Mumbai to Tackle Traffic Congestion with Flying Electric Ferries
Mumbai’s commuters will soon be able to fly to work — on electric ships. A fleet of 11 hydrofoiling Candela P-12 commuter ferries will create new links across Mumbai's waterways, forming the nucleus of the city’s electric transport network, which is set to eventually include thousands of vessels. The ferries have been ordered by Mumbai-based operator JalVimana. “This is a groundbreaking project that unlocks the full potential of Mumbai's waterways for efficient commuting — and by investing in hydrofoil technology, the city is leapfrogging legacy waterborne transport systems,” says Gustav Hasselskog. Mumbai, India’s bustling financial capital, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. The government of Maharashtra state has laid out a bold vision to revolutionize transport in the megacity - by turning to its most underused asset: the sea. With over 23 million residents and overstretched roads, the state’s ports minister Nitesh Rane and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis have recently announced that thousands of electric ferries will transform Mumbai’s waterways into high-speed arteries for clean, efficient transport. Swedish marine tech company Candela has now been selected to spearhead this vision. In Stockholm, during an official visit by India’s minister of commerce mr Piyush Goyal on board Candela’s vessels, Candela’s CEO Gustav Hasselskog and Mumbai-based operator JalVimana's CEO Niraj Thakur announced that JalVimana has purchased and will operate an initial fleet of 11 P-12 vessels with plans to grow significantly bigger. The novel Candela P-12 uses computer-guided underwater wings to raise its hull above the water, slashing energy consumption, eliminating wake and slamming, running silently, safely, and at a fraction of the operating cost of conventional diesel vessels. Due to this, the P-12 has been hailed as a 'game-changer' for waterborne transport. The sale represents the largest single electric fleet in the world so far and will play a pivotal role in establishing Mumbai as a global leader in sustainable urban water transport. Mumbai is an ever-expanding city, which is partly built around a large bay. The first Candela P-12 vessels in Mumbai will serve two of the city’s most heavily trafficked routes on water: between the Gateway of India and Alibaug — a journey that typically takes 2–3 hours by car — and from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island. Another line is being planned by JalVimana to connect the new airport with central Mumbai, with expected travel times reduced from 1 hour and 30 minutes to less than 30 minutes. “We believe Candela's next-generation P-12 will be a giant leap for Mumbai and towards our national goals of a susainable future for our vast Indian coastline and inland waterways. JalVimana is honoured to bring this Swedish gift to our ancient shores”, says JalVimana’s CEO, Niraj Thakur. Following its debut in Stockholm in late 2024, where it slashed commute times and eliminated emissions, the P-12 has proven that electric ferries can be a transformative part of urban mobility — not just in Scandinavia, but globally. “Candela exists to accelerate the shift to clean and efficient waterborne transport,” said Gustav Hasselskog, Candela’s CEO and Founder. “We’re honored to support Maharashtra’s bold vision and delighted that JalVimana has chosen P-12 to lead the transformation. With the P-12, we will show that our foiling electric ferries can add a vital new layer of mobility to Mumbai.”
