POLITICS

Madonna’s Pride

On the night of June 23, Madonna, who is known for her Pride Month activations and championing LGBTQ rights throughout her career, once again outdid herself with an LGBTQ celebration at Terminal 5 in New York. The show was also in celebration of FINALLY ENOUGH LOVE, Madonna’s 16-track career-spanning remix compilation album, released on streaming today.

Madonna was joined by renowned drag queens Violet Chachki, Bob the Drag Queen, Pixie Aventura, and Laganja Estranja who arrived at the event on the Gaultier double-decker Pride bus.

Bob the Drag Queen served as MC of the show, with tongue-in-cheek skits featuring audio soundbites of Madonna supporting the LBGTQ community throughout the years. Laganja performed an epic rendition of “Vogue,” where she was joined by Jose Xtravaganza, one of Madonna’s dancers on the Blond Ambition tour. Saucy Santana fired up the audience with a performance of his hit song “Walk.”

Madonna thrilled the crowd when she joined Tokischa on stage to perform “Hung Up on Tokischa.” She then gave an electrifying performance alongside Saucy Santana to a remixed version of his song “Material Gwerll” with new lyrics. David Banda, Madonna’s son, joined the show on multiple occasions as a dancer, delivering added energy and excitement. Madonna, joined by all of the performers, ended the night with a show-stopping performance of “Celebration.”

For the “Material Gwerll” remix debut, Madonna wore a custom-made Versace suit dress complete with custom hand-painted Versace pins in pride colors. The look was a nod to her original “Material Girl” music video where the dancers were dressed in tuxedos, with Madonna wearing the iconic pink dress, which Saucy’s look paid homage to.

Madonna’s 16-track career-spanning remix compilation album, Finally Enough Love, is available to stream NOW. The icon’s 50-track, complete remix compilation Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones will be released on August 19th in digital and physical format (CD and Vinyl). The upcoming remix album celebrates Madonna’s 50 #1 hits on Billboard’s Dance Music Charts, the first and only recording artist to reach this feat.

Madonna, who has been a leader in the NFT space, partnered for another time with WoW (World of Women) a thriving community celebrating representation, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all. The event was sponsored by The Sandbox who has partnered with WoW to create the WoW Foundation, which will invest $25 million over five years in education and mentorship. Programs will include via a virtual academy for artists and building inclusive spaces across the metaverse. In addition, there will be an incubator, offering advice, funding, and access across The Sandbox ecosystem.

Madonna, who has been a leader in the NFT space, partnered for another time with WoW (World of Women) a thriving community celebrating representation, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all. The event was sponsored by The Sandbox who has partnered with WoW to create the WoW Foundation, which will invest $25 million over five years in education and mentorship. Programs will include via a virtual academy for artists and building inclusive spaces across the metaverse. In addition, there will be an incubator, offering advice, funding, and access across The Sandbox ecosystem.

M·A·C Cosmetics VIVA Glam provided Madonna-inspired touch-ups to amp up all beauty looks for guests. Madonna said of the partnership, “Pride and M·A·C Cosmetics go hand-in-hand. In 27 years, the M·A·C Viva Glam Fund has raised over half a billion dollars and partnered with NGO’s all over the world to end HIV/AIDs. Together, we have made much progress and will not give up. This year M·A·C partnered with my dear late friend Keith Haring, known for his activism artwork, which M·A·C used to create a special edition of the VIVA GLAM lipstick. Tonight, we are here to celebrate HIS life, YOUR life, and stand by the LGBTQIA+ community to protect their rights for the same equality we ALL are owed. Don’t ever be afraid to EXPRESS YOURSELF! VIVA GLAM.”

Guests sipped on Madonna-inspired cocktails by Belvedere Vodka, including The Material Girl and Into The Groove. Food was served from Made in NY Pizza and Big Gay Ice Cream. Support partners also included Linktree, WoW, and The Sandbox.

JUDY – A Garland Fragrance

To commemorate one of the greatest Hollywood icons, Vince Spinnato held the legendary Judy Garland 100th Birthday Gala and Fragrance Reveal. Known as a perfume developer and cosmetic chemist, Vince held the event to celebrate the upcoming unisex scent: JUDY – A Garland Fragrance.

The aroma was created in honor of Judy’s rich history and legacy. Her children, Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft and Joey Luft, attended the gala to further memorialize their mother’s impact on the industry and world.

A custom-made design was invented for Judy’s bottle that showcases a passionate, dreamy theme. The exclusive 100th birthday collector’s bottle was revealed on the night and even up for grabs. The official release of the fragrance is slated for this autumn.

Throughout the evening, the venue exuded elegance. From the “Get Happy! Exhibit” to the House of Racanelli fashion show, attendees were immersed in chunks of Judy history. Her renowned Oscar was exhibited to further showcase the star that Judy truly was and forever will be.

Judy was not only an icon in the entertainment industry, but, too, as an activist for the queer community. With the celebration being held on June 10, it was perfectly aligned with LA Pride weekend. Additionally, the soiree served as a special commemoration for LGBTQ+ cohorts. Lastly, Garland was born during Pride month; and ironically, she passed on the same day as the Stonewall riots in NYC.

In short, the evening served to pay tribute to the work that Judy has accomplished in her career, but also to defend a broader mission.

Article by: McKinley Franklin x Vaughn Lowery

Judy Garland 100th Birthday Gala and Fragrance Reveal Dresses via She Grown Media for use by 360 Magazine

Judy Garland 100th Birthday Gala and Fragrance Reveal via She Grown Media for use by 360 Magazine

MARVEL PRIDE

Marvel’s newest celebration of LGBTQIA+ talent and characters arrives tomorrow! Honoring Pride Month, MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE #1 will include seven uplifting and thrilling adventures, including a Young Avengers reunion, Asgard’s first Pride, and the debut of a brand-new mutant hero—ESCAPADE! Fans can get their first look at these stories and more in the all-new MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE #1 trailer, featuring never-before-seen artwork!

In the Marvel’s Voices tradition, this diverse collection of tales is brought together by a lineup of new and established talent. It showcases characters from all walks of life and every corner of the Marvel Universe! Here’s a complete list of the stories fans can look forward to this year:

Artist duo and Eisner-nominated cartoonists Ro Stein and Ted Brandt continue this tradition with the debut of ESCAPADE! Readers will meet this all-new trans mutant superhero in a 20-page adventure that will introduce her career as a super thief and set the stage for her exciting future.

Join the celebration with some of Marvel’s greatest LGBTQIA+ heroes by picking up MARVEL’S VOICES: PRIDE #1 digitally or at your local comic shop tomorrow! For more information, visit Marvel.

A LEGOLAND® VACATION

Mrs. Nanjad got a well-deserved teaching break from, of all people, a student, and some LEGO® Bricks. Daniel Carrera, the recent winner of the Mini Master Model Builder competition at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester and a 5th-grade student at P.S. 090 Horace Mann in Queens, gave a mini LEGO building lesson about how to create graduation-themed LEGO® models.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester donated hundreds of LEGO® bricks to help Carrera teach the class of 25 about building special items for their 5th-grade graduation. They created a name badge, apple, pencil, and notebook as part of the special fun session, giving Mrs. Nanjad a well-deserved break to enjoy seeing one of her students become a budding LEGO® builder. On top of it all, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester surprised each student with the new Summer Play Pass so they can keep building, creating, and playing for the rest of the year at the attraction. The summer play pass will launch this weekend for the general public to purchase. $39.99 for admission Sunday – Friday until Dec 31, 2022.

Daniel is also competing to become the North American Mini-Master Model Builder. New Yorkers looking to support their local Mini-Master Model Builder can vote to start tomorrow at 9:00 AM, Jun 22, through Monday, Jun 27, at noon at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester’s Facebook page. The votes will be combined with Master Model Builders at all LEGOLAND Discovery Centers to decide the winner. Daniel thanks you for your support and hopes the first-ever North American Mini-Master Model Builder will reside in New York.

Chris Brown × Drai’s

Multi-talented singer, dancer and Grammy-award winning artist Chris Brown blew fans away at the first show of his new powerhouse production at Drai’s Nightclub early this morning. “Chris Brown: The Live Vegas Residency” showcases the iconic artist’s phenomenal talents on a custom-built, two-story stage.

The sold-out crowd sang along to hits like “Baddest,” “Indigo” and “No Guidance,” all set to an unprecedented nightclub production with a full cast of talented dancers and smoke, lasers and confetti. Brown also performed “Warm Embrace” and “Mona Lisa” from his much-anticipated new album, “Breezy,”which will be released on Friday, June 24. Brown was one of the first artists to perform one of the club’s signature full-length Drai’s LIVE performances back in 2015 and his residency is the first time Drai’s has created a custom stage for an artist.

Widely known as one of the top performers of his time, Brown has been in the music industry for over 15 years. He became a teen hit sensation for record-breaking R&B songs like “Yo” and “Run It!” featuring Juelz Santana and his album “F.A.M.E” won a Grammy-award in 2012.

Drai’s Nightclub is open from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday – Sunday. 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 Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne and Lil Baby to the rooftop of The Cromwell, with banner performances set to the stunning backdrop of the lights of the Las Vegas Strip. The upcoming Drai’s LIVE concert lineup can be found HERE. Additional dates of Brown’s residency will be announced, soon. Other special requests are available by emailing info@draislv.com.

About Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub

Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub takes 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 like Lil Wayne and Lil Baby in an up-close setting unlike anything else in the world. 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 more than two decades.Drai’s After Hoursis 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 midnight to close every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and 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: Denise Truscello, Getty Images

Bastille – Remind Me

Just as the weather begins to warm, Bastille has shared a contender for song of the summer with the release of new single, “Remind Me”—listen HERE.

A breezy, sensual, and yet deceptively contemplative slice of pop, “Remind Me” demonstrates Bastille’s unrivalled ability to craft infectious melodies and irresistible hooks. Built around sliding funk guitars and Dan Smith’s distinctive vocals, the track grows until it reaches a chorus filled with baroque vocal harmonies, ominous bass, and driving percussion, Dan’s voice aching with longing and heartbreak.

The video for the track is a mesmerizing fly through of Bastille’s pioneering Give Me The Future Experience, launched this week on Oculus HERE. Formulated using footage from a special one-off show dubbed the ‘Futureverse’ gig, the band were able to bring the metaverse to a real-life physical performance using cutting-edge virtual production technologies. In a world first, fans from anywhere in the world were able to scan themselves into these worlds as stylized avatars and interact with the real-life band members as they performed on stage, re-inventing the metaverse meets live experience whilst elevating the human connection. Watch the video for “Remind Me” HERE.

“Remind Me” began life in LA whilst the band was working with Rami Yacoub from Max Martin’s production team MxM. Speaking about “Remind Me,” Dan says,

“I started working on ‘Remind Me’ a few years ago in LA with some writer friends at the very beginning of the Give Me The Future album process. We weren’t really sure what it would be for but always loved how different it felt. Finishing it off in London with Mark Crew and the rest of the guys, we’d wanted to make something sharp and minimal. The lyrics are about how our minds can taunt us with memories that play uncontrollably like scenes on a loop, so we set the track over this hypnotic, rolling guitar riff. We invited a bunch of singers to lend their voices to the track. We’d been diving into a bunch of music from the 80’s that had sounded futuristic at the time, so it fits with the ideas of the past’s versions of the future that we explore across the album. This song was like a jumping off point for us a couple of years ago and helped shape the sonic tone of the whole Give Me The Future album. Plus, I’m a massive Michel Gondry and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind fan, and love how that film explores memory and relationships, so it was fun to nod to it.”

The track features background vocals from the band Fours and Zimbabwean-British singer Rationale.

“Remind Me” comes hot on the heels of Bastille’s critically acclaimed, #1 album, Give Me The Future. Called “their best album” by both Rolling Stone UK and Clash and “the most expansive, yet cohesive record Bastille have put their name to” by NME, Give Me The Future explores a futuristic wonderland free from restrictions. Brimming with literary, cinematic, and cultural references to films like Thelma & Louise, the artist Keith Haring, and musicians like Phil Collins and The Police, the album is filled with danceable dreamscapes, providing an escapist universe where you can travel back and forward in time to be anyone, do anything, and embrace a new wave of technology, which enables us to get lost inside our imagination.

Having thrown themselves into co-writing for other artists in recent years, for the first time ever on a Bastille album, the band inched open the door to collaborators, working with venerable pop royalty such as Ryan Tedder (Adele, Taylor Swift) and Rami Yacoub (Britney Spears, Lady Gaga), as well as award-winning actor, musician, writer, creator, producer, director, and activist Riz Ahmed.

Bastille has just completed an extensive UK arena tour, and the band are currently on a huge tour of the US before returning to Europe and the UK this summer for a string of festival sets, including Kendal Calling, and Reading and Leeds Festival. They then set off on a South American and European tour later this year.

AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT

35 YEARS SINCE ITS FIRST PANELS WERE STITCHED, THE AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT REMAINS A POWERFUL TEACHING TOOL FOR HEALTH ACTION, REMEMBRANCE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Thousands see largest Quilt display in a decade with 3,000 panels made during the darkest days of the pandemic and in recent years, a reminder that the fight for a cure, health and social justice is not over

National AIDS Memorial announces $2.4 million grant from Gilead Sciences to launch the Quilt Southern Initiative for new Quilt programming to tackle rising HIV rates within communities of color

It has been 35 years since the first panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt were stitched together, sparking a national movement for action, justice and remembrance for an epidemic that has claimed over 36 million lives around the world.

More than 3,000 Quilt panels were displayed in Golden Gate Park – each 3’ x 6’ panel the size of a grave – remembering a life lost to AIDS. The Quilt’s presence – the largest display in more than a decade – demonstrated its unique power to comfort, heal and be used as a catalyst for action today in the ongoing struggle for health and social justice.

“What started as a protest thirty-five years ago to demand action turned into a movement that served as a wake-up call to the nation that thousands upon thousands of people were dying. Today, the Quilt is just as relevant and even more important, particularly in the wake of Covid-19 and recent gun violence our nation has faced,” said Cleve Jones, who joined with co-founders Mike Smith and Gert McMullin to begin the unfolding and reading names ceremony. “The fact is that the struggles we face today which result from health and social inequities are the issues we will face again if we don’t learn from the lessons of the past.”

A constant each day was the continuous reading aloud of names lost to AIDS, which could be subtly heard throughout the meadow. On display were many original panels made during the darkest days of the AIDS pandemic as well as ones made in recent years, a reminder that the AIDS crisis is not over. Thousands of visitors took part in the historic two-day event, experiencing the beauty of each panel and the stories of love stitched into their fabric.

“The Quilt remains a powerful symbol of hope, remembrance and action by pulling the thread from one generation to the next for health and social justice,” said John Cunningham, CEO of the National AIDS Memorial. “We must continue the Quilt’s 35-year legacy of bringing it to communities throughout the nation to fight for a cure, and to serve as a teach tool and catalyst for change.”

In the midst of this powerful backdrop, the National AIDS Memorial announced a $2.4 million grant from Gilead Sciences to launch the Quilt Southern Initiative to create new Quilt programming to address the disproportionate impact of HIV in the Southern U.S. A major focus will be to reach communities of color, which experience higher rates of new infections and lower rates of treatment and prevention.

“Throughout its 35-year history, the Quilt has touched hearts and minds by connecting communities through hope and remembrance,” said Daniel O’Day, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Gilead Sciences. “This new initiative with the National AIDS Memorial will bring the Quilt to the Southern United States, reaching communities most affected by HIV/AIDS with the powerful stories that are stitched into its panels.”

Working together with the Southern AIDS Coalition and other community partners, the National AIDS Memorial will launch a Call My Name Southern Quilting program, organizing new panel-making workshops to ensure that southern communities and stories are reflected in the Quilt, to build on the Quilt’s legacy of activism, and to raise greater awareness of lives lost to HIV/AIDS, then and now. Later this fall, sections of the Quilt will be displayed in communities of impact in the South as part of a curated storytelling exhibition, programming and activities in partnership with local organizations and advocates.

“Quilt making has such powerful storytelling tradition and deep history in the South, particularly within the Black community,” said Dafina Ward, Executive Director of the Southern AIDS Coalition. “We are honored to work in partnership with the National AIDS Memorial and Gilead to launch this new program and connect the AIDS Quilt to southern communities. The Quilt symbolizes the power of community, of remembrance, and celebrating legacy. All of which is critical to ending HIV-related stigma.”

Today, more than 1.3 million people are living with HIV in the United States with over 30,000 new cases being reported each year. Marginalized populations, particularly Black, Hispanic, API and LGBTQI+ communities, are disproportionately impacted. Four decades since the first cases of AIDS were reported, more than 700,000 lives have been lost to the disease in the U.S. alone. In 1993, HIV was the leading cause of death for Black men between ages 25-44. By 2004, HIV became the leading cause of death for Black women in the same age group. Today, according to the latest figures provided by the CDC, Black Americans make up 42% of all new HIV diagnoses in the U.S., with half of those diagnoses occurring in southern states, and rates rising among certain segments of the population. While rates of infection have decreased overall in recent years, rates continue to rise among Black men. Racism, HIV stigma, homophobia, poverty, and barriers to health care continue to drive these disparities.

“We are thankful to Gilead for its leadership and vision and look forward to working together with many community partners in the coming months to launch this meaningful initiative,” added Cunningham. “Making new quilt panels is a way to bring to the forefront the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Black community and a way to raise greater awareness that change these statistics.”

The Quilt is considered the largest community arts project in the world, now surpassing 50,000 individually sewn panels with more than 110,000 names stitched into its 54 tons of fabric that honors lives lost to AIDS. Its first panels were created in June of 1987 when a group of strangers, led by gay rights activist Cleve Jones, gathered in a San Francisco storefront to document the lives they feared history would forget. This meeting of devoted friends, lovers and activists would serve as the foundation for The NAMES Project’s AIDS Memorial Quilt. Each panel made measured 3 ft by 6 ft, the size of a human grave. They saw the Quilt as an activist tool to push the government into taking action to end the epidemic.

Gilead Sciences is the presenting partner for the 35th Anniversary Display of the Quilt. Other major partners include Quest Diagnostics, San Francisco Recreation and Parks, UCSF, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Chevron, Dignity Health, Goldman Sachs, Uber, Verizon and ViventHealth. A complete list of partners can be found HERE.

Learn more about the National AIDS Memorial, the Quilt and this historic display HERE.

*Photo by Amy Sullivan

2023 LEXUS RZ

‘With flying colors, the most aesthetically gifted electric vehicle of its category.’ – 360

The latest in Lexus’ electrified vehicle lineup was on display at the 2022 Electrify Expo this past June 3-5. The event, which features the newest electric vehicles, bikes, motorcycles and more, was the first time consumers can see the all-new battery electric 2023 Lexus RZ 450e in person alongside the all-new 2022 Lexus NX 450h+.

Taking Luxury All-Electric

As Lexus’ first global battery electric vehicle (BEV) model, the all-new 2023 Lexus RZ 450e embodies the unique Lexus vehicle design and driving experience made available through advanced, electrified technology. The utilization of a BEV-specific platform (e-TNGA), as well as a lightweight and highly rigid body, has enhanced the fundamental performance of the vehicle by achieving optimal weight distribution through ideal placement of the battery and motor. In addition, the DIRECT4 all-wheel drive system and the adoption of a new steering control and available Steer by Wire system (at a future date) enable vehicle control that is more true to the driver’s intention. The Lexus RZ’s exterior design expresses the seamless acceleration and dynamic torque-filled performance specific to BEVs, ushering in a new Lexus aesthetic and establishing a new design direction for BEV offerings. The RZ uses the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including standard Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert and Emergency Driving Stop System. The 2023 Lexus RZ 450e is expected to go on sale towards the end of 2022.

Lexus’ Popular Crossover Adds Plug-In Option

As the first PHEV in the Lexus lineup, the 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ sets the stage for the next chapter of the Lexus brand. The NX 450h+ has an EPA-estimated 36-mile range on electric power only, made possible by the newly developed, high-capacity lithium-ion battery. The system achieves the EV output equivalent to a 2.0-liter engine for an EPA-estimated combined 84 MPGe. The all-new NX is longer, and taller for more passenger and cargo space and features the model’s all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system, with available 14-inch touchscreen.

In addition to the two vehicles, the Lexus display will include two vehicle charging units, with Lexus product specialists providing demonstrations and answering questions from attendees; graphic walls with information about the Lexus RZ, roadmap of the future, and Lexus’ approach to electrification; and a fun, branded photo backdrop.

The 2022 Electrify Expo will make additional stops in Seattle, Austin, Miami and New York throughout the year – bringing the Lexus RZ and Lexus NX PHEV to a city near you. For more information, click HERE.

Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 244 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models, one F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

Phantom Series II Debut

At the French Riviera, leading automotive and lifestyle outlets bare witness to Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II.

Phantom Rendezvous, the Global Press Drive for the new Phantom, takes place at the Maybourne Riviera Hotel in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, situated on the spectacular Mediterranean coast and overlooking Monaco. Invited guests from around the world will have the opportunity to drive, and be driven in, the newest incarnation of the marque’s pinnacle product, officially unveiled in mid-May.

Visitants will also be able to view two magnificent Bespoke Phantoms, exhibited on the lawn of the Maybourne Riviera Hotel. Phantom Platino, named after the silver-white finish of the coveted precious metal, platinum, echoes the marque’s formative days with front seats finished in fine Rolls-Royce leather, and those in the rear upholstered in luxurious fabric. The Great British Phantom, a playful nod to the marque’s more patriotic clients, is finished in striking Magma Red and features a Bespoke artwork in the Gallery, inspired by the Union Flag.

Rolls-Royce Phantom occupies an unrivalled position at the very apex of the luxury world. In line with clients’ expressed wishes, Phantom Series II incorporates only light-touch visual and aesthetic enhancements. By way of example, a subtle geometric change to the Pantheon Grille makes the RR Badge of Honour and Spirit of Ecstasy figurine more prominent when viewed from the front. The grille itself is now illuminated, while the headlights are graced with intricate laser-cut bezel starlights – adding further surprise and delight to Phantom’s night-time presence.

The French Riviera has been associated with Rolls-Royce since the first part of the 20th Century, when the Côte d’Azur established itself as the favoured haunt of actors, artists, musicians and other wealthy luminaries of the Belle Epoque. There is also a potent historical resonance for the company. In 1912, Sir Henry Royce built a villa, La Mimosa, in the village of Le Canadel, where he subsequently spent every winter until his death in 1933.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Phantom Series II: NEDC combined: CO2 emissions: 345 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.7 mpg / 15.1 l/100km. WLTP combined: CO2 emissions: 351-362 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.7-18.2 mpg / 15.5-16.0 l/100km.
Phantom Extended Series II: NEDC combined: CO2 emissions: 345 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.7 mpg / 15.1 l/100km. WLTP combined: CO2 emissions: 353-365 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.4-18.1 mpg / 15.6-16.2 l/100km.

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Fat Joe – Memorial Day

DAYLIGHT Beach Club, located at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, jump-started Sunday’s festivities with hip-hop icon Fat Joe performing Sunday, May 29. American model and television personality Amber Rose, sports journalist Jemele Hill, actor and comedian Bill Bellamy and hip-hop artists Uncle Luke, a founding member of 2 Live Crew, and N.O.R.E., also surprised partygoers with appearances at the beach club. Later that night, LIGHT Nightclub inside Mandalay Bay hosted singer, songwriter and actor Miguel for a rousing performance where Chance the Rapper was in attendance to show his support. Earlier in the weekend, rap artist and singer Don Toliver gave an electrifying performance at LIGHT, Saturday, May 28.

Fat Joe arrived at DAYLIGHT late Sunday afternoon and took the stage around 5 p.m. for a show that had the crowd on its feet and dancing to his biggest hits. The GRAMMY-nominated and certified platinum selling artist performed a mix of his most recognizable songs including Lean Back and What’s Luv? Joined by N.O.R.E., Hill and Bellamy, the group of celebrities sang All the Way Up before Uncle Luke took the stage for a surprise performance of 2 Live Crew’s Yakety Yak Rose came on stage to support the performers and waved to fans throughout the set. While at the popular beach club, the group sipped on Ace of Spades Brut Champagne, Hennessy, Cîroc and Clase Azul tequila.

Following on Sunday night, singer and songwriter Miguel joined LIGHT Nightclub for a 40-minute performance of some of his most popular singles. Arriving around 12:30 a.m. with his wife and several friends, Miguel, in distressed jeans, white cutoff t-shirt and bomber jacket, went straight to the DJ booth where he was seen dancing and engaging with both DJ Five and the crowd. Shortly before 2 a.m., Miguel took over the microphone, singing Sure Thing, Don’t Forget My Love, Adorn, and Skywalker among others which had the crowd grooving late into the night. During the set, hip-hop superstar Chance the Rapper arrived at the nightclub where he sang along to Miguel’s music while drinking Casamigos Blanco.

Don Toliver lit up Saturday night, arriving at LIGHT around 1:30 a.m., he was joined by his girlfriend and “Telepatía” singer Kali Uchis, Travis Scott’s parents Wanda and Jaques Webster as well as a large group of friends. Toliver headed straight to the DJ booth upon arrival before he took the stage for a stellar 45-minute performance including hit songs Lemonade, After Party, No Idea, among others that combined reach more than 2 billion plays on Spotify. Toliver’s performance was a full production including a keyboardist and a DJ. The group enjoyed sipping on Don Julio 1942, Casamigos Blanco and Moet champagne throughout the evening. Toliver departed the club shortly after his performance around 3 a.m.

LIGHT is open from 10:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights and has provided guests with a world-class experience combining a state-of-the-art sound system with massive LED screens since opening in 2013. Since reopening its doors in February, the nightclub has hosted performances by Wyclef Jean, Sam Hunt, Iggy Azalea and Ludacris, LIGHT continues the star-studded lineup in June with Lucky Daye and 6LACK among other talent to be announced. For more information, including admission and VIP pricing, please go HERE.

Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, DAYLIGHT Beach Club is the place to be for a luxuriously entertaining pool experience with its 50,000-square-foot space including a 4,400-square-foot main pool and two additional private pools for cabana guests. DAYLIGHT is also open from 10 p.m. to close on Friday and Saturday nights for its popular “DAYLIGHT at Night” parties. For more information, including special event pricing or to make reservations, please visit daylightvegas.com or call 702-632-4700.

Spanning 50,000 square feet at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, DAYLIGHT Beach Club offers a picturesque resort beach club experience with a massive main pool as well as two private pools for cabana guests. For an elevated beach club experience, DAYLIGHT offers daybeds, banquettes and bungalows, available with reservations. DAYLIGHT’s exceptional hand-crafted cocktails, poolside bites and VIP bottle service come together with a stellar roster of international DJs and performing artists. DAYLIGHT is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday as well as 10 p.m. to close on Friday and Saturday nights for “DAYLIGHT at Night.” More information is on the website at www.daylightvegas.com as well as on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

LIGHT Nightclub at Mandalay Bay merges cutting-edge creativity with popular music to produce unrivaled nightlife entertainment. LIGHT’s DJs play a wide range of popular hits with performers and dancers immersing the crowd in a pulsating party vibe set to state-of-the-art sound and lighting. LIGHT’s massive LED screens captivate the senses and a world-class sound system keeps energy high. LIGHT is open from 10:30 p.m. – 4 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. More information is available on their website HERE and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.