Crib Notes

Back when India.Arie and Donnie were getting their start in Atlanta, there was no such thing as a soul music summit. For the most part, they were it. It took local artists collectives like the Groovement/Earthseed label to help launch them to a national platform.

In the decade since then, soul has taken on a life of its own — growing from coffeehouse open mics to Internet cafes and sites that digitally connect artists and enthusiasts all over the world. But Atlanta’s still seen as a hub, which makes it the perfect host for Terry Bello’s annual International Soul Music Summit.

In its fourth year, the three-day event is a conference, networking event and party rolled into one. Some of this year’s panels include Women, Sex and Music; Media and Marketing; Soul Star – Who is Next; How I Wrote That Song; My Music My Brand, etc.

Participating artists/panelists include Eric Roberson, Natalie “Floacist” Stewart, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Vikter Duplaix, Anthony David, Sy Smith, Joi, Lady Alma, Gordon Chambers, Slakah the Beatchild, Salakida Kali, Kelly Love Jones, Rhonda Thomas, etc.

See a full schedule of events, including nightly concerts at venues including Over Da Edge and Cafe Circa, below the jump. Or visit soulmusicsummit.net. Onsite general registration – $200. Thurs., Sept 24 – Sat., Sept. 26. Renaissance Atlanta Hotel, 590 West Peachtree St. 404-881-6000.

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SUGARHILL AIN’T DEAD

(See more photos of Sugarhill’s last jam at John Crooms’ photoblog, mauricegarland.com or rollingout.com.)

Last night’s going-away party at Sugarhill in Underground Atlanta was “beautifully chaotic,” in the words of resident funkstress Joi, who’s held Sugarhill’s open mic night down as host since its inception in ’06.

When we broke the news on Crib Notes last week that the owners of Sugarhill had decided to close down Atlanta’s premier live soul venue to search for better digs, people began leaving mournful comments (myself included) that made it seem as if the announcement marked the end of an era.

But when Joi stepped on stage around 11:30 p.m. last night clad in skintight patent leather leggings, a backless red tee and red platform stilettos, it was apparent that she had not come to kick the proverbial bucket. Instead, Sugarhill’s last jam quickly morphed into a nasty, New Orleans-inspired, funk-jazz, juke joint of a funeral.

“This journey started about two and a half years ago ’cause it wasn’t shit to do in this city,” Joi eulogized from the stage, “this beautiful chocolate city full of talented artists.”

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No, we haven’t been snoozing on Atlanta’s soul scene. Just nodding a bit — head-nodding, that is.

But seriously, a lot has been happening while we’ve been busy keeping you up to date on all things underground hip-hop and rock in the city.

In case you still haven’t heard, India.Arie has a new label deal, SoulBird Records, under Universal Republik; and the first artist she signed is her homeboy, Anthony David. His first release, Acey Ducey, is due in stores June 24. It’ll be an amalgamation of the best tracks from his previous releases (2004’s Three Chords and the Truth and 2006’s Red Clay Chronicles).

So, while I was on Anthony David’s MySpace blog — which I check out darn near every day ’cause he’s always got something thought-provoking or just stupid funny to post/say — I saw that he had posted Algebra Blessett’s new video for “Run and Hide.” So I had to jack it from his page and post it above. (I’m pretty sure neither one of them will mind.)

After you peep that, check out the recent stories CL ran on both Anthony David and Algebra Blessett.

What else, might you ask, is going on in Atlanta’s soul scene? Well, besides the must-see Harmony in Life monthlies (the next one is Sat., May 24) and Joi’s Tuesday Night Jam sessions at Sugarhill, a whole helluva lot. But we’re gonna give it to you in bits and pieces so you keep coming back for more. I’ve definitely got my eye on ChantaeCann, who is supposed to be working on her debut album with P.J. Morton — another cat who deserves a head nod.

And I can’t wait to tell y’all about Sarafina. Later, I promise.

Here are some happenings you should check out this weekend:

Heston and Julie Dexter perform A Tribute to Bob Marley, featuring music by Swatt Band. $12. Sat., May 10. 9 p.m. Sugarhill in Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St. 404-658-0068. www.sugarhillatl.com.

Atlanta Unplugged featuring Salakida. Sat., May 10. 9 p.m. Lattetude Bar and Bistro, 501 Dekalb Industrial Way. In lieu of door cover, bring used DVDs for donation to cancer patients at Emory Winship Cancer Institute. 404-298-8787. www.lattetudebistro.com.

Creative Control: Legends Edition presents A Tribute to Mary J. Blige. DJ Shakim, DJ Applejac and DJ Grandman spin 16 years worth of classics, remixes and rarities! $10 (Ladies $5 before midnight). 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Cenci, 1259 Glenwood Ave. 404-627-0533. RSVP: CreativeControl@TheKaosEffect.com.

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