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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Unveils 2024 Holiday Train Schedule and Artist Lineup

Eric Alper
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Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is pleased to announce the schedule and artist lineup for its 2024 Holiday Train program, which will begin rolling across Canada and the U.S. on Nov. 21. Each year, this beautifully illuminated train travels across CPKC’s network spreading holiday cheer and raising donations to help people struggling with food insecurity.

“The Holiday Train unites people in the spirit of the season as it travels across Canada and the United States, while generating critical support for our neighbours in need through the program’s support of local food banks,” said Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO. “We are pleased to again send this magical train on a four-week trip across our network spreading holiday joy as we collect food and raise money to fight food insecurity. We look forward to again seeing all the smiles and cheers from people young and old coming together in the spirit of giving.”

Holiday Train Highlights

“At the Airdrie Food Bank, we are thrilled to welcome the CPKC Holiday Train back to our community. This event brings families and neighbours together in the true spirit of the season, all while supporting the vital work of local food banks,” said Christine Taylor, Marketing and Communications Manager at Airdire Food Bank. “We deeply appreciate CPKC’s ongoing commitment to helping us ensure that no one in Airdrie goes hungry, especially during the holidays. It’s a heartwarming tradition that not only spreads joy but also gives back in a meaningful way.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the CPKC Holiday Train back to Mechanicville! With 26 years of dedication, the CPKC Holiday Train has been instrumental in helping us combat hunger and raise awareness about food insecurity in and around our local community,” said Tammy Alikonis, Director of Outreach & Development, Mechanicville Area Community Services Center. “It’s a festive way to kick off the holiday season, bringing the community together and supporting food pantries along the way. We are extremely grateful for their commitment and continued support! #ItTakesACommunity to build a stronger community!”

“There’s no energy quite like it. Every stop the CPKC Holiday Train makes, you can feel and see everyone coming together in kindness, strength and compassion,” said Tyler Shaw, Canadian singer and actor. “The music I get to perform on the train is the cherry on top, the real magic comes from how generous and loving the communities are. It’s powerful to be a part of!”

The Holiday Express train will make 13 public stops across CPKC’s network in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The festive six-car Holiday Express train with intricate displays inside and out will bring Santa Claus and his elves to visit children and families as it supports local food banks.

A full schedule and details of this year’s Holiday Train and Holiday Express train is available at cpkcr.com/holidaytrain.

Each event is free, with CPKC encouraging every attendee to make a monetary or heart-healthy food donation to ease hunger needs in their community. Local food banks will be accepting donations at each stop to help ensure those in need can access adequate food this holiday season and year-round.

With its global headquarters in Calgary, Alta., Canada, CPKC is the first and only single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and México, with unrivaled access to major ports from Vancouver to Atlantic Canada to the Gulf of México to Lázaro Cárdenas, México. Stretching approximately 20,000 route miles and employing 20,000 railroaders, CPKC provides North American customers unparalleled rail service and network reach to key markets across the continent. CPKC is growing with its customers, offering a suite of freight transportation services, logistics solutions and supply chain expertise. Visit cpkcr.com to learn more about the rail advantages of CPKC.

Superstar USHER Featured on Digital Billboards that Shine a Light on Afterschool Programs

Eric Alper
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Superstar USHER Featured on Digital Billboards that Shine a Light on Afterschool Programs

Afterschool champions led by the Afterschool Alliance and Usher’s New Look are joining Clear Channel Outdoor (NYSE: CCO) for a broad-based visibility campaign across nearly 2,000 digital billboards as part of the 2024 national Lights On Afterschool rally. The ads recognize the remarkable work afterschool programs are doing to help young people find their spark through hands-on learning, caring mentors, homework help, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities, computer programming, robotics, healthy snacks and meals, job and college readiness, the arts, other fields, and more.

Now in its 25th year, Lights On Afterschool is the only national rally for afterschool programs. Throughout October, programs across the country are holding events at schools, 4-Hs, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, museums, public parks, community centers, and other venues to celebrate the critical support these programs provide to youth and families. The events send the message that demand for afterschool programs is high, too many youth are without programs, and the end of federal pandemic relief funding will force many programs to close or cut services.

Nearly 25 million children would enroll in an afterschool program, if a program were available to them, according to a 2022 survey of approximately 1,500 parents commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance and conducted by Edge Research. That is the highest number ever recorded. Unmet demand for afterschool programs is significantly higher among Latino and Black children (at 60% and 54% respectively) than among children overall (49%). Cost is the top barrier to enroll, cited by 57% of parents as a reason for not enrolling their child. Ninety percent of parents rate the quality of the program their child attends as excellent or very good.

“My afterschool experience at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Chattanooga, Tennessee is where I found my spark for music – a passion that became my career,” USHER said. “That experience is where I was motivated to start Usher’s New Look, an afterschool program that has been empowering youth for the past 25 years. Every child should have a place that sparks their interests and helps them find their passions and purpose. As this year’s Honorary Chair of Lights On Afterschool, I hope my voice can help amplify the need to close the gap for the 25 million youth who still need afterschool services.”

Lights On Afterschool serves as a reminder that a large body of evidence demonstrates improvements in grades, school attendance, behavior, and more among children who participate in afterschool programs. Researchers have also found that students in afterschool programs are more engaged in school and excited about learning and develop critical work and life skills such as problem solving, teamwork, and communications.

Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool will include some 8,000 events that showcase the skills students gain and the talents they develop in their afterschool programs.

Clear Channel Outdoor is supporting Lights On Afterschool by donating some of its most prominent space to display afterschool messages on digital billboards, transit shelters, and poster spaces in 25 markets around the country throughout the month of October. On October 24th, the official Lights On Afterschool day, Clear Channel will feature afterschool messages on two digital spectacular screens in New York City’s Times Square and will bathe Boston’s South Street Station in blue and yellow in honor of Lights On Afterschool. Supporters also will be lighting up local landmarks and buildings across the country to show their support for afterschool programs.

“Afterschool programs nationwide are tremendously grateful to Clear Channel Outdoor for its tremendous support and for spreading the word about the power of afterschool programs,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. “Lights On Afterschool celebrates the work these programs do to keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and give working parents peace of mind that their children are safe and supervised after the school day ends. We are truly thrilled that Clear Channel Outdoor is helping make this event a success again this year.”

“We’re proud to team up with our partners to celebrate the 25th Lights On Afterschool and underscore the transformational power of afterschool programs in the lives of kids, families, and communities across America,” said Dan Levi, EVP & CMO, Clear Channel Outdoor. “As millions of students continue to miss out on afterschool opportunities, we’re honored to feature USHER in this year’s digital billboard campaign as he lends his voice to encourage kids to find their ‘spark’ and to ignite a nationwide call for greater access to quality afterschool programs.”

The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs. More information is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org.

Tad.AI Launches A Next-Gen AI Music Generator Set to Redefine the Future of Music Creation

Eric Alper
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Tad.AI Launches A Next-Gen AI Music Generator Set to Redefine the Future of Music Creation

Tad.AI has formally launched its new AI music generator that empowers users to create original and royalty-free songs in seconds. Created by HIX.AI, a leading AI solution provider, Tad AI effectively makes music creation open to anyone by pushing the boundaries of traditional music production.

Camille Sawyer, CEO of HIX.AI, announced the launch of Tad.AI, stating, “Tad has been meticulously developed to challenge the likes of Suno AI and other AI music generators.” With the ability to create songs across various genres and moods, Tad offers a diverse range of musical possibilities for users to explore, positioning itself as a strong alternative in the ever-evolving AI music landscape.

Tad AI also reassures its users that any music it produces under paid plans will be 100% royalty-free, which guarantees there is no risk of facing copyright infringement claims. Camille Sawyer also spoke on this and said, “For our paid subscribers, all songs generated by our tool are entirely original compositions. As such, they can be used without worrying about any legal concerns.”

In terms of music generation, this AI song generator enables you to explore a wide range of styles. You can create music across various genres like classical, jazz, pop, electronic, and more. It even offers quick track customization based on mood, be it exciting, calm, angry, sad, etc.

Besides that, this AI music generator can also generate lyrics from scratch. Camille Sawyer went on to add, “For those who may be creatively stuck, you can also lean on Tad.AI to come up with lyrics that will resonate with listeners, simply based on your intent. This ensures music creators have all the support they would need to produce quality songs.”

On top of that, Tad’s music generator is designed with user simplicity in mind. This makes the music creation process a fairly straightforward process with no complex navigation required. Simply input the song title and lyrics or choose to let the tool generate them, select your desired preferences, and hit ‘Create’. That’s all it takes.

To this end, Tad.AI can be used by anyone, be it hobbyists or even professionals who need help creating music without having to spend hours doing it. This includes musicians, content creators, vloggers, brands, or even casual users. Best of all, Tad.AI can be accessed for free, which means even budget-limited users can generate music at no cost.

For more information, please visit: https://tad.ai/

2024 ASCAP Lab “AI and the Business of Music” Challenge Teams Revealed

Eric Alper
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2024 ASCAP Lab “AI and the Business of Music” Challenge Teams Revealed

The ASCAP Lab, ASCAP’s innovation initiative, announces the cohort for the 2024 AI and the Business of Music Challenge. The ASCAP Lab Challenge brings together the society’s senior strategy, operations and legal experts; key ASCAP writer, composer and publisher members; and some of the most promising music tech entrepreneurs and early-stage startups in an effort to shape how artificial intelligence(AI) tools can benefit music creators. This year’s ASCAP Lab Challenge explored commercial solutions enabled by AI that can transform music industry workflows, business processes and data exchanges.

To highlight the 2024 ASCAP Lab Challenge teams, VERSED: The ASCAP Podcast will debut “The ASCAP Lab Gets Down to Business with AI” on October 24. The episode will feature this year’s entrepreneurs explaining their innovations and how the industry can leverage these advances. ASCAP composer and producer Gregg Lehrman (trailers for Avatar, Inglourious Basterds) will share his experience as one of the mentors for the Challenge teams and as a startup founder himself.

Launched in 2020, the annual ASCAP Lab Challenge is an accelerator program, operated in partnership with the NYC Media Lab led by the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, that provides selected startups and university teams with mentorship and small grants to develop and expand upon their emerging technologies during the 12-week program. The ASCAP Lab works closely with each selected team to optimize its product development for the music creator community. It is one way in which the ASCAP Lab explores the intersection of technology, art and business to drive value for music creators and users.

ASCAP Chief Strategy and Digital Officer Nick Lehman said: “ASCAP’s creator-first, future-forward commitment makes it imperative for us to embrace technology while simultaneously protecting the rights of creators. The dialogue, understanding and relationships that the ASCAP Lab Challenge creates with the music startup community enable us to drive progress for the industry and deliver on this commitment.”

