Thanksgiving holiday was the catalyst for many locals and visitors’ desire to check out what the city of Atlanta’s nightlife potentially had to offer, but unfortunately many were not privy to the exuberant musical performance of Citizen Icon live at Vinyl. This independent rock band, consisting of four musicians right out of Atlanta, Ga., introduced a handful of newcomers to the chemistry they share as an entertaining ensemble while performing yet another fantastic set for many of the audience members who arrived at Vinyl’s first Downtown Showcase event already acquainted with CI’s particular brand of talent that busted from the seams of the venue’s small stage. With a titillating lead guitar, and crooning bass line accompanied by audacious drums, and incredibly powerful vocals by the lead singer, Chris Cummings, Citizen Icon provided such a captivating show that it’s apparent that only a short matter of time will reveal the need for a headlining show by the dynamism of these four guys.

… brand of talent that busted from the seams of the venue’s small stage …

Citizen Icon is comprised of Sean Lay on Lead Guitar, Stephen Brink on Bass, Chris Lynn on Drums, and Cummings belting out the lead vocals while occasionally grabbing hold of ‘the ax’ (perhaps in an au natural, barefooted state) and adding depth to the band’s rich sound. Their oeuvre includes hits like I Know, Crimes of Passion, From the Sea, and a Citizen Icon classic, Sticks and Bones, which wastes no time offering a powerful, metal guitar riff right upon the introduction with Cummings ardently vocalizing the persona of the title character. The success of CI has carried them across airwaves in Atlanta, Boston, Rhode Island, and Panama City as well as placed them on stages in various cities. The reputation for their awesome stage performances precedes them and has created a substantial buzz about the group. If ever Citizen Icon is playing in a city located within a suitable, radial distance to your own then take the time to check out one of their amazing live shows. They promise to rock it out!

Check out Citizen Icon on www.citizenicon.com and www.myspace.com/citizenicon. Their music is also available for purchase on iTunes, Rhapsody, Snocap, Amazon, GroupieTunes, Napster, and Hittlab.

529 in East Atlanta hosted our own Subsonics last Saturday. I’d been personally counting down the days until this show when I found out it was happening. Subsonics seem to have been playing in Atlanta for an eternity, their first release dating back to a seven inch from back in 1993. Clay Reed, brains behind the outfit, has been romping around Atlanta, spitting out twangy surf punk on vinyl ever since compact discs were the cutting edge.

This guy’s durability alone is enough to make the Subsonics worthy of recognition. The fact that he’s downright cool, sporting a look and attitude that could brand him a title such as Atlanta’s Iggy Pop doesn’t hurt him either, so seeing them play is not only like witnessing a little snippet of Atlanta history, it’s a great way to spend a night snapping fingers and shaking shoulders.  These guys rarely play out at all anymore, making this show all the more anticipated. The Subsonics don’t have much of a reputation for playing many shows, though. In fact the Subsonics’ main criticism is their lack of touring. Many fans of the group will tell you that the band could have really taken off with some more time on the road, but are the Subsonics a case of a missed opportunity? Well, in the eyes of an Atlantan such as myself, I say that’s not the case at all. The band has stayed true to its stomping grounds, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but maybe I’m just being possessive.

Also on the bill on Saturday, and excitedly so, were Atlanta newbies (compared to Reed’s veterans) The North Trolls, and Balkans. The North Trolls were admittedly psyched to be involved in the occasion. For them, the excitement for the night’s show began immediately after showing up, when they learned that the Balkans were all under-age, earning the rest of the bands more drink tickets, as the young Balkans would not be allowed to consume alcohol. Excellent.

After the North Trolls’ quick set of fast, southern style pop punk, the Balkans took the stage. Young age is not taken into consideration in this case. These guys play a low-fi style of hyper rock-n-roll, the singer’s Strokes-like voice putting them in the same category of a band like The Walkmen. It’s impressive.

And so then came the Subsonics, playing their music for a crowd mostly half their age, for musicians and fans who are being passed the torch lit by the band on stage. There was a feeling of respect in the room, made obvious when alluring Buffi Aguero (who plays drums standing up) asked if someone would bring her a vodka tonic, and multiple men handed her her drinks just moments later.

Needless to say the show was a success. Having moved to Atlanta only nine years ago, when Subsonics had already been around for a long, long time, I consider myself lucky to have been able to see them still. I recommend that we all look into the good music coming from Balkans and The North Trolls soon, as it shouldn’t be expected for many other bands to last as long as Subsonics have.

