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360 MAGAZINE is an award-winning international publishing on popular culture and design. We introduce avant trademarks to efficacious architects. We are a LGBTQIA2S+ friendly publication--officially recognized by the NGLCC. Our core demographic ranges from 19 to 39-year-old college-educated trendsetters within their respective international communities. The pages in this art book satisfy their strong interests including music, art, travel, auto, health, fashion, tech, philanthropy, design, food and entrepreneurship. It's an introspective digital/print/tablet portrait series, which encapsulates artists/brands/entities who embody the true essence of our publication- empowerment, equality, sensuality and most important of all, humanity within a global society.

Celebrating Black Descendants from Tuskegee Syphilis Study

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Last week at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium, Ad Council COVID Collaborative Black Coalition Against COVID-19 JOY Collective The Legacy: Tragedy to Triumph, featuring descendants of The U.S. Public Health Service Syphilis Study at Tuskegee speaking about the impact of the study and its relationship to present day’s COVID-19 vaccines.

The Legacy: Tragedy to Triumph is an extension of the It’s Up To You COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative that the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative developed to help consumers get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines, with a focus on Black and Hispanic/Latino communities. Many of the descendants who participated in the film were keen to stress distinctions between the study and the pandemic, highlighting that unlike the case for their relatives in the study, the COVID-19 vaccines are being offered to all Americans and not withheld from specific communities.

The event included a screening of the short documentary, followed by panel conversations about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black populations. Esteemed Director Deborah Riley Draper the first discussion with five descendants, where they shared how they first learned about family members involved in the study, their experiences filming the documentary, and a call to public service that compelled them to share their stories. The following descendants participated in the screening event:

Lillie Tyson Head, daughter of Freddie Lee Tyson and President of the Voices For Our Fathers Legacy Foundation. Head is a retired high school teacher and education consultant.
Carmen Head Thornton, granddaughter of Freddie Lee Tyson. Thornton is a Howard University graduate and currently serves as the Director of Research, Grants & Workforce, and Interim Director of Development at the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
Dr. Kimberly Carr, the great-great-granddaughter of John Goode. Dr. Carr received her Ph.D. in Integrative Biosciences in 2020 from Tuskegee University and currently works as a Community Resource Specialist at the Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center.
Omar Neal, nephew of Freddie Lee Tyson and Former Mayor of Tuskegee. Neal was born in the same hospital ward where the Tuskegee Study took place.
Leo Ware, whose two grandfathers were both part of the study. Ware is a business owner and is active with the Voices For Our Fathers Legacy Foundation.

The second panel discussion explored the science of vaccines and data related to current levels of vaccine adoption in the Black community and the need to keep this important yet painful history top of mind.

Dr. Cameron Webb, Senior Policy Advisor for Equity White House COVID-19 Response Team.
Dr. Reed Tuckson, co-founder of the Black Coalition Against COVID-19
Howard University School of Medicine medical students Micah Brown and Jasmin Thompson
Descendants Dr. Kimberly Carr and Carmen Head Thornton

Additional Participants Included:

Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, director of the D.C. Department of Health, sharing remarks on behalf of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser
CEO of the Howard University Hospital Anita Jenkins discussing the imperative to center the needs of the Black community given the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic.
Sherry Thompson, Coalition Lead, Ad Council COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative
Kelli Richardson Lawson, CEO of JOY Collective, moderated the event by sharing with guests that the impetus for the project came from an article in The Washington Post Magazine about the It’s Up To You campaign.

About the Film

Directed by award-winning director and head of Coffee Bluff Pictures Deborah Riley Draper, the film follows members of six descendant families as they discuss how the study connects to the present-day pandemic and why they encourage Black Americans to learn the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Accompanying the film are five 60-second PSAs that together comprise the film. Each of the PSAs and the full documentary film are available online here.

For many Black Americans, the recurring theme over the last 16 months has been about Tuskegee and the collective distrust of both the medical field and government. The Ad Council and COVID Collaborative launched the It’s Up To You COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative earlier this year in full acknowledgment of the vaccine hesitancy among some members of the Black community that is often driven by The U.S. Public Health Service Syphilis Study at Tuskegee, commonly referred to as the Tuskegee Study.

