By Diarra Davis
On Saturday, March 12th, the Atlanta House of Comedy invaded Apache Café. Beginning at 7 pm and performing two shows in succession, there was a room filled with up and coming comedians from everywhere. It was a full house for both the opening show and the following 9 o’ clock performance.
This was an opportunity, not only to be entertained by the riotous acts that came to split sides, but also catch a glimpse of the Atlanta’s comedic community. The corporate crowd, as named by comic veteran Arnesto Ross, shared hearty laughs with these hard working showmen. What I learned most is that the ATL is home to some of the best working comedians and people need to pay attention. These cats don’t do swag and are not to be taken for granted.
Zay Ali provided the intro music as Corey ‘Zoo Man’ Miller acted as the master of ceremonies. Fitting considering his long-standing presence as an Apache participant, Zoo man, a big piece of Apache and Atlanta’s history, since Yin Yang and the Chronicle. Heading a team that featured a few of their creative minds on this night, Zoo Man developed a multimedia force rooted in comedy. Displaying a diverse range, the members of this squad are not one-dimensional. Look for the ‘Co-Workers’ on Youtube.com.
The night’s happenings were utterly hilarious. Karlous Miller of the ATL Co-Workers, clowned on Souljah Boy and other over swagged rap acts. The young Miller has been the rocking stage for more than six years after knowing that stand up was something he wanted to do in the 10th grade. Karlous showed why he is considered the LeBron James of the ‘Co-Workers’ with a thorough act that had everyone in the building bursting out in guffaws that were well earned.
There were quite a few first time folks new to Apache. T Mo B Redikulus, who definitely was, Darryl Damm, and Marcus Combs highlighted the difference in men and women’s texting speed with an impressive anecdote. Combs closed, representing his physically challenged friends, who know how to rock the Cha-Cha slide could teach us all a little something. Another guest Apache first timer was Tropic Thunder co-star, and Martin Lawrence’s Big Momma 2 screen partner, Brandon T. Jackson. Jackson is in town filming a television series and found the Apache crowd quite discriminating.
Twice a year, the Atlanta House of Comedy forms like Voltron to present this blend of comic talent. The Atlanta comedy scene has gone through a lot of transitions and seen many come and go. In the south, recession relocation has led a lot of thirty something comedians to the city seeking stardom. Corey ‘Zoo Man’ Miller views the stage, mic and money hustle as crowded. Yet, once in the game, the love can keep you there. You could tell beyond a shadow of a doubt that these wizards of wit truly love what they do and they do it well. Honest laughs were made by all this weekend thanks to another successfully funny show, well done, as evidenced by the soreness of my sides.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Catch Al Smith's Midtown Jam Session on Wednesdays
By Diarra Davis
Al Smith’s Jam Session has been a consistent fixture for more than eight years at Apache.
This event is a standing room only, homie. The show starts at nine and you may not find a seat if you stroll in at ten. Here, you can find a blend of many musicians who has graced the Apache stage combined to create a profound force of sound, and this is where they get down.
Double drum sets, twice the guitars, and the bass, hey, a few of those too. And all perform together at the same time; I know I have never seen anything like it. It’s like an instrumental royal rumble. Hip cats tagging in and out, taking their turns at the helm of hotness. For this evening, there is no poetry, no rap, and no tracks; nothing but straight singing, for the band backdrop is not for rapper banter.
As always, the café provides the platform for song stylists to share. And the seats are filled, so, hit the sign in sheet and bring your vocals for the locals. It is undeniably live on this night. Folks seem to fight for space on the floor. All night long the crowd continues to flow in the door.
Corey is the host of Al’s Jam Session, as usual. He can be viewed in the midst of the instrumental assault crafting live art at an easel. Each performer is given about four minutes and a few seconds with a DJ on board to instruct when to wrap it up. Not only that, but if the fans aren’t feeling it, a flick of the wrist will facilitate a replacement.
Once a performer and band get on the same page, great things happen. This weekly event is the epitome of a Jam Session. Instrumentalists from all over the city fall through to share this night of improvisational prowess. Al Smith’s Jam Session can be summarized as a Wednesday night, where the beautiful and the talented come to socialize, be surprised, and also challenge each other in the arena of expression.
Al Smith’s Jam Session has been a consistent fixture for more than eight years at Apache.
This event is a standing room only, homie. The show starts at nine and you may not find a seat if you stroll in at ten. Here, you can find a blend of many musicians who has graced the Apache stage combined to create a profound force of sound, and this is where they get down.
