Independent living program

Get ready for what looks to be a really funny Film Independent Spirit Awards ceremony, which will keep us in stiches for some time. The show, which will not be live from the Santa Monica Beach this year due to Covid, has tapped SNL’s Melissa Villaseñor to host this year’s 2021 edition. Villaseñor, who cut her teeth on the stand-up circuit here in Los Angeles, and was further propelled by being a semifinalist on the 2011 edition of America’s Got Talent before landing on the SNL cast, is famed for her impersonations of such celebrities as Owen Wilson, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and more. This year’s show will be airing on Thursday, April 22, on IFC and AMC+ at 10PM ET, breaking tradition as the Spirits typically take place on the Saturday afternoon before Sunday’s Oscars. Related Story 'Saturday Night Live' Ratings Rise In 18-49 Demo With Host Dan Levy Said Blake Callaway, Executive Director, IFC … [Read more...] about ‘SNL’s Melissa Villaseñor To Host Film Independent Spirit Awards; Org To Feature Directors Close-Up Series

When the pandemic hit and the music stopped, the hundreds of entertainment venues that housed live events went dark. Nearly a year later, there finally appears to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Like restaurants, entertainment venues rely on customers spending disposable income by treating themselves to a good time. The good times stopped rolling back in March 2020, and business owners scrambled to cobble together new experiences to stay afloat: drive-in events , “bubble” shows and socially distanced concerts , to name a few innovative ideas. There is value in event organizers taking on new initiatives to keep their businesses alive during the pandemic, as inaction can have severe consequences. I am not convinced, however, that these approaches will last or have the best results. Social distancing at a music festival would require reducing capacity to a point where it wouldn’t be economical to operate. A few organizations could likely produce these just to … [Read more...] about 4 Ways Venue Owners Can Connect With Audiences During the Pandemic

South by Southwest Conference and Festivals have revealed the full program for the 28th edition of the SXSW Film Festival — and it will all take place online March 16-20. As previously reported , the documentary Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil is set to open the fest while the Charli XCX quarantine docu Alone Together will serve as the film fest closer. Keeping in line with the films about musicians, Mary Wharton’s Tom Petty, Somewhere You Feel Free will make its World Premiere as a centerpiece film. “It’s been a year unlike any we’ve experienced, first marked by the cancellation of SXSW 2020,” said Janet Pierson, Director of Film. “We feel privileged to have been able to pivot to SXSW Online and present a fantastic treasure trove of programming, including a pared down and wonderful selection of films that we know will delight, entertain and move our attendees. SXSW Online will bring attendees a multifaceted event that speaks to so many areas of creativity in one … [Read more...] about SXSW Film Festival Unveils Full Lineup; Charli XCX Quarantine Feature To Close Fest; Tom Petty Docu Set As Centerpiece

Products featured are independently selected by our editorial team and we may earn a commission from purchases made from our links; the retailer may also receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. If you’re thinking of buying a workout machine for your home gym (as most of us are right now), it’s time to consider a vertical climbing machine. Most shoppers instinctively turn to ellipticals, treadmills or exercise bikes when setting up a home gym, but the best climbing machines might actually be better for training at home. What is a Climbing Machine? Climbing machines are vertical contraptions designed to mimic the motions of rock climbing. This means pulling handles downwards, pushing and pulling with your legs while your feet are in pedals, and keeping your core engaged at all times (most machines also allow lower-body isolation by holding stationary handles). It looks simple, but when combined, these exercises translate to an amazing low-impact workout that … [Read more...] about Quick Ascent: Climbing Machines Are Becoming the New Must-Have for At-Home Gyms

With its film line-up previously announced , the SXSW Film Festival has unveiled its keynote and a very robust second round of featured speakers. This year’s online edition of SXSW kicks off on March 16 and continues through March 20. SXSW will feature Nobel Peace Prize-nominated political leader Stacey Abrams in a Keynote conversation with author N.K. Jemisin. As for the new round of featured speakers, the roster includes  Elizabeth Banks, Mayim Bialik, Mary J. Blige, James Cameron, Bill Hader, Noah Hawley, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Demi Lovato, Desus Nice and the Kid Mero, Amber Ruffin, The Russo Brothers, Jennifer Salke, Cliff “Method Man” Smith among others. “We’re truly excited about the remarkable range of creative talent and innovators that we’ve announced today as part of SXSW Online,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer. “In the 30 plus years of SXSW, we’ve showcased so many incredible voices who have shown tremendous courage and leadership, … [Read more...] about SXSW Sets Stacey Abrams As Keynote, Unveils New Round Of Featured Speakers Including Elizabeth Banks, Mary J. Blige, The Russo Brothers And More