Posts tagged with "Bristol"

Willow Kayne – Opinion

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Over the span of just two singles, London-based, Bristol-born artist Willow Kayne has turbocharged the landscape of pop music within the UK. Her debut single “Two Seater” was a perfect introduction; a rabble-rousing ode to living life on your own terms that has been included on the soundtrack to FIFA 22, while her follow up “I Don’t Wanna Know” was a break-infused middle finger to online trolls that takes cues from her love of rave culture. Her high octane, postmodern touch on pop has already earned critical acclaim with her winning the Ivor Novello Rising Star award for 2021 and being mentored by pop legend Nile Rodgers in the process. Today, Willow Kayne adds another cut to her mighty discography, with the attitude-fueled “Opinion.”

Inspired by the unfuckwithable rebel-pop of 00s icons such as Santigold and M.I.A, the track lands a sucker punch from the outset, breaking out of playground soundscapes with gargantuan bass hits and a pulse-raising hook that takes cues from the aforementioned Santigold. Making way for Willow to spotlight her most dexterous rapping yet, “Opinion” is a full-bodied rapid fire message for the uninitiated to keep their comments to themselves and to simply stand back and watch her blaze her own trail.

On the track, Willow says:

“I wrote ‘Opinion’ last year after receiving childlike comments that people just insisted I had to know! There’s a strong playground theme in this song to remind those of how close to schoolyard drama it all sounds. I’m definitely one for airing out stupid comments I receive in my music, and this was just another opportunity to remind people of how childish it can sound sometimes. I’m fighting fire with fire!”

An unashamedly tenacious example of why Willow Kayne is one of the most exciting emerging artists in the world right now, “Opinion” takes her genre-blurring attitude to creation to the very next level. A perfect example of just how explosive pop can be in the right hands, no one can predict which direction Willow will steer her unwieldy sonics – but one thing we can predict is that it’ll be an unforgettable ride.

Joy Crookes – Skin

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BRIT Award nominated singer/songwriter Joy Crookes releases her highly anticipated debut album, Skin. The 13 track body of work includes previously releases singles, “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now,” “When You Were Mine,” “Skin,” and the newest, “Trouble.” Get it HERE via Epic Records/Insanity.

With Crookes credited as an executive producer on the album, alongside the formidable Blue May (Blood Orange), Skin is a hugely personal, game-changing body of work from one of the UK’s boldest and brightest young talents. A collection of songs built and honed throughout her adolescence and into her early twenties, and finished last year within the most turbulent of circumstances, Skin touches on topics such as mental health, relationships, and politics all with grace and sensitivity. Crookes has created a truly special body of work that is both perfectly of the moment, and entirely timeless. Skin’s album artwork is shot by Carlota Guerrero, who has previously worked with Arca, Chloe x Halle, and Solange for all of her imagery for A Seat At The Table.

Already, the album has garnered Crookes a massive amount of acclaim worldwide. British Vogue has dubbed her, “undoubtedly one of the most exciting artists to emerge in the music scene this year,” while The Guardian has praised her “effortlessly nuanced and individual melodic sensibility.” I-D has praised her music as “powerful” while Complex has noted her “soul-stirring vocals,” and Billboard has similarly highlighted her “unfaltering vocal performance.” The New York Times in a recent profile may have summed up Skin best: “Crookes offers listeners a nuanced and candid exploration of her multiracial identity. At a time when many conversations about race in the arts and calls for change have only recently begun, Crookes’ commitment to vulnerability in her storytelling has helped her connect with a growing—and loyal—fan base.”

Up next, Joy Crookes will tour the UK later this year in celebration of the new album; the run kicks off in November in Brighton and extends into next year when she will take the tour to Europe. Full list of dates below.

UK Dates

11/6/21 Brighton, England Concorde 2 SOLD OUT

11/7/21 Bristol, England The Trinity Centre SOLD OUT

11/8/21 London, England O2 Forum Kentish Town SOLD OUT

11/9/21 London, England O2 Forum Kentish Town SOLD OUT

11/11/21 Dublin, Republic of Ireland The Academy SOLD OUT

11/15/21 Glasgow, Scotland St Luke’s SOLD OUT

11/17/21 Leeds, England Leeds University Stylus

11/18/21 Birmingham, England The O2 Institute

European Dates

2/10/22 Paris, France La Gaîté Lyrique SOLD OUT

2/11/22 Amsterdam, Netherlands Melkweg SOLD OUT

2/12/22 Brussels, Belgium Ancienne Belgique SOLD OUT

2/14/22 Cologne, Germany Gebaude 9

2/15/22 Munich, Germany Strom

2/17/22 Berlin, Germany Heimathafen Neukoelln

2/18/22 Hamburg, Germany The Stage Club

2/20/22 Copenhagen, Denmark Pumpehuset

2/21/22 Helsinki, Finland Tavastia Club

2/22/22 Oslo, Norway Parkteatret

2/23/22 Stockholm, Sweden Nalen Klubb

2/25/22 Warsaw, Poland Hybrydy

2/26/22 Zurich, Switzerland Exil Club

EVERYONE YOU KNOW – JUST FOR THE TIMES

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“Genre bending ravers” – Notion

“A cathartic burst of all the energy” – Complex

“Hitting the same boisterous notes as The Manor and The Streets with a bit more focus on the club, the duo have been making themselves heard a lot lately” – Trench

“Nothing short of brilliant” – The Line of Best Fit

“Everyone You Know are on that converted upwards trajectory towards the charts” – Gigwise

“EYK have built their own universe…Their sensitive lyricism is offset by a roughhewn charm, matched to the ultra-vivd music” – Clash

Ones-to-watch sibling duo Everyone You Know (EYK) releases their highly anticipated 13 track EP Just For The Times via Sony Music UK/RCA Records. Alongside the release, EYK have also unveiled their new single “There For You” along with the music video which showcases the pairs’ signature genre-bending style, combining brooding late night vibes with uplifting piano house production, topped by Rhys’ soulful vocals.

Just For The Times is a rich embodiment of EYK’s sonic diversity and delves into the pairs’ journey over the last 18-24 months. The project provides a soundtrack to the highs, the lows, the nostalgia, and the pent-up energy over lockdown, skewered in pin-sharp rhymes, layered over precision tooled bedroom beats. Listeners are treated to a dynamic body of work from the mutli-faceted duo which includes 8 new tracks alongside fan favorites such as “Radio”, “Just For The Times,” “When The Sun Comes Up,” “Higher,” and “Charlie.”

Speaking about the release EYK say, “Just for the Times is not just an “EP” but it’s a representation of the lives we and our loved ones have all lived throughout the past 2 years. It’s a project where we’ve really delved deep, thought about carefully and made as honest as possible. We wanted this project to represent our fans too, something everyone can relate to and connect with. It’s ten tracks of emotions that vary from high to low, hope to hopelessness and joy to sadness. It’s a project we’re really proud of and can’t wait for you all to hear. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it.”

The band recently announced they will embark on a 13 date UK headline tour. Kicking things off at The Think Tank, Newcastle on 16th November, the pair will play across cities including Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham and Glasgow, before rounding things off with a huge headline performance at XOYO, London on 4th December which has now sold out! Tickets for other dates are currently on sale here.

