Jetsettersblog

National Geographic Channel (NGC) will premiere a documentary on the Costa Concordia disaster at 7 p.m. ET/PT Feb. 12. The story is told primarily by those who experienced it and will air again at 10 p.m. ET/PT Feb. 13. The one-hour show, titled “Italian Cruise Ship Disaster: The Untold Stories,” weaves together in-depth stories from passengers and staff on board as well as Coast Guard rescuers with home video and graphics to reconstruct the sinking of the ship near the island of Giglio in Italy.

The documentary features Americans Sameer and Divya Sharma from Massachusetts, who were celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary, and 18-year-old Amanda Warrick, another Massachusetts resident, who had never been to Europe and was traveling with her older brothers.

“At first there was a tilt and a shake of the ship, that’s when tables and glasses started crashing,” Warrick says. “I was kind of in shock, I remember immediately standing up and looking at my brothers. I was just kind of speechless and silent.”

The show outlines the chaos of the day, including the passengers’ calls to the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard’s calls to the ship, the ship’s response that there was a blackout but that it was under control, and the continued announcements that everything was fine. Nearly one hour after the impact, the captain calls an emergency on board.

The Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino will host its Fourth Annual Spring Wine & Jazz Fest, April 13 to 15. This three-day wine and jazz festival brings together consumers, winemakers and winery owners with poolside receptions, wine tastings, barrel and bottle samplings, cuisine pairings and a live wine auction.

The fun-filled signature events will feature more than 250 wines from across the West Coast. Regularly priced at $235, guests who book in advance can lock in the discounted ticket price of $199 for all three events.

Each event can also be purchased separately for full price the day of the event.

The festival kicks off on April 13 with a poolside champagne and wine reception from 8 to 10 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with winemakers, owners and fellow wine enthusiasts while listening to smooth jazz at the property’s pool and shark aquarium, The Tank. Tickets to this event can be purchased individually for $35.

The Grand Tasting starts April 14, where enthusiasts can sample over 200 wine selections from 60 of California, Oregon and Washington’s most prestigious wineries.

The event will be held in The Grand events center from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and feature library selections, current vintage releases, live jazz and food from the Golden Nugget’s award-winning chefs. Tickets to this event can be purchased individually for $100.

April 15 is the Champagne and Jazz Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the property’s event center, The Grand. Guests will enjoy live jazz while brunch offerings are paired with sparkling wines from Domaine Chandon and Domaine Carneros. Brunch will be followed by a live auction featuring wine lots, large format collector’s bottles and more. Tickets to the brunch and auction can be purchased individually for $100.

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Maybe “American Idol” winners aren’t abandoning their guitars to play conch shell concerts, but fans of the fluted, pink-lined shell are puckering up for the 50th annual test of “conch musicianship” in Key West.

The Conch Shell Blowing Contest begins at noon Saturday, March 3, in the tropical garden of Key West’s Oldest House, 322 Duval St. Nicknamed the Conch Honk, the lighthearted competition salutes Key West’s seafaring heritage and is presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation.

The tradition of blowing a conch shell in the Florida Keys began centuries ago. In the 1800s, when the local economy was largely based on salvaging cargoes from ships wrecked on the nearby reef, sailors attracted attention by blowing piercing blasts on the shell.

“There wasn’t a ship that went out that didn’t have at least one conch shell on it for communications,” said veteran contest winner Clinton Curry.

The Keys’ connection with conch goes far beyond instrumental and communications applications.

The slightly tough meat of the hardy mollusk is the prime ingredient in conch chowder and conch fritters, two of the island chain’s signature dishes. Keys natives proudly proclaim their own tough, hardy nature by calling themselves “conchs” and their home the Conch Republic.

Several dozen kids and adults are expected to compete in the March 3 “conch honk,” showcasing their pucker power and honoring an important Keys tradition. Spectators can expect more laughs than musical inspiration and a surprise visit from some characters from Key West’s seafaring history.

While most entrants only manage blasts or squawks, each year a few produce complex melodies that impress judges and audiences alike.

Winners are chosen for the quality, duration, loudness and novelty of the sounds they make, with trophies awarded in multiple age categories.

The festivities typically include performances by talented “pucker pros.”

The 2012 Conch Shell Blowing Contest is free to enter and watch. Contestants can register at the Oldest House from 10:30 a.m. to noon March 3, or at the event itself if space is still available.

Those lacking “instruments” can purchase conch shells on site.

Event information: www.oirf.org or 305-294-9501
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest  or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

The state of New Mexico, America’s 47th state, celebrates 100 years of statehood in 2012 with events and festivals all year long.

