Here Are the Best Events Going Down Memorial Day Weekend in Los Angeles

When is Memorial Day 2021?

Memorial Day 2021 is Monday, May 31st, 2020.

As the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend is usually a combination of many of the best events Los Angeles has to offer: outdoor movies, festivals and summer concerts, among them. But this year is a little different, to say the least. That said, we’ve still come up with some ways to advantage of the three-day weekend and pack it full of food, fun and even some time outdoors. Memorial Day is starting to look like the Los Angeles we know and love: Museum exhibitions are back on the calendar, live performances are beginning to return and so too are more and more of our favorite things to do. So make the most of that sweet, pre-summer Memorial Day weekend event—before the beach crowds return—with our Memorial Day weekend events calendar.

VIP Recordings Presents: Listening Sessions North Hollywood

Location: N. Hollywood, California, May 29th

Calling all Musicians! VIP Recordings Is Now Signing Artists... Up To $100K On The Table! *** GET SIGNED ON THE SPOT *** Private Listening Session Includes 1-on-1 w/ Music Executives Looking To Sign Talent On The Spot, Feature On 10+ Media Publications, 15 Minute Performance (On Stage), & Live Interview with On Air Hosts (KLYZ HITS 98.5 and POWER 107.9 LA). We will be shooting a "VIP Recordings Presents: Listening Sessions" commercial to be aired on "The CW Network" this summer featuring all of the talent who performed at the North Hollywood event. ALL performers will receive FREE PHOTOGRAPHY performing on stage. All Genres Accepted. Artists May Bring 1 Guest in Per 15 minute Performance Spot to Witness the TV shoot.

See Full List Here.

Teyana Taylor Gives Update On Dionne Warwick Series

When I think of Teyana Taylor, the word multifaceted instantly comes to mind. I was first introduced to her on MTV’s My Super Sweet 16 as a skateboard-loving musician with effortless style. While her style still remains exemplary, it’s the trajectory of Teyana’s artistry that’s left me captivated. Singer, songwriter, choreographer, and actor are just a few of the many hats the 30-year-old Harlem native wears, and she has no intention of slowing down.

A few weeks ago, Teyana sat down with us to talk about being hand-picked for Dionne Warwick’s biopic, why she doesn’t regret retiring from music, what it was like working on Coming 2 America, and so much more!

Late last year, legendary songstress Dionne Warwick nearly broke the internet when she announced that the “obvious” casting choice for her biopic is you. What was your immediate reaction when you heard that?

I was screaming, of course! I was like, “Oh my god!” She’s the queen of Twitter — she’s super, super active, so I knew for a fact that it was really her. Like, it wasn’t just a cute little tweet like, “Yeah girl, I see you.” No, it was really like, “Um, Netflix, if you’re ever thinking about doing anything regarding me, y’all obviously know my choice.” She got straight to the point, so that was exciting for me. After she tweeted it, of course, I retweeted it. They literally reached out to me a day later. They reached out right away and I was like, “Oh, they’re serious!” I was ready. We hopped on Zoom that very next day. I responded to that email so fast, it didn’t make no sense [laughs].

It’s dope that I actually get to spend time with her, because when you’re portraying someone’s life, getting that opportunity can be rare. Sometimes things aren’t approved or other times the person isn’t physically here to say what they want, so to know that she’s gonna be a part of this for the whole ride is absolutely amazing. We will be telling her story from her own words, and I’m so excited. Dionne and her son have literally been so lovely.

Hearing the joy in your voice while talking about it is getting me excited. Has production started yet on the series?

Not yet. Twitter in itself is its own world, right? So I think Twitter had went so crazy with the look-alike pictures of us. So we kind of just jumped into it that way — it wasn’t like she already had a plan for it. We’re literally at the stages of getting everything laid out. One thing we’re very clear on is that we definitely want it to be a series. Dionne has been an icon for so many decades — not years, but decades! Her story is still continuing, so we knew an hour-and-a-half movie wasn’t gonna do it. Ninety minutes ain’t enough girl, you need a whole series!

