Archive for the ‘music’ Category

Mountain Music in Quincy, California

August 10th
2010
by Pete Rerig
posted in:
U.S. West Uncategorized activities destinations events and festivals family music outdoor adventure

The scenery changed dramatically on the 90-minute ride west from Reno, from desert dunes and red-gold canyons and cliffs to beautiful pine forestland dotted with one-stoplight towns. We were headed to northern California for a Quincy vacation, specifically to the 20th annual High Sierra Music Festival, a four-day event jam-packed with music and merrymaking drawing tens of thousands from around the country. The car weighed down with camping gear and coolers. This trip was more than just an excuse to jam out to more than 50 bands playing everything from funk to bluegrass, country to jazz—it was opportunity to relax and breathe in one of the most beautiful spots in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

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Hitting the Sac

August 9th
2010
by Pete Rerig
posted in:
U.S. West activities destinations events and festivals family music

It was unbelievably hot, so much so that the car’s AC could barely keep up. Rolling into California’s capital city in July, we considered turning around and making a run for coast. But we stayed the course and found a Sacramento hotel with a pool, and by the end of the weekend myriad small delights made our first trip to the city something to remember.

After a quick dip to bring our body temperatures back into a reasonable range, we set out for downtown, not really with a plan but more so just to explore. The blocks around the statehouse were strangely quiet, but music and laughter carried on a gentle breeze drew us towards Cesar Chavez Plaza at 10th and J streets, where the free Friday Night Concerts in the Park were rockin’ and rollin’. From 30-somethings pushing strollers to tweens’ goofing with their friends to seniors spread out on blankets enjoying a cold beer, it was a great surprise to happen upon seeing as though we had no real agenda for the evening.

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Groznjan: A Croatian Hilltop Marvel

July 2nd
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
events and festivals family music

As I mentioned in a previous post about Italy, the fact that the Euro has dropped almost 20% against the dollar since January is making Europe vacations look a lot more feasible for a wider range of American travelers. While there are now better bargains to be found in Europe, there are also some great deals to be found in the countries bordering the European Union that do not use the Euro. Croatia is one of those countries.

Located southwest of Slovenia, Croatia enjoys a large slice of Adriatic coastline relative to its size. It also shares borders with Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, and both Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina to the southeast. While the beaches, seaside towns, and 1100 islands of the Adriatic are the biggest draw for many vacationers, Croatia also boasts medieval fortresses and castles, Roman ruins, and vineyards and olive groves reminiscent of Italy. The infrastructure for travelers is well developed, offering excellent Croatia hotels, wonderful dining, and a wide range of transportation options.

I recently spent some time in Istria, a peninsula in the northern-most region of Croatia. Located just about an hour’s drive from Italy via Slovenia, Croatian Istria offers a fascinating cultural mélange created from its history of Roman, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian, Italian, and Yugoslav occupation. While spots along the coast like Rovinj, a town that still retains its 13th century Venetian roots, draw the most travelers, there are treasures to be found in inland Istria as well.

Croatia has been billed as an inexpensive version of Italy and nowhere is this more keenly felt than in Istria. Heading inland from the coast, travelers will admire rolling hills striped with vineyards and olive groves and dotted with Italianate, terracotta-roofed farmhouses.  These vineyards supply the grapes for the country’s fruity wines, while the olives are used to create wonderfully fragrant and peppery oils. Another treasure found in the hills of Istria from September through December is truffles, which are used liberally in Istrian cuisine.

If travelers have time to visit just one inland town in Istria, they should head straight to Groznjan, an ancient city perched on a hilltop. Under Venetian rule for over 400 years starting in the 13th century, Groznjan features winding cobblestone streets, medieval-era walls, a Baroque church, and views to the sea. Almost abandoned in the 1960s when many of its residents moved to Trieste, Italy to seek greater economic opportunities, Groznjan was discovered by artists and has since become a thriving artist and music community and home of a popular summer jazz festival.
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See Branson for a Song

April 22nd
2010
by Matt Wilson
posted in:
U.S. Midwest destinations music

I must admit, I’m not much into musicals—granted, I do enjoy a show every now and then, but the idea of people suddenly breaking out into song and dance, especially in awkward, dramatic, or climatic situations,  just seems absurd to me (unless of course, you’re Buddy the Elf). But I think I’m in the vast minority. Especially since millions of people, like my wife, can’t get enough of Glee.

In fact, many people plan their vacations around singing and dancing. You’re first inclination might be to book a New York vacation and give your regards to Broadway. But show me the latest mega-musical in Manhattan, and I’ll direct you to a little town called Branson in the Show-Me State with a number of theaters that rivals Broadway and offers a greater variety of live performance genres. Before you break a leg and start booking reservations at Branson hotels, here’s what you can expect.
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Elton John to Rock Chichen Itza

March 3rd
2010
by Becky Youman
posted in:
Mexico destinations music news

The ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza are one of the top attractions for travelers on Riviera Maya or Cancun vacations. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichen Itza is home to El Castillo, The Castle, one of the best preserved and restored pyramids of the Maya world, along with many other impressive structures. It’s a place of profound spiritual significance for the Maya people, especially during the vernal and autumnal equinox, when the rising sun casts a shadow in the shape of a feathered serpent that crawls down the steps of El Castillo.

