• Regina King and Sterling K. Brown of "Honk for Jesus"

    The Stars Came Out For Bronze Lens Film Festival 2022 (PICS)

    3 Min Read

    The stars came out for the 2022 Bronze Lens Festival in Atlanta recently. They came. They saw. They concurred.

    This year’s festival took place August 23-28, 2022 in the city’s downtown and Midtown areas. Here are some of the top images from the event.

    Terri J. Vaughn

    Terri J. Vaughn
    Photo credit: Daniel Morris

    Actress, director, and producer Terri J. Vaughn was on hand to promote her Hallmark Mahogany film, Unthinkably Good Things.

    Christian Keyes

    Christian Keyes in Atlanta
    Photo credit: Daniel Morris

    Star of BET’s All the Queen’s Men, Christian Keyes was on hand well.

    Salli Richardson-Whitfield

    Salli Richardson-Whitfield at the Bronze Lens Festival in Atlanta
    Photo credit Daniel Morris.

    Salli Richardson-Whitfield accepts the Behind the Lens SuperStar Award at Bronze Lens’ annual Women SuperStar Honors.

    Shayla Cowan, Kathleen Bertrand, Heather Hayslett And Will Packer

    Will Packer
    Photo credit: Paul Biagui

    Shayla Cowan (from left), co-producer of the 2022 Academy Awards, poses with Kathleen Bertrand and Heather Hayslett and filmmaker Will Packer after accepting the Emerging Behind the Lens SuperStar Award. Cowan
    is known for producing Girls Trip, Night School, Little, What Men Want, and more. 

    Lamann Rucker

    Actor Lamann Rucker in Atlanta Bronze Lens Festival
    Photo credit Paul Biagui.

    Actor Lamann Rucker hosts the Women SuperStar Honors event at the 2022 Bronze Lens Film Festival in Atlanta.

    Eva Marcille

    Eva Marcille at the Bronze Lens Festival in Atlanta
    Photo credit: Daniel Morris

    Actress Eva Marcille, best known for winning America’s Next Top Model, is honored atBronzeLens’ annual Women SuperStar Honors event.

    Final Word

    Atlanta is a breeding ground for actors as well as movie and TV productions. The Bronze Lens Film Festival showcases the very best of that. Celebrities love to hang out in the city.

    Are you interested in becoming an actor in Atlanta? You’re in the right place!   

    With nearly 1,000 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.
    There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.
     

    Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls

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  • Harry Potter Exhibit in Atlanta

    Harry Potter Exhibition Opening In Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    If your kid is a wizard, he or she might enjoy the new Harry Potter: The Exhibition set to open in Atlanta, Georgia this fall.

    The installation is the handiwork of Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment, in partnership with Imagine Exhibitions and EMC.

    Harry Potter: The Exhibition: What To Know

    The Harry Potter: The Exhibition features a comprehensive tour exhibition of the magical world of the teenage whizkid complete with other characters and movie references.

    When Will

    Harry Potter: The Exhibition Open In Atlanta?

    Harry Potter: The Exhibition will open in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022. The visit to Georgia will be only the tour’s second stop of its North American tour.

    Where Will Harry Potter: The Exhibition Be Located In Atlanta?

    Harry Potter: The Exhibition will be located in downtown Atlanta at 200 Peachtree Stl Atlanta, ga.. Here’s a map to hep you find it.

     
    How To Get Tickets

    Tickets for the Atlanta exhibition will go on sale on Wednesday, September 28, but fans who are a part of the Harry Potter Fan Club will receive exclusive access to presale tickets on September 25. 
      
    “Building on the tremendous success in Philadelphia, we are so excited to bring Harry Potter: The Exhibition to the city of Atlanta, the world headquarters of Imagine Exhibitions, and my hometown,” said Tom Zaller, President and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions. “We create experiences all over the world and it’s nice to show our city what we do.”
      
    Visit www.HarryPotterExhibition.com to register to be the first to know all news related to this immersive experience. To become a member of the Harry Potter Fan Club you can sign up for free at www.wizardingworld.com/harry-potter-fan-club.

    Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Herb'N Eden owners

    Georgia-Based Skincare Brand Ranks Nationally Among Independent Companies

    2 Min Read

    Douglasville, Georgia-based skincare company Herb’N Eden recently received national recognition by being included on Inc. magazine’s Inc. 5000 list, which highlights the best independent companies in America.