Everyone You Know aka half-brothers Rhys Kirkby-Cox and Harvey Kirkby have had a rapid rise to success in a short space of time, amassing over 100 million worldwide streams, an explosive 15-date sold out UK tour, as well as a UK mainstage festival debut at Reading & Leeds and a stint as UK brand ambassadors for Reebok. The sibling duo have paved a uniquely British lane for themselves, blending hip hop, garage, dance and punk who draw on diverse influences such as J Dilla, Dr Dre, The Streets, Wu Tang Clan and Kano. Honing their signature sound, the pair have built a cult following with tracks such as ‘Just For The Times’, ‘Our Generation’, ‘She Don’t Dance’, and ‘The Drive’. Along with this, the pair recently collaborated with heavyweight producers Hybrid Minds on their festival anthem ‘Dance Forever’ and Brazilian superstar Alok on ‘Kids On Whizz’. Not stopping there, EYK have garnered widespread tastemaker support along the way from the likes of Annie Mac (headlined AMP at Old Blue Last), Jack Saunders (Radio 1 Maida Vale Session), Jordan North, Steve Lamacq (6Music Session), BBC Introducing, NME, Wonderland, Notion, Sunday Times Culture, Clash, Complex, and The Line of Best Fit positioning themselves as one of the most exciting and innovative new talents to come out of the UK.

Tracklist

Higher
When The Sun Comes Up
Charlie
There For You
18
Crying on the Weekend
No Sleep (Interlude)
Human Again (Skit)
Just for the Times
Radio
Song For Remi
Open Up (Prelude)
Your Tears

UK Tour Dates 2021

16th November – The Think Tank, Newcastle

17th November – The Lending Room, Leeds

18th November – The Garage, Glasgow

21st November – YES, Manchester

22nd November – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham

25th November – The Horn, St Albans (SOLD OUT)

27th November – Jericho Tavern, Oxford

28th November – The Forum, Tunbridge Wells

29th November – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham

30th November – The Exchange, Bristol

2nd December – Patterns, Brighton

3rd December – The Joiners, Southampton

4th December – XOYO, London (SOLD OUT)

James Vincent McMorrow × Paradise

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James Vincent McMorrow shares the music video for Paradise from his upcoming album, Grapefruit Season, to be released on September 17.

“McMorrow has a soul voice to cherish” – Guardian

“The ever-shifting Irish singer-songwriter…it works” – Sunday Times, Hottest Tracks

“A deft collaboration, with James pushing his music onto a different realm, whilst maintaining that recognizable emotional pull” – CLASH

“Lyrically raw and immensely quotable” – The Forty Five

James Vincent McMorrow shares the video for new single Paradise, which is available now via Sony Music UK/RCA Records. Paradise is the latest taste of James’ much-anticipated new album Grapefruit Season – which also features teaser singles Headlights, Gone, and I Should Go (with Kenny Beats) – and is now set for release on September 17.

Produced by James alongside Paul Epworth and Lil Silva, Paradise is about pretending everything is fine when, beneath the surface, it really isn’t. Initially struggling to find its visual concept, the Paradise video started as an off-hand remark (“why don’t I just dig out my rollerblades and film myself learning to skate again in the park behind my house?”) but now feels like the perfect fit to the track’s uplifting, feel-good but melancholic center.

Paradise further previews Grapefruit Season, James Vincent McMorrow’s upcoming, fifth studio album – and one in which the artist, producer, and songwriter pushes himself (and his sound) in all new ways. The record was recorded between London, Los Angeles, and Dublin, largely before the pandemic struck. It embraces the timeless yet timely fact that life is chaos; the idea of growing up, but as Paradise suggests, still feeling none the wiser. Each song is held together by McMorrow’s instantly-identifiable voice, an untethered musical imagination, and (from dancehall to soul, country to R&B) purposefully little else in its pursuit of fear-free pop music. Even the title, Grapefruit Season, seems to signpost doing simply what you want, rather than what you are supposed to do – it was inspired by James watching his mum eat grapefruit as a kid, and the idea that what’s good for you may not actually be pleasurable.

Throughout the emotional highs and lows of Grapefruit Season, you are reminded of the risks James Vincent McMorrow has taken since the singer-songwriter roots of debut album Early In The Morning (which turned ten in 2020); but also that those same instincts – to follow inspiration wherever it leads, and to be as brutally honest possible – remain a refreshing constant. Whilst there may always be trouble in Paradise, what’s emerged is James Vincent McMorrow’s most essential album to date.

James also made headlines recently playing the first concert in Ireland with a live audience since the beginning of the pandemic (tickets sold out in just 30 seconds). With festivals including Latitude and Isle of Wight confirmed to follow this summer, McMorrow’s UK and European tour for early 2022 includes a London date at Kentish Town Forum on February 21 and two homecoming shows at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on April 19-20.

February 4 – Leuven @ Het Depot

February 5 – Paris @ Le Trianon

February 6 – Luxembourg @ Den Atelier

February 8 – Frankfurt @ Batschkapp

February 9 – Amsterdam @ Paradiso

February 10 – Hamburg @ Grunspan

February 12 – Stockholm @ Nalen

February 13 – Copenhagen @ Vega

February 15 – Berlin @ Metropol

February 16 – Cologne @ Gloria Theatre

February 18 – Manchester @ O2 Ritz

February 20 – Birmingham @ O2 Institute

February 21 – London @ O2 Kentish Town Forum

February 22 – Bristol @ O2 Academy

February 23 – Glasgow @ Barrowland Ballroom

April 19 – Dublin @ Olympia Theatre

April 20 – Dublin @ Olympia Theatre

April 21 – Belfast @ Limelight

April 22 – Limerick @ Milk Market

Minority Report

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A comprehensive report of the continuation and influx of unjustified treatment towards minorities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

February 23: 25-year-old Georgia resident Ahmaud Arbery was fatally shot while running unarmed. No arrests were made immediately, but Gregory and Travis McMichael, who claim to have been making a citizen’s arrest, have since been apprehended more than 2 months after the shooting and charged with murder and aggravated assault. The murder and its delayed action have sparked nationwide protests and calls for justice. The lawyer, hired by Ahmaud’s family, was also hired by another African American victim – Breonna Taylor.

March 13: Breonna Taylor was shot and killed in her Louisville home after police entered the house on a search warrant. Taylor and her boyfriend believed they were burglars and began firing at the police. The shootout left 26-year-old Taylor dead and her boyfriend, 27, arrested and charged with assault and attempted murder of a police officer. Neither Taylor nor her boyfriend Walker had a criminal record, but Walker had a firearm license.

March 23: A newly released video shows a 68-year-old black Missouri woman by the name of Marvia Gray and her son Derek being forcefully arrested on the floor of a department store on March 23rd. The two were accused falsely of trying to steal a television and were injured when thrown on the floor by police, according to Gray. They were however, arrested for assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.

April 11: Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, was fatally shot on Sunday afternoon during a traffic stop. When Wright was pulled over, officers were attempting to handcuff him when the subject broke free and jumped into the driver’s seat. Officer Kim Potter threatened to tase him, yelling “Taser!” three times before shooting Wright. Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon said, “It is my belief that the officer had the intention to deploy their Taser but instead shot Mr. Wright with a single bullet.” On Monday evening, the Hennepin County Medical Examiner reported that Wright died due to a gunshot wound to his chest. Potter resigned from the police department on Tuesday, and has now been arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter.

April 18: Steven Taylor, 33, was shot to death by police in a California Walmart while attempting to steal from the store and threatening violent acts with a baseball bat. Taylor was fatally shot, however, after becoming a non-threat, it prompted the family to call for charges against the officers. Taylor was also allegedly in a mental health crisis and has a history of disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Taylor leaves behind three children and three siblings.