So we’re at that place where I’m just really getting to know her. I get to ask her whatever I want to ask her and just talk to her for however long I want to talk to her. I think once we get past that, it’ll help us really shape an idea of what we want it to be about. Then we’ll start talking production, writers, and different things like that. We’re at the very early stages of it, but we’re definitely not in a super-early stage. We’re getting there.

Like you said, Dionne Warwick is a living icon who has showered us with her many talents for decades. There are so many chapters of her life to dive into. Are there any particular parts of her life that you’re really eager to explore?

Honestly, all of it! I’ve watched her career and she’s remained so graceful. Like, “Girl, how you do it?” She’s been there for a lot of elements and eras that we’ve endured. So, I want to know everything about her! You know, I want to know everything. She has some really cool life stories. Have you read her book? It’s really, really good. I was conceiving scenes in my head while reading her book. So, the director and producer in me was like, “Oh my God, I can’t wait to do this. I can’t wait to do that.”

Dionne Warwick wasn’t the only one making shocking announcements on social media around that time. To fans’ surprise, including myself, you announced that you would be retiring from music. Since making that decision, has anything changed for you emotionally?

No. Actually, since making that announcement, I’ve literally gotten deeper into directing. I’ve always loved making music and it’s always been mine. The Aunties Inc, my production company that I started with my partner/dancer Coco Gilbert, was created when we were still on tour. But at the time, we had a lot going on with music and everything, so we kind of put it on the back burner a little bit. So it was definitely something that I really wanted to put a lot of time into and prioritize.

Taking a step back from music, going into directing, and just enjoying other parts of my journey — I have so much more to live for. Being able to tap back into directing and producing was everything for me. I’m really, really happy. I don’t plan on letting anybody box me in or make me feel like I can only do one thing at a time. I can do it all. I had my fair share and fun times with music, but now I’m in my directing bag and I plan on staying there for a little while. And when I want to get back to music, I’ll get back to music.

I know that’s right! Well, we’re excited to watch you on this journey. But speaking of your production company The Aunties, it’s specifically made up of an all-female production crew. Why was that important for you?

We were doing our thing. We were making it happen. We called ourselves The Aunties [laughs] because we would create content and then we’d be like, “Alright, girl we did some good work for the day. Let’s go and step it on out.” Then me and Coco would look at each other and go, “Baby, Auntie tired. Auntie Coco tired.” And I was like, “Yo, we need to start a production company called The Aunties,” and we just started dying laughing. So it started off as a joke, but we were still kind of serious.

I was at a place in my life where I felt like I didn’t have the most support from my label, so we were doing our own music videos and making it happen with, like, a bubble gum and shoestring budget. So I felt like, if we’re already creating videos at this level, then we can definitely do this. There have been times when Coco and I would walk up on set and one of the guys that’s working for us would literally be shocked when he saw me yelling, “Action,” or when I yell, “Cut!”

Also, it just feels good to see these women demanding that energy and commanding a room. Like, “Yes, we are females and yes, we’re still gonna kill this goddamn video, so what you talkin’ ’bout?”

Let’s get it!

There’s a lot of men that work on our projects that really be looking shocked. One thing I will say, though, at the end of the video shoot, or commercial, whatever it is that we’re doing, they give us praise. Granted, I feel like they shouldn’t really be shocked because us women can do it all! We are real superheroes. We’re the superHERoes, you feel me? So, at the end of the shoots, the guys are usually like, “Oh my God, y’all are really, really amazing. I’m truly impressed.” To which I reply, “Thank you, but as you should be.”

Through singing, dancing, directing, and producing, you have shown time and time again that you have the range! We’ve also gotten to witness another one of your passions: acting. You recently starred in Coming 2 America — which you were great in, by the way. Can you tell me about one of your favorite behind-the-scenes moments?

