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G HERBO 25 track list art from The Purple Agency for use by 360 magazine

G HERBO – 25

Preparing for a massive summer, chart-topping phenom and platinum-selling G Herbo just uncovered the tracklisting for his anxiously awaited fourth full-length album, 25, in advance of its release this Friday, July 2, 2021.

Pre-order/Pre-save 25 here (via Machine Entertainment Group).

Setting the stage, he also shared the official album trailer. Watch it here.

With 25, G Herbo has assembled his biggest, boldest, and the best body of work to date. Among these 19 tracks, he recruited a cohort of A-list collaborators, including Polo G and Lil Tjay on “Cry No More,” 21 Savage on “T.O.P.,” and The Kid LAROI and Gunna on “You Can’t.” Through and through, his authoritative flows, incisive choruses, and raw heart shine.

He bulldozed a path for the project earlier this year with “Break Yoself,” and “Really Like That.” The FADER attested, “The tracks feel like siblings with their gunmetal-black sounds and visions of violence and wealth, though I can imagine turning up to ‘Really Like That’.” Plus, 25 boasts the fan-favorite “Statement,” nearing 10 million streams

G Herbo is back, and he’s ready to flip the game upside down once and for all on 25.

ABOUT G HERBO:

After quietly grinding for years out of his native Chicago, G Herbo established himself as not only a platinum-selling, chart-topping phenomenon but also as a staunch mental health advocate and proponent for change in the black community. Following a string of acclaimed projects, his critically celebrated third album PTSD bowed at #7 on the Billboard Top 200, received praise from Rolling Stone as “his most vulnerable album to date,” and yielded one of the most important songs of 2020 – the platinum-certified title track “PTSD” [feat. Juice WRLD, Lil Uzi Vert, & Chance the Rapper]. Additionally, he launched the Swervin’ Through Stress youth mental health program which was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30. To further his commitment to championing these causes, he is also remodeling an old, shuttered, public elementary school into a community center in Chicago. G Herbo remains a pillar of hip-hop and the culture.

For more information and the latest on G Herbo visit:

YouTube | Instagram | Twitter

Music note illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

SEVENTEEN – YOUR CHOICE

Self-producing idols SEVENTEEN’s 8th EP Your Choice debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 yesterday.

Your Choice additionally catapulted to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart, ranking as America’s best-selling album of the week.

Released on June 18, the EP recorded 1.36 million sales during the first week of release, bringing in the act’s fourth million seller achievement and setting a new sales record with the most first-week sales of any album released in Korea in 2021.

SEVENTEEN will be holding their on- and off-line fan meet 2021 SVT 5TH FAN MEETING ‘SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND’ from 6th to 8th of August.

About SEVENTEEN:

Racking up 2 billion streams and selling 7.5 million albums, SEVENTEEN has rocketed to the forefront of the global music industry fueled by a fiercely independent spirit, in-house creative ecosystem, and one irresistible work after another. The group’s innovative structure hinges on the interplay of three units: the hip-hop team led by S.COUPS, vocal team led by WOOZI, and performance team led by HOSHI. Living up to the title of “self-producing idols” the self-contained and self-empowered act has unassumingly made history and become one of the biggest K-pop groups ever due to their world-class synchronization, jaw-dropping choreography, and tight teamwork.

SEVENTEEN’s 2015 debut EP, 17 CARAT, emerged as “the longest running album on the Billboard World Albums Chart,” remaining in the chart for eleven weeks. Billboard crowned An Ode the “Best K-pop Album of 2019” as the act packed arenas and sold over half a million tickets. The EP Heng:garæ elevated them to rarified air in 2020. Over 1 million copies were sold during the week of release. Not to mention, it earned “the third best first-week sales in South Korea.” On its heels, they eclipsed 1 billion total streams on Spotify. With their following EP ; [Semicolon], the act made their U.S. TV debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Follow SEVENTEEN:

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music

Heather Skovlund Music illustration for 360 Magazine

Stunna Girl – 10 Times

Heating up summer to a boiling point, buzzing Sacramento, California rapper and #RunwayChallenge queen Stunna Girl reveals the music video for “10 Times” today. Watch it here. It stands out as the latest single from her 2021 mixtape, Stunna This Stunna That, out now. Get it here via Epic Records.

