Carter Center Announces “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song” Sept. 17 at Atlanta’s Iconic Fox Theatre

Aug 5, 2024

The Carter Center is excited to announce “Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song,” a musical event celebrating the centennial birthday of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. The landmark concert, taking place Sept. 17, 2024, at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre, will feature world-renowned artists performing live tributes and special guests celebrating President Carter’s legacy of service to humanity. Tickets are $100 — in honor of Carter’s 100^th birthday — and are available to the public at FoxTheatre.org/JimmyCarter100 starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 5.

“Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song” will feature renowned voices from pop, rock, gospel, country, jazz, hip-hop, and classical music. Acts set to perform include Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Eric Church, GROUPLOVE, Maren Morris, The War And Treaty, and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus. Emmy award-winner Rickey Minor will be the musical director for the show, which will feature appearances by celebrity guests including Dale Murphy, Killer Mike, and Sean Penn. Additional artists and presenters will be announced soon.

“Whether it was on his record player, on the campaign trail, or on the White House lawn, music has been – and continues to be – a source of joy, comfort, and inspiration for my grandfather,” said Jason Carter, President Carter’s grandson and chair of the Carter Center Board of Trustees. “I can think of no better way to celebrate him and his 100th birthday than a night of music.”

Delta Air Lines is the presenting sponsor for this event, which will benefit the Center’s peace and health work around the world.

The concept of a concert to honor Georgia’s favorite son was born from his love of music, which has played a significant role in his life and career. During Jimmy Carter’s successful 1976 presidential campaign, famous acts such as the Allman Brothers rallied to his message of change, honesty, and character.

“Back when Jimmy Carter was running for president, the Allman Brothers played concerts for his campaign because we believed in his vision for hope and change for America. We could never have imagined what a positive impact he would have on the entire world,” said Chuck Leavell, former keyboardist for the Allman Brothers and the Rolling Stones. “It’s an honor to play at his 100th birthday and celebrate a man whose legacy will surely continue to inspire future generations.”

“Delta is honored to celebrate the 100^th birthday of former President Jimmy Carter and to support The Carter Center in its work to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope as part of our commitment to keep climbing toward a more just and equitable world,” said Tad Hutcheson, managing director – community engagement. “Giving back to the communities where we live, work, and serve has been core to Delta and our culture for nearly 100 years, and we are proud to work with respected partners like The Carter Center to help care for the planet and people within it.”

Concert Details:

“Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song,” hosted by The Carter Center and presented by Delta Air Lines, will take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Tickets are available to the public starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 5. Tickets are $100 (excluding taxes and fees) — in honor of Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday — and are available at FoxTheatre.org/JimmyCarter100. Proceeds from the event will support The Carter Center, continuing Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s work to promote peace and improve health around the world. The event will be executive produced by the award-winning team at ROK Productions and Diversified Production Services (DPS), with Elizabeth Kelly and Carly Vaknin serving as executive producers.

A further celebration of President Carter’s birthday is the crowd-building of a new digital mosaic from images, videos, and messages sent in by the public. Add yours at CarterCenter.org/JimmyCarter100.

Otis Redding Foundation Announces 3rd Annual “King of Soul Music Festival” on September 6 and 7, 2024 in Macon

Aug 5, 2024

The Otis Redding Foundation, (ORF), is proud to announce the 2024 “King of Soul Music Festival” on September 6 and 7, 2024 in Macon, Georgia. Eight-piece soul band St. Paul & The Broken Bones will perform during the gala event “An Evening of Respect” at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 6 at the Macon City Auditorium. The “Big ‘O’ Homecoming Show & Dance” follows on Saturday, September 7^th at the Capitol Theatre.

Sponsorships and VIP tickets for the “King of Soul Music Festival” are available at https://otisreddingfoundation.org. Balcony tickets for “An Evening of Respect” with St. Paul & the Broken Bones are $55.00 and go on sale Friday, August 2 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.

