Posts made in June 2020

San Francisco Ballet Streams Online

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On June 30, San Francisco Ballet will stream its 2020 Opening Night Gala program – SPELLBOUND – to mark the end of a season that started with great hope and was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is being presented as a heartfelt message of appreciation to the nearly 3,000 San Francisco Ballet Critical Relief Fund donors, as well as annual fund supporters, and patrons who generously donated back their unused 2020 Season tickets. The stream will be available from 10 am until midnight U.S. Pacific Daylight Time on June 30 on SF Ballet @ Home, YouTube, Facebook, and IGTV. Viewers will also be able to contribute to the SF Ballet Critical Relief Fund and have their gift matched by a generous $1 million challenge grant put forward by the SF Ballet’s Board of Trustees.

A special intermission presentation featuring a new work created on Principal Dancer Yuan Yuan Tan will highlight the program. The 2020 Season marks the 25th anniversary season of Tan’s remarkable tenure with the Company. The piece, by SF Ballet’s Choreographer in Residence Yuri Possokhov, is a tribute to Yuan Yuan Tan’s mother.

“Throughout all of my years working with Yuan Yuan as both a dancer and a choreographer, I’ve always admired the support of her parents,” says Possokhov. “First hearing stories from her childhood, then later meeting them and watching as they stood by her side at every performance and milestone, I realized what an integral role they played in the progression of her incredibly successful career as a ballerina. In choreographing this piece, I wanted to honor Yuan Yuan’s mother, so we can appreciate the steadfast dedication to her daughter’s journey. During the process, the movements evoked emotions and memories of my own mother, who also firmly stood by my side throughout my life.”

Held on January 16, 2020, the Gala’s twelve pieces include the world premiere performances of Val Caniparoli’s Foreshadow and Myles Thatcher’s 05:49, in addition to the SF Ballet premiere of the pas de deux from David Dawson’s Swan Lake (featuring departing Principal Dancers Sofiane Sylve and Carlo Di Lanno) and the SF Ballet premiere of Danielle Rowe’s For Pixie. Other highlights include Principal Dancer Esteban Hernandez and newly promoted Principal Dancer Max Cauthorn in Bournonville’s “Jockey Dance,” and newly promoted Principal Dancer Wona Park with Principal Dancer Wei Wang in Victor Gsovsky’s Grand Pas Classique. Tan is also highlighted alongside Vitor Luiz, in his final performance as a principal dancer with SF Ballet, in a pas de deux from Yuri Possokhov’s Bells. Osterweis Capital Management was the Presenting Sponsor of the Gala. Full programming is listed below.

SF Ballet @ Home is made possible through the generosity it has received from the community through the Critical Relief Fund. The recordings are produced under agreements with the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, American Guild of Musical Artists, American Federation of Musicians, and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

About Yuan Yuan Tan

Yuan Yuan Tan’s remarkable 25-year career at SF Ballet has created not only some of the most prominent principal roles in the field of ballet, but also a path for her significant contribution to bridging the world of dance globally. Tan’s remarkable artistry and the inspiration she imparts on future generations of aspiring female performing artists continue to define the role of a prima ballerina today, reaching political and social realms. Nominated by San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, Mayor Mark Farrell noted April 9, 2018 as “Yuan Yuan Tan Day” for the people of San Francisco and awarded her the year’s San Francisco Mayor Art Award. He said: “Her grace, skill, versatility and strength have helped her become the first Chinese prima ballerina in the United States and one of the greatest Chinese ballerinas of all time. She has gracefully served as cultural ambassador for San Francisco and the United States. We are immensely grateful for her contributions to our city’s cultural history.” Chelsea Clinton featured Tan in her 2018 children’s book She Persisted Around the World, alongside other female leaders in science, the arts, sports, and activism who are role models in their determination to break barriers and change the status quo.