Double drum sets, twice the guitars, and the bass, hey, a few of those too. And all perform together at the same time; I know I have never seen anything like it. It’s like an instrumental royal rumble. Hip cats tagging in and out, taking their turns at the helm of hotness. For this evening, there is no poetry, no rap, and no tracks; nothing but straight singing, for the band backdrop is not for rapper banter.
As always, the café provides the platform for song stylists to share. And the seats are filled, so, hit the sign in sheet and bring your vocals for the locals. It is undeniably live on this night. Folks seem to fight for space on the floor. All night long the crowd continues to flow in the door.
Corey is the host of Al’s Jam Session, as usual. He can be viewed in the midst of the instrumental assault crafting live art at an easel. Each performer is given about four minutes and a few seconds with a DJ on board to instruct when to wrap it up. Not only that, but if the fans aren’t feeling it, a flick of the wrist will facilitate a replacement.
Once a performer and band get on the same page, great things happen. This weekly event is the epitome of a Jam Session. Instrumentalists from all over the city fall through to share this night of improvisational prowess. Al Smith’s Jam Session can be summarized as a Wednesday night, where the beautiful and the talented come to socialize, be surprised, and also challenge each other in the arena of expression.
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Mecca of Creativeness--The Bohemian Circus
By Diarra Davis
Every Monday at the Mecca for creativity, here in Atlanta, the Bohemian Circus is to be witnessed.
Celebrating 10 years is this amazing Masquerade. It is an immediate immersion into culture and colors. Presenting the powers of artistry live and direct, Art Mondays, as it was formerly known, offers a creative environment that features the unexpected.
Met by the sweetness of burning incense upon entrance, a spectator observes many masters of line and shade creating on their canvases. A figure drawing takes place from 7:30pm - 11pm, with a live model posted prominently in the midst of photographers and flashes. Watercolors, markers, and charcoal pens go to work giving birth to different renditions of beauty. Streamline, svelte models adorned in bangles with black lace, provides inspiration for their inscriptions. Every week allows the involvement of a different model. From the brownest skinned goddess figurines, to the presentation of shaded lids and lips rocking French tips and other well-structured subjects.
Apache continues to provide the platform for such honesty and exchange. On the first Monday of each month, there is a featured artist whose works are displayed for the public to view and that artist participates in a Q and A. There is a wealth of wisdom to be gained here. It is and awesome arena for many because its the birthing place of innovating a story. Enhanced by the performance of live music, or beats on occasion, you have an amalgamation of artistry awesome to be evidenced.
Art Mondays can get you attuned to your ancestry, give you a good groove, draw a fantastic diorama of the Diaspora, or just get you in a good mood, while giving you something good to look at. There is honestly nothing like it. If you’re feeling some trumpet, sax, and keys, want to practice your painting, or picture taking, maybe you just craving good food and drinks. The Bohemian Circus is a must see. Once again friends, it’s another evening where the Apache Café is the perfect place to be.
Every Monday at the Mecca for creativity, here in Atlanta, the Bohemian Circus is to be witnessed.
Celebrating 10 years is this amazing Masquerade. It is an immediate immersion into culture and colors. Presenting the powers of artistry live and direct, Art Mondays, as it was formerly known, offers a creative environment that features the unexpected.
Met by the sweetness of burning incense upon entrance, a spectator observes many masters of line and shade creating on their canvases. A figure drawing takes place from 7:30pm - 11pm, with a live model posted prominently in the midst of photographers and flashes. Watercolors, markers, and charcoal pens go to work giving birth to different renditions of beauty. Streamline, svelte models adorned in bangles with black lace, provides inspiration for their inscriptions. Every week allows the involvement of a different model. From the brownest skinned goddess figurines, to the presentation of shaded lids and lips rocking French tips and other well-structured subjects.
Apache continues to provide the platform for such honesty and exchange. On the first Monday of each month, there is a featured artist whose works are displayed for the public to view and that artist participates in a Q and A. There is a wealth of wisdom to be gained here. It is and awesome arena for many because its the birthing place of innovating a story. Enhanced by the performance of live music, or beats on occasion, you have an amalgamation of artistry awesome to be evidenced.
Art Mondays can get you attuned to your ancestry, give you a good groove, draw a fantastic diorama of the Diaspora, or just get you in a good mood, while giving you something good to look at. There is honestly nothing like it. If you’re feeling some trumpet, sax, and keys, want to practice your painting, or picture taking, maybe you just craving good food and drinks. The Bohemian Circus is a must see. Once again friends, it’s another evening where the Apache Café is the perfect place to be.
