Prolific author James Patterson is apparently branching out into a new literary genre: The hot take. Patterson, who recently teamed up with Dolly Parton for a new book, opined on his lengthy career, which he believes wouldn’t have happened today due to white male authors experiencing, uh, racism.
The 72-year-old author made the controversial remarks during an interview with The Sunday Times, where he essentially accused the entire entertainment industry, from TV, to film, to publishing, of pushing out “another form of racism” against white males who are “struggling” to find work.
“What’s that all about?” Patterson said via USA Today. “Can you get a job? Yes. Is it harder? Yes. It’s even harder for older writers. You don’t meet many 52-year-old white males.”
Fortunately, Patterson stopped there and didn’t start voicing even more controversial thoughts on how Woody Allen got a bad beat when his memoirs were canceled by Hatchett. Except, nope, Patterson went right for that, too. The author clearly had some things to say, folks:
“I hated that,” Patterson said of the publishing house pulling Allen’s book. “He has the right to tell his own story.”
He added: “I’m almost always on the side of free speech.”
Wow. After that, Patterson’s comments on creating Black detective Alex Cross seemed slightly less weird. Emphasis on slightly because your guess is as good as ours as to what any of this means.
“I just wanted to create a character who happened to be Black,” Patterson said. “I would not have tried to write a serious saga about a Black family. It’s different in a detective story because plot is so important.”
We’re just gonna slowly back away from that one and say a silent prayer for Dolly Parton, whose sweet, generous love of books unfortunately hitched her to this wagon. (It’s not your fault, Dolly!)
There’s something particularly delicious about cultural fusion when it’s done right. Whether it’s a dish, a design, a drink, or a destination, fusions are an intermingling of moods, flavors, and feelings. As viewers (or diners), we get to study the details, identifying the ways in which each influence is represented. A color palette inspired by one infamous coastline paired with a menu merging textures and tastes from another — it’s great (and literally how culture builds and evolves).
A smell that takes you back to a spice market in Casablanca underscored by a soundtrack of entirely different energy — what does that remind me of? Where did I hear that music? Whatever FOMO is, fusions are its total opposite. They’re travel at its maximalist best.
If you’re a design lover, you’re going to go nuts for the Spanish colonial meets Moroccan chic decor by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. But if you’re a pop culture junkie like I am, you will appreciate that Bullard has designed the homes of celebrities like Lady Gaga, Elton John, and our lord and savior, Kylie Jenner. If you’ve ever wanted to feel what it would be like to sleep in one of those pop star homes featured in Architectural Digest, a night at Hotel Californian is certainly worth the pretty penny.
From velvety, mustard yellow accent chairs, over 1 million (did I stutter?) hand-painted tiles imported from Morocco, and $3,000 oil bronzed showerheads, Bullard simply did not miss a detail. And with its prime location in Santa Barbara’s historic Funk Zone, just a block from the beach, Hotel Californian is serving oceanfront views with North African influence. Yep, we’re talking Cali-Spanish-Moroccan blend.
5-star hotels get their tokens by offering impeccable service and upscale amenities. But what sets Hotel Californian apart from her corporate counterparts can be summed up in one phrase: this place is vibey as all hell. I’m telling you, every nook and cranny of this boutique hotel is more immaculately ornate than the next (can we please talk about the snake scones? The crystal-infused water? The layered ceilings? Shit, I’m fangirling way too hard to be taken seriously as a hard-hitting journalist).
IN-HOUSE FOOD + DRINK
Goat Tree / Hotel Californian
Foodies, fear not. Hotel Californian has several options for dining that all imbue that same fusion experience.
For breakfast, head to the Goat Tree — the property’s casual all-day dining restaurant open from 7 AM to 8 PM. In keeping with the hotel’s Moroccan influence, Goat Tree is named for Southwest Morocco’s famous Argania trees, where the goats hang out in the branches and snack. As I always say: be like the Moroccan goats, and snack.
Goat Tree’s menu is also featured in the in-room dining service, as well as poolside at Tan Tan Pool.
