Los Angeles-based singer, NJOMZA, has released the live version of “Lucky” via SinceThe80s/Motown. In the heartfelt single, NJOMZA’s songwriting prowess reflects on the relationships in her life while reminding others to cherish and love the people close to them. In December, she released a black-and-white videodirected by herself and Griffin Olis that incorporated home-video footage and other shots, but today is back with a visual in the comfort of her home with a live band.
“Lucky” is the latest release for NJOMZA where uDiscover Music said it’s “a return to the melodic form that caught the attention of NJOMZA’s listeners early in her career.” It follows the gauzy, sensual single “Bite,” which has garnered over 2.5 million total streams and press from MTV, Refinery 29, Flaunt, Dujour, and more. With incredibly strong vocals and melodies, she effortlessly flows between both soulful R&B and alternative pop music and racked up over 50 million global streams to date with releases like 2019’s “No One Is Spared” and her Vacation and Sad For You EPs. The Kosovo-Albanian singer has made quite an imprint in music having been signed to the late Mac Miller’s REMember Music label when she was a teen to co-writing several of the biggest pop records of the last decade.
Stay tuned for more to come from NJOMZA this year…
“NJOMZA’s music is poignant, haunting, and ethereal.” – 360 Magazine
“NJOMZA is pop’s best-kept secret that is bound to not be a secret for much longer.” –Ones To Watch
“The singer-songwriter has transcended genres with her smooth, buttery vocals.” – Flaunt
“…an authentic groove that can only come from NJOMZA” – Du Jour
“The sultry songstress…has been solidifying her sound which features hints of the sonics and neo-soul beats directly found in ’90s R&B.” – HYPEBAE
“NJOMZA sets the tone of romanticized escapism.”- Billboard
About NJOMZA:
It is NJOMZA’s diverse background that allows her to shine bright. She was born in Germany to Kosovar-Albanian parents and grew up in Chicago. NJOMZA gained notoriety after Mac Miller caught one of her uploaded YouTube covers, promptly signing her to his REMember Music label. Settling in Los Angeles, she cameoed on “Planet God Damn” from Miller’s acclaimed 2016 offering, The Divine Feminine. Thereafter, NJOMZA unveiled her acclaimed debut EP, Sad For You, in 2017 which received early praise from the likes of Noisey, Complex, Pigeons & Planes, Office Magazine, and more. In 2018, NJOMZA inked a deal with Motown Records and released her second EP, Vacation. 2019 saw NJOMZA embark on her first-ever U.S. headline tour, in addition to touring with “3 Nights” hitmaker Dominic Fike overseas. She also made her festival debut at New York City’s famed Governor’s Ball, performing on both the Honda Stage and the Bud Light Dive Bar Sessions Stage, followed by a performance at Albania’s Sunny Hill Festival. Most recently, NJOMZA is recognized for her songwriting work on Ariana Grande’s GRAMMY-nominated thank u, next album. NJOMZA’s total career streams have surpassed 50 million. She is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on her full-length debut album.
About Since The 80s:
You don’t have to be a baby of the ‘80s to understand how the special time period changed music forever; not only in Hip-Hop but the entertainment industry as a whole. As an artist first label, management and publishing company, Since the 80s serves to help creatives & manifest their destiny and bring to fruition their wildest visions. Known for launching the career of 21 Savage, Since The 80’s currently represents a wide range of artists such as Asiahn, JID, Earthgang, NJOMZA, Metro Marrs, Christo, Benji, and more. Since The 80’s prides themselves on taking the lessons from those who came before them and using them to evolve the game -1 artist and 1 fan at a time. Since the 80s doesn’t exist to repeat history but to make new history while paying homage and recognizing the efforts and achievements of those before them.
With Japan on the top of many travelers’ bucket lists once travel restrictions are lifted, the country is expecting a tourism boom like no other. This has lead to the creation of many new hotels and resorts, particularly located outside of Tokyo and Kyoto. Along with new properties to open in 2021, many hotels that have opened in 2020 with unique experiences and offerings, and are eager to welcome international guests. Below is a sampling of some of the most unique hotels in Japan:
wanoi KAKUNODATE – Akita Prefecture-Opened March 13, 2020
Renovated from a historical storehouse, wanoi KAKUNODATE offers travelers a step back in time. The town of Kakunodate was known as “Little Kyoto” for samurai residences. Each of the three rooms at wanoi KAKUNODATE highlights this incredible history. The Nishinomiyake Bushigura room, inspired by the ancestor of the Nishinomiya family who was a highly regarded samurai at the time, echoes his story through its design, including tactile tools once used by samurai. The Nishinomiyake Gakkogura room was originally a storehouse for pickles. Guests can experience that history by taking a bath in a repurposed pickle barrel bathtub. The Tanmonogura room is located right next to the samurai residence street. It stands as the oldest of the three storehouses, originally built in the late Edo period.
