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

Entertainment

By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour

"Die empty" (11.11.03)

I happened to wake up very early in the morning and the T.V. was still on. Instead of being groggy and unfocused, my mind was fairly in order and it was only a matter of seconds as I became acclimated to the program that was on the screen. It was a telethon for TBN (i.e. The Bible Network). Despite the image of the weird chick with the bad, Tammy Faye make-up job and the humongous pink hair, I was attentive to Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, who was their speaker at that particular moment. He is a very charismatic speaker and seemingly in tune with his audience, to be able to captivate them, humor them, and break things down simply while still delivering deep insights simultaneously. There was one thing that he said in particular that stood out amongst the many insights he shared, and it isn't even necessarily of a religious point-of-view that I am sharing with any of you to impose any beliefs he was trying to convey or that I may have. He simply said that he wanted to "die empty". The first thoughts I had of the statement were, of course, one of morbidity and loneliness as a result of a life unfulfilled. But, therein laid the construct of his message both intellectually deceptive and effectively profound. Those who “die empty” are those who had nothing left in them—no potential untapped…no goal unattempted. Those who “die empty” are those who pour out all of their energy, all of their efforts, and all of their soul into achieving their full abilities. In a sense, “dying empty” means you’ve lived a full life…probably the most profound and best oxymoron to be associated with.

Why am I writing this? Probably because I feel that I’ve been taking the time and opportunities that I have been given, and still have at the moment, for granted, to a certain extent. I spent some time talking to a good friend of mine last night about life and choices. I spent the rest of the night staying up for hours into the early morning considering my life and the gifts that I have been given, and the directions I could take to make my dreams reality and my purpose concrete. I am 26 years old and am blessed to have this gift of writing and to be given the opportunity to reach the thousands of you who visit and read this page regularly—I’ve never had one course in Journalism. I am bless ed to have the gift of music and the fellowship of talented musicians to entertain the hundreds of you who show up weekly to Tarrazu Coffee bar to hear my band and musical friends perform—I’ve never had training/lessons in Music. I wonder at how I was paid for my graphic artistry for a mural I did for the Sweet Auburn Festival or for ads I designed that got published when I worked for Corporate America, and I never was formally taught the craft. I know you see a lot of “I”s, and it may seem as if “I” am tooting my own horn…but “I” had nothing to do with any of these gifts that “I” have. All “I” am is thankful for the things and opportunities that I’ve been given, and realize that time is meant to be utilized to the fullest, given the amount of time we have at our disposal cannot truly be assessed.

I know this is an “Entertainment” page, so entertain the thoughts I’m trying to convey to you. You want to stay connected to what’s happening in the city? Stay connected. You want to be up on changing and evolving trends? Stay informed? You want to know if you can get into some of the A-list events? Stay in touch. You want to get the most out of life? Stay on your own path. You want to realize why life passes you by and you don’t get anywhere or into anything? Stay right where you are.

So…whatcha gonna do with whatcha got while ya got it?

Peace2ya!

P.S.—if you didn’t get the A-list events for this week, hit this link: http://www.atlantahapps.com/newsletter.htm and I gotta send a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the “TOP DOG” VINCE MCCANT—ATLANTAHAPPS is gonna do it bigger, man!!!

peace2ya!

Feel free to e-mail me at: ahmed@atlantahapps.com

The views in this article are not necessarily the expressed views of ATLANTAHAPPS.COM or it's affiliates.

SENSUAL SATURDAYS at Tarrazu Coffeebar

Date: Join us on Saturday, November 15, 2003
Time: 9 p.m. - 12 a.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-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

lunch specials, and a preview of their dinner menu at: www.tarrazucoffeebar.com. Tell them Ahmed sent you…no, you won’t get any discounAhmed 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.

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.