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Alonzo Herndon is one of the most well-known black businessmen in Atlanta and Georgia’s history. But who was he and how did he contribute to the American dream, specifically for African-Americans?
Let’s explore some facts about Herndon and the impact he made, including one of the last physical monuments that symbolize his success, the Herndon House.
Where Is The Herndon House Located?
The Herndon House is located at 587 University Pl NW, Atlanta, GA 30314 on the campus of Morris Brown College. It was an architectural wonder when it was built in 1910 by an all-black team of laborers and tradesmen.
Photo credit: Morris Brown Here’s a map to help you find it.
Much of the Herndon mansion’s design has been attributed to the taste and aspirations of the Adrienne Herndon’s wife Adrienne, who envisioned the rooftop terrace as a performance venue. She was a drama teacher at Atlanta University at the time.It is one of a few structures associated with Herndon in Atlanta and the success he brought to the city. Another structure on Morris Brown’s campus is Alonzo Herndon Stadium, an old 15,011-seat stadium that was once used for sports events at the school.
Who Was Alonzo Herndon And Why Is He Important?
Herndon was a successful entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the civil rights of African-Americans as well as their continued higher education after high school. One of Herndon’s most lasting contributions includes his role in establishing the United Negro College Fund.
Where Was Alonzo Herndon Born And Raised?
Alonzo Franklin Herndon was born on June 6, 1858, in Social Circle, Georgia, which is located in Walton County. Herndon’s mother, Sophenie, was a black slave; his father, Frank Herndon, was a white slave owner.
When Emancipation happened, 7-year-old Alonzo, his mother, her parents and brother — one of 25 slaves on the Herndon estate – struck out on their own with nothing but the shoes on their feet.
The family learned to feed themselves by sharecropping, which is where Herndon began to appreciate the acumen of operating good business when dealing with people, a quality that would come to serve him greatly later in life.
What Trade Did Alonzo Herndon Learn?
Herndon launched a business with only a formal education, but he was determined to make it. Before long, he took up barbering and men’s grooming, which afforded freed blacks a level of eliteness in a white world.
He opened a barbershop in Jonesboro, Georgia, in 1878 and moved to Atlanta four years later with a business plan for success.
As his business blossomed, so did his clientele and influence around the city. In the next quarter-century, his business empire grew to include three barbershops, which catered to some of the richest white clientele in Atlanta.
After some years, Herndon decided to get in on the insurance business. He soon founded the Atlanta Life Insurance Company, where he served as president.
What Was the Atlanta Life Insurance Company?
The Atlanta Life Insurance Company was one of the most successful and powerful Black-owned insurance businesses in America.
In 1905, Herndon bought the business, then named the Atlanta Benevolent and Protective Association, and renamed it the Atlanta Life Insurance Company.
Herndon didn’t stop there; he continued to buy companies throughout the South, gobbling them until Atlanta Life became the largest insurance company owned and operated by African American in the nation.
In 1920, the Atlanta Life building, built at 148 Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, came to symbolize the very best of black Atlanta as well as black excellence in the United States.
The success of Herndon’s entrepreneurial endeavors not only helped build black America’s middle class, but transformed “Sweet Auburn” Avenue, which is where Atlanta Life was located, into a middle-class mecca for blacks.
Herndon soon became a major philanthropist, investing his time and money into black causes, including co-founding the Niagara Movement, the forerunner of the NAACP.
How Much Money Did Alonzo Herndon Make?
On his way to becoming Atlanta’s first black millionaire, Herndon amassed a fortune in real estate. In 1905, his property holdings were valued at nearly $325,000. His insurance business reported more than $400,000 in assets in 1922. At one point, Herndon was the wealthiest African-American in Atlanta.
What Is The Herndon Foundation?
Today, part of Herndon’s legacy can be found in the Herndon Foundation, which abides by its mission to advance the Herndon legacy through education, mentoring, and preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs. Learn more about the foundation.
Final Thoughts
After Herndon’s death in 1927, his son, Norris B. Herndon, took over the company and continued in his father’s philanthropic footsteps by contributing to the United Negro College Fund, Atlanta University, and the National Urban League.
As for Atlanta LIfe, it exists today as Atlanta Life Financial Group, located at 191 Peachtree St #2500, Atlanta, GA 30303.
