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With Opioid addiction at an all time high, the Massachusetts community and over 20 Music Legends banned together Wednesday night to raise awareness of and funds for opioid addiction, treatment and recovery programs in the heavily impacted town of Cape Cod

Substance abuse and death by overdose is at epidemic proportions throughout the United States. The most impacted states are in New England, the Midwest and Appalachia. According to The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Barnstable County, which overlaps with Cape Cod, experienced a 340 percent increase in the annual opioid overdose death rate between 2000 and 2015.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

The Hope Music Festival brought 20 Rock'n Roll Legends together to perform under the famed Cape Cod Melody Tent -- all to benefit Cape Cod Healthcare and address the opioid addiction and overdose issue head on.

Legendary artists lending their support included Grammy Award-winners Rick Derringer (Hang on Sloopy fame), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Barry Goudreau (former Boston guitarist) and The Uptown Horns (The Rolling Stones); Paul Nelson (Johnny Winter), drummer Marty Richards (J. Geils) Jeff Howell (Foghat), bluesman James Montgomery, Charlie Torres, Charlie Farren, Sandy McDonald, Grace Kelly (saxophonist, Late Show with Stephen Colbert) and more.

The brainchild of Brian Serpone, Brian Serpone Productions and his partners John Ippolito and Linda Apsey, who set out to use music and the arts to revitalize Cape Cod and combat drug abuse.

“The vision of the Hope Music Festival as a single event is to raise money and awareness to fight a national epidemic in one region — Cape Cod and the surrounding area — as a starting point.” -- Brian Serpone

The benefit concert continued to entertain and raise funds with the Red White and Blues After Party across the street at the Cape Cod Resort & Conference Center. An artist meet & greet, cocktails, food and more rock & roll music featuring the NY-based Red, White and Blues Band -- who rocked the late night with many of the artists from the Hope lineup.

A special bonus was a memorial to those members of the community who had lost a loved one to addiction. They were asked to submit photographs of their loved ones in advance of the show so that their memories could be honored at the festival’s after-party.

EPIC CONCERT FUNDRAISER RAISES OVER $250,000.00

In its inaugural year, The Festival raised $250,000 dollars for the new Hope Foundation to combat the opioid abuse epidemic in the area. The concert fundraiser benefits Cape Cod Healthcare, which operates two hospitals in Cape Cod and runs programs to help combat addiction under its Substance Use Disorders Initiative.

The Hope Music Festival initiative is Community Activism at its best. While just a starting point addressing one small region of the country, wouldn't it be great to see them take this show on the road to address the national epidemic in all regions? -- Abbe is SOCIALLY SPARKED™!  

[Submitted by Abbe Sparks]

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In the heart of Lwala, Kenya, a place where the warmth of the sun is matched only by the warmth of its community, two artists, Martha Cooper, an esteemed New York ethnologist and photographer, and Seth, a visionary French street artist and muralist, embarked on a remarkable journey a few weeks ago. Their mission, rooted in a shared passion for integrating children’s creativity into their work, led them to the vibrant classrooms and playful corners of Lwala, capturing the imaginations we all had as kids – against a backdrop of education, care, and community.

Cooper, with a distinguished career spanning over seven decades, has traversed the globe, documenting children’s inventive play practices and turning her lens toward the ingenuity that flourishes in the spaces between childhood and the urban landscape. Seth, on his canvases of buildings, brings to life the dreams and stories of Lwala’s children in murals that echo the community’s pulse.

Lwala, situated near the shores of Lake Victoria, is more than just a geographical location; it’s a nexus of culture, learning, and artistic expression. Through the eyes of Cooper and the brush/cans of Seth, the essence of Lwala’s youth shines brightly, depicting scenes of everyday life transformed into extraordinary murals.

As Seth described on his Instagram, the interaction is key. “The walls of the Lwala primary school are covered with small drawings and graffiti,” he says. “Treasures just waiting to be discovered, to which I sometimes enjoy adding my touch.”

