Entertainment

Buffalo Daze Blazes A New Trail Between Taylor Sheridan’s 1883 and 1923

Eric Nelsen knows something about Westerns. The Emmy and Tony award-winner was one of the stars of Taylor Sheridan’s epic Yellowstone prequel, 1883, the closest this generation has come to rekindling the mastery of Lonesome Dove. Now, Nelsen returns to the saddle in Buffalo Daze: The Times and Life of Jim Grinder, portraying the legendary Western artist, Charles M. Russell.

“In Buffalo Daze, every scene paints a story, every dialogue embodies the legacy of the West. Telling the story through Charlie’s eyes, I felt the weight of history. It was more than acting; it was a profound journey back in time that viewers can now take with me,” Nelsen says.

For all its uniqueness, Buffalo Daze still fits effortlessly between Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequels, 1883 and 1923, as it delves into the interim period of Western history.

Nelsen is the movie’s guide, appearing between chapters to contextualize where we’re headed next in what is an epic adventure from both sides of the “medicine line” between the US and Canada. So exceptionally written and performed are Nelsen’s monologues, you never want them to end. He could just as easily be delivering them on Broadway or a West End stage in London.

Glen Gould as Michel Pablo / Photo courtesy: Alec Jones

Buffalo Daze is unlike any Western of this century. It’s short on tropes and violence, high on rich historical characters, quirky enough to expect Jeff Bridges at any moment, and elevated by some of the best screenwriting of any generation. Buffalo Daze is written and directed by multi-award winner, Raen LeVell.

“A director needs to create space for actors to engage with the emotional and spiritual perspectives of their characters, and Raen does that,” explains Mo Brings Plenty, one of the most popular stars on worldwide ratings phenomena,Yellowstone.

Here, Brings Plenty gives one the most powerful performances of his career as Flathead Indian Reservation leader, Sam Resurrection.

True to history, Charlie Russell knew Jim Grinder. A classic drifter, Grinder’s life story is anything but predictable. A First Nation’s cowboy on the run from the law in his native British Columbia, he sought out an old acquaintance, the Sundance Kid, and ended up with Butch and the Wild Bunch as his travails with Uncle Sam began. Was he a hero or outlaw? A reservation Robin Hood or a common thief?

With one of the great figures in Hispanic-Tribal history, Michel Pablo, Grinder contributed to saving the buffalo from extinction. Pablo is played by Glen Gould, best-known for Tulsa King alongside Sylvester Stallone. Gould provides a wonderfully restrained performance, full of gruff authority befitting of the legendary Pablo.

Among many surprising twists, Grinder, the horse whisperer and renowned rodeo bronc buster, became an outspoken opponent of Montana’s anti-miscegenation laws. Stevie Johnson (CSI-Miami) gives a stirring cameo as Booker T. Washington’s associate, Joseph Blackburn Bass, who recruited Grinder to that cause as editor and publisher of the Montana Plaindealer.

Ned LeDoux as Sheriff O’Connell

There resides one of the strengths of this visually gorgeous film: The Montana Plaindealer was one of four African American newspapers in late frontier-early twentieth century Montana. Who knew? The depth of history in Buffalo Daze is as breathtaking as the landscapes of Montana and Wyoming that frame the narrative.

“Buffalo Daze is a true story about social justice and every element of that struggle, set about a century before ‘social justice’ was a common term,” shares Brady Jandreau, who was previously the lead in Chloé Zhao’s The Rider.

Jandreau isn’t wrong, but unlike some recent Westerns, Buffalo Daze doesn’t sacrifice historical accuracy for woke approval. One of the film’s most searing moments is an exchange on Tribal identity between Grinder and his wife, Mary Pablo, electrifyingly portrayed by Canadian Screen Awards winner, Crystle Lightning (Lawmen: Bass Reeves).

Other members of an ensemble cast include Leenah Robinson (1923), screen veterans Chris Mulkey (Boardwalk Empire) and Georgina Lightning (The West Wing), Eddie Spears (Hell on Wheels), Eugene Brave Rock (Dark Winds),Shelby Factor (Reservation Dogs), and Mark Anderako (Heartland).

