God of Carnage starring Jasmine Guy

Cutty Shark — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:59:20 +0000

God of Carnage is the Tony Award® winning play by Yasmina Reza. The cast literally brings the Atlanta Alliance Theatre stage alive. The four person cast brought life to the stage as if there were many cast members, costume changes, and set changes. What makes the production at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA special is that: this is the first time that God of Carnage has been performed by an all African-American cast. The couples included: Michael & Veronica Novak (Keith Rudolph Smith/Jasmine Guy) and Alan & Annette Raleigh (Geoffrey Darnell Williams/Crystal Fox).

Meeting of the minds between the two couples came about when the Novak’s son was brutally attacked by a classmate at school (Raleigh’s son). The latter was called a snitch and proceeded to strike the young Novak son; thus, knocking two of his front teeth out. The Raleigh’s were invited to the house of the Novak’s to ease the dispute in an adult manner.

That’s when the real drama begins…

The Novak’s and The Raleigh’s start out discussing remedies in a rather diplomatic way; at first. Then, the gloves come off! Each person drops all facades and the real; flawed humans come out to play. Yes, right in the Novak’s living room.

Although we never see the children, the parents give us a clear look into why their dispute went as far as it did. We see the Novak’s and the Raleigh’s as irrational parents whom will not take responsibility for their children’s behavior; each blaming the other’s parenting skills.

Great performances by all cast members.

If you get a chance, check out God of Carnage at the Alliance Theater until February 4, 2012. Visit www.Alliancetheatre.org/carnage for more information.

Special thank you to Kathleen Covington at the Alliance Theatre.

ZOE MYERS: Destiny Knows My Name…

Cutty Shark — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:32:29 +0000

Zoe Myers

On Saturday night, Singer/Songwriter/Actress Zoe Myers celebrated her Birthday in tandem with the release of her new music video, Destiny Knows My Name at 56 East in Atlanta, Georgia. The video was nice and refreshing. The video actually shows how fun-loving the young actress is in real life. She was so personable.

The stars were all aligned as guests enjoyed catered delectable’s such as: Chicken Fingers, Spicy Mac n Cheese, Pizza, Cake Lollipops, etc. Yes, this was a celebration for Zoe’s born day, as well as her video show day so the bar was wide open and the Champagne was flowing.

Some of the young stars that graced the place were: Riley Biederer (Elton John Record Label), Anoop Desai (American Idol, Season 8), Ashley LeConte Campbell (The Blind Side), Anna Colwell (One Tree Hill), Cymia Telleria (Cash Money Records), Clayton Landy (Footloose), Eaddy Mayes (Teen Wolf) and many more.

Riley Biederer (Elton John Record Label), Cutty Shark and Zoe Myers

Congratulations and continued success to Zoe Myers. She is a great talent.

Check Zoe Myers out on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ZoeMyers
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ZoeMyers
Website: www.ZoeMyers.com

Lookout for Zoe Myers on Cutty’s Couch TV…

CARDAMOM HILL: The Taste of Kerala, India

Cutty Shark — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:35:58 +0000

What is Cardamom Hill?

Cardamom Hill is a hip new restaurant in the West Midtown side of town. Chef, Asha Gomez brings a new twist to the world of Indian food and introduces us to the cuisine of Kerala, India. What makes Cardamom Hill different from other Indian cuisine restaurants is that here, the menu changes daily. The menu consists of meat and vegetable dishes that Asha grew up eating as a child in India. “We cook seasonally. We lived by what the land gave us, so the cuisine is very vibrant,” Chef Asha Gomez shared.

The grand opening proved to be just as vibrant as the food, as patrons enjoyed samplings of the fine Kerala Cuisine: Sweet Potato Rice, coconut fried chicken, deep fried beef stroganoff, Kerala inspired cocktails, complimentary wine and Cardamom Hill’s signature Chai tea. “No meal should end without Chai Tea! We spice it with Cardamom. It’s soothing & calming. And, the perfect way to end an Indian meal.” Asha said.

Chef Asha Gomez

About Cardamom
The two main genera of the ginger family that are named as forms of cardamom are distributed as follows:

• Elettaria (commonly called cardamom, green cardamom, or true cardamom) is distributed from India to Malaysia.
• Amomum (commonly known as black cardamom, brown cardamom, Kravan, Java cardamom, Bengal cardamom, Siamese cardamom, white cardamom, or red cardamom) is distributed mainly in Asia and Australia.

