Entertainment

       By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour

            Music performed by: Ahmed and the Formula live at Tarrazu Coffee Bar


 

 What's Happening

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:

http://vipphotos.net/gallery/hawks11092004?page=1 (by the way, don't I look like a little kid in that last photo...don't even look like I'm about to be 30 in a couple of years ).

 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:

 THURSDAY (11.11.04)

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!

 FRIDAY (11.12.04)

 

 

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

SATURDAY (11.13.04)

 

 Raphael Saadiq w/ Teedra Moses @ Earthlink Live. Doors @ 8pm/Show @ 9pm/Cover: $27.50 general admission

 OR...

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.

peace2ya!

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

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

 

Post Labor Day Thoughts...

 

    Weather Report

 

Tastefully Done

A Word to the unwise

    Changing Seasons

Natural High

 Hat's the Moral
     Coming Home

 Vote or Lie

 

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.

 

www.authorsden.com/ahmedasirour


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