Ali Campbell's unmistakable voice reverberated through the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, captivating the hearts of thousands on Saturday night. UB40, featuring their original member Ali Campbell, graced the stage and left the adoring audience of 8000 in awe, their spirits soaring higher than ever before.

The concert was a lively affair, brimming with the band's timeless classics that have stood the test of time. As the familiar tunes of "Can't Help Falling in Love With You," "Kingston Town," and "Red Red Wine" filled the air, the atmosphere transformed into something truly magical. Each beloved hit drew the audience in deeper, leaving us wondering how we would ever move on once the night came to an end.

Before UB40 took the stage, the local band Tidal Waves warmed up the crowd, igniting a sense of excitement that was met with thunderous applause as the headliners emerged. The concert kicked off with the much-loved "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)," and the band wasted no time in letting the audience know that they were not a sit-down band. This declaration prompted half the crowd to rise to their feet, with others dancing in the aisles.

UB40 ft Ali Campbell showcased their musical prowess with flawless renditions of their greatest hits, including "Grooving," "Stick by Me," "Impossible Love," and "I'll Be There." One standout moment was their performance of the new song "Unprecedented," which serves as the title track of the band's latest album. While staying true to UB40's timeless sound, the song's poignant lyrics highlighted the anxiety stemming from the pandemic and political unrest in the UK, striking a chord with the audience.

While Ali Campbell has long been the face and voice of UB40, it is essential to acknowledge the contributions of the other talented musicians who bring the band's distinctive sound to life. Bass, drum, trumpet, and saxophone players, as well as backing vocalists, all shone at different moments throughout the night. Among them, drummer Frank Benbini stood out, captivating the crowd and keeping their energy high with an electrifying drum solo.

The band saved their most iconic songs for the grand finale, leaving us on the edge of our seats in anticipation. The atmosphere reached its peak as the familiar chords of "Red Red Wine" filled the arena, and the collective excitement was unlike anything else. But the night didn't end there. UB40 returned for an encore, delivering soul-stirring performances of "Kingston Town" and "Food for Thought." However, it was the magical moment when the chords of "Can't Help Falling in Love With You" filled the air that etched itself into our memories—a perfect fusion of tranquility and adoration emanating from the crowd, creating a core memory that will be cherished forever.

UB40 ft Ali Campbell's concert was an unforgettable experience, weaving together their timeless hits, stellar musicianship, and moments of pure magic. It was a night where time seemed to stand still, and the power of music united thousands in an unbreakable bond of shared joy and love for the music that has touched their lives for decades.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

MAYOR Aubry Hocog said in an interview on Thursday that there were no injuries, casualties, or major damage reported on Rota, despite Super Typhoon Mawar's 140 mph winds.

“We are very blessed,” she added. Based on the preliminary assessment, “We had some fallen trees and other debris that were blocking road access. We immediately cleared that to ensure that our emergency personnel would be able to transport any of our Rota residents to the hospital if need be.”

She said they have been closely working with the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. so “access to water is available now. Also, CUC is offering up to 50 gallons of water for every family to utilize but has issued a boil water notice. The power division will be mobilized once the ‘all clear’ signal has been issued to focus on restoring power to the island."

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, the mayor said they had “21 people sheltered [at the Office on Aging] who are just awaiting the ‘all clear’ signal to be issued to return home.”

She added, “We have [Department of Public Works] personnel out [there] clearing the secondary roads for residents to be able to move freely. The port of entry is our main priority…. [The Commonwealth Ports Authority] is awaiting the signal so that authorized personnel will be allowed on-site to assist with the debris removal. This way, we can anticipate the arrival of supplies and equipment needed that will be utilized towards our recovery efforts.”

Hocog said Rota is “so grateful to our Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, [CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Special Assistant Franklin] Babauta, all the government departments, autonomous agencies, private sector and federal partners for their support and assistance in ensuring that our people will get all needed resources to be able to begin our recovery phase from this super typhoon.”

At the same time, Rota is sending “our prayers and support to our brothers and sisters on the neighboring island of Guam as they too will be recovering from Super Typhoon Mawar. There were more reports of damage and flooding on their island. We know our people will come together and share resources and support and we are very fortunate that our federal partners are ready to assist however they can.”

In a separate interview, Rota Municipal Council Chairman Jim Atalig said his house was damaged by the typhoon and some power poles were taken down by the strong winds, but he is grateful that his family and friends were fine.