Check out the video of the opening of Cardamom Hill in West Midtown – Atlanta (below):

***special thanks to Tara Murphy of 360 Media, Asha Gomez, C. David Travino/Wilson Travino and Christopher Daniel***

JESSICA BETTS: Most Likely To Succeed!!!

Cutty Shark — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:22:20 +0000

Story/Interview by: Timothy “Cutty” Sanders

Pure love and swagger seeped out of the pores of Jessica Betts as she melodically sang: “You steady texting me; steady calling me, cause you want me to Take You Back! What you crying bout; called my momma’s house, cause you want me to Take You Back! After all the stress; wanna send me gifts, cause you want me to Take You Back! Take You Backkk!”

A couple days after her amazing performance on 106 & Park, I got a chance to chat with Jessica Betts about her future, her past, and what is presently taking place in her life. “Its time! That’s what I feel. I feel like its time!” Jessica said. “Its been a journey, a lot of hard work. A lot of sweat, blood & tears, but through it all I just keep God first and just keep my eye on the prize. And that’s just getting the message out there.”

Although not at all new to the game, Betts is still considered a neophyte in the music industry. However, she is extremely ready for the big time. How do I know? Her passion, realness and love for what she is doing shines through during her performances. Jess has a way of pulling you into her heart when she sings. She has the knack of making you feel like she is singing to you. “You know you got to feel. I think what leaves the heart reaches the heart. I love music and I feel that you gotta feel the music and your heart has to be there. So I just go in on what I’m feeling and what I’m saying and that’s the deliverance.” Now, that’s a skill that you have to be born with.

With a hint of androgyny & muliebrity, Jessica’s entire aura screams ‘Superstar’! A mixture between Grace Jones, Mary J. Blige and Adele, she has a style, a personality and a voice that is much needed in the Industry today; tomorrow & forever. Plain and simple, the girl is bad!!!

We got our first glimpse of the mellifluous singer in 2005 on Missy Elliott’s ‘Road To Stardom’. Of course she won! Now it is her time to shine…

All good things comes to those who wait. And like Langston Hughes said, “Life for her has been no crystal stair.”

A native of the Southside of Chicago, Illinois, Jessica has endured a mountain of obstacles, heartaches & pains. But, she came out like the champ that she is, and now she is ready to live her purpose. “Throughout my journey as a Chicagoan and here in NY, its been a wonderful journey. I’m just here now doing my thing and making things happen.”

Since that fateful 106 & Park performance, Jessica has been flooded with interview requests, performance requests, collaboration requests, and the like. I personally say to Jess B.: “It’s your time to shine babygirl. We see you. And yes; we will – TAKE YOU BACK!!!”

Jessica Betts is currently performing throughout New York and preparing her debut album to drop on the world. It is guaranteed to be a banger. She is working with some of the best in the business. Not to mention, she is quite a prolific songwriter herself. You witnessed that with her single, “Why Me”. Keep your radars up for this young lady. You will definitely be hearing a lot from Jessica Betts!

“I like to think that I’m bringing a lot of genuine music back. You’ll get a lot of soul. We’re coming with some Rock and Pop. We’re fusing up most of the genres and just having fun. There’s some very talented musicians and producers that I’m working with. We’re really creating a masterpiece.”

Jessica Betts just released her first single, “TAKE YOU BACK”on iTunes. Go pick that up. Also check her out on Twitter and Facebook:

Twitter.com/JessicaBetts
Facebook.com/JessicaBetts

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/take-you-back-single/id489916523

Check out the live performance of Take You Back by Jessica Betts (Below):

***Extra special thanks to: Jessica Betts, Phil McGowan and Berka Ngong for really caring. Continued success!!!***

CAVALIA ODYSSEO: Straight from the Horses Mouth

Cutty Shark — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:40:25 +0000

What do you get when you mix 71 Horses from 6 different countries; trained acrobats & dancers from all over the world; and Atlanta, Georgia? Cavalia Odysseo! The show is performed under the largest White Big Top in the world.