“We are honored to return to Macon and perform for the Otis Redding Foundation. Any time we have a chance to show our love for the legacy of Otis Redding’s music, we will try our best to be there,” stated Paul Janeway, vocalist and co-founder of St. Paul & The Broken Bones. “The Redding family has been so kind to us, and we are overjoyed for the opportunity to play at this event.”

“Paul came to ‘An Evening of Respect’ in 2016 and expressed so much love and respect for my husband’s music. He stole the show with his fervent performance and passion,” stated Zelma Redding.

“My Mom wanted to have Paul back, so she personally reached out and invited the band to headline the 2024 celebration,” said Karla Redding-Andrews, VP and Executive Director of ORF.

Founded in Birmingham, AL in 2011, St. Paul & The Broken Bones has garnered widespread acclaim for their dynamic sound and electrifying live performances. The eight-piece ensemble includes Paul Janeway (vocals), Jesse Phillips (bass), Brown Lollar (guitar), Kevin Leon (drums) Al Gamble (keyboards), Allen Branstetter (trumpet), Chad Fisher (trombone) and Amaris Ansari (saxophone) burst on the scene with their 2014 debut album, Half the City. Since then, they have captivated audiences at major festivals including Lollapalooza, Coachella, and Glastonbury and have shared stages with iconic artist including Elton John and The Rolling Stones.

The band’s discography includes a mix of old-school, sleek summertime funk and classic disco, showcased in albums like “Young Sick Camellia” (2018). Their latest LP “Angels in Science Fiction, continued this trend, building on the shadowy psychedelia and experimental R&B of their 2022 release, “The Alien Coast.” St. Paul & the Broken Bones often cover Otis Redding songs in concert and in 2013 hosted a secreta house show at High Underground in Birmingham, when they played the iconic Otis Blue in its entirety.

Macon Music Revue will open the evening. Two of the members of the preservation band, guitarist Dustin McCook and bassist Evan Bentzel, are alumni of the Otis Music Camp, having participated since their middle school years and continuing through high school.

“Dusty and Evan came up through the Otis Music Camp and their talent and professionalism today demonstrate exactly why the Otis Redding Center for the Arts will be such an invaluable destination for music education,” added Redding-Andrews.

During “An Evening of Respect,” awards will be presented to:

The Georgia Music Foundation will receive the Otis & Zelma Redding Award of Respect in recognition of its 30 years supporting music education, preservation and outreach.

Gia Maione Prima Foundation will receive The Otis Redding III Award of Philanthropy in recognition of its dedication to music education and encouraging an appreciation for American jazz, American popular music and jazz performance.

Songwriter Vinson “Alaz” Muhammad will receive The Otis Redding Foundation Dream Award for the dedication, ambition and drive he demonstrates in pursuit of artistic excellence.

All proceeds from the Festival support ORF’s programs at the Otis Redding Center for the Arts scheduled to be completed in October. The Center will further the Foundation’s mission to give students, ages 5-18, an opportunity to explore their interest in music and the arts including musical literacy, music instrumentation, mathematical components of music, etc.

The Otis Redding Foundation is dedicated to education through music, empowering young people to pursue their dreams. Through programs like Camp Dream and the Otis Music Camp and the soon to-be-opened Otis Redding Center for the Arts, the Foundation continues to inspire and develop the next generation of artists.

The King of Soul Music Festival celebrates the life and legacy of Otis Redding, bringing together a diverse lineup of artists to honor his contributions to music and culture. The festival aims to create space where music lovers can come together to celebrate the past, present and future of music.

“The Art of Jerry Garcia” Exhibition and Birthday Celebration Concert Set At Sausalito Center For The Arts

Aug 5, 2024

download (5) — California Mission Watercolor by Jerry Garcia

August 1, the birthday of Jerry Garcia, lead guitarist and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, is an auspicious date for music enthusiasts worldwide.