    Georgia-Based Skincare Line Makes National List

    The company is owned by Quinton and Terran Lewis, who founded the company in 2015. The husband and wife team recently announced receiving a $1.2 million investment to help grow and scale their business. 

    Herb’N Eden, an all-natural skincare company, comes in at No. 125 on the annual Inc. 5000 list. The black-owned company also ranked No. 10 for Georgia companies and No. 12 in the Consumer Products category.

    “It has been nothing short of amazing to see the hard work we put in manifest into this type of recognition,” says Terran Lewis, co-founder of Herb’N Eden. “We celebrate the growth we have been able to see in such a short amount of time, and we thank those who have supported us through their purchases, endorsements, likes and follows.”

    Black Businesses Need Your Support

    If you really want to make an impact as a customer in support of a small black business, it’s easier than ever today.

    Atlanta entrepreneur Candice McCoy, who originally wanted to be a forensic psychiatrist, built an app primarily designed for people who either can’t physically visit a salon or the salon does not cater to their needs. It works like this: Go to MeetJuicee.com and you can order on-call, in-home beauty services from licensed, talented cosmetologists. Men can also get haircuts via Juicee. Women can order custom wigs as well.

    “I created Juicee with people like me in mind — new moms, disabled persons and WOC [women of color],” she said.

    If you’re interested in finding more Atlanta small businesses, read on. Here are five ways to support local businesses.

    Skincare is one of those cosmetics that you don’t want to get wrong when you’re traveling. Check out our list of most luxurious skincare products to make your face glow.

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  • Quavo filming movie in Atlanta, Georgia

    ‘Takeover’ Movie Casting In Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    A new project in Atlanta is currently casting for extras and actors to appear in upcoming scenes. The film, tentatively called Takeover, stars Atlanta rapper Quavo of the Migos.

    Now Filming In Atlanta: Takeover

    Not a lot is known about Takeover at the moment, but what we do know is that Quavo plays Guy Miller, described as a “recent parolee” trying to change his life despite being lured into Atlanta’s street racing scene.

    The film has been describe as an action thriller. There’s no word yet on when it will be released.

    Takeover Casting Call Details

     
    RUSH CALL > LAST CASTING CALL “TAKEOVER” // FILMING 9/2 // MUST COVID TEST TODAY 9/1
    Spectators / Participants 9/2 (RUSH CALL)
    TRENDY / FASHION FORWARD / URBAN / UNIQUE STYLES
    Ages : 18 – 30yrs
    Any Ethnicity
    Any Gender
    Testing Location : Midtown – Atlanta, GA
    Filming Location : Atlanta, GA (pretty much all scenes are ITP)
    Filming Rate : $150/12hrs
    Covid Testing Bump :  $30 
    Covid Testing Date : 9/1 (6am – 9pm)
    Filming Date : 9/2
    YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE VACCINATED TO WORK ON THIS PRODUCTION

    Apply Here.

    Final Word

    Are you interested in becoming an actor in Atlanta? You’re in the right place!   
     
    With more than 900 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.
    There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.
     

    Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls

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  • Wingstop Chicken Sandwich

    Wingstop Debuts Chicken Sandwich In Atlanta

    2 Min Read

    Wingstop is known for its delicious chicken wings, but now it’s getting into the chicken sandwich business. On Tuesday, August 30, the fast-food eatery launched 12 different varieties of chicken sandwich.

    The restaurant chose the nationwide launch just as football season is beginning.

    How Much Does The Wingstop Chicken Sandwich Cost?

    The Wingstop Chicken Sandwich costs $5.49. Add fries and a drink as a combo meal and the total will be $7.99.

    The Wingstop Chicken Sandwich comes on two toasted buns and includes a breaded chicken breast complete with pickles and one of a dozen special sauces like bbq, mango habanero or lemon pepper. 

    Wingstop franchise owner Rick Ross posted on social media about the launch, saying that the sandwiches would be available on the menu “at 12 O’clock today.”

    Ross reportedly owns more than 25 Wingstops around metro Atlanta.