The 2024 ASCAP Lab Challenge teams are:

CRESQA: An AI social media content assistant designed for songwriters and musicians that automates the process of social media strategy development and helps generate fully personalized post ideas and schedules for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, Facebook and more. https://cresqa.com/

Music Tomorrow: Analytics tools that monitor and boost artists’ algorithmic performance on streaming platforms, using AI for advanced audience insights and automation that improve an artist’s content discoverability, listener engagement and team efficiency. https://www.music-tomorrow.com/

RoEx: AI-driven tools for multitrack mixing, mastering, audio cleanup and quality control, designed to streamline and enhance the last steps of the creative process by delivering a professional and balanced mix with ease. http://www.roexaudio.com

SoundSafe.ai: Robust, state-of-the-art audio watermarking using AI to enhance security, reporting and the detection of real-time piracy and/or audio deepfakes. http://www.SoundSafe.ai

Wavelets AI: Tools for artists, labels, copyright holders, content distributors and DSPs that help reduce IP infringement by detecting AI vocals in music. https://wavelets.ai/

This year’s ASCAP Lab Challenge program expands upon the 2023 Challenge, which focused on startups utilizing AI for making and experiencing music. The story of the 2023 Challenge is captured in an ASCAP Lab-produced documentary short “Prelude in AI Major: Crafting a Creator-First Future for AI.” The film takes an in-depth look at the 2023 Challenge teams and how they leveraged AI to build innovative tools for making and experiencing music, informed by their own backgrounds as composers and musicians. ASCAP mentors, including songwriter and composer members, shared their experiences guiding the teams in developing their technologies and exploring the copyright implications of their work.

As part of its ongoing effort to educate ASCAP members on AI, ASCAP has hosted panels and symposia on the creative possibilities and legal challenges of the technology in Los Angeles, New York and Nashville. The New York and Nashville sessions are available on demand on the ASCAP YouTube Channel:

Additional past ASCAP Lab programming available on demand includes:

  • “NFTs: What Every Music Creator Needs to Know” – Presented by the ASCAP Lab, this 2022 ASCAP Experience panel features experts CrossBorderWorks CEO Vickie Nauman, nft now CEO Matt Medved and writer/producer/artist Poo Bear explaining non-fungible tokens, how to buy NFTs and some of the best use cases for music NFTs – to create collectibles, build community, foster direct fan access and more.
  • “Music in the Metaverse: 4 Startups Shaping our New (Extended) Reality” – The metaverse is an immersive platform for creativity, community and identity, rich in potential for music creators and their fans. This ASCAP Experience panel presented by the ASCAP Lab features the 2022 Challenge teams demonstrating new ways to create and experience music, express digital identity through music, and connect music creators and fans in the metaverse.

More information on the ASCAP Lab can be found at https://www.ascap.com/ascap-lab.

Maxell Introduces Two New USB-C Audio Solutions for Enhanced Listening Experiences

Eric Alper
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Maxell Introduces Two New USB-C Audio Solutions for Enhanced Listening Experiences

Maxell Ltd., a trusted name in consumer electronics, announces the launch of two new products that leverage the growing popularity of USB-C technology: the HP101 USB-C Headphone with MIC and the Sync Up USB-C Headphone Adapter. These products are designed to deliver exceptional audio quality and convenience for users across various environments, including schools, offices, and homes.

HP101 USB-C Headphone with MIC

The HP101 USB-C Headphone with MIC offers a budget-friendly solution for those seeking high-quality wired headphones with USB-C connectivity. Ideal for students, professionals, and home users, these headphones are equipped with a Digital Analog Chipset (DAC) that ensures clearer, richer sound with precise control.

Key features include:

  • USB TYPE-C Connection compatible with all USB-C devices.
  • Adjustable Sliding Headband for a custom fit.
  • Soft Ear Pads for lasting comfort during extended use.
  • Built-In Microphone for seamless communication.
  • Lifetime Warranty for added peace of mind.

Sync Up USB-C Headphone Adapter

For users who prefer their existing 3.5mm headphones but need compatibility with modern USB-C devices, the USB-C Headphone Adapter is the perfect solution. This adapter allows users to connect their favorite wired headphones or earbuds to any USB-C port, preserving audio quality with the help of a built-in DAC.

Key features include:

  • Reversible Plug Design for easy connection.
  • High-Quality Audio through a flexible, durable cable.
  • Lifetime Warranty included for long-term reliability.

Both the HP101 USB-C Headphone and the Sync Up USB-C Headphone Adapter are equipped with DAC technology, transforming digital signals into analog for a more immersive and refined audio experience. This innovation enhances the enjoyment of music, movies, and virtual meetings by delivering superior sound clarity and depth.

Availability

Maxell’s HP101 USB-C Headphones and the Sync Up USB-C Headphone Adapter are available on Amazon.

Charli xcx Releases ‘Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat’

Eric Alper
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Charli xcx Releases ‘Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat’

Charli xcx today releases ‘Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat’.

You can stream & purchase ‘Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat’ HERE.

The brand new version of Charli’s critically acclaimed album – released via Atlantic Records – features reimagined takes and innovative reworks of tracks from ‘BRAT’ and features the likes of Julian Casablancas, Bon Iver, The 1975, Shygirl, Ariana Grande, Caroline Polachek and more.