Nordisk Hygge Circles – Mie Prefecture-Opening Spring 2021
Located in Japan’s Mie Prefecture amidst towering trees and roaring waterfalls, the Nordisk Hygge Circles is a new luxury campground. The campground is intended to be a healing space for guests, while providing a sustainable camping experience. The Nordisk Hygge Circles was designed by Japanese-Danish architecture team Third Nature, who won a regenerative tourism competition launched by Danish outdoor gear company Nordisk. The campsite will consist of three main areas: a rest area with reservable circular cabins and glamping tents, a “learning field” for nature-inspired excursions and workshops, and an area where guests can pitch their own tents.
Nipponia Shirataka Former House of Okuyama – Yamagata Prefecture-Opening April 2021
Renovated from a house that was previously owned by a distinguished Japanese family in the silk production business, this “kimono retreat hotel” offers guests an escape in the rural town of Shirataka while experiencing Japan’s kimono culture. The hotel will span 8,000 square meters with five different buildings and eight guest rooms. Owned by Tomihiro, a 400-year-old kimono fabrics store, the retreat allows guests to partake in traditional craft and local lifestyle activities.
Treeful Treehouse EcoResort-Okinawa Prefecture-Opening Spring 2021
Located in Nago city, in the north of Okinawa island, the Treeful Treehouse EcoResort lives by the ethos of ‘sustainable luxury.’ Using minimal electricity produced solely by solar power, the resort features a number of sleek and design-forward treehouses that are seamlessly integrated with nature. One is completely suspended with 360-degrees views and contemporary interior design, built on the side of Genka River–considered one of the clearest waters in Japan. A passionate environmental project, the resort has engaged with Okinawa locals on various initiatives, including removing man-made concrete to restore the natural landscape, and re-building a watermill in an effort to “improve their area environmentally, culturally, and economically.”
Fauchon Hotel Kyoto-Opening March 16, 2021
A meeting of two worlds, the Fauchon Hotel Kyoto, from the famous French gourmet food company Fauchon, will stand as the company’s first hotel outside of Paris. The hotel will open in the center of Kyoto with 59 guest rooms and suites. Along with its iconic Pâtisserie & Boutique Fauchon, Fauchon Hotel Kyoto will be home to a variety of restaurants and bars, including Salon de Thé Fauchon and Le Grand Café Fauchon. The hotel will also be home to Le Spa Fauchon, which will offer a wide range of body and face treatments.
For updates on travel restrictions to Japan, please visit this website
Enjoy an all-you-can experience feast with the H-D Museum’s Annual Pass to get perks on general admission, discounts meals at MOTOR, gifts from The Shop, and complimentary Virtual Gallery Talks! Purchase in 2021 and enjoy passholder perks for this year and next.
Looking for interesting things to do and ways to fully enjoy our programs and exhibits? The Harley-Davidson Museum’s new Annual Pass offers individual, family and VIP options to fit your lifestyle.
Just some of the perks of the new Annual Pass include admission discounts, complimentary Virtual Gallery Talks, free admission for children under age 18, merchandise discounts at The Shop, dining discounts at MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and more.
Plus, if you purchase an Annual Pass in 2021, those passholder perks can be enjoyed all of 2021 and 2022. Visit their website to see complete ticket details for exclusions and other terms and conditions.
And while we await news on a reopening date, there are still terrific ways to learn more about Harley-Davidson history with Virtual Gallery Talks, including a deep dive into our newest exhibit “Off-Road Harley-Davidson.”
The H-D Museum website and social channels will continue to connect with the community through behind-the-scenes video vignettes, and engaging stories of innovation, perseverance, and adventure. Additionally, enthusiasts are invited to visit The Shop online to purchase gifts.
EVENTS Virtual Gallery Talks Thursdays (Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25) at 7 p.m.
The Harley-Davidson Museum is pleased to introduce a new offering to its menu of unique experiences. Live Virtual Gallery Talks are ideal for those who are hoping to take a deep dive into Harley-Davidson history.
Each Gallery Talk topic covers an integral chapter in Harley-Davidson’s story. Guests will enjoy a captivating and in-depth look at the heart of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, our earliest models, race bikes and changes in form and function over time. Get an up-close view of artifacts, check out historical footage pulled from our massive archives collection and connect with our team of H-D experts who will host a Q&A during each live session. While the H-D Museum opens its doors to visitors from all over the globe, these Virtual Gallery Talks provide another way to bring adventure into your home.
Feb. 4: Engines 101 Class
• Study the heart of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles: the iconic engine that motors these iconic Freedom Machines
• Join us for a classroom-style experience where instructors will get you up to speed on how the Milwaukee-Eight® powertrains are constructed at our Menomonee Falls plant
• No mechanical skills or tools necessary! Just bring your love for the roar of a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.