    Find the Chicken Sandwich At These Atlanta Wingstop Locations

    Atlanta Wingstop Locations:

    • 595 Piedmont Ave NE Ste 330, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 874-9464
    • 3630 Marketplace Blvd #830, East Point, GA 30344 | (470) 615-1402
    • 3695 Cascade Rd Unit 4, Atlanta, GA 30331 | (470) 857-9464
    • 4715 S Atlanta Rd SE #303, Smyrna, GA 30080 |  (404) 792-9464
    • 4060 Peachtree Rd, Brookhaven, GA 30319 | (470) 355-2933
    • 6175 Old National Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30349 |  (470) 893-9799

    Final Word

    Wingstop has launched a website — ChickenSandwichSplit.com — so you can write to your old chicken sandwich fling to tell them why you’re never coming back.

    Read more: 20+ Essential Soul Food Restaurants In Atlanta The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all. Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new? Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

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  • ASU vs. Howard Bison

    MEAC/SWAC Challenge Final — Alabama State 23, Howard 13

    2 Min Read

    Alabama State Hornets took down the Howard Bison, 23-13 Saturday night in a game that ran an incredible 6 hours due to multiple rain delays.

    This year’s MEAC/SWAC Challenge started at 7:38PM and ending at 1:18AM, due to three weather delays totaling two hours.

    Alabama State Beats Howard In 2022 MEAC/SWAC Challenge

    Alabama State ushered in first-year head coach Eddie Robinson’s Jr.’s tenure with a convincing win in front of 21,088 fans at Center Parc Stadium just south of downtown Atlanta.

    The contest was called over with 2:12 remaining in the fourth quarter due to continued lightning on the horizon.

    The Hornets made their third appearance in the annual event, earned their first win in the game and
    snapped a two game MEAC win streak dating back to 2018. More importantly, they inched the SWAC
    closer to their HBCU conference foe, who before this game held a commanding 11-4 overall lead in the
    series.

    MEAC/SWAC Challenge SWAC MVP Damatrius Davis, led the Hornets attack with 224 yards of total
    offense (187 passing 1TD, 1INT, 37 rushing) going an efficient 17-24 and spreading the ball around to
    eight different Hornets receivers.

    The Bison, making their first ever appearance in the game, were led defensively by linebacker Jevin
    Jackson (MEAC MVP) who totaled six total tackles (one for loss), a blocked punt and a recovery. While
    the MEAC representative from Washington, DC were able to force three turnovers, they were not able
    to capitalize on any of those Hornets mistakes with points, which proved to be the difference in the
    game.

    Here are some game highlights:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAbPypgaCqA

     

    Stay up to date with more Atlanta Sports events with AtlantaFi.com.

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  • A Jazzman's Blues Trailer

    Tyler Perry’s A Jazzman’s Blues Releases Trailer

    3 Min Read

    Atlanta-based movie mogul Tyler Perry has released the trailer for his new film A Jazzman’s Blues. The movie will stream on Netflix in the coming weeks.

    Production of the film has been a long time coming for Perry, who has had the project in mind for he better part of three decades.

    “I wrote this 27 years ago, and I finally get to show it to the world,” he posted on social media recently. “This is my new movie, A Jazzman’s Blues.”

    When Is A Jazzman’s Blues Streaming On Netflix?

    A Jazzman’s Blues is coming to Netflix on Friday, September 23, 2022.

    erry said it has taken almost 30 years for the story to be told.

    “I wrote it in 1995. It was the first screenplay I ever wrote,” he recently told People Magazine. “The two characters are just trying to find their own way in the world. Initially, I wanted to play the lead role of Bayou, but that was 1995 — I aged out.”

    Watch The Trailer For A Jazzman’s Blues

    Perry On Actors Who Turned Down His Roles

    Perry said that some of the actors he originally wanted for the project didn’t have enough faith in him.

    “Unfortunately with this film, I went to a bunch of up-and-coming young artists who were getting a lot of attention and I asked them about doing the role. They read the script, they loved the script, but I think there was a reservation or hesitation about working with me in particular on this film, because I guess they didn’t know how it would turn out,” he told People.

    Cast Members: Who Stars In A Jazzman’s Blues?

    The Jazzman’s Blues has an all-star cast featuring the following actors:

    • Brad Benedict
    • Ryan Eggold
    • Amirah Vann
    • Lana Young
    • Austin Scott
    • Milauna Jemai Jackson
    • Kario Marcel
    • Brent Antonello
    • Joshua Boone
    • Solea Pfeiffer
    • Rod Wood
    If that’s not enough star power, Terence Blanchard is involved in the music for the film and there’s choreography by Debbie Allen.