Try their iconic macaroons and 95-layer croissants by their in-house pastry chef, Ron Viloria. But I implore you to try their spiced french fries, which I consumed three times a day, three days in a row. My version of body positivity includes an IV drip of fried potatoes.
For happy hour, check out The Society: State & Mason for wines from the Foley Family Wines portfolio, and enjoy some local nosh from Executive Chef Travis Watson. Apparently, Santa Barbara is a destination for Pinot Noir, but I was living for their Two Sisters Chardonnay – buttery soft, ooey-gooey down your tongue, with the right amount of crisp and a pleasantly light finish.
Apparently, their new owner, billionaire Bill Fowley, is a super nice guy (I asked). I’m not about to recommend a stay at a boutique hotel owned by an asshole. Everyone insisted that he and his children are the nicest people, even when I released them from my closed fist grip.
For dinner, head to Blackbird and try a selection of fresh fish and seafood options. I had their delicious halibut with gnocchi but also insisted on trying every single person’s dish with or without their permission. Sorry for having such a can-do attitude? I’ll do anything for our readers.
For a nightcap, head to their library bar Djinn for a truly spectacular display of mixology. I mean, one of the cocktails started smoking. And one was blue with a giant ice ball in the center — I guess it represented the moon, they said? Honestly, I wasn’t listening. I was too busy looking at all the hot bartenders.
William, call me. I have a girl for you.
AMENITIES:
Hotel Californian
Fitness Center
Majorelle Spa
Tan Tan Pool (located on the rooftop, with ocean views)
There are 121 rooms offered at Hotel Californian. The guest rooms range in size from around 450 sq ft to 670 sq ft, with the smaller rooms offering two queen beds or one king-sized bed. Most rooms offer a private balcony, and all the rooms dazzle with Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s attention to detail.
There are two suite selections: the Magellan Suite and the Alcazar Suite, the hotel’s “presidential suite” and the only guestroom in the State Building. The suite amenities include:
65” high-definition televisions
Nespresso coffee makers
Custom formulated Hotel Californian bath products (they’re silicone, paraben, and gluten-free! We love that touch).
Don’t worry, no matter which room you choose, you will certainly get to bathe under one of those $3,000 showerheads. (My curls shall never be the same).
THE BEST THING TO DO WITHIN A 10-MINUTE WALK:
Hotel Californian
Since Hotel Californian spans across three buildings, they really take up an entire block of the historic Funk Zone. It’s absolutely imperative you try a free walking tour to get to know the neighborhood’s interesting come up from the “wrong side of the tracks” to one of the coolest neighborhoods in SoCal.
Get a coffee at super Instagrammable Dart Coffee. I wish I had a better adjective, but it’s truly just the cutest place. Sorry, but still… it’s good.
Grab a Spanish tapas dinner at Loquita, and try one of their amazing gin cocktails. Must tries: the duck paella, Patatas Bravas, Repollitos, and Champiñones. Sip a Valle de Ordesa cocktail (monkey 47 gin with elderflower tonic) to wash it all down.
You’ll want to try the delicious ice cream at the first-ever McConnell’s, which started right there on State St.
If you’ve never been to Santa Barbara, it’s worth checking out the famous State St on the northern side. There are tons of shops and restaurants to explore, and you’ll find both Santa Barbara-style mom-and-pop shops and national brands.
The Old Mission of Santa Barbara dates back to 1786 and is exactly 10 minutes away from the hotel. It’s a Parish, museum, gift shop, cemetery, and mausoleum with historic gardens and major Christian vibes.
Charter a sail with Santa Barbara Sailing Center, and don’t forget to load up the boat with plenty of SB wines and a dope charcuterie board. Yacht rock classics only.
BED GAME:
Hotel Californian
This is absolutely one of the biggest selling points at Hotel Californian. The buttery handfeel of the bedding, the perfect bouncy pillows, the soft yet firm, ultra-luxurious mattress, the fluffy everything.
And one of the most unique features: the turndown service often includes a special offering left on your pillowcase. These are usually short poems or notes from ex-pats, inspiring quotes, or some original thought. I told you – vibes!
Rating: 10/10.
