New York Rum Festival and Conference Celebrates its Ninth Year
After having been held in Brooklyn for the last two years, the New York Rum Festival and Conference is now headed to Manhattan. The dates are June 5-6, 2026 at the Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W 18th Street, which is a mere twelve days away! Most may not know this, but New York is the #3 state with the highest rum sales per year. This makes it all the more fitting to host in the Big Apple.
This gathering is great for consumers, connoisseurs, and various industry professionals. Throughout the course of the conference, visitors will get a background on the history of rum, production techniques and emerging trends by way of seventeen guest speakers. The Rum Fest offers over 10,000 plus samples of 85 different brands of rum through a variety of tastings. DaiquiriMANIA is a lively cocktail program which celebrates the classic daiquiri with modern twists, combining music, mixology and interactive experiences for all. This event attracts hundreds and hundreds of attendees – and we hope you will be one of them!
The Rum Conference is inclusive of five seminars listed below, and the pricing runs from $65 - $95, contingent on the program one selects to attend.
A session with independent bottlers Jeff Diego from Helmsman Imports and Joris Lincke from E & A Scheer.
‘Full-Body White Rums Become Liquid Gold’ examines the ‘mezcal effect’ and the resurgence of ester-heavy premium white sipping rums with Diego and Eric Kaye, who are founders of Holmes Cay Rum.
‘Artemisia Private Barrel: The Art of Unifying Multiple Distilleries’ offers a deep dive into the technical discovery of blending diverse rums. Larissa Arjona, President of Women Leading Rum & Spirits, and Alexandre Gabriel, founder of Maison Ferrand and Planteray Rum, will lead the discussion.
‘Boom, Bust, and Rebirth: Cycles in Distilled Spirits’ goes into the history of rum trends. This is being hosted by Jennifer Yellin, co-founder and chief research officer of Flesh & Bone, Ramón Díaz from Rums of Puerto Rico, and The Rum Lab founder Federico J Hernández.
The last seminar focuses on Planteray Extreme Series VI, hosted by Gabriel and Adrienne Stoner from Maison Ferrand.
The Rum Festival will host four tasting sessions, which include the discussions listed below. Pricing varies from $75-$95.
‘Drink Less, Drink Better’ with PM Spirits founder Nicolas Palazzi focuses on rare releases from the La Maison & Velier portfolio.
‘Costa Rica Single Estate Rum’ is a deep dive into the ‘power of assemblage, combining cane juice, molasses, and honey’, with Pierre Bardinet from Les Bienheureux and Nicoya Rum.
Maison Ferrand’s Gabriel and Women Leading Rum & Spirits’ Arjona, along with Otto Flores from Ron Barceló, are confirmed to host ‘The Unknown Frontier: Meet the First Angels’.
‘Making Historical Rum for the Modern Era’ will be led by Stoner from Maison Ferrand; Mitch Wilson, global brand ambassador of Black Tot Rum and Raymond Edwards from Angostura Rum. ‘Aguardiente: An Undiscovered Spirit,’ explores how contemporary branding and premium positioning are reshaping the spirit. Ricardo March, founder of Bacan Guaro, and José Brignoni from Aguardiente Antioqueño have been confirmed as speakers.
A few reminders: Ages 21 and older are invited, and no children. Please bring a photo ID along with your purchased ticket to the event. There is a public parking space near the venue, however, we encourage you to take an Uber/Lyft or public transit so as to encourage no drinking and driving.
Grab your tickets today at: Tickets - New York Rum Festival
Actor and Recording Artist Shedrack Anderson III Releases Third Album Let It Fall, A Soulful R&B Experience
From Steven Spielberg’s Hook to Fat Albert, Shedrack Anderson III continues expanding his creative legacy across film, television, and music.
Multi-talented Actor and Recording Artist Shedrack Anderson III released his new album, Let It Fall, on May 20, 2026, now streaming worldwide across all major digital platforms. Blending smooth R&B with jazz-inspired textures, melodic warmth, and uplifting rhythms, the project delivers a soulful listening experience centered on release, reflection, transformation, and emotional renewal.
The 10-track collection showcases Anderson’s continued growth as both a recording artist and storyteller. Crafted as a mood-driven body of work, Let It Fall moves effortlessly through moments of late-night drives, creative inspiration, workouts, relaxation, and introspection. Rich instrumentation, cinematic production, and emotive vocals highlight his ability to merge timeless musicianship with a contemporary R&B sound that feels both grounded and expansive.
The project blends R&B, soul, and cinematic-inspired storytelling across standout tracks including “Let It Fall,” Night Drive,” “Midnight Moan,” and “If Loving You Is Right.” Listeners can stream the album on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Pandora, Deezer, and other major platforms.
In support of the release, Anderson is currently producing a music video for the title track, “Let It Fall,” scheduled for release in late summer 2026. The visual component is designed to further expand the album’s emotional atmosphere and cinematic tone.