Feb 11: Road Gallery, Part 1
• A focus on the selected motorcycles along the Road Gallery
• Part 1 highlights the changes in look and function over time from the earliest models through the 1940s
• Showcasing key drivers behind these engineering, technological and stylistic changes
• Featured bikes include 1912 Model X-8A, 1919 Model 19-FUS Army, 1934 VLD, 1947 EL OHV Twin and more
Feb 18: Road Gallery, Part 2 • A continued focus on the selected motorcycles along the Road Gallery
• Part 2 highlights the changes in look and function over time from the 1940s through 2000s
• Showcasing key drivers behind these engineering, technological and stylistic changes
• Featuring postwar Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, race bikes and more
Feb 25: “Off-Road Harley-Davidson” Special Exhibit
• Join curator David Kreidler as he explores the history of adventure touring on Harley-Davidson® motorcycles
• Hear stories from riders who explored new horizons and pushed their Harley-Davidson® motorcycles to the limit
• Get an inside look at bikes dating back to the 1914 H-D® Model 10-F and up to the present day with Ewan McGregor’s LiveWire® model from “Long Way Up” plus, the all-new 2021 H-D® Pan America™ motorcycle
About the Harley-Davidson Museum
Discover culture and history through stories and interactive exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie, and love for the sport at the Harley-Davidson Museum. A visit to the H-D Museum is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. With an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, a 20-acre, park-like campus, and a calendar full of activities, the H-D Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. Make your plans to visit the Harley-Davidson Museum at H-DMuseum.com.
Artwork is often the center of a home and brings life and character to a space. As time progresses, artwork trends change and as the new season approaches new art trends are arising.
With the start of a new year, Desino is excited to present the graphic art trending this spring! Abstract art is at the forefront for the coming season, with organic shapes, arches and geometric lines adding an artsy element to our walls. Check out the latest graphic prints created by our very own Design Studio.
ARCHED DESIGNS
The rounded arch can be spotted through architectural history, and this year the classic curved shape is leading the way in the interior world. Arched furniture, doorways and home accessories are being spotted everywhere! This spring we’ll be decorating our walls with arched designs that bring a classic and stylish feel to our homes. Many people have used the arched design as a makeshift headboard, a DIY that blends in with the trends.
ORGANIC SHAPES
For abstract art lovers, the organic shapes coming this spring are the perfect addition to your walls! Featuring warm, earthy tones, this graphic art featuring soft shapes and curves will bring a fresh feel to your gallery wall. These pair perfectly with less abstract pieces of art and tie together any gallery wall.
FIGURATIVE FUTURE
In contrast to the abstract art trending right now, figurative art is coming on strong this season. With a more simplistic approach to this art style, we’re loving these simple portrait drawings honoring our human shapes. These pieces of art encapsulate the beauty of human features.
GEOMETRIC STRIPES
Monochrome art complements all kinds of interior styles and this season we’re embracing these geometric patterns in black and white. A great choice if you want a modern accent piece for your wall, these graphic prints will look great in minimalist and colorful homes alike. Pairing these with silhouettes, as seen in the gallery wall below, instantly creates a beautiful contemporary wall.
Rising Arkansas rapper Bankroll Freddie stays true to his name, counting up the stacks on his new hustler’s anthem “Add It Up”, out today via Quality Control/Motown Records. Freddie’s first release since signing with Motown is a celebration of his success; he takes the occasion to flex the price of his new cars, neck-breaking jewelry, and designer clothes. The single arrives alongside a cinematic video that finds the rapper running countless cash through a money machine and speeding through his hometown of Helena, Arkansas.
Backed by haunting keys and thundering drums, Freddie catalogs every comma on this ominous trap banger. He raps with unshakeable confidence, his Southern drawl enhancing the nonchalance he shows in spending his pocket change. While Freddie celebrates leaving the streets for the industry, he delivers a flex in nearly every line: “40 on my AP / Wait until I cop the Lamb, gone make these niggas hate me.” Keenly aware of the envy he’ll inspire, Freddie asserts his place in the rap game with a confidence as impressive as his stacks of cash.
“Add It Up” comes on the heels of Freddie’s 2020 debut album, From Trap to Rap, which boasted features from Lil Baby, Young Dolph, Lil Yachty, Moneybagg Yo, Tay Keith, Renni Rucci, and more. In May 2020, he released “Quarantine Flow”, a rapid-fire track that showed off his dextrous lyrical gifts. “Add It Up” is just the first of many 2021 tracks from one of Quality Control and Motown’s most promising talents.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Alphonso David and State Legislative Director Cathryn Oakley hosted a press call to preview the state legislative landscape for 2021. With a number of anti-LGBTQ bills being introduced, heard, and voted on now and in the coming months, Alphonso David and Cathryn Oakley discussed the recurring themes the Human Rights Campaign is seeing in anti-LGBTQ legislation across the country, and shared additional political and electoral context around these fights.