SEXINESS RATING:
Hotel Californian
The coastal views from the rooftop pools, the delicious cocktails, the sultry Moroccan details, the iconic display of interior decorating artistry, and the hot spa crystals add up to one seriously sexy atmosphere. The only reason I’m taking a point off is because nobody tried to have sex with me the entire time. Rude.
Nothing beats the views from the rooftop pool. Fun fact: during the construction phase, Martyn Lawrence Bullard came in, stood in the waterless pool, looked out at the view of a wall instead of an ocean, and made everyone start over. It cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars, but he was right. If you’re paying top dollar to stay by the water, you better be able to see those blue waves while you sip your Pinot poolside. Iconic.
8/10
BEST SEASON TO VISIT:
Hotel Californian
Luckily, Santa Barbara has pretty great weather nine or ten months out of the year. If you live in a cold part of the country, escape a chilly season by enjoying the mellow Cali weather. But obvi, if you’re trying to soak up those summer rays, this is your place all summer long!
Okay listen — I’m not trying to be a diva but their Caesar salad was yucky. I appreciated the crispy chickpeas on top, but the dressing lacked any flavor. This is California, honey! If you can’t make the perfect Caesar, take it off your menu.
BOOK HERE:
Wanna feel like Kylie? Book your stay at Hotel Californian here.
Here in the first half of 2022, it has seemed like there’s a five-week wall in terms of how long a song can stay at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In February and March, Encanto hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” was No. 1 for five weeks. It was knocked off the top by Glass Animals’ “Heat Waves,” which enjoyed a five-week run on top before also being ousted. Now, though, Harry Styles has broken through: On the new Hot 100 chart dated June 18, “As It Was” is No. 1 for a sixth total week and third consecutive.
The Styles song’s third straight week on top is its longest continuous stint at No. 1 so far: It started with a single week on top, then returned to No. 1 for two more weeks before again losing the No. 1 spot.
Elsewhere on the chart, Post Malone had a nice week, as his and Doja Cat’s “I Like You (A Happier Song)” debuts at No. 9. The song is now Malone’s 11th top-10 song and Doja’s fifth.
The other major headline from this week’s Hot 100 is the continued success of Kate Bush’s 1985 single “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God),” which rises to No. 4 this week. This is Bush’s first time in the top five on the chart.
In making the leap from YouTuber to a rapper, Michigan artist DDG has proved that he has what it takes to make it in the music industry. Racking up hits like “Moonwalking In Calabasas” and “Elon Musk,” DDG worked his way into the ranks of XXL‘s 2021 Freshman Class while doing things his own way.
This year, he intends to capitalize on his growing momentum, releasing a follow-up to his fan-favorite 2017 mixtape Take Me Serious in July and hitting the road to ply his trade on the festival circuit this summer. To set the stage for both, he’s released the video for “Storyteller,” a romantic-ish single detailing a toxic situation that made him wiser — if not more forthcoming about his own shortcomings.
“Hot girls have cold hearts,” he croons on the chorus. “Deep scars make better stories / But I ain’t a storyteller.”
You can see DDG’s upcoming tour dates below and stay tuned for more about Take Me Serious 2.
7/2 -– Wireless Festival @ London, UK
7/3 -– Woo Hah! X Rolling Loud @ Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands
7/7 -– Rolling Loud Portugal @ Portimão, Portugal
7/8 -– Splash! Festival @ Gräfenhainichen, Germany
7/14 -– Bottom Lounge @ Chicago, IL
7/15 -– The Loft @ Atlanta, GA
7/16 -– The Music Hall of Williamsburg @ Brooklyn, NY
9/9 –- Rolling Loud Toronto @ Toronto, ON, Canada
Everybody loves a good lunch. It’s an undeniably enjoyable part of the day, a reprieve from monotony and a chance to grub on some delicious food. That can ring especially true in high school, when days are grinding and busy, and not often filled with breaks to socialize.
When Shams Charania of The Athletic was in high school, he probably could’ve classified as a lunch super fan. The dude was constantly tweeting about lunch — like, all the time. He’s got an assortment of tweets that simply read “lunch time!” I guess he must’ve been eating good. Lucky him. If only he offered more details about the contents of these lunches. He’s a man of mystery in that regard.