Now on his third official album release, Anderson continues exploring themes of healing, resilience, self-discovery, and emotional connection through music. His previous project, Hamilton Park, fused soul, hip hop, jazz, classical influences, and trap production rooted in both his Southern upbringing and Juilliard-trained artistry. His earlier release, Enigmology, further established his signature sound through introspective songwriting and soulful R&B ballads.
Alongside his music career, Anderson remains active in film, recently completing work on a feature film project while preparing for an upcoming production.
A respected figure in entertainment for decades, Anderson first appeared as a Lost Boy in Steven Spielberg’s Hook before gaining national recognition as Jermaine Green in NBC’s Just Deal. He later starred as Rudy in Fat Albert, earning recognition for balancing humor, emotional depth, and commanding screen presence.
His additional credits include Gracie’s Choice alongside Kristen Bell, Anne Heche, and Diane Ladd, as well as roles in Boston Public, The Parkers, The Division, Disney’s Phil of the Future, and the independent feature Blood River, which he also wrote and directed.
Beyond performance, Anderson is a director, producer, choreographer, educator, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate. A graduate of The Juilliard School, he studied theatre, dance, and music while performing with Ballet Hispanico, Los Angeles Ballet, and Ballet Pacifica.
Actor. Singer. Musician. Director. Producer. Teacher. Entrepreneur. Husband. Father. Shedrack Anderson III continues defining the modern multi-hyphenate artist with Let It Fall, a refined and emotionally resonant musical statement rooted in purpose, discipline, and creative evolution.
Official Links:
Shedrack Anderson - Let It Fall
Instagram: @shedrackanderson 156K Followers
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IMDb: Shedrack Anderson III IMDb
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Wikipedia: Shedrack Anderson III
Austin Bats Basketball Claims ABA National Championship, Bringing Home Austin’s First Professional Basketball Title in Team History
South Region Champions Turn 16-0 Start Into ABA National Title, Completing One of the League’s Most Dominant Seasons
AUSTIN, Texas – May 11, 2026 — Austin Bats Basketball, a professional basketball team competing in the American Basketball Association (ABA), has officially claimed the 2025-26 ABA National Championship — marking a historic milestone for the franchise and the city of Austin. After 12 years of competition, the Austin Bats secured the title on April 11, 2026, in a hard-fought championship series led by Finals MVP JaMichael Brown, cementing their place in Austin sports history.
The championship victory is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the entire Austin Bats organization. Founded and led by owner Leticia Castillo, the team has spent over a decade building a competitive roster, a loyal fan base, and a deep connection to the Austin community. The 2025-26 ABA Champion Austin Bats are led by Head Coach Rommel Corro, whose leadership guided the team to its first national title. This year’s championship squad featured a roster of elite athletes — including former NBA player Mims O’Neal — united under a coaching staff committed to developing talent at the highest level of the game.
JaMichael Brown was named the 2025-26 ABA National Championship Finals MVP after a standout performance that proved decisive in Austin’s run to the title. Brown’s explosive play and competitive drive throughout the postseason embodied the championship-level standard that Head Coach Corro has instilled in the Austin Bats Program.
“This championship has been 12 years in the making and I could not be more proud of this team,” said Leticia Castillo, Owner of Austin Bats Basketball. “We have put in the work, year after year, and to finally bring this title home to Austin is an incredible feeling. This city has supported us and we are honored to represent Austin on a national stage.”
The Austin Bats compete in the American Basketball Association, one of the longest-running professional basketball leagues in the country, providing a platform for elite athletes to compete at the professional level. The ABA National Championship is the league’s highest honor, awarded annually to the team that demonstrates the highest level of competitive excellence throughout the season and postseason.
The championship win has already garnered recognition beyond the court. The City of Austin honored the team with four prominent community billboards celebrating the historic achievement — a reflection of the team’s growing impact on Austin’s sports and cultural landscape. The Austin Bats organization also features the Austin Bats Dance Team, whose performances and community outreach have further strengthened the franchise’s connection to its fans.
“We came into this season with one goal — to bring a championship back to Austin,” said Rommel Corro, Head Coach of Austin Bats Basketball. “This team never stopped believing in what we were building. The hard work, the sacrifices, the commitment to each other — it all came together this season and I could not be prouder of every single player and coach who was a part of this journey.”
As national champions, the Austin Bats look forward to celebrating this milestone with the Austin community in the weeks ahead. The organization invites fans, partners, and supporters to follow the team on social media for updates on upcoming events, community appearances, and championship celebrations.
For media inquiries, interview requests, and press assets, please contact Brandi Sims at Brandinc PR at brandi@brandincpr.com or (512) 222-9355. Additional information Austin Bats Basketball is available at austinbatsbasketball.com.