EVENT 411: The TRACK MEET Set To Showcase Area Producers

There are competitions for almost every type of artist -- singers, rappers, bands, musicians -- and now an upcoming competition is offering Producers a chance to win cash, prizes and bragging rights ... while helping music industry professionals build their network.


The Track Meet is a day-long event that includes a Producer Beat Battle, an Artist Showcase and an Industry Networking Party.

Producers from all over the region will battle each other one-on-one, track for track (hence the name), in a playoff style until one producer is left standing. The winner will receive the grand prize package.

In between rounds, the event will feature a musical showcase of area artists, plus special guest performances. After the event, industry professionals including those in media, music, promotion, etc will get together for some face-to-face social networking.


The TRACK MEET is set for Saturday, November 12th, and will be held at minicine on Texas Avenue in downtown Shreveport.

Registration for Producers will take place on site. To submit your contact information and bio, or get more information, please email TheTrackMeetII@gmail.com.

Artists interested in performing should also contact Anthony "Moose" Harris Daniels, at the same e-mail, in advance.

BMM Spotlight -- R.DOT: The Man & The Music

In a time when rappers are a dime a dozen, it’s nice to come across an artist that stands out from the crowd. Russell Kelly, aka R.Dot, is one of those artists.



It’s not just his babyface (he looks much younger than he is), or his frat-boy swag (funny, stylish, charming … and always down for a good time) – the Shreveport native is an artist who possesses a tireless work ethic, potent lyricism and a positive attitude that eludes most in this industry.

A Fair Park High alumnus, R.Dot began his rap career when he walked those hallowed Indian halls.

Starting first as a dance group member, he parlayed the popularity into another aspect of entertainment … dropping freestyles and CDs to anyone who’d listen.




Years later, R.Dot is well known in the city, as a solo artist and part of two popular rap collaborations. His most recent claim to fame was becoming the first champion of the 318 Cypher, a newly formed rap competition based in Shreveport.

The 318 Cypher is where I first met R.Dot. He was there representing his group 40 Karats and standing in for a member who couldn’t attend that night. Several months and rounds later, he fast became a Cypher favorite and ended up taking the title for 2010.

As the event moves through its 2nd cycle and R.Dot’s reign comes to an end, I thought I’d sit down with him for a Black Music Month exclusive. I wanted to delve a little deeper into the musical mind of a creative individual who is consistently chipping away at this tough industry, and slowly making his mark.

This is a just a brief look into his past, present and future --- R.Dot: The Man and The Music.


M: TELL ME ABOUT THE FIRST TIME YOU HEARD RAP MUSIC ... WHAT WAS THE FIRST SONG YOU REMEMBER?

R: I have no idea, but I think the first rap song I ever liked was "Hay" by Crucial Conflict. (Laughs) I know the irony of that one. I remember asking my mom to buy the tape and playing it over and over until I could say all the words on my own to the instrumental.


M: WHO WERE YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS GROWING UP?

R: Cash Money the entire label, Jay-Z, Tupac, Beanie Sigel, and Bone Thugs


M: WHAT ABOUT THEM MADE YOU A FAN?

R: Originality


M: WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITES RAPPERS NOW (AND WHY?)

R: J. Cole and Lupe Fiasco. They raised the bar for lyricism and good music.


M: LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR LYRICISM, WHAT WAS THE FIRST RAP YOU EVER WROTE ABOUT?

R: I have no idea. I think it was a song I did to the PAC man beat when Lil Flip and DSR freestyles were hot.


M: HOW HAS YOUR SUBJECT MATTER CHANGED SINCE THAT FIRST TIME?

R: Well, it's no more pop trunk on trash cans and toilets and shit. (Laughs) I kinda just matured so everything I talk about now I have actually experienced and can put into perspective. I have a lot more to talk about now.


M: I KNOW YOU'RE WITH 40 KARATS NOW, HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN A PART OF A GROUP?

R: Actually no. I started off as part of the All-Stars. We actually started as a dance group and eventually start rapping just because it was fun.


M: WHEN DID AN ALL-STAR EXCLUSIVE BEGIN?

R: All-stars was the name of our dance group. Since that couldn't be copywritten an All-Star Exclusive was born. We became 40 Karat affiliated a couple years later.


M: A DANCE GROUP? WHAT WAS THAT LIKE? DO YOU STILL KNOW ANY OF THE DANCES?

R: Funnest thing ever. We competed and won a couple competitions. We also got booked to go dance at different venues, clubs, and parties. I no longer dance.


