The elegant Paris Cafe brought the timeless class of Paris to New York City’s seaport.
As an avid connoisseur of the latest in Olivia Rodrigo news, from her newest releases down to her favorite color Stanley Cup, I love being in the know about where I can catch a glimpse of my favorite star and her breathtakingly beautiful performances. I know I’m far from alone in this one, and when I found out that American Express would be putting on an evening with Olivia at the Ace Hotel TOMORROW, I knew that I needed to let all of you know as soon as possible.
I know what you’re thinking- how do I be a part of this? Well, if you’re anything like me (a New Yorker), start by getting on the closest plane headed towards LAX with Guts playing in your headphones, as is what I’m doing right now. That’s right, I want you all in the know about this gem of a night so badly that I am quite literally writing this from 42,000 feet in the air.
Once you’ve secured a way to get to Los Angeles in less than 24 hours OR realized that you don’t have to do that since you already live there (consider me jealous), all you have to do is head over to AXS, where the tickets will be available via the following link at 10 AM PST, just an hour from now! https://www.axs.com/events/506549/an-evening-with-olivia-rodrigo-tickets
The tickets will be available exclusively for American Express Cardmembers, and can be yours for only $25! Once again, if we’re similar, your wallet also tends to audibly cry when a new concert is announced, so this is incredible news. Best of all, All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards Fund 4 Good, Olivia’s new nonprofit. It launched alongside Olivia’s upcoming GUTS Tour and is a global initiative committed to building an equitable and just future for all women and girls through direct support of community-based non-profits that champion girls’ education, support reproductive rights and prevent gender-based violence. In addition to these ticket sales, a portion of each ticket sold for the tour will go towards the fund as well.
So what can you expect once you’ve grabbed your American Express card, transportation to LA (whether that’s an airplane or simply your feet) and head to toe purple outfit? I’m so glad you asked! The immersive concert experience will bring some of GUTS’ most iconic moments to life, including an Instagram-worthy photo moment from the “Bad Idea Right” music video and vintage-style photo booths, so very Olivia. The show will also feature a complimentary matcha experience, featuring matcha lattes from LA-based small business Midori Matcha, in a commemorative reusable cup. After the show, concertgoers can expect to be met with even more surprises. I’d tell you now, but I’d rather just see you there.
We’re always telling you how great is is to be #withAmex, and this exclusive show is truly the icing on the cake. The concert is part of Amex’s third annual Member Week, a weeklong celebration of what it means to be #withAmex. Olivia’s concert follows 2022’s Member Week concert featuring Jack Harlow. American express is presenting the week this month, as a continuation of their commitment to making life better. From October 9-13, cardholders will be met with exciting new offers and experiences across dining, travel, entertainment, shopping, and of course, being a diehard Livie.
Don’t live in the area? No problem! For those unable to attend, Olivia’s performance will be available on her YouTube channel the following day, Tuesday, October 10 at 8pm ET through Thursday, October 12, courtesy of American Express. The video will include special stories behind each song, and viewers will get an inside look at Olivia like never before.
There’s nothing like being an Olivia fan, and as her stardom continues to grow at a record breaking pace, experiences like these will continue to bring us all together and remind us what it feels like to escape from life for just a while. I should be touching down soon and have many purple dresses to sort through, so I have to go, but be sure to head to AXS shortly to secure your ticket to see American Express Presents: An Evening with Olivia Rodrigo. I can promise that it’ll be a night to remember. See you there!
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks were a classic staple of my childhood. I mean, what five-year-old boy doesn’t have even the smallest desire to throw his meaty little paws around a toy truck of doom named Boneshaker or Gunkster? These toys dominated my early years, and it was absolutely fantastic to still see how profound an impact the same brand had on today’s children. As I walked into Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn for the Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Live Glow Party event, all I could see were little kids streaming past me with their families, thrilled to see their favorite toys come to life. It was a magical moment.
