Posts made in May 2021

Legalizing Immigrant Essential Workers

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ROUNDUP: Senate Subcommittee Hearing Energizes Advocates for Legalizing Immigrant Essential Workers This Year

The Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety held a hearing, chaired by Sen. Alex Padilla titled “The Essential Role of Immigrant Workers in America.” In response to this unofficial kick off of the next stage of the immigration debate, immigration advocacy organizations released statements highlighting the important roles immigrants play in our economy as essential workers and especially during national challenges, like the unprecedented pandemic. The hearing underscored why providing them a pathway to citizenship would not only be the right thing to do for them and their families, but also our country.

Read key excerpts from the statements below:

We Are Home Campaign:

This is our opening salvo in a renewed push to make legalization and citizenship a reality for essential workers in the next 100 days — including DACA, TPS, and Farmworkers. They are the backbone of key sectors in our economy and valuable contributors to our nation. With the support of the majority of the American public, and the collective power of our movement, we will work with Democrats to ensure that we legalize as many people as possible after decades of inaction.

We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Padilla, Senator Menendez, Sen. Schumer, Speaker Pelosi and other Democrats who are working to advance this goal. Unlike what the Republicans may lead you to believe, the moment is now. There is a legislative path for immigration reform either through reconciliation or through the Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. We are ready to make sure our essential workers are able to live their lives with dignity and free from fear, and to that end we will hold both Democrats and Republicans accountable.

National Immigration Forum:

Immigrant workers make up 17.4 percent of the labor force in the United States, and they have played a crucial role amid the pandemic. Across numerous sectors, immigrants are doing essential work on the front lines fighting Covid-19 and keeping the nation safe. Immigrants—faithful to their entrepreneurial spirit—have kept our country fed, healthy, and moving forward thanks to their work in health care, food supply, transportation, and other vital jobs.

The Forum believes that if our economy is to recover from the setbacks Covid-19 presented, we need immigrant workers operating at full steam. Hence, we urge Congress to pass immigration reforms to deal with the existence of the millions of people already living and working in the United States, many of whom are essential workers standing alongside American-born workers to help with Covid-19 response and recovery. The Forum endorses legislation that would allow essential workers—such as agricultural and health care workers—to earn permanent resident status and the possibility of citizenship.

National Immigration Law Center:

Today’s hearing is an important step forward, as we continue to urge Congress to seize this critical moment and provide a long overdue pathway to citizenship for essential workers, immigrant youth, people with temporary protected status, and, eventually, all undocumented immigrants in the U.S. As we move into a recovery from COVID and build back our nation, we must recognize that there is no recovery without immigrants.

Church World Service:

For far too long, Dreamers, farm workers, TPS holders and many more immigrant workers have waited for Congress to deliver an opportunity to pass a meaningful, permanent solution that provides a path to citizenship. CWS joins nearly 1,000 faith organizations, faith leaders, and people of faith urging the Biden administration to include a pathway to citizenship for essential immigrant workers, farmworkers, people with DACA, TPS, and DED, and their families in the upcoming recovery packages prioritized through reconciliation […]. CWS urges the Biden administration and Congress to secure a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants, including essential workers, immediately.

FIRM Action:

More than five million undocumented essential workers have risked their health and lives throughout the pandemic to keep the country from completely collapsing. They take care of our kids and elderly, keep our hospitals and public spaces clean, and they are the workers–in the fields and grocery store aisles–who are responsible for feeding the nation. Congress has the ability to create this path and use any and all vehicles available to make it a reality–including via reconciliation. Denying them a pathway to citizenship is irresponsible and cruel.

Make the Road:

The country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic depends on Congress advancing legislation that delivers on its promise of long overdue relief to millions of DACA recipients, TPS holders and undocumented essential workers. With broad support across the country, Congress must deliver a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants as part of the reconciliation process. Before and throughout the pandemic immigrant essential workers put their life on the line to keep our communities safe and sustain our economy. It is time Congress values their work, honors their sacrifices, and recognizes their contributions by keeping them safe from deportation and separation from their families. To Build Back Better, Congress must take decisive action to move forward a path to citizenship for essential workers by passing the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act without any harmful provisions that criminalize our people.

CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights):

Undocumented immigrants are workers, taxpayers, consumers, entrepreneurs and neighbors, fueling our economic growth as a nation at every step. Year after year, they add trillions of dollars to our GDP and contribute to federal, state and local coffers with their taxes.

But during this past year, they have done even more: they have kept us safe even as they risked their own health to keep the country running. Some of them have even lost their lives in that effort. This bill would look after their families.

The least we can do as a nation is to see that sacrifice, acknowledge it, and reward them with the path to citizenship so many of them have sought for decades. They have our gratitude, but they deserve more: they must have the legalization that will allow them to keep contributing to this nation, now in the full sunlight of a fairer system–not in the shadow of fear and deportation.