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Renown Atlanta radio personality Ryan Cameron has joined Atlanta’s celebrity-owned restaurants business as a franchisee: The entrepreneur and Majic 107.5 97.5 host recently opened Dough Boy Pizza in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dough Boy, which was founded by Chef Erica Barrett, first opened in Birmingham, Alabama. Cameron’s new pizza place opened on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2023. Barrett recently posted on Instagram how proud she was of Cameron bringing the business to Atlanta.
Chef Erica Barrett, Ryan Cameron Bring Dough Boy Pizza To Atlanta
“Today we made history for Black History Month! You are my first franchisee of a Black – Owned Pizza Chain. We are just getting started. Your drive is remarkable and what we are building will change the restaurant fame forever. Congrats . Let’s move this Dough!” she said.
Photo credit: Instagram Speaking to Good Day Atlanta, “Dough Boy is what we call first and foremost a smart restaurant and a restaurant of the future. It has a self-ordering kiosk; we don’t have any cashiers,” she said. “It’s a ventless solution, so we don’t have any vent hood, so it’s a really cool concept. You get great pizza in three minutes. It’s fast-food pizza, but it’s fresh,” she said.
Ryan Cameron Opens Pizza Joint In Atlanta
“A major standout is that the entire restaurant is technology driven – that won me over,” said Cameron, according to Franchising.com. “There will be no cashiers so customers will order directly from electronic kiosks – and the entire restaurant will run on digital screens.”
The veteran-owned parent company which originally opened in Birmingham, Alabama, focuses on homemade dough rolled in cornmeal and hand tossed.
What’s On The Menu At Dough Boy Pizza?
Dough Boy Pizza specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza with unique toppings complete with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, breadsticks and more. The restaurant also has plenty of gluten-crust options.
“Our crust comes from Italy and it’s also vegan,” Barrett added. “What pizza shop do you have across the U.S. where all of our standard is vegan crust?”
Where Is Dough Boy Pizza Located In Atlanta?
Dough Boy Pizza is located in Atlanta at in The Gallery at South DeKalb at 2801 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30034. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
If you really love pizza, check out our guide on the best pizza places in Atlanta.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Don’t sleep on our list of the best black restaurants in Atlanta, and the top Southside Atlanta restaurants, which is seemingly growing by the month.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a bar explosion in recent years.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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If you’re a fan of good music and beer (who isn’t?) then you’ll love the return of one of the city’s best music festivals: SweetWater 420 Fest. Although it won’t be held at Centennial Olympic Park and will be smaller, 420 Fest is still going to take place on a beautiful Atlanta weekend this spring.
Guests can look forward to both indoor and outdoor stages at the Ottley Drive brewery. Food will be available from local vendors as well as from the taproom, SweetWater will be serving a limited food menu along with their signature beverages.
When Is SweetWater 420 Fest Taking Place In 2023?
SweetWater 420 Fest is set to take place on April 22-23, 2023 at SweetWater’s Atlanta brewery.
“Live music is as vital to our culture as making heady beer,” says Mike Boudreaux, SweetWater’s Director of Hospitality. “While the shift in venue will limit capacity, we anticipate this intimate edition of 420 Fest to be one for the books. Safety and nonstop music are our top priority for this 420 Fest, and bringing the festival to the brewery will be incredibly special.”
Where Will SweetWater 420 Fest Be Held?
SweetWater 420 Fest will be held at 195 Ottley Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, the site of the brewery. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Who Is Performing At SweetWater 420 Fest For 2023?
The 17th annual festival will be headlined by Shakey Graves, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Ghostland Observatory, Rome & Duddy, and Neal Francis.
Along with SweetWater 420 Fest’s headliners, the event will also feature performances by Sunsquabi, Kitchen Dwellers, Doom Flamingo, Neighbor, The Vegabonds, The Stews, Maggie Rose, Fireside Collective, Robert Jon & The Wreck, and Consider the Source. Additional bands include: Khaliko, Hotel Fiction, Tall Tall Trees, Happy Landing, and Wolf Mask.
How To Get A Ticket
You can buy tickets and ticket packages here.
