Lifestyle

On The Scene: Mary J. Blige Brings Strength Of A Woman Festival To Atlanta

by Chantell Hayden May 12, 2022

written by Chantell Hayden

Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert

Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 3 – Gospel Brunch

Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Comedy Night

Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit – Day 1 – Gen Z Concert

Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 Strength Of A Woman Summit

This past weekend, Mary J Blige, with the help of Live Nation Urban and Pepsi, kicked off her inaugural Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit in Atlanta.

The 3-day fest was jam-packed with a comedy show, 2 concerts with an all-women lineup, and a Mother’s Day Gospel Brunch.

The Friday night comedy show included comedians Ms. Pat, Erica Duchess, and Taneshia “Just Nesh” Rice. Following the comedy show was a concert at The Tabernacle in Downtown Atlanta with performances by Kiana Ledè, Emotional Oranges, Rubi Rose, Sevyn Streeter, Inayah, MK XYZ and Omerettá the Great. It was the ideal ladies night.

Pink and purple seemed to be the official colors of the weekend, as the fluorescent colors lit up every room we walked in. There were interactive Strength of a Woman photobooths on display all around the venue for fans to enjoy, along with refreshments courtesy of Pepsi and Strength of a Woman merch booths scattered around. And, of course, a hot wing booth selling some of the best assorted chicken wings we’ve ever ate because when in Rome, right?

Fans watched on as their favorite artists put on a hell of a show. ATL natives and rappers Rubi Rose and Omerettá commanded the stage while performing their most popular songs. Rubi even added a twerk competition mid song as she rapped the sexy yet playful lyrics to her single “Hit Yo Dance” featuring Yella Beezy and NLE Choppa.

The energy of the night became calmer once the R&B songstresses took the stage. Sevyn Streeter recently finished her intimate 5-city tour promoting her latest project Drunken Wordz, Sober Thoughtz but she made sure to bring some of that tour energy to the stage and performed songs like “Taboo”, “Before I Do” and “Nasty Girl”.

Kiana Lede closed out the night and did not disappoint. The singer-songwriter floated around the stage in a sultry, black skirt and bra set while serenading the audience as she sung her songs “Chocolate” and “Attention” from her debut album KIKI.

The festivities picked back up on Saturday with the Strength of a Woman Summit hosted by actress Taraji P. Henson. Guests enjoyed educational workshops and panels geared toward cultivating a community to empower and uplift women.

Trailblazing black women in various industries ranging from music and entertainment to hair care and culinary arts shared their individual stories about overcoming adversities, love, friendship and success. Mary J. Blige, Angie Martinez, Supa Cent, Tasha K. Smith, LaLa Anthony, Coco Jones, Naturi Naughton, Kandi Burruss and more were able to speak about their experiences with attendees.

Black-owned food trucks, a Strength of a Woman curated NFT gallery and music led by DJ Traci Steele are just a few of the fun things provided for everyone to enjoy and the entire experience was live-streamed globally on Amazon’s Twitch.

Carrying on into the night, a sold-out concert at State Farm Arena headlined by Mary J Blige was nothing short of magical. R&B group Xscape, Chaka Khan, City Girls, Yung Baby Tate and Queen Naija performed and kept the crowd hype but it was the grand finale that truly brought the night together.

Mary J Blige made the stage her own in an orange and magenta jumpsuit, along with her signature blond tresses and knee-high boots. The R&B legend gave the audience a lengthy but well deserved 2-hour set running through her extensive list of hits. “My Life,” “Real Love” and “Mary Jane (All Night Long)” are among the many songs that she performed.

She even brought longtime friend, and co-star on STARZ Power Book II, Method Man along to perform their 1995 hit “All I Need” while fans and special guests like LaLa Anthony, Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliot sang along. But the surprises didn’t stop there.

As the concert began to wind down, Usher, Summer Walker and Ella Mai joined Mary on stage to perform a few of their songs for the crowd. It was a perfect finale and an even more perfect night as Mary reminded us why she has and will always be the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul.