This year, to commemorate the iconic guitarist-singer-songwriter and counterculture legend’s 82nd birthday, the Sausalito Center for the Arts will host a special art exhibit titled “The Art of Jerry Garcia,” with an opening concert by the Keystone Revisited Band, led by bassist Tony Saunders, son of the late, great keyboardist and frequent Garcia collaborator, Merl Saunders.

The Jerry Garcia Foundation has donated a collection of 30 museum quality giclées to the Sausalito Center for the Arts for the month-long exhibit. All art sale proceeds will benefit the gallery. The opening reception concert begins at 5:30 pm PST.

The Foundation invites virtual travelers worldwide to participate and explore the exhibit online in the Neverworld Grid metaverse.

The Neverworld Grid is a beautiful virtual world established by digital artist Govega Sachertorte. Govega. and her gifted team of artists have replicated images of the gallery and the nearby San Francisco Bay Area. Artist Nexus Storm has included a digital version of the Golden Gate Bridge.

For this special metaverse component, the Sausalito Center for the Arts will feature a computer monitor in the gallery, showing avatars attending the virtual concert.

All are welcome to participate in the virtual component. Entry to the virtual event is free of charge. It is suggested that you login and create your avatar in advance of the concert. Login and registration information is here: https://neverworldgrid.com/index.php/support/quickstart-guide

The concert can also be viewed on the BayAreaLivestreams’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/Gk5PPwiRvQo

An artist from childhood, Garcia was painting in oils by the age of 17. Given his natural sense of visual aesthetics, he later came to think of himself as “an artist who played music.” He attended the San Francisco Art Institute as a teenager and continued to paint throughout his prodigious music career, working in oils, acrylics, watercolors. and pen and ink. His art continues to tour in exhibits in the U.S. and Europe.

This exhibition includes behind-the-scenes rock ‘n’ roll photography from Carol Scott, a British photographer who worked in America from 1975 to 1985. A graduate from the University of London who later studied photography at Laney College in Oakland, Scott photographed Bay Area performances by Frank Zappa, John Lee Hooker, Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, Rod Stewart, Willie Nelson and Jerry Garcia. Her photograph of Mick Jagger is part of the Permanent Collection in London’s National Portrait Gallery. She has been keeping her collection of hidden, unseen photographs for over 40 years and will exhibit the work for the first time at the Sausalito Center for the Arts.

Additionally, patrons attending the month-long exhibit at the Sausalito Center for the Arts can view a private never-before-seen collection of Grateful Dead memorabilia, including autographed album covers and posters as well as artwork by legendary psychedelic artists such as Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelley and Rick Griffin.

The gala opening night event commemorating Jerry’s birthday on August 1 will include refreshments to compliment the cosmic jams and vibrant art.

For additional information please visit: https://www.sausalitocenterforthearts.org/

Free Pre-Registration for Music China 2024 Is Officially Open

Aug 5, 2024

The highly anticipated Music China 2024 will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC) from October 10 to 13, 2024. This exhibition is expected to span 14 pavilions, will reach 150,000 square meters of exhibition scale, attracting more than 2,000 well-known enterprises from more than 20 countries and regions around the world will gather to show their latest achievements.

At the same time, in order to focus on the diverse needs of audiences of different ages, Music China 2024 will launch Music Xtension, Silver Music Life Exhibition area and “Little Musicians” and other live activities.

In order to allow the majority of visitors and buyers to visit and purchase more efficiently, the exhibition has specially launched the VIP Club program, which provides members with a series of valuable services and privileges.

At the same time, pre-registration for Music China 2024 has also been fully launched, and will be free for all oversea professional buyers. You can log on the official website to register for more exhibition information and exclusive benefits. In addition, the Chinese immigration authorities have announced a 144-hour visa-free transit policy. If you want to know more about this policy, please check the following website, https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c156086/content.html.

Initiated in 2002, after 20 years of development, Music China has now been acknowledged as one of the world’s most influential musical instrument exhibitions. Exhibiting companies and products on display cover the whole picture of the industry, spanning from product design and manufacturing to music teaching and training.

