
The second annual 2017 LA Soul Music Festival ended abruptly with the cancellation of Sunday’s performances. Fans didn’t get a chance to hear the sounds of Musiq Soulchild, After 7, Blackstreet, and others that were scheduled for the weekend’s finale, but refunds will be issued out for the canceled performances.
The LA Soul Music Festival is a 3-day event where the diehard music fan, young or old, can enjoy the live sounds of their favorite artists. Friday and Saturday, Exposition Park was flooded with music lovers ready for the festivities to begin. Friday kicked off with performances by MAJOR, Yuna, Ro James, August Alsina and K. Michelle.
Saturday’s event was met with canceled performances from a few of the artists, including the headliner Tyrese. Fans did enjoy amazing shows by Avant, Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick, and Anthony Hamilton and the Hamiltones.
During the weekend, people were met with food, clothing and wine vendors throughout the venue as well as a DJ that kept the crowd’s interest between acts.
Though the weekend didn’t end the way most people would have liked, many still enjoyed their time.
Planning to take your family on a cruise?
“Great idea,” says Todd Smith, Founder/Owner of AdventureSmith Explorations, the small ship cruise experts. “But do consider which departures (family friendly preferred) and which cabins will provide the most comfort and space for your family, as not all cabins are created equal.”
His team of small ship cruise experts looks for the following when it comes to putting families comfortably into cabins:
Here are Smith’s suggestions for cabins and suites on specific small ships that work well for families.
Alaska: The 74-guest Chichagof Dream offers a unique quadruple configuration in her Deluxe Suite. This spacious suite is 218 square feet with a queen bed with separate seating area with two chairs that can be replaced with one twin bed or one twin bunk bed. Several other cabin categories can accommodate triple occupancy. Guests young and old enjoy using high-powered, lightweight binoculars for spotting wildlife (like these) on the ship’s Glacier Bay and Island Adventure Cruise which offers family departures on an eight-day route through an authentic Alaska experienced through the lens of local Alaskans.
“We recommend this cruise for families of all ages, but especially those with younger children interested in a mix of wilderness, native culture, port visits and soft adventure activities,” says Smith, noting that ages 15 and under receive 30 percent off the double occupancy rate.
Also fit for families sailing in Alaska is the new 100-guest National Geographic Quest, specifically the ship’s Category 5 cabins located on the uppermost Observation Deck between the Bridge and Sun Deck, with large view windows to take it all in. Triple configuration is available in these cabins via a convertible sofa bed, in addition to the twin beds that can convert into a queen. This ship also features 22 cabins with private step-out balconies plus six sets of convenient adjoining cabins in a variety of categories. This purpose-built expedition vessel, USA-made in Washington by Nichols Brothers, extends such thoughtfulness into every inch of its design, which translates into a seamless experience for families thanks to added features like a mudroom for expedition gear, tiered bow-viewing platforms (a bonus for shorter sailors when whale watching!), premium glass windows for clearer views and a Sun Deck bar for taller sailors who need a sunset sip. Among its itineraries is Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness, an eight-day journey
Galapagos: The 90-passenger Santa Cruz II has two 325-square-foot Darwin Suites, each with two large picture windows and a sitting area with couch. The suite can be interconnected with a neighboring Explorer Double Cabin to increase space by 163 square feet, perfect for a family of four. Darwin Suites come with elevated service and carefully refined extras such as a take-home Galápagos coffee table book, a tablet loan during the cruise, complimentary drinks and VIP lounge access at the Galápagos Islands airport. Thirty-six of its 50 cabins can be interconnected on Santa Cruz Galapagos (five-and six-day) Cruises.
Also the new luxury 20-guest Galapagos vessel Origin offers 10 double staterooms all measuring 140 square feet, with large panoramic view windows, satellite TV/DVD, iPod docking station and private baths and twin or king beds. Two cabins can accommodate triples, and two can be interconnected. Origin Galapagos Cruises span eight days.
In Central America, the 62-passenger Safari Voyager’s Owner’s Suite offers 250 square feet on the bow, highlighted by a panorama of bow-facing view windows. Guests may choose a king bed or twin beds and enjoy a private bath with a shower and Jacuzzi tub, a separate living room/sitting area with a pull-out sofa bed to accommodate a third person, two entertainment centers (one for each room) as well as a wet bar and mini refrigerator, ideal for families.