To celebrate the release of ‘Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat’, Charli unveiled an immersive sonic sculpture at Storm King Arts Center in New York State yesterday.

Eager fans descended on the acclaimed outdoor museum and sculpture park on Thursday afternoon to find a 30 ft x 30 ft physical reproduction of her new album featuring audio from the project too. Charli then held an intimate listening party with the lucky attendees, playing out new music while talking through select tracks from the release. The event was live streamed on the newly relaunched Twitch Music channel.

The artwork by Charli xcx will be on display at Storm King until Monday 14th October.

Charli released her iconic, critically acclaimed sixth studio album ‘BRAT’ in June leaving a lasting mark on the cultural zeitgeist in the process. Labeled ‘a masterpiece’ by The Guardian, the audacious campaign has seen Charli cause roadblocks around the world with her pop-up PARTYGIRL DJ sets, break the internet with viral videos and surprise collaborations with the likes of Billie Eilish, Lorde, Addison Rae, Robyn, Yung Lean, Julia Fox, Chloë Sevigny, and Rachel Sennott and introduce a new tone of green to the social lexicon.

The album was nominated for the Mercury Prize 2024 while ‘Guess featuring Billie Eilish’ debuted at Number 1 on the UK Official Singles Charts in August, making Charli the first British artist to land at the top of the singles charts this year.

Charli is currently on the road with longtime collaborator Troye Sivan for their acclaimed co-headline US arena tour ‘Charli xcx & Troye Sivan Present: Sweat’ which stops by Dallas this evening before arriving in Los Angeles next week. She will then embark on her biggest ever UK headline shows in sold out arenas in November and December before headlining Australia’s Laneway Festival in February 2025.

In February, Charli kickstarted the ‘BRAT’ campaign with a momentous Boiler Room in New York’s Brooklyn with A. G. Cook, George Daniel, Finn Keane and Doss. The show broke the record for the most ever RSVPs to a Boiler Room event, with over 40k people registering to attend. Featuring special guest appearances from the likes of Addison Rae and Julia Fox, the show quickly became one of the viral moments of the year. You can watch the full stream of ‘Boiler Room & Charli XCX Presents: PARTYGIRL’ HERE.

Alongside her new album, Charli has been working on multiple film & TV projects following the breakout success of her Barbie soundtrack contribution ‘Speed Drive’ last year. She is co-executive producing the score for the A24 film ‘Mother Mary’ with Jack Antonoff and also producing original music for Benito Skinner’s series ‘Overcompensating’ on Prime Video. In addition, Charli will star in the Daniel Goldhaber remake of 1978 cult horror film ‘Faces of Death’ and Greg Araki’s erotic thriller ‘I Want Your Sex’.

Avant-pop and electronic superstar Charli xcx has become an iconic figure in the arts, having helped expand the landscape of popular music over the last decade by seamlessly traversing the underground and mainstream with her artistic output. Over the course of a trailblazing career, the multi-hyphenate creative has earned critical acclaim for her innovative style and entrepreneurial spirit and seen her forward-thinking approach reshape pop culture in the process.

Her lasting impact was cemented last year when Charli was honoured with the Visionary Award at the annual Ivor Novellos in London, while she also received the Powerhouse Award at Billboard’s Women In Music ceremony in March and the ASCAP Global Impact Award in May.

Charli xcx assets can be found here.

‘Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat’ Tracklist:

Disc One

  1. 360 featuring robyn & yung lean
  2. Club classics featuring bb trickz
  3. Sympathy is a knife featuring ariana grande
  4. I might say something stupid featuring the 1975 & jon hopkins
  5. Talk talk featuring troye sivan
  6. Von dutch a. g. cook remix featuring addison rae
  7. Everything is romantic featuring caroline polachek
  8. Rewind featuring bladee
  9. So i featuring a. g. cook
  10. Girl, so confusing featuring lorde
  11. Apple featuring the japanese house
  12. B2b featuring tinashe
  13. Mean girls featuring julian casablancas
  14. I think about it all the time featuring bon iver
  15. 365 featuring shygirl
  16. Guess featuring billie eilish

Disc Two

  1. 360
  2. Club classics
  3. Sympathy is a knife
  4. I might say something stupid
  5. Talk talk
  6. Von dutch
  7. Everything is romantic
  8. Rewind
  9. So I
  10. Girl, so confusing
  11. Apple
  12. B2b
  13. Mean girls
  14. I think about it all the time
  15. 365
  16. Hello goodbye
  17. Guess
  18. Spring breakers

Charli xcx Upcoming Tour Dates:
Fri 11/10/24 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena – Sold Out
Sun 13/10/24 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center – Sold Out
Tue 15/10/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum – Sold Out
Wed 16/10/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum – Sold Out
Fri 18/10/24 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena – Sold Out
Sun 20/10/24 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center – Sold Out
Tue 22/10/24 – Portland, OR – Moda Center – Sold Out
Wed 23/10/24 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena – Sold Out
Wed 27/11/24 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live Arena – Sold Out
Thu 28/11/24 – London, UK – The O2 – Sold Out
Fri 29/11/24 – Birmingham, UK – Resorts World Arena – Sold Out
Mon 02/12/24 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro Arena – Sold Out
Sat 08/02/25 – Brisbane, Australia – Brisbane Showgrounds
Sun 09/02/25 – Sydney, Australia – Sydney Showground
Fri 14/02/25 – Melbourne, Australia – Flemington Park
Sat 15/02/25 – Adelaide, Australia – Bonython Park
Sun 16/02/25 – Perth, Australia – Wellington Square