Final Word
SweetWater 420 Fest is one of the best festivals in Atlanta, but it’s not the only one.
Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on!
While it’s warm, take advantage of the outdoors. Don’t miss these awesome festivals.
The fun is just starting. Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit a craft brewery in the city.
Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines brought in the new year with very good travel news for passengers: free Wi-Fi on flights.
The news means that instead of paying $50 a month, frequent customers can enjoy internet service at no charge.
Delta Air Lines Flights To Get Free Wi-Fi
The airline made the announcement at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where companies unveil the latest tech developments in the works.
For Delta, the Wi-Fi rollout will be a gradual one with planes on the airline’s most popular routes first to receive it. After that, smaller jets and the wide-body aircraft used for international flights will get free internet service in 2024.
You’ll be able to know if your particular plane is enabled for Wi-Fi by an icon on display near the boarding area, the airline said.
How Much Does Delta Charge For Wi-Fi?
If your plane isn’t equipped for free Wi-Fi, Delta charges $7 for a one-hour pass. There are also monthly Wi-Fi plans available for purchase.
As we mentioned, it costs $49.95 for monthly access to Wi-Fi on all domestic flights that Delta has equipped for internet service.
What Airlines Have Free Wi-Fi?
Delta joins JetBlue Airways as the only other major airline to offer complimentary internet service to its customers.
Final Word
Free Wi-Fi is yet another perk that Delta is offering its passengers. The airline announced in January 2022 that travelers that the expiration date for any travel credits you still have has been extended through 2023.
More AtlantaFi.com Articles:
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Valentines Day is a big date night in Atlantadate night in Atlanta, but it’s a huge night at Waffle House.
The annual tradition of spending Valentine’s Day at Waffle House continues in Atlanta. The ATL-based restaurant is once again taking Valentine’s Day reservations for the special annual dining experience at Waffle House.
Make Valentines Day Reservations At these Atlanta Waffle House Locations
Ready for some Valentine’s Day at Waffle House? See which locations will be bringing out the white tablecloths and candles in Atlanta.
Here are the Atlanta Waffle House Valentine’s Day Dinner near you.
412 2264 CHESHIRE BRIDGE RD NE ATLANTA, GA 30324 470-318-7895 Alina Glass 777 143 HWY 74 S. PEACHTREE CITY, GA 30269 305-316-4920 Shaniqua Riggins 786 5071 PEACHTREE IND BLVD CHAMBLEE, GA 30341 470-228-8600 Ashley King 874 310 BRANNON RD CUMMING, GA 30041 770-814-1665 Associates 935 476 NORTHSIDE DRIVE STATESBORO, GA 30458 912-489-3020 Associates 993 8239 HWY. 278 COVINGTON, GA 30014 770-787-1456 Associates 1029 3907 ARKWRIGHT ROAD MACON, GA 31210 478-471-1051 Associates 1177 965 LANIER AVE FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214 770-719-5226 Associates 1196 3871 STONE MTN HWY SNELLVILLE, GA 30039 770-572-2384 Nene Gilbert 1485 1586 INDIAN TRAIL RD NORCROSS, GA 30093 404-901-1949 Carla 1490 1009 W 2ND ST TIFTON, GA 31794 229-387-9643 Associates 1509 296 WEST CLINTON ST GRAY, GA 31032 478-986-5898 Associates 1519 1063 HWY 19 NORTH THOMASTON, GA 30286 706-646-5128 Kristie 1612 531 CANTON HWY CUMMING, GA 30040 770-781-4225 Associates 1731 229 TEMPLE AVE NEWNAN, GA 30263 770-251-8033 Associates 1764 7415 SPOUT SPRINGS RD FLOWERY BRANCH, GA 30542 770-310-0972 Shelley Sidders 1772 1408 HWY 16 WEST GRIFFIN, GA 30223 770-229-8918 Associates 1776 9159 ROOSEVELT HWY PALMETTO, GA 30268 770-463-9722 Associates 1786 20 AUBURN PARK DR AUBURN, GA 30011 404-272-9605 Inge Werts 1801 2045 HWY 155 NORTH MCDONOUGH, GA 30252 678-583-1936 Associates 1915 4115 BUFORD DR BUFORD, GA 30518 404-680-7747 Rita Lynch Final Word
Few things are more romantic than some hashbrowns broiled to perfection, scattered, covered and chopped just right. You know the deal and the meal.
