Jetsettersblog

Renaissance Festival in the Quad Cities

You’ll find yourself transported back to Europe during the Renaissance time at this exciting festival in the Quad Cities. The Four Kingdoms Renaissance Festival is September 27-28, 2008, at the Camelot KOA Campgrounds outside of Rock Island, Illinois.

The 10 acres of the fair features five stages of entertainment, Viking longship rides, food court, beer garden, and a full contact joust at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day. There will also be 40 merchants giving demonstrations in a village bazaar similar to a market from the Renaissance. It’s a recreation of the skills and the ambience of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

“It’s like a state fair from Europe from the year 1520,” said Greg Schmidt. “You get equestrian exhibits, you get food and arts and crafts and sales and entertainment.” The entertainment is a mix of comedy, swordplay, Shakespeare, madrigals, singing competition, and strolling minstrels.

“We push ourselves to make sure there’s a form of entertainment for every age group,” Schmidt said. “I call it a three-ring circus with a traveling musical thrown in,” he added.

The hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Admission for the day is: $10 adults, $5 children ages 8-13, children 7 and under are free. Two-day passes are $16 adults, $8 children ages 8-13.

The Camelot KOA Campgrounds are located at 2311 78th Ave West, Rock Island, IL.

For more information, visit http://www.fourkingdoms.com or call 309-796-4241.

For more information on the Quad Cities area and lodging, call the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-747-7800 or visit their website at http://www.visitquadcities.com

The Quad Cities is located on the Mississippi River and is made up of the riverfront cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Moline, East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois. The area is just a 2-½ hour drive from Des Moines, Iowa, and Chicago, Illinois. It is easily accessible via I-80, I-74, I-88 and several major state highways.

GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN AT B&BS

NO BOYS ALLOWED.

BedandBreakfast.com’s Top Ten Picks for Girlfriends’ Getaways

Austin, TX – Each year women plan to love ‘em and leave ‘em; going where the boys aren’t for a quick break from family and housekeeping responsibilities. Some call them adult slumber parties, most call them girlfriends’ getaways. Either way, women want to be spoiled and pampered, and they’re choosing B&Bs for the perfect girls’ getaway.

BedandBreakfast.com innkeepers have posted nearly 130 girlfriends getaways in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. From customized shopping trips to spas, Feng Shui classes and pizza, PJs and Pictionary, these B&Bs offer creative itineraries for the sisterhood. For a complete list, visit www.BedandBreakfast.com and click the Girlfriends Getaways link on the home page. Below are some top picks from BedandBreakfast.com’s editors for girlfriends’ getaways that groove.

Note: All packages include daily breakfast; unless otherwise specified, rates do not include local or state taxes and are for double occupancy. Packages cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts.

The Ruby of Crested Butte, Crested Butte, CO: Cowgirls don’t get the blues here, when they arrive to find gift baskets filled with Boss Lady smokin’ hot bath and body products and luxurious guest rooms. The day starts with a country gourmet breakfast and an adventurous day of horseback riding at Fantasy Ranch. A massage follows a day in the saddle, then fine dining out on the town and another perfect night sleep at the inn. The package, offered through October 5, 2008, starts at $450 per person including a two-night stay, gift basket, daily gourmet breakfasts, horseback riding, one-hour massage, and dinner at a Crested Butte restaurant.

Davie School Inn, Anna, IL: This is one place it’s okay to whisper in class to your girlfriends. Now through October 25, 2008, customize a girlfriend getaway with options including a limo tour on the wine trail, massages for you and your BFFs (best friends forever), pedicures, manicures in your 850-square-foot suite with Jacuzzi (some sleep up to five) and dinner at the Hedman Peach Barn and Winery. Name the time and breakfast will be served en suite; that’s royal treatment for girlfriends looking for a break.

Room rates are $85-$225; package rates dependent upon inclusions.

Avenue Inn B&B, New Orleans, LA: Here’s a guilt free way to love ‘em and leave ‘em in New Orleans. The “No-Guilt Weekend” package includes three nights’ accommodations in a guestroom with two full-size beds perfect for sharing with up to four girlfriends, continental breakfast, massage, manicure and pedicure at Belladonna day spa and salon (includes tax), $250 in Riverwalk Marketplace coupons, a welcome gift and map of the city, and antique shopping on Magazine Street complete with innkeeper Bebe’s best-kept secrets and bargain hunting advice. Additionally, two tickets for two for the Original Cocktail Walking Tour, two streetcar passes for unlimited riding to the French Quarter and all the exciting venues of the city are included in this package for $399 per person.