Cavalia is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The company “presents large-scale equestrian productions involving trick riding, vaulting, haute`ecole¹ and pas de deux², unbridled displays, and Cirque du Soleil-like performances.” Cavalia was created by Normand Latourelle, whom is also one of the original founders of Cirque du Soleil.

A mixture of Humans and Horses, the show is an elaborate production in which the two species become one. Odysseo’s Equestrian Director and Choreographer, Benjamin Aillaud commands precise movements from the horses with a mere lift of his hands. It is an amazing sight to see. Although humans control the show, the true stars of the production are the horses themselves. Made up of 26 Stallions and 45 Geldings, there are no mares. “The horses are only asked to practice one hour each day, and get two hours each day for play. They only perform for 5-10 minutes per show, 7-8 times per week, and the horses are trained to understudy for each other so different horses can be given the day off.”

Normand Latourelle
Founder & Artistic Director

The driving force behind Cirque du Soleil, Latourelle has been in the performing arts for over 40 years. He founded Cavalia in 2003, and has been fully dedicated to its productions ever since. In 2007, Normand received the Ordre National du Quebec³ for his achievements.

Benjamin Aillaud
Equestrian Director & Choreographer

Born in France, Aillaud bought his first horse at the age of 6. He has been performing horse tricks, as well as training horses since then; he is now 33. Benjamin is “twice vice-champion of the world and four-time champion of France in four-horse carriage.” He has been equestrian director for Cavalia since 2009.

Location: Midtown Atlanta – 8th and Spring Street
Dates: December 7, 2011 through January 8, 2012

More Info: www.Cavalia.net or 1-866-999-8111

¹purest form of classical riding
²french, step of two
³civilian honor for merit in the Canadian province of Quebec

Check out sneak peek of Rehearsals and Show below:

Special thanks to: Tara Murphy of 360 Media, Normand Latourelle, Benjamin Aillaud &Wayne Fowkes of Cavalia, Cutty’s Couch TV.

KANDI KOATED SPADES by Kandi Burruss

Cutty Shark — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 13:29:09 +0000

On Tuesday, December 6, 2011 Grammy Award Winning singer/songwriter/entreprenuer and reality show star Kandi Burruss unveiled her newest business venture: Kandi Koated Spades; the App for iPhone/iPad. Held at Frank Ski’s Restaurant, special invited press got a chance to sample the new app with Kandi Girl herself. And, two fortunate winners walked away with their very own iPad.

“Kandi Koated Spades has all of the real action that we use in Spades, like reneging and cutting,” said Kandi. “I love this app and I know my hardcore Spades players will too.”

Kandi Koated Spades (KKS) was made possible not only by Kandi, but also the developers of Konsole Kingz: CJ Peters and Marcus Matthews.

KANDI KOATED SPADES is available on iTunes. Visit http://kkspad.es/qWsdfR to purchase. For information on KKS, visit www.KandiKoatedSpades.com or follow us on Twitter (@kandispades).

British Pop Singer/Songwriter, Natasha Bedingfield covers ‘Purple Rain’ Live…

Cutty Shark — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:01:02 +0000

*Footage shot/edited by: Timothy “Cutty” Sanders

REV. JOSEPH E. LOWERY celebrates 90 Years of Life

Cutty Shark — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:49:01 +0000

On Sunday, October 9, 2011 – Civil Rights Activist and Leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Joseph E. Lowery celebrated 90 years of life. From Huntsville, Alabama Lowery is a minister in the United Methodist Church. He became the 3rd President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He also participated in the most important activities of the African-American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s with the likes of: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ambassador Andrew Young, and Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy.

In 2004, Dr. Lowery was honored at the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. On January 20, 2009, Dr. Lowery delivered the benediction at the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America. Also in 2009, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

This was a special Birthday for Rev. Lowery. To celebrate 90 years of life, he was joined by many great friends: Stevie Wonder, Peabo Bryson, Jennifer Holliday, Rev. Al Sharpton, Bernice King, Martin Luther King, III, Cicely Tyson and Tramaine Hawkins, just to name a few. To wish him a special happy 90th birthday; President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou and 39th President Jimmy Carter wished him a happy birthday live via video.

