Posts made in April 2022

2023 Toyota GR Supra Manual

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Transmission Dynamics for 2023 and Enhanced Drive

• GR Supra evolves again with a new manual transmission (MT) option

• MT available on GR Supra 3.0, 3.0 Premium and a limited A91-MT Edition model

• A91-MT Edition limited to 500 units for the U.S. Market, comes in two exclusive exterior colors with a unique Cognac leather trimmed interior

• Refined handling across all GR Supra 3.0 models with new steering and suspension tuning and new Hairpin+ function

• New premium 12-speaker JBL Audio system standard on all 3.0 Premium and A91-MT models

• Complimentary 1-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association, featuring a High-Performance Driving Event with expert

From the moment of its launch in 2019 the GR Supra captured the spirit of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing – one that’s all about the joy of driving. For 2023, it adds one more dynamic element: a six-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). For drivers who love the control and rewards offered by precisely timed manual shifts, it might be the Supra they’ve been waiting for.

True to the GR Supra’s thoroughbred engineering quality, this development wasn’t simply a matter of using an off-the-shelf solution. Engineers developed a manual transmission specifically for GR Supra, with components designed specifically to suit the power and torque characteristics of its 3.0-litre 382 horsepower engine. At the same time, the GR Supra’s braking control systems and suspension have been retuned for even better performance – changes that are being introduced throughout the model range. The manual transmission will be available as an option on the Supra 3.0 and 3.0 Premium and a limited A91-MT Edition model will also be produced for model year 2023 only. Available colors for the MT 3.0 and 3.0 Premium will include all standard Supra colors plus a new Stratosphere Blue color, which will also be available on Supra 2.0. The A91-MT Edition will be available in Matte White and CU Later Gray. Pricing for 2023 GR Supra MT versions will be announced later this summer and models will be available at Toyota dealerships later this year.

Manual Transmission Designed for Supra Power Available on the 3.0, 3.0 Premium and a limited A91-MT Edition model. The manual transmission installed in the GR Supra has been engineered and tuned specifically for use with the coupe’s straight-six engine. The engineering team modified an existing transmission housing, driveshaft and gear set and removed elements that were not required, such as the acoustic package, which reduced weight. At the heart of the transmission is a newly engineered large diameter clutch with a reinforced diaphragm spring. With a larger friction area and a stronger spring, this new component has the high-performance capability appropriate for use with the GR Supra’s high-torque engine. The newly developed 6-speed manual gearbox also features an Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) programmed with new software that prioritizes sporty performance. When upshifting, the parameters are tuned to optimize engine torque at the moment of clutch engagement and release; on downshifts, the software has been fine-tuned for consistent performance. The iMT is set as the default but, if the driver prefers, it can be switched off in Sport mode. To avoid a sluggish take-off and a low in-gear acceleration feel, the final drive ratio has been shortened, from 3.15 (in the GR Supra automatic) to 3.46 (in the GR Supra MT). The result is response and gearing appropriate for sports car performance. Close attention was also paid to how a manual shifter could be accommodated in the driver’s cockpit. The lever ratio was specifically set to minimize the effort required to make shifts and engage reverse gear. While the weight and shape of the 200g gear knob, along with the quality of shift engagement, have all been precisely defined. Ergonomics were also top-ofmind, as the console unit and position of the drive mode selector were adjusted to provide a 1.7-inch clearance between the shift knob and the control panel.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing: #savethemanual

The GR Supra was Toyota’s first global GAZOO Racing (GR) model and the dream of Toyota President Akio Toyoda to deliver a car that is purely about the joy of driving. Subsequently, the introduction of global models, like the GR Yaris and last year’s arrival of the GR86 coupe, have reinforced the special qualities that define the GR brand – cars that are born out of a passion for driving and draw directly on the world championship-winning expertise and experience of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. At launch, the 2020 GR Supra was offered with a straight-six 3.0-litre engine with 335 hp/365 lb.-ft. of torque matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. In 2021, the GR team increased the 3.0 Supra to 382 hp and 367 lb.-ft. of torque and introduced a turbocharged four-cylinder GR Supra 2.0 with 255 horsepower and a stout 295 lb.-ft. of torque. While the car and its performance have received high praise worldwide from media and fans alike, perhaps inevitably the question of whether a manual gearbox would be available persisted. Now that it’s official, the addition of a manual transmission option to the Supra line-up means Toyota will offer all three of its U.S. GR models with a stick, which is standard on the upcoming GR Corolla and available as an option on GR86.

