Limpert Tech on iHeartRadio: Dr. Fahamu Pecou, Founder of African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA)

A great art exhibit in Atlanta and more on this special segment.

Great to talk with Dr. Pecou!

Since 2002, Nando’s teamed up with the Spier Arts Trust in South Africa to catalyze and empower over 350 artists from our homeland. Together, we run a ton of exciting artist initiatives that honor our Southern African roots and make a lasting investment in their creative communities.

Have a listen:

All our artist initiatives are made to fire up the creative lives of the Southern African artists we partner with and give our customers something one-of-a-kind to feast their eyes on! We’re trying hard to play a part in helping emerging creatives forge a lasting, stable career in the arts whilst giving their brilliant creations a global platform. So come to Nando’s, take in the view!

Atlantans won’t want to miss the chance to visit an exhibition curated from the Nando’s art collection, one of the largest, and most in-depth of Southern African contemporary masterworks. Curated by Laurie Ann Farrell, and in partnership with the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA), “If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future” has received strong critical acclaim.

Located in the Pittsburgh community, a historically Black Atlanta neighborhood, ADAMA is  an innovative museum  that amplifies the art and culture of the diaspora through  immersive experiences, cultivating shared learning, and facilitating meaningful points of connection.

Opening ahead of the third iteration of Atlanta Art Week on Friday, September 20th, the exhibition is open to the public at no cost and runs through Saturday, November 2nd.

“Securing a world-class collection from Nando’s is another testament to the mission of ADAMA of making art accessible and Atlanta’s position as a cultural capital,” said Dr. Fahamu Pecou, founder of ADAMA. “With this exhibition, the influence of the African diaspora will be felt through the quality and variety of artmaking from the best contemporary artists in the world.”

The selection of work is drawn from the collection’s strengths in portraiture, landscape, cityscapes and abstraction.

Several of the featured artists have received recent accolades.

Zanele Muholi is a ground-breaking Black queer photographer with a current survey on display at the Tate Modern in London.

Represented by the Stevenson Gallery in South Africa and David Zwirner in New York City and London, Portia Zvahera is a rising star that was recently featured at the 59th Venice Biennale.

Known for transforming drawings into sculpture, film and operas, William Kentridge has two works in the exhibition.

Profiled by CNN, Mbongeni Buthelizi known for his innovative work created from melted plastic is an artist activist who collects and repurposes litter into breathtaking portraits.

Artists Sam Nhlengethwa, Diane Victor, and Buthelizi, will be traveling to Atlanta from South Africa to participate in open-to-the-public conversations.

Curating an exhibition from a collection built over two decades was an idea that came to life from the late philanthropist and businessman, Dick Enthoven, who tapped his longtime friend Farrell to be the curator. One of the most important curators working to offer visibility to artists from Africa and the African Diaspora to the United States for more than 20 years; Farrell served as a curator of contemporary art at The Africa Center (formerly known as The Museum of African Art) in New York City, an executive director at Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), and curator and head of modern and contemporary art at the Detroit Institute of Art. Farrell was also the lead curator on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium art collection while at SCAD.

Farrell was named curator of the year by D Magazine (2023) for the quality and scope of the exhibition at the African American Museum, Dallas.

“It’s quite meaningful to be able to curate an exhibit from such an exemplary collection and bring an impressive range of talent from the African continent to Atlanta,” said Farrell, “Our hope is that all who visit will experience the universal themes of humanity, love, loss and hope for a better future as illustrated by the artworks.”

Home to the legendary South-African flamed-grilled PERi-PERi chicken and PERi-PERi sauces, the first Nando’s location in Greater Atlanta recently opened in the Perimeter area within the High Street entertainment district. Later in the year, a 3,500-square-foot location will open at the Forum at Peachtree Corners.

“As a proudly African brand establishing itself in Atlanta, we consider the African Diaspora Museum of Atlanta to be the perfect canvas for world-class expressions of the modern Southern African lived experience,” said Sepanta Bagherpour, Chief Brand Officer of Nando’s North America.

If You Look Hard Enough, You Can See Our Future
Runs through November 2
African Diaspora Art Museum of
Thursday – Saturday: Noon – 5 p.m.

About the Nando’s Art Collection
Through the vision of the late South African businessman Dick Enthoven, Nando’s started collecting art in partnership with arts consultancy Spier Arts Trust in 2004 and has since become owner of one of the world’s largest collections of Southern African contemporary art and design. The collection is uniquely displayed in Nando’s restaurants globally, creating bespoke settings, providing access to millions of people, many of whom will never visit an art gallery, or museum. Visitors to Nando’s custom-designed restaurants also have the opportunity to see firsthand permanent artwork from the 27,000+ piece collection that is featured prominently at each location.

About African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA)
The  African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA) showcases the diversity, creativity and innovation of the African diaspora. Through immersive experiences, cultivating shared learning and facilitating meaningful points of contact, we amplify the diverse voices of our global community. We recognize the boundlessness of African diaspora cultural expression and invite audiences to discover why ‘Every Where We Go, There We Are’.

