The first of its kind, The Hard Seltzer Cocktail Book is your go-to resource for transforming your favorite alcoholic seltzers into deliciously fun cocktails. Whether you’re a fan of Truly, White Claw, Vizzy, or Bud Light Seltzer, there’s something for everyone with these easy-to-make recipes, including Aperol Spritz-o-Clock, Fizzy Fuzzy Navels, Watermelon Sugar Slushy, Millennial Cosmo, Fizzier French 75, Summer in the City Manhattan. Truly LIIT (Long Island Iced Tea), Lemon Drop It Like It’s Hot, Lost in the Jungle Juice and much more!
Author Casie Vogel, a self-declared lover of all things carbonated, is sharing her expertise to help you make every season hard-seltzer season. “At 4 to 6 percent alcohol content, it’s an easy beverage to imbibe any time of day. But sometimes you have to take it up a notch…or several,” she said. “What’s the right ratio? What actually tastes like a cocktail, doesn’t skimp, but also doesn’t immediately send you to blackout town? Well, my friend, that is where my help comes in. The recipes are dangerously delicious and designed to get the party going, whether it’s a Friday night pregame or your next big party—or if it’s just been a tough day (girl, you do you). Instead of that next round of probably (always) regrettable tequila shots, pick up this book and let’s get bubbly.”
The Hard Seltzer Cocktail Book offers everything you need to add a little snap, sparkle, and pop to your favorite cocktails.
The 6th Clothing Co. creates athleisure wear that inspires greatness and brings people together. On the 6th Clothing Co.’s website, the brand defines their mindset as such: “6th man” mentality: patience and sacrifice in the face of adversity, but always a belief in himself and what could be accomplished when it’s your time to shine.” The recent drop of the Summer of 6th Collection highlights this optimistic attitude. Pieces from the collection, such as the One Tribe Unisex Demin Jacket and the Summer ’21 Give More Tee are printed with positive messages to uplift and motivate customers to “Do More, Be More, and Give More Together.” To learn more about the 6th Clothing Co., visit their website. A portion of proceeds from all purchases will be donated to various non-profit organizations.
We spoke with founder/CEO Badi Tolo about the inspiration behind the 6th man mentality, nonprofits that the 6th Clothing Co. collaborates with, and exciting upcoming pop-up shop opportunities.
How do you define the clothing style of streetwear?
Unisex athleisure wear for all ages.
What nonprofits does the 6th Clothing CO. work with?
Currently, I’m spotlighting two great nonprofits, A Little Help (support elderly citizens by connecting neighbors) and Colorado Skateboarding Society (trying to get funding and support to build a top-of-the-line skate facility in Colorado where everyone is welcome). I’ve worked with close to 15 various non-profits though over a span of just over 2 years (one of which included a pandemic, haha) and all my products that aren’t specific to those nonprofits automatically contribute 6% of proceeds to various select nonprofits with every order. Long story short–the spotlight periods are focused on one or two [charities] at a time, but I want to continue to support as many causes and organizations as I can over time, with the resources I have available. I believe [that] helping out those who help those beyond my reach is having an impact [that] I (and my customers) can’t measure, but it’s one the world needs.
On your website’s About section, you mention sacrifice in the face of adversity. Did you come up with the “6th Man” mentality? If not, where does this idea come from?
As far as I know, I came up with it haha. I think generally a 6th man on a bench has a mentality that drives him/her, but I guess I just decided to define it as the core of my brand because I played ball when I was younger and [it] just kind of fit the career and passions I’ve had professionally. When I played, I started but I never viewed myself as someone who was just given anything. So, I always tried to leave it out there and play with that chip on my shoulder, like a 6th man would.