New Board Game “Shaolin” Celebrates Wu-Tang Clan as Hip-Hop Turns 51

Aug 5, 2024

download (3) — Shaolin Display: In Shaolin, players take on the roles of students training in the 35 chambers of the Shaolin Temple, with the ultimate goal of creating the 36th chamber - a nod to the 1978 martial arts film The 36th Chamber of Shaolin.

Hip-hop turns 51 in August and now fans can play a new board game to celebrate an influential hip-hop group, according to Chill B Games co-founder Tiffany Campolongo.

Shaolin: A Wu-Tang-Inspired Board Game fuses Wu-Tang Clan trivia with a battle mechanic that immerses players deep into 30+ years of the group’s history while educating them on its cultural impact.

“The Wu-Tang Clan has often been described as the Rolling Stones or Beatles of hip-hop. While there are board games themed around these classic rock groups, no board games explored the legacy of a hip-hop group until now,” said Campolongo, the designer of Shaolin.

Shaolin is the first board game to focus exclusively on a hip-hop group or artist, filling a void in the board game market.

It was the vision of Campolongo and her husband, Mike, who brought the game to life and published it through their company, Chill B Games. Their mission is to create board games that pay homage to classic hip-hop icons.

In Shaolin, players take on the roles of students training in the 35 chambers of the Shaolin Temple, with the ultimate goal of creating the 36th chamber – a nod to the 1978 martial arts film The 36th Chamber of Shaolin.

The film was one of the key inspirations for the Wu-Tang Clan, with its influence being immortalized in the title of their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).

By answering Wu-Tang trivia questions, players earn “cream,” which are coins that can be exchanged for fighting styles, such as Tiger Style and Shadowboxing.

The fighting styles can also be won by opponents through duels as players battle their way through the Temple to demonstrate their worthiness to create the 36^th chamber.

The game includes high-quality materials such as metal “cream” coins and fully painted player pieces inspired by the Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) album cover and poses from classic martial arts films sampled throughout their music.

The game’s artwork features Chinese calligraphy by Shifu Shi Yan Ming, founder of the USA Shaolin Temple and close friend of RZA, one of the founders of the Wu-Tang Clan.

The game includes easy, medium, and hard trivia modes which can be mixed and matched to make questions accessible to all players. In addition, the battle mechanic and thematic action cards help to balance gameplay so that the game’s outcome is not necessarily decided on the trivia alone.

Recently, Campolongo gave a presentation on utilizing board games as a medium for telling hip-hop stories at the 8th Annual Can’t Stop Hip-Hop Conference held at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

“Board games are a unique way to tell stories because they can bring people together for an engaging and educational experience,” said Campolongo.

Stories have been told and re-told through various mediums throughout history to preserve the legacy of people, places, and events.

“By bringing this game to market, we hope to establish board games as a medium for telling the stories of hip-hop artists, helping to preserve the legacy of hip-hop as it journeys through its next 50 years,” said Campolongo.

Shaolin can be purchased directly from Chill B Games’ official website, or from various other retailers including Get On Down. It’s also available at RZA’s online shop 36 Chambers.

Professional Drummer Mark Schulman Shifts into a New Career – and Better Hearing, Thanks to Widex SmartRIC Hearing Aids

Aug 5, 2024

Mark Schulman has toured as a professional drummer with some of the biggest artists on the planet. “Consequently, I’ve been surrounded by loud music and high ambient noise nearly all my life,” he says.

This ongoing exposure to loud audio would eventually lead Mark on another path: hearing loss. By the time he hit his mid-40s, Mark was battling more than ringing in his ears; he was struggling to hear bits and pieces of conversations. This led him both to a career change to a motivational speaker – and to Pacific Hearing Audiology to fit him with Widex SmartRIC hearing aids.

“Widex has become an integral part of my acclaimed national motivational speaking tours,” he says. “I speak a lot about the power of change during my presentations, and this notion really stems from my personal experience of finally accepting and embracing hearing aids as a vital part of my life.”

