Latest news with #VintageVibes
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Man who claims to be event promoter accused of stealing $13,000 from metro Atlanta musicians
A Cobb County man is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from musicians that he failed to pay for six holiday shows in 2024. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Royce Watson Productions promoted the Vintage Vibes as a supper club serenade with tunes from a well-known singer and musicians. A $120 ticket gave customers a gourmet dinner or brunch while being serenaded by timeless hits. The Cherokee Chophouse says it agreed to the deal with a certain percentage from ticket sales. Some of the bands' musicians told Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell Watson agreed to pay each of them different amounts totaling $13,000 immediately following the last show. 'Royce was a great customer. He would come maybe once or twice a week. He just told us he had a great idea, a great band. He organizes nice events, he told me he is good buddies with Hayden Rider, who is a backstreet singer he starred in big events on Broadway. We took it as a great business opportunity. We saw nothing wrong with it. We are closed on Mondays, so we took the opportunity to open on Mondays just for the show,' said George Tselios, General Manager of the Cherokee Chophouse. TRENDING STORIES: 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Dwight Eubanks diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer Snellville teen charged in shooting spree that targeted former classmates 'Nursing imposters': Man impersonating healthcare worker arrested, officials say Some of the musicians told Newell, Watson called some of them individually before he formed the band. 'Royce found me online through a booking website,' said pianist John Burke. 'He was friendly, and he also seemed like he already had a relationship with The Chophouse. He said that his great friend, the owner Gus, was putting together the show, and he was going to pack the show. As a musician, that's really all you need to hear,' said musician Hollie Pritchard. The band spent hours practicing before the show. 'We did six shows over the course of late November through December,' said Pritchard. However, after the last show, Pritchard said the band never received the money they were owed. A text message Watson allegedly sent the band states that he was sick. In the message, Watson apologizes for the delayed payment and blames it on a delay from the credit card company. Pritchard said Watson eventually stopped communication with the band altogether, before police were contacted. 'He made about $80,000 from what the report said,' Tselios said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] 'This has been pretty upsetting for all of us. Super devastating both personally and financially,' Pritchard said. 'We would feed the customers for free just cause they paid but we wouldn't let him in unless we got paid. We got jipped on a few things the VIP meet and greet wasn't our plan,' Tselios said. Tselios said Watson paid the restaurant what was owed because they refused to let him enter without receiving the amount Watson agreed to pay. Pritchard and some of the other musicians said they did all they could to get the money they were owed, but they said Watson went ghost. Police eventually got involved, and now Watson is facing numerous criminal charges that include felonies. Some of the musicians told Newell they will be sure to sign contracts with promoters they don't know, moving forward. The Cherokee Chophouse is stepping up in a big way, forming some sort of silver lining to what's been a nightmare for the musicians. 'We want to make it up to them; they are great people, great musicians,' Tselios said. Some of the musicians are now hired for three months of shows beginning June 22 at the Cherokee Chophouse. Newell tried to contact Watson, but hasn't heard back. The website for his production company and the phone number he used for ticket sales are inactive.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
No SunFest, no problem. West Palm Beach's arts scene is thriving
For more than four decades, SunFest stood as the marquee event that signaled the start of summer in downtown West Palm Beach — a celebration of music, art, and the unique energy that makes our waterfront so special. So when news emerged that SunFest wouldn't return in 2025, it was understandable for longtime fans to feel a sense of loss. But let's celebrate this moment as a springboard rather than a setback. While we honor SunFest's incredible legacy, the vibrancy of arts and entertainment in downtown West Palm Beach isn't just surviving — it's thriving. Over the past several years, the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has invested more than $1 million in arts-related initiatives — everything from large-scale mural installations and pop-up performances to year-round live-music activations and artist showcases. These investments have helped cultivate a downtown that pulses with creativity every day. Opinion: These Florida students want to protect our state parks. Their art shows it. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. By partnering with the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, Discover the Palm Beaches, and the City's Community Events Department, we've brought fresh, homegrown concepts to life — like Soul in the City series and Vintage Vibes. These new events demonstrate our commitment to elevating local talent and connecting diverse audiences with immersive cultural experiences. Our approach is as dynamic as the community we serve. Perhaps most importantly, we've stayed nimble. Downtown West Palm Beach has evolved rapidly over the last decade and so have the needs of residents, employees, and visitors. That's why our programming is never one-size-fits-all. We're cultivating an inclusive, year-round cultural ecosystem — one that reflects the very best of our city's identity and invites creativity into every corner of our district. In many ways, the absence of SunFest creates a new opportunity for new voices, emerging creators, and innovative formats that bring people together in fresh ways. We don't have to look far for inspiration. Programs like Black Art Matters, Que Bacano, and Let's Vibe have drawn thousands of attendees while spotlighting underrepresented artists and transforming public spaces, further underscoring the richness of our community. Our vision is clear: to position downtown West Palm Beach as a hub for creativity 365 days a year. Will SunFest return to West Palm Beach? First, 'something's got to change,' director says So if you find yourself missing that familiar SunFest beat, look again at the streets around you. Take in the masterpieces of our walls, the melodies drifting through our plazas, and the lively foot traffic in our public spaces. The arts in West Palm Beach are growing, evolving, and becoming more accessible than ever. The soul of downtown was never defined by one weekend. It's defined by the people who bring their talent, imagination, and heart to our city every day. And that's something worth celebrating. Teneka James-Feaman is Executive Director of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: SunFest loss won't sink West Palm Beach arts | Opinion
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Retro fashion and collectibles shine at That Vintage Vibe in Texarkana
(Loving Living Local) –Texarkana, TX – If you're feeling groovy, you're not alone. A brand new store called has officially opened its doors in downtown Texarkana, bringing retro fashion, collectibles, and local flair to the heart of the city. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Jessie and Summer Caps, Vintage Vibes first welcomed shoppers in November and has quickly become a local favorite. Believe it or not, anything 20 years or older is officially considered vintage. 'That means even items from 2005 and earlier fall into that category,' Jessie explained.'It blows some people's minds when they realize that includes Y2K styles.' Today's hottest vintage trends? Think early 2000s tap out gear, affliction designs, skulls, crosses, and all-over prints—all making a comeback with younger generations. While Vintage Vibes specializes in unique vintage clothing, it's also a treasure trove of artifacts and retro home decor. 🧸 Vintage toys 🍽️ Dishware (including collector favorites like Garfield mugs and Pyrex) 🏺 Mid-century modern decor 'A lot of people are restoring older homes and want that authentic retro feel. We're here to help with that,' said Jessie. Whether you're decorating your space or refreshing your wardrobe, there's something nostalgic waiting for you at every turn. Looking for something truly local? That Vintage Vibe is the exclusive home of Local Lore, a unique t-shirt line that highlights Texarkana legends like: 🎶 Scott Joplin 🏨 The Grim Hotel 👤 The Phantom Killer These designs are made by a local couple and are only available at Vintage Vibes. Can't get enough of that vintage goodness? You're in luck. 'We restock every Saturday, bringing in fresh finds and marking down older inventory,' Jessie shared.'We've got enough to open another store!' So whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, there's always something new to discover. Located in a historic building rumored to have once been a firehouse, bookstore, and even a shooting range, Vintage Vibes is adding new life to a well-worn space—and contributing to downtown's growing buzz. 'Our goal is to help make this block a fun, walkable destination,' Jessie said.'We're even planning a block party in the near future.' 📍 Location: Downtown Texarkana (standalone building with action across the street)🕰️ Opened: November🛍️ What You'll Find: Vintage clothing, decor, toys, dishware, collectibles, and local t-shirts🆕 Restocks: Every Saturday Whether you're a vintage veteran or new to retro fashion, That Vintage Vibe is the place to rediscover your groove. Come walk down memory lane, find pieces no one else has, and support a growing local business in downtown Texarkana. 🛒 Get your vibe on at That Vintage Vibe — you never know what groovy treasure you'll find next. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
