Last night, The June edition of ATL Live on the Park was a special celebration of perseverance, strength and love as Shanti “SHOESTRING” Das celebrated 25 years in the entertainment industry. Hosted by Das friends and family, the evening included special performances by emerging and seasoned artists Benjamin Brim, The YRS, and Pepsi’s Artist of the Month, Vivian Green. The night concluded with surprise performances by hip hop legends Too Short and Kwame. The June edition of ATL Live on the Park was sponsored by Gentleman Jack, Pepsi, ChooseATL, MAJIC 107.5 and Boom 102.9 and co-produced by Shanti Das and Marlon Nichols.
Before the evening started, event host Ed Lover paid a tribute to Muhammad Ali and the victims of the Orlando mass shooting with a moment of silence. Soon after, new artists Benjamin Brim and The YRS opened the show. The YRS was immediately coined as the next big ‘Boy Band’ as their vocals were reminiscent to band group One Direction. This was also the group’s debut performance to a live crowd.
Following their performance, Shanti’s closest friends, clients and music family including Usher, Donell Jones, T.I., Big Boi and Andre 3000 of Outkast, Sway Calloway and more paid homage to Das for her 25 years in the entertainment industry. After the video presentation, event hosts Devyne Stephens, Kawan ‘KP’ Prather, Dee Dee Hibbler, Phillana Williams, DJ Eddie F, Councilmembers Ceasar C. Mitchell and Kwanza Hall presented Das with an award commemorating her success in the industry. The group accredited Das as the driving force behind establishing the hip hop industry in the south.
Video | Entertainment’s Music Family Pay Homage to Shanti Das on 25 years in the Entertainment Business video:
Immediately following the presentation, the Pepsi Artist of the Month, Vivian Green, set the stage on fire with a beautiful opening performance of Fanatic. Known for her vocals, Green wowed the crowd with a performance of her newest singles, Work and Get Right Back To My Baby. During her performance Green paused to pay tribute to Shanti Das for her assistance in launching her career. “Shanti was the product manager for my first two albums…She was there for me at my first photo shoot. Shanti took care of me and made sure no one took advantage of me… so thank you.” Following the heartfelt thanks, Green performed fan favorites Emotional Rollercoaster and Gotta Go Gotta Leave.
Rapper and longtime friend to Das, Too Short surprised the audience with a performance of old school hits, Blow the Whistle and Shake that Monkey. Just when guest thought the event was over, Rapper Kwame closed the show with a performance of Only You.
Video | Too Short performs ‘Blow the Whistle’ and ‘Shake that Monkey’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2gJPRpq9g8
Video | Kwame performs ‘Only You’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o9CJOsWz9g
Notables guest in attendance of last night’s performances included, but were not limited to: Dee Dee Hibbert, Devyne Stephens, DJ Eddie F, Phillana Williams, Dorien Wilson, Kwame Holland, Vivian Green, Kawan “KP” Prather, Judge Terrinee Gundy, Catherine Brown, Terri J. Vaughn, Kirk Frost, Sharliss Asbury, Juan Farmer, Karyn Greer, Hiram Hicks, Lynn Anne-Huck, Councilman Ceasar C. Mitchell, Deanna Hamilton, Aiyisha Obafemi, Big Gipp, Chaka Zula, Jeff Dixon, Shante Paige, Bone Crusher, Too Short, Ian Burke, Crystal Betts, Cannon Kent, J. Carter, Nicole Garner, Bryon Wright, Dina Marto, Greg Street, Donald Woodard, Randall Dunn, Chrystale Wilson, Vince Phillips, Lil John Roberts, Lisa Nelson, DJ Nabs, Solomon Fornie, Ray Daniels, Christal Jordan, Nick Nelson and Taiye Samual.
The season continues with the July edition of ATL Live on the Park on Tuesday, July 12, 2016. The official line up will be released next month. The July edition will include American soul singer and actress on FOX hit television series Empire, V. Bozeman.