At some point, once he established himself as a preeminent NBA newsbreaker, those tweets resurfaced and became a source of humor for NBA Twitter. Speaking with Hasan Minhaj on Spotify Live Monday, Charania said his Instagram comments are flooded with “lunch.”
“All people do is tag ‘lunch,’” he said. “When I was in high school, I would tweet about lunch a lot. So, these people just dig that stuff up. Like, that’s probably the craziest thing I’ve seen on the internet.”
.@ShamsCharania will never live down his 2010 tweets about lunch
Charania did not specify whether he remains a lunch enthusiast, unfortunately. Hopefully, he still is. A great sandwich, salad, soup or other dish really delivers in the early afternoon, and for a man who says his average screen time is 17-18 hours a day, he deserves that midday treat.
The Rolling Stones were just three shows into their sixtieth celebration tour in Europe when things have come to a temporary halt: The band announced today that after singer Mick Jagger tested positive for COVID and had been experiencing symptoms, they had to make the call to cancel tonight’s show in Amsterdam at the Johan Crujiff Arena.
“The Rolling Stones are deeply sorry for tonight’s postponement, but the safety of the audience, fellow musicians and the touring crew has to take priority,” the statement reads. They indicated that the show will be rescheduled for a later date and that tickets will still be honored.
Jagger, who is 78, had heart valve replacement surgery in 2019, so these precautionary measures are necessary to say the least. The band indicated that Jagger started experiencing symptoms upon arrival at Johan Crujiff Arena and subsequently had a positive test.
“I’m so sorry we’ve had to postpone the Amsterdam show with such short notice tonight,” a statement from Jagger on Twitter read. “I have unfortunately tested positive for COVID.”
The cancellation comes shortly after the band played a show in Liverpool on June 9th. The next two shows on the tour are on June 17th in Bern, Switzerland and June 21st in Milan, Italy. No word yet on whether those shows are in jeopardy of being cancelled as well, but our thoughts are with Jagger and his health.
Anyone who games competitively knows that even the slightest edge can make all the difference in the world between a win and a loss. That’s why so many players invest money into having the best mouses, keyboards, controllers, and headphones when playing. However, while there are plenty of people out there that are willing to invest hundreds if not thousands of dollars for their game nights with friends, the average person might not have that same willingness to go out and buy expensive gear simply for the one or two times a week they engage in a match of Warzone, Grand Theft Auto Online, or Minecraft with friends. They’re gonna want something that can handle the heavy lifting of not only their hobby as a gamer, but something that they can utilize on the train, at the gym, or listening to music around the house.
For people like this, there really isn’t a better option out there than the Arctics Nova Pro headphones, the newest offering from SteelSeries. Besides a few minor hiccups, we think they not only nailed their goal of creating headphones that make gaming a more enjoyable experience than ever before, but ones that you’re going to find yourself using everywhere you go.
Sound Quality
As with any headphones, sound quality is ultimately going to be the deciding factor for anyone that is interested in these no matter what they plan on using them for. So how do the Artctis Nova Pro headphones improve the listening experience? By putting the control in the hands of the user. The average headphones will offer a few different sound settings here and there, but most of them are predetermined and anyone that wants to customize their listening experience will have to do so through a third party of some kind.
The Arctis Nova Pro headphones however come with access to the Sonar Audio Software Suite. With this, users of the headphones are able to fully customize their audio settings for not only gaming, music, or chatting with friends but to some of the smallest details. For example, if you’re someone that really enjoys Warzone you’re probably aware of how important sound is when you’re unsure where other players might be. With the Arctis Nova Pro headphones, you are able to adjust audio settings to make it so the game will emphasize footstep audio, or maybe gunfire, it’s entirely up to how the player chooses to customize it.
SteelSeries
That level of audio customization goes beyond the game though. Players are able to adjust microphone and chat audio as well. If you’re used to playing team games like Overwatch or Apex Legends and need to hear callouts then you might want to adjust it so priority is on chat audio instead of game audio. You can even adjust how other people sound in some instances. For example, does your friend always play with a loud fan or use a mechanical keyboard? With Sonar Audio Software Suite you can add background noise canceling to their audio.
