UNCATEGORIZED

Obama Musical Returns

Eli Bauman, Monica Saunders-Weinberg, MB Artists, and Michael Donovan proudly present the return of 44, THE unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL (As Told Through the Hazy Recollection of Joe Biden), for a limited engagement at The Bourbon Room Hollywood. After a second sold-out run earlier this year, the musical satire returns featuring music, lyrics, and book by Eli Bauman (NBC’s Maya & Marty, with additional songs co-written by Eli Bauman and his father, Jon Bowzer Bauman (Sha Na Na). Bauman directs a cast of 11 starring T.J. Wilkins (NBC’s The Voice) as Barack Obama and Shanice (Award-winning R&B artist I Love Your Smile and OWN’s Flex & Shanice) as Michelle Obama. Performances run every Wednesday through Saturday from October 11, 2023 through November 18, 2023, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and the show starting at 7:00 p.m. The official opening night for the musical is on Friday, October 13, 2023. Tickets start at $45.00 and are now on sale at www.44ObamaMusical.com and www.BourbonRoomHollywood.com.

44 is a melting pot of music that touches on the highs and lows of the Obama era – Sarah Palin scream-singing Drill Me Baby like Ozzy Osbourne, President Obama crooning How Black Is Too Black? over a smooth Motown groove, and of course, Filibusters, a hardcore hip-hop jam where Mitch McConnell and Ted Cruz rap Green Eggs and Ham in its entirety. Barack Obama’s election changed history. And as we can clearly see, it also ended racism forever! But 44 is the story of Obama you won’t read about in history books…because history books are now banned in most states. But also because 44 is the story of Obama as Joe Biden kinda sorta remembers it.

I am thrilled that 44 is returning for an unconstitutional third term at the Bourbon Room, located in the modern-day Gomorrah of Hollywood, California, said Eli Bauman, creator and director of 44. I am delighted to be re-electing this incredibly talented cast, starting with T.J. Wilkins as Barack Obama, and Shanice – a woman who requires only one name – as First Lady Michelle. So, bring your friends, bring your mom, bring your aunties, for an epic night of music, comedy, and chaos that will have you singing, laughing, and groovin’ in your seats.

The cast for 44, led by Wilkins and Shanice, includes Kevin Bailey (Broadway’s The Lion King & Original Company; Broadway’s Annie Get Your Gun) as John Boehner, Larry Cedar (HBO’s Deadwood; Reprise’s She Loves Me & Ovation Award-winner) as Mitch McConnell, Chad Doreck (Off-Broadway’s Altar Boyz; ICT’s Robber Bridegroom) as Joe Biden, Kelley Dorney (Ahmanson Theatre’s The Secret Garden; 3D Theatrical’s A Gentleman’s Guide to Murder) as Hillary Clinton, Summer Nicole Greer (Spamilton and Ragtime) as Voice of the People, Jane Papageorge (The Old Globe’s Kiss Me Kate; NoHo Arts Center’s Scary Musical) as Sarah Palin, Dino Short; (Netflix’s The Upshaw Fox’s Wanda at Large) as Herman Cain, Jeff Sumner (The Hollywood Bowl’s Annie; ICT’s The Legend of Georgia McBride) as Lindsay Graham, and Michael Uribes (Skylight Theatre’s Bronco Billy The Musical; A Noise Within’s Man of La Mancha) as Ted Cruz. Understudies for 44 include Marqell Edward Clayton as Barack Obama and Herman Cain, Scott Kruse as Mitch McConnell and Lindsey Graham.

The live rock band that keeps 44’s non-stop rhythmic R&B sounds and hard-hitting beats going is Los Angeles-based House of Vibe helmed by music director, music co-producer, and keyboardist, Anthony Brew Brewster. The band, who has worked with the likes of Justin Timberlake, Fishbone, Chali-2na, Citizen Cope, De La Soul, and The Untouchables to name a few, features Phillip Fish Fisher (drums); Corey Cofield (bass); Kris Hawkins and Conrad Bauer (guitar) and Greg Raymond (keyboard). 44‘s hip-hop infused choreography was created by James Alsop. An EP of the impressive songs from 44 is in the works.

44 – The unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL will play at The Bourbon Room Hollywood (6356 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028), which is both a state-of-the-art performance venue and a full-service bar and supper club with dinner service during live shows. The musical will play 20 performances: Wednesday, October 11 through Saturday, October 14; Thursday, November 3; Friday, November 4; Wednesday, November 8; Thursday, November 9; Friday, November 10; Wedneday, November 15 through Saturday, November 18 – the official press opening is on Friday, October 13. All performances start at 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices range from $45.00 to $100.00 for a table front row. Note: A $25 minimum spend per person for food and/or drink is required in addition to the ticket purchase. Seating is assigned, and the doors open at 6:00 p.m. for seating and dinner.

Tickets are on sale now at www.44ObamaMusical.com and www.BourbonRoomHollywood.com.

A NEW AGE IN G.O.D.S.

Marvel’s pantheon of cosmic entities have faithful servants that walk among us as members of two opposing factions: the powerful mystics of THE-POWERS-THAT-BE and the brilliant scientific minds of THE-NATURAL-ORDER-OF-THINGS. For eons, they’ve clashed and schemed with all of reality hanging in the balance until they formed a fragile pact. Now, a mysterious rogue agent by the name of Cubisk Core has shattered that uneasy peace, and this secret war will come out of the shadows for the first time in Jonathan Hickman and Valerio Schiti’s G.O.D.S.!

The highly-anticipated series will introduce fans to an exciting new cast of characters, some of which readers have already met this summer in special bonus pages in select titles. These characters exist outside the fight between heroes and villains and devote their time to upholding the very building blocks of creation. This week, some of the major players of G.O.D.S. have been spotlighted in special teasers and concept art. Today, it’s time to meet the character who wants to bring it all down—CUBISK CORE! To usher in a new age, Cubisk will have to unleash a Babylon Event, a rare occurrence with the potential to annihilate every last aspect of reality! Check them out now in new concept art and teaser images and learn more about their bold plan by visiting Marvel.com.

DEATH OF MOON KNIGHT

Starting in October, prepare for the final days, the last minutes, and the terminal seconds of MOON KNIGHT!

Following a brutal battle with the Black Spectre, the saga of Marc Spector will come to an untimely end in the pages of Jed MacKay, Alessandro Cappuccio, and Federico Sabbatini’s hit run in MOON KNIGHT #28-30. However, Khonshu’s vengeance can never die, and Moon Knight’s legacy will live on in an unexpected way. It’s a startling story arc that will serve as the culmination of Moon Knight’s current era and the beginning of his next chapter.

To mark this milestone moment in Moon Knight history, superstar artist Inhyuk Lee has delivered three jaw dropping covers that will adorn all three issues of the storyline. Dubbed the Last Days of Moon Knight Variant Covers, Lee’s pieces foretell this tragic turning point in the Moon Knight mythology!

“Almost all the pieces are now on the board—on one side, Moon Knight and his allies in the Midnight Mission, and on the other, the Black Spectre, his creatures, and his plan for New York,” MacKay explained. “We’ve been building towards this confrontation since #19, and starting with MOON KNIGHT #28, Moon Knight and the Black Spectre go to war. It’s not just a question of victory, but survival itself. The Midnight Mission is already cloaked in the black of mourning…”

Be there when death comes knocking for Marc Spector in MOON KNIGHT #28 this October. For more information, visit Marvel.com.

National Dance Day Routine

American Dance Movement (ADM) today unveiled the official National Dance Day 2023 routine choreographed by “World of Dance” finalist and YouTube sensation, Poppin John. The routine invites dancers and enthusiasts alike to embrace dance as a valuable form of exercise and artistic expression leading up to the nationwide celebration on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Poppin John is an iconic choreographer and movement artist that has shared his crowd-pleasing robotic illusions, silky smooth waves and explosive popping moves for more than 25 years. He has performed, battled and taught dance classes across the globe, amassing more than 1 million subscribers and more than 250 million combined views on YouTube. Capturing the attention of companies across a wide variety of industries, he has worked with brands including Hyundai, Lipton, Metro PCS, Head & Shoulders, Lego, Acura, Pepsi and more. Poppin John was featured in the music video for Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” and danced alongside her during the performance of “Blank Space” at the American Music Awards in 2014. He has also made appearances on “Ellen,” “America’s Got Talent” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” among other hit shows.

Each year since 2010, American Dance Movement has celebrated National Dance Day with an official routine from acclaimed choreographers that aims to make dance more accessible and inclusive. The tutorial is meant to act as a guide for the official routine, and American Dance Movement encourages dancers of all abilities, ages and skill levels to make it their own by putting their unique spin on it.

This year’s instructional video includes a step-by-step tutorial of the routine, demonstrated by Poppin John and other talented dancers including Chelsie Hill, founder of the Rollettes; Tony Bellissimo from the “Step Up” movie franchise and “So You Think You Can Dance;” along with Jai Robinson, Emily Figueroa, Ayanna Dowell and Cody Copley. This year’s routine is available on ADM’s YouTube channel athttps://youtu.be/15EJgP3c96A and website at www.americandancemovement.org/national-dance-day.

Anyone may participate in National Dance Day by sharing a video of themselves doing the choreographed routine on social media, as well as tagging and mentioning ADM on Instagram, Facebook and TikTokat @AmericanDanceMovement, and using the hashtags #NationalDanceDay2023 and #DanceWithADM. Participants may also join interactive co-hosted events around the country on Saturday, Sept. 16 at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.; and Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California.

ADM has encouraged communities to get moving through dance for more than a decade by funding dance education in underserved communities, as well as educating the public on the many benefits of dance, such as improved cardiovascular health, self-confidence, self-expression, social skills and more.

To learn more about American Dance Movement and National Dance Day, visit the website at AmericanDanceMovement.org.

About American Dance Movement:

Founded by producers Nigel Lythgoe (“So You Think You Can Dance”), and Adam Shankman (“Hairspray”, “Step Up,” “What Men Want”), American Dance Movement (ADM), formerly Dizzy Feet Foundation, is a funding organization that builds healthy communities by expanding access to dance and movement, educating about its benefits, and inspiring generations of dance enthusiasts through its annual event, National Dance Day (NDD). American Dance Movement – on a mission to move us all. To learn more about American Dance Movement and National Dance Day, visit the website atAmericanDanceMovement.org, on Twitter at @DanceWithADM and on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube at @AmericanDanceMovement.

Five Unique Vacation Destinations

With summer finally coming to an end and colder weather on the horizon, many families are now considering the best places to travel to for a fun winter vacation. However, this can feel impossible after taking years of vacations given that it can seem as if nowhere is new. That’s why learning the top vacation “out-of-the-box” destinations can help. In particular, there are five main destinations around the world that all families should consider traveling to after learning how to properly budget for their trip. In fact, the most magical moments can be at Disney’s Grand Californian.

How Much Money Should You Set Aside for a Vacation?

Learning how to budget for a vacation in the modern day starts with looking at how expensive vacations have become in recent years. Generally, vacation spending accounts for around 2% for all U.S. households, which equates to around $4,000 for a two week trip for a single person alone. This means that a family of four should set aside around $6,000-$8,000 once the stable costs are factored in.

Key Budgeting Tips for a Vacation

Considering the large price associated with taking a vacation in the modern day, it’s only natural to want to find ways to budget for your trip so that you don’t need to dip into your savings. Specifically, there are three primary tips which can assist a person with this goal:

Use credit card reward points

For those who use credit cards, consider looking into whether the card you use is a rewards credit card or not. This means that when you make purchases on the card, you will gain cash back or credit card points in return. This cash or these points can often be redeemed directly with hotels or airlines instead of using funds that come from your own pockets. By using this strategy, a person can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on traveling to some popular locations around the world.

Consider staying in alternative accommodations

Rather than staying in a traditional hotel, consider staying in alternative accommodations instead that are cheaper. These accommodations are typically vacation rentals or hostels, with the latter being short-term accommodations that encompass an entire space. This allows residents to feel like more a part of the community they are in. Alternatively, you can consider staying at a hostel as well and renting out an entire room as opposed to splitting your family apart inside the room.

Travel during the tourist off-season

Finally, making the simple decision to travel during the off-season for tourism can save a person thousands of dollars in their budget. As an example, choosing to travel to a location that is traditionally a winter location in the summer, or even fall, will result in lower prices. This is due to the fact that there will be less demand in an area, thus lowering the prices in the area.

5 Unique Vacation Destinations to Keep in Mind

After building out a vacation budget, the next thing a person will need to do is determine where they actually want to travel to. The following five locations are some of the most popular destinations to consider that are “out-of-the-box” in nature:

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

One of the lesser known areas around the world is Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which is unfortunate considering everything it has to offer those who travel to the area. From amazing weather due to proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains to astounding food, Pigeon Forge has everything a person could wish for on a vacation. Additionally, there are plenty of native offerings such as the best dinner shows in Hatfield and McCoy: a guide, which outline some of the best dinner and event locations in the area.

Napa Valley, California

For those who love to enjoy a fine glass of wine, Napa Valley is an absolute must-visit location to consider. Located in Northern California, this region of wine growing country is renowned around the world for the amazing bottles that stem from the region. There are many accommodation options in this location, including hotels on wineries themselves. Beyond wine tasting, visitors to Napa can also enjoy activities such as tours, horseback riding, and more.

New York City, New York

Naturally, New York City is an absolute must-visit location in the country. It should go without saying that New York City is one of the most traveled to cities around the world and for good reason. Famous sites such as Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge are excellent tourist destinations.

Disneyworld, Florida

Those who are die-hard Disney fans should consider taking a trip out to Orlando, Florida to visit Disneyworld, the cousin to Disneyland. The latter is actually larger than the former, interestingly enough, and its proximity to famous cities in Florida means a trip to this amusement park can be combined with a general Florida trip.

Zion National Park, Utah

Lovers of the outdoors should absolutely consider taking a trip to Zion National Park in Utah. Famous hikes such as Angel’s Landing have put this location on the map for national park travelers, but people of all experience-levels in terms of the outdoors can enjoy this amazing landscape. There are many hotels surrounding the national park which allow for easy access to the park itself.

Plan an unforgettable vacation today

Planning a vacation that is fun for the whole family will undoubtedly be difficult but taking the time to figure out the best destinations will help. Focus on thinking outside of the box when planning your trips, rather than going to the same places all tourists travel to. Additionally, don’t neglect taking the time to budget properly for your vacation. The average price of taking a trip has risen drastically in recent years, meaning adequate budgeting is required to ensure that you don’t accidentally fall into debt while on your trip. By taking all of the above advice into account, any family can get a fun and exciting vacation on the calendar.

Eleven Smart Tips for Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can be a wise decision for many reasons: it’s cost-effective, it often comes with a history, and it allows you to drive a model that you might not be able to afford brand-new. However, diving into the used car market can be daunting, especially if you’re unsure about what to look out for.

Research is Your Best Friend

Before you even set foot inside a dealership, conduct thorough research. Identify the kind of vehicle you need, check average prices, and become familiar with common issues associated with specific models. Being informed gives you an edge during negotiations.

The Importance of Vehicle History

Whether you’re looking for right hand drive cars in the USA or just want a reliable run-around, always ask for the car’s history report. This report will highlight any past accidents, title problems, and how many previous owners the car has had. A clear history can set your mind at ease, while a complicated one might require further investigation.

Physical Inspection

Even if the car looks shiny and perfect, a physical inspection is essential. Check the car during daylight hours to identify any discrepancies in paint or bodywork. Look under the hood for signs of leaks or wear and examine the tires for uneven wear too.

Test Drive

A car might look great, but how does it feel on the road? Always take the car for a test drive. Listen for any unusual noises, see how the car responds to different terrains, and make sure you are comfortable with its performance.

Compare Prices

Once you have narrowed down your choices, compare prices in different places: dealerships, private sellers, online platforms. This will ensure that you get the best bang for your buck.

Consider Certified Pre-Owned

Certified pre-owned (CPO) cars are usually higher in price than standard used cars, but they come with benefits like extended warranties and detailed inspections. If peace of mind is crucial for you, a CPO might be worth considering.

Negotiation

Remember, the sticker price is not always the final price. Be ready to negotiate. Armed with your research, make an offer that’s fair but still leans in your favor. Most dealers will expect some level of negotiation from buyers.

Seek Professional Advice

If you are unsure about a car’s condition, don’t hesitate to bring in a mechanic for an expert opinion. This might cost you in the short term, but it can save you from expensive surprises down the line.

Evaluate Financing Options

If you can’t buy the car outright, look into financing options. Credit unions, banks, and even some dealerships can offer car loans. Remember to read all the terms and conditions, and ensure the monthly payments fit within your budget.

Insurance Matters

Before you finalize your purchase, get an insurance quote for the car. The cost of insuring a vehicle can significantly impact your overall expenses, especially if it’s a model that’s deemed high-risk or expensive to repair. Make sure that you factor this into your overall budget, especially if you will be paying monthly.

Close the Deal with Confidence

Once you are satisfied with your choice and have settled on a price, make sure all the paperwork is in order. Ensure the title is clear, all promises are in writing, and you’re fully aware of any warranties or return policies.

Purchasing the right used car for you doesn’t have to be an intimidating process. With the right preparation and knowledge, it can be both exciting and rewarding. By following these tips, you’re not only ensuring that you get a reliable vehicle but also that you’re making a sound financial investment.

HALLMARK’S MAHOGANY

Now you can listen to the Hallmark Channel on the go! Get ready for the highly anticipated debut of Hallmark’s Mahogany Presents, “Crimson Hearts Collide,” the latest addition to the scripted podcast space! Starring Malinda Williams, Amanda Seales, and Keith D. Robinson. The all-new original podcast series is set to release its first two episodes on August 24th, with subsequent episodes airing every Thursday.

Episode 101 – “Unexpected Inheritance”

(Available Thursday, August 24)

Listeners will be transported from New York City to Alabama and into the lives of “Crimson Hearts Collide’s” three main characters: Sonora Williams (Malinda Williams, “Soul Food”), a top lawyer in New York City, her best friend, Kelsey (Amanda Seales “Insecure”) and handsome cowboy, Zeke Summers (Keith D. Robinson, “Sister Swap: A Hometown Holiday”).

One day, Sonora receives a letter in the mail that changes everything! She has an uncle who just passed away and left her an inheritance, a farm in Alabama. For her entire life growing up in foster care, she was told she had no family, leaving her to wonder, if he knew about her, why did he not come for her? In search of answers, Sonora travels down south to collect her inheritance and discovers her uncle has left her his most prized possession, the farm.

While in Alabama, she meets the people who keep the farm running. Sparks fly when she meets and falls for real-life cowboy Zeke Summers, who is clearly not happy with his new big-city boss. Sonora’s world falls apart when her law firm postpones her big promotion to partner, and her newly discovered cousin, Eloise, lays legal claim to the farm Sonora has just inherited.

Episode 2 (Available Thursday, August 24)

Sonora desperately tries to get more information about her boss, Laura’s sudden change of heart. Meanwhile, she discovers that the farm is deep in debt. Family friend Minnie bonds with Sonora as she helps her with a hair emergency and fills her in on Uncle Chuck’s flawed business dealings. Apparently, Chuck’s compassion is what got the farm in trouble. This only adds to the mystery of why Uncle Chuck never reached out to Sonora. The revelation that Zeke’s heart is taken puts a damper on Sonora’s attraction. While a workers’ crisis sends the farm into a deeper debt spiral, Cousin Eloise treats the farm as her personal retreat.

With each episode building on the last, “Crimson Hearts Collide” promises to be a gripping, must-listen series that explores the complexities of friendship, family, love, and ambition.

An eight-part series, “Crimson Hearts Collide,” marks the first-ever scripted podcasting venture for the company and a milestone in the continued extension of Hallmark’s legacy brand Mahogany, an iconic 30+ year-old card line brought to life as a Hallmark Media entertainment initiative last year. Mahogany content offerings spotlight storytelling that exemplifies family, community, connection, positivity, and the power of love – all through the unique lens of Black culture.

Tune in every Thursday to follow Sonora, Kelsey, and Zeke and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #CrimsonHeartsCollide.

Don’t miss out on this thrilling new podcast series from Hallmark’s Mahogany Presents!

To listen to the trailer and learn more, please visit:

https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/ crimson-hearts-collide.

THE NATIONAL CELEBRATION OF HIP HOP

In celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th year, Public Enemy and Ice-T will headline The National Celebration of Hip Hop, a once in a lifetime concert event taking place on Friday, October 6th and Saturday, October 7th, 2023 at West Potomac Park on the National Mall in Washington D.C. General admission to the event will be free with registration.

The definitive celebration of hip hop will feature a special DJ Hurricane Beastie Boys Tribute Set w/ Special Guests and performances from legendary artists including Kurtis Blow, Kid ‘n Play, Soulsonic Force, Roxanne Shante, CL Smooth, Melle Mel and Scorpio, The Sugarhill Gang, Peter Gunz, DJ Kevie Kev Rockwell, Mad Skillz, MC Sha-Rock, Busy Bee, Joe Ski Love, Positive K, Boogie Black, Mick Benzo, Gumbo and Donald D with many more additional artists to be announced soon.

Free general admission pre-registration opens on Wednesday, August 23nd at 10am ET – fans can sign up for the waiting list to get tickets at NationalCelebrationofHipHop.com. Free Tickets will be released in tranches and are FIRST COME FIRST SERVE so fans should register as quickly as possible for the best chance of getting their spot.

VIP party and travel packages will be available for purchase. A limited number of pre-sales for exclusive VIP pre-parties and afterparties begins August 23nd at 10am ET at NationalCelebrationofHipHop.com. More information HERE.

Chasing Live has collaborated with Mickey Bentson’s The Art of Rap, which features legendary Hip Hip pioneer Ice-T. As a foundational pillar of the original days of hip hop, he is respected amongst fans and industry alike as one of the artists who developed the genre.

“We are honored to continue to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop against the backdrop of America’s Capitol with a free event for everyone. I can’t wait to get on stage and do our thing,” said Flavor Flav

“Hip hop is beyond, not just a musical genre,” says Chuck D. “It’s a cultural movement that has dominated art, fashion, politics, poetry, academia, film and every corner of the world for the past 50 years. This National Celebration brings it all together in one place for the people, by the people.”

“We are coming to the National Mall itself to bring you authentic Hip Hop for the 50th celebration!” exclaimed Ice-T.

Beyond this once in a lifetime concert, fans will also have the opportunity to enjoy various activities including guest speakers, comedians, public figures as well as interactive events and exhibits throughout the day celebrating this monumental moment in music and history.

National distribution including an international live stream and broadcast will be announced soon.

ABOUT THE PRODUCERS

The National Celebration of Hip Hop is presented by Executive Producers Nathan Parienti and Lauren Bissell of Chasing Live in collaboration with renowned Producer Mickey Bentson’s The Art of Rap and legendary hip-hop artist Ice-T.

“The live experience is one for which there is no substitute. Sound — the melodies, the lyrics, the energy in perfect harmony — it unifies everyone in a moment in time that will live on forever. We couldn’t be more thrilled to participate in this moment in history and bring this historic show to the world!” Lauren Bissell

“The Art Of Rap has always brought authentic Hip hop shows and now we are doing it once again in Washington DC with Chasing Live for the National Celebration on October 6 and 7th 2023.” Mick Benzo

IRONTOM Announce Upcoming Album

Hailing from the hedonistic capital of the modern world, Los Angeles’ IRONTOM today announce their upcoming album GEL pt.1 with the release of new single Super//Star. Sonically spoofing a Guns N’ Roses-esque, ready assemble, arena rock anthem, the new track is an ego trip fueled by delusions of grandeur. No one can tell you that you don’t deserve everything when you think you are the greatest Stream.

Filmed in a single shot, the official video for Super//Star is pure rock and roll gluttony and hootenanny. With in-your-face motifs running rampant through all the band’s recent videos, directors Amalia Irons and Max Harper have created an IRONTOM universe where oddity is the commodity Watch.

The band’s October 13 album is the most non-boundary fun they have ever created within. With no limits, and no distinction between being deadly serious or wildly satirical, IRONTOM describes GEL pt.1 like, Opening your front door to realize you are at the top of Mount Everest, but it’s in the center of Hollywood and your only way out is to shoot down a water slide where you witness golden and crusty characters of the self-obsessed and overstimulated. Pre-save GEL pt.1 / Pre-order on CD/ vinyl.

Back in April, IRONTOM began rolling out the singles from GEL pt.1 with their self-aware nihilistic fantasy Con Artist and its accompanying video. Sir Elton John praised the absurdity of the track on his Apple Music Rocket Hour show. IRONTOM was also invited by the Red Hot Chili Peppers to take over their SiriusXM channel. And at the end of June, the band set out to brainwash and loot their listeners with Common Chaos. The second single’s official video picked right up in the same universe the last video left off in, painting a visual universe and leaving fans guessing their next move at every step along the way.

This Fall, the band will join AWOLNATION on the road for a run of shows and then head to Latin America for tour dates with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Between these two tour runs, IRONTOM will host a release show in their hedonistic hometown of Los Angeles at Moroccan Lounge on October 19. All tour info can be found here and below.

IRONTOM is here to be critical of the whole world and everything wrong with it, while simultaneously acknowledging that that includes them. They want to watch the world burn while they pee on the fire. Truths are stretched and lies exist to be satirized in their musical realm. Like a car crash, whether amazed or appalled, no one can look away from the psychedelic world IRONTOM leads listeners through.

ABOUT IRONTOM

It’s hard to know the true origin story of IRONTOM as many different stories have circulated the internet for some time. The band is fronted by Zach Irons and Harry Hayes, who allegedly claim to be fraternal twins separated at birth. Through the help of ancestry.com and 23andMe, they were reunited when they were both 19 years old to form the band in Malibu, California, along with drummer Dylan Williams.

Cutting their teeth playing together during a six-month residency gig they had on a small stage at Six Flags Magic Mountain next to Viper, they found their way into a sound that combines arty post-punk and prog influences with psychedelic flourishes and funk-rock grooves. They lean into the eccentric, satirically commenting on the screwed-up society they know they negatively contribute to themselves.

Acknowledging that childhood is the place to look back to for the root of musical influence, Irons grew up in a very creative household headed by former Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam drummer Jack Irons. Less inspiringly, Williams’ eighth cousin is George W. Bush.

Weaving each release into the last, IRONTOM will unveil their new album GEL pt.1 on October 13. The journey will be unsettling, madcap and uninhibited fun. But full disclaimer; everything that you learn about the band that feels absurd or sensationalized, may very well be the truth.