Connections to COVID-19

For descendants of the men in the study, sharing the truth about what happened during the study is an opportunity to move from tragedy to triumph.

In addition, details released from the study sparked a wave of public health and clinical research reforms and protocols that continue today, including the creation of institutional review boards in the U.S. to ensure that every study conducted on human beings is examined; and informed consent requirements, not just for clinical trials but for medical procedures as well.

In between the two panels, Washington, D.C.-based artist and muralist, Candice S. Taylor presented a special painting she created in honor of the film and descendants of the study who participated in the campaign, for whom she will provide individual prints of the new artwork. Following the panel discussions, R&B singer and songwriter Raheem DeVaughn, also hailing from the Nation’s Capital, gave a special performance of his chart-topping hit song, Woman.

The event celebrating The Legacy: Tragedy to Triumph film was streamed live via Roland Martin Unfiltered and is now available on YouTube and clips will be available on the NAACP’s YouTube.

To learn more about the It’s Up To You campaign, The Legacy: Tragedy to Triumph film, and the descendants of The U.S. Public Health Service Syphilis Study At Tuskegee, visit GetVaccineAnswers.org/Legacy.

The Ad Council

The Ad Council has a long history of creating life-saving public service communications in times of national crisis, starting in the organization’s earliest days during World War II to September 11th and natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy. Its deep relationships with media outlets, the creative community, issue experts, and government leaders make the organization uniquely poised to quickly distribute life-saving information to millions of Americans.

The Ad Council is where creativity and causes converge. The non-profit organization brings together the most creative minds in advertising, media, technology, and marketing to address many of the nation’s most important causes. The Ad Council has created many of the most iconic campaigns in advertising history. Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Smokey Bear. Love Has No Labels.

The Ad Council’s innovative social good campaigns raise awareness, inspire action and save lives. To learn more, visit AdCouncil.org, follow the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook and Twitter, and view the creative on YouTube.

COVID Collaborative

COVID Collaborative, a project of UNITE, is a national assembly of experts, leaders, and institutions in health, education, and the economy and associations representing the diversity of the country to turn the tide on the pandemic by supporting federal, state, and local COVID-19 response efforts.

The COVID Collaborative is co-chaired by former Governor and U.S. Senator Dirk Kempthorne (R-ID) and former Governor Deval Patrick (D-MA) and led by CEO John Bridgeland and President Gary Edson. COVID Collaborative includes expertise from across Republican and Democratic administrations at the federal, state, and local levels, including former FDA commissioners, CDC directors, and U.S. surgeon generals; former U.S. secretaries of Education, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services; leading public health experts and institutions that span the country; the Business Roundtable, National Association of Manufacturers and U.S. Chamber of Commerce; the NAACP, UnidosUS and the National Congress of American Indians; the Skoll Foundation, The Allstate Foundation, and The Rockefeller Foundation; and associations representing those on the front lines, from the American Public Health Association and Association of State and Territorial Health Officials to the Council of Chief State School Officers and the Council of the Great City Schools. Tim Shriver is Chairman of UNITE. To learn more, visit www.CovidCollaborative.us, and follow the COVID Collaborative on Twitter and LinkedIn.

BLXST LAUNCHES CURATED GUIDE TO LOS ANGELES

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Now Available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

LINK: https://apple.co/BLXSTGUIDELA

Today, rising hip-hop artist and burgeoning West Coast icon Blxst launches his Guide to Los Angeles in Apple Maps.

An immersive map personally curated by Blxst of his hometown, the Guide invites fans to experience Los Angeles through the eyes of the rapper, singer, and producer. Captured in stunning black and white images by renowned hip-hop photographer Travis Shinn – known for his portrait work as well as the iconic XXL Freshman covers, of which Blxst is a 2021 class member – the one-of-a-kind experience will guide users on a journey through some of Blxst’s favorite spots across the city.

“Excited to give my fans a closer look at my favorite spots in LA with this new Guide in Apple Maps,” says Blxst. “These businesses, restaurants, and shops are a great way to see and enjoy the city from my perspective.”