Once again, she delivers another striking visual. Donning a series of colorful looks and upping her fashion game (as always), she raps with a combination of undeniable charisma and formidable presence, lighting up the camera. Each line hits hard as she commands, “If you gonna talk to me, then talk dirty,” before reminding, “10 times out of 10, I’m that bitch…10 times out of 10, I look better than my pics.” Of course, a trio of judges rank her performance with “10’s” across the board! The video directed by Azzie Scott, is the perfect kick off to summer as it intercuts one captivating colorful vignette after another.

Right out of the gate, Stunna This Stunna That earned critical acclaim. HotNewHipHop raved, “It’s a 12-track project filled with bangers from top to bottom,” and she sat down with Hip Hop Wired for an extensive interview. LA Weekly predicted Stunna This Stunna That “should see Stunna Girl’s already blossoming profile go up another level in 2021.”

Get ready for more soon!

Her rapid-fire flows, head-turning bars, and endless attitude drive Stunna This Stunna That at high speed. On the project, “Ask About Me” couples an unshakable chant with punchy verses over throwback production. She lives up to the title of “Unfuckwittable” by tearing through a bass-y beat with no apologies. “No Real Bitches Left” affirms her outlier status, while the melodic conclusion “Where You Belong” illuminates her vocal range.

Check out the full track listing below.

She capped off a breakout 2020 with “Rotation.” Not only did it generate just shy of 1 million total streams and views, but it also received critical acclaim. FLAUNT Magazine raved, “Stunna Girl is the definition of a bad bitch who’s ready to take over the rap game single-handedly.”

She dropped a succession of bangers last year. “Runway” clocked 31 million Spotify streams and sparked the #RUNWAYCHALLENGE with nearly 4 million Tik Tok creates. “Like I Said Tho” and “Lil Boy Cash” increased her momentum, while “Rotation (Game Mix)” graced the Madden 2K21 Official Soundtrack.

Stay tuned for a lot more from Stunna Girl.

Track Listing:

 Still Smoke

Ask About Me

Fucking Up The Game

Ride

Unfuckwittable

10 Times

Can’t Choose

Catch Me At The Bank

Two Tone

Stunna This Stunna That

No Real Bitches Left

Where You Belong

About Stunna Girl:

Dripping with attitude and ready to inspire confidence, Stunna Girl is ready for her close-up. “I want you to get off the wall. Don’t just stand there to stand there!” The singer created a viral frenzy for her 2019 style anthem, “Runway.” After releasing a project independently and inking a deal with Epic Records, she is inevitably poised to be one of Hip-Hop’s most anticipated voices of the new decade. “I’m a threat!” she promises.

Born and raised in Northern California, music offered a refuge from a tragic home life. After dealing with a tough upbringing, which saw her having to balance family problems with her own, she knew that she could draw upon her life experiences as creative fuel. Stunna Girl came out of the other side with a newfound sense of confidence and focus, diving headfirst into fulfilling her long standing musical dream. In 2019, she became a major player in the local Sacramento music scene and made waves with her independent debut album, YKWTFGO. When the #RunwayChallenge organically exploded on TikTok, she inspired a viral movement facilitated by millions of videos by fans and influencers such as Nikita Dragun, and more. The song proved so gripping that by the end of the year, TikTok proclaimed her as the fourth top artist on the platform for the year, behind only Lil Nas X, Mariah Carey and Lizzo.

Her nimble raps, fearless rhymes, and unapologetic spirit went on to receive attention from TIME, BuzzFeed, The New Yorker, Teen Vogue and more with Pitchfork saying that there is “no question that women especially may find her confidence genuinely empowering.”

As she told Genius for their coveted Verified series, she free-styled “Runway” in 30 minutes with the intention of creating a motivational anthem. “When I was in the studio, that’s how I felt. Like, ‘Bitch, you look like you’re fresh off the runway. I really just wanted to keep making music that got people to move.” Now, with her major label debut EP on the way, she’s about to shine like never before in 2020.

Fireworks by Mina Tocalini for use by 360 Magazine

M RESORT SPA CASINO FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS

M Resort Spa Casino will host their Fourth of July fireworks and partnership with the City of Henderson’s Star-Spangled Sky 2021. To honor and celebrate the Henderson community and neighboring Las Vegas locals, the resort will offer spectators an extended 15-minute firework display choreographed to music on Independence Day, Sunday, July 4 beginning at 9 p.m.

