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K MICHELLE performs at ATL Live on the Park

Cutty Shark — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:51:57 +0000

Entertainment Reporters spent last night on the Park with Shanti Das and Marlon Nichols as they presented their 2nd Anniversary of ATL Live on the Park. This monthly showcase offers the best in live entertainment for both new, as well as established acts. The show is held in Park Tavern at Piedmont Park; “a stunning venue, presenting a perfect night under the stars experience.”

R&B newcomer & R.Kelly protégé’ K Michelle performed at the event, and made quite a presentation with her all black; sparkling catsuit and her strong ‘woman-inspired vocals’. She also announced that she has joined the cast of ‘Love & Hip Hop Atlanta’.

Other performers for the night included: The Magnificent 757’s f/Benzino (The Source) & Stevie J. (producer, Love & Hip Hop Atlanta), Case, Tank and R.L.

VH1 was also in the house taping for ‘Love & Hip Hop Atlanta’. The show’s executive producer, Mona Scott was also in the house making sure everything was everything!!!

Celebrities amongst the crowd included: R&B Singer, Dondria; Mishon, Keri Hilson, Floyd Mayweather, Chili, J. Holliday, and Jagged Edge.

VH1′s “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” premieres Monday, June 18 at 8 p.m. EST with K Michelle and Stevie J.

Congratulations to Shanti Das and Marlon Nichols for helping to keep Atlanta glowing like a Star!!!

Check out video of 2nd Anniversary – ATL Live on the Park (below):

SIMONE GREEN: Escaping Death Row

Cutty Shark — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:20:10 +0000

“Seven Years crept by since my escape from Death Row and I felt like a runaway slave, always looking over my shoulder wondering when Suge or his boys would show up and ambush me to make me pay for escaping.”

Simone Green
Time Served: My Days and Nights…

A photographer for over 30 years; for Simone Green, the craft was inherited.

When Simone left Detroit for Los Angeles in 1979 to follow her dreams of becoming a well known photographer, she had no idea where I-75 would actually take her years later. Who knew that the road between 1979 – 1992 would lead her to one of the most successful, as well as most notorious African-American record labels in entertainment. Simone became the Chief Photographer at Suge Knight’s, Death Row Records in 1992. To date, she has photographed some of the most iconic figures in the music industry, such as: Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Muhammad Ali, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Dramatics, Dr. Dre, Ashford & Simpson, and Biggie, just to name a few.

Over 30 years since leaving her hometown Detroit, Simone Green releases her first book about her experiences in the music industry. And, the trials & tribulations involved in becoming the chief photographer for Death Row Records. Time Served: My Days and Nights on Death Row Records is truly a page-turner. Simone tells us of her hunger to become a serious photographer; she shows us how she began with shooting Muhammad Ali; later working for Dr. Dre (co-founder of Death Row Records); ending up at Death Row Records under dictator, Suge Knight; and, finally finding herself literally running for her life to escape Death Row.

I got the opportunity to chat with Simone during her book signing at the Auburn Avenue Research Library in Atlanta, Georgia.

Check out the video of as Cutty Shark talks with Simone Green, Author: “Time Served: My Days and Nights on Death Row:

The Swan House Ball 2012

Cutty Shark — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:37:20 +0000

This past weekend marked a very special occasion for the Atlanta History Center and the Swan House in Atlanta, Georgia. On Saturday, April 28, 2012, the 27th Swan House Ball took place at the Atlanta History Center. This year’s celebration honored the family of William A. Parker, Sr. The event’s Chairmen were: Georgia Schley Ritchie, Dot Stoller and Rebecca Bily. Jack Sawyer, President of Southeast Region at Wilmington Trust served as one of the Patron Committee Chairs for the 2012 Swan House Ball.

Prior to the Ball in the Grand Overlook, there was a private reception on the Swan House Mansion Lawn with cocktails, hors’ d oeuvres, and music by Joe Gransden and his Band.

President, Wilmington Trust Southeast Region, Jack Sawyer (middle)

“Traditionally known as one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Atlanta, Swan House is an elegant, classically styled mansion built in 1928 for the Edward H. Inman family, heirs to a cotton brokerage fortune. The mansion, designed by famed Atlanta architect Philip Trammell Shutze, provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of this Atlanta family during the 1920s and 1930s.

