Atlanta’s most well-followed and fashionable dog on Instagram, Sparkles the Diva, will celebrate her eighth birthday via a “PINKtastic Birthday PIGnic FUNdraiser.”
Sparkles the Diva’s guests of honor, Prissy and Pop, are the country’s most famous mini pigs with more than 690,000 followers on Instagram.
The pup and pig celebrities are inviting metro Atlantans of all ages, and their fashion-forward pets, to join in the pink-filled festivities.
All proceeds will benefit Mister Migs’ nonprofit, “Your Career Unleashed,” which is a scholarship-based program that helps young adults with autism and other learning disabilities become independent, productive citizens through gainful and fulfilling employment.
The “PINKtastic Birthday PIGnic FUNdraiser” will be held at Mister Migs, located at 2137 Flinstone Drive, Suite G, in Tucker, Ga., from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 (National Pink Day).
The event is free to attend, but space is limited. To RSVP, click here.In addition to being part of the most “Instagram-worthy” event of the summer, attendees will also enjoy:
Delicious food for humans, including picnic-style dishes and array of desserts including a pink cake by star baker, Darlene Marcel, mini cheese cakes by Cheesecaked, and pink cotton candy by Le Petite and Posh.
Tasty treats for pups by Big Daddy Biscuits and Dr. Becker’s Bites.
Meeting some of Instagram’s most influential pups, including Bodie and Spanky, Dunkin the Frenchie, Matilda the Pug and numerous others.
A silent auction and raffles to raise funds for Mister Migs, with prizes including items from Vanderpump Pets, Vera Bradley and BarkBox, an overnight stay at the Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta and many others.
A pet fashion contest, judged by some of the country’s most stylish humans. All pets are invited to come decked out in their most fashionable pink attire for a chance to win prizes.
Category Archives: Events
Get Ready to Experience Japan with #JapanfestAtlanta
Experience Japan like never before at this year’s sensory loaded JapanFest! Enjoy the sights and sounds of live performances, touch Japanese silk kimonos and taiko drums, taste and smell authentic foods, and feel the spirit of Japan by listening to a Japanese ghost story. JapanFest Weekend will be held on September 16-17, 2017, from 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday) and 10am to 5pm (Sunday) at the Infinite Energy Center (located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097). Tickets are $10, children six and under are free.
Japan is internationally renowned for its performing arts, visual arts, and martial arts. Many people may have heard a Japanese drum or eaten sushi, but at this year’s JapanFest, you can “Experience Japan” in a new, multisensory way by banging a drum, learning how to make sushi, and practicing martial arts. Fashionistas can enjoy a pop culture fashion show, or they can experience the traditional kimono themselves, with the help of the Konnichiwa Club. For those who are fans of Japanese anime, Anime Village will be returning, with a special appearance by a Sailor Moon voice actor!
Music has always been well represented at the festival, and this year is no exception. JapanFest will feature a variety of musical performances, including the always popular Matsuriza taiko drumming, J-Rock and J-Pop, a shamisen duo, and classical music. There will also be traditional dance performances, and all are invited to join in the spirited Obon dance!
New this year will be performances by the Bunraku Bay Puppet Theater, showcasing an ancient Japanese puppetry art known as bunraku, which features puppets with complex movements usually in traditional costume.
Many of the approximately 550 Japanese companies based in Georgia will display their products in the Japanese Businesses in Georgia exhibition (JBiG). Interactive exhibits include the latest in Japanese technology, such as automobiles, tractors, and electronics.
For the younger set, there is a Children’s Area which has a variety of crafts and activities. There will be plenty of Japanese cuisine, so bring the family for a day of fun!
Separately, there will be a special performance held in conjunction with the festival, Saturday, September 16, 7pm-8pm, in the Infinite Energy Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information, go to http://www.japanfest. org/specialperformance
Special JapanFest rate available at Holiday Inn Gwinnett Center: http://www.japanfest.org/accommodations
JapanFest, now in its 31st year, typically draws crowds exceeding 20,000. Organized by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and the Japan America Society of Georgia and supported by the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta, the festival is designed to promote understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast. Purchase tickets in advance from the website and skip the lines! Tickets are $10. Children age 6 or younger are free. Teachers can bring their students to JapanFest for free by applying online at www.japanfest.org.
Larger organizations can save money by purchasing advanced ticket packages online.
