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RAINBOW WASHING + SLACKTIVISM DURING PRIDE MONTH

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By: Clara Guthrie

June is Pride Month, although many Americans may be more familiar with it as the month where big corporations drench their logos, merchandise and window displays in rainbow colors. This predictable phenomenon has been coined as “rainbow washing”—the act of using rainbow imagery to effectively advertise and signal allyship to a more diverse audience of consumers, with little genuine support of the LGBTQ+ community behind it.

The heart of the controversy surrounding rainbow washing and businesses’ celebrations of Pride Month lies in inconsistency. Many big-name brands—ranging from Bloomingdale’s to Amazon—brandish themselves in rainbow flags for the 30 glorious days of June, but then fall seemingly silent on LGBTQ+ issues for the remaining 12 months of the year. There is something about this kind of activism that is inherently performative. Sadly, this half-hearted performance almost makes sense when one considers that, according to LGBT Capital, the LGBTQ+ community holds roughly 3.9 trillion dollars of purchasing power globally. Rainbow washing during Pride Month is an effective capitalist strategy to garner more profit, while also looking like you care.

Let’s first consider McDonald’s as an example (among countless others) of this inconsistency…

According to Forbes, for Pride Month this year, McDonald’s has formed an unlikely alliance with Revry, “the world’s first global queer streaming network.” Their content is curated for the LGBTQ+ community and is boundlessly inclusive, highlighting both queer characters and queer content creators. The unlikely collaboration between a mega-fast food joint and a queer streaming platform has taken the form of a variety show, “House of Pride,” which is sponsored by McDonald’s and streamed via Revry. The show premiered June 6th, and you can watch it HERE.

This partnership is revolutionary and undeniably exciting; however, McDonald’s is not quite unified when it comes to its actions towards and support of the LGBTQ+ community. According to Business Insider, the fast food corporation has its own political action committee (PAC) through which it donates money to a wide array of politicians’ campaigns in the hopes of eventually influencing how these bipartisan lawmakers vote on issues that have a more direct impact on McDonald’s business (like working wages). Thus, McDonald’s has donations on opposing sides of key issues, LGBTQ+ rights being one of them. Most recently, McDonald’s PAC—and the PACs of other big corporations, including aforementioned Amazon—had a portion of their donations operating behind Republican representatives in the House who voted against the Equality Act, a bill with an overarching goal to protect LGBTQ+ Americans from discrimination. Between 2019 and 2020, according to the same Business Insider article, “McDonald’s PAC donated a total of $213,000 to lawmakers who voted against the bill.” These donations have very real repercussions in the world of legislation and in the intimate worlds of LGBTQ+ individuals who are consistently at risk of discrimination in their everyday lives. A sparkly new partnership with a queer streaming service may be more attractive and easily marketable, but it has far less real-world impact.

This fact is especially true when one takes into account the rates of workplace discrimination and harassment against LGBTQ+ employees. CNBC recently reported on a survey of working LGBTQ+ individuals conducted by Linkedin in which “25% of respondents [said] they have been intentionally denied career advancement opportunities (such as promotions and raises) because of their identity.” Another 31% of people from the study said they have been the target of “blatant discrimination and microaggressions in the workplace.” So while businesses may change their logo to the colors of the rainbow for the month of June, current legislation and inner-company culture is ignoring the lived experiences of queer workers.

Other examples of rainbow washing and inconsistent activism include J.Crew’s new “Love First” merchandise campaign—from which only 50% of the proceeds are going to an LGBTQ+ organization, PFLAG—and Nike’s “BETRUE” campaign. As with the McDonald’s case study, these Pride efforts are not to be singularly praised or criticized; they are far too complicated for that sort of a response.

In support of these campaigns, one could argue that heightening queer visibility by emblazing shirts and sneakers with rainbow logos and then donating at lease some proceeds to organizations that support LGBTQ+ individuals is doing some good. Going even further, many companies are using Pride Month and their colorful campaigns to amplify queer voices, which is another positive outcome. For example, J.Crew asked a handful of queer individuals “what it means to support and be supported in their community,” and then published their answers and photos online. Similarly, fast fashion company H&M recently launched their “Beyond the Rainbow” campaign, an interactive web app on which people can scan any rainbow flag to read others’ or share their own Pride stories.

