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  • 10 Best Sugar Daddy Sites & Apps for Real Dating in 2025

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    Looking for a sugar daddy? If you want mentorship, financial support, or a luxurious 

    relationship with clear expectations, sugar baby dating platforms can help you find what you’re looking for. These sites offer a safe and discreet way to connect while also encouraging meaningful relationships. The best sugar daddy websites feature verified profiles, clear communication, secure chats, and real-world compatibility.

    We’ve compiled a list of 10 trusted platforms that connect potential sugar babies with successful, generous partners. Whether you’re trying this for the first time or want to move on from outdated apps, this list will direct you to the best sugar dating sites available right now.

    Best Sugar Daddy Websites to Make Money & Find a Sugar Baby

    1. SugarDaddy.com – Best Sugar Daddy Website Overall (Best Choice)
    2. Ashley Madison – Best Sugar Daddy App for Quick Matches
    3. AdultFriendFinder – Best Sugar Baby Site for Verified Profiles
    4. MillionaireLove – Best for High-Income Matches and Global Dating Pool
    5. SugarBook – Best for Transparent Agreements & Upfront Communication
    6. Secret Benefits – Best for Private, Discreet Connections
    7. Elite Singles – Best Sugar Baby Site for Professionals Seeking Mature Companions
    8. LuxuryDate – Best for High-End Experiences and Lifestyle Matches
    9. Established Men – Best for Successful Men Looking for Younger Matches
    10. SugarDaddyMeet – Best App for Verified Profiles and Safety Features

    SugarDaddy.com – Best Sugar Daddy Website Overall (Best Choice)

    If you’re searching for the most reliable sugar dating sites, SugarDaddy.com stands out for its trustworthiness, security features, and solid reputation. It’s perfect for both new and experienced sugar babies who want a dependable platform to form real connections with wealthy individuals. With a large group of financially stable members and a sleek, modern design, SugarDaddy.com simplifies the process of finding the right match.

    Pros

    • Large user base of verified sugar daddies and sugar babies
    • Detailed profiles with lifestyle and relationship goals
    • Excellent search filters by income, intent, and location
    • Active moderation and anti-scam tools
    • Great for both casual and long-term sugar relationships

    Cons

    • Fewer free features for basic users
    • Mobile app is currently web-based, not native

    Pricing

    • 1-month: $39.95
    • 3-month: $89.85
    • 6-month: $119.70

    Ashley Madison – Best Sugar Daddy App for Quick Matches

    Want something fast, low-pressure, and easy to use? Ashley Madison is one of the best apps to quickly find sugar daddies. It started out as a discreet dating platform, but its new features and updated matching system now make it great for sugar babies who want quick connections and a mobile-friendly experience. The app’s clean design and quick response times make it stand out if you’re looking for an instant spark.

    Pros

    • Designed for quick and discreet connections
    • Real-time chat and private photo exchange
    • Great for sugar dating without long onboarding
    • High percentage of successful, established male users
    • Location-based matching for nearby arrangements

    Cons

    • Requires credits for messaging
    • Not exclusively a sugar dating platform

    Pricing

    • Message credit bundles: $59 (100 credits), $169 (500 credits), $289 (1000 credits)

    AdultFriendFinder – Best Sugar Baby Site for Verified Profiles

    AdultFriendFinder stands out as one of the best legit sugar daddy apps for safety-conscious users. Known for its robust verification tools and encrypted messaging features, this platform caters to individuals seeking real sugar dating without the guesswork. If you’re prioritizing privacy and identity protection, especially in early conversations, AFF is a smart choice.

    Pros

    • Strong emphasis on profile verification
    • Secure chat with anonymous username options
    • Includes private video chat and cam features
    • Variety of relationship types supported
    • Active moderation team combats bots and scams

    Cons

    • Some ads in free version
    • Mature interface can feel outdated

    Pricing

    • 1-month Gold Membership: $39.95
    • 3-month: $80.85
    • 12-month: $239.40

    MillionaireLove – Best for High-Income Matches and Global Dating Pool

    If you’re looking to connect with high-net-worth individuals across borders, MillionaireLove is a strong contender. This platform caters to successful, wealthy singles and attractive companions seeking luxurious, supportive relationships, no matter where they live. With a presence in over 30 countries, it’s ideal for sugar babies who want to date globally and enjoy lifestyle perks along the way.

    What makes MillionaireLove stand out is its refined focus on income-verified members and quality over quantity. Profiles here are more curated, giving sugar babies access to serious sugar daddies who are upfront about their success and expectations.

    Pros

    • International dating pool with affluent members
    • Focus on long-term and lifestyle-driven connections
    • Income verification adds trust and credibility
    • Elegant interface geared toward elite users
    • Discreet platform with strong privacy features

    Cons

    • Smaller community compared to mainstream apps
    • Limited features without upgrading to premium

    Pricing

    • 1-month: $39.99
    • 3-month: $89.97
    • 6-month: $129.99

    SugarBook – Best for Transparent Agreements & Upfront Communication

    SugarBook is one of the most upfront and communication-driven sugar dating platforms out there. Built with the belief that clarity leads to better matches, SugarBook encourages open conversations about expectations, boundaries, and arrangement terms right from the start.

    For sugar babies who value honesty and want to avoid playing guessing games, SugarBook offers a refreshing approach. You’ll find detailed user bios, strong verification practices, and a cultural emphasis on respectful sugar dating. The platform is especially popular in Asia, but it’s quickly growing in global popularity as more users seek honest, goal-aligned relationships.

    Pros

    • Prioritizes transparency and open agreements
    • Active global user base with growing reach
    • Real-time chat and quick messaging tools
    • Verified income for sugar daddies
    • Easy-to-use app interface and filters

    Cons

    • Some features region-restricted (based on availability)
    • Fewer high-income users in certain countries

    Pricing

    • Monthly membership: $39.95
    • Token system also available for unlocking features:
    • 100 credits: $59
    • 500 credits: $169

    Secret Benefits – Best for Private, Discreet Connections

    If privacy is your top concern, Secret Benefits is one of the best sugar daddy websites to make money without compromising your identity. Designed for discretion, the platform allows you to control who sees your profile, photos, and private details. Many sugar babies prefer Secret Benefits because it supports confidential, secure dating without the pressure of being publicly visible.

    Instead of a monthly subscription, the site uses a pay-per-interaction model, giving you more control over how and when you engage with sugar daddies. With real income earners, verified accounts, and a reputation for protecting users, it’s a go-to for those seeking low-profile but high-reward relationships.

    Pros

    • Private albums and customizable visibility settings
    • Token-based system for controlled messaging
    • Ideal for discreet and professional sugar dating
    • Verified profiles and income screening for daddies
    • Reputation for low fake-profile rate

    Cons

    • Can get expensive with frequent messaging
    • No mobile app (mobile site only)

    Pricing

    • Free to join for sugar babies
    • Sugar daddies purchase credits:
      – 100 credits: $59
      – 500 credits: $169
      – 1,000 credits: $289

    Elite Singles – Best Sugar Baby Site for Professionals Seeking Mature Companions

    If you value intellect, ambition, and meaningful conversation, Elite Singles is a top-tier option for sugar babies and daddies alike. This platform caters to educated, career-driven individuals, making it an ideal choice for those seeking emotionally mature, professional relationships with substance.

    Elite Singles stands out for its detailed personality matching system and emphasis on compatibility beyond just looks or lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, long-term companionship, or a sophisticated connection, this site gives you the tools to find like-minded partners.

