No. 13
The Peach Review速 Beauty
Video Games
11
3 Events
Music
Movies
22
15
Sports
46 *cover photo by Yoh Phillips
33
Recreation & Travel
58
Beauty
Top 5 Summer Products For Every Woman
Now that the pollen has cleared, summer is finally upon us (we all have a love/ hate relationship with this season). The temperature can be unbearable at times but, summer has always had a carefree vibe to it. For me, it’s an opportunity to switch up my beauty routine, which at times can be extensive. I keep my summer routine simple with very few products and I’ve compiled a list of my favorites that work for every woman under the sun!
1. Serum – Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serums are something that benefit all skin types. This one in particular has been a staple in my nightly routine for some time now. After a long day out in the sun, this brings that healthy moisturized feeling back to my skin. It works to enhance your skins natural repair process while you sleep. This even helps to protect your skin from environmental assaults during the day. My favorite thing about this product is that it actually works for every age group, ethnicity, and skin type. I’ve introduced it to several women in my family and it’s their new favorite. It’s easy to use with great benefits.
2. Facial Moisturizer – Neutrogena Moisturizers Being out in the sun can dry out your skin. Even with my oily skin I can tell when I need a good moisturizer. This particular moisturizer is not only affordable but it works. They have a variety for different skin types, some including SPF which is a necessity during this time. It wears great under makeup and let’s face it, more moisturizer equals less wrinkles.
3. Concealer- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer This is perfect for those “no makeup” days. Wearing a full face of makeup during the hottest days of the summer is a task in itself. This concealer goes on smooth with a natural finish. The creamy formula moisturizes the under eye area for those days our dark circles decide to make an appearance. A little of this and there is no need to pull out that heavy foundation.
4. Matte LipstickI didn’t list a specific brand for this category because you have so many options. Matte lips have hit the market even harder with the recently popularized liquid lipsticks. I love matte formulas because I can put them on and they last all day. The last thing I want to worry about is touching up my lipstick while enjoying my summer activities. If you’re new to the matte family try a soft matte formula (MAC The Matte Lip Collection). These tend to be the perfect mixture of moisture and matte. For extra longevity I recommend liquid lipstick (Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks). They dry down to a matte finish once applied and these babies aren’t going anywhere. Find a fun new color that adds a pop to your routine and rock it daily.
5. Nail Wraps – Shop ncLA As much as I love getting my nails done I just don’t have the time with my busy schedule. I went thru a phase where I would polish them myself but after so many chips and smudges my spirit was broken. I love these nail wraps because I can apply them myself and go. The number of designs allows something for everyone. To me this is safer than gel nails. I noticed after doing gel for a long period of time my nails felt weak. Grab a design, apply them at home, and see how much personality they bring you! With these five products you can maintain a simple but effective beauty routine for the summer. Try new things and find a routine that works best for you. It shouldn’t be a challenge to look good while having fun in the sun! Sources: www.esteelauder.com ; www.neutrogena.com ; www.drugstore.com ; www.makeupforlife.net ; www.maccosmetics.com ; www.raincoatesbeauty.com; www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com ; www.sugarsocialbeauty.com ; www.shopncla.com
-Keisha Campbell
Why You Should Start Color Correcting Have you ever wondered what those green and orange concealers are used for in your makeup palette? Even if they come with instructions, do you really understand color correction? If not, I’m here to make it easy for you. Color correcting is a beneficial addition to any makeup routine if used correctly. To truly master the concept and make it work for you, you have to know what it means, the purpose of the colors, and how to get the most out of your application. Color correcting pertaining to concealers is using a colored concealer to cover imperfections by canceling out colors. These imperfections can range from redness to dark circles to hyper pigmentation. I always recommend going to your nearest art store and picking up a color wheel as it’s much easier when you have a visual. Taking a look at the color wheel below you will see that each color has another across from it.
The colors opposite of each other work to cancel one another out. Green cancels red, orange cancels blue and so on. So that green concealer you always skip over? It’s perfect for days where you are experiencing redness. Dark circles making a debut? Those salmon/peach colored concealers work miracles because those dark circles are actually shades of blue. Occasionally you will find purple/pink concealers as well and these can be used to cancel sallow (yellowness) in the skin. The more you play around with them, you will wonder why you weren’t using them in the first place.
Sources: www.nhsdesigns.com ; www.lesleyrocksface.wordpress.com ; www.inmybag.co.za ; www.blog.prettly.com ; www. 1.bp.blogspot.com ; www.makeupforever.com ; www.maccosmetics.com ; www.beautyblender.com
Now there are different forms of color correctors to fit every skin type. Starting off your routine with a color correcting primer may be all you need.
It’s important to remember that just like your regular foundation and concealer, your color correctors need to match your complexion. For fair skin tones go for your lighter shades of peach and green. If you have a deeper complexion, match yourself with deeper oranges and yellows. Application is a key part of being successful with your correctors. Blending goes a long way, I recommend using a concealer brush or sponge to apply your products. This will give you more control and allow you to see where your product is going and what it’s actually doing.
For a little more coverage and target areas, cream and liquids work great for multiple skin types.
You’re probably wondering if you really want to add an extra step to your routine. In reality, color correcting decreases the amount of products you use. By canceling out redness or dark circles, you use less foundation and concealer. Less product means even better looking makeup! Makeup is all about enhancing your natural beauty. Including something in your routine that can aid in that process is always a plus. Try some of the products listed above and learn what works best for you. There are even powder color correctors which can be used alone or for setting your makeup.
-Keisha Campbell
Strobing: Is It Worth The Hype? We all know there is nothing new under the sun and that includes the new strobing technique that is gaining momentum in the makeup community. Strobing is just a fancy word for highlighting. Applying a highlight to the areas of your face where the light naturally hits gives you a glow and a softer appearance. For those of you that could never master contouring, this method of shaping your face may be just what you need. There are claims that this technique does not favor oily skin as much as it would someone with normal/combination skin. I find that not to be true. It is always about your technique and application. There are two different “strobing” methods that can benefit either skin type.
For women that can pull off a dewy look, I recommend using a cream highlight (Illamasqua Gleam Highlighters) or finely milled powder highlight (Becca Skin Perfector Pressed). If you are using a cream product try applying this before you apply your foundation. Stippling the foundation on over your cream highlight will give you a natural glow without going overboard with products. When applying the cream remember to keep the product in the areas that will naturally catch the light: center of forehead, bridge of nose, cupids bow, chin, and top of cheekbones. If you prefer something with a little more pop try a powder highlight after you’ve completed your foundation routine. This will show up more and give you even more of a glow.
Sources: www.beccacosmetics.com ; www.illamsqua.com ; www.glamichi.com, www.nikkietutorials.com ; www.ladylabrish.com
Another technique that isn’t highly focused on is matte strobing (highlighting). Once again, none of these techniques are new but being that the summer is more about having a glow, the popularity has grown. Matte strobing will benefit women who have oily or textured skin. Even women with deeper complexions will benefit from this technique when it comes to contouring because it still shapes your face without the need for darker creams or powders. To achieve this look, place a concealer that is 1 to 2 shades lighter than your complexion in the areas where the light naturally hits. As stated earlier these include center of forehead, bridge of nose, cupids bow, chin, and under the eye extending it to the top of your cheekbones. Once you begin blending this out you will notice an automatic brightness to your complexion. If you want to achieve a contoured look without extra products place this shade under your cheekbone where your contour naturally falls. This will give the illusion of contouring without taking the actual steps. Set these areas with a powder that is the same color as your concealer to maintain the brightness. If you have oily skin or a few breakouts avoid placing shimmer highlights in these areas. I find that placing a touch of shimmer on the brow bone or high cheekbones is just enough if you still want an extra glow.
