Latest news with #Fest
The South African
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Hilton Arts Festival: A celebration of artistic talent
The small town of Hilton, nestled between Howick and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal will come alive when the Hilton Arts Festival kicks off from 8-9 August. Festival goers can expect an eclectic programme of events in the genres of music, theatre, film, visual arts, stand-up comedy and storytelling, hosted at the Hilton College. 'To our audiences – your support, your presence, your belief in the value of the arts – that is what keeps this festival alive. You are why we do what we do. 'We hope you enjoy what we've put together for you this year – the shows, the art, the craft, the conversations, the surprises, and the space to simply reconnect through creativity. Every choice was made with you in mind,' stated the Hilton Arts Festival Team. Audiences are in for a treat with about 122 events running over the three day period. Highlights include a gripping theatre drama Girls and Boys directed by Steven Stead and starring award-winning actress, Janna Ramos-Violante. If you love stand-up comedy, then catch Schalk Bezuidenhout's live performance. Music lovers who are fanatical about music from the '70s era would appreciate Funk the Disco. Powerhouse, vocalist, Lucy Tops is set to wow audiences with a reminiscent experience through songs. She will perform the songs of legendary musicians James Brown, Bee Gees, Michael Jackson and Earth, Wind and Fire. The Fest for all Schools segment offers schools the opportunity to showcase its pupils' musical talents. An onsite Kidzone and Teenzone will offer an array of rides and fun activities for children. Kids may enjoy frolicking fun in the water with the Fairytale Express Mermaid Calypso. Art connoisseurs and those who love the fine arts may enjoy the offerings of the KwaZulu-Natal Museum who will be onsite at the Hilton Arts Festival. If you love cars, the Retro Ride Revival will showcase classic, vintage, muscle cars and rare collections. If you would like to attend this annual fest of fun a cover charge of R100 per car applies for the entire weekend. Fair goers may enjoy free events. A cover charge applies for certain shows. Tickets may be done via Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
Hypebeast
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Hypebeast
Kevin Durant Joins Houston Rockets in Blockbuster Trade Deal
Summary Kevin Durantis officially headed to theHouston Rocketsafter a blockbuster trade with thePhoenix Suns. The news was revealed earlier in New York atFanatics Fest. In exchange, the Suns will receive rising starJalen Green, defensive anchorDillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year's NBA Draft and five second-round selections. The deal is expected to be finalized on July 6, when the NBA's new league year begins. Durant had previously named Houston, Miami and San Antonio as preferred destinations. At Fanatics Fest in New York, he reaffirmed his excitement about the move, calling Houston 'very fitting' and expressing confidence that he'll be a strong addition to the team. The Rockets, who finished as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference last season, are now even more of a title threat. Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over 62 games last season and holds the NBA's longest active streak of averaging at least 25 points, 50% Field Goal, and 40% from three for three straight seasons according toESPN. He currently has one year left on his contract, worth $54.7 USD million, and is eligible for a two-year extension with the Rockets which can range up to $122 million USD. The move not only strengthens Houston but also shifts the balance of power in the Western conference. Check out Durant's reaction to the trade below. Kevin Durant on his trade, his happiness, recruiting Russell Westbrook, and on how dangerous the Houston Rockets will be next season!@ — Kay Adams (@heykayadams)June 22, 2025
UPI
22-06-2025
- Sport
- UPI
Kevin Durant traded from Phoenix Suns to Houston Rockets
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant reacts after a a call during the first half of an NBA game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns in 2024, in Dallas. On Sunday, Phoenix traded Durant to the Houston Rockets. File Photo by Adam Davis/EPA-EFE June 22 (UPI) -- Fifteen time All-Star Kevin Durant has been traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets for a handful of high profile players and draft picks. "Being part of the Houston Rockets, I'm looking forward to it," Durant said moments after the trade, which was announced at Fanatic's Fest. "Crazy, crazy last couple weeks but glad it's over with." We're speechless, but KD has words@heykayadams catches up with @KDTrey5 for his first interview as a Houston Rocket. Fanatics (@Fanatics) June 22, 2025 Durant said in the interview that he had a hand in the trade, and laid out the teams he would consider playing for. "And here we are," he continued. The Suns will receive Jalen Green, Dillion Brooks, the number 10 pick in this year's NBA Draft and five second-round picks, according to the Athletic. The trade to Houston marks somewhat of a homecoming for Durant, who played his college basketball at the University of Texas in Austin. Despite having the league's highest payroll, Phoenix missed the playoffs last year even with a roster of high profile and talented players, and making a $54.7 million commitment to Durant to help get the Suns over the hump. Nearing the trade deadline the Suns were considered to be underperforming again this year, flirting with .500 all season. The Rockets will be Durant's sixth NBA team. He has played for Seattle, Oklahoma City, Golden State, Brooklyn and Phoenix during his career. He turns 37 in September. Durant has one year left on his current contract, and is eligible for a $122 million contract extension this summer. The trade was first reported by ESPN.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mantelpiece Stories: Inside one collector's passion for PSA 1 cards
One of the best things about collecting is that it's a different experience for everyone, and no one can tell you if it's right or wrong. At Mantel's pre-Fanatics Fest trade night at Bleecker Trading, we met a collector, Steve Loff of Throwback Cards, who embodies this perfectly. His passion? Cards graded PSA 1, typically the lowest grade possible. Advertisement His goal? Own the world's largest collection of PSA 1 cards. Intrigued by his unique collection, we sat down with him to dive into the world of 'imperfectly perfect' cards. How did this unique collection begin? Steve: It all started when I saw a guy posting random PSA 1s on Instagram. I found it hilarious yet intriguing. Interestingly, my own journey actually began with a PSA 3, not a 1. I got a 2019 Pete Alonso #475 back from PSA expecting a 10, but it was a 3 due to an accidental fold in the card. I laughed, looked at the pop report — Pop 1, none lower — and decided, 'I'm keeping this card.' Then I thought about iconic cards I'd always wanted in high grades, like the '93 Jeter SP. Curious, I checked and saw a Pop 1 in PSA 1, found it immediately on COMC, and snagged it for $195. It remains my most expensive PSA 1 to date. That card changed my entire collecting approach. 1993 SP Derek Jeter PSA 1 (Via Mantel) Do you mostly buy your PSA 1 cards or grade them yourself? Steve: Around 95% are already graded as PSA 1. I often wonder how they ended up that way. Were they treasured by someone for a long time, graded out of curiosity, or a grading newbie's submission? Occasionally, when I can't find a Pop 1 or Pop 2 card I really want, I'll intentionally submit a beat-up card myself, hoping for a PSA 1. What's the secret to consistently getting PSA 1 grades? Steve: It's funny — just like spotting a PSA 10, you need an eye for a 1. It takes practice. I've aimed for 1s and sometimes ended up with 2s, which felt like overgrading! A perfect PSA 1 has good centering and registration but clearly visible creases and worn corners. My 1981 Topps Kirk Gibson is an ideal example: childhood-loved, pocket-worn, yet charmingly intact. 1981 Topps Kirk Gibson PSA 1 (Via Mantel) Do you ever intentionally damage cards for a lower grade? Steve: Occasionally, yes. However, I don't usually like taking shortcuts like pinholes —though I confess I did it once with my 1989 Topps Traded Barry Sanders. I let my kids play with it, creased it up, but wasn't confident it would grade a 1, so I added a pinhole. That card graded PSA 1 and has since become a centerpiece of my collection. I've even declined offers for it that exceeded PSA 10 prices! Which cards in your collection mean the most to you? Steve: The Sanders, despite the pinhole, because of the memorable story around its grading. The Jeter SP as my first PSA 1. The Kirk Gibson card for its ties to my childhood. Also, my junk wax-era PSA 1s — cards like the 1986 Canseco Rated Rookie, the 1987 Topps Bo Jackson Future Stars, and the 1983 Topps Tony Gwynn. I particularly love my 1969 Victoria Stevie Wonder, Pop 1, none lower! 1989 Topps Barry Sanders PSA 1, 1990 Topps Ken Griffey Jr. PSA 1 and 1990 Fleer Michael Jordan PSA 1 (Via Mantel) What might surprise people about the pricing of PSA 1 cards? Steve: PSA 1 cards are often rarer than higher grades, so there's a surprising premium sometimes. For example, my Barry Sanders card has drawn offers higher than PSA 10 counterparts. Generally, PSA 1 collecting is affordable and fun, but certain low-population cards can unexpectedly outpace mid-level grades in value. Any cards still on your wishlist? Steve: Definitely! I'd love an '86 Jordan, '79 Gretzky, or '58 Jim Brown, even though they're relatively common in PSA 1. My true wish list includes modern iconic cards you rarely see graded PSA 1, like the 2018 Prizm Luka Doncic or Tom Brady Bowman Chrome rookie. But at the very top are the 1984 Topps or Donruss Don Mattingly and the 1996 Topps Kobe Bryant — both hard to find and pricey. Any final thoughts you'd like to share? Steve: It is the best conversation starter. One fun thing is bringing these PSA 1 cards to shows and displaying them prominently. Collectors always react positively, often amazed or amused. As quirky as it sounds, PSA 1 collecting is incredibly rewarding — it's affordable, personal, and brings genuine joy and conversations every single time. Do you have a unique collection you would like featured on Mantelpiece Stories? Let us know on Mantel.
New York Post
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
LeBron, Jay-Z, and Tom Brady are headlining the most ambitious event in sports — and no, it's not about the money
Fanatics Fest is expected to lose millions — again. Michael Rubin's not worried. 'We're still in investment mode,' the 52-year-old Fanatics CEO said of the celebrity-packed sports and culture convention, set to take place June 20 to 22 at the Javits Center. 6 Rubin speaks with NYNext's Lydia Moynihan in his office, telling her that he's unfazed by losing $15 million on last year's Fest. 'In the grand scheme of our business, we're not worried,' Rubin said. EMMY PARK Advertisement Last year, 72,000 fans attended the inaugural festival. It was a massive success. Sure, the company lost $15 million on the three-day celebration, but that's a little more than a rounding error for Fanatics, which is projected to generate $12 billion in revenue in 2026. 6 Fanatics Fest is a three-day sports and entertainment convention that blends athlete appearances, live content, fan competitions, brand activations and surprise stunts — all designed to bring fans closer to the culture of sports. Michelle Farsi/New York Post Advertisement Fanatics Fest isn't designed to generate revenue on par with Fanatics commerce or collectible verticals, or its betting platform — it's designed to bolster them. 'This is really about creating a sports festival that only we can create. It's a great give back to fans,' Rubin told NYNext. 6 Last year's event drew 70,000 fans. This year, Rubin expects more than double that — up to 150,000 over three days at the Javits Center. Michelle Farsi/New York Post Rubin is expecting 150,000 attendees at this year's fest. And the number of participating leagues and organizations will more than double, too. FIFA, Formula 1, the Premier League, USTA, Nike, and Dick's Sporting Goods are joining returning partners including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC and WWE. Advertisement Then there's the surfeit of talent who will be there. Jay-Z is spending millions on a pop-up 40/40 Club. Tom Brady is sitting on panels and tossing footballs to fans. And Victor Wembanyama, currently traveling in China, is coming in for a cold-plunge with Kevin Hart on a live-taping of 'Cold as Balls.' 6 Tom Brady, a longtime Fanatics partner, will appear at this year's Fest for panels, fan meet-and-greets, and on-stage moments — part of Rubin's strategy to anchor the event with the biggest names in sports. Michelle Farsi/New York Post Fun can also expect to see LeBron James, Travis Scott, Henrik Lundqvist, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Livvy Dunne, Kevin Costner, John Cena, Charlotte Flair and hundreds of other beloved athletes and entertainers at various autograph-signings and activations. Advertisement It will be 'organized chaos,' Rubin said. While he's coy on specific event details, he teases 'Crazy stunts, endless stunts … Twenty to 30 that no one knows about.' One bit he will share involves a yet-to-be-named athlete surrounded by 20 identical decoys in matching uniforms, unleashed into the crowd to confuse fans. 'We like chaos,' Rubin added. 6 Rubin launched Fanatics in 2002 with a single e-commerce deal — selling NASCAR merchandise online — and has since turned it into one of the most powerful companies in sports. EMMY PARK While Fanatics Fest 1.0 was largely a hit, it wasn't without friction. VIP badge-holders, who paid extra for their privileges, were allowed to cut lines for autographs and photos — a move Rubin now bluntly admits was a 'disaster.' 'It sucked, it was terrible,' he said. 'You can't be afraid to go out and do things and make mistakes, but then you've got to be a great listener.' Advertisement This year, he promises that the autograph process has been overhauled and improved, as has crowd logistics, stage management and athlete transportation. 6 What started as a business rooted in licensed merchandise has since expanded into sports betting, trading cards, live events and a sprawling e-commerce empire that touches nearly every corner of the fan experience. Michelle Farsi/New York Post Since Rubin founded Fanatics in 2002, the sports-commerce giant has expanded from selling team merchandise to running trading cards, collectibles and its own sportsbook. The company serves more than 10 million customers annually across its stores and venue shops, and ships more than 40 million online orders a year. The global spectator sports industry is worth more than $500 billion, but few companies have built a direct, multi-channel relationship with fans as successfully as Rubin has. Advertisement This story is part of NYNext, an indispensable insider insight into the innovations, moonshots and political chess moves that matter most to NYC's power players (and those who aspire to be). The idea for Fanatics Fest first came to Rubin after he attended SXSW and Comic-Con — flagship experiences that fans were annually traveling across the country and world to attend. 'I thought, 'Why don't we have this for sports?'' he said. 'There wasn't [anybody else] that could convene all of the sports properties and all of the athletes … We [had] to do this.' Send NYNext a tip: nynextlydia@
