The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will travel to Atlanta next week to showcase a collection of familiar and unreleased pieces to both new and returning audiences.

The company will put on four public performances at the Fox Theatre in downtown from Jan. 25-27 as part of its 2024 national tour celebrating the 65th anniversary of its founding.

Each show will feature an assortment of individual productions brought to life by internationally acclaimed choreographers, including the return of a modern company classic originally choreographed by the late founder himself.

Artistic director emerita of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Judith Jamison, said that the company’s performers and choreographers have prepared a show that combines traditional elements of Ailey’s signature performance style with fresh, updated concepts capable of shifting the company into future programming.

She also said that creating art like Amy Hall Garner’s piece “CENTURY,” which honors the life of the Ailey artist in residence’s 100-year-old grandfather, is critical in that it acknowledges the contributions of previous generations and helps keep cultural traditions in performance alive.

“We extend ourselves through our ancestors,” Jamison said. “We are who we are because of them.”

Among the week’s performances, a contemporary piece by Kyle Abraham called “Are You in Your Feelings?” will explore love, relationships and Black culture on stage while featuring music from influential artists like Kendrick Lamar and Lauryn Hill.

Another piece, choreographed by Ronald K. Brown, will pay tribute to Judith Jamison’s impact and illustrious career, named after her 1993 autobiography, “Dancing Spirit.”

Jamison, who danced with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for 15 years before becoming the company’s artistic director in 1989, said the ensemble has expanded since her debut in 1965 but has nonetheless remained focused on the company’s mission to hold the Ailey name in high regard, as well as the art of dance in general.

“(The company’s) grown, but we are still connected,” Jamison said. “That’s the important thing that differentiates this company from other companies. It’s a big family.”

Jamison also said that Ailey’s cast of artists always strives to leave a lasting impression on its audiences around the world and that those who attend a show should be mindful of the intimacy and importance of live theatre as they watch the performances.

“Have some fun, have a good time, go on a journey, enjoy what you see, absorb what you see,” Jamison said. “We’re there to entertain, we’re there to enlighten, and to make you feel uplifted when you leave the theater.”

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform each evening at 7:30 p.m. and perform an additional Saturday afternoon show beginning at 2 p.m.

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Due to high demand and success of her fifth studio album, Pink Friday 2, Nicki Minaj has added a second round of shows to her largest worldwide outing to date.  

Additional North American dates have been added in Atlanta at the State Farm Arena on March 21 and in Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Nashville, and Toronto. In addition to these North American shows, Nicki will also be performing in Amsterdam, Cologne, Copenhagen, Glasgow, Manchester, Paris, and Stockholm. 

Nicki Minaj Presents: Pink Friday 2 World Tour is now her highest-selling tour, with over 25 arena shows sold out just a few days into the official presale. Minaj sold 30,000 tickets alone for her tri-state hometown performances in Newark, New York City, and Brooklyn, adding an additional date. Nicki has yet to announce any support or additional acts for the tour.  

With Pink Friday 2 only being out a little over a month, Minaj continues to dominate 2024 with the monumental success of Pink Friday 2, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 upon its arrival.  

My review to Pink Friday 2 can be found here. 

With this impressive feat, she made history by achieving “the most #1s on the Billboard 200 by a female rapper ever!” Speaking of her enduring impact as one of the world’s most impactful superstars, she stands out as “the first female rap artist to land a #1 album in two different decades.

Pink Friday 2 sold over 228K-plus units and netted “her biggest streaming week ever” with 170 million album streams. Among other accolades, it has earned “the biggest female rap album debut of the 2020s and biggest female R&B/Hip-Hop Album Sales & Streaming Week of 2023” and “the biggest sales week for a female rap album on vinyl in the Soundscan era,” according to Billboard.

 
Furthermore, the album went to #1 on the Top Album Sales Chart, the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart, and Rap Albums Chart. It ranks in the “Top 3 Hip-Hop Debuts of 2023” and “Top 10 Overall Debuts of 2023.” Plus, it’s her 7^th Top 10 on the Billboard 200, the most top 10 albums for a female rapper in history. 

The tour will also offer various VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets and access to the Gag City Headquarters, Nicki’s VIP lounge with unique pop-up activations, exclusive merch items, and more. For more information, visit vipnation.com. 

A total of 13 additional dates have been added, with even more regions expected to be announced throughout the year.  