The best thing about this “strobing” phase is that you can use products you already have at home. The popularity of this is a chance to try a new technique and see how it fits into your makeup routine. It seems like there is always a constant new trend in the makeup world. Although there is some truth to this, not all trends are band wagon worthy. I’ve learned to do my research on a lot of new trends that emerge and figure out if it is something that’s actually new or just a new name for an old technique. The benefit of these trends is allowing those new to the makeup world to feel more comfortable about trying new things and it makes it easier to branch out. Like I always say, try new things and most importantly have fun! -Keisha Campbell
VIDEO GAMES
AR-K: The Great Escape 6.5/10 Going in there are a few things you should know, the first was something I wasn't aware of when I began the game. ARK: The Great Escape is the third installment of the AR-K series, though there are cutscenes to catch up viewers new and old, the dialogue does a decent job of keeping everyone up to date. As a matter of fact, a little too good of a job, making the dialogue seem clunky in some places and confusingly simple in others. That out of the way, as a standalone the game has its ups; runs smoothly, has plenty of cutscenes (more than the usual point and click) and despite the dour mood of the game, manages to put in some genuine humor. After that it unfortunately starts to slide downhill. The graphics aren't poor, however they won't blow you away. The music is acceptable, but unfortunately also forgettable, and the voice acting, though earnest, isn't the best. In every inch of this game you can see how hard the developers tried to make the best game they could and at the same time it is clear where they fell short. As is the case with almost every point and click, AR-K features puzzles as the main means of progression, and like with any game with puzzles the player must first determine if the game creators intend for you to use a real, practical answer or a game answer.
So does this solution make sense or am I expected to put these unconnected things together 'because video game'? In AR-K the answer is the latter, you are expected to click on things randomly and do unclear tasks in a weirdly specific order for no other reason than, that is how the puzzle is solved. This is abundantly clear with the second task you must complete, which is to sabotage the factory you work in. Though the facility is stated repeatedly to be completely sabotage proof, which seemed to be the case as I walked around aimlessly for a while, having conversations with people I was told I could not talk to because of security reasons. After a long time of bouncing back and forth I started to accidentally trigger the events I needed to progress and after a while I had completely circumvented security and shut down the factory. Shutting the place down was laughably easy undermining the plot, meanwhile the execution was bafflingly difficult, delivering a blow to gameplay and my sense of enjoyment. To make it to the end of this game I suspect the average player will need to consult a guide on multiple occasions. Those complaints aside the overall story does seem interesting, and the game's picture based dialogue options are an interesting change from the norm. If you love point and clicks, reasonably priced games, or the AR-K series then pick this game up, otherwise it might not be the entry point you are looking for in regard to the genre.
Watch the trailer HERE
-Alana Clarke
Forsaken World Mobile 7.5/10
The three most stand out points of Forsaken World are; availability on both iOS and Android, the graphics, and easy gameplay. These are all bonus to a small game meant to quench that thirst for MMOs while on the go. However, this game only supports the last couple generations of phone. It’s worth a download if you have Android OS 4.0 and up. The file size is also large so it may take a while to download, but it is worth the wait. The game itself runs smoothly and the camera handles well, combat is simple enough, yet, it lacks an in depth tutorial for those who are brand new to the genre/ series. In the beginning the player is allowed to choose a fully decked out character (that will later be forced to lose all gear after the tutorial) from several heroes both male and female, all of which are, of course, in peak physical condition.
The option to create a character is very difficult on the production end of things, nevertheless this game could have greatly benefited from it. The art, though vibrant and well done, houses some pretty standard character types offering out some rather basic lore, at least as far as MMO's go. If the lack of diversity and familiar story are of no concern to you, then you are well on your way to battling monsters and warriors to grind back to the level you were in the tutorial. With the ability to play with or against other players it offers more than enough incentive to join up with friends and work to hit the level cap.
Watch TRAILER
-Alana Clarke
EVENTS The rain spent the afternoon showering the thousands that had arrived pouring over them without remorse, not once caring that it was the opening day of Sweet Water’s annual 4/20 Festival. By the time I arrived the downpour had become a slight drizzle, but you could see the results far and wide. Mud, mud was everywhere. The once beautiful Centennial Park was completely covered, the kind of mud that excites young children to make a mess, the kind of mud that will send you back inside your home to remove the new Retro Jordan’s you were excited to showcase. Yet, there wasn't a single frown in the massive crowd, everyone was unaffected, they walked through the puddles of brown as filth covered their shoes, and some even strolled barefoot. It looked like a mail man convention, no rain, sleet, hail, or, snow would ruin their good time. I remember the look on their faces – excited, eager, and completely carefree. They moved from stage to stage, shop to shop, not once whining or complaining. Maybe it was the draft beer, but there was a feel-good energy that swept over Sweet Water that the rain couldn’t douse. The photographers sheltered their cameras in plastic bags so that a little drizzle wouldn't ruin their shots or gear. Music was coming from all three stages; the musicians came to play and the people rejoiced. The air was filled with different genres: there was rock, jazz, hip-hop, multiple forms of music for a diverse crowd hungry for entertainment. No matter what staged you attended, the crowd was loud, the music was good, and the energy was high. A true festival.
I enjoyed the various kinds of music but I was there for one reason and that was to see Snoop Doggy Dog. The Doggfather, the man that taught me to mix my gin with my juice, the legend that has made countless hits and has left an impeccable impact on hip-hop since his Doggystyle debut in 1993. I wasn't the only one amped, as the night grew later, closer to his upcoming performance, more people began to talk eagerly. What would he perform? How far back would he dig? He has 12 years of material to dig through. The age group in the crowd ranged from 18 to 40, proving that Snoop is an artist that pushed together the fairly distant generational gap. There’s not many rappers that I know me and my father both enjoy, Snoop is one of them. When it was finally time for him to perform, it felt like sound check took an eternity. The crowd looked like puppies waiting at the door for their trainer to bust through with an arm full of treats. They even began to chant his name, hoping that it would reach him somewhere backstage and he would emerge. When he finally appeared, the applause filled the entire park, it was a cheer that isn’t often given, one that must be earned. Snoop has earned it.
There’s a level of longevity that can only be reached by those unafraid to change, adapt, and not only move with the tide but effect it. In his career, Snoop has done this. It’s easy to forget all the hits, the timeless jams, he’s far from a one trick poodle. On that stage, he reminded everyone in attendance of his outstanding legacy. I never expected to hear Tupac’s, “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted” live. Soon as the “Ain’t nothing but a gangsta party” dropped, there wasn't a silent person in the crowd. A song from 1996 got the same response as the Wiz Khalifa featured “Young Wild And Free.” That’s how the night progressed, he would seamlessly flow from the old (Gin and Juice), the classics (Drop It Like Its Hot), the underrated (I Wanna Rock), and the new like (Peaches N Cream). He even brought out Kurupt to perform some classic Dogg Pound records. It was like time traveling, songs from the past had the same results as songs in the present. Watch our 420 wrap-up HERE
Story & Photos: Yoh Phillips Video: X
While his music is aging well, the years have started to weigh on Snoop. He danced with his signature 2 step but you can tell there’s a lack of pep in his step. Even though his energy wasn't the highest, he had the charisma that made the music effective. Snoop still got it.
