Get creative this National Cocktail Day with GEM&BOLT’s selection of tasty, fun craft cocktails that will leave you wanting more.
THE ETHELINE
2 OZ GEM&BOLT MEZCAL
3 DASH TIKI BITTERS
1 OZ FRESH LEMON
0.5 OZ FRESH ORANGE JUICE
0.75 OZ SIMPLE SYRUP
1 BAR SPOON BLACK CURRANT PUREE
GARNISH WITH ORANGE SLICE
VENUS DE NYLON
1.5 OZ GEM&BOLT MEZCAL
0.75 OZ FRESH LEMON JUICE
0.75 OZ PEPPERED APRICOT HONEY
0.5 OZ GRAN CLASSICO LIQUEUR
TOP WITH COINTREAU FOAM FLOAT
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AWARDED MULTIPLE RIAA PLATINUM CERTIFICATIONS
Multiplatinum, record-breaking superstar Ariana Grande, kicked off her Sweetener World Tour last night in Albany, NY. The tour will continue through 2019 with stops worldwide, including a headlining Coachella performance next month. Full Sweetener World Tour schedule HERE.
In addition to her previous RIAA certifications, Ariana has been awarded multiple new certifications commemorating her stratospheric success over the past six months. Her awards now include a platinum certification for her 2018 album Sweetener, a platinum certification for last month’s thank u, next album, a triple-platinum certification for “no tears left to cry,” and a double-platinum certification for “God is a woman
KIDinaKORNER/Interscope rock band X Ambassadors’ latest single “BOOM” was co-written by the band and produced by Ricky Reed (Twenty One Pilots, Leon Bridges).Visceral and instinctive, “BOOM” is a quick-fire anthem for emphatic recovery and personal revolutions. As its beat rocks, personal demons and toxic relationships recede in the rearview mirror. The artwork for “BOOM” is written in Braille and designed in a yellow-on-black colorway. For Casey Harris, the band’s keyboardist and Sam Harris’ brother, who was born blind, it is the first physical manifestation of his work that he has been able to experience visually. He has just 10% of his vision. “BOOM” will be featured on the band’s forthcoming album, the follow up to their debut platinum selling album VHS, later this year.
Multiplatinum, record-breaking superstar Ariana Grande, kicked off her Sweetener World Tour last night in Albany, NY. The tour will continue through 2019 with stops worldwide, including a headlining Coachella performance next month. See photos from last night HERE. Full Sweetener World Tour schedule HERE.
In addition to her previous RIAA certifications, Ariana has been awarded multiple new certifications commemorating her stratospheric success over the past six months. Her awards now include a platinum certification for her 2018 album Sweetener, a platinum certification for last month’s thank u, next album, a triple-platinum certification for “no tears left to cry,” and a double-platinum certification for “God is a woman.”
There are few better ways to spend a summer afternoon than at the ballpark. Root for the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, with games April through October. At Jimmy John’s Field in Utica, Mich., the United Shore Professional Baseball League delivers a fun family entertainment experience and great value.
The PGA comes to Detroit for the first time this June 24-30 for the PGA Tour Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club. Related attractions and festivities are planned throughout the city.
The third annual Detroit Cycling Championship rolls into town July 13. Top cyclists from across the country race through a downtown course to compete for top prize.
The Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic, hosted August 29-31 at Wayne State University in Detroit, is Michigan’s season-opening high school football event. This event showcases some of the Midwest’s top student-athletes, with multiple games happening on a single day.
Summer Music
Detroit Music Weekend happens June 7-9 in the city’s entertainment district and nearby cultural organizations, restaurants and retail establishments. Free music, dance and theater performances showcase up-and-coming artists.
Detroit’s own Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band bring their farewell tour to DTE Energy Music Theater June 6, 8 and 12. The hits keep on coming all summer long, with tour stops by Thomas Rhett, June 20; Rascal Flats, Sept. 19 and Jason Aldean, Sept. 28. Rob Thomas plays Meadow Brook Amphitheater June 1. Stadium concerts at the new Little Caesar’s Arena this summer include Jennifer Lopez, July 5; Queen & Adam Lambert, July 27 and Shawn Mendes, Aug. 5.