On the other side of the coin, however, one could point to the lack of action taken by these companies outside of the month of June or the lazy “slacktivism” that their Pride campaigns promote. Slacktivism is the practice of supporting a social movement or cause but in a way that requires little commitment or effort. An example of slacktivism would be posting a graphic expressing protest or dissent on social media, without any further action taken. Within the context of Pride Month, slacktivism takes the form of companies commodifying the rainbow flag and mass-producing rainbow gear which then consumers can easily buy and feel validated as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. What these efforts lack is follow-through: supporting LGBTQ+ organizations, amplifying and showcasing queer creators and models and workers, lobbying for protective legislation, and informing consumers on the true meaning of Pride, all year long.

MBK ENTERTAINMENT — MBK THE NEXT GENERATION

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BROADCAST WEEKLY ON CLUBHOUSE

The team responsible for developing and launching the careers of everyone from the legendary Alicia Keys to Academy Award winner H.E.R. and more, MBK Entertainment, will identify, elevate and break the hottest superstars of tomorrow via its new reality competition series, MBK The Next Generation. The show provides a platform for up-and-coming artists to vie for a combination grand prize of a management deal with MBK Entertainment and a recording contract with MBK/RCA Records.

As a trusted artist management company and multimedia firm, MBK Entertainment filled a void during the Global Pandemic. Even with the world shutdown, they launched a series of artist showcases across Instagram and Clubhouse last year, eliciting a fervent response from audiences and giving new artists a stage when they needed it the most. This concept evolved into MBK The Next Generation. The series airs weekly on Clubhouse. For the first round, artists enter by auditioning on social media. If they advance, the second round happens in-person for a panel of industry visionaries, including MBK Entertainment C.E.O./Chairman Jeff Robinson, UMPG Senior VP Walter Jones, GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer and songwriter Tiara Thomas, MBK Entertainment Artist Manager Jason Hobdy, MBK Entertainment Artist A&R Jordan Chatman, Epic Records artist LONR., RCA Records artist Tone Stith, and Roc Nation artist Maeta.

Each entrant receives maximum visibility by simply appearing on what promises to be one of music’s hottest new series. The victor lands a life-changing deal.

MBK Entertainment remains committed to artist development in its truest form. The company ignited and galvanized the careers of roster alumni such as Alicia Keys, Elle Varner, Tyrese, Keyshia Cole and more. Meanwhile, current clients include H.E.R., Tiara Thomas, LONR., Maeta, Jourden Cox, Abigail Furr and Tone Stith. Recently, H.E.R. took home an Academy Award in the category of “Best Original Song” for “Fight For You” in addition to picking up “Song of the Year” for “I Can’t Breathe” and “Best R&B Song” for “Better Than I Imagine” [with Robert Glasper & Meshell Ndegeocello] at the 2021 GRAMMY Awards.

MBK Entertainment also continues to make headlines. Rolling Stone featured President/Managing Partner Jeanine McLean-Williams, while Billboard named Jeff Robinson “Executive of the Week” earlier this spring.

Get ready for MBK Entertainment to introduce The Next Generation in 2021.

Stay tuned for more soon!

GEORGE HARRISON — ALL THINGS MUST PASS REMIXED

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“Even before I started, I knew I was gonna make a good album because I had so many songs and I had so much energy. For me to do my own album after all that—it was joyous. Dream of dreams.” —George Harrison

Recorded and released in the wake of The Beatles’ April 1970 dissolution, George Harrison’s landmark solo album, All Things Must Pass, is a fully realized statement by a bold and audacious artist. Produced by Harrison and Phil Spector, the 23-track All Things Must Pass stands tall a half-century later as an epic, ambitious expression of Harrison’s remarkable gift for sheer song-craft, powerful spirituality and a celebration of both his inimitable individuality and unique camaraderie with his fellow musicians.

All Things Must Pass was an overdue artistic release for George as a songwriter and musician. The first-ever triple studio album, All Things Must Pass overflows with a voluminous range of ideas, musical styles and influences, spanning rock ’n’ roll, country, gospel, blues, pop, folk, R&B, Indian classical music and devotional songs. Despite the album being wildly successful and Harrison’s affection for it, he would write in the liner notes for the 30th anniversary remaster, released in 2001, “I still like the songs on the album and believe they can continue to outlive the style in which they were recorded,” adding, however, “it was difficult to resist re-mixing every track. All these years later I would like to liberate some of the songs from the big production that seemed appropriate at the time.”

Decades in the making and lovingly crafted by the Harrison family, All Things Must Pass has now been completely remixed from the original tapes for a stunning suite of 50th-anniversary releases that fulfills Harrison’s longtime desire. Executive produced by Dhani Harrison, a product produced by David Zonshine and mixed by triple GRAMMY Award-winning engineer Paul Hicks (The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon), the new mix transforms the album by sonically upgrading it—making it sound brighter, fuller and better than ever before. You can watch the album trailer HERE. You can preorder the album HERE.

