Torn, written by Tiffany Brown & Lynnette Roberts, Executive produced by Ex- NFL player and Super Bowl champion Dorsey Levens. Torn features a cast of accomplished actors and former professional athletes who have successfully transitioned to stage performances.

Torn will hit the stage on July 14^th and be shown till the 18^th at the 14^th Street Playhouse in Atlanta.

Torn is a Christian drama that touches into the relationships of today. While watching the cast rehearse at Eyedrum, the reality of this play is one that many of us can relate to on a daily basis.  Torn tells the story of a couple’s relationship that has hit its breaking point.  With deception, various obstacles and consequences, the question still remains as to whether or not this couple will be able to mend what has already been Torn.

As I prepare for my interview with Lynnette, Tiffany and Dorsey, I am in admiration for the talent before me that is preparing for a play that is sure to hit the stage big and become a phenomenon. The actors have engaged me and are making me anxious to see the ending result. I am astounded how Torn is an illustration for the truth of so many relationships of today. The story line is about issues, choices, and consequences, the ultimate gratitude that can make or break our relationships. I look forward to seeing the great successes that are to come with this stage play.  I must say, this is a well written story that is sure to attract the attention of the community. In the production, Tiffany is directing and Dorsey is the assistant director, along with stage manager Shay.  Shay also stars in the play with the stage name Misha Moore.  Tiffany describes Shay as having a true passion and unraveling experience in acting. She says that Shay serves as the coordinator of on and off stage managing and she is an integral part of the production team. With all the action taking place at Eyedrum during the rehearsal, I was able to pull co-writer Lynnette for majority of my inquisitive questions and snag Tiffany and Dorsey at intervals.

Here is the interview I was able to get from a few members of the team.

TRA: How well do you all know each other?

Lynnette: We met at our home church, called Destiny Metropolitan Worship Church in Marietta, GA.

TRA: How did Torn come about?

Lynnette: The church has an event called, “Expressions” that we host annually. We thrive for ways to display and introduce Christ in different ways, in order to attract the audience that wouldn’t normally come to church. We put on a play, Tiffany was the Drama team leader and I was over production. Dorsey was an actor in the play at the time, in which he still holds that same role currently. After such an excellent response and standing ovations, we knew this was one that needed to be brought further into the community.  We wanted to bring more recognition by taking it in front of hundreds if not thousands.  With Dorsey’s belief in the play and funding, we were able to make it possible. The message in Torn is so powerful and it doesn’t come as your traditional gospel play. Our hope is that Torn will come as a tool for people to understand the logic of their relationships or marriages, and knowing what it will take to make the marriage work in addition to what it takes to keep it together.

Dorsey:  In February we had two shows at the church consisting of 550 people, and we sold out. It was a great feeling to see and hear the testimonials of people coming up to the different cast members and telling them how it touched their lives. It was comment after comment. From that point on, funds were needed, and it was a great opportunity for me to give towards something so awesome. I was able to come in and get behind the scenes, and learn things as I move forward, learning from Lynnette, Tiffany, and Shay.

With his pacing, and stern directives, I had to know Dorsey’s character off stage for Torn.

TRA: Who is Dorsey on set?

Dorsey: I bring to the table outside of acting, the muscle behind Tiffany’s voice. I’m real stern. I don’t like people being late. Everyone wants to be great, but you have to put in the work. Greatness is not rewarded it is earned. You have to take personal accountability. We are a team, no part is bigger than the other. Everyone has to do their part to the best of their ability. We all have to put in the work. My Job is to keep everyone focused and on the same page as we move forward.

TRA: Can you give me a basic description of Torn in your own words?

Lynnette: Torn will allow you to see that every decision has a consequence, rather good or bad. However, keeping God in the midst of all decisions, allows for better understanding. Torn will give a firsthand look of how and why it’s important to hold on.

Tiffany: This story speaks in regards to relationship that has been severed. They have allowed interferences from outside to disarrange their foundation.  Torn takes you into the basics that exist in any relationship and/or marriage. Allowing you to see the real life relevant issues and those arguments are normal things that couples face.

Dorsey:  It’s a Christian based play, not overly religious. We hope to bring non- believers to the church. Torn doesn’t consist of real preachy dialogue however, there is reference to scriptures from the bible in play. For the most part, it’s just real life. We have no specific target audience, it’s just for everyone.

TRA: Where was the name “Torn” derived from?

Lynnette: Basic brainstorming. And just thinking of what a lot of relationship experiences and that is “Tears”. It becomes complicated and overwhelming in a relationship when there are tears that need to be repaired. With every decision, you make that choice to tear or build upon your relationship. Whenever you have a constant flow of un-happy tears, then something is “torn” and needs repair.

TRA: Who are the main characters?

Lynnette: Brice and Dana Kelly

TRA:  What can the audience expect from coming to see this play?

Lynnette: I think they will feel that it’s real. They would be able to identify or know of someone that represents the dialogue in Torn. They will walk away feeling and understanding the truth, honesty and inspiration of the characters. They will be able to relate to the characters and the experiences that may very well be personal within their homes. They are going to laugh. The ultimate goal will be achieved if they walk away with some insight on their own personal life. A lot of people don’t know what it takes to work on or even hold on to a relationship. For some that didn’t grow up in two parent households, they can be unsure of what that really means. A woman must gain the understanding of knowing her role as a wife and respecting her husband.  My favorite quote in regards to a severed relationship is, “You both have been here physically, but you left a long time ago, emotionally”. We have to know that there is more to a relationship than just sexual emotions. There are recreational, spiritual, intellectual, social and physical emotions. The sooner we understand and respect those emotions in our relationships the sooner we can grow and have a better hold before walking away.

Tiffany: They can expect to get hit with real hard truth while enjoying a fun play, with faith based undertones. They will get a mixture of drama, comedy, and inspirational messages delivered in a format that is uniquely Christian drama. Torn is not your typical play. Although it is Christian based, its originality began as Christian outreach to engage and attract our non-believers, therefore the language is flattering to attract the audience no matter what your faith based stance is.

TRA: Can you say that this play is a direct relation of the reality of everyday relationships?

Lynnette: Definitely, what’s so cool about this story is that the gender perspectives and roles are what we actually say.  Being written by two women, we surely scrubbed the story for reality and truth. We had to make sure that our information was as accurate as possible. We met with men and women. In meeting with the married couples, they told us about mother-in- law issues, respect issues, etc. We actually had real life stories to pull from, and we were so grateful for that.

