Vol 72 Ed 15
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The West GeorgianEst. 1934 Volume 72, Edition Fifteen February 19 - February 25, 2018 WE GOT THE WORLD TOUR: SANITARY! In this How to stay healthy B.E.A.T. UWG International edition... this flu season Black Project Night 2018 / / PAGE 7 Series new event / / PAGE 3 / / PAGE 2 Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit Rock The Fox Robert Moody Copy Editor A buzzing crowd filled the dimly lit Fox Theater moments after long-standing folk-country renegade James McMurtry concluded his brief eight- song set. Chatter in the crowd ranged from praise for McMurtry, friendly conversation and heightened anticipation as the stage was set for Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit to conclude their two-night stay at the Fabulous Fox Theater on Feb. 9. Photo credits: Robert Moody The lights went down and the six-piece band took the stage as their iconic bird and anchor logo began to illuminate behind them. A crawling guitar riff resonated from the darkness as bright lights descended down onto the stage and the moment had arrived. The vulnerable and intimate duet. This intimacy was bass guitar, Shires shone on the fiddle, Sadler crowd quickly rose to their feet in applause and no more apparent than when they performed the Vaden and Isbell doubled-down on blistering Isbell’s voice rang out. romantically charged “Cover Me Up” which Isbell guitar features and Derry deBorja impressed with “I used to think that this was my town, wrote for her, mentioning how she inspired him to his versatility, transitioning from the keyboard to what a stupid thing to think,” sang Isbell as he turn from his life of alcohol and substance abuse sporting an accordion and even singing harmony and the 400 Unit opened their 20-song set with and to pursue a life of sobriety. on songs such as the band’s playful 2011 hit the fiery rock anthem “Hope the High Road”, “I sobered up and I swore off that stuff “Codeine.” which was the lead single from their Grammy- forever this time,” sang Isbell. This line in Other high-points of musicianship were winning 2017 album The Nashville Sound. particular received a great amount of applause displayed through a wide range of vocal skills The electrified crowd collectively cheered from the audience as Isbell publicly celebrated from light-hearted songs like “Flagship” to the and sang along as Isbell and the 400 Unit six years of sobriety on Feb. 6. heavier sound of “Super 8”, full band ballads followed their high-energy opening with their Musicianship was a central part of the such as the unit’s cover of The Drive-by Truckers’ much slower hit single “24 Frames” which won a performance as each artist showcased an elite hit “Decoration Day”, and the various guitar Grammy for Best American Roots Song in 2016. level of skill for their respective instruments. styles displayed by Vaden and Isbell from the This transition would set the tone for the rest of Isbell made it a point to recognize and praise calm and controlled strumming on the heartbreak the night as the group performed material that each member of the 400 Unit, as well as James ballad “Speed Trap Town” to the blistering solos spanned across Isbell’s entire 17-year career and McMurtry, for their musical talent multiple times of “Flying Over Water” and the ground-shaking encompassed themes of everything from love, throughout the show. This praise highlighted the closer to their initial set “Children of Children.” self-reflection, good memories and heartbreak. work that each member put into the unit as a Following the close of their initial set the Two themes that fit hand-in-hand with one whole and further solidified the oneness of the band briefly went backstage before returning to another throughout the night were those of love group and their mastery of their art. perform a two-song encore that was comprised and sobriety. Isbell and his wife Amanda Shires, This high level of talent was on full of an electrifying cover of Tom Petty’s “Refugee” who plays the fiddle and performs harmony display throughout as Chad Gamble held rhythm and their acoustically-chilling love song “If We vocals for the 400 Unit, stood beside each other on the drums, Jimbo Hart plucked away on the Were Vampires” which won the Grammy for Best all night and often engaged in moments of American Roots Song on Jan. 28. With their two night stop in Atlanta Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit did much more than simply perform for near capacity crowds at one of the most respected venues in the South, they brought together fans from all over who came to hear their stories told through songs that made them feel something. They did not endorse a celebrity persona but instead made the audience