My favorite moments on set were actually the behind-the-scenes moments, because everybody was so funny. I was surrounded by legends who’ve been in the game for so long. But if I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be the way Wesley Snipes cut up. He stayed in character the whole time. So even when they yelled, “Cut,” he remained as General Izzi — my father in the movie — and it was the funniest thing ever.

I love that! Okay, well, before we go, I gotta know: Did you get to keep anything from set?

I did, actually! They have to keep a lot of the main props for archives, but there were these green jumpsuits that the guys had on with the green flakes on them. I was like, “Can I please, please get one of those?” Because I love those — I love onesies and jumpsuits and stuff like that. So I was begging for a jumper, and [costume designer Ruth E. Carter] left me one on the last day. It was really nice that she let me keep that. They did give us a lot of merch though. We had jackets, shirts — they made sure we were loaded. Like, “Look, you can’t take the real stuff, but here’s some stuff to remember us by.” [Laughs]

Apple Music May Get 'Hi-Fi' Audio Streaming Tier Alongside AirPods 3 Launch At WWDC

Apple alongside the planned launch of its third-generation AirPods, is also likely to launch a Hi-Fi tier to Apple Music, which will offer high-res music streaming, giving Spotify a toe to toe fight in terms of features.

Apple Music's Hi-Fi tier will bring CD-quality, lossless audio to the company’s music streaming application. While there are no details on the Apple Music Hi-Fi as of now, a report from the Hits Doubles Daily suggests that the new Hi-Fi tier will cost $9.99 (approximately INR 738) in the US, which is same as the company’s existing, standard Apple Music subscription.

The news comes days after streaming giant and arch-rivals in the space - Spotify announced its premium Hi-Fi tier, allowing music listeners to experience more depth and clarity in songs.

Now, what is Hi-Fi tier audio and how does it improve audio quality?

The full-form of Hi-Fi is High Fidelity audio, a term many people are familiar with. High Fidelity audio inaudible noise and distortion, and a flat frequency response within the human hearing range. It is different from stereo quality, which records or reproduces sound that uses two channels - each playing a portion of original sound in a way to create the illusion of locating the sound at a particular position.

Hi-Fi audio is considered superior over other formats as it offers a full range of audible frequencies with very little distortion of the original signal. Currently, Apple Music does not offer a high-resolution audio tier. The new Apple Music Hi-Fi tier will compete with other services that offer lossless audio quality like Amazon Music, Spotify, Tidal, and more.

According to the latest report, Apple is planning to announce the new HiFi tier and the AirPods 3 in the 'coming weeks.' The next big thing from Apple is its WWDC event on 7th June. Henceforth, Apple could potentially announce the new quality standard and its third-generation AirPods at the conference.

Nicole Kidman as Lucille Ball? Who Do Fans Really Want?

Film and TV fans got a surprise casting reveal on Friday as Nicole Kidman was photographed in costume by paparazzi while filming the Lucille Ball biopic—complete with the famous red hairdo.

Being the Ricardos is currently in production, lead by Oscar-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin and speculation surrounding its casting has been going on for months, with a number of A-listers reportedly attached to the project.

Kidman and Javier Bardem are starring as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz in the film which will follow the famous couple during a chaotic time in their life and relationship.

The two actors have been photographed on set in Los Angeles which has led to controversy online as fans question the casting choice for the late I Love Lucy comedian.

"Nicole Kidman definitely isn't giving me Lucille Ball vibes," reads one tweet.

While another person added: "Listen, I love Nicole Kidman and wish her the best in this project but... let's not go overboard."

"Nicole Kidman is the best actress of her generation. One of my all-time favorites. I would literally put her in every movie, tv-show, etc. But her being cast as Lucille Ball is...not it," tweeted another.

This Grandmother Scared Robber Away Thanks To This Device

Violent crime is rising against seniors and women, and authorities are urging residents to carry a simple new safety device that can thwart even the most vicious of attackers.