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) conducted this evening the draw for the 2015/16 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL) at the New World Symphony Center on Miami Beach. Atlanta soccer fans will want to get familiar with the process as we’ll have our own MLS team come 2017. Reigning Champion Club America of Mexico, which captured their sixth CONCACAF Club title in April by defeating Montreal Impact of Canada, headlines Group E. Finalists in 2011, Real Salt Lake open their third appearance in the CCL in Group G. Winners of Mexico’s Clausura competition Santos Laguna, was drawn in Group A. Caribbean Football Union Club Champions Central FC of Trinidad and Tobago headline Group D CS Herediano, champion of the Costa Rican Summer Tournament and a semifinalist in the 2014/15 edition of the Champions League, will compete in Group B
The groups will be contested on a round-robin, home-and-away, four-game format, running August – October. Only the eight first-place teams will progress to the quarterfinals, which will kick-off in early 2016. The full schedule for the group stage will be announced in the coming weeks. The groups for the 2015/16 CONCACAF Champions League, in order of position drawn, are as follows: Group A: W Connection (Trinidad & Tobago), Deportivo Saprissa (Costa Rica), Santos Laguna (Mexico) Group B: Isidro Metapán (El Salvador), CS Herediano (Costa Rica), Tigres (Mexico) Group C: Verdes FC (Belize), San Francisco FC (Panama), Queretaro FC (Mexico) Group D: Central FC (Trinidad & Tobago), CSD Comunicaciones (Guatemala), LA Galaxy (USA) Group E: CD Walter Ferretti (Nicaragua), CD Motagua (Honduras), Club America (Mexico) Group F: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (Canada), CD Olimpia (Honduras), Seattle Sounders FC (USA) Group G: Santa Tecla FC (El Salvador), CSD Municipal (Guatemala), Real Salt Lake (USA) Group H: Montego Bay United (Jamaica), Arabe Unido (Panama), D.C. United (USA)
-Khaleah Evelyn Andrea Abril
Atlanta Wine Party
July came to an end in the best way possible: a wine party. The summer edition of the Atlanta Wine Party (birthed from our friends at Atlanta Beer Festivals) took place once again at Opera Nightclub in Midtown. This has already become a “must” in the city with only its second edition. With great music from DJ Qtip and over 50 wines to sample, it doesn’t get any better. VIP booths were available upstairs, there were cabanas available outdoors, and the best part about it was the social atmosphere. As if the South wasn’t already known for its friendly residents, having a building full of partygoers sampling wine all night couldn’t
hurt. You had the entire venue (outside/inside) at your disposal to sample wines from all over the world. There were free water stations everywhere and food available inside. As much fun as everyone had at the first 2 Wine Parties, we’re hoping there will be a fall version (hint hint) coming up! Follow ATL Wine Party to find out. -Jon J. Photo: X
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One of the best gifts that Despicable Me ever gave us are the minions. The adorable, yellow, funny sounding assistants to Gru. In the film Minions, we get the original story behind Gru’s pint-sized, evil cohorts and the very purpose for their existence. Since the beginning of time, Minions have always wanted to serve the biggest and most evil villain they could find. The T-Rex, Dracula, Polar Bears, and the Abominable Snowman are just a few examples of their villain prototype of choice. Oddly enough, they also played a major role in their downfall as well. Did the T-Rex really go extinct, or did they accidentally knock him into a pool of lava with a giant boulder? Historical questions were comically answered in this extremely funny, animated feature. One of the directors, Pierre Coffin, played another major role by voicing Stuart, Kevin, and Bob. When the Minions were at their worst and there were no villains to serve, Stuart stepped up and left their home (in Antarctica) to go out and find a villain for them. Accompanied by Kevin and Bob, they set out for New York City, attended a convention called VillainCon, and ended up in London, England. You can differentiate between the 3 by their height. Stuart is the leader and the tallest minion. Kevin has one eye and is second tallest. Bob is the smallest and has the highest pitched voice who shows child-like mannerisms. But he eventually shows them by becoming King for a day. Minions, while extremely entertaining, may miss the mark with their target market. They’re gunning for young children but there are so many things in here that children would laugh at solely because they hear adults laughing first. Most younger children won’t understand the comedy in Bob making a speech and then dropping the mic, or the reference to Napoleon, or even the comedy in what happens to the Queen (of England). If you want something to enjoy with your kids, friends, or even by yourself, I highly suggest you catch Minions. With the narrator (Geoffrey Rush) giving the play-by-play, you’ll be able to enjoy the film without having seen Despicable Me. Minions gets an 8 out of 10. View Trailer
After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness – conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school. Inside Out is being touted as the greatest thing Pixar has ever made. Well… They might be on to something. The greatest thing about this movie is that every human being can relate to this film. The entire purpose of the film is to look at emotions. Everyone has emotions, and Pixar came up with a comical way to characterize them while tackling real-life issues. Joy (Amy Poehler) is the head-honcho of the 5 emotions, which makes sense because everyone wants to be happy. She overseas all of the actions by her cohorts: Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). Fear was responsible for keeping Riley safe. When she tried making new friends or wanted to slide down a banister, Fear made the decision on what was appropriate and what wasn’t. Or, he’d just freakout and then ultimately, Joy made the decision. Anger was the rebellious side of Riley. If she snapped at her dad or made a smart aleck remark or saw something as unfair? Anger could decide whether she’d yell, scream, act mean, or disobey. Watch Trailer Now the first 3 emotions were represented by men. The last 2, Disgust and Sadness, are represented by women. Disgust was very snooty and hard to agree with, while sadness was aptly titled. Riley’s long-term memory in the film was represented by colored orbs, which were created every time a significant moment took place.
The color of the orb coincided with the emotion felt. The 5 emotions were headquartered behind her eyes in a capsule like area with hand controls, windows, and a view of a vast area that looked like a maze (the vast area is her long-term memory and from above, you can see the zig-zag directions of the maze represent the wrinkles in the brain). I can see the success of this film being mountainous. As already stated, everyone will relate to this film because everyone feels emotions. Riley experiences everything from her infant years up to high school. Kids will relate directly and adults will relate because of their memories as children. One of the bigger moments for all of the emotions (spoiler alert) was when Joy realized the importance of Sadness. The entire film, the other 4 try to keep her from touching the orbs because those are lasting memories and they can change if you touch them. If a yellow orb appears that represents Joy, but if Sadness touches it the orb will change to blue. It’s the realization that Joy can come from sadness that touches the senses and identifies with the audience. Sneak peak with Anger & Disgust When Joy haphazardly falls out into the abyss of long-term memory with Sadness, problems arise because she’s not at HQ to man-down any happiness. That causes Riley to feel the other 3 emotions without Joy or Sadness, which is a pretty dull human being. To say this movie is hilarious is an understatement. So not only is it relatable, but its riddled with great humor from Lewis Black and Mindy Kaling. Because of the storyline, the humor, and the raw emotions that will come from her memories that will touch the soul, this Pixar perfection gets a rarely seen, 10 out of 10. It’s a film you just have to see. Written and directed by Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen, you have my guarantee that Inside Out will charm hearts across the world and blow the roof of the Box Office.
Entourage, the much-anticipated big-screen version of the award-winning hit HBO series, reunites the show’s original cast, led by Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and Jeremy Piven. Movie star Vincent Chase (Grenier), together with his boys, Eric (Connolly), Turtle (Ferrara) and Johnny (Dillon), are back…and back in business with super agent-turned-studio head Ari Gold (Piven). Some of their ambitions have changed, but the bond between them remains strong as they navigate the capricious and often cutthroat world of Hollywood. The film also has Billy Bob Thornton and Haley Joel Osment as father and son, Larsen and Travis McCredle. Returning cast from the series also includes Perrey Reeves as Ari Gold’s wife; Emmanuelle Chriqui as Sloan; Rhys Coiro as Billy Walsh; Debi Mazar as Vince’s publicist, Shauna; Rex Lee as Lloyd; Constance Zimmer as Dana Gordon; and Nora Dunn as Dr. Marcus. Emily Ratajkowski appears as herself. Rounding out the cast are Alan Dale, who appeared in the series, rapper Scott Mescudi, and Rhonda Rousey. So many cameos were made in the film it got to the point of comedy. One minute the guys are seen partying with Russell Wilson and “Gronk” (Rob Gronkowski) and the next you’ll find a boisterous Ari at a stop light getting flipped off by Liam Neeson. This film is everything you’d expect when going to see a movie about making a movie with the cast from Entourage. I mean the film is hilarious, but it’s the type of extremely crude and vulgar humor you have to have a taste for. If you aren’t a fan of the TV series or perhaps never saw it, the comedy might be too vulgar for some. There’s lots of cussing and lots of sex but that kinda comes with the territory of it being an HBO TV Series. It doesn’t say, “The hit TV show from CBS,” it most definitely says HBO.