“For eight hours straight the wind was blowing so hard,” he added.

For his part, American Red Cross-NMI Chapter Executive Director John Hirsh said they will send their responders to Rota hopefully today, Friday, May 26 or when the first charter flight to the island will be available.

He said the Red Cross will also ship essential supplies to help the residents of Rota. These include bottles of water, emergency medical kits, hygiene kits and cleaning kits to name a few.

[Submitted by Robert Mendiola]

Luton Town and Coventry City are just one game away from completing miracle promotion campaigns from the Championship to the riches of the English Premier League.

On Saturday the two clubs will meet at Wembley in the so-called richest game in football, the Championship Play-Off Final, aiming to join Burnley and Sheffield United at the top of the English footballing pyramid.

Coventry boss Mark Robins told reporters after his side's victory over Middlesbrough that this year's Play-off final was "one for the romantics" — and he has good reason.

Just five years ago Luton vs Coventry was a fixture you could find in England's fourth tier. Both clubs have overcome significant hurdles to get to this position, beating existence-threatening financial issues as well as more fancied — and far better backed — clubs to the play-off spots in one of the most competitive leagues in world football.

Winning the Play-offs could be worth as much as 135 million pounds over the next three seasons, according to analysis by Deloitte. If that club stays up the following year, the riches could blow out to as much as 265 million pounds over five years. hat is almost all down to TV broadcast money which goes up from around 8 million pounds per season to 100 million.

"It's wonderful for the town. If we can get promotion, we always know the town does better when the club does better, so fingers crossed," chairman David Wilkinson told the BBC. "The Premier League means everything. Financially it means we can move on quicker with all of our plans so it would be tremendous, but, [we're keeping our] feet on the ground." Luton boss Rob Edwards said it was "surreal" to be so close to the top flight. "We're one game away from the Premier League. It sounds special, it sounds surreal saying it," Edwards told the BBC after their 3-2 aggregate victory over Sunderland.
Those were sentiments echoed by Coventry boss Robins.

"We're playing Luton who have been through a fair amount themselves, but this is a special club with special fans and the fact they've got behind us so much is testament to everything we do," he told the BBC.

"The biggest achievement I think we've managed to do is reconnect with the fans — because there was a huge disconnect with the club. "They've come back together, and it's been phenomenal. It's changed beyond all recognition since I walked through the door in 2017 and hopefully, we can take the next step."

The action kicks off at 17:45 SA time and can be watched on DSTV.

MEDIA MANAGER
KEVIN RADEMEYER

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The DHL Stormers will channel all their energy into Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship decider with the hope of winning back-to-back titles when they host Irish giants, Munster, in the Grand Final in Cape Town.

The spectacle, which will be hosted at DHL Stadium for the second season in a row, will kick off at 18h30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

The DHL Stormers will enter the match as favourites with home ground advantage and a fantastic home win record giving them a mental edge, but they will be mindful of the fact that Munster registered confidence-boosting away wins in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively – the latter being against tournament favourites Leinster in Dublin a fortnight ago – to earn their ticket to Cape Town for the Grand Final.

The DHL Stormers won 12 of their 18 pool matches, to Munster’s 10, and while they will look to build on their superior attacking display which has seen them score 607 points to the visitors’ 500 this season, it could prove to be an epic battle as the Irish team boast a better defensive record by 60 points and they won both encounters between the sides in the competition up to now.

Munster will also draw confidence from the fact that they were the only team to defeat the DHL Stormers at home in 11 outings this season, with the Irish side edging a tense match by 26-24 just over a month ago. That defeat was one of only two home losses for the Capetonians in the last two seasons.

Bolstering the visitors’ confidence, their victory against the DHL Stormers was followed up by a 22-22 draw against the Cell C Sharks in Durban in their final league match, which means they will enter the Grand final on a four-match unbeaten run.

Fueling their motivation, Munster have only won twice in seven appearances in the competition’s Grand Final – in 2003 and 2011 – a track record they will be desperate to change, especially after bouncing back from defeats in their opening four away games to remain unbeaten on the road since.

DHL Stormers head coach John Dobson has included Springbok forwards Marvin Orie (lock) and Deon Fourie (flanker) in his starting team after both missed out on the semi-final a fortnight ago.