Tuned for Traction, Stability, and Agility The GR Supra’s traction and braking have been optimized for operation with a manual transmission. With an automatic, it’s possible to use second gear when pulling away uphill when opposite wheels are on surfaces with different grip levels – for example, when the car is parked on partly icy road, progress is smooth with no rolling back or wheel slip. With a manual gearbox, first gear must be used and releasing the clutch brings a greater risk of wheel spin. To address the issue, Toyota engineers have tuned the car’s TRAction Control (TRAC) system to achieve smooth operation like that experienced with an automatic. The system is also optimized for the GR Supra’s characteristic high engine torque, wide tires and rear-wheel drive. The car’s behavior when accelerating out of a corner is a key element in the “Fun to Drive” quality Toyota has developed for the GR Supra. For the new manual version, the traction control has again been the focus to ensure an ideal balance of agility and stability when exiting a corner on the throttle. TRAC intervention has been calibrated to maintain stability – so the car keeps faithfully to the driver’s intended line – while allowing the right amount of power for a sporty experience.

The ambition to make the GR Supra fun to drive in the most demanding scenarios has helped inspire the introduction of a new Hairpin+ function. This is designed to allow more freedom and reward when taking tight bends on an uphill gradient (more than 5%) with a high-friction road surface. More “freewheel” spin can make such routes more enjoyable to drive, so Toyota has optimized engine torque control to allow a greater difference in the degree of wheel spin on the left and right-side tires. To counter the possibility of “snap-off” oversteer – something that may be hard to control with the car’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) alone – an Anti-Roll Program (ARP) has been adopted for both the manual and automatic versions of the GR Supra. This intervenes at an earlier point with the VSC to cover any sudden loss of grip when the car’s high-response suspension setting it used. In addition, the Track mode has been tuned to allow for easy drifting with freedom of throttle control. The vehicle remains agile, but there is less risk of spinning thanks to specific engine and torque control. Special Edition and Updates Across the Lineup The A91-MT special edition will be a 500 unit limited-run model that comes equipped with exclusive Cognac leather-trimmed seats, GR logoed Alcantara shift knob and a 12-speaker acoustically tuned premium JBL sound system. On the outside, a red “Supra” Badge and red GR Supra emblazoned calipers punctuate its extreme, condensed design. It will be offered in two exclusive colors, Matte White and CU Later Gray, and comes equipped with unique forged 19-inch Frozen Gunmetal Gray wheels. Under the hood, red strut tower braces add one more accent to the already bold Supra. All 2023 GR Supra 3.0 models, both AT and MT versions, will benefit from a retuned suspension with re-tuned shock absorbers for improved roll balance and ride comfort. The mechanical components in the electric power steering and the system’s operating parameters have also been re-tuned. All 3.0 models will have an active rear sport differential standard. The 3.0 MT will come equipped with new 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and be available in previously available standard and premium colors plus the new Stratosphere Blue color. On the inside heated, black leather-trimmed seats are now standard. The 3.0 Premium has everything you’ll find on the 3.0, plus a red and black leather-trimmed interior, full color heads up display, acoustically tuned 12-speaker JBL sound system and Qi Wireless charger standard.

Supra Connect1 is also available. This advanced technology suite is designed to help you get more from your GR Supra 2.0 and 3.0 with Safety and Technology Package, 3.0 Premium and A91-MT Edition and includes features like Automatic Emergency Call, Real-Time Traffic Information, Roadside Assistance and the available Supra Connect iPhone® app to lock/unlock the doors and activate Ventilation Now and Ventilation Timer features.