Upon viewing the state legislative landscape, it can be observed that national organizations are pushing anti-LGBTQ bills across the U.S. The discriminatory bills are mongered by fear, not facts, and the opposition to such bills has been becoming desperately vocal. Despite the broad popularity of supporting LGBTQ equality from the general American public and preference for pro-quality candidates – even by Republican voters – these bills still are being introduced. States who pass these anti-LGBTQ laws risk major harm to their queer residents’ lives. Bills like these have posed economic, reputational, and legal harm to states who consider passing them, as evidenced by the result of anti-LGBQT legislation in states such as North Carolina, Texas, Indiana, and Idaho, among others.
Fortunately, the HRC has a strong record of defeating anti-equality legislation in states. Their team is hard at work monitoring and leading the fight against anti-equality bills across the country this year. For example, senseless anti-transgender sports and medical care bills are being introduced in state legislatures across the country as the latest iteration of the political fight against LGBTQ equality. The HRC is looking lead LGBTQ+ friendly progress and combat National anti-LGBTQ+ groups like the Heritage Foundation, Alliance Defending Freedom and the Eagle Forum who are leading the charge, rather than legislators or constituent concerns.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organizations working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
Listen to the full recording of today’s press call here.
Soneva, the luxury resort operator with sustainability at its core, has announced the launch of Soneva Jani, Chapter Two in the Noonu Atoll of the Maldives, including the unveiling of 27 brand-new overwater villas, a full-service spa and “Soneva Unlimited” all-inclusive dining, drinks and activities offered.
Ranging from one to four bedrooms, the new Chapter Two villas at Soneva Jani (accessible via butler-driven buggies and bikes along the winding jetty off the southern tip of the resort’s main island) are among the largest and most luxurious overwater villas of their kind in the world. Each features vast indoor and outdoor living spaces and sweeping terraces with sunrise/sunset views, private pools with slides straight into the private lagoon, and outdoor bathrooms for bathing under the sun and stars. The One- and Two-Bedroom Reserves also have the iconic retractable roof over the master bed for stargazing. Ideal for families, all the rooms can be closed off, with a children’s sleeping area located just behind the master bedrooms for maximum peace of mind while staying over water.
With the launch of Soneva Unlimited, the price of a villa at Soneva Jani, Chapter Two now includes unlimited: dining at all bars, restaurants and In-Villa Dining; alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at all bars and restaurants; visiting Michelin-starred chef dinners and experiences; wines from the Soneva Unlimited list; experiences, diving, and children’s experiences; and spa treatments. Also included under Soneva Unlimited is a dedicated Barefoot Butler, return shared seaplane transfers from Malé, daily laundry service, and daily replenishment of the in-villa minibar. The full Soneva Unlimited menu can be viewed here. Two of the new dining experiences at Soneva Jani, as part of the launch of Chapter Two, include Overseas by Mathias Dahlgren (which originally opened in October 2020), featuring plant-based and pescatarian dishes from the noted Swedish chef, and So Wild by Diana Von Cranach, a fully plant-based restaurant in the resort’s organic garden.
The new Wellness Centre on Soneva Jani’s South Beach will follow in the second quarter of 2021. The 18,750 square-foot center has been designed to harmonize with its breathtaking beachside setting and will feature two indoor therapy rooms and three open-air treatment pavilions with unmatched views of the spectacular natural surrounds. The Wellness Centre includes a dedicated Ayurvedic Clinic as well as an indoor consultation room for visiting specialists. Alongside a cross-functional fitness area, an open-air yoga pavilion includes facilities for aerial yoga. The new complex also features a retail area, featuring sustainable apparel, wellness products and accessories.
“As we continue to celebrate Soneva’s 25th anniversary into the middle of 2021, Chapter Two will mark the start of an exciting new era for Soneva Jani,” says Sonu Shivdasani, Founder and CEO of Soneva. “At this milestone moment in our story, we will continue to set the standard for sustainable luxury with even more choices of exquisite accommodations, remarkable gastronomy and rare, unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
The starting price for a One-Bedroom Water Reserve in Chapter Two starts from US $3,560 per night in the shoulder season, which includes all meals, transfers, experiences, drinks and spa treatments.
For more information about Soneva, visit www.soneva.com.
ABOUT SONEVA Soneva is a pioneering family of hospitality properties, offering holistic encounters in luxurious and inspiring environments – from world-class resorts to outstanding natural locations. Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva in Aqua in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand rebuke the traditional concept of luxury and instead promise the luxury of time, purity and solitude. Every day, guests are encouraged to discover sandy feet, inspired minds and full hearts. Combining luxury with a conscientious approach to sustainability and the environment, and proactively changing the nature of hospitality, it delivers intuitive service and meaningful experiences to the guests.