From local hidden haunts that defined his upbringing to must-visit independent and Black-owned businesses, Blxst’s Guide to Los Angeles spans various neighborhoods while spotlighting restaurants, shops, and other essential stops, including:

Coolkicksla – an essential stop for streetwear enthusiasts in Fairfax District, sporting sneakers, clothing, and gear
Crossroads Kitchen – modern vegan dining in Beverly Grove crafted by acclaimed chef Tal Ronnen
Earle’s Restaurant – a must-try restaurant that has served hot dogs, burgers, and vegan alternatives to the Crenshaw community for over three decades
Enigma Tattoo – the first Black-owned tattoo shop in Beverly Hills, founded by Kat Tat of Black Ink Crew
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area – an expansive state park located in the Baldwin Hills Mountains
Simply Wholesome – a Black-owned, family-operated health food store and restaurant located in Windsor Hills
Slauson Super Mall – a South Central staple and swap meet hosting a variety of vendors selling apparel, jewelry, and more
Westfield Culver City – formerly known as Fox Hills Mall, an outdoor shopping center located in Culver City that is home to stores, restaurants, and events

Further enhancing the experience, Blxst’s Guide to Los Angeles will be accompanied by a striking outdoor and digital campaign, creating an audio and visual journey through the city as Blxst sees it.

To experience Blxst’s Guide to Los Angeles on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, click here. Serving as a companion piece to the Guide, fans can also visit an interactive multi-media experience online where they will be immersed in ambient sounds of the city and hear Blxst tell stories about each location in his own words.

About Blxst

Blxst began his solo music career in Los Angeles in 2015, rapping, singing, writing, and producing. From self-editing his videos and artwork to mixing and mastering his sound, he’s been on an unstoppable run, gaining notoriety for his productions and collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, YG, Eric Bellinger, Mustard, G Perico, Mozzy, and Russ.

Last year saw the release of his highly anticipated debut EP, No Love Lost, an expansive and emotive collection of music inspired by past relationships and his hometown of Los Angeles. Paired with a four-part cinematic series of videos to bring the project’s overarching narrative to life, its quintessential West Coast vibe received acclaim from fans, press, and tastemakers, cited by Pigeons & Planes as “one of the best projects of 2020.”

With more than 500 million streams across his catalogue, including the breakout single “Chosen” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Tyga which has racked up over 95 million streams globally, Blxst has solidified his position as the next must-watch musician out of LA. Receiving praise from Billboard, BET, Complex, Pitchfork, and more, in 2021, Blxst was announced as an XXL Freshman Class member and an Amazon Breakthrough artist. This fall sees Blxst embarking on his first-ever North American headlining tour, which sold out in less than an hour.

About Guides in Apple Maps

Guides are curated lists from trusted brands and partners that offer recommendations for the best places to eat, shop, and explore around the world. Apple Maps now feature thousands of Guides from brands like FatMap, The Infatuation, National Park Foundation, Thrillist, and more. New Guides are continuously published in Maps, and they automatically update when new places are added, ensuring users have the latest recommendations.

Additionally, Apple users can save places to My Guides, create their own personal Guides, and share them with friends and family while planning a trip.

To view Guides on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, just open the link on that device. Apple users can also discover Editor’s Picks or browse through all Guides publishers by tapping the search bar when they open the Maps app.

Follow Blxst

Crossing I’s Dotting T’s × Regret Stained Memories

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California based alternative rock band Crossing I’s Dotting T’s have released their new single titled “Regret Stained Memories” today from their upcoming debut self-titled EP. Fans can listen to “Regret Stained Memories” now HERE.

On the new single the band shares, “Regret Stained Memories’ is simply a track about not wanting to grow old and look back on life and regret doing things or regret not doing things like a lot of people do.”

“Regret Stained Memories” follows up Crossing I’s Dotting T’s recently released single “Dissatisfied” from the bands upcoming debut self-titled EP due out August 6, 2021 via Golden Robot / Riot Records. Fans can pre-save the EP now HERE.