Toyota.com

Sheryl

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On March 11, a full-length documentary film directed by Amy Scott, entitled Sheryl, about the singer-songwriter’s life and career will premiere at SXSW, ahead of the May 6 premiere on SHOWTIME. An intimate story of song and sacrifice, Sheryl navigates an iconic yet arduous musical career while the artist battles sexism, ageism, depression, cancer, and the price of fame, before harnessing the power of her gift.

In conjunction, UMe/Big Machine Records will release a new album called Sheryl: Music From The Feature Documentary digitally and on 2CD on May 6. The release features Sheryl Crow’s biggest hits, including “If It Makes You Happy,” “Soak Up The Sun,” “All I Wanna Do, “My Favorite Mistake,” “Redemption Day,” and many more, as well as deep tracks and three newly recorded songs. To preorder Sheryl: Music From The Feature Documentary, click HERE

“I am excited for the premiere of my documentary,” said Crow. “I hope people will find strength and courage through my story. It was a journey through years and years of incredible memories, and I am proud of the beautiful documentary that Amy Scott made about my life.”

About Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow is a nine-time GRAMMY award recipient and an American music icon. Her first nine studio albums have sold 35 million copies worldwide; seven charted in the Top 10, and five were certified for multi-platinum sales. Crow has been feted by a new generation of singer-songwriters who have covered her songs and talked about her influence, including Phoebe Bridgers, H.E.R, Haim, Maren Morris, Lorde, Sasami, Best Coast, and Brandi Carlile.

Kur – The Hold Over

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Drumming up palpable buzz, rising Philadelphia force of nature Kur revealed a new bundle of songs entitled The Hold Over via Meek Mill‘s DreamChasers and Roc Nation/Republic Records. Listen to The Hold Over—HERE.

To celebrate the project’s arrival, he shared the music video for the new single, “For My Fam.” Watch it HERE. The intense production matches his energetic rhymes as he declares, “I done got so many scars, but I’m grateful.” He instantly captivates with bold bars and a hard-hitting hook. The visual seamlessly translates this spirit to the screen and illuminates his star power.

He bulldozed a path for The Hold Over with “Road to the Riches” last month. It arrived to garner critical acclaim. HotNewHipHop described him as a “talented lyricist,” and Essence highlighted it among “New Music This Week.” The project also boasts previously released “Sheist,” “Let’s Talk,” and “Play It Cool.”

Next up, he’ll deliver a hometown performance at the Roots Picnic on June 4th.As the story goes, Kur first cut his teeth by leaving the competition speechless during lunchtime cyphers at W.B. Saul High School. Projects such as the Straight From The Kur mixtape and Upside Down Cake EP (where he murdered the beat for Drake‘s “Poundcake“) led to the biggest hometown endorsement possible. Meek Mill shared lyrics from “33 Shots” on Twitter as Kur went on to participate in the 2016 BET Hip Hop Awards cypher with Sam Black, Ms. Jade, Dave East and Young M.A. Around the same time, he joined forces with New York phenomenon Dave East for the EP, Born Broke, Die Rich.

2019 saw him approach critical mass. His project Shakur spawned the infectious “Crack” and powerful “Soul” [feat. Mozzy], eclipsing 10 million cumulative global streams. On its heels, “Spare Me” vaulted to #14 on the Apple Music Hip-Hop and Rap Chart and #20 on the All Genres Chart. This prompted Meek Mill to proclaim Kur as “the soul of Philly”. Signed to DreamChasers in partnership with Roc Nation and Republic, the 2021 LP It Shouldn’t Be Like This elevated his total streams past 77 million.

GG Canvas

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Mirroring the material’s historic origins, GG canvas is reintroduced in a timeless mix of blue and beige for Gucci Love Parade. With a low environmental impact, the canvas has come to the forefront of each collection decade after decade to become a hallmark of the House.

Drawing from the Archive, the classic palette defines a wide array of products for both men and women and is declined on the Leather Goods world and in particular on an extensive selection of Luggage. luggage remains part of the Gucci narrative, even more so in the Love Parade collection as the offering expands to include a variety of materials and functional bags, including roller suitcases and duffles.