The 2021 Star-Spangled Sky fireworks will be choreographed to music broadcasted locally from four iHeartRadio stations including Sunny 106.5, 95.5 The Bull, 93.1 The Mountain and Real 103.9 FM. Patriotic music can be heard live on air as well as via stream from the iHeartRadio app available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

While free public viewing of the fireworks will be available from many areas inside and surrounding the resort, M Pool Deck will offer a special reserved firework viewing area offering pool access for guests starting at 8 p.m. through the conclusion of the fireworks. Admission for the M Pool Deck reserved area is priced at $10 a person with limited availability and seating will be first come, first serve the day of the event. Swimming is permitted with proper swim attire.

M Resort became Henderson’s only resort on the famous Las Vegas Strip when it opened its doors in 2009. This place was also recommended by top gambling review sites and listed by best online casinos in New Jersey as one of the most promising gambling venue of the year. Now celebrating its 12th year, the award-winning property is a pillar of the Henderson community and the Official Team Headquarters Hotel of the Las Vegas Raiders.

About M Resort Spa Casino

M Resort Spa Casino, the Official Team Headquarters Hotel of the Las Vegas Raiders, is a Forbes Four-Star resort located on more than 90 acres on the southeast corner of St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard. Situated higher in elevation than other resort-casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, M Resort provides optimal views of the world-famous Las Vegas skyline from its guest rooms, suites, conference center and restaurants. The resort offers 390 guest rooms and suites, over 92,000 square feet of gaming, nine restaurants and bars including the all-new Raiders Tavern & Grill, the Forbes Four-Star Spa Mio, a modern fitness center with floor to ceiling windows overlooking M Pool, the resort’s 100,000 square foot pool and events piazza. M Resort is operated by Penn National Gaming, Inc.

Music note illustration by Mina Tocalini for 360 Magazine

BIG BRATT – FIRST CLASS

Today, rising Chattanooga-bred rapper Big Bratt releases “First Class,” an energetic new single powered by crushing bass, rapid-fire flexes, and irrepressible attitude. The track arrives with accompanying video, watch above or listen at all digital retailers here.

Over a minimal, speaker-rattling instrumental, Bratt serves up confident bars about her approach to romance. “Told him he can be my trick, but he can’t be my man,” she raps in her deep Southern drawl, “Every time I leave a nigga, make him go insane.” Elsewhere, she dives into some casual flexing, flaunting her knack for stacking money and detailing the life of luxury that’s resulted from her success. “I’m in first class with my feet up,” she raps on the infectious chorus.

 

With hard-hitting bars and a memorable hook, “First Class” is further proof that Big Bratt is well on her way to big things. This new song arrives just over a month after the Cinematic Music Group rapper’s “Paid in Full,” a song and video made in the spirit of the 2002 film of the same name. In the video, she plays her own version of the movie’s kingpin protagonist while still making time to hit up the basketball court and kick it with her crew. It’s a visual that is rooted deeply in hip-hop culture and it demands you pay attention, something plenty of new listeners are starting to do with every Big Bratt release. 

 

This recent run of singles, which started with the reflective 2020 track “Rich Rollxn,” shows off why she’s caught the attention of critics and tastemakers — DJ BOOTH has already identified her as one of “10 rappers you should know right now.” With the fierce charisma and natural dexterity on display on songs like “First Class,” Bratt seems poised to continue making noise throughout the rest of 2021 and beyond. 

 

About Big Bratt: 

Raised on Southern hip-hop legends like Boosie and 8Ball & MJG, Bratt stepped into the studio for the first time as a little girl. During her high school years, she learned how to make beats and started sharing her remixes on social media, and soon began putting her fierce work ethic to the test. “Before I got my vehicle I was always catching the bus or getting an Uber to Nashville from three hours away,” says Bratt. “It was hard but I didn’t care what it took; I just knew I needed to get to the studio.”

 

Now at work on her debut project, Bratt has teamed up with producers like Bankroll Got It (Stunna 4 Vegas, Smokepurpp, Lil Pump) to further develop her sound. “The whole goal of this project is to be motivational,” she says. “I want all the females my age to know they deserve more, but they can’t be lazy or depend on anybody else to make it happen. It’s time to go get it on their own.”