    What is A Jazzman’s Blues About?

    While not a lot is known about the plot, a summary of the film released by Netflix says it’s about “a sweeping tale of forbidden love.”
     
    Perry told People that the plot of A Jazzman’s Blues came to him when he was in a very vulnerable state as a creator.
     

    “I was in Atlanta struggling to make it. I was hungry, sleeping on my cousin’s couch, eventually getting put out and being homeless. I was trying to get my first play off the ground, and this screenplay just poured out of me,” Perry is quoted as saying. “I held onto it for all of these years.”

    Final Word
     
    Perry’s project continues Netflix’s close relationship with Atlanta. Here are some other Netflix movies that have filmed in Atlanta.
     
     
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  • best whiskey bars in Atlanta

    Best Whiskey Bars In Atlanta

    4 Min Read

    Whiskey is one of those acquired tastes that takes time to develop and appreciate. When it comes to Atlanta’s bars, premium whiskey is on the menu at quite a few of them.

    This article will tell you where to go in Atlanta for the best drinks containing whiskey.

    These Bars Have The Best Whiskey In Atlanta

    Let’s look at some of the best bars in Atlanta with premium whiskey.

    Red Phone Booth

    17 Andrew Young International Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 254-3139

    Red Phone Booth has the best whiskey in Atlanta

    Red Phone Booth is a speakeasy that never fails to satisfy. Here’s what one reviewer said about the place. “Once you obtain the secret number to enter and you make your way inside from the Red Phone Booth you will immediately notice the subtle dim lighting, leather couches, wood finishes, and a very extensive whiskey selection. From there you will shortly figure out that this will be added to your list of favorite bars. We lucked out and found two seats at the bar where Jason quickly greeted us and recommended the Smoked Old Fashion. This was the best Old Fashion I had to date. I was originally going to stick with the Old Fashion but quickly found out that the bartenders also give great recommendations for whiskey. I went with the Hibiki as it is hard to find at local bars in my area. Based on this Jason provided several whiskey/bourbon recommendations. We met Scott the Manager who was very attentive and shown us other whiskeys in their collection and background of different bottles. I couldn’t recommend this place more for craft cocktails, cigars, or whiskey. We will be returning!”

    Porter Beer Bar

    1156 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 549-7132

    The Porter Bar has the best whiskey in Atlanta

    Here’s what one reviewer says about the Porter Beer Bar: “Love the vibe in here and the beer selection. The whiskey selection is also great.”

    Edgar’s Proof & Provisions

     Inside Georgian Terrace Hotel: 659 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 897-5045

    Edgar's Proof & Provisions has the best whiskey in Atlanta

    Here’s what one customer says about Edgar’s Proof & Provisions: “Tried this place for first time. Ordered old fashioned, chicken n waffles, french onion soup, and grilled cheese. Bartender and waitress were good. Bartender very knowledgeable on bourbons. Drink was good as well as soup and grilled cheese.”

    Dirty Rascal

    415 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 |  (470) 600-3500

    Dirty Rascal restaurant opens in Buckhead
     Photo credit: Thompson Buckhead

    Dirty Rascal is an awesome old-school Italian-American restaurant from Chef Todd Ginsberg. It opened in the new the Thompson Buckhead hotel.

    For cocktails, try the Necroni Old Fashioned, with monkey whiskey, green walnut and bitters 16. And the Clover Club features monkey 47 gin, lemon, raspberry and lo-fi amaro. Check it out this weekend! 

    Whiskey Mistress

    3161 Maple Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 884-3684

    Whiskey Mistress has the best drinks in Atlanta

    Here’s what one visitor said about Whiskey Mistress: “Visited the WM for a bday party. We were in the VIP section. It was a lot of fun. Great crowd. Great music bumping from the DJ. Decent drinks. Hookah available at this bar and cigars in the VIP section were permitted. Very nice and spacious with comfortable seating. You may run into local and or well known celebrities. Tight street parking available. Valet available.”

    Highland Cigar Co.

    245 North Highland Ave. NE STE 140, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 477-2415
    Highland Cigar Co. has the best whiskey bar in Atlanta
     
    Here’s what one reviewer says about Highland Cigar Co. “Great selection of cigars, Scotch, and Irish Whiskey. The Bourbon selection isn’t any more limited and it’s all top notch. After 8 pm can get a bit busy, and it can be tough to find a chair or sofa but there’s always been enough room at the bar or the patio. Super chill hangout and a great last stop on your of bar hopping in Decatur.”

