Posts tagged with "virtual"

John Vitti, CEO of VersusGame, headshot via Luxure Group for use by 360 Magazine

Millennials and the Metaverse: Here’s where Gaming and Engagement Come into Play

The digital age has taken over our daily lives. We now have technology that does everything for us – wake us up, read us our daily news, count our calories – the list goes on. But what the digital age has done for us most: provide fun and engaging ways for us to spend our downtime. 

The gaming universe has become one of the most flourishing industries of all time. With millions of games to choose from, like Bubble Hit, people of all ages can connect, engage, and enjoy. Recent reports show that the younger the generation, the higher the likelihood of engagement in the mobile gaming industry. Studies have shown that every 8/10 Millennial and Gen Z consumers are playing video games. Gaming is even on track to replace movies and television as the preferred form of entertainment. With numbers like this, it is a no brainer to begin ventures into this highly grossing marketplace. 

This thought is actually what created the staple of today’s gaming: the metaverse. With gaming on the rise, something had to be done to take it to the next level. The metaverse is an immersive virtual reality. Gamers enter this virtual world, “live”, and participate in activities in this virtual world. You may, in fact, have seen or heard of the metaverse in many different aspects besides gaming. The idea of NFT’s/cryptocurrency, for example, is another aspect of the metaverse. Games like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite are examples of popular gaming sites that have immersed their users into the metaverse. 

But what exactly about the metaverse makes it so attractive? 

You can have fun with your friends anywhere,anytime. In the past, games could only be played together in person. But the metaverse extends the fun. Just the click of a button can take you into a new reality with all your friends. But the metaverse does more than just connect you with your friends – it can actually make you money. 

“I want to level the financial playing field and give the masses the opportunity to reach financial wealth,” remarks CEO John Vitti of VersusGames. 

Vitti transcended the already futuristic metaverse by going a step above and beyond – instead of simply having fun, you can have fun and earn money. VersusGames is a prediction-based gaming app, allowing you to make predictions that test your knowledge on all things pop culture. You enter a one-on-one match up, earning money through correct predictions. In addition to those earnings, by referring a friend, you earn 5% of their earnings. Players are earning so much that they’re even quitting their jobs! Here, the idea of the metaverse takes on a new meaning. The metaverse extends from the virtual world to reality, allowing you to turn your gaming into real-life profit. 

VersusGames also allows influencers and celebrities to engage with their fans. As creators host games, they are able to earn consistent profits from their engagement. Unlike other big tech giants that only have a small pot of funds for all of their creators, VersusGames ensures creators get value for their time. But VersusGames is more than another PR opportunity – celebrities like Kevin Hart, Jason Derulo, and internet superstars Josh Richards and David Dobrik find VersusGames a meaningful way to form genuine connections with their fans. 

VersusGames is a great example of how engagement is enhanced through the metaverse. By turning virtual fun into real-life profit, consumers aren’t just engaging with the product once, but consistently coming back for more. Besides a higher retention rate, the metaverse provides another layer of enhanced gaming. With tools like virtual reality sets, you aren’t simply playing a video game, you are inside of one. Gaming goes from a 2-D to 3-D experience. The physical gaming experience has become more immersive than ever, as well as the real-life opportunities that go with them. Gaming isn’t simply a passtime anymore. Thanks to the metaverse, it has become a lifestyle. 

With every innovation comes its skeptics. Many are worried about the impacts of the metaverse on privacy. With new technology like the metaverse, so much is unknown. From tracking your physical movements and patterns when you play games, to tracking personal and financial information in transferring gaming money to money in the bank, a lot of consumers are worried about the implications of these actions. Companies are ensuring that with this brand new technology, consumers remain the priority. Privacy laws regarding the new metaverse technology are now being developed to protect consumer privacy first and foremost. 

Another fear with the metaverse is its implications on its players’ physical and mental health. By entering such an immersive world, some players have experienced a feeling similar to a hangover or depression period after exiting the game. When switching from such an exciting and immersive world, the switch back into reality can sometimes be challenging. Companies like VersusGames have worked to ease the transition by providing real-life opportunities for advancement from the games, and allowing social interaction to be a large part of the game. By staying connected to others in the metaverse, players’ confidence in their abilities to interact is high, helping bridge the gap of social anxiety, and encouraging more genuine connection in reality. 

To sum up, here are the key features the metaverse provides your gamers:

  • An immersive and engaging gaming experience
  • Opportunities for profit
  • A great way to connect with friends/family

Gaming is redefining the entertainment industry. As the younger generations are now engaging with entertainment more often, gaming has become at the forefront of priorities. The era of the metaverse is here – it is time to get on board!

Hold me tight 2 ©Vivi Film animation via Sara Bleger for use by 360 MAGAZINE

FIAF – ANIMATION FIRST FESTIVAL

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The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) recently revealed further installments to their 2022 Animation First Festival. FIAF, too, publicized that the animation festival will showcase a virtual programming of the animated film AN AMERICAN TAIL by esteemed filmmaker Don Bluth, with the US debut of the TV special THE MYSTERIES OF PARIS, revitalizing one of the earliest novel series of France.