United We Dream:

Over five million undocumented people continue to put their lives on the line to keep our communities and families healthy, fed, and safe amidst the pandemic. Despite facing increased risk of exposure to COVID-19, millions of undocumented people remain excluded from federal relief and recovery efforts, and in several cases have been denied vaccines in states like Florida and Texas because of their immigration status.

With immigration status being one of the most significant barriers preventing communities from fully recovering from COVID-19, passing a pathway to citizenship for essential workers, immigrant youth, TPS holders, and farm workers is relief. Until all undocumented communities are protected permanently, we will not fully recover. Senate Democrats must do everything in their power to act swiftly to deliver a pathway to citizenship for millions now! This includes adding a pathway to citizenship for millions in the American Jobs Package and moving it through the budget reconciliation process.

Center for American Progress:

Providing these essential workers with permanent legal status will allow them to realize their full potential, to realize their American dreams. This is not only part of a just, inclusive, and robust post-pandemic economic recovery for all Americans, but can be done without increasing undocumented immigration to the U.S. Immigrant essential workers who lack permanent legal status deserve more than our recognition and our praise; they have earned a pathway to citizenship. They have kept us fed by working in our nation’s food supply chain. Workers deemed essential today should not live with the uncertainty and fear of deportation tomorrow.

With each day that goes by without meaningful immigration reform the fear of deportation or separation due to immigration status sits as an added burden on the shoulders of millions of immigrant essential workers and their families. Indeed, immigrant essential workers who lack permanent legal status have earned a pathway to citizenship. A pathway to citizenship for these workers is crucial not only for just keeping families together, but also for an inclusive and robust post-pandemic rebuilding of America.

America’s Voice:

Immigrant workers are essential workers and it’s time our country values their work, sacrifices, and contributions by providing a path to citizenship. We cannot continue to simultaneously treat essential workers as both essential and deportable.

In his short time in the Senate, Sen. Padilla has taken an important leadership role on immigration and as Chair of the Immigration Subcommittee. Today’s hearing marks a new phase in the debate that underscores Democrats’ consensus that this is the year to finally achieve a popular breakthrough on citizenship and for Democrats to use their majority to change lives, strengthen the country and engage America’s immigrants fully in our recovery from COVID-19 and our recovery from the Trump years.

We Are Home is a nationwide campaign to fight for immigrant communities on three fronts: prioritizing and demanding a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in America; a moratorium and overhaul of interior enforcement; and broad affirmative relief from deportation. We Are Home is co-chaired by Community Change/Community Change Action; National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA)/Care in Action; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); United Farm Workers/UFW Foundation; and United We Dream.

The Oxford Method

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The Oxford Method Puts Emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion

The Oxford Method, a tutoring community, is on a mission to help underprivileged students around the country

The pandemic changed how education was delivered for millions of students. While just about everyone was impacted, it has been especially difficult on minority students. According to McKinsey & Company, the disparities among student groups grew over the last year. It reports that when it comes to learning, the pandemic took a heavy toll on Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities around the country. It found that students of color had fallen 3-5 months behind, while white students were 1-3 months behind. One company, The Oxford Method, is out to help bridge that gap and bring those students up to speed.

“There must be a spotlight put on diversity and inclusion because the achievement gap has widened in the last year,” explains David Florence, professor and founder of The Oxford Method, a community that offers tutoring services around the country. “We are taking steps to help those students so they can get caught up and have the foundation they need to succeed.”

The Oxford Method is an online learning community made up of educators who help to provide tutoring to those in need. It provides a full range of tutoring services, covering all types of subjects, and has experienced educators who can work with all levels of students. They help students who are gifted, special needs, traditional, and from rural and urban areas around the nation.

The educational community helps underprivileged students in a variety of ways, including by:

Providing free computers and high-speed internet. With that, it provides free instruction to the students, including those who are special needs and gifted.
Working with students who are in urban and rural areas. These are areas often overlooked and that fall short in the technology category.
Having instructors from all socio-economic, psychographics, demographics, and geographic areas. The community of educators not only has a mission of helping those who are in diverse categories, but they are a group that is diverse.

“We have helped many students who would otherwise have a difficult time getting assistance,” added Florence. “We look forward to helping even more to finish this school year strong, get caught up over summer break, and be able to go into the new school year feeling confident.”

The Oxford Method has over 100 tutors around the country, covering all subject areas. It offers online tutoring, as well as in-person and in-classroom options. Its tutoring services are available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The Oxford Method works with its nonprofit, Social Actualization, Inc., by giving it 10% of all profits. The funds are used to provide free computers, high-speed internet, and instruction to underprivileged families in urban and rural America. Plus, 40% of the instructors are PhDs, 40% have a master’s degree, and 20% have only a bachelor’s degree.

