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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thedailycounter.com

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Queensryche hit Tempe again on "The Verdict" tour

Photo Credits: Fred Kuhlman

There's one thing that is fairly certain about veteran progressive hard rock band Queensryche: they love playing Arizona.

After all, their show at Tempe's Marquee Theatre on Tuesday Jan. 28 marks the second time in under a year that they've visited us on their current tour supporting their latest album, 2019's The Verdict.

"We've been touring this album since March of last year", said lead guitarist and Queensryche founding member Michael Wilton a few hours before showtime.

"We've worked hard over the past few years successfully rebuilding the band with our current lineup", which also includes original bassist Eddie Jackson, guitarist Parker Lundgren (since 2009), lead vocalist Todd La Torre (since 2012), and touring drummer Casey Grillo (since 2017).

When Queensryche hit the Marquee stage with Prophecy for a 90-minute, 17-song set, there was no stopping them. They meant business, and their loyal Arizona fans couldn't have been more welcoming.

Although the band utilizes video to enhance the music onstage, it's never a distraction. With Queensryche, the music always does the talking.

Fun fact: Prophecy was originally written during sessions for their 1984 album The Warning.

However, it wasn't recorded until 1986 during the Rage For Order sessions. It was eventually released as a bonus track on their self-titled 1983 EP that was re-issued on compact disc for the first time in late 1988. Confusing, isn't it?

Next up was the title track from 1988's landmark album Operation: mindcrime, widely considered Queensryche's finest creative achievement on record. Walk In The Shadows followed, while deep cut Resistance (from Empire, 1990) returned to their live set after a lengthy hiatus.

Speaking of deep cuts, the undisputed surprise of the night had to be No Sanctuary off The Warning. Truth be told, it hadn't been played at any Phoenix-area show since the Rage tour in Oct. 1986. That was also the first time they headlined here in the Valley of the Sun.

With momentum building onstage, it wasn't until the seventh song in the set when the current lineup was represented. Man The Machine, from The Verdict received respectable applause. La Torre was in fine form vocally, especially on new songs Bent and Dark Reverie.

Interestingly, on this night there were no songs represented from the band's two previous albums, 2013's Queensryche and 2015's Condition Human.

I asked Wilton if he could ever envison an entire live set with "La Torre-era" material, especially considering the demand from many fans online to feature more of it live. Not to mention they're already looking forward to writing the next album later this year.

Would a Queensryche show be the same without any material from the original lineup that also included guitarist Chris DeGarmo, drummer Scott Rockenfield, and vocalist Geoff Tate? I'll let "Whip" tell you.

"Ummm....no", Wilton said after a brief pause.

"The albums (from the original lineup) are the band's legacy", he continued. "We wouldn't want to stop playing those songs, no matter how many more albums we do in the future", Wilton stated proudly.

"Having said that, we wouldn't mind splitting new and old material 50-50 eventually. It's very gratifying that people are enjoying what we're doing today, so that would be the ideal scenario."

If there's one criticism I have of the current lineup live, it would have to be the length of their set. Considering the amount of albums they have, it would be nice if they would play 20 songs minimum.

As strong as the current lineup is, I know they could pull it off with ease.

Back onstage, Queensryche winds down the main set with a blistering version of Screaming In Digital. By all appearances, that's one song where one can tell they have a blast playing, and rightly so. It's nothing less than quintessential Queensryche.

Next, La Torre asks the crowd if they're ready to "go old school"? They immediately tear into Queen Of The Reich (which concluded the main set), from the aforementioned debut EP.

The crowd wasn't quite ready to head home yet, so the band happily obliged with a three-song encore of Light years (the fourth new song played from The Verdict), Empire, and the mandatory Eyes Of A Stranger to close out the night.

I couldn't help but notice that Wilton seemed to be the proud papa onstage. When it comes to delivering the goods onstage, there's no question that Queensryche intend to continue doing just that for the forseeable future. Don't miss them when they pass through town.

-Val Tapia

Author's note: On Jan. 10, 2020 the music world received the sad and shocking news that Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart had passed away on Tues. Jan. 7 after a three-year long battle with brain cancer.

Knowing that Rush was a prime influence on Queensryche in their formative years, I asked Wilton to share his thoughts on this.

"Yeah, we definitely lost one of the greats in Neil", Wilton said somberly. "The music of Rush is just so amazing, it's so hard to pick  a favorite memory."

"I will say that I really loved Clockwork Angels though. I missed that tour unfortunately, which I really regret now", Wilton continued.

"They truly went out at the top of their game. He'll definitely be missed."

The marvelous Miles Davis finally gets a way cool biopic that exhumes the truth about the legendary man of jazz and more. Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool directed by Emmy Award-winning Director Stanley Nelson tells the true tale behind the music and legacy of the renowned horn player and composer who Socially Sparked® our lives.

The movie’s New York City debut weekend of August 23rd thru August 25th held special event screenings in the form of Q & As with various affiliates of the film and bandmates of the jazz master. The screening I attended had Director, Stanley Nelson, Miles’ nephew/bandmate Vince Wilburn, Jr. and bandmate James Mtume present.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE FROM STANLEY NELSON

“An elegant man who could render ballads with such tenderness yet hold rage in his heart from the racism he faced throughout his life. At times his persona eclipsed his music. He was known as a ladies man and abusive womanizer. An intellectual and a junkie. A good friend and a bad father. Glamorous, reclusive, and vain.” — Stanley Nelson, Director, Miles Davis: Birth of The Cool

Miles Davis: BIrth of the Cool is a documentary that paints the portrait of a hardworking, educated, middle class man honing his craft. It also portrays a  troubled soul who repeatedly — with each journey re-invented himself — simultaneously setting new trends that turned the jazz world upside down and inside out. He was notorious for his out of the box genius thinking – marrying jazz with the unthinkable — other music genres.
The central theme of Miles Davis’s life and this biopic was his restless determination to break boundaries and live life on his own terms. It made him a star—it also made him incredibly difficult to live with for the people who loved him most.
Nelson’s directorial take simply educates us as to how each of MIles’ experiences and journeys along with his different collaborators influenced his trumpet playing that changed jazz forever.

The marvelous Miles Davis has been making music for 50 years. This biopic gives you a glimpse into the genius work he created in the late 60’s, 70’s and 80’s – which is all very different. Jazz historians,, musicologists and fans say the spotlight shines brightest on Kind of Blue (1959), the biggest selling jazz album of all time and Bitches Brew (1970), the electric years.

Initially shown in New York City, next stop is Los Angeles at The Landmark (8/30-9/5)  before opening in more cities around the country. For a complete list of cities and dates visit www.milesdavismovie.com. 

One of the things which makes this Miles Davis film version so unique is that it’s narrated by Miles (sort of).  The actor Carl Lumbly, who has a raspy Miles-like voice reads from Miles’ own words.  The effect: his voice interspersed with footage of different historical moments create the feeling that Miles is narrating his own life. This tactic works extremely well in this case – you get a keen insight into what the magnificent jazz artist was feeling and thinking at the time.  It’s completely believable. It’s Way Cool. It’s the Marvelous Miles Davis. -- Abbe is Socially Sparked! — Abbe Sparks, Socially Sparked News
[Submitted by Abbe Sparks]

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