M: HOW DID YOU GO FROM DANCING TO RAPPING?

R: Easy. We used the same group. You spend enough time around people you discover more talent.


M: BACK TO YOUR GROUP NOW, HOW DID YOUR 40KARATS AFFILIATION COME ABOUT?

R: Well, we worked on a couple tracks and the more music we made, the more we saw potential to come together as a group and make it happen.


M: EVER SOUGHT OR HAD A RECORD DEAL?

R: No, had a couple offers for some distribution packages but nothing concrete.


M: WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF BEING A GROUP MEMBER, AS OPPOSED TO BEING A SOLO ARTIST?

R: Pros would have to be promoting and networking is easier with a group. It's also cool when we hit the road.

Cons are getting everyone on the same page and working with everybody's schedule.




M: WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS OF EACH OF YOUR 40K COUNTERPARTS?

R: That Guy Dwayne - is a marketing mastermind. He also mixes, masters, directs video and produces.

Killa Cam - "The thinker" is a more laid back member. His delivery, along with vivid story telling verses, make him one of the best lyricists to do it. He also produces and does video editing.

PakMann- The group comedian. He always keeps you laughing. He's also got some of the best wordplay in the game.

J. Locc- The "hook king" is a phenomenal singer/rapper. He writes songs and produces as well.

Joe Feezy- A.k.a. Hype Man of the Year, is one the more lively characters of the group. He gets us motivated and ready to work.


M: NOW THAT YOU TOLD US ABOUT YOU? – WHERE’D THE NAME R.DOT COME FROM?

R: (Laughs) People used to call me R. Kelly because of my initials. That got old quick, so I shortened it to R. (R.Dot)


M: YOUR STYLE IS KIND OF DISTINCT -- A CONFIDENT FLOW AND POTENT PUNCH LINES --- WHAT HAS SHAPED YOUR STYLE OF RAPPING?

R: My style was shaped by my influences in music mixed with what I have seen. I just try to relax and have fun and let the words come to me.


M: WHAT'S YOUR WRITING PROCESS -- DO YOU WRITE TO BEATS OR COME UP WITH VERSES AND GET CUSTOM BEATS?

R: I actually write verses without beats. I write hooks to beats and go from there.


M: WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE (OR HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO DO MUSIC)?

R: I always wanted to be a psychiatrist and musician. Music was always incorporated in some way.



M: LET’S TALK ABOUT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY -- WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MISSING FROM HIP HOP TODAY?

R: Loyalty. Fans won't buy support artist, artist won't support artist, and nobody is true to the music.


M: WHY DO YOU THINK FANS DON'T SUPPORT ARTISTS AS MUCH AS THEY USED TO?

R: Technology. It's not that fans don't support. It's just that technology has advanced so much that it's just other ways to get the music. But with good artist go to a concert and see that true fans will come out every time.


M: WHY DO YOU THINK ARTISTS DON'T SUPPORT EACH OTHER?

R: Greed. Everybody wants to be the best, and at the end of the day this is a business. So they get more concerned with that aspect and less focused on the actual music.


M: HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE NEGATIVITY OF THE INDUSTRY (HATERS, DOUBTERS, ETC)?

R: I don't. If I hear or read negative comments it's really in one ear and out the other. As long as the music comes from the heart, somebody is gonna like it.


M: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE LOCAL MUSIC INDUSTRY? WHAT ARE THE GOOD AND BAD SIDES OF BEING A LOCAL ARTIST IN SHREVEPORT?

R: I think it's that tag along that sets music back. I never made music on a local scale. I'm not shouting out hoods or any of the because I see myself as a mainstream artist. The good thing about it I guess is that it makes you a star locally. The bad side is that doesn't sell records.


M: ON A GRANDER SCALE, AS FAR AS YOUR MUSIC APPEAL, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU BRING TO HIP HOP THAT IS UNIQUE?

R: Versatility. I have tracks for every genre of music. My album may go from from a hot club banger to a jammin’ alternative track. I just mesh well with music.


M: WHAT OTHER AREAS OF MUSIC ARE YOU INVOLVED IN -- DO YOU PLAY INSTRUMENTS, PRODUCE, MANAGE?

R: I play about 6 instruments with my main being the violin. I produce beats, I ghost write, mix and master, and consult as well.




M: SO YOU’RE THE REIGNING CHAMP OF THE 318 CYPHER, HOW'D YOU HEAR ABOUT THE EVENT, AND WHAT MADE YOU ENTER THE COMPETITION?