Taking a seat, I took a minute to marvel at the way the arena had been decorated. I had been at Barclays before for several concerts, but now, it had been completely transformed to include the wide-open space needed to drive several gas-guzzling behemoths. The Hot Wheels iconic branding was draped all around the walls, and there was a massive set of screens hanging from the ceiling that would allow for a closeup on the action no matter what. What was really stealing all attention, however, was the stack of dilapidated vehicles arranged on the ground. This might have perplexed some, but everyone in the audience knew: by the end of the night, these cars would be a remnant of what we were currently seeing. The show was about to begin.
The performances were astounding. Sure, I was a bit old for some of the crowd interactions (like when all the kids were asked to get up and dance like their life depended on it, and every five-year-old around me burst into their favorite Fortnite dance), but seeing the trucks themselves was a joy. They were loud, abrasive, and pure machines of destruction. I was able to see Mega Wrex, a dinosaur-themed truck, Tiger Shark, which looked like a tiger but had a shark fin, Boneshaker, which was made up of old boneyard parts, and others. Each truck had its own story and own quirks, and each took turns competing in a series of challenges that would be scored and ranked. For instance, one of the first was a bid for the best wheelie that could be performed by the trucks, on top of the bed of cars. What followed was a glorious cacophony of crunching steel and deep, screaming engines. I felt giddy.
After several more fun competitions such as best burnout and longest airtime, we were in for a treat for the “halftime show”, which I could never had anticipated. A giant box with wheels slowly rolled into the arena amidst heavy rock music and a huge applause from the audience. I watched as the top opened up like some Transformer, and a metal dinosaur, complete with evil eyes and a razor-sharp grin, unfolded out. The screens everywhere were emblazoned with its name: MEGASAURUS. It picked up an old car, and completely bit it in half. The kids around me were jumping out of their seats maniacally as pieces of old sedan dropped from the mouth of the ferocious beast. Even their parents had giant smiles plastered on their faces as it breathed a burst of fire.
After that show-stopping interjection, I was eager to see whether the next act would top it. When I saw workers rolling out a giant ramp, I knew I was in for a delight. Suddenly, I was witnessing several thrillchasers launching themselves on dirt bikes into the air, and landing on a giant inflatable pad. I was starstruck. As I watched, the motocross team circled back and relaunched, performing flips and aerial stunts that seemed to defy gravity. I was suddenly a kid again again amongst kids, and my attention was glued.
I was left walking out of Barclays Center wondering at what point in my life I had turned into such a boring adult. Reflecting on ancient times when Hot Wheels and Thomas the Tank Engine were the peak concerns I had in life, I came to realize that this night had helped me step back, albeit only for a couple of hours or so, into my older, smaller shoes. The fact that some force managed to achieve that is no small feat, and if one is able to experience this Monster Truck show from Hot Wheels even once and manage to unlock a memory from a small pocket of their childhood, I will consider that a win.
Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Live Glow Party is currently touring the U.S, and is 100% a can’t-miss event.
The movie Killers of the Flower Moon is setting the tone for the future creation of film.
Hulu Brings ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Interactive Experience in NYC to Celebrate Season 3 Finale from September 22-24.
In the picturesque coastal town of Dana Point, California, music enthusiasts and beer aficionados came together for a weekend of live performances, ocean breezes, and the unmistakable taste of aloha.
Throughout his career, Ed Sheeran’s warm vocals and captivating lyrical talent has made all of his albums feel like being snuggled underneath a blanket on a warm fall day. Now more than ever, Sheeran is challenging these familiar emotions with his heartfelt album, Autumn Variations, that was released on Friday.
With autumn in full swing and to celebrate the release of the album, Sheeran invited fans to an excitingly unique event in New York City on Friday. Any fan of his would be utterly unsurprised to find out that Sheeran planned to surprise the event goers with a special private concert, as he is an extremely giving artist. In May, Sheeran stood on top of a car in SoHo to deliver a raw and authentic performance to streets full of adoring fans. Even so, the sight of the artist never fails to evoke screams of joy within the fans, constantly blurring the typical bold lines between artists and the fans that love them.
Sheeran’s musical genius has long been celebrated, but “Autumn Variations” promises to be a distinct masterpiece in his repertoire. The title itself evokes the nostalgia and warmth that the autumn season brings, and true to his artistry, Sheeran invites us to a journey through the heart with every note.