The backline that started in the semi-final against Connacht is unchanged, with Clayton Blommetjies on the bench in place of the injured Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Fourie and Orie’s return means that Joseph Dweba (hooker) and Ruben van Heerden (lock) are the only starting forwards that did not feature in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final at DHL Stadium last season.

“Both Deon and Marvin have been outstanding for us this season and they will add a lot both in terms of their ability and leadership on Saturday,” said Dobson.

“We have a lot of respect for Munster, the truth is that we have never beaten them, so while we are thrilled to be playing at home we know it will be a big challenge against a good team.

"This will be the biggest crowd for any DHL Stormers match and it should be an amazing occasion for the team, our passionate supporters and the city of Cape Town. We are so grateful for the support that we enjoy and what this team means to so many people. We will do our best to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy every moment and play the kind of rugby that got us here.”

In the event of the scores being level after 80 minutes, extra-time consisting of two periods of 10 minutes each will be played, and if the scores are still tied after extra-time, the team that has scored the most tries in the match will be deemed the winner.

Should the teams still be tied on points and tries at the end of extra-time then the winner will be determined by a place-kick competition in which each team will nominate three goal kickers who will take six place kicks between them from different positions along the 22m and 10m lines.

The team with the most successful place-kicks will be the winner. If the teams are still tied at the end of their six kicks, then sudden death will apply.

Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final Teams:

DHL Stormers: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Steven Kitshoff (captain). Replacements: 16 JJ Kotze, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Ben-Jason Dixon, 20 Willie Engelbrecht, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Clayton Blommetjies.

Munster: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Calvin Nash, 13 Antoine Frisch, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Shane Daly, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Conor Murray, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 John Hodnett, 6 Peter O’Mahony (captain), 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Stephen Archer, 2 Diarmuid Barron, 1 Jeremy Loughman. Replacements: 16 Niall Scannell, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 Roman Salanoa, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Alex Kendellen, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Ben Healy, 23 Keith Earls.

Match information: DHL Stormers v Munster
Date: Saturday, 27 May
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
SA Time: 18h30
Referee: Andrea Piardi
TV: SuperSport








[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The weekends Backstreet Boys concert at Sunbet Arena in Pretoria proved to be a captivating journey into the past, delighting a jam-packed crowd with an electrifying display of talent and showmanship.

As we assess this highly anticipated performance, let's delve into the highlights that made it an unforgettable night for fans. The tour started in 2019, was postponed due to covid and ended on South Africa shores. The tour included 218 shows, performed in 44 countries and over 6 continents. It was their biggest tour to date.

Originality was on full display as the Backstreet Boys took the stage, focusing on their own material and steering clear of cover songs. The group's commitment to their latest album, "DNA," was evident as they flawlessly incorporated a substantial amount of new material into their setlist. This dedication to evolving their sound while staying true to their roots showcased their ongoing creativity and ensured a fresh and exciting experience for concertgoers.

Catering to the audience's every need, the Backstreet Boys delivered a comprehensive concert experience. They seamlessly weaved new material with crowd-pleasing dance moves and moments of nostalgic bliss, ensuring that fans of all generations were thoroughly entertained. The concerts were a remarkable journey back in time, igniting a wave of nostalgia while showcasing the bands growth and musical prowess. With an impeccable blend of new and old favorites, the Backstreet Boys proved their enduring popularity and reaffirmed their status as one of the most beloved boy bands in history. The performances were a testament to their enduring appeal and their ability to transport audiences to a place of pure musical euphoria. It was also a testament to their 30 years spent together.

The sensational boy band that dominated the music scene in the early 2000s, proved they still have what it takes to captivate audiences during their concerts. Despite the passage of time slightly affecting their dance moves and vocal prowess, the group's electrifying performance over the weekend showcased their enduring ability to rock fans' bodies and reignite nostalgic memories.

The concert kicked off with an energetic rendition of "Everyone" from the band's 2000 album "Black & Blue." While the dance moves may not have matched their prime, the quintet, now comfortably in their 40s and 50s, impressed with their commitment and dedication to the choreography. Standout performances came from AJ McLean and Nick Carter, who showcased their smooth moves, undoubtedly influenced by their participation in "Dancing with the Stars." Kevin Richardson also commanded attention with his weighty gravitas on stage.

