Joey Digital » Sol Fusion

My Next 10 Days Will Be Crazy

Joey Digital — Thu, 19 May 2011 11:16:24 +0000

Contrary to popular belief, I don’t go out much, but when I do…While at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs event at the W Hotel last night, I realized the next 10 days will be absolutely insane. Here’s how they shape up:

Thursday, May 19th: Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs event Part II @ Do Restaurant + The Help Private Screening

Friday, May 20th: Rest and preparation

Saturday, May 21st: Nephew’s Kindergarten Graduation + Jen’s Event + Howard’s Event

Sunday, May 22nd: Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference

Monday, May 23rd: Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference

Tuesday, May 24th: Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Hangover 2 Private Screening/After Party

Wednesday, May 25th: NERD Concert

Thursday, May 26th: Urban League Young Professionals Party @ Havana Club

Friday, May 27th: Rest

Saturday, May 28th: Sol Fusion Pool Party Luau @ Piedmont Park Pool + Jazz Festival Express Lounge @ Park Tavern

Sunday, May 29th: Bacardi/Peroni Block Party @ Loca Luna

I’m Working With Two New Organizations In Atlanta. Here’s Why.

Joey Digital — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:35:22 +0000

In the last 48 hours, I’ve decided to work with two very different organizations in Atlanta who target similar markets. On Monday, I decided to assist the AULYP with marketing for their upcoming annual Entrepreneurs Bootcamp. And on Sunday, I chose to join Jimmy Jones (ATL2Nite) and J Carter (Sol Fusion) with an All Day/Night Block Party on the Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend.

So, just how are their target markets similar you ask? More or less, the attendees of these events will be rebels, creatives/artists, and those who go against the grain.

By definition, entrepreneurs are definitely artists. Many of us have delusions of changing the world through our for-profit and non-profit companies. We don’t play by the rule. We’re tenacious. We are forced to quickly make potentially life-altering decisions with much than less perfect information. We’re resilient. We’re leaders. We’re rebels.

Funny because that’s eerily similar to the description of Sol Fusion which bills itself as “the playground for progressive party go’ers, political misfits, social pioneers, fashion forward renegades, industry heads, skater boys, corner office professionals, b-girls and runway models.”

As an earlyvangelist of the Lean Startup Methodology, I passionately believe spreading the word about it to African-American entrepreneurs will be culture-changing. And yes, most of philosophies will be rebellious to many (i.e. business plans are complete and utter BS).

So when you see me discussing the Sol Fusion on Memorial Day Weekend, and the Entrepreneurs Bootcamp in July, you’ll know why.

The Difference Between Sol Fusion And First Friday Atlanta

Joey Digital — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 12:38:17 +0000

For some insane reason, I’m up at 7:45am writing after getting in sometime after 3am from another great time at Sol Fusion. And, no, this won’t be an article dissing one event or the other. Sorry to disappoint you. No drama here buddy.

Last night, I spent the first 90 minutes of the event helping out at the door/line, and spent a good chunk of this time reflecting on my previous experiences with Sol Fusion. Experiences which date back to 2004 (I think). My mental map went from the people to the venues to the culture shifts inherent in all movements. And once I started kicking it inside (you know how I do), the observation/analysis continued.

You might not know this about me, but my social graph extends across many different social circles, and age ranges. And because this Sol Fusion just so happened to fall on the first Friday of the month, several friends had to choose between Sol Fusion and First Friday Atlanta (w/Kid Capri).

Difficult choice? Not really.

Sol Fusion started out in 2002 as a small boutique party which served as a haven for music lovers, rebels, artists (whether they knew it or not), and everyone in between. Because the parties were so small, strong the energy was amongst the crowd (channeling my inner Yoda). It was infectious. Once, a few friends drove from Florida for a party, kicked it none other, jumped back in the car, and drove back to Florida…immediately. Yes, for the mathematically challenged, that was a 5 hour drive + 3 hours of intense partying + a 5 hour drive…with no rest in between.