The French animation festival commemorates its fifth anniversary in 2022. This year’s event showcases two programs: in person from February 11-13, and virtually from February 14-21.

Just Announced:

Past Announced Showcases:

About Animation First   

Serving as the single film festival in the United States that honors French animation, Animation First reviews the impacts of animation film. France serves as Europe’s leading curator and the world’s second runner up producer of animated film. The event aims to educate film lovers on the rich history of animation in France.

Sondra Perry photo via Travis Matthews for use by 360 MAGAZINE

ROLLS-ROYCE MUSE PROGRAMME

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“Lineage for a Phantom Zone marks an important milestone in Rolls-Royce’s creative history. The newly commissioned work by artist Sondra Perry, sees Muse, the Rolls-Royce Art Programme’s inaugural award, the Dream Commission, come to fruition. Initiated to advance the medium of moving image art, the Dream Commission has consisted of a two-year process during which leading lights of the artistic world selected Sondra Perry to create an entirely new work. I am pleased to confirm this work will be shown at the prestigious Fondation Beyeler in Switzerland, before travelling to Serpentine, London. On behalf of Rolls-Royce, I congratulate Sondra Perry on this exciting commission, and we look forward to sharing her installation this year.”

Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Torsten Müller-Ötvös.

American artist Sondra Perry joins forces with the Rolls-Royce Art Programme Muse to produce the immersive experience known as Lineage for a Phantom Zone. The program was shaped in support of the Dream Commission, and will open for one full month from February 13 to March 13 at Foundation Beyeler, Switzerland.

One of the most powerful mediums in art today is moving image art. This new program promises to embrace and highlight nothing but that, with film, animation, artificial intelligence and virtual reality pieces incorporated throughout the course. The emergence of social media combined with the affects of the COVID-19 pandemic have altered our world as we knew it, pushing for the rise of the digital age.

In support of the Dream Commission, Rolls-Royce aims to back developing artists in the field of art creation. The establishment of this new platform of moving image artwork expands the realm that we previously knew. With constant visualization of revolutionizing technical and conceptual boundaries, Rolls-Royce fulfills this through their exploration in cooperation with the Dream Commission.

May 2021 Dream Commission winner Sondra Perry works as a moving medium artist specializing in pieces relating to the topics of race, identity and technology. Perry received this honor out of a limited four differing artists in the same field, chosen by a Jury of modern-day art figures. Lineage for a Phantom Zone navigates through Perry’s journey of life highlighting the importance of dreaming. The philosophies of memory, lineage and longing are touched as well, explored through sensory elements that induce the physical, emotional and mental feelings of dreaming.

The 2022 inaugural Dream Commission was made possible through cooperation with Fondation Beyeler, Basel and Serpentine, London.

Explore Dream Commission content HERE.

Nightclub Gif by Reb Czukoski for use by 360 Magazine

MERGING VERSES NFT

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The future of fashion is the merging of two verses, the virtual world (metaverse) and the physical world. We explore this through the unity of traditional photography and animation—where humans and AI co-exist.

The NFT world is something that is growing and still confusing for many people not directly involved in the producing and purchasing of these new age art pieces. 360 MAGAZINE was able to interview several people directly involved in the production side of NFTs, including producer and model Bee Davies and photographer Jacques Burga.

Interview with Bee Davies

  • What made you become interested in NFTs?

I became interested in NFTs when I started doing virtual production and realized that there was no marketplace for digital art. More than that, there was no fan base. We know famous photographers and people who collect their photographs—but there’s not the same kind of hype surrounding animators. An NFT marketplace not only legitimizes their work, but provides a platform that opens up the door for a whole new kind of collector.

  • How do you respond to people suggesting NFTs are overly expensive and pointless?

Couldn’t you say that about all collectibles? Digital art, like any art, is meant to be enjoyed; the NFT marketplaces and wallets allow you to do that much more easily.

  • What is your favorite NFT?

The one I produced with Jacques for 360, because it exemplifies the merging of the real world and the metaverse.

  • Was it odd to see yourself become an NFT?

Not at all. Since the dawn of social media we have all had virtual versions of ourselves, this is just an overt way of expressing it.

  • What are your biggest artistic inspirations?

I would like to create and produce a completely virtual fashion show for the industry’s top fashion houses (this means AI talent, virtual runways, and digital clothing/accessories…as well as an audience attending in VR). And of course, mint every bit of the digital experience so it can be enjoyed in the metaverse for eternity.

  • What are some upcoming projects you’re looking forward to?

I have a bunch of NFTs that will be dropping soon that I’ve collaborated on with different animators—some of which feature the actors from the SciFi TV Pilot I created.

Interview w/ Jacques Burga

  • What made you become interested in NFTs?

It’s a whole new way of making business. I enjoy pushing boundaries when it comes to projects related to my field. It also makes me feel there’s always a next step to follow and to explore disciplines that I wasn’t precisely an expert in.

  • How do you respond to people suggesting NFTs are overly expensive and pointless?