Jeremy Piven is pure gold in this movie and provided the best comedy throughout the entire movie. As Ari, he came through in the clutch and gave Vince the movie role of a lifetime. But after being married and divorced again in a week, Vince agreed to come onboard but only if he could direct it. This is where the boys’ adventure begins. Is it fairly predictable? Yes, but is it fun to watch? You bet it is. It very easily gets a 9 out of 10 for being hilarious, edgy, and I wouldn’t be shocked if Piven gets some type of award for his role. View Trailer
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars in San Andreas, directed by Brad Peyton. Ray (Dwayne Johnson) is a rescue-helicopter pilot in Southern California who’s going through a recent divorce with wife Emma (Carla Gugino). A renowned rescuer, he’s recorded a record number of saves during his tenure and on this rare occasion asks for a day off to drive his daughter Blake (Alexandra Daddario) to her volleyball game. The one day he requests off would be the day the biggest natural disaster in California’s history begins to take shape. Paul Giamatti stars as Dr. Lawrence aka “the bearer of bad news” and delivers his message of imminent peril via the Media Department at Cal Tech. I’m originally from California and the first thought that came to mind was “over the top.” CGI is the name of the game apparently this year, and it, like auto-tune, doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Loads of CGI and over the top collapses, explosions, and ground movement make this film. Not explosions to the point you’d yell out “Michael Bay!” in a crowded room, but enough for you to notice. It’s a great film for 3D and it would be worth the few extra bucks to check it out in a Regal RPX-like setting (comfy chairs, premium sound, and don’t forget 3D). Prepare yourself for the CGI, just a fair warning.
After my heart finished the healing process after the Paul Walker send off in Furious 7, the last thing I needed to see was Will Yun Lee. Initially, I was excited because he wasn’t in Furious 7, just the ending scene. But he only lasted about 15 minutes so the nostalgia wore off quickly. Another sight for sore eyes was Kylie Minogue. But don’t get too excited, her presence is about as short as Lee’s. If you have never experienced an earthquake don’t take this too seriously. Also, if you’re focusing on the science of the movie, that wouldn’t help either. I think the appeal with disaster movies comes from how technology is used to tell the story. For example, in the 90’s we had the movie Twister show us what Hollywood could do with tornadoes given the technology of the time. Then late last year we had Into the Storm which was an updated Twister which boasted HD resolution and CGI. San Andreas will keep you watching as you’ll be itching to see what happens next. It’s the perfect natural disaster to pair with the element of surprise. San Andreas gets a 7.5 out of 10 for an action-packed thriller. It’s just under 2 hrs. and its PG-13, so you won’t have to worry about anything extreme taking place. View Trailer
Once I heard Southpaw was coming out and it starred Jake Gyllenhaal I immediately raised an eyebrow. My first thought: Why Jake Gyllenhaal? They couldn’t find anyone else? Then I read it was directed by Antoine Fuqua and hope was restored immediately. Almost like a confirmation was given: “Oh, well if Antoine Fuqua is ok with it then it must be good.” I would soon find out that not only was he (Gyllenhaal) a perfect fit for this role, but this is now my favorite Gyllenhaal film. What I love (and I think most viewers will too) is that this isn’t a typical ‘rags to riches’ boxing story. Billy Hope (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a championship boxer that’s on top of the world. With his wife Maureen (Rachel McAdams) and daughter Leila (Oona Laurence) it seemed like life was perfect. But the problem with Billy was two-fold: At 49-0 he was getting older and the severity of his injuries worsened the more he fought. He hits rock bottom after his wife is killed by someone in a rival boxer’s posse and his friend/ manager Jordan Mains (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson) leaves him for fighter after a poor performance. He has to sell everything he has to pay bills and ends up moving into a small apartment in a not so posh area of town. Billy and his wife Maureen grew up in an orphanage together. They fell in love and she supported him throughout his career. Sadly, the one thing he wanted to avoid (his daughter going through the system) eventually happened once he literally lost everything. He had to
humble himself and start from scratch while serving a boxing suspension. From World Boxing Champion to local gym custodian, that went the way of Billy Hope. At this gym he meets Tick Willis (Forest Whitaker) who was able to teach him life lessons and provide the occasional laugh as well. The main attraction in the film is Gyllenhaal, as he gives a memorable performance with quick quips of humor, deep emotional exchanges, and shows the many stages of feelings of one that has it all and loses it just that quickly. A rising star is the young Oona Laurence, who gave an excellent performance of a loving, innocent little girl to a daughter who feels betrayed and matures overnight. She’s another one to watch, along with the other 2 ladies on my watch list; Margot Robbie and Nathalie Emmanuel. I’ve enjoyed watching the growth of Curtis Jackson. I think he’s going to be typecast as a sneaky character with ulterior motives (like his character on Power) but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. His growth as an actor, I feel, is commensurate with the roles he’s been afforded. I’ve enjoyed watching him crossover from music artist to thespian and hope one day, he will reach Gyllenhaal acclaim. I normally leave a trailer with my reviews but I feel like they’re a bit misleading and makes the film look cliché riddled when it’s not. I confidently give Southpaw a 9 out of 10. The trio of Antoine Fuqua, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson hit a knockout with this film.
It’s been a staple in the lives of children all over the world. The only limit to what you can build is your imagination. A LEGO Brickumentary is a great look into LEGO’s humble beginnings, how it almost ceased to exist, and its triumphant comeback into homes and communities around the world.
A LEGO Brickumentary, directed by Kief Davidson and Daniel Junge, goes into great detail about how the LEGO brick phenomenon took place and gives great exposure to the Master Builders behind the scenes and the large community of users as well. LEGO was founded by Danish toy maker Ole Kirk Christiansen. He was a carpenter making wooden toys in 1932, but saw a future in making toys with hard plastic. After a tumultuous trial-and-error period which included multiple factory fires and copious designs, the classic six-peg brick we know today was born. The big appeal that came years later was in that of their sets. I can remember when I was six years-old, there were three sets that were popular: Town and City, Gas Station, and Pirates. I was able to get the gas station (which they were able to get licensing with Shell) and it was the greatest thing ever. With instructions simple enough for a child to understand, I was well on my way to building the greatest Shell Station known to man (because that’s what your imagination said you could go). But even in my personal experience, there are two lessons that came from this that linked to the documentary. LEGO exploded in popularity because of the sets like I had, but the exclusivity came with the licensing. My simple Shell Gas Station set was seen as paltry compared to the popularity of say, a Star Wars set (of any kind). With the licensing LEGO had, it was a forced to be reckoned with, but once the turn of the century hit (early 2000s), a new problem arose for them. After dominating the toy industry with a construction block for so long, the productivity and sales of the popular brick toy diminished. Let’s revert back to my personal experience above. I mentioned I had a licensed Shell Gas Station set with instructions simple enough to build on my own. Their new problem came with accelerated technology. People wanted to build with their imaginations and not with instructions. At this point they could either stay stiff-necked and let their company tank, or they could humbly receive customer feedback and suggestions from the LEGO community. You’re taken through this century-long exploration by an actual LEGO, voiced by Jason Bateman. You get to meet some very imaginative Master Builders, AFOLS (Adult Fans Of LEGGO), and stop motion filmmakers who use the popular bricks as the focus of their movies. A LEGO Brickumentary is a fun movie for kids and adults that dives into its rich history as much as it challenges your imagination. 8 out of 10. View Trailer
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL We were fortunate to send a two-person team to Cannes, France to cover the biggest film festival in the world. We dedicated an entire separate edition to this groundbreaking occasion! See the best of the red carpet, film reviews, and international stars! Tap the link below: Festival de Cannes Movie Reviews: Jon J.