Arts, Beats & Eats in Royal Oak this Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30-Sept. 2) is heavy on the beats, with performances by local and national acts from a variety of music genres. Stroll through rows of paintings, sculptures and photography by talented artisans and grab some grub in a food tent or one of several local restaurants.
The Detroit Jazz Festival on Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30-Sept. 2) is the perfect way to close out the summer. Hundreds of international and local jazz acts perform on multiple stages throughout several city blocks in downtown Detroit. Best of all, it’s FREE.
Summer Events
The Ovation Yacht’s 8-date Summer Cruise Series returns, starting with A Night in Havannah-themed cruise of the Detroit River June 4.
The Motor City Pride Festival draws 40,000 participants to Hart Plaza to celebrate LGBTQ pride June 8-9, with a parade through downtown on Sunday.
GM River Days—an annual celebration of Detroit’s Riverwalk taking place June 21-23, with activities on both land and water offers fun for all ages.
The Ford Fireworks light up the night sky over the Detroit River June 24. This awesome international display dazzles thousands of families in both Detroit and Windsor.
Hydroplane racing has been a summer tradition on the Detroit River for more than 100 years. This year’s Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest, Aug. 23-25, will feature H1 Unlimited hydroplanes reaching 200 mph along with automotive powered HRL Grand Prix hydroplanes topping speeds of 150 mph. This new format has not been seen in the modern era of the sport, bringing an additional level of excitement to this year’s event. Free Friday testing and qualifying, with race days Saturday and Sunday.
The Michigan State Fair mixes rides, games, agriculture and farm animals for a whole lot of family fun Aug. 29 – Sept. 2 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
No visit to the Motor City would be complete without a taste of The D’s automotive heritage. Events like Eyes on Design Automotive Design Exhibition, June 16 at Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores; Concours d’ Elegance of America, at Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, July 26-28 or the nostalgic Woodward Dream Cruise, Aug. 17 in Oakland County are some of the most popular ways to immerse yourself in the local car culture.
Summer Fun
The Detroit Zoo is one of Detroit’s most visited attractions. Major exhibits include the Arctic Ring of Life, Australian Outback Adventure, Great Apes of Harambee, National Amphibian Conservation Center, Holden Reptile Conservation Center, Polk Penguin Conservation Center and Butterfly Garden.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation inspires year-round with stories of America’s greatest inventors. See the Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds exhibit May 11 – Sept. 2. The Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village, 80-acres of immersive American history, opens for the season April 14. While exploring seven historic districts, visitors can ride in a Model T or a real steam-powered locomotive, watch 1867 baseball or enjoy a meal from an 1830s lunch menu. Catch the Motor Muster, June 15-16.
Time travel to a 16th century English village, where you’ll meet knights, fire jugglers and sword swallowers at the Michigan Renaissance Fest, weekends mid-August through September.
EXHIBIT BY PRESIDENT FORD’S PERSONAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER
TO BE DISPLAYED AT GERALD R. FORD PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM
Exhibit opens March 25 with ribbon cutting and discussion
featuring David Hume Kennerly and Susan Ford Bales
Pulitzer Prize winning and presidential photographer David Hume Kennerly’s exhibit “Extraordinary Circumstances: The Presidency of Gerald R. Ford” will be on display for the first time at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The exhibit is scheduled to open on March 25 with a ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. and a presentation at 7 p.m. featuring Kennerly and Ford’s daughter Susan Ford Bales.
“David’s work not only captured historic images of our father’s presidency, but also the personal side of our family,” said Bales. “We are blessed to have this beautiful photography available and open for the public to view.”
“Extraordinary Circumstances: The Presidency of Gerald R. Ford” follows Ford’s presidency from the day he was appointed vice president to the end of his presidency. The exhibit is a collection of behind-closed-door images, including the inner workings of the White House, the Ford family, and the end of Ford’s presidency after losing to Jimmy Carter in the 1976 election.
“Mr. Kennerly’s unprecedented access to President Ford and his family offers a candid look into historic events surrounding some of our nation’s darkest times while highlighting the president’s efforts to heal the country,” said Elaine Didier, director, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. “We are honored to have these images on display and give the public an opportunity to view history as seen through the eyes of one of the nation’s highest regarded photographers.”
In 1972, Kennerly was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in Journalism for a portfolio of his photos from the Vietnam War, the Ali-Frazier fight, refugees from East Pakistan in India, and combat in Cambodia. Two years later, at age 27, he accepted an appointment to serve as Ford’s chief presidential photographer.