May 12, 2022 0 comments

Events Lifestyle

On The Scene: The 26th Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival

by Avyana Chapman May 11, 2022

written by Avyana Chapman

Las Olas was the place to be Friday, April 22nd for the Las Olas Food and Wine Festival. The night was filled with eating delicious bites and sippin’ on wine, beer, and mouth-watering cocktails all while helping to fund lung disease research, education, advocacy, and support for individuals living with lung disease in South Florida.

“Every year this event brings together the best of the best of South Florida. The Festival attracts a diversity of industries and demographics, representing various corporations, hospitality partners, entertainment vendors, and attendees from all over Florida and beyond,” remarks LaJuane Mack, Las Olas Wine and Food Festival Committee Member, South Florida American Lung Association Leadership Board Member, and Region Multicultural Manager – Central with Brown-Forman Beverages.

The three-hour event shut down a nice portion of Las Olas with tents lining both sides of the road filled with food and drinks from many local restaurants, breweries, and bars. Faux Pas had my favorite drink of the night, a canned pear Moscow Mule, I typically do not love Moscow Mules, but the canned cocktail was bursting with flavors from the pear notes. I highly enjoyed trying all the different wines, beers, cocktails, prosecco, and champagnes, and can not say there was one beverage I did not enjoy.

The unlimited small plates of food had to be the highlight of this event for me, there were 28 food vendors and I made sure to try delicious bites from each of them in a three-hour window, a new food record for myself! I loved all the flavorful ceviches- there were quite a few I tried that night. I also can not stop dreaming about the spicy meatballs from Nikki’s Foods LLC. There was a true variety of restaurants at this event for all taste pallets, from seafood, sweets, pasta dishes, poultry, bruschetta, and so many more tasteful bites.

When you think the night can not get any better there is more- not only did this event feature wine and food but it also featured a 360 photo booth, a silent dance party, some outdoor games, and loads of free giveaways from shirts to seltzer koozies. The silent dance party has to be one of the most innovative ways to party and dance off all the food that was consumed that night. For the silent dance party, each person was given a headset and they could choose between three different stations to dance the night away under the stars. It was hilarious to see everyone dancing to their own beat (literally).

“The American Lung Association is proud to share this memorable experience with our community. Proceeds from the Festival allow us to fund life-saving research, provide community-based support programs for those living with lung disease, and advances much-needed advocacy efforts to ensure clean air for all,” shares Cynthia Peterson, South Florida American Lung Association Board Member and Executive Director of Broward County Medical Association.

If you missed this event this year be sure to check it out next time, you will not regret it!

American Lung Association Interview On The 26th Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival:

Tell us about the event?

The 26th Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival annually celebrates the incredible restaurant community of Greater Fort Lauderdale with a one-night event on the iconic Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, FL. There are five blocks of sampling stations featuring the participating restaurants paired with international wine stations so guests can sip, sample, and enjoy, thanks to presenting sponsor, Breakthru Beverage. The evening brings together the best of the area and is hosted by and benefits the American Lung Association.

Tell us about the American Lung Association and it works?

The American Lung Association is a non-profit organization whose mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.

Money raised funds the American Lung Association’s efforts to end all lung diseases, including lung cancer and COVID-19, through research, education, and advocacy.

The Lung Association has long been the trusted champion for lung health.
- Over 115 years ago, the organization pioneered the model of using education, advocacy, and research to virtually eradicate tuberculosis in the U.S.
- Using these same principles, the Lung Association works to end all lung diseases, including COVID-19.

What were the highlights of the evening?

Prior to the event’s official start, VIP guests enjoyed a spectacular pre-event reception hosted by FPL at the Riverside Hotel Rooftop Terrace. The reception included bites from Wild Sea Las Olas and Sky Thai Sushi, sweets courtesy of Hoffman’s Chocolates, and a champagne toast, courtesy of Korbel Champagne.