It was something I defined a little later in life as my “6th Man Mentality”. I think I honed-in on that message most coming out of high school when I reflected on regretting not giving basketball another shot after I was cut from my sophomore team and diagnosed with lymphoma cancer shorty after. That was pretty traumatic for me as a 15–16-year-old kid. I just kind of moved on through the rest of my high school life without revisiting the game I loved so much before the cancer thing. Going into college, I knew that I had sort of quit on something that I loved doing because of the cancer, because of the fear, because of pride. I knew I had more to give than that, so I decided going into college I would do everything I loved and could and go hard with it. I got more into music, I played new sports. I played gym ball for hours a day multiple times a week for basically 5 years. I became pretty decent and just had fun playing again while going through college. I was just grateful for the opportunity again, and I would give it everything I could–whether it was gym ball, city league hoops, music, school, family, work. That’s what the 6th man/woman does. They sacrifice for the team, but they know what they [need to do to] bring and relish those opportunities. That approach has driven me throughout life and lead to many more opportunities, personally and professionally, that I’m grateful for.
What is your favorite piece of apparel you have ever produced?
The first tee I ever did. [The] logo was huge right across the front of the chest and it says, “One Tribe” (which is my slogan/tagline) in a script font. I got a small run of tees printed and was just excited. [It] felt like that vision to have a brand where I could spread that [6th Man] mentality was finally here and real. I gave one to my mom, [and] kept one for myself. Funny story–I actually had a friend who [went] to a Meet and Greet with Mike Shinoda, at a concert of his we went to back in 2018. My buddy did me a solid and gave him one of my shirts, which I was super hype on because I was a big fan back in the day. [The] Linkin Park/Jay-Z collab was on repeat back then! Anyways, [I] always hoped I’d see a photo of him randomly wearing it someday haha, but it was just cool that he accepted it and signed a card my buddy gave to me. I don’t even think I have it up on my store anymore, but I might have to bring it back!
How would you describe the look of the “Summer of 6th ’21 Collection”?
[The] Summer of 6th look is just rolling with the current trend of tie dye prints. I wanted a little pop of color, which I’m trying to do a little more of with my brand. So, [I] got pink, sky blue, and black mixed with white tie die all over [the] print products. [Staying] true to the brand, I have to keep that message going, so a couple [pieces] say “DO MORE, BE MORE, GIVE MORE.” I’ll be adding a couple pieces to match (bathing suit, women’s dress and some youth options) probably in late June. There’s a little something for everyone, so get it while it’s hot! Everybody’s rockin’ the tie dye right now. Might as well give back and make a difference automatically while you’re shopping for it.
Do you have a favorite piece from the “Summer of 6th ’21 Collection?
The Diamond Mentality Tee. [It] has my logo masked out in tie die with a diamond shape around it, and the word “mentality” across the front. Simple and to the point. That’s what it’s all about for me. That’s how I built this brand, how I’m building my life and career. It’s always about your mentality through the ups and downs. Sometimes you need a reminder, so why not say it with your chest? It’s there for you and for anyone who can draw a little fire and inspiration from it.
Can you tell us about any exciting, upcoming artists who are to be featured within The Drop Collection?
I do have a collab in the works that will speak to the Stop Asian Hate movement, so I will hopefully be dropping a tee for that in July. I have a sponsor [who is working] on that tee who is based in the Bay area. Th[ey] do a lot for youth in the Asian community there. A percentage of sales proceeds will go directly back to them to support their efforts in the community and spread the word.
Aside from that, I’ll continue to feature a friend, Curt Fulsty of C Fulsty Books as one of my current featured artists. He illustrates children’s books about difficult issues that sometimes adults tend to gloss over or avoid. I think that’s important in today’s world, so I was happy to collab with him.
I’d love to work with a music artist for sure as I’ve always just been a big music fan. My first Drop Collection collab was with an artist/radio personality out of LA, named Jackie Hollywood. We did some lyric merch from a music video when it dropped, so I want to do more of that. The 6th is a new brand on the scene, so really I’m just hustling to try and get the name out, make a few sales, and support these nonprofits. So, I’m open to opportunities or people of interest that like the vibe and want to make something happen.
What is to come from the 6th Clothing Co. in the rest of 2021?
Some new merch for sure. With my current nonprofit spotlight, I’ll be doing a little popup at an event later this month where there will be a bunch of skate brands and other partners there to support their mission of building a skate facility here in Colorado. So, that’s exciting to be a part of that. I’ve got a couple more nonprofit spotlights lined up, so [I] will be working behind the scenes on that. Aside from that, sky is the limit. I always say, “Wherever I’m at in life with my brand, with my mission–I’m just getting started.” It’s all about mentality so who knows what the future holds, but I’m excited about it.