Helgi Tomasson first noticed Yuan Yuan Tan at the Fifth International Ballet competition in Paris in 1992, where she took the gold medal in the junior division. She won the gold medal and the Nijinsky Award at the 1st Japan International Ballet and Modern Dance Competition the following year. Tan was invited by Tomasson to join SF Ballet in 1995 as soloist, and two years later was promoted to principal dancer, making her the youngest principal dancer in SF Ballet history at the time. Over the course of Tan’s exceptional 25-year career at SF Ballet, she has danced a remarkable repertory traversing works of preeminent choreographers including Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, and Jerome Robbins; and has created leading principal roles including Helgi Tomasson’s 7 for Eight, Chi-Lin, and The Fifth Season; William Forsythe’s Pas/Parts 2016; Edwaard Liang’s The Infinite Ocean and Symphonic Dances; Mark Morris’ Sylvia; Yuri Possokhov’s RAkU, Firebird, and Diving Into the Lilacs; Liam Scarlett’s Fearful Symmetries and Hummingbird; and Christopher Wheeldon’s Bound To, Continuum, Ghosts, Number Nine, and Quaternary. Yuan Yuan Tan was featured as Queen of the Snow in the 2008 PBS Great Performances broadcast of Tomasson’s Nutcracker, co-produced by SF Ballet and KQED Public Television San Francisco, in association with thirteen/WNET New York.

Arguably the most notable ambassador to bridge dance between China and the United States, Tan facilitated SF Ballet’s historic first-ever tour to China in 2008 and still performs several times a year in her native country where she also frequently participates in teaching workshops, competitions, and other community programs to nurture new generations. Tan was the first Asian dancer appearing in the World Star Show in Prague. Her appearance on TEDxShanghai in 2016 titled “My Life as a Ballerina” was critically received and garnered her the reputation as the “irreplaceable pride of China on the global stage.” In 2004, Tan was featured on a cover of Time as a “Hero of Asia”; named one of the world’s most influential Chinese for her contribution to the arts by Hong Kong’s Phoenix TV in 2015; was honored with “You Bring Charm to the World” award from HKSTV in 2017; and in 2018, appeared on the Chinese cultural program The Reader.

Programming Details

Men’s Regiment from Stars & Stripes

Composer: John Philip Sousa, arranged by Hershy Kay

Choreographer: George Balanchine

Foreshadow (World Premiere)

Composer: Ludovico Einaudi

Choreographer: Val Caniparoli

Pas de Deux from Swan Lake (SF Ballet Premiere)

Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Choreographer: David Dawson

“Jockey Dance” from From Siberia To Moscow (SF Ballet Premiere)

Composer: Carl Christian Møller

Choreographer: August Bournonville

For Pixie (SF Ballet Premiere)

Composer: Nina Simone

Choreographer: Danielle Rowe

Pas de Deux from Le Corsaire

Composer: Riccardo Drigo

Choreography: after Marius Petipa

Intermission Performance

Dedicated to… (World Premiere, June 30, 2020)

Director and Director of Photography: Erik Tomasson

Composer: Victor Osadchev

Choreographer: Yuri Possokhov

Editor: Hidetoshi Oneda

Costume Design: Original costumes for Yuri Possokhov’s Carmen, designed by Mark Zappone

Music: Victor Osadchev

Balcony Pas de Deux from Romeo & Juliet

Composer: Sergei Prokofiev

Choreographer: Helgi Tomasson

05:49 (World Premiere)

Composers: Ivan Pavlov and Annie Bandez

Choreographer: Myles Thatcher

Grand Pas Classique

Composer: D. F. E. Auber

Choreography: Victor Gsovsky

Pas de Deux from Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

Composers: Anthony Gonzalez, Yann Gonzalez, and Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Choreographer: Justin Peck

Pas de Deux from Bells

Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

Choreographer: Yuri Possokhov

Finale from Diamonds

Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Choreographer: George Balanchine

About San Francisco Ballet

San Francisco Ballet, long recognized for pushing boundaries in dance, has enjoyed a long and rich tradition of artistic “firsts” since its founding in 1933, including performing the first American productions of Swan Lake and Nutcracker, as well as the first 20th-century American Coppélia. SF Ballet is one of the three largest ballet companies in the United States and currently presents more than 100 performances annually, both locally and internationally. The mission of SF Ballet is to share its joy of dance with the widest possible audience—in its community and worldwide—and to provide the highest caliber of dance training in its School. Under the direction of Helgi Tomasson, the Company has achieved an international reputation as one of the preeminent ballet companies in the world.

Corey Helford Gallery × ONCH

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From July 11 – August 15, Corey Helford Gallery presents ONCH’s Sweet 16 Group Show with new works from over 40 artists

Downtown Los Angeles’ Corey Helford Gallery is teaming up with ‘wearable art’ designer and artist Onch to celebrate his brand’s 16th anniversary with a delicious “Sweet 16” group show.