 

Big Bratt – “First Class” – eSingle

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FloggingMolly_ViolentFemmes_2021_Instagram_Post_Slide1_1080x1080_TourPoster02 from Christina Santamaria (BMG) for use by 360 magazine

FLOGGING MOLLY × VIOLENT FEMMES ANNOUNCE CO-HEADLINE TOUR

Legendary punk bands Flogging Molly and Violent Femmes are excited to announce their upcoming fall co-headline tour, featuring special guests Me First And The Gimme Gimmes and Thick. Various pre-sales begin this week, with general tickets on-sale this Friday, June 25 at 10 am local time. For tickets and more information, please visit here.

 

The run kicks off September 3 in Maryland Heights, MO and will bring good times and great music to cities from coast to coast, including a show at Pier 17 in New York City on September 21. Full routing can be found below.

 

Flogging Molly’s Dave King shares his excitement about the news: “What a joy it is to announce our co-headline tour this coming September/October 2021 with the legendary Violent Femmes. We in the Flogging Molly family cannot wait to share the stage with such an amazing group, so please join us in celebrating the return of what we’ve all truly missed: the live music experience. We cannot wait to see you all! So take care dear friends, till we raise a glass to one and all, Slainté! Flogging Molly.”

 

Violent Femmes’ Brian Ritchie shares: “Can’t be hermits forever. Violent Femmes re-enter the big bad world they sing about. We are happy to crawl out of our hole just in time to celebrate 40 years as a band.”

 

As Violent Femmes celebrate their 40th anniversary together this year, this also provided an opportunity to commemorate the band’s enduring catalog of cult classics with the long out-of-print vinyl reissue of Add It Up (19811993’). Available now via Craft Recordings, the 23-track compilation was re-released on 2-LP and digital formats, featuring the Femmes’ biggest hits such as “Blister in the Sun,” “American Music,” and “Gone Daddy Gone,” plus live recordings of fan-favorites like “Add It Up,” and “Kiss Off,” alongside a trove of demos, B-sides, interstitial voice recordings, and rarities. Click here to stream or pick up Add It Up (19811993’) on vinyl. Craft will be working with the band on more special catalog reissues to be announced shortly, stay tuned to Violent Femmes’ socials for more details coming soon.

 

This news follows exciting announcement that Flogging Molly are partnering with Sixthman for the 6th Salty Dog Cruise, setting sail March 28 – April 1, 2022 with friends Descendents, The Distillers, Frank Turner (Duo), Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Broilers, Möngöl Hörde, Authority Zero, Dave Hause & the Mermaid, Thick, The Cherry Coke$, Punk Rock Karaoke, Guise, and more to be announced. For more information, visit Flogging Molly Cruise. The band also recently performed a special St. Patrick’s Day livestream concert broadcast from the iconic Whelan’s Irish Pub in Dublin, Ireland, in partnership with Bushmills Irish Whiskey®. Additionally, Flogging Molly will perform at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, TN on Sunday, September 5.

 

Flogging Molly & Violent Femmes Tour Dates:

9/3 – Maryland Heights, MO – St. Louis Music Park

9/4 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheatre at White River State Park

9/8 – Columbus, OH – EXPRESS LIVE!

9/10 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre

9/11 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion

9/12 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summerstage

9/14 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

9/15 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE

9/17 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion

9/18 – Rochester, NY – Main Street Armory

9/19 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center Inc.

9/21 – New York, NY – Pier 17

9/22 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl

9/24 – Philadelphia, PA – Metropolitan Opera House

9/25 – Big Flats, NY – Tag’s Summer Stage

9/26 – Washington, DC – The Anthem

10/5 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

10/6 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

10/8 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Amphitheatre

10/9 – Las Vegas, NV – Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

10/10 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre

10/12 – Sacramento, CA – Heart Health Park

10/13 – Fresno, CA – Woodward Park Rotary Amphitheater

10/15 – Bend, OR – Les Schwab Amphitheater

10/16 – Seattle, WA – WaMu Theater

10/17 – Eugene, OR – Cuthbert Amphitheater

10/19 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

10/20 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom

10/22 – Milwaukee, WI – Miller High Life Theater

10/23 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

About Flogging Molly:

Flogging Molly is comprised of Dave King (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, bodhran), Bridget Regan (violin, tin whistle, vocals), Dennis Casey (guitar, vocals), Matt Hensley (accordion, concertina, vocals), Nathen Maxwell (bass guitar, vocals), Spencer Swain (mandolin, banjo, guitar, vocals), and Mike Alonso (drums, percussion). Starting out as the house band for Molly Malone’s in Los Angeles and building a loyal following through endless touring, Flogging Molly has become a staple in the punk scene over the past 20 years, kicking off with its raucous debut showcase, Swagger, and continuing through its five additional studio albums. With numerous late-night television appearances under their belt, its sell-out Salty Dog Cruise through the Caribbean, and yearly St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Los Angeles, the band is currently working on the Rise Records follow-up to its latest LP, Life Is Good. Recently, the band reissued Swagger with exclusive tracks, an Irish traditional set, a 60-minute video feature, and exclusive merch in a collectable box set.

