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]

The internationally recognized authentic press credentials from US Press Association, THE USPA

• Is journalism or media your profession or part-time occupation?
• Are you looking for: Press Pass for Bloggers

One of the most important tools a journalist or others in media can possess is their press ID/press credentials which can be used to help them acquire media passes for venues and events. It is your press credentials that constitute proof of your journalistic occupation. Even simple accreditation processes often require credentials. There are websites that blur the lines and claim to offer something that would be issued by an (event organizer, venue, producer) etc, an organization can not issue a card that will allow someone, even a journalist to simply have access to a site or venue. Beware of sites making this type of claim. Credentials or some other type of verification are typically required for someone to issue an individual a press/media pass.

Press Credentials for Bloggers - US Press Association THE USPA

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If you have questions about getting a press pass as a blogger, editor, writer, photographer or other facet of media, please feel free to contact us and we can help explain how the USPA member ID and credentials along with our assistance can help you.

Durban, South Africa – July 4, 2025 In South Africa, no weekend captures the intersection of sport, fashion and national pride quite like the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Held annually in the coastal city of Durban, this horse racing event is far more than a day at the track — it’s a cultural institution on par with the Kentucky Derby, yet infused with uniquely African flair.

As Saturday’s race day approaches, the city is already abuzz. But this year, the momentum carries beyond Greyville Racecourse, with a new, high-profile addition: Rockets Wonderland, a luxury lifestyle experience set to debut Sunday in Durban’s historic Botanical Gardens.

According to Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba, the Durban July weekend is expected to generate more than R700 million (approximately $38 million) in economic activity, a vital injection for the city’s hospitality, retail and events sectors. With over 50,000 visitors expected, hotel bookings are nearing full capacity and restaurants are reporting some of their busiest trade in years.

More than 4,000 jobs are projected to be created over the weekend, from event staff and vendors to transportation and security personnel. It’s a reminder that for Durban, this annual event is as much about economic resilience as it is about revelry.

Following the fanfare of Saturday’s races, Sunday will see the premiere of Rockets Wonderland, a ticketed, 1,500-guest celebration hosted by lifestyle brand Rockets. The event, staged at the Munies Hockey Grounds within Durban’s Botanical Gardens, is positioned as an immersive tribute to South African creativity — with high-end cuisine, live music and cutting-edge design at its core. “Rockets Wonderland is our way of honouring what the Durban July means to this country,” said Sean Barber, CEO and founder of Rockets. “It’s where music, culture and imagination collide.”

The setting promises to be as ambitious as the vision. Attendees will encounter curated lounges, bespoke cocktail bars, augmented reality art zones and culinary experiences from Rockets’ top chefs. Capping it off is a dynamic all-local music lineup, including major South African acts such as Scorpion Kings, Oscar Mbo, Zee Nxumalo, and Morda, followed by an after-party at Rockets Beach Club Umhlanga.

Held every July since 1897, the Durban July is Africa’s most prestigious horse race — but its modern form has evolved into a national showcase for African fashion, artistry and economic muscle. This year’s theme, Marvels of Mzansi (a local term for South Africa), invites attendees to reinterpret traditional motifs in high-style ensembles that could easily command international runways.

Whether it’s through the spectacle of the sport, the surge in economic activity, or the launch of aspirational experiences like Rockets Wonderland, Durban July weekend has become a mirror of South Africa itself — bold, vibrant and continually reimagining its own traditions.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

One of South African rugby’s most decorated coaches is stepping away from one of the nation’s most storied teams. Jake White, who has led the Vodacom Bulls since 2020, has officially parted ways with the club by mutual agreement.

White, a former head coach of the South African national team, the Springboks , who famously guided them to World Cup glory in 2007, brought that same pedigree to Pretoria when he joined the Bulls. His tenure revived a franchise rich in tradition but in need of modernisation.

The Bulls, based at the iconic Loftus Versfeld Stadium, are one of South Africa’s premier rugby institutions, often compared in stature to legacy NFL teams like the Green Bay Packers or Pittsburgh Steelers. Under White’s leadership, the Bulls quickly returned to prominence, capturing domestic titles and competing deep into international club competitions.

In his first season, White steered the team to the Super Rugby Unlocked championship and back-to-back Carling Currie Cup victories, the oldest provincial rugby competition in the world. He then took the Bulls to three Vodacom United Rugby Championship finals and led the team to knockout stages in Europe’s elite Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup , tournaments featuring the best teams from France, England, Ireland, and beyond.