HEYDUDE and Jelly Roll Launch Global Partnership Featuring Limited-Edition Design

Eric Alper
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HEYDUDE and Jelly Roll Launch Global Partnership Featuring Limited-Edition Design

Today, HEYDUDE announces a partnership with singer, songwriter and philanthropist Jelly Roll as the brand continues its mission to encourage a movement of Dudes. The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter’s highly anticipated new album “Beautifully Broken” is set to be released October 11th as his current sold-out arena headlining tour makes its way across the country. Known for his therapeutically-minded music and unparalleled fan connection, Jelly Roll continues to challenge the status of his past, overcoming challenges like addiction and incarceration, while inspiring others through impactful storytelling both on and off stage to do the same.

With its latest movement of Dudes, HEYDUDE expands the meaning of being comfortable in your own shoes and encouraging others to do the same. Together, HEYDUDE and Jelly Roll are empowering individuals to walk towards self-acceptance and a brighter future.

In celebration of the partnership, HEYDUDE and Jelly Roll co-designed a limited-edition shoe inspired by the themes in Jelly Roll’s latest album “Beautifully Broken.” The white Wally Slip Canvas silhouette features a black skull design and gold crackle print on the outsole.

Fans can visit https://www.heydude.com/products/wally-slip-jelly-roll-white-gold-metallic to purchase the limited-edition shoe for $79.99. Each pair of the collaborative product will include a vinyl copy of the “Beautifully Broken” album as a gift with purchase while supplies last.

“Jelly Roll is an inspiration to others and as a result, has become one of the most popular and versatile artists in the world,” said HEYDUDE Chief Marketing Officer Paul Nugent. “He is authentic to his core and embraces what it means to be a Dude. He’s a true creative visionary, collaborating on thoughtfully designed product that we know everyone, especially his fans, will love.”

HEYDUDE and Jelly Roll want to ensure that not only do people feel comfortable in their own shoes, but also that more people can be comfortable in their own shoes. To create a positive impact together, the brand and musician are partnering with the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Twenty to twenty-five percent of young people served by Big Brothers Big Sisters have a parent or family member who is incarcerated. As part of the organization’s mission to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth, they provide step up skills such as building resilience to young people. Through this partnership, the brand and musician bring to life their shared efforts to unlock potential in young people while providing positive mentorship to their lives.

The long-term, global partnership will include new product drops, coordinated social media efforts and digital marketing.

HEYDUDE is quickly becoming a must-have footwear brand for casual moments, music festivals, travel, pre- and post-activity wearing occasions and everything in between. The brand continues to expand its portfolio beyond tried-and-true classic silhouettes to a variety of new styles and designs, all built on the foundation of comfort and lightweight materials.

Crocs, Inc. (Nasdaq: CROX), headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, is a world leader in innovative casual footwear for all, combining comfort and style with a value that consumers know and love. The Company’s brands include Crocs and HEYDUDE, and its products are sold in more than 80 countries through wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. For more information on Crocs, Inc. visit investors.crocs.com. To learn more about our brands, visit www.crocs.com or www.heydude.com. Individuals can also visit https://investors.crocs.com/news-and-events/ and follow both Crocs and HEYDUDE on their social platforms.

Currently nominated for 3 CMA awards including Entertainer of the Year, Male, and Album of the Year (Whitsitt Chapel), award-winning, Grammy nominated Nashville native singer/songwriter Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) is set to release his highly anticipated new album, Beautifully Broken on October 11th. Beautifully Broken is the follow up to Jelly’s CMA Album of the Year nominated album, Whitsitt Chapel, and his four consecutive #1 singles at Country radio: “Halfway To Hell,” “Save Me,” “Need A Favor” and “Son of A Sinner” and numerous Rock #1s. His current Top 10 single “anthem of perseverance” (The New York Times) “I Am Not Okay” “shines a light on a dark national crisis” (Billboard) and “makes a powerful impact” (Men’s Journal).

In 2023, Jelly’s country album debut Whitsitt Chapel entered at Top 3 on the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart and #2 on the Top Country Album charts-earning the biggest Country debut album in Billboard Consumption Chart history. Following his sweep at the 2023 CMT Music Awards where he earned three awards to become the most awarded artist of the night, the Billboard Country Power List Cover star and “country’s ‘most authentic’ new artist” (The New Yorker) received Billboard’s 2023 Breakthrough Award and the People’s Choice Award for Male Country Artist of the Year. Nominated for Best New Artist and Best Duo/Group Performance for “Save Me (with Lainey Wilson)” at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards, along with eight genre-spanning nominations at the 2024 iHeartRadio Awards and a win for best New Country and Pop artist wins, Jelly Roll is one of three artists alongside Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs to have scored three Country Airplay #1s in 2023 and the first to do it with his first three singles. “One of Nashville’s fastest rising stars” (The New York Times) and “Nashville’s new hero,” (Rolling Stone) Jelly was a 4X winner at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards and the most nominated male at the 2023 CMA Awards, with five total nominations capturing his first CMA Award for New Artist of the Year. His #1 hit single “Save Me” — a confessional, vulnerable expression of self-doubt— set the stage for his new season of life and took him to new heights including a Platinum certification from the RIAA on the heels of his 28-week reign at No. 1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart and earned him his first ACM win for Music Event of the Year.