The Oxford Method believes that education is the great equalizer and the best gift you can give the next generation. Subject areas include science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), as well as business, social studies, psychology, English, history, public speaking, study methods, test-taking, and more. To get more information about The Oxford Method, visit the Oxford Method website.

ELLE Canada’s Exciting June Issue

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KO Média is excited to unveil the June issue of ELLE Canada, featuring the stories of three inspiring women’s hockey players who believe equal sweat deserves equal opportunity. “A common misconception about women’s hockey is that we’re not skilled enough, but the game has changed drastically in the past 10 years and there are so many more opportunities allowing girls to work on their skills from a younger age and develop faster,” says Olympic silver medalist Brigette Lacquette, the first First Nations woman to play for Canada’s Olympic hockey team.

No stranger to discrimination, Kirby Howell-Baptiste of The Good Place and the upcoming live-action film Cruella opens up about her rise to fame and why it’s harder for Black actors to make it in London than in Hollywood–as well as what it says about a film set’s inclusivity when there’s no hair stylist who can do her hair.

In fashion, this month is all about how psychedelics are inspiring kaleidoscopic colors and botanical motifs on the runway. Meanwhile, Toronto-based designer Kathryn Bowen talks about her latest collection influenced by old competitive figure skating outfits she rediscovered while home during the pandemic (think youthful sentimentality, elevated sophistication and non-binary tailoring). And we peek behind the scenes at a Chanel runway show where Kristen Stewart was the only guest.

In accessories, we’re looking back on the history of the clog, from Holland to Hermès, and we’re featuring summer sunglasses that prove that la vie is truly en rose (or blue or purple). Plus, the new eyebrow trend everyone’s talking about (and how to do it at home); nautical-inspired styles; and a guide to the summer’s best swoon-worthy romance novels – including recommendations for what to read if you loved Bridgerton or Love Actually.

The June issue of ELLE Canada will hit stands on May 17, 2021.

Mad River Boat Trips

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MAD RIVER BOAT TRIPS OPENS FOR THE 2021 SEASON ON JUNE 15, WILL OFFER PRIVATE BOOKING OPTIONS

Top-rated river outfitter Mad River Boat Trips opens for the 2021 season on June 15. Offering first class scenic float trips and whitewater rafting excursions on the Wild and Scenic Snake River, Mad River Boat Trips will offer private bookings this season to accommodate COVID restrictions and ensure the health and safety of guests and team members.

On Mad River’s scenic float trips, everyone—including family members as young as four years old—can enjoy a leisurely rafting excursion on a 13-mile-long, smooth-water section of the Snake River. Perfect for shutterbugs looking to capture photos of wildlife and the majestic scenery, these float trips are relaxing and spectacular for capturing wildlife—especially the numerous bird species that call the area home.

Meanwhile, Mad River’s whitewater raft trips take place on the portion of the Snake River surrounded by steep granite canyon walls, tall trees and picturesque alpine meadows abounding with wildlife. Professional, experienced river trip guides navigate rafters through the twists and turns of Snake River Canyon while pointing out all the distinctive flora, fauna, geology and aspects of the region’s history that make the area unique. Mad River Boat Trips offer runs through class II and III rapids, making them appropriate for guests ages six and older. Guests will grab their paddle and shoot the rapids with Mad River’s experienced and professional guides.

Back at the boat house, guests who opt for the early river run still have time to rent one of sister company Scenic Safaris’ street-legal, four-seater side-by-sides. These vehicles may be booked in advance or reserved on the spot, based on availability. Side-by-sides are perfect for exploring the trail heads that begin just minutes away from the boat house. Guests can take a scenic drive through Grand Teton National Park or explore the back roads in Gros Ventre Mountains or Greys River Range. Rentals are available for two hours, four hours, eight hours and multi-day.

Private tours available from Mad River Boat Trips include:

Classic Boat 8-Mile Whitewater Rafting on Snake River
Audience: Great for families, first-time rafters or guests traveling with small children, ages 6+.
Departure Time: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Highlights: The Snake River has been classified as a Class I-III river with exciting whitewater rapids.
WOW! Moment: Incredible views, wildlife including otters, osprey and bald eagles and guides point out features that make the canyon unique.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: $92 per person, adults and children; $700 private boat, up to 16 passengers
Private tours: Available for up to eight guests. Additional passengers are $92 per person.

