#WhatsHappening for December 29, 2109

So what's up, kids? Hope the weekend has treated you well and that the holidays did, too.

#WhatsHappening for December 10, 2019

Okay, then... despite my best intentions, I haven't done very well keeping up, have I? Anyway...

#WhatsHappening for November 26, 2019

Well, at least it's only been a couple of weeks this time.

#WhatsHappening for November 11, 2019

Personally, I'm a-okay with the time change. I actually like leaving work when it's dark. 

#WhatsHappening for November 8, 2019

Happy Friday, homeys. Just a workday away from the weekend- whoohoo. Am I right?

#WhatsHappening for November 5, 2019

Hey kids- hope you're all well. I know, it's been a while, but- as I've said a number of times- it's not like you're paying for this idiocy, so...

#WhatsHappening for October 4, 2019

I just realized today that there are just less than three months left in this decade. That means I'm approaching my seventh different decade on this planet. Yikes.

I mean, I'm not seventy- I will just have been alive in seven decades come January. From the 60s through now. Weird.

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Just a quick reminder, no Saturday Night Karaoke this week. Downtown Norcross' streets will be closed off for the city's Art Festival, so accessing the Tavern will be a mofo and we decided it'd be easier on everyone to just take a week off. Join Mark next week for all the fun.

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The Beatles are breaking records again, topping the UK's album charts with the 50th anniversary release of Abbey Road. That ascension marks 49 years, 252 days since the original release spent its last week at number one- the longest gap between chart stays, breaking the record they held themselves with last year's Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band release.

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Lil Nas X and Cardi B are headlining in a way they probably wish they weren't, being named in a copyright infringement suit by two Atlanta producers who claim the single Rodeo is derivative of a song they produced in 2017.

The complaint, filed by Don Lee and Glen Keith DeMeritt III,  says their original work gwenXdonlee4-142, was incorporated into the song Broad Day by PuertoReefa and Sakrite Duexe- which was "performed, published, and distributed widely, including without limitation in and around the Atlanta hip-hop scene."
They further alleged "substantially similar" to their original track, and that Lil Nas X and his collaborators "did not receive permission from Plaintiffs to interpolate, sample, use, or copy the Work," and that the he "created an unauthorized copy and/or derivative work from Plaintiffs’ original material."
Other defendants named include Take a Daytrip and Sony Music Entertainment.

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NatGeo's series Genius- which has chronicled Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso will tackle the life of the Queen of Soul next season.
A press release for the show says Genius: Aretha will also feature some of Franklin’s biggest hits performed by  Cynthia Erivo in the titular role.

Erivo called Franklin "a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl. Her strength, passion and soul are evident in her everlasting legacy, not only as a transcendent artist, but as a humanitarian and civil rights icon. To have the opportunity to bring her legacy to life and show the fullness of her being, her humanity and brilliance, is an honor. What I know and have learned about what my voice, as an artist, can do and the power in it has been highly influenced by Franklin. I feel privileged and excited to be a part of the sharing of her genius."

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Muffs' singer Kim Shattuck has died after a two-year battle with ALS. 
"We are very sorry to announce the passing of our bandmate and dear friend Kim Shattuck," said Muffs' Ronnie Barnett and Roy McDonald. "Besides being a brilliant songwriter, rocking guitarist and singer/screamer extrodinaire, Kim was a true force of nature. While battling ALS Kim produced our last album, overseeing every part of the record from tracking to artwork. She was our best friend and playing her songs was an honor. Goodbye Kimba. We love you more than we could ever say."
The band's next album No Holiday, is due for release October 18.

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The federal case against R. Kelly is set to start on May 18, according to reports. Kelly was reported to have been denied bail, as well. He pled not guilty to the charges related to racketeering, kidnapping, and the sexual exploitation of minors. He's also been charged with sex crimes in a Chicago federal court, with that case set to go to trial on April 27, as well as state charges in Illinois.