Word is Born!
By Diarra Davis
Word is Born is the spot on Sundays at Apache. With multiple participants and DJ Jeff spinning contemporary soulful tracks in the background, you can expect a crowd on any given Sunday. With a combination of music, drinks, creativeness and an interactive audience, the meaning and power of spoken word are truly captured by the numerous participants. Helping birth the careers of legendary artists, Word is Born cultivates poetry. Yes, connecting both old and new patrons to another level of intellect with Coco Skinz as the host, the atmosphere is always refreshing. Any artist can cultivate the connection with the ever-changing fan base. You can catch the hardest working hood star Malachi and Def Poetry Jam diva Georgia Me flexing their multi-talented muscles at this open forum.
On this initial evening of the week, the most quality and wisdom can be heard with the spinning of music. With Reggae pulsating in the back, the soulful Dilla-tinged tracks, spun by DJ Jeff, translate into an appropriate introduction for Ms. Coco Skinz who has been holding it down for three years.
Once acquainted with the proper greeting of an 'oh so incredible' open mic begins. There are no drink specials on this night; however, none are needed. Sista Skinz takes an opportunity to say some things that needed to be said, by first smacking her lips, which was the highlight of her big kitty banter which is amazingly arousing and entertaining. When done putting feminine thoughts on broadcast, she dives into the list of poetic participants.
It is always good to see people sharing their thoughts and being open. Whether it’s sweet R&B serenades, a saved man’s rage, or, the somewhat carnally charged passion presented in a public place; the honesty is appreciated. A variety of voices combine, interlaced in between chant down vibes, acoustic sets, and stories told--the highlights are numerous. A three-piece band is often available to lend a creative hand and therefore, joins in for the feature.
Self-promotion is encouraged and the house is consistently packed. Come participate with an attentive crowd that is different every week. The performers and performances are all well received. When the audience is interacting, they are interacting, and if you hit the stage you will know when your audience is for you. All 150-200 strong all night long.
Word is Born is the spot on Sundays at Apache. With multiple participants and DJ Jeff spinning contemporary soulful tracks in the background, you can expect a crowd on any given Sunday. With a combination of music, drinks, creativeness and an interactive audience, the meaning and power of spoken word are truly captured by the numerous participants. Helping birth the careers of legendary artists, Word is Born cultivates poetry. Yes, connecting both old and new patrons to another level of intellect with Coco Skinz as the host, the atmosphere is always refreshing. Any artist can cultivate the connection with the ever-changing fan base. You can catch the hardest working hood star Malachi and Def Poetry Jam diva Georgia Me flexing their multi-talented muscles at this open forum.
On this initial evening of the week, the most quality and wisdom can be heard with the spinning of music. With Reggae pulsating in the back, the soulful Dilla-tinged tracks, spun by DJ Jeff, translate into an appropriate introduction for Ms. Coco Skinz who has been holding it down for three years.
Once acquainted with the proper greeting of an 'oh so incredible' open mic begins. There are no drink specials on this night; however, none are needed. Sista Skinz takes an opportunity to say some things that needed to be said, by first smacking her lips, which was the highlight of her big kitty banter which is amazingly arousing and entertaining. When done putting feminine thoughts on broadcast, she dives into the list of poetic participants.
It is always good to see people sharing their thoughts and being open. Whether it’s sweet R&B serenades, a saved man’s rage, or, the somewhat carnally charged passion presented in a public place; the honesty is appreciated. A variety of voices combine, interlaced in between chant down vibes, acoustic sets, and stories told--the highlights are numerous. A three-piece band is often available to lend a creative hand and therefore, joins in for the feature.
Self-promotion is encouraged and the house is consistently packed. Come participate with an attentive crowd that is different every week. The performers and performances are all well received. When the audience is interacting, they are interacting, and if you hit the stage you will know when your audience is for you. All 150-200 strong all night long.
Shinobi Ninja Rock Hood
By Diarra Davis
The sabbatical of my weekend was spent rocking hood on a Saturday night. Shinobi Ninja attacked Atlanta. Free from any expectations, I was ready for whatever. Noticing a different a setup as far as tables and chairs, it seemed like the place was prepared for those predisposed to PUNK posturing crowd surfing perhaps. As always, I am ever ready to embrace any awesomeness Apache has attracted.