Small Boat Snake River Whitewater Rafting
Audience: Great for families with children aged 6+, adventure enthusiasts and small to medium-sized groups.
Departure Time: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Highlights: Eight sets of rapids including Station Creek, Double Draw, Blind Canyon, Big Kahuna, Lunchcounter, Ropes, Champagne and Cottonwoods.
WOW! Moment: Catch a glimpse of a mountain goat, a mule deer, an elk, or even a grizzly or black bear.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: $105 per person, adults and children; $700 private boat, up to eight passengers

Jackson Hole Snake River Float Trip
Audience: Great for families with children aged 4+, mature travelers, wildlife enthusiasts or birders, large groups and multi-generational travelers.
Departure Time: 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Highlights: The magnificent Teton Range sets the stage for the 13-mile Jackson Hole float trip.
WOW! Moment: Spotting wildlife including beaver, cutthroat trout, cliff swallows, pelicans, osprey and bald eagles.
Menu: Lunch is included.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: $92 per person, adults and children; $700 private boat, up to ten passengers, $92 per person for additional passengers

To find out more about Mad River Boat Trips white water and scenic float trips on the Wild and Scenic Snake River, go to Mad River or call (800) 458-7238.For more information about Scenic Safaris, visit Scenic Safaris or call (888) 734-8898.

ABOUT MAD RIVER BOAT TRIPS
Mad River Boat Trips is a river outfitter in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and consistent recipient of TripAdvisor’s “Excellent” rating by its customers. Offering whitewater trips and scenic floats daily during summer since 1977, Mad River offers guests extraordinary recreation on the recently designated Wild and Scenic Snake River. The Snake River begins its journey in the rugged backcountry of Yellowstone National Park and gathers water as it heads south toward Jackson Hole through Grand Teton National Park. The river exits the south end of Jackson Hole through the winding Snake River Canyon, lined with trees and steep granite walls, small alpine meadows and abundant wildlife. It’s on this section of the Snake River where guests travel down a wild and scenic river, which is a rarity in the Rocky Mountains—it’s an experience not to be missed. For more information, visit Mad River or Facebook. Mad River is a permittee of the Bridger-Teton National Forest/Equal Opportunity Provider.

ABOUT FOREVER RESORTS
Forever Resorts is an exceptional collection of destinations providing hospitality services throughout the world. The company focuses on properties with access to nature and one-of-a-kind surroundings for vacations. For more information, go to Forever Resorts or Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

MEREBA – AZEB

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Mereba Announces New EP AZEB

New Single “Rider” Soars to No. 5 on SoundCloud’s Top 50: R&B & Soul Chart

After dazzling fans with her enchanting new record, “Rider” last Friday, rising polymath Mereba is ready to deliver her forthcoming EP AZEB.

Pre-order HERE.

Titled after her middle name– which means where the Sun rises – AZEB represents light and provides refuge for those looking to move away from the darkness in their lives.

“This year has shown us that that is actually more of us than many people thought.,” says the singer. “I want to remind people of love, too. The very thing we deserve the right to do, and to be.” In her latest record, “Rider,” Mereba aims to be the ultimate partner for her beau by cultivating true love in its purest form. The record currently sits at No. 5 on the SoundCloud Top 50: R&B & Soul chart. Fans can pre-order the EP now.

Last month, Interview Mag featured the songstress in their latest issue. Mereba also took part in an enlightening interview/performance for Klipsch Audio’s newest series, Out Loud. There, she performed a unique medley and incorporated her standout record, “Planet U.”

Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and producer Marian Mereba, known as Mereba, got her start with a series of folk-soul hybrid releases. These releases include her self-released EP Room for Living, an alternately spacy and rustic set accompanied by her own guitar playing and production. In 2018, Mereba released her first singles through major-label Interscope. A 9th Wonder collaboration titled “Black Truck” marked her official debut that February. Mereba’s debut was followed by the release of “Planet U,” which she produced herself with co-production from Ayo Olatunji and Sam Hoffman.

Both tracks were included on her groundbreaking debut album The Jungle Is the Only Way Out, which arrived in February 2019 and featured appearances from 6LACK and J.I.D. The acclaimed project earned praise from Vogue, Pitchfork, Billboard, Earmilk, Hypebeast, and Ones to Watch, who noted that “Mereba has pushed the boundaries of R&B and established herself as a voice of the future.” Her innovative offering earned her an invitation to NPR’s coveted Tiny Desk for both a solo set in 2019 and a set alongside the genre-bending collective Spillage Village in 2020, of which she is a member. She also appeared on Dreamville’s now-platinum Revenge of the Dreamers III in 2019, which earned her her first Grammy nomination in 2020.

Get Loud!