Gen Z, step aside – this one’s for the millennials. Chicago’s favorite pop-up bar, Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N. Sheffield, is bringing back some good ole’ childhood nostalgia with their latest pop up, Nick Arcade, opening this Friday, June 11 just in time for the city’s Phase 5 reopening. Running through Sunday, July 11, the bar will transform all 9,000 square feet of their space, including their outdoor patio, into iconic spots inspired by 90’s Nickelodeon favorites including Rugrats, Hey Arnold, Are You Afraid of the Dark, CatDog, Doug, Rocko’s Modern Life and much more. The pop up will offer an exclusive selection of Nick-inspired cocktails as well as a themed food menu for guests to enjoy as they travel down memory lane. Tickets are now available, and reservations are highly encouraged.
The Nick Arcade pop-up will feature a throwback to some of the best moments from childhood favorites, allowing patrons the opportunity to finally take a selfie that their 90’s selves could only dream about. Along with bright colored decor specific to each show, bubbles will be plentiful and let’s not forget about the slime. Pop up aficionados will also have the opportunity to treat themselves to 90’s themed cocktails, slime shots, along with their favorite childhood lunchroom treats.
“Our fans love opportunities that give them a chance to relive their childhood,” said Mark Kwiatkowski, owner of Replay Lincoln Park. “This one is especially for the millennials looking to get back and enjoy the city officially reopening, and we’re looking forward to some much needed 90’s inspired fun this summer.”
Superfans who can’t wait to see the space, can RSVP for an exclusive first look the evening prior to opening, Thursday, June 10 between 5pm and Midnight. Guests can RSVP by emailing nickarcade610@gmail.com. Every patron who attends that evening and shows their vaccination card upon arrival will also receive a complimentary themed cocktail, Shea Coul-Ale or Fiji water. Valid only on Thursday, June 10 for those who RSVP.
The Nick Arcade inspired pop-up is 21+ after 7pm and costs $20 per person with a $20 beverage credit, for a 90-minute reservation. People under 21 will receive a commemorative t-shirt in place of the $20 drink credit. Covid-19 restrictions will be practiced and protocols will be strictly observed to ensure the safety of patrons and employees. Guests who show proof they have been fully vaccinated will be allowed to remove their masks. Please note, this is not an official event sanctioned by Nickelodeon.
Replay Lincoln Park features over 30 free vintage arcade games, including pinball, air hockey, skeeball and more. With no cover or tokens needed, Replay Lincoln Park invites guests for great fun from 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. Monday – Thursday, Friday 3 p.m. – 2 a.m., 12 p.m. – 3 a.m. Saturday, and 12 p.m. – 2 a.m. Sunday.
On April 19, 2021, Toys for Tots announced the expansion of their year-round efforts to provide hope to those less fortunate with plans for ANOTHER special gift distribution to children in need. This summer we will be providing ONE MILLION educational toys, books, and games to the children of COVID-19 impacted families. While we all hope this pandemic will be in our rearview mirrors soon, we also recognize that the emotional and educational impact it’s had on children will be long lasting. Less fortunate children likely suffered the greatest learning loss by not being able to attend in-person classroom instruction, so Toys for Tots will be providing toys and books that teach to help them overcome a growing educational gap and stimulate their young minds.
The support we provided last year, at the height of the pandemic, provided great comfort and emotional relief to struggling families. Toys for Toys is determined to send a year-round message of hope to less fortunate families and continue to DoGoodNow!We are more than a children’s Christmastime charity!
Because we recognize the importance of reminding children that there is still joy to be found in simple gifts every day, we are once again partnering with our friends at Good360, the global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving. We are providing them with ONE MILLION toys, books, and games to distribute via their network of nonprofit organizations across the United States.
“Toys for Tots is more than a Christmas charity—that is why we want to DoGoodNOW and continue to expand our partnership with Good360,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “With the assistance of Good360 and their vast network of non-profits throughout the country, Toys for Tots has the ability to extend our reach and provide support to families who are facing tremendous year-round challenges.”
“Toys and games are highly requested items among Good360’s nonprofit network, and our partnership with Toys for Tots allows us to meet this need and bring joy to children and families that are going through difficult times,” said Matt Connelly, CEO of Good360. “The feedback we’ve received from the nonprofits receiving toys has been tremendous, and we look forward to our continued collaboration with Toys for Tots.”
Toys for Tots and Good360 have complementary strengths, and this partnership generates greater impact. Together we are more than just the sum of our parts—together we can DoGoodNOW. The two organizations launched their collaboration in April of 2020 and since then have distributed three million toys, games, and books together outside of the holidays.
Amidst a 27% increase in 2020 DTC sales, wineries quickly transitioned to virtual tastings to engage with customers in the digital space. Soon, restaurants, wine professionals, and even corporations embraced virtual experiences, too. In order to outshine the current cascade of virtual offerings, companies like Netflix, Veritas restaurant, Tres Sabores winery, and more rely on Repour to elevate their virtual wine tasting experiences.
Named by wine professionals as one of Liquor.com’s 9 Best Wine Accessories in 2021, Repour is a smart way to preserve open bottles of wine. One Repour keeps a 750ml bottle of wine fresh for up to two months. The brand’s proprietary technology, which eliminates 100% of the oxygen in an open bottle, has helped Repour become the top wine preservation tool for wine professionals and enthusiasts alike. For instance, when Netflix employees connect for virtual wine tastings, the company sends Repour with every wine shipment.
“We included Repour with the wines we shipped so everyone could enjoy the rest of their wine at a later date,” shares Andi Wilson, an Executive Assistant at Netflix. “My bottle of wine was just as fresh as when I first opened it, long after the initial tasting. Repour is simple to use, budget-friendly, and I have used them multiple times since. It’s my go-to wine stopper!”
Repour saves open bottles of wine to the last drop. There is a special packet inside the easy-to-use stopper which reacts with oxygen until there is no oxygen left in the bottle. Gregory Stokes, Advanced Sommelier and General Manager at Veritas restaurant in Columbus, OH, utilizes Repour for both restaurant service and for virtual tastings.
“With Repour, we can pour quickly during service, and save all of our BTG wines—not just the expensive ones—from being wasted due to oxidation,” says Stokes. “We also bundle them into every virtual wine tasting kit so our patrons can enjoy whole bottles of wine at home, and we don’t have to worry about the logistics of repackaging wines into small bottles.”
For successful digital tasting experiences, it’s essential for brands to authentically connect with consumers in the virtual space. A value-add product like Repour helps foster brand loyalty by going the extra mile to help customers enjoy wines beyond the experience. Additionally, Repour offers custom branding for their wine stoppers and packaging so companies can build lasting brand awareness.
To learn more about Repour, wholesale pricing, or custom branding options, visit www.repour.com or email sales@repour.com.
After the epic success of his last release, “Spend My Money” Afrobeat artist, multi-platinum producer, composer and DJ TRACKDILLA teams up with Rotimi, De La Ghetto, and Play-N-Skillz for his latest single, “R U Fosure” – out now via OM Records, a new music label formed through a partnership with BMG and French football club Olympique de Marseille.
On the track, Rotimi’s hypnotic flow will get you on your feet, while De La Ghetto stays true to his reggaeton roots. Both features deliver upbeat and catchy vocals to match the high-energy beat co-produced by Play-n-Skillz, the perfect combination to highlight TRACKDILLA’s smooth voice and delivery.
TRACKDILLA is a renaissance man for a digital age; one who combines aspects of his international background into a global sound that effortlessly fuses the classical and the modern. He has collaborated with some of the most relevant and important artists and producers such as Blackstreet’s Chauncey Black, Sean Paul, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Maître Gims, Lexy Panterra, Demarco, Flo Rida, Jada Kingdom, Tyla Yahweh and many more.
Online streaming is one of the most popular activities that gamers can do in the modern era, and it is proving to be rather lucrative for some of them.
Indeed, with so many people becoming interested in eSports and watching gamers play their favourite games as a way of either learning to play the game themselves by picking up various tips or for sheer enjoyment pleasure, many of the best online gamers have gone on to become celebrity figures.
With names such as Ninja and Pewdiepie having emerged and become some of the biggest names in the industry, there will be many that use Platincasino who will instantly know exactly who they are and why they have become celebrities.
Ninja
Better known by the name ‘Ninja’, Richard Tyler Blevins is perhaps the most famous celebrities to have been created via the world of eSports and live streaming. Of course, platforms such as Twitch and YouTube have helped his brand and name grow, with more and more continuing to follow him and watch what he does when he plays live.
Ninja – who is from Detroit – first started playing in 2009 when he played Halo 3 professionally for teams such as Cloud9, Renegades, Team Liquid and Luminosity Gaming. However, his celebrity status only really took off in 2017 when he played Fortnite Battle Royale. He saw his followings increase exponentially, thus making him attractive to businesses.
As of November 2020, Ninja had more than 16.1 million followers on Twitch, whereas he had over 6 million people follow him on Twitter, over 14.5 million on Instagram, 4.3 million on TikTok and almost 25 million people subscribing to his channel on YouTube; thus further highlighting his appeal as a celebrity.
Pewdiepie
Gaming influence Pewdiepie has also had a huge impact on the live streaming market and one that has allowed for those who are successful to become celebrities. Of course, Pewdiepie is a game and user tag, as the Swede is actually known as Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg.
The Swede was one of the first to experience huge growth in the live streaming sphere, as he managed to acquire over 1 million subscribers on his YouTube channel in July 2012, and subsequently became the most subscribed channel in August 2013.
In 2016, Pewdiepie was named one of the most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine; further highlighting why he has been able to become a celebrity figure.
Why have they become celebrities?
Indeed, with so many followers, it only made sense for businesses and brands to try and get their products and services represented by Ninja and Pewdiepie, as it would only help them to potentially tap into a new market demographic, or simply take advantage of a huge market that could be presented to them.
Ninja’s status helped Fortnite Battle Royale’s developers, Epic Games, make billions whilst he also earned close to $10 million, whereas he was also paid $1 million to promote Electronic Arts’ Apex Legends, whilst his celebrity status has been so big that he has appeared on a number of celebrity-edition TV shows, including The Masked Singer and Family Feud.
Huntington Beach Gears Up for Surf City Dreamin’ 117th Annual Independence Day Celebration from July 2-4
The Celebration will Feature Neighborhood Car Parades, Fireworks Over the Ocean, Virtual and In-Person 5K Run, Pier Plaza Festival, and Home/Business Decorating Contests
117 years ago, the city of Huntington Beach hosted its first 4th of July celebration. The city has since grown into a world-class destination, yet its small town sensibilities and rich history continue to take center stage during our Annual 4th of July celebration.
This year’s celebration will be held from July 2–4, 2021, and has been modified to adhere to statewide COVID-19 guidelines that may be in place at that time. Festivities include neighborhood car parades, an outdoor pier plaza festival, socially distanced and virtual Surf City 5k runs, and home/business decorating contests. The events will be capped off with an incredible firework show over the Pacific Ocean.
“There’s no better place to celebrate the 4th of July than Huntington Beach,” says Mayor Kim Carr. “Our residents truly embrace the spirit of independence, and we invite the community to come out and take part in the modified celebration. We have something for everyone and look forward to celebrating with you this year.”
June 1-30 – Annual Home and Business Decorating Contest
Our 4th of July festivities are well underway, as local residents and businesses begin decorating for the Annual Home and Business Decorating Contest. Entries will be accepted through June 30. To submit an entry, visit HERE. All entries will be featured on HB 4th of July’s social media and website (@HB4thofJuly). For those who may wish to donate in-kind prizes and inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please email Stacey Newton.
July 2-4 – The Pier Plaza Festival
This year, Pier Plaza Festival features crafts and merchant vendor booths, food trucks, an all-new 12,000 square foot beer & wine garden (with a prime view of the fireworks show), live entertainment and radio broadcasts, prize giveaways, amusements and a carnival with rides and 80-foot diameter ferris wheel. Sign up to sponsor and receive updates HERE.