feel like a part of the show. They made a large theater feel like an intimate room full of faithful fans, singing word for word and enjoying the moment in the company of familiar strangers. It goes without saying, Georgians will anxiously wait for this group of musical storytellers to make their way back into town. thewestgeorgian.com thewestgeorgian @thewestgeorgian Facebook.com/TheWestGeorgian 2 | February 19 - February 25, 2018 | Vol. 72, Ed. 15 | The West Georgian Living West The Black Project Series: B.E.A.T. Expo Sierra Lemelle the fashion show. The designers also showcased and sold their designs as Contributing Writer vendors. Gabrielle Symone founder of “Regal Hues,” is a UWG alumni and The Black Project held their second event of former MAB member. She was among the series on Feb. 7. The Black Educated and the group of designers. Through her talented Exposition (BEAT Expo.) was hosted by designs, she seeks to empower people Models and Business (MAB). This event featured of color by teaching them to embrace guest speakers, Keith Crawford and Kristie natural beauty. Crumbrely, a vendor showcase, networking The event concluded with opportunities, and a 1990s themed fashion show. guest speakers Keith Crawford, Co- “This event was created to show black Founder of The Young Executives, educated and talented individuals, show business and Kristie Crumbley, founder of MAB. owners in different lights, exalterate talent that These motivational speakers, provided goes into our culture that goes unforseen, and to several tips for student entrepreneurs. build their network,” said Keith Crawford, former “I was invited to come and be MAB president and pioneer of the Black Project. a guest speaker to talk about being The first half the event offered students your own business owner and having a an opportunity to network with or purchase from brand. More specifically about being an a variety of vendors and entrepreneurs. About impactful business owner and brand. 10-15 vendors were represented. Many of them What I mean by impactful is touching were UWG students. Briana Brown, founder lives for the bettering of other people of “Snatched by Bri” is a current UWG student and helping people out, providing tips majoring in Mass Communications. She sales on networking, branding, educating meal prepping and weight loss guides to help yourself and energy,” said Crawford. Photo Credit: Sierra Lemelle others meet fitness goals. Kendalyn Watkins, The second annual BEAT founder of the “The K Effect,” is a current UWG Expo. continued to highlight many Student majoring in business management and entrepreneurs that inspired students marketing. She is a makeup artist that also sales and promoted networking. It mink eyelashes. successfully contributed to the Black “Everything about this event is providing Project by showcasing the unforeseen black business people an opportunity to network students that contribute to the UWG and market their stuff and give students an community. opportunity to see who is doing what and how to The next event in the Black get involved,” said Michael Lewis, vice president Project series of events is Showtime of MAB and Black Project committee member. at the Apollo with a 2000s theme. This event is a The second half of the event began celebration of black talent and how black culture with the fashion show. It stuck with the 1990s has impacted a lot of artist, singers, dancers, and event by showcasing attire that was popular in poets. It takes place on Feb. 22 at 7:15 p.m. in the 1990s. Five designers were represented in the Campus Center Ballroom. Meet The Photographer behind Lexography Kyzia Wint photography course to keep learning more about her camera and finding Contributing Writer innovative ways to edit her pictures. “I want to master my camera, I’ve had my camera for over a year now and still feel like I need to master UWG student Alexis Kenon is the it some more,” said Kenon. photographer behind the name In her free time Kenon loves to Lexography. She is currently go to Atlanta and shoot in cool places. studying Mass Communications with One of her favorite places to shoot is a concentration in public relations. Little Five Points. Kenon hopes to use her degree when “I love love love the murals she starts her own creative business. in Little Five Points, people are so As a lover of art, fashion, photography freaking talented it’s crazy,” Kenon and music she eventually wants to said. have her own creative space where Some of her favorite shots she can produce amazing content. have been of the Inman Quarter, “Eventually I want to learn the West Side Provisions District, how to make beats; I want to try it at Cascades and at an abandoned least once,” said Kenon. She is always warehouse in the city.