Premiering Saturday, July 11th in Gallery 2, ONCH’s Sweet 16 Group Show, co-curated by Onch, will feature new works from over 40 artists, including works from his celebrity friends such as model, DJ, and businesswoman Paris Hilton, blogger and media personality Perez Hilton, actress and author Tori Spelling, actor Matt Bennett (Victorious, The Virginity Hit, and The Stanford Prison Experiment), and singer Carmit Bachar (The Pussycat Dolls). In addition, some of Onch’s most popular jewelry will be on display, including Rainbow Ice Cream Cone Necklace, famously rocked by Nicki Minaj to accept her VMA for Best Rapper of the Year, and the Lady Gaga-inspired “Meat-Lace” meat necklace which has been featured by the New York Post, Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, In Touch Magazine, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

The Los Angeles-based artist is the creative force behind the “ONCH” brand (previously known as Onch Movement), designing ‘wearable art’ for a discerning VIP client list that includes Kate Moss, Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, and Nicki Minaj. Lollipops, chicken wings, bananas, ice cream cones and much more are transformed into ONCH accessories.

Regarding this special “Sweet 16” group exhibition, Onch shares: “This show has a very special place in my heart. Not only does it mark the coming of age for my career, I also get to celebrate with some incredibly talented artists and friends who have inspired me over the years. Each amazing artist will create a one-of-a-kind artwork inspired by some of my classic pieces. I am beyond humbled by and grateful for each of their contributions. Collectively, these new works will showcase a retrospective of how my wearable art has evolved from being handmade in my kitchen to what it is today.”

This special group exhibition will feature works from aica, Andy Adamson, Bei Badgirl, Bennett Slater, Brandi Milne, Bruce Parker, Chen-Dao Lee, Christybomb, Dan Lam, Dena Seiferling, Dewi Plass, DOSSHAUS, Eric Joyner, Erika Sanada, Ewa Prończuk-Kuziak, Hanna Jaeun, Harald Austad, Harumo Sato, Helice Wen, Jana Brike, Jesús Aguado, Jonathan Stein, Jourdan Joly, Josie Morway, Kii Arens, Kristen Liu-Wong, Luke Chueh, Malcolm Stuart, Messy Desk, Mizna Wada, Mori Chack of Gloomy Bear, Naoshi, No2Good, Mr. Ogay, ONCH, Simone Legno of Tokidoki, Yang Cao, and Yu Maeda; plus celebrities Carmit Bachar, Matt Bennett, Paris Hilton, Perez Hilton, Tori Spelling, and more.

ONCH’s Sweet 16 Group Show opens Saturday, July 11th in Gallery 2, alongside a solo show from Hikari Shimoda, entitled Silence and Affirmation, in the Main Gallery and a solo show from Tina Yu, entitled A Journey, in Gallery 3.

About ONCH:

Los Angeles-based Onch is the creative force behind the “ONCH” brand (previously known as Onch Movement), designing ‘wearable art’ for a discerning VIP client list that includes Kate Moss, Kim Kardashian, and Nicki Minaj, who famously rocked her Onch Rainbow Ice Cream Cone Necklace to accept the VMA for Best Rapper of the Year, and introduced the Pink Fried Chicken Wing Necklace at the iHeart Radio concert.

Onch’s career originally kicked off back when supermodel Moss was spotted out and about wearing his Bloody Razor Blade Necklace in L.A., before the designer was even old enough to buy booze legally. Following that illustrious intro, the fresh-faced fashion phenomenon was asked to provide the accessories for Heatherette’s LA Fashion Week show. He subsequently launched his long-term relationship with cult favorite Hello Kitty, which culminated in his recent role as designer for the brand’s first collection at Forever21, The Hello Kitty Forever jewelry collection. Hasbro, the global play and entertainment company, has also enlisted the edgy designer to bring some of their most beloved brands to life, choosing him for their very first jewelry collaborations for Mr. Potato Head and My Little Pony, not to mention asking Onch to create a 30 inch, not-so ‘Little Pony,’ currently touring the world at different toy conventions.

The trend-setter whose work was even featured in a bio-technology textbook and Italian Vogue has also made headlines for his more daring and unique designs, from his “Meat-Lace” meat necklace which was featured by the New York Post, Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post, In Touch Magazine, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. In 2015, ONCH brand launched successful collaborations with DreamWorks Animation, Sanrio, Pokemon and Delias. As the featured artist for the 2016 LA Pride parade, West Hollywood’s annual LGBTQ+ pride event, Onch created the giant “LA PRIDE Building BLOCKS” art installation which was one of the most “Instagrammable” moments of the event. In Fall of 2016, Ford Motor Company asked ONCH to design a tiny home, dubbed a “Fungalow,” to help promote the launch of their new Ford Ecosport. In the Spring/Summer of 2019, six pieces featuring ONCH designs were on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NY) for the exhibition CAMP: Notes on fashion.