JapanFest would not be possible without the help of over 150 volunteers. To fill out an application, please visit http://www.japanfest.org/getinvolved. No pets other than guide dogs are allowed inside the convention center. For more information, call 404-842- 0736 or visit www.japanfest.org.
Sponsors:
Platinum-Delta Air Lines; Gold-Aflac Incorporated; The Coca-Cola Company; Silver– TV JAPAN/NHK Cosmomedia America, Inc.; WSB TV Channel 2; Bronze– American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Power Equipment Division; Georgia Army National Guard; Georgia Asia Times; Georgia Power Company; Miura America Company; MomoCon LLC; OQTA, Inc.; Sapporo USA, Inc.; Temple University Japan Campus; TOTO USA Inc.; Fuji– Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC ; Creative Loafing; Dexerials America Corporation; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Inside Gwinnett Magazine; LeafFilterTM; WOWNOW Inc.; Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A; Sakura– Ernst & Young LLP; Gwinnett Daily Post; Holiday Inn Gwinnett Center; Honda Precision Parts of Georgia, LLC; Kennesaw State University Symposium of Asia USA Partnership Opportunities; KPMG; Yachiyo Mfg. of America; Ume– Atlanta Parent Magazine; Brandon Hall School; J Mart Asian Grocery; Machida Family of Duluth; Panasonic Automotive Systems; Toppan Printing Co. Ltd; JapanFest is also made possible in part by– Chopstix for Charity, NAAAP Atlanta Chapter; Georgia Council of the Arts; Japan Foundation New York; South Arts, Inc.
PRETTY FOR A DARK SKIN GIRL
PVLSE MEDIA CEO TERRENCE FLOWERS ANNOUNCES THE FILMING OF HIS UPCOMING DOCUMENTARY
“PRETTY FOR A DARK SKIN GIRL”
a film about colorism in the African American community
Filmmaker and PVLSE MEDIA CEO TERRENCE FLOWERS announces today that the Pvlse Media will be
filming their upcoming documentary “PRETTY FOR A DARK SKIN GIRL” This documentary examines the
contrast between skin tones and how it affects a person’s perception of beauty. Society is programmed
to think European facial features along with lighter skin are the basis for beauty. We want you to hear
how these stereotypes and false sense of beauty have affected women with darker complexions.
The taping of the documentary will be held on Aug 17, 2017 at the COLUMBUS LIBRARY located at 4261
Macon Rd. COLUMBUS GA 31907 from 1pm to 5pm. These African American women will be interviewed
by local filmmaker TERRENCE FLOWERS and also given a complimentary headshot for press and
marketing. The term pretty for dark skin girl is derogatory in nature because it seems to have a
alternative motive by saying most dark skin girls are ugly and by default you are an exception to that
rule. Through my filmmaking and the testimonies of these women I hope to explore and maybe get a
sense of understanding for this dilemma that plagues the black community.
PVLSE MEDIA has brought the community some of the most thought provoking documentaries focusing
on social issues that affect us all. Colorism in the African American community has become very
problematic in all aspects of life from television to the workplace
BEYONCE’S STYLIST LAUNCHES NEW LUXURY EYE WEAR LINE, LOOKS FOR KID MODELS IN ATLANTA
NEW LUXURY KIDS SUNGLASS LINE KIDRAQ IS LOOKING FOR THE NEXT CHILD SUPERMODEL
Celebrity Eyewear Designer and Principal Creative Officer of Eyecandy Creations Tiffany Williams knows how to look your best in the sun. In addition to creating lines for two of Hollywood’s most fashionable faces, Cynthia Bailey and Eva Marcille, and providing luxury eyewear for A-listers on movie sets across the country, Williams has partnered with Raquel Smith (Beyonce’s stylist) for a joint venture called Kidraq.
Co-creator Raquel Smith describes Kidraq as, “A luxury brand specializing in children’s eyewear featuring brightly colored Italian acetate frames shaped to complement and accentuate a child’s face.” The Kidraq signature series is slated to hit the market Summer 2017. In honor of August being children’s eye health and safety month, Kidraq is hosting a child model call to find the official faces for the brand.
Smith has worked with Beyonce for years, her journey beginning as an intern with the family-owned “House of Dereon” years ago. Smith quickly moved up from intern to Beyonce’s assistant stylist under then principal stylist Ty Hunter to eventually become Beyonce’s personal stylist. Raquel was intricately involved in each of Beyoncé’s world tours. She also styled Beyoncé’s red carpet appearances, video shoots, special performances, and personal wardrobe. In recent years Smith has begun to grow her own personal brand, which started with going back to school to study jewelry design. Raquel says that her bold captivating signature pieces reflect the influence that her father had on her life.