    Pros

    • Designed for working professionals and educated users
    • In-depth personality test and intelligent match suggestions
    • Strong safety protocols and data encryption
    • High percentage of members over 30 seeking serious connections
    • Great for sugar babies looking for mentorship or emotional stability

    Cons

    • Slower signup process due to profile depth
    • Limited daily matches without a premium plan

    Pricing

    • 1-month: $59.95
    • 3-month: $119.85
    • 6-month: $179.70

    LuxuryDate – Best for High-End Experiences and Lifestyle Matches

    For sugar babies who dream of private jets, designer shopping, and exotic getaways, LuxuryDate delivers on the promise of elite sugar dating. This platform is built specifically for high-net-worth individuals and glamorous companions who expect more than the average relationship.

    LuxuryDate doesn’t aim to be a mainstream dating app, it’s an exclusive community for people who value lifestyle as much as chemistry. The site carefully screens members and provides a luxury-first experience from profile creation to match suggestions.

    Pros

    • Curated user base of wealthy, high-profile members
    • Premium design and upscale interface
    • Matches based on lifestyle goals and income level
    • Private chat features and identity verification
    • Ideal for sugar babies seeking luxury and travel perks

    Cons

    • Premium membership required to interact meaningfully
    • More selective than general dating platforms

    Pricing

    • 1-month premium: $69.99
    • 3-month: $149.99
    • 6-month: $199.99

    Established Men – Best for Successful Men Looking for Younger Matches

    Established Men is a classic sugar dating site built around success-based relationships. It connects financially secure, confident men with younger women looking for guidance, luxury, and support. If you’re drawn to clear age-gap dynamics and appreciate the balance of experience and youthful energy, this platform may be exactly what you’re looking for.

    The interface is simple but effective, allowing sugar babies to browse based on lifestyle preferences and relationship goals. With thousands of verified sugar daddies on the platform, it’s a solid pick for women who know what they want.

    Pros

    • Specifically designed for age-gap dating
    • Simple interface for fast browsing and messaging
    • Strong focus on financial stability and lifestyle perks
    • Clear expectations help avoid misunderstandings
    • Active user base of generous, older men

    Cons

    • Fewer customization options in profiles
    • Limited access for free members

    Pricing

    • 1-month: $49.95
    • 3-month: $119.85
    • 6-month: $149.95

    SugarDaddyMeet – Best App for Verified Profiles and Safety Features

    If verification and trust are your top priorities, SugarDaddyMeet is one of the safest and most reliable sugar daddy apps available today. Unlike casual platforms, this app is designed exclusively for sugar daddies and sugar babies, with strong vetting standards and built-in safety measures.

    SugarDaddyMeet only allows users from the 20 richest countries, ensuring that most members meet a certain financial standard. Every profile undergoes manual review, and features like photo moderation, income verification, and private messaging help reduce scams and elevate user quality. It’s a fantastic choice for sugar babies who want serious arrangements with real, verified men.

    Pros

    • Strict profile verification process for all users
    • High concentration of successful men from wealthy countries
    • Emphasis on safety and privacy in every interaction
    • Members can browse anonymously and use blur tools
    • One of the most trusted sugar daddy apps for new users

    Cons

    • Membership is limited to select countries
    • Basic accounts have messaging restrictions

    Pricing

    • 1-month: $50.00
    • 3-month: $90.00
    • 6-month: $144.00

    What Is Sugar Dating?

    Sugar dating is a type of relationship where one partner, typically a successful, financially established individual known as a sugar daddy or sugar mommy, provides support, mentorship, or luxury experiences to a sugar baby in exchange for companionship. Unlike traditional dating, sugar relationships often operate on clearly defined expectations compared to traditional relationships and mutually beneficial arrangements.

    These relationships can be rooted in a variety of shared interests, from lifestyle mentorship and emotional support to travel and career advancement. What sets sugar dating apart is its focus on openness, trust, and negotiated boundaries, meaning both parties are upfront about what they want from the start.

    Importantly, sex is not a requirement in sugar relationships. Some sugar couples prioritize emotional connection and lifestyle compatibility, while others may develop romantic or even long-term bonds over time. Every sugar relationship is unique and shaped by mutual consent.

    Whether you’re looking for guidance, stability, or a touch of luxury, sugar dating provides a flexible space for building relationships that are honest, goal-driven, and empowering for ladies.

    5 Tips to Succeed as a Sugar Baby

    If you’re ready to dive into the world of sugar dating, having a smart, strategic approach can make all the difference. These five tips will help you navigate the scene with confidence, attract genuine sugar daddies, and set yourself up for rewarding, respectful connections.

    Choose a Legit Sugar Daddy Site with Verified Members

    Your safety and success start with where you sign up. Choose a reputable sugar daddy platform that verifies member profiles and prioritizes privacy to link you with trustworthy individuals . Sites like SugarDaddyMeet and SugarBook offer strong screening tools, income verification, and secure messaging features to ensure you’re talking to real, trustworthy sugar daddies, not time-wasters or scammers.

    Look for sugar daddy sites that publicly promote profile verification, clear communication, and safety features. These are the platforms where you’re most likely to find genuine, financially generous men.

    Create an Honest, Attractive Profile with Lifestyle Goals

    Your profile is your calling card. Make sure it reflects who you are, and what you’re looking for. Include high-quality, flattering photos that show both your personality and your lifestyle. In your bio, be specific about what type of arrangement or companionship you want, whether that’s mentorship, travel, or financial support.

    Avoid vague clichés. Instead, use your space to express your goals and show confidence in what you bring to a sugar relationship. Sugar daddies appreciate clarity and authenticity.

    Use Search Filters to Find Like-Minded Individuals

    Most legit sugar dating websites offer advanced search tools that let you sort and filter by income level, location, relationship goals, and more. Use these filters to narrow down your options and connect with sugar daddies who align with your expectations.

    This saves you time and helps you focus only on high-potential matches. If you’re looking for a long-distance arrangement, someone who travels often, or a partner in your city, filters make it easy to find exactly that.

    Start Chatting via Private Messaging or Video Calls

    Once you’ve matched with someone promising, take the conversation off the public feed. Use secure private messaging or video chats to get a better sense of the person before you agree to meet.

    This not only builds trust but also gives you a chance to screen for red flags. Many top platforms now offer encrypted chat, anonymous usernames, and cam options so you can stay safe while getting to know someone better.

    Be Upfront About Expectations and Boundaries
    Transparency is everything in sugar dating. Be honest about your expectations early on, whether you’re looking for a financial arrangement, mentorship, or something more long-term. The same goes for setting clear boundaries around your availability, communication style, and comfort levels.

    A sugar daddy who respects your boundaries, appreciates your openness, and is also looking for fun is far more likely to invest in a genuine, successful partnership.

    How to Find a Sugar Daddy?

    Finding a sugar daddy today is easier than ever thanks to online platforms, social media, and lifestyle communities. Whether you’re looking for a generous gentleman to help fund your goals or someone to spoil you in exchange for your time and companionship, the key is knowing where to look—and how to approach it.

    Where to Find a Sugar Daddy?

    Online sugar daddy sites and apps are the most popular places to meet sugar daddies in 2025. Platforms like SugarDaddy.com are designed to connect sugar daddies and sugar babies with clear expectations from the start. These websites are discreet, user-friendly, and allow you to filter by age, income, location, and interests, making the matchmaking process easier than ever.

    Beyond dedicated sugar dating platforms, social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter (X) can also be useful—especially if you curate a polished, confident, and luxury-leaning online persona. Many sugar babies attract attention simply by posting lifestyle content and engaging with wealthy followers in their niche.