North America Tickets:  

• Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale (details below) on Tuesday, January 16. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general sale beginning on Friday, January 19, at 9 am local time at NickiMinajOfficial.com. For tickets to the show at the award-winning State Farm Arena, visit Ticketmaster.com. 
• U.S. PRESALE: Citi is the official card of the Pink Friday 2 World Tour. Citi cardmembers in the U.S. will access presale tickets from Tuesday, January 16, at 1 pm local time until Thursday, January 18, at 9 pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details, visit www.citientertainment.com.  

Europe/Tickets:  

• Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale on Wednesday, January 17, at 9 am local time. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general sale beginning on Friday, January 19, at 9 am local time at NickiMinajOfficial.com. 

Tickets for all other shows are available now at NickiMinajOfficial.com. 

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Producer, singer, and songwriter Chris Brown and R&B Playmaker Anthony “Ant” Wilson have announced the additions of R&B songstress Ashanti, fresh newcomer Fridayy, the legendary Tank, iconic DJ Mannie Fresh, the velvety vocalist Bryson Tiller, Power 105’s DJ Envy, the soulful 112, and hitmaker Jermaine Dupri to the already star studded Tycoon Music Festival lineup.

Now in its fifth year, Tycoon Music Festival, headlined by Breezy, with sets from Mario, Monica, and Ginuwine, revealed its all R&B roster in honor of Valentine’s Day. Theconcert, produced in collaboration with Live Nation, will be MC’d by Atlanta’s own DC Young Fly, who is returning as host. The highly anticipated concert will take place at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on February 13th.

Past festivals included performances from R&B and Hip Hop greats including Kendrick Lamar, Young Thug, Fabolous, and 50 Cent. Ticket holders were givenaccess to additional activities including comedy shows and exclusive parties. This year promises to be larger and grander with surprise guests. Tickets are on sale now.

“We’re excited for Tycoon Music Festival and to present an idyllic lineup of R&B legends who’ve delivered timeless music. From Breezy, to Monica, to Mario, to Fridayy and everyone in between, this year’s Tycoon Music Festival is a showcase of the best in R&B,” said Anthony “Ant” Wilson.

To secure tickets for the show, visit Ticketmaster.com.

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One year after announcing her highly anticipated return to the road with her ninth concert tour, Together Again, today five-time GRAMMY®️ Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®️ Inductee Janet Jackson reveals she will be adding 35 dates to the run, featuring a stop in Atlanta at the award-winning State Farm Arena on Sunday, July 21. In addition, Nelly will join Jackson on tour across all dates as her special guest.

Ms. Jackson’s Together Again 2024 Tour builds on the success of the 2023 run, the icon’s highest selling trek of her career which featured 36 sold out shows and received rave reviews from fans and press. Okayplayer said “Janet has still got it, serving as our beloved sex symbol, superstar, and Queen of Pop that no one has come close to emulating.” The Chicago Tribune confirmed, “Being a performer, a showstopper, a true delight is not just what Janet Jackson does. It is who she is.” And the Boston

Globe claimed, “Jackson is a killer live act.”

Produced by Live Nation, the new leg of this tour will start in summer 2024 visiting North American arenas and amphitheaters in Los Angeles, Chicago, Brooklyn, and more; kicking-off in Palm Desert, CA at Acrisure Arena on June 4th and wrapping up in Phoenix, AZ at Footprint Center on July 30th.

The Together Again Tour will offer everyone the chance to reunite with Ms. Jackson in celebration of her 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlight the milestones for three of Jackson’s most critically acclaimed albums – 25 years of “The Velvet Rope”, 30 years of “janet”, and 35 years of “Rhythm

Nation.” featuring her biggest chart-topping hits. In addition, fans can expect the three-time GRAMMY®️ winner and Diamond-selling Hip-Hop sensation Nelly to deliver a powerhouse performance, showcasing his greatest hits and cherished fan favorites spanning the last two decades.

Presales began on Wednesday, January 17th at 10 AM local time running throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning today, Friday, January 19th at 10 AM local time on LiveNation.com. For tickets to the show at the award-winning State Farm Arena, visit Ticketmaster.com.

Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, Meet & Greet and photo op with Janet Jackson, pre-show VIP lounge, collectible VIP concert ticket & more. For more information, visit VIPnation.com.

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(CNN) — Quinta Brunson took home an Emmy on Monday for best actress in a comedy series, becoming the first Black actress to win the category since 1981 when “The Jeffersons” star Isabel Sanford won.