Waffle House isn’t the only romantic spot to dine at this time of year in the city.
If you want to check out some other romantic restaurants in Atlanta, these are hard to beat. But Atlanta also has trendy restaurants, pop-ups and time-tested landmarks that continue to draw big crowds.Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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Beyoncé has added a third Atlanta tour date to her Renaissance world tour in partnership with Live Nation. Keep reading to see how you can get tickets.
After adding a second show one week ago, the singer has now given Atlanta a third show for the North American leg of the Renaissance World Tour.
All of these shows will be included in the Group A presale starting on Feb 6th!When Is Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Coming To Atlanta?
Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour is coming to Atlanta on Friday, August 11, Saturday, August 12 and Monday, Aug. 14,2023.
How To Get Tickets To The Atlanta Date Of Beyoncé’s World Tour
Register now for access to tickets through Verified Fan at beyonce.livenation.com.
According to Live Nation, registration does not guarantee tickets. This will be a “lottery-style process” to determine which registered Verified Fans receive a unique access code and which are put on the waitlist.
What Are The Official Dates for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour?
Can’t make the Atlanta tour stop? Here are the dates and cities for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour.
July 8 — Toronto, CA @ Rogers Centre
July 12 — Philadelphia, PA @ Lincoln Financial Field
July 15 — Nashville, TN @ Nissan Stadium
July 17 — Louisville, KY @ Cardinal Stadium
July 20 — Minneapolis, MN @ Huntington Bank Stadium
July 22 — Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field
July 26 — Detroit, MI @ Ford Field
July 29 — East Rutherford, NJ @ Metlife Stadium
August 1 — Boston, MA @ Gillete Stadium
August 3 — Pittsburgh, PA @ Heinz Field
August 5 — Washington, DC @ Fedex Field
August 9 — Charlotte, NC @ Bank Of America Stadium
August 11 — Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes Benz Stadium
August 12 — Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes Benz Stadium
August 14 — Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes Benz Stadium
August 16 — Tampa, FL @ Raymond James Stadium
August 18 — Miami, FL @ Hard Rock Stadium
August 21 — St. Louis, MI @ Dome at America’s Center
August 24 — Phoenix, AZ @ State Farm Stadium
August 26 — Las Vegas, NV @ Allegiant Stadium
August 30 — San Francisco, CA @ Levi’s Stadium
Sept. 2 — Inglewood, CA @ Sofi Stadium
Sept. 11 — Vancouver, BC @ BC Place
Sept. 13 — Seattle, WA @ Lumen Field
Sept. 18 — Kansas City, KS @ Arrowhead Stadium
Sept. 21 — Dallas, TX @ AT&T Stadium
Sept. 23 — Houston, TX @ NRG Stadium
Sept. 27 — New Orleans, LA @ Caesars Superdome
Bey’s last worldwide tour was “On the Run II” in 2018, which stopped twice in Atlanta and featured her husband, Jay-Z. The first concert was noteworthy for an incident in which a man rushed the stage.
Final Words
Concerts are not the only thing Atlanta does well. The city has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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Who doesn’t enjoy some suds in the wintertime? If you do, come on out to the Atlanta Winter Beer Fest this weekend in Georgia’s largest city.
The Atlanta Winter Beer Fest is going to be happening Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 1 to 5 p.m. and is one of the best things to do in Atlanta this weekend.
Atlanta Winter Beer Fest: What You Need To Know
The Atlanta Winter Beer Fest is a celebration of the wonderful beers produced in and outside of Georgia and beyond. The event will have more than 150 beers, featuring many from Atlanta and some of the best Georgia Breweries.
There will be live music (click on music tab for details) and DJ Qtip will be running the dance party under the DJ tent.
Tickets are $45 advance, $50 after Feb. 2, and $60 day of event. First 500 tickets will be just $35.
Tickets go on sale now and the price includes entry, a souvenir cup, entertainment, and all of your beer, wine, and seltzer samples. Food will cost extra.
This is a 21 and up event, no exceptions, no kids, no babies, no pets. Rain or Shine, no refunds. Beer will cut off at 4:45pm. We will have FREE bottled water available. We will not have Designated Driver tickets.