Releasing August 6 via Capitol/UMe, All Things Must Pass 50th Anniversary Edition will be available in a variety of formats:

UBER DELUXE EDITION

Exclusive to GeorgeHarrison.com, uDiscover, and Sound of Vinyl, All Things Must Pass 50th Anniversary Edition will be available as a very limited Uber Deluxe Edition box set, which includes the album on 8LP (180g) and 5CD + 1 Blu-ray audio disc housed in an artisan designed wooden crate (approx. 12.4” X 12.4” X 17.5”). The collection explores the 1970 album sessions through 47 (42 previously unreleased) demos and outtakes, offering an inside look into the creative process. The Blu-ray allows fans to experience the main album in a high-res stereo, enveloping 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes.

The crate contains two books, an elaborate and expanded 96-page scrapbook curated by Olivia Harrison, with unseen imagery and memorabilia from the era, handwritten lyrics, diary entries, studio notes, tape box images, a comprehensive track-by-track and more; while a second 44-page book chronicling the making of All Things Must Pass through extensive archival interviews with notes is also contained herein. The elegantly designed book pays homage to Harrison’s love of gardening and nature. The book also contains a wooden bookmark made from a felled Oak tree (Quercus Robur) in George’s Friar Park. This truly unique box will also contain 1/6 scale replica figurines of Harrison and the gnomes featured on the iconic album cover, a limited edition illustration by musician and artist Klaus Voormann, as well as a copy of Paramahansa Yogananda’s “Light from the Great Ones” and Rudraksha beads, contained in individual custom-made boxes.

SUPER DELUXE EDITION

The Super Deluxe Edition box set, presented on 8LP (180g) or 5CD + 1 Blu-ray audio disc, explores the 1970 album sessions through 47 (42 previously unreleased) demos and outtakes. The Blu-ray allows fans to experience the main album in a high-res stereo, enveloping 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos mixes. The collection contains a beautiful 60-page scrapbook curated by Olivia Harrison, with unseen imagery and memorabilia from the era, handwritten lyrics, diary entries, studio notes, tape box images, a comprehensive track-by-track and more. It also includes a replica of the original album poster.

All Things Must Pass will be released in multiple physical and digital configurations, including as a 5LP or 3CD Deluxe Edition that pairs the main album with the session’s outtakes and jams. The main album will be available on its own as 2CD, 3LP or limited edition 3LP color vinyl. All versions are available for pre-order now.

“Since the 50th-anniversary stereo mix release of the title track to my father’s legendary All Things Must Pass album in 2020, my dear pal Paul Hicks and I have continued to dig through mountains of tapes to restore and present the rest of this newly remixed and expanded edition of the album you now see and hear before you,” says Dhani Harrison. “Bringing greater sonic clarity to this record was always one of my father’s wishes and it was something we were working on together right up until he passed in 2001. Now, 20 years later, with the help of new technology and the extensive work of Paul Hicks we have realized this wish and present to you this very special 50th Anniversary release of perhaps his greatest work of art. Every wish will be fulfilled.”

The All Things Must Pass sessions began just six weeks after the April 1970 announcement of The Beatles’ break-up. Two days were spent recording thirty demos in Studio Three at EMI Studios, Abbey Road in St. John’s Wood, London. The first day, May 26, saw Harrison record fifteen songs backed by Ringo Starr and his longtime friend, bassist Klaus Voormann, beginning with “All Things Must Pass.” The next day, May 27, George played an additional fifteen songs for co-producer Phil Spector. The All Things Must Pass Uber and Super Deluxe Editions collect all 30 of these remarkable demo recordings, including 26 tracks never before officially released and several songs that didn’t make the album like “Cosmic Empire,” “Going Down To Golders Green ,” “Dehra Dun,” “Sour Milk Sea” and “Mother Divine.”

The scope of Harrison’s songwriting remains breathtaking—his deeply personal introspection and striking wit are matched by the album’s boldly extravagant production. With its densely orchestrated textures and eclectic embrace of myriad genres, Harrison and Phil Spector’s groundbreaking sonic approach set a grand blueprint for countless artists to follow.

George had been stockpiling material for nearly half a decade, with a number of song—including “Isn’t It A Pity” and the title track—rehearsed with, but not recorded by, The Beatles. Further songs evinced Harrison’s growing frustration over those preceding years, including “Wah-Wah,” the dramatic “Beware of Darkness” and “Run Of The Mill,” the latter named by both George and Olivia Harrison as one of their all-time favorites. You can watch “Run Of The Mill (Take 36)” HERE.