To keep the mind open to new ways of mixing technology and creativity may be good advice.

  • What are your inspirations as a photographer?

I am inspired by People and Beauty

  • Why did you decide to blend photographic elements with virtual ones?

Our world has become very virtual. Photography gets elevated when it’s blend with other disciplines such as Art or Technology (virtuality.)

  • What is your relationship with digital artwork?

I’m working on digital projects related to Fashion and NFT. My relationship is continuously growing.

  • When did you become interested in photography?

When I left an internship at a high profile magazine in Paris and decided to become independent and nurture my desire to create fashion.

  • What, in your opinion, is your best piece of artwork/photography?

I cherish every project since it is composed of pieces that create a nice puzzle for me.

  • What projects can we expect to see from you in the future?

I will always want to explore and collaborate with new technologies and artists that share my vision of fashion and people.

NFTs available on OpenSea.

MEET THE TEAM

Media Partner: 360 MAGAZINE

Studio: Daylight Studio

Producer: Bee Davies / Hive Global Media

Photographer: Jacques Burga

Make-up Artist: Sarah Tweedy

Hair Stylist: Christine McManemi

Wardrobe Stylist: Yash Joshi

NFT Marketplace: Opensea

Digital Designer: Edward Harber

Model: Bee Davies 

Animator: Vizzee

Virtual Model Creator: Vizzee

Metaverse Creators: Vizzee / Mercedes Luna Larrahona / Zoë Jane Bernet

PA: Stefanie Murza / Aleko Syntelis

nft image for use by 360 magazine
nft image for use by 360 magazine
nft image for use by 360 magazine
nft image for use by 360 magazine
nft image for use by 360 magazine
nft image for use by 360 magazine
Black Girl Duo Debate Team Harvard illustration by Alex Bogdan for use by 360 Magazine

Black Girl Duo Wins International Debate Competition at Harvard

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For the first time in the history of the Harvard Debate Council, two Black girls from Atlanta have made history as the first Black female duo to win the annual summer debate competition at Harvard University.

Each summer, the Harvard Debate Council, one of the oldest campus organizations at Harvard University, hosts a summer residential program for hundreds of gifted youths from over 15 countries around the world who converge on campus for two weeks of intensive study, which culminates in a program-wide debate tournament. This year’s residency and competition were held virtually due to COVID-19 protocols.

Jayla Jackson, 16, is a rising junior at Holy Innocence Episcopal School. Emani Stanton, 17, is a rising senior at North Atlanta High School. Both girls are current members of the Atlanta-based Harvard Diversity Project, an initiative founded by Harvard’s award-winning debate coach and author Brandon P. Fleming. In 2017, Harvard accepted Fleming’s proposal to establish the Diversity Project as a means to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.

Fleming recruits underserved Black youth in Atlanta with little to no prior debate experience. He trains them every weekend for one year in Atlanta leading up to the Harvard summer program, exposing them to higher-level academic disciplines. In four years, Fleming has raised over one million dollars to enroll over 100 African-American students into the Harvard debate residency on full scholarship. All four cohorts trained by Fleming’s unique curriculum have gone on to win the international debate competition at Harvard.

This year, Jackson and Stanton secured the 4th consecutive championship for the Atlanta-based team with an undefeated 10-0 record. The topic of debate was, “Resolved: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization should substantially increase its defense commitments in the Baltic States.”

Fleming emphasizes to his students that the program is “bigger than debate.” He states, “The achievements of this program and our scholars reveals to the world the power of educational equity.” Jackson remarks about the historic win, “We want to use our platform to show people what’s possible when the playing field is leveled for those who need it most.”

The Harvard Diversity Project has already accepted a new cohort who will begin training in preparation for the Harvard debate residency of 2022.

You can read more about the story of the program and its founder in Brandon P. Fleming’s bestselling book, MISEDUCATED: A Memoir.

Check Out This Behind the Scenes Footage of Jayla Jackson and Emani Stanton.

Keep Up With The Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project:

Instagram | Twitter

ABOUT BRANDON P. FLEMING:

Brandon P. Fleming is an award-winning, Harvard educator and author of MISDUCATED: A Memoir. His story of struggle, success, and service has inspired millions around the world. An at-risk youth and college dropout turned award-winning educator, Fleming is Assistant Debate Coach at Harvard University and Founder/CEO of the Harvard Diversity Project. Fleming was recruited to join the Harvard debate faculty at the age of 27. Harvard later approved Fleming’s proposal to establish a new department within the university system called the Harvard Diversity Project – an unprecedented pipeline program of the Harvard Debate Council. For four years, Fleming has led an executive staff and board that has raised over a million dollars to enroll over 100 students of color into Harvard’s international summer debate residency on full scholarship. Fleming recruits underserved youth with no prior debate experience whom he then trains to compete against hundreds of elite debaters from over 25 different countries around the world. Since the program’s inception in 2017, every cohort trained by Fleming has won the international competition. In 2020, Fleming was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list, and The Root magazine recognized Fleming as one of the top 100 most influential African Americans in the United States. In 2021, Fleming received an honorary doctorate from North Carolina Wesleyan College designating him, Dr. Fleming, Doctor of Humanities.