April 21: A 42-year-old Black man, Andrew Brown Jr., was shot by North Carolina sheriff’s deputies in Elizabethtown just before 8:30 am. A private autopsy conducted by Brown’s family has revealed that he was shot five times, and was killed by a bullet blow to his head. The Pasquotank County sheriff claims that the deputies were conducting an arrest warrant on drug charges when Brown was shot. A local prosecutor claims Brown was trying to escape and had hit deputies with his car. The Brown family lawyer claims that Brown’s hands were on the wheel when he was shot, and says that Brown had no drugs or weapons in his vehicle. The family has not yet seen a search warrant from the Department, and the F.B.I. is opening a civil rights investigation into the case.

A clergy march in Elizabeth honoring Brown will take place on Saturday, May 8 at 11am. The march will be led by Bishop William J. Barber (President of Repairers of the Breach, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival former moderator with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)) II and Rev. Dr. T. Anthony Spearman (an elder with the AME Zion Church and former president of the N.C. Council of Churches), both of whom will lead a march of interfaith and interdenominational clergy. A public rally and news conference will follow the clergy march and begin at 11:30am. Clergy members are to meet at 10:30 am at 299 US Highway 158 N., in front of the old Elizabeth City Middle School. The clergy march is set to lead to the Pasquotank County Courthouse, where the public rally will be held. For more info, please visit this website.

April 24: Austin Police murdered 42-year old Michael Ramos after a nearby 911 call about a possible drug deal. The police shot Ramos when he was out of his car, with his hands above his head. When Ramos re-entered his vehicle and began driving away, he was shot again and soon after, died. A later investigation found no sign of a firearm in the car.

April 28: A shootout with police in Florida killed 26-year-old Jonas Joseph after his car was pulled over. Joseph began firing at police, who returned fire and killed the young man.

May 6: 21-year-old Sean Reed was killed by police following a vehicle pursuit on the evening of May 6, 2020. The police pursued Reed after being seen driving erratically on the highway. The pursuit terminated, but when Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Chris Bailey spotted the car parked, he approached. Reed tried to flee, but the confrontation left the young man dead. A crowd of protestors at the scene demanded the reasoning for the officer’s use of force.

May 8: The four officers involved with George Floyd’s shooting have been indicted by a federal grand jury. The four officers–Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane– all faces charges for failure to administer aid to Floyd. Tou and Kueng were also charged for their failure to intervene in Chuavin’s unreasonable use of force on Floyd. Chauvin, who was found guilty of murder last month, is also cited to have used “unreasonable seizure, which includes the right to be free from unreasonable force by a police officer,” as stated in the indictment. In addition to these new federal charges, there is also an ongoing civil investigation into Minneapolis policing practices currently underway.

May 9: 48-year-old Adrian Medearis was killed after being pulled over under suspicion of driving while intoxicated in Houston. The officer conducted a sobriety test, and attempted to arrest Medearis, a well-known local Gospel singer and choir director, but he resisted arrest and was fatally shot in the ensuing altercation. His family and community are demanding the release of the video.

May 18: A Sarasota police officer was filmed using excessive force and kneeling on Patrick Carroll’s neck during an arrest. The video was put on social media and the officer in question has been put on administrative leave weeks after the event.

May 25: A woman named Amy Cooper called the cops on Christian Cooper, a Harvard alumnus and former Marvel Comics editor. The 57-year-old man was bird watching in Central Park when she approached him without her dog on the leash. After he asked her to put the dog on a leash, she called the police and claimed to be threatened. The altercation went viral after Christian Cooper posted a video of the event on social media, recording the woman aggressively restraining her dog and her saying, “I’m going to tell them [the police] there’s an African American man threatening my life.” Amy Cooper has since publicly apologized. But, Cooper has faced repercussions beyond negative comments on Twitter. She has been fired from her job at Franklin Templeton Investments, where she was vice president, and her dog has been rescued by a pet shelter.

May 25th: a Minneapolis man named George Floyd was murdered by police after an officer knelt on his neck despite his cries for help. Floyd was taken to a hospital where he died, and four officers were fired soon after the incident. A police statement says that Floyd was being investigated for a “forgery in progress” and resisted arrest. But, surveillance video of the arrest shows Floyd complying with the officers. On May 29th, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with murder and manslaughter, four days after George Floyd’s death. On June 3rd, the other three officers involved in George Floyd’s murder, J.A. Keung, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao, were arrested and charged with Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Murder and Aiding and Abetting Second Degree Manslaughter. Floyd’s murder sparked protests around the country with citizens looting and setting fire to buildings. The protestors have been met with tear gas and rubber bullets from police officers.

May 28: At a protest in Minneapolis, 43-year-old Calvin L. Horton Jr. was fatally shot and a suspect is in custody.

A Mississippi cop is on leave after a video is released of him choking a young suspect.

May 29: CNN reporter Omar Jimenez and his crew were arrested while reporting on the protest in Minneapolis. Meanwhile, another CNN reporter, Josh Campbell, says he was treated very differently by police and allowed to stay and report. Jimenez is black and Latino whereas Campbell is white. All three CNN workers were released from custody an hour later.

21-year-old Javar Harrell was not protesting but was fatally shot near protests in Detroit. It is unclear if his death is tied to protests.

May 30: The “Rally To End Modern Day Lynching” took place in Harlem in honor of George Floyd. The rally emphasizes that participants should still practice social distancing and wear a mask. Also on May 30th, participants will honor Floyd at the site of Eric Garner‘s murder in 2014. These New York protests became progressively more violent into the evening. Governor Brian Kemp issued a state of emergency and curfew for Atlanta in preparation for planned protests on May 31st. After four days of protests, Governor Newsom declares a state of emergency in Los Angeles. The courthouse and city hall were set on fire in Nashville.

A 21-year old unnamed man was fatally shot at a protest in Detroit.

In Dallas, a machete-yielding storeowner confronted protesters and was then violently beaten by the crowd; the man is now in stable condition.

Chris Beaty, 38, was killed from multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene in Indianapolis.

May 31: After setting fires and looting in Santa Monica, the city declared a curfew. Curfews have since been set all around the country.

Italia Kelly, 22, and another victim were fatally shot while leaving a protest in Davenport, Iowa.

In Victorville, CA, Malcolm Harsch, 38, was found hanging from a tree and authorities are investigating the event as a potential homicide. Harsch’s family says they are very skeptical of his death being by suicide.

June 1: In Minneapolis, a group of men attacked Iyanna Dior, a black transgender woman; Dior is okay and in stable condition now.

53-year-old David McAtee was shot as national Guard troops and Louisville police broke up a protest; some footage shows McAtee shooting at police but it is unclear who fired their guns first because the officers involved did not activate their body cameras. The Louisville Metro Police Chief, Steve Conrad, was immediately fired because of the officers’ unactivated cameras.

16-year-old Jahmel Leach was tased in the face by NYPD and could be permanently disfigured from the attack. It is unclear why the police officers used force to arrest Leach.

June 2: Six Atlanta police officers have been fired and arrested for using excessive force towards Messiah Young and Taniyah Pilgrim, two young black people leaving the protests.

77-year-old David Dorn, a retired St. Louis police captain, was fatally shot by looters of a pawnshop after responding to an alarm.

June 4: At 3:45pm, NAACP holds a moment of silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in honor of George Floyd live on their Twitter.

June 5: All 57 members of the Buffalo Police Department’s emergency response team resigned in protest for police brutality – particularly seen in a video of Buffalo police pushing an unarmed man.

Reddit Co-founder Alexis Ohanian resigns from the company’s board and urges the company to replace his spot with a black candidate.