Siemens and COIMA transform Milan heritage building into smart, energy-efficient landmark
Siemens Smart Infrastructure and COIMA, a leader in the investment, development and management of real estate assets on behalf of institutional investors, are continuing their long-term strategic partnership with one of the most iconic buildings in Milan's Porta Nuova district – “Pirelli 35”. The goal is to transform the 45,000-square-meter, 11-storey asset into a smart and energy efficient property. The 65-year-old building is set to demonstrate exceptional environmental performance to its 40 commercial tenants by reducing energy consumption by approximately 60 percent and CO2 emissions by 2,000 tons on an annual basis. Siemens' integrated building management system, Desigo CC, is one of the key technologies enabling the achievement of these targets. The solution offers a high level of cybersecurity protection and orchestrates all building operations in a single, centrally monitored system. Being able to oversee all solutions and systems – such as Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), lighting, room automation, fire safety, as well as electrical distribution – facility managers are equipped to enhance operational efficiency, reliability and system longevity, supporting business continuity. Meanwhile, the building features advanced sensors simultaneously monitoring seven different environmental parameters, including air quality, energy consumption and CO2 levels. This not only results in optimized energy efficiency, but also in increased occupant well-being, productivity and safety. The building’s comprehensive electrical infrastructure includes a SIMOSEC medium-voltage switchgear, 59 ALPHA low-voltage switchboards with SENTRON protection devices, and 35 control panels, ensuring optimal system control throughout the building. “In major cities, many buildings could benefit from digitalization, transforming into smarter and more energy efficient assets. Since 2015, we have partnered with COIMA to implement Siemens’ building technology and services across more than 30 COIMA-owned buildings in Milan,” said Susanne Seitz, CEO Buildings at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “Pirelli 35 is a prime example of this, serving as a blueprint for sustainable urban regeneration. It showcases how buildings can be modernized with building and electrification technology to meet Europe's 2030 net zero goals while maintaining their architectural heritage.” “Thanks to our partnership with Siemens and the implementation of cutting-edge tech, we are able to transform Pirelli 35 into a truly smart building. It’s already achieved LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certifications as well as its nZEB labelling stand as testament to a broader commitment – not just to smart infrastructure, but to sustainability, health, and the evolving standards of urban living," Stefano Corbella, Sustainability Officer at COIMA, added. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building rating system with Platinum being the highest certification, while the WELL Building Standard certification stresses a building’s advanced human health and well-being. nZEB stands for Nearly Zero-Energy Building and highlights high energy performance and low-energy needs. All three are internationally recognized.
David Beckham and G Bear Light Up Macao Celebrating the Official Launch of Londoner Grand
Londoner Grand, redefining luxury at scale, welcomed over a hundred celebrities and influencers over the weekend with dazzling parties hosted by Sands Global Ambassador David Beckham and his charismatic friend, G Bear, The Londoner’s No.1 Ambassador and Chief Experience Officer. The star-studded event delivered an evening of world-class entertainment, culinary artistry, and unforgettable moments. More than a party, the event heralded Londoner Grand’s transformation from whispered anticipation to legendary reality – unfolding a bold new chapter in Macao’s luxury hospitality landscape. Highlights included the Whispers Cocktail at Shakespeare Hall and the Whispers Gala at Hampton Court, featuring a curated menu by the acclaimed Chef Edward Lee of Culinary Class Wars fame, alongside signature dishes from The Huaiyang Garden (two-Michelin-starred) and The Mews (Michelin Selected) at The Londoner® Macao. (From left to right) Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer and President, Sands China Ltd.; David Beckham, Sands Global Ambassador; Dr. Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman, Sands China Ltd. and; Dave Sun, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Sands China Ltd. Sands Global Ambassador David Beckham Acclaimed Chef Edward Lee The evening also offered show-stopping performances, interactive experiences and Instagrammable moments, all designed to wow the A-list audience. Beckham’s presence, along with G Bear’s playful yet debonair personality, created a perfect blend of glamour and charm. Guests left the evening inspired by the unique experiential offerings of Londoner Grand and eagerly anticipating the opening of G Bear Cafe on June 9, 2025.
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Embraer celebrates A-29 Super Tucano 600,000 flight hours
Embraer (NYSE: ERJ/ B3: EMBR3), a global leader in the aerospace industry, celebrates today during the Paris Air Show another significant milestone in the history of the A-29 Super Tucano, selected by 22 air forces worldwide. The aircraft fleet in service achieved 600,000 flight hours. “It is a privilege to share this key achievement in the successful trajectory of the leading aircraft in its category. The A-29 Super Tucano is the only light attack, armed reconnaissance, and advanced training turboprop aircraft in production, with proven performance in combat around the world,” says Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. For air forces seeking flexible combat proven and cost-efficient aircraft, the A-29 Super Tucano is the best choice. The A-29 offers a wide range of missions such as Advanced Pilot Training, CAS, Air Patrol, Air Interdiction, JTAC Training, Armed ISR, Border Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Air Escort. Recently acquired by Portugal, the A-29N Super Tucano – a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) interoperable variant – demonstrates the platform’s versatility and adaptability. Equipped with advanced avionics, specialized communication systems, and enhanced capabilities, the aircraft is designed to meet NATO’s most stringent requirements. The A-29 Super Tucano is the most effective multi-mission aircraft in its category, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for precise target identification, weapons systems, and a comprehensive communications suite. Its capability is further enhanced by advanced human-machine interface (HMI) avionics systems integrated into a robust airframe capable of operating from unpaved runways, in austere environments and with little infrastructure. Furthermore, the aircraft has reduced maintenance requirements and offers high levels of reliability, availability, and structural integrity, with low life cycle costs.