ABOUT THE HARVARD DEBATE COUNCIL DIVERSITY PROJECT:

A subsidiary of the Harvard Debate Council, Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project (HDP) is an Atlanta-based pipeline program that recruits, trains, and matriculates highly motivated black youth into a summer debate residency at Harvard College. HDP cultivates scholars seeking to further their education at elite colleges & universities.

The goal of the Harvard Diversity Project is to promote educational equity by creating opportunities for underserved youth to gain exposure and access to academic training that will distinguish them as top candidates in the college admissions process. Beyond the classroom, the HDP builds integrity-filled leaders who contribute to the community and value service.

Image via Interscope Records for 360 Magazine

Jawny – The Story of Hugo

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JAWNY RELEASES NEW EP THE STORY OF HUGO TODAY

Vans Channel 66 Livestream Performance Set For July 15 at 6pm PST 

LA-based Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist JAWNY shares his new project The Story of Hugo out today via Interscope Records. Available now at all digital retailers.  The Story of Hugo features the recently released track Take It Back which The Fader called a dude’s rock anthem-in-waiting, is built around a jacked riff and baggy verses reminiscent of ‘90s Beck.

Fans can see JAWNY perform songs from The Story of Hugo on the Vans’ new livestream network,  Channel 66.  Channel 66 takes Vans Off The Wall & On The Air, broadcasting live weekdays from New York City, Chicago, Mexico City, and Los Angeles.  Programming celebrates the unique creative culture of each city featuring DJ sets, curated radio shows, talks, workshops and performances hosted by Vans friends & family across music, art, action sports and street culture. Tune in at Vans’ website on Thursday, July 15 at 6pm PST to watch JAWNY’s performance.

The Story of Hugo follows JAWNY’s 2020 major-label debut For Abby, a 10-track conceptual project detailing his attempt at reviving a troubled romance. This time around, JAWNY presents the gut-punching prelude to For Abby, approaching each track with equal parts vulnerability and warped imagination. Featuring four songs and two interludes, the result is an up-close portrait of young love gone awry: boy meets girl, boy sabotages everything, girl moves on, boy deeply, deeply regrets it. 

Tracklist for The Story of Hugo EP by JAWNY:

  1. Hugo Is Born
  2. Best Thing
  3. Take It Back
  4. You Should Watch This One
  5. Tombstone Grey
  6. Can Ya

In addition to the July 15 release of The Story of Hugo EP, JAWNY’s 2019 single Honeypie (which was featured on last year’s For Abby)  continues to reach new streaming heights as we enter the summer months. Two years after its initial release, the song’s streams continue to reach new peaks daily and have increased nearly sevenfold year over year globally. Due in part to a recent sync in Netflix’s hit original drama Ginny and Georgia, Shazams for the track are up 33% over the last month as the song continues to grow (now at 337M global streams).

Born Jacob Sullenger, JAWNY grew up outside Oakland, CA and started playing guitar when he was just six-years-old. At age 13 he began making beats with his brother, eventually landing placements with several rappers in the SoundCloud scene of the late-aughts. By 2017 he’d gained a cult-like following thanks in part to a series of viral videos posted on Twitter and earned further buzz in 2018 with a self-titled debut EP made under the name Johnny Utah. In 2019, he broadened his fanbase with widely praised singles like Honeypie and 4Tounce, then landed a deal with Interscope Records by the year’s end. Dubbed a slacker-funk gem by DIY Mag, Honeypie has now amassed over 335 million streams globally across all streaming platforms, while its video has surpassed 25 million views on YouTube. Arriving in October 2020, JAWNY’s major-label debut For Abby drew praise from leading outlets like NME who praised the set as one of lockdown’s most innovative and colourful bedroom pop projects. JAWNY will join the recently announced Lollapalooza lineup performing at Grant Park in Chicago on July 30. 

Purchase JAWNY’s ‘The Story of Hugo’ eEP via retail, Amazon, Apple, Deezer, iTunes, Pandora, Soundcloud, Spotify, Tidal and YouTube Music. 

For more information on JAWNY, visit their website, Instagram and Twitter.

LGBT flag illustration by Symara Wilson for 360 Magazine

Philadelphia × New Jersey Pride Events – Summer 2021

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By: Ally Brewster

Philadelphia is a place with a vibrant, bright LGBTQ+ community. The Covid-19 pandemic put a pause on many events last year, but that’s not the case this year. With places opening back up, with covid guidelines, Pride events are back!

See below for a list of some (but by no means all) of the pride events in and around Philadelphia, as well as across the river in New Jersey, during the 2021 Summer:

BFSC Family Pride Picnic & Pool Party – Wednesday, June 23

  • Time: 5-8PM
  • Location: Barclay Farm Swim Club, 315 Whitemarsh Way, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
  • Price: Tickets Will Be Sold At The Door: $20 Each Adult, $10 Each Child
  • Description: Enjoy games, contests, door prizes, Mr. Softee and a dance floor! Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Bring your own picnic.

