For those that don’t have a visual, in my opinion, Arle mirrors the actress by the name of Stacey Dash with an Ethiopian appeal signifying grace and beauty. This phenomenal woman has her own unique flawless identity. The Bay Springs, MS native, describes herself as an entertainers’ entertainer. Being a nurturer by spirit, she engulfs the melodies of others’ happiness. In speaking with Arle about her home town, she says, “I love home, it’s peaceful and its my hideaway for total rejuvenation”.

Arle describes herself as being free-spirited, talkative, and a go-getter.

She says she has the edge of a city/country girl all wrapped up in one. Arle states that her character name came from a friend. He would always describe her as being just a step away from Hollywood, due to her style, charisma, character, and class. She states that when he sees her, he would say, “Welcome to Hollywood”, so he decided to format her into the diva that Hollywood was missing and call her “Arlewood”. Another friend consistently asked her about a internet show that was becoming very popular, where the host combined character distinctions and various self intros. With fine tuning all the courage and the support from those that had a vision and great outlook on the future of Arle Michels, she was given the suggestion to videotape herself. Arle knew that center of attention seemed to follow her, especially when she walked into a room. In  framing these various mental notes,” Welcome 2 Arlewood”, was developed.

After working in the school system and being an advocate for children with no voice, she knew that she had mission to accomplish. She mentions that it was hard to leave her students. After losing her job with a day notice, she realized that now was the time to venture and step out on faith. Keeping in mind that change is a challenge, she states, “I’m definitely not one that’s going to jump off the building”. Behind Arle stands great recognition and accomplishments. She did an episode on “House of Payne”, by Tyler Perry. Arle stated that while looking at Oprah and Tyler, made her realize that personal success is defined in paving your own way. She said, she needed to make her own individualized platform, specific to Arle. Having great support and outstanding successful parents, she knows that the sky is the limit.

Arle says, “Welcome 2 Arlewood is a variety show and it is evolving as I go”. Arlewood takes you into the lives, the minds, and the characters of different individuals. Some may relate and some may not, but you will understand. Welcome 2 Arlewood is nothing like anything else. However, you can get a feel for similarity, if you can think back to the “Tracy Ulman Show”, “In Living Color”, and a mixture of “Regis & Kelly”. The characters will have you laughing and yearning for more. Arle mentions that she is working towards her ultimate goal of 8 characters. Please allow me to introduce the characters, as she introduced them to me.

Arle-The Diva Herself

Shockqueenetta – Tiger Wood’s African-American mistress

Brie – The Boojie Reporter

Honey Seville – Young lady that is trapped in the 70′s

With her next season, she wants to introduce a guy, an elderly lady and a real country girl called, Candy Cane Buckles. Currently she is still internalizing and working the roles.

Arle wants to continue to strive for a variety show mixed with hosting and celebrity interviews. She believes that laughter is food for the soul, and at times she is okay with raw and uncut.

Arle says that her father advised her to never feel bad and in any environment never feel embarrassed. He states, “You need to be able to feel good despite your circumstances, whether you’re in the penthouse or the outhouse”. Arle states, “I want people to feel comfortable and I hope to never appear offensive in any manner.”

As the interviewer with the pen, I must say that Arle is hilarious, yet a great speaker with a presence that demands attention. Arle definitely kept my fingers moving. I’m sure I could write a book on Arle with sequels. I could tell just from interviewing her, that her passion for speaking symbolizes her talent in acting. Some of Arle’s upcoming projects are sure to be worth your time and money. Arle will be featured in a play called, “Torn”, From July 14^th – 18^th at 14^th Street Playhouse in Atlanta. Some of the featured cast includes Arle, Dorsey Levens (Super Bowl champ), Ryan Stewart (2 Live Stews), Corinne Van Ryck de Groot (Prize
Fighter/American Gladiator) and Koran Joseph Riley (Former NFL
Player/Actor). Arle will also be working on a pilot, where she will co-host, interviewing people that have traveled abroad with no return, which are considered to be, ex-patriots.

Arle talks about all the places she has been and all the places she plans to go. She states, “With all the opportunities that have presented themselves to me and those that are yet to come, I say, “Arlelujah”.