MUSIC Emily’s D+ Evolution
On Friday night July 3, 2015 at Terminal West of The Kings Plow Art Center, a metamorphosis took place. This metamorphosis was only witnessed by the approximately 600 individuals that were fortunate enough to attend the sold out Esperanza Spalding concert. Many of those fortunate souls came to Terminal West expecting to see Esperanza Spalding, the jazz bass prodigy that has been wowing audiences since she burst on the scene, winning the best New Artist Grammy several years back (Sorry Bieber loyalists). For those that came expecting to see a show that consisted of straight ahead jazz, you may have been disappointed — but only for a little while. The jazz purists that may have attended hoping to see the performer that performed at the Cobb Energy Center of Performing Arts here in Atlanta a couple of years ago, were in for a shock; because a different artist performed on Friday night at Terminal West. Esperanza was in absentia, and Emily’s D + Evolution was in the house.
Who, you say is Emily’s D + Evolution? Actually, that’s still to be determined. Let’s call her Esperanza’s freed alter ego. She’s Mariah Carey’s Mimi. She’s Beyonce’s Sasha Fierce. Actually, I think Emily is Esperanza Spalding with all the weight of being Esperanza, removed. She’s Esperanza, minus the responsibility that goes along with managing and orchestrating a full 10 or 12 piece band. Friday night, it was just Esperanza / Emily on bass, accompanied by an extraordinary guitarist and drummer, and two vocalists. That’s it. But for those that attended the performance, and were concerned at seeing only three musicians on stage (like yours truly), and were asking themselves “where’s Leo? (Leo Genovese, Esperanza’s main stay on keyboards)” Our concerns were quickly addressed and put to rest. Because when I didn’t see a Leo Genovese or a Tia Fuller on sax, I began to think that perhaps tonight I may just be getting a dose of “Esperanza Lite”. Nothing could be further from the truth. What the audience got on Friday night, I feel, was a coming out party. I think this entire Emily’s D + Evolution tour has been Esperanza at her best. Unencumbered. Throughout the performance Emily seamlessly moved from her 4-string Fender jazz bass, to her 5-string fretless without missing a beat. She did what has always boggled my mind for a bassist to be able to do; she played those two basses, held down the pocket, soloed, and sang — and was masterful at all of them. Yes I know, Meshell (Ndegeocello) sings and plays, Sting sings and plays, Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, yadda yadda, but let’s face it, none of those artists are playing material with quite the complexity of what Emily is playing while they’re singing; so to compare them would be like comparing apples & oranges. Throughout the entire set as I canvassed the audience, all you saw were heads bobbing up and down; arms waving in the air in full satisfaction and approval of what they were experiencing. The person that I mentioned earlier that came expecting to see and experience the Esperanza of a few years ago was in for a surprise; but if he gave himself the chance to soak in the entire musical experience, he had to leave Terminal West — full. Satisfied. Quenched. It was a combination of jazz- meets fusion- meets Emily — and the concoction was tasty.
If you were fortunate enough to be around in the 70’s like I was, and witness artists like Miles or Hendrix, those guys never put on the same show twice. They were always evolving. They were never static. They were always reinventing themselves (think Hendrix “The Experience”, then think Hendrix “Band of Gypsies”; think Miles Davis “Kind of Blue”, then think Miles Davis “Bitches Brew” or “Tutu”) because their art was not static — it was a continuum. I think that’s what we’re witnessing with Esperanza / Emily. Now I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that her show included some stuff that I could have done without — the theatrics, the chanting, the poetry, didn’t enhance the experience for me. But at the end of the day, it was about the music. The music. That’s the common thread that made the evening swing. One of the best compliments I think a band leader can receive is to be told that their band was “tight”. You’d hear it a lot about James Brown’s band. Tight. You’d hear it about Luther Vandross’ band. Tight. Well, that’s what we attendees got on Friday night. The music was tight. The guitar. The drums. They were locked in so tight into the fabric of Emily’s bass, that you couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began — tight. Finally, I’d be remiss if I ended this review without commenting on the venue. Terminal West is an über cool place to catch a show. It was my first time in the venue, and I will go again. I got the feeling of the old smoke-filled jazz clubs of the 70’s — The Village Vanguard, Blues Alley, Keystone Corner, The Blue Note, etc. Small. Intimate. Great acoustics. Where you could be close enough to see the perspiration glistening on the performers face — that’s what I experienced at Terminal West on Friday night. If I had to choose between experiencing Esperanza having assigned seats at The Cobb Energy Center, or general admission at Terminal West (aka standing, and being 20 feet from the performer), that would be a no brainer for me. But to each his own. All said and done, it was a fantastic evening at a fantastic venue, experiencing a fantastic artist masterfully handling her craft. A solid 9 out of 10. -KJ
Vine Video
Atlanta Jazz Festival We are very fortunate in Atlanta to have one of the biggest free jazz festivals in the country. The Atlanta Jazz Festival is the best jazz festival in the Southeast not only because of what it delivers, but because of what it delivers for free. In its 38th year in existence, it has grown to become more than just a festival, it’s an experience. You can’t have the month of May in ATL without immediately thinking of the AJF. You know that once May 1 comes around, the 31 Days of Jazz begins. Once the 31 Days of Jazz takes place, you know that their Passport Program is soon to follow. Once you and your family and friends keep track of all the wonderful performances you attended via the Passport Program, Memorial Day Weekend will be staring you in the face. MDW = Atlanta Jazz Festival Weekend. The best alteration they’ve made to this day was starting the festival on Friday and ending it on Sunday (as opposed to starting Saturday and closing Monday). The best part about the close of the festival is that there are still days left in May to celebrate 31 Days of Jazz.
So as you can see, AJF is more than just a jazz festival during Memorial Day Weekend, the entire city gets behind the genre in support for the entire month. Imagine taking Marta to work in the mornings and bumping into a full jazz band at Five Points Station. Or walking past Centennial Park and hearing a Grammy-nominated jazz artist in the middle of the day. Or maybe you want to see the neighborhood whilst humming some great tunes? Try the first ever Jazz Crawl on Edgewood. These aren’t wishful scenarios, these have actually happened. The festival itself brings great established artists to Atlanta and is a great opportunity for up-and-comers and international artists to show their stuff.
Diane Schuur photo by Lani Garfield.
Each day, Friday through Sunday, gave artists the opportunity to showcase their musical prowess. The crowds are always a good mix between jazz purists and youthful enthusiasts, making for a good time and a grand social scene. The first day (Friday) is always a short one since AJF is conscious of it being a workday. The first set began at 7pm and the last one at 9pm featuring the headliner for that day Thundercat. One of the cool things about the festival format is that the “big bands” aren’t always the ones to closeout the night (like most festivals). With 3 stages to choose from you could see big-name artists all-day.
For example, on Saturday the headliner was Derrick Hodge at 9pm on the Main Stage. But we had to split up to see Otis Brown III at 7pm and others saw the Alfredo Rodriguez Trio at 7:30pm on the International Stage. Sunday proved to be the busiest day of them all and also the most fun. Everyone converged on Piedmont Park for the final day of this amazing 3-day festival. The heat was blazing that day but everyone we spoke to pretty much said the same thing: “We have to see Pharoah,” referring to the festival headliner Pharoah Sanders and his Quartet.
Headliner Pharoah Sanders
Another edition of the Atlanta Jazz Festival has come and gone and we’re already looking forward to next year! Be sure to follow them at AtlantaFestivals.com -KJ, EDB, and Jon J.
We ourselves had to split to catch all of the action, being stuck between wanting to see the local talent on the Local Stage, the international artists on the International Stage, and the more prominent names on the Main Stage. It was a good problem to have, having so much talent and good music to choose from. The Main Stage was a party all-day starting with the Navy Band Southeast VIP Protocol Combo and ending with Sander’s Quartet as mentioned above. Now in between all that, an extremely crowded Main Stage area was fortunate enough to experience A Tribute to Nina Simone featuring Kathleen Bertrand, Julie Dexter, Rhonda Thomas, and Terry Harper.