Some of the highlights of the night were the incredible samples the restaurant partners served, the entertainment sponsor lounges featuring Celebrity Cruises Silent Disco, Woodford Reserve’s Ode to the Derby, High Noon Dance Party, and Stella Artois’ Frites & Artois Experience. The all-new Demesmin & Dover 8th Ave. Street Party was a huge hit. Each pavilion had DJs or live music and provided everyone with constant entertainment and so much fun! As guests flowed throughout the event, they popped in and out of the dance party with free giveaways and merchandise.

How do you determine what restaurants, breweries, and wineries are showcased at the event?

The restaurants participating apply each year for one of the exclusive spots on the boulevard. Our goal is to include a wide representation of Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area restaurants to ensure guests get a diversity of offerings and discover new favorite places to dine in the future. The beverages are selected exclusively by partners of the Festival. We are so fortunate to continue to receive tremendous support from our Presenting Sponsor Breakthru Beverage and its amazing suppliers on the wine and spirits side and Stephens Distributing on the beer side.

What other big events do you do throughout the year?

Fight for Air Climb – celebrates all athletic levels working toward a common goal: a world free of lung disease. Held annually each spring, this year the Climb was held at loanDepot park – Home of the Miami Marlins. Participants climbed over 1,700 steps.
LUNG FORCE Soiree – Scheduled for June 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the W Fort Lauderdale. Sunset Soiree, brought to you by Title Sponsor, Memorial Cancer Institute, is a premier luxury lifestyle event of the season designed to raise awareness, education, and critical funding to end lung cancer. This event recognizes several of our LUNG FORCE heroes and includes several guest DJ performances, a one-of-a-kind style lounge, beauty bar, craft cocktails, wine pull, chance drawing, silent auction, and more. For tickets and more information visit https://one.bidpal.net/sunsetsoiree2022/welcome

Any upcoming news on the American Lung Association that you would like to share?

The American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative unites America to raise critical awareness of lung cancer, the nation’s leading cancer killer, during Turquoise Takeover Week (May 8 – 14, 2022). Each May, we work with landmarks and buildings across the U.S. to turn turquoise, our signature color, to honor those living with and impacted by lung cancer. To get involved locally visit www.turquoisetakeoverchallenge.org.
While the survival rate of lung cancer has increased by a dramatic 33% over the past 10 years, there is still work to be done. It is estimated that in 2022 alone, there will be over 19,560 Florida residents diagnosed with lung cancer.
Turquoise Takeover provides the opportunity to raise more awareness about lung cancer, educate on lifesaving screening and raise more research funds to fuel lifesaving breakthroughs. Each year, we turn the nation turquoise and tell the stories of those impacted by lung cancer to change the public’s perception of the disease and help save more lives. Anyone can get lung cancer. In fact, 2/3 of lung cancer diagnoses impact non-smokers. Regardless, no one deserves this devastating disease.

Who are some key partners of the event?

The festival is presented by Breakthru Beverage with their 30+ wine suppliers along with High Noon Sun Sips and Woodford Reserve. Hosting sponsors include Celebrity Cruises, Cadillac, Las Olas Association, Las Olas Company, and Demesmin and Dover. Additional sponsors include Broward Health, Stella Artois, VIP Pre-Festival Reception host FPL, Truist, Kindred, Crown Wine and Spirits, Memorial Healthcare, Stephen’s Distributing, RRCA Roofing, and the host hotel is Riverside Hotel.

Featured Culinary Partners included:

American Social
Bahia Mar
Beehive Kitchen
Big Buns/Matchbox
Bo’s Pub Las Olas / The Balcony
Boatyard Restaurant
Bodega
Casa Sensei
Cornish BBQ INC
Dunkin’
Estiatorio Ornos
Eve On The Water
Even Keel Fish & Oyster
Gelato Petrini
Gran Forno/ Gran Forno Pronto
Lona Cocina Tequileria
Louie Bossi’s Ristorante
Morea
Nikki’s Foods LLC
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Radiant 166
Rivertail
Sushi Garage
The Alchemist Cafe
The Patio at Le Marché
The Wilder
Vale Food Co
Wild Sea
YOLO Restaurant

Beverage Partners:

Aspect Fine Wine
August Wine Imports
Avalon
BEV
Bogle Vineyards
Clos du Bois
Daylight Wine & Spirits
Elysian
Faux Pas
Guarachi Wine
Hiro Sake
Indigenous Selections
Kaiken
O’Neill Vintners
Piattelli Vineyards
Precept Wine
Prosecco Zero
Q Mixers
Sonoma-Cutrer
Treasury Wine Estates
Blue Point
Budweiser
Goose Island
Veza Sur
Wicked Weed
VOSS Sparkling Water

May 11, 2022 0 comments

Events Lifestyle The Latest

Nemacolin Day 3: Until Next Time

by Vinesh Vora May 10, 2022

written by Vinesh Vora

One of the best vacations we have had in a long time

May 10, 2022 0 comments

Events Lifestyle The Latest

Nemacolin Day 2: Experiencing Outdoor Adventure

by Vinesh Vora May 10, 2022

written by Vinesh Vora

Only at Nemacolin can you zip-line 3000 feet in the air and then shoot a shotgun all before dinner

May 10, 2022 0 comments

Events Lifestyle The Latest

Nemacolin Day 1: A Resort Like No Other

by Vinesh Vora May 10, 2022

written by Vinesh Vora

Experience real life magic

May 10, 2022 0 comments

Entertainment Lifestyle The Latest

Restaurant Review: The Old Stove Pub

by Sydney Hargrove May 10, 2022

written by Sydney Hargrove

As a resident of one of the greatest cities in the world, I’m always searching for the best possible places to go out to eat. It’s hard not to be a foodie in Manhattan, and trying out the upper east side’s newest spot, The Old Stove Pub, left nothing to be desired!

The Old Stove pub has a very popular location in the Hamptons, and just opened its doors in Manhattan a few days ago. The spot is known for its great charm, stellar steaks, fresh salads, and is owned by Southampton local Joseph DeCristofaro. Located in a prime spot on on East 59th street and first avenue, the pub has a beautiful interior with a lovely atmosphere. We checked it out on Tuesday, and it did not disappoint. They played wonderful music and the staff was incredibly friendly!

We were provided with delicious warm bread to start, and my friend and I both decided on the steak as our main course. The dish was so wonderfully seasoned and incredibly flavorful, it was truly the best steak i’ve had in the city thus far- a statement not to be made lightly! It was served with a crisp flavorful salad, the perfect addition to the meal, and a side of crispy fries. Each component of the meal complimented each other so well, creating a brilliant dining experience. The steak was cooked to perfection and full of delicious spices, it was everything you’d hope for a meal to be. For desert we enjoyed Baclava and a delicious strawberry tart, both were the ideal way to end such a delicious meal.

Overall, we absolutely loved the atmosphere and food at the Old Stove Pub, and we highly reccoemnd heading over there and trying it out for yourself! Make a reservation, check out the menu, or hear all about it here!

May 10, 2022 0 comments

Events Lifestyle The Latest

An Intimate Evening with Jill Kargman and Beringer Vineyards

by Kyle Mattone May 9, 2022

written by Kyle Mattone

On Wednesday May 4^th, I entered the beautiful home of best-selling author and actress Jill Kargman on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Upon entry, I was greeted warmly with a glass of chardonnay from Beringer Vineyards and enjoyed energetic conversation with with the hosts. Beringer Senior Winemaker Ryan Rech gave me a brief overview regarding their Napa and Knights Valley AVAs as well as what I was to expect for this evening. I was in for a treat; an intimate 10 guest dinner party inspired by the exquisite collection of wines from Beringer themselves.

