Welcome to the US Press Association! We're excited to have you here today. Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of becoming a member of our organization?

Our membership options are designed to fit the needs of every journalist, photographer, and media professional. As a member, you'll have access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and professional development programs that will help you grow your career.

We offer a variety of resources, including access to our extensive media database, press release and distribution services. 

We have a thriving community of media professionals, and our members have the opportunity to connect with other journalists, photographers, and media professionals through events and online forums. This is a great way to expand your professional network and build relationships with others in the industry.

Joining is easy! Simply explore membership options HERE  to see which membership packet is right for you or your organization. Once you've selected the membership level that's right for you, just follow the steps to complete your registration.

Thank you for considering membership in the US Press Association. We look forward to welcoming you to our community of media professionals!

The Counting Crows returned to our shores for the first time since 2008. The poignant delivery and mesmerizing vocals of Adam Duritz filled the SunBet Arena with a gentle yet powerful energy that left the 6000 crowd feeling enchanted.

Their songs shift something deep in your core. The night was the musical equivalent of chicken soup for the crowds 90s-music-loving soul, as Duritz’s soothing and at times haunting voice weaved through the old, the new, the nostalgic, the heartbreaking, the heart soaring and the best of the band’s catalogue.

Pretoria was the first of Counting Crows two South African concerts on their Butter Miracle tour. It was a tour that should have happened years ago, however was postponed due to Covid. The tour started in the USA and made its way through Asia and Europe before one last stop in Africa.

The country is in the midst of load shedding and Adam stated that two amps blew up during the sound check, however that didn't stop an amazing performance. From the first note to the last Duritz, guitarists Dan Vickrey, David Immerglück and David Bryson, keyboard player Charlie Gillingham, drummer Jim Bogios and bassist Millard Powers mesmerised the crowd.

Counting Crows are renowned for their energetic and passionate live shows and they offered nothing but their best as they performed for fans, most of whom have undoubtedly been fans since purchasing August and Everything After.

From Round Here, Duritz led the way through St Robinson, the crowd pleasing Mr Jones and a harrowingly beautiful rendition of Colourblind. It was non-stop - Durtiz and co focused more on moving seamlessly through the setlist than jabbering to the crowd between songs and we were spoilt with hits spanning all of their albums.

Adam stated that his girlfriend requested Butterfly in Reverse, to be put back onto the setlist even though she was on another continent, so he obliged. The chart topping cover of Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxii, Recovering the Satellites and a host of other top hits were performed before the new stuff - all four tracks from their 2021 EP Butter Miracle, Suite One. The Tall Grass, Elevator Books, Angel of 14th Street, Bobby and the Rat-Kings.

The piano came out and Adam performed the song everyone was waiting for, A Long December .Its poignant lyrics resonate deeply with many in the crowd. It’s a melancholic yet uplifting song about looking back on your life - but also looking forward. It’s about hanging in there. It’s about acknowledging the hardship but having faith that things will improve. “It’s been a long December, and there’s reason to believe, maybe this year will be better than the last,” sang Duritz. “I can’t remember all the times I tried to tell myself to hold on to these moments as they pass.”

The last song of the main list was Rain King, before an encore that had the crowd on its feet. It was a beautiful trifecta of Counting Crows genius - Omaha, Hanginaround and Holiday in Spain. To say the fans were enchanted last night, particularly by Duritz, is a dramatic understatement. From start to finish the show was absorbing, charming and delightful - quite frankly one of the most memorable concerts that have taken place at the Sunbet Arena.

Thank you Big Concerts and Counting Crows. We can not wait to see you again.

Kevin Rademeyer
Media Manager
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Members can save up to 50% on membership renewals simply by sharing your news, photos, videos. For each post that you share on the  US Press Association website within the current membership period, you will receive 5% off of your renewal up to 25% on Emerging Professional Membership, 30% on the Professional Membership and 50% off a Group Membership or Media Partner Membership Packet.

Ask a chat representative for your special promotional code.

The Cherrytree Music Company and Big Concerts have confirmed that Sting will perform a special My Songs concert in Cape Town at the Grand Arena, GrandWest on Wednesday the 1st and 2nd of February 2023 and in Pretoria, Saturday 4th and 5th of February 2023 at the SunBet Arena, Time Square. Tickets went on sale on Friday 2 from http://www.ticketmaster.co.za/

Sting’s My Songs concert is an exuberant and dynamic show featuring his most beloved songs, written throughout the 17-time Grammy Award winner’s illustrious career both with The Police and as a solo artist. Following a sold out six-night residency at the London Palladium, My Songs was hailed "a masterclass” by The Times; "Sting remains an undeniably skilled performer with a gold-plated back catalogue". A musical journey taking in hits like 'Fields of Gold', 'Shape of my Heart', 'Roxanne' and 'Demolition Man', the concert was described as "a rare treat" by The Telegraph and saw Sting praised as "near peerless" by The Guardian with "sublime pop alchemy". Fans can also expect to hear 'Englishman In New York,' 'Every Breath You Take,' 'Roxanne,' 'Message In A Bottle' and many more.

