Bringing the Boogie to the Bronx -- Miles Music Kid Brings 1,000 Ukuleles to Bronx Classrooms

Music has the power to transform a classroom, but for many students, the biggest barrier to creativity isn’t a lack of talent—it’s a lack of tools. NYC students were blessed this week with a gift of musical instruments and a visit from viral sensation, Miles Bonham, also known as Miles Music Kid on social media. 

Bonham isn't just a person gone viral, he is a kid and a multitalented musician with a passion for helping people, especially kids his own age. 

Bonham teamed up with Education Through Music (ETM) and The Guitar Center Music Foundation to bridge that gap in a big way.

More Than Just a Donation

It’s one thing to talk about music education; it’s another to put an instrument in a child's hands. During his visit, Bonham helped facilitate a massive donation of 1,000 Ukuleles and three DJ Decks. 

These instruments, provided by The Guitar Center Music Foundation, ensure that students in under-resourced schools have the same opportunity to express themselves as the pros do. Bonham shared his thoughts on why this initiative is so important:

I’m so lucky that I have instruments around my house... but some people don’t have that even though they love music just as much as I do. I’m really happy knowing that we are giving these kids all of this musical gear so they can have something to go to whenever they feel like they want to express themselves.

Creativity in Action

The visit wasn't just about the gear—it was about the music. Bonham spent the day diving into the creative process with the students. He performed on the guitar and, in a true display of his production skills, sampled the students' voices and classroom sounds to build a track right then and there.

By introducing both traditional instruments like the ukulele and modern tools like DJ decks, the initiative gives students a diverse toolkit to explore their own unique sounds.

A Mission for Equity

This event supports ETM’s “Making Minds Sing!” mission. For over 30 years, Education Through Music has fought to make music a core subject in New York City schools, providing instruction and training where it’s needed most.

Bree Bowles, Senior VP at Republic Records: Kids & Family, noted the impact of seeing the students' reactions firsthand: "Being in the classroom with Miles and seeing how students respond to music in real time is a powerful reminder of why this work matters."

Why It Matters

When a child learns to play an instrument, they aren't just learning notes; they are building confidence, collaboration skills, and a sense of belonging. As Dr. Janice Weinman, CEO of ETM, put it, these experiences are truly transformative.

Through the combined efforts of artists like Miles, the support of Republic Records, and the generosity of the Guitar Center Music Foundation, 1,000 students in the Bronx just got a lot closer to finding their voice.

ABOUT REPUBLIC RECORDS: KIDS & FAMILY
Kids & Family launched as the official children’s division of Republic Records in 2022. The division caters to audiences ages 0-12 with fun and family-friendly music, collaborations, and experiences tailored to early development. Aimed to entertain the whole family, it offers engaging, educational, and explorative content, leveraging innovative partnerships with trusted brands such as Nickelodeon, Dreamworks, Paramount Pictures, Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBC Universal and many more. With an emphasis on high-quality music and world-class presentation, Republic Records: Kids & Family appeals to little ears and beyond. 

ABOUT EDUCATION THROUGH MUSIC (ETM):

Founded in 1991, Education Through Music (ETM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality music education by making it a core subject in under-resourced schools. ETM partners with school principals to provide comprehensive music programs, integrated into the school day and delivered by qualified music teachers, that foster academic achievement, emotional resilience, and personal growth. By providing music education to thousands of underserved students across New York City who would otherwise go without, ETM is “making minds sing” and building the foundation for the next generation of leaders. For more information, visit www.ETMonline.org.

ABOUT THE GUITAR CENTER MUSIC FOUNDATION:

For some, music may be just a hobby. But for others, music serves as a crucial lifeline – a path to healing, an opportunity to nurture untapped talent, an escape from the grim realities of everyday life, a break from generational trauma, or the start of a social revolution. The Guitar Center Music Foundation (GCMF) is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to the healing, transformative power of music. Thousands of individuals nationwide benefit yearly from GCMF’s grants and other efforts aiding veterans, hospital patients, the unhoused, and those affected by natural disasters, as well as youth in both schools and after-school programs. By providing these programs with all types of instruments and advocating for the benefits of music education and music therapy, GCMF furthers its mission of giving people the chance to create and express themselves through music. For more information about The Guitar Center Music Foundation, please visit http://guitarcenterfoundation.org/.

LEGOLAND New York Resort 2026 Deals and Why You Should Stay On-Site

Double the LEGO® Fun: Grab Your FREE 2nd Day Tickets at LEGOLAND® New York!