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Lufthansa honored with World Airline Awards 2025
Lufthansa is the world's most family-friendly airline. This prize from the World Airline Awards 2025 was presented today by the market research institute Skytrax at the Paris Air Show. The Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt was also named the world's best First Class Lounge. Austrian Airlines and Eurowings also received one of the coveted prizes - the award for "Best Airline Staff in Europe" went to Austrian Airlines in Vienna and Eurowings was named "Best Low Cost Airline in Europe". Skytrax, a market research institute specializing in aviation, had previously surveyed 22.3 million passengers from well over 100 countries worldwide. "Lufthansa attaches great importance to ensuring that all guests on board feel comfortable with us - from Economy to First Class. I am therefore particularly pleased that we have received the award for the world's most family-friendly airline and at the same time for the best First Class lounge," says Heiko Reitz, Chief Customer Officer Lufthansa Airlines. "Above all, Lufthansa's unsurpassed hospitality is also premium. In particular, our colleagues in the cabin, cockpit and on the ground can be very proud today. They are the ones who fulfill our promise of quality day after day." Traveling with children Lufthansa attaches great importance to ensuring that its youngest guests also feel comfortable on board. The airline therefore offers specially created kids' menus prepared by the chefs at Gate Gourmet. The menus belong to the "Special Meals" category and can be pre-ordered by passengers free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. The offer applies to all classes on long-haul flights and to Business Class on short-haul flights. The trays are lovingly designed with colorful illustrations of the Lufthansa mascots "Lu" and "Cosmo" and the menu card invites young passengers to puzzle and color while they playfully learn how an airplane flies. Lufthansa has also introduced a new range of children's toys on board. From cloud-shaped cuddly blankets for toddlers to puzzles and the game "City, Country, Flight", there is something for every taste and every age. There is also a portfolio of coloring pages featuring Lu and Cosmo, which can be accessed via the Lufthansa eJournals homepage. Young passengers will also find magazines for children and teenagers in various languages. The in-flight entertainment program for children includes a large selection of films, series, music, audio books and podcasts. Children can also look forward to special amenity kits and, from summer 2025, new year-round "Best Friend" children's boarding passes. Travel in Lufthansa First Class The separate First Class terminal in Frankfurt with limousine transfer directly to the aircraft and personal assistant, which has been named the best First Class lounge in the world, is emblematic of Lufthansa's premium offering. Since the beginning of the year, traveling in Lufthansa's top class has become even more exclusive. The new Lufthansa Allegris First Class on long-haul aircraft can be experienced in the summer timetable on flights from Munich to San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Shanghai and Bengaluru and sets new standards with two individual suites and the extraordinary Suite Plus: guests can heat or cool their almost one meter wide seats in the individual suites according to their personal needs. The separate cabins with ceiling-high walls and lockable door, large table and wide seat, a living room-sized screen and wireless "over-ear" headphones define a new standard in comfort and individuality. Generous storage space is provided by a personal wardrobe in the suite, so that travelers can change comfortably and have all their personal items to hand. Individual lamps allow travelers to create their very own feel-good atmosphere. The Suite Plus double cabin, the only one of its kind in the world, creates a special travel experience with two wide seats that can be combined to form a comfortable double bed if required. The flying private room impresses with maximum comfort and individuality. The Suite Plus offers maximum exclusivity for the single passenger and the unique opportunity to use the double cabin as a couple. The new First Class is part of a major Lufthansa premium offensive. Among other things, First Class guests can also look forward to renovated First Class check-in areas in Frankfurt (from late summer) and Munich as well as the newly designed First Class Lounge at Munich Airport. Skytrax The survey was conducted by the market research institute Skytrax. It evaluated the airlines' in-flight offers and services at the airports. Skytrax has been conducting the annual passenger survey since 1999. All detailed results of the World Airlines Awards can be found at www.worldairlineawards.com
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Air Astana Group carriers repeat success at Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025