    What Are The Different Types Of Whiskey?

    There are several types of whiskey that you can enjoy: Rye, Japanese Whiskey, Bourbon (Tennessee Whiskey), etc.

    More Food Coverage:

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  • Jermaine Dupri, Diddy Agree To Battle ‘Hit For Hit’ Battle In Atlanta

    3 Min Read

    The Verzuz that’s not a Verzuz is finally happening: Diddy & Jermaine Dupri have agreed to face off in a musical battle in Atlanta, Georgia. The competition will be “hit for hit,” as they say.

    On a recent IG Live, Diddy finally agreed to give the people — and Dupri, affectionately known as JD, want they want.

    “JD, if you want that smoke, you can get that smoke anytime,” he said. “Since we ain’t f– around with Verzuz no more because they’re [Triller] f– around with our boys,” Diddy expressed. We don’t need to be going against each other.”

    Triller and the Verzuz platform created by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland have been involved in legal negotiations over a sum of $28 million not being paid.

    It’s been a long time coming for Dupri, who first called out Diddy in September 2021 over social media.

    How It Started: Diddy Vs. Jermaine Dupri

    In April 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, Verzuz had just kicked off and artists were feeling creative about facing off against each other.

    Diddy mentioned off the cuff that he would showcase his hits against Dr. Dre and Jermaine Dupri. While Dr. Dre didn’t respond, JD immediately did.

    “Let’s give ’em what they want then,” JD said.

    Shortly after the Fat Joe vs. Ja Rule Verzuz, which Ja Rule won, Dupri was feeling kind of good about his chances going up against the Bad Boy founder and impresario.

    “Somebody let @Diddy know I’m @thegarden right now ! And he gon need some training for me,” JD tweeted.

    Jermaine Dupri calls out Diddy

    Diddy didn’t take long to respond, tweeting back at JD, telling: “Beloved you my nigga but your arms too short to box with God!!! You aiint got enough hits. I’ll smash you with just biggie n Mary . But I do have the upmost respect on you as a musical legend – Dre the only one can get in the ring w me . – LOVE.”

    Diddy responds to Jermaine Dupri

    JD told him that it wouldn’t take “nothing but a little straightening” in the words of local Atlanta group Migos, but by then the internet was all in.

    Atlanta rapper T.I. also had something to say, warning Diddy and other rappers that the ATL was a music powerhouse and to tread lightly.

    Then, Fat Joe and Snoop Dogg were able to get both JD and Diddy on Live to talk about who would win if the two had an epic Verzuz battle. While JD was building himself up for the potential battle, Diddy deflected, saying that he really saw his peer as Dr. Dre, which is a super-producer. Not JD, a true songwriter.

    But that wasn’t the end of it. On a live radio show, JD upped the ante by continuing to egg on Diddy and listing his extensive musical accomplishments.

    “When it comes to songwriting, I’m in the songwriting hall of fame,” JD said on air.

     

     

    More From AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Taste Urban Atlanta at The Foundry at Puritan Mill

    Taste Urban Atlanta: Times, Dates, Info

    2 Min Read

    The next Taste Urban Atlanta is happening August 24, 2022 at the Foundry at Puritan Mill. The event will showcase food-based businesses that are black owned.

    More than 30 Black-owned companies will feature offering food and drink. Tickets start at $20.

    When Is Taste Urban Atlanta?

    Taste Urban Atlanta is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

    Taste Urban Atlanta Exhibitors

    • Her Wine
    • Ma Dukes’ Kitchen
    • Traveling Tastez
    • My Grandma’s Kitchen
    • All Things Pastable & More
    • Soul Pit
    • Mississippi Chubb BBQ and more

    How To Buy Tickets

    Buy tickets to Taste Urban here.

    Where Is Taste Urban Atlanta Being Held?

    Taste Urban Atlanta is being held at the Foundry at Puritan Mill, 916 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 in Atlanta’s popular Westside. Here’s a map to help you find it.

    Last Word

    Along with Taste Urban Atlanta, Georgia’s largest city is a beacon for the very best black restaurants in the Southeast.

    Looking to grab a bite below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.

    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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