About Corey Helford Gallery:

Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) was first established in 2006 by Jan Corey Helford and her husband, television producer and creator, Bruce Helford (The Conners, Anger Management, The Drew Carey Show, George Lopez) and has since evolved into one of the premier galleries of New Contemporary art. Its goals as an institution are the support and growth of young and emerging, to well-known and internationally established artists. CHG represents a diverse collection of international artists, primarily influenced by today’s pop culture and collectively encompassing style genres such as New Figurative Art, Pop Surrealism, Neo Pop, Graffiti and Street Art. CHG is located in Downtown Los Angeles in a robust 12,000 square foot building presenting new exhibitions approximately every six weeks.

Corey Helford Gallery is located at 571 S. Anderson St. Los Angeles, CA 90033 and normal hours are Tuesday – Saturday, from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm. For more info and an upcoming exhibition schedule, visit CoreyHelfordGallery.com.

Follow Corey Helford Gallery: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Becky Hill – “Heaven On My Mind”

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BECKY HILL RELEASES “HEAVEN ON MY MIND” WITH SIGALA WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “HEAVEN ON MY MIND” HERE

Today, UK singer-songwriter Becky Hill releases her brand new single “Heaven On My Mind” in collaboration with Sigala. “Heaven On My Mind” is available HERE via Interscope Records.

“Heaven On My Mind,” which is written by Becky Hill and produced by Sigala, is the second single to be lifted from Becky’s upcoming debut album release. It sees Becky reunite with Sigala, who she collaborated with last year on the UK top 10 hit, “Wish You Well,” which she recently performed as part of a bedroom session medley for Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2020 and has now sold over 750,000 records in the UK alone.

“‘Heaven On My Mind’ has had a different journey and creative process from my other songs I’ve released,” says Becky. “When Sigala first sent me ideas for the song, it was during a dark time for me last year, and so it wasn’t a track that I would have ever started writing myself – it was so pure and carefree… But that actually made me want to work on it and make it as personal as possible and release it. And after having big success with Sigala on our track ‘Wish you Well,’ I had such a high respect and love for him and was over the moon he wanted to collaborate with me again!

The second single to be lifted from Becky’s forthcoming debut album, it follows the release of “Better off Without You” (ft Shift K3Y), which, after garnering Becky Hill’s highest-charting position for a solo single release, spending 5 weeks in the Top 20 of the UK Official Singles chart, scoring a top 5 on the UK Radio airplay chart and on iTunes, hitting no. 1 on the Official Trending Chart and accumulating over 65 million streams to date.

A summer anthem in the making, “Heaven On My Mind,” is set to cement Becky’s reputation as one of Britain’s most in-demand musical exports of the moment. With an irrefutable aptitude for writing chart smashing pop songs and an impressive string of hits to her name, Becky has now garnered over 1.5 billion combined streams and 18 million + monthly listeners on Spotify after being crowned the 2nd most-streamed British Female Artist on Spotify UK in 2019.

Becky Hill & Sigala “Heaven On My Mind”:

Follow Becky Hill Here:

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

“When We All Vote” Festival

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This Saturday, in partnership with Michelle Obama’s national, nonpartisan nonprofit organization, When We All Vote, The Roots are launching the 13th Annual Roots Picnic as a virtual broadcast experience exclusively on YouTube at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT HERE. Announced today, there will also be a pre-show executive produced and curated by The Bridge (Tina Farris and Suede) at 5:45 PM ET broadcasting exclusively on The Roots YouTube Channel and featuring performances and special content by several heavy-hitting newcomers.

Artists confirmed include Bam Marley, Brianna Cash, Daniel Sebastian, Iman Omari, Infinity Song, IV Jay, Jac Ross, Jayla Darden, JD & Domi, Justine Skye, LOONY, Nissi, Raye, Riela, RMR, T.Nava, Sampa the Great, Savanna Christina, Shawn Smith, YelloPain, Victory Boyd, Infinity Song, AquilDawud and SUSU. Additionally, you can check out The Roots Picnic playlist on Spotify. Fans can anticipate performances by The Roots, H.E.R., Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch, SZA, Kirk Franklin, Snoh Aalegra, Earthgang, G Herbo, Polo G, D Nice and Musiq Soulchild (backed by The Roots) and appearances by Michelle Obama, Lin Manuel Miranda, Chris Paul, Common, Liza Koshy, Kerry Washington, Tracee Ellis Ross, Janelle Monáe, and Elaine Welteroth. The event is Executive Produced by Shawn Gee (Live Nation Urban), Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tarik Trotter (Two One Five Entertainment), and Dan Parise (DPS). Hosted by Questlove, Black Thought, and Michelle Obama, the picnic will be filled with amazing performances by a diverse group of young highly popular hip hop, R&B, and gospel artists with the goal of engaging and reaching 500,000 eligible voters.