“There are numerous other cabins our experts recommend,” adds Smith, citing suites aboard the Hebridean Sky in Antarctica, interconnecting cabins aboard the Aqua Mekong on the Mekong River, and various other options on small ships around the world. “I also recommend families with younger children under 6 years or multigenerational families consider a yacht charter. A private ship charter offers your family exclusivity, flexibility and savings. Smaller charter yachts in Alaska include the 12-guest Sea Wolf or 8-guest Sikumi. A family charter cruise will offer a more intimate experience and additional flexibility to craft the meals, itinerary and activities to suit your family’s interest and abilities.”
For more details please see
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/best-cruise-cabins-family-travel-suites
and
Family Cruises page on the AdventureSmith Explorations website.
For information on all of AdventureSmith’s small ship cruises worldwide, itineraries, availability and reservations, Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or visit http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/.
AdventureSmith Explorations’ small cruise ships ply the world’s oceans and waterways from Tahiti to Alaska. In any given season and in countless destinations, this company plumbs its inventory depths to secure the small ship and itinerary that will assure a happy client.
About AdventureSmith Explorations – Think Outside the Boat!
Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, CA, along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith joined the ranks of Conde Nast Traveler‘s prestigious World’s Top Travel Specialists List as the leading expert on small ship expeditions.
Marcell Lee is an aspiring rapper. Born and reared in Orange County, California. Coming from a dismal past, he knew he needed to make it out – his struggle is our inspiration.
“I have five sisters and three brothers that deserve the world; and I’m determined to give them that.”
American Rapper/Songwriter whom performs under the sobriquet, Reek I’van. Hailing from the streets of Southwest Philadelphia, Reek quickly captured the attention of industry enthusiasts with his fiery lyric presentation and diverse flow style. Once known as Khaos in the DVD ERA, he won every battle that came his way.
At the age of 18, Reek was arrested on serious charges facing hefty time while in his freshman year in college. After a couple years in State Road Prison, he felt robbed of his basketball career when he lost scholarships due to his incarceration.
After finalizing his case, he immediately enrolled back into a community college and was able to walk on a as new recruit. Subsequently a great basketball season at Montco, Reek dropped out. He had to make some brash decisions with the parentage of his daughter, Maui. Reek began building his entertainment company London Boy Ent, which has a ferocious lineup of lyricists waiting to be unleashed. While working and co-writing alongside of notable artists, Reek was able to gather valuable experience in songwriting.
He attributes his undeniable stage presence and appeal to the fashion industry where he is a published international model, receiving tons of offers for notable campaigns.
“In modeling… you exist to be judged on your looks, so when it came time for me to actually showcase my talent (rap) I had no fear, only fire. “– Reek
During Julian King’s adolescence, he discovered that music was his love. The more he started to edify his craft, the more King believed that it was in his birthright to pursue music as a recording/performing artist. With emotional/financial backing from his family, King started to lay the foundation for his musical career during grade school. As an alumnus of Philadelphia High School for Creative And Performing Arts and The University of The Arts in Philadelphia (Vocal Performance Degree), King shares a similar foundation with notable greats such as Quest Love of The Roots, Jazmine Sullivan, and the legendary quartet Boyz II Men.
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In 2015, King debuted his EP “Sing For You”. On the EP, he collaborated with Grammy award -winning producers Bryan-Michael Cox (Mariah Carey, Usher, Mary J. Blige), Ivan “Orthodox” Barias (Justin Timberlake, Musiq Soulchild, Miguel) and Brandon “B.A.M” Alexander (Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Ne-Yo). Subsequent to the liberation of the EP, he received press from FOX 29, SoulTrain.com, Vibe Magazine, and many other publications. As the buzz started to surface moments after the discharge of his EP, he began to solidify his show set for future opportunities.
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Julian has opened for artists such as Mary J. Blige and Daley . He also performed/headlined at BET Music Matters, Sol Village via SOB’s (New York), SXSW (Texas). As King continues to showcase his gifts to the world, his goal is become one of the next megastars from Philadelphia.
Leaux$teeze is an up-and-coming streetwear collection. As an emerging brand, they possess an insatiable desire to bring uniqueness and originality back to fashion – one composition at a time. Most of their pieces will have a limited run and will only be offered for a short timeframe.
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This summer, miro will celebrate all things delicious with a number of exciting new offerings in the stunning upstairs dining room and tasting events in the swanky underground Whiskey Lounge. Starting July 15, miro will be open for Bottomless Bubbles & Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm.