Dorsey: Yes, being engaged and knowing married people, the reality is that there is always going to be issues in the marriage. Everyone has been in relationships, everyone has ups and downs, the question is what do you do about it and how do you hold on.

Tiffany: Yes it is. There are so many issues that relationships face in this new century. You have Facebook interference, where old friends and old lovers are reconnecting and rekindling at any given time. Technology is rapidly expanding and relationships are rapidly ending. Ryan Cameron of V-103 music station had Dorsey on the show, and he homed in on how Facebook is re-connecting past relationship and chapters that people have closed in their life, which is not good. People are starting to losing interest in their relationships instead of rebuilding.

TRA: In every beginning you must have a destination, so with that being said, what is the goal of Torn?

Lynnette: Our goal is for people to see that there is hope in your relationship when and if you make the decision to make it work. So often relationships are treated like a cactus, which requires a little sun and water to grow. With a real plant just a little wont work. You have to give it time. It may have to be replanted and it requires nurturing at every stage. That’s the same attention our relationship requires. We want people to commit to the journey of their relationships. You have to put in the work and make the decision not to go. You can’t rebuild by yourself, it takes two people.

Dorsey: The sky’s is the limit, we haven’t placed any boundaries. We will do our best and see where it takes us. (While interviewing, a lead singer in the play captures our attention, right in the midst of our conversation, her voice was beautiful). The lead singers are phenomenal. It’s not the typical gospel play, they are not singing the entire time. They sing in between each scene. As the set changes, the music begins. I must say, the singers are admirable, their vocals are an excellent collaboration, signifying the greatness in this play.

Tiffany: Our direction is going right to the big screen. This is our formula for a movie.

TRA: Do you plan to write and direct more?

Lynnette: Yes, I love writing and I feel like I am in the position to do more. We are not short on stories, just short on stories speaking to the spectrum and relations to our community. There are so many stories to be written and we want to bring them to the community. Tiffany is working on a new theatre company called Higher Calling.

Tiffany: Yes definitely. My plan is to start on other projects. I think my focus will always be geared towards relationships. It may be familial relationships, but the focus will be in that arena. I definitely want to focus on stories that are relevant and current with issues affecting our communities and relationships as a whole.  They will always be faith based.

Dorsey: If the opportunity presents itself. I have surely learned from Tiff and I comfortable with the producing part of it. Directing takes experience and Tiff got 20 years of experience, 13 years more than I. The experience and grind that I have gained as an assistant, has formulated my preparation of moving forward in the direction of these roles.

TRA: Tell me about Higher Calling Theatre Company?

Tiffany: God gave me this vision about 7 years ago to create a Christian theatre company. Although there are several in the metro area, … I had the desire for a contemporary faith based play, not just a mere entertainment and faith based. You have your playwright Tyler Perry, etc. that have shows and a production company, … in respecting and realizing my surrounding of other great statures amongst the talent, my long term goal, is to have a playhouse solely dedicated to these works. I want to have a full season of shows that people can come to throughout the year, and the focus will be faith based.

TRA: Any ending comments for the audience to know:

Lynnette: Come out and enjoy and well prepared Christian based play that will surely give you a different outlook on your current relationship or relationships to come. You will definitely leave with a different outlook on what you could’ve done differently, what you can do better, and how you can repair what’s Torn.

Dorsey: We have a talented cast with great energy. This play takes you on a roller coaster. It is serious, funny, emotional with everything intertwined. There are a lot of names that people won’t recognize, but when they leave the playhouse, they won’t forget who they were.

Tiffany: This is going to be a totally different experience. Come out, take a chance on our playwright and staff members. You will enjoy the show, and I promise you will leave with a good message and a refreshing experience.

As I wrapped up my questions, and took a last glance at the cast and the great minds behind a promising play, I left saying to myself, “Show time!”, because Torn is sure to gain the recognition it needs, in addition to repairing our community as a whole. This play is revitalizing the hope that is needed in keeping relationships and marriages together.

Atlanta’s 14th Street Playhouse, July 14^th –18^th, Wednesday – Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 3pm and 8pm; Sunday at 3pm and 7pm.

For media inquiries and credentials please contact The Profiles Group at (770) 222-2229 or profilespr@aol.com.

Links: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135087099839804&index=1

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

TheRealAtlanta.com: So, I want to start by thanking you for agreeing to share your story with us – I look forward to hearing you expound on what your struggles have resulted in – your own jewelry line, community activism, and tireless advocacy of the homeless.  It’s so brave of you and I think it’s a gift for people to be able to hear about your journey.  We have a lot to talk about, but to begin, on a more personal level, because you have experienced homelessness, I wanted to know your opinion on how it is a stigmatized condition and how you combat that.

JA: The worst part of it is that most people think that somebody’s homeless just because they’re lazy, that they don’t want to work, that it’s something they’ve done. And I remember I had a home, a husband, a job, one on the way, life was beautiful, and one day it’s all gone and it’s just me and two children – homeless – and there was nothing I did.  It made me stop and look at maybe the person on the street who needed a hand like I needed it.  It’s not always something you’ve done.  You could catch a cold and it turn into something more serious and you miss some days from work.  They say we’re all two paychecks away from being homeless ourselves, and it is that.  It is truly that simple.  I just want people to know that not everybody who’s sitting out there homeless is there by a decision they’ve made.  Sometimes things happen beyond our control, and [the homeless] are not all begging for a dollar.  Sometimes they’re begging, “Can you help me find a way to get back on my feet-a safe transition?”  Because I reached a point where I was a single mom with two small children under the age of four, and to make a safe transition where I was fortunate enough not to have to sell my body or do anything to get back on my feet was amazing, but there’s a lot of women out there that don’t have the same opportunities that I had. 

TRA: Right.

JA: And I think it’s important to raise awareness that not everybody is on drugs and some people just want a job so they can provide for their family.

TRA: And that’s absolutely what you’re doing with your company – raising money.  It’s all over your Facebook, you’re always talking about it, and that’s so valuable because finding volunteer opportunities in this city that are worthwhile can be a challenge, but you’re definitely a voice for that.  You’re a networker and you’re a warrior.  So what were the events that resulted in you becoming homeless?  You went through a divorce and then. . .

JA: I found myself in a bad marriage.  Two people that probably should’ve never had a first date ended up getting married.

TRA: I think that happens a lot.

