​Established by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, the CreATL Relief Fund facilitates private philanthropic grants to the independent creative industry workforce engaged in creative industries and entertainment. Artists, creative entrepreneurs and entertainment professionals generate an estimated $62.5 billion in economic impact each year in the State of Georgia and represent 5% of all employment and 4% of all business revenue in the state. This Fund provides a means of addressing the negative economic impact of the measures taken to control the novel COVID-19 virus in the U.S., Georgia, and particularly in the city of Atlanta.

Few bands arouse a crowd into a collective shake like Flow Tribe. The six-member band’s onstage chemistry reflects a seamless combination of soul and movement that hits the audience within the first few notes. Virgin listeners and avid fans alike are drawn in by the distinctive sound that feels both familiar and original. Outfitted for each performance in colorful, carefully selected suits, it’s clear their focus is sharp and the party has begun. This is the work of professional musicians who’ve found their passion, and are living a dream where everyone’s welcome.

Second line brass and Cuban-Caribbean rhythms meld with R&B, soul, rock, and hip-hop beats in high-energy performances that turn every show into a celebration. New Orleans is influence itself, the unparalleled free and easy city weaving its way into track after track of original scores that make up a single definition of sound, which Flow Tribe has dubbed “backbone-cracking music.”

K.C. O’Rorke (vocals, trumpet), John-Michael Early (harmonica, washboard, vocals, keyboard), Russell Olschner (drums), Chad Penot (bass, vocals), Bryan Santos (guitar, timbales), and Mario Palmisano (guitar) are native New Orleanians and high school pals who’ve been writing music and playing live shows since the band’s inception in 2004. 

​Post graduation, they went their separate ways, but after Katrina, each returned to their hometown, inherently becoming active members in the rebuilding of a community that’s stronger than ever. Flow Tribe may well be the city’s next music ambassadors.

With two full-length albums and several EPs under their belt, the crew is currently building Downman Sounds, a studio in New Orleans East where they expect to cut their next record. The Tribe can be found crisscrossing the US just about every week of the year, from Key West to California, including regular performances at the notable New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest and Voodoo Fest. Look for their next project to be released in early ‘17, a full length album entitled “BOSS” produced by New Orleans’s own Mannie Fresh.

NEWS SOURCE:  OCA ATLANTA

The Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs' Contracts for Arts Services (CAS), the City of Atlanta’s program for granting public funding to arts and cultural activities, has opened its proposal submission process for the upcoming FY '21 Grant Cycle.
Each year, CAS awards contracts to non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, individual artists, and creative projects within the City of Atlanta. Artists and arts organizations interested in these funding opportunities should apply by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. Both general operating and project-based funding requests are accepted.
The CAS program awards funding related to the production, creation, presentation, exhibition and managerial support of artistic and cultural services in the City of Atlanta. Applications will be accepted in the following categories from arts and cultural organizations, community and neighborhood organizations, and practicing professional artists:

• Major Arts Organizations
• Arts Organizations
• Community Cultural Development Organizations
• Neighborhood Planning Units (NPU’s) and Neighborhood Organizations
• Individual Artist Projects
• Emerging Artist Award

First-time applicants interested in submitting a proposal for Contracts for Arts Services funding must complete a virtual workshop covering the submission process. To access the FY21 virtual workshop, click here.
Returning and new respondents can submit a proposal for Contracts for Arts Services funding consideration by clicking here.
For more information including the virtual workshop, access to the application and guidelines, click here or contact the Contracts for Arts Services Program Manager, Brittnee Buley, at bjbuley@atlantaga.gov.

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs announced today that the 43rd annual Atlanta Jazz Festival will not take place this year. The decision to cancel one of the country’s longest-running, free jazz festivals was based on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the City of Atlanta, and the CDC and Georgia State guidelines limiting gatherings to 10 or less individuals.

The Atlanta Jazz Festival would like to thank the Atlanta Music Project, WJZA and PNC Bank for their support. Check the AJF website at www.atlantafestivals.com for information about the 2021 event.

New Orleans Piano Man, Keith Burnstein,  speaks about receiving songs in his dreams.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT LAURA COYLE:
Website: http://www.lauracoylejazz.com ​

NEWS SOURCE:  Atlanta Jazz Festival

A Grammy award-winning saxophonist, Mace Hibbard has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting and versatile saxophonists on the scene today. He is an artist whose technical mastery and understanding of jazz create a unique sound. Hibbard has performed throughout the United States and Europe, sharing the stage with icons such as Quincy Jones, Jerry Douglas, Jamie Cullum, and many others.

For full details about the AJF Sessions series, visit atlantafestivals.com frequently for performance updates and new information.

​If you are a true "SPEAKER" that follows When We Speak TV, you will know that Julie Dexter was the first live music concert I attended when I moved to Atlanta in 2008.  Back then, I wasn't really familiar with the Atlanta music scene, nor any of the indie artists in the city but I was invited by my business partner, Chet, so I went......and to make a long story short, I have been a Julie Dexter fan ever since.  

​I always make the reference that Julie Dexter is my Beyonce.  What I mean by that is, although I would love to meet Beyonce, I get just as anxious when I see Julie Dexter, as I would if I saw Beyonce!  I really admire Julie because not only is she a great vocalist but she is also a supporter of When We Speak TV!  You may remember that a few years back, I sat down and spoke with her at the release of her album, New Again.  

​Since then, she and I have definitely seen one another on several occasions at musical events like the Atlanta Jazz Festival....and of course this year, she performed at the Jazz In The Alley Concert Series, which When We Speak TV is an official partner!

I think it goes without saying that Julie Dexter is one of our favorite people, that's why I am so excited to have the opportunity to speak with Julie Dexter for a segment of  What Do YOU Speak? 
Definitely take a moment to watch it ...BELOW IS A SNIPPET FROM THE INTERVIEW ......and find who told Julie that, "The Best Thing A Woman Can Be Is A Singer" , which changed her life.  I hope you enjoy it!  

NEWS SOURCE:  Atlanta Jazz Festival

​Tonight, at 9 PM on the Atlanta Jazz Festival’s Facebook page, will premiere a new session featuring the tranquil notes of “To What Extent” with pianist Gary Motley and bassist Billy Thornton.
 
A Professor of Performance and Director of Jazz Studies at Emory University, Gary Motley is best known for his captivating performances and classic yet modern sound. He has received awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, and the American Composers Forum. Motley has also performed with the likes of Dave Brubeck, Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, and others.

​

​ Join the Atlanta Jazz Festival tonight at 9 PM on the Atlanta Jazz Festival’s Facebook page as they continue celebrating 31 Days of Jazz!
 
To listen to Motley’s music on Spotify, use the link below.

For full details about the AJF Sessions series, visit atlantafestivals.com frequently for performance updates and other events.

Did you miss a recent AJF Sessions concert?
​Watch them below: