Broadway To Vegas

Copyright: June 8, 2025
By: Laura Deni
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PIGEON FEST CELEBRATES A FILTHY BIRD WITH GOURMET APPEAL

Pigeons are annoying creatures who skulk around seemingly everywhere eating absolutely anything they can find in a gutter. Kill it and cook it and that annoying pest can be found on the menu under squab. Gourmet prices apply.

So, it seems obvious that this questionable culinary entree should be celebrated.

In celebration of Iván Argote’s High Line Plinth commission, Dinosaur—the striking 17-foot-tall aluminum pigeon sculpture on the Spur—and National Pigeon Appreciation Day, the High Line presents Pigeon Fest on Saturday, June 14, 2025 on the High Line Spur at 30th Street. This daylong festival celebrates and honors pigeons, birds, urban ecology, public space, and monuments.

The event brings together artists, musicians, scientists, horticulturists, activists, educators, and the public to play and learn together, while exploring the intersection of art, nature, and city life. Pigeons first arrived in the US via Europe, likely in the 1800s.

While pigeons were used by the Greeks more than 5,000 years ago, Pigeons first arrived in the US via Europe, likely in the 1800s. They were kept as domesticated animals and were once indispensable as military messengers in both World War I and World War II.

In the 17th century, King George I of England, decreed all pigeon droppings to be property of the Crown—and the "lofts" were policed to enforce the law! Pigeon manure was used in making gunpowder.

Today, pigeons are our largely derided and despised neighbors. By spotlighting this misunderstood bird, artist Iván Argote and the High Line seek to reconsider who deserves to be honored and memorialized, while opening broader conversations around our urban ecosystem and how we can better share our city with nature and wildlife.

Pigeon Fest will also feature a Discovery Fair, where over a dozen organizations engaged in work around birds, urban wildlife, migration, and monuments will share information about their important work, host demonstrations, and present hands-on activities. Pigeon Fest brings together artists, musicians, scientists, horticulturists, activists, educators, and the public to play and learn together, while exploring the intersection of art, nature, and city life.

Visitors will enjoy a wide array of free activities, including family workshops, carnival-inspired games, talks on urban ecology, and musical and artistic performances. As part of the festivities, the High Line will be hosting NYC’s first-ever Pigeon Impersonation Pageant, where contestants will strut, coo, and dazzle the judges and a live audience with their talents and real-to-life—or fantastical—takes on the humble city bird.

Point Zero is Dinosaur's Stage located on the High Line at the Spur. Join attendees at Dinosaur’s Stage, our main stage and storytelling hub at the feet of Dinosaur. From 12pm until 8pm, the stage will be activated with dynamic programming for all ages—from high-energy dance classes to performances, pageants, panel discussions, and live music.

Events include:
Mother Pigeon’s Impeckable Puppet Show, based on the real life adventures of Mother Pigeon, famed Union Square artist and advocate for all city wildlife. This show is great for the whole family with fun sing-alongs from Mother Pigeon, Frankie The Pigeon, and Max The Rat.

The Zumba: Pigeon Dance Party. Strut your stuff during a high-energy Zumba dance class next to Dinosaur. Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness class that incorporates Latin and international music and dance movements such as Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata, and many more. All levels are welcome, this event is free and open to the public. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes to move around in. This class is led by Maria Assis Silva.

Try your luck at pigeon-themed carnival games, drop into hands-on art workshops, and join the Pigeon Fan Club.

Step right up and join in at the Coop Carnival! From ring-a-wing ring toss, to worm-in-the-hole mini golf, to pin-the-beak on the pigeon, and more. If you’re lucky, you just may win a prize at the prize booth!

Pigeon Piñata Party. It’s a party and you’re invited! Join High Line teaching artists to collaborate on the creation of a community pigeon piñata. Contribute colorful tissue paper to our piñata sculpture or make your own mini piñata to take the party home with you.

How can we make our cities more livable—for birds and people alike? Join us for a lively conversation with experts working at the intersection of policy, ecology, and urban design. This panel brings together leading voices in the field: Qiana Mickie, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture; science writer and birding advocate Christian Cooper; horticulture specialist Ethan Dropkin; and moderator Richard Hayden, Senior Director of Horticulture at the High Line.