JA: It does happen a lot.  And one day he had enough; I had enough.  We had one child already with one on the way and the thought of the rest of our lives together was more than either one of us could bear.  Also through decisions I’d made in my past I had nowhere to go and nowhere to call my home, so I started relying on some family and friends and we moved from couch to couch.  You know I don’t regret my decision to leave a bad situation, I just regretted having to drag two children through it. 

TRA: I can’t imagine.  Just to paint a picture for people, what was your greatest daily challenge when you were going through that?

JA: Sometimes just finding something to feed my son.  And the questions he asked, you know,  “Where are we going to sleep tonight?  Do we have enough gas in the car to get somewhere?”  A three year old shouldn’t have to be worried about those things.  And then when my daughter was born, it got harder because it’s hard enough to find a place for a toddler and a full-grown woman but an infant?  Then it reached a point where we were running from my ex-husband, and were moving from place to place just to avoid that harassment so it got kind of tough sometimes.  You know, when you go to ask for help they all look down on you like you should just get a job.

TRA: And you had a job, right, but you fell ill?

JA: Well, when I first left I was pregnant with a difficult pregnancy.  I wasn’t allowed to work – the doctors wouldn’t allow me to go to work.  I couldn’t do anything.  The system was set up in such a way that when we finally got some help, as soon as I got to work they cut off the assistance, so I couldn’t afford what we had so it was either stay home and not work and stay on the system so I could feed my children, have a roof to put over their head, or go to work and then we’d be back out on the street.  So it wasn’t until the President enacted a plan to help people go back to work where you could go back to work and keep your assistance for so long and then they would reduce it and eventually take it away so you could transition into a working life and learn how to budget your money and learn how to get a place with all of those things that I was able to go back to work.

TRA: That was something I wanted to ask you about too, but first I have to ask to which President were you referring? 

JA: It was Clinton.

TRA: He’s cute.  I love that he plays the saxophone.  I always had a little crush.

JA: He actually made it so [the bill] provided childcare for a working single parent because that’s the most expensive thing that you have.  I was able to receive my childcare, keep my children covered with insurance while I went to work and those were the two biggest concerns of mine.  Going to work to have to pay for childcare – there goes my whole check, and also no insurance?  Um, children get sick. 

TRA: They’re into everything.

JA: Yes.  They get sick; they get hurt.  And I couldn’t stand the thought of not being able to take my children to the hospital if they needed to or to the doctor to get their regular shots, they’re immunizations.  It was one of the best things the President did.

TRA: Absolutely.   Actually my next question was concerning that transition when you were getting back on your feet.  What government institution, organization, or individual was most resourceful to you during that time – other than obviously yourself?

JA: I have to give the DEFACS system in South Carolina a big shout out for that.  They truly took the President’s plan – taught me how to do a resume, taught me how to interview, helped me find the perfect childcare, set me up for a lot of success so when I walked in one day to an optical shop I was prepared to interview. 

TRA: Talk about your experience with that.

JA: I walked into an optical shop one day and told the guy if he took a chance I would never call in sick for work, I would never miss a day, I’d never be late, I’d be his hardest worker, there’s nothing he would ask that I couldn’t do.  I didn’t want him just to give me a job, I wanted an opportunity, and he took a shot on me.  A big shot on me and put me to work.

TRA: Did you have any experience?

JA: None whatsoever.  No optical experience whatsoever.  I was fortunate enough that my mom had been in optics for a while, but that’s what she knew that’s not what I knew.

TRA: Well girl, you always have on a killer pair of shades!   I don’t know if that has always been . . .

JA: Yes.

TRA: Then you had it in you all along! (We laugh)

JA: He gave me a shot and I was able to work with him for a year, then through many difficult situations I had to move out of the state, so I ended up in Georgia and my greatest joy was the day I got to walk into a general manager’s meeting and there he was.  I got to hug him, and we cried, and just to [be able to] thank him for giving me a shot.

TRA: Wait, you were in the same board room?

JA: Well the company had a conference for all the general managers and I had risen to the point where I was a general manager as well and [my former boss] was there.  So, to get to thank him for giving me a shot to supply for my family, to be a productive member of society was the most wonderful thing.  We cried for 20 minutes. 

TRA: I’m crying now!

JA: But I took every chance he gave me, every piece of information and latched onto it and just climbed and clawed, and when they told me I was too young to be a general manager I didn’t listen.

TRA: How old were you at the time when they told you that you were too young to be a general manager?

JA: Twenty-six.

TRA: Wow.

JA: And by twenty-seven I was a general manager.

TRA: You showed them.

JA: Yeah.  (She smiles.)  I’ve been a general manager up until about a year ago in optics, but when I left the last company I was with and I Joined the company I’m with now, Show Your Colors By Jennifer was starting to evolve so I knew I had to step back from all the strain from being a general manager so I could run [my own] company the way it needed to be.

TRA: Now tell me about your company Show Your Colors by Jennifer because this is really special.  Tell us how we can buy bracelets .

JA: Well we do have a website, ShowYourColorsByJennifer.com, and you can contact us on Facebook through Jenn Austin.  We also have just had our first wholesale deal in a boutique store in Riverdale.  We just put the product in the store today.

TRA: Congratulations!  I didn’t realize this was such a big day for you.  I’d buy you a shot but you don’t drink.  I’ll buy you a book, because I know you like to read a lot.

JA: That’ll work.  We just put our first one in there today, sold one in California off our website yesterday so yeah, it’s been crazy.

TRA: So you’re already intra-national, next step is international.

JA: We’ve sold two in Afghanistan.

TRA: Really?  Wow.

JA: Yeah, we reached the world even before we hit the United States.

TRA: Another tribute to our technological age.  Sometimes it’s quicker to reach the world.  (We laugh.)

JA: And then if you’re fortunate enough to catch us at some of the events, I’m usually making the bracelets on site.  I always have my stuff to make [the bracelets] with me wherever I am.

TRA: I’ve seen you even at the bar.  Working away.

JA: It’s actually very relaxing to me, especially when my team’s losing in football, but we won’t talk about that.

TRA: I know.  I’m so sorry your team lost the SuperBowl, but I think that we were all Saints in our hearts this year even if it was just a little bit.  In fact, I was at a Superbowl party with you and your husband when I found out that you bedazzle your bracelets.  You know I love to be bedazzled.

JA: I put sterling silver letters into them, and we’re working on some other projects right now.

TRA: What other projects?

JA: Well I just took my first order for a dog collar, and I’ve got some other things coming. 