R: I actually entered because someone else in the group was supposed to do it and asked me to compete in their place.


M: WHAT WAS YOUR CYPHER EXPERIENCE LIKE?

R: It was fun. I got to spit with other hot lyricists in the city and show what I could do.


M: HOW DO YOU THINK IT BENEFITED YOU AS AN ARTIST (OR CAN BENEFIT ANY ARTIST)?

R: Of course, as an artist any exposure helps. It also got me some new fans and followers. That plus the networking was more than worth it. Also the prizes, if you win, can really make a difference.



M: HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU WON THE CYPHER FINALS?

R: I’m really conceited so I was like "Yea, nothing to a boss" lol but that's just my personality. As an artist you should feel like the best anyway.



M: HOW HAS THE REACTION BEEN SINCE YOU WON?

R: Well mixed, there's the one side that congratulates and appreciates the flow. There are those who say, well I still don't see it and there are those that wanna beat me now. But for the most part I've been getting good feedback.


M: ARE THERE ANY LYRICISTS IN THE CURRENT RUN OF THE 318 CYPHER THAT YOU THINK HAVE A CHANCE AT WINNING THE TITLE?

R: Truthfully any one of them could do it. I like a couple of them, they just have to believe in themselves and make it happen.


M: WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM YOU AND YOUR GROUP(S) THIS YEAR?

R: Nothing but jam after jam. 40 Karats “Dream of Mine” about to drop. An All-Star Exclusive “Chill Music” on the way. My two solo projects are coming too – “No More Losses” and “R. Dot Com”. Also “Something for the Summer” Mixtape coming soon … so stay tuned.


M: WHAT MAJOR (OR LOCAL) ARTISTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO COLLAB WITH?

R: Major artists -- Lupe Fiasco, Kanye, Outkast, Jay-Z, J. Cole. Local -- anybody who wants to work.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Find R.Dot on the Web: Twitter (@RDotThaMan); www.youtube.com/40karats
To Book R.Dot, email: callmerdot@yahoo.com


- Check out the Final Round of the 2010 318Cypher (that R.Dot won) below, and find more videos and info about the 318Cypher on Twitter, Facebook or YouTube (or email them).








(R.Dot photos by: mahogani media, see more photos HERE // 40 Karats photo courtesy of 40 Karats)

Temporary Relocation!

Things have gotten really, really, really busy for MAHOGANI MEDIA and the time for blogging is almost nil.

So we've moved all the info about your favorite SBC happenings to our Facebook page!!! Please join us at www.facebook.com/mahoganimedia!

You can also follow us on Twitter (@mahoganimedia) and/or Check our video work at www.youtube.com/mahoganimedia!

Thanks to all who have (and continue to follow) ATSBC and Mahogani Media. We're making moves and will upgrade this site soon! Until then, join us on Facebook!


- M

FITNESS 101: Real Talk About Weight Loss with Body By O

At the start of each new year, millions of Americans make a resolution. Usually top on the list -- Lose Weight. In an effort to keep their resolution, some people join gyms, some sign-up with well-known weight loss companies and others take matter into their own hands and concoct their own program.

Now months into 2011, some of those same people who had vowed to lose weight are now back on the couch with their trusty Oreo cookies. But for those still in the fight or wanting to get started, I enlisted some help from a man who's helped hundreds, maybe even thousands, of area residents fight the battle of the bulge.

His name is O.

CEO of "Body by O", this Air Force veteran and certified personal trainer has been whipping local residents' bodies into shape for over a year now. And in that short time he has become to the go-to-guy when you not only want to shed pounds, but want to learn about healthier living.

Whether they're signing up for his now-popular Boot Camp or hiring him for one-on-one training, SBC'ers are proud to show off their Bodies By O.

During our brief interview, O shared gave some tough love advice on getting (and staying) fit and dispelled some of the most common weight loss myths. Take notes!


ATBSC: I wanted to list a few myths about losing weight and get your take on them … Is that okay?

O: Shoot …



MYTH #1: YOU CAN TURN FAT INTO MUSCLE

TRUTH BY O: No, you cannot. Fat and muscle are two totally different tissues at the cellular level. You can't turn cotton into steel!



MYTH #2: YOU CAN EAT WHAT YOU WANT AND WORK IT OFF LATER

TRUTH BY O: The quality of calories you intake will dictate the quality of your physique. Who puts 87 Octane in a Bentley?