Written by George while producing Billy Preston’s 1969 Apple Records solo debut but saved for his own album a year later, the glorious “What Is Life” highlights the artist at his most exultant. At the album’s heart were songs like “My Sweet Lord,” “Awaiting On You All” and the impassioned “Hear Me Lord,” each of which epitomized Harrison’s lifelong inner journey.

An anthem weaving a chant of the Hare Krishna mantra and “hallelujah,” “My Sweet Lord” proved a worldwide smash upon its November 1970 single release, making history as the first solo single by a former Beatle to reach #1 in the UK or the US. Inducted into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame in 2014, the indelible anthem of spiritual and religious unity has remained one of the world’s most beloved songs, named among the “Greatest Songs of All Time” by both Rolling Stone and NME . Last year saw a limited edition clear vinyl 7” “My Sweet Lord” released by the George Harrison Estate in partnership with Record Store Day’s Black Friday event on November 27, 2020—the official 50th anniversary of All Things Must Pass original release.

Harrison’s close friendship with Bob Dylan begat two songs: the album-opening “I’d Have You Anytime” was co-written with Dylan, while the classic “If Not For You” was at the time an unreleased Dylan composition. The All Things Must Pass Super Deluxe Edition includes previously unreleased demo recordings of both songs as well as “Nowhere To Go” and “I Don’t Want To Do It,” another original Dylan song later recorded by George for a 1985 soundtrack but remains unrecorded by Dylan himself.

George brought together a stunning roster of friends and fellow musicians to record All Things Must Pass, including Ringo Starr, Klaus Voormann and Billy Preston, along with Eric Clapton and his new American bandmates, Carl Radle, Bobby Whitlock and Jim Gordon (soon to be known collectively as Derek and the Dominoes). Badfinger’s Pete Ham, Tom Evans, Joey Molland and Mike Gibbons contributed additional acoustics and percussion. Phil Spector’s desire for multiple pianos, layers of acoustic guitars and more drums saw the addition of Peter Frampton and Jerry Shirley from Humble Pie, Spooky Tooth’s Gary Wright, Plastic Ono Band veteran and future Yes drummer Alan White, Traffic’s Dave Mason, Procol Harum’s Gary Brooker and the in-demand horn section of Bobby Keys and Jim Price. Pete Drake, legendary Nashville session musician provided pedal steel guitar on several tracks. Arrangements for strings and horns came from longtime collaborator John Barham.

The original release of All Things Must Pass collected 18 songs over two LPs alongside a third LP—dubbed “Apple Jam”—showcasing four improvised instrumentals including a pair recorded as part of Derek and the Dominoes’ first-ever official recording session in June 1970. In addition, the “Apple Jam” disc includes “It’s Johnny’s Birthday,” sung to the tune of Cliff Richard’s 1968 hit “Congratulations” and recorded as a gift from Harrison to mark John Lennon’s 30th birthday.

The All Things Must Pass session tapes created in 1970 include over twenty-five hours of music on forty-nine 1” eight-track tapes, four 2” sixteen-track tapes, and forty-four stereo tapes. Richard Radford, Archivist for the George Harrison Estate, oversaw the preservation of the tape collection, with the original analog multi-track and stereo tapes transferred to 192 KHz/24bit digital preservation copies.

Hailed by Rolling Stone as “the War and Peace of rock and roll” and “an intensely personal statement and a grandiose gesture,” All Things Must Pass was met by unanimous critical acclaim and spectacular commercial success, spending seven weeks at #1 on Billboard’s “Top LPs” chart and eight weeks atop the UK’s official albums chart (though chart records until 2006 mistakenly stated that it had peaked at #4). Currently certified 6x platinum by the RIAA, All Things Must Pass later received a 1972 GRAMMY Award nomination for “Album of the Year,” while “My Sweet Lord” earned a GRAMMY nod for “Record of the Year.” “What Is Life,” the album’s second single, also became an international hit, reaching the top 10 in the US and Canada as well as #1 in Australia and Switzerland.

All Things Must Pass has only grown in influence and stature in the half-century since its initial release, including induction in the GRAMMY Hall of Fame and inclusion on The Times of London‘s “The 100 Best Albums of All Time” and Rolling Stone‘s 2020 listing of “The Top 500 Albums of All Time.” Pitchfork declared it to have changed the terms of what an album could be.

ALL THINGS MUST PASS SUPER DELUXE EDITION (Capitol/UMe)

TRACKLISTING (5CD/BR)

Disc One (Main Album)

1. I’d Have You Anytime

2. My Sweet Lord

3. Wah-Wah

4. Isn’t It A Pity (Version One)

5. What Is Life

6. If Not For You

7. Behind That Locked Door

8. Let It Down

9. Run Of The Mill

Disc Two (Main Album Cont.)

