September 9, 2015: N.F.L. Wants Bruno Mars for Super Bowl Halftime Show, Instagram Dedicates New Section to Fashion Week, Here’s What a Virtual Reality Concert Is Like

1. N.F.L. WANTS BRUNO MARS FOR SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW: Bruno Mars, who played one of the most-watched Super Bowl halftime shows ever in 2014, may be returning for Super Bowl 50. The N.F.L. has asked the star to perform, although neither the league nor the singer has announced whether he will take the gig. Billboard: “This time around, a source confirmed, Mars was asked to ‘curate’ the halftime show, meaning we could probably expect some impressive guests to join him, if he agrees.” http://bit.ly/1Q039Ii

2. INSTAGRAM DEDICATES NEW SECTION TO FASHION WEEK HIGHLIGHTS: Catering to its fashion-loving users, Instagram will offer a special section called "the Best of Fashion Week Updated Daily By @Instagram,” beginning Friday. Women’s Wear Daily: “This is the first time that Instagram will provide a space for users to see daily updated, curated content from a specific event, although the company has done previous collections from events like the Video Music Awards, Comic Con, Pride and more. The same team who regularly culls through the 70 million daily Instagram posts to feature unique accounts will work on this new project, and it won’t be based purely on hashtags or number of likes, but rather the best content from the shows, behind the scenes, in addition to street style and after parties.” http://bit.ly/1UEDZQT

3. HERE’S WHAT A VIRTUAL REALITY CONCERT IS LIKE: A new app set to debut in October will give users a virtual reality experience of listening to the Los Angeles Philharmonic perform Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony from a vantage point right behind conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Mashable: “Instead of just giving users a 360-degree seat at the performance, the VR experience, produced by Toronto-based interactive agency Secret Location, includes special effects in the form of visual flourishes that undulate in rhythm with the composition's movements. … And if you have yet to join the VR movement, the LA Philharmonic will also have a truck equipped with six Samsung Gear VR headsets in a vehicle humorously named VAN Beethoven. The truck will only tour locally in Los Angeles, but the clever idea could inspire similar mobile VR concepts in the future.” http://on.mash.to/1Fxu5tt

4. PAPAL VISIT SCHEDULE: Need a quick primer on Pope Francis’s upcoming visit to the United States? Here’s a quick rundown and map of his itinerary, with stops in Washington, New York, and Philadelphia. The New York Times: http://nyti.ms/1L151ky

* LOCAL NEWS *

ATLANTA:  The S.E.C. football championship will stay in Atlanta until at least 2026. The league announced a 10-year agreement to host the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which is slated to open in 2017. USA Today: http://usat.ly/1hUHAhg

AUSTIN:  Cedar Park Center will debut a new food and drink vendor next month. The sports venue has signed a deal with Ryan Sanders Sports Services, which plans to remodel concession areas and introduce new menu items. Austin American-Statesman: http://atxne.ws/1ObnoV3

BOSTON:  The Boston Landmarks Orchestra gala will take place Thursday at Royal Sonesta Cambridge.

CHICAGO:  Design Chicago returns to the Merchandise Mart October 6-7. The residential design conference and trade fair hosts showroom open houses, educational presentations, and product launches.

The 30th annual Berghoff Oktoberfest will take place September 16-18 at Federal Plaza.

LAS VEGAS:  Insomniac has announced that the Electric Daisy Carnival will return to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, June 17-19, celebrating the event's 20th anniversary.

Jeffrey Ma and Geoff Freeman will be the keynote speakers at the Global Gaming Expo, which will take place September 29 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.

LOS ANGELES:  Barcocito, an Argentinian small-plates restaurant helmed by hospitality veteran Andrea Borgen, has opened downtown. LA Weekly: http://bit.ly/1XHQHCP

The 14th annual Galbani Cheese Italian Feast of San Gennaro, benefitting Midnight Mission, is slated for September 25-27 in Hollywood.

Local event listings from the new Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  Bazi, a new Asian-inspired restaurant from chef Michael Pirolo and partner Jen Chaefsky, will open at Marlin Hotel in Miami Beach on Thursday. The dining room seats 70, and a mezzanine-level private dining room that overlooks the main dining room seats 16 guests. Bar and lounge seating as well as outdoor seating also is available.

NEW YORK:  Parenting brand the Moms will host a “Mamarazzi Breakfast” with Entertainment Tonight host Nancy O'Dell at Il Valentino Osteria in the Upper East Side Thursday. The event will celebrate O'Dell's new clothing line for Evine Live.

Actress Sutton Foster and model Irina Shayk will co-host this year's ASCPA Young Friends Benefit October 15 at the IAC Headquarters. The event raises funds for the nonprofit organization's work to protect victimized animals.

Danish food entrepreneur Claus Meyer has announced that Icelandic chef Gunnar Gíslason will be the head chef of his first United States restaurant, a 5,000-square-foot food hall that's slated to open in Grand Central Terminal in early 2016.

Local event listings from the new Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork

ORLANDO/CENTRAL FLORIDA:  The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has announced $2 million in corporate donations as the downtown venue continues to raise money for its second phase, which will include a new 1,700-seat performance space. Orlando Sentinel: http://bit.ly/1JSHxfl

SAN FRANCISCO:  The N.F.L. and the Super Bowl Committee will host a celebration at Justin Herman Plaza today to introduce the events during Super Bowl week. ABC7: http://abc7ne.ws/1JQGlXN

TORONTO:  Spectrum SQ will host its first Neighborhood Block Party to support the Mississauga Food Bank on September 10. The event will offer carnival games and food trucks.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  701 Restaurant in Penn Quarter has reopened after a five-day renovation. Along with new decor and menu items, the space has a glass-enclosed private dining area with a new audiovisual system and two additional private rooms. Washington City Paper: http://bit.ly/1M9nU6k

YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected]. 

JOB BOARD: Post a job or find a job: http://jobs.bizbash.com

With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, Jill Menze, Anna Sekula, and Ian Zelaya in New York.

BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.

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