The all new brunch menu will feature a variety of sweet and savory dishes created by Chef Gavin Mills and bottomless mimosas for $14. Featured dishes include miro’s award-winning Chicken and Waffles, Duck Egg Omelet with farm eggs, caviar and crème fraiche, Italian Benedict with house-made prosciutto, poached eggs and orange hollandaise, Brioche Pain Perdu with maple glaze, fluffy Ricotta Pancakes with lemon, house-churned butter and local honey and homemade buttermilk biscuits with honey butter, which are sure to please any palate. To wash down the entrees, guests can enjoy the bottomless mimosa option or choose from a variety of unique cocktails made especially for brunch, including a classic Bloody Mary made with house-made tomato mix and spices, Kale & Rice cocktail made with Vinn Rice Whiskey, purple kale syrup, dry vermouth, citrus, Little Walter Rides Again with Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, Giffard Vanille, banana-infused sherry, coconut syrup, lime, Hemingway Daiquiri with white rum, lime, grapefruit, maraschino liqueur and the Come On…Chai Me made with Tito’s, chai orgeat, lemon and orange curacao.
Another new addition to miro’s offerings is the introduction of Whiskey Wednesdays – monthly tasting events in the downstairs Whiskey Lounge. On the last Wednesday of every month, miro’s favorite whiskey brands will provide DTLA imbibers with an intimate tasting, curated cocktail and lesson for whiskey lovers of all levels. The event will take place inside the members-only whiskey club, The Vault. The first event is set for July 26, and Russell’s Reserve will be pouring a variety of tastings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and include tastings and small bites and can be purchased at http://whiskeywednesdaysmiro.eventbrite.com.
Additionally, miro will be offering ½ price on all bottles of wine on Mondays through September, so diners and wine lovers can kick off their week on a high note.
With new weekend brunch, Whiskey Wednesdays and Wine Mondays, the summer of fun at miro is just getting started. To make a reservation, visit www.mirorestaurant.com or call 213-988-8880.
About miro
Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, steps away from the 7th and Metro station, miro (Modern. Italian. Regional. Offerings.) offers Angelenos a refined taste of European flavors and spectacular views of the downtown skyline from its stunning multi-level space. Chef Gavin Mills features a thoughtful and well-balanced menu that emphasizes California seasonality with Italian and Mediterranean influence, bringing a multi-sensory culinary experience that complements the meticulously curated wine and whiskey program. The Whiskey Lounge downstairs offers a unique whiskey tasting menu, with some of the most rare whiskies in the world. On weekends, miro offers Bottomless Bubbles & Brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. miro is located at 888 Wilshire Blvd. and is open Mon.-Thurs. from 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri. from 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat. from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sun. from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with The Whiskey Lounge open until Midnight Fri-Sat. Valet parking is available for $8 with validation. For more information, visit www.mirorestaurant.com or call 213-988-8880, and follow miro on Facebook and Instagram at @mirodtla.
Coldplay’s new five-track Kaleidoscope EP is out now to download and stream worldwide (the CD and vinyl versions of the EP will follow on August 4). Click to listen on Spotify or Apple Music / iTunes.
The band have also just premiered a new lyric video for Miracles (Someone Special),a collaboration with Detroit rapper Big Sean,which you can watch now at youtu.be/z9BPMjL44Aw.The video was directed byBen Mor.
The EP was produced by the band’s long-term collaborators Rik Simpson and Daniel Green,together with Bill Rahko, and features a new live version of Coldplay’s hit single with The Chainsmokers,Something Just Like This,recorded in Tokyo in April. The full tracklisting is as follows:
1 All I Can Think About Is You
2 Miracles (Someone Special) – Coldplay & Big Sean
3 A L I E N S
4 Something Just Like This (Tokyo Remix) – Coldplay & The Chainsmokers
5 Hypnotised
The EP is the sister release to the band’s acclaimed
A Head Full Of Dreams album, which has sold more than 5 million copies since its December 2015 release. The four new songs were recorded in the band’s on-the-road studio during their A Head Full Of Dreams Tour, which reaches Paris this weekend for three sold out nights at the Stade de France.
The song A L I E N S was co-written by Brian Eno, and co-produced by Eno, Rik Simpson and Markus Dravs. All proceeds from A L I E N S will go to Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), an international NGO which rescues migrants and refugees in peril at sea in the Mediterranean. The band are patrons of the charity.
The A Head Full Of Dreams Tour continues to North America for dates in August, September and October, before culminating with newly-announced shows in Brazil and Argentina in November. More than 4.6 million tickets have now been sold for the tour. For the full list of upcoming concerts,
go to coldplay.com/tour.