This impressive archeological site has also become an occasional venue for the hottest concerts on the Yucatan Peninsula. The latest artist to announce a concert there is the Rocket Man himself, Elton John. Riviera Maya hotels are filling fast with fans who want to take part in the special evening concert. Sir Elton John will perform on April 3 on a stage set up at the foot of El Castillo.

Tickets are still available for the show on Ticketmaster, but many vacationers will probably end up buying the tickets as part of a package. Hotels and tour operators are all trying to create unique Elton John concert experiences. Most of the packages include concert tickets and transportation, but one hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya has gone a step further to create the ultimate Elton John concert experience.
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12 Reasons to Visit NYC This Winter

January 7th
2010
by Jessica Mordo
posted in:
U.S. Northeast activities events and festivals family food music shopping

Taking a bite out of the Big Apple may be a bit challenging this season, given that the (brrrrrrrr) chilly temperatures can just about numb your whole face! However, New York City is indeed a great choice for a 2010 wintertime getaway. Why? Well, there’s the not-insignificant matter of abundant off-season deals on New York City hotels as well as cheap flights. Plus, there are a dozen phenomenal events spanning food and wine, art and nature, sports and cultural traditions to whet your appetite for the Big A, no matter what the thermometer reads.

burton1. The Nightmare (Way) Before Christmas
Fans of the fabulously freaky filmmaker Tim Burton will love the showcase exhibit at the MoMA, which kicked off in November to rave reviews and runs through April 26. Over 700 items, including drawings, photos, storyboards, puppets, costumes, paintings, animated works, props, and more are on display, allowing you to relive your fave moments from “Beetlejuice,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and more, before checking out a retrospective of Burton’s feature-length movies and shorts.

2. Urban Antiquing
Furniture, jewelry, art, and decorative objets are sold at the annual Winter Antiques Show, held at the Park Avenue Armory January 22 through 31. It’s the perfect opportunity to hunt for that Fabergé egg, Persian rug, or golden snuffbox you’ve always wanted–or to simply wander and browse the museum-quality wares, Parisian flea market style.

morimoto3. Affordable Upscale Eats
Take advantage of the best week to dine out in the Big Apple: New York Restaurant Week, taking place January 25 through February 7. Many of the city’s finest eateries provide reduced fixed-price menus, so you can sample French fare done to perfection at Bar Boulud, Japanese delicacies at Morimoto, Italian Batali-style at Lupa, rich fondue at Bar Artisanal, and more. The event is extremely popular, so be on top of making reservations, which are permitted starting January 12. (more…)

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Live the “Dream”: MLK, Jr. Weekend Events in D.C.

January 4th
2010
by Jessica Mordo
posted in:
U.S. Mid-Atlantic activities events and festivals family music

ihaveadreamFor people who are fortunate to get a three-day weekend in January, or for others who simply want to take a long weekend to escape the winter doldrums, Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend is a great time for a little getaway. And for those who want to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King himself, Washington, D.C. is the place to be this January 15-18. Not only will you enjoy considerable off-season deals on Washington, D.C. hotels, but you’ll also be able to take part in a number of special events throughout the weekend honoring the civil rights movement hero.

Kicking off the weekend-long celebration is the 2009 Annual Civil Rights Film Festival, to be held on January 15 through 19 at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site. The festival will showcase the PBS “Eyes on the Prize” documentary film series, which focuses on the trials and tribulations of the civil rights movement. In addition, the A&E biographical film “Martin Luther King, Jr.: The Man, the Dream,” which honors Dr. King’s contributions to the civil rights movement, will be shown. All film screenings are free and will take place between 11am and 3pm each day of the festival’s run.

The National Museum of American History will hold a special Martin Luther King holiday family festival on January 16 through 18, from 10am to 5:30pm. Visitors can participate in an interactive, historical theater presentation of “Join the Student Sit-Ins,” which showcases the sit-ins of the civil rights movement, as well as “Sing for Freedom,” a sing-along of civil rights songs such as “This Little Light of Mine” and more. Furthermore, a dramatic presentation of MLK, Jr.’s words, an a cappella performance, and (on January 16 only) a live interview with one of the members of the Little Rock Nine (the students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, AR in 1959) are in store. (more…)

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Mummers Parade: Fabulous in Philly on New Year’s Day

December 26th
2009
by Jessica Mordo
posted in:
U.S. Mid-Atlantic events and festivals music

stringbandPeople tend to save up their energy reserves for New Year’s Eve festivities, but in Philadelphia, the real fun begins on New Year’s Day. That’s when the Mummers Parade a procession of over 10,000 wildly costumed marchers accompanied by floats, elaborate choreography, and live music take to Broad Street, from South Philly all the way to City Hall. Move over, Rose Parade–this centuries-old community tradition, located within easy reach of Philadelphia hotels, makes the City of Brotherly Love the most festive place to be come January 1.