On Crossing I’s Dotting T’s EP, vocalist / frontman Matt Mucerino shares, “This EP is inspired by the death of my cousin/best friend who left us at the age of 21 due to cancer. “See You At Your Funeral” is specifically about him, and the remaining songs talk of depression, anxiety, questioning society, the inevitability of death, as well as just simply not feeling wanted in certain moments. It is a mixed bag with no one main influence, but we took inspiration from a lot of 90’s alt rock bands like Nirvana, The Pixies, Foo Fighters, Jawbreaker, as well as newer bands such as Joyce Manor, to create a blueprint for what Crossing I’s Dotting T’s will sound like. It is Grunge meets Emo meets Alt-Rock meets Pop-Punk. A quick 4-song EP, there is something for everyone on this.”

Self-proclaimed “emotive-alternative rock,” Crossing I’s Dotting T’s is a raw, original force that morphs different rock genres such as alternative, punk and emo. This combo provides hard-hitting yet catchy songs with big choruses, intended to evoke emotion. Starting in his bedroom and car in Orange County, Matt Mucerino started to write songs until he teamed up with Alex Estrada of Pale Moon Audio (known for his work with Joyce Manor, Touch, Amor and Nails, as well as being the frontman of Silver Snakes). Estrada has helped produce and engineer the Crossing I’s Dotting T’s debut EP. Picking up an endorsement from Orange Amps and Ernie Ball, Crossing I’s and Dotting T’s will be taking the world by storm.

Papa Roach Release Swerve

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Papa Roach, the iconic California rock band, is kicking open the door to a new chapter of their career with the release of “Swerve” a high-octane, swagger-packed thrill ride featuring the outspoken frontman of Fever 333, Jason Aalon Butler, and rising LA-based rapper Sueco. The track premiered last night on the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show with Daniel P. Carter and is available today for streaming HERE.

“This track came at the very end of the writing process for our upcoming album and truly feels like the culmination of years of experimenting with our sound coming back to a new version of Papa Roach,” shares the band’s undeniable frontman Jacoby Shaddix. “We’re kicking off this new chapter of our careers with a next-level track and couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone other than Jason and Sueco.”

The genre-bending banger was produced by Colin “Doc” Brittain and Nick Furlong (All Time Low, A Day To Remember, Avicii) and features the saxophone stylings of co-collaborator Spencer Nezey, showcasing Papa Roach’s bravado at an all-time high.

“This is one of the favorite songs I’ve ever made,” Sueco shares on the collab. “Papa Roach has been an inspiration of mine since I was a kid, so working with them was super dope and a dream come true!”

Butler adds “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- this band has somehow managed to be a legacy AND relevant all at once. So, naturally, when I got the call to hop on this track there was no question. With Sueco doing his thing the track’s got 3 different vibes that all work together. This shit is different and that’s exactly what rock needs. More DIFFERENT Sh*t. Thanks to these modern legends for making sure it happened.”

Along with today’s song release, Papa Roach have also announced that they have entered into a new global distribution and marketing services agreement with ADA Worldwide (WMG’s independent label and artist services arm). Of the partnership, Cat Kreidich, ADA Worldwide President, shares, “We couldn’t be more elated to have Papa Roach in the ADA family. With our talented teams and strong relationships across various territories, we look forward to activating an even wider global audience, as we support them in this new musical chapter.” In addition, Papa Roach have also reactivated their own label, “New Noize Records,” a second incarnation of their early 2000’s label enterprise.

California Recall Candidates Debate at Nixon Library

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Candidates competing to replace Gavin Newsom as Governor of California will face off in a televised debate at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, from 6:00 – 7:30 PM PT.

John Cox, Kevin Faulconer, Kevin Kiley, and Doug Ose will take the stage in a debate that will be broadcast live by Fox 11 Los Angeles.

Hugh Hewitt, president of the Richard Nixon Foundation, will moderate the debate along with panelists Christine Devine and Elex Michaelson of Fox 11 News and former U.S. National Security Adviser Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien.

Governor Gavin Newsom was invited to participate but did not respond to the invitation. Candidate Caitlyn Jenner was invited to participate but is unable to attend due to a prior commitment. Candidate Larry Elder’s campaign cleared the date but subsequently identified a conflict. The invitation to all three remains open and organizers are hopeful one or more will make the debate. The debate is being aired on Fox 11 Los Angeles, KTVU Fox 2 San Francisco, other Fox TV affiliates statewide, and on the Salem Radio Network and other radio stations.