This collaboration marks another chapter in the duo’s journey of artistic exploration and social commentary, previously witnessed in places like Tahiti and Haiti. Yet, Lwala stands out for its own spirit and this natural integration of art into the lives of its children. The murals, vividly capturing scenes from daily life to imaginative escapes, become a canvas where the children’s own artworks also find a place, transforming school walls into collaborative galleries of dreams and aspirations. Martha Cooper’s photography captures these moments of interaction, where art and life converge, offering glimpses into the playful ingenuity that has been the focus of her lens many times in her life.

“We asked kids to bring their homemade toys (my ongoing subject). The most creative were wheeled sticks they called ‘motorbikes’ with an engine sound made by a stick hitting a plastic bottle as the wheel turned,” she says. “There were also guns shaped from mud, balls made of trash, paper hats, thin scarves knit from scraps of wool and stick needles and jump ropes.”

Among the observer’s voices echoing the significance of this project, Valentine Otieno’s stands out, “Some of the best memories for the school will be in this art. It will exist for years, and what Seth gave the school is a gift for ages,” he writes on her Instagram page. “Thanks Martha for covering all this through your incredible lense skills and the few snap lessons.” Mode2, a legendary figure in graffiti and urban art, remarks, “The only limits to their resourcefulness is their imagination,” highlighting the boundless creativity captured here in Lwala.

At 81 (she celebrated her birthday while here), Cooper’s journey to Lwala with Seth is a testament to capturing childhood’s essence and art’s transformative power. Without sponsorship, driven solely by passion and friendship, their visit to Lwala becomes a narrative now woven into the fabric of the local school – a vibrant testament to the enduring power of art and the universal language of play.

@seth_globepainter @montanacans @nyotaforchildren #kenyastreetart @marthacoopergram

Nyota Orphanage and Daycare Center – https://nyota-ev.de/ueber-nyota-e-v/unsere-ziele/

Calabash South Africa is thrilled to present a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the legendary Robbie Williams takes center stage on day one of Calabash South Africa 2025! The concerts take place on 18 January 2025 at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg and 22 January 2025, DHL Stadium, Cape Town

With an extraordinary career boasting six of the Top 100 best-selling albums in British history, a remarkable 80 million album sales worldwide, and an astounding 14 Number 1 singles, Robbie Williams is a true music icon. His accolades include a record-breaking 18 BRIT Awards, surpassing any other artist.

Robbie's latest triumph came in 2022 when his album 'XXV' secured his 14th UK Number 1, setting a new record for the solo artist with the most UK Number 1 albums. With a total of 19 chart-topping UK albums spanning his solo career and his work with Take That, Robbie Williams ranks among the top two acts of all time with the most Number 1s.

Don't miss your chance to witness Robbie Williams live! Calabash South Africa 2025 is powered by Big Concerts, M-Net, KFM, and 947. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements, including special guest performers, by following Calabash South Africa's social media channels. This is a concert experience you won't want to miss!

Robert Peter Williams, better known as Robbie Williams, has made an unforgettable impact on the music industry. Born on February 13, 1974, Williams first gained fame as a member of the chart-topping pop group Take That from 1990 to 1995. His charismatic stage presence and unique voice set him apart, foreshadowing a solo career that would captivate audiences worldwide.

In 1996, Williams embarked on his solo journey, releasing his debut studio album, Life thru a Lens, in 1997. The album featured the iconic single "Angels," which remains one of his best-selling tracks. His subsequent album, I've Been Expecting You, boasted hits like "Millennium" and "She's the One," both soaring to the top of the charts.

Williams' Achievements Speak Volumes:

UK Chart Dominance: With seven UK No. 1 singles and 14 studio albums, Williams consistently ruled the British music scene. His Guinness World Record for selling 1.6 million concert tickets in a single day during the Close Encounters Tour solidified his superstar status.

