Jetsettersblog

Las Vegas, Nev. – The UNLV Jazz Studies program announces its second consecutive invitation to participate in the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival April 1 – 4, 2011.

Recently recognized as one of the nation’s premier jazz education programs, select UNLV Jazz students will undergo evaluation on a global scale amongst other university-level ensembles in one of the most prestigious arenas for young jazz musicians.

Six groups compete in each category, including College Big Band Division, Conglomerate Big Band Division, and College Vocal Ensemble Division.

The UNLV Contemporary Combo will compete in the Open Combo Division under the leadership of Jazz Studies Director Dave Loeb.

“We are extremely proud of our talented and gifted students. They are afforded the opportunity to develop their jazz arranging and composition skills in addition to perfecting their craft as performing artists.

The evidence is clear in their level of musicianship. Our students are actively preparing for their featured performances at this prestigious event and are eager and excited to have another opportunity to perform in this world class arena,” said Loeb.

UNLV Jazz students strive to achieve high honors from the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival this year, surpassing the four recognitions they returned home with last year.

Individually, students are also considered for awards in categories ranging from musicianship to improvisation.

In addition to the Contemporary Combo’s participation in the judged contest, the award-winning Ensemble I will join the Contemporary Combo as special guest performers for festival attendees to enjoy.

Under the seasoned leadership of Loeb, UNLV’s Ensemble I won “Outstanding Performance” in the large-ensemble graduate college division of DownBeat magazine’s “Student Music Awards” in 2010. National acclaim followed shortly afterwards with Jazztimes magazine’s praise of the Ensemble I latest album release, “The City.”

The UNLV Jazz Studies program has been active for more than 20 years. Today, the Jazz Studies program offers degrees in instrumental or vocal jazz performance and composition at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently, the UNLV Jazz Studies program features three big bands and several combos including the Contemporary and Latin ensembles. Since its inception, the jazz program has received nothing but outstanding reviews from critics, including a five-star rating from the jazz publication, DownBeat Magazine.

With more than 15 recordings to its credit, the UNLV Jazz Ensemble has performed across the United States and at such events as the Hawaii International Jazz Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center, and the Village Vanguard.

Tour Operator Escaped To Peru have recently enjoyed an increase in business thanks to the recent archaeological discovery of a 1200-year-old tomb in the Lambayeque region of Peru.

CUSCO, PERU, — Tour operator Escaped to Peru have recently experienced an increase in interest for archaeological tours in the north of Peru.

“We noticed that more people were asking for quotes on tours to the north of the country,” said Escaped To Peru’s Managing Director Gary Sargent, “The vast majority of people usually want to do the archaeological circuit in the south of the country that includes Machu Picchu.”

The team at Escaped To Peru attribute this increase to the discovery of a 1200-year-old tomb in the Lambayeque region. Publicity surrounding the archaeological dig has reached ancient culture enthusiasts and they are looking for an opportunity to visit the sites of the lesser-known pre-Inca cultures of northern Peru.

“For many people, Peru is all about the Inca culture, but they were the last in a long line of indigenous cultures before the arrival of the Spanish,” explained Mr. Sargent.

“Northern Peru has some incredible archaeological sites to offer ancient culture enthusiasts, including the tombs of Sipan, Chan Chan and the fortress of Kuelap among others,” he continued, “This recent high-profile discovery has brought attention to some of the other ancient sites that Peru has to offer as a tourist destination.”

The tomb belongs to a ruler of the pre-Incan Sican culture in the Las Ventanas archeological zone. Carlos Elera, director of the dig, announced that the contents of the tomb included an individual seated on a litter and a funerary bundle, in which has been found in situ a crown, a mask and a series of objects that accompany the body.

Also discovered was a gilded copper crown with an attachment of jaguars, a typical pendant worn by the elite in that region, and a mask with winged eyes, spearpoints and arrowheads.

The funerary bundle, along with the other objects, are still in the process of being excavated by archaeologists.

Escaped To Peru offer custom designed tours and vacations to all regions of Peru including those sites in the north such as Chan Chan, Sipan and Kuelap.

Gary Sargent is the Managing Director of the Escaped To Latin America Group.

Gary has lived in Latin America since 1998 and is an expert in all things Latino – this is why his clients keep saying his ctours are amazing.

If you’d like to get a free quote for your Latin American vacation, send him a request for a chat about your dream trip (and qualify for a 5% discount) using the following link -_

http://bit.ly/hPiJwY

5 Star shopping service in Vancouver for celebrities,CEOs,tourists and VIPs.

VANOUVER, BC – - Welcome to the first fabulous bespoke shopping service by limousine in Vancouver B.C.