Air Astana Group carriers have once again proven successful in winning prestigious awards at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony, which was held during the Paris Air Show on 17th June 2025. Air Astana, the Groups’ full-service carrier received the prestigious “Best Airline in Central Asia and CIS” award for the fourteenth year in succession, together with “Best Staff Service in Central Asia and CIS” award for the ninth time. FlyArystan, the Group’s low-cost carrier also confirmed its regional leadership by receiving the “Best Low-Cost Airline in Central Asia and CIS” award for the third consecutive year. Peter Foster, Chief Executive Officer of the Air Astana Group, commented: “We are proud that our relentless efforts to deliver the very highest standards of service have once again achieved international recognition. These awards are the result of the dedicated work of our teams at both Air Astana and FlyArystan and reflect our unwavering commitment to safety, service and operational excellence.” [About Skytrax World Airline Awards] The World Airline Awards, established by independent research agency Skytrax in 1999, are considered one of the most authoritative measures of passenger satisfaction in global aviation and are often referred to as the “Oscars of the aviation industry”. The latest online survey was conducted from September 2024 to May 2025 and included respondents from over 100 countries rating the service quality of more than 350 airlines around the world. Skytrax fully funds the research and award ceremony, without charging airlines any registration fees or licensing costs for the use of the awards.
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pureLiFi Unveils Kitefin XE, the Next Generation LiFi System Ready to Secure Communications for Defence and Beyond
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EAW Adds UXA4807D to Fixed Installation Amplifier Line
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Gibson and Michael J. Fox Launch Global Search for Missing Guitar from Iconic 80s Film ‘Back To The Future’
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Masque Sound Collaborates with Dayglo Presents to Deliver World-Class Systems Integration for GARCIA’S CHICAGO
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Richard Meredith Selects DPA for Challenging Location Sound on “THE PIANO”
“The Piano,” which just wrapped its third season, is an acclaimed UK reality competition that invites undiscovered, amateur pianists to perform emotionally charged music amid the bustling sounds of some of the country’s busiest train stations. The concept of the show was borne from the practice of commuters sitting down to play the upright pianos commonly found in England’s train depots. Capturing those heartfelt moments with high-quality sound in unpredictable public spaces requires precision, creativity and exceptional gear. With this in mind, Award-winning Sound Supervisor and Founder of Audio Dept UK, Richard Meredith, turned to his trusted toolkit, led by DPA Microphones, for the recordings, as well as Wisycom wireless RF solutions. “The show’s premise is so pure — it’s just people sitting down at a public piano and expressing themselves,” explains Meredith. “It’s a very soft competition format. They play a piece of their choice in the middle of a busy station, right on the concourse, with people coming and going. The commuters become the audience, whether they intend to or not. The technical brief from the production team was to keep things low-key and let the realness shine through. To accomplish that, we needed compact, high-performance equipment that works subtly in the background while delivering outstanding sound. That’s where DPA and Wisycom came in.” With an upright Steinway piano arguably serving as the “star” of the show, Meredith knew it was critical to capture its sound most naturally. He mounted two DPA 4099 Instrument Microphones directly inside the pianos for a low noise floor, high dynamic range and practical versatility. “We chose the 4099s because they just work. No rehearsal. No fuss. They can handle anything—from delicate ballads to high-energy, percussive playing,” he explains. “Unusually, we kept the lid of the piano closed to reduce station noise, even though it made the sound a little constrained. This allowed the pianists to play within that noisy concourse. The 4099 was perfect for isolating the piano’s tone from the outside space. It gave us a beautiful, focused sound separated from the high ambience of the station. It let the music breathe without losing detail.” One of the biggest audio challenges the production team faced was subtle amplification to the live audiences. “We realized the piano wasn’t loud enough in some stations, so I designed a battery-powered PA system hidden under the stage and fed it with a Wisycom wireless system,” Meredith explains. To ensure robust transmission in the congested RF environments, Meredith deployed Wisycom MTK980 Wireless Rack Transmitters and Portable Receivers. In addition to the passersby in the stations, the performers’ family and friends