White Cedar Inn, Freeport, ME: A complete color analysis and makeover is the perfect start to your girlfriend’s getaway shopping weekend in this Maine Outlet Capital. Julie Cunningham, owner of Julie Cunningham Color (JCC) and former National Trainer for Color Me Beautiful, will work one-on-one with guests, offering a color consultation for girlfriends on shopping excursions. Your one-hour session includes a complete color analysis to determine which colors are best suited to your own natural coloring, makeover with explanation of why these colors work for you, a JCC 42-color swatch wallet to take with you when you shop, and a JCC color analysis booklet. This package is offered on Fridays only through December 19, 2008, and is $95 per person when booked with an overnight stay. Rates are $115-$200.

Classic Rosewood, A Thorwood Property, Hastings, MI: Girlfriends will enjoy a choice of complimentary three P’s (popcorn, Pictionary game, and pizza) or the three M’s (manicure kit, chick flick movie, and facial masks) when six or more giggly girls of any age book two or more rooms here. Throughout the stay, breakfast is served according to your schedule, and 24-7 access to the pantry including hot and cold beverages, a bottomless cookie jar and ice cream are also featured. Rates are $97-$277.

Loganberry Inn, Fulton, MO: Grab your friends or sisters and plan a girls’ weekend for four. This package includes two guestrooms for two nights for four people, one private hour in the starlit spa, chick flicks, a two-hour spa indulgence including gentle restorative yoga, guided luxury facial complete with hot towels, sea salt soft hands treatment, and paraffin treatment, choice of hors d’oeuvres and wine or dessert, coffee and liqueur, two full breakfasts for each person for $183 per person. Available most days through May 2009.

Federal House Inn Historic B&B, Plymouth, NH: This package allows women 16 and over to travel in the moccasins of Native American women. On day one arrive and enjoy a presentation on New Hampshire’s Natural History and Heritage. Day two includes a hike or snowshoe (depending on time of year and trail conditions) along historic Native American routes, a picnic lunch, guidance on North Woods Survival skills including searching for wild food, and then dinner outdoors or in town. Day three means an early rise and shine with breakfast to go then early morning fishing or ice fishing (depending on time of year and ice-in/out conditions) a picnic lunch and target archery, shelter building, fire building, and outdoor cooking, including dinner. On day four, take in a day of canoeing, paddling, poling, and fishing on an historic river route (ice-out), or another snowshoeing or hiking day in New Hampshire’s wilderness plus dinner at the inn.

This package, including a four-night stay, guides, instruction and three meals a day is available year-round for $499 per person plus the room rate ($135-185/nightly). Good through January 2009.

Sandhill Crane B&B, Coralles, NM: Working with local artist Kate Reightley, budding sculpturers will learn to create a five-inch bronze sculpture. This package, offered on the fourth Saturday of each month for up to six people, includes two nights in a standard room, gourmet breakfast each morning, Wax to Bronze workshop including a light lunch during the workshop, and a finished bronze sculpture for $278 through October 2008

Black Sheep Inn, Hammondsport, NY: Grab a girlfriend and learn feng shui from a master practitioner as you use color to improve your life. Each day, you’ll spend time enjoying meals prepared with local and organic products, relax in nature and go home refreshed and peaceful while learning how to improve your life through feng shui. Your visit includes a two-night stay, indulgent organic breakfasts, a fireside dinner, a picnic lunch in the courtyard, and plenty of time with our Feng Shui practitioner, starting at $595 per person through 2008.

Andon Reid Inn, Waynesville, NC: Call your girlfriends and plan a fitness getaway with two Certified Personal Trainers with 30 years of combined experience. Your trip will include two nights in a B&B with breathtaking views of the mountains, daily fitness routines and tips personalized to the interests and skills of the group. The package includes healthy daily breakfasts, daily workout sessions, nutritional tips, healthy snacks and a full body massage. Package rates start at $599 per person.