MYTH #3: EXERCISE ALONE WILL GET RID OF BELLY FAT

TRUTH BY O: It doesn't matter how many sit-ups or crunches you do, in order to get rid of belly fat, you have to diet. The more fat you intake, the harder your body has to work to get rid of it. (To burn a pound of fat, you have to burn 3500 calories). So again, you have to make sure your diet is composed of quality calories.

The more fat you intake, the more saturated fat your body will hold. Carbs are 1st source of energy, fat is 2nd source. Not enough carbs means fat will be the source of energy. So you have to have a balanced diet .

When it comes to your diet and weight loss, its Caloric intake vs. Caloric expenditure -- In order to burn fat off, you have to burn more calories than you take in ....



MYTH #4: YOU CAN TRAIN TO REACH YOUR GOAL AND THEN STOP

TRUTH BY O: In order to maintain an ideal, you have to maintain. Duh!
I have people trying to lose weight, gain weight, train for academies, tone, etc. People have to understand that a training regiment is based on a specific goal.

(In relationships) The first thing people complain about is "You did all of this to get me and don't want to do what it takes to keep me" … [It's the same with fitness/weight loss] .... You have to maintain!



MYTH #5: IF YOU'RE NOT SWEATING, YOU'RE NOT WORKING OUT

TRUTH BY O: Sweating is not necessarily an indication of exertion ... It's your body's way of cooling itself. You can burn calories without sweating. You can expend thousands of calories in the winter without sweating. [Actually] It's easier to reach fitness goals in the winter because people feel like they have to sweat so they push harder.



ATSBC: Great advice, I definitely learned some things … Now let's talk more specifically about fitness. I wanted to ask what the Top 3 things are Men and Women want to change about their bodies when they come to you. Let's start with Men …

O: Number one for men is ABS. They want that tapered look … definition in their abs. You have people on TV (like Tyson Beckford and Trey Songs) showing their physique … and people want that. Social media ideally dictates what we want …

ATSBC: What's 2nd and 3rd for Men?

O: CHEST or PECS, and then ARMS/SHOULDERS

ATBSC: Well that explains why men are so defined up top and have bird legs on bottom, no leg work!!!

O: (Laughter)



ATSBC: Ok what about women, what's the number one thing they want to change?

O: [Actually it's the same as men] The stomach or midsection. But they come wanting to just lose their stomach and you can't just work out your stomach! Your body burns fat [so you're going to lose it in other places as well].

In my Boot Camp, I get the results I get [with my clients] because I do my research. My training is three-dimensional: DIET, CARDIAC TRAINING (your heart has to be in shape), and SCULPTING (Fitness Training).

ATSBC: Sounds like a well-rounded plan. And from what I heard the results are phenomenal and manageable! So what are the #2 and #3 things Women want to change or sculpt?

O: Number 2 would be Their BACK or ARMS and Number 3 would be their Butt or their Legs.



ATSBC: Okay. Well now give us a little advice, what are the best ways to tone up these popular parts?

O: Here's the thing -- Everyone is different. Your thyroid controls your metabolism … So there's no one cure for everyone. I look at my clients and find a happy medium that will help them all.

But here's one piece of advice that applies to everyone: FAST FOOD WILL GET YOU FAT, REAL FAST.



ATSBC: Okay so if everyone's different but there's a happy medium, what is the best way for anyone to get the results they want when it comes to fitness?

O: The best way to get the [fitness] results you want, is to find an expert to train you.
The best way to condition yourself nutritionally is to go back to the basics. I teach my clients how to lose weight naturally without a bunch of products, because you (can be) dependent on them.



ATSBC: Speaking of which, what do you think of these Weight Loss programs like Weight Watchers or Slim Fast, are those good ways to lose weight?

O: Because Health/Fitness is a multi-billion dollar industry, everyone's trying to get that dollar. People are spending money for erroneous instruction and the programs are too long, too hard or unrealistic.

With my program, you may spend a grip [on quality food] but I make the difference up with low-cost training.

O's "low-cost training" has had his phone ringing off the hook in recent months with the debut of his Body By O Boot Camp. The fee for personalized fitness? Only $50!

The four-week camp is client-friendly with classes offered multiple days (even on Saturdays) and multiple times each day (6 am, Noon and some evenings). O requires that each client attend at least one class a day but they are welcome to attend all of them.

When O's Camp first started in September 2010, he had about 60 in his class, now his class(es) are filled with nearly 500 Boot-campers working their butts off for a Body By O.