attend the performances alongside host Claudia Winkleman. Behind the scenes, professional mentors Mika and Jon Batiste judge the musicians to determine who is best suited to moving along to the finale. When it came to miking this selection of participants, Meredith relied on DPA’s new 2061 Lavalier Microphones. “The 2061s, coupled with Wisycom MTP61 Wireless Transmitters, were able to capture even the quietest moments — nervous whispers, emotional reactions — without any noise issues,” he says. “They handled everything from subtle dialogue to joyful outbursts, and we barely needed to touch the EQ. Their noise floor is very low, and the clarity is stunning. “Boom mics are a no-go in stations. Long metal poles and electric cables near platforms don’t mix, so the entire show is wireless, which is very much in my wheelhouse,” continues Meredith. “Wisycom’s wide tuning range and reliability are second to none. We were dealing with complex RF conditions, but Wisycom never let us down. That peace of mind is priceless on a fast-moving shoot like this one.” Meredith also praised the simplicity and efficiency of his setup, which was essential given the show’s scaled-back production approach. “We had to be agile — there wasn’t room for a big sound crew with all this complex rigging,” he explains. “With DPA and Wisycom, we were able to keep things minimal but still maintain maximum quality. The real magic of ‘The Piano’ is in those quiet, unguarded moments.” Following the judging round of each episode, the show culminated in a public concert at The Glasshouse in Gateshead, a venue as visually stunning as it is acoustically distinguished. Here, Meredith moved from capturing performances in public to producing a refined live recording with a full audience. For a more open, cinematic sound, Meredith rigged two Steinway grands with a pair of DPA 4099s, along with a pair of 4011s, which were chosen for their tonal accuracy and visual discretion. “These are massive instruments,” Meredith says. “We benefitted greatly from the four mics per piano, which gave us a full range of sound. The 4011s took us to another level. “The 4011s were a dream for capturing the full dynamic range and spatial depth of the instrument, along with extra depth and an ultra-extended lower end,” he explains. “I wanted something discreet as the cameras constantly feature close-ups and utilizing the extension cables helped keep everything virtually unnoticeable on camera. The combination of the DPA 4099 and 4011 mics accommodated a wide range of styles and the broad tone of the piano in a very compact and discreet way.” The string accompaniment for the finale performances were also miked using 4099s, while the host, mentors and other speakers were outfitted with the 2061. Again, Wisycom wireless was utilized for the production with Wisycom MTP61 transmitters feeding MCR54 receivers in an MRK16 rack.
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Gibson Garage London Acoustic Sessions in June, Monthly Series Features Live Acoustic Performances Inside the Garage
As it continues to celebrate over 130 years of music history, Gibson, the iconic global instrument brand is announcing the Gibson Garage London Acoustic Sessions performance series and upcoming events for June. Music fans are invited to stop in and check out a vast array of young talent performing live at the Gibson Garage London including Merrick Winter and Matt Ginno. All Gibson Garage London Acoustic Sessions performances are live, free, and open to the public from the state-of-the-art stage located on the lower level of the Gibson Garage London. The Gibson Garage London is the ultimate music experience and marks the first Gibson flagship store outside of the U.S. and is located at 61-62 Eastcastle St, London, UK just off Oxford Street. A vibrant addition to the London music community, the Gibson Garage London features a live stage with regular music performances, special events, and album release parties from both emerging and established artists for music fans to enjoy. Every month there are new events and shows for fans inside the Gibson Garage. The Gibson Garage London Acoustic Sessions are a partnership between the Gibson Garage and Busk In London--the London-based busking programme, launched by the Mayor of London and managed by Found in Music--which is the city’s leading programme supporting the music, live performances and careers of buskers. Every month, the Gibson Garage London Acoustic Sessions showcase artists who perform their music on celebrated Gibson acoustics which are all handcrafted by the expert luthiers at Gibson’s acoustic craftory in Bozeman, Montana. The Gibson Garage London flagship store also features a special, dedicated Acoustic guitar room with one of the largest display of storied Gibson Acoustic guitars throughout the entire UK, as well as a special area for Epiphone acoustics including the premium and popular Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom guitars. For the latest schedule of events at the Gibson Garage London, follow @GibsonGuitarUK on Instagram.
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Nugen Producer is a Treasured Collection in Tre Nagella’s Production Toolkit
Four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Mixer, Producer and Engineer Tre Nagella first got his hands on the NUGEN Producer bundle from NUGEN Audio back in 2019 as part of a giveaway during the GRAMMYs Producers & Engineers Wing 12th Annual Celebration, and he has never looked back. Since then, the brand’s award-winning mix and mastering suite has become one of Nagella’s favorite plug-in bundles. Featuring an unequalled collection of highly flexible, award-winning, cross-platform plug-ins, NUGEN Producer includes the brand’s Paragon ST, Monofilter, Stereoizer, SEQ-ST, Visualizer, Stereoplacer, MasterCheck, ISLst and SigMod solutions. For Nagella, NUGEN Producer increases the quality, control and efficiency of his audio production projects — from traditional music albums to podcasts, audiobooks, television commercials and more. “NUGEN Audio is my hidden gem,” he says. “I’m always looking for something different and the plug-ins included with NUGEN Producer stand out from others when it comes to quality of sound and ease-of-use. It also offers additional features that are hard to find in other solutions.” Nagella says his two most used plug-ins from the bundle are Stereoizer and MasterCheck. “With MasterCheck, I really like how you can listen to what your audio is going to sound like on platforms like Spotify, YouTube or Pandora,” he explains. “On the other hand, Stereoizer is probably my favorite plug-in that NUGEN makes. Sonically, no other similar plug-ins sound as good, and the user interface is much nicer and easier to navigate.” One major record in which Nagella utilized Stereoizer was Aaron Lazar’s “The Impossible Dream,” a Broadway-style album that was recently nominated for a GRAMMY® in the “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album” category. “The album consisted of a very large live orchestra, including string and horn sections, and more,” he says. “With that comes the challenge of getting all those instruments to sit so that they don’t compete with each other, and you can hear everything clearly. I used Stereoizer to create separation between the orchestral elements.” Nagella also typically deploys NUGEN’s Monofilter. “Similar tools I’ve used in the past often mess with phase alignment, and I tend to be able to hear that; I find that my phase alignment is much less affected with NUGEN, which is why it is one of my go-to’s,” he says. “It’s a great tool for managing my low end, and obviously that’s extremely important in any audio, but especially in the record world. It’s one of the few tools that I’ve worked with that really helps me control the stereo imaging and width of the bottom end.” The producer recently put the full benefits of Monofilter to the test when he was tasked with remixing the FIFA World Cup theme song with a Dallas, Texas twist. “FIFA had the interesting idea to identify a music producer in each of its host cities to remix the theme song, with the goal of putting a spin on the original theme that represents each respective city, and I was selected for Dallas,” says Nagella. “I incorporated country elements, of course, but there’s a big gospel, hip-hop and urban scene here, too, so I wanted to also highlight that. I added 808s and a lot of bottom-end to the track. Monofilter helped separate the elements that occupy that frequency space and created room for everything.” When discussing future projects, Nagella concludes: “NUGEN Audio plug-ins are treasured solutions in my arsenal and I’m positive that will be the case for years to come.” An all-around music production and studio pro, Nagella has logged time with a wide variety of multi-platinum artists, including Lady Gaga, Kirk Franklin, Blake Shelton, Ed Sheeran and Travis Scott, among many others. He has also written, produced and played hundreds of pieces of commercial music for clients such as Apple, Ford Motor Company, Samsung and Dairy Queen. A past Governor/Board Member and Producers & Engineers Chairman for the Texas Chapter of The Recording Academy, Nagella often donates his time and energy to help progress the music industry in his home state, and across the country.