Together, they will explore the vital role birds play in maintaining healthy urban ecosystems—controlling pests, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds—and the growing threats they face from habitat loss, urban expansion, and climate change. The discussion will highlight innovative, actionable strategies such as planting native species, creating green corridors, and advancing conservation policies that make cities more resilient and welcoming for birds and other wildlife.

Ivan Argote's pigeon named Dinosaur ison display until Spring 2026. Photo: High Line Plinth

Join artist Iván Argote and Cecilia Alemani, Donald R. Mullen, Jr. Director & Chief Curator of High Line Art, for a conversation on the making of Dinosaur and the role public art plays in city life and civic memory. Dinosaur arrived in New York City last October and will spend 18 months on the High Line Plinth, located above 10th Avenue and 30th Street. The celebrated spot is part of a contemporary art program that has been displaying sculptures in the heart of the city since 2019.

Reflecting on Argote’s artistry, this conversation will also explore how monuments can be reimagined to challenge dominant narratives, honor overlooked histories, and create space for collective reflection.

A vibrant outdoor concert on the Dinosaur Stage is curated in collaboration with the Birdsong Project. This special musical program celebrates the sounds of nature and the rhythms of the city through a dynamic lineup.

Stop by to say 'hi' to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. There will be information on how you can contribute bird observations for science, take bird-friendly actions in your neighborhood, and how to identify birds with the free Merlin Bird ID app. Learn about core participatory science programs like eBird, the Great Backyard Bird Count, Project FeederWatch, and educational tools like Bird Academy and All About Birds. Pick up some activities for the kids and enter free drawings, where they will be giving away items like Zeiss binoculars, bird feeders, Bird Academy courses, and more!

Mother Pigeon's Workshop Table. Here you will find all of Mother Pigeon’s famous work featuring her handmade birds and rats as well as a new story book, illustrated by Mother Pigeon. There is also a cassette tape featuring Frankie The Pigeon and Mother Pigeon with 10 original songs!

NYC Bird Alliance works to protect wild birds and their habitats across the five boroughs through science, advocacy, and engagement. Stop by to learn about birds, how you can make NYC safer for birds, upcoming events, and more!

The nonprofit Wild Bird Fund treats more than 12,000 patients a year, from 200 species, all with the goal of returning them to the wild. Patients include red-tailed hawks and peregrine falcons, as well as gulls, robins, songbirds and, yes, lots of pigeons! Squirrels, opossums and groundhogs too. WBF also provides urban wildlife education to school children throughout the city.

LES Ecology Center will be sharing information about the LES Ecology Center’s programs, including composting, e-waste recycling, environmental education, and stewardship initiatives. The LES Ecology Center has pioneered community-based models in urban sustainability since 1987. They provide unique composting and e-waste services, environmental stewardship opportunities, and educational programming to all New Yorkers to create an equitable, resilient, and sustainable city.

Attend NYC’s first-ever Pigeon Impersonation Pageant, where nine participants will compete for the title of NYC’s Best Pigeon Impersonator on Saturday, June 13, 2025. Hosted by legendary costume designer and New York City icon, Machine Dazzle, contestants will be judged on plumage (costume), strut, and sound by a panel of experts. The competition promises creativity, humor, and plenty of pigeon pride, with a special appearance by Iván Argote. Don’t miss this playful and unforgettable celebration of pigeons and their unique charm!

Judged on plumage (costume) and performance, contestants will showcase their best pigeon-inspired act in front of Dinosaur, a live audience, and a panel of expert judges.

Expect a mix of creativity, humor, and true pigeon pride, with a special guest appearance by artist Iván Argote. The winners will take home a prize and—most importantly—the honor of being the top pigeon in the city! Judges staged a call for pigeon lovers, costume designers, performance artists, dancers, actors, musicians, drag queens and kings, comedians, and fashion enthusiasts of all kinds who can embody the spirit of NYC’s iconic urban birds.

Acts may include dance, lipsyncing, original compositions, movement pieces, or any unique pigeon-inspired performance. Costumes can be handmade or store-bought, found-object creations, or high-fashion interpretations of pigeons.

Performances may include: Vocalizations (cooing, squawking, pigeon chatter). Dance / movement (strut, wing flaps, waddle). Lip-syncing / theatrical acts. Original musical compositions or sound performances. Creative storytelling / character-based impersonations. No live animals, pyrotechnics, or hazardous props.

Performances should be family-friendly and will not include: Explicit language or gestures, Nudity, Political, offensive, or controversial content, Dangerous stunts or unsafe actions.

Respect and fun are key warns the website. "This event is meant to be playful, inclusive, and joyful—we encourage good sportsmanship and creative enthusiasm from all contestants!"

Winners will receive a special prize, bragging rights, and eternal pigeon glory!

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In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

ART AND ABOUT

SOUTH STREET SEAPORT MUSEUM has announced a staging of "A Siren’s Prayer" on Thursday, June 19, 2025, aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree. Advanced registration is encouraged for this free event. Join the Seaport Museum aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree for a special live staging of "A Siren’s Prayer"—a bold work-in-progress musical that blends live vocals, instrumentals, and movement to tell a story of ancient power and modern pain.

"A Siren’s Prayer" follows a trio of sirens who have spent generations luring sailors to their deaths, their haunting harmonies echoing a legacy of betrayal and survival. When a sailor unexpectedly survives their trap, the tide begins to turn when one of the sirens—curious, soulful, and unshaped by bitterness—falls in love with the survivor. As the work unfolds, we will follow along when she uncovers the history behind her community’s vengeance and becomes determined to heal her people instead of punishing others.

"The score is deeply inspired by the spiritual tones of "Wade in the Water", beginning with a smoky, sultry jazz rendition used as a tool of seduction. As the sirens evolve, the melody shifts—becoming a hymn of healing and unity. By the finale, water isn’t a weapon—it’s a balm, a baptism, and a bridge between broken worlds. Sparkling wine and seltzer will be available on the main deck while you enjoy the performance. The audience will be standing for the majority of the performance; limited seating will be available. "A Siren’s Prayer" is still in development so this staging is your chance to see the creative process in action."

About the 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree:
Wavertree was built at Southampton, England, in 1885 and, after a 24-year sailing career and circumnavigating the globe at least three times, is now the last remaining iron-hulled three-masted full-rigged cargo ship. Today, Wavertree is visited by guests of all ages from around the globe and serves as the centerpiece of the "Street of Ships" at the Seaport Museum. She was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 13, 1978 and symbolizes the profound influence of sailing ships, their intrepid sailors, and the bustling waterfront in shaping New York City into a modern metropolis. As a historic vessel with a fascinating past, Wavertree embodies the rich maritime heritage that played a pivotal role in transforming South Street into the vibrant heart of “Where New York Begins.”

DESIGN AND DISABILITY showcasing the radical contributions of Disabled, Deaf, and neurodivergent people and communities to design history and contemporary culture, Design and Disability is both a celebration, and a call to action.

Opens Saturday, June 7, 2025 at South Kensington in London.

Exhibition highlights: Inspired by Sandro Botticelli’s 'The Birth of Venus', the handsewn Notting Hill Carnival Costume was designed by Maya Scarlette, a fashion designer with ectrodactyly, in 2024. black and white image of Marvel Harris smiling at the beach.

First Swim After Rebirth: Taken by Marvel Harris, the joyous self-portrait was captured following their gender-affirming surgery. As an autistic person who has dealt with issues of self-acceptance, well-being and gender identity, the photograph celebrates Disabled joy.

This hyper visual ensemble by designer and activist Sky Cubacub, comprises of the gender-affirming, Rebirth Garments Binder and Dragon Scale Head Dress, which functions as a wearable weighted blanket.

The Squeeze Chaise Longue. Artist Wendy Jacob embraces the sitter between two red mohair arms in this design, providing comforting sensory feedback for those who appreciate deep pressure stimulation. A poster has an image of "Use a Condom" in fingerspelling for the deaf.

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IS THERE A BAFTA IN QUEEN CAMILLA'S FUTURE?

In 2021 Camilla visited the set of "Grace." She is seen pictured with the author Peter James. Photo: ITV.

Queen Camilla has been cast as the lead in a new crime thriller set inside Buckingham Palace. King Charles's wife will be the leading lady in the 23rd installment pf Peter James' best selling high-stakes crime thriller, which has sold 18 million copies worldwide.

Not to give away too much, but the show which stars detective Roy Grace, opens with a royal train derailment and attempted assassination of a palace aide.

Queen Camilla has been saying she is is "excited" to have a starring role in a new episode of the beloved crime novel.

The Brighton-set series is based on the bestselling novels by Peter James, with the first ever episode airing in March 2021. John Simm starred in the lead role as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, a tenacious detective haunted by the disappearance of his wife some years earlier.

Grace is also a Britbox Original.

Queen Camilla, the 77-year-old royal, is an avid reader and a particular fan of Peter James' Detective Superintendent Roy Grace thrillers. His latest book, "The Hawk is Dead", takes his investigation into Buckingham Palace when the royal train which Camilla is traveling on derails and a key member of her staff is shot by a sniper.

Starring alongside John will be Richie Campbell who plays DS Glenn Branson, Zoë Tapper as Cleo Morey, Laura Elphinstone as DS Bella Moy, Brad Morrison as DC Nick Nicholl and Queen Camilla as herself.

The royal train derailment takes Roy Grace deep into the heart of Buckingham Palace, where he is called upon to solve a murder and what looks to be a royal assassination attempt.

"Queen Camilla, a well-known book-lover and reading champion through her charity, The Queen's Reading Room, has always been one of the first people to receive each "Grace" novel and is excited to have a starring role, alongside His Majesty King Charles, in Peter's latest thriller."

According to the Daily Mail, Camilla received a preview of the novel, and Peter has had the opportunity for some "extensive behind-the-scenes" research at Buckingham Palace, including "insights" from members of the Royal Household, even the queen herself.

Publisher Pan Macmillan wrote of the plot: "A tragic accident or a planned attack?... Despite all the evidence, Roy Grace is not convinced the Queen was the intended target... Failure at this level is not an option. But time is running out before a killer in the palace will strike again."

In 2021, Camilla visited the set of "Grace", an ITV adaptation of the novels starring John Simm as the detective and it was her conversation with the author that sparked the seed for his new book.

Peter said: "The Queen asked me when I might set a Roy Grace novel in London… and the seed was sown. Where better in London than Buckingham Palace?

"I came up with an idea, which I ran by Her Majesty — and she loved it."

Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, Camilla’s self-professed favorite fictional sleuth, is dispatched to Buckingham Palace to crack the case of what looks to be a royal assassination attempt. "The story is said to weave through royal corridors and state rooms in a palace whodunnit laced with enough pomp to make Poirot jealous."

In non-fiction terms, the starring role marks the Camilla-renaissance as an enduring protagonist.

Joining his wife is King Charles who will be featured in the installment titled "The Hawk Is Dead: A Killer In The Palace", which is due out October 21, 2025.

It’s fitting for a monarch increasingly regarded as a literary tastemaker. The book club Queen Camilla launched in 2021, The Queen’s Reading Room, spawned a charity of the same name in 2023 and aims to spotlight authors.

An admitted royal bookworm, with a passion for mysteries, a source close to the Peter James project told The Daily Mail: "Queen Camilla has always been one of the first people to receive each Grace novel and is excited to have a starring role."

The Queen’s literary clout was on full display back in 2021 when she visited the Brighton set of Grace, ITV’s adaptation of James’s books. "I love your books. I’ve read them all, cover to cover," she told the author, reportedly joking about wanting a cameo. Three years later, she got something better: the lead.

SPREADING THE WORD

FIRST EVER STARBUCKS GLOBAL BARISTA CHAMPIONSHIP takes place June 9-11 in Las Vegas.

Narrowed down from over 84,000 baristas, 12 baristas from around the world will showcase their coffee passion, expertise and craft for the first time in company history.

Over the three-day competition, 12 baristas from around the world will showcase their coffee passion, expertise and craft through a variety of skills and knowledge-based competitions. The event will take place during the Starbucks Leadership Experience conference with more than 14,000 partners (employees) from the United States and Canada in attendance to watch the first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Champion be crowned.