“I photographed every major event during President Ford’s time in office. I think the most important image that emerged from the thousands of photos was a close-up portrait of the president’s humanity,” said Kennerly. “It is a privilege to bring these images to the home of President Ford and allow the community to experience his presidency and the Ford family’s personal side.”
Kennerly was named “One of the 100 Most Important People in Photography,” by American Photo Magazine. He served as contributing editor for Newsweek for more than a decade and a contributing photographer for Time and Life magazines. Kennerly has published several books of his work: “Shooter,” “Photo Op,” “Seinoff: The Final Days of Seinfeld,” “Photo du Jour,” “Extraordinary Circumstances: The Presidency of Gerald R. Ford,” and “David Hume Kennerly On the iPhone.” He covered the 2016 presidential campaign for CNN, and was a major contributor to the network’s book, “Unprecedented: The Election that Changed Everything.” His exclusive photo of Trump taken two weeks after he was elected was featured on the cover.
“Extraordinary Circumstances: The Presidency of Gerald R. Ford” will be on display through Sept. 2, 2019. The March 25 ribbon cutting and presentation are free and open for the public to attend
The eighth annual California Wines Down to Earth Month kicks off in April with sustainability-focused wine events and offers across the state, including Earth Day festivals, vineyard hikes, food and wine events, eco-tours and more. Created by Wine Institute, the association of nearly 1,000 California wineries, the month-long celebration highlights the winemaking community’s commitment to protecting the environment, being a good neighbor and producing high quality wines with sustainable farming and business practices. See here.
The Taste of Mendocino is at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco April 27, and Handley Cellars will be one of 30-plus wineries pouring wines, including many that are sustainable, organic or biodynamic. April 20 is Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Day with 40-plus participating wineries, many with “green” certifications. Ridge Vineyards is celebrating that day with a special flight of organic wines.
Coinciding with this year’s Down to Earth Month is the release of “Wine Country Table, With Recipes that Celebrate California’s Sustainable Harvest,” a book showcasing California’s rich sustainable bounty and the winegrowers and other farmers across the state who are helping to set the standard for innovation and responsible farming, along with 50 recipes and tips on food and wine. Acclaimed food writer, Janet Fletcher, is the author.
California is a global leader in sustainable winegrowing based on vineyard acreage and winery case production following these practices. As of 2018, 70% (209 million cases) of California’s total wine production and 25% of statewide wine acreage (150,000 acres) are CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE.
To celebrate California sustainable winegrowing, 40 Down to Earth Month events are happening in April at wineries statewide including the region-wide events listed below. New events are being added daily to the list here:
11th Annual Wine 4 Paws Weekend, April 5-7, Paso Robles: Visit San Luis Obispo County wineries and stock up on fine wines during this benefit weekend to help homeless cats and dogs. Nearly 100 wineries and other participating businesses will share their proceeds with the pets of the Woods Humane Society.
Drink Green: A Toast to Sustainable Winegrowing, April 6, Madera County: Participating wineries of the Madera Wine Trail will celebrate the region’s sustainable winegrowing and winemaking practices by offering special tastings and education about eco-conscious winery practices.
El Dorado Passport Wine Adventure, April 6-7, Placerville: Pick up your passport for access to more than 20 participating wineries in El Dorado County in the Sierra Foothills, including many committed to sustainable growing and winemaking practices.
Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Celebration Day, April 20: Join more than 40 participating Santa Cruz Mountains wineries—many of them pouring sustainable and organic wines—for a day of tasting throughout the region.
Stags Leap District Wineries: Vineyard to Vintner, April 26-28, Napa Valley: Celebrating 30 years as an American Viticultural Area, the Stags Leap District Vineyard to Vintner anniversary celebration includes dinners, seminars on terroir and winegrowing, and tastings that include coveted library wines and new releases. A portion of the proceeds benefit a scholarship fund.
Taste of Mendocino, April 27, San Francisco: Head to Fort Mason Center in San Francisco to sample wines from more than 30 Mendocino County producers—known for their high rate of participation in certifications for sustainable, organic, biodynamic and fish-friendly farming practices—along with artisanal food bites.
