A No Grease Experience

Why is this man smiling? It's because he was just treated like a king at a top notch tonsorial parlor controversially titled and logoed as No Grease at the Time Warner Arena Complex in Charlotte, NC. CEO Damian Johnson, a Buffalo, NY native who came south to attend Johnson C. Smith with his brother and co-founder Jermaine Johnson, laid his roots down in the Queen City to fill a need. This led to the opening of three shops, a barber academy and being voted Charlotte Magazine's 2009 Best of the Best. Their commitment to the community has been a godsend. Pop in and you'll witness some of the best grooming around. A fave of area businessmen and ballers alike.

Atlanta Summer Storm 09

A rare cool summer evening was a perfect contrast to the sizzling performances at the Mablehouse-Barnes Amphitheatre as Norman Brown's Summer Storm hit Atlanta. Despite the death earlier of co-headliner Wayman Tisdale, the show went on as a tribute to the big bassist at the urging of promoter Michael Alexander of J.A.M.S. Productions. Grown Folks Radio's Carol Blackmon hosted the stellar line-up that featured keyboardist Brian Simpson, saxophonist Euge Groove (who delighted concert goers by coming off stage and playing at their tables), and guitarist Brown (pictured with reedman Eric Darius) who closed the show with one of Tisdale's staples, Aint No Stoppin' Us Now. Click on photos by Glen Frieson to enlarge.

Carol's Daughter ATL Opening

"The Fabulous" Nikki Walker handled the crush of writers and photographers covering the event. Carol's Daughter Media & Consumer Relations Mgr. Lauren Branche flashed a lovely smile while coordinating interviews with founder Lisa Price. After long admiring her work, I finally got to meet Upscale Beauty & Style Editor LaConia Jenkins Dean who was all that! Former NBA All-Star (and Jordan BF) Charles Oakley was a late arrival. As was Boris Kodjoe (though no one was complaining. He told me he's enjoying the fact that he's getting hired now for different types of parts including one in the current Bruce Willis flick Surrogates, and the now filming Resident Evil 4. Click on pics by Bill Vaughan to enlarge.

Carol's Daughter Opening Pt. II

Lamman Rucker (Meet The Browns) & Carol's Daughter founder Lisa Price (who told me that she planning another store for Richmond, VA; and the reason why her products all have a edible base - she's a great cook whose best dish is Chicken and Roses!). Sports marketing ace/publicist LaTonya P. Story walked up on me after years of us corresponding and introduced me to her charming client: Musiq Soulchild/95.5 The Beat DJ Traci Steele. ATL make-up artist to the stars Toni Acey & Tahnesha of The Arches Threading Lounge posed for my camera. Toni has been all over this season of The Atlanta Housewives. CBS Atlanta Better Mornings host Tracye Hutchins shared that her favorite product is the Body Jelly. Mine is The Big Kahuna Collection, which I found out is Jay-Z's fave also (though I'm starting to become fond of Lisa's Hair Elixir for its amazing holding ability - will make a note to try some of her other hair products). Shout out to ATL store manager Antoinette Jackson and writer extraordinaire Ronda Racha Penrice. It was a pleasure to meet you both. Click on photos by Glen Frieson and Bill Vaughan for larger images.

Columbia Summerfest 09

Summerfest 09, held at Benedict College's Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, was a valiant attempt at mixing students and grown folks. The presentation of radio stations The Big DM and HOT with their personalities like the pictured Neek in tow, featured performances from Kevon Edmonds (formerly of After 7 and yes, Babyface's bro) who mixed his hits with new songs off of his just released album Who Knew; Abdul Ra'oof and his SOS Band mates, who proved they're still one of the most slamming live acts in the biz with their set featuring a crowd pumping tribute to Michael Jackson; and Pretty Ricky, who cracked me up by joking I was an original member. Behind the scenes snafus kept headliner Musiq Soulchild offstage and led Lil' Boosie and Chrisette Michele to give extremely abbreviated appearances, but all in all it was a good crack at pleasing everybody. Click on pics by Bill Vaughan to enlarge.