Arle ends with stating, everyone needs an outlet, an emotional freedom outlet. I want to be inspirational to others. I want people to know that they too can dream and allow those dreams and goals to foster into to great personal successes. I hope to always encourage and be of Great Spirit to those that may idol my personal stance as a woman. I want people to know that my start was my own personal perseverance. I’m a people pleaser. I like to know how you feel, what you are thinking, and what you like and may not like.”

Arle mentions that she wants to take the show from “Arlewood” to “Arleworld”. She wants to showcase her own fan base of Arlewood citizens.

Tune into the shows on YouTube to get a feel for this natural born artist, and

Please stay tuned to more on “Welcome 2 Arlewood”!

Contact Info:

Arle Michel

Email: arlemichel@gmail.com

www.YouTube.com/ARLEwood

http://www.facebook.com/Welcome2Arlewood

Ph: 678-428-2100

Please join me in welcoming, Atlanta’s own country music artist, Leslie Christian.  

Leslie is country music’s latest Black female vocalist.

Leslie comes from a family of vocalists, which are her biggest supporters. Her mother and father initially met singing for various bands. So it doesn’t surprise you where Leslie’s musical talents derived from. She has been singing all her life. Leslie states that she always participated in talent shows and was always singing background for her sister in shows.  A greater focus developed for country music in the last ten years. Leslie conveys that she listens to all types of music. In country music, some of her biggest influences are Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, and Sara Evans.

She talks about how at first her family couldn’t understand her love for singing country music but her desire, perseverance and phenomenal soulful voice, gave them great clarity on why it fits her and why rising to the top in country music could be her ultimate destination. Originally from Shelby, North Carolina, Leslie has made great things happen since she migrated to Georgia in 1994.

Leslie has been up and down the road to Nashville, Tennessee, which of course, is known as a major hub for country music. Leslie is recording her album with well known country music producer, Gordon Mote. Gordon produces Christian music and is a country music’s icon. Leslie wants to follow any direction he gives. Not only does Gordon believe in her, but his wisdom, guidance, experience, talent and display of will power over life’s adversities as a blind man who consistently strives for success, completes the formula for her success in singing.

Most of her recordings are within major studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Her authentic sound and tracks were recorded in the Tracking Room, a famous recording studio in Nashville, and her vocal recordings were done at another famous studio called, Beech Creek Studios out of Nashville as well. Beech Creek is highly known for their producing of children’s Christian music.

As I sat across from Leslie and one of her managers, Jason Freeman, I was trying to visualize the hard work and dedication that was described by their words. The working relationship is  admirable and one to be remembered and none the less, respected.

The most intriguing part of this interview was when Mr. Freeman spoke of her talent. His belief in her appeared very heartfelt and genuine. I said to them, “There is nothing better than having someone believe in you more than you believe in yourself, especially when you have already set the standard high for your own beliefs and success.”

While interviewing I noticed that Leslie’s remarkable talent in music is magnified by her a great skill in writing.  Leslie acknowledges that writing is her passion, and she wants to write for all genres of music. She currently writes songs with Adrian Porter, b.k.a. “AP”.  Leslie wrote all the songs of her album, My Life is a Country Song, which is a bird’s eye view about her family.  Leslie states that she loves to write music that people can relate to in all walks of life. However, she has mentioned that all the songs written are similar experiences of her personal life.

While speaking with Leslie and her manager Jason we are finding out that one of their many goals is that they want Atlantans to get behind them on this musical ride. She wants to have the support from the city she calls home. Jason states, “I want Leslie to be recognized as a successful black female country artist. There is no studio magic in her voice. All her tracking sessions are authentic.”  He along with Leslie says that she wants to be remembered, with hopes of her music granting access to becoming an icon in the genre.

Leslie mentions that she just finished a phenomenal photo shoot in Colorado on a 200 year old farm in the Colorado Mountains. Former Playboy Playmate, “Hope Marie Carlton” directed the entire shoot. Hope did everything, from fabulous hair and make-up, to being her personal stylist while on set.

