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THE ROSE FEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

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“THE ROSE FEST” MUSIC FESTIVAL MAKES HISTORY AS THE FIRST COVID-COMPLIANT STATE-OF-THE-ART FESTIVAL OF 2021 WITH INAUGURAL ORANGE COUNTY, CA BENEFIT EVENT

MOZZY, RUBI ROSE, RY, ERIC BELLINGER, KENDYX, DAY SULAN, STUNNA GIRL, KALAN. FRFR, 1TAKEJAY& MORE GRACES STAGE WITH UNFORGETTABLE PERFORMANCES

THE ROSE FEST MUSIC FESTIVAL kicked off an inaugural debut this past Saturday on April 24, in Orange County, CA, with one of the first covid-complaint, state-of-the-art music festival experiences to take place in North America in over one year. An important moment for the community of California, and those who are eagerly awaiting to resume attending in-person functions, the event-filled day brought a blissful beam of light and upliftment for everyone in attendance with the perfect mix of performances from music’s biggest names and indisputable artists on the rise.

“It’s an amazing feeling to see the results of something that at some points felt like the impossible to make happen during this pandemic,” says Phillip Riian, Co-Founder of The Rose Music Festival. “What feels even more special is that I was able to create something of this magnitude with my team, my girls, KendyX and RY. I’m beyond happy that we were able to not only put together a great event but also build bridges for voices that needed to be heard while supporting a special initiative that’s dear to us all. Even though this music world is very new to me, good work is good work and we have so much to celebrate.”

The Rose Fest featured some of the biggest names and in Hip Hop and R&B mixed with powerhouse artist on-the-rise with exquisite performances from Mozzy, Rubi Rose, RY, Eric Bellinger, KendyX, Day Sulan, 1TakeJay, Stunna Girl, Kalan FRFR, Black Fortune, TMG Fre$h, Marissa Ford, SingerSlime, DW Flame, Float Lord, Whitney Reign, ASH10, Audemar, B Lytrece, HTTH, Yoppa Bam, 3LetterzNUK, J.LeGras, Jimmy Bolt, Mariana Velletto and more! Hosted by Abby Nicole, Manuel Antonio and Philon, the benefit event also saw guest appearances from YG and J Mulan, while DJ Asia Shabazz and DJ Carisma of Power 106 FM provided music and sounds for the night.

The Rose Fest founders Phillip Riian, KendyX and RY all had sight set with creating a special moment to bring worlds together and create impact; that goal was achieved in a game-shifting way from the array of praise received from attendees, rising stars who were able to amplify their voices and showcases the value of their brilliance and The Avalon Center—the non-profit organization selected by The Rose Fest to donate 100% of proceeds raised for the festival.

A total of $21,797 was raised from The Rose Fest and will be donated to The Avalon Center, a network center located in South Los Angeles that provides education services, home improvement services, and substance abuse services for people who live in Los Angeles County.

“Our staff and young people were given the ultimate VIP experience with the best seats in the house! The organizers created lifelong memories for us all, said Jamico Elder, Executive Director of The Avalon Center. Their professionalism and hospitality are only matched by their generosity and sincere desire to help our families recover during these perilous times. We are encouraged and elated to know Avalon Carver is a part of the Rose Fest family!”

For more information about the festival, visit the Rose Fest website.

FIRST COVID-COMPLIANT STATE-OF-THE-ART FESTIVAL OF 2021 BENEFIT EVENT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 24th

THE ROSE FEST MUSIC FESTIVAL” ORANGE COUNTY, CA ANNOUNCES STAR-STUDDED LINEUP: MOZZY, ASIAN DOLL, ERIC BELLINGER, DAY SULAN, STUNNA GIRL, 1TAKEJAY, & MORE SET TO PERFORM, SOUNDS BY DJ CARISMA & MORE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

The Rose Music Festival makes an official unveil with the announcement of its massive, inaugural lineup for the first covid-compliant state-of-the-art festival of 2021, taking place in Orange County, California, on April 24, 2021. Set to be a momentous experience with the perfect mix of star-studded performances from established artists and up-and-coming artists who are set to be next, attenders will have the chance to enjoy entertainment from some of their favorite artists while discovering music from soon-to-be-favorite rising stars. “The Rose Music Festival” originally came into fruition over one year ago by founder’s creative director Phillip Riaan and rising artists, entertainers Ry & Kendyx to create a platform for emerging musicians to showcase their bubbling stardom on a main stage with appeal compared to music festivals alike. Today, the experience now includes some of the hottest entertainers in music now making it the most unparalleled music festival that caters to something for everyone.

Featuring some of the biggest names in music and next up emerging acts, attenders will see performances from Mozzy, Stunna Girl, Eric Bellinger, Day Sulan, 1TakeJay, Asian Doll, Black Fortuna, Jaddah Blue, 777 God, Kendyx, Ry, Abbey Nicole, Float Lord, Rizz, and more special guests! Hosted by Philon, the benefit event will also see guest appearances from J Mulan and Manuel Antonio with music/ sounds by DJ Skyhighbaby & Power 106 FM’s own DJ Carisma.

100% of proceeds from “The Rose Festival will the donated to Avalon Carver Community Center, a network center located in South Los Angeles that provides education services, home improvement services, and substance abuse services for people who live in Los Angeles County. Built on the vision of community leader Mary B. Henry, the agency has become a centerpiece of the diverse community fabric of the neighborhood and met the needs of its growing and ever-changing community.

