Commercial and Residential Locksmiths in Johns Creek

ATLANTA — There's a place in Atlanta where musicians can learn to play the bamboo flute, the guzheng, and even the erhu.

These instruments in the western world are known as the flute, 21-string Chinese plucked zither, and a Chinese violin, respectively.

Yao Lu, who owns the Magic Eastern Music Studio and leads its performing ensemble, said that's the beauty of sharing her culture through music.

"So actually, we try to make it (diverse)," Lu said.

Lu, along with other musicians and students, learned how to play conventional Chinese and East Asian songs with a creative edge.

"We play traditional instruments but we want to make the music not be too traditional," she said.

A master at the bamboo flute and the 21-string guzheng, she accomplishes this by adding western influences, including jazz and pop influences and electronic elements that fuse with older East Asian sounds. It's to help connect the growing and vast Asian audience that exists in Georgia.

"I think the Asian community is growing in the metro Atlanta area," Cindy Fang, a musician with Lu's Magic Eastern Ensemble said.

Fang, who has lived in Georgia for 10 years, started with the studio when she was young. The ensemble was founded in 2018 and the studio started a few years beforehand. Both musicians said the studio has gained new prominence as Georgia's Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community continues to grow its presence.

With new organizations helping to bring the community together in culture and education, Fang said the ensemble stands out.

PHOTOS | Magic Eastern Ensemble

"We try to rebrand this kind of old, ancient, traditional music and we invite other communities and invite other ethnicities to listen to our music," she said.

Fang plays the shaoqin erhu, an instrument that resembles what's known as the traditional two-string Chinese violin with an electronic gadget. It is believed that Fang is the only shaoqin erhu player in Georgia.

She says the instrument helps the ensemble broaden its sound and attract new listeners.

"We're trying to (bridge) this kind of Asian, AAPI community with larger audiences," Fang said. "You can use the instruments to make it more diverse, (add more) music elements."

They've worked to get their music in front of more people which has translated into a fully booked Lunar New Year.

"I think she's pretty packed with all of the performances," Fang said of Lu.

The 15-day celebration kicks off on Jan. 22, when families ring in the Year of the Rabbit. Even before the celebration officially starts, Lu is visiting schools, and colleges representing her nonprofit, while also getting the ensemble performance-ready to play at festivals across Georgia.

"For me, doing the celebration is just doing my job, (playing) the instrument," Lu said about Lunar New Year. "I feel so happy because I like it."

Lu joked besides playing Lunar New Year shows, she also enjoys eating holiday food.

And the music won't stop once the holiday is over.

Later this year, they will have a concert at Aurora Theater in June and anticipate playing a gala in December.

They said keeping busy isn't a bad thing -- it's all part of bringing the cultural community together and giving people new music to appreciate.

"This is my favorite thing in my life," Lu said. "Just playing my instruments."

Lu is currently working on a new website that will soon be released. In the meantime, people who would like to learn more about the ensemble or the studio can visit Magic Eastern Music Studio on Facebook. Anyone who wants to learn is welcome to join.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Last year, the City of Johns Creek installed a fence at Macedonia Cemetery to enclose the site’s known graves. But Kirk Canaday, Johns Creek Historical Society member, knows there are more.

“The first and earliest graves were near the [original] church,” Canaday said.

There were two churches on the property. Canaday said the original church was burned, and then a second, made of cinderblocks, was vandalized and torn down by Fulton County around 2001.

At a Jan. 9 meeting, Canaday urged Johns Creek City Manager Ed Densmore to clear ground of trees and seek services for ground penetrating radar to find additional graves. The meeting was the first to include family members of those buried at Macedonia.

Sabrina Aquell, who attended the meeting, has several family members buried at the cemetery. Aquell is related to Reuben Chandler, who has the earliest grave marker (1848-1893). She is also related to many of the Ousleys buried at the cemetery. Through stories passed down to her, Aquell said she has a strong connection to her grandfather, Sam Jones, who is buried there as well.

“Someone besides me, and families, [are] interested in my ancestors,” Aquell said. “It’s very important.”

Madyun Shahid, a descendent of April Waters — one of the few marked and documented burials on site — helped coordinate the meeting, which sought feedback from engineering consultant Eric Nelson and geophysicist Rauf Hussein.

Several factors affect the efficacy of ground penetrating radar, Hussein said, including ground leveling, wetness and casket material. Graves without any casket at all, like most at Macedonia, are the most complicated to detect, he said.

Canaday, alongside former Johns Creek Councilwoman Stephanie Endres, sat on his porch for four hours to formulate the cost of tree clearing and ground penetrating radar. They estimated the project at around $100,000.

The amount was later budgeted by the city, with some funds earmarked for the cemetery’s strategic plan completed last August. The heavily criticized report does mention tree removal to “create a more open environment,” but no ground penetrating radar was mentioned.