About Violent Femmes:

Violent Femmes formed in 1981 as an acoustic punk band playing on the streets of Milwaukee, WI, with the goal to rock harder than any other acoustic act on the planet. The band released their eponymous debut album in 1983, finally entering the Billboard Charts and earning a platinum certification eight years after the fact. Over the course of their three-decade career, the Femmes have released 10 studio albums, four live albums, four compilation albums, an EP, and several singles, earning a legendary cult status and influencing generations of musicians with their catalog.

Toosii - Photo Credit_ Nicholas Green from nicole crystal from Capitol Music Group for use by 360 Magazine

Toosii – f**k marry kill

Today, the Syracuse-born, North Carolina-raised rapper Toosii shares a luxurious video for “f**k marry kill,” a single from his latest project Thank You For Believing, out now via South Coast Music Group/Capitol Records. The visual – which follows a similarly lush clip for “Red Die” – finds the rising rap star embracing opulence, surrounded by beautiful women, glimmering jewels, and an inviting pool. Watch here.

The “f**k marry kill” video offers Toosii a chance to celebrate his recent successes as he lives large in a lavish mansion, surrounded by women in bikinis. It’s a fitting pairing for the track’s floating melodies and effortless cool.

The video is appropriately celebratory given that Toosii has recently marked some huge career milestones. His relentless work ethic and undeniable run of vivid, emotional tracks earned him a spot in the 2021 XXL Freshman Class. It’s a coveted honor for any rapper, and it speaks to the growing acclaim for Toosii across the industry. Thank You For Believing garnered praise from critics and tastemakers like The Fader, Complex, The Source, UPROXX, HotNewHipHop, and more.

Tickets are on sale here for the Thank You for Believing tour – Toosii’s first-ever U.S. headline outing. He will also perform at numerous festivals, including Rolling Loud, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.

Toosii also recently surpassed one billion combined global streams across all of his songs, proof that his music is resonating with listeners too. Between the release of Thank You For Believing, the staggering success of its singles, and his appearance on XXL’s 2021 Freshman Class, Toosii is already well on his way to becoming a superstar. But he’ll be the first to admit that all of this hustle is just the beginning.

Gorgon City 'Olympia' Artwork from nicole crystal from Capitol Music Group for use by 360 Magazine

GORGON CITY × JEM COOKE – DREAMS

Celebrated British dance duo Gorgon City have released their new track “Dreams” via Astralwerks today. Listen here. The new offering follows latest single “Never Let Me Down” featuring Hayley May, and will feature on their eagerly anticipated third album Olympia which is out this Friday, June 25th.

Offering up ethereal tones and Gorgon City’s trademark arpeggiated bassline, “Dreams” is elevated by its accompanying video, that journeys through an idyllic, paradise island scattered with imposing, Greek statues. Watch the video here.

An album shrouded in Greek mythology, OlympiaGorgon City’s third album, is as grand in scale and ambition as its title suggests. What began in 2019 as a compact, 10-track project has grown into an 18-track opus covering multiple moods and movements. From the sultry slouch of “House Arrest” with Soffi Tukker, to the big-room bridges and drops of the DRAMA, featured on “You’ve Done Enough,” each new addition to Olympia is both a symbol and product of the pair’s unbridled ambitions for what they wanted to be a big record in every way conceivable. The record includes features from an incredible roll call of exciting new talent in the form of Grace Grundy and Aura James, alongside past collaborators Josh Barry, Sofi Tukker and DRAMA.

Formed in 2012, Gorgon City have sold over 10 million singles and clocked up over 1.5 billion streams. While the duo are no strangers to chart success with hits such as “Ready For Your Love,” their sound is rooted deep in club culture and made for live shows. Many songs get road tested in clubs before being put onto an album. The live setting is where the duo truly thrives – 2019 saw amazing sets around the world including Coachella, EDC Vegas and Israel’s Get Lost Festival, as well as sold-out shows from iconic UK venues such as Printworks, Warehouse Project and Tobacco Dock.