Spring has officially arrived, and there is no better way to celebrate the sunshine than by surrounding yourself with millions of LEGO bricks. If you’ve been dreaming of the ultimate family getaway, now is the time to act.
At LEGOLAND® New York Resort, the magic is doubling with an offer that's hard to beat: Free 2nd Day Park Tickets when you book a "Stay & Play" vacation package!

A Family-Tested Getaway: Our LEGOLAND Experience
As a family of four, we recently took our own spring trip to the resort, and I can tell you firsthand: it is a game-changer for parents and kids alike. My husband and I watched our sons, Marcello and Rocco, dive headfirst into the creativity of the park.

The highlight for the boys was definitely staying overnight at the LEGOLAND New York Hotel. We were able to enjoy a day at the theme park, and finish the day at the hotel where there is non-stop fun in the pool (weather permitting), and even more fun inside in the hotel's lobby. If that wasn't enough, your room is a giant LEGO set in a specific LEGO-theme that will be sure to delight the youngest and oldest LEGO fans. We had the LEGO Pirates room with a separate sleep space for the kids supplied with LEGO Duplo, their own Cable TV, bunk beds, and even a daily scavenger hunt with free prizes for each child. 

Why rush through the fun in just one day? When you book a stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel, you aren't just getting a room—you’re getting a fully immersive experience located just steps away from the park entrance.

Your stay includes:

• Fully LEGO-Themed Rooms: Choose from Pirate, Kingdom, LEGO NINJAGO®, or LEGO Friends themes.

• Non-Stop Entertainment: From the creative workshop to the arcade and massive LEGO brick play areas, the fun doesn't end when the park closes.

• Proximity: Forget the long commutes; you're right in the heart of the action.

Hurry! This offer is ending soon. Secure your spring getaway and enjoy that second day of park thrills on the house!

What's new for 2026 at LEGOLAND New York Resort?

Start Your Engines: The LEGO Ferrari Build & Race Experience

This spring, things are revving up! Be among the first to experience the brand-new LEGO Ferrari Build & Race Experience.

Build: Create your very own custom LEGO Ferrari race car.

Test: Put your design to the test on three different test tracks, each with unique obstacles.
Race: Digitally scan your car and race it on a virtual track against other builders to see who takes the checkered flag!

Just Looking for a Day of Play?

If you can’t stay the night, you can still join the fun at an incredible value. This spring, single-day tickets are available for as low as $49! It’s the perfect excuse to get the family out of the house and into a world of imagination.

Ticket Type	Best For	Starting Price
Stay & Play Package	Multi-day explorers & LEGO superfans	Free 2nd Day Included!
Single Day Ticket	Quick spring day trips	As low as $49

Plan Your Adventure Today

Whether you're looking for a weekend "brick-ation" or a spontaneous day trip, LEGOLAND New York Resort is the place to be this season. Between the high-speed thrills of the Ferrari experience and the cozy comfort of the themed hotel rooms, your family's best spring memories are waiting to be built.

What are you waiting for? Book Your Family Getaway Today!

The Ringmasters Return: Universal Orlando Announces Halloween Horror Nights 35 Theme and Icons!

The Ringmasters Return: Universal Orlando Announces Halloween Horror Nights 35 Theme and Icons!

Get ready, haunt fans—the granddaddy of them all is turning 35, and it’s going to be absolutely legendary. Scaring UOR attendees for 35 years, fans will be excited to happy to learn that the event runs from August 28, 2026 - November 1, 2026. 

Universal Orlando Resort has officially pulled back the curtain on Halloween Horror Nights 2026 (HHN 35), and the theme is a twisted tribute to the event's dark history. This fall, Universal Studios Florida will be transformed into the “Infernal Carnival of Nightmares,” a decrepit, fear-fueled midway where your deepest fears come to life.

If you’ve been waiting for the ultimate crossover in horror history, your prayers (or nightmares) have been answered.

Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow: A Sinister Alliance

For the first time ever, the two most notorious icons in HHN history are sharing the spotlight. Jack the Clown and his legendary rival, Dr. Oddfellow, are back to act as the dual ringmasters for the 35th-anniversary celebration.

The theme of the year? "A fear divided is a fear diluted." After decades of rivalry, these two masters of mayhem are joining forces to unleash a level of terror that Orlando has never seen before.