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GET LOUD! SUMMER CONCERT SERIES TO BRING LIVE MUSIC EVENTS BACK TO W.C. HANDY PARK ON WORLD FAMOUS BEALE STREET IN MEMPHIS

PJ Morton to Headline FREE Concert Series Kickoff on Saturday, June 5

Get Loud! Get Live! Get Here! Marketing Campaign to Feature Summer Anthem from Memphis Artists & GRAMMY-Winning Producer Boo Mitchell

Memphis Tourism, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Downtown Memphis Commission and Beale Street, will launch a 10-week outdoor music series “Get Loud!” on Beale Street’s biggest stage in downtown Memphis. The LIVE music series kicks off Saturday, June 5 with GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter PJ Morton at the newly renovated W.C. Handy Park outdoor performance space. GET LOUD! will follow with 10 Thursday night concerts starting June 10th and culminating August 12th, 2021. Additional headliners include St. Paul & The Broken Bones, David Ryan Harris, Rebirth Brass Band, Paul Thorn, Son Little and Marc Broussard. The performances will be free and open to the public, pairing a touring headline act with a Memphis based band as opening act.

The GET LOUD! initiative helps ensure the Memphis destination delivers on the brand promise of live and local music for visitors. It also allows Memphis artists, musicians and event production personnel to get back to work all over our city. Memphis Tourism is partnering with existing live music events to designate them as additional Get Loud! activations throughout the year.

“Our goal is to create a unique opportunity to showcase Memphis music by putting silenced artists and musicians back to work and delivering the core motivator that drives visitors to the Memphis destination, and that is music,” said Kevin Kane, President & CEO of Memphis Tourism. “This activation of the Beale Street entertainment district will not only create activity on the street, but in turn, increase overall hotel occupancy, fill our restaurants and venues and extend the length of stay.”

Made possible by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development funding, Memphis Tourism and the State worked together to develop strategic initiatives that will motivate travel and bring visitors back to a state known around the world for multiple genres of music.

“The Soundtrack of America is made in Tennessee, and we’re excited to see our stages and venues filled with fans again and artists back to doing what they love,” said Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Tourism is vital to our state’s economy. Bringing music back to historic Beale Street every day is an important step in restoring our industry, as well as celebrating the identity and culture that make Memphis so special. We’re grateful to Memphis Tourism and all who helped bring the ‘Get Loud!’ summer concert series to life.”

The lineup for the GET LOUD! concert series features a variety of headline acts, many with connections to Memphis, along with local bands serving as opening acts in the concert series set for Beale Street’s W.C. Handy Park. The thoughtful approach to booking acts has produced a soulful lineup sure to entertain both visitors and locals who visit Beale Street for the concert series. Additional headline, and a full slate of opening acts, will be announced in the coming days. For the most up to date schedule as acts are announced, visit Memphis Travel.

GET LOUD! CONCERT SERIES CALENDAR

Saturday, June 5th

PJ Morton
Marcella & Her Lovers

Thursday, June 10th

St. Paul & The Broken Bones

The MD’s

Thursday, June 17th

David Ryan Harris

Thursday, June 24th

Rebirth Brass Band
Chinese Connection Dub Embassy

Thursday, July 1st

Victor Wooten

Joseph Wooten

Roy “Futureman” Wooten

Regi Wooten

The Wooten Brothers

Dottie

Thursday, July 8th

Paul Thorn

Amy LaVere & Will Sexton

Thursday, July 22nd

Son Little

Thursday, August 12th

Marc Broussard
Turnstyles

“EVERY STORY IS A SONG” MARKETING CAMPAIGN: GET LOUD. GET LIVE. GET HERE

The live music showcase on Beale Street will work in tandem with and be promoted via Memphis Tourism’s planned “Every Story is a Song” digital media campaign, targeting visitors in key drive markets within a 600-mile radius of the Home of the Blues, Soul & Rock ‘n’ Roll. The soundtrack to the advertising campaign is a summer anthem penned and performed by Memphis artists at world famous Royal Studios, with Grammy award winning producer Boo

Mitchell as producer on the track. The GET LOUD! campaign anthem will be released via digital platforms in early Summer 2021.

“Our community is rooted in music, and the pandemic has made it hard for many of Memphis’ most creative voices to be heard over the last year, whether performing in venues or even creating new music in the studio,” said Boo Mitchell, a Grammy award winning record producer, musician, songwriter, audio engineer, and owner of the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis. “I have a tremendous amount of civic pride in Memphis. When I was approached about getting involved with this project to produce a song that was a musical invitation to visit our amazing city, I didn’t just say yes, I asked, when can we get started.”

Storytelling within the marketing campaign will be inclusive of all audiences through a variety of channels, emphasizing the current Memphis sound, while giving a nod to the legacy sound that made Memphis a world-famous music city.

“Through this music series and marketing campaign, Memphis Tourism is inviting all visitors, the uninitiated and the indoctrinated, to come be a part of our extended family, to share in our city’s stories and our songs,” said Regena Bearden, Chief Marketing Officer for Memphis Tourism. “We’ve all relished anecdotes from visitors who describe feeling a deep connection to the Memphis sound. It touches your soul, creating a familial feeling, echoing who we are as a city and a destination. When you visit, you become a part of our extended musical family, and you may want to dance too.”