The fans’ demand for Gorgon City’s return to the clubs is undeniable. This September, the duo will embark on some of their biggest and boldest shows to date, with the driving force being Olympia.

Olympia Tracklist:

Tell Me It’s True

Oxygen (with Aura James)

You’ve Done Enough (with DRAMA)

Dreams (with Jem Cooke)

Body Language (with Cami)

When You’re Gone

House Arrest (with Soffi Tukker)

Never Let Me Down (with Hayley May)

Sweet Temptation

Nobody (with DRAMA)

Lost Feelings

Tears (with Grace Grundy)

Waiting For The Right Time

Ecstasy (with Jem Cooke)

Foolproof (with Hayden James & Nat Dunn)

Burning (with Evan Giia)

Thoughts

Freedom (with Josh Barry)

OLYMPIA HEADLINE TOUR DATES:

9/17/21 – Seattle – Showbox SoDo

9/23/21 – Chico – El Rey is Theater

9/24/21 – San Francisco – The Midway – SOLD OUT

9/30/21 – Salt Lake City – SKY SLC

10/1/21 – Detroit – Magic Stick – SOLD OUT

10/2/21 – Washington – Echostage

10/7/21 – Charleston – Trio

10/8/21 – Charlotte – World

10/9/21 – Boston – Big Night Live

10/14/21 – Minneapolis – Exchange Nightclub

10/15/21 – Houston – Stereo Live

10/16/21 – Dallas – Stereo Live

10/17/21 – Tallahassee – Potbelly’s

10/21/21 – Columbus – The Bluestone

10/22/21 – Atlanta – District

10/24/21 – Gainesville – Vivid Sky Warehouse Backlot

10/28/21 – Denver – Mission Ballroom

10/29/21 – Chicago – Radius

10/31/21 – Austin – The Concourse Project

11/5/21 – Los Angeles – Shrine Expo Hall – SOLD OUT

11/6/21 – Brooklyn – The Great Hall

11/12/21 – Leeds – Academy

12/10/21 – Manchester – Albert Hall

12/11/21 – Liverpool – Invisible Wind Factory – SOLD OUT

12/17/21 – London – Printworks – SOLD OUT

Connect with Gorgon City:

Website I Instagram I Twitter I Facebook I Soundcloud I YouTubeSpotify

Town & Country 8th Philanthropy Summit – Marlo Thomas × Phil Donahue

The 8th annual Town & Country Philanthropy Summit continued today with a wonderful conversation between Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue, moderated by Editor in Chief Stellene Volandes. This is the first time that Phil has interviewed Marlo since they first met on the Donahue show decades ago.

Please see below for highlights from the panel as well as a link to view the interview in its entirety:

Marlo on visiting St. Jude following her father’s death:

“After my father died, it was just a terrible shock to us. It was stunning because he hadn’t been sick, so it was very sudden. He was adored by us. We all loved him, and he was our funny, loving perfect daddy so it was very, very hard. We all decided that you know, we’d go to St. Jude and let them know that we were here if they needed us and so I went to St. Jude, a couple of months later. I drove up and there was a sixteen feet statue of St. Jude right at the entrance, and I started to cry because I’ve been there so many times with my dad. I pulled myself together because I didn’t want to cry in front of the parents, they have enough heartache of their own. I went inside and, in the lobby, there was this party going on. All of these little kids running around with party hats, balloons, confetti, ice cream, and cake. I said to the nurse, ‘Well whose birthday, is it?’ She said, ‘Oh it’s not a birthday party, it’s an off-chemo party.’ Well, I’ll tell you, I just gasped, to see these children celebrating one of their turns for the better. All of these moms and dads and grandparents standing around with tears in their eyes because they felt that if this child made it, maybe their beloved child would too. It was really a stunning moment for me. And then, just as I was standing there, this mom came over with a little girl about four years old, all dressed in pink. She had little pink ribbons jauntily tied around her little bald head and the mother said to her, ‘do you know who’s this lady’s daddy is?’ and the little girl shyly answered, ‘yes’ the mother said ‘who?’ She [little girl] proudly said, ‘St. Jude.’ I just fell in love with her. I fell in love with all of those kids in the off-chemo party. I fell in love with this place. And I realized for the first time, just what all of this hope and love and promise and the future of a second chance for children meant to my father. It really helped me to see myself as a part of it.”