1. Beware Of Darkness

2. Apple Scruffs

3. Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)

4. Awaiting On You All

5. All Things Must Pass

6. I Dig Love

7. Art Of Dying

8. Isn’t It A Pity (Version Two)

9. Hear Me Lord

10. Out Of The Blue

11. It’s Johnny’s Birthday

12. Plug Me In *

13. I Remember Jeep *

14. Thanks For The Pepperoni *

* Newly Remastered/Original Mix

Disc Three (Day 1 Demos—Tuesday 26 May 1970)

1. All Things Must Pass (Take 1)

2. Behind That Locked Door (Take 2)

3. I Live For You (Take 1)

4. Apple Scruffs (Take 1)

5. What Is Life (Take 3)

6. Awaiting On You All (Take 1)

7. Isn’t It A Pity (Take 2)

8. I’d Have You Anytime (Take 1)

9. I Dig Love (Take 1)

10. Going Down To Golders Green (Take 1)

11. Dehra Dun (Take 2)

12. Om Hare Om (Gopala Krishna) (Take 1)

13. Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll) (Take 2)

14. My Sweet Lord (Take 1)

15. Sour Milk Sea (Take 1)

Disc Four (Day 2 Demos—Tuesday 27 May 1970)

1. Run Of The Mill (Take 1)

2. Art Of Dying (Take 1)

3. Everybody/Nobody (Take 1)

4. Wah-Wah (Take 1)

5. Window Window (Take 1)

6. Beautiful Girl (Take 1)

7. Beware Of Darkness (Take 1)

8. Let It Down (Take 1)

9. Tell Me What Has Happened To You (Take 1)

10. Hear Me Lord (Take 1)

11. Nowhere To Go (Take 1)

12. Cosmic Empire (Take 1)

13. Mother Divine (Take 1)

Disc Five (Session Outtakes and Jams)

1. Isn’t It A Pity (Take 14)

2. Wah-Wah (Take 1)

3. I’d Have You Anytime (Take 5)

4. Art Of Dying (Take 1)

5. Isn’t It A Pity (Take 27)

6. If Not For You (Take 2)

7. Wedding Bells (Are Breaking Up That Old Gang Of Mine) (Take 1)

8. What Is Life (Take 1)

9. Beware Of Darkness (Take 8)

10. Hear Me Lord (Take 5)

11. Let It Down (Take 1)

12. Run Of The Mill (Take 36)

13. Down To the River (Rocking Chair Jam) (Take 1)

14. Get Back (Take 1)

15. Almost 12 Bar Honky Tonk (Take 1)

16. It’s Johnny’s Birthday (Take 1)

17. Woman Don’t You Cry For Me (Take 5)

Blu-ray Audio Disc (Main Album Only; Surround, Atmos, Hi-Res)

1. I’d Have You Anytime

2. My Sweet Lord

3. Wah-Wah

4. Isn’t It A Pity (Version One)

5. What Is Life

6. If Not For You

7. Behind That Locked Door

8. Let It Down

9. Run Of The Mill

10. Beware Of Darkness

11. Apple Scruffs

12. Ballad Of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)

13. Awaiting On You All

14. All Things Must Pass

15. I Dig Love

16. Art Of Dying

17. Isn’t It A Pity (Version Two)

18. Hear Me Lord

19. Out Of The Blue

20. It’s Johnny’s Birthday

21. Plug Me In

22. I Remember Jeep

23. Thanks For The Pepperoni

50th ANNIVERSARY CREDITS

Executive Producer: Dhani Harrison

Product Producer: David Zonshine

2020 Re-Mixed & Produced in Stereo & Atmos by: Paul Hicks Design

Creative Director: Dhani Harrison

Book curated by: Olivia Harrison and Rachel Cooper

Art Direction: Darren Evans

Archive Research: Don Fleming, Richard Radford and Ryan Williams

George Harrison — All Things Must Pass Remixed from Jim Merlis for use by 360 Magazine

Uber Deluxe Edition

Super Deluxe Edition

VARTAN ABGARYAN × HOTEL CERRO

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With the California economy opening up under new, less restrictive pandemic rules, Hotel Cerro’s restaurant, Brasserie SLO, is expanding its hours. Brasserie SLO will now be serving lunch five days a week, brunch on the weekends and dinner Wednesday through Sunday.

Creating a new menu for Brasserie SLO will be the acclaimed Chef Vartan Abgaryan, the restaurant’s guest chef for the summer months.

