Written by: Jermaine Sain

​called The Riverfront Jazz Festival, presented by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters.  If you know anything about me, then you know that I enjoy concerts and festivals.  Plus, the concert had a long list of artists the I enjoy, like Erykah Badu, Rahsaan Patterson, Rachelle Ferrell, Lalah Hathaway, and many more.  

​Then the idea came to me....why not see if you can obtain credentials to this event so that way you can meet some great people in the area plus have footage for your next video.  

Needless to say, we did just that and we had a blast but there was one person that I wanted to see perform that I didn't get to see because her performance was happening during the time of the event that I was in Dallas for.  That person was Rhonda Ross.  

Then, around maybe March of this year, I started looking up the artist for the Atlanta Jazz Festival, which we have now covered for the last 3 or 4 years, and to my surprise, Rhonda Ross and Rodney Kendrick was listed as one of the performers!  Immediately I was like, "Lord, this must be my opportunity"......then I was like forget this "I want to feature her on a segment of What Do YOU Speak?".

The month of April rolled around and I was going back and forth about reaching out to her because I was so afraid that she would say no.......but then finally I decided to put down my fears and reach out to her management.  To my surprise, she said YES!!!!!

I gave you that long story to say, don't allow your fears to hold you back from what may be one of the most life changing events in your life!  

I had so much fun speaking with Rhonda and she was so super cool and down to earth!  I feel so blessed for this opportunity and I hope that this interview inspires you!!!! 
What Do YOU Speak?

From:  emrahkotan.com
Emrah Kotan is a classically trained percussionist who came to the United States from his native Turkey and received a Master's degree in Jazz Studies from Georgia State University. His debut album, The New Anatolian Experience, is a collection of original compositions and arrangements that fuse world music and jazz, creating stylistically sophisticated vibes and a genuine model of personal artistic expression.
​
After playing some of the most renowned venues in the world such as the Istanbul Jazz Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival and The Blue Note in New York, Emrah is one of the most sought after musicians in the Atlanta music scene. His unique musical ability transcends many genres and cultures. He is involved in various musical projects, including his own, and is the drummer/percussionist for Grammy award winning artist, India.Arie.

Noted comedian, actor and REACH Media Syndicated Radio host, DL Hughley is bringing his own brand of comedy and commentary to TV One with his new nighttime talk show THE DL HUGHLEY SHOW, which premiered Monday, March 18 at 11/10C PM. The show will air four nights a week, Monday through Thursday.
​
Hughley is one of the most unapologetic voices of our time and does not shy away from controversy. THE DL HUGHLEY SHOW dives head first into hot topics of the day and dishes on the latest news, entertainment, pop culture and what's trending in social media.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to expand my radio show and bring it to a late night television audience,” said DL Hughley. “I want to talk about things that matter to our community and this show will mirror what everyone is talking about every day.”

Always insightful and informative, Hughley and his co-host Jasmine Sanders use humor to deliver everything from hard news to lighter fare. Featuring stories relevant to a rapidly evolving African American community, the one-hour show, which is a hybrid of Hughley's existing radio show and fresh content created specifically for a nighttime audience, will offer everything from covering the day’s major headlines and round table discussions to celebrity guest interviews and comedy bits.

“We are excited to grow our partnership with an amazing talent like DLHughley, who’s already a part of our Urban One family,”        said Michelle Rice, TV One General Manager.
​“DL will courageously shine a light on the issues facing black America with his unique brand of humor, intelligence and thought-provoking perspective.”

Shot in a stylized studio, the look and feel of THE DL HUGHLEY SHOW is patterned after a traditional radio show, adapted for television and will be taped in-studio four days a week from Burbank, CA. 

THE DL HUGHLEY SHOW is produced for TV One by Pygmy Wolf Productions with DL Hughley and KP Anderson serving as Executive Producers. Sonya Vaughn and Charlie Gerencer serve as Co-Executive Producers and Jade Mills serves as Executive in Charge of Production. Melanie Massie serves as Talent Producer. For TV One, Susan Henry and Regina Thomas serve as Executive Producers in Charge of Production. 

For more information about the DL HUGHLEY SHOW, visit TV One’s microsite and check out exclusive, behind the scenes content.TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) using the hash tags #THEDLHUGHLEYSHOW, #TVONE and #REPRESENT.

I'm Getting Ready by Michael Kiwanuka

If you live anywhere in the Atlanta metro area, you are aware that the film industry in Atlanta is continuously growing.  At this time, there are so many productions shot in Atlanta and Georgia, that it's too hard to keep up with what's shooting.  This has definitely opened up a door for actors in Atlanta to get more roles and opportunities. 

Get Your Tickets:  3rd annual ATL Actors Awards

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ABOUT THE ATL ACTORS AWARDS:
Website:  ATL Actors Awards
Facebook: ATL Actors Awards
Instagram: ATLActorsAwards

When We Speak TV's own, Jermaine Sain will be presenting at the 3rd annual ATL Actors Awards!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WHEN WE SPEAK TV:
Website:  https://www.whenwespeaktv.com
Youtube:  When We Speak TV
Instagram:  @WhenWeSpeakTV
Facebook:  @WhenWeSpeakTV
Twitter:  @WhenWeSpeakTV

Who is Shameia Crawford?  Some may simply classify her as a Soul or R&B artist but I believe the essence of her artistry is rooted much deeper.  Shameia first displayed her talents to her local church congregation and by the age of 5, knew that she wanted to be a singer.  By the age of 17, she released an independent album.  In addition, to such a great accomplishment at a young age, she continued her pursuit of a musical career at Winston-Salem State University, earning a degree in music. 

Shortly into the conversation, I recognized her aspiration to capture the emotions of every audience that she stands in front of.  “I believe in my voice and I believe that I have something to offer that no one else does”, says Shameia.  Indeed, she has a special gift and it is considerably identifiable whether she is singing background vocals for legendary soul artists like Angie Stone, accompanying gospel singers like Vashawn Mitchell, or performing her original music. ​