“After launching 2 successful eyewear collections, we felt it was time to do something different. We realized Kids deserved to be fabulous too, and we could not have chosen a better collaboration than with one of the most sought after celebrity stylist!” Williams explains.
KidRaq will host a casting call for child models in Atlanta on Saturday, August 12th from 10am – 2-pm at 3235 Satellite Blvd, Bldg 300, Duluth, GA 30096. Parents are encouraged to bring little ones out early for the opportunity to be one of the new faces of Kidraq.
#FOLLOWME: YOUTUBE DANCE STARS ON STAGE!
#FOLLOWME: YOUTUBE DANCE STARS ON STAGE!
ANNOUNCES
ULTIMATE FINALE FAN CONTEST
GIVING FANS THE CHANCE TO DANCE WITH
WILLDABEAST, NIA SIOUX,
KENNETH SAN JOSE AND JANELLE GINESTRA
LIVE ON STAGE AT THE FOX THEATRE AUGUST 10
CHOREOGRAPHY BREAKDOWN VIDEO & ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS
NOW AVAILABLE AT:
www.FollowMeonstage.com/contes
#FOLLOWME: YouTube Dance Stars On Stage!, the brand new interactive dance show starring WilldaBeast (“So You Think You Can Dance”), Nia Sioux (“Dance Moms”), Kenneth San Jose, and Janelle Ginestra (“Step Up), announces the #FOLLOWME: YouTube Dance Stars On Stage! Ultimate Finale Fan Contest, offering fans the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dance LIVE ON STAGE with their idols at theFox Theatre on Thursday, August 10. For the choreography break-down and entry details, visit: www.FollowmeOnstage.com/contest.
To be selected, fans will need to learn the choreography from the video, film themselves performing it, upload their video to social media, and submit via the#FOLLOWME: YouTube Dance Stars On Stage! website. A select group of lucky fans will be selected from the submissions to dance onstage with their idols.
Tickets for the performance are on sale now. Tickets range from $35 – $110, plus applicable fees, and will be available at FoxTheatre.org, by calling (855) 285-8499 or at the Fox Theatre Box Office.
Directed by Jennifer Weber (The Hip Hop Nutcracker, BRING IT LIVE!), #FOLLOWME: YouTube Dance Stars On Stage! is an electrifying live dance show celebrating the hip-hop dance community – inspiring dancers to step into the spotlight and get the incredible opportunity to see, dance, and interact with their YouTube dance idols. Each of the headliners will have moments throughout the show to highlight their singular style and performance skills, incorporating their greatest hits with never before seen dances and songs.
The show features video design and projections by Greg Purnell, produced in association with The Bushnell Institute for Digital Performance Art, and lighting design by 2017 Tony Award winner Bradley King (Natasha, Pierre & THE GREAT COMET of 1812). #FOLLOWME: YouTube Dance Stars On Stage! is produced by Eva Price, The Bushnell Performing Arts Center, and The New Jersey Performing Arts Center.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF THE CONTEST:
Fans must be ticket holders to enter the contest. All videos must be submitted by Thursday, July 27. Winners will be notified one week prior to the show, and will need to attend a one-hour rehearsal on Thursday, August 10 in order to perform during the show. All videos should be submitted atwww.followmeonstage.com/contest.
BIOGRAPHIES
WILLDABEAST Originally from Indiana, Will “WilldaBeast” Adams moved to LA to pursue his dance career. Dancing for artists 
such as Usher, T-Pain, The Black Eyed Peas, Jason Derulo, Zendaya, 5th Harmony, Demi Lovato, GLEE, X-Factor, Nissan, MTV, Butterfinger, and Madonna, he found a love for choreography. This allowed him to choreograph for artists including T-Pain, DJ Tiësto, GRL, Erika Jayne, ABDC, So You Think You Can Dance, and Nike. In 2013, Willdabeast created the dance company immaBEAST and dropped the first official video “Dope”. Since then, immaBEAST has become one of the leading brands, companies, and influences in the hip hop dance world.
NIA SIOUX FRAZIER has wowed audiences as a dancer, singer and actor on the small screen and in live performances, proving to be one 
of today’s hottest triple threats. Currently, Nia can be seen on Lifetime’s hit series, “Dance Moms” now in its 7th season. Audiences have seen Nia take on the world of music as she released her first single “Star In Your Own Life” which has over 10 million views on YouTube, and her follow up single “Slay,” which quickly hit the 4 million mark on YouTube. Her social media presence continues to grow at a rapid pace, with a highly engaged fanbase.
