So here’s the story……We were minding our business in the media tent of the 2022 Atlanta Jazz Festival when we looked out and saw a familiar face. It was our buddy , so immediately I ran out the tent to go say hello. We interviewed Tony Hightower many years ago on When We Speak TV, so it was cool to see him again. After speaking with him, I found out that he was performing with Kathleen Bertrand, which was very exciting to hear…….what was even more exciting was when I found out that he was releasing his second album.
“Good melody and grooves are good melodies and grooves no matter what genre.” –Tony Hightower
The 7th Annual Black Music Honors‘ highly-anticipated celebration of trailblazing music legends with exciting performances and must-watch moments is airing nationally on Bounce TV Saturday, June 25 at 7:00 PM during Black Music Month. The television special is energetically infused with the comedic and fashionable synergy of electrifying co-hosts Two-Time GRAMMY Winner LeToya Luckett and Comedian DeRay Davis.
The 2022 Black Music Honors honorees displayed the excellence of Black music culture as they were commemorated by knockout performances that took them on a nostalgic journey down memory lane with anthems that shook the airwaves and raised them to stardom. The long-awaited reunions of Kid N’ Play and Dru Hill manifested on the Black Music Honors Stage. The legendary groups didn’t miss a beat and had the crowd partying like it was the 1990’s.
Other music icons honored were Dynamic Gospel Duo Mary Mary who invited fans to worship and turn up at the same time; GRAMMY Winning Singer-Songwriter Keri Hilson for her pop sensibility and swag as a songwriter; and Five-Time GRAMMY Nominee Tevin Campbell who was honored with the R&B Icon Award. For their nearly six-decade career, The Whispers took home the Legends Award and Soulful Singer Jerry Butler was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his secular harmonies as the lead singer of the 1960’s group The Impressions.
Honoree performances kicked off with powerhouse vocalists Tasha Page-Lockhart and Crystal Aikin who delivered a shoe-throwing worthy rendition of Mary Mary’s “Yesterday” followed by an energetic, crowd-rocking performance of “Shackles” from sister starlets Ahjah and Rhea Walls. Songster Eric Roberson serenaded Jerry Butler’s “For Your Precious Love” with a smooth, doo-wap ensemble while music artists Jade Novah, Zonnique and Dondria Nicole turned up the heat with edgy performances of Keri Hilson’s “Pretty Girl Rock,” “Knock You Down,” and “Turnin Me On.”
Crooners Eric Bellinger and Avery Wilson lended their smooth, buttery vocals to honor music veteran Tevin Campbell by performing “I’m Ready” and the viral hit “Can We Talk.” Teen Prodigy Keedron Bryant also honored Campbell with his own rendition. Other performers who graced the stage with Twitter-worthy performances include Carl Thomas, Kevin Ross, Amber Riley, Sheléa and more who delivered unforgettable performances.
If you have been a follower of When We Speak TV for a some time, then you know exactly who Julie Dexter is. Julie Dexter is not only a wonderful person and vocalist, she was also the first concert I went to when I moved to Atlanta. Since the first moment I watched her performance, I knew I really enjoyed this lady. Then, a few years back, I got the opportunity to have Julie on When We Speak (my talk show) which was supa dupa nice because Julie was so warm and full of knowledge that I didn’t want to stop speaking with her. Since then, I’ve followed Julie along her career and whenever I can, I try to attend her shows as often as possible.
However, the reason for this post is to inform you of her show coming up in Norcross, Georgia, at Jazz In The Alley. I can’t wait!!!! Not only is When We Speak TV an official partner of Jazz In The Alley but how cool is it that June 24th is my birthday and Julie Dexter, a When We Speak guest will be performing on that day!!! So YOU definitely have to come out to downtown Norcross, Georgia on June 24th and celebrate with me!!! I’ll be working, getting footage and stuff but that doesn’t mean you can still come and enjoy the FREE concert!!! And I will always find time to take pics on my birthday with everyone!!!!! So make plans to meet us in downtown Norcross, Georgia, on June 24,2017!!!!!! Don’t Forget….IT’S FREE!!!! So come enjoy!!!
And the fun doesn’t have to stop there! There are more great concerts coming to downtown Norcross! Check it out!
Jermaine Sainis the host/ creator of a talk show called When We Speak. After exiting the U.S. Army in 2003, as a Medical Sergeant, Jermaine began pursuing a career in music after he auditioned for American Idol in 2005, in Austin, Texas.
Adults can wander Georgia Aquarium enjoying live music, cocktails, and appetizers at Sips Under the Sea. Visit the website to buy tickets and see the theme.
Fans of the Doctor Who TV show can meet celebrities, hear talks, watch shows, play games, and go to a Time Lord Party (Friday) and a cabaret (Saturday) at Wholanta [formerly TimeGate] at Marriott Century Center.
Kentucky Derby party
May 6, 2017
10 miles north
Dress up for Derby Day, which has a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby, food, beverages, live music, an auction, and games at Chastain Horse Park.
Food & music festival
May 6, 2017 (7 to 11 p.m.)
12.8 miles north
Food That Rocks features samples from 20 local restaurants, 3 local bands, and a tent with wine, beer, and cocktail tastes at Hammond Park for $55, age 21+.
Beer festival
May 6, 2017 (1 to 5 p.m.)
34 miles NE
Gwinnett Beer Fest features 150 craft beers, live music, and food at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville.
Art festival
May 6 – 7, 2017
9 miles north
See the work of 185 artists, hear local acoustic musicians, and visit food vendors at Chastain Park Arts Festival at Chastain Park. Repeats in Nov. Free.
Snellville festival
May 6 – 7, 2017
26 miles NE
Snellville Days features arts and crafts, food booths, and live entertainment at Briscoe Park. Free.
Pets in the park
May 6 – 7, 2017
32 miles NE
Woofstock features dogs that dive and perform tricks, pet adoptions, food trucks, a beer garden, inflatables for kids, and live music in Suwanee. Free.
Cotton Pickin’ Fair
May 6 – 7, 2017
51 miles south
Enjoy art, antiques, craft demonstrations, music, and kids’ shows near a 1910 farmhouse, cotton gin, and cotton warehouse at Cotton Pickin’ Fair in Gay. Repeats in Oct.
Renaissance festival
May 6 – June 4, 2017 (weekends from April 15)
24 miles SW
See knights and maidens, dine on turkey legs and ale, shop from 150 artisans, visit a medieval amusement park, and be entertained at the Georgia Renaissance Festival weekends and Memorial Day in Fairburn.
Pick’n in Grant Park has a BBQ contest (no samples), kids’ zone, street vendors, and live music ranging from rock to bluegrass in beautiful Grant Park. No pets.
BBQ & fireworks festival
May 12 – 13, 2017
32 miles NW
Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival includes country music and fireworks Friday night, kids activities and entertainment Saturday, and BBQ both dates at Cauble Park in Acworth. Free entrance.
Shaky Knees Music Festival
May 12 – 14, 2017
0.2 miles NW
Shaky Knees Music Festival has dozens of indie-folk and soul-rock bands on multiple stages, plus local food and craft beer at Centennial Olympic Park. No chairs or pets.
Jazz Age Jeopardy is a 1920s whodunit with a buffet-style dinner, a few glasses of wine, and audience participation solving a crime. Discount tickets $37.
Mableton festival
May 13, 2017
16 miles NW
Mableton Day features local entertainers, arts and crafts, vendors, a car show, a kids’ corner, and a 5K at Mable House Amphitheatre.
Marietta garden tour
May 13, 2017
26 miles NW
See inspiring gardens and parks maintained by Master Gardener volunteers at Through the Garden Gate.
Muddy girl run
May 13, 2017
30 miles south
Dirty Girl Mud Run is a 5K obstacle course for women age 14+ at Atlanta Motor Speedway. No pets.
Dog festival
May 13, 2017 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
31.4 miles NE
Bring your dog on a leash to Pawfest, which includes a hike, Frisbee demos, contests, food, entertainment, and kids’ activities in Snellville. Free.
OpenTable lists restaurants that offer special brunch, lunch, and dinner menus on Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day at the zoo
May 14, 2017
4 miles NW
Mom enters free with any adult or child ticket purchase on Mother’s Day at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta.
Mother’s Day Brunch
May 14, 2017
14 miles north
Enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch buffet indoors or outside on the patio, which includes a pint-sized kids’ buffet plus games and activities at Villa Christina.
Mother’s Day racing
May 14, 2017
multiple locations
Moms Race Free with the purchase of a race of equal or greater value at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Marietta and Roswell.
Mother’s Day – mansion tour
May 14, 2017
20 miles north
Take Mom to Mother’s Day Open House at historic Barrington Hall, Bulloch Hall, and Smith Plantation in Roswell. Bring a canned food donation for admission.
Greek festival
May 19 – 21, 2017
25 miles NW
Enjoy Greek food, music, dancers in costume, and a crafts market at the Marietta Greek Festival at 3431 Trickum Road. No pets.
Spring Into Summer at 5 p.m. features wellness exhibitors and family activities, plus a 3K glow-in-the-dark walk/run for $10 at 8:15 p.m., followed by a free movie on the lawn about 9 p.m. in Lawrenceville.
Celebrate the birthday of an international African icon at the Malcolm X Festival, which features music, food booths, and craft vendors at West End Park. Free.
Kirkwood festival
May 20 – 21, 2017
6 miles east
On Saturday, browse a free open-air artist market, hear live music, run a 5K, and shop food vendors at Bessie Branham Park. On Saturday or Sunday, buy a ticket to tour Kirkwood homes during Kirkwood Spring Fling & Tour of Homes.
Salute The Troops includes live music, a patriotic laser show, and fireworks at Stone Mountain Park. Discount for active and retired military.
Memorial Day at the beach
May 26 – 29, 2017
82 miles SE
See a water-ski and wakeboard tournament, do beach activities, visit a kids’ zone, and hear live music at the Memorial Day Weekend Festival at Callaway Gardens.
Caribbean carnival
May 27, 2017
Village is 2 miles NE
Atlanta Caribbean Carnival [sound] celebrates Caribbean culture, cuisine, and costumes with a noon parade (parade map) to the festival village at Fourth Ward Park. The village is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Brew at the zoo
May 27, 2017
4 miles NW
Brew at the Zoo is a fundraiser that features beer and wine tasting, food for sale, live music, and animal encounters at Zoo Atlanta for age 21+.
Decatur Arts Festival
May 27 – 28, 2017 (art walk May 26)
6 miles east
Decatur Arts Festival has an art walk Friday evening and an artists’ market with live music Saturday and Sunday in downtown Decatur. Free.
Taste of Town Brookhaven includes samples from a dozen restaurants, beer and wine for sale, music, and cooking demonstrations on the green.
Woman survivors
May 2017 (undated)
18.5 miles NW
Hear 10 women who survived cancer tell their moving stories of hope and healing at My Second Act at Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta.
British car show
May 2017 (undated)
23 miles north
The members of a dozen car clubs will park British cars under the shade trees of the Roswell City Hall parking area on Atlanta British Motorcar Day. Free.
Cinco de Mayo
May 2017 (undated)
23.2 miles NE
La Raza Festival is a big Cinco de Mayo event with Latin recording artists, Mexican folk dancers, mariachi music, and food vendors at Gwinnett Place Mall. Free.
Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch
May 2017 (undated)
18.6 miles NE
Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch is a buffet with live music by Suite 10, featuring William Hanford Lee Jr. at Atlanta Comedy Theater in Norcross.
Circus in Marietta
May 2017 (undated)
23 miles NW
See an 80-minute circus with clowns, bears, elephants, motorcycles, and acrobats plus a carnival midway with rides and food vendors at Yaarab Shrine Circus in Jim R. Miller Park.
ABOUT JERMAINE SAIN
Jermaine Sainis the host/ creator of a talk show called When We Speak. After exiting the U.S. Army in 2003, as a Medical Sergeant, Jermaine began pursuing a career in music after he auditioned for American Idol in 2005, in Austin, Texas.
The search is on for singers,dancers,magicians,comedians, and all other variety acts.Kids and adults of all ages are encouraged to audition to compete for the first place CASH prize!
Jermaine Sainis the host/ creator of a talk show called When We Speak. After exiting the U.S. Army in 2003, as a Medical Sergeant, Jermaine began pursuing a career in music after he auditioned for American Idol in 2005, in Austin, Texas.