    Some also find success in elite dating apps, which are known for attracting high-net-worth individuals looking for attractive, younger partners. While not specifically for sugar dating, they can open doors to high-income matches.

    Offline, sugar daddies often frequent upscale lounges, country clubs, charity galas, business conferences, and other luxury spaces. Cities like Miami, New York, Dubai, and LA are well-known sugar dating hubs due to their concentration of affluent professionals.

    How to Get a Sugar Daddy?

    Whether you’re looking for an online arrangement or a more traditional offline setup, here’s a quick step-by-step on how to get a sugar daddy successfully, even a millionaire, as an example. , including tips on education and relationship dynamics.

    How to Get a Sugar Daddy Online

    1. Choose the Right Platform: Start with a reputable sugar daddy website or app. Create an account on platforms that match you with verified, generous men.

    2. Build an Attractive, Honest Profile:
      Upload flattering but classy photos, write a bio that showcases your personality and goals, and be upfront (but polite) about what you’re looking for in an arrangement.

    3. Set Your Standards and Filters:
      Don’t settle. Use filters to find men who match your ideal age, lifestyle, and support level. Look for users with verified income or premium status.

    4. Start the Conversation:
      Send friendly, confident messages. Ask questions, show interest in their lifestyle, and keep the tone flirty but respectful.

    5. Discuss Expectations Early:
      Once there’s chemistry, shift the conversation toward arrangement types—financial support, frequency of meeting, gifts, travel, etc.—to make sure you’re on the same page.

    6. Meet Safely and Confidently:
      When it’s time to meet in person, always choose public locations first and prioritize your safety. Trust your instincts and never rush into anything.

    How to Get a Sugar Daddy Without Online Dating Apps

    1. Frequent Upscale Locations: Hang out at places where high-net-worth men go—hotel lounges, golf clubs, art auctions, luxury networking events.

    2. Dress Well and Carry Yourself Confidently:
      Presentation matters. Look polished, act self-assured, and be approachable.

    3. Start Conversations Naturally:
      Sugar daddies aren’t always flashy. Start friendly conversations, show interest in what they do, and subtly steer the conversation to lifestyle or dating.

    4. Exchange Contact Details:
      If there’s a spark, offer your number or social handle. From there, you can transition into discussing a possible arrangement.

    How to Get a Sugar Daddy to Commit

    While many sugar arrangements start with clear terms and casual expectations, it’s common for these connections to develop into deeper, long-term bonds. If you want to turn a sugar relationship into something more stable or even romantic, building trust and an emotional connection is essential.

    The first step is being transparent. Clearly state your goals from the start, whether you want long-term support, exclusive companionship, or something more emotionally committed. Sugar daddies appreciate honesty and are more likely to invest in someone who confidently expresses their needs.

    Consistency is another important aspect. Respond regularly, keep your promises, and show appreciation. Sugar daddies who feel valued and respected are more likely to go beyond the transactional and commit emotionally or financially for the long run.

    Lastly, focus on mutual communication. Ask about their life, goals, and expectations. The more interest you show in who they are, not just what they can provide, the more likely the relationship is to grow.

    Some sugar relationships have even turned into romantic partnerships and long-term love stories. It’s not about forcing anything; it’s about fostering genuine connections through honesty, warmth, and shared values.

    Safety and Privacy in Sugar Dating

    When it comes to sugar dating, safety and privacy should always be your top priorities. While many sugar daddy websites are legitimate and secure, not all platforms offer the same level of protection. It’s important to choose sites with strong verification systems and privacy controls.

    Start by selecting platforms that verify income and identity. Trusted sites are known for checking users and manually reviewing profiles. These measures help reduce fake accounts and keep interactions genuine.

    Secure messaging is another essential feature. Look for platforms that use encryption and let you control who can see your photos or message you. Private albums, nickname-only profiles, and anonymous browsing can help protect your identity, especially early on in a connection.

    If you’re new to this, avoid sharing personal contact details until you’ve had time to evaluate your match. Use the platform’s built-in communication tools and meet in public if you decide to take things offline.

    Ultimately, discretion and privacy are key to making sugar dating successful. Choose platforms that value these principles and allow you to control your experience from start to finish.

    Do Sugar Relationships Really Work?

    Yes, sugar relationships can absolutely work, and many do. While some people still view sugar dating through a narrow or outdated lens, countless sugar couples have formed lasting, emotionally fulfilling connections based on honesty, beauty, shared values, and clear expectations.

    What makes these relationships successful isn’t just financial support, it’s the mutual understanding that both parties are entering into something intentional and transparent. Sugar babies often find mentorship, travel opportunities, or lifestyle upgrades. Sugar daddies often enjoy companionship, emotional support, or a renewed sense of connection.

    In some cases, sugar dating relationships evolve into long-term romance or committed partnerships. These success stories aren’t rare, they’re a testament to how clarity, communication, and mutual benefit can lay the foundation for something deeper.

    Of course, like any relationship, success depends on compatibility, effort, and respect. The most rewarding sugar arrangements are the ones where both people feel understood, valued, and empowered.

    Whether you’re looking for companionship, career advice, or a luxury experience, sugar dating works best when approached with intention and openness.

    Sugar Daddy Apps that Send Money Without Meeting

    Not every sugar baby is looking for in-person arrangements—and luckily, there are apps that cater to exactly that. Some sugar daddies are happy to send money, gifts, or support remotely in exchange for virtual companionship, daily check-ins, flirty chats, or exclusive content. These types of arrangements are often referred to as virtual sugar dating or findom-style setups (financial domination, without physical contact).

    If you’re more interested in building a remote connection and still getting paid, here are the best sugar daddy apps that send money without meeting:

    • CashDaddy: Designed specifically for online-only sugar arrangements, CashDaddy allows sugar babies to receive direct support via Cash App, Venmo, or PayPal. Daddies on the platform are vetted for genuine financial interest and are often looking for ongoing online attention and messaging.
    • Spoil: This app focuses on virtual sugar relationships where sugar babies can receive tributes, gifts, and monthly allowances. There’s a built-in messaging system, a gift wishlist feature, and daddies can send funds with no expectation of meeting in real life.
    • Luxy: While Luxy is technically an elite dating app, many users use it for virtual arrangements. Verified millionaires often use the app to find younger partners to spoil remotely, especially in long-distance scenarios.
    • OnlyFans (Private Sugar Deals): While not a sugar daddy app per se, many sugar babies connect with generous fans through platforms like OnlyFans, setting up private financial arrangements through direct messaging. It’s perfect for those comfortable sharing content in exchange for regular support.
    • Telegram + Pay Platforms: Some experienced sugar babies operate independently through Telegram or Snapchat, building a roster of online daddies who send weekly payments, Amazon gifts, or cash apps. Be cautious and vet each contact properly—this route offers high flexibility but less platform protection.

    Reminder: If you’re seeking sugar daddies who send money without meeting, always prioritize safety. Use secure payment platforms (never gift cards or bank transfers), set boundaries early, and trust your gut. The best virtual arrangements are based on trust, consistency, and clearly defined expectations.

    FAQs About Sugar Daddy Dating

    Are Sugar Dating Websites Legal?

    Yes, most sugar dating websites are fully legal, as long as the relationships formed on them are consensual and do not involve illegal activity. These platforms emphasize transparency and typically include privacy policies, age verification, and clear community guidelines.

    Legitimate sugar dating sites also offer verified profiles and tools that help protect your identity and data, making it easier to enjoy your experience within legal and ethical boundaries.

    Do I Have to Meet in Person?

    No, meeting in person is completely optional. Some sugar daddy apps that send money without meeting are designed for virtual arrangements, where both parties agree to connect solely online. It all depends on your preferences and the nature of the arrangement.

    As long as there’s mutual agreement, many sugar relationships remain entirely virtual, offering flexibility for those who prefer to keep things long-distance or private.

    How Much Allowance Is Normal?

    There’s no one-size-fits-all number. Allowances vary based on each sugar relationship and are often negotiated privately. Some sugar babies receive monthly support, while others benefit through gifts, travel, or mentorship.

    Every arrangement is different, and the key is to have an open, honest conversation about expectations early on.

    Is It Safe to Use These Platforms?

    Safety depends on the platform you choose. The best sugar dating sites invest heavily in user verification, secure messaging, and privacy tools to protect your information and screen out fake profiles.

    To stay safe, stick to well-known platforms like SugarDaddyMeet or Secret Benefits, and always use in-app messaging until you trust the other person.

    Can Sugar Relationships Become Romantic?

    Absolutely. Many sugar relationships start with defined terms and grow into genuine connections. Over time, shared interests, trust, and emotional intimacy can lead to romantic partnerships, especially with attractive women and even long-term love.

    These success stories happen more often than you’d think, proving that sugar dating doesn’t have to be transactional forever.

    Final Thoughts

    Whether you’re new to sugar dating or ready to upgrade your experience, choosing the right platform is essential for building safe, mutually beneficial relationships. The best sugar daddy sites offer more than just flashy profiles; they prioritize privacy, income verification, secure messaging, and a combination of clear expectations.

    From fast-matching apps like Ashley Madison to long-term relationship platforms like SugarDaddy.com, there’s something here for every lifestyle and arrangement preference. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, financial support, or luxury travel experiences, the key is transparency, compatibility, and a platform that puts your safety first.

    Take your time exploring the options above, and when you find the one that aligns with your goals, don’t be afraid to go after what you want with a nice approach . With the right site and the right mindset, sugar dating can be an empowering, rewarding path to connection.


    Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is intended for adult audiences (18+). It discusses content and applications related to virtual reality and adult entertainment. Please ensure that you comply with local laws and regulations regarding the consumption of adult content. Viewer discretion is advised.

    Author: Morris Munene

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    Morris Munene is a passionate, experienced writer/editor specializing in CBD, dating, gambling, and health. With seven years of expertise in web content creation, SEO, and editing, he excels in crafting compelling, informative content and transforming it into engaging content. His work has been featured in leading publications and online platforms, resonating with diverse audiences worldwide.

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  • Solana Developers Increase Block Limit By 20%, Aim For 66%

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    The Solana ecosystem has scored a major coup. As recently announced, developers within the ecosystem have successfully increased the block limit from 50 million to 60 million compute units (CUs). This means that the network can handle faster transactions and is generally more secure.

    Even the biggest blockchain networks are always trying to improve their capabilities to remain competitive and retain users. This is especially true as they continue to grow and see more use. Solana is certainly in this boat, as many more projects are being built on top of it. An example of this is Solaverse, which has been receiving much high within the industry. As more people are looking to buy into the project, there will be more pressure on the Solana ecosystem. As crypto expert Jose Aquino explains in his how to buy Solaverse guide, the metaverse ecosystem is considered one of the more impressive offerings in the industry.

    And this is not the first time that the block limit has been increased recently. As Helius Labs CEO Mert Mumtaz explains, the compute units essentially function as fuel, which is used to facilitate various transactions. But during periods of high network activity, there have been slowdowns in transaction speed, and this will not serve the ecosystem in the long term. Back in June, the block limit was raised to 50 million, and now, we are at 60 million. With this, Solana is able to process up to 1,700 transactions per second.

    It is worth noting that Solana is one of the blockchain networks that is considered in the class of ‘Ethereum killers’. These are essentially blockchains that seek to improve on the perceived flaws in the Ethereum network and thus, threaten its dominance. Doing this will mean always pushing the limits of how fast transactions can be completed, and so far, it seems to be succeeding.

    And this is far from the end of the Solana community’s speed ambitions. As Mumtaz has explained, the next goal is to double the current block limits and get to 120 million in the near future. This would represent a 66% increase in the block limit and would take it to even new Heights. Recently, Solana core developers published the Solana Improvement Document (SIMD-0286), which would outline this increase.

    The most recent increase to 60 million was initiated through SIMD 0256, and this incoming one would especially help decentralized finance users as well as those who create applications within that sector. But beyond this, other blockchain applications that leverage Solana will benefit. It is worth noting that NFTs, smart contracts, metaverses, and others are created using Solana, and these demands will only increase with time. If Solana and other blockchains fail to innovate and increase block speed, users and developers will simply move to their competition.

    Developers and stakeholders are very much aware of this, and thus, we’ve seen a wave of upgrades taking place on various networks. Ethereum, which Solana is a direct competitor to, completed its Pectra upgrade some weeks ago, which helps to increase its network efficiency.

    Then there is Cardano, another Ethereum killer network. It is currently prepping for its Leios upgrade, which will increase its transaction speed and keep it in the running as one of the most sought-after blockchains in the industry. Specifically, this upgrade will leverage parallel validation and a modular architecture to put its transaction speed on the same level as other major blockchains like Solana and Ethereum. As much as Cardano has been lauded as an efficient blockchain in the past, its lack of scalability has been criticized by users.

    But many believe that once this upgrade is complete, Cardano will be further used for things such as NFTs and DeFi. This means that even as Solana is about to score its own major upgrade, it is not out of the woods yet.

    This speaks to the nature of the blockchain sector, as there is competition on every level. As such, no hard fork or upgrade is the last form of improvement the network should pursue. Instead, there should always be something else in the works, else they get left behind.

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  • Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present and Future Nurtures Local Talent with Incubator and Accelerator Programs

    Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present and Future Nurtures Local Talent with Incubator and Accelerator Programs

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    click to enlarge

    Courtesy of Maura Rogers

    Maura Rogers and the Bellows.

    In 2023, Cleveland Rocks: Past, Present and Future, a local nonprofit devoted to developing Cleveland’s local music scene, put up some pretty impressive numbers. It raised more than $185,000 for local musicians and venues and held more than 30 events featuring more than 90 musicians.

    It aims to do even more in 2024.

    One aspect of the foundation is its Music Incubator program that provides local acts with up to $2000 for projects they propose. Locals Clare Feorene, Kid Tigrrrr, Corry Michaels, Thor Platter and Wave Rowanne are participating in this year’s program.

    The foundation also offers a Music Accelerator program that’s designed to expand the reach of local bands that have developed fanbases in Northeast Ohio. This year, local acts Maura Rogers & the Bellows and Apostle Jones participated in that program. Thanks to the exposure it received from participating in the program, Rogers’s band got onto the Rock Hall’s radar, and at 8 p.m. tomorrow, Rogers and the Bellows along with local singer-songwriter Charity Evonna will play a free show at the Rock Hall, kicking off the Rock Hall’s Live and Local series.

    “We are trying to find opportunities for these bands that we’re working with,” says Programming Manager David Kennedy one recent afternoon as he sits with Executive Director Cindy Barber and Rogers, who’s also a programming manager for the organization, at Cleveland Rocks Shop, a store devoted to selling merch related to local bands. “We want to be a resource for these local artists, so we’re starting these small programs that are very focused on them. The research we are doing is informing the kind of direction we’re going with the support services and the workshops and the education programs.”

    As one example of support provided through the programs, Cleveland Rocks offered a free workshop on writing band bios and hired a local photographer to provide participants with photos that they could put in their press kits.

    Cory Grinder, a local singer-songwriter, was one of the first area artists to benefit from participating in the Music Incubator Program.