All 12 baristas will compete on June 9 and 10 in the semi-finals and four finalists will then move on to compete on June 11 in the finals.

The competition will focus on three key pillars:
Coffee Storytelling: How the barista tells The Starbucks Coffee Company story
Craft: Excellence in demonstrating skill and coffee knowledge
Connection: Exceptional customer service through beverage quality, order accuracy and personalized connection

The Starbucks Global Barista Championship is the culmination of more than 84,000 baristas competing around the world for over a year. Competing this year are the 2024 Barista Champions from China, Japan, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America & the Caribbean, as well as the six Barista Champions from each of the Starbucks Reserve Roasteries (Shanghai, Tokyo, Milan, New York, Chicago and Seattle).

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL recently welcomed its 10 millionth guest – a glittering milestone celebrated across its global productions, including its London show at the Piccadilly Theatre. The world premiere took place July 2019 at Broadway’s Al Hirschfeld Theatre in New York.

STYLISH DRIVERS Tommy Hilfiger, part of PVH Corp., is strengthening its ties with Formula 1 after signing a multi-year apparel and lifestyle sponsorship agreement with Cadillac, the new Formula 1 team backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, which is joining the grid in 2026.

THE 8th ANNUAL NEW YORK MUSIC MONTH (NYMM) the City’s official music festival held every June, is happening NOW across the five boroughs. There are 50+ free events to attend and enjoy, including concerts, talks, panels and free rehearsal studio rentals.

Upcoming events include: Music as a Business: Real World Tactics for Modern Industry, presented by Earthprogram - June 10.

HUNT ON FOR MISSING MICHAEL J. FOX GUITAR a musical manhunt is on for the cherry red Gibson ES-345 guitar played by Michael J. Fox that disappeared from the iconic Universal pictures and Amblin entertainment film Back To The Future 40 years ago which became the biggest film of 1985 in the U.S. and the second highest-grossing worldwide.

You mean they just discovered it missing?

Not quite.

The stunning guitar was showcased during the beloved film’s unforgettable “Enchantment Under the Sea” school dance scene, a pop culture moment that has inspired many musicians to pick up guitars for the very first time after witnessing the character of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) play the legendary song “Johnny B. Goode.” During the making of the 1989 sequel to the film, the filmmakers went to look for the guitar, and it was nowhere to be found.

Lost To The Future a new documentary film is beginning production and that red guitar is now super important.

Music fans worldwide have the chance to help Gibson Guitars find the most important guitar in cinema history.

Don't think you can spray paint your old guitar and pass that off. Gibson and Fox known what the real one looks like.

Fans who have any tips as to the whereabouts of the missing original Cherry Red Gibson ES-345 guitar that Michael J. Fox played in the film Back To The Future can contact Gibson via www.LostToTheFuture.com or call/text 1-855-345-1955.

GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL CELEBRATED ITS AMERICAN CONNECTIONS

The royal couple and the Very Rev. Andrew Zihni flank members of the choir. Photo: Gloucester Cathedral

In the presence of Richard and Birgitte, more formerly known as Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, a special Choral Evensong celebrated musical heritage with a special focus on American connections.

The Gloucester Cathedral service gave thanks for John Stafford Smith, composer of the music for "The Star-Spangled Banner", the American national anthem, who was baptized in Gloucester Cathedral in 1750.

"Marking the 275th anniversary year of John Stafford Smith’s baptism here at Gloucester Cathedral is a powerful reminder of how music can transcend international borders," said the Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, 39th Dean of Gloucester. It is a position he had held since April 23, 2023.

Welcomed by the Hong Kong born and raised Very Reverend Zihni, Richard and Birgitte enjoyed music performed by the Cathedral Choir. The service featured works by composers with American ties, including Herbert Sumsion, Thomas Tertius Noble, Robert S. Cohen and John Stafford Smith.

As Patrons of Gloucester Cathedral’s ambitious In Tune Organ and Music Campaign, The Duke and Duchess support the preservation of the Cathedral’s rich musical heritage. During their visit, the royal couple met with choristers from the Cathedral and heard about the progress of the In Tune campaign which seeks to rebuild the historic organ, and the growth of the Cathedral’s choirs. The campaign aims to raise £3 million by 2026.