“We’re really excited to create this moment for California because our community needs this beam of light during these unusual times,” says Phillip Riaan, Co-Founder of The Rose Music Festival. It has been a tough year, a year that has shed light on the health and economic disparities in Black and Brown communities, so I’m happy we’re able to make this experience that looks out for many communities. Not only was the concert essential to us because of the cause, but it also provides a platform for up-and-coming artists to be able to see their name in lights and not have to wait on someone to allow them to because they are trending on social media.”

Kendyx, Co-Founder of “The Rose Music Festival,” shared, “music is healing, and it’s a beautiful moment to see emerging musicians, like myself, have this moment of coming together in a unique way that gives back to the community that has supported us all in more ways than one.”

Ry, p.k.a. Rydope, Co-Founder of “The Rose Music Festival and a rising artist herself, echoed similar sentiments by saying, “This festival will show that betters days is approaching for the world, not only for our community here in California.”

The Rose Festival marks one of the first live music events in the United States in over a year.

For more information about the festival, visit this website.

About The Rose Music Festival

Rose Fest is a music festival that gives back to the community, shines the light on emerging artists and collaborates with established artists to give fans across the world exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content and live performances. Proceeds from the Fest’s revenues will benefit Avalon Carver Community Center. Avalon Carver works to care for youth and through education, community outreach and empowerment throughout Los Angeles, CA. The inaugural festival will take place in Orange County on April 24, 2021

For more information, visit this website.

About Avalon Carver

Avalon Carver works to care for the physical, mental and spiritual needs of individuals and families through education, community outreach and empowerment.

Since 1940, Avalon Carver in South Los Angeles has been a place for people from diverse backgrounds to join together in one space and work to make their community thrive. Built on the vision of community leader Mary B. Henry, it has strived to become a place of growth, unity, family, and positive change for South Los Angeles. It has grown to become a centerpiece of the diverse community fabric of the neighborhood.
Throughout the years, Avalon Carver has met the needs of its growing and ever-changing community. Through hard times and good, through struggles and triumphs, bringing up inspiring community leaders and strengthening families.

Avalon Carver is now stepping into the next chapter of our story, keeping an eye towards the future of our community through a refresh of our space, an expansion of our services, and a progressive take on the education of the community.

For more information, visit Avalon Carver’s website.

Champion’s New Responsibly-Made Apparel Collections

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Champion Athleticwear is releasing two new collections, Natural State Reverse Weave and Rally Pro Earth footwear, in support of the Champion Made pledge to create more responsibly-made apparel. Both collections will be available on Earth Day, April 22.

About Champion’s Natural State Reverse Weave:

Champion’s Natural State contains recycled polyester fibers and takes the brand’s iconic Reverse Weave fabrics and celebrates them in their natural, raw state. The collection uses minimally processed and unbleached fabrics, along with all-natural dyes derived from flowers, roots and plants, and is characterized by natural, muted tones, raw edges and logos that include recycled fibers.

Natural State allows the brand’s fans to be environmentally conscious from head to toe in the line’s tees, hoodies, crew-neck sweatshirts, joggers and shorts. The collection pricing ranges from $35 to $75 and will be available to shop in-store and online at Champion and Urban Outfitters on April 22.

About Champion’s Rally Pro Earth Footwear:

As part of our Champion® Made initiative, the iconic Rally Pro gets a refresh using better for the earth materials. Champion is also launching the Rally Pro Earth shoe in conjunction with its licensee, BBC International. This is Champion’s first sneaker assembled with 25-45% upcycled and 50-65% recycled materials, with percentages varying by shoe color.

Available in white, black/C gold and black/scarlet, the Rally Pro Earth is a more eco-friendly version of the popular Rally Pro, a slip-on style high-top sneaker. The sneaker is also packaged in recycled boxes.

The RPE sneaker also contains an upcycled EVA rubber outsole for a smooth ride and rubber logo sole for traction.

The sneaker will retail for $104.22 (a nod to Earth Day) and the collection will be available to shop in select Champion stores and on Champion’s website.

About Champion MADE:

Champion Made represents apparel made to matter – stemming from the brand’s mission to encourage consumers to make their own difference and be their own champion for the planet. The program is already seeing great success including the efforts below:

All Champion products can be washed in cold water, which reduces energy and water usage.
By 2030, Champion, as part of HanesBrands family, is committed to reducing water usage by another 25%.
Champion’s classic jersey tees are made with U.S. cotton, which is fully traceable and some of the most responsibly produced cotton in the world.
Powerblend sweats are made with a portion of recycled polyester fibers, which translates to approximately three recycled plastic water bottles in each garment.
By 2025, Champion’s goals, as part of HanesBrands family, include using 100% recycled polyester and 100% sustainable cotton in all of its apparel, achieving zero waste across operations, and reducing the absolute weight of packaging materials used for products by 25%

The Don Was Motor City Playlist

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Music Icon Don Was to Launch Weekly Show, “The Don Was Motor City Playlist,” on Detroit’s NPR Station, 101.9 WDET-FM and streaming worldwide beginning 10 pm, April 16, 2021.

“The Don Was Motor City Playlist,” hosted by Don Was and WDET Music Host Ann Delisi will feature playlists curated by Was and tales from his more than 30-year career as a musician and producer.

Blue Note Records President, six-time Grammy Award Winner and music industry powerhouse Don Was is launching a weekly broadcast program Friday, April 16 in his hometown of Detroit. On the new two-hour show, The Don Was Motor City Playlist, Was will dig deep into his music archives to curate playlists and share personal stories about the artists whose songs he features. The show will pay homage to the Motor City and artists with whom he works and loves. It will be broadcast on Detroit’s NPR station, WDET 101.9 FM and available to stream on WDET’s website, the WDET mobile app, and on smart speakers.