Being a good role model is important to Nia, and she has found herself diving into charity work. Nia often performs at charity events and speaks to kids about how they can “star” in their own lives, a message dear to her. She is passionate about raising awareness for reflex neurovascular dystrophy (RND), pediatric cancer, anti-bullying, anti-body shaming, and animal rights.
KENNETH SAN JOSE is a singer, dancer, and actor who was born on April 10, 2002 and raised in Valencia, California USA. He began performing at the age of 5 singing alongside his dad’s gospel group as well as his older brother. At the age of 8 he tested his acting skills 
with cameo roles in his brother’s high school productions. In February 2014, he decided to take his first formal hip hop class. Since then, Kenneth has found his passion as a performer and most recently, choreographer.
Select performances include @go90’s docuseries “BoySquad”, KidzBop, Nickelodeon’s “School of Rock”, “Dance Moms”, RDMA, Natalie La Rose, Dance Video Throwdown and viral videos such as “Juju on the Beat” with choreographer Matt Steffanina and many more. You can see more of his videos through his You Tube account: Ken San Jose, Instragram: @kensanjose, and FaceBook: Kenneth Paul San Jose.
JANELLE GINESTRA has been dancing for 24 years and is currently a working dancer and choreographer in Los Angeles, CA. She has had the opportunity to dance for Beyoncé, P!NK, J-Lo, & Nicki Minaj. 
Janelle was a recurring dancer on FOX’s hit tv show “Glee,” where she was featured as a cheerio, troubletone, and a vocal adrenaline dancer. In addition to multiple other TV appearances, Janelle has appeared in many movies, including Fired Up, Bring It On 5, BedTime Stories, Honey 2, and, most dear to her, as the Lead Chipette Dancer in Alvin in the Chipmunks 2. Currently, she is teaching and building many businesses next to her life partner WilldaBeast Adams.
JENNIFER WEBER is an award-winning director-choreographer whose career has spanned concert dance, commercial events, 
theatre and TV. A physical storyteller at heart, Weber brings projects to life with her unique sense of visual narrative. Weber is the director-choreographer of the international touring hit The Hip Hop Nutcracker, as well as the founder and director of Brooklyn-based hip hop theatre company, Decadancetheatre (for which she was nominated for the “Outstanding Emerging Choreographer” New York Dance and Performance (Bessie) Award). Her concert dance work has toured across the US, UK, Russia and France performing at venues including Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, The Apollo Theater, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, London’s Southbank Center, The Everyman in Liverpool, New York City Center, Bumbershoot in Seattle, The Music Center, Los Angeles and The Stanislavsky Music Theatre in Moscow.
Weber has choreographed immersive and staged events for brands including American Express, Uber, Ulta, L’Oreal Matrix, Reebok, Philosophy, Marc Jacobs, Hormel and CK2. She is currently the director for the tour of Lifetime’s Bring It Live! With Coach D and the Dancing Dolls.
As a choreographer, her theater credits include the US premiere of Bryony Lavery’s Stockholm at Stageworks/Hudson, PBS’s Odd Squad Live Tour, James Brown: Get On the Good Foot for The Apollo Theater/US Tour (contributing choreographer with director Otis Sallid), Cruel Intentions The Musical, and Ars Nova’s upcoming immersive theater experience, KPOP (Fall 2017)
MTV TO BRING “WILD ‘N OUT” TO ATLANTA AND NYC BARBERSHOPS
MTV TO BRING “WILD ‘N OUT” TO ATLANTA AND NYC BARBERSHOPS
The hit comedy series from Nick Cannon will host pop-ups in Atlanta on July 16 and New York on July 23
Photo credit: MTV
I am sooo excited right now! MTV is bringing the fun and energy of its hit comedy series “Wild ‘N Out” (one of my favorite shows) to a neighborhood barbershop in Atlanta and New York.
“Wild ‘N Out: Live from the Barbershop,” an interactive pop-up experience, will give fans a taste of the “Wild ‘N Out” excitement they’ve grown to love with celebrity hosts, live music, freestyle battles, ‘yo mama’ contests and cash prizes.