Gloucester Cathedral is a glorious sacred space in the heart of Gloucester, with a history that can be traced back to 679AD. It is the mother church of the Diocese of Gloucester and welcomes around 400,000 visitors every year. The Cathedral is open daily, with entry by donation, and hosts a packed and varied program of services and events throughout the year.

The Duke and Duchess met when both were students at Cambridge. Denmark born and bred, Birgitte van Deurs was studying in a language program while the Duke was studying architecture.

He graduated from Cambridge with a degree in architecture, and had become a partner at a London architecture firm by 1972, the same year the couple married.

Upon release of the devastating news of both King Charles and The Princess of Wales suffering from cancer the Gloucester family - who have spent decades as non complaining, hard working royals - wasted no time in taking on more than their share of responsibility.



RAPHAEL NAMED 2025 LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY PERSON OF THE YEAR Raphael will be honored for his more than six-decade career as a multifaceted singer and performer, which has established him as a true ambassador of Latin music worldwide. The artist will be celebrated at a special gala featuring a heartfelt tribute concert with renditions of his renowned repertoire, performed by a star-studded lineup of singers and friends. The gala is set to take place on November 12 in Las Vegas during Latin Grammy Week.

Rafael Martos, known artistically as Raphael, was born in Linares, Spain, in 1943. Raised in Madrid, he discovered his passion at the age of four, and at nine he won the Best Child Voice in Europe award at the prestigious Salzburg Festival. He achieved international recognition after representing Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest with “Yo Soy Aquél” (1966) and “Hablemos Del Amor” (1967), and performing on the legendary The Ed Sullivan Show in 1970, among other highly acclaimed programs. His musical impact was complemented by a successful film career, appearing in movies like Al Ponerse El Sol (Mario Camus, 1967), El Golfo (Vicente Escrivá, 1969), and Mi Gran Noche (Álex de la Iglesia, 2015).

He has also been the subject of the documentary Raphaelismo, an intimate look at his life and career. After overcoming a brain lymphoma diagnosed at the end of 2024, he announced his return to the stage this year with Raphaelísimo, a new tour that will take him across Spain and Latin America. At 82, Raphael continues to sell out theaters, arenas, and his influence has inspired numerous music creators worldwide.

The Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year honors musicians and their artistic achievements in the Latin music industry, as well as their humanitarian efforts. The past honorees are Carlos Vives (2024), Laura Pausini (2023), Marco Antonio Solís (2022), Rubén Blades (2021), Juanes (2019), Maná (2018), Alejandro Sanz (2017), Marc Anthony (2016), Roberto Carlos (2015), Joan Manuel Serrat (2014), Miguel Bosé (2013), Caetano Veloso (2012), Shakira (2011), Plácido Domingo (2010), Juan Gabriel (2009), Gloria Estefan (2008), Juan Luis Guerra (2007), Ricky Martin (2006), José José (2005), Carlos Santana (2004), Gilberto Gil (2003), Vicente Fernández (2002), Julio Iglesias (2001) and Emilio Estefan (2000).

Net proceeds from The Latin Academy Person of the Year Gala will go toward the charitable work of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation.

DAVID BECKHAM will finally receive a knighthood as part of King Charles' birthday honors next week. It's been no secret that the famed soccer star has wanted the honor for decades.

The former England football captain was awarded an OBE in 2003.

Beckham became an ambassador for The King's Foundation in 2024, supporting King Charles' education programe and efforts to ensure young people have a greater understanding of nature.

He is also part-owner of League Two side Salford City, as well as president and co-owner of Major League Soccer team Inter Miami in the United States.

He helped set-up the Inter Miami CF Foundation - a community driven not-for-profit enterprise that looks to empower underserved communities, using football as a catalyst.

THE 2025 FRAGRANCE FOUNDATION AWARDS took place June 5 at Lincoln Center in New York City. The star-studded salute celebrated excellence and innovation in American fragrance across 19 categories from beautifully crafted scents to creative packaging. Two awards of distinction, the Hall of Fame and the Lifetime Achievement Perfumer, were awarded to Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of The Ralph Lauren Corporation, and Daniela Andrier, Master Perfumer of Givaudan, respectively, adding to the evening's festivities.