The show will air every Friday from 10 pm–midnight and will be hosted by Was along with producer and co-host, Detroit radio personality Ann Delisi.

“This show is really different in that it is completely freeform,” says Was. “The format will be an old school stream of consciousness; diverse with songs that I love and want to share with listeners. It’s been really fun to make the playlists. I get to do this show from my birthplace of Detroit with the great Ann Delisi. You will hear stories about The Stones. Stories about Dylan. Stories about Bonnie Raitt and Iggy Pop. Stories about Detroit.”

The name of every playlist will be inspired by Don Was’ history in Detroit. As listeners tune in from around the world, they will hear commentary about the Motor City and its rich musical and cultural histories. Dubbed, “the most exciting city in America” by the New York Times, Detroit is the birthplace of Was, Jack White, Big Sean, Alice Cooper, Eminem, Elvin Jones, Pepper Adams, Marcus Belgrave, James Carter, Carl Craig, Alberta Adams and many others.

“Don Was is a genuine and fascinating storyteller who will give listeners intimate insight into music makers. Don is a Detroit treasure and so is Ann Delisi. We are thrilled that Don and Ann will be teaming up to create The Don Was Motor City Playlist on WDET,” says Mary Zatina, General Manager of WDET. It’s a perfect trio — “Don’s energy and talent in the music industry is in a league of its own. Ann, whose ear is to the ground in music of every genre, both share the ability to deeply engage listeners as they narrate stories and anecdotes about music making. The third leg of the formula is WDET — a one-of-a-kind radio station known for innovation and eclectic offerings that inform and delight audiences in metro Detroit and around the globe.” WDET, which has been on the air for 73 years, is Detroit’s flagship National Public Radio Station.

Delisi has been a Detroit broadcaster and producer for more than 35 years. Her show Essential Music is a treasured go-to for listeners to discover new music as well as look back at landmark albums, musical moments and the musicians who created them. She has interviewed everyone from David Bowie to Adele to White House Photographer Pete Souza. Dedicated to exploring the creative spirit that drives artists, Delisi said the idea to partner with Was came up in one of their many conversations over dinner.

Ann recounts the story of how the Don Was Motor City Playlist came about–“We were having dinner in Detroit when he was in town for the Concert of Colors global music festival. He talked about listening to WDET and the late night show “Jazz Today” hosted by Bud Spangler. He said that his dream was to do a show like that and play songs that were his personal favorites – from any genre and from era. Months later, I suggested to my WDET colleagues that Don should host a show on WDET and everyone loved the idea.”

WDET Program Director Joan Isabella says, “Don and Ann have a deep love of music and reverence for the artists who create it. Ann is a savvy interviewer and as his co-host, she will ask questions about his work that listeners will relish. The Don Was Motor City Playlist provides a platform for Don to share his life experiences as a musician, producer and record label president. Having heard many of Don’s stories throughout the years, I know it’s going to be a blast for the listeners.”

A pivotal moment in developing the show’s potential occurred years ago when Was visited WDET to be interviewed by Delisi, only for the show to be preempted due to a national emergency press conference.

“Back in 2012, our live interview was preempted, so we ended up recording a lengthy interview in a small studio sharing stories and talking about music. In the years that followed, I began working with Don on the Concert of Colors and we would always talk about music. Little did we know that all of those conversations were preparing us for this show,” says Delisi.

“I’ve been going through my record collection, music from Detroit and beyond, on and off Blue Note,” says Was. “Maybe some music that hasn’t been released from Was (Not Was), but I’m modest with this show, I haven’t decided that part yet.”

Fans can hope.

For more than 70 years, from our Midtown Detroit location on the campus of Wayne State University, WDET-FM 101.9, Detroit’s NPR station, has delivered a unique mix of news, conversation, special programs and music programming. Our 48,000-watt broadcast signal reaches a 70-mile radius across all of southeast Michigan, northwest Ohio and southwest Ontario. It expands nationally through our live stream, website, mobile app and podcasts. WDET-FM 101.9 is a community service of Wayne State University. Support for WDET comes from Wayne State, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, local foundations, and through private donors and corporate underwriting.

How Do You Know That You’re Ready For Retirement?

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It’s Not Just The Finances.

An intriguing find once emerged from a RAND Corp. survey on Americans and their working conditions. It turned out that 40 percent of employees that are age 65 and older had previously retired, but something lured them back to the working world.

In some cases, financial troubles might have been the cause. But often the reason is that people neglect an important component in their retirement planning. They don’t think about what they will do with their extra time, or how they will give their life the meaning and purpose that work had provided, says Patti Hart, co-author with her husband, Milledge, of The Resolutionist: Welcome to the Anti-Retirement Movement.

“Money is certainly important, but it’s not the only thing that determines whether your retirement is a success,” she says. “It may be that you are financially ready to retire, but are a long way from being emotionally ready.”

The Harts offer tips for figuring out when to retire and for making sure you’re successful when you do:

Know your catalysts. Identify milestones or signs that will let you know you are ready to embark on a new post-work life, Milledge Hart says. Yes, that could be when you’ve accumulated a certain amount of savings. But it might also be related to when your spouse quits their job, or when your children graduate college and head out on their own. Maybe your plan is to work until your health gives out. “Knowing your catalysts can mean the difference between successfully transitioning to a fulfilled life after your career is over, or boomeranging back to the full-time workforce simply because you didn’t know why you quit to begin with,” he says.
Plan ahead to avoid separation anxiety from work. For many people, moving from the excitement and fulfillment of a career to the quietness of retirement is too much, Patti Hart says. They develop a form of “separation anxiety,” longing for their old way of life rather than venturing boldly into the new one. “You need to make a plan for what you want to do in your new post-career life so you aren’t floundering when you get there,” she says.
Get comfortable with the uncomfortable. At work, people are thrown into uncomfortable situations and have no choice but to face them head on. In retirement, it’s easier to avoid discomfort, but doing so diminishes your confidence, and you miss out on opportunities for personal growth and fun, Milledge Hart says. “It would seem counterintuitive to think that being uncomfortable brings happiness, but it does,” he says. “Go at life as if it’s an adventure – because it is. When you accomplish something you didn’t think you could, you get a jolt of endorphins that drives you to your next challenge.”
Learn to be your own best friend. Even when people want to try a new hobby or activity, they sometimes are afraid to do it alone. “In retirement, you might not have the social network you once did,” Patti Hart says. “You may long for a good friend you can rely on.” But if you think about it, she says, you already have that friend–yourself. So as you prepare for retirement, be ready to go solo on occasion. “When you get to this stage, you will often find that some things on your list are on your list alone,” she says. “No one in your universe shares your interest or has the time to join you. That’s all right. If you are going to continue to grow, you need to sometimes feel like you did something completely on your own.”

“Don’t convince yourself that in retirement you are going to be destined to a life of watching evening game shows and baking pies, unless of course that is what you love to do,” Milledge Hart says. “My advice is nothing is off limits, so reach for the stars. Look forward rather than backward, and embrace the new you.”

About Patti and Milledge Hart

Patti and Milledge Hart, co-authors of The Resolutionist: Welcome to the Anti-Retirement Movement have spent more than 30 years as executive leaders in numerous technology and investment banking businesses. Today, in what they refer to as the “Resolutionist,” rather than retirement, phase of their lives, they are applying their resources and skills in new ways to advance philanthropic and corporate activities around the globe.

ELISE ERIKSEN × AFROJACK – Less ft. Shoffy (Afrojack Remix)

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PRESS HERE to Listen

Emerging pop artist Elise Eriksen has teamed up with legendary DJ Afrojack to reimagine her debut single “Less ft. Shoffy” as a shimmering summer anthem. PRESS HERE to listen to the remix for the pop favorite, which was originally co-written with multi-platinum songwriter Julia Michaels, and features both Shoffy and Blu DeTiger.

“This project is really special to me considering a DJ I have listened to all my life wanted to remix my song,” says Elise on the collaboration. “It feels completely surreal and I am beyond thankful!”

“Less ft. Shoffy (Afrojack Remix)” arrives on the heels of the original version, which recently broke over a million streams on Spotify alone after being featured on key pop playlists worldwide and receiving international radio play–including multiple spins on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 2, the biggest radio stations in Europe. PRESS HERE to watch the effortlessly cool video for “Less ft. Shoffy,” which reflects on growing apart in a relationship and shows Elise defying expectations to stand out alongside a cast of her best friends. “Less ft. Shoffy” took shape after Elise threw herself into reimagining an early version of the track being toyed with by her father (GRAMMY-winning producer Mikkel Eriksen) and using her encyclopedic knowledge of music history and first-hand experience of watching the world’s biggest stars while growing up in the studio. The Afrojack collaboration also follows Elise’s second single “Smile,” which was co-written by Sasha Sloan, (Charli XCX, Camila Cabello, Anne-Marie, Katy Perry) The track showcases Elise’s distinctive vocals over her own piano instrumental while speaking to putting on a façade and smiling even though you’re not okay. PRESS HERE to watch the breathtakingly stark video, which was shot entirely by iPhone 12 on a frozen lake in Norway at -15°F.

Originally from Norway, Elise moved to New York City soon after discovering her love for music and is now based in Los Angeles. Learning over the years what it takes to make a perfect pop song, Elise is the daughter of one half of uber-producers Stargate (Rihanna, Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Coldplay) and grew up in the studio surrounded by the world’s top artists and songwriters. Embracing the uncompromising work ethic she grew up surrounded by, Elise devoted years to playing the piano and honing her craft before experimenting with writing songs of her own. Inspired by artists as eclectic as Stevie Nicks, Alicia Keys, Don Toliver, Pink Floyd, and Etta James, the seventeen-year-old’s dynamic musical imagination and sharp musical instincts reflect her endless creative curiosity and a deep commitment to her artistic growth.

“’Smile’ is a stripped-down, confessional ballad, with a chorus that aims for the rafters and nicely showcases the newcomer’s developing range.” – Billboard

“If you don’t already know the name Elise Eriksen, you’re about to in a big way.” – Sweety High

The Modern-Day Farmer: Innovation on a 100-Year-Old Farm

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By: Matt Billings

You could call me a third-generation almond farmer turned “entrepreneurial yogurt innovator;” and those two titles are linked more than you can imagine. I’ve been able to combine my love of the land and our family farm with a drive to innovate and create, adding a whole new branch to our family farming legacy.

As a result of running an almond farm in the San Joaquin Valley, California, the land has always been an integral part of my family’s life, and it runs in my blood. My great grandfather started our farm in 1913. For over 100 years, we have been farming in California, and it’s been a true labor of love. Sustainability is the key, and our family is driven by the desire to pass on healthy, living soil to the next generation.

I earned a B.S. in Agriculture from the University of California, Davis, and have served as an alternate on the Almond Board of California’s Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Production Research Committee. Farming is my passion, and I love being a lifetime learner regarding how to constantly innovate and support the farming community. And of course, we Billings love what we think of as a pretty much perfect food–almonds.