Passages Inn, Gettysburg, PA: This inn and many area B&Bs offer Gettysburg Girlfriend Getaways TM for two to ten women. Topics include “Hearth & Home,” focusing on Civil War era civilian life; and “Body & Soul,” delving into Gettysburg’s reputation for the paranormal and its active church legacy. Contact participating inns for more information and pricing.

Elkhorn Inn and Theatre, Landgraff, WV: Have a real “four-wheeling” ATV adventure on the famed “Hatfield-McCoy Trail System.” This Girlfriend Getaway ATV Adventure Package includes one guest room with two beds, for two nights, dinner at the inn for two, half-day guided ATV tour for two, with lunch on the trail; plus plenty of additional outdoor fun and train watching. After the day’s ride, pick wild blackberries or relax with a bubble bath in an antique claw-foot tub. Helmets are mandatory and included with all rentals; trail permits are included with guided tours. This package, offered through September 2008, costs $650 for two.

DesBarres Manor Inn, Guysborough, Nova Scotia, Canada: Now through October 2008 enjoy a Food & Wine Girls Getaway in Nova Scotia, Canada. Kick off your one-night girls’ getaway package with Executive Chef Shaun Zwarun as he shares some of the culinary secrets behind the Manor’s signature dishes. Next there’s a tutored wine tasting as innkeeper Audrey Firth shares her secrets to matching food and wine. Next, retreat to your luxury room for a serious girl-talk session with chocolate truffles, before coming downstairs to join Chef Shaun for a five-course dinner tasting menu. You’ll say goodbye to your girlfriends the next day with a gourmet breakfast in the dining room. This package, including one-night stay, is $209 per person.

Look for nearly 130 girlfriends getaways on BedandBreakfast.com the best resource for B&B “BFF getaways. BedandBreakfast.com is the leading online bed and breakfast directory and reservation network worldwide,

listing nearly 7,000 B&Bs and inns. A variety of search functions and extensive maps enable inngoers to find the perfect B&B. Travelers can make reservations online, purchase The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com, welcomed at nearly 4,000 B&Bs in the U.S. and Canada, subscribe to free newsletters, read and write independent reviews, and post questions on expert-hosted message boards.

Additionally, for information on a range of independently owned distinctive lodging, visit www.BedandBreakfast.com’s sister site, www.Inns.com

Harley Davidson 105 years old

Chicago - Happy Birthday to me… Happy Birthday to us… Happy Birthday dear Harley… Happy Birthday to you!

This year, Harley Davidson is turning 105! August 27th – 31st people from all over the world will help to celebrate an American-Made Motorcycle Manufacture’s Birthday in Milwaukee, Wi.!

Join us for the celebration on Saturday, August 30th and Sunday, August 31st … and who better to celebrate with than Gina Woods and her crew from Open Road Radio - America’s Premier Motorcycle Lifestyle Radio Show!

Not only will Open Road Radio be there, but also joining us will be 3 Celebrity Women Bike Builders. Gina Woods’ XX Chromes-All Women Bike Build will entertain audience and their know-how style to build a Hot Rod Custom One Off Motorcycle in front of live audiences for two days, featuring the Celebrity Builders.

Be sure not to miss a live broadcast of Open Road Radio Sunday, August 31st 11am to 12 pm noon (cpt). You’ll be able to watch and take part in the live broadcast and meet the girls of Gina Woods’ XX Chromes -All Women Bike Build: Sara Liberte, Jody Perewitz and Laura Klock. It’s a double birthday, not only is Harley Davidson 105 but Hal’s Harley Davidson is turning the big three-0 with a celebration including 5 days of events starting on August 27th. So… be sure to come down to 1925 S. Moor land Rd, New Berlin, Wi. This is your ultimate Destination for Celebration, Saturday, August 30th and Sunday, August 31st.

Thanks to our sponsors Hal’s Harley Davidson, Wisconsin Harley Davidson, The Rescue Riders, Biker’s Choice, Andrew’s Cams, Mc Advantage’s, B & B Service, S & S Cycle and J & P Cycles.

Disney and Orlando Military Packages

<span style=”font-size: medium;”>We Honor Those Who Serve and Their Families with Special Everyday Savings on

To thank Veterans, Active Duty military, National Guard & Reserve and their families for their service, OrlandoVacation.com is proud to provide Veterans Advantage members’ exclusive discounts on Vacation homes, hotels and travel packages.