ABOUT KSL CAPITAL PARTNERS KSL Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado; Stamford, Connecticut; London, England and Singapore. Since 2005, KSL has raised approximately USD 12 billion of capital across both debt and equity funds. KSL’s current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. In line with Soneva’s philosophy, KSL has a Responsible Investment (RI) policy, the purpose of which is to define their approach to integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities into investments made through its private equity funds. They believe that effective management of ESG issues is critical to preserving and creating long-term value for investors, operators, employees, guests and communities. For more information, please visit www.kslcapital.com.
Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago, a new venue within Chicago’s recently renovated landmark Germania Club Building, today announced that due to popular demand the U.S. premiere of the blockbuster art experience Immersive Van GoghExhibit will extend its dates through Labor Day after having sold out the initial block of tickets. The Exhibit will open one hour earlier at 9 a.m. and will offer Saturday afternoon VIP and Premium tickets in February and March. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Jan. 30 at 9 a.m. at vangoghchicago.com and by phone at 844-307-4644.
Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago, a three-story facility located at 108 W. Germania Place, is dedicated to immersive art presentations, merging the boundaries between entertainment and culture to give visitors the sense that they are encountering art as never before. Utilizing the building’s Victorian Era architectural details, 35-foot-tall walls and multiple levels (including balconies), the venue will present vibrant immersive art exhibitions that surround the viewer on all sides.
The venue’s first presentation, Immersive Van Gogh, is a visually spectacular digital art exhibition that recently received widespread critical acclaim during its debut in Toronto. Immersive Van Gogh invites audiences to “step inside” the iconic works of post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh, evoking his highly emotional and chaotic inner consciousness through art, light, music, movement and imagination. The Italian creative team who pioneered digital experiences in Paris will create a custom design to fit the gracious Neo-Classical architecture of the exhibition’s Chicago home.
The hour-long, walk-through experience has been designed with health and safety as a priority. Capacity will be limited in accordance with the City of Chicago’s safety protocols. Additional safety precautions include touchless ticket-taking, temperature checks upon arrival, hand sanitizer stations, social distancing markers throughout the venue, and digitally projected social distancing circles on the gallery floors to ensure appropriate spacing. All guests must wear a face covering at all times during their visit to Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago.
Immersive Van Gogh was designed by creative director and Italian film producer Massimiliano Siccardi, with original, mood-setting music by Italian multimedia composer Luca Longobardi, who provided a score that combines experimental electronic music with pure, ethereal and simple-seeming piano. Vittorio Guidotti is the Art Director. Siccardi and Longobardi are both pioneers of immersive digital art experiences in Paris, where they were part of the team that created the world-renownedVan Gogh, Starry Night exhibition, among others. With more than 70 projectors illuminating over 15,000 square-feet, visitors to Immersive Van Gogh will be encircled from head-to-toe in Van Gogh’s brushstrokes and colors, including animated details from works such as Self Portrait with Felt Hat (1888), The Bedroom in Arles (1889), Irises (1889) and The Starry Night (1889).
“Immersive Van Gogh is a new way of encountering art, as it quite literally surrounds viewers on all sides with the brilliant work of one of the greatest painters of all time,” said Immersive Art Space Co-Producer Corey Ross. “Both connoisseurs and new admirers of Van Gogh’s work are guaranteed a breathtaking perspective on the influential artist’s oeuvre. Merging state-of-the-art technology, theatrical storytelling, animation and some of the finest works of art ever created, Immersive Van Gogh is a uniquely mesmerizing experience that seemingly transports the viewer into the artist’s mind to see these timeless works as never before.”
“Despite being unknown throughout his life, Van Gogh’s artwork has created a lasting impact through its emotional richness and simple beauty,” said Massimiliano Siccardi, Immersive Van Gogh designer. “Both myself and Luca Longobardi are very excited to visit Chicago and once again bring Van Gogh’s legacy to life in a way that is unique to the beautiful architecture of the Germania Club Building.”
The premiere of Immersive Van Gogh, which opened in Toronto this past July, has already received rave reviews from critics around the world. The Toronto Sun pronounced it, “intense and emotional, cathartic and liberating” and Debra Yeo of the Toronto Star reflected, “I wondered: could projections of paintings on walls and floors be thrilling? The answer is yes.” Called “dazzling” by Lonely Planet and a “blockbuster digital experience that has taken the art world by storm” by artnet news, the exhibition can be summed up by CTV’s description, “a completely new way of encountering art.” Immersive Van Gogh has already been enjoyed by more than 180,000 guests since its debut in Toronto during the pandemic in July 2020. During July and August 2020, according to Ticketmaster, it has surpassed worldwide ticket sales for any of the ticketing platform’s live cultural events.
Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago is operated by Immersive Art Space LP, a partnership between co-producers Corey Ross, Svetlana Dvoretsky, Maria Shclover and Irina Shabshis. The venue also will feature a merchandise/gift shop and café. Future plans include additional immersive art shows as well as live performances.
Ticket prices start at $39.99 for adults ($24.99 for children 16 or younger) with untimed and flexible ticket options available. Beginning Saturday, Jan. 30, tickets will be on sale Feb. 11 through Sept. 6, 2021. The venue is easily accessible by public transportation and has ample parking in the nearby James House parking garage. For more information aboutImmersive Van Gogh, visit vangoghchicago.com or call 844-307-4644. Follow the exhibition on social media at @vangoghchicago onFacebook, Instagram and Twitter.
ABOUT THE PRODUCERS AND CREATIVE TEAM
MASSIMILIANO SICCARDI, Artistic Creator
Massimiliano studied at the London School of Contemporary Dance of London. But in 1990, he left the world of dance to begin a new journey in the world of video art. Massimiliano quickly became the artistic force behind several visual mise-en-scène for choreographers around the world. He also created video scenographies for numerous prestigious festivals and galas around the world. He also re-constructed the video mapping of the Basilica di Giotto and for the Teatro Petruzzelli of Bari, where one of his permanent installation’s virtually reconstruct the frescoes of the Cupola. Massimiliano is also a celebrated photographer and has had photo exhibitions in Spoleto and Rome, to name a few. He is professor of digital image elaboration at the Accademia di Comunicazione e Immagine of Rome. In 2012 Massimiliano received the prestigious International Award “Romaindanza” for his talent in the visual work of dance theatre. Since 2012, he has been artist in residence at the Carrières de Lumières – Atelier des Lumières where he authored the mise-en-scène of numerous immersive shows. He is currently creating projects within Italy as well as New York, Berlin, Leipzig and Rome.
LUCA LONGOBARDI, Composer
Italian composer and pianist Luca Longobardi is a classically trained musician who incorporates the contemporary electronic music into his pieces. Born in 1976, Longobardi studied classical music in Italy and New York and went on to earn his doctorate in digital audio restoration in Rome in 2011. His works reveal a strong interaction between classical and contemporary music. The experience he has gained as a theatre musician has increased his interest in the relationship between sounds and spectacle; he has composed music for ballets and films and accompanied installations and experimental art productions (Atelier de Lumières – Paris,Carrière des Lumières – Baux-de-Provence, Kunstkraftwerk – Leipzig). At his multimedia performances and in his recordings, strong experimental electronic music meets pure, ethereal and simple-seeming piano playing that nevertheless relays deep emotions.
COREY ROSS, Co-Producer
Founded in Toronto in 2003 by Corey Ross, Starvox Entertainment has ranked in Profit Magazine’s Fastest growing Canadian companies for 5 years in a row. Starvox produces, manages, represents and promotes cross-over performing arts shows and exhibitions that tour Canada, the United States and internationally. Ross has produced multiple theatrical shows in Chicago including the Harry Potter parody Potted Potter, Evil Dead The Musical, Champions of Magic and Sherlock Holmes. In Las Vegas, Ross produces three shows for Caesars Entertainment—Wow, Extravaganza and Potted Potter. In the world of art exhibitions, Ross produces the Art of Banksy in London, Canada, the USA and Taiwan, as well as Immersive Van Gogh and Illusionarium in Toronto.
SVETLANA DVORETSKY, Co-Producer
Toronto’s Show One Productions was founded in 2004 by the enterprising Russian born impresario Svetlana Dvoretsky. Initially focused on classical music, the company has since expanded greatly and is now a leading presenter of high-profile International artists, symphony orchestras, theatre and dance companies and special projects. The company is especially proud of its presentations of Mikhail Baryshnikov, John Malkovich, Michel Legrand, Slava’s Snow Show, Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra, Vladimir Spivakov and the Moscow Virtuosi, Eifman Ballet, the Vakhtangov Theatre, opera stars sopranos Sondra Radvanovsky and Hibla Gerzmava, and the late baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky. Trio Magnifico Opera Gala – the historic union and once-in-a-lifetime event at The Four Seasons Opera House of soprano Anna Netrebko and tenor Yusif Eyvazov in their Toronto debuts, with Hvorostovsky in his last Toronto appearance – remains an exceptional musical memory in the history of the performing arts in Canada. Dvoretsky is a proud recipient of the Order of York by the Government of Canada for “an outstanding contribution in art and culture.”