The multi-channel digital campaign will focus on the 600-mile radius key drive markets that, driven by data and research, have demonstrated a solid return by generating hotel room night sales, attraction tickets, restaurant and retail sales. In 2019 Memphis & Shelby County welcomed 12.4 million visitors, accounting for a $3.65 billion economic impact in spending from domestic visitors alone. This spend generated $179.5 million in state tax receipts and $101 million in local tax receipts. The leisure and hospitality industry in Shelby County includes over 2-thousand businesses and supports 49-thousand jobs.

Anywhere you go in Memphis, there’s a story waiting to be told, a song that connects to your heart and stays with your soul. Visitors can make a long weekend of it and celebrate that spirit with live music citywide every day this summer, kicking off with the GET LOUD free concert series in Handy Park. With live music, legendary attractions and Beale Street – plus food that’ll feed your soul – planning a visit to Memphis for an unforgettable music experience is effortless with resources available at Memphis Travel, log on today and feel the Memphis beat.

Good Vibrations × WonderWorks Myrtle Beach

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Good Vibrations – WonderWorks Myrtle Beach New Exhibit on Earthquakes Named by Teachers during Teacher Appreciation Month

WonderWorks Myrtle Beach has an array of exhibits that help educate people about science. And its latest exhibit on earthquakes called Good Vibrations, opens May 28th. Good Vibrations will spotlight Tuckaleechee Caverns, and how they document seismic activity around the world. The new exhibit was a topic request from educators, so it seemed appropriate that they also name the exhibit. Teachers are invited to see this exhibit for free during WonderWorks Teacher Appreciation Month celebration.

“This new Earthquake exhibit offers a great opportunity to learn about plate tectonics and all seismic activity,” explains Robert Stinnett, general manager at WonderWorks Myrtle Beach. “We look forward to helping people shake things up and learn this type of science in a fun atmosphere.”

The Tuckaleechee Caverns are home to the most sensitive seismic station on Earth. It detects any and all tectonic movement anywhere in the world. If a country is testing a nuclear weapon or there is an earthquake, it has that information within seconds. Once it does, within 300ths of a millisecond, it relays that important information directly to the U.S. Military; Vienna, Austria; and Geneva, Switzerland. The information is collected 24/7 and is crucial to national security, as well as being able to provide earthquake information.

The exhibit, Good Vibrations will help share the importance of the Tuckaleechee Caverns and what they are doing in monitoring seismic activity. The information in the exhibit meets the educational standards on earthquake and seismic activity, and is one of WonderWorks’ many STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) related learning exhibits.

During the month of May 2021, teachers and all support staff can receive free admission to WonderWorks Myrtle Beach by showing a valid school ID or a pay stub upon entering. Additionally, up to four of their accompany guests can receive 50% off their admission price.

“Teachers are going to love learning about the caverns, and everyone who visits will have a great time,” added Stinnett. “Being able to learn and have fun all in the same place is a beautiful thing. We make it happen every day here at WonderWorks Myrtle Beach.”

WonderWorks Myrtle Beach STEM programs include the WonderWorks WonderKids event, virtual learning labs, ART-OLINA Young Artist’s Gallery of the Carolinas, science fair partnerships, online science worksheets, sensory days, group rates, birthday parties and a homeschool program. To learn more about the programs, visit the WonderWorks Myrtle Beach website.

To get more information about Teacher Appreciation Month, visit WonderWorks Teacher Appreciation.

WonderWorks Myrtle Beach has COVID-19 safety measures in place. They include reduced hours, enhanced cleaning, spatial distancing protocols, employee health screenings and employee personal protective equipment (PPE).

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, a science-focused indoor amusement park, combines education and entertainment. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for guests of all ages. Feel the power of 84-mph hurricane-force winds in the Hurricane Shack. Make huge, life-sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab. Get the NASA treatment in our Astronaut Training Gyro and experience zero gravity. Nail it by lying on the death-defying Bed of Nails. Conquer your fear of heights on our indoor Glow-In-The-Dark Ropes Course. WonderWorks is open 365 days a year and hosts birthday parties and special events.

Bendigo Fletcher Announces Debut Album

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BENDIGO FLETCHER ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM FITS OF LAUGHTER

AVAILABLE AUGUST 13 ON ELEKTRA RECORDS, PREORDER HERE. BAND SHARES NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO SUGAR IN THE CREEK, LISTEN AND WATCH HERE

Louisville, KY’s Bendigo Fletcher have announced they will release their debut studio album Fits of Laughter on August 13, 2021 via Elektra Records. The album is available for pre-order starting today here. Merch bundles and limited edition colored vinyl are available exclusively through the band’s online store here.

Bendigo Fletcher has also released the album’s groove-heavy opening track Sugar in the Creek. The song is available to stream and download now here. Earlier today, Flood Magazine premiered an accompanying animated music video for the song. Watch it here.