TRA: So are you transitioning right now from working for someone else to owning your own company or are you already at that point?

JA: I’ll probably continue to work for somebody else just because I love to give back so much. Truly that’s what attracted me to optics, but [my husband] has been fortunate enough that he is able to exclusively work for [Show Your Colors by Jennifer].  He’s not doing anything else.

TRA: What a blessing!  So his company isn’t separate from your company?

JA: It’s all one group – it’s all underneath me.

TRA: He works for you.

JA: He does.  That’s why his car license plate says, “VP/General Manager.”  Mine says, “Founder.”

TRA:  I love it.  That was actually something that I wanted to touch on a little bit here.  Jay, your husband, was homeless for a time and now he’s the Vice President of your joint company that gives twelve percent of its proceeds to Crossroads Community for the homeless.

JA: We give to various homeless organizations.  Last quarter was Crossroads Ministry, and we’re probably going to roll into this quarter with Crossroads just because we believe so much in what they do.

TRA: And I want to get back to what they do because I think it’s a great organization as well. But first I wanted to ask, taking into account that you and Jay were homeless together for a time, and have both risen to such success, what is it like to have someone who is not only your partner but also a fellow warrior?

JA: It’s wonderful.  The passion for [combating homelessness] never dies.  It’s not something I have to revive in him or that he has to revive in me because we remember what it’s like not to have anywhere to go, or the cops harass you because you’re trying to stay out of the way and they see you, or when you’re not eating right but it’s what you have.  The fact that somebody gave both of us a chance at one point when nobody else would really makes us want to work hard, and this one thing we’re going to pride ourselves on as we go forward.  We’ll be hitting some of the homeless shelters [looking] for the people who are really wanting to make a change in their life, and we’re planning on putting some people to work as we go forward.

TRA: Eternally giving back.  That is you and Jay as I’ve always known you.  So, tell me a little bit about meeting each other, and you’re journey through homelessness and back together.  Also, of course, I’m curious about the initial spark because I see it every day still with you two.

JA: I actually met him when I was at work at my second job.  When I finally got on my feet the last thing I ever wanted to do was go back to not having anything so I worked two jobs.  My children would never have nowhere to call home again.  So it was during that time that I met him at a baseball game.  As you know we’re two baseball junkies.

TRA: I didn’t know that about you two.

JA: Love baseball.  And my mother said when she heard me talk about him the very first time she knew he was the one. 

TRA: How did she know?  Did she say?

JA: She told me right away, she said, “Oh my god, you’ve met the one.” And she said she knew because I compared him to my father.  All the things I loved about my father, all the things that drove me crazy, there he was.  She said she knew right then that this was the one, and it was perfect from the beginning. Then through a series of events Jay and I became homeless again, and because I wouldn’t put my children through any more drama, they went and lived with their father.  So, Jay and I struggled together.

TRA:  So when you and Jay implement the purple and black colors in the bracelets that you make, what does that represent for the homeless?

JA:  Well the black is the despair and the hopelessness that you live in when you’re homeless.  You don’t see an end to it.  You feel like you’re in a room with no lights.  The purple is the royalty. It’s the first time you’re a productive member of society.  You have a house – I remember moving into my first house with my kids.  We had nothing but they were so happy to say, “This is my room – this is mine.”  It’s just such a wonderful thing, and the first time you’re writing that rent check or mortgage payment.  You might as well be king or queen.

TRA: What a feeling to have!  Getting back to Crossroads, what were your reasons for choosing that particular organization to donate twelve percent of Show Your Colors by Jennifer’s proceeds towards, and what other organizations do you feel are doing a worthy job of helping people to plug in?

JA: Well, Crossroads is an amazing ministry.

TRA: Where is it located?

JA: On Courtland Street in Downtown Atlanta.  It’s a wonderful, wonderful organization.  They really work with the whole entire person.  They actually have a program where they bring you in for ninety days.  They help you get your medicine.  They help you get your I.D.  They get you a mailing address.

TRA: I think a mailing address is key.  That’s something that I feel sets it apart from other organizations, and it seems to me communication is one of the biggest advancements toward accelerating the transition out of homelessness.

JA: It truly is, I mean when you apply for some jobs, you need a mailing address to put on your application.  [Crossroads] is a place for your family to correspond with you, it’s a place to get your driver’s license and your birth certificate.  If you’re fortunate enough to get food stamps or a check or these things, it’s a mailing address for these places to send it to you.  A lot of people don’t think about that – and you can’t do anything without a driver’s license or a birth certificate.

TRA: Right.

JA: You have to have an I.D.  You have to have a birth certificate.

TRA: So they’re really good about gathering the essentials. 

JA: And the wonderful thing is they have a clinic there, and if you have high blood pressure or diabetes or AIDS you can go get their medicine there.  [The people who run Crossroads] said that the ministry started just by giving out sandwiches, and then they started noticing the same people coming through and so began to ask questions like “Why are you here?” “How can we help you not be here tomorrow?” Their whole program is about helping you get off the streets to be a productive member of society, and anybody who will help [the homeless] instead of just feeding them is wonderful in my book.

TRA: I know that from personal experience volunteering with Crossroads when you shared with me how to connect to them.  I found out that you just show up from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. any day and volunteer to make sandwiches and serve food.

JA: They give them a warm meal, not just the sandwiches.  It’s something warm every day to eat.  And we’ve had several canned food drives where we take the food to them, and they take that food and actually prepare it for the homeless.  But you get a meal and a lesson and it’s a wonderful place to donate your time.

TRA: Definitely.  I’m sure they appreciate all you have done through Show Your Colors.  Speaking of which, your husband mentioned that you guys were celebrating the one year anniversary of your business soon.  Where da party at?

JA: Well it will be in May at Highland Cigar Company.

TRA: Is there an exact date yet?

JA: No exact date, but check Facebook for the upcoming announcement.

TRA: What can we expect from this party?  Will your bracelets be for sale?

JA: I’ll have bracelets and bow ties and for the select few I may be actually making them there.  Our last party we did have an auction.  We’ll be having a silent auction, and a vegetarian spread.

TRA: Sounds like great food, great people, and a great cause.  Is the crowd going to consist of people that have worked for you in your company or will the invitees be those who support the cause and support you?

JA: We want to bring a lot of people together who support the cause.  We’ll try to bring some people from each organization that we’ve helped this year so that everybody’s represented, and we’re trying to reach out to different organizations because the idea is to bring awareness for the homeless, and not just Show Your Colors by Jennifer.