Country star Ned LeDoux makes an affecting screen debut as a quintessential “white hat” hero, the once beloved Sheriff Billy O’Connell. LeDoux is also among an impressive roster of Country music artists on the soundtrack, including Erin Kinsey, Brian Martin, Kaitlin Butts, and Annie Bosko. Buffalo Daze’s score is crafted by five-time Emmy-winner Jose Manuel Cancela (The Last Narc) and William Hoshal. Buffalo Daze is a TV series waiting to happen. For now, savor the movie. It’s fresh and creative in an industry that is all too often producing unimaginative formula offerings.

Related Topics:historical drama social justice western film

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Crypto

The Real Story Behind teemchase’s Real Estate, Music, and Crypto Empire

teemchase is the founder of ITTO Productions, an artist development company. He is also an investor in real estate, music, and crypto. His journey has been one of overcoming obstacles, including homelessness, to reach financial independence.

A Difficult Start to His Future Success

At eighteen, teemchase began his journey toward future success by choosing not to attend college and instead pursue real estate. This decision led him to live in his car, but he did not let that setback discourage him from his goal. Without family support, he continued pursuing his dream of becoming a real estate entrepreneur.

He studied for the real estate exam while homeless and invested nearly one thousand dollars in taking it eleven times. Instead of giving up, he took the test a twelfth time and finally passed. That victory became the foundation for his capital building journey. Without outside support or investors, he built his portfolio over time through discipline, persistence, and reinvestment.

He built a brand, grew his team, and reinvested profits into acquiring affordable housing and Section 8 properties. Later, he expanded into large scale private real estate investing. Through discipline, long term strategy, and aggressive reinvestment, he evolved from agent to investor.

It was this same strategy that he later applied to his ventures in crypto and music.

Long Term Positioning and Growth

In the summer of 2025, teemchase formally retired from all active executive operations. He sold his controlling interests and transitioned into a fully passive income structure fueled by consulting, real estate cash flow, and digital asset holdings.

In 2018, teemchase became an early investor in XRP, a cryptocurrency developed by Ripple Labs for rapid, low cost international payments. He has grown his original investment more than ten times and continues to trade actively.

He also entered the music industry through organic beginnings that started with informal freestyle sessions with friends. This experience later led him to found ITTO Productions.

Empowering Creators

teemchase describes himself as operating at the intersection of capital and culture. ITTO Productions was designed to empower artists by providing the infrastructure typically associated with major labels, including production and lifestyle resources. He has also ensured that artists retain ownership of their creative works.

Looking ahead, teemchase plans to scale his passive investments and expand ITTO Productions. The creator first artist development house reflects his personal priorities of ownership, fairness, and long term sustainability.

teemchase is an inspirational yet grounded investor who has built an impressive brand across multiple fields using his high school nickname. Over the years, he has blended his desire for social impact with a scalable investment strategy. His perseverance, discipline, and creativity have been the foundation of his success and will power his future endeavors.

Written in partnership with Tom White

Entertainment

Vale! ULB Drops Rhythmic Powerhouse Single ‘Devórame’

By: Nadia Sobehart

Breakthrough band and creators of “Cabana Bounce,” Vale! ULB release their latest single, “Devórame.” A musical testament to freedom of expression, the upbeat record invites listeners to lose their inhibitions, let down their hair, and dance.

The union of five musicians, each expert in their craft, Vale! ULB is a dynamic band focused on the Latin diaspora. The group is comprised of individuals from Cuba, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and New Orleans via Mexico. Through their diverse and creative individualism, the members come together to create musical art beyond the power of one.

Leading the band on vocals is Val, the daughter of Latin Grammy winner, musician, and producer, Dante Vargas. Three-time Grammy winner Deezle (of Lil Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj fame) adds depth with his bass, vocals, and production. Grammy-winning trumpeter, Emiliano, takes brass to new heights. Cuban percussionist and champion of Fiesta del Tambor (Cuba’s Festival of Drum), Anier, sets the beat. Lastly, Friki, son of the founder of Buena Vista Social Club, rounds up the sound with his expert guitar.

With over 20 years of professional experience, each member is seasoned in the industry, with a portfolio of sound unique to each. For Deezle, joining the band was a logical choice for working alongside industry greats. “What kept me going is that I never gave up and have the blessing of being around people like Carlos [our manager] and others in the business who keep going. I can’t forsake that,” shares Deezle.

A delicious mix of Latin core, New Orleans soul, and modern hip hop, the music of Vale! ULB is a showcase of “Cabana Bounce,” the band’s signature sound. While based across the U.S., the band comes together monthly to collaborate on new work. According to their manager, Carlos, “It’s the mashing and mixing of different music that makes this band super special.”

Their new single, “Devórame,” captures the power of being wanted and not being afraid to ask for what you want. “It’s a genre-bending single about the freedom of being sexy,” shares Manager Carlos. “Devórame” undoubtedly captures the voice of each band member, from the catchy opening notes to the smooth vocals weaving stories into sound.

“Devórame” was a “cool experiment that went right,” the brainchild of Deezle with contributions from each talented band member. “The band is very chill in the studio,” adds Deezle. “Everyone knows when to switch and take lead. There’s all sorts of personalities in one room, yet there’s no tension. Everyone does their own part.”

Vale! ULB hopes to reach listeners who are ready to let go of their inhibitions. “The song is about freedom of expression,” explains the band, who welcomes listeners to let loose and give in to the music. “You gotta let go when you hear the music.”

In addition to performing, Vale! ULB gives back in New Orleans through the Trombone Shorty Foundation, which seeks to mentor aspiring musicians and provide them with instruments and opportunities.

“Devórame” is available on all streaming platforms, with promotional support from Starlight PR.

Make sure to stay connected to Vale! ULB on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.

“Devórame” Spotify

Written in partnership with Tom White

Entertainment

Actor Walid Chaya in Hilarious ‘Magic Hour’ World Premiere at Santa Barbara Film Festival

By William Jones
Los Angeles — February 8, 2025

The 40th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival kicked off with a bang this year, and one of the standout moments was the world premiere of Magic Hour, an indie comedy directed by Jacqueline Christy. Walid Chaya, known for his dynamic acting talents, plays Joel, a sassy and frustrated Airbnb host who finds himself entangled in the chaotic world of filmmaking when he rents out his space to a movie crew. His character quickly finds himself caught in a tangled web of mischief, offering a humorous and nuanced performance that has audiences laughing from start to finish.

Magic Hour follows the story of Harriet, played by Younger star Miriam Shor, a woman who takes the plunge into film school while juggling her chaotic home life. As she tries to make her mark as a filmmaker, she faces obstacles both on and off set. Chaya’s character, Joel, becomes an integral part of her journey as she rents his Airbnb for her film project, only to have her secret uncovered by Joel, who is less than thrilled about the situation.

Chaya’s portrayal of Joel is nothing short of hilarious. The character is equal parts sarcastic and sincere, bringing levity and energy to the film’s more dramatic moments. His sharp comedic timing and impeccable delivery make him a scene-stealer in every interaction, especially when his character clashes with Harriet’s ambitious pursuit of filmmaking. As the film unfolds, Joel’s frustration with the film crew’s antics provides some of the most memorable comedic moments of the movie.

As the film makes its way through the festival circuit, it has already generated significant buzz for its unique blend of humor and heart. Magic Hour is a film within a film, as Harriet’s journey mirrors the behind-the-scenes challenges that come with making art while trying to balance family life. Chaya’s role as the exasperated Airbnb host adds a fresh layer of comedic tension, making him one of the standout performances in the ensemble cast.

The film is not only making waves for its humor but also its exploration of the creative process. Magic Hour takes an honest look at the struggles of an aspiring filmmaker, offering a funny yet heartfelt examination of ambition, personal growth, and the complexities of following one’s dreams.

Currently making its festival circuit tour, Magic Hour is also eyeing distribution, with many anticipating its arrival on screens soon. Chaya’s standout performance as Joel is sure to leave audiences eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this rising comedy star’s career.

With a stellar cast, a compelling storyline, and performances that truly resonate, Magic Hour is a film that deserves to be seen by audiences everywhere. For updates as this comedy feature continues its festival journey and gears up for its theatrical release, follow @walid.chaya on Instagram and visit magichour.us for more information.

Written in partnership with Tom White