July 4 – Surf City Run 5K (in-person and virtual)
This year’s in-person 5K Run is a marathon-qualifying event that will take runners through Huntington Central Park–the largest city-owned park in Orange County, which covers over 350 acres of land. The event will feature staggered start times to offer a socially distanced experience. Organizers have also developed a virtual race for runners who prefer to compete in their own time and comfort level. The City encourages runners to register now to secure early-bird pricing and to attend the runners’ expo and bib pick-up event on July 3. For more info, visit HERE.
July 4 – Neighborhood Car Parade
Drivers, start your engines! At 8:00 am, the Huntington Beach 4th of July Neighborhood Car Parade will split into three procession, winding through local neighborhoods and finishing at the Pier Plaza parking lot, where a number of the cars will remain on display throughout the day. Participating vehicles include the GHOSTBUSTERS “ambulance;” Disney character car Lightning McQueen; Herbie the Love Bug; a double-decker London Transport bus; boat-towing monster trucks and more. Detailed parade routes will be published HERE. Visit the site to inquire about driving a family, athlete or a dignitary in a parade car.
July 4 – Fireworks Show and Condor Squadron Flyover!
And finally, the main event. The Condor Squadron Flyover and aerial acrobatics will start at approximately 5:25PM. Beginning at about 8:50PM, a world-class fireworks extravaganza will ignite over the Huntington Beach with a patriotic soundtrack accompaniment is to broadcast live. The fireworks show will put the exclamation mark on a weekend of celebrations, widely known as the largest of such west of the Mississippi.
Note Regarding COVID-19
The City of Huntington Beach will continually monitor statewide reopening guidance and implement any that are required to safely host the 4th of July Celebrations. All updates will be available HERE.
Pacific Paradise Pools has joined Huntington Beach as the event’s first major sponsor. They have developed a reputation for backyard design excellence as an award-winning swimming pool builder in OC. Founded in 1984 by Huntington Beach native Rich Tonti, Pacific Paradise Pools remains family-owned and operated, and committed to honest hard work, integrity, efficiency, and above all, fun.
“It’s always exciting to unpack the latest music by Alex Cuba! His work is divine from start to finish, the production is outstanding, his themes are universal, and his voice is luscious! We’ve all gone through a dark year, so every moment of beauty has been especially poignant and ‘Mendo’ has been a steady companion.”– Ariana Morgenstern – KCRW–Executive Producer, Music Department.
Alex Cuba is back with another collection of killer songs… some of his best songs in a career filled with brilliance… It’s not for no reason that this completely indie artist has multiple Latin Grammy nominations to his credit… On Mendó, he reached out across the digital universe to collaborate with some of Latin music’s biggest names for 10 new tunes that range from funk to flamenco, nuevo canto to bossa ballads. Naturally, all of these songs bear the distinctive Cuba stamp of pristine production, instrumental prowess and silky singing that just seduces the listener… each track is like a single designed to evoke a unique mood and emotional reaction. Cuba usually plays everything on his homemade records. And why not, when you can bring a personal touch to any instrument you come into contact with? But a special place is reserved for his spectacular dexterity on the standup bass. opening track Hablando x Hablar (feat. Cimafunk). is blown wide open by Cuba’s slapping, rubbery bass lines coupled with sparse handclaps and layered choruses…. H X H (feat Cimafunk, Joaquin Betancourt & Su Joven Jazz Band). this swinging big-band arrangement makes clear that somewhere down the way, Cuba needs to cut an album backed by a full orchestra. The baritone saxophones loop that underpins the whole tune is just so incredibly deep that it’s impossible not to tap along with it. This deserves a big extended remix by some ace Miami scene dance DJ, because it’s got packed dance floor stamped all over it.” – Vancouver Sun
“Bringing his distinctive folk, funk and rock hybrid to life, the four-time Latin Grammy winner presents his new album Mendó, a testament to the respect other artists have for Alex. On this set, Cuba collaborates with renowned artists including Antonio Carmona, Cimafunk, Lila Downs, Gian Marco, Raul Midón and Gilberto Santa Rosa.” – Billboard
