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August Wilson takes over September

2008-09-16T14:50:00Z

I’ve been a theater tear for the past two weeks…well not really a tear, maybe a rip. Thanks to Andrea Gardenhire with the Alliance Theatre to bless me with passes to the August Wilson play, Radio Golf. August Wilson, one of the great playwrights of our time crafted a two part series, Gem of the Ocean and Radio Golf as his last offering, and the Alliance Theatre presented it in grand fashion. Here are the descriptions taken from the Alliance Website: http://www.alliancetheatre.org/performance.aspx?id=3390

About Gem of the Ocean:
An evocative story of redemption and renewal, Gem of the Ocean is set against the legacy of emancipation in 1904 Pittsburgh. Here, the legendary Aunt Ester's home at 1839 Wylie Street in the Hill District is an almost magical haven for new possibilities. But her resources are tested when a handsome young man named Citizen Barlow migrating north from Alabama arrives, fleeing a dangerous past.About Radio Golf:
Radio Golf brings audiences to Pittsburgh in 1997 into the heart of a political campaign that is challenging what kind of future the city will build. Harmond Wilks, a successful real estate entrepreneur, is primed to become the city's first black mayor. This, his destiny, comes head-to-head with his heritage when he discovers the run down house at 1839 Wylie Street he must demolish to achieve a dream of urban renewal is the very same home where Aunt Ester once lived.

Award winning directors, Kenny Leon and Kent Gash, brought their A game to the stage in directing the same cast transforming between two sets. I only had the chance to see Radio Golf, but definitely want to go back and see Gem of the Ocean to see how it all ties together. Radio Golf highlighted a lot of the struggles that blacks in America face (no pun on CNN) holding true to our families vs. climbing the economic ladder. A lot of truth is said in jest, so the dialogue was pertinent while still being entertaining. The plays will be running through September 28^that the Alliance Theatre. Time is running short! Don’t delay this “gem” of a treat. And remember, what would nightlife be without Cocktails?

The Rainbow is Enough!!!

2008-08-20T12:24:00Z

What are we doing today Cocktails? Trying to take over the world! Okay, or at least Arts, Culture, and Entertainment in Atlanta. I have officially launched my campaign to pull citizens, one person at a time, from the dismal abyss of conformity that they are plummeting to. Creativity is waning, and the arts, even though present, are at the bottom of our priority totem pole. As a cultured man, we don’t have a lot of options to take our lady too. As a renaissance man, I enjoy plays and rainbows. It gives me a gay feeling inside (happy that is :-). So the perfect option this weekend is “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf”, opening on Friday, August 22 at the 14^th Street Playhouse. Jasmine Guy, of Television Sitcom “Different World” acclaim, returns to her Atlanta roots to direct and choreograph this offering. Originally a choreopoem (a series of 20 separate poems) by Ntozake Shange in the 1970’s, IKAM Productions resurrects this play to the pleasure of the Atlanta theatre scene. The content deals with the struggles of the African American woman in love, abandonment, rape, abuse, abortion, inner strength, and other pertinent issues in our community that are rarely discussed. I look forward to opening night on the 22^nd. People that have seen the play have nothing but positive things to say about it. Plus I did a ticket giveaway on my list, and over 50 people responded trying to win 2 pairs of passes! If more than one person says it, it must be true! Join me for an evening of theatre. Remember, what would nightlife be without Cocktails?

“For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf” at 14^th Street Playhouse – 173 14^th Street, Atlanta, GA 30309. August 22 – 31. Go to www.ikamproductions.com for show times and ticket prices.

Dekalb Back to School Family Fun Day

2008-08-07T20:04:00Z

Thank you for rallying to our call!! We are still accepting last minute monetary donations, but it is going to be a great Saturday. Forecast - Mostly Sunny and 87 Degrees!! Sysco is providing 1000 hot dogs and hamburgers. Frito Lay is providing 700 bags of chips. Get there early. We are feeding folks while supplies last. Don't show up at 5 p.m. talking about where's the food? You can bring your lawn chairs, tents, and picnic baskets with your own stash. Bring school supplies for the kids. We have the live stage with the band Gritz and Jelly Butter, DJ Mark Angel, and more special invited guests!! IT’S FREE!!!