Marlo on what she learned from her father: 

“Well, what I learned from dad, really is that he had a lot of sayings, and one of them was there’s two kinds of people in the world: those who stop on an accident to see if they can help or those who just drive by. He was literally the kind that would stop and help. I remember one time, we were driving by down Sunset Blvd. we saw these boys beating up on another little boy. And my father stopped the car and jumped out. He pulled the boys apart and gave them a big talking to. I was sitting in the car, terrified, I was eight years old. He got back in the car. He brought the little boy that’ve been bullied with him. We were going to drop him off at home and as my dad started the car, he said, ‘I hate a bully.’ And I think to him, cancer in children was a bully. A bully that he wanted to defeat. The thing about my dad too is that he really was a citizen of the world, that we all are citizens of the world…He saw himself as part of the neighborhood as a part of a community wherever he was, he was a part of that community. I think that was a great lesson for my sister, my brother, and I.”

Phil Donahue on his first visit to St. Jude and how that impacted him: 

“My first visit to St. Jude, I picked up a little bald-headed kid. I said, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up, big guy?’ This still makes me cry. The kid said, ‘I just don’t want to be sick anymore.’ Well, my god, I grabbed this kid. You know, for a very brief moment, I kind of felt how parents feel when they take a child to St. Jude. How scary it must be and how I didn’t want that child to see my eyes get moist. So, it’s a real learning experience at St. Jude. It changed me forever. I do wish everybody could visit the hospital. It’s a life-changing experience and when you see the parents arrive with a child. You see the real fear on their faces, terror sometimes. Then you see them leaving and they’re better. It’s like a godsent – the change they feel, and that their children feel.”

Marlo on being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and her version of the American Dream: 

“One of the things that happened in my life that was really big a great deal, because of my work with St. Jude, is that I received the Medal of Freedom from President Obama. My husband and I went, and my brother came, and the head of St. Jude came. The interesting thing about it, is when you are growing up, especially as an actress, you dream of getting an Emmy or an Oscar or a Tony, but I don’t think anybody grows up dreaming about the Medal of Freedom. It just comes as a shock when you’re told you will be receiving this at the White House. And I remember I was stunned. Remember we discussed that I wasn’t going to cry? So, I’m not going to cry, but I did because at the moment President Obama was clasping the medal around my neck, I thought of my grandparents. My grandparents were immigrants who came to this country from Lebanon to find a better way of life, to raise their family and their children. And I saw them in my mind’s eye, I could see my grandparents with all their belongings and cloth bags. And here, their granddaughter just two generations later were in the White House receiving the Medal of Freedom from the President of the United States. I mean, that is the American Dream. I’m so proud of the fact that my grandparents made a life in this country.”

Marlo on how celebrity involvement has helped the foundation: 

“That’s a very interesting thing because just as in our generation, we brought in Jennifer Aniston and Robin Williams and all of those wonderful people. My dad did that, that’s how he built the hospital. He used to say this hospital was built with laughter George Burns and the Bob Hope and all of the funny guys—Jerry Lewis and Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, all of the men and women that were on the night club circuit with my dad helped build St. Jude. In fact, Frank Sinatra did so many benefits that we actually have a whole wing that’s called the Frank Sinatra wing. Their generosity really built the hospital.”

Watch the full summit here.

The T&C Summit continues tomorrow with Stacy-Marie Ishmael speaking to Taraji P. Henson and Jamie Raskin, and Stellene Volandes in conversation with Andreas Dracopoulos. If you are interested in attending register directly here.

LGBT flag illustration by Symara Wilson for 360 Magazine

Philadelphia × New Jersey Pride Events – Summer 2021

By: Ally Brewster

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

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

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

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

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

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

Franklin Institute Family Pride – Saturday, June 26

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

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

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

Pride Storytime – Saturday, June 26

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

Queering Wood Craft Virtual Event!- Saturday, June 26

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

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

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

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

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

Upper Darby Pride Festival – Sunday, June 27

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

Pride Power Flow – Sunday, June 27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bucks-Mont Pride Festival – Sunday, July 18

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

Philadelphia Pride – September (date TBD)

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

New Jersey Gay Pride Day – Sept 12

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

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