In a YouTube video, Robert L. Johnson, the first black American billionaire and co-founder of BET, talks to The Breakfast Club about racism and reparations.

20-year-old Dounya Zayer was violently shoved by a police officer at a protest in Brooklyn, NY.

June 6: Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand pledge $100 million donation over the next 10 years to organizations promoting social justice and racial equality.

A video shows protestors creating a human shield to protect NYPD officers fro rioters throwing objects at the policemen.

June 7: Virginia governor plans to remove Robert E. Lee statue later this week.

CEO of CrossFit Greg Glassman’s insensitive tweet about George Floyd has caused Glassman to face serious backlash. Partners of CrossFit, like Reebok or Rogue Fitness, and athletes, including Brooke Wells and Richard Froning, released statements that they will cut ties with CrossFit.

BLM protestors in Bristol pull down statue of Edward Colton, a slave trader who transported nearly 100,000 slaves in the 17th century.

Harry H. Rogers drove into a group of protestors near Richmond, Virginia. Rogers identifies as the leader of the Ku Klux Klan and prosecutors are investigating the assault as a potential hate crime.

June 8: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announces police reform legislation called The Justice in Policing Act of 2020 which would ban chokeholds, establish a national database to track police misconduct, and more.

Minneapolis City Council announce plans to defund the Minneapolis police department.

GoFundMe suspends Candace Owens’ account saying that Owens, “spread hate, discrimination, intolerance and falsehoods against the black community.”

June 9: Greg Glassman, the CEO and founder of CrossFit, retires after his inappropriate tweet about George Floyd’s murder.

New York Police Chief Mike O’Meara shames the press for vilifying police officers in a video here.

June 10: In Palmdale, CA, 24-year-old black man named Robert Fuller, was found hanging from a tree in what was originally described as an apparent suicide. Citizens are demanding that Fuller’s death is investigated as a homicide.

June 11: After Trump’s comments about Seattle protestors being “domestic terrorists” and that law enforcement must “dominate the streets” to “take back Seattle,” Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan clarifies that the protestors are not threatening and that the president’s claims are unconstitutional.

June 12: Atlanta police fatally shot Rayshard Brooks, 27, at a Wendy’s drive-thru. Brooks’ murder caused Atlanta police chief Erika Shields to resign.

The officer who shot Brooks was Garrett Rolfe. Rolfe was terminated from his job one day after the shooting, but as of Wednesday, he was reinstated to his position. Atlanta’s Civil Service Board reinstated the officer because they found that Rolfe’s firing violated his due process rights. It is not being argued whether the shooting was justified, but rather if the proper firing procedures had been followed regarding the officer’s dismissal. At a board hearing on April 22, lawyer Allegra Lawrence-Hardy argues that “immediate dismal” of an employee “impairs the effectiveness of others.” However, despite being reinstated, Rolfe will remain on administrative leave until his murder and aggravated assault charges regarding the June 12 shooting are resolved.

June 13: Patrick Hutchinson, a black personal trainer from London, rescued ‘far-right’ protester who was badly beaten during protest clashes in London.

A young, black FedEx driver named Brandon Brackins turned to social media to tell his followers how he was called racial slurs while working.

June 16: A story resurfaces from 2006 when black, Buffalo, NY cop Cariol Horne was fired for stopping her white colleague from choking a handcuffed suspect.

Philadelphia court supervisor Michael Henkel is fired after video shows him tearing down BLM signs.

June 17: Quaker Oats plans to retire their Aunt Jemima branding and logo after acknowledging the racial stereotyping.

June 18: A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy fatally shot 18-year-old Andres Guardado.

June 20: Rioters storm the streets of Tulsa, Oklahoma during President Trump’s rally.

June 21: A NYPD officer is on unpaid suspension after a chokehold incident in Queens.

June 22: Department of Justice is investigating a noose found in Bubba Wallace‘s NASCAR garage. Wallace is the only black driver in NASCAR’s top circuit. On June 23, the FBI determines that Wallace was not the target of a hate crime.

August 23: Jacob Blake is shot by Kenosha police officers after breaking up a nearby fight that two other women were having. Blake was unarmed and shot seven times in the back. He is currently hospitalized for his injuries.

December 5: Lt. Caron Nazario, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, is suing two of the Town of Windsor police officers who conducted his traffic stop. Nazario is a Black and Latino man who was pulled over whilst wearing his uniform. He is requesting at least $1 million in damage costs and is looking for the court to rule that the officers violated his human rights, especially regarding the Fourth Amendment. He was pulled over by Officer Daniel Crocker and Joe Gutierrez, who exercised knee-strikes, deployed OC spray, and took the Nazario’s gun in what his attorney, Jonathan Arthur, classifies as an illegal search. In body camera footage, Gutierrez can be overheard telling Nazario that if he had just complied, he would have “been gone by now” and threatened that the charges against Nazario could impact his career in the army, if Nazario complained about the incident. By threatening Nazario’s career, his attorney says that Crocker and Gutierrez violated the subject’s First Amendment Rights.

Looking for ways to help? Here are some places to donate to:

George Floyd Memorial Fund

Minnesota Freedom Fund

Louisville Community Bail Fund

National Bail Out

Transgender Law Center In Memory of Tony McDade

Brooklyn Community Bail Fund

Dream Defenders

North Star Health Collective

The Louisville Community Bail Fund

The Freedom Fund

Northwest Community Bail Fund

Best UK City For Families

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BABY- FRIENDLY BATH IS BEST UK CITY FOR FAMILIES

Bath takes top spot for second successive year in MoneySuperMarket’s annual Family Living Index
Bristol is the least family friendly city, with London again near the bottom of the list
MoneySuperMarket reveals how to manage your finances in preparation for buying a home

MoneySuperMarket, the UK’s leading price comparison site, today reveals that Bath is officially the best location to raise a family – taking the top spot for the second year in a row.

MoneySuperMarket’s annual Family Living Index, now in its third year, ranks 35 UK cities based on six key factors (local school rankings, access to green space, likelihood of burglary, house prices, job opportunities and average salary) to help parents find the city that best matches their family requirements.

Bath retains its title as the UK’s best place to raise a family, thanks to a high number of job opportunities and schools rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted per capita. Wolverhampton is the second most desirable city to live in, moving up one place from last year, followed by the north east heartlands of Newcastle and Sunderland. Manchester again features in the top five, but moves down a place from fourth last year.

At the other end of the scale, Bristol has overtaken London to become this year’s least family friendly city, due to a 33% rise in contents theft and a decline in ‘outstanding’-rated schools. Despite having the highest average income and level of disposable income, London continues to find itself near the bottom of the list due to high average house prices (£478,749).

Top five family friendly cities:

City	2018 rank	2019 rank	Reason
Bath	1^st	1^st	Retains top spot due to an increase in income
Wolverhampton	3^rd	2^nd	Similar results from last year, but benefits from other locations’ declining scores
Newcastle	2^nd	3^rd	Drops one place due to an increase in contents theft, despite having the most ‘outstanding’-rated schools per capita
Sunderland	6^th	4^th	Rises thanks to improved income metrics
Manchester	4^th	5^th	Drops one place due to a fall in income

Least family friendly cities:

City	2018 rank	2019 rank	Reason
Bristol	33^rd	35^th	Falls into last position due to a rise in contents theft rate and high house prices
London	35^th	34^th	Places second to last in the rankings due to high house prices, despite having the highest income scores
Leicester	32^nd	33^rd	Drops one place due to a decrease in average income
Peterborough	29^th	32^nd	Drops three places because it has the fewest ‘outstanding’-rated schools in the country
Edinburgh	27^th	31^st	Drops four places due to an increase in contents theft rate claims

The biggest climber this year is Newry, with the Northern Irish city jumping 10 places to 12^th in the rankings due to an increase in disposable income and a high number of ‘outstanding’-rated schools per capita. Stoke, this year’s most affordable place to buy a home, Chester, Leeds and Brighton all climb seven places in the rankings.