A sold-out crowd of 1000 gathered to celebrate the winners that made 2024 a spectacular year in fragrance with a guest list including fragrance founders and perfumers plus fashion designers, artists, celebrities and creators.

Levy added, "Honoring an American legend such as Ralph Lauren as the Hall of Fame Honoree for his incredible legacy is one of the most memorable moments in TFF USA Awards history. The emotional and creative highs of the evening were heightened to new levels through Daniela Andrier's mastery of perfumery and storytelling that earned her the Lifetime Achievement Perfumer honor. Presenting these Awards to such esteemed icons of business and prolific perfumers at Lincoln Center only elevates fragrance to the art form that it is as it celebrates the creative artistry and sheer emotion behind them", stated Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Fondation.

A hallmark of the evening was the signature scent that was created exclusively for the event by Daniela Andrier as a special celebration of the Lifetime Achievement Perfumer. Named "Lincoln in June" as a fragrant nod to the event and spectacular setting, the fragrance filled the lobby air of the majestic theater with notes of florals as guests arrived. There was exuberance in the air amidst the ambient scent as the fragrance industry mixed and mingled in anticipation of the grand awards ceremony that culminated with the ultimate accolades saluting the very best in fragrances, as well as icons of the industry who have redefined American fragrance.

Daniela Andrier, Master Perfumer at Givaudan, expressed her gratitude, stating "In my work I find inspiration in the unexpected combination of colours and blending the rare with the ordinary. It is essential to avoid clichés and resist the unnecessary urge to be modern. True depth comes from humility—understanding where we come from, appreciating tradition, and recognizing the significance of culture in our craft. I am deeply passionate about crafting fragrances, and receiving this prestigious recognition from The Fragrance Foundation USA holds significant meaning for me as a perfumer."

David Lauren, Chief Branding and Innovation Officer of the Ralph Lauren Corporation, accepted the Hall of Fame Honor on behalf of Mr. Lauren. Presenters included Actress, Producer and Advocate Laverne Cox, Fashion Designer Vera Wang, Fashion Innovator Dapper Dan, Allure and Self magazines Editor-in-Chief Jessica Cruel, and iconic brand ambassador Carolyn Murphy and model and actor Tyson Beckford, brand founders Erica Anderson and Ingrid Nilsen of The New Savant, and Jackie Aina of FORVR Mood. Celebrating fragrance at its core was this year's artistic collaboration with cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg that magnified the essence of ingredients from florals to citrus through AI. This year's Awards was another exciting edition that celebrated the artistry of perfumes and the artists that create them.

2025 DRAMA DESK AWARDS recently took place. At the ceremony, Drama Desk nominee Lesli Margherita performed the opening number "Sit Down We’re Starting the Show" (to the tune of "Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat" from Guys and Dolls), Joshua Henry sang for Gavin Creel, who was posthumously given the Harold Prince Award for Lifetime Achievement, Norm Lewis sang "Make Them Hear You" from Ragtime to honor Brian Stokes Mitchell, who was honored with the William Wolf Award, and the cast of last year’s Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical Dead Outlaw performed.

The event was Directed by Lorin Latarro, Written by Steve Rosen & David Rossmer, Choreographed by Rachel Bress, with Musical Direction by Dan Lipton.

In keeping with the Drama Desk's mission, the nominators considered shows that opened on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off Broadway during the 2024-2025 season for this year’s awards. Shows were eligible with 21 or more unique live performances.

David Barbour and Charles Wright are the Drama Desk co-presidents.

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E-Book

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This is not your typical, totally boring textbook.

In the pages of How To Earn A Living As A Freelance Writer (the first to be lied to and the last to be paid) you'll find sex, celebrities, violence, threats, unethical editors, scummy managers and lawyers, treacherous press agents, sex discrimination; as well as a how-to for earning money by writing down words.

Next Column: June 15, 2025
Copyright: June 8, 2025 All Rights Reserved. Reviews, Interviews, Commentary, Photographs or Graphics from any Broadway To Vegas (TM) columns may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, utilized as leads, or used in any manner without permission, compensation and/or credit.
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Laura Deni