New Haunted House Revealed: “Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control”

The first original haunted house for HHN 35 has been announced, and it’s a deep dive into the lore of the icons. In “Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control,” guests will step into the unsettling origins of the blood-soaked rivalry between Jack and Oddfellow.

Expect a journey where chaos and control collide. According to Universal, the house will follow the icons as they battle for dominance before realizing that to obtain ultimate power, they must stop fighting each other and start fighting you.

What to Expect at Halloween Horror Nights 35

While we are still waiting on the full reveal of the HHN 2026 lineup, we know that the "Infernal Carnival of Nightmares" will feature:

• 10 All-New Haunted Houses: A mix of original stories and the biggest names in horror movies and pop culture.

• Terrifying Scare Zones: Immersive environments where there is nowhere to hide.

• Outrageous Live Entertainment: High-energy shows that redefine Halloween entertainment.

• Themed Food and Drinks: Exclusive "scare-y" treats and specialty cocktails.

Get the Gear: HHN 2026 Merchandise

Can’t wait until the fall? You don’t have to. The first drop of the Halloween Horror Nights 2026 merchandise collection is available right now. You can grab limited-edition apparel featuring Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow at select retail locations in Universal Studios Florida or online at ShopUniversal.com.

HHN 2026 Tickets and Dates

Universal has teased that Halloween Horror Nights 35 tickets are on sale now. This is a milestone year, and with Jack and Oddfellow teaming up, nights are expected to sell out fast.

Are you Team Jack or Team Oddfellow? Let me know in the comments!

Stay tuned to my blog for more updates on the full house lineup, scare zones, and ticket drop dates as we get closer to the opening of the World’s Premier Halloween Event!

Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue Are Getting Their Own Airplanes

 Red, Green, and Blue Are Getting Their Own Airpla

Get your Game Boys ready—or at least your passports. To celebrate 30 years of pocket monsters, ANA is turning back the clock to 1996 with three new aircraft inspired by the original Kanto region games.

The "Pokémon Air Adventures" project is expanding with three new dedicated jets. For fans, this is a massive nostalgia trip. ANA has confirmed that the liveries for Pokémon Jet Red, Green, and Blue will tell a "cohesive story" across the three planes.

What we know so far:

• Pokémon Jet Red (Boeing 787-8): Will handle domestic routes in Japan.

• Pokémon Jet Green (Boeing 787-9): Will take to the skies on international routes.

• Pokémon Jet Blue (Boeing 737-800): Will cover domestic routes.

ANA Executive VP Keiji Omae noted that many of today’s passengers were the same children who marveled at the original Pokémon Jet in 1998. This isn't just about a coat of paint; it’s about "connecting the world's skies" and bringing a sense of adventure back to air travel.

The full designs will be unveiled in May 2026, but one thing is for sure: catching a flight just became a lot more like "catching 'em 

Whether you’ve been a fan since the first pixelated Charizard or you’re a newcomer through Pokémon GO, these planes are designed to make the journey as exciting as the destination. We don't have the final artwork yet (stay tuned for the big reveal in May!), but expect plenty of Easter eggs and immersive in-flight experiences.

2026 is shaping up to be a legendary year for us Pokémon fans. Who’s booking a flight to Tokyo? Looks like I may have to now!

30 Years of Pokémon: Why It’s More Than a Game for This Gen 1 Trainer

30 Years of Pokémon: From Game Boy Blue to the Next Generation

Can you believe it’s been three decades since we first stepped into the world of Pokémon?

This past weekend, during Super Bowl LX, The Pokémon Company International officially kicked off its 30th-anniversary celebrations with a star-studded commercial that asked one simple yet iconic question: “What’s Your Favorite?”

For me, answering that question requires a trip down memory lane that spans nearly my entire life.

A Journey That Started in 1998

I’ve been a Trainer since day one of the U.S. release in 1998. I still remember the weight of the original Game Boy in my hands and the glow of the screen as I started my journey in Pokémon Blue. That experience hooked me so deeply that I eventually went out and got a job specifically to save up for the Pokémon Yellow Game Boy Special Edition set. There was nothing like seeing Pikachu follow you around on screen for the first time!

My journey didn't stop with my Game Boy. I spent my weekends at Wizards of the Coast, marveling over the booster packs, opening packs to trade and play with fellow budding trainers back when the Trading Card Game (TCG) was at the height of the original craze. Back then, it felt like a community; today, looking back, I realize it was the start of a lifelong passion.

