard her on some of your Naked Music
purchases and now she finally gives us a CD of
her own work. Her debut CD entitled, "Transient"
is one of the best that albums that Atlanta
has to offer so you want to be there to hear
it for yourself. Salah Ananse will
be on the 1s and 2s. Doors open at 8PM. RSVP
by emailing soulsessions@bellsouth.net
(Did I mention she was HAITIAN with an
interlude called "Haiti" on her
album?)"
ALSO...
Dateline: Friday,
November 19th. I was so excited when
I happened to come across a flyer that told me
that I would have a chance to see my FAVORITE
male vocal group of ALL-TIME! I have
owned and heard just about everything from the
multi-Grammy-award-winning a cappella sextet
known as Take 6! By far, the
best a cappella group since music has been
recorded--and I mean that! Add to that I have
the pleasure of covering this event for ATLANTAHAPPS.COM...
I'm gonna have to calm down so here's the info
'cause I'm so shocked people aren't really
aware of this. If you can't quite see the
text, simply click on the photo or
hit the link below it.
http://www.atlantacommunityministries.org/onecity-2004.php
Please visit www.atlantahapps.com/upcoming_events.htm
for additional events for the week.
In
closing...
I am going to put this out into the Universe
and see what happens: I need funding by
interested investors so that I can publish my
book independently. I am avoiding the
publishing house route so that I can control
the content, the time it gets to final print, and
the royalties garnered through
self-publishing. I already have competent
marketing tools at my disposal (i.e. what you
are reading, for one). Plus, I have a lot more
material that I've added so this thing is
maturing into something big. I have my
faithful readers on here, as well as a few
other places interested in placing orders when
the final product is available.
Okay...there...I have put it out there, now
let's see what energies bounce back from
cyber-space in response to my request. Either
way, I feel my time is fast approaching...damn
near on my doorstep! Enjoy
your weekend/week.
ahmed@atlantahapps.com
The views in this article are not necessarily the
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
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!
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
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