Passport to Dry Creek Valley- 30th Anniversary, April 27-28, Healdsburg: Join more than 40 Dry Creek Valley wineries for tastings, food and wine pairings, fine cuisine from acclaimed Sonoma County chefs, and educational tours that highlight sustainable operations in the vineyards.
Earth Day Napa, April 28, Napa Valley: Come to Oxbow Commons and celebrate Earth Day with the Environmental Education Coalition of Napa County. The event features music, activities for all ages, delicious local food, wine and beer. More than 75 organizations and vendors will provide information about green products, services, the local environment, and how to make a difference for the good of the planet.
About the Wine Institute
Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of nearly 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. California wineries generate $114 billion annually in economic activity to the U.S. economy and create 786,000 jobs across the country of which 325,000 are in California. The organization also works to enhance the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and a partnership with Visit California to showcase California’s wine and food offerings and the state as a top travel destination.
About California Sustainable Winegrowing
The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA), a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization established by Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers, received the governor’s top environmental award for increasing adoption of sustainable winegrowing practices in California and for initiating new educational tools and program improvements. To learn more, visit here.
Wineries and vineyards around the state have also earned Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing status through the third-party certification program launched by CSWA. Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing and other programs such as the Bay Area Green Business Program, Fish Friendly Farming, Lodi Rules, Napa Green and Sustainability in Practice (SIP) play a vital role in the California wine community’s successful efforts to produce high quality wine that is environmentally sound, economically feasible and socially responsible.
“Real 40 Year-Old Virgin “Bachelor” continues search for his one true love in America this Spring, 2019”
In this day and age it seems that romance has become an Instagram ideal; everyone striving to become the illusive “#goals” that are seen in the media. Since the birth of dating app Tinder in 2012, the dating world has been changed forever and social media has taken a strong hold over how we interact with others. Some may think real romance is a thing of the past or something that can only be seen on ABC’s The Bachelor. Shows that have fallen under the large umbrella of the Bachelor Nation have gained notoriety over the years for their strict formula of creating “true love.” Just last week football player Colton Underwood ended his search for love, seemingly as well as his reputation of being a virgin.
Philipp Hebestreit, a German 40 year-old “real-virgin bachelor,” hopes to follow in Colton’s footsteps by taking his search for love to the states. He launched his initial campaign “Free Philie” ten years ago, making headlines in his attempts to enlist the public in his search for the one. To launch his search in America Hebestreit will begin his search in New York City’s Time Square district later this month.
“My parents are my inspiration and the reason I began this campaign to find my one true love,” said Hebestreit. “They have been deeply in love for several decades and it’s the kind of everlasting love you just don’t see anymore.”
“Most Romantic Man in the World…” – Marie Claire
“Free Philie,” one of the largest searches for love in the word, began in 2008 with a lonely plea on Hebestreit’s personal blog. His post garnered the attention of a multitude of women and sparked his curiosity in expanding his search even further. He then took to the streets of several German cities with flyers and large posters. His efforts became even more elaborate with newspaper advertisements, recorded video messages, bulletins and cars equipped with “Free Philie” flags.
He began going even bigger with his attempts and traveling further in order to reach a wider audience. He donned a full body shield in Hamburg, sent out thousands of messages in bottles into the North Sea, advertised on electric boats in the canals of Amsterdam, placed speaking stands in London’s Piccadilly Circus, placed an inflatable Frog at the Eiffel Tower, and even more international exploits for love. Philipp Hebestreit has spread his “love art” as far as Austria, Switzerland, Norway and Italy.
“A phenomenon that is conquering the hearts of women around the world…” – Wall Street Journal
Hebestreit is one of the very few virgin men turning to the public in order to enter his first relationship. This aspect of his sexuality is what drew most of the attention to his search as Philip is amongst just 10% of European men of his age to remain virginal. Those choosing celibacy often keep this fact to themselves to avoid social backlash. As for Philip, he tackles this topic with pride sparking public discussion. It is through his “Free Philie” campaign that Philip has attempted to tackle the belief that male virginity in the Western world should be something to be ashamed of.
By bringing attention to the conversation of virginity, “Free Philie” gained international attention in the form of letters, packages, texts and emails from celebrities and other public figures from over 100 countries. He received gifts such as lingerie and nude photos to a “Medal of Knightliness,” and a 5 foot teddy bear that caused his P.O. box to be terminated.