Check out the live video of Rev. Joseph E. Lowry’s 90th Birthday Celebration:

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges receives 2011 Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award

Cutty Shark — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:06:52 +0000

In the spirit of Extraordinary Philanthropy, The Community Voices of the Morehouse School of Medicine presented the 2011 Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award to GRAMMY® award winning artist and actor, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges on October 6, 2011 at the swanky St. Regis Atlanta in Buckhead (Atlanta), GA. The award compliments special individuals who go above and beyond their civic call of duty to improving health care to the underprivileged globally.

Most people know him as the “Rapper” Ludacris, but to those who depend on a better way of life and building their future he is Chris Bridges. Through his ‘The Ludacris Foundation’, he inspires youth to give their all and he builds confidence in communities all over the world. The Ludacris Foundation was founded by Bridges in 2001; in it’s 10th year, the foundation (spearheaded by his mother, Roberta Shields) aims to strengthen the youth by the importance of Education and following one’s dreams. The foundation’s primary focus is on three key areas (3L’s): Leadership and Education; Living Healthy Lifestyles; and LudaCares. For more information, visit www.theludacrisfoundation.org.

“Being a local celebrity and going to halfway houses & visiting children in hospitals is probably the best thing that could have ever happened in my life, because I noticed how I affected these young people and how I made a difference in their lives. And; that, is why you know about the Ludacris Foundation today.”
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges

The Gala began with a pre-reception where both Soledad O’Brien, as well as Chris “Ludacris” Bridges spoke to the students of the Morehouse School of Medicine to further inspire them on this great night. They also awarded University of Southern California Graduate and President of the Correctional Medicine Interest Group at Morehouse School of Medicine, Sinmi Bamgbose with the first annual Soledad O’Brien Master in Public Health honor scholar Award. What a great night to celebrate Extraordinary Philanthropy.

In closing, Chris thanked his mother for her tireless efforts not only to raise him to be an upstanding member of society, but also in running The Ludacris Foundation.

Previous winners of the Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award are: 2009: Malaak Compton-Rock; 2010: Hill Harper; 2010: Kevin Liles.

Take a look at the Live Video Footage of The 2011 Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award Gala below:

*video shot/edited by: Timothy “Cutty Shark” Sanders

GLAAD 25: Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence

Cutty Shark — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:53:04 +0000

On Saturday, October 1, 2011 the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) – Atlanta celebrated 25 years of service. The red carpet event took place at the posh Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery, where a number of power players filled the room in great fashion. “For 25 years, GLAAD has worked with news, entertainment and social media to bring culture-changing stories of LGBT people into millions of homes and workplaces every day.”

Special Celebrity Guests included: Melissa Carter, Don Lemon, Kat Graham, Itay Hod, Brannon Purvis and Lady Chamblis, with guest DJ: DJ Jay McCracken. Throughout the evening, many other activists/power players filled the room, such as: Bille Woodruff, Sally Ringo, and Amanda Bearse, just to name a few. This was a great event, for a great cause. So many activists came out to lend their time to show how much they care. Great speeches by: Amanda Bearse, Sally Ringo, Itay Hod and Don Lemon.

The Atlanta LGBT Community and Guests enjoyed signature ROKK Vodka cocktails and artisan hors d’oeuvres while honoring community heroes and advocates.

Honorees included: Marcus Jackson, Sally Ringo, Allen Jones, Don Lemon, Ben Hadsock, Bubba D. Licious, Charlie Brown, Chris Coleman, Darian Aaron, David Stark, Don George, Duncan Teague, Jeff Cleghorn, Jeff Graham, Jodi Duncan, Justin Ziegler, Linda Ellis, Lynn Barfield, Mariela Romero, Matt Hennie, Mitchel Anderson, Richie Arpino, Pat Hussain, Paul Horning, Paul Plate, Phillip Rafshoon, Rodney White, Steven Scarborough, Tyler Caukins & William Duffie-Braun. Congratulations to all recipients.

Special thanks to: Joanie Ferguson, MiMi McCain, Melissa Carter, Don Lemon, Elsa Hamilton, Bille Woodruff and Marcus Jackson.

Very Special thanks to: Dean (Dino) Thompson-Sarmiento. Great job Dino!!!

Check out Live Video footage of Ceremony: