Read the JAN ISSUE #109 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE BEAUTY in mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Claudio Schwarz
As early as Ancient Egypt and Rome, quartz crystals and other devices were used to enhance vision for fine details. However, it took over several millennia to turn glasses into what we’re used to. In particular, the fully developed eyeglasses appeared around 1280 in Italy. Venetian craftsmen learned to grind glass lenses to help people with farsightedness read texts. They looked nothing like modern glasses — they had no temples and were held on the nose or in the hands with a special handle.
The invention of the first eyeglasses is attributed to the Italian monk Salvino d'Armate. According to historical sources, he was the one who created the first corrective lenses for farsightedness in the late 13th century. Over time, manufacturing techniques improved. Still, eyeglasses were seen solely as a necessity for those with vision impairments until the late 19th century.
The situation changes only with the advances in technology and the emergence of stylish frames. So, people began incorporating glasses into their fashion choices. For instance, sunglasses gained popularity, particularly among military pilots, after Ray-Ban introduced the first Aviator model.
Furthermore, eyewear became a real fashion trend thanks to John Lennon, Tom Cruise, Steve Jobs, and others in the 20th century. The movie and fashion industry helped popularize the best eyeglasses for men. For example, after the release of The Matrix in 1999, narrow dark lenses became mainstream.
Nowadays, there are millions of sunglasses in the market, so it may take time to find the right option. To help you find the perfect pair, our website provides advanced filtering options, allowing you to narrow your search based on:
● Brand: Browse through an exclusive collection featuring top names like Nike, Tom Ford, Hugo Boss, and Bvlgari.
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● Frame material: Pick from durable plastics, lightweight metal, or acetate.
● Lens color: Find the right tint to enhance vision.
● Frame color: Match your eyewear to your aesthetic with various frame colors, from neutral tones to bold statement shades.
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At Classy Eyewear, you can find around 660 models of men’s eyeglasses, available in a variety of shapes, including rectangular, round, square, aviator, and cat-eye designs. Our collection includes lightweight, flexible, and adjustable frames.
Like any other accessory, eyeglasses require special care. Why? Obviously, even the highest-quality frames and lenses can lose their color, get scratched, or wear out over time.
If you want your eyewear always to look great, follow these recommendations:
● Use a microfiber cloth to clean the lenses. A paper towel or napkin will leave scratches.
● Don’t wipe dry lenses. Instead, buy a special lens cleaning spray.
● Store glasses in a protective case. Do not place them with the lenses facing down on hard surfaces, as this is a sure way to get scratches.
● Do not leave the accessory in hot places, such as on the dashboard of a car. High temperatures can deform the frame and deteriorate the lens coating.
● Always use both hands when taking them on and off.
If you wear prescription glasses every day, having a spare pair is a good idea in case of unexpected damage. Thanks to frequent sales and discounts, Classy Eyewear makes it easy to purchase multiple pairs. Many of our frames come with significant savings — up to $287 off select models. In addition, get 5% off your first order when you sign up for our newsletter.
We offer an extensive selection of premium eyeglasses and sunglasses sale from top brands, including Prada, Carrera, Tom Ford, Gucci, and Armani Exchange. If you are looking for the best eyeglasses for men, check out Classy Eyewear. Our benefits:
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Unfortunately, international shopping isn’t available at this time.
Don't miss the chance to update your style and protect your eyes — visit Classy Eyewear and choose the perfect pair at an attractive price.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Clément Falize
French pottery, with its rustic charm and enduring practicality, offers an alluring blend of aesthetic appeal and functional beauty. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, French pottery reflects the cultural heritage of diverse regions such as Provence, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley. From hand-painted ceramics to timeless, salt-glazed pieces, French pottery has the unique ability to enhance both everyday living and home decor. Whether you’re drawn to its rustic, utilitarian designs or its refined elegance, each piece tells a story of artistry and history.
With this guide, the antique dealers Westland London hope to help both beginners and seasoned collectors looking to curate a meaningful French pottery collection. It will help you understand the craftsmanship, styles, and regions that define authentic French pottery, and provide practical tips on sourcing, evaluating, and caring for your treasures.
French pottery boasts a rich history that spans centuries, with its roots deeply embedded in the country’s cultural and artisanal traditions. Each region of France has contributed to the evolution of pottery, creating distinct styles shaped by local materials and historical influences. Notable regions such as Provence, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley are home to pottery traditions that continue to inspire collectors today.
In Provence, the pottery is often characterized by its colorful hand-painted designs, influenced by the region’s sunny climate and Mediterranean lifestyle. These pieces, made primarily from clay, feature intricate floral motifs and vibrant hues, reflecting the natural beauty surrounding the region. Burgundy, known for its high-quality clay, is famous for its rustic, salt-glazed ceramics that developed as a way to preserve food and liquids. The use of salt-glazing created a distinctive, textured finish that is highly valued among collectors.
The Loire Valley, a region with a long history of ceramic production, produced both decorative and functional pottery, often with a characteristic glaze that was perfected over centuries. Many traditional techniques, such as hand-painting and firing pottery in wood-fired kilns, are still used today, preserving the historical value of these creations.
French pottery is celebrated for its remarkable diversity of styles and patterns, with each region contributing unique characteristics that reflect both its history and the local culture. Two of the most iconic types of French pottery are Poterie en Grès and Faïence, each with its own distinct charm and design sensibilities.
Poterie en Grès, often associated with rustic, earthy aesthetics, is made from stoneware and typically features a more subdued, natural color palette. These pieces are known for their durable and utilitarian nature, often found in the form of rustic pitchers, jars, and bowls. The glazes are typically in muted tones, ranging from browns to deep greens, reflecting the earth tones of the region. Commonly, these pieces are unadorned or feature simple, hand-painted patterns. The weathered, worn look of Poterie en Grès gives it a timeless appeal that adds warmth and authenticity to any collection.
On the other hand, Faïence pottery is more refined and is typically associated with the elegance of French ceramic design. This type of pottery, often found in regions like Provence and the Loire Valley, is made from a fine earthenware clay and is typically glazed with brilliant colors. The hallmark of Faïence pottery is its detailed, intricate hand-painted patterns, often featuring floral motifs, swirling vines, and scenes from nature. The cobalt blue color is a particularly well-loved feature in Faïence, a color that represents both the beauty of the Mediterranean and the influence of trade with China during the 17th century.
Throughout the history of French pottery, patterns such as geometric shapes, floral designs, and pastoral scenes have been used to reflect the culture, time periods, and regions from which the pottery hails. The bold cobalt blues and bright yellows found in Provence pottery symbolize the sunny skies and lively spirit of the region, while delicate florals often evoke the pastoral scenes of the French countryside.
When building a French pottery collection, one of the most essential skills is the ability to verify the authenticity of each piece. Authentic French pottery can be identified through a combination of factors, including maker's marks, glazes, craftsmanship, and signs of age.
A key indicator of authenticity, many French pottery pieces feature maker’s marks or stamps. These can often be found on the base of the item and provide valuable information about the potter and the time period. Familiarizing yourself with the marks from renowned regions like Provence or Burgundy is crucial for identifying genuine pieces. Researching specific marks or stamps related to the pottery’s origin can help distinguish authentic antiques from reproductions.
Authentic French pottery often features rich, hand-applied glazes with an uneven texture, a result of the traditional handcrafting process. The glaze should feel smooth and lustrous, yet may show slight imperfections, indicative of its age and handmade nature. Reproductions, on the other hand, tend to have flawless finishes and can feel mass-produced.
Over time, authentic French pottery develops a unique patina and signs of wear, particularly around the rims or areas that have been handled often. This natural aging process adds to the charm and authenticity of the piece. Reproductions, however, lack this type of aging and often appear too pristine, even if they are several decades old.
Finding authentic French pottery requires a thoughtful approach and careful sourcing. Antique fairs, markets, and specialized shops are excellent places to begin your search for quality pieces. At antique fairs and markets, you can often find a wide range of pottery from various regions of France, allowing you to compare styles and pricing. Specialized antique shops often carry higher-end pieces and can provide more expertise, but they may be pricier.
Online platforms like trusted auction sites, vintage marketplaces, and specialist French pottery retailers are also valuable resources. These platforms often feature detailed descriptions and images that allow you to evaluate items before making a purchase. However, buying online requires extra caution to ensure authenticity.
Building a relationship with reputable dealers is crucial for long-term success in sourcing quality French pottery. Established dealers can provide valuable insight and may offer access to rare or hard-to-find pieces. It’s important to ask for provenance and certificates of authenticity whenever possible, especially when purchasing high-value items. Provenance documents trace the history and ownership of the piece, offering additional confidence in its authenticity.
When starting a French pottery collection, focusing on a specific theme can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you choose to concentrate on tableware, decorative pieces, or pottery from a particular region, curating your collection with purpose allows you to create a cohesive and meaningful display. For example, collecting rustic Provençal pottery, known for its vibrant colors and hand-painted designs, can create a striking aesthetic in your kitchen or dining room. On the other hand, a collection of elegant Faïence pieces, with their delicate floral patterns, may lend sophistication to your home decor.
A purposeful collection also provides a sense of depth, as you can explore the nuances of each type of pottery—its historical context, craftsmanship, and the unique qualities of different regional styles. This not only makes the collection more enjoyable but also more educational and fulfilling as you learn about the different pottery traditions.
Additionally, curating a collection that aligns with your personal taste and lifestyle ensures that the pieces you choose have lasting significance. Whether you're drawn to the practical beauty of tableware or the artistic appeal of decorative pottery, it’s important to select items that resonate with your aesthetic preferences. Over time, your collection will reflect your individual style, offering both functional and decorative value to your home.
Caring for French pottery is essential to preserving its beauty and longevity. When cleaning, always use a soft, damp cloth rather than abrasive scrubbers, which can damage delicate glazes. For heavily soiled pieces, use mild soap with lukewarm water, ensuring all soap residue is thoroughly rinsed off. Avoid dishwashers, as harsh chemicals and high heat can wear down the glaze. Patina, the natural aging process of the pottery, should be preserved, so limit excessive cleaning and focus on gentle maintenance.
When storing French pottery, make sure to keep it in a dry environment, away from extreme temperature changes that can cause cracking. Use protective padding if storing multiple pieces together, ensuring they are not touching or rubbing against one another. For delicate items, consider using display cabinets with glass doors to protect them from dust while allowing for visibility.
In terms of displaying your collection, French pottery can be showcased in numerous ways. Open shelving in kitchens allows easy access to functional pieces while turning them into eye-catching elements. Use pottery to create a rustic or vintage-inspired display by arranging pieces based on size and color. For dining areas, place statement pieces such as large pitchers or serving bowls on the center of the table or sideboards.
French pottery offers a timeless blend of cultural heritage, artistic craftsmanship, and practical use. Whether enhancing a rustic kitchen or adding character to a living space, these pieces serve as functional art that connects us to centuries of tradition. Building a meaningful collection requires research, careful selection, and proper care to preserve the integrity of each item. By focusing on authenticity and thoughtfully curating your collection, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional.
PHOTO CREDITS | Disney/Matt Sayles
PHOTO CREDIT | ABC/The Bachelor Key Art
PHOTO CREDIT FOR THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS | Disney/Matt Sayles
We met the women of this season’s S29 of ABC’s The Bachelor. We also got to learn more about Grant Ellis and what he is looking for as well. We see the women settling in and what they do during their downtime when they are in between dates. Jesse Palmer pops in and he lets them know that they are the 18 women who will get to continue. He reminds Alexe that since she got the First Impression rose, wh will have the first 1-on-1 date. He leaves the date card after telling them that there will be 3 dates. Beverly, Sarafiena, Alli Jo, Natalie, Parisa, Vicky, Chloie, Zoe, Julianna, and Allyshia will be on the first group date. It seems like this date will involve basketball and their date starts now. This date also involves children playing with them as well. They all shoot around, dunk, etc and then when it’s time for Zoe to do it, she forfeits and then decides to shoot her shot by taking Grant upstairs to have a few minutes alone with him. Clearly, the women are not pleased with this move as they felt that it wasn’t the time to do that then. When they arrive to the other women giving them some severe stares, they learn that they will play 5-on-5 and whoever the MVP is will get Grant’s Letterman Jacket in The Bachelor Basketball Showdown. Chloie ends up winning as MVP and gets Grant’s jacket. The women definitely battled it out on the court and even lost some of their press on nails! There are definitely a lot of feelings that took place.
At the cocktail party for the group date, he congratulates them on putting their effort forward. He asks Chloie to spend some time with him and he lets her know that the radiance that she has is amazing. She got a kiss when they were together and she also got one when she received the jacket. While Chloie is with Grant, the ladies let her know that she overstepped when he took her away.
The Group Date Rose is given to Natalie (she helped one of the little girls calm down when she was out of breath) and you can see the other women happy that at least Zoe didn’t get the rose as she had monopolized Grant’s time multiple times throughout the date and cocktail party.
The next day, we see the women lounging and enjoying the house. Alexe has her 1-on-1 date with Grant which is taking place at the Beverly Center which is closed. They enjoy getting to know one another and she received the rose.
The group date is about to kick off as we get to the next day. Bailey, Carolina, Dina, Ella, Litia, Rebekah, and Rose walk into the space and Mario is serenading them! They’re going to write a song to Grant, perform it, and dance in front of a live audience. Robin Antin assisted them with choreography and she is the creator of the Pussycat Dolls. Carolina wins for her lyrics and she gets to dance with Grant and get serenaded by Mario! She also straddles him and goes in for an epic kiss (that was quite long). Clearly that would be uncomfortable for the other women to see.
The cocktail party after the group date begins. He lets them know that he had a great time with them but he feels that the vibe is off (it’s probably because of the makeout session that they all had to watch). He asked to chat with Rebekah and he asked her if he did something wrong. She lets him know that group dates are tough but she understands that he will need to do what is necessary in order to find his person She walks away feeling good with their interaction. Rebekah chats with the women and Caroline asks for why she feels that the vibe is off - she says it’s tough when he can only choose one person. It’s great that she didn’t say, “well you did a major make out session that we all saw.”
He talks with each of the women to know more about them and where they are coming from. He tells Litia that he is also sick of dating and he gets it. Caroline brings up her experience as well. It was definitely a safe space for all of the women. Grant gives the Group Date Rose to Litia.
As the women get ready for the Cocktail Party, all the women are thinking about the time that they have with Grant. He lets them know that he is happy that they are there and he is appreciative of them giving their time to him. He feels that his person is in the room. Each of the women spends time with him to find out more about what he thinks about things that matter to him.
RECEIVED A ROSE | Alexe, Alli Jo, Bailey, Beverly, Carolina, Chloie, Dina, Litia, Julianna, Natalie, Parisa, Rose, Sarafiena, and Zoe.
DIDN’T RECEIVE A ROSE | Allyshia, Ella, Rebekah, and Vicky,
Each night during this season, we will tweet about The Golden Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
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PHOTO CREDIT | ABC/Grammy Awards
Today, the GRAMMYs announced then winners for the 67th award show which took place today on Feb 2nd on CBS at 8pm ET. Music’s biggest night did not disappoint! As we do throughout Awards Season, we shared our predictions in bold, the ones we correctly identified as winners are in bold italics and winners that we didn’t predict are in italics. On the night of the event, we will share who we predicted correctly as well as those we didn’t that won.
“Now and Then” The Beatles
“Texas Hold ‘Em” Beyoncé
“Espresso” Sabrina Carpenter
“360” Charli XCX
“Birds of a Feather” Billie Eilish
“Not Like Us” Kendrick Lamar
“Good Luck, Babe!” Chappell Roan
“Fortnight” Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone
“New Blue Sun” André 3000
“Cowboy Carter” Beyoncé
“Short n’ Sweet” Sabrina Carpenter
“Brat” Charli XCX
“Djesse Vol. 4” Jacob Collier
“Hit Me Hard and Soft” Billie Eilish
“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” Chappell Roan
“The Tortured Poets Department” Taylor Swift
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins Obinna, Nevin Sastry & Mark Williams, songwriters (Shaboozey)
“Birds of a Feather” Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas, songwriters (Billie Eilish)
“Die With a Smile” Dernst Emile II, James Fauntleroy, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars)
“Fortnight” Jack Antonoff, Austin Post & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone)
“Good Luck, Babe!” Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, Daniel Nigro & Justin Tranter, songwriters (Chappell Roan)
“Not Like Us” Kendrick Lamar, songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)
“Please Please Please” Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)
“Texas Hold ‘Em” Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nate Ferraro & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters (Beyoncé)
Benson Boone
Sabrina Carpenter
Doechii
Khruangbin
Raye
Chappell Roan
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
Alissia
Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II
Ian Fitchuk
Mustard
Daniel Nigro
Jessi Alexander
Amy Allen
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Raye
“Bodyguard” Beyoncé
“Espresso” Sabrina Carpenter
“Apple” Charli xcx
“Birds of a Feather” Billie Eilish
“Good Luck, Babe!” Chappell Roan
“Us” Gracie Abrams Featuring Taylor Swift
“Levii’s Jeans” Beyoncé Featuring Post Malone
“Guess” Charli XCX & Billie Eilish
“The Boy Is Mine” Ariana Grande, Brandy & Monica
“Die With a Smile” Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars’
“Short n’ Sweet” Sabrina Carpenter
“Hit Me Hard and Soft” Billie Eilish
“Eternal Sunshine” Ariana Grande
“The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” Chappell Roan
“The Tortured Poets Department” Taylor Swift
“She’s Gone, Dance On” Disclosure
“Loved” Four Tet
“Leavemealone” Fred Again & Baby Keem
“Neverender” Justice & Tame Impala
“Witchy” Kaytranada Featuring Childish Gambino
“Make You Mine” Madison Beer
“Von Dutch” Charli XCX
“L’Amour de Ma Vie [Over Now Extended Edit]” Billie Eilish
“Yes, And?” Ariana Grande
“Got Me Started” Troye Sivan
“Brat” Charli XCX
“Three” Four Tet
“Hyperdrama” Justice
“Timeless” Kaytranada
“Telos” Zedd
“Alter Ego – Kaytranada Remix” Kaytranada, remixer (Doechii Featuring JT)
“A Bar Song (Tipsy) [Remix]” David Guetta, remixer (Shaboozey & David Guetta)
“Espresso (Mark Ronson x FNZ Working Late Remix)” FNZ & Mark Ronson, remixers (Sabrina Carpenter)
“Jah Sees Them – Amapiano Remix” Alexx Antaeus, Footsteps & MrMyish, remixers (Julian Marley & Antaeus)
“Von Dutch” A.G. Cook, remixer (Charli xcx & A.G. Cook Featuring Addison Rae)
À Fleur De Peau Cyrille Aimée
Visions Norah Jones
Good Together Lake Street Dive
Impossible Dream Aaron Lazar
Christmas Wish Gregory Porter
“Now and Then” The Beatles
“Beautiful People (Stay High)” The Black Keys
“The American Dream Is Killing Me” Green Day
“Gift Horse” Idles
“Dark Matter” Pearl Jam
“Broken Man” St. Vincent
“Mea Culpa (Ah! Ça ira!)” Gojira, Marina Viotti & Victor Le Masne
“Crown of Horns” Judas Priest
“Suffocate” Knocked Loose Featuring Poppy
“Screaming Suicide” Metallica
“Cellar Door” Spiritbox
“Happiness Bastards” The Black Crowes
“Romance” Fontaines D.C.
“Saviors” Green Day
“TANGK” Idles
“Dark Matter” Pearl Jam
“Hackney Diamonds” The Rolling Stones
“No Name” Jack White
“Beautiful People (Stay High)” Dan Auerbach, Patrick Carney, Beck Hansen & Daniel Nakamura, songwriters (The Black Keys)
“Broken Man” Annie Clark, songwriter (St. Vincent)
“Dark Matter” Jeff Ament, Matt Cameron, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Eddie Vedder & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Pearl Jam)
“Dilemma” Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt & Tré Cool, songwriters (Green Day)
“Gift Horse” Jon Beavis, Mark Bowen, Adam Devonshire, Lee Kiernan & Joe Talbot, songwriters (Idles)
“Neon Pill” Cage the Elephant
“Song of the Lake” Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
“Starburster” Fontaines D.C.
“Bye Bye” Kim Gordon
“Flea” St. Vincent
“Wild God” Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds
“Charm” Clairo
“The Collective” Kim Gordon
“What Now” Brittany Howard
“All Born Screaming” St. Vincent
“Guidance” Jhené Aiko
“Residuals” Chris Brown
“Here We Go (Uh Oh)” Coco Jones
“Made For Me (Live On BET)” Muni Long
“Saturn” SZA
“Wet” Marsha Ambrosius
“Can I Have This Groove” Kenyon Dixon
“No Lie” Lalah Hathaway Featuring Michael McDonald
“Make Me Forget” Muni Long
“That’s You” Lucky Daye
“So Glad to Know You” Avery*Sunshine
“En Route” Durand Bernarr
“Bando Stone and the New World” Childish Gambino
“Crash” Kehlani
“Why Lawd?” NxWorries (Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge)
“After Hours” Diovanna Frazier, Alex Goldblatt, Kehlani Parrish, Khris Riddick-Tynes & Daniel Upchurch, songwriters (Kehlani)
“Burning” Ronald Banful & Temilade Openiyi, songwriters (Tems)
“Here We Go (Uh Oh)” Sara Diamond, Sydney Floyd, Marisela Jackson, Courtney Jones, Carl McCormick & Kelvin Wooten, songwriters (Coco Jones)
“Ruined Me” Jeff Gitelman, Priscilla Renea & Kevin Theodore, songwriters (Muni Long)
“Saturn” Rob Bisel, Carter Lang, Solána Rowe, Jared Solomon & Scott Zhang, songwriters (SZA)
“11:11 (Deluxe)” Chris Brown
“Vantablack” Lalah Hathaway
“Revenge” Muni Long
“Algorithm” Lucky Daye
“Coming Home” Usher
“Enough (Miami)” Cardi B
“When the Sun Shines Again” Common & Pete Rock Featuring Posdnuos
“Nissan Altima” Doechii
“Houdini” Eminem
“Like That” Future & Metro Boomin Featuring Kendrick Lamar
“Yeah Glo!” GloRilla
“Not Like Us” Kendrick Lamar
“Kehlani” Jordan Adetunji Featuring Kehlani
“Spaghettii” Beyoncé Featuring Linda Martell & Shaboozey
“We Still Don’t Trust You” Future & Metro Boomin Featuring The Weeknd
“Big Mama” Latto
“3:AM” Rapsody Featuring Erykah Badu
“Might Delete Later” J. Cole
“The Auditorium, Vol. 1” Common & Pete Rock
“Alligator Bites Never Heal” Doechii
“The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)” Eminem
“We Don’t Trust You” Future & Metro Boomin
“Asteroids” Marlanna Evans, songwriter (Rapsody Featuring Hit-Boy)
“Carnival” Jordan Carter, Raul Cubina, Grant Dickinson, Samuel Lindley, Nasir Pemberton, Dimitri Roger, Ty Dolla $ign, Kanye West & Mark Carl Stolinski Williams, songwriters (¥$ (Kanye West & Ty Dolla $Ign)
Featuring Rich The Kid & Playboi Carti)
“Like That” Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, Kobe “BbyKobe” Hood, Leland Wayne & Nayvadius Wilburn, songwriters (Future & Metro Boomin Featuring Kendrick Lamar)
“Not Like Us” Kendrick Lamar, songwriter (Kendrick Lamar)
“Yeah Glo!” Ronnie Jackson, Jaucquez Lowe, Timothy McKibbins, Kevin Andre Price, Julius Rivera III & Gloria Woods, songwriters (GloRilla)
“Civil Writes: The South Got Something To Say” Queen Sheba
“Concrete & Whiskey Act II Part 1: A Bourbon 30 Series” Omari Hardwick
“Good M.U.S.I.C. Universe Sonic Sinema: Episode 1 In the Beginning Was the Word” Malik Yusef
“The Heart, the Mind, the Soul” Tank and the Bangas
“The Seven Number Ones” Mad Skillz
16 Carriages Beyoncé
I Am Not Okay Jelly Roll
The Architect Kacey Musgraves
A Bar Song (Tipsy) Shaboozey
It Takes A Woman Chris Stapleton
Cowboys Cry Too Kelsea Ballerini With Noah Kahan
II Most Wanted Beyoncé Featuring Miley Cyrus
Break Mine Brothers Osborne
Bigger Houses Dan + Shay
I Had Some Help Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen
The Architect Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)
A Bar Song (Tipsy) Sean Cook, Jerrel Jones, Joe Kent, Chibueze Collins Obinna, Nevin Sastry & Mark Williams, songwriters (Shaboozey)
I Am Not Okay Casey Brown, Jason DeFord, Ashley Gorley & Taylor Phillips, songwriters (Jelly Roll)
I Had Some Help Louis Bell, Ashley Gorley, Hoskins, Austin Post, Ernest Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Morgan Wallen & Chandler Paul Walters, songwriters (Post Malone Featuring Morgan Wallen)
Texas Hold ‘Em Brian Bates, Beyoncé, Elizabeth Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nate Ferraro & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters (Beyoncé)
Cowboy Carter Beyoncé
F-1 Trillion Post Malone
Deeper Well Kacey Musgraves
Higher Chris Stapleton
Whirlwind Lainey Wilson
Blame It On Eve Shemekia Copeland
Nothing In Rambling The Fabulous Thunderbirds Featuring Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal & Mick Fleetwood
Lighthouse Sierra Ferrell
The Ballad Of Sally Anne Rhiannon Giddens
Ya Ya Beyoncé
Subtitles Madison Cunningham
Don’t Do Me Good Madi Diaz Featuring Kacey Musgraves
American Dreaming Sierra Ferrell
Runaway Train Sarah Jarosz
Empty Trainload of Sky Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
Ahead of the Game Mark Knopfler, songwriter (Mark Knopfler)
All In Good Time Sam Beam, songwriter (Iron & Wine Featuring Fiona Apple)
All My Friends Aoife O’Donovan, songwriter (Aoife O’Donovan)
American Dreaming Sierra Ferrell & Melody Walker, songwriters (Sierra Ferrell)
Blame It on Eve John Hahn & Will Kimbrough, songwriters (Shemekia Copeland)
The Other Side T Bone Burnett
$10 Cowboy Charley Crockett
Trail Of Flowers Sierra Ferrell
Polaroid Lovers Sarah Jarosz
No One Gets Out Alive Maggie Rose
Tigers Blood Waxahatchee
I Built A World Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Songs of Love and Life The Del McCoury Band
No Fear Sister Sadie
Live Vol. 1 Billy Strings
Earl Jam Tony Trischka
Dan Tyminski: Live From the Ryman Dan Tyminski
Hill Country Love Cedric Burnside
Struck Down The Fabulous Thunderbirds
One Guitar Woman Sue Foley
Sam’s Place Little Feat
Swingin’ Live at the Church In Tulsa The Taj Mahal Sextet
Blues Deluxe Vol. 2 Joe Bonamassa
Blame It On Eve Shemekia Copeland
Friendlytown Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour
Mileage Ruthie Foster
The Fury Antonio Vergara
American Patchwork Quartet American Patchwork Quartet
Weird Faith Madi Diaz
Bright Future Adrianne Lenker
All My Friends Aoife O’Donovan
Woodland Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
25 Back To My Roots Sean Ardoin And Kreole Rock And Soul
Live At The 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Big Chief Monk Boudreaux & The Golden Eagles Featuring J’Wan Boudreaux
Live At The 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival New Breed Brass Band Featuring Trombone Shorty
Kuini Kalani Pe’a
Stories From The Battlefield The Rumble Featuring Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr.
Church Doors Yolanda Adams; Donald Lawrence & Sir William James Baptist, songwriters
Yesterday Melvin Crispell III
Hold On (Live) Ricky Dillard
Holy Hands DOE; Jesse Paul Barrera, Jeffrey Castro Bernat, Dominique Jones, Timothy Ferguson, Kelby Shavon Johnson, Jr., Jonathan McReynolds, Rickey Slikk Muzik Offord & Juan Winans, songwriters
One Hallelujah Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell & Israel Houghton Featuring Jonathan McReynolds & Jekalyn Carr; G. Morris Coleman, Israel Houghton, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters
BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE/SONG
Holy Forever (Live) Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson Featuring CeCe Winans
Praise Elevation Worship Featuring Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore; Pat Barrett, Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Chandler Moore, songwriters
Firm Foundation (He Won’t) Honor & Glory Featuring Disciple
In The Name Of Jesus JWLKRS Worship & Maverick City Music Featuring Chandler Moore; Austin Armstrong, Ran Jackson, Chandler Moore, Sajan Nauriyal, Ella Schnacky, Noah Schnacky & Ilya Toshinskiy, songwriters
In The Room Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore Featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard; G. Morris Coleman, Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters
That’s My King CeCe Winans; Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Lloyd Nicks & Jess Russ, songwriters
Covered Vol. 1 Melvin Crispell III
Choirmaster II (Live) Ricky Dillard
Father’s Day Kirk Franklin
Still Karen Karen Clark Sheard
More Than This CeCe Winans
Heart Of A Human DOE
When Wind Meets Fire Elevation Worship
Child Of God Forrest Frank
Coat Of Many Colors Brandon Lake
The Maverick Way Complete Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore
The Gospel Sessions, Vol 2 Authentic Unlimited
The Gospel According To Mark Mark D. Conklin
Rhapsody The Harlem Gospel Travelers
Church Cory Henry
Loving You The Nelons
Funk Generation Anitta
El Viaje Luis Fonsi
GARCÍA Kany García
Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran Shakira
ORQUÍDEAS Kali Uchis
nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana Bad Bunny
Rayo J Balvin
FERXXOCALIPSIS Feid
LAS LETRAS YA NO IMPORTAN Residente
att. Young Miko
Compita del Destino El David Aguilar
Pa’ Tu Cuerpa Cimafunk
Autopoiética Mon Laferte
GRASA NATHY PELUSO
¿Quién trae las cornetas? Rawayana
Diamantes Chiquis
Boca Chueca, Vol. 1 Carín León
ÉXODO Peso Pluma
De Lejitos Jessi Uribe
MUEVENSE Marc Anthony
Bailar Sheila E.
Radio Güira Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Alma, Corazón y Salsa (Live at Gran Teatro Nacional) Tony Succar, Mimy Succar
Vacilón Santiaguero Kiki Valera
Brillo, Brillo! Lucky Diaz And The Family Jam Band
Creciendo Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats
My Favorite Dream John Legend
Solid Rock Revival Rock For Children
World Wide Playdate Divinity Roxx and Divi Roxx Kids
Armageddon Ricky Gervais
The Dreamer Dave Chappelle
The Prisoner Jim Gaffigan
Someday You’ll Die Nikki Glaser
Where Was I Trevor Noah
All You Need Is Love: The Beatles In Their Own Words (Various Artists) Guy Oldfield, producer
…And Your Ass Will Follow George Clinton
Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones Dolly Parton
Last Sundays In Plains: A Centennial Celebration Jimmy Carter
My Name Is Barbra Barbra Streisand
Hell’s Kitchen Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Kecia Lewis & Meleah Joi Moon, principal vocalists; Adam Blackstone, Alicia Keys & Tom Kitt, producers (Alicia Keys, composer & lyricist) (Original Broadway Cast)
Merrily We Roll Along Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez & Daniel Radcliffe, principal vocalists; David Caddick, Joel Fram, Maria Friedman & David Lai, producers (Stephen Sondheim, composer & lyricist) (New Broadway Cast)
The Notebook John Clancy, Carmel Dean, Kurt Deutsch, Derik Lee, Kevin McCollum & Ingrid Michaelson, producers; Ingrid Michaelson, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)
The Outsiders Joshua Boone, Brent Comer, Brody Grant & Sky Lakota-Lynch, principal vocalists; Zach Chance, Jonathan Clay, Matt Hinkley, Justin Levine & Lawrence Manchester, producers; Zach Chance, Jonathan Clay & Justin Levine, composers/lyricists (Original Broadway Cast)
Suffs Andrea Grody, Dean Sharenow & Shaina Taub, producers; Shaina Taub, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)
The Wiz Wayne Brady, Deborah Cox, Nichelle Lewis & Avery Wilson, principal vocalists; Joseph Joubert, Allen René Louis & Lawrence Manchester, producers (Charlie Smalls, composer & lyricist) (2024 Broadway Cast Recording)
The Color Purple (Various Artists)
Deadpool & Wolverine (Various Artists)
Maestro: Music By Leonard Bernstein London Symphony Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Bradley Cooper
Saltburn (Various Artists)
Twisters: The Album (Various Artists)
American Fiction Laura Karpman, composer
Challengers Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, composers
The Color Purple Kris Bowers, composer
Dune: Part Two Hans Zimmer, composer
Shōgun Nick Chuba, Atticus Ross & Leopold Ross, composers
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora Pinar Toprak, composer
God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla Bear McCreary, composer
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 John Paesano, composer
Star Wars Outlaws Wilbert Roget, II, composer
Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord Winifred Phillips, composer
Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma [From “Twisters: The Album”] Jessi Alexander, Luke Combs & Jonathan Singleton, songwriters (Luke Combs)
Better Place [From “TROLLS Band Together”] Amy Allen, Shellback & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (*NSYNC & Justin Timberlake)
Can’t Catch Me Now [From “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes”] Daniel Nigro & Olivia Rodrigo, songwriters (Olivia Rodrigo)
It Never Went Away [From “American Symphony”] Jon Batiste & Dan Wilson, songwriters (Jon Batiste)
Love Will Survive [From “The Tattooist of Auschwitz”] Walter Afanasieff, Charlie Midnight, Kara Talve & Hans Zimmer, songwriters (Barbra Streisand)
Tailor Swif A$AP Rocky Vania Heymann & Gal Muggia, video directors
360 Charli XCX Aidan Zamiri, video director; Jami Arceo & Evan Thicke, video producers
Houdini Eminem Rich Lee, video director; Kathy Angstadt, Lisa Arianna & Justin Diener, video producers
Not Like Us Kendrick Lamar Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar, video directors; Jack Begert, Sam Canter & Jamie Rabineau, video producers
Fortnight Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone Taylor Swift, video director; Jil Hardin, video producer
American Symphony Jon Batiste Matthew Heineman, video director; Lauren Domino, Matthew Heineman & Joedan Okun, video producers
June (June Carter Cash) Kristen Vaurio, video director; Josh Matas, Sarah Olson, Jason Owen, Mary Robertson & Kristen Vaurio, video producers
Kings From Queens Run DMC Kirk Fraser, video director; William H. Masterson III, video producer
Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple Steven Van Zandt Bill Teck, video director; Robert Cotto, David Fisher & Bill Teck, video producers
The Greatest Night In Pop (Various Artists) Bao Nguyen, video director; Bruce Eskowitz, George Hencken, Larry Klein, Julia Nottingham, Lionel Richie & Harriet Sternberg, video producers
Plot Armor Taylor Eigsti
Rhapsody In Blue Béla Fleck
Orchestras (Live) Bill Frisell Featuring Alexander Hanson, Brussels Philharmonic, Rudy Royston & Thomas Morgan
Mark Mark Guiliana
Speak To Me Julian Lage
“Walk With Me, Lord (SOUND | SPIRIT)” The Baylor Project
“Phoenix Reimagined (Live)” Lakecia Benjamin Featuring Randy Brecker, Jeff “Tain” Watts & John Scofield
“Juno” Chick Corea & Béla Fleck
“Twinkle Twinkle Little Me” Samara Joy Featuring Sullivan Fortner
“Little Fears” Dan Pugach Big Band Featuring Nicole Zuraitis & Troy Roberts
Journey In Black Christie Dashiell
Wildflowers Vol. 1 Kurt Elling & Sullivan Fortner
A Joyful Holiday Samara Joy
Milton + Esperanza Milton Nascimento & Esperanza Spalding
My Ideal Catherine Russell & Sean Mason
Owl Song Ambrose Akinmusire Featuring Bill Frisell & Herlin Riley
Beyond This Place Kenny Barron Featuring Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Johnathan Blake, Immanuel Wilkins & Steve Nelson
Phoenix Reimagined (Live) Lakecia Benjamin
Remembrance Chick Corea & Béla Fleck
Solo Game Sullivan Fortner
Returning To Forever John Beasley & Frankfurt Radio Big Band
And So It Goes The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
Walk A Mile In My Shoe Orrin Evans & The Captain Black Big Band
Bianca Reimagined: Music For Paws And Persistence Dan Pugach Big Band
Golden City Miguel Zenón
Spain Forever Again Michel Camilo & Tomatito
Cubop Lives! Zaccai Curtis
COLLAB Hamilton de Holanda & Gonzalo Rubalcaba
Time And Again Eliane Elias
El Trio: Live in Italy Horacio ‘El Negro’ Hernández, John Beasley & José Gola
Cuba And Beyond Chucho Valdés & Royal Quartet
As I Travel Donald Vega Featuring Lewis Nash, John Patitucci & Luisito Quintero
Night Reign Arooj Aftab
New Blue Sun André 3000
Code Derivation Robert Glasper
Foreverland Keyon Harrold
No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin Meshell Ndegeocello
Raat Ki Rani Arooj Aftab
A Rock Somewhere Jacob Collier Featuring Anoushka Shankar & Varijashree Venugopal
Rise Rocky Dawuni
Bemba Colorá Sheila E. Featuring Gloria Estefan & Mimy Succar
Sunlight To My Soul Angélique Kidjo Featuring Soweto Gospel Choir
Kashira Masa Takumi Featuring Ron Korb, Noshir Mody & Dale Edward Chung
Tomorrow Yemi Alade
MMS Asake & Wizkid
Sensational Chris Brown Featuring Davido & Lojay
Higher Burna Boy
Love Me JeJe Tems
Alkebulan II Matt B Featuring Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Paisajes Ciro Hurtado
Heis Rema
Historias De Un Flamenco Antonio Rey
Born In The Wild Tems
Take It Easy Collie Buddz
Party With Me Vybz Kartel
Never Gets Late Here Shenseea
Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film (Deluxe) (Various Artists)
Evolution The Wailers
Break Of Daw Ricky Kej
Triveni Wouter Kellerman, Éru Matsumoto & Chandrika Tandon
Visions Of Sounds De Luxe Chris Redding
Opus Ryuichi Sakamoto
Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn Anoushka Shankar
Warriors Of Light Radhika Vekaria
The Avett Brothers Jonny Black & Giorgia Sage, art directors (The Avett Brothers)
Baker Hotel Sarah Dodds & Shauna Dodds, art directors (William Clark Green)
BRAT Brent David Freaney & Imogene Strauss, art directors (Charli XCX)
F-1 Trillion Archie Lee Coates IV, Jeffrey Franklin, Blossom Liu, Kylie McMahon & Ana Cecilia Thompson Motta, art directors (Post Malone)
Hounds Of Love The Baskerville Edition Kate Bush & Albert McIntosh, art directors (Kate Bush)
Jug Band Millionaire Andrew Wong & Julie Yeh, art directors (The Muddy Basin Ramblers)
Pregnancy, Breakdown, And Disease Lee Pei-Tzu, art director (iWhoiWhoo)
Half Living Things Patrick Galvin, art director (Alpha Wolf)
Hounds Of Love The Boxes Of Lost At Sea Kate Bush & Albert McIntosh, art directors (Kate Bush)
In Utero Doug Cunningham & Jason Noto, art directors (Nirvana)
Mind Games Simon Hilton & Sean Ono Lennon, art directors (John Lennon)
Unsuk Chin Takahiro Kurashima & Marek Polewski, art directors (Unsuk Chin & Berliner Philharmoniker)
We Blame Chicago Rebeka Arce & Farbod Kokabi, art directors (90 Day Men)
After Midnight Tim Brooks, album notes writer (Ford Dabney’s Syncopated Orchestras)
The Carnegie Hall Concert Lauren Du Graf, album notes writer (Alice Coltrane)
Centennial Ricky Riccardi, album notes writer (King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band & Various Artists)
John Culshaw – The Art Of The Producer – The Early Years 1948-55 Dominic Fyfe, album notes writer (John Culshaw)
SONtrack Original De La Película “Al Son De Beno” Josh Kun, album notes writer (Various Artists)
Centennial Meagan Hennessey & Richard Martin, compilation producers; Richard Martin, mastering engineer (King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band And Various Artists)
Diamonds And Pearls: Super Deluxe Edition Charles F. Spicer, Jr. & Duane Tudahl, compilation producers; Brad Blackwood & Bernie Grundman,
mastering engineers (Prince & The New Power Generation)
Paul Robeson – Voice of Freedom: His Complete Columbia, RCA, HMV, and Victor Recordings Tom Laskey & Robert Russ, compilation producers; Nancy Conforti & Andreas K. Meyer, mastering engineers (Paul Robeson)
Pepito Y Paquito Pepe De Lucía & Javier Doria, compilation producers; Jesús Bola, mastering engineer (Pepe De Lucía And Paco De Lucía)
The Sound Of Music (Original Soundtrack Recording – Super Deluxe Edition) Mike Matessino & Mark Piro, compilation producers; Steve Genewick & Mike Matessino, mastering engineers (Rodgers & Hammerstein & Julie Andrews)
Algorithm Dernst Emile II, Michael B. Hunter, Stephan Johnson, Rachel Keen, John Kercy, Charles Moniz & Todd Robinson, engineers; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer (Lucky Daye)
Cyan Blue Jack Emblem, Jack Rochon & Charlotte Day Wilson, engineers; Chris Gehringer, mastering engineer (Charlotte Day Wilson)
Deeper Well Craig Alvin, Shawn Everett, Mai Leisz, Todd Lombardo, John Rooney, Konrad Snyder & Daniel Tashian, engineers; Greg Calbi, mastering engineer (Kacey Musgraves)
empathogen Beatriz Artola, Zach Brown, Oscar Cornejo, Chris Greatti & Mitch McCarthy, engineers; Joe La Porta, mastering engineer (WILLOW)
i/o Tchad Blake, Oli Jacobs, Katie May & Dom Shaw, engineers; Matt Colton, mastering engineer (Peter Gabriel)
Short n’ Sweet Bryce Bordone, Julian Bunetta, Serban Ghenea, Jeff Gunnell, Oli Jacobs, Ian Kirkpatrick, Jack Manning, Manny Marroquin, John Ryan & Laura Sisk, engineers; Nathan Dantzler & Ruairi O’Flaherty, mastering engineers (Sabrina Carpenter)
Adams: Girls Of The Golden West Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, engineers; Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, mastering engineers (John Adams, Daniela Mack, Ryan McKinny, Paul Appleby, Hye Jung Lee, Elliot Madore, Julia Bullock, Davóne Tines, Los Angeles Philharmonic & Los Angeles Master Chorale)
Andres: The Blind Banister Silas Brown, Doron Schachter & Michael Schwartz, engineers; Matt Colton, mastering engineer (Andrew Cyr, Inbal Segev & Metropolis Ensemble)
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7; Bates: Resurrexit Mark Donahue & John Newton, engineers; Mark Donahue, mastering engineer (Manfred Honeck & Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra)
Clear Voices In The Dark Daniel Shores, engineer; Daniel Shores, mastering engineer (Matthew Guard & Skylark Vocal Ensemble)
Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, engineers; Alexander Lipay & Dmitriy Lipay, mastering engineers (Gustavo Dudamel, María Dueñas, Los Angeles Philharmonic & Los Angeles Master Chorale)
Erica Brenner
Christoph Franke
Morten Lindberg
Dmitriy Lipay
Elaine Martone
Dirk Sobotka
Avalon Bob Clearmountain, immersive mix engineer; Rhett Davies & Bryan Ferry, immersive producers (Roxy Music)
Genius Loves Company Michael Romanowski, Eric Schilling & Herbert Waltl, immersive mix engineers; Michael Romanowski,
immersive mastering engineer; John Burk, immersive producer (Ray Charles With Various Artists)
Henning Sommerro: Borders Morten Lindberg, immersive mix engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive mastering engineer; Morten
Lindberg, immersive producer (Trondheim Symphony Orchestra)
i/o (In-Side Mix) Hans-Martin Buff, immersive mix engineer; Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel & Richard Russell, immersive producers (Peter Gabriel)
Pax Morten Lindberg, immersive mix engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive mastering engineer; Morten
Lindberg, immersive producer (Ensemble 96 & Current Saxophone Quartet)
At Last Shelton G. Berg, composer (Shelly Berg)
Communion Christopher Zuar, composer (Christopher Zuar Orchestra)
I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time André 3000, Surya Botofasina, Nate Mercereau & Carlos Niño, composers (André 3000)
Remembrance Chick Corea, composer (Chick Corea & Béla Fleck)
Strands Pascal Le Boeuf, composer (Akropolis Reed Quintet, Pascal Le Boeuf & Christian Euman)
Baby Elephant Walk – Encore Michael League, arranger (Snarky Puppy)
Bridge Over Troubled Water Jacob Collier, Tori Kelly & John Legend, arrangers (Jacob Collier Featuring John Legend & Tori Kelly)
Rhapsody In Blue(Grass) Béla Fleck & Ferde Grofé, arrangers (Béla Fleck Featuring Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin
Moses, Mark Schatz & Bryan Sutton)
Rose Without The Thorns Erin Bentlage, Alexander Lloyd Blake, Scott Hoying, A.J. Sealy & Amanda Taylor, arrangers (Scott Hoying Featuring säje & Tonality)
Silent Night Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick & Amanda Taylor, arrangers (säje)
Alma Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johanye Kendrick & Amanda Taylor, arrangers (säje Featuring Regina Carter)
Always Come Back Matt Jones, arranger (John Legend)
b i g f e e l i n g s Willow, arranger (WILLOW)
Last Surprise (From “Persona 5”) Charlie Rosen & Jake Silverman, arrangers (The 8-Bit Big Band Featuring Jonah Nilsson & Button Masher)
The Sound Of Silence Cody Fry, arranger (Cody Fry Featuring Sleeping At Last)
Adams: City Noir, Fearful Symmetries & Lola Montez Does The Spider Dance Marin Alsop, conductor (ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra)
Kodály: Háry János Suite; Summer Evening & Symphony In C Major JoAnn Falletta, conductor (Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra)
Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Los Angeles Philharmonic)
Sibelius: Karelia Suite, Rakastava, & Lemminkäinen Susanna Mälkki, conductor (Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra)
Stravinsky: The Firebird Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor (San Francisco Symphony)
Adams: Girls Of The Golden West John Adams, conductor; Paul Appleby, Julia Bullock, Hye Jung Lee, Daniela Mack, Elliot Madore, Ryan McKinny & Davóne Tines; Dmitriy Lipay, producer (Los Angeles Philharmonic; Los Angeles Master Chorale)
Catán: Florencia En El Amazonas Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor; Mario Chang, Michael Chioldi, Greer Grimsley, Nancy Fabiola
Herrera, Mattia Olivieri, Ailyn Pérez & Gabriella Reyes; David Frost, producer (The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; The Metropolitan Opera Chorus)
Moravec: The Shining Gerard Schwarz, conductor; Tristan Hallett, Kelly Kaduce & Edward Parks; Blanton Alspaugh, producer (Kansas City Symphony; Lyric Opera Of Kansas City Chorus)
Puts: The Hours Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor; Joyce DiDonato, Renée Fleming & Kelli O’Hara; David Frost, producer (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Metropolitan Opera Chorus)
Saariaho: Adriana Mater Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor; Fleur Barron, Axelle Fanyo, Nicholas Phan & Christopher Purves; Jason O’Connell, producer (San Francisco Symphony; San Francisco Symphony Chorus; Timo Kurkikangas)
Clear Voices In The Dark Matthew Guard, conductor (Carrie Cheron, Nathan Hodgson, Helen Karloski & Clare McNamara; Skylark Vocal Ensemble)
A Dream So Bright – Choral Music Of Jake Runestad Eric Holtan, conductor (Jeffrey Biegel; True Concord Orchestra; True Concord Voices)
Handel: Israel In Egypt Jeannette Sorrell, conductor (Margaret Carpenter Haigh, Daniel Moody, Molly Netter, Jacob Perry &
Edward Vogel; Apollo’s Fire; Apollo’s Singers)
Ochre Donald Nally, conductor (The Crossing)
Sheehan: Akathist Elaine Kelly, conductor; Melissa Attebury, Stephen Sands & Benedict Sheehan, chorus masters (Elizabeth Bates, Paul D’Arcy, Tynan Davis, Aine Hakamatsuka, Steven Hrycelak, Helen Karloski, Enrico Lagasca, Edmund Milly, Fotina Naumenko, Neil Netherly, Timothy Parsons, Stephen Sands, Miriam Sheehan & Pamela Terry; Novus NY; Artefact Ensemble, The Choir Of Trinity Wall Street, Downtown Voices & Trinity Youth Chorus)
BEST CHAMBER MUSIC/SMALL ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE
Adams, J.L.: Waves & Particles JACK Quartet
Beethoven For Three: Symphony No. 4 And Op. 97, ‘Archduke’ Yo-Yo Ma, Leonidas Kavakos & Emanuel Ax
Cerrone: Beaufort Scales Beth Willer, Christopher Cerrone & Lorelei Ensemble
Home Miró Quartet
Rectangles And Circumstance Caroline Shaw & Sō Percussion
Akiho: Longing Andy Akiho
Bach: Goldberg Variations Víkingur Ólafsson
Eastman: The Holy Presence Of Joan D’Arc Seth Parker Woods; Christopher Rountree, conductor (Wild Up)
Entourer Mak Grgić (Ensemble Dissonance)
Perry: Concerto For Violin & Orchestra Curtis Stewart; James Blachly, conductor (Experiential Orchestra)
Beyond The Years – Unpublished Songs Of Florence Price Karen Slack, soloist; Michelle Cann, pianist
A Change Is Gonna Come Nicholas Phan, soloist; Palaver Strings, ensembles
Newman: Bespoke Songs Fotina Naumenko, soloist; Marika Bournaki, pianist (Nadège Foofat; Julietta Curenton, Colin Davin, Mark Edwards, Nadia Pessoa, Timothy Roberts, Ryan Romine, Akemi Takayama, Karlyn Viña & Garrick Zoeter)
Show Me The Way Will Liverman, soloist; Jonathan King, pianist
Wagner: Wesendonck Lieder Joyce DiDonato, soloist; Maxim Emelyanychev, conductor (Il Pomo d’Oro)
Akiho: BeLonging Andy Akiho & Imani Winds; Andy Akiho, Sean Dixon & Mark Dover, producers
American Counterpoints Curtis Stewart; James Blachly, conductor; Blanton Alspaugh, producer
Foss: Symphony No. 1; Renaissance Concerto; Three American Pieces; Ode JoAnn Falletta, conductor; Bernd Gottinger, producer
Mythologies II Sangeeta Kaur, Omar Najmi, Hilá Plitmann, Robert Thies & Danaë Xanthe Vlasse; Michael Shapiro,
conductor; Jeff Atmajian, Emilio D. Miler, Hai Nguyen, Robert Thies, Danaë Xanthe Vlasse & Kitt Wakeley, Producers
Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Dmitriy Lipay, producer
Casarrubios: Seven For Solo Cello Andrea Casarrubios, composer (Andrea Casarrubios)
Coleman: Revelry Valerie Coleman, composer (Decoda)
Lang: Composition As Explanation David Lang, composer (Eighth Blackbird)
Ortiz: Revolución Diamantina Gabriela Ortiz, composer (Gustavo Dudamel, Los Angeles Philharmonic & Los Angeles Master Chorale)
Saariaho: Adriana Mater Kaija Saariaho, composer (Esa-Pekka Salonen, Fleur Barron, Nicholas Phan, Christopher Purves, Axelle Fanyo, San Francisco Symphony Chorus & Orchestra)
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
Read the JAN ISSUE #109 of Athleisure Mag and see BAMBOO BEAUTY in mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | Domenic Mosqueira/Red Bull Content Pool
In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with 5X Women's World Champion of the WSL and Team USA Olympic Surfing Gold Medalist in her first year, Carissa Moore. We have had the pleasure of her being a cover previously and are excited to check up with her to see about what she is up to as she prepares to have her first child, the importance of the sport, and her need to continue to give back!
This month we caught up with WNBA Washington Mystics and Unrivaled Lunar Owls BC star, Shakira Austin. We talk about her passion for the sport, why she enjoys playing, recovering from injury, the inaugural season of Unrivaled as well as the upcoming WNBA season.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Dominique Ansel who is known as the creator of the Cronut, Frozen S'more, and Cookie Shot! We talk about becoming a pastry chef, his passion for creating, Dominique Ansel Bakery, and more.
This month, we also sat down with Simone I Smith and her namesake jewelry line. She talks about her love for fashion and accessories, her creation process, essentials in her collection, her collaborations with Mary J Blige and Misa Hylton, launching her men's portion of the brand - Majestic where her husband Todd Smith aka LL Cool J and her sons appeared in this campaign, and more.
We also sat down with Terracea founder, Eric Hui as part of our Athleisure Mag Summit Series to talk about his brand which focuses on pieces that can be worn when enjoying your favorite sport outside as well as in your everyday life. We talk about why he created it, innovations from the brand, and what we can expect in upcoming seasons.
This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to the Theater District in NYC to Dilli Dilli which is a merge between Old Delhi and New Delhi. We find out about the ambiance of the restaurant as well as dishes that we should have in mind for our next visit.
This month's Athleisure List comes from SaltDrop, a fitness method whose studio is located in Astor Place in NYC. In addition, we also have Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla as we think about warmer clients. in
This month we have our 9PLAYLIST from Rapper/Producer Kendrick Lamar and singer, SZA. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from WNBA star, Shakira Austin. This month's THE 9LIST 9CH3FS and THE 9LIST 9B-L-D comes from Chef Gaurav Anand of Dilli DIlli in the Portland, Chef/Restaurateur Dominique Ansel of Dominique Ansel Bakery and Michele's, and Chef Richard Ingraham. We also have our N3W YEAR N3W YOU from Carissa Moore, STARZ Outlander star Charles Vandervaart, and 3X X Games Aspen Medalist Hailey Langland.
Read the JAN ISSUE #109 of Athleisure Mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Michał Parzuchowski
The US and the UK are among the most gambling-friendly countries with significant customer engagement and constant industry development. The rapid sector’s evolution plays an important role in both states and the UK’s official gambling regulator, the UKGC, guarantees a structured approach to market operations. The UK and the US have contrasting casino regulations, but some aspects are similar. Let’s explore the future of gambling businesses in two states.
Online and offline casinos are legal in the jurisdiction, and the UKGC is the leading authority controlling the industry. The body issues licences, supervises operations of all in-country operators, and regularly updates the regulatory basis to make the sector more transparent and fairer for all parties. All British platforms must comply with a set of rules, including mandatory ID checks, GamStop self-exclusion, and customer deposit limits. Many gamblers review the operation of best non GamStop sites available in the UK, as these sites provide broader access to games and fewer restrictions.
The UKGC has recently updated industry regulations and the new Gambling Reform addresses the problem of addiction in the country. Currently, up to 0.5% of British residents suffer from compulsive disorders, and the government has initiated specific measures to cope with the challenge. Financial checks are among the latest amendments, so UKGC-licensed casinos must request users’ statements to ensure they can afford to gamble. In addition, the authority decreased the maximum bet size to £2 for individuals aged 18-25, while £5 stakes will be available for older adults.
Undeniably, thorough limitations and increased control over players’ actions dissatisfy risk seekers. Therefore, a rapid shift to non-UK casinos has been witnessed in the last few years. While many gamblers mentioned the efficiency of new rules, explicitly marking the usefulness of GamStop self-exclusion, passionate casino enthusiasts still search for ways to gamble without restrictions.
Americans love gambling, but despite the popularity of this pastime in the country, digital casinos are only legal in a limited number of states: New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The US doesn’t have federal industry legislation, which is among the problems the country faces. While the iGaming sector is prohibited in numerous regions, their residents find ways to engage in this risky pastime. Reports indicate that approximately 2 million adults in the country suffer from severe gambling addiction, and the government aims to address the challenge. To cope with these restrictions, many players choose American casinos for UK players, seeking more accessible gaming options.
The US authorities are currently discussing gambling industry updates to impact the current market and decrease the number of addicts. The sector now lacks control: while in-country platforms are prohibited in many states, verification in Canary Island casinos remains a topic of debate, as some operators offer easier access without strict ID checks. The new bill will concern betting advertising – promotional materials must not target vulnerable populations. Moreover, the updated regulations touch on gambling addiction and usage of AI and other mechanisms to affect user decisions in online casinos and sportsbooks and encourage them to develop a responsible approach to gambling.
Regulatory changes are not the only trend awaiting casino lovers—some pleasant updates are also coming, and they will concern both the UK and the US. Technologies constantly evolve, which undeniably impacts the gambling sector globally. For instance, implementing AI and Machine Learning is already shaping the industry, and its influence will strengthen even more in the following years. Additionally, to expand your understanding of these changes, consider trending in tennis and how technology impacts sports analytics.
Currently, this innovation guarantees more transparent procedures and prevents fraudulent activities in online casinos. Moreover, AI is a great helper in detecting excessive gambling and providing recommendations to those at risk of addiction. Industry experts are confident that the technology will perform more duties in online casinos, so we should patiently wait for new features.
Users have lacked immersive experiences in the gambling sector for decades, and luckily, the situation is changing now. Virtual reality casinos were not widespread in 2024, but the trend is gaining popularity in the UK and the US. Players can explore the best slot machines and games in real time from the comfort of their homes. Technology is rapidly developing, so more immersive gambling houses are projected to open their virtual doors in the coming years.
The gambling sector never stops evolving, and the UK and the US are among the countries where the industry is well-developed. Compulsive disorders and irresponsible customer behaviours are global issues that regulatory authorities on different continents aim to resolve. Therefore, the future will definitely bring more limitations to online casinos to improve the population’s well-being. At the same time, tech advancements will bring the casino sector to a completely new level, delighting customers with immersive games and personalised experiences.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Stephen Margo
Athletics is not the most common discipline for betting, and in vain. Many users opt for classic widespread options like football or basketball, but selecting niche opportunities is always a great idea. Although this wagering market is not the most in-demand among customers, many bookmakers offer attractive odds complemented by generous bonuses. Exploring the sport is the main rule of successful betting, so have a look at the major events you should consider when entering an online sportsbook and some basic details you need for the best experience.
Discovering the world of athletics is nothing but thrilling: the discipline involves different activities, including running, jumping, walking, and throwing items. It’s one of the oldest sports that has been strongly interconnected with betting for centuries. The first Olympic Games are dated 776 BC, and look where we are now: the event hasn’t lost its relevance in 2024.
Risk-seekers rarely consider this discipline on bookmaker sites but often forget that non-mainstream wagering opportunities can bring many more benefits. Lots of Curacao sports betting sites by NonGamStopBets cover varied athletics markets and provide members with profitable odds. These platforms operate under the control of one of the most reliable iGaming regulators in the world and offer fair and transparent services. Explore the major global events and select the one you will definitely enjoy in your chosen online sportsbook!
Also known as the IAAF World Championships in Athletics, this tournament includes marathon running and race walking and unites professional sportsmen globally. The event was established in 1976 when the Olympic Committee canceled men’s 50 km walk competitions. However, the first tournament was only held in 1983 – since then, the World Athletics Championships have become the global event that takes place in different countries every four years. The competition comprises 9 days of contests involving over 1,800 professional athletes.
We bet that wagering on any of the tournaments will become inspiring for punters since the competitive spirit can be literally felt in the air. The 2025 event will be held in Tokyo in September, and passionate fans of this discipline and bettors opting for pre-match wagers are already preparing for the event.
This event cannot be skipped when discussing athletics since it basically represents the roots of this discipline. The event takes place every four years, and the previous contest occurred in August 2024. This was the golden time for betting enthusiasts since they got the opportunity to wager on 48 medal contests like racewalking and road running. During the Olympic Games, bookmakers delight customers with exclusive content and special bonuses, which is why adrenaline hunters wait for this event with great impatience.
Unlike the previously mentioned events, Diamond League is an annual elite athletic tournament, which makes it a titbit for passionate bettors. Wagering lovers don’t have to wait for four years till the following contest. The competition is the top tier level of the World Athletics, involving international sports starts, which boosts the degree of excitement. The Diamond League was established in Europe, but organizers aim to strengthen the event’s popularity far beyond its borders and use all the possible means to promote the tournament.
Of course, finding an online sportsbook offering juicy odds on this competition may be complicated, but more bookmakers accept it, considering the growing popularity of athletics globally. Users can feel the competitive atmosphere from their screens: many online sportsbooks stream the event on their websites, so punters don’t have to search where to watch the Diamond League.
This special tournament organised by the Commonwealth Nations is popular globally, and betting on the discipline becomes even more attractive. Professional athletes from countries of the former British Empire show their skills and fight for the champion’s title during the one-week contest. This event is exciting since it’s fully inclusive and accepts people with disabilities who get the opportunity to speak about themselves in the global arena.
Like other similar contests, the Commonwealth Games take place every four years, and the next one is scheduled for 2026. During this time, punters can learn more about the competition, its rules, participants, and other details to make informed predictions. Commonwealth Games are not the most popular betting option in modern online sportsbooks, but you can still find profitable odds on this athletic tournament on Curaçao platforms. However, it's important to note that betting limits in the USA can vary significantly depending on the state and the sportsbook, so understanding the local regulations is crucial if you plan to place wagers on this event.
Undeniably, athletics betting markets are not as diverse as mainstream sports available on all betting sites not on GamStop. However, this fact makes this discipline even more attractive to wagering lovers. Niche opportunities can potentially bring higher profits; at the same time, online sportsbooks delight their customers with additional benefits. Curaçao-based betting platforms are known for extensive choices and limitless possibilities for risk-seekers.
PHOTO CREDITS | Disney/John Fleenor
PHOTO CREDIT | ABC/The Bachelor Key Art
PHOTO CREDIT FOR THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS | Disney/Matt Sayles
We are back with S29 of ABC’s The Bachelor which is led by Grant Ellis who was on Jenn Tran’s S21 of The Bachelorette! We watched him navigate his relationship with her until he was eliminated in week 6 right before Hometowns.
We get to meet Grant through a series of photoshoots, seeing him play basketball, we meet his family, and we catch up with why he’s ready to be The Bachelor and how he will navigate the process. We hear about his father’s addiction, his parents divorced, and how he felt that although he loved them, they didn’t say that to one another. Basketball gave him the ability to focus on what he was going through.
We also see him give his First Impression Rose to his grandmother to let her know that he will always love her and she is his number one. He meets Jesse Palmer as his journey is moments from starting and they figure out how he will take on the night.
We meet Rose who steps out of the limo first and she asks him, will he accept this rose? Litia is a cutie who is Mormon and was born in Hawaii. SHe comes from a large family and although she’s not great at basketball, she says that he can bring the skills and she will bring the sparkle. J’nae brought chalk and it was such a cute moment between the 2 of them because she is a basketball fan. The women really brought it by sharing themselves and finding cute ways for him to remember them. It’s always interesting to see the reactions of the other castmembers as they watch the other entrances and this year, having a Llama in the group is quite a sight to see.
All the women have finally arrived and are in the house. He welcomes all of them and thanks them for their entrance and being there. He lets the know he is looking for a wife, he wants, a family and he asks them what does love mean to them? He lets them know what it means to him. He also shares that his mom signed him up for the show in case they weren’t aware. Grant’s sister also swings by to let the women know more about him as well as to meet him.
The First Impression Rose means a lot more this season as she will be guaranteed to come into the mansion but she will also get the first 1-on-1 dayte! Alexe is the first one to get the rose. Going into tonight’s episode, we guessed based on profiles alone that Alexe, Alli Jo, Allyshia, and Julianna would go to Hometowns. We now know that so far all of the women we predicted are closer to getting there.
RECEIVED A ROSE | Alexe, Alli Jo, Allyshia, Bailey, Beverly, Carolina, Chloie, Dina, Ella, Litia, Julianna, Natalie, Parisa, Rebekah, Rose, Sarafiena, Vicky, and Zoe
DIDN’T RECEIVE A ROSE | Christina, J’Nae, Kelsey, Kyleigh, Neicey, Radhika, and Savannah
Each night during this season, we will tweet about The Golden Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
Last month Day of the Fight was released into theaters. It tells the story of Irish Mike as he prepares for his fight at Madison Square Garden. As we lead up to this big event, we also get to see the people, places, and things that make up his life. With an incredible cast that includes Michael C Pitt (Boardwalk Empire, Asphalt City, Reptile), Ron Perlman (Hellboy franchise, Sons of Anarchy, StartUp), Joe Pesci (Goodfellas, Casino, The Irishman), and Steve Buscemi (The Sopranos, Fargo, Boardwalk Empire) to name a few - we're drawn into his world as well as the decisions that he makes.