Oxford sees the biggest drop, falling 18 places since last year to 30^th in the rankings, due to its high contents theft rate, and a decreasing number of ‘outstanding’-rated schools. Cardiff also drops 14 places to 22^nd, with a weakened position in almost every category, most notably in contents theft rate.

Further research reveals that two thirds (67%) of Brits believe they have seen a change to their quality of life in the last five years, with health (37%), a change in household bills (27%), moving to a new house (22%) and an increase in salary (21%) ranking as the top contributing factors. Other factors such as Brexit (8%), the local area changing (10%) and having to support an elderly family member (5%) also impacted their quality of life¹.

Tom Flack, editor-in-chief at MoneySuperMarket, commented: “If you’re thinking of buying a home, it’s worth looking at the bigger picture and taking things such as local amenities, job opportunities and green spaces into consideration. If you have young children, take a look at the schools and the catchment area – many people will pick the area they live in based on this alone.

“When buying a property, it’s important to sort out the family finances so you can make the most of your money – and that includes purchases such as life insurance. If you have dependents, taking out a policy would provide financial support to your family if you were to pass away, helping them to clear outstanding debts and meet living expenses. Taking out life insurance will give you peace of mind, knowing that your family is protected financially in a worst case scenario.”

Head to MoneySuperMarket to see the full Family Living Index.

The Health Benefits of Green Spaces

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5 Health Benefits of Our Green Spaces

Studies show that green space and landscaping contribute to health, happiness, and intellect.

Many people spend their time, money, and effort improving their properties and some choose to get into DIY garden landscaping to save money. While countless benefits of DIY landscaping does to your health, there are also disadvantages when it comes to time commitment and spending more on investing in equipment, but it is truly a matter of personal choice. If you choose to hire a landscaping professional then you should choose a company that provides a quote or price estimate even if they have to send somebody out to visit your home and see how well specific design elements might work. There’s a long list of landscaping companies, but if you are somewhere in Miami FL area, you can find valuable information when you visit https://bestofmachinery.com/us/fl/miami/landscaper.

It’s natural to long for spring when it’s cold outside. But did you know, there’s a good reason why you may pine for green? Living landscapes are an important part of the outdoor lifestyle that Americans enjoy, but the benefits go beyond the barbeque and backyard baseball. Green spaces are necessary for your health.

“The advantages of grass and landscaping surpass the usual physical benefits that result from outdoor activity,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). “Numerous studies have found that people who spend more time outside or are exposed to living landscapes are happier, healthier and smarter.”

Researchers have studied the impact of nature on human well-being for years, but recent studies have found a more direct correlation between human health, particularly related to stress, and the importance of people’s access to nature and managed landscapes.

Getting dirty is actually good for you. Soil is the new Prozac, according to Dr. Christopher Lowry, a neuroscientist at the University of Bristol in England. Mycobacterium vaccae in soil mirrors the effect on neurons that Prozac provides. The bacterium stimulates serotonin production, which explains why people who spend time gardening and have direct contact with soil feel more relaxed and happier.

Children who are raised on farms in a “dirtier” environment than an urban setting not only have a stronger immune system but are also better able to manage social stress, according to the National Academy of Sciences.

Living near living landscapes can improve your mental health. Researchers in England found that people moving to greener areas experienced an immediate improvement in mental health that was sustained for at least three years after they moved. The study also showed that people relocating to a more developed area suffered a drop in mental health.

Greening of vacant urban areas in Philadelphia reduced feelings of depression by 41.5% and reduced poor mental health by 62.8% for those living near the vacant lots, according to a study by a research team.

Green spaces can make you healthier too. People who live within a half mile of green space (such parks, public gardens, and greenways) were found to have a lower incidence of fifteen diseases by Dutch researchers — including depression, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes, asthma and migraines.

A 2015 study found that people living on streets with more trees had a boost in heart and metabolic health. Studies show that tasks conducted under the calming influence of nature are performed better and with greater accuracy, yielding a higher quality result. Spending time in gardens, for instance, can improve memory performance and attention span by 20%.

Living landscapes make you smarter. Children gain attention and working memory benefits when they are exposed to greenery, says a study led by Payam Dadvand of the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona. In addition, exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children.

This applies to adults as well. Research has also shown that being around plants helps you concentrate better at home and at work. Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture believes that spending time in gardens can improve attention span and memory performance by as much as 20 percent.

A National Institute of Health study found that adults demonstrate significant cognitive gains after going on a nature walk. In addition, a Stanford University study found that walking in nature, rather than a concrete-oriented, urban environment, resulted in decreased anxiety, rumination, and negative affect, and produced cognitive benefits, such as increased working memory performance.

Living landscapes help you heal faster. Multiple studies have discovered that plants in hospital recovery rooms or views of aesthetically-pleasing gardens help patients heal up to one day faster than those who are in more sterile or austere environments.

Physicians are now prescribing time outdoors for some patients, according to recent reports. Park Rx America is a non-profit with a mission to encourage physicians to prescribe doses of nature.

All of these benefits reinforce the importance of maintaining our yards, parks and other community green spaces. Trees, shrubs, grass, and flowering plants are integral to human health. Not only do they provide a place for kids and pets to play, they directly contribute to our mental and physical well-being.

More information can be found at www.SaveLivingLandscapes.com

TENNESSEE ANNOUNCES WHAT’S NEW FOR 2019

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Tourism in Tennessee continues to expand with new attractions, impressive state-of-the-art developments, expansions and milestone anniversary celebrations of iconic attractions that help shape “The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.”

2019 marks several milestones in Tennessee, including Memphis’ Bicentennial, Bijou Theatre’s 110th anniversary in Knoxville, and the 25th anniversary of the RC MoonPie Festival in Bell Buckle. Embrace the history, relive the stories and create memories. Here’s what’s new in 2019 for Tennessee.

Photos can be downloaded here. All photos courtesy of Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, unless otherwise noted in copyright.

STATEWIDE

Tennessee Music Pathways

The pathways connect the traveler to the people, places and genres that make Tennessee the Soundtrack of America, from the largest cities to the smallest communities. Whether it is a story of the past, a star of the present or promise of the future, historic or live, Tennessee Music Pathways go where the music does.

Tennessee Songwriters Week

Songs penned in Tennessee make the Soundtrack of America. A new state statute passed, annually designating the last full week of February as “Tennessee Songwriters Week.” The week is designed to celebrate the foundation of the craft, recognize songwriters and pave the way for future artists.

BAXTER

Baxter Seminary Park

Baxter Seminary Park will include a new live music amphitheater and walking trails, set to open in 2019.

BELL BUCKLE

25th Annual RC-MoonPie Festival

A quarter century celebration of the ultimate Southern tradition: RC Cola and MoonPies will be packed with fun and a reunion of the past 25 year’s Kings and Queens on June 15, 2019.

BRISTOL

Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Walk through the pages of storybooks in the exhibit “Reading Appalachia: Voices from Children’s Literature” February-June 2019.

The exhibit “American Ballads: The Photographs of Marty Stuart” Aug. 2019-Jan. 2020 features photos of the people and places captured by the country music star since he first went on tour with Lester Flatt at age 13.