Having picked up his first set of drumsticks at the age of five, performing professionally by 12, and performing on worldwide tours with Pink, Foreigner, Billy Idol, Cher and other musical megastars, Mark never dreamed hearing aids would be in his future.

From the beginning of his musical career and at every performance, Mark always wore protective hearing devices. “My mother was very conscientious about it when I was a boy and it simply became standard practice,” he says. Despite taking all the right precautions, rock-and-roll eventually took its toll. “I developed mild tinnitus in my teens and just 10 minutes at the drums would make it go nuts,” Mark says.

After 32 years of touring, it was time to evolve his career. The switch from drummer to motivational speaker may have given his ears a rest, but it also made his hearing issues even more noticeable. Communicating with people on a more personal level was now the crux of his career—and this was becoming increasingly harder to do. “I was missing key parts of the conversation which was impacting my ability to connect with my audience,” he says. “My family was also bearing the burden of having to repeat sentences and crank the volume of the television.”

Hearing loss was now affecting both Mark’s professional and personal life. There was also his family history of dementia to consider. After learning that data suggests that hearing loss is one of the main causes of dementia, he made a long-overdue decision to have a hearing test.

The results were shocking yet unsurprising. “I am essentially deaf in the mid-range frequency,” Mark says. “This is the same frequency range of a snare drum, so no mystery there.” His first set of hearing aids boosted the mid-range but almost too much for Mark’s musically trained ear. “I noticed a phase differentiation and slight alteration of pitch that made everything sound like a chorus. It was uncomfortable and made me feel anxious,” he explains. And so, Mark took a different route.

“In my keynote presentations I speak about the power of attitude. We can’t control so much of what happens to us, but we have the power to change the outcome based on our ability to adopt the right attitude.”

Mark practiced what he preached and gave hearing aids another chance—this time with Widex. He was relieved to discover a totally different hearing experience, both in the testing procedure and the quality of the hearing aids his hearing care professional at Pacific Hearing recommended. “The staff at Pacific Hearing treated me with concierge service the moment I arrived for my appointment,” Mark reflects. “The staff was friendly and my audiologist was incredible in her coaching, support, and ability to measure my precise hearing and implement my unique profile into the Widex hearing aids.”

“Situated in West Los Angeles, Pacific Hearing caters to a range of high-profile clientele – including musicians like Mark,” said Dr. Gregory Frazer and Dr. Sheila Shalom of Pacific Hearing. “Musicians in particular have unique hearing profiles, given their often decades-long exposure to loud noises and music. However, hearing loss impacts musicians more than just professionally, but also personally – their ability to socialize in loud environments; their ability to connect with family and friends; and, more broadly, their ability to participate most fully in their lives. Widex hearing aids are remarkable in addressing hearing loss and delivering our patients like Mark a high-fidelity, natural listening experience that they require to thrive both professionally and personally.”

This level of service and professionalism resulted in a far better hearing experience than Mark had dealt with in the past.

“The audible distortion that had once fueled my anxiety is gone for good,” he enthuses. “No matter where I am or what I’m doing, the Widex hearing aids adapt to the surroundings, creating a very natural sound. I hear every nuance of every conversation with every person I meet during speaking engagements. It’s a critical component of my success and helping others achieve their goals.”

Mark also relishes the convenience and comfort of listening to music and taking phone calls via the Widex SmartRIC hearing aids, especially when he’s at the gym. “I no longer need to bring headphones with me! These aren’t your grandparent’s hearing aids!”

Indeed, it takes a special hearing aid to match Mark’s cadence. On the move and evolving his performances to include a unique blend of entertainment (yes, drums are involved) and motivation, Mark has discovered a perfect on- and off-stage accompaniment in the Widex SmartRIC hearing aids.

He certainly never envisioned something as “small” as a hearing aid would become such a big part of his life. But Widex helped enlighten him—from the quality of care he received from the Pacific Hearing team to the performance of the Widex SmartRIC hearing aids, Mark is a living testament to the life-changing impact of better hearing.