 While interviewing and capturing the beauty, talent, and drive of this young lady, definitely of my own opinion, “Leslie has it together”. Leslie did this entire album with all her hard earned money. She paid for everything. She writes her music with no melodies. She has a gift of her own. She mandates the continuance of writing good songs because, she says, “good songs are never outdated”. Years from now she wants her songs to be like those of Michael Jackson, and various other artist, that no matter what century it is, the song will be played and it will still blast the airwaves and move you like no other.  Jason expresses the opinion that what he finds so unbelievable about Leslie, is that not only is her voice pure and confident but also so at ease. He says, he took his already elevated belief in Leslie to another level, when she recorded her vocals while having major voice complications. “Her music flows regardless”, goes Jason. 

 With several interviews under her belt, recently recording with Sara Evans, being a guest on Obnoxious TV here in Atlanta, video snippets on Facebook, and more prominent projects to look forward to, there is no stopping now. Leslie’s goal is to sell the album and become one of Atlanta’s newest unforgettable faces and voices to music. Her video snippets on Facebook include songs such as, “Hit the Road Jack”, “You Don’t Love Me” and “She Ain’t Half The Woman I Am.” Stay tuned for Leslie’s phenomenal debut and information on her upcoming listening party. Download her on iTunes, and feel the vibe of her unique style for writing songs.  You can follow her and become fans on Facebook as well.  Leslie states, “It’s not about selling the most records, I do it because of my love for music”.  Leslie believes that her heart will always be in country music. With a completed product, the backings of Gordon, along with Ben Fowler a well known mixing engineer out of Nashville, and her managers Jason Freeman and her father, Leslie is sure to break some hearts.

While reaching for attainable goals and consistently displaying vocals that are sure to send a chill through your bones, Leslie’s intentions are to make a lot of noise.

Good ole country noise that is!

Stay Tuned for more on Leslie Christian.

Contact info: free43@bellsouth.net

www.facebook.com/LeslieChristianMusic

Dialogue in the Dark at the Atlantic Station Exhibition Center
(Ongoing until March 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Have you ever wondered what a blind person’s life is really like? In this unordinary exhibition, the blind will guide normal visitors through galleries and interactive environments without any light. This is surely to be an “eye-opening” outlook on how the blind fully use their other senses, and how sometimes valuable things are not appreciated enough. The exhibition center is located at 265 18th St., Suite 4200, Atlanta, GA.
Tickets

Dweezil Zappa plays at the Variety Playhouse
(11^th at 8:00 p.m.)
Dweezil will be rocking out with his musically inherited guitar talent from his father, along with six other members. This show is a tribute to his father, Frank Zappa. The Playhouse is located at 1099 Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points, close to the Carter Center and Virginia Highlands.
Tickets

Karaoke Monday’s at the Uptown Comedy Corner
(11^th at 8:30 p.m.)
Special K. from the Ricky Smiley Morning show will be hosting Karaoke this Monday. Come perform a song you may have in mind, or get a kick out of other people singing! Uptown is located at 800 Marietta Street, ATL, 30318.
Tickets

Open Mic at Meehan’s Public House
(12^th at 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.)
Come prepared to sing acoustic, and compete! If you win over the most people with your performance, you’ll win a pretty great prize; free bar tab, cash, and a cab ride home! Meehan’s is located at 227 Sandy Springs Place, Suite 416, Atlanta, GA 30328.
Reservations

American Idol Viewing Party at the W Hotel
(13^th at 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
Review season nine’s auditions at the location they started in! There will be food from Jean-Georges Spice Market from 7-8pm and American Idol themed cocktails from Whiskey Park. The W is located in Midtown at 188 14th St. NE, ATL.
RSVP to watlanta.midtown@whotels.com
Directions

The Ansley Park Playhouse presents “A Sunday Afternoon at Loehmann’s”
(14^th at 8:00 p.m. & 17^th at 3:00 p.m.)
Shopping has become a form of fun relaxation, and the Southern ladies in this play will be displaying just that. The story starts off innocent, and then progresses into the dysfunctional standards of everyday living. It’s a very witty show that shouldn’t be missed. The Ansley Park Playhouse is located in the Peachtree Pointe Building on 1545 Peachtree Street.
Ticekts