But, alas, that was the Sol Fusion of yesteryear. Over the last few years, Sol Fusion has grown (as it should), and slid right toward the mainstream. The parties are larger, corporate funding as seeped in, the ladies have traded in their jeans and sneakers for dresses and heels, the fellas started wearing shirts with collars, the venues are much larger (and spacier which affects energy flow), the music has remained the same for the most part (unfortunately, the current state of music sucks), J Carter doesn’t rant at the top of his emails anymore, and the people have gotten older. But the parties are still kick ass.

On the other hand, First Friday started in the mid-90’s for the 24 – 35 year old “urban young professional” (when that term meant something). From what I can gather, the parties were held at great venues, played great music, and enforced a strict dress code. It, too, has grown over the years (as it should), and now features celeb deejays or hosts. And, yes, it has gone somewhat mainstream, sliding a little to the left.

So, what’s the difference in the two you ask? Not much. They both use many of the same venues. The music crosses over alot: Sol Fusion plays more old school/eclectic songs while FF features more current hits. The people at Sol Fusion are, at minimum, 6 years older than the FF crowd. They are different types of people, but the split (establishment vs. anti-establishment) isn’t as drastic as in previous years.

At the end of the day, you can have a great time at both events. I don’t want to oversimplify the difference and say it’s age, but I don’t feel like delving deep into the issue right now. I may explore it later.

Ok, the adrenaline just wore off. Going back to sleep now…

Prepping For The Fall – Monday 08.09.10

Joey Digital — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:07:54 +0000

As of today, I’m dedicating 90% of my time to the Fall HBCU Football event line-up, and I’m try my best to give daily updates on our progress. For a complete list of events or to sign up for alerts on guest lists, hit up www.digitalguestlist.com/fall.

Update 1

Plans have been put into motion for an afternoon/evening lounge on the Friday (September 24th) of Atlanta Football Classic Weekend from 3-8pm. Details will be released soon.

Update 2

HBCUSportsOnline.com is organizing a huge mixer for the FAMU vs. Miami football game on Thursday, September 2nd at Strip in Atlantic Station (Atlanta, GA). FAMU Young Alumni will join them. More details later.

Update 3

Venues for the Thursday and Saturday night of Atlanta Football Classic Weekend are now set. Thursday (9/23) will be the 5pm Playground Mixer + a Special Evening with FAME (FAMUANS in Entertainment) at Shout from 5pm – 2am, and Saturday (9/25) night will be at Aja in Buckhead for Sol Fusion.

Answers to FAQ’s About ONE MusicFest…

Joey Digital — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:53:42 +0000

We’ve been getting slammed with questions about ONE MusicFest. Below are answers to some FAQ’s:

Is ONE Musicfest going to be fun?…

What??? Over 4 full concerts and 8 additional acts, multiple gaming stations, American Gladiator styled games (seriously), live art shows, all your favorite djs, food, mini golf, ping pong, GREAT music, onsite mixologists… and then some. FOR OVER 10 HOURS!

I wonder if there will be areas to sit….
Yes, but bring your lawn chair if you like… bring your rollerskates… bring your water guns…. bring a blanket…. bring a whistle… bring a fan… bring your video recorder & camera…. bring all your friends and sit on them…

I may get hungry out there…
GOOD. We will have tacos, New York & Chicago style pizza, sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, ice cream, bbq and more…. Munchies?

Its going to be hot….
It’s summer. But there will be an indoor area, shaded areas, watering stations and a medic station if your decide to “over-indulge”

Its $40???…
A “one” artist concert at any venue in Atlanta is easily $32+…. with a $12.95 ticket master surcharge….. ONE Musicfest is 4 FULL CONCERTS & LOADS OF FUN!! Priceless!
(or join ONE Musicfest facebook page and see how to get discount tickets)

I wonder what it will be like….
If Chuckie Cheese, Woodstock, Okay Player and Music Midtown had a love affair and produced a baby…. ONE Musicfest

Is it a party too?…
After the last performance of the night, all the DJs will crank back up and ONE Musicfest will turn into Atlanta’s BIGGEST block party hosted by ALL the ACTS

I’m tired of the same old events in Atlanta….
Then welcome home…… ONE Musicfest. Music starts at 2pm… if your arrive at 5pm… you will definitely miss a few acts… arrive early… and stay late…. relax.