The Nixon Foundation is holding spots for Newsom, Jenner, and Elder if any of those candidates decide to participate.

California voters will head to the polls on September 14 to decide whether Newsom should remain in office as Governor of California.

The Nixon Foundation is planning a second debate during the week of August 23 and has invited the same candidates to participate.

Debate participants were selected by applying the Richard Nixon Foundation’s proprietary internal metrics that the Foundation has used to select speakers and debate participants at the Nixon Library for more than 30 years.

Press must be credentialed to cover the debate. Audience tickets are limited and only available from the Nixon Foundation by request. There will be a designated press gallery room with Wi-FI and TVs to watch the debate. That space will double as a spin room if the candidates or campaigns choose to make themselves available for press.

The Richard Nixon Foundation, a nonprofit educational institution that co-operates the Nixon Library, is hosting both debates as a civic service to voters in order to highlight issues facing California today. Questions and topics will be decided among the moderator and panelists and will not be shared with the candidates in advance.

Nao × And Then Life Was Beautiful

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After her most recent hit “Messy Love,” which received huge praise from key tastemakers such as Complex, Revolt and more, Nao announces her highly anticipated third studio album And Then Life Was Beautiful is set to be released September 24 via Sony Music UK/RCA Records – pre-order the album HERE.

This album is a follow-up to her critically acclaimed, Mercury Prize and Grammy-nominated album Saturn. Nao also gifted fans today with the release of her forthcoming album’s title track and a performance video – click here to watch.

While her previous project propelled the singer-songwriter into a new stratosphere with its cosmic, coming-of-age themes, the songstress is now entering a brand new chapter with And Then Life Was Beautiful – where Saturn untangled the knots of late twenties soul-searching, And Then Life Was Beautiful goes a step further by setting out a clarified sense of purpose. Now a mother of a young daughter, Nao is more confident in herself and her voice than ever. A pandemic album, written and recorded throughout never-ending lockdowns, the project celebrates life’s ups and downs, reaching out a hand to guide listeners through what hurdles may confront them next. It includes previously released tracks “Antidode,” featuring Nigerian superstar Adekunle Gold, “Woman,” featuring Lianne La Havas, which she recorded with her new-born daughter strapped lovingly to her chest, as well as “Messy Love,” a stunning offering loaded with strummed guitar grooves and drum rhythms rooted in 90s R&B. For the former she recently revealed a mesmerising Lisette Donkersloot-directed music video, boasting a radiant spectrum of stunning highly saturated and otherworldly colours. The visuals see Nao surrounded by eccentric dancers who hold onto her as she is ready for a new cycle of life – watch here.

Other notable stand-out tracks include “Wait,” a stripped-back track which takes an intimate look at how you make mistakes to develop a relationship, and “Postcards,” highlighting a gorgeous vocal interplay of Nao and serpent with feet, who features alongside her on the track. For “Good Luck,” R&B crooner Lucky Daye jumped on board.

Nao explains: “Life isn’t perfect; we still go through ups and downs, but it can be beautiful as a whole. I do think it’s a hopeful album, in an honest way – it’s not shiny or all ‘isn’t this great!’ and ‘party party party.’ But it’s hopeful in that through every rough patch, every dark patch or struggle we always come out again. That’s what life is. You keep going. But most of all you try and step into a place of gratitude so that you can see life in all of its beauty.”

Looking to Try Something New in the Bedroom? Tips to Help

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Sometimes we all need a helping hand when it comes to our relationships, and this is often in terms of the physical side of things. As time goes on, the spark can out of the physical relationship between couples, and this can be for many different reasons. The good news is that you can get it back – in fact, you can make it even more exciting than it was before by trying new things in the bedroom. This is a great way to add some spice and enjoy the thrills of new experiences.

There are lots of different ways in which you can spice things up and try something new in the bedroom, so it is well worth considering these if you want to take things up a notch or two! From using adult toys to enjoy new experiences to getting into character and fulfilling those deepest fantasies, you will find many different options. All you need is the confidence and willingness to try out something a little different.

