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By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour
Music performed by: Ahmed and the Formula live at Tarrazu Coffee Bar
W
THE THINGS I GET 2 SEE (11.18.04)
Let's begin...
Tuesday night's album release party at Bazzaar was pretty fly given the fact it was my first time there (though relatively in my neck of the woods), the atmosphere and ambience was really chic, and the music playing--which was, of course, by GAELLE--add the finishing touches to cool networking vibe not constrained by neckties, pretentious conversations, or a monotonous flow of solid colors
(check www.bazzaaratlanta.com to see what I mean). That comment could come back to haunt me in future scenarios that play out as such, but who gives a buck and 86 cents?! It was a veritable "who's who" in the underground ATL scene with members of the Superfriends present, along with Sol Fusion big cheese, J. Carter, as well as Cee-Lo falling through, my girl in the mix of things, [Jodine's Corner], who was looking quite nice if I may say so, next ATL superstar, Algebra, playing incognito by the window, trying to appear inconspicuous in her furry Eskimo boots, Salah Ananse (of Soul Sessions) who sent out the invites, and, of course, the sexy Gaelle looking rather tasty in a elegant, plush vanilla-ish full length coat accentuating her caramel-dipped form--can I say that? I promise to post pictures when I get access to some.
The Beauty in a Blink 2nd Anniversary Show? Eye candy to the left...eye candy to the right...it was eye candy all night! Before any of my lady readers start to raise their eyebrows, there was a whole scene full of men for you to enjoy...especially this one steroid-induced...er...um...muscular dude wearing nothing but body paint and these Speedos that look like panties (I'm not hatin'...but they just looked kinda suspect) and women around me were leaning to the other female friends (or guy friends who don't play on the "home team") with "ooh girl" and what not. Anyway, fellas, you missed out if you could have made it but didn't--feel for ya!
The clothes for this show were toned down from the exotic, with a few eye-opening exceptions, to a sexier and more form-accentuating presentation by many of the designers/stylists who participated. Props to the makeup crew, a few models, female and male, who really stood out and gave energy where it otherwise lacked, and to the DJs (Super friends crew) who supplied the hot tracks. Big props to the lady in charge, Marcia Pecot, for a great job and an excellent turnout, considering it wasn't publicized as heavily as it could have been. Words cannot aptly describe what I got to witness so I will make a point to include photos from that event as well. Forgive me while I've been trying to lock in a regular photographer--I have to outsource freelancers for the time being.
I have to mention, though, I couldn't stop laughing when I saw the...um..."greeter" they had. Imagine Charles S. Dutton's "Roc" character dressed in a white ballerina tutu with faux pearls all over it (some which fell off during one of his turns and almost tripped people), a woman's high cut white blazer, a tiara (magically fixed onto dude's bald head some kinda way), and a "magic" wand/baton who greeted attendees with his dancing and prancing...wow...that's somebody's son.
Okay...let's move on to this week, shall we?
Oh, but before I do, I really wish I caught this when it happened concerning Destiny's Child's performance on BET's "106 & Park" where Michelle's heel broke and she consequently fell while Kelly and Beyonce' looked on but kept performing. I mean, I understand about professional stage presence where you keep going but, damn! How are you going to just look at your band mate fall for a good minute and then keep on going (was Beyonce' stifling a laugh)?! You can still drop down to pick her up, move with the song, and keep the showing going without missing a beat. She was helped by people in their entourage and like a trooper, kept on like nothing happened, and was fine.
Now that I've established that she was okay, can I say it now? THAT WAS FUNNY!!! Maybe it was a sign not to crossover back to Pop after doing a Gospel album. Moral of the story, "we fall down...but we get up."
(I'm, gonna get chewed out by somebody).
On to this weekend's picks...
THURSDAY (11.18.04)
The Urban Nutcracker at the Ferst Center for the Arts/Georgia Tech presented by Ballethnic Dance Company. For information about the show, showtimes, and admission, call 404.762.1416 or visit: http://www.ballethnic.org/
afterwards...
No, Donnie was this new event's debut act last Thursday, but I'm posting this to say that live concerts of this sort will be at Apache on Thursdays, got it? But, I did catch that show. Jahi Kearse opened up with full band and background singers--he's new to me but the guy has great material! Days Ahead followed with an acoustic set of a guitarist, Steve Wright, and female lead vocalist, Kim Leachman--beautiful performance!! Donnie closed out the set with a very energetic performance with full band. Although touring seems to have put a slight strain on his voice, it hasn't affected his stage presence and audience command. If that show is indicative of what's to follow every Thursday, then you want to make sure you put this in your schedule!
FRIDAY (11.19.04)
as mentioned last week...
click on the photo for more info.afterwards...
Click on the photo for more info...or just follow the directions on the photo
SATURDAY (11.20.04)
Wanda Sykes @ The Tabernacle...(click on the--well--you got the hang of it by now)or...
Click
or...
SUNDAY (11.21.04)
Hopeville Tour "The Remix"
Featuring Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin
Tickets:
$40.50 - $47.50
http://www.atlantaciviccenter.com/events/theremix.htmPLEASE VISIT: www.atlantahapps.com/upcoming_events.htm for a look into next week's events
In closing...
Do I really need to bring up the stupidity of whomever decided to invite Suge Knight to the 2nd Annual Vibe Awards? I feel bad for Quincy Jones given Vibe was his creation and has grown into what it has only to be marred in similar fashion to The Source Awards. True, controversy in the entertainment world is no respecter of color, but it's so much more magnified in the national and world media when it has to do with African-Americans--take Philly Eagles, Terrell Owens' commercial with a naked white actress from "Desperate Housewives" as an example. The Miami Herald seems to be the only one I found with a full script of the segment:
Well, one noted instigator of controversy within the "urban" community, Russell Jones (aka Ol' Dirty Bastard of the Wu-Tang Clan), has left this earth. I know people will look at the negative, at his drug use, arrests, buggin' at music award shows, etc. He did, however, make dramatic turns in his life towards the end where you haven't really heard anything major about him in the media recently--considered a good thing, if all that's reported about you that makes the news is the negative. He did, however, pass away without having a will and there are seven children he's fathered, but I hear that they will be taken care of equally. Just something to think about if you haven't drafted one for your family's sake.
Double-standards will continue to exist and the positively will not always get its proper light when left up to those who do not wish to bring those things to light...those climbing the corporate ladder, trying to make it in the entertainment industry, or just trying to do right in life period should especially understand that. However, good will prevail...you better believe it! Okay, I'm out, but say whassup if you happen to catch me at an event...but leave me alone when I'm tryna eat!
peace2ya!
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
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 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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