Audio and guided tours of Swan House allow visitors to explore the many rooms of this beautifully restored historic home including the foyer, breakfast room and hall, library, living room, dining room, kitchen, butler’s pantry, Mrs. Inman’s bedroom and bathroom, grandchildren’s bedroom, guest bedroom, and Mr. Inman’s bedroom.
Additionally, a stroll around the Swan House grounds provides many breathtaking views complete with gardens and fountains.”

Atlanta History Center

*Very special thank you to: Jack Sawyer, Rebecca Bily, Joe Gransden, and the Queen of the Night: Mrs. Marge Sawyer with her stunning Hot-Pink Gown*

Platinum Sponsors: Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Wilmington Trust & The William A. Parker, Sr. Family.

Music Midtown 2012: Press Day Preview

Cutty Shark — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:51:14 +0000

On Tuesday April 24, 2012, 360 Media hosted the official “Press Preview Party” for the 2012 Midtown Music festival in Atlanta, Georgia. The festival; which is attended by thousands each year, will take place in Piedmont Park on September 21-22, 2012. Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 28th at 10am.

“We will continually endeavor to bring amazing artists to Music Midtown, making sure that everyone has the best experience they could want at this festival,” Peter Conlon, President for Live Nation said.

The scene inside the Greystone in Piedmont Park was one of anticipation & excitement as Peter Conlon of Live Nation, along with Atlanta City Councilmen Kwanza Hall and Alex Wan, announced the 2012 Music Midtown artist lineup. When it was announced who would be performing, the audience gasped in excitement!

The 2012 lineup features the following artists on Friday:
• Foo Fighters
• Van Hunt
• TI
• Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
• The Avett Brothers

Saturday includes:
• Pearl Jam
• Ludacris
• Girl Talk
• Florence + The Machine
• Civil Twilight
• LP
• O’Brother
• plus more acts to be announced!

Live Preview Party Video

Tickets go on sale this Saturday, April 28 at 10 a.m. at www.musicmidtown.com, www.livenation.com or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. As the official credit card of Music Midtown, Citi card members will have access to presale tickets beginning Wednesday, April 25 at 10 a.m. through Citi’s Private Pass Program until Friday, April 27 at 10 p.m. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

Early Bird general admission tickets are $55 for a one-day pass or $100 for a two-day pass + $1 for Mayor Reed’s Centers for Hope initiative. Conlon remarked that sometime during the summer, general admission ticket prices will increase to $65 for a one-day pass and $120 for a two-day pass.

GHOST BROTHERS OF DARKLAND COUNTY

Cutty Shark — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:30:09 +0000

“Two Brothers and a Bullet…
Two Lovers and a Leap…
And the Ghosts that know the truth!”

A friend told me, “It’s a classic case of Cane and Abel.”

Ghost Brothers of Darkland County is a musical written by horror novelist, Stephen King. The production’s musical score was written by John Mellencamp and produced by T-Bone Burnett. Debuting at the Alliance Theatre on April 4, 2012, Ghosts Brothers will run at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia until May 13, 2012.

Directed by Susan V. Booth (Artistic Director, Alliance Theatre), Ghost Brothers takes the audience on a world-wind ride of mystery, tragedy and intrigue.

The cast did a fantastic job on making the emotion of the time real, as well as dynamic. From the lead to the ensemble actors, everyone came with their A-game. John Mellencamp’s music fit the scenes perfectly. With the production skills of T Bone Burnett and horror genre expertise of Stephen King, Ghost Brothers of Darkland County is a musical genius within itself.

In my opinion, Ghost Brothers of Darkland County is story of: Truth vs Lies; Good vs Evil; Heaven vs Hell, and history repeating itself. What will prevail? Will the truth be told? Will the family perish?

Here’s how the story unfolds:

“In the tiny town of Delight, Mississippi in 1967, a terrible tragedy took the lives of two brothers and a beautiful young girl. During the next forty years, the events of that night became the stuff of local legend. But legend is often just another word for lie. Joe McCandless knows what really happened; he saw it all. The question is whether or not he can bring himself to tell the truth in time to save his own troubled sons, and whether the ghosts left behind by an act of violence will help him – or tear the McCandless family apart forever.”