Educated at Le Cordon Bleu, Abgaryan graduated in 2004 and went on to cook at the famed New York restaurant Lutece for nearly two years. In 2006 he moved back to the west coast to be closer to his family where he worked at Red Pearl Kitchen followed by three years as Executive Chef at A Restaurant in Newport Beach. Heading inland, he accepted the position of Executive Chef at Public Kitchen & Bar at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. During his tenure, Public Kitchen & Bar was named a “Restaurant To Watch” by Esquire magazine’s food writer and critic, John Mariani.

In 2012, Abgaryan joined Silver Lake’s popular Cliff’s Edge as Executive Chef, taking the eight-year-old neighborhood restaurant to new heights. At Cliff’s Edge, Chef Abgaryan became known for his highly seasonal approach to ingredients and his stunning presentation of dishes – Eater Los Angeles’ Matthew Kang commented that his were “among the most beautiful plating in the city.” In 2014, Cliff’s Edge was awarded three stars by LA Weekly’s restaurant critic, Besha Rodell. After a successful run he elevated his role, quite literally, by opening 71Above – the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi — in July 2016. Under his hand, the restaurant received great critical acclaim and put Chef Abgaryan on L.A.’s culinary heat map. 71Above was awarded three stars by LA Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine named it “one of the Top Ten New Restaurants of 2016” and Critic Patric Kuh remarked that “the experience is luxury that reflects on-point execution.” The Los Angeles Times’ Jonathan Gold called his Suckling Pig dish “something out of a charcuterie dream.” While at 71Above, Abgaryan was named StarChef’s Rising Star for 2018.

After serving over 300 diners a night in an elaborate setting at helicopter-hovering heights, Abgaryan had become one of the city’s most talented and respected chefs. When an opportunity presented itself to bring a refined culinary experience to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, considered by many to be “America’s coolest block,” he took it. Abgaryan’s culinary endeavor, with partners Dave Reiss (formerly of Salt Air) and Paul Pruitt (Founder of New School), at Yours Truly allowed him to focus on a smaller number of guests and work within a more intimate dinner setting.

Yours Truly quickly became a hit, and the restaurant was named “Best New Restaurant” by Los Angeles Magazine, LA Times, LA Weekly, Thrillst and Eater LA. Yours Truly was also included in the ‘101 Best’ annual Los Angeles Times restaurant list. On March 15, one year from its opening date, Los Angeles went into lockdown, and Yours Truly was forced to close for 7 months to re-open as an outdoor concept. It closed permanently after a second lockdown shuttered all restaurants a few months later.

Now at Brasserie SLO, Chef Abgaryan has created a menu that exhibits a multi-cultural approach, combining ingredients from Mexico, Asia and Europe. His bold and flavor-driven approach can be seen in a selection of small plates including Hamachi Crudo, Avocado, Mango, chili, lemon and sorrel; Octopus, potatoes, tomato coriander vinaigrette and tarragon; and Grilled Broccolini, black garlic, peanuts, fermented Fresno and lemon; as well as in main courses such as Mussels, Coconut Poblano Broth, cilantro and lime; and Scallops, farro risotto, zucchini, lemon and basil mascarpone.

In a nod to his Armenian heritage, diners will find Middle Eastern elements in such dishes as Carrots, Za’atar, tahini and sweet garlic; Avocado Hummus with salsa matcha, peanut, yuzu, poblano and grilled flatbread; and Grilled Half Chicken, honey, lettuces, radish and preserved lemon.

“We are delighted to have a chef of Chef Vartan Abgaryan caliber join the team at Hotel Cerro – even if it is only for a few months,” said Hotel Cerro General Manager Natalie Ward. “He has transformed the culinary programs of several Los Angeles based restaurants, and we look forward to seeing how he will apply his considerable talents to the fresh, regional produce and seafood of the Central Coast.”

About Hotel Cerro:

Located in the heart of lively downtown San Luis Obispo, Hotel Cerro is the perfect intersection of SLO culture, California’s rich history and casual elegance. Designed and built towards LEED Silver specifications, Hotel Cerro boasts 65 spacious guest rooms and suites, ranging in size from 350 to 920 square feet. A full-service hotel, Hotel Cerro’s other amenities include a fitness center and spa, rooftop pool deck with 360-degree views, beautiful outdoor areas and a restaurant, Brasserie SLO, which sources ingredients from the hotel’s own Edible Garden. The result is an oasis of sustainably designed luxury in the heart of California’s iconic central coast. Hotel Cerro is located at 1125 Garden Street, between Marsh and Higuera Streets, in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo. For more information and reservations, please call 805.548.1000 or click HERE.