TRA: Understood.  I can’t wait until May for the party.

JA: You have to wear purple and black to come.

TRA: Perfect, I’ve been looking for an excuse to buy a purple dress.  Anyway, I thank you so much again for sharing your story, and here’s to many more years of success for Show Your Colors by Jennifer.

JA: Thank you very much.  Thank you.

By Summer Stanley.

Some things seem never to change, and among those seeming constants are the trials and tribulations that accompany getting older, in particularly the teen angst that goes hand in hand with puberty.  Spring Awakening, this season’s eight-time Tony Award Winner including for Best New Musical, though set in 19^th-century Germany, may as well have won for “Most Relevant Musical,” underscored by Duncan Sheik’s edgy rock compositions.

With songs such as “The Bitch of Living,” sung by a group of male students in Latin class, and “Totally F…d,” lamented by Melchior, the star student getting expelled, these adolescents, apart from their old-fashioned boots and conservative get-up, may as well be any teenager grappling for the first time with authority, education, sex, and love.

Originally written by Frank Wedekind, a German playwright and visionary, Spring Awakening was put into hibernation after its 1917 New York opening, on account of its intensely sexual content, especially for the time.  To this day, a sign still cautions, “AUDIENCE ADVISORY: Spring Awakening contains partial nudity, strong language, and sexual situations.”  And rightly so, though by that same token one should be given an advisory for life.  Spring Awakening’s content merely reinforces its timelessness.

Though Spring Awakening does tackle the weightier teen issues – suicide, botched abortion, incest, masochism – it isn’t the subject matter that cuts to the heart of this century-old tale.  It is rather how the story is gingerly held with kid gloves that encapsulates the innocence with which these young characters confront their challenges.

When a sleep-deprived Moritz (Chase Davidson), due to his late-night penance for what he deems sinful wet dreams, flunks out of school despite all his efforts, the dread he feels at the thought of reporting home to his militaristic father is palpable.  Upon being informed by her hysterical mother that she is pregnant, Wendla’s (Christy Altmore) betrayal is matched only by her shock, as she had been told early on that babies were produced through wedlock alone.  Hence the hard lyrics, “Mama who bore me/mama who gave me no way to handle things/who made me so sad.”

Because this is a story of youth as it often is, misguided or sometimes even unguided, all of the authority figures in this play are comprised of two actors.  One man, John Wojda, along with one woman, Angela Reed, symbolize predominance, tackling the role of overbearing parents, unsympathetic teachers, and apathetic clerics in memorable performances.  The choice to vilify authority offers a validating window into what it really means to come of age, to trade one world for another.

The romance between a smitten Melchior (Matt Shingledecker) and an equally besotted Wendla is an apt first love story, moving from all-encompassing euphoria to total heartbreak.  D.S.’s lyrics foreshadow the young lovers’ fate with delicate honesty upon their first serenade: “I’m gonna be wounded/ I’m gonna be your wound/ I’m gonna bruise you/ I’m gonna be your bruise.”

Spring Awakening tenderly exposes their young cast, each in their own way victims of their own naiveté, put upon them by those who are older with more knowledge and therefore more power.  It is the observation of their struggle for power over themselves renders this play deeply felt, nostalgic, and stunning.

Saila better describes herself as an, “Urban soul gospel recording artist”. You may wonder, what is urban soul in the gospel lime light? She describes her sound more like neo-soul and funk mixed together. She has a wonderful personality a hidden treasure of beauty and a testimony to acknowledge it. She released her first unsigned CD, “A Changed Soul”, in 2004. In 2005, she released yet another unsigned CD “Free to Be”, which earned her many tour dates in the US. She was featured within the TD Jakes MegaFest, where she was able to inspire, inform, and introduce to her audience that her sense of being free speaks through her music.

Saila is definitely an eye-opener to the music ministry. She was featured as a new artist in The Jace magazine, and described as a new Mover & Shaker by Divine Magazine. Beyond her music, Saila has a radio program called, The Saila Rachelle Radio show in the Atlanta area. She has also made various acting appearances in the New Birth Inner City, Zenith Capitol Group, The Jace voice-over commercial for radio, actress in Violet, an off Broadway musical, Schoolhouse Rock, Live, and Action Movie II, Episode I. She has been featured on stage with Kierra KiKi Sheard, Deitrick Haddon, Canton Jones, Cee Cee Michaela, Gary Anglin, Antonia Lawrence, Raymond Boyce, Lonny Hunter, Andrae’ Crouch, Shekina Glory Ministries, and many others. In addition she is the CEO of EllehCar Entertainment, LLC.

As a Gospel Artist, On-air Personality, & Actress, Saila displays the gifts of many talents, but one solid foundation of Christianity.

Originally from Detroit Michigan, Saila has resided in Atlanta for over 5 years. In 2007 Saila had a financial setback that left her homeless and forced her to relocate back to Michigan to pick up the pieces again. During her homeless experience, her aunt who was like a mother to her, whom later died of breast cancer instilled an undeniable wisdom that she carries with her daily. During her aunts last days of life, she pushed Saila constantly, leaving the words, “You are going to be alright”, to ponder on with her for the rest of her life. Saila later matured to the belief that her return to Michigan was God sent.

… As a Gospel Artist, On-air Personality, & Actress, Saila displays the gifts of many talents, but one solid foundation of Christianity. …

She didn’t have a car, didn’t know what the next step would actually be, but she did know she had a mission, and that was to inspire one if not many through her words of ministry. Saila stated that she always had plans to return to Georgia, she was just uncertain of if and when the timing would be suitable based on her current situation and soon to be past obstacles. With all the negative talks from others during her downfall she believed that the wisdom from her aunt and the blessings from her God would not let her fail. The past has definitely shaped and purposed her future. This interview with Saila will give great clarity on what gospel and having a Christian foundation has done for her. This time around Saila is giving it her all. She is eager but yet patiently waiting for a successful outcome in it all. Learning from her experience the hard way, she remains realistic of her expectations. As an unsigned artist and working independently on this album, Saila is hoping to touch and connect with every age group as well as reaching the unsaved.

She realizes that she must maintain balance, that she must keep a positive surrounding and a spiritual foundation for her continued growth. Her new CD is scheduled to release in 2010. She will be scheduled to tour many events, concerts, and churches in the US and Internationally. On this album she is working with producers, Marvin Thompson Jr. and Darin Whittington of New York and with the contribution of many others along the way. Darin who has produced secular & gospel music has worked with general music artist and on many film projects. With the great talent behind her and encouragement to continue her journey, she is positive that the outcome will be greater than before.