When We All Vote volunteers will sign up to text voters throughout the show through Outvote, a web and mobile organizing platform used to reach unregistered voters. Volunteers can sign-up to learn how to reach voters before the event here. In addition to music, this event will include pre-recorded segments with musicians, athletes, social media influencers, When We All Vote Co-Chairs and The Roots sharing one simple call to action, register to vote. Fans can subscribe to The Roots Official YouTube Channel and tune into the broadcast stream HERE.

PayPal is proud to power The Roots Picnic Marketplace, a collection of Black-owned businesses from across the United States so fans can meet the owners, shop, and donate throughout the event. PayPal recognizes the critical role that these businesses play in our economy, and this partnership builds upon PayPal’s commitment to support Black-owned businesses and fight economic inequality. Additional sponsors for the event include Cîroc, the official vodka partner, Glossier, the official beauty partner and Lowes, the official home improvement partner. The partnership between The Roots and When We All Vote comes from a shared ethos of wanting to reach the most underrepresented community of people when it comes to voting, black people between the ages of 21-35.

Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote and The Roots have a common goal, to educate and inspire communities to use their voices and vote to make a difference. Right now and continuing throughout the broadcast, there will be a call to action to allow fans to register to vote HERE or by texting ROOTS to 56005.

*Throughout the broadcast, this will be available in the form of a link in the live chat section allowing fans to register to vote in real-time while enjoying the show. Additionally, When We All Vote volunteers will work throughout the day and during the show to text and engage 500,000 eligible voters. *Text 56005 to receive periodic updates from When We All Vote. Text HELP for help, STOP to end. Msg & Data rates may apply.

Future Galerie’s Social Justice Auctions

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Future Galerie, a unified art auction and sweepstakes platform, today announced the debut of its ongoing series of art auctions, with 100% of proceeds going to support social justice organizations that are taking deliberate actions to end systemic racism and create a more just and tolerant future. Future Galerie is produced by creative production house CANVAS Chicago.

CANVAS’ Creative Director Alaiia Gujral, along with co-curators Lonnie Edwards and Dont Fret, have assembled an impressive roster of acclaimed participating artists including Max Sansing, Adam Lucas (formerly Hanksy), JC Rivera, Kate Lynn Lewis, Dont Fret, Mauricio Ramirez, Lefty Out There, Langston Allston, Lala Abaddon, Liz Flores, Eva Carlini, Afrokilla, Shaurya Kumar (SAIC), Revise CMW, Troy Scat, and more to be announced.

Those wishing to participate in the auction have the option to bid to win available artwork. Each online auction will last 8-10 days, with the first pieces for bid to be available July 1, including BLM by Left Out There, DuSable by Marco Miller and a piece from Shaurya Kumar’s series “if in a sacred land a traveler…”

Each auction will culminate with an Instagram Live Chat with the artists, hosted by Gujral. Alternatively, select pieces will be available through a sweepstakes series for those that want to participate at a lower price point to win premium artwork, but still want to support the cause.

The sweepstakes series will each run for 10-14 days. This curated selection of artists include several with a background in street art, a subculture that has risen to become recognized as a major branch of contemporary art, but has frequently been rooted in social justice messages. Max Sansing is a Chicago-based artist, with works influenced by his upbringing on the South Side of the city and most known for his piece “Culture is Power.” Sansing was the winner of the ‘Best Street Artist’ category in the 2017 “Best of Chicago” awards and has received commissions from Nike and Chicago Fire, among other accolades.