There is plenty of parking at the venue, but the organizers are encouraging attendees to use other means to get to the festival, including Uber, Lyft a cab, or walking.
Safe Ride America will be on site if you do need to get you and your car home safely. Marta is also a short walk away, via the Arts Center Station and Atlantic Station has a shuttle from there.
Date and Time:
Sat, Feb 11, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location:
241 20th St, Atlanta, GA
Learn more about the Atlanta Winter Beer Fest.
Final Word
While it’s warm, take advantage of the outdoors. Don’t miss these awesome festivals.
The fun is just starting. Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit a craft brewery in the city.
Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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If you’ve ever just wanted a place to chill and listen to music, Atlanta, Georgia has quite a few options. While it’s not quite the live music mecca you’d experience in some other Southern cities like Nashville or New Orleans, Atlanta holds its own.
This article will list some places in Atlanta that offer live bands, vocalists performing across several genres. There are seedy joints, upscale big band-type options as well as restaurants, taverns and banquet halls that offer jazz and R&B standards for you to enjoy in Atlanta on the weekends.
What Are The Best Live Music Venues In Atlanta?
Let’s get into some of the best live music venues in Atlanta and how to get there:
Apache Cafe
393 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 594-1170
If you want to enjoy one of the city’s musical gems, Apache Cafe is the place to go. Aside from being the venue where India Irie was discovered, patrons will enjoy the daily happy hour, food and drinks.
With a weekly schedule of events that features Pangea’s Afrosocial, spoken word, karaoke, art, live music and more, this place is a must-visit. See upcoming events.
Blind Willie’s
828 North Highland Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 873-2583
The world-renown Blind Willie’s is the premiere spot in Atlanta for some down-home blues music. See upcoming concerts.
Center Stage / The Loft
1374 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 885-1365
Center Stage is one of the most accessible places in Atlanta to hear some live music. National acts on the pop music and hip-hop scene regularly come through to perform.
The Loft is a more intimate music venue adjacent to Center Stage. It’s a standing-room only place that allows the venue to transform into a gigantic dance floor. See upcoming shows.
City Winery
650 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 946-3791
Update: This venue is temporarily closed. City Winery in Midtown Atlanta has some of the biggest acts week in and week out. If you want to see a top-notch live show, City Winery is the place to be. See their schedule.
Coca-Cola Roxy
800 Battery Ave SE #500, Atlanta, GA 30339 | (470) 351-3866
The Coca-Cola Roxy is a spacious venue at the Battery across the street from SunTrust Park, where the Atlanta Braves play. The Roxy plays big-name acts and packs a crowd on the weekends. See Coca-Cola Roxy events.
Kat’s Cafe
970 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 347-2263
If you’re looking for a lively night of creative arts, Kate’s Cafe in Midtown Atlanta may be just the thing. Neatly tucked away amid some residential homes at 970 Piedmont Ave NE, a short distance from 10th Street, Kat’s Cafe live music bar and restaurant is definitely one of those cool things to do in Atlanta on any day of the week.
Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre
5239 Floyd Rd SW, Mableton, GA 30126 | (770) 819-7765
The Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre draws some major acts to southern Cobb County. If you live out that way, Mable House packs a crowd. See events here.
Northside Tavern
1058 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 874-8745
Northside Tavern in West Midtown is a great place to catch some live music and enjoy some good food at the same time. This is Atlanta’s unofficial “home of the blues” powered by house band Mudcat. Check out their calendar.
The Tabernacle
152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 659-9022
Update: This venue is temporarily closed. The Tabernacle in downtown Atlanta draws some big acts every week. You can see their event schedule to find someone you no doubt know. See event information.
Terminal West
887 West Marietta St NW C, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 876-5566
In West Midtown, Terminal West is a best-kept secret when it comes to places with live music in Atlanta. See Terminal West events.
The Masquerade
50 Lower Alabama Street, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 577-8178
The Masquerade is a huge music venue for rockers, metal fans and alternative music. You’ll frequently get the hip-hop groups to perform there as well. See upcoming shows.