“Jake brought a championship mindset and serious rugby IQ to Loftus,” said Edgar Rathbone, CEO of the Bulls’ parent company. “He helped develop a group of young players, 10 of whom have since gone on to represent the Springboks. His legacy is one of ambition, structure, and belief.”

White’s influence extended beyond the first team. According to club president Willem Strauss, the 60-year-old coach was instrumental in reshaping the Bulls’ grassroots development — connecting local clubs and youth systems with the professional setup. “Jake’s passion wasn’t just for winning,” Strauss said. “It was for building. His tenure leaves the Bulls stronger across the board.”

White explained that his decision to step away came from a belief that the team is ready for a new voice.
“With the experience I’ve gained, I know when it’s time for change. This group is talented and ready for someone new to take them forward,” he said. “It’s been a tremendous honour to coach this team. I’ll always be grateful to the players, staff and Bulls community for their trust and support.”

White departs with the Bulls once again seen as a powerhouse in both local and international rugby, a team rooted in tradition but retooled for the modern era.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Specialty Food Association will hold its annual three day Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in New York City on June 29, 30 and July 1, 2025. The Fancy Food Show is a trade only affair and therefore is understandably not open to the general public.

The Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC is the industry's premier product discovery event. Exhibitors will be showcasing new to market products, inspired by changing consumer tastes and preferences, from today's interest in gluten free and vegan alternatives and standbys. This show has it all.

It is the Specialty Food Show's 69th edition, and as such is a major industry event for specialty food professionals. With thousands of diverse makers, buyers, brokers, distributors and other industry professionals at your ready, rich and abundant connection opportunities will abound. Whether you are looking for new suppliers or to cement existing relationships, you can map your own course through free flowing encounters or scheduled curated events. With particular focus on, but not limited to, what is new and in demand across forty plus categories, the show provides attendees with copious networking and relationship building opportunities. The Specialty Food Association, a nonprofit trade organization, founded in 1952, has over 3,500 members. including specialty food distributors, retailers, importers and entrepreneurs. The industry served exceeds $180 billion. At this year's show more than 1800 domestic and foreign specialty food manufacturers will showcase their products to more than 30,000 expected visitors.

Hearty welcome to all prospective exhibitors and visitors. It is indeed a glorious happening.

JOHANNESBURG – In scenes rarely witnessed in modern cricket, thousands of emotional fans packed into OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning to greet South Africa’s national cricket team, the newly crowned World Test Champions, following their unforgettable win over Australia at Lord’s.

With captain Temba Bavuma and head coach Shukri Conrad leading the way, the team proudly carried the ICC World Test Championship Mace, the sport’s ultimate symbol of Test supremacy. Their five-wicket victory over Australia on one of cricket’s most historic grounds ended a 27-year title drought and delivered South Africa’s first ICC trophy since 1998.

The scene at the airport resembled something more often seen in soccer or American football. Fans waved flags, blew horns, and chanted “Proteas!” as the players walked through the terminal, visibly moved. Each player was met like a rock star, posing for selfies, signing autographs, and receiving flowers from fans of all ages.

Later that afternoon, a national press conference was held at Cricket South Africa’s headquarters in Johannesburg. South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, flanked by high-ranking political leaders, celebrated the team’s achievement in a manner both patriotic and humorous.

“This team is the pride of the nation,” McKenzie declared. “To those who question us, we say: Show us your Mace!” He lavished praise on Bavuma, calling him “the best captain we have ever had,” and emphasized the importance of the team’s diversity: “This squad represents every demographic in South Africa. That’s what we should be celebrating — not songs that spread hate.”

The Minister also teased significant financial rewards for the players, saying with a grin: “We’ve got so many winners, all these bonuses could bankrupt the country!” He added that President Cyril Ramaphosa had invited the team to a celebratory dinner, and joked that “the President must come with a big bonus!”

Bavuma, visibly proud, spoke about the emotional and physical challenges of the final. “I was worried at the time and went against the advice of Shukri and the batting coach,” he admitted, referencing a lingering injury. “But I knew it was a vital time in the game and wanted to lead from the front.”

Coach Shukri Conrad played down any behind-the-scenes magic, describing a team built on simplicity and trust: “We don’t talk a lot. As Ashwell Prince once told us, it’s not that deep. We focus on the basics — most of the team tunes out if we talk longer than three minutes.”

