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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > June > 06
Friday, June 6, 2008
Why Usher Is Backing Obama
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tomorrow we’re supposed to learn why Hillary Clinton wants the country to support fellow senator Barack Obama.
But today, here’s why Atlanta superstar Usher (above, left, with actress Kerry Washington and Obama) has been on the campaign trail with the presumptive Democratic Party nominee:
“Well, how did I get involved? By choice. We reached out to each other kind of simultaneously. He is close with Oprah Winfrey. Oprah Winfrey is close with Quincy Jones. And my being close to Quincy, Quincy Jones kind of allowed all of us to get to know each other about a year ago, at his house.
“And over this year, [Obama’s] just been sharing with me his campaign strategy. And as I just watched him, I became more intrigued. Wanted to be a part of his change. So I’ve gone out with him during the campaign, to tell people, you know, this is one of the greatest candidates we will ever see in our time. And just to encourage people to use their voice. Especially the youth.
“And me personally, you know, just as I grow older — and especially being an African-American man — I really have learned how important it is to utilize what voice I have. Make sure people understand things like voter registration. Even if you don’t go out and vote for Barack Obama — which I hope people do — please, you know, don’t squander your voice. Your vote. You know, we can make history people. We can make a change for the better.”
Your thoughts?
(And if you’re even more interested, watch the YouTube video below of Usher and Obama).
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Raconteurs, Bow Wow and The Mars Volta On Sale Today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Now that the Tabernacle is back in business, the Tabernacle is back to booking shows.
Sooo…starting today you can get tickets for Jack White’s rock supergroup the Raconteurs (above, playing Oct. 1), the far more metal ensemble the Mars Volta (Sept. 24) and get this — Atlanta rapper-actor Bow Wow (Aug. 5) as Shad Moss. (His real name).
That’s how it’s billed people: Verizon VIP Tour presents Bow Wow as Shad Moss.
Anyway, all tickets are available at Live Nation.com all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 404-249-6400.
(Oh-and tickets for the April 5 Mars Volta show will not be honored at this new date).
Then if you’ve still got money to spend for local live music, individual tickets for the Chastain Park Amphitheatre Series B go on sale Saturday.
And in case you need reminding, that’s:
Lyle Lovett July 6
Tony Bennett July 24
Willie Nelson & B.B. King July 27
Journey w/Heart and Cheap Trick Aug. 3
Collective Soul, Live and Blues Traveler Aug. 17
Backstreet Boys Aug. 20
Dave Stewart Aug. 31
David Byrne Sept. 20
The Allman Brothers Band Oct. 10,11
and just added: Dolly Parton Oct. 24
Those tickets are also available at livenation.com or through Ticketmaster charge by phone, 404-249-6400.
For more information, go to chastainseries.com or call Chastain Tickets at 404-233-2227.
Already setting a few bills aside for any of these shows? Curious as to what “Bow Wow as Shad Moss” will be on stage? (Musical theater?!) And perusing the Chastain line-up, anybody catch the CBS Sunday Morning piece on Journey and its new Filipino frontman? (Read the story HERE ).
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Hollywood Reinvests In T.I.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In his first sit-down interview since pleading guilty to felony gun charges, Atlanta rapper/actor T.I. told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he figured he’d lost between $10 million and $12 million.
Now it looks like some income will be in the plus column again.
Variety is reporting that Screen Gems has signed a three-picture deal with the Grammy winner born Clifford Harris Jr., beginning with a crime drama (of all things) called “Bone Deep,” with Matt Dillon and Idris Elba. AccessAtlanta.com previously reported on this project, which T.I., longtime friend and business partner Jason Geter and fellow Atlanta talent Will Packer will produce.
The second movie is a drama titled “Boulevard,”, which is still in development, and the third is yet to be determined.
Did you catch T.I. in “ATL” (above) and/or “American Gangster,” and if so, what did you think of his performances? Think he has movie star potential? Surprised that a studio would do business with someone due in jail for a year, next year?