This offers a level of customization that is rarely seen across headphones providers and that is easily their biggest strength. Other headphones can offer more comfort or portability, but nothing has the audio customization choices of the Arctis Nova Pro.
Comfort
That said, we do feel it’s important to talk about the comfort of the headphones. After all, a big selling point of these is how they can be taken on the go or used around the house and comfort plays a big part in if someone is willing to do that. After using them myself for the last few weeks I can say that they are more comfortable than the average pair of headphones, but they do eventually get tiresome of having on your head.
The best part of the Arctis Nova Pro continues to be the customization options. Every pair comes with an adjustable strap inside that allows the user to choose how loose or tight they want them to sit on their head. This strap prevents the headphones from ever feeling too small or squeezing on your head after wearing them for an eight-hour work shift. They’re also naturally designed to not put pressure on the temple points of the wearer’s head. This not only can help those of us who get pressure headaches from having something on our head all day, but it makes it so you don’t have to take them off quite as often to give your head a break.
That said, my ears would get a little irritated if I had them on for too long and with that would come the occasional headache. They’re still way better for marathon sessions than any previous headphones I’ve owned before, but I never got that feeling of forgetting I was wearing them.
Versatility
Finally, let’s discuss what makes these some of the most versatile headphones ever made. The best non-audio portion of these headphones is how they can seamlessly switch between devices. Each pair of headphones comes with a receiver that is used to connect the headphones to a device. Right now, I have mine sitting next to my PC and I have them plugged in through a USB. Thanks to that, I can adjust all my audio on my PC through the general sound mixer or Sonar. What’s really cool about these though is that, if I had my PlayStation 5 docked with this too and turned it on, I would be able to seamlessly switch over to that audio without getting up to plug it into a new audio port.
SteelSeries
This ability to switch between devices is incredibly for those of us that own multiple consoles or devices and like to use the same pair of headphones for all of them. It’s thanks to this seamless and versatile switching that someone could, in theory, wear their headphones for an entire day. Leave the house and walk to work listening to music through Bluetooth on your phone, reach your desk at work and flip over to your computer audio, leave work and head to the gym, go back to your phone, only to flip over to the PlayStation or Xbox when you get home. Never once do you have to remove your headphones in any of these scenarios.
If you’re worried about looking silly wearing a pair of headphones with a mic in public, don’t be. All headphones come with a retractable mic that fits so seamlessly that it looks like there isn’t one at all. The style-conscious among us don’t need to be worried about having a weird mic dongle hanging out of the side of their head while working out at the gym. That mic can of course be used for gaming, meetings, or an online game night with friends.
For gamers, the value of these headphones comes in the multiple ways to customize and balance audio. It can’t be emphasized enough how awesome it was to be able to change settings based on the game. They sound great, feel great, and are easily on the same level if not above some of the most popular gaming headphones out there.
For the average person who games as a hobby, the versatility and comfort options make these headphones that can’t be beaten. They’re not only great gaming headphones but great for your everyday use in a way that you’re not going to find with average headphones. If you can afford the $350 price tag then we think they are well worth it.
When I told some friends I was visiting South Carolina recently, they immediately assumed I was heading to the beach. Charleston, maybe? Myrtle Beach? Any of the many other quaint beach towns the state is known for?
All good guesses, and all great places to visit. But I was actually on my way to Columbia. “And it will actually be my third visit,” I added.
You could see some surprise momentarily cross the faces of these friends. And I get it, a few years ago the extent of my knowledge of Columbia, South Carolina came from memorizing the state capitals in elementary school. But as I’ve gotten to know the city, I’ve discovered that it’s so much more than another dot in the middle of a map. It’s a vibrant and underrated destination with tons of outdoor activities nearby.
Three trips in, it’s safe to say I have a soft spot for this city — here is my guide.
PART I — Where to Eat
I lived in the south for five years after graduate school, and I still jump at any opportunity to go back for one big reason: the food. Nowhere else in the United States can quite compare to a Southern meal. But not just for the traditional biscuits and gravy or shrimp and grits – it’s all good. And Columbia didn’t disappoint. I found myself exclaiming at each meal that it was “the best meal I have ever had” and not hyperbolically.