AJC article on Nando’s opening their first ATL restaurant:
https://www.ajc.com/food-and-dining/chicken-chain-nandos-entering-atlanta-market-with-two-planned-locations/IQCRUSQXYZGBHIGHOS5N265BOM/

Social handles for tagging/amplification:

Nando’s USA:  https://www.instagram.com/nandosusa/?hl=en

ADAMA:  https://www.instagram.com/adama_atl/?hl=en

Dr. Pecou:  https://www.instagram.com/fahamupecou/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/fahamupecou/?hl=en

Background on Dr. Pecou and connection to Nando’s/exhibition:  Dr. Fahamu Pecou, an acclaimed artist and scholar, is doing something transformative for Atlanta’s Black community through  the African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta (ADAMA). Located in the heart of the historically Black Pittsburgh neighborhood inside Pittsburgh Yards. ADAMA is more than a museum—it’s a beacon of culture, connection, and revitalization for the area.

Dr.  Pecou has had a storied art career that spans the globe, but his passion is right here at home, encouraging the community to embrace the rich culture and history of the diaspora.

Dr. Pecou was instrumental in bringing  Nando’s art collection  to ADAMA, which is now open and free to the public. The exhibition,  *If You Look Hard Enough,  You Can See Our Future*,  demonstrates the power of blending arts, culture, history, and business.

Limpert Tech on iHeartRadio: Paige Watts, Atlanta Author and ‘What’s With Atlanta?’

Rick talks with Atlanta author and author of the new book: What’s With Atlanta?

Paige Watts

Why is every street in Atlanta named “Peachtree”? What do Atlantans mean when they say “Inside the Perimeter” or “Outside the Perimeter”? Why can’t Atlanta handle a little snow? Why do locals hate it when you call it “Hotlanta”? These and many of your other burning questions about life in Atlanta make up What’s With Atlanta?, a guide to some of the most unique aspects of Georgia’s capital city.

Author Paige Watts dives deep into the history and culture of Atlanta, from its beginnings as a railroad hub to its status as “Hollywood of the South.” Atlanta is full of one-of-a-kind attractions, unique festivals and traditions, architectural marvels, and a mix of Southern comfort food and international cuisines that make it a city unlike any other.

Want to know how Atlanta became the home of the Braves or what part fried chicken played in the Civil Rights Movement? This book will satisfy your curiosity about all the little things that make Atlanta tick and all the big events that shaped the city’s history. Whether you’re a local or are just passing through, a tourist or a life-long resident, this entertaining guide will answer all these questions and more.

Seasoned travel writer and Atlanta local Paige Watts has spent a decade writing about all things travel. She chronicles her journeys on her blog, PaigeMindsTheGap.com, where she highlights the joys of visiting Southern destinations. In addition to her blog, Paige has written for a number of online and print publications, including the Culture Trip, Matador Network, Epicure & Culture, MSN, and Travel the South. She received a double Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Evansville in Creative Writing and Literature, with a minor in International Studies.

Here’s some talking points from the book:

Atlanta has over 70 streets with “Peachtree” in the name.

Atlanta was founded as the end of a train line, which is where it got its original name Terminus.

Atlanta is a haven of street art with over 200 murals.

Atlanta Pride started as a 100-person rally and has grown to a massive month-long celebration in October.

The Fox Theatre was originally built in the 1920s as the headquarters for Atlanta’s Shriners organization.

Atlanta is at the center of Georgia’s film industry, earning it the nickname “Hollywood of the South” – In 2016, there were more major films made in Georgia than in California.

Buford Highway has more than 1,000 immigrant-owned businesses, more than 100 of which are restaurants.

The Big Chicken, Marietta’s beloved landmark, is so distinct that pilots use the building as a reference point when landing.

The Braves are the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in the country.

Atlanta has the largest concentration of colleges and universities in the South.

Limpert Tech on iHeartRadio 7/27/23 - Kristen Nuss, Taryn Kloth AVP Beach Volleyball Returns to Atlanta

Great to be joined leading into the weekend by AVP Beach Volleyball pros, Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth.

It's also the 40th year of the AVP.

Rick is joined here by Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth.
Instagram:
@kristen_nuss
@Tkloth10

Have a listen:

Instagram: @avpbeach

Link: www.AVP.com

Tournament name is AVP Gold Series Atlanta Open

Tournament dates/hours:
Friday, August 4 – 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Saturday, August 5 – Noon-10 p.m.
Sunday, August 6 – 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

This is the third straight year that the AVP has come to Atlanta and played at Atlantic Station

Tickets are available here: https://avp.lyte.com/3706973/party/tickets/5770

Note that general admission starts at $25 and there are a number of upgraded options available, as well as package deals for multiple days.

The field of expected players is here, with a tab for women and a tab for men: https://avp.com/event/gold-series-atlanta-open/2023-atlanta-gold-series/

16 women’s teams and 16 men’s teams playing for a purse of $300,000 total

Taryn and Kristen are expected to be the second seeds in the women’s bracket

The first seeds will be Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes. Third will be Terese Cannon and Sarah Sponcil. All three are battling for two spots in the Olympics next year. (To be clear, AVP events don’t count toward Olympic qualification, but they still battle each other and learn about each others’ games so when they face each other in international events, it helps them).