Pride Fashion Show! – Athleta & Ten Thousand Villages Virtual Event!– Thursday, June 24

  • Facebook Live
  • Time: 3PM
  • Description: “Athleta x Ten Thousand Villages are partnering in support of Valley Youth House emergency shelters! LGBTQ+ and Ally volunteers will be modeling Athleta’s Pride month clothing collection along with fair trade accessories to raise awareness for our June donation drive for Valley Youth House’s LGBTQ+ services. All donated items will go into backpacks for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness.
  • Needed items: Socks, bras, menstrual supplies, soap, underwear, pyjamas, blankets, stuffed animals, board games, keychains, journals, art supplies & coloring books, gift cards Drop off at Ten Thousand Villages or Athleta (Bryn Mawr and Glen Mills).”

Franklin Institute Family Pride – Saturday, June 26

  • Time: 12:00-4:00 PM
  • Location: The Franklin Institute 222 North 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
  • Price: Included with museum admission. Free for Franklin Institute Members.
  • Description: Join the museum for an afternoon that blur the lines of science and performance! The Franklin Institute will partner with local drag queens for whimsical shows and dissections. It will be an afternoon of expressive coloring, roving demos, the science of bubbles and rainbows, photo-ops, colorful lights, and themed music for a community celebration!

Philly Pride! Make it Glow! – Saturday, June 26

  • Time: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Arrive 15 minutes early)
  • Location: 209 Leedom Street in Jenkintown Borough, PA 19046
  • Price: $38-$47 per person
  • Description: A night of painting with pride with your instructor Jay! A small class size. Reservations are required prior to arrival. The studio is BYOB, so you can bring your own food and drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks, no hard alcohol. Alcohol for ages 21+).

Pride Storytime – Saturday, June 26

  • Time: 10:30 AM
  • Location: 175 W Valley Forge Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406-1851, United States | King Of Prussia
  • Description: Join Parker Edge at the UMT Park by the Gazebo @ 10:30AM for a pride-themed Storytime & activities!

Queering Wood Craft Virtual Event!- Saturday, June 26

  • Live on Zoom, hosted by The Center for Art in Wood
  • Time: 7:00-8:30 PM EDT
  • Price: Free! (With a suggested donation of $5 per person enables them to provide programs and exhibitions throughout the year).
  • Description: “Independent scholar and curator John-Duane Kingsley will lead this roundtable discussion with leading queer woodworkers and artists in wood, sharing the ways their lived experience impacts their craft, process, and aesthetic. Join us for an enlightening and fun evening. The Center for Art in Wood interprets, nurtures, and champions creative engagement and expansion of art, craft, and design in wood to enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of it.”

Upper Darby Pride presents Drag Queen Story Hour and Potluck – Saturday, June 26

  • Time: 12PM
  • Location: Sellers Park, PA
  • Description: “Join your friends at Upper Darby Pride for an early afternoon of friends at Upper Darby’s history Sellers Park and Playground. Bring snacks and food to share with your group. Enjoy storytime with one of UD’s own drag queen readers, a great family friendly event for Pride Month 2021!”

LGBTQ+ Themed Children’s Story Time @ Perkasie Borough Farmer’s Market – Saturday, June 26

  • Time: 09:00 AM TO 12:00 PM
  • Location: Perkasie Farmer’s Market, 1 S 7th St, Perkasie, PA 18944
  • Price: On the grassy area close to the Shelly’s Design Center sign at the corner of 7th & Market.
  • Decription: There will be blankets to sit on, a table display of Children’s picture books with LGBTQ+ inclusive themes and a pride themed picture book list that can be used to add to your personal library.

Upper Darby Pride Festival – Sunday, June 27

  • Time: 1:00-7:00PM
  • Location: Upper Darby High School, 601 N Lansdowne Ave, Drexel Hill, PA, 19026
  • Description: Attendees are required to wear face masks! Activities fun for all ages! There will be specific kid-friendly activities, vendors, music, opportunities to help fund our mural arts program, and much more.

Pride Power Flow – Sunday, June 27

  • Time: 12:00 PM TO 01:00 PM
  • Location: Eagleview Town Center, 565 Wellington Square, Exton, PA 19341, Exton, United States
  • Price: Approximate price $20
  • Description: Hosted by Blue Buddha healing arts. Join Krystal in a day of power and strength building yoga while supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Rainbow clothing encouraged! A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Trevor Project!

Our City, Your Orchestra: William Way LGBT Community Center – Monday, June 28

  • Time: 7:00PM
  • Location: One South Broad Street | 14th Floor Philadelphia PA | 19107
  • Description: “The first season of Our City, Your Orchestra culminates with a visit to the William Way LGBT Community Center in celebration of Pride Month in June. The William Way Community Center encourages, supports, and advocates for the well-being and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community of Philadelphia through service, recreational, educational, and cultural programming. Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin will be joined by GRAMMY-winning composer and Philadelphia resident Jennifer Higdon and members of the Orchestra.”