Let yourself be whisked you away for an accompanied, worry free, ultra luxurious, one-of-a-kind high end shopping experience of 3 or 4 hours. “Expect 5 star treatment on our executive tours and stimulate your genes at the same time.” Says Fiona, owner of Vancouver Shopping By Appointment.

Vancouver’s ultimate shopping service is the key to the city’s fabulous boutiques and studios. Discover the treasures, and meet the minds behind the finds.

Enjoy talking with the Vancouver artists and artisans themselves. Celebrity limousine shopping service Vancouver tours will help you find the best the city has to offer in it’s maze of boutiques.

“We experienced our visit to the city of Vancouver like a magic moment in time. Thank you for all these magnificent discoveries which made our visit privileged,” said Helène Comment, of Switzerland.

Vancouver Shopping By Appointment accompanied tours can be a corporate gift for executives to use as a hospitality tool, or an exciting experience for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day or anniversaries. This Shopping Service Vancouver exists to help you find the extraordinary: museum quality crystals, designer fashion, collector level art and aboriginal art, and gifts for your company, customers and family.

It is now known that genes can change instantly when exposed to awe inspiring beauty or memorable experiences. Novelty, which one seeks with Vancouver shopping, stimulates the brain. Original work, with local Vancouver or Canadian labels, can offer beauty with long lasting quality.

Vancouver, now called Hollywood North because of its’ excellent conditions for film making, is a destination for celebrities and heads of state. Where do they shop and how do they get about?

Vancouver Shopping By Appointment will introduce visitors as well as locals to it’s rich population of designers.

International prizewinner Natalia Vetrova, trained in Moscow, exhibits around the world, and paints portraits and whimsical murals in Vancouver. Her work has jiggled the genes of many an art critic, and attracts buyers looking to decorate the interiors of their international real estate.

Natalia works in counterbalance with master jeweler husband Per Wendell Madsen. His world wide reputation as a jeweler has developed as a result of his application of modern jewelry crafting techniques to neo-classical design.

Per’s website has the quote: ” Art Demands Of Us We Shall Not Stand Still”. Vancouver Shopping By Appointment seeks to connect lovers of the authentic to creators of long lasting beauty and limousine shopping service Vancouver of high quality.

The tours promise to be a most welcoming and enjoyable experience for all.

Contact : Fiona Old
Company: Vancouver Shopping Service
Company address: 928 Stevens Street, White Rock,BC V4B 4X4
Phone: 604 644 9951
Email: info@vancouvershoppingbyappointment.com
Company url: http://www.vancouvershoppingbyappointment.com

Cruise.com will host a special cruise, themed ‘Freedom Evolution’, on Azamara Club Cruises sailing from Egypt on Nov 17, 2011 sailing to Egypt, Jordon and Israel. Special guest speakers will be on board to add insights on this unique cruise.

Cruise.com, one of the Internet’s largest cruise specialists, announced it will be hosting a special cruise on board Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Quest, sailing from Ain Sukhna, Egypt on Nov 17, 2011 for 10 nights. The special group will be themed ‘Freedom Evolution’.

The ship is scheduled to visit Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt), Safaga (Egypt), Al Aqaba (Jordan) and Eilat (Israel) before returning back to Ain Sukhna. At each port of call, the ship will remain docked overnight, giving guests on this extraordinary itinerary the chance to experience the local cultures, historical changes and the many sites of antiquities available in the area.

Azamara Club Cruises offers upmarket travelers a sophisticated ’boutique’ experience highlighting personal service, superb cuisine, outstanding amenities and thoughtfully designed accommodations.

Small and sleek, Azamara Quest offers guests the opportunity to sail through antiquity while enjoying all the comforts of home. Guests also enjoy more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff; complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee, and teas, and complimentary red and white boutique wines to accompany lunch and dinner; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle bus to city centers in ports, where available.

“We believe that many people want to witness a piece of modern history in the making. This region of the world has already been a witness to some of the greatest events in ancient history,” said Anthony Hamawy, President of Cruise.com.

Special guest speakers, to be announced at a later date, will be on board to add insights on this unique cruise and the changing political climate in the region.

Rates start from $2,094 per guest and can be booked on line at www.cruise.com  or by calling Cruise.com at 1-866-401-0895.

Established in 1988, Cruise.com has become one of the Internet’s largest cruise specialists. Cruise.com was recently named Travel Agency of the Year by Vacation.com. Cruise.com is a wholly owned subsidiary of Omega World Travel, Inc.