As the first guest to arrive, I enjoyed chatting one on one with Jill, who’s energy lit up her already airy and charming great room. Guests continued to trickle in as we all coalesced on Jill’s couch, where Ryan began detailing the history of Beringer and describing the glass of White Meritage we currently had in our hands. The theme of the evening was “Wild and Refined”, inspired by the wild and refined expressions and flavor profiles of wines from Beringer. We began the evening with a ‘refined’ Napa Valley Chardonnay and freshly prepared salad, followed up with a ‘wilder’ pairing of Cabernet Sauvignon and Beef Tenderloin. My favorite pairing of the evening happened to be the dessert, intermingling a sweet and refreshing Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc with a trio of mini tarts. Along the way, Ryan discussed tasting notes as each course was served, sharing anecdotes about the winemaking process and vineyards, and answering questions about each bottle. As a truly wonderful evening came to a close, Beringer sent each guest off with two complimentary bottles as a parting gift. The magnificent evening organized by Jill and Ryan was truly a Wild and Refined night to remember.

Beringer Vineyards is an industry leader in the Napa Valley as well as the lesser known Knights Valley region of California. Below please find a brief description of the wines sampled this evening:

Beringer Vineyards 2019 White Meritage

Beringer Vineyards 2020 Private Reserve Napa Valley Chardonnay

Beringer Vineyards 2019 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Beringer Vineyards 2018 Private Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Beringer Vineyards 2019 Napa Valley Botrytised Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc

These can be purchased directly from their website:

Shop All Wines

Photography by:

Will Ragozzino /

scottruddevents.com

for Beringer Vineyards

May 9, 2022 0 comments

Art Entertainment Events Events Lifestyle The Latest Theater

The New York Premiere of Our Brother’s Son

by Sanjana Sarna May 9, 2022

written by Sanjana Sarna

“Intense, captivating, and funny. Writer Gluck has a devious imagination and a sense of humor that makes real life a feast on stage” – The Chicago Critic

“A remarkable debut play that turns on a major revelation which affects all family members and turns the comedy into a biting life-and-death drama” – BWW

“A drama that is likely to hit home with audiences”– Boca Raton Tribune

May 9, 2022 0 comments

Events Lifestyle The Latest

Massimo Bottura Celebrates International Friends of Festival Verdi with an Explosive Five Course Meal

by Ben Schmidt May 9, 2022

written by Ben Schmidt

Like the now-celebrated opera composer Giuseppe Verdi, chef Massimo Bottura was, for some time, the most misunderstood man in Italy. Verdi’s first operas were met with verbal jeers and remarks of negativity. Bottura’s interpretation of signature Italian dishes earned him expressions of concern at best and warrants for his excommunication at worst. For the both of them, it took some time for the reception to turn in their favor.

To this end, to enjoy the lavish successes of both men in one night was a true pleasure. Taking place in one of the nicest rooms at one of the most revered of the New York City private clubs, guests joined The Mayor of Parma, Federico Pizzarotti, The Scientific Director of Teatro Regio, Francesco Izzo, and Teatro Regio di Parma‘s General Director, Anna Maria Meo at the Metropolitan Club for an evening of Italian indulgence- a multimodal sampling of Italian culture, including speeches from the leadership, a lavish meal by the world’s finest chef, a top soprano’s performance, a silent auction, and an explanation of this season’s festival lineup.

About that: in line with the principle of immersion, the program for the 22nd season (September 22 through October 16^th) offers the opportunity of, “seeing Verdi in the land of Verdi; to live where he lived; performed in theaters where he worked (with the sound as he knew it), and having the food and wine he knew grown in his own terroir”.

In 2022, the performances include three staged operas La Forza del Destino, Il Trovatore, and Simon Boccanegra, each based on a contemporary Spanish play that Verdi admired. These seminal works were brought to his attention through the talented actress, mistress, and then wife of Verdi, Margherita Barezzi, who spoke fluent Spanish.

As a tantalizing demonstration of what is to come in Parma later this year, soprano Eleonora Buratto performed Verdi’s tragic aria, Morrò, ma prima in grazia from Un Ballo in Maschera followed by Un bel di from Puccini’s Madam Butterfly. Burrato may be particularly familiar with this piece as its found in the role she just finished performing at The Met Opera. This performance was a very intense moment for the entire room. I was standing by a giant window, just by chance, surveying the crowd. It was a small miracle for Buratto to hold the room; even the curtains and chandeliers seemed to be listening.