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Gibson and Michael J. Fox Launch Global Search for Missing Guitar from Iconic 80s Film ‘Back To The Future’
Gibson, the iconic and leading instrument brand, has launched a global search for the world-renowned Cherry Red Gibson ES-345™ guitar that Michael J. Fox played in the 1985 hit film from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, BACK TO THE FUTURE, which became the biggest film of 1985 in the U.S. and the second highest-grossing worldwide. The stunning guitar was showcased during the beloved film’s unforgettable “Enchantment Under the Sea” school dance scene, a pop culture moment that has inspired many musicians to pick up guitars for the very first time after witnessing the character of Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) play the legendary song “Johnny B. Goode.” During the making of the 1989 sequel to the film, the filmmakers went to look for the guitar, and it was nowhere to be found. Now, music fans worldwide have the chance to help Gibson find the most important guitar in cinema history. Fans who have any tips as to the whereabouts of the missing original Cherry Red Gibson ES-345 guitar that Michael J. Fox played in the film BACK TO THE FUTURE can contact Gibson via www.LostToTheFuture.com or call/text 1-855-345-1955. Watch/share the call-to-action video for the global guitar search featuring Emmy winner Michael J. Fox and his fellow stars of BACK TO THE FUTURE, including Lea Thompson, Emmy® winner Christopher Lloyd, Harry Waters Jr., GRAMMY® winner and Academy® Award nominee Huey Lewis, and more. Released on July 3, 1985, BACK THE FUTURE scored an Academy Award® and three additional nominations and launched a franchise that would go on to earn almost $1 billion globally. Directed by Oscar® winner Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis and Oscar® nominee Bob Gale, BACK THE FUTURE was executive produced by three-time Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, eight-time Best Picture nominee Kathleen Kennedy and five-time Best Picture nominee Frank Marshall. The film was produced by Neil Canton and Bob Gale. From the innovative storytelling and characters to the unforgettable guitar performance of the song “Johnny B. Goode,” the film has left an enduring impact on pop culture and remains one of the most beloved and culturally significant films of all time. The film continues to influence and inspire new generations of fans everywhere with its dynamic special effects, beloved characters, and innovative storytelling. The discovery of what happened to the film’s Gibson ES-345 would add a critical chapter to the film’s cinematic history. “Guitar has always been a big part of my life,” says Michael J. Fox. “When we talked about the ‘Enchantment Under The Sea’ scene in Back to the Future, I sat down with the cinematographer and choreographer and said I want to riff through all of my favorite guitarists, like doing Jimi Hendrix behind the head, Pete Townshend doing a windmill, and the Eddie (Van Halen) hammer thing, it was so cool that they were open to that, and we laid it all out there. I’m really happy with the scene because it was an expression of my love for guitar and all the great players. I didn’t realize the influence the scene had on people, John Mayer said, ‘I play guitar because of you,’ and Chris Martin said the same thing, and I am glad they took it further than I did, they went to the trouble of being really good players. I just love the guitar, and I love the movie.” “Years ago, I was astonished to learn this beloved cinematic artifact had apparently disappeared into the space-time continuum,” says Bob Gale, co-creator/screenwriter/producer of BACK TO THE FUTURE. “Since we don’t have a functioning time machine, this effort is probably our best chance to solve a decades-long mystery.” “This is one of the most exciting moments at Gibson for me,” says Cesar Gueikian, President & CEO of Gibson. “Back To The Future is one of the most important and significant movies of my life, and the ‘Enchantment Under the Sea’ school dance scene marked me musically in a profound way. Working with Michael J. Fox, Bob Gale and the rest of the Back To The Future team is a dream come true. I hope we find Marty’s Gibson ES-345! To everyone out there who is as passionate as I am about this iconic film, please help us find it!” “I started searching for this guitar back in 2009 on my first day on the job at Norman’s Rare Guitars,” says Mark Agnesi, Director of Brand Experience at Gibson. “After 16 years of searching, I’m so excited to get the entire guitar community together to help find the guitar that made me, and so many other guitarists of my generation, want to learn to play.” “Watching Michael J. Fox’s iconic performance of ‘Johnny B. Goode’ during the ‘Enchantment Under the Sea’ dance was a moment that struck a chord with an entire generation of kids, inspiring them to pick up a guitar for the very first time,” adds Todd Harapiak, Gibson Media Director. “Few moments in film have had such a lasting impact on musicians as this scene in Back to the Future, and we’re thrilled to embark on a journey to find this guitar that’s carried the legacy of film and rock history for nearly four decades.” “This is the movie that made me want to be a filmmaker, and the scene that made me pick up a guitar for the first time,” says Doc Crotzer, Director of the upcoming documentary film LOST TO THE FUTURE. “As children of the '80s, it is our duty to take fans of music, fans of the movie, and fans of true crime documentaries with us on this too-crazy-to-believe quest to find our generation's Excalibur.” In tandem with the worldwide hunt for the missing Gibson ES-345 and to further celebrate the 40th anniversary of BACK TO THE FUTURE this year, Gibson Films has now started production on a new documentary film titled LOST TO THE FUTURE. The forthcoming documentary LOST TO THE FUTURE from Gibson Films will feature in-depth interviews with BACK TO THE FUTURE cast members Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, and Harry Waters Jr., musician Huey Lewis (“The Power of Love”), and the film’s co-creator/screenwriter/producer Bob Gale, as well as the world-renowned music superstars that have been inspired by the film over the decades. In the quest to find the elusive original Gibson ES-345 guitar, documentary Director Doc Crotzer (Roadhouse, Glee), alongside Mark Agnesi (Director of Brand Experience at Gibson), will guide viewers in the global hunt for this legendary instrument from long-forgotten film prop warehouses, fascinating vintage guitar shops, auction houses, and shadowy back alleys. The LOST TO THE FUTURE documentary will transport viewers back to 1985 to celebrate the music, culture, and defining moments of the era through a rich collection of archival photos, stories, film clips, and iconic songs. LOST TO THE FUTURE is produced by Gibson Films and directed by Doc Crotzer.