Wait…mummer? In case you’re wondering just what in the world that is, a mummer is quite literally a costumed entertainer who welcomes in the new year. The custom of a Mummers Parade dates back to ancient European civilizations that ushered in a new year with festivals and elaborate costumes. The tradition was sparked in the Philadelphia area in the late 17th century by immigrants who wished to perpetuate Old World practices. While each ethnic community had their own spin on the custom, the separate celebrations joined forces in the late 19th century, and the city of Philadelphia sponsored the first official Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day of 1901. The city has brought this unique event to the masses ever since, making it one of Philly’s most classic and cherished annual events.

floatThe Mummers are comprised of five divisions of performers from the wider Philadelphia area. The Comic division, made up of clowns, floats, and traditional pageantry, lampoons modern-day political and social issues (who’s betting on Tiger Woods and Sarah Palin getting roasted this year?). An offshoot of the Comics, the Wench Brigades distinguish themselves with their scores of dudes wittily adorned in dresses. The String Band Brigades are all about music, and a lot of music it is, as a string band can average 64 pieces! Their original compositions are brought to life by string and percussive instruments, as well as accordions and glockenspiels; no brass instruments are permitted, ensuring a sound distinct from conventional parade marching bands. Ornate costumes and performances involving floats are the hallmarks of the Fancies, while the Fancy Brigade (in an ironic twist, not to be confused with the Fancies) put on mini-musicals incorporating elaborate props, precision drilling, and Broadway-style choreography. I told you the Rose Parade has nothing on the Mummers. (more…)

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A Very Sweet Christmas in Hershey

December 18th
2009
by Jessica Mordo
posted in:
U.S. Mid-Atlantic activities events and festivals family food music

xmaschocolatesCandy canes, peppermint bark, plum pudding, egg nog–all delicious holiday treats in their own right, but missing a certain something to titillate your taste buds? If that elusive ingredient is chocolate, then the cure for your holiday sweet tooth is just a short drive from Philadelphia hotels. Hershey, PA is the place to be through the rest of the month for Christmas in Hershey’s holiday attractions, culinary experiences, gift shopping, special overnight packages, and (drum roll, please) lots and lots of chocolate–not to mention  year-round theme parks and museums.

rideYou’ve visited furry friends at Zoo America, journeyed through the history of chocolate at The Hershey Story Museum, tasted confections at Hershey’s Chocolate World, and of course experienced the thrills of Hersheypark. This month, you can relive all that former glory and enjoy plenty of holiday cheer at Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. In addition to the 30-plus year-round rides (many of them now adorned in yuletide decor), the park has unveiled a new-for-this-season dancing light show set to classic Christmas songs, a.k.a. N.O.E.L. (Night of Extraordinary Lights).

Other Hersheypark holiday entertainment includes the Music Box Christmas sing-along show, dramatizations of holiday stories via Home Sweet Home for Christmas (with performances through the 31st), and the wandering Mistle-Tones brass band playing holiday tunes throughout the park on weekends. What’s more, you can drop by Santa’s Candy Cottage for photo opps with the big guy and a chance to visit his reindeer, and exchange holiday greetings with a host of costumed characters dressed in their Christmas best. Those looking to score last-minute gifts will find unique ornaments, Hershey souvenirs, and chocolate items galore in the park’s shops. (more…)

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Dashing Through December: Christmas in Newport Celebration

December 12th
2009
by Jessica Mordo
posted in:
U.S. Northeast activities events and festivals family music

harborlightsTo be sure, Boston has tons of holiday events in store, but there’s even more fun to be had on the Rhode Island coast, just an easy day-trip’s driving distance from Boston hotels. The elegant seaside town of Newport delights visitors with its historic mansions, unique museums, delectable seafood, boating adventures, and only-in-New-England attractions year-round. And how that the holidays are upon us, it’s also the site of the wondrous month-long Christmas in Newport celebration.

Simply strolling around Newport puts visitors in a festive mood this month, as the town literally glitters with tons and tons of holiday lights strung along the harbor and wharves and more adorning the famed restored colonial homes and Victorian mansions. But it’s the Christmas in Newport events that really make December shine. The festival entails multiple activities and attractions per day! Here are some of the highlights.

Fun for the Little Ones

If you’re traveling with tots, rejoice! Family events dominate the Newport calendar this month. Santa is a man about town, making several appearances for photo opps and storytelling throughout December: he’ll be at Marble House on the 13th, at The Elms on the 20th, and reading “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on the 13th. Speaking of the latter, the museum is hosting a holiday open house on that same date, with scavenger hunts, Wii tennis games, contests, guided museum tours, and more family activities. Into trains? Journey to the North Pole with the Clauses on the Polar Express at Newport Train Station on the 13th, 18th, 19th, and 20th, or take a memorable ride on a vintage coach decorated for the holidays at Old Colony Railway Depot on the 26th through the 31st. Those looking to throw an active afternoon into the mix can take a twirl on the ice at the Newport Yachting Center skating rink, open daily. (more…)

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