Another featured Chicago-based muralist is JC Rivera, known for his signature “Bear Champ” caricature that is instantly recognizable. The bright yellow, roughed-up bear with boxing gloves can be found all throughout Chicago and Rivera is said to be one of Chicago’s favorite artists. Based in New York, street artist Adam Lucas (formerly Hanksy) will also be donating work for the auction. Lucas layers images, text and bold design with playfully acerbic references culled from contemporary culture. Liz Flores is a muralist that paints the human form through shapes and colors, who has worked with Sephora and Lululemon and will be donating work as well. Of the 19 artists, others with a history in street art include Afrokilla, Kate Lynn Lewis, Lefty Out There, Dont Fret, Mauricio Ramirez, Marco Miller, Langston Allston, Lonnie Edwards and more. Pieces available for bidding will be gradually rolled out on the Future Galerie website.

“Though racial injustice issues have been an ongoing problem in our country, the gravity of recent events has created an atmosphere where we are all compelled to take immediate action to help combat systemic racism. As a creative producer, I felt the most effective way for me to make a difference was by bringing artists and the community together to generate momentum and support for urgently needed change,” said Future Galerie Creative Director Alaiia Gujral. “This has long been a priority for me, and this platform feels like a perfect way for us to use our resources and connections to raise money for social justice organizations on the front lines of building a more tolerant and equitable future.”

For each auction or sweepstakes, 100% of the funds raised will support organizations of the artists’ choosing, but all are focused on taking deliberate actions to combat racism and create a more just future. Charities and organizations the artists have chosen to donate their proceeds to include SkyART, Black Youth Project, Color of Change, Story Catcher Theatre, and several others that support various aspects of the Black Lives Matter movement. Throughout the duration of the auction, each artist will go live on their Instagram pages to give insights about their chosen pieces. Bidders and viewers can tune-in to the live portion of the auction on @FutureGalerie’s and the artists’ Instagram pages.

About Future Galerie

Future Galerie is a unified art auction platform that allows prominent artists and creators to raise money for social organizations, of their choosing, that are taking deliberate actions to create a more just and tolerant future. Future Galerie unites the artists’ respective audiences into one amplified voice of support, while allowing each artist to show support for organizations they are individually passionate about. Chicago-based CANVAS, a production company with a history of producing successful in-person events fusing art and music, is the umbrella organization that is producing Future Galerie.

The organizers of Future Galerie are all creative producers and creative directors, bringing people and resources together to take an active role in a solution to social justice issues.

About Creative Director Alaiia Gujral

Born in India, Gujral earned her Bachelor’s from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she studied Print Media, Ceramics and Fibers. During her collegiate career, she was invited to show her work at a series of exhibitions that led to her discovering her passion for art curation and cultural event production. In her work with the Gujral Foundation, an international philanthropic art and culture organization, she has directed multiple national and international projects including installations in the Venice Biennale and London Design Biennale. Gujral joined CANVAS Chicago in 2017 and established herself as the creative director of several projects including The Saideira Dinner Series and, currently, the Future Galerie online art auction platform in support of combating systemic racism.

About Co-Curator Lonnie Edwards

Lonnie Edwards is an acclaimed producer and filmmaker. With his first two films, “Parietal Guidance” and “A Ferguson Story,” the Chicago-based director quickly earned a reputation for documenting and dramatizing lives in oppressed and marginalized communities. His work has won numerous festival prizes, honors from the Gene Siskel Film Center, a spot on Film50s list for most influential people in film and he was chosen as Newcity magazine’s 2016 “Filmmaker of the Year.” His short music documentary “Exodus: Sounds of the Great Migration” screened at this year’s Pan African International Film Festival in Cannes, where it won awards for “Best Experimental Short Film” and “Best New Director.” Though he most recently has taken a hiatus from filmmaking to focus on other forms of art after premiering new works for the first time at ART BASEL MIAMI. His most recent short film “Periphery” (2019) currently ranks amongst the top 100 short films internationally by LIFT-OFF Global. Edwards continues to create art that speaks to the injustices prevalently happening in America.

About Co-Curator Dont Fret

Dont Fret is an artist born, raised and currently working in Chicago. In addition to his wheat pasting, his practice includes drawing, painting, sculpture, performance and installation-based work both on the street and in the gallery space. He has produced large-scale public murals in a number of American cities including Chicago, New York, Miami, San Francisco and Denver as well as internationally in cities like London, Helsinki, São Paulo and Berlin. His work has been in a number of gallery exhibitions nationally and internationally, with shows in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, London, and Oakland. In 2014, he was included in Paint Paste Sticker – the large Chicago street art survey at the Chicago Cultural Center. In 2016-2018, his work was prominently featured in the Netflix original series “Easy.”

