About Krish Narsinghani

Krishan (Krish) Narsinghani exemplifies passion and creativity in all facets of his short career. Graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Informatics and concentrations in Business and Marketing, he’s grasped the constant change of the digital space and learned to move quickly in any endeavor. With a background in the music industry – marketing music artists like 5 Seconds of Summer, James Arthur and the John Coltrane Estate (to name a few), he’s built an incredible raport identifying talent and scaling their careers through social media and digital strategy. Bringing that sense of direction to 360 Magazine, along with the journalism skills groomed over the past several years with the company, strengthens his vision for the brand as the current managing editor.

Offhand Wine Bar

Westside Winos and Restauranteur Jared Meisler team up to open Offhand Wine Bar in Santa Monica

Westside Winos, the LA based wine and music collective formed by Khalil Kinsey, Justin Leathers and Teron Stevenson, and Jared Meisler (Nueva, Roger Room, Bar Lubitsch, The Friend, The Little Friend) today announced the opening of Offhand Wine Bar. Located in the area of Santa Monica known as the University streets, Offhand will feature a carefully curated selection of natural wines with an emphasis on west coast producers. Doors open on Thursday, October 20th.

Offhand Wine Bar will carry a rotating list of natural wines by the glass, along with craft beers, natural sakes, and wine-based cocktails – a bottle shop will also carry a selection of wines available for take-away or to be enjoyed on site. The bar will also feature a light fare menu highlighting local ingredients and artisanal products created by chef Ralph Johnson (The Spotted Pig, The Pikey Public House).

The bright and vibrant space will spotlight art and photography from local artists, with the first series showcasing the work of photographer and film editor Vic Brown. In the coming months, Offhand will also partner with local chefs, restaurants, vendors, wine makers and djs to host pop-up food, wine and music experiences.

Westside Winos was formed in 2019 through a mutual love of wine, food and music. The collective began hosting pop up wine tasting events at The Friend Bar in Silverlake, where Stevenson and Leathers are GM/Partner and Beverage Director. Through a lighthearted approach to wine education rooted in inclusion and accessibility, Westside Winos helped to build and connect a community of next generation wine enthusiasts. The success of the events at The Friend Bar led to a quarterly dinner series with Loam Restaurant (Ace Hotel DTLA), events with SoHo House, merchandise, a recently released collaboration wine with Amplify Wines, and more.

Stevenson and Kinsey are also co-founders of Natural Action, a subscription-based wine club whose proceeds go towards education and career opportunities in the wine industry for Black and Indigenous people of color. Kinsey also serves as Chief Curator/GM for renowned Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, an award-winning traveling museum exhibition with a current showing at SoFi Stadium.

Offhand Wine Bar will operate in the same building as Meisler’s recently opened Please Enjoy, a specialty coffee shop which will serve customers during the day.

X-MEN LEGENDS – Lucas Bishop

LEGENDARY CREATOR WHILCE PORTACIO RETURNS TO X-MEN IN NEW X-MEN LEGENDS ARC STARRING HIS CO-CREATION BISHOP!

Whilce Portacio and Brian Haberlin kick off a two-part X-MEN LEGENDS arc this January that reveals new insights into Bishop’s original mission

The year was 1991, and the X-Men were at the forefront of their incredible 90s heyday. Enter Lucas Bishop! Created by Whilce Portacio and John Byrne along with Portacio’s longtime friend, artist Karl Altstaetter, Bishop burst onto the scene from the far future and infused the mutant mythos with his explosive no-nonsense attitude and the riveting mystery that drove him. The energy-absorbing mutant soldier has been a central figure in X-Men storytelling ever since, and this January, fans will travel back in time to his groundbreaking comics debut in X-MEN LEGENDS #5-6. The saga will be written and drawn by Portacio himself along with prolific comics writer Brian Haberlin.

The story will finally reveal the genesis of Bishop’s fateful time travel mission that pulled him from the future and into the X-Men’s present! Presaging Bishop’s first appearance in the classicUncanny X-Men #282, the arc will shed new light on Bishop’s original motivations and the intense guilt he feels over his fallen teammates as well as provide surprising depth to the dystopian world he left behind. This incredible and moving two-parter is only the latest X-Men epic in X-MEN LEGENDS, the series that sees X-Men’s greatest creators return with all-new, in-continuity tales set during their original iconic runs!

Bishop, Malcolm, and Randall, the elite Omega Squad, have discovered a dark truth about the X.S.E. After a mission goes sideways, how far will they be willing to go to make this right? To the past — and beyond! Bishop will make the most shocking decision in X-MEN LEGENDS history that will redefine what you thought you knew about mutantkind’s future and the reason behind Bishop’s collision with the X-Men!

“At heart, I love the genre of science fiction. Specifically, the world building aspect of science. So, when Karl and I created Lucas Bishop, we built in our heads, a world for Omega Squad to exist in,” Portacio explained. “In the original incarnation, we didn’t have much time to show any of that. Here in these two issues, Brian and I are able to give the audience a beginning glimpse of some of the detail of the world that Bishop left behind.”

“We give flavor to the micro ecosystem that is The Pool, its inmates, their families, the X.S.E., and most importantly, Bishop and his character and personality,” Portacio continued. “I’ve always seen Bishop as much, much more than X-Men muscle. He has always been, to me, a man perfectly born to conquer a harsh world. Yet he hides within himself a heart more suited for a kinder existence…which gives him purpose in that harsh world.”

“Whilce and I have been longtime collaborators, and both worked for Marvel individually, but never together! It’s an honor he thought of me to work with him on defining more of Bishop’s history; a legendary comic artist and a legendary X-Men? How could I say no??” Haberlin added.