Even with the passage of time, the Backstreet Boys' ability to entertain and engage the crowd remained intact. While their dance routines may no longer appear effortless, their two-hour performance showcased their enduring talent and dedication to their craft. This tour, which could have easily been dismissed as a nostalgia cash-grab, exuded genuine heart and effort, ensuring a memorable experience for fans.

Accompanied by generic yet visually pleasing screensaver-like visuals, the band seamlessly navigated through their first act set. Though the iconic hits from their golden era were not immediately performed, the crowd's energy and decibel-shattering screams remained high as they enthusiastically embraced the deeper cuts. The constant dancing and choreography maintained the audience's engagement throughout, and while the newer songs may not have been crowd-pleasers, they still delivered fun and lively performances.

The strategic placement of the "DNA" moments, which were often the fastest songs, ensured that the show didn't become overwhelmed with new material. During songs like "Nobody Else," "Chateau," and "The Way It Was," the band cleverly trimmed down the tunes, allowing one member to shine on stage while engaging in friendly banter with the crowd. This tactic also served as a disguise for the numerous costume changes that took place throughout the night.
Midway through the show, the band ventured into a segment dedicated to their beloved ballads. The power ballad "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely" was a standout moment, eliciting a roaring response from the audience. Despite their transition into fatherhood and a more mature phase of life, the Backstreet Boys still exude a youthful exuberance and camaraderie on stage. The banter, dad jokes, and playful interactions between songs only added to the night's charm.

The middle section had the crowd roaring with delight. “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely” is a banger of a ballad, encouraging massive sing-alongs along with “Shape of My Heart,” “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” and “As Long As You Love Me.” Near the end of the segment, BSB gave the band a break and did a lovely harmonious a cappella rendition of “Breathe” that showed off their vocal chops while “I’ll Never Break Your Heart” radiated old-school Motown ballad inspirations, complete with the little synchronized moves at their individual mic stands.


And for those people, they wouldn’t have to wait much longer for the smash hits either as Backstreet Boys wrapped up the set with a barrage of classics – starting with “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” somehow made even catchier with a bonus crunchy EDM beat added to the mix. I still think it should be illegal to not open with the swaggery hit – but the wait was well worth it, especially as more high-energy pop favorites (“We’ve Got It Goin’ On,” “That’s The Way I Like It,” “Get Another Boyfriend,” “The One”) quickly followed. The run ended with the triumphant boy band staple “I Want It That Way”.

After a brief break, Backstreet Boys came out for a few final songs and one final costume change – unfortunately not into their robot suits from the iconic “Larger Than Life” music video. Thankfully, after the first encore of the new electronic smash “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” the song itself did make its expected appearance – complete with AJ’s incredible sinister cackle at the open and, perhaps the biggest shocker of the night, a bit of a Justin Timberlake beat coming through in the background. If NSYNC and BSB can (tangentially) unite, maybe there can be world peace in our time after all.

They promised to be back on the shores if we wanted them back. The Backstreet Boys can be back anytime they please.

Kevin Rademeyer
Media Manager
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The weekends Backstreet Boys concert at Sunbet Arena in Pretoria proved to be a captivating journey into the past, delighting a jam-packed crowd with an electrifying display of talent and showmanship.

As we assess this highly anticipated performance, let's delve into the highlights that made it an unforgettable night for fans. The tour started in 2019, was postponed due to covid and ended on South Africa shores. The tour included 218 shows, performed in 44 countries and over 6 continents. It was their biggest tour to date.

Originality was on full display as the Backstreet Boys took the stage, focusing on their own material and steering clear of cover songs. The group's commitment to their latest album, "DNA," was evident as they flawlessly incorporated a substantial amount of new material into their setlist. This dedication to evolving their sound while staying true to their roots showcased their ongoing creativity and ensured a fresh and exciting experience for concertgoers.

Catering to the audience's every need, the Backstreet Boys delivered a comprehensive concert experience. They seamlessly weaved new material with crowd-pleasing dance moves and moments of nostalgic bliss, ensuring that fans of all generations were thoroughly entertained. The concerts were a remarkable journey back in time, igniting a wave of nostalgia while showcasing the bands growth and musical prowess. With an impeccable blend of new and old favorites, the Backstreet Boys proved their enduring popularity and reaffirmed their status as one of the most beloved boy bands in history. The performances were a testament to their enduring appeal and their ability to transport audiences to a place of pure musical euphoria. It was also a testament to their 30 years spent together.

