The Green Room: Private Opening of Atlanta's New Actor's Lounge

Upon entrance to the Buckhead/Atlanta venue, guests and celebrities arrived  to a rolled out “green” carpet event instead of the traditional red color always present, which was a tasteful touch. A vintage Rolls-Royce adorned the entrance as well, with a grand cavalcade of photographers to catch each guest's arrival.  


A recent article here on 11Alive News, mentions how Atlanta is now becoming a staple in the movie/filming community. Since 2009, we have filmed over 700 movies and films and been host to shows appearing on MTV, VH1, Bravo, Oxygen, and AMC.


The City of Atlanta is thrilled to see a new actor’s lounge that will cater to the unreserved talent that the city boasts. Actress, Terri J. Vaughn (Meet the Browns/Steve Harvey Show) and Multi-Media Personality, Rashan Ali, hosted a private invite only and  who’s-who soiree for Vaughn’s newest concept–The Green Room Actor’s Lounge.


This event will also benefit two nonprofit organizations:  Take Wings Foundation & Colored My Mind Global.


Politics and Pumps was able to brush “PUMPS” and elbows with some of the most revered and iconic individuals in Atlanta’s history. The Green Room is going to become another iconic feature of Atlanta, such as the Fox Theater.


The Green Room is revered as paying “homage to vintage Hollywood, and has a performance area, and unique romantic lighting–all in a relaxed atmosphere” states The Garner Circle PR. Atlanta’s own, Mayor Kasim Reed, delighted the evening by making a special presentation to the GL team.


11 Alive was able to catch up with Ms. Terri Vaughn herself and a host of other celebs and guests such as: Mel Jackson (Soul Food/Deliver Us from Eva); Jasmine Guy (A Different World); Lamman Rucker (Meet the Browns/Why Did I Get Married); Rodney Perry (The Mo’Nique Show); Kasim Reed (Mayor of Atlanta); Demetria McKinney (Meet the Browns); Chef G. Garvin (TV-One); Lisa Arrindell Anderson (Madea’s Family Reunion); Clifton Powell (The Brothers, Woman Thou Art Loosed); Soul for Real; Derek J (Celebrity Hairstylist); Lisa Wu Hartwell (Formerly of the Housewives of Atlanta); Chef Jason Ellis (Hell’s Kitchen); Tommy Ford (Martin); Derek Blanks (Celebrity Photographer); Angie Stone (Singer); Derek Anderson (Former NBA Athlete); Shannon Nash (Co-Owner of The Green Room Lounge); Kwanzaa Hall (Atlanta City Councilman); Roger Bobb (Bobbcat Films/Co-Owner of The Green Room Lounge); Malinda Williams (Soul Food/Daddy’s Little Girls); and music guests Anthony David; Alexa Lieberman; Nicci Gilbert (formerly of Brownstone); and Soul for Real…


This event really was a star-studded affair to remember, even the high-heeled pumps made grand appearances well into the night…


*Special thanks to: The Garner Circle, Jose Cuervo Platino,Chef Jason Ellis (Hell’s Kitchen), Martini Moscato, Peroni, Carol’s Daughter and RPM Motorsports of Atlanta


The photos are courtesy of Politics and Pumps photography intern, Chuck Obaze, and Moses Robinson of OPM Photo.

Getting The Full Marge Simpson: Oxygen Brings Back 'Hair Battle Spectacular'

I told you about Hair Battle Spectacular almost exactly a year ago, and when I look back at that piece now, I realize that it's ... just about exactly what I want to say to you about Hair Battle Spectacular today. I would stand by the observation: "If every single week, Top Chef were about making marzipan statues of various presidents of the United States and then sculpting their pets from cheese, it would approach the ridiculousness of Hair Battle Spectacular."

What makes HBS kind of great, though, is that nobody is pretending they care about things that are "wearable." You can't wear the hair that people design on this "fantasy hair" competition, unless you're wearing it in a very dark room full of people you will never, ever see again. Or you're Marge Simpson. This is the hair that taste forgot. This is the hair that makes Lady Gaga say, "You know, less might be more after all."