We had the pleasure to sit down with Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire, Expats, House of Gucci), writer, producer and making his directorial debut along with lead actor, Michael to talk about this film, how it came to be, moments that they enjoyed, the takeaway that they want others to have from it, and the power of cinema.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We watched this movie last night and we’re boxing fans. So we were already excited to see the movie. It was even better that it was not the traditional and formulaic boxing film that we are used to seeing! Before we delve into the movie, Jack you wrote, directed, and produced it. What led you to creating this film? Michael, what made you want to be part of this film?
JACK HUSTON: I had the great opportunity to work with Michael many years ago on Boardwalk Empire.
AM: Which was an amazing series!
JH: Thank you! I always had memories of Michael punching sandbags and going off to the boxing gym. So maybe, I had him there in my head. But I also had the memories of just how much I loved working with Michael just him being such a beautiful actor and he has always elevated any season that he was in. Somebody who just conveys so much through his eyes. He has this amazing sense of sensitivity and vulnerability with a hard exterior you know and he could play every part. When I sort of conceived the film, I could not imagine anybody else in the role. It’s amazing where you have these moments where you are literally right there with someone else’s voice in your head. So, I wrote and came up with the idea for the film with Michael in the role and I went to him and said, you’ve got to do this role! He asked me, where’s the script and I was like, well I haven’t written it yet. So we worked and sort of developed it through the years. It was a great fight worth having to get Michael to play this part. I thank God everyday that I got the opportunity to do it with him.
AM: Wow, that’s great to hear. What drew you to the film Michael?
MICHAEL C. PITT: Permission to speak freely?
AM: Of course.
MCP: This film chose me. Jack chose me. My very good friend, my buddy, and my collaborator basically said that he wanted me to do this. He pulled me out of the gutter to play this film. We made it with a lot of love and a lot of heart. We made it to inspire the younger generation and so I hope we do.
AM: It was incredible. The casting was incredible obviously in addition to Michael, Joe Pesci, Steve Buscemi, Ron Perlman -
MCP: Well that’s all Jack! I have no idea how – I mean I used to call him The Prince! I have no idea in hell how he did it!
AM: That part!
MCP: Yeah, how he assembled those older men – they are not the easiest and they are set in their ways.
AM: Haha you are basically asking what we’re trying to say so I thank you for navigating that one! How'd you do that?
MCP: To get them in the room. That was all Jack. All Jack. Thank God we were able to get those guys!
JH: You know, it’s funny. When you write it for certain people, I think that just like Michael said, the film was all heart and it was all love. The two elements or the two characters that were written specifically for the film were Mike and Joe. Joe was – you know, I heard his voice and that’s him singing in the movie. I was developing this character that had dementia and we needed an actor with such a history and almost where their reputation proceeded them the way that they find them in the film, they have to have such a body of work because they are suffering from dementia. Then I heard him sing and I thought, what if he doesn’t speak, but you hear him sing? That’s what brings back the memories because when my grandma when she was suffering from dementia, music would bring her back in the room. She gained that lucidity through that – through music and that’s what sort of happened.
But, getting Joe was landing the white whale because the film wouldn’t have happened. He pretty much secured our financing! I think it was kind of like, “ha ha if you get Joe Pesci, we’ll secure your financing for the movie.” Then we went ahead and got Joe Pesci. Then they were like oh shit, we have to finance the movie. But it was a big gamble and I think again it came down to the collective love of what we were trying to make and a bit of a throwback to the movies that aren’t made like this anymore. It is an homage to that type of picture. It’s all about feeling, all about character, all about the sort of real human struggle and the human condition. The kinds of films like Mike was saying that made us fall in love with cinema and hopefully, it will inspire other people to fall in love with cinema all over again.
AM: What did you draw from, Mike in terms of your character and how did you approach playing him?
MCP: Oh, that’s such a difficult question because it was set up – Jack set it up for me to experience this role. So it was a bit like, “ok, I set everything up, you’re trained, and now ding, ding, ding – go out there and do everything and get out into the ring and make me proud.” Basically, that’s how it was set up for me and it’s hard for me to watch, but I do notice that it does make people feel. I do think that that is a very important thing that Jack touches on. It’s really smart to be streetwise, it’s very good to keep your poker face up and to keep your guard on. But you need to feel things. We need to feel things or we’re not human. I hope that people have the courage to feel when they are watching the film.
AM: There were so many themes that we enjoyed when watching the film: redemption, resilience, fortitude, and even being able to establish things in the future that you know will not be yours to enjoy; however, you have created the fingerprint for that to happen. Of course, the whole past, present, future of everything that is going on in the film is just really great. What stuck out for you as moments in the film that you really enjoyed?
JH: God, there’s so much! You know what? It’s wonderful when you’re able to step back and say, this role is yours. Run, enjoy, feel it, and experience it. Witnessing the actors coming together and what was made, the writing was elevated to such an extent, but that is exactly again, going to the beauty of relationships. I have to say that I think that what Michael and a lot of our actors did is that they gave very honest performances. There’s a lot of truth in them and I think that everyone is always talking about forgetting to go to the movies. I always say that I like to remember things and I like to feel that scene in my heart and gut and I want to wake up thinking about that.
Certain images – I like when everything comes together and that’s usually as a common goal. There are a lot of surprising scenes that on the page read one way, but my God it’s gorgeous to witness 2 lovely actors take it and run with it. You know, it was magic. I spent a lot of time crying when I was looking at the monitors. It was huge moments of gratitude for me.
AM: Michael, was there anything that stuck out with you?
MCP: In the filming? Every single day! Every single day, every single moment. It’s a beautiful memory for me. Listening to Jack talk, you know, I don’t know why I started thinking about when I was a little boy and my mother has 4 kids tugging on her and we’re trying to make ends meet and she would buy $1 movies at Blockbuster. Blockbuster was going out of business and she would buy $1 movies, and I would just sit in front of all of these movies and I never saw a bad movie, I never saw a movie that I didn’t like.
JH: Yeah, right!
MCP: These films changed people. A film that makes you feel is a film that you see and it changes people. Those were films that changed my whole direction of life!
Every moment of every single day of every single second that I was filming, it was incredible! So people should go see it!
AM: In thinking about the concept of deadlines with the movie literally being the Day of the Fight, you know that you’re seeing everything that is happening or lead up to the day of the fight, but you also understand that there is this health condition that is going on so if he does box, this could be another timeline that takes place. What was the thought behind running these multiple timelines as well as the past, present, future, aspect as well?
MCP: Jack, you mentioned this wonderful quote by Hitchcock (Psycho, Rear Window, The Birds) and I think it’s so great that you need to say it.
JH: Yeah, Hitchcock did an early - well before I say that, in this film initially, you didn’t find out about his medical condition in this script until the fight and when he gets knocked down. Then you put things together and realize why this day has been like this.
It’s funny because when I was in the edit, I used an old Hitchcock quote which is, “2 people sitting at a table having a conversation and that’s one thing. You put a bomb under the table, the conversation becomes very different.”
MCP: So his condition is the bomb.
AM: Right.
JH: His condition is the bomb, but the audience –
MCP: Which is brilliant.
JH: It’s good for the audience to know that because every single one of those scenes where you know it’s a ticking bomb makes that scene all the more weighty because it’s possibly the last time that he is seeing any of these people. So you’re on this journey that only Irish Mike knows about!
MCP: From a writing standpoint, it’s a really brilliant thing for people to hear.
JH: Yeah.
MCP: It sets and puts the tension in every scene.
JH: Every scene!
MCP: It puts the motivation in every scene, every character, and so his condition is the bomb under the table during the conversation.
JH: And you know that, so it’s even better when you’re watching it for the second time. Even though you know it when you're watching it for the first time, it works great for the second time as it is really set in. A lot of people have come to multiple screenings and they have told me that they are so happy that they got to see it again. They gained so much more from the second viewing. I love films that you can watch over and over again! I think that this is a film that you can watch a bunch of times.
AM: Our thoughts exactly as we want to watch it again. Even when watching it last night in preparation for today’s discussion, it was incredible. We love a film that is in black and white. There was nothing to not love about this film. In an additional viewing, it will be great to see more of the little things that maybe weren’t seen the first time! Just from top to bottom, it was a great watch! Then to be able to see it and talk with both of you about this has been really amazing!
MCP: Ditto! Ditto! It’s really nice to talk to you as well.
AM: So great chatting with you and I hope that it gets all of the awards it deserves because it’s so great!
JH: You’re so sweet! Please go yell that at the rafters as we need people to come and support this movie!
AM: 100%
JH: We love you for it!
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Front/Back Cover, PG 16 - 27 + 30 - 43 Day of the Fight/Jeong Park | PG 28 Day of the Fight/Peter Simsonite |
Read the DEC ISSUE #108 of Athleisure Mag and see FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU LOVE | Jack Huston + Michael C. Pitt in mag.
This month, we kicked off a new series, THE 9LIST 9TASTING that you'll see a lot more of as we head into 2025. We kicked off this inaugural event at Orange Glou which carries natural orange wines and is founded by Doreen Winkler. Orange Glou is the world's only wine club and store dedicated exclusively to orange wines. She was also named one of America's Top Sommeliers by Forbes.
We enjoyed spending time with her in her Lower East Store with our virtual event which took place on IG Live as well as being available on our YouTube channel. She talks about natural wines, orange wines, the selection of orange wines we can enjoy in a number of situations, her passion and the history of these wines, and more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: It’s so great to have you join us on IG Live and if you miss anything, you’ll be able to see this on our YouTube channel, our THE 9LIST app, and of course, in Athleisure Mag's DEC ISSUE #108. We’re here today for our THE 9LIST Holiday Event which basically focuses on our must-haves, things that we can enjoy, do, and have.
Today, we’re here for our THE 9LIST 9TASTING event and we’re kicking it off with Doreen Winkler who has been in our issues a number of times and we’re excited because we’re in her store right now with all of these celebratory balloons as they were part of 5-year club celebration as Orange Glou was established in late 2019. She is going to talk to us today about natural orange wines, the store and we’re going to talk about some wines that you can have when you’re holidaying, sitting at home, or bingeing your favorite shows.
So thank you for having us here as you know I love you.
DOREEN WINKLER: It’s really good to see you. Thank you for having me as this is an amazing little set up!
AM: I love a good beverage set up! Can you tell our viewers what natural orange wines are?
DW: So yeah, it’s basically 2 questions, I have to be honest because there’s natural wine and then there’s orange wine. But we are definitely combining the two for sure at Orange Glou because we only feature natural orange wines.
Natural wines are basically wines that are made in a way that you would naturally romantically think of how wines are made. Perfectly ripe grapes, hand harvested at the right time, not the foul ones, not the green ones, the perfect ripe grapes that have not been sprayed with any chemicals – hand harvested in small buckets so that they don’t burst and get any bacteria in there. Then they basically get crushed and there are no additions in that. Sometimes in the bottling there is a tiny amount of sulfur which we always say that it has to be at least under 20mg, but honestly, I’m getting lower and lower. I have so many zero-zero wines (wines with no added yeasts or sulfur) in here which we call, the cool kids call, the no added sulfur wines. They have been really stable now for the last year. That’s basically what natural wine is. The romantic way that wine is actually made, but unfortunately, there is also a non-romantic way but we’re not going to talk about that!
AM: Haha we’re not going to talk about that!
DW: Orange wine is made from white grapes only. There are about 20,000 varieties out there. I always talk about the varieties, because the varieties are everything. While they are white grapes, they really have different skin colors, there are green grapes, there are yellow grapes, there are golden grapes, there are grapes with little pink freckles I call it, like Pinot Grigio or Gewürztraminer; also, some have thicker and some have thinner skins, the way that they are built it’s very different and it really affects the color of the wine. It really affects how you make the orange wine and in short, orange wine is basically macerated on the skins, you usually do it foot trodden so you stomp it with your feet – clean feet! And you leave them together, the juice, the skins, the seeds, and sometimes the stems. That could be for a day or it could be for a year. It really depends on the grape variety and what the wine maker wants to achieve. Natural wines are really handmade in that sense. So they are often tested every single day on how it is reacting, how it is maturing, and it’s very exciting. I have done 15 harvests – I’m getting old! It’s very tiring!
AM: I can imagine!
DW: But every time, it’s also magic! I love learning and you learn something every single time. It’s beautiful in the vineyards and even though I prefer doing more cellar work, I love the combination which is really great. The picking process really hurts your back!
AM: Wow! That’s a process!
So, how long has orange wine been around? In a condensed form because I’m sure you could do an in-depth Encyclopedia Britannica on this topic!
DW: It’s been around for about 8,000 years. It originated in what’s now the Republic of Georgia. They wanted to make wine you know, with their hands. They didn’t have any machinery or anything. They heard about white wine and they had their grapes and they foot-trodden them as well and then they were like, how are we going to get the skins out? Back then, there was no press and I think that they were trying, but the skins were 30% of the juice so you’re really losing alcohol if you’re trying to do that. They were the first ones and they really enjoyed it. They ate a lot of medieval meals so it was nose to tail, the whole pig and fish over the fire. This style of wine really paired well with it.
I feel like that is why I also became so obsessed with it because really there was this restaurant Aska where I wasn't really able to find a lot of pairings and we had a 19 course menu and every course had to be paired. That’s how I got into this mess ha!
So yeah, they have been doing it for 8,000 years and really only in the last 40 years has it come to the rest of the world.
AM: It’s like a hidden secret in plain sight since it has been around for such a long time.
DW: Yeah, they kept it to themselves.
AM: You have given us a condensed history on orange wines. So from the perspective of today’s THE 9LIST 9TASTING event, we want to look at different wines for different situations. If we’re going for Brunch and we want something that is a lighter wine, what would you suggest for 3 wines?
DW: Well, we have these 3 wines lined up here.
AM: Which magically appeared!
DW: Maybe we should taste these 3. The first one is from Franz Strohmeier and we missed you at the fair this year because he was here. The one and only!
AM: We will never miss another fair again! I already put it in my calendar!
DW: You shouldn’t! It takes too long to make them. I have several panic attacks in between.
AM: There are always a few of those when you’re putting something out.
DW: But at the end, the day of, it’s amazing! I visited him [Strohmeier] on a trip and I feel like my team pushed me out of the door because it was really hard for me to leave my baby alone. But I went first to Italy, and then I went to Czechia as I really needed to see what was happening there, and then I went to Slovenia, and then I finished up in Austria. So 4 countries.
He’s in Styria in Austria and this one is called Weisser Frizzante it’s from Pinot Blanc and also Sauvignon Blanc. It’s on the skin for a little bit, about 3 weeks and then aged in wooden barrels for a little bit and then bottled for a secondary fermentation and it’s just really refreshing and it has like beautiful floral aromas, it’s juicy, it’s mineral and it has so much finesse and that’s how you want to start off your Saturday or Sunday Brunch I think. It’s really elegant and it’s not your mimosa. It’s your Holiday Brunch for sure.
This wine has so much finesse and I absolutely love this wine. I can’t wait to drink it so that is why I am not talking.
AM: I love a good Holiday Brunch and this is very nice!
DW: I think that you can taste that it has a beautiful minerality, it has floral notes, and it also has a little bit of a mushroomy, beautiful citrus and very refreshing.
AM: It’s nice that it has an interesting balance between an Earthy and curranty like an evanescence at the same time. It’s a very nice palette cleanser between everything. It’s very enjoyable.
DW: It’s a good holiday wine I think. I don’t even want to pour this into the bucket, but you can’t drink that much.
Then we have this wine, from Domaine Lebled they are out in the Loire – it’s basically classified as Vin De France because they are a little rebellious and they are not following the rules that the Loire region wants. This is made from one of my absolute favorite wine variety called the Menu Pineau which is only 1% of grape varieties in the Loire. It’s very special as I see a lot of mushroomy aromas like very earthy and also beautiful minerality and elegance. It’s about 2 weeks on the skins and it’s just really really delicious.
I think that you should give it a little swirl. This is about 2 weeks on the skins and you see that it is a little bit darker in color and again, that has to do with the grape variety. I also really highly recommend to look up your grape varieties. You can really tell when you now look up, okay there was Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc in there – how do they look like? Then you’re able to understand a lot more. Give it a whirl!
AM: What do you mean by mushroomy wine?
DW: Just that it has more of that earthier aroma.
AM: It’s sweeter than the other one.
DW: I would not call it sweet.
AM: Really?
DW: It just has more Brut. But they are all dry.
AM: Right, it’s very dry. It’s very nice.
DW: So I would say that it has a little bit of yellow plum. There’s this mushroomy thing that I was telling you about earlier. Maybe even a black tea.
