Hemmings Unveils Key Sponsorships and Event Highlights for UpShift

MONTEREY, CA (07.25.24) – Following the excitement of the initial announcement, Hemmings and Motoring Culture Club (MC2) are delighted to reveal further features of “UpShift,” an innovative event that blends the sophistication of classic cars with the dynamic history of Hip-Hop. Scheduled for August 15th at SandBox in Sand City, Calif., this event is set to be a distinctive celebration, breaking traditional boundaries and fostering connections among enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds.

Hemmings and MC2 are proud to announce that Complecto, a platform and agency committed to elevating and amplifying underrepresented voices in the watch industry and collecting community, has partnered with Accutron, Alpina, Bulova and Frederique Constant as sponsors for UpShift. By supporting the event, Complecto and the partnering watch brands are helping to create a unique platform that honors tradition, embraces the future, and fosters connections among diverse communities. Their involvement underscores the event’s mission to transcend traditional boundaries and create a welcoming environment where enthusiasts can unite to celebrate shared passions.

“Watches and cars have long shared a rich history, with a deep cultural intersection between watch collecting and automotive enthusiasm,” says Jason Gong, Founder of Complecto. “We are thrilled to partner with watch brands Accutron, Alpina, Bulova, and Frederique Constant as sponsors for UpShift, an event celebrating the rich heritage of classic cars with the vibrant history of Hip-Hop. Through this partnership, we look forward to fostering connections and creating an experience that elevates and moves the culture forward.”

UpShift is a collaborative initiative with MC2, a platform focused on curating the future of the car community. It represents a significant milestone for Hemmings, promoting a more accessible classic car culture. This event aims to not only celebrate the profound influence of Hip-Hop on classic car culture but also actively open the doors to a broader and more diverse audience. By integrating this dynamic music genre with automotive history, UpShift seeks to create a welcoming environment that transcends traditional boundaries, inviting enthusiasts of all backgrounds to connect over shared passions.

“UpShift represents a pivotal moment for Hemmings as we continue to promote an inclusive classic car culture. This event not only highlights the influence of Hip-Hop on automotive history but also invites a broader audience to experience the joy and passion of classic cars. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment where enthusiasts of all backgrounds – whether seasoned aficionados or new to the scene – can come together to celebrate shared passions,” said Jonathan Shaw, President of Hemmings.

Event Highlights:

· Highlighted Cars: Attendees will be captivated by a curated collection of classic cars, meticulously assembled by Edris Ekhlas ofRefresh.ERA. This company embodies the dynamic intersection of Hip Hop and automotive culture, celebrating their historical and contemporary connections. Highlights include Grammy-award-winning rapper Killer Mike’s Grand National, a tribute display honoring the late rapper Nipsey Hussle, a Maybach 57 inspired by New Orleans artist Birdman, and a ‘64 Impala lowrider, an icon of West Coast Hip Hop.
Luxury Watch Showcase: Attendees can get hands-on with a curated collection of luxury watches from sponsor brands Accutron, Alpina, Bulova and Frederique Constant
Photography Exhibit: A captivating exhibit showcasing works sourced from artist-enthusiasts across America highlighting cars relevant to this period of Hip-Hop.
· Hip-Hop and Culture: The event will feature a virtual set by DJ Self Born blending genres from disco to classic Hip-Hop. The DJ will provide the musical backdrop to the cars and evoke the spirit of the car culture synonymous with the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
· Inclusive Experience: With a mission to open doors to the car community, UpShift is an intentionally welcoming space for enthusiasts from all walks of life, whether seasoned aficionados or new to the scene.

Tickets for the event range from $75-150 and can be purchased at https://www.tixr.com/groups/upshift/events/hemmings-upshift-108159.

For further information, interested sponsors can reach out via email at events@hemmings.com.

Visit www.hemmings.com for more.