While stateside, ten years after the campaign’s inception, Philip will begin in New York City and continue his travels with teasers on his whereabouts on his “Free Philie” social media accounts.
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If you already own a pet, then you’re likely to be well aware of the uplifting effect that a pet can have on your mood when you’re feeling sad.
But have you ever wondered why this is?
Here are a few scientifically-backed reasons as to how a pet is genuinely able to make a person feel better when they are feeling down…
FEEL-GOOD BRAIN CHEMICALS
Your brain produces a number of different natural chemicals that each have their own effect on your mood.
One of these chemicals is called oxytocin. When the brain releases this, you immediately feel happier and more loved.
Not only that, but the oxytocin then sends signals to the other neurotransmitters in the brain, encouraging it to release other feel-good hormones, such as:
• Serotonin
• Dopamine
• Adrenaline
How are these feel-good brain chemicals linked to pets?
Well, research shows that when you stroke a pet, this triggers your brain to produce and release an increased amount of oxytocin. This, in turn, will quickly have an uplifting effect on your mood.
In fact, you don’t even necessarily need to stroke a pet to experience these benefits…
Simply looking into your pet’s eyes can have similar effects!
COMFORT AND EMPATHY
Not only can many animals sense your emotions, but they can also tell whether you are feeling happy or sad. This is a concept officially known as emotional contagion, and it is something that is being increasingly studied.
While research may still be ongoing, what we do know is that pets, whether they can sense your sadness or not, offer so much comfort and empathy.
Your pet will be there to support you whenever you are feeling down, and your pet is also guaranteed to be one of the best listeners you will ever find! Just talking to your pet about whatever it is that is bothering you can actually increase your problem-solving abilities, meaning that you may even find a logical and productive way to overcome your sadness.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
While a fish or a hamster may not provide this benefit, other pets, such as dogs and cats, do tend to encourage their owners to spend more time outdoors.
This is especially the case with dogs, and dog owners will likely find themselves outdoors so much more than they would have been, all because of their dog. Dogs can still comfort their owners even after they’ve passed with the help of jewelry such as ash necklaces. Ash necklaces use a very small cremation urn to store your pet’s ashes so they can always be close to you.
Did you know that spending more time outdoors can have a direct effect on how happy you’re feeling?
Even if you just spend half an hour a day at your local park with your dog, you will experience:
• Less stress
• More empathy
• Increased concentration and creativity
• An increase in physical fitness
• An improvement in overall health
As you can imagine, when experiencing all of those different benefits, your sadness will soon disappear!
Pets add so much to our lives, and the fact that an animal can almost immediately make a person feel happier is a huge added bonus for pet owners. Whether you own a dog, a cat, a fish, or anything else, try turning to your pet the next time you are feeling sad for an instant mood lift. Learn more here about how your pets can help boost your mood!
RIA MAE SHARES STRUGGLES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA ON NEW EP STARS
Canadian pop singer Ria Mae takes listeners on an emotional voyage through relationships on her new EP, Stars. Navigating beyond lyrical and sonic boundaries, Stars allows listeners to feel a sense of human connection, something Ria believes is lacking in today’s social climate.
“Hold Me” was inspired by the invasive negativity and anxiety social media create. Nostalgic for a simpler time, the duet emerged after a conversation with Frank Kadillac and Lowell. “We were talking about how easy life used to feel when we were young and how anxious a lot of our peers seem to be right now,” Ria stated in Divine Magazine.
The remainder of Stars illustrates Ria Mae’s ability to empathize with her listeners. “Trixi,” is a provocative track about desire and obsession and is the first character-driven song Ria’s written. “Not Your Type,” Ria’s forthcoming single, is a pro-consent pop song that showcases Ria’s playful side. “It’s You,” is a raw and honest breakup anthem.
Ria Mae’s first single “Bend” became an instant hit, skyrocketing to Top 5 at Hot AC, Top 15 at AC, and Top 15 at CHR radio, reaching platinum certification status. Ria was nominated for “Pop Album of the Year” at the 2018 JUNO Awards for “My Love.” Two years earlier, Ria also earned a JUNO nomination for “Single of the Year” for her platinum-selling hit “Clothes Off” that has over 13 million streams worldwide.