What You Can Do

There are various ways in which you can switch things up in the bedroom and add more excitement to your sex life. Some of these are:

Use Adults Toys for New Pleasures

You can shop the best strap-on dildos, invest in couples’ toys, and even buy products for sensual massages, so there is no end of choice when it comes to adults toys. Many couples turn to these toys in order to add some excitement to their love lives, and there are many different products that you can choose from. You can browse the selections together from the comfort and privacy of your own home and choose ones that you both feel comfortable and confidence about using.

Live Out Your Fantasies

You may have various fantasies about what you would love to do in the bedroom, but you may not have had the confidence to talk to your partner about this. Well, the chances are that your partner also has fantasies, and by opening up, you can both fulfil these in the comfort and privacy of your own home. So, speak to your partner and do things such as dressing up, getting involved in roleplay, and creating scenarios that will enable both of you to indulge in your fantasies and try out something completely new and different.

Get into the Mood

Some couples have issues because they always try and rush moments of intimacy, and this is often because they lead rushed lifestyles. So, try to take some time out that will enable you to set the scene, get into the mood, and relax beforehand. You could even book a night away at some romantic hotel and enjoy complete privacy without disruptions. This will make it easier for you to enjoy some excitement and the thrills of a naughty night or weekend away.

These are just a few of the different options you can try in order to give your physical relationship a new lease of life.

Missing JP Ramirez

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Very esteemed make-up artist, JP Ramirez (42 year old Chicago native), who has worked with many people in the entertainment industry, including 360 Magazine, was found dead a few days ago.

Ramirez was last seen in Hell’s Kitchen this past week.

Recently, family and friends held an evening vigil in his loving memory. If anyone has information relating to his disappearance or death, please contact the authorities.

360 Latinx Editor, Javier Pedroza says, “To know JP is to love JP! Juan Pablo was one of the most sweetest and creative souls that I had the honor of knowing and create magic with. Growing up in New York City as young adults, we were discussing our future and how we would help humanity. JP had a sense of community and was always there for anyone who needed him. I will miss dancing ferocious salsa, styling together and laughter with our friend, but we will never forget his heart and soul. Rest in power amigo and thanks. Love you.”

“He was a beacon of hope, with a positive spirit that penetrated the room. We met JP on a special music presentation for our agency as a makeup artist, featuring LaJune. He will be missed but not forgotten,” says Vaughn Lowery (President of 360).

Newly appointed 360 Creative Director, Armon Hayes says, “Having had the pleasure of working with you [Ramirez] … his openness and willingness to collaborate on short notice was unparalleled. I knew I was seeing somebody special. Talent beyond what the eye can see, we’re really going to miss you and you made an impact on me.”

According to the 360 brand ambassador LaJune says,” JP was a brilliant light, his energy was exhilarating and soothing at sight! He was really talented yet very humble. I am so fortunate to have had to opportunity to meet and work with him! Losing JP is a reminder to enjoy every beautiful soul you encounter. Pray to turn the page and send light and positive vibes to your loved ones.”

Find out more about JP Ramirez and his talents from a recent interview.

A celebration of JP Ramirez’ life will be held at 7pm on Friday, August 6, 2021. The ceremony will start at 7:30pm and take place at Tito Murphy’s (346 W 46th St, New York, New York 10036.) Guests are invited to come dressed as you are, as JP loved for you. The celebration of JP’s life will include both a bar and DJ.

Juan Pablo celebration poster image via Vaughn Lowery for use by 360 Magazine

Darren Criss × For A Night Like This

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Today, singer and songwriter Darren Criss releases his newest single, “for a night like this,” via BMG: LISTEN HERE. The release comes alongside the exciting announcement of his upcoming EP, Masquerade, out August 20. Pre-save HERE.

“for a night like this” arrives on the heels of two previously released singles, “i can’t dance” and “f*kn around,” each showcasing a completely different side of Darren as an artist. Describing this collection of songs as “character-driven singles,” Darren explores even more personas on Masquerade. Darren will perform songs from the EP live for the first time at Elsie Fest on August 29 in NYC as part of the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival at the Prospect Park Bandshell. Full track listing of Masquerade can be found below.