South Africa’s landmark win was anchored by Aiden Markram’s heroic 136 in the second innings — an incredible bounce back after getting out first ball in the first innings — and Kagiso Rabada’s nine-wicket performance, which decimated the Australian batting line-up. The combination of cool heads, fearless batting, and elite bowling reminded the cricket world of South Africa’s formidable pedigree.


Tomorrow, the champions will continue their public celebrations at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton City, where fans will once again have the opportunity to meet the team and see the coveted World Test Championship Mace up close.
For South Africa, this isn’t just a win on the field. It’s a moment of national healing, pride, and joy. After years of near misses and heartbreak, the Proteas have delivered when it mattered most. With brave leadership, a unified team, and relentless belief, they’ve written a new chapter in the country’s sporting history.

South Africa are officially the World Test Champions. And the world is watching.









[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

It was more than just a win. It was history rewritten.

On a sunlit afternoon at Lord’s Cricket Ground, South Africa ended a 27-year drought by defeating Australia to claim the 2025 ICC World Test Championship, clinching a five-wicket victory that will be remembered for generations.

This wasn’t just a Test match, it was a reckoning. A coming-of-age moment for a team that has lived in the shadow of heartbreak for decades. And when Kyle Verreynne drove Mitchell Starc through the off-side to seal the win, the roar from the South African supporters turned the iconic London venue into a festival of green and gold.

Markram Leads the Way with an All-Time Classic

In the middle of it all was Aiden Markram, whose sublime 136 in the final innings carried the Proteas across the line. He batted like a man possessed — focused, unshaken, and clinical. For nearly two days, it was as if Markram was in a trance, absorbing the pressure, silencing the noise, and dismantling a world-class Australian bowling attack with elegance and precision.

He didn’t need to scream when he reached his century. Instead, he paused, closed his eyes, and raised his bat in quiet gratitude, a picture of calm in the most chaotic of moments.

Markram fell with South Africa six runs from victory, but the damage had been done. The heavy lifting was over. The baton passed to Verreynne and David Bedingham, who saw it through and triggered scenes of raw, uninhibited joy.

Captain Bavuma- Don’t See His Silence as a Weakness

Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s first Black Test captain, delivered the speech of a lifetime — and the performance to match it. Battling injury and advised to retire hurt, he stood tall, adding 66 crucial runs and guiding his team with heart and poise.

“We wanted this. We prepared for this. And we earned it,” Bavuma said, voice cracking with emotion. “I know people doubt quiet leadership, but don’t see my silence as a weakness. I stayed out there because it mattered.”

His captaincy record? Eight straight Test wins. Undefeated. The whispers about his leadership can stop now.

A Team of Fighters and Friends, Not Superstars

This South African side didn’t win because of flashy names or once-in-a-generation talent, though Kagiso Rabada’s 9 wickets were pure fire. They won because they were smart, united, and patient. They played for each other. And they played the moment, not the scoreboard.

“We’ve come close before, but this was different,” said Markram. “It’s emotional. Growing up, Lord’s was the one place I always dreamed of playing. To win here — it’s unreal.”

Australia, ever the standard-bearers of modern Test cricket, gave it everything. But Pat Cummins’ team couldn’t overcome South Africa’s determination.

“Aiden and Temba didn’t give us a chance,” Cummins admitted. “They deserved it.”

A New Era for South African Cricket

This win was more than just silverware — it was a cultural shift. For years, South Africa was known for heartbreak at the finish line. For collapse. For the dreaded word: “chokers.” Not anymore.

This was a team of redemption. A team that turned scars into armor. And at the heart of it was the belief that the story could change — if they stayed true to who they were.

They did. And now they’re champions of the world.

Final Scorecard – ICC World Test Championship Final 2025

Lord’s Cricket Ground, London

Australia – 212 & 207

South Africa – 138 & 282/5

Result: South Africa win by 5 wickets
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Boxing fans, buckle up, because the Usyk-Dubois II undercard just got serious.

On July 19 at London’s legendary Wembley Stadium, South Africa’s Kevin “2 Guns” Lerena steps back onto the world stage in a can’t-miss showdown against Britain’s Lawrence Okolie. Slotted on the undercard of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois II, this heavyweight scrap could steal the show—and maybe even shake up the world title picture.

This isn’t just a tune-up. It’s a throwback grudge match. A power vs precision chessboard. A WBC Silver Heavyweight Title clash with major implications.

Lerena (31-3, 15 KOs), a slick southpaw with serious dog in him, enters the bout with fire in his gut. American fans might remember his explosive 2022 fight with Dubois—when he dropped the Brit three times in the opening round before a controversial third-round stoppage derailed what could’ve been the upset of the year. That night, he didn’t win, but he won respect.