Check out a snippet of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, below:

*Very special thank you to: Kathleen Covington and Susan V. Booth for always being so helpful. We truly appreciate you.*

A Tony Evening: Living for the Arts

Cutty Shark — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 03:38:32 +0000

“We will always support the arts in Atlanta!”

As the 2012 Honoree Ingrid Saunders Jones began to speak, everyone in the room applauded her greatness.

The 4th Annual “A Tony Evening” took place at the Loews Hotel Atlanta. The event benefited the educational programming for the Alliance Theatre at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The great part of the benefits of the evening is giving underprivileged children an opportunity experience the Theatre. The evening included: honorees, a live auction, and a special musical guest.

This year’s honoree: Ingrid Saunders Jones was honored for her work and career as Senior Vice President of Global Community Connections for The Coca-Cola Company and Chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation. Saunders was also honored for her tireless efforts globally. “Ms. Jones’ commintment to community development extends beyond the doors of Coca-Cola’s corporate headquarters. She serves on the boads of The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation and The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, as well as Clark Atlanta University, The Carter Center, The Ohio State University President’s Council on Women, the Woodruff Arts Center, and the National Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts. She is also a member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta and the Society of International Business Fellows.”

Entertainment for the evening included American Idol runner up (season one), Broadway Actor, Recording Artist and TV Guide Network Host, Justin Guarini. Guarini is one of the stars of the musical, “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County” currently playing at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA. The book was originally written by Stephen King, the music/lyrics by John Mellencamp.

Some of the Corporate Sponsors for the evening included: [Presented by] Northhighland Worldwide Consulting; [Marquee Sponsor] Loews Atlanta Hotel; [Producing Sponsors] Coca-Cola, The Home Depot; [Directing Sponsors] Cartoon Network, Delta; [Overture Sponsors] AAA Parking; and [Media Sponsors] The Atlantan, Men’s Book. Just to name a few.

Check out the video of the evening: “A Tony Evening”

CHAKA KHAN & NAJEE celebrate 38 Years with JAZZ 91.9 WCLK Atlanta

Cutty Shark — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:00:54 +0000

JAZZ 91.9 WCLK is the longest running Jazz station in Atlanta and the southeast. Licensed to Clark Atlanta University, the station was founded in 1974 as a 501(c) 3 non profit radio station. Playing only the best in classic and contemporary Jazz, Gospel and Blues, WCLK made 38-years-old this year. Happy Anniversary!

To help commemorate 38 years of the station’s existence, JAZZ 91.9 WCLK held their 38th Anniversary Benefit Concert featuring headliner; the incomparable Chaka Khan, with special guest; the iconic Najee. The show was held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

The night began with a reception for JAZZ 91.9’s VIP listeners, patrons, and supporters. During the reception, General Manager Wendy Williams thanked everyone for coming and supporting the station. “The electrifying evening celebrates Jazz 91.9 WCLK as a steadfast part of the Atlanta community and a vital resource for Jazz music lovers.”

The concert began with the smooth sounds of Jazz Saxophonist and Flautist, Najee. Known for his many musical talents, Najee wowed the audience playing three different saxophones (soprano, tenor and alto), as well as the flute. The crowd screamed & sang as he controlled them like the pied piper while the flute sang Stevie Wonder’s hit, “Knocks Me Off My Feet”. A certified Jazz Icon, Najee has two Platinum albums and four Gold Albums to his credit. And it made perfect sense that he open for Chaka Khan. Najee started his career as a member of Chaka Khan’s band. “It’s a family affair!”

Ten-time Grammy Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, Chaka Khan served as the show’s Headliner. The world renown ‘Queen of Funk’ began her career in the early 70’s as frontwoman of the funk band, Rufus. The group reached star status with their breakthrough hit, “Tell Me Something Good,” which won them their first Grammy Award in 1975. Khan was introduced to Jazz by her grandmother as a child and fell in love with the genre. She also credits her love of music in general to her grandmother.