History Talk: Before Stonewall, Before Gay Pride, there Was Philadelphia Virtual Event!–Wednesday, June 30

  • Zoom event (registration required)
  • Time: June 30, 2021 7:00 pm– 8:30 pm
  • Description: “William Way LGBT Community Center curator Bob Skiba will present on the history of the Philadelphia LGBTQ movement while placing it in a national context of LGBTQ history. This hour long illustrated presentation begins by examining what it was like to be queer in 1950s and 1960s America, an America where anyone who was at all different was demonized, medicated or arrested. It continues with Philadelphia’s response to this relentless oppression – the annual Reminder demonstrations that occurred every 4th of July from 1965 to 1969 in front of Independence Hall, the first organized, regularly recurring protests for gay rights in the country. Finally, it tells how the Stonewall riots changed that paradigm for good, morphing those Annual Reminders into and Gay Pride marches and giving birth to the modern LGBTQ movement.”

In Honor of: GAY PRIDE on The Farm – Saturday, July 17

  • Time: 10 am – 5 pm
  • Location: The Farm. 130 Mill Road, Evesham, NJ 08053
  • Price: Free entry. Drag Queen performances by ticket only ($15-$30).
  • Description: Activities include Craft Show/Vendors/Food. Drag Queens performing in the evening (by ticket only). Your Hostess will be Ariel Versace. With her will be Chasity St. Claire, Kali Coutour, Zephyra Rivers, Stefani Steel & Vickie Versace.

Bucks-Mont Pride Festival – Sunday, July 18

  • Time: 1-6PM
  • Location: Abington Art Center – 515 Meetinghouse Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046
  • Description: “SAGA is proud to partner with several local organizationsto bring the first annual PRIDE Festival to Montgomery County, PA. Enjoy live music, food, community resources, family-friendly activities, and more at this free, outdoor event!”

Philadelphia Pride – September (date TBD)

  • After recent backlash of transphobia and racism, the group that has planned Philadelphia Pride in the past has dissolved (see more information from the Philadelphia Inquirer). Due to this, according to Abdul-Aliy Muhammad per the Philadelphia Inquirer, black and brown LGBTQ+ organizers of the local community are beginning to work on a more inclusive, accepting event in its place this September.

New Jersey Gay Pride Day – Sept 12

  • Time: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
  • Location: Cooper River Park. GPS users: Use address 7001 N. Park Drive, Cherry Hill, NJ (this is the business address of Standard Merchandising which is directly across the street of our location)
  • Price: Free!
  • Description: Bring your blankets, chairs and tables! Headliner: TBD Other Entertainers: Reigning 2017 Ms. South Jersey Gay Pride Ginger Alle, 2019 Mr. South Jersey Gay Pride Manny Tucker Lovett, 2019 Ms. South Jersey Gay Pride Karen Vonsay, Rasta Boi Punany, Jon Kem, DJ Deluxx, and more!

To find more LGBTQ+ events in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, visit Philly Gay Pride, Philly Gay Calendar and Visit Philadelphia!

Art by 360 Magazine for use by 360 Magazine

Michelle Phillips Auctions California Girl NFTs

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Auction includes an NFT with a private dinner with Michelle Phillips and friends.

Michelle Phillips, the vocalist behind the Mamas & the Papas, songwriter, actress, and model is auctioning her original California Girl memorabilia and her videotaped hand drawn group image through ViciNFT through June 29. In support of charity, funds go to The Painted Turtle, which offers its flagship Camp for Kids with serious medical conditions.

The video of the original drawing, the digital drawing will be included in the NFT and the original will be presented to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  There are 10 identical NFTs each for a minimum price of $10,000 dollars. For concierge bidding for those who buy via US Dollars and credit cards contact five@vicinft.com. 

Each successful initial bidder receives an invitation to have dinner at PASTINA in Westwood California, with Michelle Phillips and her friends at her favorite restaurant on September 21, 2021.  Winning bidders can each bring one guest. Also attending will be CEO of The Painted Turtle and the Director of Development.  Dinner will be hosted and attended by the members of ViciNFT. 

 Regarding the auction, Michelle Phillips said: I am delighted to be able to help so many children through these auctions. She added regarding the dinner with Michelle Phillips & Friends, I am hoping Lou Adler and several of my other friends will join the special dinner that will be held for the winning bidders on September 2021 at my favorite Italian restaurant PASTINA in Westwood California. 

Bill Gladstone, Partner in ViciNFT Corporation, said, Michelle represents the essence of the California musical and cultural transformation of the 1960s which has impacted the world for more than fifty years. He added, These NFTs will increase in value as icons of this era.

While working as a model in San Francisco, Michelle met and married John Phillips in 1962 and went on to co-found the vocal group the Mamas and the Papas in 1965. The band rose to fame with their popular singles California Dreamin’ and Creeque Alley, both of which she co-wrote. Her original California Girl memorabilia is digitized in a digital collectible, including her original signature and a fabulous hand drawn portrait of the Mamas and the Papas. The NFT also includes a video of the making of the drawing and signature, along with a dedicated message to the winning bidder.   