In the premiere, there are two challenges: one requires the contestants to create a three-foot-high hairdo based on a celebrity tweet (are you loving it yet?), and the other requires them to create an homage to their "celebrity crush." Along the way, you will see lips made of hair, turntables made of hair, and somebody who has taken the brave stance that this — this, right here — this is the hair that means "J.Lo."

Oxygen, 10:00 p.m. Be there or be able to walk through a doorway without ducking.

By Linda Holmes courtesy of NPR

DEREK J WHIPS YOUR HAIR IN TO SHAPE! TOP 7 SUMMER-TO-FALL TIPS FROM HAIR BATTLE SPECTACULAR STAR!

There are all kinds of hair experts on television these days, but not many who have the versatility and know-how of Derek J. After becoming a household name via Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta, the veteran stylist was recruited as co-host/judge of Oxygen’s Hair Battle Spectacular. The reality show contest kicks off its second season August 15, 2011 with America’s Next Top Model cycle three winner Eva Marcille and snarky stylist Taylor Jacobson from The Rachel Zoe Project joining the cast.


Having participated in hair battles himself for years, Derek J brings his expertise in extreme hair to the very intense bouts on Hair Battle Spectacular. Whether he’s filming a show, creating new hair products, or working out a creative ‘do in his famed Atlanta shop The J Spot, Derek still finds time to give good advice on keeping those tresses fresh.


We recently brushed up on tips to transition our hair from hot Summer to breezy Fall with the King of Coiffure! Read on as Derek J takes the wheel…


1. Condition! In the summer you want to keep your hair well conditioned. The sun can be damaging to the hair, so keeping your hair clean and conditioned on a weekly or bi-weekly plan will ensure you healthy hair through the summer.


2. Weave and let weave. If you don’t have time to do your hair, weave it up! A good weave – be it curly or straight – can save the day in the summer. It allows you to be fabulous all the time.


3. Wet it to protect it. If you are a swimmer in the summertime, make sure you wet your hair with regular tap water first. By wetting you hair first, it swells the cuticle which cuts down the amount of chlorine to enter the hair.


4. Trim time! After the summer is over and your hair has taken a beating, don’t be afraid to get a haircut. Clean lines on any haircut will make damaged hair have a neater look.


5. Go to the dark side. Going into the Fall you should darken your hair color. Darker, richer hair color can camouflage any damaged hair from the summer color.


6. Keep it cool! During the summer try to limit the amount of heat being put on the hair. Roller-sets work great in hot weather, and it will also camouflage any new growth or swelling at the root.


7. Color or relaxer – pick one. You have to make a choice between a relaxer or color, because having two chemical services on the head can cause damage.

Fashion Forward/Fashion Pause: Derek J. from Hair Battle Spectacular

Hairstylist and Atlanta queen, Derek J. took a moment to pose for the camera for theHair Battle Spectacular season 2 premiere last night in New York. We could all easily focus on Eva (who is also hosting the show this year) but I’d rather discuss why it is that Derek J’s legs can look like that in those shorts and mine can’t.

Hair Battle Fantasy with Eva Marcille and Derek J

Hosted by actor and fashion model Eva Marcille, the new season of Hair Battle Spectacular pits 11 of America’s hottest stylists against one another to see who can deliver the biggest and best in fantasy hair design.

Premiering on Monday, August 15 on Oxygen, Hair Battle Spectacular gives fans part sculpture and part pop art, with fantasy hair as part of mainstream pop culture through icons such as Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna. Each challenge on Hair Battle Spectacular requires contestants to create outrageous coifs that resemble everything from Hollywood stars to hounds and handbags. The stylists then enter the ring to bring the drama and present their hair creations in a high-octane and stylized performance.
With Hair Battle Spectacular back on the airwaves, TheDeadbolt got a fantasy hair lesson from host Eva Marcille and Hair Battle judge and award-winning fantasy hair designer Derek J for the new season on Oxygen.


For interview …click the title of Post

Natalie Nunn, Lindsay Albanese Derek J Hair Battle Spectacular 2