On tour, Sting will be accompanied by an electric, rock ensemble. Special Guest Joe Sumner appears at all newly announced dates.


• More info + FAQ will be on the Big Concerts website www.bigconcerts.co.za

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Pack away those winter blues, Spring has sprung, and Summer is getting ready to spread its wings. What better way than to welcome & celebrate the change of weather with three days of fun, the Portuguese Way, at the colourful Madeira Fest, featuring mouthwatering food, vibrant music, captivating folk dancing and unlimited fun, from 30 September to 2 October 2022 at Casa de Madeira in Alberton and brought to you by the Portuguese Forum, the hosts of the successful Caravela Portuguese Festivals.

It`s a Festival of Music featuring International Portuguese artists Joao Quintino & Sergio Rossi, superstars Kurt Darren and Lee Cole, local heartthrobs Irene van Wyk & Diana de Sousa, and, if that wasn’t enough to keep you entertained, you can dance your boots off with party pleasers Dr Victor and The Rasta Rebels as well as Brent Harris and Thee Jam. To keep you moving there are also beat-filled DJ sets from Luis Almeida, Dino Bravo and Nicole de Silva Performance times TBA.

It`s a Festival of Food - In addition to their love of life and family the Portuguese community are world renowned for their scrumptious food. You can expect the warmest welcome and lip gastronomic delights on the menu at the Madeira Fest including juicy prawns, spicy chourico, the iconic espetada and delicious pastel de nata.
It’s a Festival of Dance - “It is with your feet that you move but it is with your heart that you dance”, and there is passion galore in Portuguese folk dancing. There are many types of dances on show at the Madeira Fest including the traditional Vira and Chula, each with a different story to tell.

Make a date for the whole family to head South to enjoy the culture and sounds of Madeira Island, Party at the Madeira Fest from 30 September to 2 October 2022.
Where: Casa de Madeira @ 46 Goodwood Road, Newmarket, Alberton.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Multi-platinum Grammy award-winning rock band Imagine Dragons announce the South African leg of their massive Mercury World Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the tour celebrates the release of their latest album, Mercury – Act 1 (KIDinaKORNER/Interscope) kicking off in Cape Town at DHL Stadium on Wednesday 1st February 2023 and then heading to FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on the 4th February 2023. This tour marks the band’s biggest shows of their career to date.

On the heels of “Enemy,” which has topped the Alternative Radio chart for the past seven weeks and is rapidly ascending at Top 40 radio (#10) and Hot AC (#9), Imagine Dragons unveiled their new single, “Bones,” the first new music from their forthcoming release Mercury – Act 2. A spirited examination of life and death, the song explodes with an infectious chorus that celebrates the intangible spark that ignites our beings. Listen to “Bones” here and view the lyric video here.

Don't miss Imagine Dragons perform all their hits! To find out more about the #ImagineDragonsSA23 tour, go to bigconcerts.co.za.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

There are many different press passes out there, but the US Press Association press pass is the one you need to have in your hand. These credentials have helped members access a plethora of venues and events over two decades. If you're looking for something exciting and new to report on, the USPA could be just what you're looking for!

What makes the USPA different from other organizations granting press passes? For one thing it has over 20 years of experience providing professional journalists with opportunities.

Think about the last time you watched a press conference on TV or even read a journalists eyewitness account or concert review in a newspaper or magazine.  There is a good chance it was covered by an individual who had been given a US Press Association (USPA) press pass. The USPA is an organization that issues journalists, bloggers, writers, videographers and others, credentials which help them access events such as debates, hearings, concerts, award ceremonies, sporting events, fashion shows, trade shows and much more. If you are interested in getting your work out there but aren't sure how, then consider registering for a USPA press pass today!

Do you want to get more press coverage for your blog? Would you like to have an increased presence in the media world? If so, then it's time to get your US Press Association press pass. This is the perfect way for bloggers and writers alike to gain access to some of the hottest events happening today. With just a short application process, you're on your way towards success.

Do you want to find a way to earn income from your blog? The US Press Association press pass is the perfect solution. A US Press Association press pass can help you earn and have an amazing time doing what you love most.

Released August 19, 2020 High Score is a Netflix docuseries created by Executive Producer & Director France Costrel that traces the history of classic video games, featuring insights from the innovators who brought these worlds and characters to life. France has developed, produced, directed and written documentary series for global streaming platforms, such as CNN, Showtime and Netflix. She has International experience working in Paris, London, Washington, D.C. New York and Los Angeles. Her list of movies and work can be found on IMDB.  The Netflix Series home page for High Score can be found here - https://www.netflix.com/title/81019087

Can I make my own press pass? Can I make my own press badge? We actually get these questions quite a bit from either prospective members or others that are simply curious about being able to cover an event they may be interested in. 

It's really not a difficult question to answer or to understand. 