Brit Awards Royalty: Williams boasts a staggering 18 Brit Awards, including four wins for Best British Male Artist. His impact on British culture earned him the prestigious Icon Award.

Global Sensation: Selling 75 million records worldwide, Williams ranks among the best-selling artists ever. His three Knebworth concerts in 2003 drew over 375,000 fans, setting a UK music event record.

Take That Reunion: In 2010, Williams rejoined Take That for their album Progress, which shattered sales records. His departure from the band was amicable, leaving the door open for future collaborations.
Legacy and Beyond:

Williams received the freedom of his hometown, Stoke-on-Trent, in 2014, with streets named in his honor.
His latest compilation album, XXV, released in September 2022, celebrates his enduring influence.
From "Angels" to Live 8 performances, Robbie Williams remains an icon whose music transcends generations.

The Discovery Bank pre-sale begins at 09h00 on 10 April from Ticketmaster.co.za and will run until 08h59 on 12 April.

Tickets go on sale to the general public at 09h00 on 12 April from www.calabashsouthafrica.co.za or Ticketmaster.co.za.


[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks brought South African rugby fans some joy in an otherwise mixed weekend, as both teams secured impressive victories to advance to the quarter-finals of their respective European competitions.

The Vodacom Bulls, who delivered a stunning 59-19 victory over Lyon in Pretoria, will now face the Northhampton Saints in England next Saturday in the Investec Champions Cup quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the Hollywoodbets Sharks, following their dominant 47-3 win against Zebre Parma in Durban, will host Edinburgh in their EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final.

However, it was disappointment for the other three South African sides. The DHL Stormers suffered a heartbreaking last-minute 22-21 defeat against defending champions Stade Rochelais in Cape Town, while the Toyota Cheetahs fell short against Clermont Auvergne with a 27-22 loss in France. The Emirates Lions also faced a frustrating 27-17 defeat against Benetton in Italy, despite the hosts receiving a red card early in the second half.

Vodacom Bulls Roar to Victory

The Vodacom Bulls showcased their dominance against Lyon, outscoring the visitors nine tries to three for a comprehensive win. Sebastian de Klerk and Embrose Papier each scored two tries, with the team's attack proving relentless. Lyon struggled to match the Bulls' intensity, with the French team forced to settle for scraps throughout the match.

Heartbreak for DHL Stormers

It was a tale of heartbreak for the DHL Stormers as they narrowly missed out on a win against Stade Rochelais. Despite a strong first half, where they entered the break with a 13-0 lead, injuries and a yellow card to Marcel Theunissen in the second half allowed the defending champions back into the game. A missed conversion on the stroke of fulltime denied the Stormers a victory, ultimately leading to their exit from the competition.

Toyota Cheetahs' Brave Fightback Falls Short

The Toyota Cheetahs staged a strong second-half comeback against Clermont Auvergne, scoring three tries after being 27-3 down. Despite their efforts, they were unable to secure a late victory, with Clermont holding on for a 27-22 win.

Emirates Lions' Disappointing Exit

The Emirates Lions faced a frustrating defeat against Benetton, despite the hosts receiving a red card in the second half. The Lions were unable to capitalize on their numerical advantage, ending their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign with a 27-17 loss.

Hollywoodbets Sharks Dominate Zebre

In a commanding performance, the Hollywoodbets Sharks outclassed Zebre Parma with a 47-3 victory. The Sharks' attack was relentless, scoring seven tries to secure a home quarter-final against Edinburgh.

The quarter-finals promise to deliver more exciting rugby action, with the Bulls and Sharks flying the flag for South Africa as they continue their European campaigns.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins are gearing up for a crucial phase in the CSA T20 Challenge, as they face some important matches in the near future. Their path to the later stages of the tournament begins with a thrilling match against the DP World Lions at the DP World Wanderers on Friday.

The Dolphins, currently in fourth place, have an incredible chance to make significant progress in their quest for a home semi-final spot. With a few victories in the upcoming matches, they have the potential to climb up the standings, paving the way for a powerful conclusion to the tournament.