The next Boot Camp starts April 5th. To sign up or get more information on personal training, call O at (318) 458-9515. You can also find him on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.



-- O of Body By O is AFAA Certified Since 2009, Expert Rated Personal Trainer Certified Since 2010, And Air Force FAM Monitor Certified Since 2001. He Will Complete ACSM Certification this year, and will finish his BS In Community Health With A focus In Kinesiology.

-- Photos (excluding lead photo) are Courtesy of:

Mahogani Media's LOVE STORY Contest

Valentine's Day is usually a day this Single Chick dreads ... but this year, I'm putting my talents to use to make this an extra special day for others!

I'm calling this my LOVE STORY promotion :)

I love telling stories of amazing people and why not tell stories of people in love for this special holiday?

So now I'm looking for a few good couples to tell THEIR Love Story, and how they keep the romance alive in their relationships.

You can tell about how you met, how you survived the good and bad, about your wedding day ... WHATEVER. Tell us why your Love Story should be told!!

RULES:

- Must be 100 Words or LONGER
- Must be submitted by Jan. 30th at 5 pm


You can write it together or just one of you can tell the story. But make sure you e-mail it MAHOGANIMEDIA@GMAIL.COM

PRIZES:

- Free Couples photo session from Mahogani Media
- Profile/Spotlight on ATSBC during Valentine's Week

I can't WAIT to hear your stories! For once, I'm excited about V-Day :) So get to writing!!!


~ m

HAPPY 2011! (Better Late Than Never ... LOL)

Ok, so I'm a couple weeks late but the arrival of 2011 has had Mahogani Media quite busy with upcoming projects.

The end of 2010 snuck up on me, but there are a lot of great memories. Check out my end-of-the-year blog HERE.

(And subscribe to that blog to follow me, mahogani, throughout the year. I'll have posts on entertainment, events and anything else of interest to me :)



Also check out how my friends, the band FRONT COVER f/MARK SCROGGINS, ended the year:






They competed in Boomtown Casino's Battle of the Bands Finals on Dec. 29th. I wasn't able to attend but my iShoot318 crew got some shots for me. Check ALL of them out HERE.

I hear FC got robbed of the win (against 2 other bands) but they're still amazing to me and all the rest of the fans. You can see clips of FC doing their thing at our YOU TUBE CHANNEL :)

I rang in the New Year with friends at a private gathering, but most of the SBC braved the chilly temps to bring in 2011 at one of the local nightspots. Check out some shots from Around The SBC on NYE:

You can see ALL the NYE photos HERE.

To all our readers, fans and supporters, we hope 2011 is treating you well so far. We're revamping and reconstructing this page (as well as our business) but STAY LINKED for new and exciting things: Hot Pix, Interesting Articles, Exciting Events and MUCH MORE.

Happy 2011, This is going to be an amazing year! :)

~ m

THE HAPZ: NYE In The SBC

The SBC is going to be rockin' tonight as we bring in 2011. The night spots and casinos will be poppin' bottles and the parties will be filled to capacity ... and I'm here to tell you where to be if you're going out tonight ...



BEFORE YOU PARTY:

7:30 PM - NYE Blowout @ The Funny Bone: Join the Bone tonight for the last show of 2010, with host Mr Kenny Weeks (aka Special K) and some of the funniest comics around. On Stage: Mrs. Angie, Hot Topic & Nathan Massey, plus a Special Guest! Call (318)549-0829 for more information.

WHEN'S IT'S PARTY TIME:


BEST DAMN NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY @ Bossier Civic Center: Top promoters, Top DJs, Hot Music ... all they need is for you to show up. Doors open at 9 pm. (Go HERE for more info).


FATHA FLOW'S NEW YEAR'S COUNTDOWN PARTY @ The Bistro: Calling all Collegiates! Come party with Fatha Flow at the Bistro! (204 Texas Street). Doors open at 9 pm. 18 to enter, 21 to drink. Greek Discount all night. Ladies; Free champagne for the Count Down. (Find Fatha Flow on Facebook)

NEW YEAR'S EVE BASH @ Ramada Inn: CROWDPLEASER ENTERTAINMENT presents the ALL-BLACK EVERYTHING NYE BASH. Line starts at 9 pm, Doors open at 9:30 pm. Discount until 11 pm. $1,000 CA$H MONEY DROP at MIDNITE. Black attire suggested but not required. DJ MARLE MAR on tha 1's & 2's! (FMI call: 318.422.5322)

CLUB HAPZ:


BIJOU ULTRA LOUNGE: Melodic Bridge will be providing entertainment tonight as the Bijou brings in 2011. Cover is $10. 21 to party. Doors open at 9 pm.