AM: Yeah, I’m definitely getting that.
DW: The minerality – people always just think that orange wine is this punchy, ridiculous, overpowering, and weird thing. But I mean, this is fine wine. You can see that the first 2 examples that we have had right now because we’re about to open the last one – it’s like, full of finesse. It’s very beautiful and very well done.
I would actually have this with this amazing toast with wild mushrooms like they do at Dudleys for brunch!
AM: Ooo, I was thinking the same thing. I was thinking a toast with a duck confit.
DW: Well the mushroom toast doesn’t look good when you eat it, but I would eat it with a girlfriend that goes out with me, but not on a date. The mushrooms just fall off the toast as you eat them.
AM: Well I really love this one.
DW: It’s so good!
Then, you heard me talk about this before. I really love Czechia right now!
AM: The color of this one just pops!
DW: Then the last one which truly a holiday wine, this one is from Czechia and Czechia is really on fire right now when it comes to the region. This is from Donatus, they are making this from an indigenous grape and as you can tell, I like indigenous varieties. I got to visit them this year. It’s called Pálava and they only have that in Czechia and it’s a really deep rich amber wine with over a month on the skins and long aging in barrels for a couple of years. This has a lot of tea aroma, but also a little bit of dry mango and papaya. I really love this wine! It really gives it definition and extra layers. We really feel like this is a great holiday wine.
This could go really well with Steak and Eggs if you want to do Brunch.
AM: I can see that.
DW: It hits the spot. So when you smell this, I smell some sort of dry mango and papaya situation.
AM: I smell a lot of blossoms and maybe something that is like an Elderflower, but not quite. It’s hard to put my finger on it.
DW: Mmm, maybe some sort of a honeysuckle. Something that is really warm. There’s lots of layers. There is a little bit of a sage situation. There is also some black tea. I love this one!
AM: I mean, I have loved all 3, but this is very tasty. I can totally see why you said a steak or even a Cauliflower Steak.
DW: Totally or a Mushroom Risotto. Of course some Fried Chicken would be great as well with some waffles! Who doesn’t like that?
AM: Such a great combo.
DW: We definitely need to go to lunch after this.
AM: I know, my stomach just gurgled.
This tasting was amazing and we have additional bottles here and although we’re not tasting this selection, what are 3 that would be great for dinner when we hit that mode?
DW: Ah I only have 100 wines here!
AM: I know it’s tough and for those watching and eventually reading, you’re missing out because you should really be coming to Orange Glou to see these wines if you are here in NY as there is a beautiful selection. But for the purposes of this event, I am forcing you to pick 3 for dinner!
DW: I would say – oooh there are so many! I’m a big fan of Gut Oggau, they make a lot of different delicious wines in Austria – like Theodora. I’m also really obsessed with Austria right now. It’s just a region that really keeps on giving and the quality has become just really high. They make this really delicious Grüner Veltliner that is only a couple of days on the skins. It has this finesse, it has the green juicy apple, peppercorn minerality and layers – that’s a really good one.
I just got to try this amazing wine from Skegro Winery in Bosnia Herzegovina the first time that we had the wine in this store. The grape variety is called Zilavka and this is a couple of months on the skins. It has this very tangeriney feel even though I try not to talk about citrus fruits because we have people coming in here every day asking what kind of oranges are in the orange wines – none! It just really has the layers and an Earthy aroma with a very citrusy and grapefruity – pink grapefruit – very delicious! I really hope to dig deeper into that country for sure.
We also have amazing Slovenian wines here and I just got to visit earlier this year. It’s really an amazing memory. A lot of those wines are not currently imported and that was really hard to see and I’m trying to help, but it’s not really a good time to do that. We are having some really nice wines – from a great producer over there who is actually French who married a Slovenian woman.
AM: Ok, I see the connection because I was like how did that pairing happen?
DW: Their winery is called Kabaj and he makes really nice Rebula which is Ribolla Gialla [grape] which is really delicious, really layered, really rich, really good for your steak wine, I would stay.
AM: Ooo I love a steak wine!
DW: I’m really obsessed with this producer as well. Franco Terpin, he is in Italy, actually on the Slovenian border. I was able to also visit him this year. He’s an icon and I have been admiring his wines for 15+ years and now you know how old I am. He makes this Friulano that is a couple of months on the skins. It kind of has this persimmon taste. There’s not a lot of wines out there that have that note. It’s layered and it’s like this tropical persimmon situation which I really really love it.
Maybe in terms of a paring, something like – I feel like, something vegetable driven like roasted vegetables like something over a fire that I can see like carrots.
AM: Or roasted squash.
DW: Squash, something in that direction.
And then, this one is from Jura, France it’s called Domaine L’Octavin. It’s a female producer and she’s very awesome and a really wild one. It’s really extreme how she has been doing wine. She has been doing zero sulfur wines for many many years. This is a Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris blend. It’s about a month on the skins. It’s really really dark in color, we can’t see it right now. But I highly recommend this for anybody to seek out – any of these bottles really.
This could be a great idea with so many things! I love this with a duck confit and some sort of a raspberry coulis like the old school French kind of cooking.
AM: I was just going to say that it feels like a Julia Child moment like a Coq au Vin!
DW: Ahh Coq au Vin that would be nice too!
AM: And tasty!
DW: To add a third to this mix, we haven’t really added any US producers today. This is one of my favorite producers in the US. The winery is called Ruth Lewandowski but really the producer is named Evan Lewandowski and he makes wines basically out in California in Mendocino. He often brings them back to age them in his home state of Utah. So it is a very interesting story. He works a lot with Italian varieties. As you know, none of them are native and they are all implanted into the US over the years. This is made from the Cortese grape. In Italy, the Cortese grape is used for Gavi di Gavi and nothing can be more boring than Gavi di Gavi. It’s literally like if you told me that you have a Cortese for me, I’d shake my head and say, “I can not!” As a Sommelier and especially in the 2000’s, I was 22 when I actually had my first Sommelier job. And in the 2000s, everyone was drinking Gavi. I would just have nightmares over this, but then he changed my world.
This Cortese is 6 months on the skins and there is really nothing like that out there. And actually, it tastes like root vegetables. Like the beautiful, roasted, organic, sweet carrots!
AM: Oh wow!
DW: I would even almost say that it kind of has a bit of a curry note. Also celery root – I know that that is not really common in America and I’m always looking for it because my dad always made me a celery root salad. It was kind of a pickled thing and we also do a lot for the holidays, a Celery Root Purée especially with Venison, it’s a classic. It’s also great with some Brussel Sprouts.
AM: That sounds great!
DW: That was a holiday dish from my family actually for years. This could be amazing even pairing it with some root vegetables, venison, and some purée.
AM: I am definitely intrigued about this. I also love the little cap.
DW: It’s really great!
AM: The label has an upside down bear!
DW: The funny thing is that now that I am recalling it, the restaurant that I consulted with after Aska, this was the first one that I put on by the glass. So, that is really a special wine and I also recommend visiting him in Southern California if you can because it’s really cool.
That was another 3!
AM: What about 3 when we’re wrapping presents? I mean obviously we should be doing everything responsibly in the comfort of our homes. But when are 3 orange wines when we’re wrapping presents moments before when people are coming that we can enjoy?
DW: I must say that when I am wrapping presents, it feels like it has to be sparkling.
AM: Oh yes!
DW: Yes, because it kind of gives you that feeling that you’re getting in the mood. One of my absolute favorite sparkling besides Franz Strohmeier “Weisser Frizzante” which I absolutely love this one of course, I love this wine from Italy called Vej Brut from Podere Pradarolo is the producer in Emilia-Romagna they very much specialized in Malvasia which is really great when somebody does that. They really show us so many facets of how this grape can be utilized. Vej Brut is always a late release. It is actually made a little bit in the way of champagne – just different and it has a really long time on the lees (old yeast particles) like champagne is. It’s the most powerful sparkling wine that I have ever seen and there is nothing like it. It looks copper in color.
AM: Oh wow!
DW: It’s really a trip if you ever get to try it, you will never forget it.
AM: I’m just looking at the smile on your face and it says it all, that we are all missing out by not having had this.
DW: If you don’t want to go as deep and you want to share this specific wine with guests which I don’t recommend!
AM: Your guests will say, we want more!
DW: Exactly!
There are just so many options out there! There’s a German producer called Weingut Idler, we’ve had this wine a lot here and they make an insane Muscat. That Muscat has this really nice fresh minerality and juicy ripe pears. It feels like you’re eating them. I eat a lot of pears and people laugh at me because I’m German, I’m not exotic.
AM: Yeah, you like pears!
DW: It’s like you’re eating this perfectly ripe pear. It’s so delicious and I can’t wait to get it back here. You know, we just can’t order everything and have it here at the same time. Wines are sold out, they’re in small quantities, it's natural wines and we can’t have it all at the same time! But we also like rotating things. That’s a lot of fun.
Another wine that I love is from Japan and it’s sparkling – huge fan! I’ve been begging to get some here and I think I have asked 4 times. I keep asking the winemaker, when are you sending some? It’s called Grape Republic and it’s in Yamagata which is in my favorite region for sake. They make really good wine there and they have their own varieties which are kind of hybrid varieties like Niagara, Delaware, and Neo Muscat. That wine, I can’t wait to get it because it’s coming today!
AM: When you’re thinking about Après Ski or holidaying at the beach – what are 3 wines that you think are great for that?
DW: For relaxing, there are a bunch!
AM: Haha and I need 3!
DW: If you are really on the holiday or vacation. Then you have already spent so much money that it doesn’t make any difference to have a bottle for around $100. This is from Muster. This is basically Sauvignon Blanc and a little bit of Chardonnay and also from Styria in Austria. When I talk to him, he doesn’t say much. I’m actually always surprised when I get another word out of him. He says that the label should really reflect the wine. When you have actually had the wine, you understand it. It’s kind of like this layered, beautiful, dark orange wine with a really long skin maceration and then it goes into the barrel and then it goes into these beautiful bottles that are twice as heavy as these regular bottles. So I am going to put it down! It has this tropical deliciousness with these ripe peaches and these apricots and even pears.
AM: It’s a holiday in a bottle.
DW: It really is a holiday in a bottle. I have had this on the beach because it made a lot of sense. So I highly recommend this.
If I could get that bottle which has the OG label (Nespor Rajsky X Orange Glou Sylvaner 2020) on it. This is something that we put together that the producer from Czechia – I mean, I have really been helping (or trying to) out there a lot. As you know, these producers are all small and they live in these small little villages. There was a wine specifically produced for us. But the specific Sylvaner looks pinkish and I feel like this grape is also 1% and it’s really used sporadically (there is a little bit in Alsace) but they’re the only ones that have it in Czechia. I was just so impressed and it has a long skin maceration and amazing layers of favor. I would say, it has a bit of a pineapple note as well. It really brings in that holiday spirit or that vacation spirit that I was trying to say. I could really see this at the beach even though it has a lot of density. Both of these do. I think that they bring a lot of pleasure on the holiday.
Lastly, I would recommend the “Les Vins Pirouettes Alsace Le Brutal!!! De Claude Blanc”, made from Riesling and Sylvaner in Alsace. I am a huge fan of the “Brutal labels.” They are around the world now, but they originated from Bar Brutal in Barcelona. They asked a bunch of producers from all over the world to produce a “wild wine for them.” Then this went into the Brutal series. It had to be zero-zero so no additions whatsoever. It was like 300 bottles that each had to produce in the beginning. Then the wine became so popular that now there is a little bit more. It not only goes to Bar Brutal, but it also goes around the world. If somebody was going to make a wine for Orange Glou only, it does not go around the world! I am possessive with my wines and it would only be here.
This one is made by a wine producer in Alsace. It’s from Sylvaner Riesling and I think a little bit of Muscat is in there too. It really is wild. How can I describe it? It has a bit of those crunchier tannins. It’s really tight and precise. It has a kind of rhubarb kind of note to it. Lots of floral notes, orange, zesty –
AM: It definitely sounds like it has some zip in it.
DW: It has a lot of zip in it. Really fresh aroma.
AM: We have talked about all of these wines in terms of our lifestyles. When you’re thinking about when you’re getting ready to wrap your presents, what are some wines that we can enjoy for that mode?
DW: Well, I would go back to Sparkling, I feel that it kind of brings you a lot of joy and if you want something that is a little bit lighter and that it is fun and raises your spirit, I of course would go back to Strohmeier’s sparkling, because it is so delicious and I can’t wait to drink a little bit more!
AM: Very true!
DW: We have this Brut from Italy called Pradarolo. They focus on Malvasia which I really like and they are really old vineyards. There are so many different expressions that I have been very impressed with their wines. It’s called Vej Brut. It’s always a late release and it’s 8 years old. I highly recommend this, it’s coppery in color. It’s dense and it’s intense. I never want to share it. SO drink fast before your people come!
We also have, you see that ginormous bottle over there. This is actually the first time in the US – can I bring it?
AM: Yeah! Bring it over! We can’t tease the people. They want to know how big this bottle is.
DW: This is from Partida Creus, it’s called SM <3 V and they are up in Spain. I actually did a harvest there. This specific wine they only make in magnums and double magnums. It’s really really limited and we only have 2 bottles of this.
AM: What size is this?
DW: This is a double magnum so that is a 3 liter bottle. They only work with abandoned vineyards. They only work with indigenous varieties that nobody has ever heard of. They have a lot of bush wines which I did harvest there. I don’t recommend ha – no! It’s just really hard as you are dealing with old bush wines. There are like 2 or 3 little grape bunches in there. You have to go through the entire bush to try to find it and it’s just really hard on your back.
AM: Just watching you do the motions made my back ache!
DW: There were pomegranate trees and honestly this has a bit of pomegranate feel to it. It’s these bursts of flavors that pops literally and it’s just a beautiful NYE bottle. I was able to have a smaller size of the magnum on NYE last year and yeah, that was a lot of fun.
I also really recommend doing a harvest at least once in your life. It’s really special in how everybody works together and you get to see how the memories will last forever and even though the bush wines broke my back, it was totally fine!
AM: What are 3 orange wines that pair well while enjoying your favorite football/basketball snacks when homegating?
DW: For homegating while watching the game, a super fun pét-nat like the Sicilian Fabio Ferracane “Foddreé” 2022 is great with Buffalo wings; a lighter bodied Tutti Fruitti Ananas “Nespola” 2022 from France to go with chips and dip; and the Keltis “Sivi Pinot” 2018 from Slovenia has bold, yeasty notes that go great with pigs in a blanket.
AM: What are 3 orange wines that pair well while watching some of our favorite shows such as The Bachelor, Red Carpet looks during Awards Season, or other streamed shows?
DW: Enjoy a sparkling Milan Nestarec “Danger 380 Volts” 2023 from Czechia while watching The Bachelor; a Franz Strohmeier “Wein der Stille-TLZ" 2019 from Austria during the fashionable Red Carpet for its elegant, sophisticated flavor; and something easy yet exciting with only a couple days of skin contact, like the Kumpf & Meyer “Badinerie Restons Nature” 2022 from France, while streaming a light-hearted show like Man on The Inside.
AM: What are 3 orange wines that pair well with lighter desserts like macarons, creme brulee, and gelato?
DW: Due to the skin-contact fermentation process, orange wines are dry and therefore don’t typically pair well with sweets and desserts. However, there are a couple of exceptions like the sparkling Grape Republic “Aromatico” 2022 from Japan, which has some residual sugar; and sweet orange vermouths like Matthiasson Sweet Vermouth No. 6 from Napa Valley and the Channing Daughters “VerVino Vermouth Variation 5” from Long Island.
AM: What are 3 orange wines that pair well to gift someone who loves a fuller bodied wine?
DW: For someone who likes fuller bodied wines, I recommend getting them L’Octavin “Hip Hip J…” 2021 from France; Franco Terpin “JKT” 2018 from Italy; or the Brooklyn Oenology “Broken Land” 2014 from the Finger Lakes in New York State.
AM: What are 3 orange wines that could be an option to gift if you are attending a dinner party?
DW: The wine you bring to a dinner party should be a conversation piece. It should have a story and be unique. Go with something like the Ghvardzelashvili’s Marani "Gua" 2020 from the Republic of Georgia, the country where orange wines originated over 8,000 years ago. The dry Kristinus “Liquid Sundowner” 2020 from Hungary is another great unique option, as Hungary is more known for its sweet wines. And one of my favorites is the Laurent Bannwarth “Synergie Qvevri” 2012 from Alsace, which is from a winemaker who releases wines no earlier than 10 years after making them, and in this case uses a traditional Georgian qvevri, an earthenware vessel, to make the wine.