More Than a Game—It’s a Lifestyle

Now, 30 years later, the cycle is continuing. Pokémon has influenced my life in countless ways, but the most rewarding part of this anniversary isn't the nostalgia—it’s the legacy. Today, I get to watch my sons discover the magic of Pokémon for themselves. We love to all play Pokémon GO together as a family. We have a trip planned to go to Pokémon GO Fest in Chicago in June 2026, which is a big deal! Also during that time, the Pokémon Fossil exhibit opens at the Field Museum. You can read more about that event here! 

Watching my boys build their own decks and get excited about a rare pull from a booster pack reminds me that Pokémon isn't just a video game or a hobby; it’s a lifestyle that bridges generations. When I take my sons to Trade Days, Pokémon card in-store drops, Pokémon GO events, or even trade shows, we meet so many trainers like us. Pokémon has given my older son, Marcello, so much confidence! When he was just six years old, he was diagnosed with PANDAS, which is a neurological disorder that is sparked by strep infection. During that dark time, Pokémon was the only thing that he was actually sure about. He developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and during a time of worry, confusion, and just being unsure of himself, he was sure about Pokémon. Now, Marcello is 12 and still an avid Pokémon player. He is out of the woods health-wise, but we still get scares here and there. You can read more about our journey and his heroic story here. At the time of his diagnosis and years after, he did not have a voice. He was always second-guessing himself, but with Pokémon and even Nintendo games, he gained control back of his life. Now, he calls stores on his own asking if they have Pokémon cards in stock. He is working on starting a Pokémon Trainer Club at his school. Marcello has truly evolved -- as a young man and as a Pokémon trainer.

My youngest, Rocco, is eight now and following his big brother’s lead into the world of Pokémon. They’ve become best friends through their battles and card trades—a bond forged in the same world I fell in love with back in the day. It truly is a lifestyle. Rocco who is a spunky kid has always had a voice, but he was always a little shy. He is definitely not shy about Pokémon or playing his video games.

For our family, Pokémon isn’t just a game—it’s the thread that ties our generations together.

The 30th Anniversary Celebration

The Pokémon Company is leaning hard into that "What's Your Favorite?" theme for 2026. Check out the campaign that kicked off during Super Bowl LX, where a new commercial introduced “What’s Your Favorite?” The video can be viewed on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. The Super Bowl spot featured global icons like Lady Gaga, Trevor Noah, and Jisoo, proving that no matter who you are, everyone has a favorite Pocker Monster that speaks to them. 

How you can join the celebration right now:

• Pokémon GO: A new "What’s Your Favorite?" camera feature is live. You can snap photos with your favorite Pokémon even without an account.
  

  
  

• Day Out vs. Night Out: Coming later this year, "Pokémon Day Out" will offer family-friendly events (perfect for my boys!), while "Pokémon Night Out" is designed for the veteran Trainers who grew up with the franchise.

• The Big Reveal: Everything is leading up to Pokémon Day on February 27th, where we expect the biggest announcements for the future of the franchise.

What’s Your Favorite?

Whether you’re a veteran who remembers the  original 151 Kanto Pokémon or a new Trainer that is just starting your journey in the latest region, this year is for you.

For me, the answer to "What's Your Favorite?" isn't just a specific Pokémon—it's the memories of the last 30 years and the ones I’m currently making with my kids. Well, if you must know, I am partial to the Kanto region, so you can see me in selfies with Chansey, Dragonite, Clefairy, Kabuto, Jynx, Mr. Mime, and so many more! 

So, I’ll ask you: After 30 years, What’s your Favorite? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

Kayou My Little Pony Moon Edition 2 Guide: How to Enter the Chase the Magic Sweepstakes

Chase the Magic: Your Guide to the Newest My Little Pony Card Drop and Sweepstakes

Calling all Bronies, Pegasisters, and TCG collectors! The magic of Equestria has just arrived in a major way. Kayou, in collaboration with Hasbro, has officially launched the MY LITTLE PONY Friendship Eternal Cards – Moon Edition 2 in the United States.

This isn't just a new set of cards; it’s an invitation to join the "Chase the Magic" Sweepstakes for a chance to literally become part of My Little Pony history. Here is everything you need to know about the new collection and how you could win the ultimate fan prize.

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The Collection: 189 Cards to Discover

Following the 15th anniversary of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic in 2025, this set brings a fresh chapter of collectibility. The set features:

• 189 total cards spread across 10 different rarity levels.

• Shining Celebration – Zenith Rare (◇ZR): The rarest card in the set, featuring the Mane 6 in a dazzling party scene.

