Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
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Movie mogul Tyler Perry reflected on his success recently when a sign on the interstate directing motorists to his studio went up.
The sign is at the Sylvan Road / Cleveland Avenue exit on I-85 in southwest Atlanta.
Tyler Perry Studios sign goes up on Atlanta interstate
Perry posted on Facebook about the sign, which he said reminded him of how far he’s come.
“Driving into work today I saw these signs on the highways being changed. My eyes filled with water knowing what God has allowed to happen in my life. Atlanta has truly been the promised land for me. I came here with nothing, lived off Sylvan Road, ended up homeless and starving, but I was always praying and believing. I was always keeping the faith, knowing that if I worked hard, did my absolute best, kept my integrity, honored every blessing, and remained grateful through it all that everything would work out. And it has, thank God.”
Music mogul Jermaine Dupri also praised Perry for the accomplishment, saying on Twitter, “This deserves to be posted twice cause I saw some stupid a** comments, this man was homeless, living in his car and now look at God,if this don’t inspire you to get up,get out and get something,I don’t know what will.”
Perry’s story is well known. He moved to Atlanta from New Orleans with only a dream. He put on a series of plays that turned into movies.
A couple years ago, he purchased more than 30 acres at Fort McPherson in southwest Atlanta. Today, that property is where Tyler Perry Studios is located. When the studio opened, the first movie to film there was “Black Panther.”
Atlanta has become a movie mecca in recent years and Georgia has been a favorite location for TV productions since the state instituted generous tax breaks for film companies that agree to shoot locally. Projects from CBS, NBC, HBO, BET and more are slated to shoot in the metro area in 2018-19 and the foreseeable future.
With more than 700 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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The cast for the “Coming to America” sequel is becoming star-filled as several A-Listers have been added.
“Coming 2 America,” as the film has become known, has added Wesley Snipes, Leslie Jones and James Earl Jones to the cast, which will be filming in Atlanta.
Garcelle Beauvais, Nomzano Mbatha are two of the newest actors to be cast in the film. Shari Headley, who starred the prince’s love interest in the first film, is back this go around as his wife.
Coming 2 America cast is packed with stars; filming in Atlanta to begin
Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall were the catalysts behind the film, which will offer a new plot for Akeem as well as his native land Zamunda.
May be wondering who’s in “Coming 2 America” so far? These are all the stars who have joined on for Coming 2 America:
- Eddie Murphy
- Arsenio Hall
- Garcelle Beauvais
- Shari Headley
- James Earl Jones
- Kiki Layne
- Leslie Jones
- Nomzano Mbatha
- Teyana Taylor
- Michael Blackson
- Jermaine Fowler
- Louie Anderson
- Paul Bates
- Vanessa Bell Calloway
Also, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Kiki Layne is set to join the movie in a role as Prince Akeem’s daughter, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Snipes will play a new character, Gen. Izzi, a ruler of a sister nation to Zamunda, THR reports.
Jones will reportedly play the mother of Akeem’s son, who will be played by Jermaine Fowler.
And there’s more: Rapper Rick Ross revealed on Nick Cannon’s podcast that the movie is filming at his south Atlanta mansion. The estate was formerly owned by boxer Evander Holyfield.
See ‘The Holyfield Mansion’ in Atlanta
“Coming to America 2” or “Coming 2 America,” as the movie is being called, has been slated for a release date in August 2020.
The plot of the movie is said to center on Akeem coming back to America after learning that he has a long-lost son. That son would be the heir to the throne in Zamunda, the African kingdom.
When Akeem finds his son, he is barely making it in Queens. Early reports are that comedian Dave Chappelle is in talks to join the project as well.
Filming for “Coming 2 America” is set to start in late August. Check out AtlantaFi.com’s casting call page for the latest in auditions and hiring news for the entertainment industry.
With more than 700 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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Dragon Con, the pop-culture convention for science fiction, fantasy, gaming, art, comics, music, and film, is set to invade Atlanta on August 29 – Sept. 2, 2019.
Attendees at the Marriott Marquis can expect a heavy dose of cosplay, workshops, panels, contests, vendors, and videos in downtown hotels.
Dragon Con Atlanta 2029: Everything you need to know
There’s also going to be willing guests for scheduled autographs (signings) in one area. On Thursday, Aug. 29, patrons are invited to gather at the Center for Puppetry Arts for our final ball honoring Jim Henson’s “The Dark Crystal: World of Myth and Magic”.
A free Dragon Con Party in Woodruff Park is also set for Friday (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). There’s also a Dragon Con Parade on Peachtree Street is Saturday (10 a.m.).
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. CNN Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
- For a month’s view: The Official Atlanta Events Calendar
- For a more immediate look, check Things to do in Atlanta This Week
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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One thing about Atlanta is that it’s full of celebrities at every turn. Atlantafi.com recently caught up with actress, producer and reality TV star Yandy Smith Harris to learn about Yelle, her skincare line.