100th Birthday of Tennessee Ernie Ford

Bristol native Ernie Ford was most notably known for his hit song “Sixteen Tons,” which sold 20 million copies. During his birthday week starting Feb. 13, there will be celebrations featuring his son, Buck.

Lost State Distilling

The new distillery produces small batch gin, rum and Tennessee whiskey. Lost State has a tasting room, production area, retail area and event space.

BROWNSVILLE

I-40 Solar Farm Information and Welcome Center

The new welcome center and solar farm greets visitors traveling on I-40. An interactive exhibit, designed by the University of Tennessee, highlights the state’s advancements in renewable energy.

CHARLESTON

Hiwassee River Heritage Center

The interpretive center and National Park Service-certified site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail will expand with new exhibits and an education room.

CHATTANOOGA

Edwin Hotel

The new upscale, five-story boutique hotel includes 90 rooms, meeting space, upscale décor, rooftop bar, local art and a restaurant.

Fallen Five Memorial

A dedication ceremony for an unveiling of a memorial honoring the five service members killed in the July 2015 terrorist attack on two local military sites will be in July 2019 at Tennessee Riverpark.

Moxy Hotel

The new boutique hotel includes 102 rooms, free Wi-Fi, cushy beds, stylish design, vibrant community spaces, in-room storage (enough to fit a bicycle) and a bar.

Moon River Music Festival

The Moon River Festival moves from Memphis to Coolidge Park in Chattanooga. The two-day family-friendly festival Sept. 7-8, 2019 highlights the music and culture of Tennessee.

Read House Historic Hotel

Undergoing $20 million in renovations, the hotel will upgrade the 242 guest rooms with new technology and bathroom furnishings, as well as redesign the lobby, ballroom and restaurant.

Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls unveiled a $20 million expansion with upgrades like an outdoor observation area, improved ticketing experience, expanded retail, LED lights and additional parking.

The Signal

The Signal is Chattanooga’s newest live music venue. The 1,300-capacity warehouse plans to host all genres of music, receptions, fundraisers, corporate events and conferences.

COLUMBIA

Ridley Sports Complex Expansion

The sports complex expands with seven new soccer fields including a championship field complete with bleachers, a press box, a new concession facility, restrooms and parking.

COOKEVILLE

The Broastery · Tennessee Coffee Roasters

Cookeville’s only craft coffee roaster’s new storefront pairs with brands such as Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey to create locally roasted flavors and blends.

Saltbox Inn & Stables Expansion

Saltbox Inn & Stables now includes hosting areas at The Loft, Three Trees Ceremony Site, and The Greenhouse. The new lodging, Pumphouse Cabin, is directly on the property’s waterfall.

The Shoppes at Eagle Pointe

The new 25,000 square feet of retail space on 42 acres features 1,200 parking spaces with Publix, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Ulta, Michael’s and more.

Tennessee Legend Distillery at Maddux Place

A staple in East Tennessee, Tennessee Legend Distillery expands with a new sipping shop and free tastings at the historic Putnam County Courthouse.

DAYTON

Rhea Heritage and Scopes Trial Museum

The historic museum in the basement of the Rhea County Courthouse is now open after upgrades and renovations. It’s the site of the 1925 Scopes Trial over the teaching of evolution.

FRANKLIN

The Harpeth Hotel

The Harpeth Hotel will be located along Franklin’s iconic Main Street. The four-diamond, 119-room luxury hotel will feature a gourmet chef-led restaurant, spa, whiskey-focused bar, and walkability to Main Street. Franklin will open an additional six hotels in 2019, totally over 1,000 rooms.

Carter House Visitor Center

The Carter House, one of three historic museums on the battlefield of the Civil War’s Battle of Franklin, will open a new visitor center with a museum and orientation center, similar to its sister property, Carnton.

Leiper’s Fork Winery

Eric and Samantha Coghlan, who began their winemaking in California at the Coghlan Vineyard in 2008, now bring their award-winning wines and minimalist farming approach to Leiper’s Fork Winery.

231 Public Square & Ruby Sunshine

The newly renovated mixed-use development on the square on Franklin’s iconic Main Street downtown will feature Ruby Sunshine – a new concept from New Orleans’ famed The Ruby Slipper Cafe, along with locally-owned boutique shops and a rooftop restaurant and bar.

GALLATIN

Grit, Grace and Grub

The new Grit, Grace and Grub food and bluegrass festival Sept. 7, 2019 will take visitors on a grub tour offering a taste of Gallatin’s local eateries.

GATLINBURG

Ole Red Gatlinburg

Opening Spring 2019, Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Gatlinburg features a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor, outdoor terrace and Southern fare like hot chicken and waffles.

GRAY

Hands On! Discovery Center

The brand new all-ages science center offers fun interactive programs and exhibits including a musical Tesla coil, giant building blocks and a maker studio inviting guests to engineer a rocket, create a masterpiece and uncover something new.

HARDIN COUNTY

Hardin County Bicentennial 2019

Hardin County marks its rich heritage – history, museums, natural beauty, recreation opportunities, downtown music and southern cuisine – with a year-long celebration through Nov. 13, 2019.

Pickwick Landing State Park

Upgrades continue with a larger aviary, adding bee hives and a clover garden. A makeover of the Inn begins in February 2019.

HENDERSONVILLE

50th Anniversary Celebration

The city of Hendersonville plans to hold a 50th anniversary celebration at the end of July 2019.

Mary’s Magical Place

Mary’s Magical Place is an all-inclusive playground designed and created where children, ranging from able-bodied to those in wheelchairs, can play.

JACKSON

Downtown Development Corporation

Local business owners can now rent out three new retail storefronts, repurposed from shipping containers, just steps away from the West Tennessee Farmers Market.

JOHNSON CITY

150th Anniversary

The city will host special events, launch a restaurant week, announce a new project in King Common’s Park, host a New Year’s Eve Kick-Off party and birthday party Dec.1, 2019 to celebrate the city’s sesquicentennial.

Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park

The new bike park is a skills park for all ages on 40 acres of wooded terrain. Riders can experience the thrill of off-roading on biking trails, hiking and running opportunities. The park is within riding distance from downtown Johnson City’s shops, breweries and restaurants.

JONESBOROUGH

Historic District Openings

Twelve new businesses are now open in the historic district: Mill Spring Makers Market, Pink Whale Boutique, Angela’s Vintage Boutique, Bewitched Boutique, Gabriel’s Christmas and East Tennessee Hemp Company. New restaurants include Texas Burritos and More, Fork and Barrel, Eureka Bites and Icing on the Cake. The Roots Studio Art Gallery is now open also.

Jackson Theatre

A new preservation project is underway to fully renovate the 1940s Jackson Theatre. The facility will serve as a music venue, theater and independent film house. The first phase will be completed in 2019.

KNOXVILLE

Baker Creek Bottoms

Baker Creek Bottoms is now open with access to Knoxville Urban Wilderness, more than 50 miles of trails and four historic Civil War sites.

Bassmaster Classic

Knoxville will host the Bassmaster Classic for the first time March 15-17, 2019. At “the Super Bowl of bass fishing,” 50 anglers will compete for $1 million in prizes.

Bijou Theatre 110th Anniversary

The historic Bijou Theatre will mark its 110-year anniversary on March 15, 2019 with programming and special celebrations leading up to the milestone.

Tennessee Valley Fair 100th Anniversary

The Tennessee Valley Fair marks its centennial, dedicated to showcasing East Tennessee heritage, agriculture and the arts with contests, crafts, food and music Sept. 6-15, 2019.