What to expect this fall season at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week!

Fashion is in the air at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NYC! Fashion News Live took on the crowded city of New York uncovering all the major trends for Fall/Winter 2011. ItâEUR s a good thing this city never sleeps as nonstop celebrity and designer interviews are at a non-stop coverage at the Lincoln Center.

According to Fashion News Live, simplicity is at its best this fashion week season. Strong trends this fall season are tailored pant suits, feminine gowns, and loose-sitted shrugs. Custo Barcelona’s brilliant collection showcased his use of wool fabric for the cold season. Christian Siriano used his intricate design technique to create structured ball gowns and feminine wear.

We saw a number of designers pair gorgeous gowns with biker boots.

This contrast added an edgy twist to sophisticated wear. Beanie caps and floppy hats were trendy accessories also seen on the runway. Dark dramatic lips paired with subtle eyes and dewy skin were a hit on this season’s runway. Jewelry has been kept to a minimum at most shows this fall season.

However, jewelry designers such as Erickson Beamon and Jules Kim showcased their creative designs off-site at Mercedes-Benz. Hair trends are consisting of soft loose curl, no bangs with a touch of little product.

Fashion News Live spoke with a number of hair key stylists backstage and many of them are using organic hair products this season.

Fashion News Live was treated with VIP access as they attended Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2011 events.

Host Rocco Leo Gaglioti has interviewed a number of celebrity and designers such as Fergie in the exclusive Star Lounge, Angela Simmons backstage, Carol Alt, Eva Minge, Nicole Miller, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Max Azria, and many more! Rocco is expected to attend and cover many more shows such as The Blonds, Jeremy Scott, Isaac Mizrahi, and more. You can find all of these interviews on the Fashion News Live website http://www.fashionnewslive.com

Unique in its format, FashionNewsLive.com seeks out interviews and behind the scenes access to bring the online community into the worlds of fashion and entertainment.

Video blogging and syndicating our content to outside networks has enabled Fashion News Live to have a reach of over 500,000 unique visitors a day.

Great Hotels of the World (http://www.ghotw.com) announces the latest Gourmet news from their member hotels.

William Drabble awarded a Michelin Star at Seven Park Place, St. James’s Hotel and Club, London, UK

Great Hotels of the World is delighted to announce that the St. James’s Hotel and Club restaurant, Seven Park Place, in London, England has been awarded a coveted Michelin Star in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2011. With William Drabble at the helm, the award has come only one year after the opening of the restaurant.

Chef William Drabble’s dishes have been commended for their modern-French style, but are made up of primarily British ingredients.

Menus change regularly to accommodate the seasons, such as sea bass in July and white truffles in December.

For more information or to book please visit http://www.ghotw.com/st-james-hotel-club or call UK: +44 (0) 20 7380 3658

Chef Nuno Mendes receives his first Michelin Star for Viajante Restaurant, Town Hall Hotel and Apartments, London, UK

Great Hotels of the World is pleased to announce that Chef Nuno Mendes has been awarded a Michelin Star in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2011 for his first solo venture, Viajante, in one of London East End’s most historic buildings, Town Hall Hotel and Apartments.

Mendes is a pioneer in gastronomy and has travelled all over the globe in search of unique ingredients.

His menus are known for combining the simple with the extravagant, taking inspiration from all his past experiences to date including Portugal, Spain, Asia and Scandinavia.

For more information or to book please visit http://www.ghotw.com/town-hall-hotel  or call UK: +44 (0) 20 7380 3658

Two Michelin Star Chef, Pascal Lognon, joins Abbaye de Talloires

Great Hotels of the World member, Abbaye de Talloires, has made another step forward in their Gourmet department. Pascal Lognon, a two Michelin star Chef has recently become the hotel’s new Head Chef in their renowned restaurant, Aux Jardins des Delices.

The restaurant has been completely renovated and they are delighted to welcome such a distinguished chef to their team. Lognon’s cuisine is contemporary with a Mediterranean touch, refined by his love of spices.

The vegetable garden of the Abbey will inspire his creativity and love for healthy and fresh produce. His original menus will change regularly to accommodate the seasons.

For more information or to book please visit http://www.ghotw.com/abbaye-talloires or call UK: +44 (0) 20 7380 3658.

Great Hotels of the World has recently launched their Pure Gourmet Hotels website (http://www.puregourmethotels.com ), which features their member hotels in the gourmet niche, those hotels renowned for their great cuisine and original ingredients. It will also feature gourmet articles, videos, photographs and offers.