WE WILL SEE YOU AUGUST 9TH AT DEKALB BACK TO SCHOOL FAMILY FUN DAY IN LITHONIA PARK!!

STIR (Sounds, Thoughts, Ideas, and Rhyme) this Friday!!!

2008-07-17T13:06:00Z

We are one month from the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF STIR (SOUNDS, THOUGHTS, IDEAS, AND RHYME)! (August is also my birthday month, barbecue coming August 9th. Stay focused.) Can you believe that we have been blessed to bring this to you for a year consistently? That is because Atlanta has made it apparent that YOU APPRECIATE something different, eclectic, cultural, positive, and entertaining. So I'm not going to let you down and keep shouting it from the mountain tops!THIS MONTH YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! WE HAVE GUEST ARTISTS IN TOWN THAT HAVEN'T BEEN HERE IN YEARS, AND YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY ARE COMING BACK!! That's right. One of the Godfathers of Spoken Word, TAALAM ACEY www.myspace.com/officialtaalamacey, will be at STIR on the mic ripping it down. If you say you are a poetry lover and don't know that name, then burn your notebook. I can honestly say at least 50 percent of spoken word artists have bitten this brother's style and used it as their own. Come see the originator on JULY 18TH! And I'm not done! Fresh from L.A., one of the baddest acoustic folk singers, SANDBLOOM http://www.myspace.com/sandbloom WILL BE IN FULL EFFECT (E-F-F-E-C-T. A smooth operator operating correctly - Rakim). Rounding out the line up is Ms. Latifah, Las4Eva, London Arrington, Cola Rum and Scott Sommers bringing some comedy, Belly Dancing by Jazz Baptiste, Special Guest Artists, and Gritz and Jelly Butter leaving a Bigfoot Print in Art on 5! FINALLY!! EVERY ONE KNOWS THAT IT'S HOTTER THAN JULY! SO WE ARE KEEPING IT COOL IN JULY!!! THIS IS THE LINEN AND SUNDRESS EDITION! DRESS ACCORDINGLY! LADIES, I WANT TO SEE THE SUPPLE SHOULDERS AND PAINTED TOES! FELLAS, GET YOUR BILLY DEE ON WITH THE CRISP LINEN OUTFIT! IT'S GOING DOWN! $10 PRESALE? COME ON MAN! BUY YOUR TICKET NOW!! THIS IS THE LAST MONTH THAT YOU CAN GET TICKETS FOR THIS PRICE! TRUST AND BELIEVE THAT :-)

STIR is located at Art on 5 Art Gallery, 2001 Martin Luther King Dr., Atlanta, GA. For more info log on to www.myspace.com/cocktailscommentary

Take Interstate 20 to Exit 53 (MLK Dr). If coming from 20E, take a right, 20W, make a left off exit. Building is 1/4 mile down on right hand side. We are in a 6 story yellow building with a black iron gate. We are across from Westview Cemetary. Art on 5 is on the 5th floor.

The Prodigal Son Returns...

2008-06-25T19:00:00Z

As if he ever left...But just like Kanye, he is back bigger, faster, better, and stronger. He is the Iron Man of the soul scene right now in Atlanta, GA, and artists like India Arie recoginize it. That's right ladies and gentleman, I am talking about Georgia grown, Anthony David http://www.myspace.com/anthonydavid. He is the first artist signed to India Arie's newly formed label, Soulbird Records (under Universal Republic), and they have wasted no time getting him BACK OUT to the masses. After two successful independent albums, "Three Cords & The Truth" and "Red Clay Chronicles", they are extracting the greatest hits, and repackaging it as, "Acey Deucey". The album hit stores yesterday, June 24th. His video, 'Words", featuring India Arie is in heavy rotation on VH1 Soul and BET as we speak.

To celebrate, Anthony David is getting his closest friends together (about 1500 of them) and doing an album release at Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree, Atlanta, GA, this Saturday, June 28th. The doors open at 8 pm. The show starts at 9 pm. This will be a great event with live music, drinks, and fellowship. I know I will be in the building! For more information check out www.anthonydavidmusic.com. Tickets are available at all Ticket Master Outlets. Remember, what would nightlife be without Cocktails!