Special Savings for Veterans Advantage Card Members Include:

Specials on Disney vacation homes
Orlando hotel packages
Attraction tickets
Hotels inside Disney
Orlando Hotels
Cruises and resorts
Free printable coupons
Group sales
Movie Tickets

Special dedicated Website for Members Only
Dedicated Toll-Free phone support for Members Only

Just pay processing and handling of $4.95, and you will receive:

Your own updated personalized member ID card

An updated 60-page benefits directory book with all the latest available benefits Prescription discount plan benefits (nationwide coverage) And don’t forget as a Veterans Advantage member you are also eligible for $55,000 in group insurance coverage from AIG, at no additional charge (a $300 value, if purchased independently).
Start by:

Contact us toll-free at: 1-866-VET-REWARDS (1-866-838-7392) (Call Monday - Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 pm ET)
All major credit cards are accepted in our secured encrypted online application.

In addition, if you continue after 30 days of enjoying all the benefits of your trial, Veterans Advantage would also like to send you a $25 dollar GIFT CARD as “Our Way of Saying Thanks” for becoming a member

Enroll Today!

If you’re not satisfied with your Veterans Advantage Card membership during your trial, contact us and we’ll never bill you for membership.
As a trial member, if you continue after your 30-day trial period, you will be charged for the plan you originally chose:

Either $59.95 for your one-year Veterans Advantage Card membership
or $149.95 for your three-year Veterans Advantage Card membership (a 20% discount) or $199.95 for your five-year Veterans Advantage Card membership (a 37% discount)

early migratory bird season dates

The early migratory bird season dates have been submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by the Indiana DNR as listed below. The dates are not final until the USFWS approves them, which typically happens by the end of August. The season dates are within the frameworks provided by USFWS, so we anticipate no change. Our requested seasons have never been altered by USFWS after submission; however, there is always the slight possibility of change, so the dates below should not be interpreted as being final.

Mourning Dove
Mon., Sept. 1 - Thu., Oct. 16
Fri., Nov. 7 - Sun., Nov. 30

Sora Rails
Mon., Sept. 1 - Sun., Nov. 9

Snipe
Mon., Sept. 1 - Tue., Dec. 16

Moorhens
Closed

Woodcock
Wed., Oct 15 - Fri., Nov. 28

Mon., Sept. 1 - Mon., Sept. 15

Sat., Sept. 6 - Sun., Sept. 21

Extended falconry dove
Fri., Oct. 17 - Thu., Nov. 6
Thu., Jan. 1 - Fri., Jan. 16

Extended falconry woodcock
Sat., Sept. 20 - Tue., Oct. 14
Sat., Nov. 29 - Sun., Jan. 4

Delta New SkyMiles Award

Travel Structure, Brings Back Last Seat Availability

ATLANTA – Delta Air Lines in September will launch a new Award Travel structure to provide SkyMiles members greater flexibility and more options when redeeming miles, including the ability to again book the last seat on a flight using miles and three redemption tiers for Award Travel within the continental United States, Alaska and Canada to destinations worldwide.

Tiers will start at 25,000, 40,000 and 60,000 miles round-trip rather than the two current Award levels starting at 25,000 and 50,000 miles for travel within continental United States, Alaska and Canada. Customers will have access to multiple Award Travel options including last- seat Award availability again and continue to be able to combine Economy, First and Business cabins, and dates at various mileage levels.

“These changes will allow our members to better use their miles when they want, where they want and how they want – with no blackout dates and the ability again to book the last seat on the plane,” said Jeff Robertson, managing director of Delta’s SkyMiles® program. “It’s all about Award Travel with flexibility – something our customers have been asking for.”

Specific details on the new Award structure and a mileage chart for travel within the continental United States, Canada and Alaska and to destinations worldwide are now available at the “Program Updates” section of delta.com/skymiles.

The award-winning Delta SkyMiles program offers members multiple mileage-earning opportunities when flying Delta, Delta Shuttle®, the Delta Connection® carriers, Delta AirElite® and other SkyTeam® airlines. Additional mileage-building opportunities are offered through more than 100 partners such as the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, participating hotels, car rental companies, the SkyMiles Store, restaurants, SkyMilesShopping.com, floral and gift retailers and more. Now in its 27th year, SkyMiles is one of the longest-running and most successful loyalty programs in the travel industry. It was named “Best Domestic Frequent Flyer program” for 2007 and 2008 by readers of Executive Traveler magazine and “Best Frequent Flyer Program” for 2006 and 2007 by Business Traveler magazine. The program also received top honors for “Best Bonus Promotion” from InsideFlyer magazine at the 2007 Freddie Awards.

Delta Air Lines operates service to more worldwide destinations than any airline with Delta and Delta Connection flights to 327 destinations in 62 countries. Delta has added more international capacity than any major U.S. airline during the last two years and is the leader across the Atlantic with flights to 44 trans-Atlantic markets. To Latin America and the Caribbean, Delta offers 609 weekly flights to 62 destinations. Delta’s marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 16,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 499 worldwide destinations in 105 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at delta.com.

Terms and Conditions

All SkyMiles program rules apply to SkyMiles program membership, miles, offers, mile accrual, mile redemption and travel benefits. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Taxes and fees for Award Travel are the responsibility of the passenger and must be paid at the time the ticket is booked. Award Travel seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or in all markets. Delta, SkyMiles, and the Delta logo are registered service marks of Delta Air Lines, Inc. Other restrictions may apply.

Continental Airlines Flat BusinessFirst Sea

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES LIE-FLAT BUSINESSFIRST SEAT

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES LIE-FLAT BUSINESSFIRST SEAT 2

Innovative seat design offers 180-degree recline; installation begins in Fall 2009

HOUSTON– Continental Airlines today announced details of a new 180-degree lie-flat seat for the BusinessFirst cabin on its Boeing 787, 777 and 757 aircraft. Customers will begin seeing lie-flats seats on Boeing 777 aircraft that primarily serve trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes in the fall of 2009, with installation on Continental’s 757-200 fleet beginning in 2010 and on its Boeing 787 fleet as the aircraft are delivered to Continental.

Unveiled today at the National Business Travel Association International Convention and Exposition in Los Angeles, the new 180-degree lie-flat seats are the centerpiece of Continental’s award-winning BusinessFirst service that provides the extra space and fine amenities of traditional international first class at a business class price.

“Continental continues to invest in its product to make flying more comfortable for our global customers,” said Larry Kellner, chairman and chief executive officer of Continental Airlines. “We created a brand-new seat designed to lie completely flat, without compromising functionality or effective use of cabin space.”

Lie-flat Design

Continental’s new BusinessFirst seats allow customers to lie completely flat, reclining 180-degrees and providing 6 1/2 feet (2 meters) of sleeping space in the fully extended position on its widebody aircraft. The lie-flat seat is one of the widest business-class seats in the air, measuring up to 25 inches when the adjustable armrest is positioned flush with the seat cushion, allowing customers to sleep more comfortably. Electronic “one-touch” controls enable customers to easily move the seats to pre-set upright, cradle and fully extended sleep positions and additional controls allow customers to adjust the seat back, lumbar support and leg and foot rests to the custom position most comfortable for them.

The lie-flat seats provide more individual storage space for personal items. Laptop power, headset and USB plugs are conveniently tucked above the customer’s shoulder. There is additional storage under the ottoman, on a shelf under the monitor and on an amenity storage alcove that provides room for small personal items such as a book or magazine and a water bottle.

iPod connectivity will also be available at the seat, allowing each customer to view their personal videos and enjoy their music, all while the iPod is charging. BusinessFirst seats on the 787 and 777 aircraft will feature a 15.4-inch video monitor for customers to enjoy on-demand movies, music and games. Seats on the 757 aircraft will feature 10.6-inch monitors.

The new BusinessFirst seats also have a six-way adjustable head rest, an individual overhead reading light and an adjustable seat light allowing a customer to read in bed without disturbing their neighbor and a privacy shell that allows for seclusion from other travelers.

Two Years to Design and Perfect

Continental’s product marketing team began researching new seat options in the fall of 2006 when planning BusinessFirst service for the new 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline visited with numerous seat manufacturers worldwide before selecting BE Aerospace, which created five different design concepts. Concurrently, Continental sought feedback from a focus group of BusinessFirst frequent flyers that identified and prioritized key needs of global travelers and worked closely with the airline’s project team and the seat manufacturer to help create the new seat. The important features requested by the focus group were to install a wider seat that could lay completely flat and be easy to operate.