Harris shared what motivated her to get into the beauty and cosmetics industry.
Yandy Smith Harris: Yelle Skincare Is Dedicated To Melanin-Rich Skin
“When I started getting on TV that was my first time wearing makeup and my skin really reacted badly to it. I broke out really bad.”
She said that when she went to Sephora to get everything she needed to clear up her skin, the total bill was more than $600.
“I realized the average woman would not be able to afford an all-natural plant-based skincare line that would cost $600 a month,” she said.
“That’s when I decided I wanted to get with a master esthetician and a chemist to create something that was green, that was natural, that was plant-based for the everyday working woman like myself.”
I wanted to make sure that this product was for people with melanin in their skin.”
Where Can You Buy Yelle Skincare?
You can buy Yandy Smith’s skincare products at yelleskincare.com.
The Atlanta hair industry is one of the largest in the Southeast, with more than 8 million people getting groomed each month.
But you can do it yourself. All you need are some quality shears and some high-performance clippers to get the job done. Check out our Beauty Page for other ways to get shaped up.
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Cat got their tongue? Not ever. Not Alexis, Williams and Cyd Raine. The two women run Catnipz Podcast, a digital radio show that shares the point of view of millennial women all across the U.S.
But there’s more: Catnipz happens to be one of the best Atlanta podcasts out there. And we’re not saying that just because we’re cat people (aren’t we all?).
AtlantaFi.com got the chance to talk to the creators of the Catnipz Podcast about the show, what motivates them and what’s next.
Catnipz Podcast: These 2 Atlanta women show their tales (tails?)
As we mentioned at the outset, the Catnipz Podcast stars a dynamic duo: Alexis, a 31-year-old entrepreneur and marketing specialist from St. Louis, Missouri, and Cyd Raine, a master’s candidate studying behavior analysis.
Cyd, an Atlanta native, recently relocated to Los Angeles and works as a behavior interventionist.
Alexis also owns and operates a hair salon in the heart of Atlanta.
Now let’s get into the Catnipz Podcast and what it’s about:
What inspired you to create the Catnipz Podcast?
We started the Catnipz Podcast with our love for nonconventional thinking and cats inspired us to create the Catnipz. We felt that women of our caliber deserved a conversation space to freely think and grow.
Indeed, the podcast delves into serious topics facing women today, but breaks them down in a playful and culturally accessible way.
Here’s how they describe it:
We got into podcasting as an outlet for personal therapy and to provide a voice for the underrepresented women of color.
“It’s an opportunity to share our experiences online.”
Most of the content for the show stems from real life adventures, conversations, and life lessons.
What is the Catnipz Podcast about?
The Catnipz is about all things millennial renaissance cat ladies love.
We wanted to change the narrative around what a cat lady is and does. The show is … a magazine concept / newsroom podcast, covering relevant pop culture topics, beauty & fashion, our version of love and relationships, with a special blend of self care and narcissistic advice.
Exactly. No matter if you’re a catlady or catman, the show is a hilarious take on how two Atlanta-centric women see the world today.
Want to listen to the Catnipz Podcast? Check it out on iTunes.
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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The Built For You Festival is slated to take place on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019 at Washington Park Tennis Center in Atlanta.
This family-friendly event will feature fun, games, food, music and tennis among other activities.
Built For You Festival In Atlanta: Everything you need to know
The location of the festival is 1125 Lena St., Atlanta Ga. Here is a map to help you find it.
Atlanta has so much to do that you need a curated guide to help you sort through it all. Make sure you subscribe to our #ATLHaps newsletter that gives you a weekly tab of Atlanta events you don’t want to miss.
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. CNN Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
- For a month’s view: The Official Atlanta Events Calendar
- For a more immediate look, check Things to do in Atlanta This Week
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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The Castleberry Hill Art Stroll is held every second Friday of the month in Atlanta. It is a self-guided tour along one of the most-traveled corridors of downtown Atlanta.
The Castleberry Hill Art Stroll is a free event held every second Friday. The stroll can be enjoyed by residents, visitors, tourists and more.
Castleberry Hill Art Stroll in Atlanta: Everything you need to know
Local artists are usually the focus of the art stroll although some national creatives are sometimes exhibited as well.
It is a self-guided tour and is completely FREE of charge! New info about art stroll events are typically available at 180 Walker St SW in front of Bottle Rocket the night of the Stroll. For the latest Art Stroll Event Info check out the Facebook page.
Castleberry Hill Art Stroll: What To Bring
- Comfortable shoes: You may be doing a bit of standing and/or walking
- Spending change: Many times you may want to grab a bite over there.
- A big smile: You’re going to meet a lot of nice people!
