+ CINÉBASH 2018
Atlanta's first annual #Cinébash2018 happened this past Saturday, June 23rd at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center; an ideal spot for the film party! Sponsored by AJFF (Atlanta Jewish Film Festival), Cinébash is a combination of the arts, music, food and fellowship among those with an appreciation for "all things creative". This year, Cinébash celebrated the graphic work of Saul Bass and his timeless artistic contributions to the world. Bass is admired for his motion picture title sequences including Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, Psycho, and for his promo movie posters for films like Exodus, West Side Story and The Shining. This film party was an unforgettable evening of innovative art exhibits centered around Bass and not to mention, great food + a very stylish crowd of participants. Food sponsors included delectable selections from Taste of Atlanta. Alon's Bakery & Market, 1KEPT, City Barbeque, DAS BBQ, and FLIP Burger. With impeccable weather, the evening's activities both in and outdoors were graciously managed. And Kudos to DJ Santiago Páramo for rocking the night away on the ones and twos! This was definitely one of those trendy gatherings that you look forward to being a part of for years to come!
* Photos Courtesy of Donald Felice & Vaughn Gittens
The Premiere of Atlanta's Cinébash
Saturday, June 23rd from 7 PM - 12 AM, an innovative blend of music, the arts, food and dance, will makes its premiere début celebrating cinema arts and the work of graphic designer Saul Bass. Deceased now 22 years, Saul Bass is forever remembered for his motion picture title sequences, including Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo and Psycho, as well as his promo movie posters for films like Exodus, West Side Story and The Shining. Guests and lovers of the arts alike will gather this year at Cinébash to experience a well-rounded demonstration of Bass' artistry while networking among people in the industry hopefully to leave with a deeper appreciation for this type of craft. DJ Santiago Páramo will set the atmosphere musically along with an assortment of foods from several local restaurants including Taste of Atlanta. Alon's Bakery & Market, 1KEPT, City Barbeque, DAS BBQ, and FLIP Burger.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit Cinébash 2018.
The 14th Annual Choose Success Awards Ceremony
On the evening of March 15th, 2018, Communties In Schools - Atlanta hosted their 14th Annual Choose Success Awards Ceremony at Flourish Atlanta in Buckhead. This event was filled with patrons, professionals in Education, students, family, and members of the Communities In School (CIS) staff from all over the nation. This year’s "Choose Success" awards program paid special tribute to its patriarchal founders Neil Shorthouse and Patty Pflum. Additionally, this event provides an opportunity for the public to commemorate the achievements of CIS Atlanta and the students that are a part of it. For those unaware, CIS "allows students who face various social and economic challenges to be of service to others. CIS works inside K-12 schools full-time to build relationships with students that empower them to stay in school and succeed in life." And this celebration was a magnificent way of showcasing the progress and results of such efforts.
Following a spectacular reception where everyone was able to network in the Flourish Event lobby, I had the pleasure of privately speaking with CIS - Atlanta CEO Frank Brown about the organization as a whole and the purpose of this annual “Choose Success” Ceremony. Frank shares that their goal for the evening is to honor their past and to formally salute the unsung heroes such as Neil & Patty, the site coordinators and the children. Frank also goes on to share how the heartbeat of the organization is to breakdown academic barriers and to facilitate life-long successes among children in need both in and beyond their high school years. Examples of CIS Atlanta’s service to the community include rendering emergency assistance to families in need of lights, water, groceries, as well as medical or burial assistance if necessary.
By the time we made our way into the elegant dining assembly and received special presentations for the evening, Frank announced that there had already been raised $300,000. From one speaker to the next, we were graced to learn about the brilliant work of CIS Atlanta and encouraged to join the movement! Prior to, I also had an opportunity to chat with President and CEO of CIS National, Dale Erquiaga, who emphasized the value of making a connection with children by showing that we care and says “that simple act gives the child agency, empowers them to write their own story and choose a very different pathway”. Absolutely everything about the night was excellent! Lavished with a delectable 3-Course spread during the ceremony, we had a blast being able to fellowship with like-minded individuals seated next to us and gain a greater sense of community and the Power of Collectiveness.
For more information about CIS Atlanta, please visit www.cisatlanta.org.
Exclusive Interview with Filmmaker Pablo Solarz of The Last Suit
The conclusion of the 2018 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival climaxed with a heart-clinching screening of The Last Suit by Director Pablo Solarz of Argentina. The Last Suit is a narrative about a Jewish 88-year-old tailor by the name of Abraham who sets out on an exhausting journey to reunite with the man who saved his life during the time of the Holocaust. This film, chosen as the celebratory closing at #AJFF2018 was an experience that captivated its viewers as we journeyed with Abraham from trial to triumph. Prior to the screening, we got the chance to speak with Pablo Solarz and hear first hand about what it took to bring this phenomenal project to life.