Although her 1^st single title is yet to be determined, she tells people, “I’m at a new season”, meaning she is at a point in her life where she has accepted who God has made her to be, musically and spiritually. Saila doesn’t plan to single herself out to just singing at gospel concerts. Although she wouldn’t consider herself an opening act for Soulja Boy or Beyonce, she definitely has no problem bringing a spiritual setting to any genre outside of Gospel and inspirational music. Saila mentions that she is expecting scrutiny in this reasoning, and she is OK with that, because her mission is more than the negative reactions of eyebrows raised. Saila states, that if she could inspire thousands of people through her music ministry at a comedy show or local act, then she plans to move her feet. She says, “If God didn’t fail me then, he sure isn’t about to fail me now, because I’m operating in his due season and according to his will”.

She remains optimistic and continues to reach higher heights. She says that she wouldn’t necessarily consider herself an inspirational artist until God places that calling on her. Right now her mission is to bless, heal, and inspire. She feels that everyone, regardless of their walk in life will be blessed by her music soon to be released. Although she is very excited, she remains calm and steadfast waiting on the Lord. Saila’s prior season anthem was, “Never Would Have Made It”, by Marvin Sapp. Again she is in a new season, so her song to carry her through will come out in her music yet to be released.

Saila will be covering the GMA Dove Awards in Nashville Tennessee this year. She will also be featured on the Antidote show coming up on Comcast local airing stations, while remaining a part-time worship leader at New Birth Inner City located in East Point, Georgia.

After returning to Atlanta for permanent residency, Saila was asked to return to radio as an on-air personality whose program aired during the Bernice King Show. With intentions to reach out to the youth within the urban community, she had a Back to School radio special for 8 weeks which covered various topics for teens and parents.

The special aired on the 1570 AM and aboard online. With great success, it enabled Saila to move to her own program time slot on Sheridan Broadcasting’s 1570 AM – The Light. Due to her busy schedule and concentration on her upcoming projects and gospel album, she can be heard on the airwaves of the Saila Rachelle Show and online once a month.  Saila wants people to know that, “What God has for you, is for you”. Whether good or bad, you have to roll with the punches and pick up the pieces of your life and concentrate on your destiny.

With a beautiful smile and a respectful presence, she said in a low modest humbling tone, “Atlanta has been very good to me”.

Please stay tuned, because Saila is sure to hit the airwaves with enduring inspirations that we will all cherish and appreciate.

For booking info, contact 404-552-5200 or Email: booking@ellehcar.org

Website: www.sailarachelle.net

When you hear the words “Grave Yard Shift” the first thing that probably comes to mind is that late night stretch dreaded by most employees. In some sense that’s the concept behind the six member hip hop clique, who call themselves Grave Yard Shift. I recently caught up with a few of “The Yard” members to talk about their concept of “individual collectivism.”

Just like the groups’ name, the day was dark and the sky threatened rain. When I walked inside of The Landmark, I spotted The Yard members, Skitz, Anonymous, and Noonie holed up at a table near the rear of the eatery.  As I reached the table I waved casually at the trio and made a remark about not wanting to get caught in the rain.  The slim, dark skinned man, who calls himself Anonymous, cracked a joke that was a bit too off color for me to include in this interview. Now, with the ice broken, I smirked and took a seat to begin my round of questions, still concerned about the rain.

TRA:  So how did you guys come up with the name Grave Yard Shift?

Skitz: The name Grave Yard Shift was a result of the hours and time we put into our craft as a collective. When everyone else is asleep we’re making the world spin.

TRA:  I understand the Grave Yard Shift is a collective of six individual artists. How does that work out in terms of projects and releasing your material?

Anonymous:  We are made up of six members, but like you said, we’re individual artists. So we base projects on individual productivity. Your own personal work effort dictates your progress. Then there are certain projects where we might work together for chemistry purposes. Like Skitz and Noonie pair well together. Me and Skitz pair well together, too. It depends on the music we’re working on at the time. Plus we are in different locations, too so that plays a part sometimes.

TRA: What do you mean by different locations?

Anonymous:  Well the other three members you don’t see here today, actually live in upstate New York.

TRA: So how does that work with the three of you here in Atlanta and the other members in New York?

Skitz: Well actually, we have H.B. in South Florida and we got Pretty M Dot and Squad in New York. It works well; it gives us an opportunity to be omnipresent. We can be many places at once as a brand. If H.B. is performing in Miami, it’s Grave Yard, ya dig? It’s the same with us and Pretty M Dot and Squad. Where ever we are, we are under the umbrella of Grave Yard Shift. This is a brand and a movement.

TRA:  O.K., I feel you. So what can listeners and consumers expect to hear music-wise from Grave Yard Shift?

Skitz: We are a collective of greatness. The people can expect to hear art combined with dedication to hip hop, the old and new school. We are artists, not rappers. Make sure you print that. We respect all artists in the game. Our music is such a diverse collective of talent because we all come from different walks in life or different generations of the music. I was born in Florida and raised in New York so I am a combination of both of those elements.  Noonie is from Long Beach and you’ll notice right out the gate his swag is different from the other members as far as appearance. Pretty M Dot is just that new age sickness. His flow is crazy. Basically we got it sewed across the board. We got every genre of hip hop covered.

TRA: That is really awesome! So what’s your latest project?

Skitz: We about to drop That Old Thing Back which is a mix-tape. We got the Eye On the Prize video out right now. Pretty M Dot is about to drop the Pretty Please album. Noonie is finishing up his mix-tape and Anonymous is wearing a lot of hats right now (laughs)… We got a lot coming for the people. I don’t want to be long winded trying to explain everything, but just look for the name Grave Yard Shift to be making an impact in 2010 on many levels.

TRA:  So are you guys signed to a label?

Skitz: No, at this point we are doing everything independently. Like I said earlier, we are spread out which helps out with our distribution. But we are looking for major distribution. We have a good following already. We are just looking to get a good distributor that can get us into the areas where we have a demand but no outlet. With the stream of ring tones flooding the market right now it got everybody trying to be single. Nobody has a relationship with the art or the music anymore. That’s why we are about to put out That Old Thing Back, so the hip hop community can remember it’s roots and see that the growth in hip hop doesn’t have to be limited to one style or one type of music. Hip hop was and still is the voice of the people who need a format for unique or abstract expression.

