The 27^th Annual Swan House Ball flashes back to the 1920s.

The Atlanta History Center (AHC) celebrated its coveted Swan House Ball on Sat., Apr. 28, 2012 at the museum’s Grand Overlook Ballroom. Now in it’s twenty-seventh year, the gala – themed “The Roaring Twenties” – paid homage to the Buckhead community’s most elaborate, 28-acre landmark located in the rear of the AHC’s grounds.

Across the manor’s green slope and cascading descending fountains, guests and patrons – some dressed in vintage garb recalling flappers and dapper gentlemen of the time — all kicked off the warm evening in style with a lavish cocktail reception on the Baroque-inspired terrace. Tours were also given throughout the Philip Trammell Schutze-created chateau:  interior designed by Ruby Ross Woods in 1928 for Edward and Emily Irwin, who amassed great fortune and wealth from the cotton industry along with subsequent investments in banking, real estate and transportation. Following a devastating fire in their Ansley Park estate in 1924, the Inmans became the new owners of what would become one of the Southeast’s signature lavish palaces that to this day still has its original furnishings, 18^th Century antiques and a slew of swans throughout the entire foundation.

Open to the public since 1967, The Swan House was acquired by the Atlanta Historical Society in 1966 and is also a part of the National Register of Historic Places. Inspired by the Classical approach of Italian Mannerist and English-styled abodes, no one can resist walking up and down the spiral double staircases into the foyer, butler’s pantry, the Inmans’ individual bedrooms (Emily’s has a adjoined bathroom), guest bedroom, grandchildrens’ bedroom, powder room, breakfast room, morning room, dining room, the full basement, the sitting room and attic apartment. The 130 West Paces Ferry Road home has quite the regal aura about it: especially the vivacious aqua walls and pink canopy beds. Oh, did anyone notice the vintage gray Model T Ford on the way to the ballroom?

The Swan House Ball – with its fusion blue and purple décor and swing-meets-big band sounds courtesy of Joe Gransden and his accompanying orchestra – raised funds for the Atlanta History Center’s various educational programs and exhibits for over sixty thousand children that attend. The family of William A. Parker, Sr. was also this year’s Honorary Chairmen.

The Swan House is available for tours Mon. – Sat. 11 a.m – 4 p.m. and on Sun. 1 – 4 p.m. For more information on The Swan House, log onto www.atlantahistorycenter.com

Words: Christopher Daniel

Photos: Jim Fitts & Greg Mooney

In the glitz and glam of Hollywood, stunning hairstyles are a way of life and Kim Kimble is the go-to stylist for A-List celebrities when they need a red carpet coif or an emergency “do.” In her new series L.A. HAIR, premiering Thursday, May 31 at 10 PM ET/PT, viewers follow Kim as she manages her team of talented, yet high-strung stylists as they make over Hollywood’s elite, one strand at a time. Working in close quarters proves intense for her staff as they often bicker and joke like family yet struggle to meet Kim’s standards of professionalism.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_3cE9fwj3k

Throughout the season, Kim finds herself questioning the commitment of some of her stylists, including an overly-eager Angela who goes behind Kim’s back in attempt to steal her clients; the sassy China who is so dramatic it drives Kim nuts; and her assistant Anthony, who doesn’t seem to know where his loyalties should be. Add to the mix Kim’s headstrong mom Jasmine who has her own ideas on how the salon should be operated and you’ve got the perfect recipe for drama. If that isn’t enough to make her head spin, Kim’s lease expires before her new salon is finished, forcing her to find another space before she and her stylists are evicted. As the heart and soul of the operation, Kim spends her days juggling her vast celebrity clientele and growing a business in addition to carving out time for her personal life. But her biggest challenge may be dealing with the sometimes inflated egos of her staff – that’s when the competition behind the chair becomes fierce and the scissors come out.

Divas Kelly Rowland, Brandy, Laila Ali, Garcelle Beavais, Omarosa, Mary Mary, Kym Whitley, Mikki Taylor, Shari Headley and Kim’s other bold-face named clients are featured in the series.