For those who wish to journey to their ancestral hometowns and experience the lives their ancestors led before emigrating, Family Tree Tours announces a new website featuring research resources and German heritage trips.

Family Tree Tours, a leading German genealogy tour provider for genealogy societies and individuals, announces its new website and preplanned group heritage tours for 2011.

For those who wish to know more about their family history and ancestral origins, a genealogy tour is a unique and exciting travel experience.

Travelers have the advantage of researching their ancestors while visiting the town or region they came from, learning about the culture and local customs and traditions, and even meeting relatives for the first time.

“No family tree research is complete until you experience the place your family came from,” says Kathy Wurth, owner of Family Tree Tours.

“There’s no feeling more exhilarating than walking the streets your ancestors walked. Even if you don’t know your hometown, our European Heritage professionals help you paint the picture of your ancestors’ lives. Our new website helps us make your research come alive.”

The website features an array of travel and research resources and books, as well as access to Wurth and her on-the-ground German expert Matthias Uthoff.

The website also helps Family Tree Tours design a genealogy tour suited to each traveler. For those who like assistance from a guide, privately guided heritage tours are available. Wurth and Uthoff customize independent trips for those who prefer to research on their own, but would like the trip planned for them. Preplanned group tours are ideal for those who enjoy the camaraderie and security of a group.

Wurth notes, “Preplanned group tours for 2011 include the Northwest Germany Tour with 10 days of visiting towns around Osnabrüeck, touring castles, and exploring the Bremerhaven Emigrant Museum.

The Rhineland—Southwest Germany Tour is popular, as is the Baden—France Tour, which includes visits to the Black Forest and the Strasbourg archives. No matter which stage you may be in your research, we have a trip perfect for you.”

About Family Tree Tours:

Family Tree Tours provides research assistance to genealogy enthusiasts and ancestry trips to German-speaking countries.

Whether a group heritage tour, private genealogy tour, or independent heritage trip, owner Kathy Wurth and on-the-ground German expert Matthias Uthoff provide you the opportunity to learn more about your family roots, to connect with family, and to learn about your ancestors before they made their emigration journey. With a passion for both genealogical research and travel, Kathy and Matthias work closely with you to ensure your family research trip is a success.

To learn more about planning German heritage trips and genealogical research, please visit http://www.familytreetours.com

Elegance, Gourmet and Privacy in America’s Wilderness Company’s 30th Anniversary Year Includes Reviving Style Of 1915 Mather Mountain Party in its Remote Yellowstone Lake Camp

SUN VALLEY, ID– The year was 1915. The trip was about preserving wild lands as National Parks. The travelers were the Mather Mountain Party, a mix of Interior Department staff, literati, politicos, businessmen and a Chinese cook who prepared gourmet fare served on linen table cloths in the now Sequoia National Park.

Fast forward. The year is 2011. The trip is about experiencing in utmost privacy the wild land of Yellowstone National Park. The travelers are drawn from sophisticated walks of life. A cook prepares and serves gourmet fare in the style to which cognoscenti then and now are accustomed.

In its 30th anniversary year, Far and Away Adventures http://www.far-away.com/ will recreate menus and a style of travel executed in 1915. Supplies then were transported by mules and horses, as were guests. Today a jet boat from Bay Bridge in Yellowstone National Park speeds supplies and a maximum of only eight friends and family to a dock where sea kayaks carry on to a wilderness camp on a remote arm of Yellowstone Lake, the largest freshwater alpine lake in North America.

www.wildyellowstone.com/yellowstone.html

Then, promises Steve Lentz, the company’s visionary owner, for minimally 50 hours (three days and two nights) it’s complete time out from life’s frenzy and Yellowstone’s crowds.

Why minimally 50 hours?

“That’s the minimal amount of time a human being needs to at least begin to brush off the other life,” says Lentz. “This process is assisted by the private location of our camp on a remote shoreline providing complete solitude and escape from the trappings of our over-civilized world.” Lentz points out that cell phones usually don’t work out here.

“But you should see what’s in store at night with our telescope,” said Lentz.

“This precedent set for engaging comfortably with the wilderness was established nearly a century ago,” he said, noting that the world didn’t yet know that Ansel Adams would later move through cataracts and canyons with his camera, seducing a public passion to engage with nature.

This Yellowstone program maintains a 3:1 guest to guide ratio. The camp provides opportunities for lake kayaking, guided backcountry hikes, wildlife observation and fly-fishing. Rates are $840 for adults, $760 for children. Three day/two night programs are offered weekly from mid-July to early September.

