In the Heart of Québec City

July 22, 2024

As July 4th rolled around, instead of the typical (and admittedly, more patriotic) fireworks and beer, we headed north for Canada’s second largest festival, The Festival d'été de Québec. Rather than a lineup limited to a single genre, the eleven day festival instead brings out musicians and artists of all varieties to the wonderfully picturesque Québec City.

With affordable passes and a unique layout that has the festival grounds spread throughout the city, FEQ offers both locals and visitors the opportunity to explore the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with bistros and boutiques in between performances by some of the biggest names in music.

We were there to witness the first three nights of the annual 11-day celebration that merges music, culture, and history into a singular, memorable experience.

The historic event, which has been a favorite on the festival calendar since 1968, turns Québec City into a cultural hub, drawing over 1.4 million attendees and featuring more than 180 international artists each year. Held in the heart of the city, FEQ transforms the historic Plains of Abraham into a vibrant stage. This site, where a pivotal battle between the British and French once occurred, now hosts the festival's Bell Stage at National Battlefields Park, a venue with a staggering capacity of over 90,000.

It was only right that the opening night was headlined by Nickelback as they took to the mainstage in their home country to deliver a powerful performance that exhibited nearly 30 years of rock anthems. Excitement peaked on Friday as Killer Mike and 50 Cent brought strong rap performances to the stage before a nostalgic Saturday evening saw the Jonas Brothers and Carly Rae Jepsen bringing out the masses to hear their hits live.

Our early departure sadly meant we weren't there to witness the likes of The Offspring, Post Malone and J Balvin among others. Despite only being there for a portion of the festivities, it was clear that the renowned festival remains a testament to the city's rich cultural tapestry and its dedication to celebrating music in all its forms.

Culture

Meet Keith Chilvers

October 29, 2024

When was the last time you had your face painted? Maybe it was at a childhood birthday party or a local fair, where your chosen mask sparked a day of pretend play. Revisiting this childhood ritual, artists Angel Velluto and Janina Zais took us across London to meet eight seniors whose stories revealed resilience and strength. Each participant was asked to fill out a Proustian-inspired questionnaire, and their responses were discussed with the team before being translated into unique masks by Zais. During the process, we had the chance to chat with each person to learn more about why the face paint they chose felt like a fitting tribute to their lives.

Keith Chilvers, 77, was born in Wolverhampton and now lives on Wellington Row in East London. He is obsessed with dogs and currently shares Hunter with a dear friend. His home is covered in beautiful wood carvings he makes himself and pictures of his past pets. On his balcony, he grows tomatoes and sweet peppers and in the front communal garden of his apartment block, he is trying to create a meadow of wildflowers for the other residents to enjoy.

Creative Angel Velluto
Producer Angel Velluto
Interview by Angel Velluto
Photography by Rebecca Zephyr Thomas
Face-Paint by Janina Zais
Director/DOP Ruby Harris
Editor Helen Teixeira
Casting by Rebecca Zephyr Thomas and Angel Velluto
Stills-film process and scan by Labyrinth

Where were you born?

Wolverhampton.

Where do you feel most comfortable?

London.

What quality do you think defines you most?

I do what I say I’m going to or die trying.

What do you look for in a companion?

Not talking too much.

What is your biggest weakness?

Refusing to give up.

What is your biggest strength?

Refusing to give up!

What has surprised you most in life?

Lasting this long.

What does your perfect day look like?

Laid back.

What is your favorite color?

Green.

Who are your favorite fictional characters?

Cohen the Barbarian from Discworld.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Jerry Garcia.

What is your favorite food?

Christmas food: mince pies, pudding, etc.

What quality do you dislike most in someone?

Pushy people.

What is your earliest memory?

Being in the hospital, aged 3 with appendicitis.

What is your biggest luxury?

Buying guitars.

How do you show someone you love them?

Just by being there for them.

Culture

The New Old Laguna: Casa Loma Beach Hotel

October 29, 2024

After a drive down California’s coastline, the entrance to Casa Loma Beach Hotel from the street side seemed unassuming. But when we walked in, we were met with a beautifully curated space with the ocean as its backdrop. Located on Main Beach, the hotel is steps away from the cliffs and beaches Laguna is famous for. The atmosphere was relaxed but luxurious, laid-back but inviting.

Underneath an impressively large sculpture carved onto the lobby wall, we met John from Marc & Rose, the hospitality group responsible for the hotel’s renovation. While it was initially just meant to be a quick intro, in his excitement and eagerness, he couldn’t help but explain the specific design choices and partners that developed the art-focused environment: overall design by Electric Bowery; artwork by LAND; hand painted signage by Joe Swec; custom radio station curated by Uncanned. Elements that enveloped all the senses, but never overwhelmed.

This careful balance created the aura the hotel sought to encompass: what Laguna might have felt like when it was still a bohemian surf-town, attracting those who appreciated craft and nature, but in an elevated and refined way.

Text by Justine Hwang
Photos Jesper D. Lund

While most of the weekend was left free to enjoy on our own, the highlight of the opening was the immersive theater experience, performed by IAMA Theater Company. Earlier, John had alluded to the premise: a funeral for Cappy, a fictional character meant to represent the old Laguna (pre-reality tv show fame). Not being a big theater person myself, I wasn’t sold. The dress code was that of the hotel color palette: shades that were reminiscent of the surrounding landscape. After the opening act on the pool deck against the sunset over the beach, we were free to explore around the hotel, visiting each scene however we felt. After my first room / scene, I left in tears. I was completely sold.

We watched scenes of a young love blossoming, adult lovers breaking up, past loves healing old wounds. All while learning about the history of the town and interacting with the hotel spaces in an intimate way. Sitting in various rooms and suites, appreciating the hand woven tapestries and soft lighting from the organically shaped lamps. Being warmed by the fireplace on the terrace once the sun had gone down. Continuously moving between the indoors and outdoors, making nature as much of a feature as the interior.

The following morning, breakfast was served on the terrace with stunningly vast views of the ocean. We spotted dolphins following a pair of paddle boarders out on the water. While there is not much that is better than a cloudless sky full of sun and the sound of waves crashing on the shore, Casa Loma works to enhance these simple joys through all its fine details.

Culture

Backstage at Suero: III Points

Originally launching as a legendary Basel party back in late 2021 as a real life extension of Miami boys Nick León and DJ Python's underground dembow takeover, suero officially hit the big stage this past weekend through the tireless efforts of Miami mainstay Caterina Haddad.

The party's big tent approach to a fusion of Latin sounds and bleeding-edge club music manifested with iconoclasts like Arca, Isabella Lovestory and Bad Gyal, but the 13-hour run also included Rick Ross, Yung Lean & Bladee and Python's IDM and downtempo collaboration with Ana Roxanne, Natural Wonder Beauty Concept. Of course, Miami and suero love to party, and this instinct manifested most clearly in Nick León's heady, masterful live A/V collaboration with Ezra Miller and Snow Stripper riotous, 3 AM finale. Where it goes from here is anyone's guess—long live the unpredictable suero sound.