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 28: Atmosphere at Intl Friends Of Festival Verdi Spring Gala at Private Venue on April 28, 2022 in New York. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/PMC)

Now, the meal. It is exceedingly rare for a chef to even reveal himself at these types of marathon meals. It is wholly Italian to care about the food. It is only Massimo Bottura who can make the meal seem so overwhelmingly emotional. The French maintain that 70% of your enjoyment of something is how it looks. Some reasonable portion can be applied to how it was described.

Bottura, as an orator, uses every inch of cultural leverage he has to sell you on whatever it is. His formation of story is expert. That is, exhaustive explanations with many words you’d never use to describe food, from deeply abstract to immediately apparent, infused with timing that is refreshing to the American ear. Courses included “Beautiful, Psychedelic Spin Painted Veal”, which was a tribute to Damien Hirst and a deconstructed “Crunchy Part of the Lasagna,” a tribute to the chef’s mother. It could be disregarded as marketing. But on my way to the bathroom, I found Bottura and his brow wilted in worry, peeking around from behind the entrance to the kitchen. I asked if all was alright. “The risotto just went out.”

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 28: Fabrizio Dimachele, Barbara Tober and Massimo Bottura attend Intl Friends Of Festival Verdi Spring Gala at Private Venue on April 28, 2022 in New York. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/PMC) *** Local Caption *** Fabrizio Dimachele;Barbara Tober;Massimo Bottura

The evening’s guest of honor was conductor Ricardo Frizza who has been thrilling audiences with The Met’s Lucia di Lammermoor. Other guests included author Bill Buford and wine writer Jessica Green, chef Francois Payard, critic and documentarian Ruth Reichl, patron Barbara Tober, and chef Laurent Tourondel.

Find more information, accommodation, tickets for the Festival Verdi here. Learn more about the International Friends of the Festival Verdi here.

May 9, 2022 0 comments

Events Lifestyle The Latest

Hooray for Rosé: McConnell’s x Avaline’s Limited Edition Flavor Collab + Review

by Naomi Pandolfi May 9, 2022

written by Naomi Pandolfi

McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams of Santa Barbara, California, is back again with another innovative flavor combination, Avaline Rosé and Boysenberry Milk Jam. This time, the boutique ice cream brand has partnered with Avaline, a luxury clean wine brand, to bring your favorite frozen treat to you – but with a rosé twist.

Who doesn’t love rosé? Some say it’s an acquired taste. McConnell’s is known for making its own flavors from scratch, using only the finest local, sustainable, and organic ingredients. It’s no wonder that they would choose to create a daring flavor balance such as this.

Avaline Rosé is a clean, vegan-friendly wine by Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power, offering a light, fresh mouthfeel with flavors of melon and zest to bring the wine’s signature light pink hues to life. This fruit-forward French wine is crafted with organic grapes and is free of unnecessary inclusions like sugars, colors, and concentrates.

Michael Palmer, CEO of McConnell’s, had this to say about the latest flavor collab,

“At McConnell’s, we have always embraced an ethos of sustainability, transparency, and using only the finest whole ingredients in our ice creams, so we are thrilled to collaborate with Avaline, a company that embodies these same values. Made with Avaline’s clean, natural rosé blended into a delicious preserve, our newest velvety, decadent flavor, Avaline Rosé and Boysenberry Milk Jam, is one of our best yet.”

Sounds yummy! Lucky for me, we were invited to have a first look at this delectable, one-of-a-kind ice cream. I was thrilled to have the chance to do my own little taste test. Here are my thoughts on this exclusive flavor:

“The blend of the tart, sweet, and creamy created a divine flavor trio that makes this pint a truly refreshing, must-try summertime treat.”

As of May 6, 2022, this exclusive ice cream flavor collaboration is available for purchase online by the pint (nationwide shipping) and also at any McConnell’s scoop shops along the West Coast (Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo). Keep in mind, this is a limited edition collaboration, and this delightful flavor is expected to sell out quickly – so if you want to experience the undeniable deliciousness, act fast! Pints are available for $12 online and $11.50 in scoop shops.

May 9, 2022 0 comments

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