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Masque Sound Collaborates with Dayglo Presents to Deliver World-Class Systems Integration for GARCIA’S CHICAGO
Masque Sound, a leading theatrical sound reinforcement, installation and design company, announces its successful systems integration for Garcia’s Chicago, a new restaurant and live music venue inspired by the enduring legacy of Jerry Garcia. The venue was developed by Dayglo Presents, a live music and media company that has built a reputation for creating unique and meaningful experiences. Dayglo Presents brought in Masque Sound to bring its technical vision to life. Jesse Lauter, Head of Production & Media at Dayglo Presents, spearheaded the collaboration and has worked with Masque Sound on projects for more than a decade. “I have this great relationship with Matt Peskie and the entire team at Masque Sound,” says Lauter. “They are best in class, great to work with and flexible. When Anthony Nittoli joined Masque Sound as Installation Division Manager, it was a match made in heaven. Anthony has always been my go-to for design and concept, so having so much talent under one roof was fantastic. I brought Masque in for Garcia’s Chicago, and it was the perfect match.” While the project presented some challenges, including a pre-determined booth placement and design limitations set years earlier, the team rose to the occasion. “We were locked in on positions and placements that weren’t ideal,” added Lauter. “But, through close collaboration between Meyer Sound and Anthony at Masque Sound, we overcame those obstacles and created one of the best-sounding clubs I’ve ever been in.” Masque Sound’s work included a full systems integration featuring a Meyer Sound loudspeaker system comprised of seven Ultra X-40s, seven Ultra X-20s, two 900-LFC subwoofers, one 750-LFC subwoofer and six MJF-208 stage monitors. “The choice of Meyer Sound was both technical and symbolic,” says Lauter. “Meyer’s history with the Grateful Dead made them a natural fit. We love their vibe, and it just made sense to pair Dayglo, Masque and Meyer. We knew we could create something special together and we did.” This system was anchored by a Yamaha DM7C-EX digital console with Rio 3224-D2 and Rio 1608-D2 stage boxes, which were chosen for their compact footprint and high performance. A range of Shure, Audix and Sennheiser microphones paired with K&M stands supported the venue’s input needs. For video capture, the venue was equipped with five PTZ Optics 4K HD cameras operated via a PTZ Optics controller, allowing seamless content creation and livestream capabilities. “Masque Sound also supported the venue through its opening nights and was great in commissioning the system and staying onsite to ensure seamless operation,” adds Lauter. “There were no issues or complaints. It was a flawless launch.” Lauter also praised the efforts of the legendary Peter Shapiro, Owner of Dayglo Presents, and Kim Kozak, Production Manager, who both played crucial roles in the successful realization of Garcia’s Chicago. “Garcia’s Chicago looks and sounds amazing,” says Nittoli. “It has been a wonderful experience working with such a talented team from various companies on this project. I loved seeing the enthusiasm of the entire crew on opening week and could really sense the excitement of all involved. Garcia’s Chicago now stands as a testament to expert collaboration, musical heritage and technical excellence ushering in a new era of live music in the Windy City.”