Red Light Cafe
553-1 Amsterdam Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 874-7828
Red Light Cafe in Midtown Atlanta is your place to go to see local rock acts, reggae and other alternative vibes. Check out the Red Light Cafe events calendar.
State Farm Arena
1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 878-3000
Aside from Mercedes Benz-Stadium, State Farm Arena is the largest concert venue in Georgia. A-List acts have performed there since State Farm Arena was built. See their concert schedule.
Variety Playhouse
1099 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 524-7354
This old movie theater acts as a concert hall for local acts as well as visiting musicians. This intimate venue can hold more than 1,000 people and is in a central location. See who’s playing at Variety Playhouse.
Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Music Foundry
3116 Main St., Duluth, Ga. 30096 | 678-892-6373
Here’s what one visitor says about Eddie Owen Presents: Red Clay Foundry. “ This music hall is medium sized as they come and they are constantly showing unique musicians! This is a great place to grab a drink and enjoy a good concert. I’ve met the owner here, Eddie Owen and he is one of the most genuine venue owners I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. He also hires kind and happy people as well!”Final Act
Do you love live music? Atlanta, Georgia has plenty of places to enjoy live musical performances around the city.
Atlanta has so many things to do no matter what you’re into: live music, sports, recreation, shopping, etc.
Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
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The John R. Lewis Legacy Institute (JRL) will have its inaugural gala on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
The theme of the event is “The Legacy Continues,” and it will be hosted by award-winning anchor Jennifer Bellamy of 11Alive. The event, which will run from 6 to 10 p.m., will honor people who embody the highest values of Congressman John R. Lewis and represent his legacy of leadership.
Gathering at the event will be business and community leaders from Troy, Alabama, to Atlanta, Georgia, in celebration and memory of Congressman John R. Lewis.Feb. 21 will mark the 83rd birthday of the civil rights icon and longtime Georgia Congressman, who for over six decades was recognized as a man who courageously fought for racial equity and justice in America.2023 Honorees Include:
- Arthur Blank, Owner, Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United; Chairman, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation; Co-founder, Home Depot
- Rodney Bullard, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility for Chick-fil-A, Inc.
- Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University
- Renee Montgomery, Co-owner, WNBA’s Atlanta Dream
- Jason Reeves, Mayor of Troy, Alabama
- Lisa Smith, Senior Vice President of Region External Affairs and Community Engagement, Georgia Power
The yearly gala will reprioritize and underscore the Congressman’s work and life, through the institute. “We are honored to celebrate a Georgia icon and man who uncompromisingly served humanity and was recognized as a pillar of leadership and equality. More importantly, we remain committed to continuing his work,” shares Henry Lewis, Congressman Lewis’ youngest brother.
Final Word
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
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Months after his death, Atlanta rapper Takeoff received a musical tribute from fellow rap groupmate and real-life uncle Quavo during the Grammy Awards ceremony Sunday night, Feb. 5.
During the emotional song, Missing You, Quavo was accompanied by a gospel choir amid a backdrop of images featuring him, Takeoff and Offset, the Migos.
Takeoff was shot three times in the body and head on November 1, 2022 in Houston, Texas. The suspect has been arrested and is set to go on trial in Takeoff’s death.
Quavo Performs Takeoff Tribute At Grammy Awards
Watch Quavo’s Grammy Awards performance:
In January, Quavo released the Takeoff tribute track “Without You.”In the song, Quavo says this about Takeoff:
I wish I had a time machine
Just so you can take a ride with me (Skrr-skrrt)
I miss just how you smile at me (Smile)
Unc and Phew until infinity (Infinity)While much of the rap world and music fans as a whole mourned his death, understandably, Quavo was perhaps the hardest hit by Takeoff’s death. In the days after the incident, he wrote:
“You are OUR angel, watching me and watching us this whole time in living form making sure EVERYONE FELT UR LOVE AND HUGS while u here and u made our dreams come true,”
Before he was killed, Takeoff and Quavo had recently recorded and released a new album, Unc & Phew, releasing its first single just days before.
Days after the fatal shooting, throngs of people gathered at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a ticket-only funeral service.
When Are The 2023 Grammy Awards?
The 2023 Grammys will take place on February 5, 2023 at 7:00 PM EST.
The show will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET / 5-8:30 p.m. PT.
Final Word
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
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