Walking the orchard is always the best part of my day. Our almond trees live up to about 30 years, and to watch their seasonal process is both beautiful and grounding. The bare branches of the winter bloom gloriously in the spring and summer. Then, in the fall, the almonds are harvested when the tree is shaken to loosen the nuts. The cycle of nature, as well as the challenges, stay true. Like any farmer, there is so much appreciation for the earth and a strong desire to take care of it. One of the guiding tenets for our farm–and family– is, “leave the earth a better place than when you started.”

I am also an innovator and have a passion for better health through wholesome foods. About four years ago, the family came together to figure out how we could offer our almonds to consumers in a new way. It’s a pretty amazing thing when generations can build upon each other. We believe in the dietary goodness of almonds, and knew we could do more with our product. It was time to take a big chance. For the Billings family, that meant creating AYO Almond-based Yogurt.

At first, it seemed like a pretty straightforward endeavor–using our organic almonds in almond milk based yogurts. But nothing good comes easy. We created a whole new retail product, and we weren’t going to go to market until we were confident that our yogurt was the best offered.

We like to call AYO Almond Milk Yogurt “farm-to-spoon” because we created this yogurt every step of the way. I truly oversee the entire process, starting with the 20 almonds that go into each cup. The almonds are cleaned and sorted, then blanched in boiling water to remove the outer skin. Then, they are roasted and ground into almond butter–the pure nut butter almond base that is used to make AYO. AYP is all-natural, contains nothing artificial, and is probiotic-rich.

Being a father, the importance of creating wholesome food–we call it “better for you foods”–that I want to feed my own kids is a driving force in creating our product. We worked hard to create a healthy yogurt that isn’t full of sugar, but that kids (and adults) like. We did just that, and like to say it’s “kid tested, parent approved.” We churn our organic almonds, and create a creamy yogurt with a touch of toasted almond flavor. Then we picked the flavors the kids and adults love: vanilla, organic peach, strawberry, blueberry, and more to come. And we’ve been proud to say that we are getting fantastic feedback from our customers–they love the taste and texture. We are thrilled with their reviews.

Every day I am reminded of my forefathers’ challenges with running an almond farm–water supply, the challenges of mother–you name it. But jumping into the retail food market is a whole new learning curve. First, I wouldn’t recommend launching a new product during a pandemic. I can say that with a smile, but it has been a challenge to market something with incredible taste when you can’t have in-store tastings. We’ve had to work harder on other fronts and, just like in farming, you have to surround yourself with trustworthy people that share your vision and work hard for a common goal.

I love farming. I love creating wholesome food that our customers enjoy. We’ve had the joy of creating a product our family is proud of in a tough time. Just like the generations before me, I truly believe with a commitment to quality and core values, you’ll find success.

To Find AYO near you, visit this website.

UNRAVELED: Confronting The Fabric of Fiber Art

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A Group Show Curated by Indira Cesarine

OPENING RECEPTION: April 17, 2021

VIP Preview 1pm – 3pm // Opening Reception 3pm – 8pm

EXHIBITION ON VIEW: April 17 – May 28, 2021

45 Lispenard Street, NYC 10013

The Untitled Space is pleased to present “UNRAVELED: Confronting The Fabric of Fiber Art” group show opening on April 17 and on view through May 28, 2021. Curated by Indira Cesarine, the exhibition will feature textile and fiber-based artworks by 40 contemporary women artists. “UNRAVELED: Confronting The Fabric of Fiber Art” explores in depth the themes and techniques of the medium through the works of female-identifying artists working with natural and synthetic fiber, fabric, and yarn. The exhibition presents figurative and abstract works that address our lived experience and history through the lens of women weaving, knotting, twining, plaiting, coiling, pleating, lashing, and interlacing. Narratives of self-identification, race, religion, gender, sexuality, our shared experience, as well as protest and the patriarchy are literally “unraveled” through embroidery, felt, woven and hooked rugs, braided and sewn hair, sewn fabrics, discarded clothing, cross-stitching, repurposed materials and more.

Exhibiting Artists: Amber Doe, Carol Scavotto, Caroline Wayne, Christy O’Connor, Daniela Puliti, Delaney Conner, Dominique Vitali, Elise Drake, Elizabeth Miller, Hera Haesoo Kim, Indira Cesarine, Jamia Weir, Jody MacDonald, Julia Brandão, Kathy Sirico, Katie Cercone, Katie Commodore, Katrina Majkut, Katy Itter, Kelly Boehmer, Linda Friedman Schmidt, Lisa Federici, Marianne Fairbanks, Mary Tooley Parker, Melanie Fischer, Melissa Zexter, Mychaelyn Michalec, Mz Icar, Orly Cogan, Robin Kang, Rosemary Meza-DesPlas, Ruta Naujalyte, Sally Hewett, Sarah Blanchette, Sooo-z Mastopietro, Sophie Boggis-Rolfe, Stacy Isenbarger, Stephanie Eche, Victoria Selbach, and Winnie van der Rijn.

Curatorial Statement:

unravel [ uhn-rav-uhl ] to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.). to free from complication or difficulty; make plain or clear; solve: to unravel a situation; to unravel a mystery.

“UNRAVELED: Confronting the Fabric of Fiber Art” investigates the narratives of contemporary fiber artists. The exhibition brings together a diverse group of artists who each address through their own personal vision, materials, and methods, works that are deeply rooted in the history of feminism, in the intersection of art and craft, addressing our living experiences and personal languages. We live in a world of extremes – on one hand, the pandemic has brought forth an intensity on digital and online programming peaking with the emergence of NFT art, and on the opposite end of the spectrum we are seeing a return to the comforts of the home and along with it a renaissance of organic and handmade artworks that embody that spirit. The laborious and repetitive methods required to create one work of fiber art can take hundreds of hours, yet equally the creation process is often referred to as a mediative act of healing, allowing for an expressive personal and cultural interrogation.