The blue GG canvas is revived through a dedicated campaign where the attention is focused entirely on the motif. From the floor to the ceiling, everything featured within the setting is decked out in the signature pattern. The Gucci items blend with the backdrop, just defined by the blue leather trim and the blue-red-blue Web stripe.

The blue GG monogram is featured on luggage and handbags, expanding the men’s and women’s offer as an alternative to the already well-known ebony and beige combination first introduced in 1969. The new color variation, dating back to the early ‘70s, is declined on a selection of styles from the Ophidia line, refreshing the assortment with a contemporary touch: a trolley in different sizes (small, medium and large sizes), a duffle bag (medium, large sizes), a garment bag, two different backpacks, a hobo bag, a shoulder bag and a belt bag. Included as well are a tote in different sizes, a briefcase and a messenger bag. One can find feminine options, completing the handbag collection.

Paired with a blue-red-blue Web, blue leather trim and silver-toned hardware, the new shade is introduced through a selection of styles including the Jackie 1961, the Gucci Horsebit 1955 and the Dionysus. Small Leather Goods for men and women, including wallets, chain wallets, card cases and key cases top off the selection. The new colorway is declined across different shoe styles ranging from dressy to casual. Slide sandals, slippers, slingback pumps, Gucci Jordaan loafers, GG Rython sneakers all present the new blue GG canvas. GG Marmont reversible belts and a selection of hats including a baseball cap and a flat cap round off the offer.

Kendy X – Misplaced

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California Chanteuse, R&B sensation and singer/songwriter Kendy X announced April 29 as the official release date for her highly anticipated debut project, Misplaced, via her label, Rose Records. The rapturous announcement is backed by the unveiling of the project’s official cover art and tracklist, including her Billboard placed (Peaked #14 on the R&B Digital Song Sales) debut single “For Me” featuring DreamDoll and Kalan.FrFr.

Critics have raved over Kendy X. Lyrical Lemonade said, “Rose Records signee KENDY X has a new hit on her hands for the ladies.” “Be sure to press play on KendyX’s brand new ‘For Me (Remix)’ featuring DreamDoll and Kalan.Fr.Fr,” said Revolt TV. “The rising R&B artist breathes new life into her debut single,” said Hot New Hip Hop.

Last week, the rising R&B star was announced as the official opening act on Kalan.FrFr’s Never Lose You tour kicking off on April 28 in Orlando, Florida.

About Kendy X

The Chicago-born and Long Beach-raised singer, songwriter, and co-founder of The Rose Fest Music Festival hustles with the heart of an athlete (she was once a renowned gymnast) as she simultaneously projects a fresh and fiery presence across the culture. Kendy X’s vision begins to unfold on her 2022 independent debut project and much more to come.

She devoted the first eighteen years of her life to gymnastics until torn ligaments in her knee derailed an ambition to compete in The Olympics. Along the way, she picked up cello and piano in middle school and always wrote songs of her own. Inspired by her older sister Ry Dope, she penned her first tune at just six years old. Meanwhile, dad played multiple instruments, specializing in guitar and songwriting, enjoying local success in Chicago.

Despite its influence on the periphery of her life, she fully embraced music in 2019.

“After I stopped training, music came in,” she admits. “I found my new passion to focus on. It always got me through difficult times. This moment was no exception.”

From that point forward, she went full steam ahead throughout 2021. Alongside Ry Dope, she launched The Rose Music Festival as a state-of-the-art Southern California festival experience. Not only did the founders perform, but the stacked lineup boasted Mozzy, Rubi Rose, Eric Bellinger, Day Sulan, Stunna, Kalan.FrFr, 1TakeJay and more. At the same time, Kendy X hit the studio and recorded what would become her soon-to-be-released EP. Produced by Ayo & Keyz [Cardi B, Chris Brown, Bryson Tiller], the first single, “For Me,” served as a slick and sexy introduction to her signature style. As the original version generated over 1 million total streams, Kalan.FrFr and DreamDoll stunted on the Remix with surefire star power.

In the end, Kendy X has become just what she was always meant to be—a force of nature.