The Painted Turtle began as a dream in 1999 when Paul Newman and Page Adler, along with a group of other dedicated individuals, co-founded The Painted Turtle to let kids with medical conditions just be kids. Through the ongoing commitment of these individuals, many of whom sit on our board today, the dream of The Painted Turtle became a reality. 

Lou Adler legendary music producer said, Michelle Phillips’ beauty and attitude was and is the image of the original “California Girl” and the harmony she has brought to the world through her involvement in music is matched only by the kindness she has shown for those in need.  

Adler added, Fortunately, The Painted Turtle is one of the recipients of that kindness. Michelle Phillips’ NFT which includes a whimsical drawing of the Mamas & Papas will be a priceless treasure for the winning bidder. The Painted Turtle is grateful that they will receive 25% of the winning bid that will allow them to continue to provide life changing camp experiences to children with serious medical conditions. On behalf of those children, thank you Michelle. And thank you to the auction bidders.

Adler signed the Mamas & the Papas to Dunhill, producing six top-five hits for the group, including California Dreamin’ and Monday, Monday. 

ViciNFT, which is managing the digital assets and auction, is the leader in artist and enterprise digital asset management. Its partnerships encompass non-fungible token (NFT) creation and management, smart contracts, blockchain technology development, and cryptocurrency-based auction management. 

ABOUT THE PAINTED TURTLE

The Painted Turtle’s mission is to provide a year-round, life-changing and authentic camp experience for children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. The Painted Turtle supports children’s medical needs, inspires them to reach beyond their illness, and provides care, education, and respite for their families. All campers and families attend free of charge. 

ABOUT MICHELLE PHILLIPS

Michelle Phillips is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and model. She rose to fame as a vocalist in the musical quartet the Mamas and the Papas in the mid-1960s. Phillips is the last surviving original member of the Mamas and the Papas.

ABOUT VICINFT CORPORATION

ViciNFT Corporation  designs, builds and manages digital assets and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for enterprises and creators. The company’s works are carbon neutral, and include a mandatory charity component equal to 25% of auction proceeds, making NFTs for the common good. The company is led by Partner and Co-Founder, Bill Gladstone.

Saint Motel - It's All Happening - Artwork from Sydney Worden from Glenn Fukushima from Elektra for use by 360 Magazine

SAINT MOTEL ANNOUNCES U.S. AND EUROPEAN TOURS

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Elektra recording group Saint Motel have announced U.S. and European tours in support of their forthcoming album The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The band’s U.S. tour will kick off this September with three special hometown shows at Los Angeles, CA’s The Roxy Theatre, and wrap on Halloween at Madison, WI’s Majestic Theater. In March of 2022, the band will return to the road for a European tour. The upcoming dates mark Saint Motel’s first live shows since their sold-out U.S. tour wrapped in March of 2020. Pre-sale tickets for all dates will be available beginning tomorrow, and general on sale begins this Friday, June 11 at 10:00am local time here.

Saint Motel’s highly anticipated new album The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack will be released on June 25, 2021. The album is available for pre-order now here. The band recently unveiled an official music video for the album’s current single “It’s All Happening”, co-directed by Saint Motel front man A/J Jackson and Mario Contini. Watch it on the band’s official YouTube channel here.

On The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack the Los Angeles-based band dreams up their own cinematic experience in album form, as its songs cycle through stories of love, danger, and impossible triumph. The album also embodies an opulent sound true to its ambitious scope. Co-produced by front man A/J Jackson and Grammy Award-winner Mark Needham (The Killers, Dolly Parton, Chris Isaak), The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack continues the Saint Motel custom of joyfully blurring genres, bringing in elements of everything from symphonic pop to big band.

Audiences began experiencing the album with the release of a pair of EPs: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Pt.1 and The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Pt. 2. Among many highlights, “Van Horn” has amassed nearly 20 million streams, while the band performed it on ABC’s JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! Receiving critical acclaim, Dujour described “Preach” as “a bop,” while American Songwriter poured over the album’s concept in an in-depth interview with A/J. Further looks came from Ladygunn, Hollywood Life, and more. Now, fans get the full picture of Saint Motel’s vision with the complete The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack studio album.

In the lead up to the album, Saint Motel made history as “the first band to open their own virtual metaverse” powered by Mozilla Hubs. The virtual world is designed as a motel with each room dedicated to a song on The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The quartet’s launch of “New World” welcomed fans to the virtual space where Jackson performed a live acoustic set. In this 3D VR chatroom enabled for all headsets and browsers, audiences can enter an exclusive, immersive environment to engage directly with the band through virtual meet-and-greets and intimate, live performances, consume exclusive video content, and much more. Additionally, it doubles as a space for fans to congregate and get to know each other. Saint Motel’s “New World” upholds what has become a tradition of engaging with groundbreaking technology for the guys. Visit Saint Motel’s website to explore the “New World.” In 2016, they dropped their Elektra full length debut saintmotelevision as the first-ever Virtual Reality album and first-ever Augmented Reality album and accompanied the record with the free saintmotel AR/VR app.