LA FOLLETTE

Chapman Hills Winery

Located just outside the Greens at Deerfield, Tennessee’s newest winery, Chapman Hill Winery is a perfect finish to a fun-filled day of golf or lake life.

LOUDON

Historic Loudon Theatre

The Historic Loudon Theatre has opened its new stage in the courtyard, highlighting the major renovations to the stage, lobby and seating area.

MARTIN

25th Anniversary of the TN Soybean Festival

The 25th Silver Anniversary Soybean Festival in September 2019 will pay tribute to soybean farmers with events like a tractor rodeo and toy pedal tractor pull show.

MEMPHIS

Bicentennial Celebration

Memphis in May joins the bicentennial celebration with a new event, Celebrate Memphis on May 25, 2019. The event will honor the city’s rich heritage, colorful history and ring in a new century of soul.

Downtown Hotels

Downtown Memphis is getting a fresh jolt with five new hotels: Arrive Memphis (with a donut shop & basement bar), Hotel Indigo, Curio by Hilton, Moxy Hotel (steps from Beale St.) and Hilton Garden Inn.

Elvis Presley’s Memphis at Graceland

The entertainment complex will feature new exhibits, including “Elvis through His Daughter’s Eyes,” “Hillbilly Rock,” “Elvis Gospel,” and the “50th Anniversary Exhibit Celebrating Elvis’ Historic 1968 Comeback Special.”

Explore Bike Share

The company now brings 60 stations and 600 bike share systems to downtown, South Memphis, Cooper Young, Orange Mound, Overton Square and Crosstown.

Liberty Bowl

One of the longest-running college football bowl games in the U.S. turns 60 Dec. 31, 2019.

Malco Downtown

Opening in early 2019, the Malco Powerhouse Memphis will bring a VIP experience movie theater downtown with recliner-style cushioned seats, bar and café featuring brick oven pizzas.

Peabody Hotel 150th Anniversary

Where blues musicians created influential recordings, Elvis Presley signed his first major record contract and five resident ducks march daily through the lobby. To celebrate the anniversary, the Peabody will have special offers and events year-round.

United Soccer League

Memphis welcomes the United Soccer League’s inaugural season at AutoZone Park in March 2019. The pro soccer team name, 901 FC, pays homage to historic Beale Street.

World Golf Championships-Fed Ex St. Jude Invitational

The golf tournament formerly known as the WGC Bridgestone Invitation moves from Akron, Ohio to Memphis in summer 2019 and will take place at TPC Southwind.

MONTEREY

Belle Ridge Retreat

The retreat now offers miles of ATV and hiking trails and ample camping options.

MURFREESBORO

Fountains at Gateway

The Fountains at Gateway has a new conference center with a walkable retail district including a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as corporate putting greens and pocket parks for relaxation.

Hop Springs

Opened in late Dec. 2018, the new craft brewery spans more than 80 acres with a taproom, concert venue, wet & dry dog park and 18-hole disc golf course.

NASHVILLE

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

Country star Dierks Bentley welcomes visitors to Whiskey Row. Located on Nashville’s historic Broadway, the restaurant serves live music and American gastropub cuisine with a modern twist.

Hatch Show Print 140th Anniversary

Hatch Show Print marks its 140th anniversary. In operation since 1879, the historic letterpress shop designs and prints 500-600 different posters a year and provides artwork for diverse projects.

Heaven’s Door Distillery

Legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan plans to open the Heaven’s Door Whiskey Distillery in 2019 in a church building constructed in 1871 south of Broadway.

Margaritaville Hotel

Visitors staying in Nashville’s SoBro neighborhood have a playful new option in Margaritaville Hotel, set to open in fall 2019. The hotel will feature 217 rooms, event space and two dining concepts.

Merle Haggard Museum

The Merle Haggard Museum and restaurant will open in 2019 featuring instruments, clothing, memorabilia, awards and other artifacts belonging to the legend.

NFL Draft

Nashville hosts the NFL Draft for the first time April 25-27, 2019 with events in venues across downtown.

Noelle

The new art-centric hotel melds a 1930s foundation with a 21st century attitude, resulting in a luxury hotel surrounded by downtown’s skyline. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and coffee shop.

Ole Red Nashville

Country singer Blake Shelton’s new two-story bar on lower Broadway features a performance space, dance floor, and rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city.

SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort

The newly-opened luxury indoor/outdoor water park showcases a slide tower, rapid and lazy river, activity pool with rock climbing and basketball and wave pool with a giant LED movie screen.

Tennessee State Museum

The new museum tells the state’s story through the “Tennessee Time Tunnel,” combining artifacts, exhibits, personal stories, thought-provoking interactive experiences and a 250-seat Digital Learning and Outreach Center.

NORRIS

Appalachian Outdoor Center

The Center now offers guided fly-fishing and kayaking excursions on the Clinch River.

Cherokee Lake

Two new striper guides service the lake, including Jay’s Striper Service, now offering fishing packages and Captain Bobby at Striper Xtreme.

Clinch River Brewery

The new Clinch River Brewery is the only craft brewery in Anderson County. It features a beer garden and restaurant on site at the Appalachian Outdoor Center.

PETROS

Historic Brushy Mountain Penitentiary

Travelers now have the chance to take self-guided or guided tours within the walls of the infamous former maximum security prison, once known as “the end of the line” for the state’s most dangerous criminals, including James Earl Ray. Other experiences include moonshine, live music and a restaurant.

PHILADELPHIA

Sweetwater Valley Farm

In 2019, Sweetwater Valley Farm will be Tennessee’s first Lely XL dairy farm, milking 500 cows with robotic technology. Renovations are now underway with a new tour for guests in 2019.

PIGEON FORGE

Dollywood

Dollywood’s new $37 million expansion includes Wildwood Grove, set to open in 2019. The expansion includes 11 guest experiences, including a suspended family roller coaster called the Dragonflier – the 55 ft. tall Wildwood Tree, live entertainment, indoor and outdoor play areas, a new restaurant and more.

The National Enquirer Museum

Plans are underway for the new National Enquirer Museum, which would contain one interactive exhibit that would give visitors the option to create their own tabloid headlines to share online.

Tower Shops at Mountain Mile

Anchored by the 200-foot-tall Mountain Monster coaster, the new Tower Shops at Mountain Mile features 180,000 square feet of retail and family entertainment.

Yee-Haw Brewing Company

Yee-Haw Brewing Company now offers guests an immersive experience into its one-of-a-kind, locally-brewed craft beer options.

Ridemakerz

In a new customizing experience, guests can build Ridez (the size of a football) with 649 million possible combinations between body styles and colors, rims and tires, lights and sounds, accessories and decals.

PINEY FLATS

Rocky Mount State Historic Site

The historic site and living history museum unveiled $2 million of upgrades visitors can enjoy, including re-roofing the museum/interpretive center, ADA accessibility and parking areas and new fencing. Rocky Mount hosts special events, such as Wooly Day, Spirit of the Harvest and Candlelight Christmas Tours.

POCHAHANTAS

Big Hill Pond State Park

The Walking Tall 50K/25k will have 15.5 miles made up almost entirely of single track trail. It will feature a fire tower to climb and a swamp boardwalk almost a half-mile across.

PORTLAND

Hwy 109 at Main Street Project

A pavilion project with the design of a strawberry crate, including large strawberries for children to climb on is set to be completed in early 2019.

ROCKY TOP

Norris Dam State Park

The state park now has additional biking trails on the east and west sides of the dam, linking the Norris Watershed and bike trails at Norris Dam.