Details:

Saturday July 31st, 2010
@ King Plow Arts Center (887 W.Marietta St – Atlanta - Across All 4 Acres of the Property)

Further Details/Ticket Info: Visit www.onemusicfest.com

The Official Countdown to the Year of Kurt Rambis Has Begun

Joey Digital — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 13:47:16 +0000

In seven days, (hopefully), I’ll reach my 31st birthday. I know, I know…I don’t look a day over 27, but it’s true. According to some statistics, I’m not supposed to make it this far. Let’s celebrate.

Below are a slate of activities I’ve come up with so far (recommendations are welcome):

Thursday April 22nd: Cafe Cabernet (Tallahassee, FL) with Crown Royal. No Cover. Mandatory RSVP here.

Friday April 23rd: Sol Fusion (Atlanta, GA) with DJ D-Nice + Kenny Burns + DJ Jamad at Aja Restaurant. Info here.

Saturday April 24th: Workout/Watch Session at Camp Creek LA - Time TBD + The Losers movie – Time/Location TBD

Sunday April 25th: ???

If you are so moved, I’d be honored if you joined me.

Note: This concept was totally stolen from the homey Elbert. I’m sure he doesn’t mind.

My Pick for Nightlife Experience of the Week: Sol Fusion iRock Hip-Hop @ Aja This Friday

Joey Digital — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:59:39 +0000

I’m starting a new weekly series where I’ll pick a recommended nightlife experience. These will be unique events that I like to attend for one reason or another. I’m sure you’ll like them too.

My first pick is Sol Fusion iRock Hip-Hop Edition this Friday (March 5th) organized by J Carter at Aja Restaurant in Atlanta. A description and video of the event is below:

“The FIRST Sol Fusion of 2010 is finally here! Sol Fusion iRock Hip Hop Edition. Don’t get nervous… we are not playing Rock Music all night, but you will hear everything from Prince to Nirvana to Tribe to Green Day to Santogold to Biggie to Jimi to Stevie… with a crazy twiiiist!

For the past 25 years Rock & Hip Hop have sat and eaten at the same table of music…. Friday March 5th your are about to experience the food fight between them. DJ WreckinEyez… ATLien… Dres Tha Beatnik is MC’ing… Complimentary Ketel One until 10:30pm. Free rockstar shots of Cuervo Platinum Tequila from the bar at midnight… Bottle specials all night… Dj Salah rocks the opening set…. 1,000 people on the dance floor who are ready to wake up late on Saturday…. You know what it is….. Sol Fusion Baby!”

If you cannot view the video above, click here> Friday March 5th @ Aja…. 1st Sol Fusion of 2010!! from J Carter on Vimeo.

Atlanta Get Ready…Hip Hop x Rock = Sol Fusion: iRock Hip Hop on March 5th

Joey Digital — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:38:17 +0000

Save The Date… Sol Fusion March 5th – iRock Hip Hop Edition from J Carter on Vimeo.

New Year’s Eve Atlanta Update: Online Ticket Sales For Sol Fusion @ Ritz Carlton Buckhead End Wednesday 12/30 @ Noon EST

Joey Digital — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:41:21 +0000

I just found out that online ticket sales for the awesome Hennessy Black/Coors Light Sol Fusion TwentyX New Year’s Eve party at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead (Atlanta) will end on Wednesday December 30th at Noon (EST).

A limited number of tickets remain (no, this isn’t a promotional ploy), and can be purchased here.

Breaking (Kinda): Hennessy Black/Moet Sol Fusion New Year’s Eve Party in Atlanta Moved to Ritz Carlton Buckhead (Tickets Required)

Joey Digital — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:37:03 +0000

Click Here or the Flyer For More Info And/Or To Purchase Tickets

Required (No Payment Accepted At Door)

For Discounted Roms at The Ritz, Call 1-800-241-3333 (Mention The Sol Fusion Rate)