Pollen Music Group Aims to Captivate U.S. Audiences with New Immersive Experience: Brainstorms: A Great Gig in the Sky

Aug 5, 2024

download — By combining neuroscience, advanced technology, visual artistry, music and sound design, Brainstorms provides attendees with an exploration of how our minds respond to music.

Have you ever wondered about the impact music has on your brain? Pollen Music Group, arguably the best-kept creative secret in the Bay Area, has created an immersive experience that visualizes exactly that – and they’re aiming to bring this groundbreaking venture to the U.S.

Brainstorms: A Great Gig in the Sky, a collaborative project between Pollen and Richard Wright Music Limited, debuted in June at London’s Frameless, the UK’s largest, permanent, immersive art experience. The installation featured music by the iconic band Pink Floyd, who endorsed the project, and a unique collaboration with pioneering musician Imogen Heap.

Supported by key technology partners Dolby, AMD, EMOTIV and Supermicro, the experience leads visitors through four projection galleries, each featuring immersive visualizations of the brain’s response to music, enveloping guests inside the music in a completely new way.

“Brainstorms is the perfect vehicle for us to integrate our passions and expertise in immersive sound, storytelling, and neuroscience,” said JJ Wiesler, Co-Founder and Creative Director at Pollen. “We’re excited to show how we can transform brain data into artistically stunning interpretations that can be easily accessed, understood, and appreciated in the U.S. as well.”

Against a backdrop of the company’s rising prominence in the tech and creative nexus of the Bay Area, along with multiple Emmy, Annie, and MPSE awards, as well as a Peabody, Cannes Lion and Oscar nomination, Brainstorms marks a new milestone for Pollen in the immersive experiences space in the U.S. and abroad.

“Combining neuroscience, advanced technology, visual artistry, music and sound design, Brainstorms provides attendees with an exploration of how our minds respond to music,” said Scot Stafford, Pollen Co-Founder, Musical Director and Sound Supervisor. “The launch of Brainstorms further extends Pollen’s reach from the virtual world to live immersive experiences.”

On the heels of a successful London residency, Pollen is now focusing on bringing Brainstorms to the U.S., seeking partnerships with immersive venues and networking organizations interested in evolving the show for its U.S. debut.

“We’re proud to have successfully executed a high-level concept from inception to delivery that was enormously well-received at one of the most prestigious immersive venues in the world,” said Richard Warp, Chief Technology Officer at Pollen. “We’re excited to partner with visionary venues in the U.S. who can help us realize the full potential of this unique experience.”

The Most Famous Gambling Songs

Aug 4, 2024

By Mitch Rice

Gambling is a universal experience, whether you enjoy a flutter on the horses, or a few rounds of Poker at your favourite online casino. As such, of course there are so many different songs about gambling and how people enjoy it. Here are five of the most famous gambling songs, and why you should add them to your playlists today.

Easy Money – Billy Joel

This track by rock and roll legend Billy Joel was included in his 1983 album An Innocent Man. The lyrics talk about all kinds of gamblers out there, such as those who are at the track at racing bookies, those who play slot machines, and more. If you are putting together a gambling playlist, this is a must-have to have on there.

The song was included in the movie of the same name that came out in 1983 as well. Listeners will feel the song has a lot in common with James Brown tracks, something that won’t be a surprise as Joel wrote the album in the style of rock stars he admired as a teenager.

Easy Money was the first song that was written as it was initially written for the movie, and that helped kickstart the creation of the album. As such, it can be thanked for creating one of the best albums Joel ever put out.

The Gambler – Kenny Rogers

When you think of songs about gambling, this is likely the song that you think of. The song is about a gambler on a train, who offers Lyford advice through the narrator in exchange for whiskey. Once he is given his whiskey, he gives advice using poker metaphors throughout the song. Overall, the song says that it’s always worth knowing how to choose one’s battles, and when to back away.