The sensational boy band that dominated the music scene in the early 2000s, proved they still have what it takes to captivate audiences during their concerts. Despite the passage of time slightly affecting their dance moves and vocal prowess, the group's electrifying performance over the weekend showcased their enduring ability to rock fans' bodies and reignite nostalgic memories.

The concert kicked off with an energetic rendition of "Everyone" from the band's 2000 album "Black & Blue." While the dance moves may not have matched their prime, the quintet, now comfortably in their 40s and 50s, impressed with their commitment and dedication to the choreography. Standout performances came from AJ McLean and Nick Carter, who showcased their smooth moves, undoubtedly influenced by their participation in "Dancing with the Stars." Kevin Richardson also commanded attention with his weighty gravitas on stage.

Even with the passage of time, the Backstreet Boys' ability to entertain and engage the crowd remained intact. While their dance routines may no longer appear effortless, their two-hour performance showcased their enduring talent and dedication to their craft. This tour, which could have easily been dismissed as a nostalgia cash-grab, exuded genuine heart and effort, ensuring a memorable experience for fans.

Accompanied by generic yet visually pleasing screensaver-like visuals, the band seamlessly navigated through their first act set. Though the iconic hits from their golden era were not immediately performed, the crowd's energy and decibel-shattering screams remained high as they enthusiastically embraced the deeper cuts. The constant dancing and choreography maintained the audience's engagement throughout, and while the newer songs may not have been crowd-pleasers, they still delivered fun and lively performances.

The strategic placement of the "DNA" moments, which were often the fastest songs, ensured that the show didn't become overwhelmed with new material. During songs like "Nobody Else," "Chateau," and "The Way It Was," the band cleverly trimmed down the tunes, allowing one member to shine on stage while engaging in friendly banter with the crowd. This tactic also served as a disguise for the numerous costume changes that took place throughout the night.
Midway through the show, the band ventured into a segment dedicated to their beloved ballads. The power ballad "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely" was a standout moment, eliciting a roaring response from the audience. Despite their transition into fatherhood and a more mature phase of life, the Backstreet Boys still exude a youthful exuberance and camaraderie on stage. The banter, dad jokes, and playful interactions between songs only added to the night's charm.

The middle section had the crowd roaring with delight. “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely” is a banger of a ballad, encouraging massive sing-alongs along with “Shape of My Heart,” “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” and “As Long As You Love Me.” Near the end of the segment, BSB gave the band a break and did a lovely harmonious a cappella rendition of “Breathe” that showed off their vocal chops while “I’ll Never Break Your Heart” radiated old-school Motown ballad inspirations, complete with the little synchronized moves at their individual mic stands.


And for those people, they wouldn’t have to wait much longer for the smash hits either as Backstreet Boys wrapped up the set with a barrage of classics – starting with “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” somehow made even catchier with a bonus crunchy EDM beat added to the mix. I still think it should be illegal to not open with the swaggery hit – but the wait was well worth it, especially as more high-energy pop favorites (“We’ve Got It Goin’ On,” “That’s The Way I Like It,” “Get Another Boyfriend,” “The One”) quickly followed. The run ended with the triumphant boy band staple “I Want It That Way”.

After a brief break, Backstreet Boys came out for a few final songs and one final costume change – unfortunately not into their robot suits from the iconic “Larger Than Life” music video. Thankfully, after the first encore of the new stompy electronic smash “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” the song itself did make its expected appearance – complete with AJ’s incredible sinister cackle at the open and, perhaps the biggest shocker of the night, a bit of a Justin Timberlake beat coming through in the background. If NSYNC and BSB can (tangentially) unite, maybe there can be world peace in our time after all.

They promised to be back on the shores if we wanted them back. The Backstreet Boys can be back anytime they please.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Big Concerts confirmed today that one of pop music’s most influential boyband, Westlife will be coming to South Africa in 2023. The Wild Dreams Tour kicks off on the 1 November at Grand Arena, GrandWest, and on 3 November at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria. Brought to you by 947 and KFM.

Tickets go on sale at 09h00 on Friday 12 May exclusively from www.ticketmaster.co.za.