TRA: I like where you are going with your focus. And I agree with the fact that you say people need to be reminded of where and why hip hop originated. So, how often do you perform and where can people see you live?

Skitz: We perform as often as possible. We hit up showcases for open mics around Atlanta all the time. The best way to find out where we are going to be or what we got going on is to go to our website at www.gysnation.com.  The next big show we are doing is actually going to be in upstate New York in March.

TRA:  Is there anything else you want the people to know?

Noonie: Yeah…we ‘bout to make the world spin backwards…

As I closed out this interview Anonymous continued to flirt with our waitress. I saw the sky had cleared up outside. If the day is any indication to the group’s future, it looks like the dark hours they work into the night will eventually shine through.

Atlanta native Laurah Norton Raines is pretty busy these days.  Having achieved such accomplishments as writer, teacher, as well founder/editor of her own on-line literary magazine to boot, it is a wonder that she has the time to write such compelling, award winning short stories, such as Old Scratch and Medicine.  Both of these stories won first place in the Creative Loafing fiction contest in 2008 and 2009 respectively.  Also speaking to her impressive skill is the fact that she has been published in magazines such as Fringe, Failbetter, Night Train, and the Post Road Journal.  Her work is also found in various anthologies.

Laurah was gracious enough to sit with me in her office at Georgia State University, where she teaches American Literature and Freshman Composition, to tell me about herself, her writing, and who she thinks is just great in the genre of magical realism.

TheRealAtlanta.com:  Tell me about Laurah.  Where are you from?

Laurah Norton Raines:  I’m not really from anywhere.  For most of my life I have lived equally in North Carolina and Georgia.  I went to high school in Georgia, though. I did my undergrad at Gilford College, which is a Quaker school that offered many programs focusing on creative writing.  I then returned to Georgia, was given the Paul Bowles Fellowship while at Georgia State University, received my MFA in creative writing and was hired on at Georgia State to teach.

TRA:  How did you get started with writing?

LNR:  Well, I’ve been writing all my life.  My dad is a writer, and before I could write myself, I would dictate stories to him. When I went to college, I majored in English and was originally going to be a screen writer, but I found that in writing dialogue, you can’t really paint the picture, so I switched to creative writing.  After my undergrad was completed I went to work at Bank of America and would have panic attacks in the bathroom from being confined to a cubby all day. That’s when I realized that I needed to go back to doing what I enjoy, which is writing.  I then went back to school to work on my MFA.

TRA:  I read the stories you gave me which helped acclimate me more to your writing style and I found that you write about the mundane in everyday life.  Would you say that is pretty accurate?

LNR:  People say I’m a hyper-realist, but for me, I can’t really pin-point what kind of writer I am.  I just write.  People tell me what kind of writer I am but I have yet to confirm those observations. However, what I do in my writing is draw from particular time frames within a period.  It may be a minute occurrence within an hour that I write about.  I never write about events that extend over a great period of time.

TRA:  Well, Slow Freeze seemed to be spot on regarding real life scenarios.  I could definitely place me and my husband within the story.

LNR:  Yeah, Slow Freeze is a good example of my position of my writing and it is one of my most important pieces.  Yes, my stories are influenced by real life and Slow Freeze has been technically deemed as Creative Non-Fiction but it is a little different.  With this piece, I have taken real life events and “fictionalized” them which, does not happen in true Creative Non-Fiction writing.  In Slow Freeze the basic events are true with a slight change in the details. Typically, Creative Non-Fiction writers do not change the details in their writing. They approach non-fiction using creative writing tools. With that said, my story Off Highway 75 would probably be the one most fitting the Creative Non-Fiction moniker.

TRA:  Tell me the way you come up with your ideas for stories, and do you have a specific writing method?

LNR:  Some people are everyday writers.  I am not.  I don’t even write every week.  I usually get an idea in my head or a mental picture of something and think about it for a long time; a couple of months at least.  Then I begin writing it down. I tend to write in “spurts.”  As far as a method toward writing, I don’t think I have one.  I feel that a person should write in the way that works best for them.  Like in my case, if I feel too much pressure to write, it begins to feel like an assignment and that will not work for me.

TRA:  Right…so does that mean you are no longer working on the novel you mentioned some time ago?

LNR:  No I am not. I was working on a novel at one time because you have to write a novel to get tenure.  You can write a book of short stories, though, so I’m doing that.  I’m just not a novelist.  Novels take a lot of time in which to develop plots and I am more into flash fiction.  I love writing in tight prose.  Now, that does not mean I write in the minimal sense, but that my plots occur within a short span of time.

TRA:  Laurah, who are the authors that pique your interest?

LNR:  Right now I have an interest in magical realism and slip stream in which the piece falls within genres. So I am reading Kelly Link.  Her book, Magic for Beginners is one of my favorites.  I also love St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves by Karen Russell.  I find their stories fascinating!  I feel their writing styles force readers into metaphorical elements and cause them not to take things so literally.  I find that I have to pick images that posses a universal quality when I read these authors.  I also like the fact that there are a lot of women writers who are representing the magical realism and slip stream genres right now.

TRA: I know…that is great…

LNR: Yeah, so I hope to expand my writing into that genre some time soon…

TRA:  Laurah, congratulations on all of the things you have done to bring light to the literary world.  Thank you for taking the time to talk to me and I hope to see your book of short stories on the shelves in the near future.  Can you tell the readers where they can find out more about you?

LNR:  Sure, readers need to check out my magazine, which is called Sub-Lit.  The website is http://www.sub-lit.com/.  There you will not only find some of my writing but that of other writers who are a part of the Sub-Lit team.

Despite the fact that a substantial snowfall blanketed Atlanta on Friday, February 12^th, the originally scheduled date for the Goodie Mob concert, the legendary Hip Hop quartet “made it rain” at 9 PM on Saturday, February 20^th to a packed Tabernacle Music Hall. Fans old and new came out and represented Atlanta and the love they have for the group as they cheered, danced, and rapped along to all of Goodie Mob’s hit songs. Opening the reunion concert was Atlanta native B.o.B. a.k.a. Bobby Ray, with his eclectic mix of rock and rap which set the mood for the upcoming Goodie Mob performance.  B.o.B. and his band rocked out the popular song, “I’ll Be In the Sky” along with a few other well-received songs by the young rapper.