Canaday confirmed that probes have been employed by the Georgia Department of Transportation and New South Associates, but he said radar has yet to be performed, and that the process requires tree removal.

While Densmore said that removing a considerable number of trees would lead to erosion issues involving stormwater runoff, Canaday is most concerned with the northwest area where there are tree saplings, and whose removal will have less of an impact.

Nicole Washington, Impact Johns Creek founder, suggested that the project be targeted toward specific areas, rather than the entire site. Canaday wants to target an area that is around 50 feet by 100 feet on the north end of the site, where the original church was located.

Densmore explained the city’s bidding process for completing the ground penetrating project. Depending on the price point, he said he would have to seek other bids. But Nelson, who is based out of Little Rock, Arkansas, said he would survey the land at no cost.

Canaday plans to coordinate with Nelson for the site survey.

Joan Compton, Johns Creek Historical Society president, said preserving the current grave markers should also be a priority, noting their degradation over the years.

The strategic plan lacks a blueprint, she said, and the timeline to create the Macedonia nonprofit is questionable. The Johns Creek City Council recently approved plans to create a nonprofit intended to provide Macedonia stakeholders a formal route to make requests to the city.

“It could be summer before anything is done,” Compton said. “And in the meantime, those gray stones are sitting there in the elements face up.”

Congratulations to Tattnall's Nook Prigeon, the winner of SBLive Georgia's Athlete of Week award as voted by Georgia high school sports fans.

Prigeon collected more than 10,000 votes and 56.19% of our state-wide vote after scoring a record 40 points, with nine 3-pointers, in a win over Claxton.

If you would like to nominate an athlete, please email athleteoftheweek@scorebooklive.com or message us on Twitter or Instagram at @sblivega.

Here are all the other athletes that were nominated for Jan. 2-7:

Nolan Patterson, Brookwood Boys Swimming

Patterson won the 50 and the 100 freestyle races in the Broncos’ dual meet over rival Parkview.

Courtney Ogden, Westminster Girls Basketball

Ogden scored 27 points in the blowout win over Stephenson and almost outscored Stephenson (32). She also added six rebounds and two assists in only 24 minutes.

Ashanti Brown, Bryan County Girls Basketball

Brown was a force inside and finished with a monster double-double of 15 points and 17 rebounds.

Ryan Seymour, South Paulding Boys Wrestling

In his first tournmanet back from injury, Seymour went 4-0 with three pins and one tech.

Cameron Keith, Rome Boys Basketball

Keith did all he could in a great head-to-head battle versus Calhoun and finished the game with 30 points.

Will Lipsitz, Johns Creek Boys Wrestling

Lipsitz went 4-0 at region duals.

Blake Pollock, Landmark Christian Boys Basketball

Pollock was flat out electric in a super competitive game versus ELCA. He finished with 37 points, six boards and five assists.

Ariana Dyson, Luella Girls Basketball

Dyson went off to help her team get a big win over Pebblebrook. She finished with yet another double-double this time with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Lucy Hood, Rabun County Girls Basketball

Hood was all over the box score, finishing with 18 points, seven assists and five rebounds in a blowout win over Jefferson.

Caden Prater, Social Circle Boys Wrestling

Prater won his 100th career win over the weekend.

Albert Wilson III, North Cobb Christian Boys Basketball

Wilson III had a monster performance versus Drew Charter, ending with a 29-point, 12 rebound double-double.

Tahj Vines, Aquinas Boys Basketball

Vines was on fire and scoring at a high clip as he dropped 35 points versus Georgia School for Innovations and Classis.

Curt Clark, Spalding Lee Boys Basketball

Clark went off for 38 points and couldn’t be stopped in a close game versus Upson Lee.

Dylan Faulkner, Calhoun Boys Basketball

Faulkner couldn’t be stopped in a close contest versus Rome as he dropped 31 points in a win.

Jayce Nathaniel, Lanier Boys Basketball

Nathaniel’s performance was huge in knocking off Lanier’s rival in North Gwinnett. He went for 21 points and 13 rebounds in the win.

Jaxon Ethridge, Social Circle Boys Wrestling

Ethridge earned his 100th career win over the weekend.

Camarion Johnson, Brunswick Boys Basketball

Johnson was all over the court and finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Justice McCarter, Osborne Boys Basketball

McCarter scored a new career-high of 37 points to help his team defeat Northgate.

David Thomas, Eagles Landing Boys Basketball

Thomas led the high-flying Eagles to yet another win, this time over Langston Hughes. He finished with 29 points and led his team from the guard position with 12 rebounds.

Uche Iloh, McIntosh Boys Basketball

Iloh has been on a tear as of late and he didn’t let up versus Northgate, finishing with 18 points, 17 rebounds and five blocks.