The Discovery Bank pre-sale begins at 09h00 on Wednesday 10 May from www.ticketmaster.co.za and will run until 08h59 on Friday, 12 May.

Important Note: Fans are strongly advised against purchasing tickets from Viagogo. These tickets are unlawfully resold by deceitful sellers for multiple times the face value and are not legitimate tickets. Should you purchase these tickets you will be denied entry into the venue and you will not be entitled to a refund.

Westlife, the most successful Irish boyband was formed in 1998 and consists of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Mark Feehily. The group rose to fame with their debut international self-titled studio album “Westlife” (1999).

Westlife have had 33 No.1 albums worldwide and received numerous accolades including one World Music Award, two Brit Awards, four MTV Awards, four Record of the Year Awards. To date, Westlife have sold over 55 million records worldwide and are the only band to have their first seven singles enter the UK chart at No.1. They also have the most singles of any artist to debut at No.1 in the UK. Overall, Westlife has had an incredible 14 No.1 singles, behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles. As a live act, they have sold five million concert tickets worldwide and counting.

The global pop kings kicked off their Wild Dreams Tour in summer 2022 performing across the UK, including a sold-out headline show at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium which was shown live in cinemas across the UK and Europe where they performed their greatest hits “Swear It Again”, “Flying Without Wings”, “World Of Our Own”, “My Love”, “If I Let You Go”, “Uptown Girl”, “Hello My Love” as well as fresh pop anthems from their new album.

For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za.

Westlife “The Wild Dreams Tour” 2023
Cape Town
1 November 2023
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 12 May
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

Pretoria
3 November 2023
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 12 May
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The US Press Association (USPA) now offers a monthly membership option for those who want to join the organization. With this new option, members will have full access to the USPA website and will be able to create their own member profile page.

While monthly members will not receive a physical member ID right away, they will still enjoy all the other benefits of USPA membership, including access to the USPA Freelance Journalist Database, assistance with publication, and career assistance. However, if having a physical member ID is important, members can explore other membership options, such as Associate, Emerging Professional, Professional, International, and Media Partner, which offer different levels of benefits and include a physical member ID.

To receive a physical member ID, monthly members must maintain their membership for three full consecutive months. After that time, the USPA will mail a member ID to them.

Joining the US Press Association provides journalists with extensive support, networking opportunities, and internationally recognized credentials. Members can gain access to and report on a variety of media-worthy events, from concerts and sporting events to political stories and crime scenes.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to join the USPA and further your career in journalism. Sign up for the monthly membership option today and start enjoying the benefits of membership right away.

Join Today For $15

The details for the quarter-finals of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship have been confirmed, featuring three teams from South Africa. The matches will take place on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6.

The playoffs will begin in Belfast with Ulster hosting an Irish derby against Connacht on May 5 at 20h35 (SA time). The following day, DHL Stormers will take on the Vodacom Bulls at DHL Stadium in Cape Town at 15h30. Leinster will host the Cell C Sharks at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin at 18h00 (SA time), and Glasgow Warriors will face Munster at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow at 20h35 (SA time).

The games will be broadcast live in various markets, and the semi-finals will take place on the weekend of May 12/13. The semi-final winners will meet on Saturday, May 27 at the venue of the highest-ranked team to have qualified for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final.

Vodacom URC quarter-finals:

Friday 5 May:

Quarter-Final 2: Ulster (2) v Connacht (7)
Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Belfast
SA Time: 20h35

Saturday, 6 May:

Quarter-Final 3: DHL Stormers (3) v Vodacom Bulls (6)
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
SA Time: 15h30 SA

Quarter-Final 1: Leinster (1) v Cell C Sharks (8)
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
SA Ttime: 18h00

Quarter-Final 4: Glasgow Warriors (4) v Munster (5)
Venue: Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
SA Time: 20h35

Semi-Final path

In the semi-finals, to be played the weekend of May 12/13, the winner of QF1 will play the winner of QF4 and the winner of QF2 will play the winner of QF3.

In a change to last season’s rules, the teams with the highest seeding in each semi-final will have home venue rights. Previously, the winners of QF1 and QF2 were guaranteed home draws no matter their ranking.

SF1: Leinster (1) / Cell C Sharks (8) v Glasgow Warriors (4) / Munster (5)
SF2: Ulster (2) / Connacht (7) v DHL Stormers (3) / Vodacom Bulls (6)



[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]