Shortly after B.o.B.’s energetic opener, Goodie Mob burst onto the stage looking dapper and sleek in black outfits of various styles.  As each member of the group took the stage, fans hollered and threw their hands up in hot anticipation of what was coming next by way of musical entertainment offered up by the Goodie Mo-B, as they are sometimes referred to by fans. They wasted no time giving the  audience what they wanted as they launched into “Goodie Bag” from their Soul Food album, sending the crowd into an appreciative frenzy and that was just the beginning.  Goodie Mob performed many songs from their debut album including “Thought Process,” “Live at the O.M.N.I.”, “Sesame Street”, and of course, the unofficial Atlanta anthem, “Dirty South”. The group’s female mix master, DJ Princess Cut, added both a freshness and a unique sound to their classic hits by sampling various songs from other artists.

One of the highlights of the night was during the unselfish shout out made to their Dungeon Family brethren, Outkast, while the group took a short break.  Goodie Mob’s voluptuous dancers and DJ Princess Cut kept the crowd highly engaged as she played songs from Outkast’s legendary albums Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens, and Aquemini. Reenergized and ready to finish off the pumped fans the group members T-Mo, Cee-Lo, Khujo, and Big Gipp glided back on the stage dressed in long pastel colored robes and this time, Goodie Mob graced the crowd with “Black Ice,” “Fly Away,” and “Beautiful Skin,” from their Still Standing album.  During “Beautiful Skin,” fans rocked and swayed to the powerful beats as Cee-Lo Goodie rapped about the pride black women should feel for themselves and demand from others. The music didn’t stop there, though. The members of Goodie Mob broadened their performance repertoire by giving their audience a taste of music from their solo projects. Cee-Lo Goodie broke out on the stage under a single spotlight and belted out his Gnarls Barkley hit “Crazy” while T-Mo and Khujo performed some of their duo ventures from the Lumberjacks albums.

For nearly two hours Goodie Mob put their all into performing for their fans that chilly Saturday night.  Even after being on the hip-hop scene for over 15 years, the foursome’s presence was still as fresh as it was in 1995. What was most impressive was the sense of camaraderie that was felt between the men as they moved across the stage. Goodie Mob proved they are still standing as one of the most prolific acts in southern hip hop and that nothing, including last week’s snow fall, can keep them from bringing the lyrical heat.

Authors of urban literature, also known as street literature, have steadily made a formidable presence on bookshelves since its humble beginnings in the early 1970’s.  The pioneers of urban literature boast such authors like Iceberg Slim and Donald Goines who opened the doors to a world of survival on the streets by doing whatever was necessary.  For them, that meant unabashedly writing stories about what really went on in their lives as hustlers.  Their form of employ certainly could not be compared to the norms that most Americans experienced in their work environments.  Goines and Slim needed to tell their stories.

Urban literature is typically and preferably written by those who have actually been a part of the mores and mechanisms of urban life.  Anyone who attempts to write a piece on urban literature who has not experienced the unique culture of street life will find a critical and unforgiving audience; there are elements to urban literature that must be satisfied within the writing to convey a genuine and convincing read.  Boldly stepping up to those expectations is author Aaron Bebo with his novel, “Change For A Dollar”.  Having emerged from street life himself, Mr. Bebo knows firsthand what it takes to write a book about urban culture that stays true and upholds the standards already set by the first trendsetters within the genre. However, Mr. Bebo’s writing is a little different.  He offers more of a look into the mind and circumstances of a hustler and gives reasons such drastic changes are made for money and status. I recently caught up with Mr. Bebo to talk about his novel and the why he will be doing something very different in conjunction with its’ release: Providing an accompanying soundtrack with the book.

Born and raised in New York State in the 1970’s, Aaron Bebo’s life was catapulted into the confines of drugs and violence early on.  However, he took the cards he was dealt in life and used them to his advantage.  Being in the streets from such a young age could have ended in disastrous results but for this urban literature author, those nascent experiences gave him the materials he would need to write the compelling piece that “Change For A Dollar” is.

For example, being in the streets calls for the ability to engage in sharp observations of people and surroundings in order to survive.  Therefore if you are astute, you become a master of gauging human behavior, mannerisms, and conversations.  Mr. Bebo takes the experiences he learned in the streets and seriously applies that knowledge to the development of his characters and to the plot. By the end of the novel, you intimately know his protagonist, Malcolm Andrews and can appreciate the metamorphosis Malcolm must undergo in order to become successful on the block.  Mr. Bebo has found that in urban literature, some authors choose to focus on the act of selling drugs, the cars, and the money that come with it.  It cannot be denied that these things, which Mr. Bebo calls “surface stuff,” are central elements of the lifestyle, but what about the emotional and mental workings that go hand and hand with hustling?  What about the person or people themselves?  What is different about this novel is that Mr. Bebo shifts the focal point from the material gains that most Urban Literature seems to be concerned about to the deeper, more abstract concepts that readers may not have considered before.  This new and more substantial subject matter coupled with the excitement and intrigue that accompanies the urban lifestyle gives readers the best of both worlds.  Mr. Bebo gives readers the superficiality of the material gains if one chooses to skim the surface of the novel and he gives readers who wish to examine the deeper layers of the piece what they need to dig in.

Additionally, Mr. Bebo wants to make sure he reaches those who may not be excited about reading his novel simply because they do not like to read or possibly cannot.  In order to reach a wider audience, Mr. Bebo’s plans to implement the innovative idea to release his book along with a soundtrack that follows the plot of the piece.  Music is a huge part of the urban scene and having a CD along with the book further represents the culture Mr. Bebo is writing about.

During my talk with Mr. Bebo, I learned that another concern for him was the craft of writing itself and the fact that credibility is key to producing a great product.  He feels that there are too many authors within the urban literature genre who do not understand that with good writing comes a responsibility to give readers a story that is convincing. Rushing to get a story down without thought and proper development makes for a book that will be lacking. He admonished that writing takes time and does not bring the instant gratification he was used to when he was in the streets.

Mr. Bebo does not look at the lack of instant gratification as a hindrance as he has gone through a metamorphosis much like some of the characters in his book. Those changes have lead him to where he is today as a hustler turned author.  Mr. Bebo can write about the changes that occur in life because he has experienced them and “Change For A Dollar” is his proof of that.

To learn more about Aaron Bebo go to his website at www.kingpen.biz for excerpts of other projects he is currently working on. You can also listen to music samples and read his essay, “Thangs Just Ain’t the Same For Gangstas,” which gives Mr. Bebo’s position as a writing educator and adviser.

Mr. Bebo currently resides in the Atlanta metro area.