Fibers have been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years. Textile art is one of the oldest art forms, dating back to prehistoric times. Despite early works of textiles such as embroideries and tapestries having been made by both men and women, the tradition of textiles and needlework evolved into that of “women’s work” and was not only dismissed as not “important” but was literally banned from the high art world by the Royal Academy in the 18th century (circa 1769). With the rise of the women’s movement as well as technological advances, women reclaimed the medium, subverted its history as a lesser art form, and transformed it into a tool of expression, of protest, of personality. From early suffrage movement embroidered banners to the groundbreaking exhibitions and works of female pioneers such as Bauhaus weaver Anni Alber’s momentous solo show at the Museum of Modern Art in 1949, Lenore Tawney’s exhibition at the Staten Island Museum in 1961 to Judy Chicago’s groundbreaking 1979 work “The Dinner Party”, we have seen the medium evolve and inspire new generations of fiber artists.

“UNRAVELED: Confronting the Fabric of Fiber Art” explores this new wave of female-identifying artists who are using materials ranging from thread and yarn to human hair, fabrics, and discarded clothing, among a range of other components to unravel the “language of thread” with works that provoke and interrogate. Whether drawn from a deeply personal narrative, or rooted in political motivation, each artist weaves, spins, sews, and hooks the viewer with their detailed and intricate textures that communicate and empower. The exhibition presents two and three-dimensional pieces that explore with gravity and humor our contemporary culture, its beauty, flaws, and idiosyncrasies through murals, assemblages, fragile and gestural threads, meditative, and metaphorical fibers. “UNRAVELED: Confronting the Fabric of Fiber Art” pushes the boundaries, investigates ancient as well as new materials and techniques, and presents a contemporary universe of the language of women and their interwoven, progressive vocabulary.”– Curator Indira Cesarine

“To know the history of embroidery is to know the history of women.” – Rozsika Parker author of “The Subversive Stitch” (1984)

“I am a multimedia artist who uses sculpture and performance to bear witness to the experiences of black women even as American society aims to render us and our lives as invisible and meaningless. Despite the prevalent “urban black” narrative, my experience is tied to the natural world, and I use materials that reference my desert environment and my lived experience as a black woman with Indigenous roots.” – Artist Amber Doe

“I mix subversion with flirtation, humor with power, and intimacy with frivolity. My subject matter is frank and provocative, dealing with issues of fertility, sexuality, self-image, isolation, vulnerability, indulgence, and beauty in the mundane, which are designed to challenge social stereotypes embedded within childhood fairytales. My work explores the many flavors of feminism.” – Artist Orly Cogan

“I pull from my autobiography to illustrate stories of trauma, sexuality, intimacy, and growth. Detailed beading and cyclical patterning emphasize the consistent labor in the repetitive motion of handsewing, that which mirrors the emotional and psychic labor expended in order to manage the suffering a body can accumulate over time. My sculptures translate the life experience of a survivor of complex trauma through the lens of glittering beadwork in order to recount deeply traumatic stories for the same cultural collective that due to repression, denial, censorship and deliberate silencing…” –Artist Caroline Wayne

“This body of work scrutinizes the amalgamation of victim shaming tropes that men and women are taught throughout their lives, both passively and actively, through social norms, pop culture, our educational and legal systems, religious establishments, and familial influences and upbringing.” – Artist Christy O’Connor

“My work focuses on my personal experience living within the confines of a female body, exploring sexuality, religion, and body image. The shared narratives of childbirth, menstruation, dysmorphia, sexual violation, and societal scrutiny all come into play and find connections with the viewers in their shared commonality.” – Artist Dominique Vitali

“My textile works are hand-sewn, fabric based sculptural pieces made from recycled materials that have multiple uses as ritual talismans, wearables, ecstatic birth blankets, dreamcatchers and traveling altars”. – Artist Katie Cercone

“Discarded clothing is my paint. I give second chances to the worn, the damaged, the mistreated, the abandoned, the unwanted, and to myself. My emotional narrative portraits and figurative artworks examine the human condition through my own lived experience. The violence of cutting and deconstruction make way for the reconstruction and refashioning of a broken past.” – Artist Linda Friedman Schmidt

“We are drawn to the grand gesture, the loud assured voice, the bold move, the aggressive brush stroke. I celebrate the opposite: the small moments in our lives – the unremarkable… as Covid-19 took over, some of the things I was celebrating became even more pertinent; toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer. These objects became signs of hope, of safety, of comfort.” – Artist Melanie Fischer

ABOUT THE UNTITLED SPACE

The Untitled Space is an art gallery located in Tribeca, New York in a landmark building on Lispenard Street. Founded in 2015 by artist Indira Cesarine, the gallery features an ongoing curation of exhibits of emerging and established contemporary artists exploring conceptual framework and boundary-pushing ideology through mediums of painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, video and performance art. The gallery is committing to exploring new ideas vis-à-vis traditional and new mediums and highlights a program of women in art. Since launching The Untitled Space gallery, Cesarine has curated over 40 exhibitions and has exhibited artwork by more than 450 artists. Her curatorial for The Untitled Space includes solo shows for artists Sarah Maple, Rebecca Leveille, Alison Jackson, Fahren Feingold, Jessica Lichtenstein, Tom Smith, Loren Erdrich, Kat Toronto aka Miss Meatface, Katie Commodore, and Jeanette Hayes among many others. Notable group shows include “Art4Equality x Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Happiness” public art exhibition and group show presented in collaboration with Save Art Space, “IRL: Investigating Reality,” “BODY BEAUTIFUL,” “SHE INSPIRES,” Special Projects “EDEN” and “(HOTEL) XX” at SPRING/BREAK Art Show, and internationally celebrated group shows “UPRISE/ANGRY WOMEN,” and “ONE YEAR OF RESISTANCE” responding to the political climate in America, as well as numerous other critically-acclaimed exhibitions. Recent press on Indira Cesarine & The Untitled Space includes Vogue (US), Vogue Italia, CNN, Forbes, Newsweek, W Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Teen Vogue, New York Magazine, i-D Magazine, Dazed and Confused, and The New York Times among many others.