PEACH MOMOKO — DEMON DAYS: CURSED WEB

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This September, Peach Momoko’s quarterly series continues with DEMON DAYS: CURSED WEB! In this new third installment, Momoko will continue to expertly blend Japanese folklore with the Marvel Comics mythos in a dazzling new story that will introduce fascinating versions of characters like Ghost-Spider, Mystique and Sabretooth.

Earlier this year, acclaimed artist Peach Momoko made her writing and interior art debut in DEMON DAYS: X-MEN. The first entry into a mesmerizing new take on the Marvel Universe straight from the mind of Peach Momoko, DEMON DAYS: X-MEN was a huge success, demanding multiple printings and receiving critical acclaim. The quarterly series will resume next week in DEMON DAYS: MARIKO, setting the stage for September’s DEMON DAYS: CURSED WEB.

DEMON DAYS: CURSED WEB will follow Mariko Yashida as she journeys deep into a dark forest to find answers about her past. Instead, she finds a magical wolf with three toes and a strange girl with a pet spider. But there are deadly creatures in these woods too — a mysterious, blue-skinned woman and a giant with super-strength and claws — and they’re after Mariko!

“It’s been a lot of fun carefully thinking about how to reimagine Marvel characters into my Momoko-verse,” Momoko said. “Keeping just enough of the character so people can guess who it is but changing it enough to create something very unique. With that in mind, I love getting to come up with ideas and stories around these characters to tell my story. I hope everyone enjoys the Momoko-verse.”

Check out the main cover as well as a sneak peek at interior art, and don’t miss Peach Momoko’s next epic tale when DEMON DAYS: CURSED WEB #1 hits stands in September! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

To find a comic shop near you, click HERE.

About Marvel Entertainment:

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.

1500 SOUND ACADEMY × ASU — MUSIC PROGRAM

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COURSES OFFER ASPIRING MUSIC STUDENTS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT MUSIC PRODUCTION, RECORDING AND ENGINEERING, SONGWRITING, MIXING, BUSINESS AND BRANDING FROM INDUSTRY PROS

1500 Sound Academy, a music education institution based in Inglewood, California headed by Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter producers James Fauntleroy and Larrance “Rance” Dopson, and entrepreneur Twila True, has announced a new partnership with Arizona State University (ASU). The institutions have joined forces to launch a co-branded, certificate-based, self-paced online music program. Courses will provide top notch instruction in music production, engineering, songwriting, mixing, music business and artist branding, and are available today, with enrollment for the program now open to all students and the general public. You can enroll by clicking HERE.

Together, with their educational expertise in the music industry, 1500 Sound Academy and ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts School of Music, Dance and Theatre, with contributions from active music professionals, have formed a unique program titled “Professional Certificate in Music Production,” that offers valuable insight to help students discover the many career paths available in the music industry. Courses include a focus on skill development as well as exposure to leading experts in the music industry with interview sessions led by Professor of Practice Daniel Bernard Roumain, PhD.

Said Fauntleroy: “We are thrilled to launch our first collegiate partnership. Arizona State University has been in-tune when it comes to the ethos of 1500 Sound Academy and sharing the knowledge of the music industry’s inner-workings. Added Dopson, “Our goal has always been to lead by example and share our knowledge and insights of the business with people. We’re honored ASU acknowledges and celebrates this idea.”

“ASU is proud to join with 1500 Sound Academy to create practical, technological experiences,” said Heather Landes, director of the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre. “Dr. Roumain and our director of the popular music program, Erin Barra-Jean, along with acclaimed artists like DJ Spooky, Black Violin, Hollywood film composer Tamar Kali, and founder of the MAGIK*MAGIK orchestra Minna Choi provide an immersive survey of best practices and innovation in the recording and collaborative arts,” added Dr. Landes.

The “Professional Certificate in Music Production” will include six specialized music courses:

Music Production Techniques with Ableton Live: This course offers today’s music creators with a foundation on the necessary concepts, terminology and techniques of modern studio track composition.

Recording & Engineering Fundamentals: The digital audio workstation (DAW) is the centerpiece of the recording studio. Students learn the fundamentals of getting sound into the DAW and shaping the sound using EQ, compression and other techniques.

The Contemporary Songwriter: Songwriters create timeless emotion from nothing but melody and lyrics. This course demystifies the songwriting process and arms the modern songwriter with melodic and lyrical concepts to deepen their craft.

Mixing Essentials: The mix can make or break a song and when it is done right, it goes unnoticeable. This course teaches how to listen and knowing how to make songs sound like you want them.

The Business of Music 101: Music creators are copyright owners, brand owners and publishing companies, whether they know it or not. This course outlines the pillars of a music creator’s corporate structure.