After the May 31^st premiere, new episodes of L.A. HAIR will air in its regular timeslot Thursdays at 9 PM ET/PT (beginning June 7).

For more information on L.A. HAIR, please visit WEtv.com for exclusive videos, photos, bios and blogs from the show’s stylists.

For those with aspirations of winning Grammy awards or of seeing their name atop the Billboard charts, the music studio is reverenced as the birthplace of the dream.  With historic names such as the Dungeon Family, Darp and So So Def, Atlanta is known for having some of the most fertile studios in the world, producing some of the biggest hits in music history. For the first time Dynamic Producer, through a partnership with Producer’s Nation, provides music industry hopefuls with an interactive studio experience with two multi-platinum, Grammy-winning producers.  On Saturday, May 19th anyone with dreams of being a producer, songwriter or singer will have the opportunity to join Dynamic Producer and Producer’s Nation “Inside the Session” with superproducers Bangladesh (Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Usher) and Bink! (Jay Z, Kanye West, Anthony Hamilton).  The event will be held at the Atlanta Perimeter Hotel & Suites located at 111 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, GA 30346.

Set within a virtual studio environment, Inside the Session will take participants behind the scenes and into the exclusive creative processes of A-list music producers. Special guest producers will showcase their hit-making skills in an open forum from start to finish. With all access granted, this event is unique in that it provides students of music with an opportunity to visualize the creative process with producers who have delivered hits for some of the biggest names in music. Inside the Session is created by a longstanding musical resource “Dynamic Producer” in conjunction with Grammy award-winning hit maker Focus….

“The studio is one of the most mysterious places in the industry. I really wanted up and coming producers to have the experience of being in the studio creating that magic, “Focus… says.  His partnership with Dynamic Producer and its founder Felisha Booker came from his admiration of how great a resource the organization has been over the years for music producers.  Since 1999, Booker has been an advocate for producers hailing her company as a group of dynamic individuals who give of their time, effort and energy to help champion the plights of up & coming music producers around the world.  Dynamic Producer has consistently delivered information and conferences to educate and form a networking system for producers of all genres and backgrounds. “This is exciting for us because it allows new producers not only to ask questions but to learn by watching. That’s powerful. We have always believed in supporting and working with individuals that believe in the adage; each one teach one.  Up and coming producers will have the opportunity to meet some very powerful people in the business, most importantly these are people who want to teach, they want to help,” Booker explains.

Inside the Session will take participants on a journey from start to finish, opening with a 5 hour session with Bink! and Bangladesh as they work in front of a live audience to create a track. The conference will break for dinner and resume with surprise guest talent coming in the studio to write and record the song. After the vocal recording and mixing session there will be a brief Q&A and collaboration session.  “This is an invaluable experience, one a true producer or songwriter will never forget,” Focus… promises.

Dynamic Producer and Producer’s Nation presents: Inside the Session will be held at the Atlanta Perimeter Hotel & Suites on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 2:30 PM in Atlanta, GA.

For more information, please visit http://its.dynamicproducer.com.

Get social with “Inside the Session”: Twitter: @insidethesession and Facebook: www.facebook.com/insidethesession

Stuttering is a communication disorder involving disruptions, or “disfluencies,” in a person’s speech. The word “stuttering” can be used to refer either to the specific speech disfluencies that are commonly seen in people who stutter or to the overall communication difficulty that people who stutter may experience.

In addition to producing disfluencies, people who stutter often experience physical tension and struggle in their speech muscles, as well as embarrassment, anxiety, and fear about speaking. Together, these symptoms can make it very difficult for people who stutter to say what they want to say, and to communicate effectively with others. There are, perhaps, as many different patterns of stuttering as there are people who stutter. There are many different degrees of stuttering, from mild to severe.

People who have never stuttered have no idea of the struggle those who stutter go through especially children who are often bullied by their peers.

Author André L. Sharp reaches out to tormented children who stutter as he shares his children’s motivational book, “I Don’t Talk Funny, I Stutter.”