Witness legendary Whilce Portacio’s never-before-told vision for Bishop when X-MEN LEGENDS #5 hits stands in January! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

On Sale 1/24

X-MEN LEGENDS #5

Written by WHILCE PORTACIO & BRIAN HABERLIN
Art and Cover by WHILCE PORTACIO

On Sale 2/8

X-MEN LEGENDS #6

Written by WHILCE PORTACIO & BRIAN HABERLIN
Art and Cover by WHILCE PORTACIO

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.

For more information visit marvel.com.

AREA15 × IN PLACE OF WAR

GLOBAL MUSIC CHARITY IN PLACE OF WAR TO LAUNCH AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 RAVES 2022-2023 SERIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AREA15 LAS VEGAS

AREA15 to Host Special Performance by Satori & The Band From Space
Thursday, Nov. 10

Music charity In Place of War announces the launch of its 2022-2023 Around The World in 80 Raves global fundraising events series with a special gig featuring Satori& The Band From Space hosted at immersive events and entertainment district AREA15 Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 10.

The year-long Around The World in 80 Raves worldwide dance music event series raising funds for In Place of War will kick off at AREA15 in Las Vegas this November. The 80 Raves campaign, which invites global DJs, venues and festivals to collaborate on live events to raise funds for projects bringing communities in areas of conflict together through music, debuted last year.

The inaugural Around The World in 80 Raves campaign in 2021 included 80 DJs who recorded sets across the world in cities such as Berlin, Ibiza, Kampala, London, Reykjavik, São Paulo and St. Louis. Performances were streamed across various media platforms, including EDM Identity, Insomniac, Resident Advisor and Worldwide FM, while audiences were still largely at home during the pandemic. The 2021 line-up included Adam Beyer, A Guy Called Gerald, Bicep, Crazy P Sound System, Ida Engberg, Jax Jones, Osunlade, Sama’ Abdulhadi, Sasha and Sofi Tukker.

The 2022-2023 Around The World in 80 Raves series will celebrate a return to live events, launching with a gig featuring Dutch artists Satori & The Band From Space playing to a crowd at AREA15 Las Vegas, the city’s newest experiential entertainment district offering live events, immersive activations, monumental art installations, extraordinary design elements, unique retail, bars and eateries.

Funds raised from ticket sales will support the work In Place of War does within the community of Medellín, Colombia, where one hip-hop MC once said to the charity, “We were born to die in Medellín. If it weren’t for hip-hop, I’d be dead,” as cartels murdered 40,000 young people across the city over a 20-year period. In Medellín, hip-hop has united parts of the younger community. Today in the city, In Place of War supports those inspiring young people trying to shape their futures in the face of adversity.

The charity has been working with a group of social change-makers in Medellín’s Comuna 13 neighbourhood for over a decade via its Creative and Social Entrepreneurial Programme (CASE). One hip-hop artist who completed the course then trained other members of the community to set up a community kitchen during the pandemic. The kitchen has continued to operate long after the pandemic, feeding more than 500 families a day.

The charity also supports the development of an allotment to provide sustainable vegetables and fruit for the community of Medllín. The local team is now expanding their work into Medllín’s Barrio Pablo Escobar neighbourhood where they have recycled 7,500 kilograms of waste so far and feed hundreds of children each day. With funds raised from November’s Satori & the Band from Space performance inside AREA15 Las Vegas, In Place of War will train 20 female leaders in the Medellín community in the CASE programme to help them establish creative solutions to overcome violence in the area.

In Place of War chief executive officer Ruth Daniel says, “AREA15 is just magical and a wondrous mash-up of experiences and an immersive playground all rolled up into one vibrant space. The venue seemed like the perfect location to celebrate the launch of our next year of Around The World in 80 Raves events. We know that Satori will deliver a killer set to the lucky fans who get to be there on that night, and we hope to engage those music lovers in areas affected by conflict where music really does bring people together.”

Fans can expect a very special night, as AREA15’s head of entertainment Noah Kessler explains, “Our audience can look forward to a unique, immersive evening as Satori & The Band From Space creates a one-night-only dance euphoria experience for this highly anticipated show in the Portal at AREA15. We’re so excited to be partnering with In Place of War for this event and to support their important work in Colombia by launching the new season of Around The World in 80 Raves with them on November 10.”

For more information and to buy tickets, visit AREA15.com.

ABOUT IN PLACE OF WAR
A global non-profit organisation that uses music in places of conflict as a tool for positive change. The charity enables a network of more than 130 grassroots change-makers in music and across the arts, to transform cultures of violence and suffering into hope, opportunity and freedom, in 26 countries spanning the Global South. It also offers a platform to the voices of marginalised communities, particularly women, in areas affected by war, post-war and gang/post-gang warfare. It is a registered charity in the UK and Ireland and a 501-C3 non-profit in the US.

Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube. Donate to support the charity here.

ABOUT SATORI & THE BAND FROM SPACE
After breaking onto the scene in 2015 with his In Between Worlds album, Satori has been steadily expanding on an impressive repertoire of music, culminating in the recently released “Dreamin’ Colours” album. An ethereal body of work rich in colour and texture, seamlessly blending electronic music with Satori’s Balkan heritage. Never limiting himself to being “just a DJ”, Satori has perfected the craft of live performance. Often combining his own productions with improvisation by incorporating traditional instruments like the guitar, keys or flute. Treating each performance as a blank canvas is what makes Satori’s shows dynamic and eclectic, leaving fans with an ever-lasting taste for more. Now Satori continues his latest endeavour where he is joined by the Band from Space to give his music a new approach and a new life.

ABOUT AREA15 LAS VEGAS
AREA15, located minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, represents the world’s first purpose-built immersive entertainment district offering live events, distinctive attractions, interactive art installations, extraordinary design elements, unique retail, ground-breaking technology, bars and eateries and much more. AREA15’s curated mix of dynamic destinations—including Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, Lost Spirits Distillery, Illuminarium, Dueling Axes, Five Iron Golf, The Beast by Todd English, Wink World: Portals Into the Infinite, Museum Fiasco, Virtualis VR, Emporium Arcade Bar and many more—represents what’s next in experiential entertainment. With a robust, ever-changing roster of concerts, events, immersive art exhibitions, out-of-this-world nightlife and boundary-pushing production shows, AREA15 attracts visitors of all ages.

AREA15 has received numerous accolades, including being named “Best Immersive Art Experience” by USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards, one of “The 10 Most Innovative Urban Development and Real Estate Companies of 2020” by Fast Company, “Best Place for Your Instagram Shot” as well as “Best Attraction” for two consecutive years by Las Vegas Weekly Readers’ Choice Best of Vegas Awards, “Best Arts Hub” by Vegas Magazine, claiming the No. 1 spot in Blooloop’s “World’s Top 11 Immersive Art Experiences” and being included in Las Vegas Magazine’s Hall of Fame.

Follow on Instagram and Twitter: @AREA15Official; Facebook: AREA15LasVegas and YouTube: AREA15.

Special Olympics NY Inclusion Cup

SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW YORK TO HOST INCLUSION CUP AT RANDALL’S ISLAND SATURDAY

300 Athletes, Coaches, and Volunteers From NYC, Long Island and Rochester to Attend

One of Special Olympics New York’s signature events is set to return to Randall’s Island this weekend. Saturday’s Inclusion Cup will bring hundreds of athletes together in a celebration of inclusion as well as competition in Bocce, Softball, Soccer and Developmental Sports. Soccer and Bocce will include Unified teams made up of players with and without intellectual disabilities.

Media are invited to attend as follows:

Date: Saturday, October 15
Time: 9:30 a.m. Opening Ceremonies, followed by competition through 3:00 p.m.
Location: 20 Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY 10035

Opening Ceremonies, Bocce and health screenings for athletes will take place on Field 10 next to Icahn Stadium. Soccer and Developmental Sports will be on Central Fields 50 & 51. Softball will be at Sunken Meadow Fields 12 -15, 18 & 19.

About Special Olympics New York

Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 31,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.

Jordy – “i get high”

ACCLAIMED POP ARTIST JORDY SHARES VULNERABLE, STRIPPED-BACK NEW SINGLE “i get high”

LISTEN HERE | WATCH THE OFFICIAL COMPANION MUSIC VIDEO HERE

NEW BATCH OF U.S. HEADLINE SHOWS LAUNCH IN NOVEMBER

“A rising talent with a knack for turning self-reflection into blissful (and relatable) pop.” – THE HUFFINGTON POST

“Rising pop sensation” – CONSEQUENCE OF SOUND

“fresh, angel-voiced” – VMAN

“ray of sunshine” – PEOPLE

“The gay pop star we’ve been waiting for” – THE ADVOCATE

Rising, acclaimed pop sensation JORDY today unveiled his ethereal, stripped-back new single “i get high,” available now on all streaming platforms. Pairing vulnerable, poignant lyricism with a stunning vocal range, the new song is an introspective reflection on anxiety, vices, and mediating the two. Co-written with frequent collaborator Drew Polovick, “i get high” continues to underscore JORDY’s conversational, raw, and diaristic lyrical style that has resonated with fans nationwide. The accompanying music video is also out today and available to watch HERE. Directed by Lily Judge, the visual features a powerful performance from the artist, complete with an Autumn-ready backdrop.

Regarding the new track, JORDY has the following message to share with his fans:

“I think everyone has some sort of vice. In good times or bad, it’s hard not to indulge whether in celebration or solitude. I have been using cannabis for a long time for medicinal purposes, but also recreational ones. Sometimes to ease anxiety, or sometimes when I go out socially; sometimes to help me sleep through the night, or sometimes to celebrate a milestone. I’ve never considered my relationship with marijuana unhealthy, but I can’t help but analyze and wonder if it’s a temporary fulfillment of an empty void; I am still in the process of figuring that out. My goal with my music is always to be upfront and honest, and this song is truly a reflection of that. It’s simply my truth. And if it’s mine, it’s probably someone else’s too. Whether it’s taking a hit or having a drink, going on dates or a casual hookup, we all something we turn to help us feel a bit more or feel a bit less. But my overall goal with this song is to help people feel a little more heard and understood.” – JORDY

In support of “i get high” and his slew of new singles, JORDY will be playing a series of special headline shows in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles throughout the late fall and winter. This weekend, he will also head to Hawaii to headline Honolulu Pride Festival on Sunday, 10/16. A full itinerary of dates can be found below, with all tickets available on JORDYMusic.com.

JORDY is also in the studio working on his much-anticipated sophomore project, with more details to be revealed soon.

About JORDY:

Drawing inspiration from pop staples such as The Spice Girls, Michelle Branch, Avril Lavigne, and contemporaries such as Sam Smith, Troye Sivan, and Lauv, JORDY’s songs blend the glimmering, bouncy 90s pop sound with sincere, heartfelt songwriting. He unveiled his debut album Mind Games in November 2021, along with a companion acoustic EP in February, and Pride anthem “Dry Spell” earlier this summer, which Teen Vogue hailed “a bright new single made for the dance floor,” while Billboard crowned it “one of his best produced tracks to date.” Furthermore, Shondaland lauded the song “a drop-everything-and-dance-delight.” Afterwards, he shared the bubbly earworm “IDK SH!T,” chronicling the challenges of young adulthood in his twenties. V Magazine praised its “head-bopping beat and refreshingly honest lyrics,” along with The Huffington Post calling it “the perfect anthem for 20-somethings a track designed for maximum volume.” In tandem with the latter single’s release, JORDY made his hometown debut at Lollapalooza over the summer, playing the T-Mobile mainstage to a high-spirited crowd. In 2022, he also hit the festival circuit at BottleRock Napa Valley, headlined Washashore Festival (Provincetown, MA), and played a slew of Pride performances all across the U.S.

JORDY’s heart-on-his-sleeve approach to modern pop music has resulted in 100M+ career streams, sold out shows across the U.S., and a devoted following on TikTok that started with his dance-pop hit “Long Distance” that went viral on the platform in 2021. A relatable song about loneliness and the struggles of long distance relationships during the Covid-19 pandemic, JORDY delivered a stellar performance of the track during his national television debut on The TODAY Show, and earlier this year, he nabbed a nomination at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in the “Social Star” category.

JORDY

“i get high”

AVAILABLE HERE

JORDY ON TOUR:

10/16 – Honolulu, HI @ Hawaii Theatre | Honolulu Pride

11/12 – Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere *

11/20 – Mexico City, MX @ Corona Capital

11/25 – Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge *

12/4 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour *

* Headline performance

FOLLOW JORDY:

WEBSITE |INSTAGRAM|TWITTER|TIKTOK|FACEBOOK

Reginald Cunningham: Black Pearls

On View During Miami Art Week and Art Basel Miami Beach:

A Museum Must-See: Reginald Cunningham is a photographer and influencer whose work focuses on urban style and portraiture. His editorial/activist lens, and his images of concerts, fashion icons, performers and thought leaders are at the forefront of contemporary photography.

Photography Exhibition on view now through January 22, 2023 at the Boca Raton Museum of Art in South Florida

The Boca Raton Museum of Art presents the premiere of Reginald Cunningham: Black Pearls, the first-ever solo museum exhibition of Cunningham’s work, on view now through January 22nd, 2023 in South Florida.

The Museum has commissioned Cunningham, nationally acclaimed for his brand BePureBlack.com, for this new series of photographs to honor the nearby historically Black neighborhood of Pearl City, celebrated as one of the earliest and longest lasting African American neighborhoods in Florida.

“The Pearl City residents are our Museum’s closest neighbors, located only two blocks away, and we want to celebrate our neighbors with this exhibition,” says Irvin Lippman, the Executive Director of the Boca Raton Museum of Art. This exhibition is curated by Kelli Bodle, the Museum’s Associate Curator.

“Because there is perpetually the threat of development that would throw asunder this neighborhood, we want to tell this story through the current residents whose ancestors were the original settlers,” adds Irvin Lippman, “To accomplish this visual storytelling with this new exhibition, the Museum selected Reginald Cunningham, whose photography celebrates Black identity and is currently earning national and international acclaim. It is a rare artist whose social activism matches their artistry.”

“Through the lens of my photography I’m always trying to create affinity for and uplift Black people and the Black experience in this country,” says Reginald Cunningham.

“Being commissioned by the Boca Raton Museum of Art to photograph the residents and cultural emblems of Pearl City ─ one of the South’s most beloved and enduring Black districts ─ is an amazing experience,” adds the artist.

Investigating further the different ways that community can be defined, the images in this exhibition highlight people and landmarks. This exhibition features 24 photographs by Reginald Cunningham, and personal mementos passed down through families for more than 100 years. With the aid of Dr. Candace Cunningham of Florida Atlantic University, this exhibition also features the oral histories of both current-day Pearl City residents and the children of the original settlers that have moved to other cities. Visitors to the Museum may hear the stories in the subjects’ own words via audio and transcribed video of the interviews. Interest in Pearl City has blossomed, and residents celebrate their community’s honored past. In recognizing their own history they see a connection to the broader struggle for equal rights. To many of these residents, holding on to their land is almost sacred.

“These works by Reginald Cunningham have now entered the Museum’s collection. This is most definitely a project born in the community, that serves to create a record for future generations,” says Lippman.

About the Artist

Reginald Cunningham (BePureBlack.com) is a Washington DC-based photographer known for his concert, fashion, and activist photography. He fully embraced the art of photography in 2017, and his works have been featured in The Washington Post, Essence, Ebony, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed, Huffington Post, Take Part, and The Final Call.

His passion for photography was instilled by his mother, herself a photographer for more than 30 years. During his childhood, he was often in her studio absorbing her appreciation for portraiture. He began to develop his art during the Ferguson unrest.

“He doesn’t turn activism ‘on’ or ‘off’ with a swipe to the left or right. Instead, Reggie leads with his lens,” says Dr. Imani M. Cheers.

“Through his photography, Reggie captures the complexities of communities. He sees the nuances in neighbors. He puts himself directly on the front lines to bear witness, sacrifice his safety, and tell the truth.” adds Dr. Cheers.

His style is edgy and intimate, often forgoing smoothing and airbrushing in favor of sharper and more realistic images. He attended Lindenwood University, received a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and dual Master’s degrees in Digital & Multimedia Design and Promotional Communications.

Reginald Cunningham: Black Pearls VIA 360 MAGAZINE — Reginald Cunningham: Black Pearls via 360 MAGAZINE

About the Boca Raton Museum of Art

Founded by artists, Boca Raton Museum of Art was established in 1950 as the Art Guild of Boca Raton. The organization has grown, now in its eighth decade, to encompass a Museum, Art School, and Sculpture Garden. As one of South Florida’s leading cultural landmarks, the Museum has provided cultural and artistic service to the community, and to many visitors from around the world, since it was founded by artists in 1950.

Currently on view now, on the entire first floor of the Museum:

The monumental world premiere of Art of the Hollywood Backdrop (through January 22).

Coming in February:

The U.S. premiere of Whitfield Lovell: Passages ‒ amfedarts.org/whitfield-lovell-passages (February 15 ‒ May 21) The six-city tour of this major exhibition kicks off at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. Organized by the American Federation of Arts in collaboration with Whitfield Lovell.

The most comprehensive exhibition to date of the contemporary artist’s masterful conté crayon drawings, assemblages, and multi-sensory installations that focus on aspects of African American history while raising universal questions about identity, memory, and America’s collective heritage.

STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE

LADY QI’RA, DARTH VADER, THE KNIGHTS OF REN, AND MORE OF THE MAJOR PLAYERS OF STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE COME TOGETHER ON STEVEN CUMMINGS’ CONNECTING VARIANT COVERS

See all five STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE connecting covers together for the first time and pick up

STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #1 on November 16

Following Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters and Star Wars: Crimson Reign, writer Charles Soule will complete his trilogy of game-changing Star Wars comic book epics this November in STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE! The five-issue limited series will continue to spotlight the breakout character from Solo: A Star Wars Story, Lady Qi’ra. Since her comics debut, the criminal leader has had a tremendous impact on Marvel’s Star Wars comics storytelling, and STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE will see Qi’ra set her bold overarching plan in motion: ridding the galaxy of the Sith! The series will be drawn by artist Steven Cummings, who also worked on Star Wars: Crimson Reign. In addition, Cummings has crafted a stunning connecting piece that will adorn all five issues. These variant covers show some of the stars of the saga including Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, the Knights of Ren, and more key characters who will take sides in the upcoming conflict!

The mysterious syndicate Crimson Dawn and its leader Lady Qi’ra have become the galaxy’s most wanted criminals, as Emperor Palpatine realizes the scope of Qi’ra’s plans against him and moves to destroy her. But Qi’ra still has tricks up her sleeve, and with the help of the Knights Of Ren and her many other allies, she will not go down without a fight!

“Hidden Empire is set between Episodes V and VI. So, there are things this story can do and things it can’t,” Soule explained to StarWars.com. “That said, I think it will deliver a deeply satisfying conclusion to Qi’ra’s arc here, and readers will understand how her choices in this story impacted events all across the Star Wars galaxy at this time. As with many of the comics and novels and ancillary stories beyond the films, the idea is to deepen the experience and understanding of the characters. There are direct connections here to both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi — and beyond — and I think the fans will be very happy.”

Check out all the covers now and be there when Qi’ra’s deadly ambitions send shockwaves throughout the galaxy in STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #1 on November 16. For more information, visit Marvel.com.

Retailers, don’t forget to order your copies of STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #1 by Monday, October 17!

On Sale 11/16

STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #1 (OF 5)
Written by CHARLES SOULE

Art by STEVE CUMMINGS

Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS – 75960620457100151

On Sale 12/7

STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #2 (OF 5)
Written by CHARLES SOULE

Art by STEVE CUMMINGS

Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS – 75960620457100231

On Sale 2/8

STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #3 (OF 5)
Written by CHARLES SOULE

Art by STEVE CUMMINGS

Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS

On Sale March 2023

STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #4 (OF 5)
Written by CHARLES SOULE

Art by STEVE CUMMINGS

Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS

On Sale April 2023

STAR WARS: HIDDEN EMPIRE #5 (OF 5)
Written by CHARLES SOULE

Art by STEVE CUMMINGS

Connecting Cover by STEVE CUMMINGS

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com

For more information visit marvel.com.

How to be an Influencer

To Be an Influencer, You Must Lead; to be a Leader, You Must Have Influence

What is Influence?

If you search for “how to be a social media influencer,” you will get hundreds of thousands of results. The sources vary from marketing platform providers, educators, marketing firms, and news organizations. They all highlight the same essential components. This article from Forbes is an example. The typical steps are to: Identify Your Niche, Choose Your Platform, Build Momentum, Stay Engaged, and Build Alliances.

None of them make an effort to define influence. Dictionary.com defines influence as:

The capacity or power of persons or things to be a compelling force on or produce effects on the actions, behavior, opinions, etc., of others

To understand influence, we need to break the definition down.

Capacity or Power – This is your leverage and comes in many forms. Power comes from positions of authority. CEOs, University Presidents, and other senior leaders set strategies and focus their teams on pursuing those objectives. Fame and name recognition will cause people, at least in the beginning, to stop what they are doing and listen. Expertise is another lever; Master Class is a platform that enables experts to educate and inspire.

Persons or Things – The distinction is important. Influence always begins with people creating a product, service, or cause. Over time and with success, a brand is formed. Brands like Costco, NFL, and Tesla all generate a response. A person’s name can become a brand as well. People notice when they hear that Warren Buffett, Elon Musk, or Oprah Winfrey are interested in something.

Compelling force on or produce effects – Influence is always indirect. Flags flutter in the wind because the wind blows; the wind influences the flag. The butterfly effect describes the idea that small changes applied from great distances can result in major changes.

Actions, behavior, opinions – If you cannot drive change, you do not have meaningful influence. Getting people to try something is different from getting them to adopt something new.

At the risk of oversimplification, influencers fall into two categories – retail and cause. When we think of social media influencers, we mostly think of retail. These are people who promote themselves, their products, and the products of others while having a knowledge of the best social media ads. This infographic shows the top influencers in this category.

Many important influencers do not start with name recognition. They build that recognition over time. Jane Goodall is an influencer on issues related to environmental and wildlife preservation. She grew her influence over time based on her anthropological fieldwork in Africa. Throughout her career, she has become a major voice in wildlife conservation. Draymond John and Gary Vaynerchuk have turned their business successes into social influence. There are thousands of influencers who have large followings but little name recognition.

Becoming an Influencer

With a clear understanding of what it means to have influence, you are now ready to act like a start-up CEO. You need to make a business plan.

Identify Your Niche – You need to pick a target based on skills, experience, and passion. In the beginning, it needs to be narrowly defined. If automotive is your main interest, decide whether to focus on classic restorations, Formula 1 racing, repairs, safety, etc. If fashion is your thing, are you interested in fashion shows, purses, shoes, fitness wear, or something else? Craft brewing and distilling are popular, and thousands of social media sites are dedicated to tasting, home brewing, and cocktail mixing. You have to be more interested and knowledgeable than the average follower.

Know Your Audience – There are several key questions to answer. Whom do you want to influence? Where can you find them? Why do you believe they will be interested in what you have to say?

Define the effect – What actions do you want people to take? What behaviors do you want to change? Do you want them to buy products you review, read your book, or take a trip to your favorite vacation spot?

Create a Relevance Strategy – When you launch your plan, you need to know how you plan to evolve. To be an influencer, you need to keep people coming back. What are the next steps in the audience’s journey? You must understand how you and your followers will change and grow over time.

The first four steps are iterative. As you work through the process, ask for the advice of others. The first impressions are critical to your long-term success. With your plan in place, you are ready for the next steps.

Choose Your Format and Platform – Some content is best suited for blogs, newsletters, and other forms of the written word. Short-form videos are best for Instagram and TikTok. YouTube is better suited for long videos. If the spoken word is your choice, be sure to choose the podcast providers that already reach your audience. Invest in recording and editing equipment and software.

Create Content – Create a backlog of content to establish early consistency. Posting content on a predictable schedule makes it easy for people to get into the habit of looking for your content. Use follower feedback to improve your messaging and identify topics for future posts.

Measure the Results – Your campaign started with the goal of influencing your followers to take action, modify behaviors, or change opinions. If you are not meeting your goals, understand why and adjust.

Create Alliances – Once you have established your presence and have measurable results, you can build relationships with others. You can get invitations to product launch events or sample products. Others may repost your content to their audiences.

Social media influence is an important form of leadership. Leadership is in all of us. All we have to do is unlock our potential.

Mark Rapier is the Managing Director of The Rapier Group LLC. You can follow him on LinkedIn and read his biweekly newsletter. His book, The Leader With A Thousand Faces, (CLICK HERE to get your copy) describes the leadership journey we all experience and gives perspectives to consider before you find yourself needing the answers.

Hot Wheels Legends Tour × LA

Hot Wheels Legends Tour Returns to Los Angeles on October 8 in Search of the Next Hot Wheels Die-cast

Presented by Mobil 1 and in partnership with Walmart and Dickies, the world’s largest traveling car show is coming to Los Angeles on Saturday, October 8
This free, family-friendly event will take place at Walmart Baldwin Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT
The Los Angeles stop is the final in-person event of tour, ahead of the virtual Global Semi Final and Grand Finale
One of Los Angeles’ hottest custom builds could be the next Hot Wheels die-cast sold around the world – submit your entry now! TM

The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is returning to the car capital of the world in search of a custom build to immortalize as the next Hot Wheels die-cast on Saturday, October 8. This free, family-friendly event is open to cars of every make, model, and style from the San Fernando Valley to the Venice Boardwalk and beyond. Attendees can expect to see classic muscle cars, JDM imports, lowriders, and modified exotics, among other one-of-a-kind custom builds. Hot Wheels Garage of Legends life-size vehicles will also be on display, and limited-edition collectables, exclusive to the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, will be available for purchase.

The Los Angeles Hot Wheels Legends Tour stop will be held at 3250 Big Dalton Ave., Baldwin Park, CA 91706 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT. Local builders can register their custom car here: https://hotwheelslegends.com/event/2022/los-angeles

“Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the world and its car culture is no different,” said Ted Wu, Vice President, Global Head of Design for Vehicles, Mattel. “Choosing just one car to move on to the finals will be extremely difficult with all of the eclectic styles that will be represented. This is our final in-person Hot Wheels Legends Tour event for 2022 and we can’t wait to see the amazing Southern California cars that will be on display.”

The judges will be on the lookout for the custom build that best showcases creativity, authenticity, and garage spirit. Each of the judges comes from a unique automotive background and their personal styles will play a major role in placing their votes. Judges for this stop include: renowned automotive artist Harold Cleworth; founder of the popular Vehicle Virgins YouTube channel Parker Nirenstein; radio DJ and podcaster Christian James Hand; The Car Girl influencer Kayla Delehant; founder of GI Automotive Amber Blonigan, along with members of the Hot Wheels design team.

Now in its fifth year, the Hot Wheels Legends Tour spans five continents and 16 countries, making it the largest traveling car show in the world. Each stop is a platform for custom car builders to showcase their passion projects with other automotive enthusiasts. The winner of the October 8 stop in Los Angeles will move on in the competition for a chance at the Global Grand Finale later this year, where the champion will have their car inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends and immortalized as an official Hot Wheels 1:64 die-cast.

Additional upcoming Hot Wheels Legends tour events include:

October 20: Virtual Event

November 10: Global Semi Final (Virtual Event only)

November 12: Global Grand Finale (Virtual Event only)

Dickies, the global leader in workwear, is once again proud to join the Hot Wheels Legends Tour and celebrate the brand’s do-it-yourself personality. The Legends tour exemplifies “Built not Bought” and this falls right in line with Dickies, which is proud to be present at each of the tour stops providing Dickies wear for judges and staff. In addition, select commemorative Dickies apparel will be available to consumers at each Walmart stop with proof of Dickies purchase from inside the store. Visit the Dickies booth at the event for more details. To learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, visit www.HotWheels.com/Legends.

The winner of today’s Hot Wheels Legends Tour Los Angeles stop was just announced!

About the 1956 “Berlin Buick” VW Beetle:

Rob Freeman and his 1956 Volkswagen Beetle, known as the “Berlin Buick,” took home the win at the Los Angeles Hot Wheels Legends Tour stop after driving all the way from Syracuse, NY to compete. As a child, Freeman developed the idea for a mid-engine VW Beetle. Years later, he purchased a 1956 oval-window VW body for $1,000 and began to bring his childhood dream to life. The Beetle received the “Berlin Buick” moniker thanks to the 215ci Buick V8, producing 300hp, installed just behind the rear seats. The engine was selected due to its compact and lightweight design which allowed Freeman to keep the VW’s original proportions intact. To put the power to the ground, the Beetle was fitted with 15×12 inch rear wheels and massive drag slicks. The custom-built independent rear suspension even allows the wheels to fit under the original fenders. In keeping with the Buick theme, side trim from a 1957 Buick was applied to the body and classic 1953 Buick style portholes became strategically placed exhaust outlets. Additionally, the roof of the rag-top Bug was chopped four and a half inches for a sleek appearance and the custom interior features an adapted 1949 Buick dashboard and steering wheel.

Judges included:

Charlie Angulo, Hot Wheels Designer
Andres Andrieu, Hot Wheels Designer
Harold Cleworth, Renowned Automotive Artist
Parker Nirenstein, Founder of the Vehicle Virgins YouTube Channel
Christian James Hand, Radio DJ and Podcast Host
Kayla Delehant, The Car Girl
Amber Blonigan, Founder of GI Automotive

About Hot Wheels

As a 54-year-old brand more relevant today than ever before, Hot Wheels is the world’s leading vehicle franchise which represents and unites all segments of car culture. For decades Hot Wheels has proven its influence in automotive and pop culture with legendary design and epic performance. Through unparalleled collaborations with global leaders in streetwear, fashion, luxury, entertainment, action sports and motorsports, Hot Wheels is the #1 selling toy in the world with over 8 billion vehicles sold. The brand engages fans of every generation through immersive live events, global competitions, theme park attractions, world-class digital gaming, consumer products and film and television content.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & FriendsTM, UNO® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and e-commerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

About Mobil 1

Mobil 1TM motor oil is the world’s leading brand of synthetic motor oil. Our advanced technology allows Mobil 1 motor oils to meet or exceed some of the industry’s toughest standards and to provide exceptional protection under even extreme driving conditions. Mobil 1 motor oil is designed to help protect critical engine parts, maximize engine performance, and extend engine life. For more information, visit us online at www.mobil1.us or and follow @Mobil1 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Big Sean × Yo Gotti at Drai’s

Big Sean and Yo Gotti End an Epic October of Drai’s

LIVE Performances with a Special Halloween Weekend Finale

Drai’s Nightclub will host an amazing Halloween weekend filled with treats, live performances and more

Drai’s Nightclub will host “Once Upon A Nightmare: A Dark Fairytale Story” throughout Halloween weekend with performances by Yo Gotti, Big Sean and DJ Franzen.

Yo Gotti will kick things off on Friday, Oct. 28 with a high-energy Drai’s LIVE performance. One of hip-hop’s most respected and timeless artists, Yo Gotti is the mastermind behind Billboard chart hits “Down in the DM” and “Rake It Up.” His longevity in the music industry has seen him perform alongside fan-favorite artists such as Nicki Minaj, YG and Lil Uzi Vert.

Drai’s will then host Grammy-nominated and Billboard chart-topping artist, Big Sean, who looks to continue his incredible 2022 run with a performance at Drai’s Nightclub on Saturday, Oct. 29. Big Sean is world-renowned for his poised, charismatic tone and notably smooth delivery on hits like “Mercy” and “Big Bank.” His latest solo album, “Detroit 2,” debuted no. 1 on the Billboard 200, giving Big Sean his third chart-topping album. He recently collaborated with Hit-Boy on an EP titled “What You Expect,” which also earned a spot on the Billboard 200 and Top Rap/Hip-Hop Album charts, respectively.

Following Big Sean’s spectacular set, Drai’s resident DJ and first-class music producer DJ Franzen is set to keep the vibes rolling on Sunday, Oct. 30 with his own non-stop flow of music.

Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub will host an October full of high-energy parties and performances featuring iconic artists, including Wiz Khalifa, DaBaby, Fabolous, Fat Joe and more, taking over the stage for full-length Drai’s LIVE concerts. Drai’s Nightclub tickets and VIP table reservations are available on the website at www.draisgroup.com. Other special requests are available by emailing info@draislv.com.

The Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub lineup for October is listed below.

DRAI’S NIGHTCLUB:

Friday, Oct. 14 – Fabolous

o The Grammy, Teen Choice Award and BET Award-nominated rapper is known for his hits “Throw It In The Bag” and “You Be Killin’ Em.”

