Hey TAT Family! Happy New Year! It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog, but I had to come out of blogger hibernation to share my highlights of 2015. This was a challenging year for me with many ups and downs, but I was still able to make some lifetime memories with traveling, and attending some fun and unique events. I hope you enjoy my favorite experiences of 2015, and can add a few of these experiences to your 2016 social calendar.
Jose James Concert – Yesterday I Had The Blues
I attended quite a few concerts in 2015, but the Jose James concert was my favorite. I’ve been a huge fan of Jose James for many years, and this was my second time seeing him live and once again James and his band did not disappoint. He’s considered a jazz artist, but it’s hard to put his music into one single genre/category. He has a very unique sound, and he’s known for blending modern jazz, hip-hop, soul and R&B into his music.
Jose sung a lot of songs from his latest album, Yesterday I Had The Blues: The Music of Billie Holiday, which is a great tribute to the beautiful “Lady Day”. I also enjoyed the opening act Brandon Williams with performances by Deborah Bond , Matt Cusson, Anesha & Joi Tiffany. It was a night I’ll never forget, and I am so grateful for Next Level Events for putting together such a wonderful show!
Follow Next Level Events on Facebook to stay in the loop on their upcoming shows & events.
All Vinyl Everything (monthly event April – September)
‘Dance like nobody’s watching’ is one of my favorite quotes, and I did exactly this at “All Vinyl Everything” (AVE) Memorial Day weekend. AVE is a monthly event from April to September where the best DJs dig into the crates and spin the hottest hits on vinyl (no laptops allowed). Also, DJs and music lovers can buy, trade or sell vinyl at the event. AVE was established in 2012, and over the years this event has built a strong following of fun people that love good music.
Follow All Vinyl Everything on Facebook & Instagram for information on their upcoming events.
Cruising the Mediterranean – Italy, Spain & France
I took a cruise through the Mediterranean, and it was simply AMAZING! There are not enough pictures or videos I can post to show the beauty of Europe. I have been to Europe a few times with friends, but this trip was near and dear to my heart because I was able to experience it this time with family celebrating a milestone birthday with my mother. My previous trips to Europe gave me an advantage to planning the perfect vacation for my family. I am a firm believer that doing a combination of land and sea through Europe is a great way to cover multiple locations and it’s easier on the pockets if planned right.
We took the Epic on Norwegian and it departed from Rome. We visited a lot of cities throughout Italy, France & Spain. The added bonus was ending our trip with a train ride from Rome to Venice. This was truly a bucket list trip, and I’m glad I could share this experience with my family.
Stay tuned to Tish Around Town for more details about my trip, pictures and tips & tricks for traveling in Europe by land & sea.
“i feel ya: SCAD + André 3000 Benjamin”
I had the opportunity to attend the opening of I feel ya: SCAD + André 3000 Benjamin at the SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah. This exhibition featured André 3000’s custom designed black jumpsuits he wore during the Outkast reunion tour in 2014. Each jumpsuit has a Twitter length unique phrase that’s thought provoking, intriguing, and some are just out-right funny. This exhibition also featured the work of filmmaker Greg Broomall and painter Jimmy O’Neal.
This event was truly a memory for the books, and the added bonus is that I got a chance to meet him. Savannah is one of my favorite cities, and the SCAD Museum is always at the top of my list when I visit. Make sure you check out the blog I wrote, A Peaceful Weekend Retreat: Savannah/Hilton Head.
ONE Musicfest
I look forward to ONE Musicfest every year, and this year didn’t disappoint with a great line up featuring Ms. Lauryn Hill, The Roots, A$AP Rocky, Janelle Monae & Wonderland, Wale, SZA, Ghostface & Raekwon, Raury, Big KRIT, 8Ball and MJG, Scarface, Bun B, The Internet and much more. ONE Musicfest started in 2010 at a small outdoor venue, and now it’s considered the #1 Urban Music Festival in the Southeast with over 15,000 attendees, multiple stages, vendors and food trucks.
The founder of One Musicfest, J Carter says, “It’s our modern day Woodstock”, and I agree!
For more information on the 2016 ONE Musicfest visit the website.
Diner en Blanc
Diner en Blanc also known as the “Dinner in White” was my most unique event in 2015. This event is often described as a flashmob picnic and the world’s largest dinner party. I have attended a lot of themed events, but Diner en Blanc by far exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t imagine I would be having a dinner, and dancing the night away in front of the Fox Theatre on Peachtree Street with 1,700 people dressed in all white formal attire.
Diner en Blanc is by invitation only, traditionally issued from organization leaders, members/past attendees and event volunteers. The invitation process can be a little confusing, and there are multiple phases to this process. My fellow blogger, Nadeen from The Sophisticated Life does a great job on giving you all of the details you need for getting an invitation and all of the rules you must follow as an attendee.
Diner en Blanc Guide for First Timers by Nadeen – The Sophisticated Life.
Afternoon in the Country at Serenbe
Atlanta has turned into a breading ground for festivals. There are multiple festivals every weekend so there isn’t a shortage on things to do in Atlanta, and you have a large variety of food, music and wine and beer festivals to pick from. Afternoon in the Country at Serenbe was my favorite food & wine festival for 2015. This festival features chefs from Atlanta’s top restaurants and caterers, local farms, fine wines, premium micro-brews, live music and retailers in the beautiful gardens at Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills, GA. The price for this festival is a little more than other festivals, but it is well worth the price for the quality of food & wine, portion sizes and the countryside atmosphere.
This event takes place in early November, but the tickets usually go on sell in August or September. Follow Les Dames d’Escoffier International on Facebook or Twitter.
Well, that wraps up 2015. It was a great year, and 2016 is already off to a wonderful start! I recently visited New York City, so stay tuned to my New York review of my bites out of the ‘Big Apple’.
Stay turned to Tish Around Town for your road map for making lifetime memories and living life in 2016. See you around town!
Leave a comment below with some of your highlights of 2015, and tell me about any plans you have for 2016.
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