Entertainment Industry Connection at 595 North, Atlanta

On Saturday January 5, 2013, the Entertainment Industry Connection came to 595 North Restaurant and Lounge in Atlanta, featuring panels and workshops, performances, a fashion show and experts on music, fashion and film. Notable industry attendees included Manny “Mad Dog” Ayala of the Coast 2 Coast DJ’s, Janie Jennings from Industry Works, Ray Hamilton of the Universal Record Pool who organized the event, David “Fort Knox” Mitchell, manager and MC extraordinaire. and John “J-Dogg” Shaw of Memphis-based Select-O-Hits Music Distribution.

Blue is Free Warm Up at 595 North

Atlanta soul-jazz band Blue Is Free warms up at 595 North Restaurant and Lounge before the Entertainment Industry Connection in Atlanta, January 5, 2013

Blue Is Free at the Entertainment Industry Connection, Atlanta

When I walked into 595 North Restaurant and Lounge in Atlanta for the Entertainment Industry Connection conference on Saturday January 5th, an incredible jazz/funk/soul band called Blue Is Free was on stage warming up. One of the cooler things about Atlanta is the astounding number of incredibly-talented young musicians, such as those in this band.

Terreon Gulley Sanctified

Terreon Gulley and his band perform an original composition called “Sanctified” at his Apache Cafe concert in Atlanta on January 4, 2013. The tune has a vibe somewhat reminiscent of Ronald Shannon Jackson’s work with his band the Decoding Society

Terreon Gulley Drum Solo at Apache Cafe

Terreon Gulley takes a drum solo at his performance at the Apache Cafe in Atlanta, January 4, 2013

Double trumpet solo at Terreon Gulley Band concert

A man plays two trumpets at once during the Terreon Gulley concert at the Apache cafe in Atlanta, January 4, 2013

Terreon Gulley & Russell Gunn Bye Bye Blackbird

Terreon Gulley and Russell Gunn perform the jazz standard “Bye Bye Blackbird” at the Apache Cafe in Atlanta, January 4, 2013

Terreon Gulley and Friends Live at the Apache Cafe

Jazz drummer Terreon Gulley performs with an all-star cast of friends at the Apache Cafe in Atlanta, January 4, 2013

Terreon Gulley and Friends After the Gig

Jazz drummer Terreon Gulley celebrates with friends after his successful performance at the Apache Cafe in Atlanta, January 4, 2013.

Russell Gunn at the Apache Cafe

East St. Louis/Atlanta jazz trumpeter Russell Gunn takes a break at the intermission of the Terreon Gulley show at the Apache Cafe on Friday January 4 in Atlanta. Gunn is one of America’s most highly acclaimed young trumpet players, and his releases and schedule can be found at http://groidmusic.com/groidmusic.html