TODAY’S CREATIVE LOVING PROFILE
On the go
Yet and still, I needed to get away, so I chose a quick one-day international destination. Fresh faces and different voices are what I had in mind, so I headed for Buford Highway. Let me stop for a minute. Have you ever wondered why International Boulevard in downtown seems not to be reflective of its name? I mean, with our city in this constant battle for international name recognition, it seems many are sleeping. Buford Highway is more appropriate to be called International Boulevard than the current occupier.
Anyway, if you must make the trek, do check out the Buford Highway Flea Market, aka the swap meet. When I say this is truly the melting pot of diversity, it is. Seeing the faces and hearing the languages of Mexicans, Africans, Koreans and Haitians reminded me why I love Miami. Try it, as well as a few restaurants, but you're on your own with that one.
With my feet planted back on local ground, I headed over to Georgia State University to hear the guy many refer to as the "angry black man" that MTV exposed to the world, hip-hop activist Kevin Powell. Upon hearing Kevin speak for the first time, I can easily see why many try and dismiss the brother as just that, the angry one. But, if you take the time before walking out on one of his lectures to really hear what the brother is saying -- although I don't agree with it all -- you will realize that he is no different than many others. He's just passionate about his shit and trying to expose people to the ignorance and prejudices that people, mainly African-Americans, still face.
Lawd knows since I've been writing this column, I've seen how ignorant some folks still are. One email that I received made me realize there are still a few fellas floating around whose necks are red. Let me stop, cause many can't handle the truth. Before I know it, you'll be branding me, not literally, as the angry black columnist, so let me get back to more lighthearted subject matter.
Born to Serve made its way back to the Crescent room, and with an invite from of one of the hosts, Carl Nelson, I was there. Having attended the very first one held here, it was not a hard decision to go. For your benefit, B2S is a service industry night sponsored by Grand Marnier to give the many people who serve their cocktails a chance to get their groove on. Thanks to 1's & 2 skills of NYC DJ Peter Salvoy, it is one of the best parties around.
Since we're talking about the Crescent Room, let me drop some science on what's happening with the nicest club owners in town, Steve Cook of Crescent Room fame and his partner Brian Bratton. Many of you might remember that Steve originally had plans to open up a spot in East Atlanta, but with the political wrangling that goes on in the city these days, it's surprising that anyone can get an establishment open, hence many of the delays and the non-happenings.
With sights set on creating something new, Steve and Brian, along with investors Nancy Wohlers and Ian Easton, will bring to town the new Midtown spot CAVU at 794 Juniper in early summer. As it has been explained to me, the concept will be a funky neighborhood, hip joint, sort of a cross between Vickery's and Dish. All I can say is stay tuned.
In the event you're not up on the alternative music scene, let me drop this: El Pus. Wayne Briggs, who manages the band, invited me out to a showcase for label heads from Island Records and Def Jam. Talk about off the chain! Someone better sign them quick. Think for a sec: a band full of Andres from OutKast. For some, that might be a bit scary, but I say bring it on. It's bands like this that spawn a million smaller indie labels because the few major labels left just don't freaking get it. This is what we want folks -- something new.
Hug a Dread.