“Music was always the thing that helped me feel like I’m okay,” she leaves off. “We’re all going through things, but we’ve got each other. I hope people relate to my songs, and they feel a sense of happiness, reliability and love.”

Commanders × USO

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Washington Commanders co-owner and co-CEO Tanya Snyder, Head Coach Ron Rivera and his wife Stephanie Rivera and Commanders players Jonathan Allen and Jamin Davis teamed up with USO to hand deliver care packages to troops at BWI Airport just before they boarded the plane for deployment.

The care packages handed out were packaged during the Commander’s packaging event held on March 10^th at FedExField, when the team and USO together packed 4,000 Care Packages comprising more than 24,000 items for troops. The care packages include hygiene essentials such as combs, razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as team merchandise and snacks. March 10^th‘s event was the largest local USO packaging event to date. Tanya and Dan Snyder, Washington Commanders staff, Active-Duty Service Members, 15 Washington Alumni including Ken Harvey, Doc Walker, Fred Smoot, Dexter Manley, and Women of Washington Wives were in attendance.

In March, Co-Owners and Co-CEOs Tanya and Dan Snyder also donated $300,000 to support response efforts for the ongoing crisis in Ukraine to the USO and the following organizations:

USO Support our Troops, which has mobilized to support service members who have been deployed to Ukraine and the surrounding areas as well as their families, through care packages, USO2GO, and boxed snack programs.
DC-based World Central Kitchen, providing nourishing, hot meals through distribution points across six countries to refugees, in addition to partnering with local restaurants in Ukraine to support local needs for those who are staying in their cities.
International Rescue Committee, which is working to rush critical aid and direct support to displaced families through locally based organizations.
Save the Children, which is working with Ukraine’s most at-risk population, children, to address physical harm, severe emotional distress and mass displacement by coordinating efforts to provide immediate aid, supplies, psychosocial support and cash assistance.

About The USO

The USO continues to provide critical resources for U.S. service members deployed to Eastern Europe. From care packages to call centers, USO programs ensure troops remain connected to family, home, and country throughout their deployment.

BravoCon Returns

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Three years after Bravo fans had their Bravo dreams come true, BravoCon returns for an even bigger star-studded and unparalleled experience from October 14 to October 16. The super-fandom event will take place at the Javits Center in New York City, featuring an exciting weekend of tea-spilling panels, interactive experiences, live performances, immersive activations, never-before-seen content and more exclusive shopping opportunities than ever before. Fans will have front-row exclusive access to their favorite shows and Bravolebrities. Additional details coming soon.

For more information, click HERE.

“BravoCon emerged as a first-of-its-kind interactive event where ten thousand fans got to experience the massive Bravosphere come to life,” said Ellen Stone, EVP, Consumer Engagement & Brand Strategy, NBCUniversal. “After the last few years, we are especially excited to bring our biggest BravoCon ever to our loyal fans for an even more memorable year.”

BravoCon launched in 2019 with a sold-out three-day weekend showcasing the network’s wide breadth of series including The Real Housewives, Below Deck, and Million Dollar Listing franchises as well as Southern Charm, Top Chef, Summer House, Married to Medicine and more.

Fast Facts From BravoCon 2019

Nearly 10,000 attendees
90+ Bravolebrities
More than 50 live events
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen hosted the largest audience ever, with over 75 Bravolebrities on stage
One fan famously raved after attending: “My top three moments in life were marriage, babies and BravoCon—not necessarily in that order.”

About Bravo

Bravo is the premier lifestyle and entertainment brand that drives cultural conversation around its high-quality, interactive original content across all platforms. The network features a diverse slate of original programming, including Emmy Award-winning Top Chef and Project Runway, fan-favorites Vanderpump Rules, Below Deck, Southern Charm and the highly popular Million Dollar Listing and The Real Housewives franchises. Bravo also boasts the only live late-night talk show on television with the critically acclaimed Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, which has become a nightly destination for A-list celebrities. Bravo is part of the NBCUniversal Television and Streaming portfolio, which includes NBCU’s broadcast, cable and streaming platforms: NBC, Bravo, E!, Oxygen, SYFY, Universal Kids, USA Network and Peacock.