    “Cory gave us the best feedback because he documented exactly how many shows he did and how much he spent on gas and how much merch he sold at each show,” says Barber. “Because of the grant he received, he was able to risk more and stretch himself out and make money from tickets and merch.”

    Rogers recently found herself in a unique position where she had a fan interested in financially investing in her group.

    “I thought, ‘What can we do?’ I worked with David [Kennedy] because the first phase of the accelerator program is to see where a band that has been around for a few years can do,” says Rogers. “We’ve built a fanbase in Cleveland, and our sound has evolved and what we are doing now has taken a new energy and turn musically. We have a new sound and a show that’s different because it has an energy that we never had before.”

    Kennedy recorded a live show and captured what the band sounds like in its current incarnation. A folk-rock group that draws from acts such Fleetwood Mac and 10,000 Maniacs, Rogers and the Bellows have become one of the city’s best live acts.

    “David [Kennedy] has been strategic in terms of looking at what we needed,” says Rogers. “We didn’t have a support system in place that connects all the dots, and he’s helped us develop that.”

    Rogers says Cleveland Rocks aspires to bring local acts together like the now-shuttered Barking Spider Tavern, an Eastside concert venue that nurtured local talent for many years before closing, did.

    Barber says that a recent census that tracked Cleveland musicians will show that local musicians spend more money on their craft than musicians in many other cities, some of which are renowned for their local music scenes.

    “The Accelerator Program aims to identify the best bands in town and the biggest fans in town and put them together. It’s something we’ve done for the Rock Solid Benefits where we’ve auctioned off house concerts,” says Kennedy, who adds that this year’s benefit will take place on Nov. 9. “I just hate to see 65-year-old musicians climbing up a ladder and painting houses just so they can get by.”

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    Jeff Niesel

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  • Child Care Still Unaffordable, Inaccessible for Many in Ohio

    Child Care Still Unaffordable, Inaccessible for Many in Ohio

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    (Photo provided by the CEO Project).

    The CEO Project is a statewide grassroots organization that calls for more childcare funding

    Ohio parents are working hard, sometimes at multiple jobs, but most still can’t afford child care, that is if there are child care options at all where they live.

    A new report from child care advocacy group Groundwork Ohio showed the scarcity of child care and the struggles parents had even when they could obtain child care, because the cost of that care can be prohibitive.

    The Family Voices Project Report surveyed 755 parents and caregivers between April and May of this year, all of whom had at least one child under the age of six. The 755 parents and caregivers represented 932 Ohio children.

    Demographics in the study included 75% women, with a majority of families surveyed (66%) identifying as white. In terms of family structure, 75% of those taking the study were two-parent households, and the biggest poverty level represented (43%) lived at less than 200% of the federal poverty line.

    Surveying the parents, the study focused on policy pillars of early learning and child care; health care access and quality; early childhood trauma prevention; and economic stability.

    The study found that child care subsidies “are a critical support for working families, but access is limited.”

    One in three Ohioans surveyed reported “difficulty finding child care,” and almost 60% said their current child care situation wasn’t affordable.

    “Over half of the respondents whose children were not enrolled in child care cited the expense of child care as the reason,” according to the study.

    While almost the same amount said they were reliant on the state’s Publicly Funded Child Care assistance, 40% of those struggled to find a facility that accepted it.

    The study further showed problems with the PFCC program, even for those who have already applied and been deemed eligible. A quarter of the survey participants who receive a child care subsidy “reported that their copayment was not affordable.”

    That’s when you even get the subsidies: 24% of survey-takers who applied for the program said it took more than three months to start receiving PFCC funding after applying.

    Many of those surveyed have had to change work schedules or cut back hours because of struggles to arrange child care.

    And while nearly all parents reported having a support system like partners, friends or parents, one in three parents had “high levels of stress” and 65% said they “could benefit from additional resources and support for parenting.”

    Public assistance programs were part of the parenting process for those in the study, with 27% enrolled in Medicaid, 16% a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and 13% in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

    The biggest group of study participants (26%) were from central Ohio, followed by Northeast Ohio (20%), Appalachia (18%), Southwest Ohio (15%) and Northwest Ohio (8%).

    While the majority of participants in the study were two-parent households, those in single-parent households were represented, and reported working more than one job to make ends meet, 10% more than two-parent households.

    Working multiple jobs and struggling to find (and keep) child care has its ripple effects on child health, as shown in the study.

    Children in households with incomes between 200% and 400% of the federal poverty line were “least likely to have a regular source” of health care, according to the study, and children sometimes can’t make it to well-child visits even when they have regular care, due to a parent’s work schedule or the cost of care.

    “Parents with higher incomes (above 400% FPL) had fewer access issues; however, 15% reported not being able to access timely care for a sick child and 18% reported challenges with timely access to a specialist,” the study found.

    The legislature seems to have taken notice as advocates sounded the alarm on a “crisis” regarding child care costs, availability, and workforce for the field. Several bills, many sponsored by GOP lawmakers have been handed to committees during the current General Assembly. Though the bills won’t see further action until November since lawmakers are on summer break, Republican-led bills will have an easier chance in the GOP supermajority legislature.

    Originally published by the Ohio Capital Journal. Republished here with permission.

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    Susan Tebben, The Ohio Capital Journal

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  • Memorial Concert at Beachland To Honor Local Musician Reese Black Germany

    Memorial Concert at Beachland To Honor Local Musician Reese Black Germany

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    On Sunday, Aug. 11, the Beachland Ballroom will celebrate and remember the life and times of Reese Black Germany, a popular local harmonica player who passed away last year at age 64.

    Local harp players as well as the bands that Reese shared the stage with will be on hand. Acts such as Blues Chronicles, Black & Coe, Nothing Fancy and Blues on Fire are slated to perform.

    Harmonica players Jarred Goldweber, T.C Odegard, Jon Ban, Dave Morrison, Jack Charlton, Harpman Brantt, Dan Bode, Gary Craft, Bob Hughes and Jim Kormanik will also perform, and supporting musicians such as Al Moses, Jeremy Piteo, Jamil Adeen, Nicola Marchi, Gavin Coe, Michael Bay, Gina Stutzman, Elm St. Blues Band, Don Buchanan, Justin Butcher, Bobo Adkins, Phil Quidort, Todd Meany, Tracy Marie, Liz Bullock and Austin Walkin Cane are on the bill.

    Germany’s widow, Nanci Germany, will serve as a special guest.

    It’s a Cleveland Blues Society event held in conjunction with the locally based nonprofit Cleveland Rocks; Past, Present, and Future.

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    Jeff Niesel

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  • Singer-Songwriter Doug McKean’s Sixth Solo Effort Is His Most Cohesive Yet

    Singer-Songwriter Doug McKean’s Sixth Solo Effort Is His Most Cohesive Yet

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    Courtesy of Doug McKean

    Doug McKean.

    A veteran local musician who played in the punk band the GC5 until it split up in 2003, singer-songwriter Doug McKean released his first solo album back in 2006 and has steadily released solo efforts ever since. His latest endeavor, Enduring Freedom, arrives on July 5, and Doug McKean will play a release show at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 12, at the Beachland Tavern. Local indie rock act Kid Tigrrr will open.

    As McKean explains in a recent phone interview, he penned the tunes on his new album in much the same way that he wrote the songs on his previous release, 2020’s The Second Golden Age of Piracy.