Brunson won for her performance in ABC’s sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” which she also created and serves as a writer on.

“I love making ‘Abbott Elementary’ so much and I am so happy to be able to live my dream and act out comedy,” Brunson said as she fought through tears during her acceptance speech.

Clutching her statuette, she continued to express her love for comedy, saying, “I am so happy to be able to get this.” She went on to say she also loves her “entire family,” along with her husband and her “Abbott Elementary” cast.

Brunson is also nominated at the 75th Emmy Awards for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series for the episode of “Saturday Night Live” that she hosted, and “Abbott Elementary” is nominated for outstanding comedy series Emmy.

Now a two-time Emmy winner, Brunson previously won in 2022 for outstanding writing in a comedy series for her work on “Abbott.” She was nominated in the outstanding actress in a comedy series that same year, but lost out to “Hacks” star Jean Smart.

“Abbott Elementary” is a workplace comedy that follows a group of teachers at a public school in Philadelphia who, despite their lack of resources, work toward helping their students succeed.

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(CNN) — Embattled actor Jonathan Majors will no longer play basketball player Dennis Rodman in a proposed film project, multiple sources tell CNN.

More than a year ago, Majors was cast to star as Rodman in the film, which would chronicle the basketball player’s infamous trip to Las Vegas during the 1998 NBA finals.

While an individual close to the movie – working title “48 Hours In Vegas” – cautions that Majors has not yet officially been dropped from the film, the source says that the actor will not be part of the project.

Last month, a jury found Majors guilty of assault and harassment of his former girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, during a domestic dispute.

Majors – who maintains his innocence – was convicted of one count of reckless assault in the 3rd degree and a non-criminal charge of harassment as a violation. He was acquitted on another assault charge and one count of aggravated harassment.

Along with the first source, two additional sources tell CNN that Lionsgate – the studio where the Rodman film landed in 2021 – has released the project back to its producers to allow them to find a new partner to produce the film.

Majors’ legal issues were not the only factor in the behind-the-scenes changes – while the “Loki” star’s troubles certainly complicated matters, the first source says that producers were in talks with a director whose plans were beyond the film’s budget, so Lionsgate allowed producers to take the project elsewhere to achieve their creative vision.

The producers are currently shopping around the film without Majors attached, the two additional sources say. And if the film ends up back at Lionsgate, the first source firmly states that Majors “will be let go.”

“I cannot imagine a world where this moves forward with Jonathan,” one of the two additional individuals close to the project tells CNN, noting that wherever the film ends up, Majors will not be its star.

Lionsgate declined to comment. The talent agency WME — which currently still counts Majors as a client — also declined to comment.

Majors parted ways with his management and publicist in April 2023 amid the accusations, and a representative who was working with Majors during his trial did not respond to CNN’s numerous requests for comment.

Immediately after his trial last month, Majors was dropped by Marvel, which had cast him to star in two upcoming “Avengers” movies, and which likely would have cemented Majors’ status as a household name. Majors had already starred in last year’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” as well as the Disney+ series “Loki” as a version of the character he was set to portray in the “Avengers” films.

Aside from the Marvel developments and the Rodman film, more of the actor’s projects are also in flux, CNN is told.

Weeks before his arrest in March, Majors was also cast in a movie at Amazon, “Da Understudy,” from director Spike Lee.

A source close to that project says that when “Da Understudy” was announced in the press, the project was in such early stages that deals weren’t closed yet. Regardless of Majors’ legal issues, the film may have never come to light, just due to the nature of the long development process. “This film is in extremely early deep development where the recent trial wouldn’t have been a conversation,” the source familiar with the film tells CNN.

A representative for Lee, and a spokesperson for Amazon Studios declined to comment.

Additionally, months prior to the accusations from Jabbari early last year, Majors received rave reviews at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival premiere of the drama, “Magazine Dreams,” a film in which he played a bodybuilder that was garnering early awards buzz and would likely have put Majors into the Oscars conversation. The film was planned to be released theatrically by Disney’s Searchlight in December, but in October, ahead of his trial, Disney pulled the film from its release calendar.

No new release date has been set, and Disney did not respond to CNN’s request for comment.

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“Aladdin”, the hit Broadway musical of the Disney classic film, is at The Fox Theatre this week from Jan. 11-14 and for one of the cast members the trip to Atlanta is much more than a tour stop. It’s a homecoming.