By Isha Edwards

Going beyond their individual roles and celebrity status, Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges, Corey “CoCo Brother” Condrey,” Canton Jones, and Lil iROCC Williams are among entertainment industry men committed to social change in their communities, nationally, and abroad. While their age and experiences vary, each is using his time, talent, and resources to make a defining difference. In addition to acknowledging their individual achievements, they are celebrated for championing the notion that leading begins with serving

A Firm Foundation

Synonymous to being an actor and recording artist is the passion Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges has for children. A father of one, Bridges’ Atlanta-based, The Ludacris Foundation is a tangible expression of his values and commitment to the community in which he was raised. The foundation also fulfills his vision to “inspire youth to live their dreams, uplift families, and foster economic development in the community.”

For Bridges, community service entails providing financial support as well as investing more than 3,500 hours to changing the lives of young people across the nation. Since 2001, The Ludacris Foundation has donated over $1 million to nonprofit organizations. These figures translate to impacting more than 7,000 lives. From developing healthy eating habits and financial literacy to providing supplies to those in need and reaching runaway youth, Bridges “shows young people they are the architects of their future…”

True to his commitment, Bridges is personally involved with and actively participates in running the foundation. “I was taught as a child to help others in need. When I had little I gave what I could. When I acquired more and formed my foundation, I gave more–not just monetarily but also by using my celebrity status to help others. Giving back is not what we do it is who we are,” Bridges commented.

Self-esteem, spirituality, communication, education, leadership, goal setting, physical activity, and community service are eight attributes Bridges learned at an early age. In addition to demonstrating these core values personally, the eight attributes also serve as the foundation’s Principles of Success.

With an eye towards the future, Bridges’ outlook is positive. “As time goes on I hope that we are able to influence and positively affect the lives of young people everywhere,” he said.

Bridging the Gap

Being able to rise above homelessness, alcoholism, and suicide attempts is Cory “CoCo Brother” Condrey’s testimony. Each Sunday, ten million listeners tune in to Condrey’s The Spirit of Hip-Hop (TSOHH) radio broadcast on Radio One’s Hot 107.9 in Atlanta. In between his Hip-Hop infused praise and worship sets, listeners of all ages call in or visit the station to share testimonies, express gratitude, pray, sing, “clown”, and even cry. When appropriate, Condrey reciprocates in the form of financial and other donations–a concept he relates to “pay[ing] it forward.”

Although Condrey has been on the radio since 1995, his career-defining moment came in 2003. Going against program protocol, Condrey sought to meet the need of a homeless caller in the midst of a suicide attempt. “You are not going to kill yourself,” Condrey told the caller. “Your mess [will be] your message.” Within an hour, listeners flooded the phone lines offering to assist where needed. The experience changed Condrey’s life as well as his program format.

Where he once was the guy on the bridge who understood the church and the streets but did not know how to balance having faith in God and having fun, Condrey now provides balance in an entertaining yet relevant way. As a result, lives are changing daily. “We accept everyone for who they are and we walk with them,” he advised.

The vision of TSOHH is to “bridge the gap between the church and the streets worldwide.” This entails providing listeners with inspiring music and messages from celebrities, Hip-Hop personalities, and leading pastors. “Radio is for the community and the people. We are supposed to service their needs,” Condrey noted.

Through TSOHH Condrey hosts annual toy give-a-ways. Exodus is another annual event geared toward young people. Last year, Exodus drew over 8,000 children, youth, and young adults to church on a frigid Thursday night. Celebrity guests, Fabo, Rodney Jerkins, Detrick Haddon, Fonzworth Bentley, and Crime Mob’s Diamond and Princess were among those to lend their support.

Among other efforts, this summer, Condrey will launch Stand 2007. Backed by Atlanta mayor, Shirley Franklin, young people of all ages will be led in a charge to be righteous, pure, and to pray.

Currently, TSOHH is nationally syndicated in 15 Radio One markets including Atlanta, Dallas, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Detroit, and St. Louis. The program also airs live on the station’s website.

Love by Example

For two-time Grammy Award nominee, Canton Jones, music is simply an expression of love set to music. “I cultivate the love of God in my life so when I come in contact with people they can actually feel genuine love.” According to Jones, his third album, which was named for daughter, Love Angel, also reflects the fact that God is love. Rather than book tour dates by contract or schedule, Jones tours where he is led. At times he turns down paid bookings to go into schools and community centers across the nation. Often, Jones uses his own resources to cover concert expenses in rural and urban areas. In addition to feeding attendees and providing school supplies, Jones spends countless hours talking to concertgoers one-on-one after each show. He also uses these opportunities to impart wisdom, discuss values, motivate as well as counsel. Jones says he does this because “saving and enriching lives is just that important.” When he is not on tour, the Morehouse College alum oversees CAJO International, which is the business arm for his community outreach. Jones also mentors a number of independent artists in his charge–many of whom he has known since they were teenagers.

“The work that God has blessed me to do in the community is like breathing. I do it without thinking or hesitation. It’s not just the ‘hood it’s the neighborhood as a whole that needs to know that God loves them,” Jones said. Moved by his passion for the betterment of young people, Jones does not mind being a living, loving example.

A Lil Different

Lil iROCC Williams is a multi-hyphenate in the making. Unlike his peers and unique to the New Orleans born emcee, Williams is an actor, model, recording artist, and co-owner of Authority Music–a recording company he started with his father, Big ROCC, when he was 14. Since his 2003 debut album, Williams has garnered three Stellar Awards and a Dove nomination. A high school graduate (at age 16), Williams is currently producing his third album while considering scholarship options for college and working on a number of nonprofit initiatives. “The media would have people to believe that young black brothers my age are all about the wrong things–doing whatever and living without regard. Well, I have committed to do the direct opposite and be a lil’ different,” Williams, commented.

In partnership with his father, Williams plans to implement a program that will inspire and enhance father-son relationships. A joint venture with Third Day International Ministries entails building and maintaining a school and dormitory for disabled children in Ghana, West Africa. Currently, Williams is working to raise $20,000 to fund a 10-day mission trip to Ghana where he will help with the school’s completion, teach, and speak to the country’s youth. Another nonprofit venture Williams is involved with is a scholarship foundation spearheaded by Higher Dimension Ministries in Houston, Texas. The scholarship provides quality education and nurturing in a safe and productive environment for displaced and orphaned children affected by hurricane Katrina.

Williams’ 2007 objective involves doing more to “help poor kids right here at home.” “There are kids in this country that look like me. They are my age and younger and go to sleep hungry–that shouldn’t be and I have to do something about that,” Williams advised.

The compassion Williams has for serving others also extends to his fans. In addition to challenging his fans to “adhere to a higher standard of positive living,” Williams shows interest in their well being. Williams believes in developing a relationship that includes being touchable, open, and supportive. Between singing engagements, Williams visits public schools where he performs then talks with students about career goals, life issues, and how to “get through moment by moment.”

“Young folks look to [each other]. We want to see ourselves doing some amazing and out of the ordinary things because it helps us feel like the dreams we keep to ourselves aren’t so crazy,” he said.

While much work remains, a path has been paved and the fruits of labor can be seen in the lives these men touch. As history is written, the pages will note how these men and others like them led the effort to do the most good.

Watch the Celebrating the Men that Lead video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i99XxTABCjY

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isha_Edwards
http://EzineArticles.com/?Celebrating-The-Men-That-Lead—How-Music-Industry-Leaders-Influence-Social-Change&id=588170

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Spy Movie Easy-going band with jangley guitaring from Glasgow, with a soothing female vocalist.

Three Blocks From The Wake Minimalist-electro trio from Ayrshire.

Howling Bells Upbeat-but-mellow female-led band from UK

Anna Meldrum Individual artist with happy vocals and upbeat acoustics.

Panda Su Feist-like female singer-songwriter

Dead City Riots Grungy Glasgow 4-piece

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Frightened Rabbit Scottish cult mellow band, constantly gaining in popularity

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The Merry Poppins Funky, jazzy, Madness-akin indie band from Austria.

65 Days of Static Multi-instrumental band with a few vocal pieces.

Kharma45 Derry-based epic crescendo-using foursome

Miniature Tigers Incredibly addictive nonchalant-seeming US band

Boycotts Female fronted indie-rocky band with complex guitaring

Brother Louis Collective Lyrically direct calming band from Glasgow. Clarinet included

We Are The Physics Intense-vocals doubled with rapid drumming Glasgow band, currently touring Japan.

Sky Larkin Definate one-to-watch from Leeds. Jangly guitars coupled with addictive beats

The Xcerts Optomistic Aberdonian band with heartfelt vocals. On the brink of stardom.

We Start Fires Modest indie-rock foursome from Darlington

Popolo Vocal-less funky band to bop along to

School of Seven Bells Sleepy psychedelic band from New York, easy-listening

Bombay Bicycle Club Featured in NME, Interpol-like vocals from a London band

FoxFace Glasgow indie/folk-rock band, with Snow Patrol-sounding male vocalist

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Friendly Fires Already taken off, disco-house pop band. Touring all over

Soap&Skin Female solo artist, minimal vocals varying in pitch and speed. From Vienna

Skinflints Airy vocals with solid beats from Scotland. Great guitaring and song set-up

Twin Atlantic Scottish Blink182, very talented musicians jamming with singalongable tunes