Grace Ridley, Dalton Girls Basketball

It wouldn’t be a normal week in Georgia High School Basketball if Ridle didn’t have yet another insane stat-line. In a win over Coahulla Creek, she finished with 35 points and 15 rebounds.

Cade Costanzo, Bremen Boys Basketball

Costanzo balled out versus Ringgold and finished with 27 points, three assists, two boards and two steals.

Brooke Moore, North Cobb Christian Girls Basketball

Moore dropped her new season-high 31 points in a win in which North Cobb held Drew Charter to just 15 points.

Cornelia Ellington, Decatur Girls Basketball

Ellington flirted with a quadruple-double as she ended with 12 points, 10 assists, seven steals and seven rebounds from the guard position.

Aiyanna Peavy, North Oconee Girls Basketball

Peavy scored 20 points and hauled in 10 rebounds versus Cherokee Bluff and was a couple assists shy of a triple-double.

A lot of the buzz surrounding the Texas football program this week has to do with the upcoming festivities during Junior Day, which begins on Jan. 21. Texas and head coach Steve Sarkisian will be hosting at least a couple dozen visitors among potential targets for the 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes during Junior Day this weekend.

Among the highlighting visitors for Texas’ Junior Day this weekend are the elite five-star IMG Academy running back Jerrick Gibson, five-star Waco Connally cornerback Kobe Black, four-star Allen edge rusher Zina Umeozulu, and four-star Hoschton Mill Creek (GA) edge rusher KingJoseph Edwards.

And those are just the highlighting visitors from the 2024 class for the Longhorns on Junior Day.

There are going to be multiple 2025 recruits on campus this weekend for some important unofficial visits too.

Moreover, one of the key storylines to watch during any Junior Day weekend this early in the offseason is the prospective offers that the coaching staff sends out. We’re likely going to see somewhere in the ballpark of at least a half-dozen offers sent out in the coming days, largely thanks to the visitors that make it to campus for Junior Day.

Which 2024 Junior Day visitors should Texas football offer in the next few days?

With that in mind, here’s a look at an evaluation of three 2024 Junior Day visitors that Texas should offer this weekend.

LSU’s new OL commit Khayree Lee Jr clearing the Rummel defender completely out of the play. pic.twitter.com/5yHm3DAdrl

— dylan is on vacation (@DillySanders) November 12, 2022

Khayree Lee, IOL

Offensive line coach/offensive coordinator Kyle Flood and the Longhorns are now in the early stages of finding the next class of “big humans” to man the trenches. Texas has keyed in on some early in-state targets along the offensive line that the fans are starting to get familiar with, including four-star Copperas Cove offensive tackle Michael Uini and four-star League City Clear Springs interior offensive lineman Blake Ivy.

But there are going to be some out-of-state offensive line recruits in the 2024 class that are on campus for Junior Day this weekend that Texas fans should start getting familiar with too.

Among the most physically impressive out-of-state offensive linemen visiting Texas for Junior Day this weekend is the towering 6-foot-5 and 340-pound LSU Tigers three-star interior offensive lineman commit Khayree Lee. The Marrero John Ehret product is one of the largest and most physically gifted interior offensive linemen that Flood and the Longhorns are hosting this weekend.

Yet, Lee hasn’t received a Texas offer as of the time of this article being written late in the morning of Jan. 20.

I would anticipate that he is certainly an offer candidate heading into the weekend given the reported (per Gerry Hamilton of Inside Texas) increase in communication between Lee and Flood in the last few weeks.

On film, Lee shows that he is incredibly strong and powerful which allows him to move bodies seamlessly off the line of scrimmage. He’s an excellent run blocker that can push opposing defensive linemen back multiple levels up while also showing the ability to be pulled when the situation calls for it.

Junior Highlight Tape

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Lee has good footwork and is surprisingly agile for a lineman of his size and stature. That agility allows Lee to thrive as a pulling blocker and a blocker out in space. He’s also able to utilize that strong lower half to hold his own in pass blocking.

Last but not least, Lee is a very versatile offensive lineman that can play multiple different positions in the trenches. His natural spot where he’s taken the most reps at John Ehret is at left guard. But he also has the size and mobility to play at the offensive tackle position.

To sum this up, Lee looks like the perfect interior offensive lineman that could fit the SEC mold that Flood and the Longhorns want as they prepare for the transition out of the Big 12 in the next couple of years. Texas should offer Lee now to strike while the iron is hot.

1. Public Art around Johns Creek

Tour the unique Gateway Markers created by William Massey and visit our latest addition; the horse sculpture “Entwined Strength” by Eric Strauss at the Bell Road/Boles Road roundabout.