MARIA SHCLOVER and IRINA SHABSHIS, Co-Producers
New York-based Maestro Immersive Arts is the latest creative venture by Maria Shclover and Irina Shabshis, in partnership with Lighthouse Immersive (Canada) to introduce the immersive art genre in major markets across the United States.
Shclover is a classically trained pianist who later became a finance and international business professional, after graduating from NYU Stern School of Business. With extensive finance experience under her belt, Shclover founded Maestro Artist Management in 2004 that initially concentrated on presenting classical music and special events.
Shabshis joined Maestro Artist Management in 2005, with a classical music background and vast computer science experience. Maestro Artist Management focused on providing a bespoke experience to international artists and over the years became one of the leading boutique artist management companies that presented international tours of such legendary classical musicians as Yuri Bashmet, Olga Kern, Denis Matsuev, Mischa Maysky, Vadim Repin, Vladimir Spivakov and Dmitri Hvorostovsky. Together, the company presented more than 1,000 events and sold more than 700,000 tickets, working with international stars such as Michel Legrand, John Malkovich, Mikhail Baryshnikov and many others. As a presenter of some of the world’s best talent in the international performing arts, the company closely collaborated and partnered with some of the most prestigious art organizations, such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, The Metropolitan Opera and various Broadway productions.
In 2012, Shclover and Shabshis formed a non-profit organization, Cherry Orchard Festival Foundation, to introduce international theatrical projects and acclaimed performers to American audiences. Festival has been a summer staple in New York and beyond, and received rave reviews from critics and audiences, welcoming such prominent international companies and projects as Gesher Theatre (Israel), John Malkovich and the international cast of Giacomo Variations (Austria), The Theatre of Nations (Russia), Vakhtangov State Theatre (Russia), Jaunais Rīgas Teātris (Latvia), Tango Fire Dance Company (Argentina), Rafael Amargo Flamenco Company (Spain), The Moscow Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra (Russia), Max Raabe & Palast Orchester (Germany), Theatre-Atelier Piotr Fomenko (Russia) and many more. In 2018, Shclover and Shabshis founded yet another venture, the Russian Film Week USA, an annual showcase of both independent and artistic films that represent the dynamic landscape of Russian filmmaking today. The festival received a resounding welcome from critics and audiences, and is continuing through January 29, 2021.
ABOUT VINCENT VAN GOGH
Legendary Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890) is recognized as one of the world’s greatest and best loved artists. He was born in the Netherlands to his father, Theodorus van Gogh, and his mother, Anna Cornelia Carbentus, a moody artist whose love of nature, drawing and watercolors was passed on to her son. He worked at his uncle Cornelis’ art dealership when he had already been fluent in French, German and English, as well as his native Dutch. He fell in love with English culture when he was transferred to the Groupil Gallery in London in 1873.
During his short life he painted more than 2,000 artworks ranging from ordinary household items and self-portraits to surreal landscapes that inspire awe. Van Gogh was a post-Impressionist painter whose work — notable for its beauty, emotion and color — highly influenced expressionism in 20th-century art. He struggled with mental illness and remained poor and virtually unknown throughout his life.
He was tragically admitted to a psychiatric hospital after offering his severed ear to a woman at a local brothel. For hope, he turned to painting and nature, until one day when he went out to paint in the morning with a loaded pistol in his hand and reportedly shot himself in the chest. In his 37 years alive, Van Gogh only sold one painting, The Red Vineyards, to his brother Theo.
Hendrick’s Gin is proud to unveil Hendrick’s Lunar, the second limited edition release from Master Distiller Ms. Lesley Gracie’s Cabinet of Curiosities. Instilled with botanicals that flourish below the light of the moon, Hendrick’s Lunar Gin will be released in the States on January 28, when the first full moon of the new year occurs. To honor the momentous occasion, Hendrick’s is inviting cocktail connoisseurs and star gazers alike to enjoy what is “quite likely the world’s first Lunar gin” as part of a moonbathing ritual to embrace the New Year and leave behind the old.
According to Vance Henderson, Hendrick’s Ambassador to the United States, “Hendrick’s Lunar offers a delicate balance of gentle spice and subtle floral notes with a soft citrus finish.” Henderson recommends it as “the perfect gin to savor casually at home or during starry nights with friends.”
“An activity practiced by esteemed members of Hendrick’s Gin Palace in Girvan, Scotland, moonbathing is the polar, or rather the lunar, opposite of sunbathing,” explains Henderson. “Yet instead of baking under the harsh light of the sun with barely any clothes on, one can dress stylishly below the moonlight, which supports celestial contemplation and many claim provides the ideal ambiance for rejuvenation and a renewal of the mind and body.”
For newbies to moonbathing (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), Hendrick’s is providing a how-to video, along with a full moon video stream as part of its Streaming Service for those who prefer to moonbathe inside the comfort of their home. Additionally, the gin maker is offering a full moonbathing kit, which includes moon goggles, a lunar blanket and moonscreen lotion (rated MPF 28). The kit is available for purchase on Hendrick’s Tiny Shop to enjoy moonbathing on any night of the year.