Shen Yun at the Cobb Energy Performance Centre
(15^th at 7:30 p.m., 16^th at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., 17^th at 2:00 p.m.)
Shen Yun Performing Arts presents Chinese dancing that has been tradition for centuries. You will see the ancient legends and heroes come to life. Along with this, the Shen Yun Orchestra will be playing their original pieces with classical Western and Chinese instruments. Come to Cobb Energy for this uplifting experience at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339.
Tickets

The Loft presents Avenue X
(15^th at 10:00 p.m.)
The Loft is going to hold Avenue X – which is a new wave night presented by DJIT and Warholboy. The cover charge is $5 for 21+, and $10 for 18-20. The location is in Midtown at 1374 W. Peachtree St.
Information

Gwinnett Performing Arts Center presents Ralphie May
(16^th at 7:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.)
Ralphie May has been a professional comedian since the age of 17. He has made appearances on Comedy Central, Craig Kilborn, Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno, and The Man Show. You may have even seen him on the infamous website Youtube. The Gwinnett Center is at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097.
Tickets

Living Novel at the Relapse Theatre
(16^th at 9:00 p.m.)
The Relapse Theatre is offering something a little different in the arts department. Living Novel is a book that reads itself going along with music, all put together by Trey Duke. The general admission price is $10, but students can get in for $5. The Relapse Theatre is located on 380 14^th street, Atlanta.

Directions

Don’t let the title of this one fool you. He does do weddings, he is all Greek, but the man is definitely easy on the eyes! Constantine Varazo is a triple threat working the Atlanta entertainment circuit. An accomplished actor, model, and singer, Varazo relocated to our city from Pensacola, Florida in 2002 to polish his acting focus. However, he came to find himself submerged in this city’s popular independent music scene. Now, he is a commanding force on the small stage. I took in an open mic night hosted by the singer at a relaxed bar and lounge located in the heart of downtown on Peachtree Street. I left that evening satisfied by the live sets, but more so, surprised when I discovered that the musician picked up the guitar merely one year ago, and plays a bluesy harmonica, to boot.

… he came to find himself submerged in this city’s popular independent music scene …

Constantine performs a blend of top 40, Motown and classic rock covers, and accompanied on acoustic guitar by the very talented Rob Grater, the pair have a unique way of making the song’s “their own”. I was especially impressed with a version of Gnarls Barkley, “Crazy”, in which the use of a dropped tempo, along with the acoustic accompaniment, gave a haunting nuance to the familiar hit. A cover of U2’s, “One”, also went over well with me, as it is one of my personal favorites. The great thing about an open mic night is that it displays an array of other musical talents from around the metro area. That particular evening showcased an amazing mandolin player, an acoustic bass and guitar duo, and a young guitar and keyboard combo. Therefore, this is a call to all aspiring Atlanta musicians to check out Constantine’s open mic and show your skills, every Tuesday night from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Barley’s, which is located at 338 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30309.

… great thing about an open mic night is that it displays an array of other musical talents from around the metro area …

Varazo puts his musical stamp on other venues across the city, as well. In a show designed for customized corporate entertainment, i.e. Christmas parties, Constantine and his band 5^th Element put on a rock history tribute, complete with costume changes. The performance highlights rock n’ roll’s progression, from the era of the Beatles, Elvis, and Little Richard up through current acts, like the Foo Fighters and U2. This blend of acting and musical performance is a rare treat to see outside of the Fox Theater. During our interview, Constantine sweetly reminded me, “My goal in music is to have fun and entertain the audience, not to promote my own agenda of stardom.” Upon hearing this humble side of the artist, it came as no surprise for me to learn that he got his start singing in his family’s church choir.

… blend of acting and musical performance … a rare treat … outside of the Fox Theater …

Finding Mr. Varazo’s displays of talent around town is not difficult. He is constantly finding new gigs and auditions, an entertainer for hire, so to speak. You can catch an early showing of his acoustic duo at St. Angelo’s Pizza off of South Atlanta Road in Smyrna on December 27^th from 5:30 to 8:30. To find further info, future performance dates, or if you’re just in need of a band to play your wedding, then look him up at constantinevarazo.com or 5thelemententertainment.com.