We talk about the Olympic qualifying process.

Taryn and Kristen are 2021 LSU graduates and were standouts on the Tigers’ beach volleyball team. Taryn was also a highly successful indoor player at Creighton.

They won the 2021 Atlanta Open in their first tournament on the AVP, beating Kelly Cheng and Sarah Sponcil (who had just played together in the Olympics) in the women’s final.

Last year, they won three of the seven tournaments they played on the AVP – Austin, Chicago and Phoenix

This year, they have played in two AVP events and reached the semifinals in both.

On the international tour, they won twice last year and have won twice so far this year.

Limpert Tech on iHeartRadio 6/17/23 - Kimberly Beaudin, College Football Hall of Fame

As the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta gets ready to celebrate 10 years, Rick talks with the CEO, Kimberly Beaudin. Great insight and inside look at the Hall with Kimberly.

The College Football Hall of Fame was established by the National Football Foundation in 1951.

The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, which opened on Aug. 23, 2014, is a 94,256-square-foot attraction located in the heart of Atlanta’s sports, entertainment and tourism district.

When the 2022 Hall of Fame Class is officially inducted in December, only 1,056 players and 226 coaches will have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame from the nearly 5.54 million who have played or coached the game over the past 152 years. In other words, only two one-hundredths of a percent (.02%) of those who have played the game have earned the distinction.

Inaugural Hall of Fame Class in 1951 included 32 players and 22 coaches, including notables Red Grange (Illinois), George Gipp (Notre Dame), Knute Rockne(Notre Dame), Amos Alonzo Stagg (as a coach and player) and Jim Thorpe (Carlisle [PA]).

317 schools are represented with at least one College Football Hall of Fame player or coach.

The College Football Hall of Fame Class is officially inducted each December during the NFF Annual Awards Dinner Presented by Las Vegas.

The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame opened its doors in Atlanta on Aug. 23, 2014. Redefining the concept of a traditional museum with cutting-edge technology, the building has drawn universal praise for creating a venue that rises to the occasion of paying tribute to the game’s greatest legends while engaging fans with a unique range of compelling exhibits.

“We knew that downtown Atlanta offered the perfect setting for the Hall, and the city, as well as people from all over the country, have embraced our home in Atlanta as a major epicenter for college football,” said Archie Manning, the chairman of the NFF, which launched the Hall in 1951 and partnered with the city of Atlanta to raise the money and open the Hall in 2014. “We knew we had something special in the proposal and planning stages, and it has been even better in reality.”

The Hall, built at a cost of approximately $68.5 million, measures 94,256 square feet, including 50,000 square feet of exhibit space and a 45-yard indoor football field. The attraction offers a total “Fan Experience” matching traditional, museum-quality memorabilia with interactive, multimedia exhibits that invite fans and visitors to engage with their favorite college football team or Hall of Famer.

Fans are given an RFID-enabled All-Access Pass as they enter the building and are immediately greeted by the three-story helmet wall representing all 771 U.S. colleges and universities with football teams. When fans register their RFID All-Access Pass, their school’s helmet actually lights up. As fans explore the rest of the building, the RFID badge continues to pull and display information about their school throughout their tour.

The Hall has been a prime space for private events in Atlanta, hosting more than 250 annually. Visit cfbhall.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on ALT 105.7 and iHeartRadio 2/6/21 - Amy Lyle on Her TED Talk

Rick is joined by Atlanta area author and comedian Amy Lyle, this week.

Her TEDxBeaconStreet talk, “Finding the Funny in the Crummy,” has struck a chord with audiences nationwide and netted rave reviews from the Tedx community. Lyle’s topic, “connective humor,” draws on material from many studies that confirm the importance of connection and the capacity of humor to lighten our journeys and strengthen our lives.

Have a listen:

A particularly compelling piece of research is a study of 50 prisoners of war who used humor to survive the almost-unendurable conditions they faced, and keep their sanity both during and after their incarceration. See how Amy weaves this into her talk.

“Amy Lyle, through her brilliant exploration of connective humor, quickly establishes a bond with audiences that allows them to relax, laugh, and learn,” said Eric Reid of The Success Coaching System and Tedx coach. “Most importantly, Amy reminds us how to connect through our commonality, that we are all slightly flawed beings and it is our flaws that allow us to learn and laugh and connect with each other at the deepest level. Amy is a humorist in the truest sense of the word.”

Amy calls it “connected humor.”

This talk shows how Amy has honed her ability to appreciate the many instances of the absurd, the ironic, and the ridiculous that life offers up each day. By choosing to acknowledge the insanity and share the laughter, she connects with people over those things many of us would rather not talk about.

Watch Amy’s talk:

YouTube here.

Tedx site here.

Lyle has written two best-selling books, The Amy Binegar-Kimmes-Lyle Book of Failures and We’re All a Mess, It’s Okay. In addition, she performs stand-up comedy in Atlanta venues (including Punchline), has been featured on NPR’s On Second Thought and the television show Atlanta and Company, and cohosts a biweekly talk show, In the Burbs.