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Birthdays today include: Lena Katina of t.A.T.u. (35); Richard Reed Parry of Arcade Fire (42); Leo Barnes of Hothouse Flowers (54); Jon Secada (58); Chris Lowe of Pet Shop Boys (60); Barbara K. MacDonald of Timbuk 3 (61); Gil Moore of Triumph (66); Jim Fielder of Blood, Sweat & Tears (72); and Leroy Van Dyke (90). #MusicalBirthdays

#WhatsHappening for September 29, 2019

Hi kids. Hope you're enjoying the last of the weekend.

#WhatsHappening for September 12, 2019

I considered posting yesterday, but what could I say that hadn't been said before- and probably with a lot more brevity and clarity than I manage to muster.

#WhatsHappening for Sunday, September 8, 2019

Good Sunday morning, friends. Hope you're enjoying the weekend.

#WhatsHappening for August 20, 2019

Hi, kids. Hope you're all doing well.

#WhatsHappening for August 15, 2019

Hey, friends. Hope the week is treating you well. If not, well- at least it's almost over.

#WhatsHappening for August 11, 2019

Anyone else need the weekend to last another three days or so to rest, or is that just me?

#WhatsHappening for Friday, August 9, 2019

Dog days, am I right?

#WhatsHappening for August 6, 2019

Good Tuesday evening, friends. Hope you're digging the week so far- and not the other way 'round.

Twenty days?

What am I, going for a record or something? Whatever. I've had stuff to do. Or something.

Anyway, welcome to hump-day afternoon. 

#WhatsHappening for July 11, 2019

So, I forgot to mention last time around that Saturday Night Karaoke last week went much more calmly than the week before. Which is a good thing.

#WhatsHappening for July 7, 2019

Hey, hi, howdy my friends. Hope you're doing well so far on this weird work week.

A Morning-After Rant

Hey kids. Hope you're all enjoying your pre-holiday weekend.

I must say, I was pleased with the turnout last night for Saturday Night Karaoke- especially so when it came to the quantity and quality of the players. It was also nice see that there were plenty of folks who'd come to Norcross for the inaugural Norcross Pride event who decided to stick around and have some fun with us. 

Unfortunately, last night was by no means a typical night.

#WhatsHappening for June 17, 2019

I know what you're thinking- "where the fuck have you been?"

Well, it's not like I'm charging for this, so...

#WhatsHappening for May 20, 2019

Hmm... Twenty days since last we met? No one ever said I was consistent.

#WhatsHappening for May 8, 2019

Hey, hi, howdy kids. Hope the week has sailed smoothly for you so far.

#WhatsHappening for May 6, 2019

Good Monday evening, friends. Hope you all enjoyed your weekend.

#WhatsHappening for April 30, 2019

Hey kids- hope your Tuesday is going well. If not, look at the bright side- it'll be over in a few hours and we'll be one day closer to the weekend.

#WhatsHappening for April 28, 2019

So far, I've managed to get all the way through Sunday afternoon without any Endgame spoilers. That'd better hold up until I get to see it this week.

#WhatsHappening for April 15, 2019

Current mood.

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#WhatsHappening for April 10, 2019

Hey, hi, howdy kids. Hope you're enjoying your week so far.

#WhatsHappening for Friday, April 5, 2019

Hi there, friends and neighbors. Hope you're having a good week. Not too bad on this end- except for the damned pollen, of course.

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Today marks the 25th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death. 

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One look at 50 Cent's Instagram can show you how much he loves showing off his riches. However, his latest move illustrates the charitable nature of the Queens-born mogul. TMZ reports he has finally sold his 50,000 square foot Connecticut estate to the tune of $3 million, but he is not expected to see a dime, as he plans on forwarding all of the money to a charitable organization. Mr. Jackson took to his Twitter to retweet this news.

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TMZ reports that 50 Cent has sold his Connecticut mansion- which was once owned by Mike Tyson- and will donate the $3 million proceeds to charity.The property- which was sold at a steep discount from its original, $18 million asking price- boasts 52 rooms (including 21 bedrooms, 25 bathrooms, and 9 kitchens), indoor and outdoor pools- and indoor and outdoor basketball courts.
G-Unity Foundation, which provides grants to nonprofit organizations that focus on improving quality of life in poverty-stricken areas, will be the recipient of the donation. 

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The Los Angeles Ties reports that Britney Spears has checked herself in to a psychiatric facility for a 30-day stay after the singer posted to Instagram Wednesday that "...(we) all need to take time for a little 'me time.'"
The singer did not respond to AP requests for a comment on the report.