Boney James recently dropped his 15th CD entitled “Futuresoul”, and I must say, I think he’s got a winner on his hands. Futuresoul contains 10 original songs produced and written or co-written by Boney James. The CD contains some wonderful collaborations (as do most of Boney’s albums); featured on Futuresoul is the likes of Mint Condition’s front man Stokley on “Either Way,” as well as a wonderful cut entitled “Far From Home”, featuring rising-star trumpet player Marquis Hill (2014 winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition). Spoiler Alert: keep an eye out for the young Mr. Hill. Dwele also makes his presence felt on the title cut “Futuresoul”. James released his first album as a leader, “Trust”, in 1992 and he’s had the accelerator down ever since. Over the last 23 years Boney has racked up sales of more than 3 million records, four RIAA gold albums, four Grammy nominations, a Soul Train Award, nominations for two NAACP Image Awards and 10 CD’s atop Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. In 2009 Billboard magazine named him the #3 Contemporary Jazz
Artist of The Decade (trailing just Kenny G and Norah Jones). Boney, who started out playing clarinet, says that he feels his saxophone is an extension of himself – and it truly shows in this CD. Boney has played with the likes of Bobby Caldwell, Chaka Khan, Morris Day, The Isley Brothers, Randy Crawford, and Teena Marie, so he has been around the block and is extremely well-rounded. Early influences include Grover Washington, Jr., George Benson, and Herbie Hancock. Highlights of this latest project are the title cut ‘Futuresoul’ where Boney excels on tenor sax and Dwele is featured on keyboards as well as the songs’ co-producer. For a mesmerizing and soulful ride, ‘Fortuneteller’ is a cut that will take you on a magical voyage; it’s the only track on the CD that features Boney on his soprano sax – he handles his business. ‘Either Way’ features former Mint Condition front man Stokley on vocals; he hasn’t lost a beat since his days with the R&B group. Stokley’s vocals and Boney’s tenor sax are in perfect sync throughout the track. Perfect harmony. ‘Far From Home’ features young trumpet upstart Marquis Hill; Vinny Colaiuta joins him on drums, and Boney’s tenor with Alex Al’s bass make for some wonderful music. Additional cuts like ‘Vinyl’, ‘A Little Attitude’, and ‘Whatu Gon’ Do About It?’ makes for some wonderful “kickback with that special someone” kind of music. Futuresoul would be a welcome addition to your collection if you’re a long-time Boney James listener or if you’re just discovering this wonderfully gifted and talented musician.
-KJ
Exodus Festival
Las Vegas
The Canadians are coming! Exodus Music Festival started when a group of people crossed the cold Canadian border to the American desert of Las Vegas to let loose. It has since then become a traditional trip that takes place one weekend before Memorial Day to celebrate the Canadian Memorial holiday. Now, six years later here we are leaving the peach state to party with the Canadians! (No you do not have to be Canadian to go to this festival). One thing we adore about music festivals is the instant connection people make with each other. It’s all about the love of the music. There’s no judging, its “instalove” from hello. Everyone we met was so friendly and excited to be there. Vegas has a way of bringing together the most beautiful people from all over the world looking for a good time. Mix beautiful good people with even more amazing DJ’s and awesome music and you’ve got yourself an experience of a lifetime. The line up for this 5-day festival is ridiculous! And a VIP All Access Pass is extremely affordable as far as festivals go. Thursday was opening night at Hakkassan with the legendary Tiesto. Hakkassan is a staple venue in Vegas and the largest with 5 levels accessible by elevators. There seemed to be 10 different lines to get into the venue all with different requirements but thankfully we had the all access passes and didn’t have to wait. With the confetti blowing down from the ceiling, CO2 cannons cooling off the heat and the gorgeous bottle girls keeping the liquor flowing, it felt like it was our birthday. When Tiesto entered the DJ booth the crowd went crazy. The type of crazy you go when you want to show a legend respect by screaming at the top of your lungs. There was one guy in our section that we fell in love with. He danced non-stop and most of the night his eyes were closed while doing so. That’s how we know the music took over him. In his mind he was probably dancing in a whole other amazing world filled with beautiful colors and flavors.
The next day pretty much blended into the first considering we went to sleep at 7am. The Friday party at Drai’s Beach Club (pictured above) took place on top of the Cromwell Hotel. Bikini babes and washboard ab men filled the pool, cabanas, and jacuzzi. Day partying is probably our favorite thing to do. While we love to get dressed up, relaxing to Norman Cruz’s set in a bikini and barefoot without the pain of high heels sounds awesome! The view from the rooftop over Vegas was beautiful from the party. The night party was held at Omnia, a rather new addition to the strip. Walking into Omnia is like entering new unchartered land. The first thing you notice is the unbelievable 22,000 pound moving chandelier hanging from the ceilings. From all three levels of the club you can see the eight oval rings dance to the music. Armin Van Buren is such a fun DJ to watch. He is always having a great time and engages with the crowd. Actually, he engaged with the entire building this night with a Myo armband that controlled all the lighting and sound. Now that is what we call crowd control! Day Three’s Day Party was at Wet Republic in the MGM Hotel and Casino. Calvin Harris is a staple at any EDM music festival so a packed house, or pool we should say, was expected. WET REPUBLIC The pool parties are a nice time to regroup and get ready for the night to come. Tiesto has a two night residency at Hakkassan and it was interesting to see if his set would be any different from the first night. Like we said before, Vegas brings people from all over the world every night. This night was a whole new crowd and an even more exciting show. Considering he has played DJ for people all over the world it is awesome to be part of that experience. Sunday Funday! The fourth day of debauchery started with Disclosure at Daylight Day Club. They have an elevated stage so you are able to see the artists from anywhere in the pool, cabanas or bungalows. The two brothers from the UK graced the stage at sunset and kept the party going at level 10. Again, we think the pool parties are the most fun to bring in the summer. That night Zedd was at XS for the Sunday Night swim. Zedd has a catalogue of number one hits that seems to be endless. I mean adding Selena Gomez to your list of artists you’ve worked with has to mean something. Disney is where its at!
Exodus was awesome and has potential to keep growing even bigger. We recommend you have a pre-memorial party weekend next year with the Canadians. Just remember that what happens in Exodus Vegas‌. Ends up in the Peach Review! - YoAngie!
Photos: Exodus Fest & Tom Doms
Upcoming Concerts and Music Festivals ED SHEERAN
PILGRIMAGE
JANET JACKSON TOUR
MUSIC MIDTOWN
LUKE BRYAN
SPORTS The Atlanta Dream come into today’s game with a record (5-7) for the season thus far. While that’s dead last in the Eastern Conference, the East is wide-open for anyone to take. The first place Connecticut Sun sit with a (7-3) record, so any team could go on a 3 to 5 game win streak and snatch the top spot. The Dream starters included: Angel McCoughtry, Erika de Souza, Sydney Carter, Tiffany Hayes, and Cierra Burdick.
Angel McCoughtry bringing the ball downcourt
The lineup looks a bit different this season. Coach Cooper opted for a fresh look this go-round which featured newcomer Sydney Carter and Rookie Cierra Burdick. The lineup is solid and the Dream will have some tough opponents to face this season, as the East grew stronger after this year’s draft. The New York Liberty for example, drafted 3 solid rookies in Rebecca Allen, Brittany Boyd, and Kiah Stokes, and traded for former Chicago standout Epiphanny Prince.