Now, after a statement-making KO over Serhiy Radchenko just two months ago, Lerena is jumping right back into the fire. He wants it. And he’s got Okolie in his sights.

Okolie (21-1, 16 KOs) is no soft touch. The former WBO Cruiserweight World Champ has power in both hands and made his heavyweight debut in emphatic fashion with a first-round demolition job last December. But Lerena? He’s a different beast—awkward, gritty, and built for long nights. This one has 12-round war written all over it.

More than a belt is on the line. This is about relevance in boxing’s glamour division. The winner likely punches their ticket into the elite heavyweight conversation. The loser? Back to the queue. But it’s also personal. These two were on a collision course years ago before Okolie moved up and vacated his bridgerweight strap. Now, they meet with higher stakes—and a bigger audience.

This is a huge moment for South African boxing, too. With the sport growing across the continent, Lerena has become the face of the country’s resurgence. A win at Wembley would rocket him into title contention and put African heavyweights right back in the global spotlight.

And let’s not forget the main event. Usyk vs. Dubois II promises fireworks after their controversial first bout, where Dubois floored Usyk with a body shot that sparked international debate. It’s a card loaded with international intrigue—from British champ Lewis Edmondson to Ukrainian star Daniel Lapin.

But make no mistake: Lerena vs. Okolie is no filler. It’s a fight fan’s dream—high stakes, bad blood, world-class skill, and two men who need the win.

On July 19, Kevin Lerena walks back into the lion’s den at Wembley. But this time? He’s not just there to compete. He’s there to conquer.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

South Africa is on the verge of a momentous triumph at the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, thanks to a dazzling century from Aiden Markram and a gutsy, unbeaten knock by injured captain Temba Bavuma.

Chasing 282 for victory at Lord’s, what would be the second-highest successful fourth-innings chase in the storied venue’s history, South Africa ended Day 3 in commanding control at 213 for 2, needing just 69 more runs with eight wickets in hand.

Markram’s 102* was a masterclass in balance, patience, and shot selection. He reached the milestone in the second-to-last over of the day, working Josh Hazlewood through midwicket to notch what he called “one of the best hundreds” of his career. It was his eighth Test ton, but the stakes and the pressure made it his most memorable.

“I went out there with no fear of failure,” Markram said after play. “We had a clear plan—to stay positive and put away anything loose. It’s a privilege to be part of something like this.”

At the other end, Bavuma battled through visible discomfort from a hamstring injury to deliver one of the most courageous performances of his career. Dropped early by Steve Smith—who left the field after dislocating a finger in the attempt—Bavuma steadied himself and played with steely determination. His unbeaten 65 came off 83 deliveries and featured elegant drives and relentless focus.

Australia had begun the day with a slim edge after Mitchell Starc’s resilient 58* pushed their second-innings total to 207. Starc also took both South African wickets to fall, dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder to leave the Proteas at 70 for 2.

But from that moment on, it was all South Africa. The third-wicket stand between Markram and Bavuma, worth 143 and counting—was built on discipline and class, a stark contrast to the collapse-prone innings that characterized the first two days of this see-saw Final.

The pitch at Lord’s flattened out considerably on Day 3, making life easier for the batters. Australia’s attack, so relentless in previous sessions, lacked creativity as the day wore on. Pat Cummins, usually known for his tactical ingenuity, looked out of rhythm and short of ideas in the final session.

A ball change late in the day—often a turning point in tight games—failed to produce any breakthroughs. With Nathan Lyon yet to make an impact, Australia will be desperate for early wickets on Day 4. They’ll need two within the first half-hour to have any realistic shot at flipping the script.

But with the momentum squarely behind South Africa, history is within reach. If the Proteas manage to pull this off, it will mark their first major ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy and only the second time a team has chased more than 282 to win a Test at Lord’s—trailing only the legendary 1984 West Indies team.

It’s South Africa’s game to lose. And with Markram and Bavuma at the crease, it’s hard to imagine them letting it slip.

Day 3 Recap – ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, Lord’s

Australia: 212 all out (Webster 72, Smith 66; Rabada 5/51) & 207 all out (Starc 58*, Carey 43; Rabada 4/59, Ngidi 3/38)
South Africa: 138 all out (Bedingham 45, Bavuma 36; Cummins 6/28) & 213/2 (Markram 102*, Bavuma 65*; Starc 2/53)
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]