About CANVAS Chicago

CANVAS Chicago is a creative production and marketing company that concepts, develops, funds, and executes art-forward public initiatives and immersive event experiences that bring together innovative creatives and producers and push the threshold of what is possible in this field in Chicago and beyond. CANVAS’ consulting studio also works with clients on creative event production, digital design, and growth marketing initiatives. CANVAS has coordinated immersive events and experiences for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Sciences, EXPO Chicago, Art Basel, Rolling Stone Magazine, Red Bull, and many more.

Rae Rae – “Crash Flow”

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Rae Rae, a 17-year-old rapper, songwriter, and self-taught producer, is ready to make his mark in hip-hop with his self-produced single, “Crash Flow (Ain’t Trippin) feat. Taeman.” Watch the new video, via Run-It-Up Records / Motown / CMG, HERE.

The video was directed by Chase Walker and features Rae Rae in his element, driving and drifting down the streets of Atlanta with his friends. The teenagers showcase what southern swag is with their cars, cash, dice, and dance moves.

Rae Rae created this rapidly raw, carefree street banger about having tunnel vision for one’s hustle. It’s about ignoring distractions to succeed. Rae Rae raps “Big bankroll on me and it don’t fold…I’m chasing dinero.”

Not to mention, the record sparked a viral TikTok dance trend. The young artist has already accumulated over 35 million global streams. He’s part of the new generation hip-hop wave filled with artists narrating street stories through their youthful eyes.

Sonically, his flow is melodic, paired over hard-hitting trap beats. Rae Rae has more new music coming down the pipeline.

The Atlanta native dropped out of school to pursue a full-time career in music – backed by the support of his family. As far as musical influences, he cites studying the craft from Future, Jeezy, Rich Homie Quan, and Lil Boosie.

Rae Rae always enjoyed creating music; however, it took on a new meaning for him after one of his best friends, who encouraged Rae Rae’s music endeavors, passed away. With the street record “Crash Flow (Ain’t Trippin) feat. Taeman” as a tenacious introduction, he’s ready to show the world what he’s got.

Follow Rae Rae: Instagram | Youtube | SoundCloud

Verzuz: Fab vs. Jada

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Tune in Monday, June 29th at 8 PM EST for a battle between New York’s greatest and Def Jam’s very own Fabolous and Jadakiss.

Watch on the Verzuz.

GRiZ × Wreckno – Medusa

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Multi-instrumentalist and producer GRiZ is known for the compassion and connection that he shares with his fans, as much as he is for his music. Today, that sense of community grows stronger as he releases his next single, “Medusa,” featuring DJ and producer, Wreckno. What he coins his ‘queer anthem banger’ is a fiercely bass-fueled, hip-hop-laden slice of empowerment, created to uplift the underrepresented LGBTQIA+ voices in dance music. GRiZ commissioned the artwork from non-binary gay Black illustrator Gabriella Grimes, whose work brings visibility to POC, gender-nonconforming, and other identifying folks. In celebration of Pride Month, “Medusa” is a message to queer kids encouraging them to embrace exactly who they are.

Listen To “Medusa feat. Wreckno” here.

Wreckno shares what the track means to him, and how it came together – “Medusa means everything to me! Not only is it my gayest most incredible queer dream team collaboration come true, but it packs a punch with an empowering and sassy message. I grew up in the woods of northern Michigan, four hours north of Detroit. We would drive eight hours in a night, round trip sometimes, just to go and catch a GRiZ show. I’ve always admired his artistry and have been a stan for a long time, so when he reached out to work on this song it truly was my dreams coming true. His shows were like a funky rainbow escape from the grey cloud that I usually felt over my world.”

After releasing the fifth installment of his widely-praised Bangers.Zip EP series, GRiZ dialed back the dubstep and turned up the funk with his latest chilled-out jam, “Solo ft. ProbCause.” An early taste of his forthcoming Chasing The Golden Hour Pt. 3, GRiZ released the 90’s-inspired summer starter on his 30th birthday last month. Since then, he’s taken his engaging live shows to the streaming landscape, treating fans to massive virtual sets and more intimate moments from home. Most recently he raised funds for Trans Lifeline during his Digital Mirage 2.0 performance, while the festival also contributed proceeds to Equal Justice Initiative and Color of Change.

Wreckno, like GRiZ, is a Michigan native who fell in love with the electronic scene at age 15 and less than ten years later, is an unstoppable force in the bass space. He’s brought his positive message and unique brand of music to staple venues across cities like Detroit, Chicago, New York, and more. Earlier this month Wreckno donated all proceeds from his track “Ass Thrower” to The Louisville Community Bail Fund.

