Thursday, September 12, 2013

The World of Underground Music

The World of Underground Music


Edubb Red Cup Lyfe tour made it mark late August at the Smithe's Olde Bar in Atlanta. The show involved a variety of thriving indie rock, pop, and hip hop artists who took to the stage, to showcase their talent in the quaint establishment. This event was pivotal in bringing light to the world of underground music.

In recent years the music industry has made Atlanta it's home, and a thriving ground for up and coming artists. As the numbers of those musically talented increase, the opportunity to succeed on a larger scale has become slim. The expected sense of competition was far from what was displayed behind the scenes.

 The hip hop artist Wurld took time to speak with me about his passion, and reason for making music."It’s really just an independent movement right now, I honestly just want to get the music out, and connect with the people.", said indie hip hop artist Wurld. After speaking with him, and experiencing the sense of support for other artists, it became clear their passion for the art of music greatly outweighed the hopes of fame, and fortune. 
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Behind the lights, speakers, and blaring tunes, there was an undeniable atmosphere of unity shared between the talented artists. The event displayed a side of the music world contrary to what commercial media generates.
 










Paige Gaines

Pencils for Pupils

Wild Adventures Entrance

Teenager in Wave Pool
Child in Lion Photo




School Supplies Sign




Employees Collecting Supplies




Misha Hogan












Valdosta, GA. - Wild Adventures, an amusement park, water park and zoo all rolled into one, held an event called Project Pencils. Guests of the park received half off admission with the donation of school supplies. The school supplies go to Teacher Harvest, a project held by Second Harvest of South Georgia. Second Harvest of South Georgia is a food bank to more than 300 non-profit organizations in multiple counties in Georgia.


Schools in the area are most in need of notebook paper, pencils, erasers, glue sticks and folders. Thanks to volunteers and park guests, Wild Adventures reached its goal. From Aug. 31- Sept. 2, the partnership raised approximately two thousand dollars worth of school supplies.

“It’s important that we give back and help, especially when it’s for our children,” said Misha Hogan and events coordinator for Wild Adventures.

Wild Adventures is one of the largest tourist attractions is south Georgia and holds multiple fund raising events throughout the season. They are already planning for Project Pencils next year. To get more information visit: wildadventures.com or valdostafoodbank.org.

-Sherita Bond

Georgia W.A.N.D Protests American Action in Response to Syria, by Nakeshia Hill








Arriving at the CNN center Saturday, September 7, 2013, you would notice a group holding signs and shouting for peace. On a day many were enjoying Centennial Olympic Park's Fountain of Rings and the newest downtown Atlanta attraction, the SkyView Ferris wheel, protesters from the activist group W.A.N.D (Women's Action for New Directions) stood  with others across the street to speak out against the American government getting involved with the globally covered Syrian unrest. 

Different groups such as Atlanta Grandmothers for Peace and Revcom.us were also present to object talks of the US taking actions against the Syrian government. Charlie Abrams, a volunteer for the Revolution movement held a profound, yet simple sign pleading for rethinking in our culture. His message, "Look at the interest of humanity, not just America."

Organizing the peace rally, was the new Executive Director, Becky Rafter. After taking the lead in April, Becky has continued the mission of leading the organization in informing the people and standing up for those who cannot stand for themselves. The Georgia W.A.N.D. works to promote human rights, environmental justice, peace in action, and political empowerment. The 30th year anniversary is soon approaching and events like this help publicize the group and their mission. Her pressing statement, "Redirect funds to unmet human and social needs rather than militarism," leaves a feeling of purpose in one's mind about their local communities and abroad.

You can visit the site at http://gawand.org/ and learn more about their events and get updates on social issues.

LaShawnda Gamble: The Festival of Delectable is Back!




SMYRNA, Ga. — The Taste of Smyrna- Festival of Delectable is occurring on the Village Green and Market Village Saturday September 14.

According to smyrnacity.com, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Smyrna natives will gather for food, fun and music all day long. Food booths will be set up on the Village Green to showcase restaurants in the Smyrna area.

Live music, fireworks, food and beverage venues will be available. The cost of entry is free and guest will have the option to sample food from any booth. Sample prices range from a minimum of 50 cents to a maximum price of $4.

For children, there will be an inflatable interactive Kid’s Zone with a Shark Slide, a Euro Bungee Quad Jump, a Rockwall, and a Roller Coaster Obstacle Course. The adults can enjoy the beer garden and at 6:30 p.m. listen to the sounds of the Francisco Vidal Band.

Every year Smyrna residents come together to celebrate the last festival of the summer by enduring in the tasting of local restaurants.

Softball For All Ages-John Storer

jdstorer12's SCCA Softball album on Photobucket

Every Tuesday at a sports complex in Woodstock, Georgia known as Hobgood park, men over age 50 gather to play the great sport of softball.

The Cherokee Senior Softball league operates out of Hobgood park and is specifically for men over age 50, and has individual leagues for men of all skill levels. Whether you started playing ball at a young age and never stopped, as did Coach and Shortstop William Weaver of the Manley Brothers in that league, or are just trying to stay active as an older man, softball is a great activity to be involved in.

“I played baseball in high school and loved it. Then it got to where I was a little older and changed over to church softball.” said Weaver about his ball playing history. When asked about why he chose the Cherokee Senior Softball league he said “The age limit allows me to still play when I’m 50, so I joined this league because of the age limit.”

An incredibly hot topic in today’s society is staying healthy, especially for the older crowd and those who work monotonous jobs during the day. “You’re active every game. You’re moving, sweating off calories, and it keeps you active. So the older we get we need to be more active, so it (softball) keeps us healthier, both cardio and muscular.”

Some may feel intimidated by the idea of joining a softball league, but when asked about the requirements to play in the league he simply said “just be able to run, catch, throw and hit,” so as long as you have some basic amount of skill, you would have no problem playing in this league. The Manley Brothers have yet to win a game this season, and unfortunately lost their game last Tuesday eight to seventeen, so if you wanted to join up, it couldn’t do anything but help.