Meals are events in South Carolina and I was happy to indulge.
Emily Hart
I walked to dinner at Black Rooster on my first night in town. A “Frenchish” restaurant in West Columbia, Black Rooster combines French preparation and techniques with local and international cuisines. I started with a cheese plate and some bubbles while enjoying the ambiance and view. I followed with the nightly special – a soft shell crab on a bed of Moroccan rice. It was one of the most interesting and tasty dishes I’ve had on the road in a long time.
Emily Hart
Another memorable dining experience is just a short 15-mile drive outside of town in Lexington SC. Bodhi Thai is an elegant and innovative Modern Thai restaurant with impeccable service and atmosphere. I started with a fresh roll that lived up to its name, followed by the pan-seared scallops on a parsnip puree and was truly overwhelmed – in a great way – with the sophisticated and interesting flavors and presentation.
It can really only be described as *an experience.* And one I definitely recommend.
PART II — Where to Drink
Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina, which adds to the vibrancy and trendy feel of this decidedly southern locale. Nicknamed the Cola City, there is no shortage of watering holes in and outside the city limits.
Emily Hart
Before dinner my first night in town I visited Savage Craft Ale Works for a rooftop drink and a sunset view. I was not disappointed – in the atmosphere or the beer. I’m not an IPA gal, but had a glass of Galaxy Banger Hazy IPA that came recommended and found myself reconsidering my entire beer history and preferences. It was tropical and refreshing – the perfect pour to relax outside on a warm summer night.
I was also pleasantly surprised to find some wineries in the region. While the spots I visited were quick to note that the soil and climate is not necessarily ideal for a wine region – it has only led to innovation and unique winemaking. I loved spending an afternoon at Mercer House Winery in Lexington – one of the most unique wineries I have ever visited (and I have visited many).
The winding road to Mercer House Winery was beautiful, although residential and unassuming. But after you walk past the gate things take a turn – literally. The property is gorgeous and eclectic, with wine tastings at a bar in a barn (making all my southern dreams come true).
Emily Hart
I was the only person there for my first eight or so wine tastings. Yes, I said first eight – because there are 18 wines in a tasting – plus some you can add on to that if you dare. It’s definitely a place to sit and stay a while. The flavors were unlike any other wines I’ve tasted – lemon blueberry, honey lemon tea, and even a chocolate mango pinot grigio.
It’s, obviously, not an uptight place. I recommend trying at least one of the jalapeno “bumper juices” while you’re there and then spending some time sobering up while walking the gorgeous grounds.
Emily Hart
My favorite spot to grab a glass of champagne in Columbia itself ended up being Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe, an outpost of the Charleston favorite with decadent desserts and a lively bar. Located right downtown and near my hotel, I was able to walk over, find a seat at the bar, and enjoy my book and drink with a side of chocolate cake. I can’t think of anything better.
PART III — Where to Sleep
Emily Hart
On my last trip to Columbia I stayed in a great location downtown at Aloft Downtown. It was centrally located to everything I wanted to do in the downtown area and an easy drive to anything outside of town.
When I come back to town I’d like to try Graduate Columbia, a stylish and eclectic downtown option or Hotel Trundle, a historic boutique hotel downtown with a sleek 20’s art deco vibe.
There are also many quaint short-term rentals in Columbia that are extremely budget-friendly and Instagrammable. I really love this quaint tiny house near campus and this incredibly stylish treehouse with the perfect outdoor seating areas and hot tub.
The food might bring me to the south, but I keep coming back for outdoor recreation. Congaree National Park – one of the least visited and, in my opinion, underrated parks is less than 20 miles from downtown. Here you can hike, fish, camp, and canoe while marveling at expansive biodiversity and old-growth bottomland hardwood forest.
I’ve visited 57 of the 63 major US National Parks and have chosen to come back to Congaree not once but twice after my initial visit. It doesn’t have the towering granite or wide-open spaces of the western parks, but there’s something special about the forest canopy. The crowds are lighter and the landscape more delicate.