*Featured image artwork by Victoria Selbach for UNRAVELED: Confronting The Fabric of Fiber Art.

Artwork by Elise Drake, UNRAVELED Confronting The Fabric of Fiber Art.

artwork by Indira Cesarine, for UNRAVELED Confronting The Fabric of Fiber Art. For use by 360 Magazine

Artwork by Mary Tooley Parker, UNRAVELED Confronting The Fabric of Fiber Art.

TAYLOR SWIFT – ALBUM OF THE YEAR

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Taylor Swift Wins Album of the Year at Grammys

Taylor Swift × Disney+

Taylor’s announcement video on Twitter and Instagram

Watch Trailer HERE

Taylor Swift, Aaron Dessner (The National), Jack Antonoff (Bleachers) and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) created an album that crossed genres — a musical journey that allows us to cry and laugh, and during these trying times, makes us feel like we’re not quite so alone. They recorded “folklore” thousands of miles apart from each other and had never been in the same room together…

…until now

“folklore: the long pond studio sessions” was filmed in upstate New York in September 2020 and will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on Wednesday, November 25, at 12:01AM PT. Taylor, accompanied by co-producers Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff along with a guest appearance by Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), performs each song in order of her critically adored, five star album, “folklore” and for the very first time, reveals the stories and secrets behind all 17 songs.

“folklore: the long pond studio sessions” was directed by Taylor Swift and filmed on 6 x Lumix S1H mirrorless cameras with Leica lenses embedded in the studio, along with a one Alexa LF with an Angenieux 24-290 on a Furio robotic camera with 30+ feet of curved track.

Twitter: @DisneyPlus

Instagram: @DisneyPlus

Facebook: @DisneyPlus

About Disney+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more. As part of Disney’s Media and Entertainment Distribution segment, Disney+ is available on most internet-connected devices and offers commercial-free programming with a variety of original feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series and short-form content. Alongside unprecedented access to Disney’s incredible library of film and television entertainment, the service is also the exclusive streaming home for the latest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. Disney+ is available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+. Visit DisneyPlus.com to subscribe and/or learn more about the service.

TAYLOR SWIFT RELEASES FEARLESS (TAYLOR’S VERSION) ALBUM

LISTEN HERE

Today Taylor Swift released Fearless (Taylor’s Version).

The 27-track album of new recordings was produced by Taylor Swift, Chris Rowe, Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff and features musical collaborations with Colbie Caillat, Keith Urban and Maren Morris.

Fearless (Taylor’s Version) includes six never before released songs, including “Mr. Perfectly Fine” and “You All Over Me (Taylor’s Version)” featuring Maren Morris, which marks Taylor’s 130th Billboard Hot 100. Taylor Swift now has the most entries in the Billboard Hot 100 of any female artist in history.

Taylor Swift released her second studio album, Fearless in 2008. It is the most awarded Country album of all time and received GRAMMY’s most prestigious accolade, Album of The Year Award in 2010. Taylor is the only female artist ever to have been honored in this category three times (Fearless, 1989 and folklore).

Fearless (Taylor’s Version) tracklisting

Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
Fifteen (Taylor’s Version)
Love Story (Taylor’s Version)
Hey Stephen (Taylor’s Version)
White Horse (Taylor’s Version)
You Belong with Me (Taylor’s Version)
Breathe (Taylor’s Version) Featuring Colbie Caillat
Tell Me Why (Taylor’s Version)
You’re Not Sorry (Taylor’s Version)
The Way I Loved You (Taylor’s Version)
Forever & Always (Taylor’s Version)
The Best Day (Taylor’s Version)
Change (Taylor’s Version)
Jump Then Fall (Taylor’s Version)
Untouchable (Taylor’s Version)
Forever & Always (Piano Version) (Taylor’s Version)
Come in with the Rain (Taylor’s Version)
Superstar (Taylor’s Version)
The Other Side of the Door (Taylor’s Version)
Today Was a Fairytale (Taylor’s Version)
You All Over Me (from the Vault) Featuring Maren Morris
Mr. Perfectly Fine (from the Vault)
We Were Happy (from the Vault)
That’s When (from the Vault) Featuring Keith Urban
Don’t You (from the Vault)
Bye Bye Baby (from the Vault)
Bonus Track: Love Story (Taylor’s Version) – Elvira Remix

NCAA Opposes Anti-Transgender Legislation

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Top WNBA, NCAA Coaches & Players Call On NCAA To Take Urgent Action Against Anti-Transgender Legislation

Minnesota Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve and Forward Napheesa Collier Join HRC, Athlete Ally, Gender Justice, and NCAA Athletes to Urge NCAA to Make Good On its Commitment to Host Championship Games in Locations ‘Free of Discrimination’

Some of the nation’s top NCAA and WNBA coaches and players joined a growing chorus of athlete voices across the country today speaking out against the slate of discriminatory, anti-transgender bills in state legislatures across the country—aimed at banning transgender youth from participating in sports—calling on the NCAA to take urgent action in response to the legislation being taken up in more than 30 states. The calls for action—made during a press call today—come in the wake of last week’s comments by NCAA President Mark A. Emmert who said the discriminatory legislation conflicts “with NCAA’s core values” and that the NCAA is committed to hosting championship games in locations “free of discrimination.” Today’s remarks—in opposition to the discriminatory legislation and calling on the NCAA to take action—came from:

Cheryl Reeve, GM and Head Coach, Minnesota Lynx:

“The notion that the motivation of transgender athletes is to gain scholarships or a competitive advantage is simply a false narrative. This diminishes the athlete overall. Simply put, trans inclusion makes our sports, our teams, and our communities stronger.”