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Red Light Company Epic-sounding band from London, backing-vocals-tastic

Young Husband Easy-going indie band from Melbourne. Garbage-like female vocalist

Ipso Facto Dracula-style piano-workings from London. Talented female vocalist

The Boy Least Likely To UK intriguing whispering vocalist with a constant happy vibe

Fighting Wire Metal(ish) band from Northern Ireland. Jumpy, fast tunes

Cinders Fall Heavy metal duo with softer-than-usual-for-metal vocals

Dumb Instrument ‘Outstanding’ says Vic Galloway, slow and poignant band from Ayrshire

United Fruit Upbeat with shouty-lyrics band from Scotland

Flyleaf American heavy rock band with female lead

Jumpers Knee Indie-electro-rock band from Glasgow. Clever electric beat-mixes coupled with danceable tunes

5ive From Boston, USA, experimental rock band with heavy use of instrumentals

Miss The Occupier Glasgow indie-punk band, honest-sounding female lead

Rosalita English fast-paced indie band, uses synthesisers and good multi-vocals

The Anomalies Hereford-based ‘new rap’ rock group. Very original and catchy

Rumspringa Steady pop-like band from LA. Like Cold War Kids but slower.

The Bloodsugars Quirky NY band, does clever covers with good dancy backbeat

The Fazed “in a daze”-sounding band from Leicester, repetitive guitaring with effortless vocals

Little Boots One-to-watch for 2009, disco-pop mixed with dance

Porcelain and the Tramps Hard rock swirled with industrial electronica from Detriot, USA. Female lead with full-powered vocals

Soho Dolls Simple electric pop with funky pauses and changes in tune.

Sufjan Stevens Happy go lucky male from USA, easy and slow with piano accompaniment

Uh Huh Her Actress Leisha Harvey makes up one half of this rocking electric-pop duo.

The Weakerthans Indie band from USA, their track “Aside” featured in film Wedding Crashers

Young Love Rocking-beat band from NY, alike to, and supported, Academy Is

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Beat Union Punk-rock male band from Birmingham. Debut album out in Japan

Cocteau Twins From Grangemouth, Scotland. Sometimes-Christmassy trio with easy-listening vocals and and epic-sound.

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Fastlane Typical emo-pop-indie band, sounds like the younger brother of New Found Glory

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Stopstarts Pop semi-indie UK group. Give out a classic sound with good use of vocal noise and changes in volume.

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The New York Fund Ironically from London. Country rock group who sound a bit like Green Day in places.

Jocasta Sleeps Slow sounding, acoustic-in-part group from Glasgow. Heartfelt lyrics with complementary guitaring alongside.

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About the Author

Charlotte Moss – Avenue61 Journalist

By Julian Bryce

When one thinks of city life, local festivals may not be the first things that come to mind. However, Atlanta is full of local community festivals and events that provide cultural and educational opportunities as well as inexpensive entertainment options for all ages

With its diverse population and multinational residents, Atlanta abounds with cultural festivals. Festival Peachtree Latino draws large crowds and great musical performances to Underground Atlanta. JapanFest is the largest Japanese Festival in the Southeast and draws crowds upwards of 18,000. And the Atlanta Asian Film Festival combines multi-national works of art with an incomparable educational experience. The Atlanta Greek Festival provides attendees delicious samples of authentic Greek fare along with traditional music and dance.

Community festivals that support local nonprofit organizations and historical societies often combine local artists to provide a full day, or two, of shopping, eating and musical entertainment. The Sandy Springs festival hosted each fall includes a concert in the square, a 10k run, a home tour and plenty of local arts and crafts. The Inman Park festival and home tour held each April is considered Atlanta’s biggest street market and hosts the city’s quirkiest and most colorful parade. The Dogwood Festival hosted each spring in Piedmont Park is the area’s largest artistic festival combining incomparable musical performances with an artist market and special children’s events to draw hundreds of thousands of festival goers annually.

While many festivals celebrate a particular culture or local community life and encompass a number of artistic elements, some festivals focus on a specific art. The Atlanta Jazz Festival provides residents and visitors the chance to hear legendary as well as local musicians while also learning about the history of the genre. The Georgia Shakespeare Festival is held annually at Oglethorpe College to celebrate the theatrical works of art written by William Shakespeare.

And while many festivals may last only one or two days, some encompass ongoing events and educational opportunities throughout the year. The National Black Arts Festival celebrates the life and contributions of people of African descent and their impact on world cultures through year-round educational programs and special events.

Julian Bryce

About the Author

Julian Bryce. For more info on Atlanta Real Estate, Atlanta Condos, or Buckhead Real Estate, please log on to DwellAtlanta.Com