In this lighthearted book, eight-year-old Andy and his family have just moved to a new neighborhood. Being the new kid on the block, Andy is excited about meeting new friends. However, he also feels a little scared because he stutters. Andy is afraid that his new friends will tease and make fun of his stuttering. Then he meets Alex who lives next door and points out Andy’s funny way of talking.

With colorful illustrations and an engaging story, “I Don’t Talk Funny, I Stutter” helps explain to young readers what stuttering is and encourages them to be accepting of those who stutter. This tale of friendship also shows that true friends are those who can accept a person even if he or she may talk funny.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of Los Angeles, California André L. Sharp has lived in Atlanta, Georgia for the past two decades. He is a stutterer who has struggled with stuttering all of his life. He became aware of his stuttering at an early age and was told by his parents and various speech therapists that maybe one day he would out grow it.

Like a lot of other kids who stuttered, André was teased, which resulted in him getting into fights in school. While in elementary, middle, and high school he did receive help through speech therapy.

His parents never treated him any different from his three siblings. He was always taught that he could do anything, if he put his mind to it. He was a bright kid who learned early on how to work through the teasing and mocking from others. On the outside, it appeared that he was happy and that his stuttering didn’t seem to bother him. But on the inside he felt anxious and often frustrated.

Andre’s objective with his book is to give a voice of hope to children who stutter, inspire them to conquer their fears of acceptance and realize their full potential.   It is important to him that the readers see their voice in print within the pages of his book.  “I Don’t Talk Funny, I Stutter” is the only book of its kind that uses actual stuttering in print.

“I want kids to know that even though you may stutter; you can still accomplish any goal you set in life.  I want them to feel inspired and gain confidence from this book.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndRkxZagKG4

As part of his vision Andre’ would like to see “I Don’t Talk Funny, I Stutter” in every school Library, Pediatric offices and used by Speech Pathologists. This would be a great educational tool for children, parents, teachers and other professionals.

Learn more and purchase a copy of “I Don’t Talk Funny, I Stutter” at: http://idonttalkfunnyistutter.com

Making his second round in film, Deitrick Hadden follows the success of his first film Blessed and Cursed with a new project, A Beautiful Soul.  Launching today in 11 major AMC theater markets, A Beautiful Soul is poised to capture the hearts of many with a message of inspiration and hope.

Deitrick plays the role of Andre Stephens who he describes as a “flat out heathen.“  Andre lives life with no regard for anyone and only cares about his fame, fortune and women.  A mega R&B superstar at the height of his career, Andre suddenly gets a reality check.

A Beautiful Soul is a film that is relatable and raw and being transparent is Deitrick’s approach to touching people’s hearts.

Deitrick says, “Our brand is to inspire people and to tell stories from an urban inspirational culture. I wanted every body to know that no matter where they are, weather they are on a mountain top with riches or in the valley, we are all beautiful because we are GOD’s creation, sinner or saint” 

Deitrick admits that in the past churches have been judgmental in their approach to people, “I think people need to know that they are loved and that’s what Jesus came to do, share His love with the world.  That’s also our goal with A Beautiful Soul; we want everyone to know that they are beautiful.”

Directed by Jeff Byrd, the ensemble cast also stars Harry Lennix (“Man of Steel,” “Ray,” “The Matrix Reloaded,”) as Jeff Freeze; Robert Ri’chard (“One on One”, “Coach Carter”) as Chris Scott; Lesley Ann Brandt (“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena”, “Duke,”) as Angela Berry, and Barry Floyd (“The Game”) as Terrance Wilson.  The film also features cameos by NBA Legend John Salley, Golden Brooks, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Bishop Noel Jones.

In Atlanta, the film is showing NOW at the following theaters:

SOUTHLAKE 24 – 7065 Mount Zion Circle Morrow, GA 30260

STONECREST 16 – 8060 Mall Parkway Lithonia, GA 30038

CLICK HERE for a complete listing.