The Johns Creek Tunnel contains a 130-foot mural that wraps inside the pedestrian underpass at Medlock Bridge Road and State Route 141. Designed by internationally esteemed artist Hanif Kureshi, from New Delhi, the mural is Kureshi’s first work completed in the United States. The Johns Creek Tunnel is accessible across the parking lot from the Hampton Inn Johns Creek and Hilton Garden Inn Johns Creek.

The Interactive Chair Mural at Newtown Park is titled “Everyone Has a Seat at the Creek.” It is a unique piece that represents aspects of Johns Creek and promotes inclusiveness in a fun whimsical way. The mural was created by international street artist Kelsey Montague and each of the six chairs have a special meaning. The Bridge Chair celebrates the six bridges found in Johns Creek. The tallest, the Butterfly chair, was envisioned to represent Johns Creek’s cultural diversity with over 50 languages spoken, along with our acres and acres of beautiful parks. The Globe Chair, the smallest, represents our global community spreading love and acceptance. With a large special needs community, the last chair was designed to be lower in height to allow everyone to experience inclusion.

2. Veterans Memorial Walk at Newtown Park

The Veterans Memorial Walk at Newtown Park stands as a symbol of remembrance and respect for the people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The four-acre memorial features a hardscaped trail circling a peaceful fountain, along with sponsored granite benches, a grand entrance plaza, and wooden gazebo. Along the trail, black granite monuments pay homage to each conflict, beginning with World War I and includes special monuments for Purple Heart Recipients, POW/MIAs, and Women in Service. The Memorial Walk is sponsored by the Johns Creek Veterans Association.

3. The Wall That Heals at Newtown Park

The Wall That Heals is a 250-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, honoring the members of the United States Armed Forces who served during the Vietnam War, and contains the names of the more than 58,000 people who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Wall That Heals was previously part of a traveling memorial, until 2018, when the City of Johns Creek announced the installation and permanent home for the replica at Newtown Park.

4. Newtown Dream Dog Park

One of the top dog parks in the United State is located at Newtown Park. This one- acre fenced area features artificial turf, sprinklers for dogs to play in, obstacles to play on and water fountains for people and pets. It offers separate off-leash areas for large and small dogs, along with benches, shelters, and shade trees.

5. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Spread over a 48-mile section of the Chattahoochee River, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area consists of 16 different areas that begin below Lake Lanier Dam in Forsyth County and end at Peachtree Creek in metro Atlanta. The river is accessible from five locations in or near Johns Creek.

6. Our Very Own Craft Brewery

Six Bridges Brewing is named for the six bridges that once crossed the Chattahoochee in Johns Creek and is ready to welcome you and your friends. Their taproom features 16 different taps of the freshest beer you can drink, large screens to watch your favorite sports, board games, high top tables, and an outdoor beer garden with shaded picnic tables. Production facility tours are a must. Dogs & kids are allowed on the property. Keep an eye on their calendar for special events like cornhole tournaments, comedy nights and food trucks.

7. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center

Located on 46 acres of ravine forest, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center has over 3 miles of scenic walking trails winding past a creek, rocky shoals, wildflowers, a variety of native Georgia plants. Historic farmstead buildings and exhibit pieces from the late 1800’s have been meticulously collected and make up the Autrey Mill Heritage Village, complete with a general store, historic church, tenant farmhouse, and smokehouse. Be sure to visit the Visitor’s Center and live animal exhibit. Autrey Mill also offers a variety of programs and events emphasizing science, nature, and cultural history.

8. Johns Creek Arts Center

Featuring rotating art exhibits throughout the year and an annual Holiday Market beginning in late November, the Arts Center is great place to visit while you are in town. Check out our events calendar for upcoming weekend workshops and community events. If your stay will be an extended one, consider taking an art class or sending your child to their award-winning summer camp. The Johns Creek Arts Center is also the perfect setting to host a small gathering or meeting in a one-of-a-kind creative space, with flexible event set-up options available to meet your needs.

9. Cricket Game at Shakerag Park

Love the game of cricket? Shakerag Park has the first cricket scoreboard in Georgia and the only cricket batting cages in the Southeast. You can catch a high school cricket game here on most Saturdays and Sundays. Visit www.jccricket.org/ for more information.

10. Award-Winning Dining

Checkered cloth or white linen? Napkin in the lap or in the collar? With an exceptional variety of ambiances and atmospheres, there is a restaurant for every appetite, occasion, and budget. From creative cooking classes, and palate-expanding cuisine, Johns Creek offers an extraordinary variety of restaurants from around the world with more than 125 restaurants representing over 25 countries within the city limits. Join us on a globetrotting trek to discover everything from the aromatic spices of Indian tandoor to the rich, savory sauces of Italian cuisine, without ever crossing the Atlantic.

Enjoy your visit, take pictures, and make sure to tag us at #visitjohnscreek and you could be featured on Johns Creek Convention & Visitors Bureau social media.