M Resort Spa Casino Reopens

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M Resort Spa Casino celebrates reopening and announces “No Resort Fee Summer”

M Resort Spa Casino would like to celebrate its recent June 4 reopening and #welcomeback its loyal guests by offering those in search of a summer escape the No Resort Fee Summer promotion. Running July 1 through Labor Day, September 7, M Resort will waive daily resort fees on all reservations as part of the summer 2020 promotion. Guests can now book and take advantage of summer rates starting as low as $75 per night. Reservations can be made by visiting www.themresort.com or by calling 877-673-7678.

M Resort became Henderson’s only resort on the famous Las Vegas Strip when it opened its doors in 2009. Now celebrating its 11th year, the award-winning property is also the Official Team Headquarters Hotel of the Las Vegas Raiders.

“It has been great to see so many of our loyal guests since we reopened our doors on June 4,” said Hussain Mahrous, Vice President and General Manager of M Resort. “As we continue to welcome back everyone and move into the month of July, I am excited to announce our No Resort Fee Summer promotion. We will be waiving resort fees through Labor Day, and parking is always free!”

Additionally, the M Resort team has implemented several successful procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the property. Here are just a few steps they are taking:

Setting capacity limitations on the gaming floor to no more than 50% of maximum occupancy
Implementing social distancing requirements throughout the property
Installing Plexiglass dividers at Player Services, Hotel Front Desk and Promotions Center
Placing more hand sanitizing stations in high traffic areas and around slot machines
Increasing the frequency of cleaning all areas including restaurants, bars, restrooms, elevators and the casino floor

The team at M continues to be grateful for the overwhelming support and understanding from its customers through these unprecedented times. When looking for a post-quarantine vacation, be sure to look into M Resort Spa Casino as your fun destination!

Promotion runs July 1 through September 7, 2020, book now on their website here.

About M Resort Spa Casino:

M Resort Spa Casino is a Forbes Four-Star resort located on more than 90 acres on the southeast corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard. Situated higher in elevation than other resort-casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, M Resort provides optimal views of the world-famous Las Vegas skyline from its guest rooms, suites, conference center and restaurants. The resort offers 390 guest rooms and suites, over 92,000 square feet of gaming, eleven restaurants and bars, the Forbes Four-Star Spa Mio, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a 100,000 square foot pool and events piazza. M Resort is operated by Penn National Gaming, Inc.

Lastlings x “No Time”

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Australia’s latest breakout act Lastlings today released their new ethereal single, “No Time,” on Astralwerks/Rose Avenue. The track arrives with an anime-style music video, inspired by their Japanese heritage and one of their favorite dystopian science fiction novels. The electronic sibling duo put their signature transportive lyricism and emotive pop soundscapes to work, cementing their unique brand of artistry with “No Time.”

Listen to “No Time” here and watch the video here.

On the meaning behind the animated video, Lastlings share: “No Time” was inspired by Kazuo Ishiguro’s dystopian science fiction novel Never Let Me Go. As humans, we know and understand that our life spans are limited, but of course, it’s something that we push to the back of our minds. When we’re faced with this kind of knowledge, what do we do when we realize that we don’t have much longer? What are the things that quickly become matters of importance and what are the things we look back on that are really worthwhile? “No Time” is about releasing yourself from negative thoughts and growing from our disappointments and failures. It is also about living life to its fullest potential because as cliche as it may be, life really is short and everything happens for a reason.”

The animator reveals that “No Time” is a chase between darkness and light. It’s a piece about a fraternity, where a brother and sister together face their fear of the passing of time. The character designs refer to “Perfect Blue” by Satoshi Kon; realistic animations and drawings used to deal with a mature subject. They also referenced the old comic book style, similar to Moebius’ work. This cultural mix of Japanese and Occidental styles is a reflection of Lastlings’ heritage.

Upon signing to Astralwerks earlier this year, Lastlings unleashed the dark pop electronica track, “Take My Hand.” Also influenced by their Japanese heritage, the official video weaves elements from one of their most beloved animes, “Your Name” by Makoto Shinkai. “Take My Hand” caught the attention of influential tastemakers like Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Torren Foot, who flipped the original into three stunning remixes. Last month, Lastlings kicked off RÜFÜS DU SOL’s debut Rose Ave Radio show on SiriusXM. Listen to Episode 1, here.