Not just an artist but a humanitarian, Jelly Roll continues to resonate with fans on a global scale while racking up numerous milestones – from playing his sold-out hometown show for 18,000 fans at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to donating a recording studio at the juvenile detention center he served in as a teen, to the release of his record-breaking documentary by ABC News, “Save Me” – the most watched music documentary on the platform – to his visits with rehab centers and those incarcerated across the U.S. Featured by Nightline, GMA, GMA3, The New York Times, LA Times, The Tennessean, Billboard, Variety, American Songwriter, CMT and more, his self-built, unconventional industry rise and unique fan connection has garnered praise from numerous outlets, with Variety noting, “for everyone who’s facing the same struggles, Jelly Roll is their Springsteen,” and American Songwriter echoing, “with a string of accolades and an extremely dedicated following, Jelly Roll has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.”

 

Shakira Joins Forces with Code.org and Amazon to Expand Computer Science Education for Hispanic Youth

Eric Alper
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Shakira Joins Forces with Code.org and Amazon to Expand Computer Science Education for Hispanic Youth

Code.org announced today a new partnership with Amazon and Grammy award-winning recording artist and global humanitarian Shakira, through her foundation, Fundación Pies Descalzos, to expand access to computer science education for Spanish-speaking students around the globe. This partnership leverages Shakira’s star power to raise awareness around the importance of computer science education for Spanish and Latin American students to prepare them for success in an increasingly tech-first workforce and world.

“Computer science is about more than just coding; it’s about teaching students the problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills that are essential in today’s digitally-driven world,” said Hadi Partovi, CEO and co-founder of Code.org. “Collaborating with Shakira to expand access to computer science education for Hispanic students worldwide is a critical part of our mission to prepare all students to thrive in the future workforce.”

Shakira has been a long-time advocate for advancing equity in education through Fundación Pies Descalzos, a non-profit organization she founded which is dedicated to addressing the educational needs of students in Colombia and across Latin America through sustainable infrastructure, teacher training, and curricular innovation. To date, the Foundation has supported more than 224,000 children of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultural traditions in Colombia providing a protective space for learning as well as serving as a transformative social engine for communities.

Shakira shared, “I’m happy to partner once again with Code.org to be part of highlighting both the importance of computer science learning and its different applications including in the world of music creation; and to contribute in helping Hispanic students gain access to a field that has gained major relevance in today’s industries and will only continue to do so.”

To celebrate the partnership, Shakira has donated use of her top Spanish-language hits including “Amarillo” and “Chantaje” in Music Lab, the popular platform from Code.org and Amazon where students can learn to code through interactive music composition featuring chart-topping hits from artists around the globe.

Thanks to a donation by Amazon’s Future Engineer program, Code.org and Fundación Pies Descalzos kicked-off the partnership with the first of a series of computer science teacher training workshops in September 2024, in Barranquilla, Colombia. A total of 25 teachers from public schools managed by Fundación Pies Descalzos in Barranquilla and Cartagena participated, impacting nearly 2,400 students across both cities.

The workshops are designed to equip teachers with the tools and pedagogy needed to introduce elementary-age students to foundational computer science concepts. Teacher trainings hosted by Code.org and Fundación Pies Descalzos will continue through 2025, starting in February with the training of an additional 100 teachers. The project seeks to enrich and enhance student skills in language, mathematics, and computer programming by improving pedagogical practices and student learning practices in the STEM sciences, thus helping close the gap in education for communities in need.

“At Amazon, we believe access to high-quality computer science education is crucial for preparing all students, especially those from underrepresented communities, to thrive in the digital economy,” said Victor Reinoso, global director of Amazon’s philanthropic education initiatives. “We’re proud to partner with Code.org, Shakira and Fundación Pies Descalzos to expand opportunities for Hispanic students to learn coding and computational thinking skills. Through this collaboration, we can help unlock the potential of the next generation of innovators and empower Hispanic youth with the tech skills needed for future success.”

In the last year, Code.org has expanded access to computer science education for 1 million students and 50,000 teachers across Spain and Latin America. In Colombia alone, Code.org has supported more than 746,000 students and 22,000 teachers since 2014 to advance the teaching and learning of computer science. Each year, students across Spain and Latin America participate in the annual Hour of Code, an initiative that introduces millions of K-12 worldwide students to coding. This year’s Hour of Code campaign, “Make the Invisible, Visible,” celebrates the many ways that coding powers everyday life.

Randy Owen to Be Honored With BMI Icon Award at the 72nd Annual BMI Country Awards on Nov. 19th

Eric Alper
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Randy Owen to Be Honored With BMI Icon Award at the 72nd Annual BMI Country Awards on Nov. 19th

BMI will celebrate the legendary career of Alabama frontman Randy Owen by naming him a BMI Icon during the 72nd annual BMI Country Awards. Owen will be recognized for his prolific songwriting and significant contributions to Country music. The invitation-only event will be held at BMI’s Nashville office on Nov. 19th and will be hosted by BMI’s President and CEO, Mike O’Neill alongside BMI’s Nashville VP of Creative, Clay Bradley.

Throughout the evening, BMI will also reveal the Country Songwriter of the Year, Country Song of the Year and Country Publisher of the Year, while celebrating the top songwriters and music publishers behind this past year’s 50 most-performed songs in Country music.