Seats are the Centerpiece of Premium Service

BusinessFirst service features an extensive gourmet menu served with premium wines and champagnes created by Continental’s Congress of Chefs and Sommeliers. International Concierge Service provides individualized pre- and post-flight services for BusinessFirst customers at 42 airports around the world. Customers traveling in BusinessFirst may also access any of Continental’s 27 Presidents Clubs and more than 60 airline affiliated lounges worldwide.

Continental Airlines has won numerous awards for its BusinessFirst product. The Official Airline Guide has awarded Continental’s BusinessFirst as the Best Executive/Business Class for five consecutive years (2003 - 2007), and Conde Nast Traveler magazine rated Continental’s premium BusinessFirst service the highest among all U.S. carriers for trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific flights 10 years in a row.

Continental currently operates the Boeing 777 on routes between Newark and Beijing, Delhi, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London/Heathrow, Mumbai, Paris, Rome, Tel Aviv and Tokyo, and between Houston and London/Heathrow, Paris and Tokyo.

BusinessFirst on the Boeing 757 is currently offered on routes between Newark and Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast, Berlin, Birmingham, Bristol, Copenhagen, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hamburg, Lisbon, London/Gatwick, Madrid, Manchester, Oslo, Paris, Shannon and Stockholm.

Newport Jazz Festival 2008

NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL FOUNDER GEORGE WEIN PERFORMS AT 2008 JVC JAZZ FESTIVAL NEWPORT SUNDAY, AUGUST 10, FORT ADAMS STATE PARK

George Wein & the Newport All-stars are among the many great artists set to perform on the main stage at this year’s JVC Jazz Festival Newport on Sunday, August 10. Featuring Wein on piano and vocals, the band includes Wein’s long-time associate Howard Alden on guitar, drummer Jeff Ballard and two of today’s most exceptional younger talents, Esperanza Spalding on bass and Anat Cohen on saxophone and clarinet .

George Wein and the Newport All-Stars have toured the United States, Europe and Japan, including a performance in May at the Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland that featured Alden, Cohen and Spalding.

“Sharing the stage with these dynamic and talented young people keeps with one of my favorite traditions of pairing great young musicians with seasoned players,” said Wein. “We represent several generations with Esperanza just in her 20s, Anat in her 30s, Howard in his late 40s and, although I’m over 80, I still feel like the new kid on the block. Their immense talent and willingness to play some of the best of traditional jazz definitely energizes and inspires me.”

Wein is considered to be as much a legend as the numerous festivals he created and produced throughout the last six decades. In fact, he is the person responsible for the Newport Jazz Festival - an event that started the “festival era,” according to jazz critic Leonard Feather. In 2007, Wein merged his company, Festival Productions, Inc., with Shoreline Media, LLC to become The Festival Network, LLC. He continues as CEO and the creative force behind Festival Productions, the Live Events Division of The Festival Network.

At 82, Wein has as much creative fuel as he did when he started the Newport Jazz Festival more than 50 years ago and advanced the concept of live music. He pioneered the concept of sponsor association with music events. The Schlitz Salute to Jazz and the Kool Jazz Festival preceded any other sponsor identity with entertainment events, giving the sponsor the title presentation that guaranteed mention of the sponsor’s name in publicity and promotion. His company, Festival Productions, Inc., went on to produce titled events for JVC, Mellon Bank, Verizon, Essence, Ben & Jerry’s and others.

Wein joins an exciting line-up at the three-day JVC Jazz Festival Newport, including: Chris Botti and Ledisi at the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Friday, August 8 plus Aretha Franklin, Chris Botti, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Dave Holland-Gonzalo Rubalcaba-Chris Potter-Eric Harland, Ledisi, Lettuce with Fred Wesley, Brian Blade & the Fellowship Band, Charlie Hayden-Ethan Iverson-Bill Frisell; Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey; Christian Scott, Warren Vache Quintet, Aaron Goldberg Trio and Melody Gardot on Saturday, August 9, at Fort Adams State Park.

The festival continues on Sunday, August 10, at Fort Adams State Park with Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Anthony Hamilton, Guillermo Klein Y Los Guachos, Soulive with Fred Wesley, Lionel Loueke Trio, Chris Potter’s Underground, Marco Benevento Trio with Chris Potter, Mark Rapp Band, Empirical and Esperanza Spalding as well as George Wein and the Newport all-stars.