On Fits of Laughter, frontman Ryan Anderson crafts the patchwork poetry of his lyrics by serenely observing the world around him. When matched with the band’s gorgeously jangly collision of country and folk-rock and dreamy psychedelia, the result is story-songs graced with raw humanity, wildly offbeat humor, and a transcendent sense of wonder. For help in forging the album’s ragged elegance, Bendigo Fletcher worked with producer Ken Coomer (original drummer for Wilco and Uncle Tupelo), laying down the album in nine frenetic days. The album bears an undeniable immediacy, thanks in part to the band’s decision to limit the tracklist to eight essential songs (a move largely inspired by extraordinarily lean and iconic albums like Television’s Marquee Moon).

Referring to Fits of Laughter as a coming-of-age album, Anderson also examines a more internal conflict throughout the songs, including his choice to abandon his medical-school aspirations in favor of pursuing a career in music. The title’s really about the spectrum of emotions I’ve felt on the way to finding what makes me feel like I’m living truthfully, rather than holding onto what I think other people’s expectations are of me, Anderson shares. It’s a phrase that bridges all of those emotions, everything from joy to hysteria.

Bendigo Fletcher recently announced their Elektra Records signing in an exclusive interview with American Songwriter. The band previewed Fits of Laughter with the March release of lead single Evergreen. Watch them perform the track live from Louisville, KY’s Blackacre Farm here.

Fits of Laughter follows a trio of independent EPs that quietly amassed millions of streams and earned praise from PopMatters, Atwood Magazine, and more. Converting audiences to fans on the road, Bendigo Fletcher has supported Mt. Joy, Nathaniel Rateliff, Rayland Baxter, Caamp, and Hiss Golden Messenger on tour. Bendigo Fletcher is: Ryan Anderson (lead vocals, guitar, banjo) – Andrew Shupert (backing vocals, lead guitar) – Evan Wagner (backing vocals, keys, guitar, auxiliary percussion) – Conner Powell (bass) – Chris Weis (drums).

Fits of Laughter Track Listing

Sugar in the Creek
Birding
Donkey Boy Blues
Buffalo Rodeo
Evergreen
Astro Pup
Retail Lord
Ulterior Motives

Following Bendigo Fletcher on their Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and website.

OBSERVAMÉ Apparel Line

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ATTORNEY AND FORMER LAW SCHOOL ASSISTANT DEAN LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE ATHLETIC, ATHLEISURE, AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL APPAREL LINE OBSERVAMÉ

After a year of research and development, ObservaMé launched a line of sports, athleisure and healthcare professional apparel that sets the company apart from other brands in the industry. Karen D. Fultz-Robinson, a former attorney now fashion designer, has chosen the United States, specifically Tampa, to be the headquarters for all activities involving the design, manufacturing and distribution of the ObservaMé clothing lines for men and women.

The ObservaMé brand was developed to meet the demands of those living active lifestyles while addressing the need for easy access to personal fitness trackers and watches while training. All active wear shirts include a provisionally patented, one-of-a-kind, design that allows for easy viewing and access to fitness devices directly through the sleeve. Recently, Fultz-Robinson also learned that there was a need for the patent design to allow access to watches in the medical field, which led to the development of the ObservaMé compression sleeves.

As a marathon runner, Fultz-Robinson knows that training happens under many weather conditions and access to fitness tracking devices should not be a distraction. The ObservaMé design concept was born during a 15-mile run. Fultz-Robinson developed sketches and assembled a team to help her put together the mock-ups and final patterns.

“As an athlete, regardless of weather, I wanted to track my progress – pace, heart rate, and distance, and sometimes you just want to know what time it is,” said Fultz-Robinson. “Why should something seemingly so simple be difficult to access? Athletes or anyone living an active lifestyle shouldn’t have to struggle to view their devices.”

Today, the product line has grown to include the signature shirts along with vests and performance pants and a variety of accessories. ObservaMé’s brand name was also chosen by Fultz-Robinson to explain the company’s purpose for its customers. ObservaMé means “watch me” in Spanish.

“We help the consumer watch their performance and provide a stylish look that draws others to watch them as they compete or overcome performance barriers,” said Fultz-Robinson. “It references the clocks (watches) on our wrists but also encourages accountability, which helps us strive to maintain our fitness goals.”

While all long-sleeved ObservaMé apparel has been designed to stop the need for tugging or placing straps over the sleeve, each article of ObservaMé active wear is hand-made with high-quality dry wick material and some provide UV protection for active lifestyles (i.e., running, cycling, hiking, boating, golfing, hunting, and etc.). The streamlined designs contour to all body types for easy flexibility during any activity and all-day comfort, and the fabric is soft to the touch which prevents chaffing. The compression sleeves, which also provides easy access to watches and fitness trackers, can be used by athletes for sun protection or quickly convertible warmth, but have also been tested for use by those in the medical profession to prevent skin contact with inadvertent splashes from contaminants while allowing for monitoring vitals and staying warm.