There are a number of associated businesses around the Castleberry Art Stroll, so you don’t have to worry about eating or drinking beforehand. Here are some of the surrounding businesses:
Castleberry Hill businesses
- Atlanta Movie Tours 327 Nelson St
- Besharat Gallery 175 Peters St SW
- Bottle Rocket 180 Walker St SW
- COZE – a private event space 255 Trinity Ave SW, Ste A
- Elliott Street Pub, Deli & Pub @ 51 Elliott St.
- Escape Gallery 180 Walker St.
- Granite Room 211 Peters St.
- Liana Delgado Art Studio/Gallery 161 Mangum St SW, Unit 200
- Nadia’s Studio & Gallery
- No Mas! Hacienda & Cantina 180 Walker St SW
- iwi fresh Garden Day Spa 341 Nelson St SW
- Iridium 77 Clothing Boutique, 329 Nelson St
- Wine Shoe 339 Nelson St.
- Zucot Gallery 100 Centennial Olympic Pk Dr SW
Where Is Castleberry Hill Located in Atlanta?
Castleberry Hill is bordered by Northside Drive, Peters Street, White Hall Avenue and Walker Street. Here is a map to help you find it.
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!
Read more: The best soul food restaurants in Atlanta -
The cast for the Coming to America sequel is becoming star-filled as several A-Listers have been added.
Coming 2 America, as the film is called, has added Wesley Snipes, Leslie Jones and James Earl Jones to the cast, which will be filming in Atlanta.
Coming 2 America is playing at these select movie theaters in Atlanta.
Shari Headley, who starred the prince’s love interest in the first film, is back this go around as his wife.
Coming 2 America Cast: Who’s In The Movie?
Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall were the catalysts behind the film, which will offer a new plot for Akeem as well as his native land Zamunda.
May be wondering who’s in “Coming 2 America” so far? These are all the stars who have joined on for Coming 2 America:
- Eddie Murphy
- Arsenio Hall
- Garcelle Beauvais
- Shari Headley
- James Earl Jones
- Kiki Layne
- Leslie Jones
- Nomzano Mbatha
- Teyana Taylor
- Michael Blackson
- Jermaine Fowler
- Louie Anderson
- Paul Bates
- Vanessa Bell Calloway
Also, Garcelle Beauvais, Nomzano Mbatha, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Kiki Layne is set to join the movie in a role as Prince Akeem’s daughter, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Snipes will play a new character, Gen. Izzi, a ruler of a sister nation to Zamunda, THR reports.
Jones will reportedly play the mother of Akeem’s son, who will be played by Jermaine Fowler.
And there’s more: Rapper Rick Ross revealed on Nick Cannon’s podcast that the movie is filming at his south Atlanta mansion. The estate was formerly owned by boxer Evander Holyfield.
See ‘The Holyfield Mansion’ in Atlanta
“Coming to America 2” or “Coming 2 America,” as the movie is being called, has been slated for a release date in August 2020.
The plot of the movie is said to center on Akeem coming back to America after learning that he has a long-lost son. That son would be the heir to the throne in Zamunda, the African kingdom.
When Akeem finds his son, he is barely making it in Queens. Early reports are that comedian Dave Chappelle is in talks to join the project as well.
Filming for “Coming 2 America” is set to start in late August. Check out AtlantaFi.com’s casting call page for the latest in auditions and hiring news for the entertainment industry.
With more than 700 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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Singer and actor Brandy will be honored in Atlanta on Thursday, Aug. 29 with the BMI President’s Award at its 2019 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards.
The private event will be held at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center in Atlanta and hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President Creative (Atlanta), Catherine Brewton.
Brandy to be honored at BMI Awards in Atlanta
“As a singer/songwriter, actress and humanitarian, Brandy is a triple threat in every sense of the word,” said Brewton. “Her timeless hits about love and heartbreak were anthems to many coming of age during the 90s and secured her place in R&B history.”
Brewton added, “We are so excited to honor Brandy with the BMI President’s Award and look forward to celebrating a night of great music.”
The BMI President’s Award is presented to an individual songwriter, composer or producer who has made exemplary contributions to the art of music and songwriting and profoundly influenced the entertainment industry.
As the 2019 honoree, Brandy joins previous recipients Curtis Mayfield, Ludacris, Toni Braxton and Will.i.am in sharing this distinction.
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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“Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” Season 8 has come to a close with more answers than questions. If you want to see the full video, here it is.
The fight for stardom continued all Season 8 as these Atlanta reality TV stars take shared their trials and tribulations but also their joys and victories.
Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta Reunion Season 8 full video
The cast includes Mimi Faust, the longtime girlfriend of Grammy-winning producer Stevie J; Trinidadian R&B singer Karlie Redd; singer-songwriter K. Michelle; and Atlanta rapper Rasheeda.
Watch Part 1 of the Love & Hip Hip Atlanta Reunion show
The reunion also featured Scrapp’s apologizing to Moniece for his past deeds. Moniece, a star of “Love & Hip Hop: LA,” briefly had a fling with Scrappy of LHHATL.
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!
Read more AtlantaFi.com stories: