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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007 > February > 28 > Entry
Dallas Austin fund-raiser gets boost from Oscar
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After his unscheduled, extended Dubai vacation last year (not to mention his enduring media vow of silence on the subject), there were more than a few fund-raising veterans in the city wondering if Dallas Austin would actually get the high-end $1,000-per-ticket price for his second Don’t Stop the Music gala, set for this month.
The music mogul/film producer’s critics were silenced Sunday night when Jennifer Hudson won the Oscar for her role in “Dreamgirls.”
Months ago, Austin had the foresight to book Hudson as the featured entertainment at the fundraiser for his burgeoning public school music program. Also on the bill: R&B legend Al Green, co-hosts Denzel and Pauletta Washington and songwriter/charitable fund-raiser
Denise Rich and “Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls” actress Gabrielle Union, who will serve as the mistress of ceremonies at the March 11 event at the Georgia Aquarium.
“Given the talent we’ve assembled and the cause, we had no problem asking $1,000 a ticket,” Dallas Austin Foundation board chair Ted Florence told Buzz. “We’re really, really proud of this event and the work we’re able to do with the money being raised.”
The foundation has already installed recording studios in five Atlanta public schools, where students learn songwriting and music production. Austin’s long-range plan is to eventually take the program nationally. Florence told Buzz that the foundation will also offer one-on-one music instruction to kids and teach students the business side of the music industry.
“This year’s gala is a really special event for me with the support of a musical icon like Al Green,” Austin told us via an e-mailed statement. “The fact that celebrities such as Denzel and Jennifer want to be involved in a fund-raiser for my foundation is amazing, considering that they are inspirations to many of the kids involved in the program.”
The second annual Don’t Stop the Music also will include aquarium tours, a VIP reception and dinner before the concert, featuring Hudson and Green.
Silent auction items include a walk-on role on the ABC comedy “Ugly Betty” and a dinner with Austin, Boris and Nicole Kodjoe and Big Boi.
For tickets, call: 678-686-5683 or dallasaustinfoundation.org.
Overscene
Singer Pink and tour mates dining on chef Tom Harvey’s Memphis-style barbecued tuna, calamari, wild mushroom spring rolls and herb goat cheese stuffed inside grilled brioche bread at One Midtown Kitchen, prior to her concert with Justin Timberlake at Philips Arena. Atlanta record producer (and One Midtown neighbor) Butch Walker had introduced the singer to the eatery when she was in town recording with him.
Celebrity docket
Atlanta restaurateur Sean “Diddy” Combs is accused of battery at a Hollywood hotel the day of the Academy Awards.
Police took a report from someone who accused Combs of battery at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, said Officer Jason Lee, a police spokesman. The celebrity news Web site TMZ.com reported that the complaint was filed by real estate agent Gerard Rechnitzer, 27.
According to a document posted on the site, Rechnitzer was punched shortly after 2:30 a.m. Sunday on the right side of his face by someone who had talked to his girlfriend.
Combs’ publicist, Meghan Prophet, declined to comment.
An honor, sort of
Talk about a backhanded compliment. This week, a Georgia Senate committee urged the placing of a statue of former Gov. Zell Miller on the Capitol grounds. The motion to approve Senate Resolution 270 came from Sen. Regina Thomas, a Democrat from Savannah. But Thomas noted she was making the motion to honor the former governor and U.S. senator “in spite of what appears to be senility and erratic behavior the past couple of years” — bringing laughter from the audience. Miller’s willingness to bash his own party, his campaigning for President Bush in 2004 and his strident keynote speech at the Republican National Convention that year, along with his wish to challenge MSNBC “Hardball” host Chris Matthews to a duel, have led many to characterize Miller as a straight-talking hero, an irascible turncoat or just plain nutty. The resolution was urged unanimously by the bi-partisan panel. The House also passed a resolution asking the Capitol Arts Standards Commission to erect a statue of Miller.
Brown short of cash
Bobby Brown has been ordered to remain in a Massachusetts jail until he pays $19,000 in late child support and court fees, his lawyer said.
“We’re diligently working on getting those funds available from outside sources,” said Phaedra Parks, Brown’s Atlanta attorney.
Parks said the rhythm-and-blues singer has been struggling to meet monthly payments to Kim Ward, the mother of his two teenage children. “Although this agreement was put in place when he was Bobby Brown the star, this agreement is being enforced when he is not always able to find work,” said Parks. “He hasn’t made an album in quite some years.”
Brown is in the midst of a divorce from his wife of 14 years, pop diva Whitney Houston.
A judge in Norfolk Probate and Family Court ordered Brown held in the county jail in Dedham on Monday, one day after the singer was arrested while he was watching his daughter’s cheerleading competition at Attleboro High School. Brown owes child support payments from January, plus late penalties, Ward’s attorney fees and constable fees, Parks said.
Celebrity birthdays
Singer Harry Belafonte is 80. Singer Roger Daltrey is 63. Actor-director Ron Howard is 53. Actor George Eads (“CSI”) is 40. Guitarist Ryan Peake of Nickelback is 34. Actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar (“Saved by the Bell”) is 33. “Blue’s Clues” host Donovan Patton is 29. Singer Sammie is 20.
Contributing: Carlos Campos and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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