AM: That’s amazing! You gave us a great sampling and for those of you that are watching us live now, in Athleisure Mag’s DEC ISSUE #108, this THE 9LIST Holiday Event 9TASTING will be transcribed for this edition you’ll be able to see everything as well as links back to the wines that she is referencing so you can come into the shop here or go online.
Doreen, you’ve talked a bit about your store’s assortment, let’s talk about your store Orange Glou specifically. What can people expect when they come in and can they request a specific orange wine that they can pick up here as you kind of spoke a little bit about that.
DW: We have a beautiful little storefront where we separated it between retail and the tasting room that we are doing this 9TASTING from right now and where we have had a lot of fun events. As you can see, we have our balloons here as we just had our 5th Year Anniversary for our Orange Wine Club, but we throw some sick parties here. We just hosted a 25th birthday party and she said it was the best party that she had ever had! We pumped up the music and played all the songs that they want to hear. There is a small retail section that we divide our wines into Sparkling, Medium Bodied, and Fuller Bodied wines. You can talk to our sales associates. I always say, talk to us please and don’t just go to the vino app as it doesn’t really tell you anything that you like. We also have our wine club in the front that can be picked up or that can be shipped. We have a top shelf of the best of the best. What can I say?
AM: Where do you ship to?
DW: We ship to 44 states. There’s a couple of them that we can’t do such as Arkansas, Michigan, Hawaii, - just to name a few.
AM: Are there any events coming up – we know that you just had your 5th Anniversary and of course you recently had your Orange Glou Fair which we were unable to go to this year but we will be back next year!
DW: I’ve written down who didn’t come!
AM: We were the bad kids that didn’t come, but we were there last year and there were tons of wines, some that we had had previously, and a number of new ones to get to know. What events should we mark our calendars for?
DW: We are actually potentially doing something here for New Years – a little pop-up event. I’m kind of leaning towards making it private so if you guys want to have a really cool orange wine dinner, reach out and DM me. We’re looking into that and there have been so many parties this year that I am exhausted. I’m kind of like, there’s only a couple days left until the New Year and I’m actually getting ready for my trip to France to go on some wine adventures. I have nothing in the books right now, but I’m still playing with New Year’s Eve because it’s such a cool space and I kind of want to do something.
I am looking forward to closing this year out , it had a lot of downs for me, but also some ups! I want to go on tour to France and see some really cool wines and wine fairs. I really live this. My vacations are actually always tied to wine. But I’m really excited, I’ll be in Montpellier, I’ll be in Paris. I’ll be in the Loire region. It will be a lot of fun.
AM: It’s a really cute space!
Is there anything going on in this category like a new innovation or a new hybrid? Sometimes when you’re talking with people who are in the sake community, they will tell you that there is this particular new thing that they are trying to do. Is there anything like that that you are seeing or even a trend whether it’s in natural wines or specifically in orange wines?
DW: I would say that I just love how other countries are now looking at how they are making orange wines. There are a lot of hybrids (grape varieties that are non vinifera) that people have been working with and there’s a lot of different techniques that people are trying out and vessels that they are now using. I find it really interesting that a producer in Italy is saying that he is using a lot of marble. Marble in Italy is very cheap and then you buy it here and it’s very expensive. So I found that really interesting and the kinds of vessels that people are using now and there’s like a myth that the oak is kind of gone because everybody thinks that when you make orange wine with new oak that it becomes a Chardonnay that is buttery – it doesn’t. It’s like the use of oak being done correctly can actually be really special. A leader in that is definitely Schmelzer who was also at the fair for the last 3 years. I love that guy!
AM: We did enjoy having their wines last year!
DW: We tasted about 50 barrels in his home in the Summer. I was there for 2 nights and didn’t go to bed until 2 or 3am. I was never actually tipsy or drunk. I really wanted to learn and we just tasted literally the same grape from the same vintage and from different barrels. I learned a lot over there.
AM: What an incredible experience! I could talk with you for hours and I’m sure that this will not be the last time that we do something like this. I appreciate those who are viewing this right now that also took the time to join us for our THE 9LIST Holiday Event for 9TASTING!
For people who want to know more information or to know where the store is, where can they go?
DW: You can go to orangeglou.com but also please go to orangegloufair.com to find out when our next wine fair is. We always highlight over 100 orange wines and you can really learn because there’s sparkling, lighter bodied, and you’ll learn about all of the grape varieties. You can also come here to the physical store which is on 264 Broome St which is between Allen and Orchard.
AM: This has been such an amazing experience and we have loved Doreen for a while now and the fact that we can come together to do this is amazing. I appreciate you kicking off our 9TASTING with THE 9LIST 9TASTING and we can’t wait to bring more experiences to you and you can see both of our videos on our IG Live as well as our tasting video on our YouTube channel. We appreciate the time, walking us through everything and seeing the Double Magnum.
IG @orange_glou
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 58 - 69 + 77 Dustin Niles | PG 70 - 73 + 78 Nina Scholl |
Read the DEC ISSUE #108 of Athleisure Mag and see ORANGE GLOU | Doreen Winkler in mag.
The 24th X Games Aspen 2025 takes place Jan 23rd - 25th for its 24th year. These games will take place in Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen Snowmass where the world's best action sports athletes competing in ski and snowboard events. These days present men’s and women’s ski and snowboard competitions in the disciplines of Superpipe, Slopestyle, Big Air, Knuckle Huck and the debut of medaled event Street Style.
We're excited to see a number of our favorite X Games and Olympic medalists which have included Chloe Kim, Mia Brookes, Ayumu Hirano, Scotty James and local hometown heroes Red Gerard and Alex Ferreira.
There will also be performances by EDM artists deadmau5 (who appeared at the games in 2016), Big Gigantic, Aspen Tessla, Daily Bread and ILLENIUM.
We sat down with 2X Olympic Team USA Snowboarding and 3X X Games medalist, Hailey Langland who will be a snowboarding analyst at the X Games. We spoke with her to talk about her career, passion for the sport, and the upcoming games.
ATHLEISURE MAG: You grew up in Southern California and clearly, you're an amazing snowboarder, but you were also a beach loving girl that has a love for surfing, skateboarding, soccer, mountain biking and more! What do you love about playing sports and having that ability to play a number of them?
HAILEY LANGLAND: I have to owe a lot of credit to my parents. My dad was always trying to get my little brother and I outside to find a passion and an outlet from the rest of the world. We were well versed when it came to sports. I find that it’s helped round me into the athlete I am today. Snowboarding is my first love, but I always try to make time for other passions like surfing and biking in the summer.
AM: What is it about snowboarding that you love?
HL: I definitely fell in love with snow boarding because of my dad. I could see how excited he was to share his passion with me, and I enjoyed chasing him down the mountain. One of my favorite days was learning how to ride goofy, and my dad and I rode switch for the entire day. He always made it fun, and reminded me to keep it fun.
AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a professional snowboarder?
HL: I’ve always known I was meant to snowboard my whole life. But I don’t think I even thought about being a professional until I went to my first “pro” competition in Mammoth when I was 14. It was a contest that had competitors from the Sochi Olympics and girls I watched in X-Games in it. I ended up winning the event, and I remember standing on the podium besides Anna Gasser and Enni Rukajarvi. I thought, oh my goodness, maybe I can be like the girls I watch on tv. After that event I got wildcard spots to Dew Tour, X Games, and Burton US Open; all contests I watched religiously growing up. That really jumpstarted my career and made it a reality.
AM: As a surfer and snowboarder, what are the synergies between these sports?
HL: Surfing is super hard, which makes me appreciate snowboarding so much. There’s a lot more thoughtfulness to surfing that I think a lot of people realize. Surfing not only requires good athletic abilities, but also the ability of wave knowledge and reading the ocean. But I love watching videos of surfers like Coco Ho, Stephanie Gilmore or Caity Simmers, who have tons of style, and thats something I try to bring to my snowboarding. I find the best cross over from surfing and snowboarding is when you’re riding powder, and it feels just like surfing on a wave, weaving back and forth just trying to make it look good.
AM: You have had 7 Games appearances and are a 3X X Games medalist and have earned a Bronze, Silver, and Gold medal in Slopestyle and a Gold in Big Air. Can you tell us what Slopestyle and Big Air is?
HL: Slopestyle is an event I specialize in. It’s where you ride the given features of the course; such as: jumps, rails, and transition features like a halfpipe wall. Big Air is a smaller version of slopestyle based on one jump. Usually, the jump is bigger than in a slopestyle, and the criteria is to spin or flip as much as you can, and land the trick, as well as make it look good. My favorite event is slopestyle because it is what I grew up doing.
AM: In 2017, you were the first woman to land a Cab double cork 1080 in competition at X Games Aspen! What did it mean to you to achieve this and tell us about what a Cab Double Cork is?
HL: It’s pretty crazy to look back on that time. I was just a kid, and had no idea what I was doing in that contest. I did the Cab 1080 on accident in practice and just thought, alright guess I’ll try that in the contest. Luckily for me it worked out, and I was able to land it second try. I wish I still had that ability to adapt and try things like I could when I was 16. To help visualize, a Cab 1080 is when you ride switch into a jump, for me that is goofy stance, and you would spin to the right three full rotations.
AM: You're known for your ability to push the boundaries of progression on jumps, distinctive style with solid grabs as well as difficult ones! You have received a number of awards including FIS World Cup with 5 career podiums (3 in Slopestyle and 2 in Big Air), you competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Big Air and in Slopestyle and again at the 2022 Winter Olympics, and more. What does it mean to you when you look at your career and all the things that you have experienced?
HL: It makes me really proud, looking back and seeing what I have accomplished, through all the ups and downs. I will always be grateful for snowboarding. It has been the reason I have gotten to travel so much of the world, and have met so many amazing people within the industry.
AM: This year, you are making your debut at the X Games on the broadcast team as a Women's Snowboard Analyst! Why are you excited to be part of this team and what are you looking forward to?
HL: In November I had ACL reconstruction on my right knee, so I will be out for this season unfortunately. I’m excited to stay involved, even if it doesn’t mean I can ride. It will be cool to see X Games from a different perspective, and to see what it looks like to be another part of such an important contest.
AM: How are you preparing to be on the broadcast team?
HL: I’m going with the ‘on the fly’ approach. Luckily, I’ve known Craig and Brando for years at this point now, so hopefully it will just feel like watching a competition with friends.
AM: Do you have any upcoming competitions that you are preparing for?
HL: Since I had ACL surgery at the end of November, I most likely won’t be snowboarding for the next year. So as of now my preparation is mostly physical therapy for my knee, and getting the rest of my body back in shape.
AM: At Athleisure Mag, we love knowing about how people stay in shape and as you are very active, what is an average week of workouts like for you?
HL: It depends. In the summer, it is very much go, go, go. I am lucky to live somewhere I can surf, or bike, play tennis, and golf all pretty much in my neighborhood. In the winter, snowboarding is primarily all I do. It can be an every day thing if the weather is good, but sometimes there are competitions we go to that get completely canceled because of the weather. On days off, I love getting in a core workout, and trying to get steps in. Any movement you can get in the winter is a big win.
AM: When you're taking time for yourself, what do you enjoy doing when you're not in between projects?
HL: I actually started crocheting a few years ago. I love making beanies for friends and family, and lately I’ve been getting into making bags which has been really fun. I’m pretty crafty and I usually always find a way to keep myself busy.
AM: We also know that you're dating fellow snowboarder, Red Gerard Team USA Olympic Slopestyle Gold Medalist, 2X X Games Medalist, 2X Dew Tour 1st place - to name a few. It must be fun to be able to share your love of snowboarding and surfing together. Do you have any upcoming trips that you are excited about?
HL: Red is my best friend. He’s so fun to be around, and he always pushes me to be better person and snowboarder. Since being injured, it’s been really hard to watch him pack up for a snowboard trip, and for the first time in our relationship, I don’t get to come along. It’s been another motivator for me to do whatever I can to get better, because I miss being around him, and taking laps together at our favorite resort. I think at the end of the winter we’ll try to go on a trip somewhere warm with waves.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 46 - 48 X Games Aspen Trevor Brown Jr. | Red Bull Content Pool PG 51 Lorenz Richard, PG 52 Dom Daher + PG 57 Christian Pondella | 9LIST STORI3S PG 54 X Games Aspen/Mark Kohlman/ESPN + PG 54 X Games/Joshua Duplechian |
Read the DEC ISSUE #108 of Athleisure Mag and see IN THE AIR | Hailey Langland in mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | ABC/Oscars
Today, actors Bowen Yang (SNL, Wickedd, Fire Island) and Rachel Sennott (Saturday Night, The Idol, Bottoms) were the host for the 97th Oscars nominations that were announced this morning. This show will be a bit different as there won’t be any live musical performances and in many ways it will be a love letter to LA who has been battling wildfires. This show is slated to air on Mar 2nd live on ABC and on Hulu.
As we do throughout Awards Season, we share our predictions in bold, the ones we correctly identified as winners are in bold italics and winners that we didn’t predict are in italics. On the night of the event, we will share who we predicted correctly as well as those we didn’t that won.
"Anora" (Neon)
"The Brutalist" (A24)
"A Complete Unknown" (Searchlight)
"Conclave" (Focus)
"Dune: Part Two" (Warner Bros.)
"Emilia Pérez" (Netflix)
"I'm Still Here" (Sony Classics)
"Nickel Boys" (Amazon/MGM)
"The Substance" (Mubi)
"Wicked" (Universal)
Sean Baker, "Anora"
Brady Corbet, "The Brutalist"
James Mangold, "A Complete Unknown"
Jacques Audiard, "Emilia Pérez"
Coralie Fargeat, "The Substance"
Cynthia Erivo, "Wicked"
Karla Sofia Gascón, "Emilia Pérez"
Mikey Madison, "Anora"
Demi Moore, "The Substance"
Fernanda Torres, "I'm Still Here"
Adrian Brody, "The Brutalist"
Timothée Chalamet, "A Complete Unknown"
Colman Domingo, "Sing Sing"
Ralph Fiennes, "Conclave"
Sebastian Stan, "The Apprentice"
Monica Barbaro, "A Complete Unknown"
Ariana Grande, "Wicked"
Felicity Jones, "The Brutalist"
Isabella Rossellini, "Conclave"
Zoe Saldaña, "Emilia Pérez"
Yura Borisov, "Anora"
Kieran Culkin, "A Real Pain"
Edward Norton, "A Complete Unknown"
Guy Pearce, "The Brutalist"
Jeremy Strong, "The Apprentice"
"Anora," Sean Baker
"The Brutalist," Brady Corbet & Mona Fastvold
"A Real Pain," Jesse Eisenberg
"September 5," Tim Fehlbaum & Moritz Binder
"The Substance," Coralie Fargeat
"A Complete Unknown," Jay Cocks & James Mangold
"Conclave," Peter Straughan
"Emilia Pérez," Jacques Audiard, Thomas Bidegain & Nicolas Livecchi
"Nickel Boys," RaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes
"Sing Sing," Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin & John "Divine G" Whitfield
"I'm Still Here," Walter Salles (Brazil)
"The Girl with the Needle," Magnus von Horn (Denmark)
"Emilia Pérez," Jacques Audiard (France)
"The Seed of the Sacred Fig," Mohammad Rasoulof (Germany)
"Flow," Miguel Gomes (Latvia)
"Black Box Diaries," Shiori Itō (MTV)
"No Other Land," Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham & Rachel Szor (No distributor)
"Porcelain War," Brendan Bellomo & Slava Leontyev (Picturehouse)
"Soundtrack for a Cout d'Etat," Johan Grimonprez (Kino Lorber)
"Sugarcane," Julian Brave NoiseCat & Emily Kassie (Nat Geo)
"Flow" (Janus Films/Sideshow)
"Inside Out 2" (Disney/Pixar)
"Memoir of a Snail" (IFC Films)
"Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl" (Aardman/Netflix)
"The Wild Robot" (Dreamworks/Universal)
"The Brutalist," Lol Crawley
"Dune: Part Two," Greig Fraser
"Emilia Pérez," Paul Guillaume
"Maria," Edward Lachman
"Nosferatu," Jarin Blaschke
"A Complete Unknown," Arianne Phillips
"Conclave," Lisy Christl
"Gladiator II," Janty Yates
"Nosferatu," Linda Muir
"Wicked," Paul Tazewell
"Anora," Sean Baker
"The Brutalist," Dávid Jancsó
"Conclave," Nick Emerson
"Emilia Pérez," Juliette Welfling
"Wicked," Myron Kerstein
"The Brutalist," Judy Becker
"Conclave," Suzie Davies
"Dune: Part Two," Patrice Vermette
"Nosferatu," Craig Lathrop
"Wicked," Nathan Crowley
"The Brutalist," Daniel Blumberg
"Conclave," Volker Bertelmann
"Emilia Pérez," Clément Ducol & Camille
"Wicked," John Powell & Stephen Schwartz
"The Wild Robot," Kris Bowers
"Never Too Late," "Elton John: Never Too Late" (Elton John & Brandi Carlile)
"El Mal," "Emilia Pérez" (Clement Ducol, Camille & Jacques Audiard)
"Mi Camino," "Emilia Pérez" (Clement Ducol & Camille)
"Like a Bird," "Sing Sing" (Adrian Quesada & Abraham Alexander)
"The Journey," "The Six Triple Eight" (Diane Warren)
"A Complete Unknown"
"Dune: Part Two"
"Emilia Pérez"
"Wicked"
"The Wild Robot"
"Alien: Romulus"
"Better Man"
"Dune: Part Two"
"Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes"
"Wicked"
"A Different Man"
"Emilia Pérez"
"Nosferatu"
"The Substance"
"Wicked"
"Death by Numbers"
"I Am Ready, Warden"
"Incident"
"Instruments of a Beating Heart"
"The Only Girl in the Orchestra"
"Beautiful Men"
"In the Shadow of the Cypress"
"Magic Candies"
"Wander to Wonder"
"Yuck!"