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre:

2008-05-13T14:23:00Z

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre: I had the pleasure of attending media day for the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta this past Thursday. It is a beautiful venue. Chastain move over! The Amphitheatre boasts a 7,000 seat venue with a translucent roof, and a remaining space of 5,000 for lawn seating. They have state of the art sound, with 2 jumbotrons, so there is not a bad seat in the house. We had the chance to sample food from Ovations Catering, who will be handling their menu. They will have everything from BBQ Angus Beef Burgers to Chicken Wraps. And of course, a full bar! Drumroll…the noise ordinance is until 1 a.m.! The drawbacks are it is self contained, so you will not be able to bring your own food or drinks. Also, they really do not have "urban" programming for this opening season. However I kind of like that. This venue would be a great way for our readership to expand their horizons. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will be housed there, and have some great shows coming. For the show line up, visit www.vswamp.com Hopefully I will see you chilling on the lawn, under the stars this season! Of course, having Cocktails :-)

Cocktails Anyone?

2008-04-30T19:10:00Z

What’s up people? It’s your friendly neighborhood superhero blogger, Cocktails, back like your favorite 8 track. Back to straighten it out like your chiropractor laying you flat. Back like…well you get the picture. It’s spring again. (Sing along) Everybody knows its spring again! Will someone please tell Mother Nature? Atlanta weather has ADD just like this blog. Someone please get her candy and flowers for Mother’s Day so we can frolic in the warm sun. (I’m over the limit on my Jared’s card :-). So with gas prices higher than giraffe booty, waitress, I’d like to order some FREE ENTERTAINMENT! That’s right! Centennial Park is back with Wednesday Wind Down every Wednesday (hence the name Wednesday Wind Down) from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the Southern Company Amphitheater, located on the corner of Marietta and Centennial Park Drive. I’m not telling you this because I am performing out there on the 21^st of May (shameless plug). I am telling you this because I love outdoor events! I think I was a flower in my former life…or at least the bee. (Where’s my Bee movie?) Every Wednesday, you can get off of work, change in the bathroom, or in your car, grab your picnic basket and lawn chair, and see some of the top bands in Atlanta and the surrounding areas entertain you for FREE! Great ambience, energy and talent are a great alternative to sitting in traffic. Start this week! Check out the schedule! Check out the website! http://www.centennialpark.com/events/wwd.html This is definitely a good look. Be safe out there people. And remember, What would nightlife be without Cocktails!

April 30 Ken Ford

May 7 Brian Clay

May 14 Just A Few Cats

May 21 Steven Charles

May 28 Bob Baldwin

June 4 Chandra Currelley

June 11 Infinity Show Band

June 18 TBA

June 25 Julie Dexter

Bilal Coming to Atlanta!

2007-11-15T15:39:00Z

I love the holidays. Turkey, Dressing, Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost at night, sunny during the day...Hey that could be a poem. The thing I love most about Atlanta, is the live entertainment that consistently filters through the fingers of the city. Next week is another offering to the nightlife scene, BILAL! If you have never seen this man perform, then you haven't stretched the limits of your mind. Classically trained in jazz, big band, and opera with an urban flavor, Bilal delivers a show like no other. I haven't seen him since perform since Funk Jazz a few years ago, and that was a surprise appearance. He's been getting his Amy Winehouse on lately, so hopefully he is back in the saddle. This brother is a unique talent.

Adding to the hoopla of the concert is one helluva party put on by Sol Fusion. They have been voted the best party spot in Atlanta in 2005 and 2006, and haven't slowed one bit. D-Nice (My Name is D-Nice..remember him?) will be on the wheels of steel and the place will be bananas. Don't come looking cute, be prepared to sweat. A live concert and live party the day before Turkey Day? FILA! (Forever I Love Atlanta) Holla at ya boy!

Sol Fusion is on November 21st at Center Stage (formerly Earthlink Live), 1374 West Peachtree, Atlanta, GA. Doors open @ 8 p.m. Show starts at 9 p.m. Party Starts @ 11 p.m. Tickets are only $25!! www.sol-fusion.com