“A while back I had to ask myself ‘Is it me or do I actually like everything Alex Cuba releases?’ So far, the answer is: Very much! …The four-time Latin Grammy winner’s brilliant discography has evolved from Afro-Cuban music to world music, rock en español, salsa, alternative Latin and Latin crossover blends of pop, soul and jazz. And it just gets better… Irresistible, superbly minimalistic yet profoundly full …a sensory upload of sublime playing, creative arrangements and melodic delight.” – NPR
“Fresh off his most recent Latin Grammy nominations (seven along with four wins), and notable performance on the November 2020 broadcast… and in advance of his upcoming eighth studio album… Alex Cuba, is releasing new single ‘Hablando x Hablar’ with Cuban breakout star, Cimafunk. ‘Hablando x Hablar’ is a fun and funky upbeat track that questions what we think we know to be true in society… a brave musical concept using only one physical instrument (an upright bass), handclaps, and vocals, ‘Hablando x Hablar is a bold, full bodied song, completely universal in nature, that feels like a giant production without getting bombastic… high energy performer Cimafunk has been rated by Billboard as a ‘top 10 Latin artist to watch’ with his Afro-Cuban funk-soul music style…. [While] Alex carries his Cuba within, incorporating subtle jazz influences, and tasteful, sophisticated chords and lyrics expressing his poetry in an undeniably Cuban way. His growing body of work defines a unique musical place in the Latin diaspora.” – Cashbox Canada
ABOUT ALEX CUBA
Alex Cuba is a Latin Grammy/Juno winner, singer-songwriter who is not tied to tradition; Alex has a vast musical vision. His sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks and powerful guitar riffs, relinquish a conventional stereotype that exemplifies much of the Latin music landscape. Born Alexis Puentes in Artemisa, Cuba, was immersed in music at a very young age, joining his father’s (respected guitarist and teacher Valentin Puentes) group of 24 guitarists. Alex then went on to study electric and upright bass and touring and recording nationally and internationally. Relocating to Canada in 1999, Alex went on to record his solo debut album Humo De Tobaco (produced by Martin Terefe), which earned him a Juno award for World Music Album of the Year in 2006, with tours in Canada, Japan and the US.
In 2007, Alex released Agua Del Pozo earning him another Juno award for World Music Album of the Year in 2008. From there, Alex released his third album, a self-titled project Alex Cuba in 2009, playing shows in the US, Canada and Spain. And features his first ever English track titled “If You Give Me Love”. The album gained recognition on an international level. In 2010, Alex took home the award for Best New Artist at the 2010 Latin Grammy Awards, where it was also nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Album. It also followed a nominated for Best Latin Pop Album at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards and in 2011 Alex took home a BMI Latin Award for his songwriting on Nelly Furtado’s #1 Spanish hit “Manos Al Aire”. In 2012, Alex released his fourth album Ruido En El Sistema, which Alex received his second Socan Hagood Hardy Award for outstanding achievement in Jazz and World Music. He also won his second Latin Grammy Award – this time as a songwriter, alongside co-writer Yoel Henriquez received the award for Best Tropical Song for the Milly Quezada’s single, “Toma Mi Vida”. In 2013, he brought home a Latin Grammy for the video “Eres Tu” fromRuido En El Sistema, a video produced entirely in his hometown of Smithers.
Alex Cuba’s 5th studio album, Healer, was recorded using a live rhythm section, trading in horns for guitars and vocal harmonies. With five duets with singer songwriters, four being Canadian, Ron Sexsmith, David Myles, Alejandra Ribera and Kuba Oms as well as New Yorker Anya Marina. The album won a Latin Grammy for best Singer-songwriter and nominated for a Grammy as best Latin Pop in 2016. In 2017, his 6th album Lo Unico Constante was released, Looking at the filin movement in Cuba of the forties that fused jazz and trova together with emotional lyrical content. Nominated for both a Latin Grammy in the singer songwriter category and Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album Alex continues his independent journey in music.