GIGI'S ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX: GiGi's is bringing in the year with a night of entertainment ... The winner from their showcase, Jay Croz will be performing, along with other special guests.

I didn't get any special event news from them, but there's always Celebrity, JOSH Lounge and the casinos to check out if you want somewhere to party ... Or do like I am and get together with friends :)

Whatever you do tonight, be safe and drink responsibly!!!!!

EVENT PICS/RECAP: Marche' Group's Christmas Eve Mixer

Despite Mother Nature raining down on the SBC last week, the Marche' Group's Christmas Eve Mixer went down as planned, and it appears the cream of the crop braved the elements to mix, mingle and network.




I wasn't able to attend the event but my sources say it got off to a slow start ... I'm thinking people were waiting for the showers to clear out before they stepped out in their holiday 'fits. LOL.

But by midnight, the crowd started forming and the party began ... DJ and all. There was even a live performance by my boi NAVAJO.





There was also an impromptu performance by my boi CHEEZY (one of the baddest dancers in the 318). [Shout to SSE/VonRay/DiversCity]






Even with the bad weather, people showed up and showed out:

From the pictures I saw, the fashion game was SERIOUS ... People really stepped their game up and came out looking like young professionals.

But as always ... there were a few mishaps (*cough*)

(I'm just sayin .... )



So the last Marche' Mixer of 2010 is in the books .... And I'm sure the SBC can't wait until the next one!


[Shout to Pat Brown for the hook-up, see you next year!]



See all the pics (by CONSCIOUS KLARITY) Here and HERE.

Tis The Season ...

WE'LL BE BACK SOON!!! I PROMISE .... UNTIL THEN ENJOY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM AROUND THE SBC & MAHOGANI MEDIA!

ON HIATUS ....

Life has been BUSYYYYYY since September but trust that I haven't forgotten about you all!!!!

ATSBC will be on hiatus for a while but will return with event updates and other happeningz, beginning DEC. 20TH.

So SUBSCRIBE and STAY LINKED!!!


Til Then ...


- m

WEEKEND HAPZ: The PCC Takes Over The SBC + Other Events

Labor Day Weekend has finally arrived! And along with an extra day off for MOST working Americans, it's the weekend of the first ever PORT CITY CLASSIC.

The inaugural event includes a weekend of festivities, and of course the gridiron match between GSU and LA. TECH on Saturday night. (If you still need tix, go HERE to see the ticket outlets).


Of course there are parties all over the SBC this weekend, but to get a look at OFFICIAL PCC Events, go HERE.


The schools are hosting everything from and Alumni Mixer and a Greek Stroll-Off to Tailgating Parties at the Fairgrounds.


It should be an AMAZING weekend (hopefully with NO drama so it can happen again next year!) ... ATSBC will be out and about trying to cover as much as possible, so keep it linked to see what's happening all weekend long.



Now, aside from the PCC events and the game, there are OTHER events going on this weekend ... some related to the PCC and some not. Here's the Hapz:




TONIGHT:




Coveted Productions & D.A.M. Magazine will present the STYLE SOCIAL at Bijou Ultra Lounge. It will be a night of Networking, Glam and Fashion. The VIP Suite will play host to professionals in the fashion and beauty industries, providing makeup and hair tips. There will also be a dessert bar. The event begins at 6 pm. Admission is $10 ($15 for VIP). Go HERE for more info.



Not interested? Then you can ....


- Go see "Bedtime Stories" at Movies & Moonbeams ...

- Check out HYPNO BRO at the Funny Bone (also performing Saturday night) ...

- Go hear some live music at Even Steven ... or

- Collegiates: Go get your shine on at the ALL WHITE EVERYTHING College Party at Nicky's





ON SATURDAY:


After you tailgate and enjoy the game, you can hit up the OFFICIAL After Parties. The Old School version will be at Sci-Port and the New School at Riverview Hall (get more info HERE) ...


Or you can go to ....




... THE MARCHE' MIXER: The Blue Flame Edition. Thousands are expecting to come out to the Shreveport Convention Center for this event. The night will include a performance by local band MELODIC BRIDGE and a Rip The Runway Fashion Show by T-SHEMISE. Plus there will be six bars, 3 DJs and lots of people ... but tickets are almost gone.