Chaka later went solo and the rest is music history (literally). To her credit, Khan released a full-length Jazz Album in 1982: Echoes of an Era. In 2004, she released her Jazz covers album: ClassiKhan. Chaka Khan currently has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as being inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

***After the show ended, Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond presented Chaka Khan with a proclamation honoring her performance in connection with the Jazz 91.9 WCLK 38th Anniversary Benefit Concert, her career and music accomplishments (pictured below).***

Check out live footage from the JAZZ 91.9 WCLK Atlanta – 38th Anniversary Benefit Concert:

THE SKINNY: Get in the Know…

Cutty Shark — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:25:03 +0000

This past weekend Atlanta played host to the Premiere of Patrik-Ian Polk’s third installment to the world of film, “The Skinny”. Known for advocating HIV/AIDS awareness in his films, Polk teamed up with the Black AIDS Institute to further promote the importance of health in the LGBT Community. Atlanta was the second stop on the tour to promote the movie, The Skinny; Washington, D.C. being the first.

THE SKINNY [Skin-nee] – the low down, inside information, the real facts, the ‘T’.

The film follows five ivy league classmates whom reunite a year after graduation in New York for Gay Pride weekend: Magnus, Sebastian, Kyle, Joey, and Langston. The plot thickens as the friends dig into the weekend and friendship takes a backseat to sex, drugs, lies & lust.

THE CAST

MAGNUS (Jussie Smollett)

THE FATHER FIGURE

The most balanced of them all, Magnus is a medical student and during the weekend manages to keep his friends loving one another. Magnus is in a new relationship with Ryan, and is excited to introduce his love to his friends. However, that takes an awkward turn for the worse and leads to secrets being uncovered. Check out the movie to see how level-headed Magnus handles the headaches.

SEBASTIAN (Blake Young-Fountain)

THE DREAMER

Just returning from a year in Paris, Sebastian is ready to let go for the weekend. For him, this is a big weekend. Madly in love with Kyle, he plans to lose his virginity to him. Will Kyle surrender his love to Sebastian? Will Sebastian get exactly what he wants from Kyle?

KYLE (Anthony Burrell)

THE PLAYER

A stranger to the word “No”, Kyle gets any man he desires. The most outgoing of the crew, Kyle does what Kyle wants to do. Does he finally stop playing the field, and settle down with Sebastian?

JOEY (Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman)

THE ATLIEN

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Joey doesn’t trust anybody. He longs for a meaningful love affair, and won’t settle for less. When introduced to Ryan (Magnus’ love interest), he stares in disbelief. Feeling as if Ryan is up to no good. Does he uncover the secrets of Ryan? Does Joey manage to have fun for the weekend in NY?

LANGSTON (Shanika Warren-Markland)

THE BLACK BRITISH LESBIAN

The sole woman of the crew. Langston holds her own with the boys, as she plots on how she will make the cute bartender lady her woman for the weekend. Noah’s Arc’s (Jennia Fredrique) plays the everso sexy bartender.

Check out the live Q&A with Writer and Cast (below):

“Think Like A Man” – Roll out the Red Carpet

Cutty Shark — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 03:36:04 +0000

When comedian Steve Harvey released his book, “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man” in 2009 women were in a frenzy snatching the book off shelves everywhere. On the flip side, men were looking at Harvey side-eyed for giving away their most precious secrets to the opposite sex. But in Steve’s defense, if you already haveth it; the book can’t taketh it away!!!

On April 20, 2012, the world will see the adaptation of Steve Harvey’s best seller, ‘Think Like A Man’ in theaters everywhere. The book, as well as the movie takes women inside the mind of a man; as it relates to relationships and love.

“But remember what drives a man; real men do what they have to do to make sure their people are taken care of, clothed, housed, and reasonably satisfied, and if they’re doing anything less than that, they’re not men.” Steve Harvey

THE MOVIE PREMIERE

On Monday, April 2, 2012, the media was invited to Regal Theaters 16 at Atlantic Station for a special screening of “Think Like A Man”. With an all-star cast (Steve Harvey, Jenifer Lewis, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Michael Ealy, Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union, Gary Owen, Romany Malco, Regina Hall, Jerry Ferrara) and many special appearances (Kelly Rowland, Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, La La Anthony), the movie was funny, interested, and extremely entertaining.

