Steve Harvey doesn't take static from the audience. Especially when he is working for free, as he did for Thursday's Fine Art + Fashion party and fashion show at Neiman Marcus, benefiting the National Black Arts Festival. From the beginning Harvey, who performs with Kirk Franklin at 8 p.m. tonight at Philips Arena, adopted his signature freewheeling tone, quipping, "If you can't really hear or see me, that's the size of your donation." The event honored artists Radcliffe Bailey and Danny Simmons Jr., fashion designer CD Greene and handbag designer Jada Loveless, along with emerging talents Azede Jean-Pierre, Nathaniel Keith and Stephanie Waldrip. While most of the crowd seemed to revel in Harvey's cutting up, at some point during the event he apparently detected a chill. He gave the fish-eye right back, saying, "I'm comfortable with me." Event chair Sandra Baccus noted his and wife Marjorie's eager and generous support of the NBAF and thanked Harvey for donating his talents for the evening. And Harvey, who received a thunderous standing ovation at the event's conclusion, is still happy to be here. "Since my wife and I have been in Atlanta we've met some of the nicest people," he said. "And y'all know how to dress up!" Tickets to tonight's event are $51.40 to 62.70. Call 1-800-745-3000 or see www.philipsarena.com. If you go, dress up and smile!
Lake Wobegon boy to sign off
Garrison Keillor, whose show, "A Prairie Home Companion" came to Atlanta most recently last spring, said he will retire in 2013. He told the news to a most fitting outlet – the AARP Bulletin. "I sure don't want to make a fool of myself and be singing romantic duets with 25-year-old women when I'm 75," Garrison said in the article. During his show's May 2010 performance at the Fox Theatre, Keillor shared the stage with Decatur native Roy Blount Jr. and Decatur singer-songwriter Caroline Herring. He was back in November, for a solo appearance at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Buzz in our ear
Grady High School junior Camille Harris, working on a charity prom project with the school's Urban Couture program, got her hands on a full-length beaded gown that could not have screamed "1990s" more if it was plaid flannel. Beadwork removed and hemline raised, by Friday morning, she had produced a fresh new frock that she'll model at "Project Prom." The fundraiser, from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Midtown W, has been organized by for The Kid In All Of Us, a charity that serves needy kids in metro Atlanta and beyond. After the event, the dresses will be donated to teens served by For the Kid in All of Us. Admission is $35. See forthekid.org.
Celebrity birthdays
Actress Renee Taylor is 78. Actress Phyllis Newman is 78. Actress Ursula Andress is 75. Singer Clarence "Frogman" Henry is 74. Singer Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters is 65. Actress Glenn Close is 64. Actor Bruce Willis is 56. Guitarist-keyboardist Gert Bettens of K's Choice is 41. Rapper Bun B of UGK is 38. Drummer Zach Lind of Jimmy Eat World is 35. Actor Craig Lamar Traylor ("Malcolm in the Middle") is 22.
Contributing: news services
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