Get your tix at Bos-Man's Barber World (Corner of Greenwood and Jewella), Phazes Hair Salon(Pines Rd.), Vernon's Barber In Bossier, CenturyTel Box Office in Bossier, or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/.




For the College Crowd ... You can go a few blocks up to Caliente on Texas St and hit up the OMG Party. Go HERE for more info ...


Don't wanna party??? Then you can ...

- Go enjoy some Jazz on the lake featuring recording artist Erin Bode.






ON SUNDAY:

During the day you can go Picnic in the Park with the Greeks of the 318 at the SKOOL DAZE OF KAOS College & Greek Picnic ... a FREE event at Ford Park ...



At night you can check out ....

Caliente's on fiyah again for TURNT UP SUNDAY ... Admission is only $5!!! Only for the Mature and Fly. DJ Stan Da Great will be on the 1s and 2s.


Want something else to do? Then you can ...


- Enjoy some great Gospel music at a Benefit Concert featuring Twinkie Clark (of The Clark Sisters)


- See some master barbers and stylists at work in the 6th Annual Ultimate Barber and Cosmetology Battle ...


- Or see your favorite Blues artists, like Latimore and TK Soul at the Labor Day Blues Fest

SO AS YOU CAN SEE, THERE'S PLENTY TO SEE AND DO THIS WEEKEND ... SO GET OUT AND ENJOY THE WEEKEND ... BUT BE SAFE!!! AND CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES AND PICS FROM THE WEEKEND EVENTS...

WEEKEND HAPZ: Coming Back Soon!

The Good News: Things are going great for my business and I'm back in school getting a Master's degree.

The Bad News: All this greatness has been keeping me from this blog LOL


But I'm on hiatus from school and as my birthday (August 30th) approaches, I will be doing better at updating this site and will soon be re-launching my personal blog. So stay tuned!!!

Also, I'll have info soon on why the Hot 100 List never was ... and other upcoming events, happenings and plans for the SBC.


TONIGHT: Two great bands are performing in the SBC tonight ...


DOWNTOWN: Front Cover f/ MARK SCROGGINS will be at the BIJOU Ultra Lounge, performing from 9-until. Admission is $10 and features a Soul Food buffet and Open Bar (from 9-11 pm). Open Bar = 3 Free Drinks!!! And I'll be there celebrating my birthday early :)


ON THE SOUTHSIDE: Melodic Bridge f/ LJAI will be at MINGLES Bar & Grill, with the show starting at 9:30 pm. Admission is FREE.



You can see video clips from BOTH bands at my You-Tube Channel ... www.youtube.com/mahoganimedia.


To check out other events happening this weekend, go HERE.



I'll be back strong next week as we highlight the events for the PORT CITY CLASSIC!!!! So keep checking back!!!

WEEKEND HAPZ: Music & More This 1st Weekend of August

Ahhh. August is, among other things, my month of birth and I will FINALLY get to reveal the Hot 100 List ... Meanwhile, things are back to normal in my life (I've been sick, forgive me lol) and I can dish out your Weekend Hapz! :)


So check out what's happening this weekend in the SBC ...




TONIGHT:


There are no MAJOR events for your Friday but there's still a lot to do! You can:


-- Take the family to Movies & Moonbeams' presentation of CATS & DOGS

-- Check out the Shreveport CAPTAINS playing at Fairgrounds Field .. or

--- Go see MELODIC BRIDGE at the Bijou Ultra Lounge. The band performs at 9 and there's an OPEN BAR until 11 pm. Admission is only $7. (Press Play below to hear the band and go HERE to see more).

ON SATURDAY:

My future babydaddy, TREY SONGZ is in town with special guest MONICA for the Passion, Pain & Pleasure Tour.

I believe this is the 3rd time in the SBC for Trey (he's performed at KoKoPellis before). I hope the Municipal audience shows him a different side of Shreveport and the concert is a success (so more artists like him can come here!).


To all who are going, TAKE PICS!!! To those still looking for tix, try the radio stations and other giveways, hit the Municipal box office or go to http://www.ticketmaster.com/.



If you're not going to see Trey and Monica, you can:

-- Take a tour of sunsets at Norton Art Gallery's exhibit of nature works called the "Sunset Tour"






ON SUNDAY:




A Hot event is bringing some of the hottest names in business, events and entertainment for a friendly grudge-match on the hardwood at SUSLA. The event will include the game (of course), a 3 point Shoot-Out, Dunk Contest, & a Halftime show (with performances)

The teams: One playing for KMJJ 99.7 and the other for KBTT 103.7.

The time: 4 pm.