Milagro Tequila: Marga-Refunds

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This year tax refunds are expected to take record time to reach Americans, leaving many taxpayers distressed by the long wait. In response, Milagro Tequila is launching “Marga-Refunds” – its first-ever campaign delivering real time $10 CashApp payments to consumers who purchase Milagro Tequila this Cinco de Mayo. Available nationwide, these refunds are supplied by a newly minted division of Milagro Tequila – the Internal Reposado Service – whose singular mission is to make the wait for that refund a bit less taxing.

“Tax season is never easy and finding out that there could be a longer wait to receive your refund is not the kind of news you want to celebrate,” said Jill Palais, Senior Brand Manager of Milagro Tequila. “But – we don’t want delayed refunds to drag down Cinco de Mayo celebrations, so we’re stepping in with a small gesture to help people celebrate with the freshest, brightest 100% agave tequila – without worrying about their wallets.”

As tax season comes to a close, far more than 10 million returns have been submitted, with over 7 million of them currently backlogged, creating potential delays*. Even prompt tax filing can result in delayed refunds, many of which will not arrive in time for Cinco de Mayo. Whether you filed early, right on time or needed an extension, Milagro Tequila believes everyone deserves to celebrate on Cinco. That’s why they will deliver real-time payments to those who apply for the “Marga-Refund” program this year – quickly putting money into the pockets of tequila-lovers on this celebratory day.

On May 5, 2022, 21+ fans can get their $10 refund by visiting HERE, filling out the brief online form, and uploading a photo of the receipt for a Milagro bottle purchase. Milagro Tequila comes in six expressions – Milagro Silver, Milagro Reposado and Milagro Añejo, in addition to Milagro Select Silver, Milagro Select Reposado and Milagro Select Añejo. This offer is valid for one day only and expires at 12:01am May 6th, 2022. Before submitting for a refund, carefully review the Official Rules including all eligibility requirements which can be found HERE. For more on Milagro Tequila, their website and Instagram.

Milagro Tequila is a 100% blue agave tequila renowned for its bright, fresh agave flavor and exceptional smoothness. Milagro offers a six-variant range of tequilas to mix into your favorite cocktails or to be enjoyed straight. Milagro Tequila was founded on the premise that where the sun shines, love reigns, and tequila pours, and this year, the brand is giving fans just that through a refund program you can count on.

Spread the word of your Cinco de Mayo “Marga-Refund” from Milagro on social using #MilagroTequila #MilagroMargaRefunds.

About Milagro

Milagro Tequila was founded in 1998 by two wide-eyed college friends who decided to take a chance and create a tequila that better reflected the bright, vibrant, artistic world of Mexico City. Milagro Tequila is truly defined by its ultimate balance of fresh agave taste and exquisite smoothness and is made from 100% blue agave from the Jalisco Highlands, where the finest, sweetest blue agave in the world is cultivated. The Milagro Tequila range consists of six expressions, with Silver, Reposado and Añejo expressions of the core and Select ranges respectively. A bright, fresh agave-forward liquid by design, all Milagro Tequila expressions undergo a 36-hour slow roasting process in traditional brick ovens to extract all the nuances of the precious agave flavor before being double-distilled. Milagro Tequila’s unique double-distillation process uses both pot and column stills to retain the vibrant, mouth-watering flavors of agave and impart an exquisite smoothness that compares to the finest white spirits in the world.

Milagro Select is an ultra-premium tequila devoted to the essential elements of the liquid, and confidently lets them shine. With the individual barrel numbers printed on each label, you know you’re getting award-winning liquid; Milagro Select Silver was awarded a Gold Medal in the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The premium bottle is inspired by the clean lines and work of renowned Mexican architect and engineer, Luis Barragán and the sophistication of modern-day Mexico. All Milagro Select expressions have an ABV of 40%alc./vol. and range from SRP $39.99 to SRP $54.99.

About William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons Holdings Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the global premium spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch, Grant’s®, as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Spiced Rum, Tullamore D.E.W.® Irish Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder® Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Drambuie® Scotch Liqueur.