“I grew up here,” said actress and dancer Taylor Mackenzie Smith, who is in the ensemble for the production, and made many trips to The Fox asa kid, whether on school field trips or with her family. “It’s truly full circle.”

“Aladdin” stars actors Adi Roy as the title character, Marcus M. Martin as “Genie”, and Senzel Ahmady as “Jasmine”, but for Smith’s family, friends and mentors this is week-long production taking place just miles from where she grew up in the Cascade neighborhood is a true start turn. Her parents have already seen the show, and there are plans for her former dance teacher, Djana Bell to come see her Friday.

“It’s been just a blend all through the week,” said Smith about how many family and friends have come to The Fox to see the show. She is looking forward to seeing Bell, who taught her the art of dance at Norma’s Academy of Dance on Jonesboro Rd. in Fairburn beginning when she was three years old.

“She really helped me learn my love for musical theater,” said Smith of Bell, who she remains in contact with today. “She really got me from point A to point B.”

Atlanta is home for Smith, who attended the Children’s School and Woodward Academy before matriculating to Spelman College where she majored in Drama and minored in dance. Both skills would serve her well following graduation when she moved to New York to pursue a career on stage. The inspirations that stoked the fires of that dream started at Norma’s, but also from the seats of a production of “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway in 1998. There a young Smith saw Grammy Award-winning singer Toni Braxton play “Belle” and knew she wanted to be on stage one day. Braxton was the first Black actress to lead a Disney Broadway production.

“It meant the world to me to see that,” Smith remembers. “My parents were adamant about getting us to that show. I can remember just being overwhelmed with emotion.”

The moment remains so vivid in Smith’s memory that she can recall what she had on that night. She wore a yellow gown with a tiara. “The Disney world has been a part of my life forever,” said Smith.

Asked what Atlanta means to her, Smith, who wore a navy blazer with a Spelman crest on it, said, “It means home, nostalgia, community, support and an appreciation of the arts.”

Her parents still live in Cascade and she recently visited home during the Christmas holiday. Before that however, trips home have been infrequent due to the busy schedule a production like “Aladdin” commands. Smith has been a part of the ensemble since August 2022, and in February there was a layover that turned into a flight delay long enough for her to return to her childhood home to see her parents.

Smith says Atlanta will always be home no matter where her career takes her. “This is why we go on tour, to play our hometowns,” said Smith. “To be able to be down the street from where I grew up and went to school is truly full circle.”

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The popularity of sports utility vehicles sees no slowing down, and automaker Hyundai has done a solid job making their two-row 2023 Santa Fe a standout amongst the pack.

This SUV’s exterior design flaunts Hyundai’s signature grille, plus thin LED headlights, tail lights, and daytime running lights all providing both style and enhanced visibility. The power folding heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, and curvaceous frame further add to the attractiveness and functionality. 

Considering that there are numerous trims to incrementally take the Santa Fe to the next level including the SEL, XRT, and Limited, the reviewed, top-of-the-line Calligraphy still maintains a great value while generously pampering owners. While the standard version comes with a plethora of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; Bluetooth; and a quartet of USB ports to name a few, the Calligraphy impressively answers the demands of true luxury seekers. Passengers will appreciate the quilted Nappa leather seating, faux-suede appointments, and panoramic sunroof for optimal sky gazing and open feel. Other enhancements include 20-inch wheels, a head-up display, roof side rails, keyless entry, ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and theateresque 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Addressing performance, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine flexes 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque operated by an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The all-wheel drive component is highly recommended for excellent mobility and maneuvering, whether it’s a quick trip to the store or excursions across the country. Towing tops out at 3,500 pounds, while cargo space is sufficient, measuring approximately 36 cubic feet and about 72 with the second-row seats folded. 

Hyundai is renowned for their mind-easing warranties, including a 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Warranty and a robust 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty. Safety is also a priority, featuring advanced technology like forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and parking collision-avoidance assist whether going forward or reverse. The inclusion of multiple airbags throughout the cabin, plus highway driving assist, high beam assist, and a surround view monitor all add an extra layer of security when—or off—the road.

Arguably, Santa Fe Calligraphy’s most attractive draw is its value priced at $43,750 fully equipped, resulting in a well-rounded package delivering practicality, luxury, and value for the win. 

Price: $43,750 MSRP

Gas economy: 21 city/28 highway/24 combined

For more information, visit Hyundaiusa.com.

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Playing in the background of the Dumas’s MARTA memorabilia-filled living room is the Andy Griffith Show, a program whose time off the air eclipses the 51 years that Coy Dumas, Jr. served as an employee of The Metropolitan Atlanta Transit Authority (MARTA).