The Dolphins have a busy weekend ahead, with matches lined up for both Friday and Sunday. They are determined to secure consecutive wins and maintain their winning streak. The team's next matches will be against the Lions, a strong opponent they previously triumphed over in an exhilarating match in Durban. They will also face the Auto Investment North West Dragons in Potchefstroom on Sunday.

Assistant coach Mduduzi Mbatha highlighted the team's unwavering dedication to this pivotal stage of the competition. "We are thrilled about this phase and fully grasp the significance of reaching our peak at the perfect moment," Mbatha expressed. "We have pinpointed the crucial areas we need to concentrate on and are on the verge of delivering a flawless performance."

"We have been putting in relentless effort to ensure that every aspect of our game - bowling, batting, and fielding - is performing at its peak," he stated. "The team's remarkable cohesion has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in our triumphant journey thus far, and it will undoubtedly prove to be of utmost importance as we navigate the thrilling climax of the competition."

As the Dolphins gear up for their upcoming matches, they have a chance to secure their spot in the semi-finals. Mbatha, however, stresses the significance of focusing on each game individually. "Our focus is solely on the upcoming challenge, as we prepare to face the Lions at the Wanderers this Friday," he elaborated. "In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, anything can happen, and it's crucial for us to flawlessly execute our game plan in every single match."

In their recent match against the AET Tuskers, the Dolphins were thrilled to have Tristan Luus join their team. Luus showcased his skills with impressive figures of 2/30 and made a crucial run-out that had a significant impact on the game. Mbatha is thrilled about Luus's immense potential and the valuable impact he brings to the team's overall dynamic.

"We are eagerly anticipating Tristan's development and the unique contributions he will make," Mbatha expressed with enthusiasm. "The way he played against the Tuskers really highlighted his talent, and it's clear that he has a promising future ahead of him."

With the Dolphins preparing for their upcoming fixtures, they have managed to maintain a well-balanced squad that combines the energy of youth with the wisdom of experience. The team's strong unity has played a crucial role in their successful campaign up to this point, and they are determined to maintain this momentum as they head into the playoffs.

The squad of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins is a dynamic blend of experienced players and promising young talents. Some notable names in the team include Ottniel Baartman, Khaya Zondo, Grant Roelofsen, and Andile Phehlukwayo, among others. With a well-rounded roster and a strategic game plan, the Dolphins are poised for an exhilarating finale to the T20 Challenge.

Photo: Gallo
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the sixth and penultimate round of the HSBC SVNS 2024, will take place in the electric Hong Kong Stadium and will feature the best men's and women's rugby sevens teams in the world. One hundred and twenty thousand people, anxious to see the exciting action, are predicted to attend this legendary event from April 5th to 7th.

On Wednesday, the captains of the twelve teams taking part in the festival got into the spirit by dressing up for the traditional captains' photo in front of the iconic South stand at the stadium. Everything is getting ready for what should be an exciting and dramatic weekend on and off the pitch.

With a commanding 20-point lead, Argentina is in a position to win the SVNS 2024 League Winners title in the men's competition. On the women's side, things are getting exciting as we move into the last regular season round in Singapore from May 3rd to May 5th, where Australia and New Zealand will be competing for the crown.

Fans will get to see Michael Hooper, Australia's most capped men's test player, play in his seventh test match, even though French superstar Antoine Dupont isn't playing for France this time. Following the previous round in Los Angeles, the pools for the Hong Kong Sevens were chosen by the legendary sevens player Waisale Serevi of Fiji, ensuring that some intriguing pairings would be formed. In Men's Pool A, you'll find Australia, Canada, Fiji, and France, all of which have won the Olympics twice. The current leaders of the SVNS, Argentina, are in Pool B with the USA, Great Britain, and defending champions of the SVNS, New Zealand. South Africa, Samoa, Ireland, and Spain make up Pool C.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]