The events will take place Sunday, July 16 in Atlanta and Sunday, July 23 in New York. Ill have more details for New York for you soon, but here’s the deets for ATL:
LIVE from the BarbershopAn Interactive Pop-Up ExperienceSunday, July 16
2pm – 6pmFurious Styles Midtown1700 Northside Drive, Atlanta GA 30318Hosted by Chico Bean & Yung Joc
Flex your freestyles, crack ‘yo mama’ jokes and bring your ‘A’ game for a chanceto win cash & prizes!
Fresh off its record-breaking premiere, “Wild ‘N Out,” now in its ninth season, is “bigger and bolder” with Nick Cannon as master of ceremonies and guest appearances from Chance the Rapper, Rick Ross, Lil Yachty, Vic Mensa, Blac Chyna, Remy Ma, Papoose, Young M.A, Wendy Williams, Tami Roman and more.
“Wild ‘N Out” airs weekly at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT as part of MTV’s “Throwdown Thursdays” comedy block.
About “Wild ‘N Out”
MTV’s groundbreaking “Wild ‘N Out” is back with everything that made it a must-see show–the lightning fast comedic improv, head-to-head battling and of course, the master of ceremonies Nick Cannon. “Wild ‘N Out” is out for new blood… The original bloodline of “Wild ‘N Out” was undeniable, ushering the rise of comedic superstars who have since become household names from Kevin Hart to JB Smoove to Katt Williams. And now a legion of young, hungry, new comedic stars want in on the “Wild ‘N Out” pedigree–and the only way to earn it is through battle. The stakes are higher than ever before. “Wild ‘N Out” brings visceral, cutting, hip-hop edged comedy where the next vanguard wants to prove that can hold their own with the pure-bred all-stars, and the originators that success has kept their street cred–and legacy–intact. With competition coursing through their veins, this time the gloves are off and the “Wild ‘N Out” comics are going for the jugular in a setting that’s more rap battle than comedic stage. Its new blood mixed with pure blood to see which one really holds weight.
About MTV
MTV is a global youth culture brand inspired by music. For more information, check out mtvpress.com. MTV is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA).
“Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta” Premiere
Last night, WE tv hosted a star-studded Atlanta premiere of its new series, “Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta.” Hundreds convened at Woodruff Arts Center to preview the much-buzzed-about ATL edition of the hit franchise, which stars Bow Wow, Shaniah Mauldin (daughter of Jermaine Dupri), Reginae Carter (daughter of Lil Wayne and Toya Wright), Zonnique Pullins (daughter of T.I. & Tiny), Brandon Barnes (son of Debra Antney and brother to Waka Flocka) and Ayana Fite (daughter of DJ Hurricane).
Jermain Dupri, Da Brat, Shaniah, Bow wow , Datari Turner
The cast was in attendance along with their famous parents Jermaine Dupri, Toya Wright, Tiny Harris, Debra Antney and DJ Hurricane. Additional VIPs included Da Brat, Waka Flocka Flame, Datari Turner (producer, “Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta”); “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” stars Tammy Rivera, Tommie Lee, Karlie Redd, Bambi, Karen King, Melissa Scott and Erica Dixon; Kandi Burruss and daughter Riley (“Real Housewives of Atlanta”); Mama June and daughter Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson (“From Not to Hot”); Trina Braxton (“Braxton Family Values”); Gocha Hawkins (“LA Hair”); Genise Shelton (“Married to Medicine”); Stevie Baggs, Jr (“Match Made In Heaven”), Shanell (Young Money artist), Princess (formerly of Crime Mob) and many more.
Shaniah Mauldin and father Jermaine Dupri
Kandi Burruss and daughter Riley
Toya Wright (Mother of Reginae Carter) and Tiny Harris (Mother of Zonnique Pullins)
After opening remarks from Lauren Gellert, EVP of programming at WE tv, and Marc Juris, president at WE tv, guests were treated to a sneak peak of the upcoming “Growing Up Hip Hop” season 3, which was introduced by cast member Kristinia DeBarge. Then Bow Wow, who is an executive producer on “Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta,” intro’d the screening, which was following by a lively cast Q&A moderated by radio/tv personality Ebony Steele.
After the screening, guests headed over to Opium, where DJ Infamous kept the energy high well into the morning.
“Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta” premieres Thursday at 10/9c on WE tv. Follow @GUHH_WEtv and @WEtv on social using hashtag #GUHHATL.
Catch a sneak peek of the show here: http://www.wetv.com/shows/growing-up-hip-hop-atlanta.
Photos: James Pray for WE tv