Branding for the Contemporary Artist: This course digs deeply into the psyche of the artist, as well as the practical side of being an artist and setting up an authentic brand and performance.

About 1500 Sound Academy:

1500 Sound Academy strives to produce passionate sound creators with mentorship, positive mindset, and professional development. Featuring state-of-the-art facilities, an award-winning staff and unique curriculum, 1500 Sound Academy functions as a gateway between school and career by providing instruction in current and emerging business practices of the music industry for creators around the world. The academy is led by an accomplished team, consisting of Grammy award-winning R&B/Pop singer-songwriter James Fauntleroy, musician and Grammy award-winning producer Larrance “Rance” Dopson, and successful entrepreneur and executive, Twila True, Co-Founder of True Family Enterprises, a privately held family office based in Orange County, California. 1500 Sound Academy is a subsidiary of Volume Ventures, LLC, an independent, multi-faceted entertainment company that provides comprehensive music and video production, publishing, and education services to aspiring and established recording artists, songwriters, musicians and music videographers. 1500 Sound Academy has a top-notch curriculum that has featured some of the biggest music stars. Guest lecturers at the academy have included such world-renowned artists as: Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Master P and Snoop Dogg, to name a few. Brand partners include: Dolby, Fender, Roland and Zildjian.

About Arizona State University:

Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.

About the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre:

The School of Music, Dance and Theatre in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University is widely recognized for preparing artists, scholars, visionaries and entrepreneurs to become innovative leaders who transform society through their creativity. Our internationally recognized faculty artists, scholars and guest artists are motivating and compassionate mentors who work with students to cultivate excellence and personal growth. Our nationally recognized programs feature a comprehensive range of degrees plus minors and certificates and more than 600 concerts, events, performances, productions and recitals each year. Located in the culturally rich Southwest in one of the most vibrant, expanding urban centers, our programs afford students access to a diverse environment and engagement in Phoenix’s flourishing arts community. Above all, we value the creativity, personal experience and voice each student brings to the school.

PEACH TREE RASCALS — OH HONEY (I LOVE YOU)

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Today, California misfit collective Peach Tree Rascals share a new music video for “Oh Honey (I Love You),” a sentimental track off of their debut EP, Camp Nowhere, released March 26 via Homemade Projects/10K Projects. Produced by James Bahmen and directed by creative house Kids Don’t Know, the new music video shares the enduring love story of an elderly couple in flashbacks to their younger years, when they first fell in love. Starring bandmate Joseph Barros as the main character, the new video is a testament of lasting enduring devotion, featuring cameos from each of the Rascals. Watch the music video for “Oh Honey (I Love You)” HERE.

The new music video arrives shortly after Peach Tree Rascals’ breakout hit “Mariposa” became RIAA-certified Gold, and after the group’s new cover of John Mayer’s “Stop This Train,” available now exclusively on Amazon Music. In the past year, the group has received praise from Billboard, Forbes, The Fader, VMAN, BuzzFeed, and more.

Peach Tree Rascals largely wrote and recorded their debut EP Camp Nowhere in seclusion, finding inspiration while camping. Centered on themes of recovery and healing which they attribute to their increased time outdoors during quarantine, the Rascals debut EP is a comforting and optimistic album for the times.

“Camp Nowhere came from the idea that a lot of people have been using the isolation of quarantine and the state of the world to dig deeper into themselves and figure out what’s important to them,” rapper/singer Tarrek shares. “For some it’s discovering a new hobby, or that it’s time to move on to a new place. For PTR, it was taking a week in Yosemite to dive into our creativity. We’ve always done a combination of sounds that inspire us all. This feels like all of our inspirations mixed together.”

To date, Peach Tree Rascals has garnered 400M+ streams across platforms and count 6M+ Spotify monthly listeners. Their breakthrough hit “Mariposa” charted to #1 on the Alternative Radio Chart and has been co-signed by Lizzo and Harry Styles.

WHO ARE THE PEACH TREE RASCALS?

More of a brotherhood than a collective, The Rascals blend a seemingly effortless knack for melody with layers of rich harmony and R&B grooves. Recording together since their high school days, producer/mixer Dominic “Dom” Pizano, rappers-singers Issac Pech, Tarrek Abdel-Khaliq, Joseph Barros, and creative director Jorge Olazaba united with the intent of seeking musical growth and companionship. With most of the members being second-generation Americans (the sons of Palestinian, Filipino and Mexican immigrants), they quickly realized a deep, natural connection with one another, and grew into a single, harmonious unit. You can buy their merchandise HERE.