It was supposed to be a normal day of shopping for 76-year-old Donna Mason, but instead, her shopping trip took a terrifying turn.

"I was walking to my car, which was parked pretty close to the store" she remembers, "but I had an odd feeling – like I was being watched.”

Her instincts were spot on – she was being watched. And targeted. In the middle of the day, no less.

Right when she was unlocking her car, a man came up behind her and tried to grab her.

"He told me ‘just give me your purse and I won’t hurt you!' and he reached for my purse. I was terrified, but I guess my instincts took over, and I yelled and pulled the pin on my alarm”

"The SafeAlarm immediately went off, with the loudest alarm ever. I mean, it was SUPER LOUD. It must have surprised him, because he stumbled backwards and ran like hell. Then other people who heard the alarm ran over to see what the commotion was.”

Donna was lucky. She was carrying a small personal alarm that might have saved her life. But not everyone is as lucky.

There has been a dramatic increase in attacks, especially against seniors. And as the economy worsens, criminals are getting more and more brazen. Remember, Donna was attacked close to the store, in broad daylight.

"The trend is both clear and troubling – violent crime is rising, especially against our most vulnerable citizens, like seniors. Authorities recommend that everyone carry a small personal alarm that can draw attention and scare attackers"

Donna had been given a SafeAlarm by her daughter about a month before. She carried it on her purse, but didn’t think she’d ever need to use it.

“Since my daughter bought it for me, I figured I’d carry it, even though I never thought I’d need it. I am so thankful I had this little alarm. I’m 76, and have never been a crime victim, so when it happens to you, it’s almost a feeling of disbelief.”

"After my attack, I bought 6 SafeAlarms for my friends at the senior center. Because now I know how easy you can be targeted, even in a crowded parking lot in daytime” .

What Is A SafeAlarm?

Imagine a tiny alarm that’s super simple to use, and has the loudest sound ever. That’s the SafeAlarm.

It’s a personal alarm that has a piercing 120db sound, and is activated simply by pulling a pin. It scares attackers and attracts volumes of attention.

By the way, how loud is 120DB? It’s like a military jet taking off. LOUD.

The design is really good too. Instead of a button that can accidentally be pressed, SafeAlarm uses a pull-pin. So it’s easy to use, but won’t go off by accident. And once it’s pulled, it immediately emits its 120db siren, and will continue to shriek for 30 minutes, or until the pin is put back.

SafeAlarm Was Born From Tragedy

Mark Adams, the inventor of SafeAlarm, says the idea for the product came after hearing about a recent attempted kidnapping in his hometown of San Diego.

“I was watching the news, and saw where a child was almost kidnapped in a Costco parking lot, during the middle of the day” said Adams.

“Fortunately, this particular kidnapping failed because the father was alert and made a big commotion. But it really hit home for me because it was right down the road, and my own daughter is 13 and is just starting to hang out with friends without adults being around. I could not imagine how I would feel if she was kidnapped.”

He couldn’t get the story out of his mind, so he did some research. He found that thousands of children go missing every year, many of which are never found again.

But he also found that noise is the #1 deterrent to attempted kidnappings and violent crime.

"Authorities say successful kidnappings happen when they can keep the victim from making noise, which is easy to do if someone strong covers their mouth. So making noise some other way is crucial to someone’s safety.”

Mark knew what he wanted. “I had two goals - to make a small device that was easy to use, and to make it as loud as possible.”

The best part about SafeAlarm is it can be carried and used by anyone, and is useful in almost any dangerous situation.

Mark explains "Obviously, it’s great for parents to give to their kids to prevent strangers from harming or even abducting them. But it’s also great for women, seniors… anyone. Hey, I carry one myself now.”

Mark has been thanked by people who have used SafeAlarm to prevent a tragedy. “I like hearing that” he says, “but I also wish I came up with this earlier. Maybe some of these missing kids that I read about wouldn’t be missing.”