Saturday, Oct. 15 – Wiz Khalifa

o A multi-platinum selling, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated recording artist, Wiz Khalifa, is known for hits such as “We Dem Boyz” and “Black and Yellow.” Wiz Khalifa and Ronny J released a single titled “Another One” on June 10.

Friday, Oct. 21 – Fat Joe

o Grammy nominated recording artist, Fat Joe, is known for hits “All The Way Up” with Remy Ma featuring French Montana and Dre, “What’s Love” featuring Ashanti and Ja Rule and “Lean Back.” He recently released “Back Outside” with Remy Ma, Cool & Dre in 2021.

Saturday, Oct. 22 – DaBaby

o BET and Billboard Music Award-winning artist, DaBaby, is known for his popular song featuring Roddy Ricch, “Rockstar,” and collaborations with some of today’s hottest artists. His most recent single is “Bonnet” featuring Pooh Shiesty.

Friday, Oct. 28 – Yo Gotti

o One of hip-hop’s most respected and timeless artists, Yo Gotti, is the mastermind behind Billboard chart hits “Down in the DM” and “Rake It Up.” His longevity in the music industry has seen him perform alongside fan-favorite artists such as Nicki Minaj, YG and Lil Uzi Vert.

Saturday, Oct. 29 – Big Sean

o Multi-platinum artist, Big Sean is best known for smash hits such as “I Don’t F**k with You” and “My Last.” He released a new song, in collaboration with famed R&B singer Queen Naija, entitled “Hate Our Love.” The artist recently headlined at the 2022 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Sunday, Oct. 30 – DJ Franzen

DRAI’S BEACHCLUB:

Friday, Oct. 14 – Jauz

o Jauz is a popular DJ known for his hit tracks “Ghost” with GG Magree, “On Fire” with Hypression, “Bring Em Back” with Tynan and the remix of SHAED’s “Trampoline.” His current Off The Deep End tour focuses purely on house music all night long.

Saturday, Oct. 15 – Fabolous

Drai’s is the only nightclub in Las Vegas that offers full-length concerts by today’s top-charting artists. Every weekend, the Drai’s LIVE concert series brings big names like Chris Brown, 2 Chainz, Lil Babyand TIP to the rooftop of The Cromwell, with banner performances set to the stunning backdrop of the lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Drai’s Nightclub is open from 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. Friday – Saturday throughout the month. Drai’s Nightclub will be open on Sunday, Oct. 30 for a special Halloween weekend celebration. Drai’s Beachclub is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday – Saturday until Oct. 15. The upcoming Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub lineup can be found at https://draisgroup.com/las-vegas/calendar-view/.

About Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary as the pinnacle of nightlife in Las Vegas, Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclubtakes entertainment and nightlife to new heights in an unmatched setting – 11 stories high on the rooftop of The Cromwell with dazzling views of the Las Vegas Strip at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Boulevard. Drai’s Nightclub is a 30,000-square-foot palatial, multi-level club with an expansive dance floor, massive LED lighting systems, and modern technology featuring more than 7,000-square-feet of the most state-of-the-art high-definition LEDs in production, including a towering 80-sided LED disco ball – the only one of its kind. Drai’s Nightclub is home to Drai’s LIVE, an unprecedented concert series that provides fans with the opportunity to see full-length performances by top performers such as Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa and Lil Baby in an up-close setting unlike anything else in the world.Drai’s Nightclub is open from 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. Friday through Sunday. Drai’s is located at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Boulevard. Drai’s Beachclub is a 35,000-square-foot oasis with multiple pools shaded by eight towering palm trees, a variety of cabanas and bungalows, a full-service gourmet kitchen and two full-service bars. The legendary Drai’s After Hours has solidified itself as the ultimate late-night, see-and-be-seen party destination for 25 years. Drai’s After Hours is a sleek, sexy lounge where DJs play chart-topping songs of today, including top 40, Latin and hip-hop music. In addition to bottle service, Drai’s After Hours is one of the only spots on the Strip to offer hookah nightly. Drai’s After Hours is open from 1 a.m. – 6:30 a.m. Thursday through Sunday. More information, including reservations, tickets and hours, is available at DraisGroup.com. Follow Drai’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – @draislv, @draisbeachclub and @draisafterhours.

About The Cromwell

The Cromwell – named a Top 10 “Best U.S. Casino” by USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice, recipient of the Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Awardand the first standalone boutique hotel on the famed Strip – brings an exclusive, luxury lifestyle hotel experience to the Las Vegas Strip, focusing on hospitality, amenities and personalized service. The Cromwell is the first hotel in Las Vegas to offer mobile key technology for digital, keyless entry to rooms via the guests’ iOS devices. Located on the bustling corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road – directly across from Caesars Palace – The Cromwell keeps it intimate with 188 rooms including 19 suites, a personalized virtual concierge service named Ivy, a 40,000-square-foot casino, Bound – the elevated hotel lobby bar, Interlude – a casino lounge featuring live entertainment, award-winning GIADA – the first-ever restaurant by celebrity chef and television personality Giada De Laurentiis, Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub – a 65,000 square-foot rooftop pool and nightclub with day and nightlife experiences boasting open-air, panoramic views from 11 stories above the iconic Las Vegas skyline, and Drai’s After Hours – located at its original home beneath the boutique hotel. The Cromwell is operated by a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR). For more information, please visit thecromwell.com or the Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas media room. Find The Cromwell on Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram. Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-522-4700 ©2021, Caesars License Company, LLC.

Photo: Radis Denphutaraphrechar