It was a heavily contested match from the start. Both teams went back-and-forth on offense and defense. Turnovers were plentiful thanks to the part of solid defense, and whenever the Liberty scored, the Dream would respond immediately. Sierra Burdick had a great 1st Quarter racking up a team-high 10 points for the Dream. Swin Cash and Tina Charles were leading the charge for the NY Liberty combining for 10 points and an assist. Angel McCoughtry had a busy afternoon in the assist category. She had a team-high 4 assists in the 1st Half and contributed equally in scoring (having 8 points). It was a rough start for Center Erika de Souza. She had multiple chances under the rim but converted very few into points. She had a very impactful 5 rebounds but with her size, she could do better. The Dream confidently left the floor up 44-32 over the 2nd place NY Liberty to end the 1st Half. The 3rd Quarter couldn’t have begun worse for the Dream. Their 12 point lead was narrowed all the way down to 2 after the Liberty put on the pressure. Tina Charles willed her team back into contention with the help of Brittany Boyd and Epiphanny Prince. The roles were reversed in the 2nd Half for Angel and crew. Her assist numbers stalled and immediately started scoring. She went from 8 points in the 2nd Quarter to 27 midway through the 4th. Cierra Burdick couldn’t continue her dominance into the 2nd Half and didn’t score again (after leading the team with 10 points in the 1st Half).
Tiffany Hayes on the counterattack
Video Highlights
Watching the Dream gave me chilling flashbacks of watching Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball. They were a team with heart that didn’t have big names like other ACC teams (think Duke, Wake Forest, UNC). I wrote an article during their ACC Tournament adventure that mentioned half of their losses should’ve been wins because they lose by 5 points or less. The losses came from their inability to finish. That seems to be what’s plaguing the Dream. Atlanta came out strong and dominated every aspect of the game until the 4th Quarter. With 5:47 left in the game the Dream were now down 67-68 to the Liberty.
Dream All-Star Shoni Schimmel
-Jon J. Photo: Hakim Wright
The officiating wasn’t helping either, making an even tougher hill to climb. Tiffany Hayes had fouled out after catching 2 quick, questionable fouls in less than a minute. Missed opportunities began to plague their game and the girls were missing everything from easy lay-ups, free throws, and even a technical foul opportunity (Sugar Rodgers let her temper get the best of her). Just as momentum was starting to swing their way, Epiphanny Prince nailed a heartbreaking 3-pointer to make it a 1-point game. After a much-needed substitution, Sydney Carter hit a clutch jumper to take the Dream’s lead up to 4 points. Luckily our girls avoided disaster and came out with the win in front of a roaring crowd at Philips Arena. I hope this momentum lifts the girls against their next opponent the Phoenix Mercury. We’re still halfway through the season so they have time to get things together before playoff time.
USA Defender Fabian Johnson
In a sold out Georgia Dome, a confident USA side faced the speed and persistence of Jamaica. The Reggae Boyz came into the match confident as well, not only getting to this semifinal but riding the confidence of their Copa America performance against South America’s elite. The Yanks (short for Yankees) were putting the pressure on early, finding themselves in a great position multiple times in the first 20’ of the game. Jamaican Goalkeeper Andre Blake had his work cut out for him against this heavy offense. Jamaica had a great chance in the 26’ when Giles Barnes had a wide open shot within the penalty area but skied it over the crossbar. But Jamaica finally hit pay-dirt when Darren Mattocks headed in a beautiful ball on a bad defensive play by the USA. If their (U.S.) luck couldn’t get any worse, Brad Guzan was called for throwing the ball after he stepped out of the 17-yd box, which gave Jamaica a free kick just outside. That free kick led to a beautifully curled goal by Barnes to put the Reggae Boyz up 2-0 early. Clint Dempsey had a chance in the 44’ but Andre Blake made a quick slide to save the lowshot. The U.S. went into halftime slow and dejected after their 1st Half performance.
To start the 2nd Half the Red, White, and Blues came out blazing. Michael Bradley played clean up man scoring a goal off a Blake save in the 48’. Bradley single-handedly changed the momentum and things started to go in their favor. Bradley came again in the 56’ and nailed a 20-yd rocket off the right post, coming within inches of tying the game. Gyasi Zardes has his opportunity for glory in the 66’ but his sliding volley in the penalty area flew into the stands. The U.S. had their fair share of chances in the 2nd Half but they just couldn’t find a way to convert. Running out of ideas, the Yanks went for speed by bringing on DeAndre Yedlin. He came on and made an instant impact with his speed but continuously got fouled without any calls given. The calls weren’t going for the U.S. at all and on top of that, had a mere 4 minutes to get the tying goal or their Gold Cup hopes would end in reggae ruin. Jamaica held the ball in the corner and continued to milk the clock with “injuries” and substitutions. The odds were stacked beyond comprehension and sadly the U.S. lost. With this loss the U.S. will be in a one-game playoff for a spot in the Confederations Cup and will play in the 3rd Place Match on Saturday. Jamaica will face the winner of Mexico/Panama on Sunday in the Gold Cup Final.
-Jon J. and Esli Lara Photo: Anna Lira
70,000+ fans packed the Georgia Dome for the doubleheader
As Mexican fans came in from every end of the Georgia Dome, the second match of this doubleheader began tense. As if the first game didn’t end with enough drama with the upset of the tournament (Jamaica beating the USA), the entire first half was chippy. There’s physical play and then there’s cheap shots. It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly caused the uneasiness between the players but yellow cards were flying everywhere as well as players, legs, and tempers. There were few chances for either side but the half was overshadowed by controversy. Things continued to get chippy between players and Panama’s Luis Tejada was the next victim, getting thrown out of the match for a “supposed” elbow. Once red carded a furious Tejada spent the next 4 minutes arguing with the referee and both teams went after each other. Play stopped for around 11 minutes as chaos ensued and Tejada was unable to leave the pitch for being pelted with garbage. Sadly, this has become a common theme during the tournament. From corner kicks to penalty kicks and celebrations to ejections, fans have shown their anger and disdain by hurling trash onto the field towards players and CONCACAF has yet to address the issue. Finally, in a move of true class, Mexican Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa personally escorted Tejada off the pitch so he would be safe from debris. The 2nd Half began with El Tri focusing on possession. But after a few minutes things went back to getting chippy once again between the players. Jonathan Dos Santos had a great chance from a free kick but it went just wide. Panama scored their first goal from a corner kick and Panamanian fans erupted. Román Torres nailed a beautiful header into goal to give Panama the lead.
But again, the goal celebration was overshadowed by classless fans hurling debris on the players celebrating and also the players warming up on the backline (by the goal). With plenty of security on all sides nobody did anything. CONCACAF will have to address these atrocities or bad fans will not only make the confederation look bad, but our country as well (the main countries that have this problem are in Europe). Panama was playing so collectively you wouldn’t have known they were down a man. A short handed Panamanian side was giving Mexico everything they could handle. It was the same old story for El Tri: Loads of talent, zero goals. After beginning their Gold Cup campaign with a 6-0 win over Cuba, the Mexicans hit a snag in their play. Perhaps playing in front of the 70,511 fans in attendance was too much for them. Either way, there was no denying the tension, as tight as it was already, was still building and hadn’t topped off yet. After the 85’ Panama began milking the clock every available chance they had. Even with 5 minutes left to play, the Panamanians were playing with all the confidence in the world. It was clear that they didn’t fear El Tri. You could hardly tell they were short handed due to Mexico’s lack of creativity. Then in the 88’, another gift was given to Mexico on a handball which resulted in a penalty kick, which also led to chaos. The game was stopped for over 20 minutes due once again, to fans throwing trash on players, staff, and everyone else from Panama. When Coach Herrera tried to calm the fans down, they threw trash at him too. Things got out of hand and both benches cleared. It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a soccer match. It got to the point where some of us wondered if either team was going to stay to finish the game. Panama contemplated walking off multiple times but were pushed passed the brink and resorted to throwing trash back at heckling fans.
Andrés Guardado would be the one to take the kick for Mexico and tie the game 1-1. After the stoppage, the game was well past 90’ and regulation ended quickly. I’m starting to wonder what exactly it’s going to take to get FIFA/CONCACAF involved in this for player safety.
As if things couldn’t get any crazier in this game, 15 minutes into extra time and Mexico are given yet, another gift in a PK. Javier Orozco was taken down in the box, the call was questionable, but Guardado took the kick and the Dome erupted. With Mexico now up 2-1, fans of both sides were heavily into the game. But how did they celebrate? Trash was thrown at each other as opposed to on the field. It was clear this game needed to end quickly for everyone’s sake.