The song was made famous by Kenny Rogers, who released it as a single in 1978. it was a smash hit that the time, it’s becoming a number one hit on the country charts, and then making its way to the pop charts which was something of a rarity at the time.

However, Rogers version was not the first version of the song to be released. It was written by Don Schlitz and shopped around Nashville. Many different artists recorded it, including Bobby B are, and the Johnny Cash.

Viva Las Vegas – Elvis Presley

This is another track that quickly comes to mind when you think of gambling. You will very likely see it played over panoramas of the Las Vegas strip on TV and in movies, so much so that the two are probably synonymous in many people’s minds.

The track was released in 1964, as a tie-in for the film of the same name. It peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart.

One of the most interesting things about the song is that Presley never actually performed with it live, although it has become very popular and has been performed by many other artists throughout the years. For example, ZZ top released a cover in 1992 as part of their Greatest Hits album. Punk band The Dead Kennedys recorded their own version of the song for their debut album, with altered lyrics.

Waiting For An Alibi – Thin Lizzy

Thin Lizzy release this track in 1979, as the first single from their album Black Rose: A Rock Legend. An extended version of the track can be found on The Adventures of Thin Lizzy compilation LP from 1981, as well as Wild One: The Very Best Of Thin Lizzy in 1991.

The song documents the experiences of Valentino, who continues to gamble even though his luck has appeared to run out. The song was a metaphor for lead singer Phil Lynott’s heroin addiction, which sadly took his life in 1986.

Gamblin’ Man – Lonnie Donegan

This track is the oldest of these famous gambling songs, having been released in 1957. Recorded live at the London Palladium, it was released as a double A side along with Puttin’ On The Style. The track was written originally by Woody Guthrie, who recorded it between 1944 and 45, with the alternative title Roving Gambler.

This single was unique as it was the last UK number one to be released on the 78 RPM format only, as 7inch 45 rpm vinyl singles were now becoming the norm. On the single, Donegan is listed as a co writer along with Guthrie. The track has a unique skiffle rock and roll sound, that is thought to have influenced many artists after him.

These are just some of the most famous songs about gambling out there right now. They all have fascinating Histories, and of course are all perfect to add to a playlist for your next poker session or trip to the races.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

How to Choose a Payment Gateway for Your Site: An In-Depth Guide by 5th Digital Corp

Aug 4, 2024

By Mitch Rice

In today’s digital world, online businesses are growing rapidly. And payment gateways are becoming an integral part of online transactions. They serve as a kind of bridge between the seller and the buyer. The gateway collects and transmits data between two parties. In this article, 5th Digital Corp reviews how to find the best payment gateway for your business.

What Is Payment Gateway?

A payment gateway functions as the digital counterpart to a physical point-of-sale (POS) system. In online shopping, rather than swiping, inserting, or tapping a card on a device, customers input their card information through a website or app. The payment gateway then validates the provided details, processes the transaction, and notifies both the buyer and the business of the transaction’s status.

Payment gateways enable businesses to securely process electronic payments. They serve as a bridge, transferring data between a payment portal, like a website or app, and the acquiring bank or payment processor.

These gateways support a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, electronic checks, and digital wallets. Their primary function is to securely transmit sensitive customer data, such as credit card numbers, to ensure safe and efficient payment processing.

Looking for a Gateway: Factors to Consider

One important factor is how well it integrates with your website. The payment gateway needs to connect seamlessly with existing systems and websites to ensure a smooth checkout process for customers.

Safety

Security is a major concern. Both for you as a business owner and for your clients. It’s critical to pick a payment gateway that prioritizes safety and implements strong fraud prevention measures. Look for features like encryption technology, tokenization, and two-factor authentication. Thus, your sensitive information will be reliably protected.