“Randy Owen’s impact on Country music is immeasurable and his songwriting has left an undeniable mark on the genre,” Bradley said. “His talents have solidified Alabama as one of the most successful Country bands of all time and his memorable melodies and relatable lyrics continue to influence countless artists that follow in his footsteps. We are honored to present him with this year’s BMI Icon Award.”

Since his 1974 affiliation with BMI, Owen has received more than 25 BMI Million-Air awards, earned the 2000 BMI President’s Award and received the BMI Country Song of the Year accolade in 1989 for “Fallin’ Again.” Owen has been a cornerstone in Country music for over five decades and remains an influential figure with 43 No. One singles and 80 million records sold. The Country Music Hall of Fame inductee has helped cement Alabama’s legendary status by co-writing at least half of the band’s signature chart toppers including their first No. One, “Tennessee River” and countless others such as “Mountain Music,” “Song of the South,” “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down,” “Feels So Right,” and “Close Enough to Perfect.” Throughout Alabama’s renowned career, they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Musician’s Hall of Fame, and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. They have collected 20 American Music Awards, 12 ACM Awards, two GRAMMY Awards and were named CMA’s Entertainer of the Year three years in a row. Owen’s impact extends beyond his work with Alabama as other artist have also recorded his songs, further demonstrating the appeal and quality of his craft.

The BMI Icon Award is given to exceptional songwriters in recognition of their unique and indelible influence on music makers over many generations. In receiving this award, Owen’s joins an impressive list of Country legends including Matraca Berg, Toby Keith, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Dean Dillon, and Hank Williams, Jr., as well as multi-genre creative/songwriting royalty Stevie Nicks, Little Richard, Carole King, Patti LaBelle, Brian Wilson, James Brown, Janet Jackson, Bo Diddley, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Peter Gabriel, Al Green, Van Morrison, Sting, Bryan Ferry, Carlos Santana, Los Lobos, and more.

Alabama, country music’s first band, is known for hit songs including “Mountain Music,” “Roll On,” “Dixieland Delight” and “If You’re Gonna Play In Texas (You Gotta Have A Fiddle In The Band).” From humble beginnings to international stars, Alabama went on to sell 80 million albums and charted 43 No. One hits, becoming the most successful band in the history of country music. In November 2022, Alabama co-founder Jeff Cook passed following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. With his prior encouragement and wishes, Alabama continues touring on a limited basis, keeping the iconic music they created alive for the current and future generation of fans. Most recently, Alabama was honored by CMT with the nationally televised CMT GIANTS: ALABAMA. The two-hour special featured Blake Shelton ft. Steve Wariner, Brad Paisley, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Pam Tillis & Lorrie Morgan, Riley Green, and Sam Hunt performing some of the band’s most legendary hits. For more information visit www.thealabamaband.com.

Ultimate Guide to Everest Base Camp Trek

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Trek Highlights

  • Epic trekking journey to Everest Base Camp (5364 m)
  • Hiking to incredible Kala View Point (5545 m)
  • Exploration of Tengboche and Pangboche Monasteries
  • Sherpa cultural wonders of the Everest region
  • Peaceful and adventurous trekking experience
  • Cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu

Trek Overview

The Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) is one of the world’s most iconic and lifetime trekking experiences. Located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, the trek provides a view of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. The “Everest Base Camp Trek,” or the Nepali name is Sagarmatha (Brow of the Ocean), and an even more popular Sherpa is Chomolungma (Mother Goddess of the World). Khumbu region provides you with a sufficient chance of exploring high mountain scenery.Doing the Everest Base Camp Trek doesn’t only provide the Himalayan perks; it also provides the greatest insights of intrepid mountaineering people, the Sherpa! Get to know about the lifestyle of the Sherpa people and relish the chance to encounter more than a dozen snowy mountains. Moreover, the EBC Trek challenges trekkers to the limit. 

It gives immense life lessons and provides the best experiences of Nepal’s Himalayan wilderness adventures.Your Mount Everest Base Camp Trek of 14 Days is a lifetime journey, and it creates unforgettable memories of adventure. Once your mind is made up for a holiday, the Himalayas strike your mind first. As a result, your thoughts stray to the dizzy altitude of Everest. Mount Everest is a major attraction for being at the top of the world. 

How long do you need for Everest Base Camp?

The recommended length of time to do Everest Base Camp is fourteen days. You need time to acclimatize and extra time set aside just in case anything happens with your flights. When I arrived at Ramechhap Airport, it was backed up because the previous three days there were no flights due to weather. My trek was supposed to be twelve days, but with the delays, it ended up being ten days. 

Kala Patthar: Add an extra day by climbing to this viewpoint at 5644 m/18,519 ft before you begin the return trek to Lukla. The 360-degree views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu are sensational!

Gokyo: You can detour west from EBC to the turquoise-colored Gokyo Lakes, some of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Returning to Lukla via the village of Gokyo will add about three days to the trek, and you can summit Gokyo Ri (5357m/17,575ft) for epic views.

Pioneer’s Route: You can skip the nail-biting flight to Lukla on the old Pioneers’ Route, which climbs from Bhandar or Salleri (accessible by bus or 4WD from Kathmandu) to Lukla over six days. This was the route that early mountaineers, including Sir Edmund Hillary, took before the Lukla airstrip was built in the 1960s.