The ObservaMé apparel line for men includes half-zip and crewneck shirts, hoodies, vests, full-zip jackets with hoods and performance pants. Women’s athletic/athleisure wear includes half-zip and V-neck shirts, full-zip jackets with hoods (with a high/low option), vests, hoodies, and long and capris style performance pants. All apparel is available for purchase at www.observame.net, and during various athletic events nationally. ObservaMé has previously appeared at the Boston and Detroit Marathons.

All products are manufactured at ObservaMé’s headquarters in Tampa, located at 14260 Carlson Circle, under Fultz-Robinson’s supervision to ensure the quality of each product meets the high standard set by the company.

Before founding ObservaMé, Fultz-Robinson practiced state and federal commercial and business litigation with the Tampa office of Sheehe & Associates, P.A., and was an assistant dean and professor at Cooley Law School’s Tampa Bay campus. Before moving to Florida, she was a partner and practiced commercial, business, subrogation and recovery litigation, as well as family law at the law firm of Cozen O’Connor in Atlanta, Georgia, and was an assistant vice president at Bank of America in the Estate Settlement Division. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Fultz-Robinson earned her bachelor’s degree in International Relations at Michigan State University and juris doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School’s Lansing, Michigan campus.

Wonderworks New Exhibit Good Vibrations

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Good Vibrations – WonderWorks Orlando New Exhibit on Earthquakes Named by Teachers during Teacher Appreciation Month

WonderWorks Orlando has an array of exhibits that help educate people about science. And it’s latest exhibit on earthquakes called Good Vibrations, opens May 28th. Good Vibrations will spotlight Tuckaleechee Caverns, and how they document seismic activity around the world. The new exhibit was a topic request from educators, so it seemed appropriate that they also name the exhibit. Teachers are invited to see this exhibit for free during WonderWorks Teacher Appreciation Month celebration.

This is a fascinating new exhibit about earthquakes and all types of tectonic movement around the globe, says Brian Wayne, general manager of WonderWorks Orlando. It’s a great time for teachers to stop in and check it out and enjoy some time exploring all we have to offer.

The Tuckaleechee Caverns are located deep under the Smoky Mountains, in Townsend, Tenn. People can visit the caverns, but they also play an important role in the safety of our country. They have the most sensitive seismic station on Earth, accurately and precisely tracking tectonic movement all around the planet. The information collected includes activity from earthquakes and even when nuclear weapons are being tested.

Once the information is collected, it is quickly transmitted directly to the Department of Defense; Geneva, Switzerland; and Vienna, Austria. The information is obtained and shared so quickly that it’s passed on within 300ths of a millisecond. Visitors will learn about the important natural wonder that gathers so much information around the world.

Good Vibrations meets educational standards for learning about earthquakes and seismic activity. As a way to celebrate teachers and support staff during Teacher Appreciation Month, both teachers and support staff will receive free admission during May 2021 by showing a valid school ID. Additionally, up to four of their accompanying guests will receive 50% off admission.

“We are excited to invite teachers, support staff, and their families this month, as well as others, to check out the new Earthquake exhibit,” added Wayne. “This exhibit will surprise you and make you want to plan a trip to the Tuckaleechee Caverns.”

Additional on-site and community programs include the WonderWorks WonderKids event, virtual learning labs, FLO-Art Florida Youth Art Gallery, science fair partnerships, online science information and worksheets and a homeschool program. WonderWorks Orlando also offers various STEM activities, including virtual learning labs, on-site exhibits, activities and more. To learn more about the programs offered at WonderWorks Orlando, visit their website.

To get additional information about Teacher Appreciation Month, visit the site here.

Due to the continued county-wide mask restriction in Orlando, guests will need to bring one with them or buy one upon arrival. WonderWorks has COVID-19 safety protocols, including reduced capacity and hours, enhanced cleaning efforts, social distancing measures, hand sanitizer stations, employee health screenings and employee personal protective equipment (PPE). Guests are encouraged to review all safety rules before their visit on the web page devoted to COVID-19 here.

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, the upside-down adventure, is a science-focused indoor amusement park for the mind that holds something unique and exciting for visitors of all ages. Guests enter through an upside-down lobby with the ceiling at their feet and the ground above their head and must pass through an inversion tunnel to turn right side up. There are three floors of nonstop edu-tainment, with over 100 hands-on and interactive exhibits that serve a STEM educational purpose to challenge the mind and spark the imagination. WonderWorks Orlando is also home to The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. WonderWorks is located in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach, Syracuse and Branson. For more information, visit their website.