While you may have the chops to create a really good looking press badge of sorts, the question is "what good will it really do"? Your press ID, press badge, press pass itself is not really what is going to get you considered for things like being able to photograph a concert or event. The question those decision makers are primarily concerned with is, "what website or publication are you part of" and "what are the number of daily/monthly listeners, viewers or readers"? If you have some slick looking press badge that you've created but no outlet or an outlet with 400 monthly visitors, chances are you're not going to be considered or receive a media pass for that particular venue or event, as they are looking for a larger audience. Of course, if it is a relatively small or local gathering, there could be other considerations.

When it comes to the type of press pass that will be given to you if you are accepted, that would be a design that is unique to either the venue, event or management. And the answer to whether or not you can make one of those is "NO". That is forgery and it is illegal. It would be blatant misrepresentation and unauthorized use of any trademarked or copyrighted names, art, symbols or material. Keep in mind too, that there is also a significant difference between the credentials that are issued to photographers, writers, bloggers and other types of "all access" passes (backstage passes) etc. Attempting to forge one of those could land you in some serious trouble as well.

So to sum it up, sure you can create your own badge of sorts but you do not want to misrepresent yourself, anyone or anything else. 

If you have a (website, internet radio station, publication), use that name on your homemade badge.

Under no circumstances should you use the name, logo, symbol, artwork or anything else that does not belong to you.

When it comes to the primary consideration of most decision makers "the number of visitors, listeners or viewers you have", see how the US Press Association can help you satisfy most requirements.

The US Press Association can also customize business ID’s, press passes, press badges, event credentials, venue credentials, backstage passes, VIP passes for your business or event. Let us put two decades of experience making, issuing and tracking credentials to work for you.

Find out more HERE

Airports are a hotbed of viral infections. This is concerning given the spread of COVID-19 aka Coronavirus and, specifically, the potential cases in the cities of Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina.
The Daily Counter was contacted by several Uber and Lyft drivers about Coronavirus concerns. These concerns were centered around the drivers picking up riders from Columbia Airport and Charleston International Airport. Columbia Airport isn't international but can have interchanges with international riders.
The Counter conducted a brief investigation into whether or not South Carolina's airports were ready for the incoming virus. As our reporter discovered the airports either took a lax approach to the virus or didn't provide much information.
 
On Saturday at 11:49 AM, our reporter called Columbia Airport. In this recorded conversation, our reporter spoke with a representative from airport operations. This representative told our reporter, "Our janitor staff is cleaning twice as much." When asked what the airport specifically was doing to prepare for potential Coronavirus issues the representative said, "Well, we aren't an international airport."
According to USA Today, Columbia Airport may not be an international airport but it does take in and send out flights from several major US cities. These cities include Dallas-Fort Worth, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, and Charlotte. It wouldn't matter if this were an international airport or not. Given the potential opportunity of infection and the number of travelers this airport services every year, the potential for the spread of Coronavirus isn't impossible. It doesn't require an international traveler to carry Coronavirus if the virus is already present in the United States. There are suspected and confirmed cases in some of the cities that this airport services.
Today, our reporter contacted Charleston International Airport about precautions the airport is taking for the virus. The representative told The Counter that the airport was taking various precautions, is in contact with DHEC and other agencies and clean the terminals more thoroughly. From the tone of the representative, the reporter said that this airport was taking COVID-19 seriously. On the airport's website, the first thing someone would see is a picture showing how someone should wash their hands and COVID-19 updates. 
 
For example, unlike Columbia Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) screened passengers for Coronavirus. If the same airport that Columbia Airport receives and takes in travelers from is screening passengers for Coronavirus then why isn't Columbia Airport doing the same?
In January, Robert Redfield, Director of the CDC, said in a press conference that there would be screenings at just 11 airports. Our reporter asked the representative of Columbia Airport about the CDC contacting the airport. The representative said that the CDC never contacted the airport and this is even though this airport takes in passengers from areas that were specifically mentioned by Redfield.
ABC 17 reported that some Columbia Airport travelers were concerned about the virus. Yesterday, ABC 4 reported that SC DHEC is investigating suspected cases of Coronavirus in South Carolina. In Richland County, there was a suspected case of Coronavirus.
The Counter also got in contact with Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The representative from the airport directed our reporter to the CDC's website for updates on plans to prepare for Coronavirus. Recently, the airport and American Airlines announced additional steps and precautions that will be taken to reduce the spread and risk of people contracting the virus. This was more information than was given from the Columbia and Charleston Airports.
According to the CDC, entry into the US by foreign nationals from Iran and China is restricted. These two countries are listed as "Level 3." The CDC offered several recommendations from those entering from places like China or plan to travel to China.
Quoted from the CDC:

China is experiencing widespread community transmission of respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel.
Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions may be at increased risk for severe disease.
Travelers should avoid contact with sick people and clean their hands often by washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%–95% alcohol.
Travelers should stay home for 14 days after returning to the United States and practice social distancing.
Travelers that are sick with fever, cough, or have trouble breathing should call ahead before seeking medical care.


[Submitted by Dion McNeil]

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