"A Lien"
"Anuja"
"I'm Not a Robot"
"The Last Ranger"
"The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent"
Bass fishing is an exciting challenge that tests both skill and adaptability. Weather, one of the most influential factors in fishing, often determines the success of a day on the water. Storms, in particular, can drastically change conditions, pushing anglers to adjust their strategies before and after the clouds roll in. Understanding these changes and preparing accordingly can make all the difference in reeling in your next big catch.
If you’re planning a trip or are considering an adventure like a fishing charter in Miami, understanding how storms impact fish behavior can help improve your success on the water. Let’s dive into how weather changes affect bass fishing and how you can adjust your tactics to make the most of any conditions.
PHOTO CREDIT | Freepik
Before a storm, the weather often shifts in a way that can energize bass activity. As barometric pressure drops, bass sense the change and may become more aggressive feeders. This is an excellent time to be on the water. Overcast skies, wind, and increased cloud cover often signal the onset of a storm, creating perfect conditions for active fishing.
Bass tend to move into shallower waters to feed more actively as they prepare for the coming turbulence. They are less wary and more likely to strike at a variety of lures. Use this window to experiment with different bait presentations, focusing on fast-moving lures like crankbaits or spinnerbaits to match the high-energy mood of the fish.
While fishing during a storm is not recommended for safety reasons, understanding how the storm influences bass behavior helps set you up for post-storm success. Heavy rains, strong winds, and churning water can disorient fish, forcing them to seek shelter in deeper or more stable parts of the water body.
Lightning poses a significant hazard to anglers, so always prioritize safety and head back to shore when storms approach.
After a storm, conditions often change dramatically. Clear skies and a rising barometer can make bass lethargic, especially if the water temperature drops. Fish tend to retreat to deeper structures or find cover in vegetation, making them less active and harder to locate.
However, don’t lose hope. Post-storm fishing is about patience and precision. Understanding where bass are likely to retreat and adjusting your approach can still yield success.
Storms often stir up sediment, especially in shallow areas, reducing water clarity. This can affect how bass perceive and respond to lures. In murky water, opt for bright or noisy lures that are easier for fish to detect. Spinnerbaits with reflective blades, chatterbaits, or soft plastics in bold colors can work wonders in these conditions.
Targeting deeper water is another key strategy. Use sonar or fish finders to locate submerged structures like drop-offs, ledges, or underwater vegetation where bass may be hiding.
During the pre-storm feeding frenzy, bass are aggressive and more willing to chase moving targets. Use lures that mimic baitfish, such as:
● Crankbaits: Effective for covering large areas quickly.
● Spinnerbaits: Their flash and vibration can trigger strikes in low light.
● Topwater Lures: Frogs or poppers can be thrilling options in the shallows.
After the storm, subtlety is your friend. Slow down your presentations and focus on lures that imitate natural prey. Consider:
● Soft Plastics: Worms, creature baits, or stick baits rigged Texas or Carolina style.
● Jigs: Perfect for targeting bass hiding near cover or on the bottom.
● Swimbaits: When retrieved slowly, these mimic the natural motion of prey fish.
Barometric pressure is one of the most important indicators of fish behavior. Invest in a barometer or use a weather app to track pressure changes. Generally:
● Falling Pressure: Bass activity increases as storms approach.
● Low Pressure (During Storms): Fish may become disoriented or retreat.
● Rising Pressure (Post-Storm): Bass often become sluggish.
Combine weather insights with the natural feeding cycles of bass. Early mornings and evenings are often more productive, especially in post-storm conditions when fish may take longer to adjust to changing light levels and water clarity.
Storms can cool down surface temperatures, which may encourage bass to explore shallower areas once conditions stabilize. However, if the water remains cold, fish are likely to stay deeper. Adjust your strategy accordingly, switching between shallow and deep presentations.
Wind plays a critical role in how storms influence fishing. Post-storm winds can push baitfish into certain areas, attracting bass. Pay attention to wind-driven currents and fish on the downwind side of the lake or pond for better chances of success.
Always monitor the forecast and look out for warning signs like darkening clouds, sudden temperature drops, or increasing winds. If you’re out on a boat, know the quickest route back to shore and keep a weather app handy for real-time updates.
When fishing in storm-prone seasons, carry essential safety gear such as life jackets, a weather radio, and a first aid kit. A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing.
PHOTO CREDIT | Freepik
Fishing before and after storms requires a mix of observation, strategy, and adaptability. By understanding how weather changes affect bass behavior, you can adjust your tactics to make the most of these dynamic conditions. Before storms, embrace the chaos and take advantage of aggressive feeding. After storms, slow things down and focus on precision.
Whether you’re casting from a lakeside dock or joining a guided fishing charter, staying attuned to weather patterns will help you outsmart even the wiliest of bass. Next time the skies darken, don’t shy away from the challenge—use the storm as an opportunity to refine your fishing skills and reel in a memorable catch.
Currently, you can enjoy the second half of the S7 of STARZ's Outlander which is a historical romance time travel series based on the books written by Diana Gabaldonof the same name. It follows Claire Randall (Caitríona Balfe), a British nurse who travels from the 20th-century to 17th-century Scotland. In the new timeline, she meets and falls in love with a Highland warrior, Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). With only 1 more season left, we're looking forward to see what other stories will be told in future spin-offs which we're looking forward to.
We sat down with Charles Vandervaart (Holly Hobbie, The Craft: Legacy, Murdoch Mysteries) who plays Jamie's son, William Ransom to find out about how he came to this show, what he loves about it, as well as upcoming projects that he is involved.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the first film or series that made you fall in love with acting and when did you realize that you wanted to be an actor?
CHARLES VANDERVAART: I was very young. I remember going to a play at my local theatre when I was about 6, and I was just enthralled by it. In the car home I asked my parents if I could try to do a play. I got my first ever gig at that same theatre. I fell in love with acting playing Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol.
AM: What do you enjoy about storytelling?
CV: Storytelling is so very human, we come together in the telling of stories. We can learn to empathize with and learn from others and in doing so, learn more about ourselves and the world around us. We endure through stories. Beauty that may otherwise be lost is protected and preserved in story.
AM: We've enjoyed watching Outlander and we know a number of fans also enjoy the book, how much did you know about this series before you came to it?
CV: My aunt has been a really big fan for years now. I remember her talking about the show when we would get together for holidays. I watched a couple of episodes on my own before I auditioned, but after my first audition I binged the whole thing and fell in love with the story.
AM: You play William Ransom. Can you tell us about your character and how he fits into the world of Outlander?
CV: William Henry Clarence George Ransom is the bastard son of Jamie Fraser, however he believes he is the biological son of the 8th Earl of Ellesmere, who died on the day of his birth along with his mother. He was raised by Lord John as the 9th Earl. He grew up in affluent circles, learning about the world through the lens of the ultra wealthy in England. English patriotism and a loyalty to the crown became major aspects of his identity. When William learns of his true parentage, his entire identity shatters. He becomes this tornado of rage, feeling betrayed by Lord John and everyone else who kept this secret from him.
AM: How do you approach playing William and what is it like acting in a period piece?
CV: Well I get a lot of help from the writing, costumes, accent, etc to create William. Carol Ann Crawford, the dialect coach on the show was a tremendous help in finding William’s accent. Once I start talking like him, the rest of William quickly followed.
AM: We know fans of the show enjoy the cast and of course, Sam Heughan. What is it like playing against him?
CV: I remember one of my last scenes in season 7 was with Sam, even though we’ve been filming for a year at this point it only hit me then that my character’s dad was Jamie Fraser. It felt a little like I was watching the show in real time. I was feeling very grateful for this amazing journey. He's a hell of a scene partner.
AM: A few weeks ago, S7 part 2 began releasing episodes what can you tell us about this portion of the season?
CV: Identity crisis is central for Mr. Ransom. S7 part 2 involves a great deal of pain for William. He also hurts a lot of people this season. Let's hope he grows from his pain and becomes better. I think he needs some therapy for sure.
AM: In terms of filming a show such as this, we imagine that it can be long hours - what do you do to prepare when you're going on set and what do you once you complete filming for the day?
CV: Coffee coffee coffee!! The long days and early starts can be a lot, no one likes to wake up at 4am. The Scottish Highland air help wakes you up though, one of the many perks of shooting in such a wonderful country.
AM: When you're not on set, how do you stay in shape and what are 3 workouts that you do that we should consider adding into our routines?
CV: Rock climbing has been my go to over the last couple of years. I absolutely love it. It feels nice to have such a simple task to complete that requires creativity and athleticism. As far as gyming goes, my three go to’s are probably hip thrusts for legs, pull ups for my back, and shoulder press for shoulders and triceps.
AM: When you're taking time for yourself, what would we find you doing?
CV: I love a good hike, outdoor rock climbing, gardening.. get me outside and I’m happy.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 87 Dio Anthony/Groomer Valissa Yoe | PG 88-93 STARZ/Outlander |
Read the DEC ISSUE #108 of Athleisure Mag and see IN TIME | Charles Vandervaart in mag.
This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to Clock Tower Grill in Brewster, New York, an hour outside of NYC. We wanted to know more about this restaurant that serves a menu that reflects the culinary melting pot that it resides in while also having their own Clock Tower Farm! We sat down with the Co-Founders, Rich and Cassie Parente who provide a bit of background on this eatery, the cuisine that is offered, dishes that we should consider upon our next visit and more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about Chef Rich Parente and his wife in terms of their background and what led them to open Clock Tower Grill?
RICH + CASSIE PARENTE: Cassie came to this country from Canada to work with horses; she’s classically trained in dressage. While here she worked part-time in restaurants, and that’s where we met, in the industry. We got married in 2009, and then took the opportunity to open what is now Clock Tower Grill in 2013. Around the time of the opening Cassie was running her own barn as an instructor and trainer, but with the restaurant getting busy she wound up focusing on that as general manager full-time. Rich graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, later cooking for heads of state and royalty at the United Nations, competing on the Kansas City Barbeque and becoming a partner in multiple restaurants before opening Clock Tower Grill.
AM: Where is Clock Tower Grill and can you tell us a bit about the area that this restaurant is located in?
CP: Clock Tower Grill is in Brewster in Putnam County, New York. It’s located at Clock Tower Commons, a complex of businesses that has a very New England feel to it. There’s an incredible courtyard where we often host events and dinners in the spring, summer and fall.
AM: What is the meaning behind the name, Clock Tower Grill?
CP: The restaurant is simply named after the Clock Tower Commons — the restaurant is nestled in the back of the complex hidden from the main road. We figured that way there would not be any confusion about the location.
AM: Tell us about the kind of cuisine that is offered at Clock Tower Grill?
RP: We serve American cuisine, highlighting the culinary melting pot, with a huge focus on supporting local farmers and artisans. We raise pork and lamb, grow fruits and vegetables and produce honey and maple syrup on our Clock Tower Farm for the restaurant, and we source from 35 local farmers and artisans within a 70-mile radius.
AM: The layout of the menu is fun to navigate. Tell us about Munchies and what are 3 you suggest if we're thinking of sharing with friends and family?
RP: We try to change things up with the menu frequently — we enjoy trying new things. The Munchies items are great sharable plates to begin a meal with, and I suggest trying the Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Belly with a clementine, tamarind and lemongrass glaze, red peppers and scallions; the Pioppino Mushrooms with smoky grits; and Whipped Ricotta & Honey, which showcases the best local ingredients.
AM: For your Mains, what are 3 that you suggest we should have in mind?
RP: The Clock Tower Farm Pork Chop, using pork we raise on our own farm, is a great representation of what we’re all about; the Crispy Roast Duck with wild cherry demi-glace, crispy 1000-layer potatoes and broccolini is delicious; and everybody loves our Chicken Vodka Burrata Parm, a paper-thin cutlet covered in smoky house-made vodka sauce, served with fresh spaghetti and a ball of fresh burrata cheese on top.
AM: What one dish from Graze, Sandwiches, and House Made Pasta sections do you suggest that we should have in mind?
RP: From the Graze section, the Fall Salad with pickled beets & radish, squash, goat cheese, croutons, beet hummus and feta is hearty cold-weather vegetarian option. From our list of Sandwiches, I suggest the over-the-top Cannibal Burger, beef tartare between brioche buns, topped with American cheese, an over-easy egg and béarnaise sauce, served with fries. And of our House Made Pastas, try the Crispy Semolina Gnocchi, an unexpected version of gnocchi that uses semolina flour and is served with Clock Tower Farm lamb ragu.
AM: Tell us about Eat Like A Chef and what diners can expect from this menu item?
RP: The Eat Like A Chef menu is a great way to experience the restaurant. It’s inspired by eating out with other chefs and industry folks, where you need to try everything. The menu includes almost everything we serve plus some specials, so it’s a great option for groups of 4 and more.
AM: What are 3 desserts that we should think about sharing with the table?
RP: The desserts are delicious in their simplicity. A favorite is our Honey & Vanilla Bean Pudding, which uses honey from our farm. Same with our Milk & Honey Ice Cream, which is a decadent example of why using local ingredients makes all the difference. And then I suggest trying something seasonal; right now we’re offering a Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu.
AM: In terms of your beverage program, what can you tell us about this and do you have 3 signature cocktails that you can share with us?
CP: We focus on local spirits and the menu is always changing, but I would definitely try the Local Fashioned, our take on an Old Fashioned with Cooper’s Daughter Black Walnut Bourbon, blackberries and orange; NY Negroni with Listening Rock Gin, Method Vermouth and Faccia Brutto Aperitivo; and the Spicy Passion with tequila, strawberry, passion fruit, agave and jalapeño.
AM: For the holiday season, are you doing a NYE event or if people are looking to make organizing a holiday dinner at home without the fuss, can they order dinner from Clock Tower Grill?
RP: For New Year’s Eve we will be offering a creative tasting menu inspired by ‘80s and ‘90s pop culture, and we’ll have a performer playing acoustic guitar. We also had Christmas meals available for pickup on Christmas Eve and Day to make things easier for people this year.
AM: How did Clock Tower Farm become part of your business and can you tell us about what you raise there?
RP: We truly believe that starting Clock Tower Farm was the natural progression in owning our restaurant, and it aligns with our values. Cassie of course is the driving force behind it with her knowledge of farming, as she grew up on a small farm in Canada.
AM: Clock Tower Grill is truly a Farm-to-Table restaurant between your farm as well as others that you partner with — why is this important to you?
RP: We try to think sustainably in everything we do, so we do our part with the farm. We’re more connected to our food, and it helps cut down on food waste from the restaurant by using scraps as animal feed and compost. It’s also important to educate people and show why it’s important to support local given the broken food system.
PHOTO CREDITS | PG Michael Tulipan
Read the DEC ISSUE #108 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Clock Tower Grill in mag.