“The first full moon of the year brings new beginnings,” Henderson continued. ““and by using typical twilight hours using them for restorative moonbaths accompanied by a Lunar cocktail, we can potentially soothe the demeanor of the world, or at least a tiny proportion identified as the ‘nocturnal curious.’”
Not surprisingly, another advocate for the powers of moonlight is Hendrick’s Master Distiller, Ms. Lesley Gracie, who firmly believes that the botanicals she cultivates in her two distillery hothouses take on entirely different sensory characteristics under the influence of moonlight. It was one particular evening, tending to her hothouses in the still of night, when she was inspired to bottle the cosmic sensation of being at peace with nature under the moon and stars – thus creating this unconventional gin.
Launching in January 2021 throughout the U.S., the new Lunar bottle retains the distinctive Hendrick’s shape, evocative of Victorian apothecary jars. The label coloring is a sophisticated, deep blue reflective of the night sky and includes curious celestial imagery that conjures a feeling of imbibing under a moonlit sky.
Hendrick’s Lunar was first released in the UK in January 2019 and will now be offered in most high-end spirits retailers within the U.S. for a limited time only. It is also available online through select e-commerce partners for delivery on-demand to states where legal. Lunar is bottled at 43.4% ABV with a $39.99 SRP.
For further information and a list of Lunar inspired cocktails fit for imbibing under the stars go to hendricksgin.com/US and follow on social media at @hendricksginus #hendrickslunar
Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps’ premiere community outreach program, delivered a record setting 20.2 million toys to 7.4 million less fortunate children in 2020.
2020 was a year unlike any other, causing economic devastation for so many. COVID-19 took hold early in the year, leaving many millions of families in dire need. While Toys for Tots is primarily known as a Christmastime charity, we did not want to wait until the holiday season to provide support. Marines are known for being the first to fight and for running toward the sound of battle. During the spring and summer of the COVID-19 crisis, Toys for Tots partnered with Good360 to provide immediate relief and assistance by distributing 2 million toys, games, and books to COVID-impacted families. These gifts provided many benefits during this extraordinary time of need. They helped to fight boredom, relieved anxiety in children, and facilitated a return to normalcy. The gifts even contributed to the educational development of our Nation’s children, especially while they’ve been out of school.
As the pandemic continued to spread–causing states and municipalities to impose significant restrictions–the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, in conjunction with Marine Forces Reserve, are looking ahead to the holiday season to making preparations for how best to collect and distribute toys to children in need.
COVID restrictions have greatly impacted our local campaign operations and significantly limited the number of volunteers permitted to help collect, sort, and distribute toys. In response, the Marines and local campaign coordinators of the Marine Toys for Tots Program rose to the occasion, and established over 800 local toy collection and distribution campaigns in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. As anticipated, the demand from families with children seeking support was much greater than the supply. But the Marines, in their typical fashion, found ways to improvise and adapt. They were very innovative about how they collected and distributed toys. They established curbside and drive-through collection and distribution methods, and enlisted support from other local social service agencies in order to accomplish the mission.
Seeing a deficit of over a million toys develop in November, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation sent out many communications soliciting for help. The American public heard our appeal and recognized the need for aid. Hundreds of thousands of individuals, as well as a record number of organizations serving as National Corporate Sponsors, answered our call. Significant donations allowed for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to augment local toy drives with over 8 million toys, valued at over $77 million.
Toys for Tots does not set a goal of children supported in a given year–rather, our goal is to support every family with children seeking our assistance. The American public has never let Toys for Tots down. With the help from so many, Toys for Tots was able to accomplish our mission distributing a record number of over 20 million toys to 7.4 million children, who otherwise would have gone without. “Unprecedented” seems to be the buzz word for most 2020 events, and there’s no better way to describe the generosity of the American public and our Corporate Sponsors – it was truly unprecedented.
2020 Accomplishments
Distributed 20 million toys to 7.4 million less fortunate children from 808 local campaigns in all 50 states
Distributed over 2 million toys, books, and games to COVID-impacted families outside of the holiday season
Distributed 1.8 million books to children through the Toys for Tots Literacy Program
Distributed toys to 180,000 children through the Toys for Tots Native American Program
With support from Toys for Tots Sponsors, augmented local toy drives with over 8 million toys valued at over $77 million
Met all 20 standards of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and maintained a 96:4 Program to Support Ratio
About Marine Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots, a 73-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to less fortunate children. The toys, books, and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year, the Marine Toys for Tots Program fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of over 7 million less fortunate children in over 800 communities nationwide. Since 1947, over 272 million children have been assisted. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a non-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