About the new single, Darren shares, “What artist doesn’t want a song of theirs to end up on the permanent playlist for every wedding, New Year’s Eve, reception, afterparty, Quinceañera, Bar and Bat Mitzvah? for a night like this’ is me trying my hand at joining the ranks of those go-to celebration songs we all know and love. So, like the best of them, I made a song designed to invite you out of your seat and onto the dance floor, for the nights you get dressed up to get down, for the ones you spend a little on to celebrate a lot for. A song for those special nights you work hard and wait for, so you can go all out sharing something you love with the people you love.”

Billboard described “f*kn around” as “a slick alt-pop single built around a wiggly bass line.” MTV News praised, “With synthy distortions and a banging guitar loop, the song echoes the sharper edges of contemporaries like Shawn Mendes and Justin Timberlake’s with a theatrical flair fans have come to expect from Criss.” Darren made his late-night television performance debut with the single on The Late Late Show with James Corden alongside Este Haim of HAIMon bass, The Pocket Queen on drums, frequent collaborator and San Fermin front woman Charlene Kaye on guitar, and the track’s co-writer CJ Baran on keys.

Music has always played an integral role in Darren’s artistry. As a solo artist, his 2017 EP Homework debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Album chart. Crisshas toured to sold-out audiences around the world including headlining the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Festival with multi-GRAMMY Award nominee and renowned DJ Steve Aoki. In 2019, he also headlined the Balmain Music Festival for the Balmain men’s spring 2020 show. He has been featured on the cover of numerous magazines including such music publications as Billboard and American Songwriter.

As a songwriter, Darren has penned songs for the comedy musical Royalties, for which he was also the creator and executive producer. He received his first Emmy nomination for songwriting in 2015 for Best Original Music and Lyrics for the song “This Time,” which appeared on Glee’s series finale. In addition to collaborations with fellow artists including Rufus Wainwright, Sabrina Carpenter, Bonnie McKee, Jordan Fisher, and many others, he has also written for Apple’s animated series Central Park.

The Sistine Chapel Immersive Experience

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An Up-Close, Life-Sized, Never-Before-Seen Perspective. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibition, located at Oakbrook Center, 2120 Oakbrook Center, is now in final weeks, closing August 15 to continue its National Tour. The exhibition has been running Wednesday to Sunday since May 19, with tickets in high demand. Tickets are on sale now for the final leg of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. This unique exhibition showcases Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling frescoes from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, reproduced photographically and artfully displayed in their original size. Guests take a breathtaking journey through Michelangelo’s life through this enchanting exhibit. Tickets are available now and can be purchased by clicking here.

The Exhibition, brought to Chicago through a partnership between SBX Group and SEE Global Entertainment, and leading entertainment discovery platform, Fever, resurrects Michelangelo’s masterpiece in a truly unique way, focusing on life-sized, exactre productions of the ceiling frescoes of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. Brought to life using a special photographic technique that reproduces the look and feel of the original fresco paintings, visitors are given a chance to engage with the artwork in ways that were never before possible, seeing every detail, every brushstroke, and every color of the artist’s 34 frescoes.

Having recreated the awe and wonder of one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements, this traveling exhibit brings a totally new perspective to the work, while doing so at eye level. The exhibit focuses on some of the most famous pieces in the collection including The Last Judgment and The Creation of Adam.

With special expertise and care, these ceiling paintings have been reproduced using state of the art technology. Visitors are immediately taken with the sheer size of the frescoes, such close proximity and the modern style of the exhibition. As a result, visitors can explore the artwork up close and at their own pace with an informative, engaging audio guide.

An excellent feature of the event venue is its spacious layout. Great care has been taken to ensure that entry to the exhibit is designed to allow for social distancing. No guest will need to retrace their steps, once inside the venue, to enjoy the show. Patrons will also not have to cross each others’ paths, making for a comfortable, properly distanced and timed event.

While in town, the exhibition has partnered with Le Meridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center, just a walking distance away, to offer an exclusive Sistine Chapel Exhibition Rate, available to all patrons who attend the Sistine Chapel exhibition and may like to complete their experience with a hotel stay. To learn more or to book an upcoming stay surrounding the exhibition, please visit here.

Tickets to the exhibition are now on sale on Fever’s marketplace, with prices for adults starting at $20.00, and can be purchased by clicking here.