Prior to making their moves to Mardi gras, opening act The Lunch Break breezed through to get acquainted with another southern audience. Having a fun loving fan base that reaches obscure areas from Issaquah, Washington to Waterloo, Canada, The Lunch Break boast of wanting to do for hip-hop what the Beatles did for rock. My friends, those are lofty expectations indeed. Born in Atlanta, the three-member group, who is made up of Mike Cease, Jayell, and JDG, has created a movement in Henry County. Backed by DJ X, their coordinated quality sound is represented by a cohesive party pulse. Judging by the constituents who had begun to file in, The Lunch Break had brought a following.
DJ X warmed the house by erecting sick blends of hotness that had the waitresses rocking. X most definitely is in possession of skills. Following an introduction from the group’s manager, DJ X chimed in with an invitation for the folks to fill the front. There were a few responses to this calling, mostly from the young following. Transitioning from N.E.R.D’s ‘Lap Dance’ to the single ‘Jeremy Piven’ I see the vision and the influence. The Lunch Break gets wild, while asking the crowd to get wild with them. Jayell, JDG, and the friendly neighborhood beat maker Mike Cease screamed about shooting out the sun. A little ditty aggressively expressing a nocturnal studio dweller’s aversion to having to confront the rays of the sky bound heat provider.
A bright spot in the extended set featured all seven songs from their EP release, and then afterword the members on stage stepped down to the edge to represent their area. Jayell hails from south Atlanta, JDG from south Jersey, and Cease from Cali. Regional sounds spilled out of the performers while the crew took time out to dance and party with the people.
Unfortunately, a seven-song set is a little long for an opening act. The Lunch Break came with plenty of energy yet; the crowd seemed to lose energy by the midway point of the mini concert. They may have done better to pare down the amount of songs shared, letting DJ X carry the night and get his shine. The applause of the sparse crowd acknowledged the MTV Twitter contest finalist nastiness. Up to this point, he was the highlight.
In spite of a broken trailer, the intense time spent on the side of the road, Shinobi Ninja survived to hype the night. The crew arrived absolutely on time bringing in a fresh radiant, positive energy. After a slight break, just as things had begun to fizzle, the Brooklyn band mates came with the charge. Five guitars rested ready to be wielded, four finger rings featured as front woman adornments, DJ AXIS took over and made his announcements, and it began. The funk, hip-hop rock brought the lingering lovers of lethal language to the front, finally. Lead man DA was spitting, thrashing, slashing, and about to jump through the roof as Shinobi opened with the anthem ‘Rock Hood’. Baby G has a legitimate raspy flow, singing voice that adds just the needed semi-sweetness. Okay. I can dig it. DA’s pairing with Baby Girl makes for a unique male-female lead combo that I can’t recall seeing anywhere else. Plus, they’re, like, best friends…and you can tell. Their rapport and stage presence are more than magnetic. And, I repeat, they both have a legitimate flow. DA’s vocals with BABY G, MANIAC MIKE – GUITAR, ALIEN LEX – BASS, DJ AXIS POWERS on the TURNTABLEs and Terminator DAVE on the Drums had everyone throwing their hands up as the band kept banging our dome to pieces. Maniac Mike switched up his guitar game with each selection, an action that was impressive in its own right.
Shinobi then shared a new joint titled ‘Super R U’, which held up the claim that their genre is ‘the hard stuff.’ DA delivered his lyrics posted on the monitor. Straight to the face and quite convincing with an undeniable energy made this mixture everything I could have expected. I totally get it. Then, as the night began to come to a close, Apache got blessed with a Ninja feel good song about simply being you. Hard rocking hood; inspirational and encouraging. Absolutely amazing it’s a wonderful thing; Brooklyn stand up!
In conclusion, the night was spent joining The Lunch Break on their jaunt through a year in the life. From first lunch, cold fish sticks and limp biscuits, to songs about chasing money and then explaining away the dangers of the monetary pursuit. Well done, yet probably too much to digest in one sitting. Straight to the point rocking turned out to be the best option as the headliners managed to bring life to an evening that could have been considered somewhat a lackluster. I’ll be keeping my eye out for The Lunch Break, and will definitely mark my calendar for Shinobi Ninja’s scheduled April release date. I can say I expect great things to continue to come out of the BK. Tonight the east was in the house and, no doubt, they did come equipped. BLAAAAAAOOW!
The sabbatical of my weekend was spent rocking hood on a Saturday night. Shinobi Ninja attacked Atlanta. Free from any expectations, I was ready for whatever. Noticing a different a setup as far as tables and chairs, it seemed like the place was prepared for those predisposed to PUNK posturing crowd surfing perhaps. As always, I am ever ready to embrace any awesomeness Apache has attracted.