    “In 2019, I got an eight-track and started writing on it,” he says. “I didn’t have to write on acoustic guitar or piano. I could have a simple rhythmic idea and then build it up. I started writing songs like that. I liked what came out of it, and then COVID hit a few months into the process, and that accelerated the amount of time I spent on it. The Second Golden Age of Piracy came out of that, and the songs kept coming. I had 30 songs or so — what I felt was two-thirds of three different records. I wrote ‘I Couldn’t Be Any Happier,’ and at that point, there were 10 that fit together musically and thematically, and I knew that out of all those songs, I finally had a record together.”

    The title Enduring Freedom refers to the second Iraq War, but the songs’ sentiments aren’t that specific.

    “The songs are about things slowly crumbling a bit and losing some people and having some deaths around me and having a sense of resilience,” says McKean. “They’re about wanting to focus on getting things in order around yourself and wanting to hold close to the things and people that matter to you.”

    McKean recorded the album at home, and Los Angeles-based Wallflowers drummer Mark Stepro, who grow up in Galion, OH about ten minutes from where McKean grew up, played drums on it. Don Dixon mixed the album.

    “I couldn’t have asked for more,” says McKean.

    One album highlight, the shimmering album opener “Wildfire Sun,” has an R.E.M. feel to it thanks to an acoustic guitar that McKean tuned to sound like a cello.

    “I wanted a cello section, but I don’t have a cello, so I tuned every string on an acoustic guitar to the same note, and I found that if muted it the right way it could sound like cellos,” says McKean when asked about the track.

    Thanks to its woozy guitar riff and handclaps, the jangly “Stiff Flag,” another album highlight, sounds like it came out of the ’60s.

    “It’s like a more rocking version of ‘Revolution’ by the Beatles,” says McKean. “It’s a blues, but it has no five chord in it. It has a lyrical twist too. I wanted to use the form but also subvert it a little bit. I like those traditional forms, but I am in no sense a blues guy.”

    For the upcoming release show, McKean has assembled a terrific band that he calls the Stuntmen  because “they play the parts that are too dangerous for me.” Even though this particular lineup only came together two years ago, it consists of local musicians he’s known for years.

    “The band that’s been playing since the summer of 2022 is me and [guitarist] Bobby Latina and [drummer] Brent Kirby,” says McKean. “Andy Leach, who plays in [the Gram Parsons tribute act] New Soft Shoe, is playing bass with us. It’s weird to be up there with a guitar. I’m at best the third best guitar player in the band, and if Brent is having a good day, I might be the fourth.”

    Mike Abbadini, who plays in the garage at the Rock Hall and with Orefice Roth and is a fantastic singer and piano player, will play keys, and Mike Allan, formerly of the Dreadful Yawns and currently playing in the Cleveland soul group the Day Nites, will play cello and rotate to bass when Leach plays mandolin.

    “It’s a six-piece band,” explains McKean. “We’ll do some of the quieter songs and some of the atmospheric droning stuff, but the core of the band is a rock band, so we’ll get people out of their seats too.”

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    Jeff Niesel

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  • Ohio Libraries Bracing for Tough Choices as State Funding Revenue Continues to Dip

    Ohio Libraries Bracing for Tough Choices as State Funding Revenue Continues to Dip

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    Ohio public libraries act as community hubs not just for reading, but also internet access, and job and school resources. But they are being forced to have difficult discussions as state funding revenue continues to dip, threatening operations and programs.

    For Victoria Schrock, who’s worked at three different library systems in the state, the library represents a bridge from patrons to basic human needs.

    “I think really everything we do is connected to or promotes human flourishing,” Schrock said.

    She started working in libraries in 2020 and watched as the communities relied more on digital resources, but also clung to access to technology, social services and learning-loss help as the pandemic closed schools and left parents and students without other options.

    “One of my favorite things about my job is seeing people make connections and build community,” Schrock said.

    With state revenues not meeting projections as hoped, library systems are making choices about programs and staffing, and even cutting hours to make ends meet.

    “This isn’t something that’s going to be impacting us a year from now,” said Michelle Francis, executive director of the Ohio Library Council. “It’s going to have immediate effects.”

    How libraries are funded

    Francis spoke to a recent meeting of Ohio’s Joint Property Tax Review and Reform Committee about the impacts lower-than-projected revenues are having on the libraries across the state and impacts potential changes to the state’s property tax regulation may have on the systems.

    “Further limitations in funding, both at the state and local level, would be devastating to many of our communities where the public library is seen as and serves as a community hub,” Francis told the committee in May.

    Libraries receive funding from the Public Library Fund, a state-subsidized account which currently takes 1.7% of the general revenue fund and distributes it to Ohio’s public libraries.

    Library systems keep an eye on state tax receipts from month to month, because those receipts tell libraries how their funding might rise or fall. The numbers have been in a downward trend over the decades in a field that still hasn’t recovered from recession losses of 2009.

    In 2008, the Public Library Fund sat at $450.6 million. It has been below that number ever since, with it’s biggest dip in 2012, when the PLF dropped 23.6% from the 2008 base number.

    In 2022, the PLF distribution was $208.5 million. The fund dropped again in 2023, to $205.2 million. Current numbers reported by the Ohio Library Council show the 2024 year-to-date distribution at $187.5 million.

    While the OLC and local libraries are grateful for state funding, because of a 1970s-era state law, libraries don’t see inflationary growth on the millage they receive from property tax levies, and the state does not provide facilities funding for libraries either, meaning maintenance has been deferred sometimes for decades.

    “I know of one library in particular that has an HVAC system that’s over 50 years old,” Francis said, adding that replacing the system comes at a price tag of more than $1 million.

    If the $450 million the libraries received in 2008 could be adjusted for inflation, that would amount to $645.7 million in today’s dollars.

    Property tax levies are becoming more and more necessary to hold districts solvent and keep services going, especially as the percentage given by the state has been in flux over the years. The 1.7% libraries currently receive is up from 1.68% received in 2018-2019 biennial budget, and even further from the 1.66% in years prior.

    In 2004, only 74 of the 251 libraries the OLC represents had levies on the books. This year, 203 libraries rely on levies for funding, and only 48 live without them.

    The Germantown Public Library is one of the few in the state running solely on state money, making decreases to the Public Library Fund even more impactful to them.

    “We’ve kind of gotten into the habit of running lean here,” said Greg Van Bebber, executive director and fiscal officer for the library.

    With an older demographic in a more rural area southwest of Dayton, the library is proud of their physical stacks of books, but also have seen significant jumps in electronic resources budgets, along with hanging on to things like notary services and free art classes.

    Though the funding discussions were happening long before COVID threw everyone for a loop, Van Bebber said that period really ratcheted up pivoting strategies.

    “I think it really made directors and library boards think about what are the services and how can things like this change what we do,” Van Bebber told the Capital Journal.

    They’ve since joined a consortium, as many libraries in the state have done, to broaden access to books that may not be in their stacks. Even with COVID in the rearview mirror, Germantown’s total budget still isn’t back to pre-2008 recession levels.

    If state funding continues to drop, Van Bebber said his library would look at longterm solutions, like cutting operating hours, perhaps different methods of book-buying and more deferred maintenance.

    “We’re looking at pumping the brakes on expansion of services and reprioritizing what we’re doing,” he said of discussions with the Germantown leadership and library board.

    Some silver lining in the fight for library funding is the significant passage rate for library levies in the state, more than 80% since the 1980s. With the passage of levies comes a growing expectation from library patrons to have access to resources and services, but the support and demand should be the proof legislators need to lean in to funding, according to Francis.

    “If anything, because of our passage rate, this is something that tells the legislature, this is what we do want you to spend our tax money on,” she told the Capital Journal.

    Originally published by the Ohio Capital Journal. Republished here with permission.

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    Vince Grzegorek

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  • Cleveland Rocker Shawn Perry Releases Debut Album

    Cleveland Rocker Shawn Perry Releases Debut Album

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    Courtesy of Shawn Perry

    Shawn Perry.

    Local singer-songwriter Shawn Perry describes his debut album, All American Heartbreak, as a combination of all of his “favorite things.” It draws from hard rock, country, metal, vintage hip-hop and pop.

    “I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it,” says Perry in a press release about the album, due out Friday. Shawn Perry opens for Mr. Big on Friday at the Agora Theatre. “I hope it brings a smile to your face, and proves that real musicians, playing real instruments, releasing products you can hold in your hand, touch, feel and smell are not dead, but are in fact poised for a comeback.”

    Inspired by the real life romance of a friend who met his wife on Tinder, “Hookin’ Up” serves as the first single. Perry later officiated the wedding, and the line “falling’ down drunk eating chicken in a bathtub” was inspired from a line of dialogue from the Kate Walsh TV show Bad Judge.

    Perry made the record with a little help from his talented musical friends. Namely, locally based Ben Schigel (Walls of Jericho, Drowning Pool, Chimera and Machine Gun Kelly) produced the album along with Perry.  Christian Davis Stalnecker, who’s worked with El DeBarge and Backstreet Boys, produced the track “Lawnchair.” Recording took place at Schigel’s Spider Studios in Cleveland, Rock-N-Roll Dojo in Vermilion and the Castle in Nashville, TN.

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    Jeff Niesel

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  • Annual Horror Hotel Film Festival To Take Place in June

    Annual Horror Hotel Film Festival To Take Place in June

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    Courtesy of Johnny K. Wu

    The logo for this year’s festival.

    The 13th annual International Horror Hotel Film Festival will return to the Crowne Plaza Hotel Airport next month with a slate of horror, sci-fi, action and fantasy films that’ll bring filmmakers from around the world to Cleveland.

    This year, however, the festival that takes place from June 20-23 has new owners, all of whom are local award-winning filmmakers, including Scott T. Morrison, Pauline Nowakowski, Tinna Hobbs, Gaines Strouse, Scott E. Brosius, Tyler N. Thomas and Johnny K. Wu.

    “With new owners, we have decided to start with a bang, bringing known experts from around the nation to Cleveland providing lectures,” says co-manager Johnny K. Wu in a press release. “We’ve got two distributors, an Oscar-nominated team member to talk about AI filmmaking, AI and intellectual properties. There is plenty for everyone into horror, sci-fi, and action genres to have a great learning experience during the weekend.”

    Interest in the festival is high; organizers received the highest number of submissions ever in the festival’s history.

    “We received 230-plus films from around the world,” says co-manager Tyler N. Thomas. “It was a lot of work, with over 23-plus judges working tirelessly to score these films/scripts within two months.”

    In addition to lectures and film screenings in two rooms, the festival will now also include a convention area with numerous vendors that will offer a variety of products and services. At 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, an award ceremony will be held to honor the best of the best films/scripts at the festival. In addition, five filmmakers or screenwriters will be inducted into the International Filmmaking Hall of Fame. That same night, a networking event will allow filmmakers to mingle and get to know each other.

    Film schedules, nominations, lectures and information on the convention area can be found on the website. The festival is still looking for volunteers, and you can sign up on the website.

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    Jeff Niesel

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  • Saucy Brew Works To Release Beer Named After a Song by Cleveland’s ZuP

    Saucy Brew Works To Release Beer Named After a Song by Cleveland’s ZuP

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    On a regular basis, Saucy Brew Works teams up with local musicians to producer a beer of the musician’s choice and then distributes the stuff until the batch runs out. The latest collaboration will be Phones at the Beach, a blueberry wheat named after a song by the same name by Cleveland’s ZuP. The tune features a cameo from local rapper Tobyraps.

    “I was inspired to write this song when I was on vacation in Ocean City back in 2022,” says ZuP when asked about the track. “It was my first actual ‘out-of-state-let’s-go-somewhere-and-relax’ vacation in over 10 years. As my girlfriend and I were walking down the beach, I noticed that literally everyone was on their phones. Not one person besides us was actually ‘in the moment.’ There I was, finally on vacation, walking along the beach, and everyone else there didn’t seem to appreciate where they were like I was. This song was inspired by that. So many people just float on by day-to-day without taking the time to be present, including myself. ‘Phones at the Beach’ is a metaphor for distractions in your life. On a beach where everyone is on their phones, I want to actually feel the breeze and the sunshine and appreciate it for what it is.”

    ZuP is the sixth local artist to collaborate with the brewery.

    To celebrate the beer’s release, Zupp will perform on May 10 at the Saucy Brew Works Ohio City location.

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    Jeff Niesel

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  • Chalice of Malice To Release New Album on April 6

    Chalice of Malice To Release New Album on April 6

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    Courtesy of Chalice of Malice

    Chalice of Malice.

    Originally formed in 2003 as a side project to explore an interest in power metal, the local metal act Chalice of Malice will release its new LP, The Pillars of Hercules, on April 6.

    The group started recording way back in 2006, but the band went on hiatus for more than a decade while band members explored other musical avenues and interests.

    In 2015, project came to life once again. At this point, the songs that would comprise The Pillars of Hercules entered the final writing phase. However, the album recording wasn’t complete until the addition of a lifelong friend and high school classmate, drummer Chris Hoffman. He joined in 2021.

    “Remarkably, the album’s devastating themes remain as potently relevant in 2024 as they were in 2003,” reads a press release. “The inner demons we all must face and attempt to overcome, the inevitable horrors of war and conquest, the mundane and soul-crushing work so many of us endure to survive, a dystopian future driven by artificial intelligence. Chalice of Malice explores all of these concepts using their ferocious yet incredibly catchy songwriting as a vehicle.”

    A local record release show will likely take place this summer.

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    Jeff Niesel

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  • MacKenzie Scott Doles Out $7 Million in Donations to Four Cleveland Nonprofits

    MacKenzie Scott Doles Out $7 Million in Donations to Four Cleveland Nonprofits

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    City of Cleveland

    The LGBT Community Center in Gordon Square

    Four Cleveland nonprofits were among 361 beneficiaries of massive donations this week from MacKenzie Scott, the billionaire philanthropist who pledged to give away everything “until the safe is empty” after divorcing Amazon overlord Jeff Bezos.

    Birthing Beautiful Communities ($2 million), the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland ($2 million), Fairfax Renaissance Development Corp. ($1 million) and Towards Employment ($2 million) shared announcements today on the historic donations, which totaled $641 million nationally.

    More than 6,000 groups applied for funding after an open call last year from Yield Giving, Scott’s non-profit, as it sought to seed “community-led, community-focused” groups.

    “For our board, staff and partners who care about our work, this is a dream come true,” Jill Rizika, Towards Employment President and CEO said in statement. “The world of work is rapidly changing, and this is a great opportunity to thoughtfully identify how this one-time investment can be a catalyst that ensures high-impact equitable community change.”

    Phyllis Harris, executive director of the LGBTQ Center said:  “We are sincerely moved by this transformative gift supporting the LGBT Community Center of Cleveland, fueling our unwavering dedication to service excellence. The LGBTQIA community can trust in the Center’s leadership to be visionary and accountable stewards of this invaluable support.”

    Scott has previously made donations to CMSD, the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, and the YMCA and YWCAs of Greater Cleveland.

    “We are excited that our partnership with Yield Giving has resonated with so many organizations,” Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change, said in a statement. “In a world teeming with potential and talent, the Open Call has given us an opportunity to identify, uplift, and empower transformative organizations that often remain unseen.”