The album, appropriately released on a fall Friday (despite NYC’s rainstorm), carried the promise of serenading listeners with an array of musical styles, much like the diverse colors of autumn leaves. Sheeran’s ability to traverse genres, from soulful ballads to catchy pop anthems, has endeared him to fans worldwide. “Autumn Variations” hints at a musical landscape where every song may unveil a unique facet of his limitless talent.
Sheeran’s gift to his fans, as usual, didn’t stop at the music. The pop-up experience transported attendees into an autumn wonderland right in the heart of Rockefeller Plaza that encapsulated the spirit of the season, despite the weather. Friday was a rather tumultuous day in New York, as gray skies and flooding plagued the city and surrounding areas. But right in the middle of the madness, Sheeran could be seen playing his guitar amidst a crowd of umbrella clad fans, constantly proving his kind heart and dedication to his craft and audience.
Sheeran performed a handful of acoustic songs, originally planning to do so underneath the covered merchandise stand, but deciding to enter the crowd after his microphone didn’t work. Yet another example of the star’s overwhelming kindness.
Imagine stepping into a farm stand where the “Autumn Variations” album cover came to life. The joy of exploring a mini corn maze, capturing memories in an autumn-themed photo booth, or enjoying the whimsy of a tractor ride—all this and more awaited visitors. The pop-up was an immersive adventure, inviting fans to celebrate the season in a unique and memorable way.
As always, it was a great day to be with Amex. American Express Card Members were treated to special privileges. Priority access and exclusive merchandise elevated their journey into Sheeran’s autumn world. All visitors who made a purchase received a gift with purchase & a complimentary tote bag, courtesy of Amex. In addition, small businesses served up fall-favorite snacks & drinks.
As we embrace the beauty of autumn and the harmony of Ed Sheeran’s music, Autumn Variations and its accompanying pop-up experience stand as a testament to the enduring magic of art. In a world that sometimes feels chaotic, especially this weekend, they remind us that there are moments of grace and beauty waiting to be discovered, both in the music we love and in the experiences that bind us.
From a wide range of fashion to energetic performances on the runway, The Model Experience Fashion Week Festival transformed the Los Angeles Convention Center on Sept. 30. Brands like Cough Syrup by Desto Dubbs took the stage, along with performances from Doechii and Kaliii, lighting the stage with an electrifying fusion of music and style.
These selected musicians prove that we need to make more room for young talent!
An extraordinary weekend filled with inspiration and hope unfolded as New Yorkers had the privilege of witnessing the legendary Jane Goodall in action. From the moment she took the stage at Kings Theatre to deliver her captivating presentation, “Reasons for Hope,” to the thought-provoking conversation at the renowned 92nd Street Y, Dr. Goodall’s enduring optimism for our planet illuminated the hearts and minds of all in attendance.
Dr. Goodall, a world-renowned primatologist, environmentalist, and UN Messenger of Peace, has dedicated her life to studying and protecting chimpanzees and advocating for conservation efforts. Her unwavering commitment to creating a better world for future generations is truly awe-inspiring.
During her presentation at Kings Theatre on Saturday September 30th, Dr. Goodall shared stories of resilience, highlighting the importance of individual action and collective responsibility in tackling the environmental challenges we face. Her words resonated deeply, reminding us that even small acts can have a profound impact.
What struck me most was Dr. Goodall’s emphasis on the power of the youth. She spoke just as passionately the following evening on Sunday October 1st at the 92nd Street Y, about the role young people play in shaping the future and encouraged them to become active agents of change. Her ability to instill hope in the hearts of the next generation was a testament to her belief that together, we can make a difference.
Leaving both events, one couldn’t help but feel grateful for having witnessed Dr. Goodall’s unwavering dedication and contagious spirit. She is undeniably a gift to our world—a beacon of hope shining brightly amidst the challenges we face. Her legacy serves as a reminder that each of us has the power to contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate future.
In a world that often seems marred by uncertainty, Jane Goodall’s extraordinary work and her enduring optimism remind us that the actions we take today can positively impact tomorrow.