Pan Armenian Council Calls Upon the Biden Administration

The Pan Armenian Council of Western United States, the largest coalition of Armenian American community organizations in the United States, calls upon the Biden administration to take all measures necessary to end Azerbaijan’s illegal blockade of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) which has endangered the lives of 120,000 men, women, and children for over eight (8) months. Time is running out.

Azerbaijan has cut off 120,000 Armenians from desperately needed food, medicine, energy resources and other urgently needed supplies since December 12, 2022, willfully creating a humanitarian crisis against innocent civilians who simply want a life of peace, freedom and security on their ancestral lands.

International human rights observers agree that the people of Artsakh have weeks to live. Since June 15, 2023, the dictatorial regime of Illham Aliyev has even restricted the delivery of humanitarian assistance by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Despite countless public condemnations of Azerbaijan’s genocidal policy against Artsakh by the international community, and a February 22, 2023 preliminary measure by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Azerbaijan to “take all measures at its disposal to ensure the unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions” (which was reaffirmed by ICJ on July 7, 2023), Azerbaijan continued to escalate the crisis by installing an illegal check-point on the Lachin Corridor on April 23, 2023. This is in direct violation of the November 9, 2020 tri-lateral ceasefire statement signed following the 44 days of a war of aggression waged against the Armenians of Artsakh in the Fall of 2020.

Azerbaijan’s crimes against humanity and premeditated intent to commit genocide and ethnic cleansing were further demonstrated in late July and early August 2023, when Aliyev’s forces who have been illegally blockading the Lachin Corridor kidnapped 68-year-old Vagif Khachatryan and 61-year-old Artsakh resident Rashid Beglaryan, as they were being transported to Armenia by the ICRC for emergency medical care.

With the lives of 30,000 Armenian Children, 20,000 elderly, and 9,000 persons with disabilities hanging in the balance, we demand affirmative action by President Biden and the U.S. Department of State, to prevent a new Armenian Genocide at the hands of the Aliyev regime by:

1. Ensuring the immediate re-opening of the Lachin Corridor by introducing and facilitating the passage of a UN Security Council Resolution requiring Azerbaijan to adhere to the February 22, 2023, preliminary measure of the ICJ ordering Azerbaijan to open the Lachin Corridor;

2. Immediately halting all U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan in light of the illegal humanitarian blockade imposed on the Armenians of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), consistent with Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act;

3. Sanctioning members of the Aliyev regime under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act for ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated by individual members of the Aliyev regime;

4. Delivering $100 million in USAID humanitarian assistance to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) through the Lachin Corridor to ensure the survival of the 120,000 civilians who have been completely blockaded since June 15, 2023;

5. Introducing a UN Security Council resolution to establish a United Nations Mission in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) [UNMINK] consisting of 5,000 international military personnel to ensure the physical security of the population.

Failure to immediately respond to this humanitarian crisis will result in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) joining the ranks of Halabja, Rwanda, Darfur, and Srebrenica —events in world history that define modern evil and stain our collective conscience.

Mr. President and Mr. Secretary of State:

Resolute action is needed now to prevent a second Armenian Genocide. We ask that you lead the international community in fulfilling its global obligation to protect the 120,000 Armenians of Artsakh, and ensure the unquestionable and inalienable right of Artsakh Armenians for self-determination based on the principle of remedial secession.

PAN ARMENIAN COUNCIL OF WESTERN UNITED STATES

The Pan-Armenian Council of the Western United States of America was founded in Burbank, California in 2019 and is comprised of 25 of the largest religious, political, cultural and professional organizations leading the Armenian community. Through the Council, these entities strive to fulfill the organization’s mission statement, which is to implement and realize projects of a pan-community nature; to encourage and assist projects which advance the collective interests and the rights of Armenian communities across the Western United States; to undertake steps to resist actions and efforts which are contrary to the collective interests and rights of Armenians; to gather and apply the Armenian community’s resources for the benefit of the community’s interests as well as the welfare of the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh; to always be mindful of the collective health and protection of the Armenian community.