4x Grammy nominated producer/composer Kendrick Dean was introduced to the music industry in 2004 by his cousin and Grammy winning producer Bryan-Michael Cox.  A former high school history teacher, and University of Florida graduate; Dean used his classical, jazz, and gospel music background to make a seamless transition into the music business.  In just a short time he has produced and or written hit records for the likes of Mariah Carey (“I Stay In Love”) Usher, Chris Brown (“Say Goodbye”, Billboard #1) Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz (“Last Time”, Billboard Top 10), and many others.  Kendrick Dean’s multiplatinum sound showcases elite musicianship as well as contemporary flare and relevance.  His FullDeck Entertainment production company.  The Dean’s List Inc publishing and now The Classroom Recording Studios all reflect his creative philosophy and accentuate his competitive edge; an edge that clearly places him in a league of his own.

Kendrick is searching for the next BIG SONGWRITER. (You’ll be given) a minute and a half to show him what you got! Remember its about (original melody and lyrics), so even if you are using (a previously published instrumental track) make sure you are (creative, and) LETHAL with the PEN!!  The winner will get to work with Kendrick himself on a (track he produces).  

Kendrick states that he teamed up with MicroSoft to create this opportunity because “there is so much undiscovered talent right in our own backyard. This opportunity allows me to welcome some of that talent inside from outside and into the studio.”  

So do you (think you got what it takes)? (Well) NOWS THE TIME TO PROVE IT!!

All you have to do is regester at http://t.co/lNj6MtOC and then submit an ORIGINAL 1 ½ minute song (No profanity No Rap) all other genres are welcome (POP, Rock, R&B, GOSPEL.)  Original material only please.  Also submit 1 clear photograph of yourself.

You will receive an email on how to submit once you have registered.

The competition will take place on Friday May 18, 2012 6:00pm – 9:00pm at  the Microsoft Store at Lenox Mall 3393 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta, Georgia 30326.

Good Luck!

Why are so many women who have successfully climbed the corporate ladder in their fabulous heels striking out in the romance department? They make great decisions in the boardroom and lousy choices for the bedroom. They can start a company but can’t end a bad relationship. This book uses an innovative methodology to help solve the modern woman’s plight of finding the right man. The book, The Right Man Business Plan,educates women on how to have a successful, healthy relationship, by applying the same approach used to start and successfully run a business—with vision, strategy, planning, and accountability!

The book provides readers with tools to find Mr. Right using fundamental business principles. It provides informational gold mines, such as the four stages of a relationship, the four things all men want, and where to meet quality men while avoiding the “losers.” Unlike the typical self-help book, the author highlights the contemporary perils and parallels of professional and personal relationships. The Right Man Business Plan’s entertaining and easy Business 101 guidelines help readers identify if they are operating as a relationship Sole Proprietor, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership, or Corporation, so that they can determine what kind of partner they would be most compatible with.

The manuscript does not ignore the role emotions play in relationships, but suggests business acumen and strategies can improve judgment and decision making, which will lead to relationship success. The book teaches women not only to choose partners with their heart, but also with their head! Relationship insanity is quickly becoming an epidemic. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results with each changing partner causes frustration. This book will help put an end to the cycle of disappointment by introducing a new way to think about relationships.

The Right Man Business Plan author, Ronald Williams, is a relationship strategist. In his inaugural book, the former corporate executive compares the similarities between business and romance in an insightful and informative way. Williams held key positions with companies like Nike, Champion Products, Wilson Sporting Goods, and Pelle Pelle, before starting his own consulting company specializing in leadership training, team building, and executive coaching. 

“In order to build a house you need a blueprint, to make a movie you need a script, and to find the right man you need a plan,” says Williams. “I hope while reading this book you use your time and space to identify new solutions to old problems…discover patterns of behavior that no longer serve you well and change them.” 

The book is now available for purchase. You can order your copy by visiting: www.therightmanbusinessplan.com. For more information on the book, contact: therightmanbusinessplan@gmail.com or @RonWilliamslive.

About the Author-Ronald Williams is recognized as a dynamic and crowd-pleasing speaker and trainer.  Currently, Mr. Williams is President of the Brand Enhancing Strategy Team (B.E.S.T.), a training and development company that specializes in leadership/management development, team building, and executive coaching.

Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is sponsoring a Male Mentoring Symposium (EMBODI) on Saturday May 5, 2012 from 8 am – 2 pm. The event will take place at Friendship Baptist Church located at 3375 Church Lane, Duluth, GA 30096.

One of the Sorority’s national programs initiatives is the EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) Program. It is designed to refocus the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with the support and action of other major organizations, on the plight of African-American males. Both informal and empirical data suggest that the vast majority of African-American males continues to be in crisis and are not reaching the fullest potential educationally, socially and emotionally. EMBODI is designed to address these issues through dialogue, and recommendations for change and action. Visit www.gwinnettdst.org to register for the event.

The Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (GCAC) was established in 2003. Its programs and services follow the sorority’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust emphasizing economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913 at Howard University, in Washington, D.C. to promote academic excellence and provide assistance to persons in need. The Sorority is a nonprofit organization of college educated women, dedicated to public service and programs to promote human welfare. For more information about Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter please visit  www.gwinnettdst.org or email info@gwinnettdst.org.

VH1 honors TLC and Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes’ memory with 20^th anniversary biopic

April 25, 2012 marks the ten year anniversary for the passing of Grammy award-winning TLC group member Lisa “Left-Eye” Lopes.  “The word anniversary means a celebration.  For us her death will never be a celebration, it’s still something that hurts,” says T-Boz. Group member Chilli agrees, “Lisa is our sister.  You never get over losing a family member. We love her and we miss her and that isn’t ever going to change.”

2012 is also the 20^th anniversary for the group and is filled with many surprises for TLC fans worldwide. Chilli and T-Boz are very excited to be executive-producing a biopic on the group’s story in conjunction with VH1. “This project is truly a dream come true for us,” says Chilli. ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’ scribe Kate Lanier will pen the project, which documents TLC’s rise to fame with 1991′s “Ooooooohhh… On The TLC Tip” and their follow-up success with 1994′s “CrazySexyCool,” and eventually selling more than 65 million albums worldwide making them the biggest-selling girl group in history.

In addition to the movie, TLC is working on a 20^th anniversary package which will include tour dates, an album project with new music and several remixes on some of their favorite hits. Chilli and T-Boz say they are looking forward to giving new music to their eagerly awaiting fans and returning to the stage.

Thank you to the host, sponsors, supporters, contributors and attendees of the Urban Lux Magazine “HAUTE’ ART” issue release hosted by Tamara Bowens of BowensBergeron, Anthony Liggins of Anthony Liggins Studios in Atlanta & Miami, Amy Rader of Rader Designs and Les Roberts of ART-Tech Designs & Finishes.

It was an artful evening of STYLE, CULTURE and CONSCIENCE at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) in support of the non-profit organization Open Hand Atlanta.

Guests enjoyed the exhibit Stories in Form: Chair Design by the Portfolio Center while sipping complementary VeeV Cocktails and culinary creations from Spanish Harlem Restaurant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqXE-nBpd80

“HAUTE’ ART” celebrates astounding art, compelling articles and features the art of giving through the ground breaking work of the organization Open Hand as they celebrate the delivery of 20,000,000 meals and counting.

The process of a community at work in the kitchen of Open Hand was captured on canvas through the eyes of artist Janssen Robinson. Proceeds from the sale of this commissioned piece that graces the cover and proceeds from the sale of the “HAUTE’ ART” issue benefited the organizations mission to help people prevent or better manage chronic disease through Comprehensive Nutrition Care.

Although the event has passed, you can still get involved and support Open Hand by joining the 1,000 Smiles movement. Learn more at http://liveurbanlux.com/1000smiles/.

Thank you for your continued support of Urban Lux Magazine and I look forward to seeing you at the next Urban Lux Magazine event.

Stay tuned for the release of our July issue entitled “MUSIC’S HEARTBEAT”

Sincerely,

Lentheus Chaney – Publsher/Editor

HAUTE’ ART SPONSORS: ATLANTA CONCRETE ARTIST   MODA   SPANISH HARLEM   VEEV SPIRITS   SHARPIE   FLOR   SOUTHERN BARTER CLUB   PINSON COSMETICS

PHOTOS: Rob Anthony & Lisa Rice