Prior to making their moves to Mardi gras, opening act The Lunch Break breezed through to get acquainted with another southern audience. Having a fun loving fan base that reaches obscure areas from Issaquah, Washington to Waterloo, Canada, The Lunch Break boast of wanting to do for hip-hop what the Beatles did for rock. My friends, those are lofty expectations indeed. Born in Atlanta, the three-member group, who is made up of Mike Cease, Jayell, and JDG, has created a movement in Henry County. Backed by DJ X, their coordinated quality sound is represented by a cohesive party pulse. Judging by the constituents who had begun to file in, The Lunch Break had brought a following.
DJ X warmed the house by erecting sick blends of hotness that had the waitresses rocking. X most definitely is in possession of skills. Following an introduction from the group’s manager, DJ X chimed in with an invitation for the folks to fill the front. There were a few responses to this calling, mostly from the young following. Transitioning from N.E.R.D’s ‘Lap Dance’ to the single ‘Jeremy Piven’ I see the vision and the influence. The Lunch Break gets wild, while asking the crowd to get wild with them. Jayell, JDG, and the friendly neighborhood beat maker Mike Cease screamed about shooting out the sun. A little ditty aggressively expressing a nocturnal studio dweller’s aversion to having to confront the rays of the sky bound heat provider.
A bright spot in the extended set featured all seven songs from their EP release, and then afterword the members on stage stepped down to the edge to represent their area. Jayell hails from south Atlanta, JDG from south Jersey, and Cease from Cali. Regional sounds spilled out of the performers while the crew took time out to dance and party with the people.
Unfortunately, a seven-song set is a little long for an opening act. The Lunch Break came with plenty of energy yet; the crowd seemed to lose energy by the midway point of the mini concert. They may have done better to pare down the amount of songs shared, letting DJ X carry the night and get his shine. The applause of the sparse crowd acknowledged the MTV Twitter contest finalist nastiness. Up to this point, he was the highlight.
In spite of a broken trailer, the intense time spent on the side of the road, Shinobi Ninja survived to hype the night. The crew arrived absolutely on time bringing in a fresh radiant, positive energy. After a slight break, just as things had begun to fizzle, the Brooklyn band mates came with the charge. Five guitars rested ready to be wielded, four finger rings featured as front woman adornments, DJ AXIS took over and made his announcements, and it began. The funk, hip-hop rock brought the lingering lovers of lethal language to the front, finally. Lead man DA was spitting, thrashing, slashing, and about to jump through the roof as Shinobi opened with the anthem ‘Rock Hood’. Baby G has a legitimate raspy flow, singing voice that adds just the needed semi-sweetness. Okay. I can dig it. DA’s pairing with Baby Girl makes for a unique male-female lead combo that I can’t recall seeing anywhere else. Plus, they’re, like, best friends…and you can tell. Their rapport and stage presence are more than magnetic. And, I repeat, they both have a legitimate flow. DA’s vocals with BABY G, MANIAC MIKE – GUITAR, ALIEN LEX – BASS, DJ AXIS POWERS on the TURNTABLEs and Terminator DAVE on the Drums had everyone throwing their hands up as the band kept banging our dome to pieces. Maniac Mike switched up his guitar game with each selection, an action that was impressive in its own right.
Shinobi then shared a new joint titled ‘Super R U’, which held up the claim that their genre is ‘the hard stuff.’ DA delivered his lyrics posted on the monitor. Straight to the face and quite convincing with an undeniable energy made this mixture everything I could have expected. I totally get it. Then, as the night began to come to a close, Apache got blessed with a Ninja feel good song about simply being you. Hard rocking hood; inspirational and encouraging. Absolutely amazing it’s a wonderful thing; Brooklyn stand up!
In conclusion, the night was spent joining The Lunch Break on their jaunt through a year in the life. From first lunch, cold fish sticks and limp biscuits, to songs about chasing money and then explaining away the dangers of the monetary pursuit. Well done, yet probably too much to digest in one sitting. Straight to the point rocking turned out to be the best option as the headliners managed to bring life to an evening that could have been considered somewhat a lackluster. I’ll be keeping my eye out for The Lunch Break, and will definitely mark my calendar for Shinobi Ninja’s scheduled April release date. I can say I expect great things to continue to come out of the BK. Tonight the east was in the house and, no doubt, they did come equipped. BLAAAAAAOOW!
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