For more information and tickets, visit http://www.festivalnetwork.com  or call (877) 655-4TIX. Tickets may also be purchased locally from 9am - 1pm EST at The Festival Network Ticketing offices: 770 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, RI. For directions call (401) 847-3700.

The JVC Jazz Festival Newport is produced by The Festival Network, LLC, which develops, acquires and produces multi-day music festivals and live entertainment properties in unique destinations around the globe.

JVC, sponsor of JVC Jazz Festivals worldwide since 1984, is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high quality audio and video products.

Chicago Hotel Gives Away $25 Visa Gift Cards

CHICAGO, IL, - Whether it’s a weekend of back-to-school shopping on the Magnificent Mile, visiting friends or digging into a deep dish pizza, the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile has the Chicago hotel package for you.

Simply use a Visa Card to book the Weekend or Stay for Breakfast package and receive a $25 Visa Gift Card to spend however you like. Valid throughout the remainder of the summer, the Visa Giveaway Package is offered through September 1, 2008. With package rates from $249 - $394 per night, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy one last summer fling before school starts this fall.

Soaring 46 stories above Michigan Avenue, the landmark Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile Hotel reveals the stunning results of a $36 million property-wide renovation, which successfully blends eclectic mixes of architecture with its natural and multi-dimensional surroundings.

Celebrating its 30-year anniversary, a diverse array of transformations includes the imaginative Lobby {Reinvented}, which boasts an impressive Media Wall featuring six HD Plasma screens set amidst a high-energy bar with a captivating illuminated sculpture; new front desk pods; self check-in kiosks; concierge desk; Starbucks and communal tables with wi-fi for networking. A grand staircase leads guests on a delectable journey to the hotel’s new restaurant, featuring freshly prepared Midwestern style cooking. Even the elevators have been reenergized, transporting everyone a little faster to the privacy and comfort of exquisite and impeccable downtown Chicago accommodations.

All meeting and ballrooms on four floors were also redesigned adding 16,000 square-feet of new meeting space and the 1,198 contemporary guest rooms now feature flat-screen TVs and Marriott’s new Revive bedding package. Guests can also now enjoy a complimentary health club with indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room, sauna, 24-hour cardio room and weight room.

Experience this amazing Chicago luxury hotel transformation before summer’s end and treat yourself to a back-to-school shopping extravaganza with an extra gift card in your pocket.

About Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile

Delight in a revitalized downtown Chicago hotel fresh from a multi-million dollar transformation, boasting contemporary surroundings and sophisticated amenities at the Marriott Downtown Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel. Situated on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile among world-class shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, this luxurious downtown Chicago, IL hotel is within walking distance to the Windy City’s top attractions, including Navy Pier, American Girl Place, Shedd Aquarium, Millennium Park, Theater and Museum Districts. Stylish Chicago hotel rooms offer chic upgrades including flat screen TVs, Marriott’s Revive bedding, and ergonomic chairs with sleek, modern desks. For more information or to make a reservation, call 312-836-0100 or visit http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/chidt

*For more information about the package, visit http://marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals

First US official travel Web site launched

DiscoverAmerica.com, the United States’ first-ever official travel and tourism Web site, has been successfully launched with language-specific sites in the leading international travel markets, announced the Travel Industry Association (TIA).

“The Web sites target consumers in the five countries that account for 75% of all inbound travel to the United States: Canada (English- and French-speaking), Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan and Germany. Interactive content for all 50 states, the five territories, dozens of cities and attractions, and official entry information from US government sources is presented in the native languages of each market,” said TIA.

DiscoverAmerica.com is the result of a cooperative agreement awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce to the Travel Industry Association (TIA) in January 2007. The six websites took about 16 months to research, develop and build.

“Today the United States offers travelers worldwide a one-stop shop for travel planning and an official source of information on the diversity, beauty and spirit of America,” said Roger Dow, TIA’s President and CEO.

In addition to its wealth of destination content, the websites feature an interactive map, an activity finder that sorts popular trip activities, booking opportunities through in-market travel specialists and through Travelocity, travel deals in the US, and a Stories section for travelers to post authentic reviews and comments.

“TIA plans to grow www.DiscoverAmerica.com in coming months, adding more cities and attraction information. TIA also hopes to add websites for markets such as China, France and South Korea, among others,” the company says.