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    Vince Grzegorek

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  • Cleveland’s Rachel Brown Receives a Little Help from Her Musical Friends on New Album

    Cleveland’s Rachel Brown Receives a Little Help from Her Musical Friends on New Album

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    Courtesy of Rachel Brown

    Rachel Brown and the Beatnik Playboys.

    Local singer-songwriter Rachel Brown has regularly drawn from the vast pool of musical talent in Northeast Ohio for her previous albums. But on her latest effort, Full Moon Rendezvous, she ups the ante.

    In addition to her Beatnik Playboy bandmates (Dave Huddleston, Bill Watson and Roy King), locals Austin Walkin’ Cane, Robert and Jack Kidney (the Numbers Band), Brian Davidson, Emma Shook (Cleveland Orchestra), David J. Young (keyboardist for Michael Stanley and Alex Bevan), Mark Freeman, Al Moss, Caroline King and Paul Kovac all participated in the recording.

    “I’ve always had guests on the records, but the songs on this one hit differently in my mind,” says Brown in a recent phone interview. “I would think, ‘This song needs a fiddle and this one needs pedal steel and this one needs a slide guitar. It was so much fun. I got to hang and make music with people I normally don’t get to do that with.”

    Two of the album’s songs, “Honky Tonk Moon” and “Favorite Pastime,” date back to 2020. At that time, Brown took a trip to Bristol, VA to record with former Clevelanders Dave Polster and Clint Holley at the Earnest Tube studio. Polster and Holley also did the mastering of the album.

    “Down in Bristol, they do the old time-y recording, and I wrote songs for that type of recording,” Brown says. “I wanted them to sound like country music of the 1960s. The one is very Patsy Cline-ish and the other one is plain old honky-tonk. That’s why we wanted to record them down there.”

    She recorded the rest of the album at SUMA Recording in Painesville, where she has recorded in the past.

    “We recorded our other three records there with [the late engineer and producer] Paul Hamann,” Brown says. “When Michael Seifert bought SUMA, I went out there to sing on a track on the last Alex Bevan record. It’s awesome. [Seifert] has done so much work out there. He’s remodeled and updated the studio and kept the historic charm of the place. They did some repairs, and after I did that track, recording there was a no-brainer.”

    One album standout, “It’s Been a While,” a track Brown wrote with her husband Mark Freeman,” features the gruff vocals of Robert Kidney, the local singer and poet who’s fronted the Kent-based Kidney Brothers for the past 50 years.

    “It wasn’t supposed to be a duet,” Brown says of the song. “But I thought that would be really wild if Bob would be interested. In my mind, I was thinking that I would sing a verse, and he would sing a verse – typical duet situation. But it’s Bob Kidney. He doesn’t do anything normal. He came out and had some ideas. He said, ‘I’m like the ghost.’ That’s how he sang it. He’s this inner voice. That was his whole philosophy behind it. He’s such a cool guy.”

    Brown says she wasn’t planning to include a cover song on the album, but at a friend’s suggestion, she started to listen to songs she might add her own spin to. She settled upon “Louisiana Woman Mississippi Man” by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. She and local slide guitar player and singer Roger Hoover harmonize well together as they trade verses on the boisterous tune.

    “I’m a big fan of traditional old country,” she says. “I thought of duets with Conway [Twitty] and Loretta [Lynn] and George [Jones] and Tammy [Wynette]. I was listening to a whole bunch of songs before I settled upon ‘Louisiana Woman Mississippi Man,’”

    Throughout the album, local hero Al Moss provides some terrific lap steel licks.

    “Al is fabulous,” says Brown. “I’ve known him since the early ’90s. He was a guitar player back then. I played with him in Hillbilly Idol. To me, if it’s a country song, it needs pedal steel. When it comes to pedal steel in Northeast Ohio, it’s Al Moss. I was honored to have him on the album.”

    Brown says that recreating the songs live is “tricky” since so many musical guests contributed to them. But she says that she and her versatile backing band have found a way to pull it off.

    “I wanted a more produced album with all the instruments,” she says. “The songs work well either way, thankfully. They’re different, but they still work.”

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    Jeff Niesel

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  • Biden’s Climate Corps Could Bring Jobs to Appalachian Ohio

    Biden’s Climate Corps Could Bring Jobs to Appalachian Ohio

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    (Adobe Stock)

    In 2023, the USDA Forest Service and AmeriCorps signed a five-year agreement to establish the Forest Corps, which aims to create Job opportunities that reduce wildfire risk, support reforestation and make national forests and grasslands healthier and more resilient.

    A Biden administration program called the American Climate Corps aims to hire and train 20,000 people in conservation, climate and clean-energy jobs.

    Still in the early stages of development, groups in Appalachia say the program could potentially steer a significant number of young people in the region into well-paying jobs.

    Director of the non-profit Green Forests Work, Michael French, said with the decline of surface mining and logging, more Appalachian communities are turning to ecological restoration and forest-based economies.

    He said those industries need workers, and believes the climate corps could help.

    “We really need to develop that workforce in not only native seed collection but seedling production, tree planting,” said French. “The whole supply chain around reforestation in Appalachia could benefit from this program.”

    The climate corps is modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Depression-era program launched by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to alleviate high unemployment among young men.

    The White House says the Climate Corps aims to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds and disadvantaged communities to work in climate-related sectors.

    Annie Regan, director of digital communications with ReImagine Appalachia, said not only will the initiative bring jobs to a region hard-hit by the opioid crisis and unemployment – but participants will also receive paid training, opening the doors to opportunities for employment in both the public and private sectors.

    “Of course we want younger folks to have these jobs,” said Regan, “and to have pathways to apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and working with our unions.”

    A Yale Program on Climate Change Communication poll found more than six in 10 Ohio voters support government action to address climate change, and support developing more renewable-energy sources such as wind and solar.

    Critics charge these kinds of jobs are a poor substitute for the economic impact fossil fuels have traditionally had in the region.

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    Nadia Ramlagan, Ohio News Service

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  • Marijuana Legalization Would Add $260 Million to Ohio Economy, Study Predicts | Ohio News | Cleveland – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

    Marijuana Legalization Would Add $260 Million to Ohio Economy, Study Predicts | Ohio News | Cleveland – Medical Marijuana Program Connection

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    Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal

    BUCKEYE LAKE, Ohio — AUGUST 17: Marijuana plants in a flowering room where the artificial sunlight is adjusted to stimulate growth of the flowers, August 17, 2023, at PharmaCann, Inc.’s cultivation and processing facility in Buckeye Lake, Ohio.

    Despite what some of the truest of believers might contend, legalization of marijuana would come with costs to Ohioans. But an economic analysis that was released last week found that the benefits would outweigh those costs by a quarter-billion dollars a year.

    Issue 2, an initiative that would legalize recreational marijuana for people over 21 in Ohio, is on the ballot in next Tuesday’s election. 

    A study by Columbus-based Scioto Analysis attempts to identify the pluses and minuses that would come with such a move in a state where medical marijuana is already legal. 

    To do the analysis, the group used studies from states such as Washington and Colorado, where recreational weed has long been the law. To examine how the pros and cons identified in those states might play out in Ohio, the researchers looked at economic and census data, as well as at crime statistics.

    The biggest benefit they identified has to do with the extra revenue passage of Issue 2 would produce, with its 10% excise tax on top of Ohio’s normal sales tax. But the report explains that the benefit isn’t merely from the $190 million a year legalization is expected to…

    Original Author Link click here to read complete story..

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