The price: $10 general admission; $7 for students; Ages 8 & under Free


A large portion of the proceeds will go to benefit SUSLA's Student Government as we give back to the community. Back to school supplies will be given away (Backpacks, Pens, folders, paper, etc.) to help defray the cost of school shopping. For more information call 318-572-4064 or 318-208-3527.

HOT 100: Coming Soon!!!

MAHOGANI MEDIA has found the cream of the SBC crop. The HOT 100 in entertainment, fashion, journalism and the arts.

From future music moguls to the hottest DJ in the city, the list is full of talented, creative and business-minded people who are the future of their industries.

In this series you'll meet this extensive list of movers and shakers and learn a little about why they're the hottest in their field ...



:-)



UPDATE: In order to devote more time into this series and make SURE it's hotness, the debut has been postponed until THURSDAY, AUGUST 12TH ...

What better month to start off the HOT 100 than the HOTTEST month of the year???!!! :-)

So check back then to see if anyone you know (or need to know) made the list!!!


- Till then!!!

EVENT PICS: Dem Dignitaries' All-White Poolside Party

Despite Mother Nature's imposition, DEM DIGNITARIES held their ALL-WHITE (LINEN) PARTY aside Boomtown's pool (atop the casino). I wasn't able to attend, but I hear it was nice.

DJ Love (pictured below, middle, with the hosts) provided the sounds and CUSTOM SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY (shout out to C. Henry), provided the pics. Here are a few from the party:

I wish I could've been there but I guess I'll wear my white dress somewhere else (before Labor Day of course lol) ...

-- Check out the rest of the pics taken Friday night (by Custom Shots Photography) HERE.

SATURDAY HAPZ: If The Rain Stays Away, Go Out and Play! :)

I know I'm late, but I promise you didn't miss much LOL. With the bad weather, many events were cancelled or postponed on Friday night. But of course, there's more to do this weekend.

Before you go out for the night, check out the SICKLE CELL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT going on at the Southern Hills Park (weather permitting)

Then at night you can:

- Check out comedian/actor TOM ARNOLD at the Funny Bone

- Go relive the 80's at the Robinson Film Center as they present DIRTY DANCING on the big screen, or see the adoption story MOTHER AND CHILD, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Kerry Washington.

- Or take in some baseball action at Fairgrounds field where the CAPTAINS are playing.

WHATEVER YOU DO ... HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND AND BE SAFE OUT THERE!!!!

WEEKEND HAPZ: July 4th Weekend 2010!

Cities and events beyond the SBC are calling to residents this weekend as folks hit the roads and the skies for the holiday weekend. But for those staying put (or visiting) the SBC, there is still fun to be had!!! Check out the hapz for this weekend:




ON FRIDAY:

My Z-PHI Soror SHERYL UNDERWOOD will hit the Funny Bone stage starting tonight (Friday). She'll be doing 2 shows tonight and tomorrow night (7 and 10). Tickets are $25 (available online at www.funnybonebc.com or at the Bone box office).

From what I remember this is not her first visit to the SBC. She was out and about in Mingles last night kicking with sorors and fans. She wasn't all Hollywood and wasn't upset about the constant flow of people coming to say hello and take pics. She even bought a drink for the crowd! So go support her this weekend! :-)

Not in the mood for laughs? Then you can:

-- Go see TOP GUN at Movies & Moonbeams (Riverview Park) ... weather permitting

-- Check out the ROOFTOP PARTY at Horseshoe Casino, featuring free food and live music! (it will be movied inside if weather is bad)

-- Or go to Soul Food Happy Hour at the Bijou Ultra Lounge. Not only is there free food but there's an OPEN BAR from 9-11 pm. (Free drinks people!!! but admission will be charged ... but there's FREE DRINKS!!! lol)

ON SATURDAY:



Upscale entertainment comes to the SBC in the form of NORTHERN ESSENCE, hosted by Blac Starr Entertainment. The event will take place at Orleone's Bistro (formerly Full Moon). There will drink specials and a complimentary buffet .... Age minimum is 23 for ladies and 25 for fellas ... Dress code in effect. Doors open at 10 pm. Admission is $10.


Don't want to party? The go check out the BATTLEWINGS at the CenturyTel Center.




ON SUNDAY:


If you're not BBQ'ing or hitting the lakes ... you can:


-- Check out INDEPENDENCE DAY (the movie) at the Robinson Film Center.


-- Go see the fireworks show downtown at Riverview Park, presented by KTBS.