Tumlingtar to EBC: For a quieter trek, follow the ancient trail through Makalu Barun National Park, joining the main EBC route at Lukla after about 10 days of walking. This challenging route to EBC takes about 22 days in total, starting with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar.

Three Passes: Make a circuit of the Sagarmatha National Park on the stunning Three Passes Trek—a very challenging route for experienced hikers that crosses three of the Everest region’s highest passes over about 20 days, starting on the main EBC trail.

What to expect on the trek

If this is your first trek in Nepal, EBC is a great route to start with as the infrastructure is good and the views can’t be beaten, but it’s not entirely typical of Nepal’s trekking routes—many trails are much more rugged, with simpler accommodation, more basic food, more challenging paths, and far fewer travelers.

If you’ve trekked elsewhere in Nepal, you may be surprised by how busy the EBC route is—those photos of human traffic jams on Everest were taken at bottlenecks on the mountaineering route to the summit, but even lower down the mountain, there are plenty of people around.

Expect to spend three to eight hours per day walking along well-maintained trails, though the number of hours walked each day typically decreases as you ascend. 

After Namche, the landscape becomes rockier, and the mountain peaks feel much closer. Along the way, you’ll pass Buddhist monasteries such as Tengboche, stupas, prayer wheels, and walls of ceremonial mani stones bearing Tibetan inscriptions, as well as the school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary at Khumjung and a small museum where you can see what some locals believe is a “real” yeti skull.

Is the Everest Base Camp trek hard?

The two-week trek to EBC requires stamina but not superhuman powers. Many older kids manage it, for example, but you’ll find it easier if you’re reasonably fit and have some experience of multi-day mountain trekking.

 If you’ve never hiked in your life, you may struggle, but if you have a regular workout routine of some kind, you’ll probably do fine. Pre-trek gym-based or outdoor training is a good idea.

Lukla, the most common starting point for the trek, sits at 2860 m (9383 ft), and you’ll climb to 5364 m (17,598 ft) at base camp. The trek gets harder the higher you go because the air gets thinner and the temperatures get colder, especially at night. 

Best Time to Do the EBC Trek

When setting out on a journey, the weather is undoubtedly a primary concern. Selecting the optimal time to travel ensures a worthwhile and delightful holiday experience. The Everest Base Camp trek is best done during autumn (Sep-Nov) and spring (March-May). 

These seasons offer unparalleled views of the glistening Himalayas and their stunning landscape, providing trekkers with an enhanced trekking experience. The temperature during these periods is moderate, striking a balance between hot and cold. Alternatively, for those seeking to avoid crowds, winter (Dec., Jan., and Feb.) could be an excellent option.

Accommodations During the Trek

While staying in Kathmandu, you’ll be accommodated in one of the best hotels, generally 3-4 stars, on a twin-sharing basis. However, accommodations during the trek are more basic, providing a room with pillows, warm blankets, and comfortable beds for the 13-day journey.

 Single travelers are also catered for, with single bedrooms available. Hygienic food is served throughout the trek, and the food and accommodation menu is fixed by the local management community.

Safety and satisfaction

We prioritize the safety and well-being of our clients and employees above all else. Our 13-day Everest Base Camp itinerary features highly experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking local guides who accompany the group throughout the journey. These guides have received extensive training from the government of Nepal and are fully insured. They carry essential equipment and a first aid kit to ensure safety.

Is this an adventure trip for you?

If you know you are physically fit, this is an arduous grade trek at (level 5). You walk to Mount Everest Base Camp and ascend Kalapathar at over 5545 m. This is where we get the best close-up views of the highest mountains in the world. Furthermore, everyone should sleep a night at the Gorak Shep elevation of 5180 m; it is the world’s highest tea house. The view of Everest from base camp is jaw-dropping, and you should not miss it at any cost. Please get involved in some good physical activity at least 1 or 2 months prior to your EBC venture.
We experience 12 days of point-to-point walking with full porterage throughout—you need only carry your daypack. Before you trek to Everest base camp, you should have some previous trekking experience if you do not partake in regular exercise or hill walking. 

Crowded:

The Everest Base Camp trek is more popular and crowded than the Manaslu Circuit trek. While both treks offer opportunities to get away from the crowds and experience remote wilderness areas, the Everest Base Camp trek can be busy during the peak trekking season.


How to Avoid Altitude Sickness Throughout the EBC Trek?

A journey to Everest Base Camp would always be arduous due to the high altitude that requires good preparation physically and mentally. Anyone with a strong fear of heights or dizziness may feel a bit heady. The maximum elevation of Everest base camp is achieved at Kalapathar at 5,545 m, and the average is near 4000 m. However, we give you enough time for acclimatization throughout the trip, but altitude is a factor here and must be considered. This is why we ask our clients to ensure good physical fitness. It’s good for us to have some previous trekking/hiking experience above 3,500 m before we head into the Mount Everest Base Camp.Walking hours stated within the itinerary of the Everest Base Camp Hike are given as approximations only. Timings stated exclude lunch stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group. 

Contact Us Nepal High Trek For More Info

Nepal High Trek And Expedition Pvt. Ltd. is an authentic local trekking company based in Kathmandu, Nepal, specializing in multi-day tours, treks, climbing and other related activities for solo travelers and private groups. You can contact us at info@nepalhightrek.com   or via WhatsApp at +9779851142116.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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