William Grant & Sons has been honored as “Distiller of the Year” by the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition and International Spirits Challenge 13 times over the past 14 years, including the most recent award in 2020.

Founded in 1964, William Grant & Sons USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, Ltd. And features one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios in the US with brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, Drambuie, Milagro Tequila, Fistful of Bourbon, Grant’s, Hudson Whiskey, Gibson’s Finest, Monkey Shoulder, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Flor de Caña Rum, The Knot and Raynal French Brandy. For more information on the company and its brands, please visit HERE.

CGMSWLA Winners

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The eighth annual California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Award winners were announced today during Down to Earth Month, a celebration of California’s sustainable viticulture and winemaking. Presented by several California wine organizations devoted to sustainability, four Green Medals have been presented in the following categories: Leader, Environment, Community and Business.

“It’s a pleasure to recognize the California wine community’s cutting-edge leaders in sustainability through the California Green Medal Awards,” said Allison Jordan, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance’s (CSWA) Executive Director. “Their stories illustrate the perfect synergy between growing exceptional winegrapes and crafting premier wines with an enduring commitment to resource conservation, environmental protection and quality of life enrichment for their employees and community.”

Leader Award

Given to the vineyard or winery that excels in the three “Es” of sustainability—Environmentally sound, socially Equitable and Economically viable practices, Wente Family Estates achieved the award.

Located in the heart of Livermore Valley, Wente Family Estates is a multi-generational vineyard and winery deeply rooted in sustainability, with a 139-year commitment to the land and people. As a Certified California Sustainable vineyard and winery, Wente takes conserving resources and building soil health seriously—using no-tillage methods to sequester carbon and build organic matter while minimizing compaction, grazing to control grasses, and returning harvest waste to the soil as compost. Wente uses sensors to monitor vine water needs and reuses all treated winery water in the vineyard.

They also have two all-electric Monarch tractors and use lightweight glass bottles to reduce their carbon footprint. Wente has made it their mission to enhance the communities in which they live and work. Employees receive eight volunteer hours annually and matching contributions for their charitable donations. Wente Foundation for Arts Education has donated over $1 million to school arts education programs since 2012, and its Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification ensures wildlife habitat protection. The winery also educates customers by sharing its sustainability story throughout the entire consumer experience, starting with lightweight bottles that include the sustainability certification logo on its wine labels.

Environment Award

Given to Trefethen Family Vineyards, that best demonstrated Environmental Stewardship through maximized environmental benefits from implementing sustainable practices.

Located in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, Trefethen Family Vineyards is demonstrating outstanding commitment to the environment through their comprehensive approach and multiple certifications—Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, Fish Friendly Farming, Green Business Program and Napa Green. The winery’s water system recycled almost two million gallons of water for vineyard use in 2021. The family uses mechanical weed control practices along with an integrated approach to growing grapes, and encourages biodiverse predators such as beneficial wasps, owls, bats, bluebirds and hawks that help control insect and vertebrate pests. Less than 40 acres of the family’s 255-acre hillside property are planted to vine, preserving significant oak wildland. Working with local agencies, they restored a nearby stream bank to improve native Coho salmon breeding grounds.

Over 2,000 solar panels; EV vehicles and charging stations; and night harvesting are among the ways that the winery reduces greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. The Trefethen family fosters an engaged team through its expanded employee education programs—including “Trefethen University” which focuses on topics such as waste reduction and energy conservation—and through the distribution of fresh produce from their garden. In 2021, the Trefethen family received a recycling leadership award for comprehensively addressing waste diversion throughout their operation.

Community Award

This was given to the vineyard or winery that is a Good Neighbor and Employer using the most innovative practices that enhance relations with employees, neighbors and/or communities: McManis Family Vineyards.

Based in California’s northern interior, McManis Family Vineyards believes in community coming together to support a shared goal. The company regards employees as family, treating all employees to lunch every Sunday during harvest, and fosters a culture of respect through open communication. This unity extends to the community with wide support for local charities through donations and an annual toy drive where they collect over 2,000 toys for children each year. During the pandemic, McManis made health and safety its number one priority, making hand sanitizer for first responders, and hosting public COVID-19 vaccination clinics that served hundreds of employees and neighbors.