SAVANNAH

River City Farmers Market

A new structure is slated for October 2019 on Court Square downtown with products homegrown or handmade within 100 miles.

SELMER

McNairy Planetarium

The McNairy Planetarium is a new updated astronomical machine, which exhibits the most remarkable phenomena, motions and revolutions of the universe for public entertainment or education.

McNairy County Courthouse Jail Experience Center

Visitors will be able to freely move around the space once occupied by the Legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser.

SEVIERVILLE

“Tennessee’s First Hero” Exhibit

The new exhibit at Sevierville Visitor Center honors John Sevier, the man who reshaped the U.S. with westward expansion, gave Sevierville its name and served as Tennessee’s first governor.

The Lodge at Five Oaks

This newly-opened, 88-room farm-inspired hotel features hardwood flooring in every room and luxurious linens.

SMYRNA

Captain Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial

A new memorial with a Blue Angel F/A-18c Hornet honors the legacy of Marine Captain Jeff Kuss, who, at 32 years-old, tragically lost his life when his jet crashed before the Great Tennessee Air Show.

Historic Train Depot

There are new upgrades to the stage, sound and lighting at the depot that hosts events like the Simply Smyrna Celebration, farmer’s market and Depot Days.

TIPTONVILLE

Reelfoot Lake State Park

Upgrades at Reelfoot Lake State Park include seven new cabins at the Spillway on the lakefront, new playground & exercise equipment, new walking track and lakefront park.

UNION CITY

Discovery Park of America

The adventure park and museum will get new trams to take visitors to outside exhibits. There will also be two new hotels built next door with a pavilion for picnics and plans for a farmer’s market.

VONORE

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum

The interior of the museum is undergoing a complete renovation with new displays, high-tech audio-visual presentations and artifacts to present the life stories of the famous Cherokee, Sequoyah.

OTHER STATE INITIATIVES

Civil Rights Trail

Ten Tennessee stops along the new U.S. Civil Rights Trail include the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Woolworth on 5th in Nashville and Green McAdoo Cultural Center in Clinton, which played a pivotal role in advancing social justice in the 1950s and 1960s, shifting the course of U.S. history.

Tennessee Whiskey Trail

The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is made up of approximately 30 distilleries across the state, ranging from small, boutique operations to well-known distilleries crafting legendary Tennessee whiskey for generations. Be sure to get your passport stamped at each stop to receive a commemorative gift.

Devon Gilfillian

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Devon Gilfillian hailed by Rolling Stone as “one of the most exciting young artists in Nashville’s burgeoning soul scene” released his new single, High today. Download/stream High HERE.

“High was inspired by the spirit of letting go of the weight of treehr world and letting your worries float away” explains Devon Gilfillian. “On one hand, the song is a rebellious love story between two people, or it could be the relationship between someone and their sweet, sweet ganja. I wanted to leave it open for interpretation.”

After his second AMERICANAFEST showcase tonight at The High Watt in Nashville Gilfillian will resume his North American tour. He’ll open for Kaleo on four dates, beginning with the bands September 24 show at the Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville. Upcoming festival performances include the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival, Pilgrimage and Lynchstock. Gilfillian will support Mavis Staples at Greenfield Lake Amphitheatre in Wilmington, NC on October 21. See below for itinerary. Tickets are on sale HERE.

High is the follow-up to Troublemaker,which was heard during 2018 NFL Draft programming/advertising. Gilfillian performed the national anthem before Round 1 of the 2018 NFL Draft.

The video for Troublemaker was shot at The Smoakstack Studios in Nashville and can be seen HERE.

Afropunk said, “Get your swampy soul rock on with Devon Gilfillian’s latest video Troublemaker. The video is a zero-frills, live recording of Devon laying into his blues guitar (that he picked up at 14), performing alongside his band and back-up vocalists.”

Gilfillian, who is featured in the Frye Americana Roots campaign, grew up outside Philadelphia and moved to Nashville to pursue music full-time. In 2016, he released his self-titled debut EP, a five-song collection of originals that showcased his powerful blend of soul, blues, rock and gospel. NPR Music said, “There’s a lot to like about Gilfillian’s songsߪ[his] musical muscle is tempered by his swagger and confidence.”

Devon Gilfillian North American Tour

9/14 | Nashville, TN @ AMERICANAFEST

9/15 | Dayton, OH @Levitt Pavilion Dayton

9/21-22 | Bristol, TN @ Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion

9/23 | Franklin, TN @ Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

9/24 | Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Theatre supporting Kaleo

9/26 | Greensboro, NC @ Cone Denim Entertainment Center supporting Kaleo

9/27 | Glen Allen, VA @ Innsbrook After Hours supporting Kaleo

9/29 | Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom supporting Kaleo

10/20 | Lynchburg, VA @ Lynchstock Music Festival

10/21| Wilmington, NC @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater supporting Mavis Staples

Roadtrip Ready!

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Check out some of the essential things you need for your roadtrip this summer!

PediPocket $59.99

Stay warm and comfortable on your next road trip with PediPocket! This Ultra plush velvet seat fleece blanket has a clever 20-inch pocket that will keep your feet warm and is nearly 6 ft long, ideal for the smallest to tallest person.

nodpod $25

Catch up on your zzzz’s with nodpod! It delivers the power of Weighted Sleep Therapy in a unique shaped, microbead filled eye pillow, nodpad allows you to sleep comfortably in any position! Weighted Sleep Therapy is the way your body response to gentle, constant pressure. This is why hugs feel good and why babies experience relief while swaddled. Weighted Sleep Therapy naturally reduces Stress and Anxiety while promoting deep restful sleep.

SafeGo $39.95

Take comfort in knowing your valuables are safe during your vacay. SafeGo is a portable, lightweight safe designed to be durable, resistant to water, sand, and salt. It features of patent lock, custom combination, key access, and convenient to your earphone and charger accessibility.

Mouth Watchers $5.99

Packing up for your next road trip? Wherever you go, let Mouth Watchers maintain your mouth healthy! Doctor Plotka’s designed this toothbrush with anti-microbial Bristol’s to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria that grows in between uses. These bristol’s are ten times thinner to reach and brush away food and plaque in those hard-to-reach areas!

Laundreez $30

Wherever the wide-open road may take you, let Laundreez help keep your suitcase light! Thanks to an inventive new way to wash your clothes, you can just pack the essentials because you can have clean clothes wherever you go! Laundries is a self-contained laundry system- no washer, no dryer needed! Just throw your clothes in the bag, add a few drops of detergents, let it sit, shake and drain. You rinse in the same bag, drain, squeeze and hang to dry.

Sweatopause $30

Don’t let hot flashes ruin your road trip! With Sweatopause, you are wearing a fashionable scarf and cooling down your skin at the same time! Thanks to its patented coolcore technology, the more you sweat, the more Sweatopause cools you off. When the fabric is wet with sweat or water, it’s cooling magic can begin. The super comfortable, stretchy fabric cools 30% below your skin temperature like a delightful blast of air conditioning right when you need it most.

Showaflops $32

This road trip, avoid stepping in public showers, pools, bathrooms! Keep your feet healthy with Showaflops. They have unique drainage holes for faster drying flops and antimicrobials to help protect feet from bacteria on floors and prevent odors. It also has slip-resistant soles for safer trips on wet slippery floors.

Vessel’s NEW Boston Duffel $265

Let Vessel help you take all your things on this road trip! This signature piece has unique features including a 300 degrees zippered compartment! Keeping your daily essentials secured and organized for your next trip, rep your favorite colors with an expansive collection of color ways and material.