In a screenplay adaptation written by: Keith Merryman and David A. Newman; Produced by Rainforest Films’ Will Packer and Rob Hardy, the film is a parallel to the book. Steve Harvey gives women an insight on the mind of men. In the movie, we see examples through the relationships of the main characters.

Some of the issues touched on were: The 90-Day Rule (Meagan Good); The Player (Romany Malco); How to spot a Mama’s Boy (Terrence J); When to introduce your child to your new man (Regina Hall); My man’s still a child (Gabrielle Union/Jerry Ferrara); and the everso famous, I don’t need a man; I’m independent. Unless he’s rich (Taraji P. Henson/Michael Ealy). These issues made for a gumbo of laughter and “Oh no he/she didn’t!!!” moments. The entire cast had their moments and were extremely entertaining. However, my favorite characters had to be Taraji P. Henson, Romany Malco and Meagan Good.

THE RED CARPET

photo credit: Jason Dunsmore graphics: Cutty Shark

The next day; Tuesday, April 3, 2012, the cast of “Think Like A Man” strolled through Atlanta’s Atlantic Station to pose on the Red Carpet, and to watch the movie for the first time since filming.

Check out the Live footage of the “Think Like A Man” Red Carpet to see who graced the carpet, and graced my camera with sound bites (below):

Special thank you to Saptosa Foster & 135th ST Agency

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: Motorcades & Escalades

Cutty Shark — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:49:28 +0000

“I’m about to lock the city downnn!!!”

You hear it in songs. You hear it when celebrities (mostly rappers) are coming to town for a performance. I now see; people have seriously misused the sentence referenced above!

On Friday, March 16, 2012, the 44th President of the United States of America: Barack Obama invaded Atlanta, Georgia to partner with Tyler Perry for an amazing Fundraiser at Tyler Perry Studios. The purpose of the fundraiser was to raise money for the President’s 2012 re-election campaign.

“Our economy is getting stronger,” said Obama,
“Sometimes it may seem like politics is a bad reality TV show:
people arguing, fussing and trying to score points,
but when I go to the town halls,
the spirit is still there.”

Once I hit the Greenbriar Mall area, traffic went bonkers. This was before the President’s arrival to Tyler Perry Studios. Cars were at a standstill for miles. Local residents of the Greenbriar neighborhood were lined curbside on the streets, equipped with their lawn chairs and video cameras; waiting to catch a glimpse of the President through tented glass.

One soon realizes that when you are on the White House Press List, it’s not as easy as checking off your name on a list and you walk inside the building. There were numerous secret service men on duty to make sure nothing (I mean nothing) slips through the cracks. At least not on their watches!

President Barack Obama arrives in Atlanta

When Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed hit the stage, the crowd went wild! “He’s in great spirits tonight. He landed at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport tonight. He’s on fire tonight! He’s gonna bring it tonight!” Reed said. “Atlanta has shown that it loves President Barack Obama.”

When President Obama hit the stage, Tyler Perry Studios lit up as if it was the fourth of July. The cheers were so loud that they harmonized into one big roar. It was a surreal feeling to be actually in the room with the first African-American President of the United States. No other President had this much class; this much grace. I mean, Obama stepped on stage with so much swagger. “Hello Hello Hello Hello!” The President screamed. “It is good to be in Atlanta, Georgia!”

As he greeted the people of Atlanta, Georgia he smiled. You could tell that he was sincerely happy to be here. The crowd chanted, “Four more years! Four more years!” After telling how proud he was of Tyler Perry, the President began his talk on Student Loans and helping kids finance college; early education, etc. He talked about pulling our resources together to help end the problem of Poverty. How he ended the don’t ask; don’t tell policy. Then he went on to the issue of Healthcare and how everything can and will get better.

“2008 was just the beginning! We’re still on that journey. We’ve got 5 more years of work before us. I promise the change will come. The change you believe in will come. Obama said. “And we will remind the world once again just why it is that the United States of America is the greatest country!”