On a level of 1-10 the physicality of this game was on an 8. The players continued to test the referee’s restraint, with kicks, elbows, and shoving. It was very apparent both sides were tired, especially Panama. Panama had one last chance to try and level the game but the referee called the game early, causing panic on the Panamanian side. They rushed the field to approach the ref who backed off in fear and was then led off the field with a ten-man security team. A very dejected Panama coach with blood shot eyes told us post-match that “At the 88ʹ′ I deeply considered retiring from soccer. Not because of my players but I considered it. At the 88ʹ′ you can’t be serious.” He also stated it was because of his players he continued, and when they wanted to quit and walk off the field he persuaded them to play. Both coaches noted they had no problems with the other and that it wasn’t a Mexican problem or a Panamanian problem… (making a silent hint towards the confederation). Mexico will move on to play Jamaica in the 2015 Gold Cup Final. -Jon J. and Esli Lara Photo: Anna Lira
The Gold Cup Final took place in front a spectacular crowd with fans from Mexico, Jamaica and America. The attendance was the biggest in the state’s history (68,930). This is Mexico’s fifth time reaching the Gold Cup Finals while it was Jamaica’s first. The game started off well with both teams trying to keep possession and to get a feel for each other. Jamaica created the first chance by breaking down the left hand side in the 6th minute but Barnes was pulled down on the edge of the box (professional foul). The free kick resulted in a great cross in from Austin only needed someone to get a header on it and it would have gone in. A minute later Jamaica created yet another chance with two back-to-back crosses only needing someone to get on the end of them. First 10 mins Mexico’s defense is all over the place. Mexico was then able to set and broke down the left hand side after some scrappy play which resulted in a teasing cross. The play started with JA keeping possession and Mexico playing on the counter which seemed like the opposite way to start. Mexico created their first half chance but some good defending from Morgan allowed Jamaica to break up the play. Mexico began to see more of the ball mid-way through the second half but JA was patient in defense. Corona forced Jamaica’s keeper Blake into a great save where he got up higher than his marker for a wonderful header. Mexico continued to press in the 25 minute where Peralta’s shot was deflected wide. Soon as Jamaica started to find the ball again, Mexico broke down the left with Corona doing well to turn his man before chipping his shot over the bar. Mexico started to become more dangerous. Guardado scored a sublime volley following a lovely cross from the left hand side from Aguilar. Barnes was a constant threat and forced Ochoa into a good save off a header.
JA continued to press, breaking down the left which resulted in a teasing cross that McAnuff couldn’t get on the end of, just missed the post. The half ended with Mexico on the front foot. The Second half started in the same fashion; Mexico was on the front foot and grabbed a 2-0 lead from Corona who has stepped in well for Vela. He fought for the ball and slotted it home well. Fatigue kicked in and Mexico continued to outworked the Jamaicans and creating chances. Mexico went up 3-0 after another mistake from Hector who failed to clear and it fell right onto Peralta’s foot for the sitter. Guardado was then replaced in the 62nd minute to a standing ovation which was deserved. Darren Mattocks provided the spark the Jamaicans needed. He did well to cut inside his man and slotted one home in the corner. Mexico continued to dominate with the Jamaican players understandably tired. Here’s what Mattocks had to say after the game: “Great run, mixed feelings, hats off to Mexico. Shows we can compete and a step in the right direction. First time we went down after playing so well, it affect the mindset. We rep the Caribbean well and its something to build on.”
The score line was fair, Jamaica had their chances, but a quality team like Mexico was able to ride the wave in the first 20 minutes and did enough to win the game. Jamaica can hold their heads high and build for the up coming CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers.
-Mike Brown Photo: Hakim Wright
l e v a r T
On July 27, 2015 we found ourselves on our way to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. We (Atlanta) were fortunate to host the Gold Cup Semis this year and I was hoping we’d get to host an International Champions Cup (ICC) match, but sadly that didn’t happen. Washington D.C. gave us the perfect opportunity to see 2 of the world’s best football clubs in FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC and we got to explore the day after. For this trip we took Megabus from Atlanta to D.C. It’s an inexpensive, carefree alternative to dealing with airports and our preferred option for regional travel. Often times they have promotions for $1 fares to routes across America. Check and see if your city is on the list MEGABUS
Chelsea’s Diego Costa marking a Barca player on a set piece
It was an electric atmosphere at Fedex Field as Chelsea, the champions of England took on Barcelona, the champions of Europe. It didn’t take long for action on Chelsea’s side as Eden Hazard slotted one in the bottom corner with an assist from Kurt Zouma. Just 10’ mins. in the Pride of London found themselves ahead 1-0. Chelsea’s starting 11 looked like a roster for a regular season match. The only difference was Diego Costa was paired with Kenedy in the striker position. Barca’s roster was more relaxed, featuring more bench players with most of their starters on the bench. The fans would see their stars like Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets start, but others like Gerard Pique, Thomas Vermaelen, and Andres Iniesta were on the bench. After Hazard’s goal Barca picked up the pace a bit and earned 2 corners, putting Chelsea Keeper Thibaut Courtois to work. Back downfield Hazard earned a free kick which was calmly taken and hit the crossbar to a thunderous groan from the fans.
Sandro Ramirez launched a rocket from about 25-yds out which was quickly saved by the keeper. After Courtois cleared it, Diego Costa had a 1-v-1 with the keeper but couldn’t convert as his shot went just wide. It was a great match as both champions were bringing ferocious offense back and forth. Suarez found a great opportunity in the box but Courtois blocked it with a low diveright. Barca came again on the offensive after Rakitic caught a ricochet from a Courtois block but skied it into the stands. Even though Barcelona were using their B-squad, they were still pushing Chelsea’s backline with their offensive pace. The score at the Half was 1-0 Chelsea, but could have very easily been 2-2. In the 52’ Luis Suarez curled a shot from the center of the box following a corner kick. Later in the 66’ Sandro Ramirez slotted one in for Barca to take the lead for the first time 2-1. But Chelsea had a great response at a great cost, when Gary Cahill got a head to a sweet spot kick. The cost came on his way down he caught a knock (possibly a broken nose, it was bleeding) and had to be substituted. In stoppage time Barca saw their best chance when Iniesta had a sweet touch on a volley that went just wide of the post. After time expired both teams rested and stretched before preparing for the penalty shootout. -First up was Iniesta who made his shot -First for Chelsea was Falcao, who also made his attempt in the top corner. -In the second round Halilovic hit the crossbar for Barca’s first miss. -Victor Moses took a cheeky shot in one long step to beat Andre Ter Stegen. With Chelsea up a goal, Pique was next up for Barca and Courtois made a diving save to keep Chelsea in the match 3 goals to 1. Ramires was next up for Chelsea and nailed his attempt. Sandro Ramirez was up next and fired a rocket past Courtois. But with Chelsea up already all Remy needed to do was make his attempt which he nailed home. So Chelsea beat Barcelona with a final score of 3-2 (4-2 in penalty kicks). -Jon J. Photo: Anna Lira
Editor-in-Chief Jon Jones
Editor KJ
Beauty Contributor Keisha Campbell
Videography Malcolm “X” Lewis Johnny Hill
Music Contributions Lauren Brumley YoAngie! Caquias KJ Sports Esli Lara Mike Brown
Art/Graphics Bob Jeffreys Fashion Team Joy Larkins Keisha Campbell
We hope you enjoyed our Spring 2015 Issue, No. 13 of The Peach Review®. If you’d like to see more content (pictures/videos) or keep up-to-date on events around ATL you can:
Photography Hakim Wright Malcolm “X” Lewis Yoh Phillips Anna Lira Jonathan Davis Kent Foster Event Contributions Khaleah Evelyn Andrea Abril Erica “EDB” Bizzell Consultant Desmond McLennon Video Games Titus Rowell Alana Clarke
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