Saint Motel U.S. Tour Dates

September 30, 2021 – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy Theatre

October 01, 2021 – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy Theatre

October 02, 2021 – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy Theatre

October 04, 2021 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theater

October 05, 2021 – Santa Ana, CA – Observatory

October 07, 2021 – Salt Lake City, UT – Depot

October 08, 2021 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater

October 09, 2021 – Fort Collins, CO – The Aggie

October 11, 2021 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown

October 12, 2021 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note

October 13, 2021 – Urbana, IL – The Canopy Club

October 15, 2021 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl

October 16, 2021 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theater

October 17, 2021 – Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine

October 18, 2021 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel

October 20, 2021 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom

October 21, 2021 – Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theater

October 22, 2021 – Harrisburg, PA – Harrisburg University

October 23, 2021 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Sound Stage

October 26, 2021 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall

October 27, 2021 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground

October 29, 2021 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom

October 30, 2021 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection

October 31, 2021 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theater

Saint Motel European Tour Dates

March 31, 2022 – Berlin, Germany – Franz Club

April 02, 2022 – Hamburg, Germany – Stage Club

April 03, 2022 – Cologne, Germany – Luxor

April 05, 2022 – Munich, Germany – Hansa 39

April 06, 2022 – Milan, Italy – Circolo Magnolia

April 08, 2022 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso Noord

April 09, 2022 – Brussels, Belgium – Botanique The Rotonde

April 10, 2022 – Paris, France – La Maroquinerie

April 12, 2022 – London, UK – Islington Assembly Hall

April 13, 2022 – Manchester, UK – Academy 2

Projecting pop hooks through an alternative lens with a flair for dramatic presentation, Saint Motel make music worthy of the big screen. Streamed and viewed over half-a-billion times, the platinum-selling Los Angeles quartet magnify this vision with immersive live experiences and one unpredictable move after another. The group initially came together at film school before introducing themselves on 2012’s Voyeur. Signing to Elektra Records, their 2014 My Type EP boasted both the gold-certified title track “My Type” and fan favorite “Cold Cold Man.” In 2016, saintmotelevision yielded the smash “Move.” Flipping the script once again, the musicians reimagined the record with a series of history-making first-of-their-kind innovations: an award-winning Virtual Reality version and an Augmented Reality version. In 2019, Saint Motel launched their most ambitious undertaking yet, unveiling their third full-length album in three parts. First up, they uncovered The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Pt. 1 powered by the shimmy and shake of Alternative Top 15 lead single “Van Horn.” Between packing houses coast to coast on headline jaunts and earning acclaim from People, Billboard, and more, the four-piece rolled out Pt. 2 throughout 2020. In addition to unforgettable sets everywhere from Coachella and Lollapalooza to Bonnaroo, the boys lit up shows such as NBC’s TODAY, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and CBS’ The Late Late Show with James Corden, among others.

Saint Motel is: A/J Jackson (vocals), Aaron Sharp (guitar), Dak Lerdamornpong (bass), and Greg Erwin (drums).

Connect With Saint Motel

Saint Motel Website

Saint Motel – New World

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Train illustration by Mina Tocalini

Amtrak USA Rail Pass Relaunch

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With the relaunch of its USA Rail Pass, Amtrak is introducing a new and affordable way to take a multi-segment train journey across America. This new offering allows customers to take up to ten rides to see the country and explore sights at many of Amtrak’s 500 destinations. Now through June 22, the USA Rail Pass is available for $299, a savings of $200 off the regular $499 price. Customers taking advantage of this special introductory offer will pay less than $30 per ride for ten travel segments over 30 days.

To make the experience as seamless and touch-free as possible, customers can purchase the USA Rail Pass on Amtrak and start building their itinerary on the website or on the Amtrak app. By leveraging the app, customers can also access their ticket, check train status and get boarding information prior to departure.

“We want to offer customers a truly unique way to travel this summer,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Roger Harris. “With the new electronic USA Rail Pass, customers can take advantage of a great value and newly streamlined web and mobile app interfaces to make managing personalized travel plans convenient and easy.”

USA Rail Pass allows up to 10 segments in a 30-day period beginning with the customer’s first trip and is valid for use within 120 days of pass purchase. After purchasing the pass, customers can book and modify their trip itinerary and will receive an electronic ticket for each segment to present to the conductor when boarding.

USA Rail Pass is available for travel in Coach class—featuring wide, reclining seats with a big picture window, ample legroom, and no middle seat. A travel segment occurs when a customer boards and disembarks one of Amtrak’s scheduled services. If the trip involves making a connection, customers will use two segments of the USA Rail Pass. Upgrades to Business Class and private room accommodations are not available at this time. Amtrak Guest Rewards members will earn two points per dollar spent on each USA Rail Pass following travel on the first segment. Additional restrictions, terms and conditions apply. Learn more at Amtrak.

About Amtrak®

For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak and connect with us on Twitter,  Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.