Offering services and amenities even Mather would find extraordinary, morning begins with a breakfast spread for early risers who can eat a cooked breakfast later if they choose.

Gourmet picnics with local microbrews and wines determine who will nap or hike after lunch.

Formally served appetizers surface around 7 p.m. and a four-course, linen-draped, candlelight dinner proceeds before a naturalist discourses with music around the campfire.

Portable outhouses with lights, solar-generated hot water for showers and state-of-art tents with elevated beds, flannel linens, carpets and nightstands ensure sweet dreams.

“Our ‘Wild Yellowstone without the crowds’ experience echoes the spirit of the Mather party,” said Lentz. “but with meals of organic ingredients, menus planned by award-winning chefs and delicious campfire and Dutch oven cooking. It’s a rare opportunity to overnight in Yellowstone Park under a canopy in total comfort and seclusion.”

Far and Away Adventures walks the sustainable talk throughout its programs. While offering the world’s most luxurious wilderness camping both on Yellowstone Lake and while whitewater rafting on Idaho’s Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Wild and Scenic Bruneau, they do so in a fully sustainable and organic manner with, among others, a leave-no-trace ethic and gourmet meals that are 95 percent organic from locally sourced foods. Health for the environment and for the guest come together daily, with morning yoga and a trained massage therapist on call on every trip.

Far and Away Adventures has been sharing the excitement of paddling with adventuresome guests since 1980. Simply, the wonders of nature and those created by Far and Away Adventures for guests plying these and other privileged waters create a new category for those who seek experiences above and beyond the ordinary. Far and Away Adventures’ guests are moved beyond world-class into a universe where luxury and wilderness blend marvelously together.

For a detailed itinerary on this and other programs on equally privileged waters, please contact Far and Away Adventures; toll free 800-232-8588 or visit the web site http://www.far-away.com/

This Easter dedicated nannies at London’s Athenaeum will host an Easter egg hunt in Green Park followed by a ‘Children’s High Tea’ in the Hotel’s specially-themed Playroom. In the evening the nannies will be at hand and available to book for complimentary babysitting.*

Guests staying at The Athenaeum over the Easter weekend are invited to participate in an Easter egg hunt which will be led by the team of resident nannies and the Kid’s Concierge. Hidden prizes for all the family to enjoy are up for grabs including afternoon tea vouchers and pampering beauty treatments in the newly re-opened spa for mothers and daughters.

Once back at the hotel the splendid ‘Easter Bunnies Playroom’ will be open and a complimentary high tea will be served. Hot cross buns, homemade bite size sponge cakes and chocolate cupcakes topped with mini eggs are on the menu, along with other Easter treats.

Nannies can be pre-booked for up to four hours of free babysitting, so that adults and children alike can enjoy their stay in ‘Their London Home’ in the heart of the capital.

At the end of the day guests will find a beautiful bespoke Easter egg made by Rococo chocolates will have been for them as a gift from the athenaeum.

Over the Easter period the Athenaeum has family apartments available starting from £350 + VAT. Each family will receive up to four hours of complimentary babysitting -bookings 48hours in advance.

THE ATHENAEUM, 116 PICCADILLY, LONDON, W1J 7BJ T
Tel: 020 7499 3464 WWW.ATHENAEUMHOTEL.COM

Castello die Vicarello is a beautiful working farm in the middle of the rolling Tuscan hills, producing its own high quality organic red wine and olive oil. The medieval castle with seven romantic suites offers complete privacy and a spa area for relaxation. The style of the rooms is an eclectic mix of Italian and Asian designer pieces. As Aurora, the owner describes: “We put in what we like and when we feel a room is okay for us then I think it’s fine for our guests.”

The philosophy at Vicarello is simple: “We are who we are. We did this place because we fell in love with it. We put all our energy into it, our past life, our experiences. The approach to the guests is easygoing, not formal. We like guests to feel at home – although we don’t like people to go around naked!”

For more information about Castello di Vicarello visit:

http://www.welcomebeyond.com/property/castello-di-vicarello

For more information about Welcome Beyond and other properties visit:
www.welcomebeyond.com

About Welcome Beyond:
WelcomeBeyond.com is a website promoting the most beautiful and unique vacation homes & boutique hotels worldwide.

We hand-pick places that we feel are truly original. Many reflect their owners’ passion for distinctive architecture and design. Some border on quirky (and may have crossed over the line). Several are quite posh. And a few are downright rustic. But what all of our properties have in common is that they’re authentic — be it a tree house, a yurt, an igloo, a cottage, a beach house or a castle. Each is singular, memorable and definitely worth writing home about.