Napheesa Collier, Athlete (Forward), Minnesota Lynx:

“Transgender inclusion is so crucial for the health, safety and wellbeing of transgender kids …. The NCAA has to take action and withdraw all athletic competition from states considering harmful and anti-transgender sports bills.”

CeCé Telfer, former NCAA champion and transgender athlete:

“As a trans athlete, first of all, I am not a threat to women’s sports because I am a woman. The joy and beauty of finally embracing myself and being in a sport that I love and being on that line with the women I’m supposed to be with, it’s enlightening.”

Alana Bojar, NCAA and cisgender athlete:

“Trans women don’t threaten women and girls sports. They’re my teammates who want to play for the exact same reasons I do: to have fun, to improve ourselves, to make friends, and be physically fit.”

Zooey Zephyr, former high school transgender athlete in Montana:

“I can with the utmost certainty say that I am the woman I am today thanks to the sports I played in my youth and the sports I continue to play in adulthood. Trans girls are girls. Trans boys are boys. They deserve opportunities to become better athletes and better people.”

Aliya Schenck, NCAA and cisgender athlete:

“Sports teach really important life lessons. They teach teamwork. They teach leadership. They teach self-discipline and self control in stressful environments. And these are all lessons that trans kids would be robbed if these bills and these legislations get passed. Trans girls are girls. Trans kids are kids. They’re not a threat to women’s sports, and we’re proud to call them our teammates.”

Alphonso David, President, Human Rights Campaign:

“This is a moment of national crisis where the rights and the very existence of transgender young people are under attack. These [anti-trans sports] bills are nothing more than a coordinated effort from anti-LGBTQ extremists spreading fear and misinformation about transgender people in order to score cheap political points. At this time, though, we are asking the NCAA to do more and to use the power of their visibility to affirm and support transgender and nonbinary athletes across the nation.”

Anne Lieberman, Director of Policy and Programs, Athlete Ally:

“Every day the leadership of the NCAA stays silent, these hateful bills gain momentum. The time has passed for simply monitoring the situation. If you say nothing, even though you have clear policies and practices that support inclusion of trans student athletes, you are implicitly supporting these bills. I want each and every young person in this country to be able to live without fear and be able to play sports as who they truly are.”

Erin Maye Quade, Advocacy Director, Gender Justice:

“Transgender students participate in sports for the same reasons as anyone else: for the physical and mental health benefits, the invaluable lessons of teamwork and self discipline, the lifelong friendships, and, honestly, just to have fun. Like kids everywhere, transgender kids thrive when they are treated with dignity and respect. Being a kid is hard enough. We don’t need politicians making it even harder for kids who are transgender and singling them out for increased bullying and harassment. We need champions for all kids–individuals and institutions, including the NCAA.”

Growing Chorus of Professional and Student Athletes Across the Country Speaking Out Against Anti-Transgender Bills

Today’s calls for the NCAA to take action come amidst a growing chorus of athletes and other prominent sports figures across the country speaking out against the discriminatory measures.

Recently, 500 NCAA student athletes called on the Board of Governors to continue upholding its “NCAA Anti-Discrimination Policy and only operate championships and events in states that promote an inclusive atmosphere.” This week, Minnesota Lynx GM and coach Cheryl Reeve wrote: “Transgender exclusion pits woman athletes against one another, reinforces the harmful notion that there is only one right way to be a woman and distracts us from the real threats to women’s sports.”

In 2016, the NCAA Board of Governors instructed the association to relocate all seven previously awarded championship events from North Carolina after the vote of HB 2, legislation that eliminated existing municipal non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people and forced transgender students in public schools to use restrooms and other facilities inconsistent with their gender identity. The NCAA has continuously stated a firm position that if participating states do not meet the association’s “expectations of a discrimination-free environment,” they will “not hesitate to take necessary action at any time.”

A recording of today’s media briefing call, and full remarks of all speakers, can be found here. NCAA President Mark A. Emmert’s remarks last week on the NCAA’s commitment to ensuring hosting championship games in locations “free of discrimination” can be found here.

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.

INDOGGO Gin by Snoop Dogg

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Snoop Dogg’s newest spirit, INDOGGO® Gin, is being released today, Friday April 9th in honor of National Gin and Tonic Day. This newly launched spirit is a mix of seven premium botanicals and masterfully infused with an all-natural strawberry flavor, the liquid is deliciously light bodied and certified gluten free. INDOGGO® Gin is light on the juniper with a sweet and fruity finish, easy to mix and easy to drink!

Raise your glass to the king of gin and juice, and mix up Snoop’s personal favorite take on the classic Gin & Tonic- The Low Rider. This refreshing and citrusy cocktail is great to unwind with and sip all spring and summer long! Sure to please the palette of any gin aficionado, “The Low Rider” is crafted with 1.5 oz Indoggo Gin, 3oz tonic water and garnished with an orange slice. This mouthwatering mixed drink is all you need to make your Gin and Tonic Day complete!

The Low Rider

1.5 oz INDOGGO® Gin

3 oz tonic water

Orange slice garnish

Add INDOGGO® and tonic water into a highball glass, filled with ice. Garnish with orange slice.