Joining MARTA in 1972, Dumas witnessed the evolution of Atlanta through the windows of an old 400 series bus to the modern 1886 BRT 30-footer models that are being used to take thousands of Atlantans to and from work every day today.

Having been trained by the first five Black transit workers of local 732, Dumas dealt in decoding route sheets, ensuring the seamless operation of public transportation, and driving several routes throughout his career ranging from the West End of Atlanta (his favorite area, he says) to Buckhead.  His expertise earned him the role of a trainer, a position he plans to continue doing even in retirement. 

During Dumas’ career, he has trained MARTA employees, stopped armed robberies, and driven through fluctuating weather conditions. In 2020, Dumas, Jr. started contemplating the thought of retirement, and in 2023, he exchanged the familiar routine of decoding route sheets to give way to a new chapter that commenced with early morning dog walks at 2 AM. Post-retirement, Dumas now adheres to a schedule that involves morning walks, bed-making, shared coffee moments with his wife Theresa (who Dumas will refer to as “Mama” when addressing in conversation), and engaging in the day’s errands. 

Before retirement, Dumas would wake at 2 AM with his wife and begin their shared ritual and routine, which they have maintained throughout their time together. Mrs. Dumas would begin her day preparing either coffee or tea based on her preferences, for Dumas and then oversee Dumas’ lunch and breakfast preparations, which he then would carry with him to work.

The role changes brought about by Dumas’ retirement have been transformative, said Theresa Dumas. “I’m enjoying him being around,” she said. “It’s been a shift in my shift, where breakfast may now be for him at nine or 10 in the morning,” said Dumas.

The Dumas’ found contentment in ticking off items from their bucket list, including extensive travel to locations such as Hawaii, and Mexico, and a planned trip to Ireland.

Reflecting on their marriage of 46 years as of January 1st, the couple has managed to find joy in the shared moments post-retirement. Dumas takes on the responsibility of running errands, before picking up his wife in the evenings from work at Macy’s in Kennesaw, a 30-minute drive from their home. Bus not included. 

Dumas’s other love lies in his furry friends. The couple is currently contemplating adopting a white German Shepherd. The couple currently are the owners of two dogs, Cam, a Shih Tzu, and Hannah, a Sheltie that they adopted after the death of their oldest child, Coy “Demetrius” Dumas, who passed from liver failure approximately two weeks before his 30th birthday in April of 2013. Demetrius was the second in the Dumas family to have an untimely passing. Their oldest child, Coy Dumas III passed away from a car accident while traveling back from New Orleans at the age of 24, in 2002. The couple have two other children, Takeisha Farmer and Chase Decoy Dumas, and 9 grandchildren in total.

Over the years, Dumas, Jr.’s commitment and service at MARTA did not go unnoticed. He received commendations and awards from various authorities, including Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, and a proclamation from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). The awards are prominently displayed around the couple’s living room.

“With the love and respect that MARTA has shown me, not just closing my 50 years, but throughout my tenure, it’s been a blessing for me to work for them,” Dumas said. “Everybody at MARTA knows how strong I am about family, and MARTA is my second family.”

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(CNN) — Barack Obama scored an Emmy win – his fifth – on Sunday during the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, taking home a statuette for outstanding narration for his Netflix documentary series “Working: What We Do All Day.”

The former US President is also a producer on the project alongside wife and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Obama previously won an Emmy for outstanding narration in 2022 for his work on “Our Great National Parks,” a documentary series that also streamed on Netflix.

“Working: What We Do All Day” is a four-part series that debuted in May on Netflix.

The four-part series “explores the ways in which we find meaning in our work and how our experiences and struggles connect us on a human level,” according to a Netflix description of the project.

“When we make sure that everyone feels their work is respected, that everyone’s contribution is honored, and that everyone is getting paid enough to truly take a part in the life of our communities, we reinforce the trust between us that makes everything in our lives possible,” Obama said in a statement in April.

Inspired by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Studs Terkel’s 1974 book “Working” – an oral history that explores jobs and the people who do them – the series aims to foster understanding and appreciation for the work people do.

The series is a joint production between Concordia Studio and Higher Ground, which was founded by the Obamas in 2018. Their company has released more than 10 film and television titles, including the 2020 Oscar-winning documentary feature “American Factory” as well as last month’s “Leave the World Behind.”

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