When asked how he felt to have The Last Suit shown as the closing film for this year’s festival, Pablo says it’s “like a dream” and that he’s very grateful to share this film with such a largely diverse audience. Originally written in 2004, it took over 13+ years to bring such a dream to fruition. His hope is for people to leave with a feeling of humanity and brotherhood; that no one is superior or inferior to the other. Also, Pablo wants people to realize how important it is to keep the memory of such tragedies alive in order to gain consciousness as to what we still see happening today. Both written and directed by Pablo Solarz himself, to date, the film is being viewed in 6 countries including Argentina, Spain, France, Germany, Poland and the U.S.
For more information on the 2018 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and the film The Last Suit, please visit ajff.org.
The 2018 Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Returns!
Atlanta welcomes the 18th Annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival! This year's festival kicks off January 24th - February 15th and one not to be missed! Both patrons and first-timers alike can anticipate a total of 192 screenings with an array of films from 27 countries. These heart-felt screenings will be shown at some of the most popular venues in the city including the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Perimeter Point 10, Atlantic Station Stadium, Hollywood Stadium 24, The Springs Cinema & Taphouse, Tara Cinemas 4 and the Woodruf Arts Center. The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival has something for everyone to enjoy and infuses both Jewish culture and timeless modern themes in a very captivating style. I, personally have had the privilege of participating in the film festival for the past two years and admit that AJFF has been my all time favorite film festival yet! AJFF Executive Director, Kenny Blank, encourages followers of the festival to expect a "universality to the stories told in this year's lineup, with both sweeping and epic stories, personal narratives, unconventional perspectives, and stories that intersect with other communities."
The opening ceremony this year will commence with a media reception on the evening of January 24th followed by an exclusive documentary screening of Sammy Davis Jr.'s I've Gotta Be Me. This documentary highlights the Harlem-mite's legendary journey as a singer, dancer, artist and entertainer during the time of racial persecutions and the dire need to break through such barriers during his era. This, along with many other amazing screenings will be available throughout the city for on-goers to enjoy up until February, 15th (as the festival concludes).
For more information on AJFF and ticketing, please visit www.ajff.org.
DRESS LIKE A GENT
#SundayStyleSense presents Za'Myr Peoples
Dress Like A Gent ™ is proud to introduce it's debut #SundayStyleSense feature! Our premiere gentleman this month is a very pleasant, well-mannered and style-consicious young man by the name of Za'Myr Peoples. Za'Myr is 10 years old and originally from Temple, Texas. He and his mom (Shay Peoples) relocated from Texas to Atlanta about a year ago following the death of her mother. Shay discloses how her mom helped out a lot picking Za'Myr up from after school programs and watching him on the weekends while she was at work. After her mother's passing, Shay realized that time for change was NOW and that it was simply God's timing for her and Za'Myr both to make this move to Atlanta by faith! Since their move, the both have connected with the Rock Church of Atlanta (where her twin sister Shawn Bing is member along with her husband and 3 girls) and is already seeing great doors of opportunity open up for both she and her son!
The inspiration behind launching #StyleSenseSunday (#SSS) started while I was out shopping one day and ran across this dapper boy's blazer at K & G. Immediately, when I saw the personality of the blazer, I said to myself, "This blazer would look nice on Za'Myr!" Soon afterwards, I found myself putting together a whole look for Za'Myr and sensed that God wanted to birth something unique in the realm of styling and mentorship for boys and men. I felt the need to provide an outlet whereby I could style the candidate, give them a collaborative photo shoot and do an exclusive blog feature on who they are. As I begin to develop the idea and pray about it more extensively, I decided that I would make this a whole experience including an information session and style coaching opportunity.
Biblically speaking, I've always been really inspired by the life of David reading about his humble transition into kingship. Prime example, when David first was called in by the Prophet Samuel to enter into his father's house from tending the sheep, Samuel says to David's father Jesse, "Send for him. We will not sit down until he arrives" (1 Samuel 16:11). I can imagine that David did not initially come in dressed the part. He probably looked like the "least qualified" to take up such an honorable position. Later in the life of King David, we see that he is robed in the finest of garments and serving God as a priest and king over an entire nation. Yet, God says about David, "man looks at the outer appearance, but God looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). The point is, although David did not come in dressed the part, he eventually began to change the way he clothed himself to mimic the course his purpose would lead him into!
As with so many, we sometimes need but an opportunity to see ourselves in a different light; changing the way we perceive ourselves. Studies show that when a person dresses better, they also have a tendancy to do better. I feel that even with young Za'Myr and the great potential he carries, that positioning him in a place of luxury, even for one day, could also help to boost his confidence and his sense of self-worth! With all that in mind, I decided that while the Atlanta Fair was still in town, to make it our primary scene for his photoshoot. I thought the fair would be an ideal way of displaying the blessing of youthfulness, along with the balance of responsibility and maturity which Za'Myr already possesses. Basically, my intention was for my lil' brother in Christ to have fun and to look good while he did!
Za'Myr, I felt, was the ideal prospect to help me kickstart this #SSS initiative as the introductory face of this vision God placed in my heart. When asking Za'Myr what types of things inspire him, I was taken aback by his response, "Elder Hampton" (me). He goes on to say that he had an idea about wearing something based on things he has seen me in. Stunned and humbled, I thought to myself, "I really wasn't expecting that answer from him!
Here are some more things we discussed during our very casual interview:
Me: What does Za'Myr like to do for fun?
Za'Myr: I like Art, getting my exercise... I like to play basketball and track. I really like to paint.
Me: Why do you like fashion? What does fashion mean to you?
Za'Myr: When you wear your stuff fashionably, people think differently about you. People see you differently.
Me: Do you consider yourself a leader?
Za'Myr: Yes! Because when you are a leader, people who follow you will also believe that they can be a leader.
Me: What do you think are leader qualities that you have? What would you say makes you a leader?
Za'Myr: I always try to do my best. I want to help people get to know God.
Me: What areas do you feel you need to work on as far as leadership?
Za'Myr: My Math (lol). I want to feel better about speaking in front of people.
Za'Myr is but one of a series of young gentleman that you can expect to read about on the blog. Our goal, to feature select men both young and old every month providing an intimate, yet significant outlet for their person and purpose to be put on display. Please stay tuned for more stand-out #StyleSenseSunday candidates and feel free to tell us about any individual who you would like to see featured in the future.
Your feedback is welcomed.
*Photos Courtesy of TKO Photographic
DRESS LIKE A GENT
Lawrence Flowers & Intercession's "CHAMPION" LIVE Recording, 2017
Friday evening March 17, 2017, a host of worshippers, locals and long-time fans, made their way to the Dream Center Church of Atlanta to attend the highly anticipated Lawrence Flowers & Intercession's (LFI) "Champion" LIVE Recording! This LIVE project would turn out to be more than just a recording, but a bonafide worship encounter from beginning to end! Special Guest artists accompanying LFI on this project include Destinae Jennings, Darius Paulk, Jalesa McRae, T’Juan, Cary the Dreamer, Minon Sarten and Josiah Martin. And I must say, the synergy and anointing between LFI and each guest artist was absolutely remarkable! From one song to the next, they collaboratively ushered us deeper and deeper into the presence of God leaving us hungry for more! Oftentimes, the fear in having other people to sing on new music is a fear of everyone being able to blend together in a way that makes sense.
Amazingly, this was not at all the case with "Champion" LIVE. The difference I noticed in this recording is that there was some serious preparation made to bring us all to this very moment. There was also a very real presence of God created in the place that you wanted to just bottle up and take back home with you. We were blessed to hear new music that was fresh, rhema and absolutely well-put together. Lawrence Flowers and his team welcomed the audience to join on one accord to celebrate Christ, our “Undefeated Champion”! But even more importantly, we lit the sanctuary of the magnificent Dream Center Church of Atlanta with a collaborative roar acknowledging that we too are champions who shall live and thrive! Let’s not forget to mention the stellar wardrobe the team was wearing during the recording…
Lawrence Flowers and Intercession had two different staple looks for the evening; one in particular that really stood out: The fellas were decked in a well-tailored MJ-style Military, black & gold coat with jean bottoms while the ladies were laced in a flowy ensemble that looked much like a custom balloon-jogger jumpsuit in grey, black and jean. These guys were all about setting the atmosphere and their choice of garments were proof of the fact! Beyond all of this, LFI stunned us with several new melodic musical arrangements such as the song “Save Us”, led by Intercession, a duo with Lawrence Flowers and Psalmist Darius Paulk called “Big Enough” and many more unforgettable tracks we experienced that night. What also blessed me about this evening is how LFI awarded a real-life champion by the name of Gwendolyn P. Scott with the Champion Award. We later discovered that she was a survivor of 6 total brain surgeries just in the past 2 years.
There was so much to be said about the glory that we felt from this recording that night that I could hardly mention it all in one article. What I will mention is that their technique, skill and anointing all helped to create an unforgettable experience. We will try our best to wait for the album to be released later this year to keep on repeat. Well done LFI - The blessing is on you!
*Images Courtesy of Marked by Major
DRESS LIKE A GENT