His most recent album, Sublime, incorporated the feel of Lo Unico Constante with 6 duets alongside Latin American Singer-songwriters celebrating a contemporary or Neo folk expression of the Canción Latinamericana. The release continued Alex’s recognition form his musical peers garnering his third consecutive Latin Grammy Nomination for Best Singer-Songwriter Album, and another performance slot on the global telecast.
Cityzenith joins the World Economic ForumGlobal Innovators Program
Digital Twin market leader Cityzenith has been chosen to be part of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Innovators community to support Cityzenith’s mission to decarbonize US cities.
The Global Innovators Community is a group of the world’s most promising start-ups and scale-ups that are at the forefront of technological and business model innovation. The World Economic Forum provides the Global Innovators Community with a platform to engage with public-and private-sector leaders and to contribute new solutions to overcome current crises and build future resiliency. There are over 140 community members across 15 different countries.
Companies who are invited to become Global Innovators will engage with one or more of the Forum’s Platforms, as relevant, to help define the global agenda on key issues. ‘Shaping the Future of Energy, Materials, and Infrastructure’ is one of the seventeen platforms which focuses on bringing together industry leaders from electricity, oil and gas, mining and metals, chemicals, and construction.
The latest participant to join this platform is Cityzenith, whose SmartWorldOS software platform can create virtual replicas of buildings and urban areas to track, manage and optimize carbon emissions and minimize environmental damage.
The US company’s tech is deployed in multiple international megaprojects, including a substantial ground-breaking decarbonization energy scheme for US cities.
Cityzenith CEO Michael Jansen said, “Our partnership with the World Economic Forum gives us a platform to have our voice heard, spread our message, and take advantage of more opportunities.
“WEF recognized that our technology and insight had a role to play in combating Climate Change, and now we can go further in helping governments and countries to decarbonize cities worldwide.”
The partnership’s catalyst was Cityzenith’s ‘Clean Cities – Clean Future’ campaign as part of the ‘Race to Zero’ movement. Cities worldwide generate 70% of global carbon emissions (source: UNHabitat) and Cityzenith believes its SmartWorldOS can help building and property asset management groups, city planners, and developers move to carbon neutrality in the next ten years.
Cityzenith CEO Michael Jansen said at the launch of the’ Clean Cities – Clean Future’ initiative: “We have to help the most polluted urban centers become carbon neutral, and we plan to do this by donating the company’s Digital Twin platform SmartWorldOS to key cities, one at a time, after every $1m raised. We’re able to do this because of the recent surge of investment as part of our $15m crowdfunding raise.
The World Economic Forum also partners with leading organizations that push change forward, like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), an intergovernmental organization supporting countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future.
President of the World Economic Forum, Børge Brende believes IRENA’s partnership with the Forum is “an important step in strengthening the mission of our organizations” adding:
“It brings together the knowledge, insight and innovation expertise of IRENA with the Forum’s global network to ensure these higher commitments are realized in the near term.”
Significant investment funds such as The Carlyle Group, Equinor, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment fund (CPP) have also partnered to offer a potential investment into promising climate solutions.
CPP President and CEO Mark Machin see the benefit and importance of investing now to protect the planet: “We at CPP Investments are trained to dig deep into both risks and opportunities. Climate Change offers both.”
“None of these efforts are cheap, but they are an investment in society’s future. And, as we’ve learned from the current crisis (COVID-19), the cost of being underprepared when catastrophe strikes can be far higher.”
If you would like to hear more from Cityzenith CEO Michael Jansen, you can listen to him directly in an upcoming FREE investment webinar ‘Join The Race to Zero – Investing in Technology For Sustainable Cities,’ taking place virtually on Tuesday 8th June at 08:00 CT and 13:00 CT. To learn more about using emerging tech to combat Climate Change, please sign up here.
About Cityzenith Cityzenith is based in Chicago with offices in London and New Delhi. The company’s SmartWorldOS Digital Twin platform was created for anyone designing, constructing, and managing complex, large-scale building projects, properties, and real estate portfolios but has developed to cover infrastructure, energy projects, transport, health, people movements, and whole cities. Find out more at Cityzenith.