The winery also cares for the broader ecosystem, establishing a conservation easement to permanently protect native habitat and wildlife in and around one of their vineyards. It also implemented many practices to reduce its carbon footprint such as using electric UTVs and forklifts, solar, composting solid waste and recycling winery water. With vineyards certified to LODI RULES and the winery certified to Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, McManis helps educate other wine grape growers about the importance of sustainability and the value of certification.

Business Award

Given to the vineyard or winery that best demonstrates Smart Business through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation from implementing sustainable practices: Jackson Family Wines

With vineyards and wineries throughout California, including in Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, Santa Barbara and Sonoma counties, Jackson Family Wines embodies what it means to be a “smart business” by connecting sustainable practices to efficiencies, cost savings and innovation. The goals established in its Rooted for Good: Roadmap to 2030 plan, launched last year, are fully integrated in its business model. For example, decarbonization is part of the company’s capital expenditure plan, smart water management and efficiency are part of the vineyard redevelopment plan and social impact and diversity equity and inclusion initiatives are integrated into human resources and employees’ roles and responsibilities.

Recognizing that sustainability is not only important to protecting the environment and improving the lives of employees and communities but also to the longevity of the business from an economic standpoint, the company invested over $18 million in sustainability efforts since 2015, which has resulted in over $29 million in cost savings stemming from energy efficiency, renewable energy, glass bottle light weighting and other innovations. In addition to being certified to Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, Fish Friendly Farming, Napa Green and Sustainability in Practice, Jackson Family Wines publicly committed to reducing the company’s carbon footprint in half by 2030 and becoming climate positive by 2050 without purchasing offsets. Attempting to have an impact beyond their own company, Jackson Family Wines co-founded the International Wineries for Climate Action to support other wineries across the globe in setting and achieving climate goals.

Journey – You Got the Best of Me

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As one of the world’s most beloved rock bands, Journey continues to create new music and thrill audiences night after night in sold-out arenas worldwide in conjunction with AEG as their promoter.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, Journey have 25 gold and platinum albums, including the fifteen-million selling Greatest Hits collection, with total sales adding up to 80 million records around the world.

Emerging from the pandemic with a supercharged new studio line-up, the members of Journey unleashed the first single “You Got The Best Of Me” off their forthcoming studio album, Freedom—due out July 8 via BMG—is available for pre-order HERE.

“You Got The Best Of Me” will be followed this summer by an epic, fifteen-track set of new original songs that brings back the grand scale of the group’s greatest moments, along with updated and bold new directions and sounds.

“I wanted kind of a punky rendition of ‘Any Way You Want It'”, says the group’s founding member, guitarist, songwriter, and producer Neal Schon about the single. “I usually don’t go in saying I’m going to look for something like that, but then it just came to me, like “Wheel in the Sky” did years ago. It just kind of flew out of my mouth.”

While the forthcoming album was made with visions of arena and stadium stages, it started from humble beginnings. In 2020, as COVID swept the globe, Schon was stuck at home like the rest of us. “During the pandemic, there wasn’t much to do,” he says. “I spent a lot of time in my little studio at home, learning how to play keyboards and looping. Some of those ideas ended up being songs. So it kind of came out of nowhere.”

Listen to the new single, “You Got the Best of Me,” HERE.

As the band’s legend continues to grow larger and their touring gets bigger, Freedom will be the first album of new material to be released in eleven years, since 2011’s Eclipse, and in addition to long time keyboard player and primary lyricist Jonathan Cain and vocalist Arnel Pineda, one more member was recruited for the upcoming album—bassist extraordinaire Randy Jackson, who had played on Journey’s 1986 album Raised on Radio.

They will also be going on a full North American tour. For ticket info, click HERE. Journey and AEG have announced four exclusive Las Vegas show dates featuring special symphony orchestra performances at the new, state-of-the-art Resorts World Theatre. Tickets for the special engagement are on sale now. For more info, click HERE.