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Birthdays today include: Pharrell Williams (46); Paula Cole (51); Mike McCready of Pearl Jam (53); Stan Ridgway of Wall of Voodoo (65) Everett Morton of English Beat (68); Les Binks of Judas Priest (68); and Agnetha Faltskog of ABBA (69). #MusicalBirthdays 

#WhatsHappening for April 1, 2019

Good Monday evening, friends. Hope your weekend kick-ass.

#WhatsHappening for March 29, 2019

Hello, kids- happy Friday!

#WhatsHappening for March 24, 2019

What can I say? I've been busy. And it's not like you're paying for content.

Welcome back

Saturday Night Karaoke will be back at the Iron Horse Tavern this weekend. See you there (unless you're still recovering from the St. Patrick's festivities).

#WhatsHappening for March 12, 2019

Hey kids- what's shakin'? How are you holding up, post time change?

#WhatsHappening for March 3, 2019

Good Sunday afternoon, friends. Hope you're staying high and dry on what's a dreary afternoon here at the karaoke compound.

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#WhatsHappening for February 25, 2019

I'm just going to assume you were all overcome with sadness that I haven't posted for nearly a month.

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Admittedly, the only one of the Oscar nominated movies I've seen was Black Panther (because I'm too lame to have waddled my lazy ass to the theater to see Bohemian Rhapsody), but I was thrilled to see the Freddie Mercury-Queen get some love.

And this is my favorite Bradley Cooper role.

At the same time, I'll take your word for it that A Star Is Born is good. I haven't really cared for any of the five versions English language versions of it that I've seen. Also, I don't care for Lady Gaga.

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R. Kelly has been released after posting bail of $100,000 after turning himself in to Chicago police Friday and being charged with four counts of sexual abuse.

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I wonder if Bob Kraft will ask the REFORM Alliance to look into his recent arrest. 

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The lineup for the seventh annual JMBLYA. has been announced. General admission tickets go on sale Friday.

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Korn and Alice announced today that they would co-headline a North American 2019 tour this summer. The tour will also feature Underoath. Ho99o9 and FEVER 333 will open on select dates.

The tour kicks of July 18 in Austin and wraps up September 4 in Mountain View, California.

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Legendary bluegrass singer Mac Wiseman died yesterday.

Known as The Voice with a Heart, Wiseman was one of the founders of the Country Music Association and served on the association’s Board of Directors. Wiseman was also a member of Flatt & Scruggs' Foggy Mountain Boys and Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys. He was 93.

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Birthdays today include: Daniel Powter (43); Justin Jeffre of 98 Degrees (46); Mike Peters of The Alarm (60); and Dennis Diken of The Smithereens (62). #MusicalBirthdays 

#WhatsHappening for February 6, 2019

Hey kids. Hope you're doing well on this Hump Day evening.

#WhatsHappening for January 30, 2019

Well... the first month of the year's almost in the books. How are you doing with those resolutions.

#WhatsHappening for January 28, 2019

Good morning evening, kids. Hope you all survived the weekend- and geared up for Snowpacaggedon 2019.

#WhatsHappening for January 24, 2019

Hi kids- how goes? Hope you're all digging it. If you're not, look at the bright side: tomorrow is Friday!

#WhatsHappening for January 22, 2019

Good morning kids. Hope you're all bundled up and comfy on this chilly morning evening.

#WhatsHappening for January 20, 2019

It seems to be more important than ever that we remember the life and legacy of this man- and the thousands of others who fought the fight with him, and have kept on fighting to this very day. You may not recognize their names as you do his, but they are no less important.

Equally important is that we realize the fight isn't over. Not even close. 

We share this little ball of dirt. That's not going to change- at least, not in our lifetimes- and, whether your pride in your "heritage" allows you to admit it or not, we're all related. So embrace your family. 

#WhatsHappening for January 8, 2019

Good Tuesday evening, my friends. Hope you're all surviving flu season here in Georgia- which evidently has one of the highest rates of flu in the country.

#WhatsHappening for January 3, 2019

New year, new... nah, fuck it.