By Karen Larde

March 15, 2007


Atlanta, Georgia - Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium was the place to be Sunday evening for the 2nd annual Don’t Stop The Music gala created by mega producer Dallas Austin.

The tickets went for $1000 a plate and managed to bring out several celebrities, socialites and the alike. Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin, and others, stormed the red carpet in fabulous tuxedos and form
fitting gowns.

The red carpet entranceway greeted each guest as they emerged from chauffeur driven cars. Though many were supportive of the cause held in the aquarium’s 16,400 square foot Oceans Ballroom, they also came to see performances by legendary singer Al Green and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. In support of the Dallas Austin Foundation’s efforts to put music back into Atlanta public schools by establishing recording studios in the schools, the evening got under way with comedic antics by Orlando Jones, who was master of ceremonies. The mistress of ceremonies was actress Gabrielle Union. Guests mingled while being treated to a scrumptious meal, lots of champagne and plenty of laughs. The ambience in the ballroom was mesmerizing and the backdrop provided a serene and breathtaking view of aquatic life. Lights in cool blues, warm reds and soothing greens danced around the room.

Austin’s success began with the boy group Boyz to Men and quickly shifted into high gear when he took home a Grammy award for the female group TLC’s album Crazy, Sexy, Cool. At the fundraiser, he was all over the place entertaining media and his high profile invitees. Thanks to his foundation, he is helping to pave the pathway for the next generation of singers, sound technicians and producers to make their mark in the musical world. When asked what about recording studios in the schools outside of the Atlanta area, Austin non-hesitantly stated, “I’ll put one there”.