Encryption plays a crucial role. It ensures that all data transferred between the client’s browser and the payment gateway remains confidential. Look for gateways that use SSL or TLS encryption protocols. They deserve the most trust today. Tokenization is useful as well because it replaces sensitive data (for example, credit card numbers) with unique tokens. This means that even if hacked, the attacker will only have access to the tokens. And not to the actual card data. Two-factor authentication is equally essential. Only authorized people can perform transactions. The likelihood of unauthorized access is minimal.

Price

Transaction fees and pricing structure are other key factors. Different payment options have different fee structures, including flat, percentage, and monthly fees. Some extra charges may apply, such as setting up or returning payments. Understanding the impact of all these fees on your overall profitability is significant. If you have a high volume of transactions, a payment gateway with a lower interest fee may be a more cost-effective solution.

Payment Methods

You probably know that not all payment gateways offer the same range of payment options. Hence, it is essential to check whether the solution you opt for supports the digital payment methods you need.

International Payments

If your company operates globally (or you are just planning to expand internationally), choose a gateway with international payment support. Look for solutions that accept multiple currencies and offer localized payment methods. This way, you will meet the needs of international customers.

Support

Finally, pay attention to the quality of customer support. Find out if your gateway provider offers technical assistance for any issues you may face when setting up or processing customer payments. 24/7 support is perfect, but more basic options such as extended business hours or access to frequently asked questions and answers may be enough, depending on your needs.

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid

In this section, 5th Digital Corp reviews 7 mistakes to avoid when looking for a payment gateway:

Market research. One of the most common mistakes is choosing the first payment gateway that comes along without thorough market research. Before making a decision, you need to study various options and compare their conditions and user reviews.
Fees. Many entrepreneurs opt for a payment gateway based on the commission percentage. However, it is also important to consider fixed amounts and additional payments. For example, some gateways charge extra fees for refunds or API support.
Payment methods. Modern consumers prefer various payment methods, such as bank cards, e-wallets, and mobile applications. Make sure the gateway you choose supports all required payment methods.
Reputation and reviews. Before choosing a payment gateway, study its reputation and reviews from other users. Find out its reliability, payment processing speed, and customer support quality.
Geographical restrictions. If your business operates in different countries, make sure your payment gateway supports those regions. Some gateways have geographic restrictions or require additional arrangements to operate in certain countries.
Ease of use. Pay special attention to the interface, as it greatly influences the ease of the payment process.
Business growth. Think not only about your current needs but also about the future development of your business. The gateway you choose must scale and handle growing transaction volumes.

So, avoid the mistakes mentioned above to ensure convenient and secure payment transactions. Take as much time as needed to conduct extensive research and make your best choice today!

What Is the Ideal Payment Solution?

So, what does a trustworthy payment gateway look like? What are the main features? Check out the following list:

secure transaction processing;
various types of payments (credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, ACH/eCheck, etc.);
fraud prevention tools (for example, verification checks);
simple integration;
easy refund management;
automatic messages to clients about transactions, etc.

It’s great when there is detailed analytics. Try to use data to make better decisions on pricing strategies and marketing campaigns. Thus, you can increase customer loyalty and maximize profits.

Summary

Selecting the right payment gateway is critical for any business. This can impact customer experience, data security, and overall business process efficiency. It is therefore advisable to carefully consider various factors. 5th Digital Corp advises evaluating integration features, security protocols, pricing strategy, global payment options, and customer service. And you’re sure to find a solution that fits your payment needs and corporate objectives.

FAQs

What is 5th Digital Corp?

5th Digital Corp provides essential services for communication platforms, focusing on collaboration with banks and managing document submissions to ensure secure and compliant payment processes.

Is 5th Digital Corp legit?

Yes, 5th Digital Corp is a trusted partner with expertise in bank collaboration and regulatory compliance, helping companies streamline their payment infrastructure and financial operations.

What is a payment gateway?

A payment gateway is a software & hardware complex that automates the process of accepting online payments.

What is the key factor to consider when choosing a payment gateway?

Security is the key factor. 5th Digital Corp emphasizes the importance of protecting customers’ financial information and meeting payment security standards.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.