• Crystal Fantasy – Secret Rare (SC): Beautiful cards pairing ponies with sparkling gemstones.

• Shimmering Goldflow – Super Golden Rare (SGR): Capturing the elegance of the Grand Galloping Gala.

• U.S. Exclusives: A special PR card recreating Andy Price’s live New York Comic Con artwork, plus 20 rare autographed cards signed by Andy Price himself hidden in random boxes.

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The "Chase the Magic" Sweepstakes

The headline of this launch is the sweepstakes, which offers a prize unlike anything we've seen in the TCG world.

The Grand Prize: One lucky winner will collaborate with legendary comic artist Andy Price to design a brand-new pony character inspired by themselves. This character will then be featured in a future edition of Kayou’s My Little Pony products. To top it off, the winner receives an oversized version of the card featuring their custom creation.

How to Enter:

1. Pull the Rare: You must find one of the Shining Celebration – Zenith Rare (◇ZR) cards.

2. Be Fast: Only the first 30 fans to pull and verify their ◇ZR card qualify for the grand prize draw.

3. Verify: Visit kayouofficial.com to upload photos. You will also need to ship the card for physical verification.

4. Bonus: All 30 qualifiers receive a free PSA grading for their ◇ZR card courtesy of Kayou.

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Important Dates & Where to Buy

Don't wait—the clock is already ticking!

• Entry Period: February 1, 2026, to May 31, 2026 (11:59 PM EST).

• Eligibility: Open to U.S. residents who purchase the U.S. version of the cards.

• Retailers: You can find boxes now at Amazon, Target, GameStop, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, and the livestream platform Crossing.

Are you planning to hunt for that Zenith Rare? Let me know in the comments which pony you're hoping to pull most!

LEGO x Pokémon: Did They Drop the Poké Ball?

LEGO x Pokémon is Finally Here... But is it a Critical Hit?

The day many of us thought would never come has arrived: LEGO Pokémon is officially live on LEGO.com. I’ve been waiting for this collab since I was a kid, and while I'm a bit torn, LEGO is clearly going big for the 30th Anniversary.

Pre-orders are officially open today (Jan 12, 2025), and the sets will ship on Pokémon Day, February 27, 2026. If you want that GWP, you’ll need to move fast. The LEGO sets are also available for pre-order via the Pokémon Center. This post contains affiliate links!

The Launch Lineup:

Set #	Name	Piece Count	Price (USD)
72151	Eevee	587 pcs	$59.99
72152	Pikachu & Poké Ball	2,050 pcs	$199.99
72153	Venusaur, Charizard, & Blastoise	6,838 pcs	$649.99

• The Bonus (GWP): If you purchase the massive 6,838-piece Kanto starters set (72153), you get the 40892 Kanto Region Badge Collection for free. It’s a 312-piece display case featuring all eight brick-built Gym badges—but it's only available while supplies last!

My Honest Take: Did LEGO Drop the Poké Ball?

I’ll be real—I’m not as hyped as I thought I’d be. Don't get me wrong, the scale of that nearly 7,000-piece starter set is insane, but the attention to detail on the fan side feels a little off.

Case in point: Set 72151. How do you launch Eevee with that set number? In a world where LEGO loves hidden details, that number was begging to be dedicated to Mew (#151). At least the Pikachu set has a built-in "25" on the base to honor his Pokédex number, so they clearly know how to do it! 

Who am I kidding, though? Did I immediately queue up and ADD TO CART? 

What I would love to see for the future!

As a diehard Pokémon fan, and LEGO enthusiast, as well as a parent, I would love to see the new LEGO SmartBrick integrated into this new collab. Why not add the LEGO SmartBrick with the Pokémon Pokédex?

I woud also love to see minifigure size Pokémon with the use of the new spherical brick-built balls that we saw in the LEGO Ideas 21358 Minifigure Vending Machine.

Am I Buying?

Despite my gripes... yes. Because I am a dork and my "gotta catch 'em all" instinct is stronger than my financial logic, I already pulled the trigger on Eevee and the Pikachu/Poké Ball set. I’m holding out hope that this is just the first wave and we’ll see some more affordable, minifig-scale sets in the future.

What about you? Is that $650 price tag for the Kanto trio a "Must Buy" or are you "Crying" over your bank account? Let me know in the comments!

#Pokemon #PokemonLEGO #LEGO #afol #Nintendo #Kanto #PokemonDay