buildOn's Better Together Concert Returns to San Francisco with Blues Phenom Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge
Annual benefit concert celebrates Oakland youth while raising funds for transformational Service Learning Program
SAN FRANCISCO, March 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready to be electrified! buildOn is thrilled to announce that blues sensation Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge will headline the 2025 Better Together Concert on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at The Chapel at 777 Valencia Street in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District. This unforgettable night of music and community will celebrate local students while raising critical funds for buildOn's Service Learning Program in Oakland. Doors will open at 6:30.
18-year-old guitar prodigy Grace Bowers, hailed by Rolling Stone as 'Nashville's new guitar hero,' will bring her fiery talent to the stage following the breakout success of her debut album Wine On Venus. Produced by John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, the album has been praised as 'an infectious, joyous party' by Forbes, cementing Bowers' status as one of music's most exciting rising stars.
'This concert embodies what makes Oakland special — incredible artistry meeting deep community commitment,' said Sterling Spence, buildOn's Executive Director in Oakland. 'When you hear Grace's guitar light up the room, you'll feel the same energy our students bring to serving their neighborhoods. Every ticket sold helps us support our young leaders as they transform Oakland through action.'
All proceeds from the Better Together Concert will directly support buildOn's work in Oakland, where students contribute thousands of service hours annually to address local challenges while developing leadership skills. The organization's Service Learning Program currently engages nearly 700 Oakland students in transformative volunteer projects every week. Tickets are available now at buildon.org/bettertogether.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
San Francisco Chronicle
7 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Beloved Northern California music festival plans a comeback with new leadership, stellar lineup
After a year marked by uncertainty and loss, the High Sierra Music Festival is set to return for its 33rd edition over the Fourth of July weekend, bringing its mix of music and a renewed sense of community to the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds. The festival's future was cast into doubt following the death of founder and talent buyer Roy Carter in May 2024, compounded by financial pressures brought on by the post-COVID live event economy. But co-producer and longtime organizer Dave Margulies stepped in as lead curator, aiming to both honor the event's legacy and chart a new path forward. 'Our goal has always been to turn people on to new music and create space for magic to happen — not just on the big stages, but in the small, serendipitous moments,' Margulies said in a statement. 'From legacy acts to newcomers, the lineup is built to surprise and delight.' Scheduled for July 3-6, this year's festival will continue to showcase the signature experiences that have made High Sierra a favorite: multiple sets by featured artists, intimate sessions and spontaneous collaborations. Attendees can expect the usual eccentric touches — daily parades, late-night jam sessions, yoga classes and vendor villages — all set against the Sierra Nevada foothills. This year's bill features a diverse lineup of returning favorites and emerging talent, including Palo Alto native and bluegrass virtuoso Molly Tuttle, Bay Area jam-pop staples ALO, high-energy improvisational rockers Dogs in a Pile, genre-blending hip-hop pioneer Lyrics Born, and 17-year-old guitar prodigy Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge. Singer-songwriter Amy Helm plans to bring her Helm Midnight Family Ramble outside of Woodstock for the first time, and multiple members of the Trey Anastasio Band are expected to appear in a range of collaborative projects. 'High Sierra is a musical playground,' said artist-at-large Dan 'Lebo' Lebowitz. ' From intimate Troubadour Sessions to Playshops and full-stage sets, it's a convergence point where once-in-a-lifetime collaborations happen — and lifelong friendships begin.' New for 2025 are upgraded amenities, including the Lagniappe Lounge, a shaded indoor venue with lounge seating and cocktails, and The Happy Glamper, a premium, climate-controlled camping option. 'It's the most wonderful time of the year,' he said. 'People sparkling, singing, dancing, with hugs and parades and spontaneity. Just walking the grounds is an adventure. It feeds my soul.'
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sony Music Labels Acquires Full Rights of Globally Beloved "Spookiz" and Launches Character Business
― Leveraging Expertise Cultivated in the Music Business to Create New Value ― TOKYO, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Music Labels Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director & President: Manabu Tsujino, hereinafter referred to as "Sony Music Labels") has acquired full rights to globally beloved content "Spookiz." This marks the first time that Sony Music Labels, which primarily focuses on music recording business, has come to acquire animated character content. "Spookiz" primarily features 1~3 minutes short non-verbal animations and has garnered a global fanbase in the United States, in Asia (e.g., Philippines, Singapore, India, Japan), in Latin America (e.g., Brazil and Mexico), and in Europe (e.g., United Kingdom). Currently, the official YouTube channel has around 6.1 million subscribers. This year, Sony Music Labels will produce new "Spookiz" animations and launch a new season, while also developing and introducing new characters. Additionally, there will be a focus on creating content that incorporates music to reach and engage with an even wider age group. Sony Music Labels will leverage its expertise cultivated in the music business to create content filled with originality and conduct innovative marketing to further enhance global tuned for exciting new developments in the world of "Spookiz." • Overview on "Spookiz"Synopsis:At an elementary school in the middle of the night, these adorable and wacky monsters come to life! [Spooky + Kids = Spookiz] Cula – boastful and mischievous yet lovable DraculaFrankie – kindhearted Frankenstein obsessed with foodKebbi – energetic and carefree but unpredictable GoblinKongkong – slightly devious but cute Chinese GhostZizi – charming and bright Zombie with a smell Each of the five monsters has their own unique colors and shapes as well as personalities are all showtime for these adorable monsters starts now! Content Introduction:Sony Music Labels will be working with Keyring Co., Ltd., a South Korea based animation studio renowned for its creative prowess and production capabilities. "Spookiz" is an animated character content that primarily features short non-verbal animations. The official YouTube channel, which is the main content distribution platform, has around 6.1 million subscribers (currently as of June 12) and over 3.1 billion total views (currently as of June 12). YouTube Channel: Homepage: • Comments from Sony Music Labels, Representative Director & President: Tsujino ManabuSony Music Labels is embarking on a new a record company, Sony Music Labels has acquired the globally beloved "Spookiz."Building on the expertise cultivated in the music business and with the support of creators and partners, Sony Music Labels will aim to transform these monsters into stars, much like the way artists are developed. The characters will engage in even more heartfelt activities through animation, music, and other mediums. So please stay tuned for the exciting developments ahead. • Usage of Visuals in PublicationPlease include the following credit / copyright in publications using the included visuals.©Sony Music Labels Inc. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sony Music Labels Inc. Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Paul H. Kim Named COO of CJ 4DPLEX, Americas
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CJ 4DPLEX, the world's leading producer of premium film formats and cinema technologies, today announced the appointment of Paul H. Kim as Chief Operating Officer of CJ 4DPLEX Americas. Kim, a seasoned entertainment executive experienced in content strategy, production and business operations, will oversee daily operations and drive strategic growth for the company's premium cinema formats, SCREENX and 4DX. As COO, Kim will continue to manage and build CJ 4DPLEX's relationships with Hollywood studios, filmmakers and talent while strengthening operational efficiency, and expanding CJ 4DPLEX's footprint in the global entertainment industry. Prior to his appointment as COO, Kim served as Senior Vice President of Content & Production, where under his leadership, SCREENX grew from an emerging format to showcasing a full slate of over 26 Hollywood releases annually. He has negotiated long-term studio agreements that ensured direct investment in the format and spearheaded efforts to introduce the first animated SCREENX films in partnership with Illumination and DreamWorks. Kim has also played a key role in growing the company's in-house VFX capabilities. "Paul's deep understanding of production, technology and operations, along with his long-standing commitment to CJ 4DPLEX, uniquely qualifies him for this position," said Don Savant, CEO of CJ 4DPLEX America. "Throughout his extensive tenure with the company, Paul has been vital in shaping our premium formats and enhancing our presence and relationships in Hollywood. His dedication and leadership will be essential as we continue to grow and innovate in the cinematic space." "I am honored to take on this new role at CJ 4DPLEX, Americas and continue driving the company's vision of redefining the cinematic experience," said Kim. "With the growing demand for premium formats, I look forward to working more closely with our studio partners, creative teams, and exhibitors to bring audiences even more unforgettable moviegoing experiences." In 2011, Kim began his career at CJ4DPLEX's parent company CJ Group, which also includes entertainment powerhouses CJ CGV, the fifth largest theater chain in the world, and CJ ENM (CJ Entertainment & Media), who produced the Academy Award®-winning film, "Parasite." Kim played a foundational role in the development of SCREENX in 2012, helping take the format from an early concept to full commercialization. SCREENX, which showcases a 270-degree panoramic viewing experience, is now featured in over 425 locations worldwide. Kim's move to Los Angeles in 2015 marked a pivotal shift in expanding CJ 4DPLEX's presence in Hollywood, helping strengthen its relationships with major studios and secure the company's position in the industry. Kim's promotion marks a new chapter for CJ 4DPLEX as the company continues to push the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. With a focus on innovation and strategic expansion, CJ 4DPLEX is poised for continued growth in the global entertainment landscape. About CJ 4DPLEXCJ 4DPLEX is a leading, next-generation cinema technology company, headquartered in Seoul with international offices in Los Angeles, Beijing, and London. The company has created innovative film technologies for theaters worldwide that include 'SCREENX', '4DX', and 'Ultra 4DX' for consumers to experience films in ways that were never before possible. CJ 4DPLEX is a part of the CJ Group conglomerate that also includes entertainment powerhouses CJ CGV, the fifth largest theater chain in the world, and CJ ENM (CJ Entertainment & Media), who produced the Academy Award®, Golden Globe® and SAG Awards winning film, "Parasite". SCREENX is the world's first multi-projection cinema with an immersive 270 degree field of view. By expanding the image beyond the frame and onto the walls of the theater, SCREENX places the audience directly at the center of the story, creating a visually immersive viewing experience unlike any other. To date, there are over 435 SCREENX auditoriums around the world in 40 countries. 4DX provides moviegoers with a multi-sensory cinema-going experience, allowing audiences to connect with movies through motion, vibration, water, wind, snow, lightning, scents, and other special effects that enhance the visuals on-screen. Each 4DX auditorium incorporates motion-based seating synchronized with more than 21 different effects and optimized by a team of skilled editors. To date, there are over 775 4DX auditoriums around the world, spanning over 70 countries. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE CJ 4DPLEX Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