You have to pay attention at a place like this, and it’s the perfect place to take some deep breaths and truly forest bathe. I recommend going when the trees are green in the spring or early summer. And if you’re lucky you might catch the synchronous fireflies that blanket the park between mid-May and mid-June.
Another favorite in the area is Poinsett State Park – which is a bit further out of town, but the beautiful drive makes it more than worth it. Nicknamed the “Mountains of the Midlands”, I spent a low-key afternoon here kayaking and hiking. I’d love to go back and rent a cabin to spend more time exploring.
Emily Hart
If you are looking for water, don’t be fooled by Colombia’s landlocked location in the middle of the state – it has plenty. Lake Murray is just outside Columbia, and at 41 miles long and 14 miles wide as its widest point – there is room for just about anything from boating, to paddleboarding, swimming, birdwatching to camping, and hiking (I recommend Dreher Island State Park).
It’s also home to one of the most fascinating natural wonders I’ve encountered while traveling – the Purple Martin Phenomenon. Every summer from late June to August around a million Purple Martins take a migration pit stop on Bomb Island on Lake Murray. I took a boat tour and the captain told me that they’ve been roosting on the island every year but one since at least the ’80s. No one seems to know exactly why – or why they stayed away that one summer – but the phenomenon is just the kind of magic I look for on these trips. Estimated to be the largest purple martin roost on the continent, you can book a boat tour to see for yourself.
Sure we’ve seen Tame Impala announced atop a number of festival bills for this summer, but Desert Daze can now claim that they’ll have the ultimate Tame Impala headlining performance, when the Australian band plays their breakthrough album, Lonerism, in its entirety later this year (in honor of its tenth anniversary). It’s a full circle moment for the festival, as the last time Tame Impala played at Desert Daze in 2018, their set lasted only three songs when a dangerous thunderstorm approached the venue and the day’s festivities were forced to come to an immediate close.
Desert Daze will celebrates its tenth anniversary, at the same time that Tame Impala will with Lonerism. It’s a heck of a marquee performance in a newly announced lineup that will be filled with them. Iggy Pop will be making his only appearance in North America of the year, while festival staples King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are back to the delight of the psych heads. Desert Daze will once again be going down in Lake Perris, California and the 2022 three-day edition is from September 30th to October 2nd.
While Desert Daze is still a premier place to come to for psychedelic rock and roll, as well as visual installations and light shows from Mad Alchemy Liquid Light Show, Tarik Barri, Slim Reaper, and Cristopher Cichocki, the booking has grown to include an eclectic stable of talent. Other lineup highlights at the festival include The Marías, Chicano Batman, Sky Ferreira, Badbadnotgood, Men I Trust, Jpegmafia, Perfume Genius, Aldous Harding, Nilüfer Yanya, Shannon And The Clams, Lady Wray, Buck Meek of Big Thief, Sleaford Mods, and loads more.
Tickets and all additional info can be found at desertdaze.org.
The Kid Laroi lived up to the first part of his moniker last night (June 12) at his Melbourne stop on the End Of The World Tour: After performing “Tragic” with a fan, Laroi surprised attendees with none other than fellow Australia natives The Wiggles. The group joined him on stage and together they performed three songs: “Fruit Salad,” “Hot Potato,” and “Toot Toot, Chugga Chugga, Big Red Car.” The Wiggles then presented Laroi with his own personal, original Wiggles guitar.
This marks The Kid Laroi’s second time bringing out guests on the End Of The World Tour, as he surprised the Sydney crowd with local drill group Onefour and a performance of their 2020 collaboration “My City.” Now that the Australian leg is up, the BandLab NME Award winner will continue his tour with stops in Denmark and UK before returning to North America through mid-September.
The Kid Laroi last released his single “Thousand Miles” in April, his sole 2022 output since the 2021 triple disk F*ck Love 3+: Over You.
Over You featured Polo G, G Herbo, Lil Durk, Mustard and of course Justin Bieber on the smash hit “Stay.”
Watch The Kid Laroi bring The Wiggles up on stage in the video above.
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