In Albuquerque, a variety of events and festivals will honor the state’s landmark occasion. Albuquerque’s largest Centennial event is the Centennial Summerfest on Saturday, June 16th with themed music, performances and themed food stations throughout the downtown area.

In addition to events, stay tuned for details on Albuquerque’s themed Centennial Weekend celebrations throughout the year. www.abqcentennial.com/

Spaceport Tours

Albuquerque-based Follow the Sun Tours is now offering weekend tours of Spaceport America. The Spaceport is located two and a half hours south of Albuquerque near Truth or Consequences (T or C), New Mexico. The current preview tour is available on weekends and will expand to a daily offering in March when the Pre-Operational Tour begins.

We will share more details as we receive them. The preview tour is an excellent opportunity to take a peak into what space tourism is going to be when flights begin, which is expected for early 2013. www.ftstours.com/spaceport.htm

Albuquerque’s theater scene

According to the Albuquerque Theatre Guild, more theatrical performances take place each weekend in Albuquerque than in any other U.S. city of its size. One of Albuquerque’s busiest times for theater is late winter and early spring. Learn more: www.ItsATrip.org/onstage.

Albuquerque Kudos

Los Poblanos Inn receives international recognition from Fodor’s

Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm has been named one of “Fodor’s Top 100 Hotels” for 2011, a designation given to the top 100 “best in category” hotels in the world. Privately owned by the Rembe family, the 25-acre inn and organic farm has a cultural center and conference facilities that marry state-of-the art technology with historic architecture, antiques and exquisite examples of colonial and legendary New Mexico craftsmanship. View details.

Gruet Winery recognized

New Mexico’s Gruet Winery was recognized as one of the Top 100 Wines of 2011 at a prestigious No. 43. Their Blanc de Noirs NV was given a rating of 90 points earlier in the year and is now recognized as one of the best wines in the world.

Kicking off the New Year, Gruet’s Grand Rosé was also recognized as one of Oprah.com’s “Best Drinks for Dieters.

Vernon’s named one of America’s most hidden restaurants
“Whether it’s a gimmick or indifference, the secrecy of a restaurant only makes a reservation there that much more desirable,” says http://www.thedailymeal.com/. The website recognized Albuquerque’s Vernon’s Hidden Valley Steakhouse among the most hidden restaurants in the country. Read the complete story.

Fusion Theatre Company recognized nationally
The 11-year-old Fusion Theatre Co. was recently one of 10 U.S. theater companies to be awarded by the national American Theater Wing. View the story.

Upcoming Events

“100 Years of State & Federal Policy: The Impact on Pueblo Nations” – exhibit and programming at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
February 4 – December 2012

Savor Albuquerque Festival & Centennial Summerfest – 10-day festival focused on arts, culture and cuisine
June 7-16, 2012
http://www.abqcentennial.com/

25th Anniversary of the Festival Flamenco de Alburquerque – the most important flamenco festival outside of Spain
June 8-16, 2012
http://ffinm.org/

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – the world’s largest ballooning festival
October 6-14, 2012
http://www.balloonfiesta.com/

Las Vegas March 9

Las Vegas—Country comedian Bill Engvall will bring his trademark blue collar comedy to the Treasure Island Theatre, March 9 at 8 p.m.

What began as a shot in the dark at a Texas nightclub quickly launched Engvall to comedic superstardom. In 1996, Engvall released his first album, “Here’s Your Sign,” featuring the hit title track that spent 15 straight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

As a member of the “Blue Collar” comedy troupe, Engvall has starred in “Blue Collar TV,” “Blue Collar Comedy Tour, The Movie,” “Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again” and “Blue Collar Comedy Tour – One for the Road” along with fellow comedians Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy and Ron White.

Currently, Engvall hosts “Country Fried Home Videos,” one of the top-rated shows on CMT, and “Lingo” on the Game Show Network. Engvall also starred in and served as executive producer for “The Bill Engvall Show” on TBS.

Each Monday at 11 a.m. PST, Engvall and fellow comedian Gary Brightwell host “Off the Cuff with Bill Engvall” on Sirius/XM Blue Collar channel 97.

Tickets are available starting at $49, plus taxes and service charges, and can be purchased by calling 866-712-9308 or 702-894-7722.

About Treasure Island

Treasure Island on the Las Vegas Strip, a privately owned hotel and casino boasting nearly 3,000 guest rooms, stands alone as the only major Strip property to claim that unique market position. It’s a world-class destination for headline entertainment, the enchanting Sirens of TI nightly outdoor show and Mystère, the classic Cirque du Soleil performance that combines the powerful athleticism, high-energy acrobatics and inspiring imagery that have become the company’s hallmark. Upscale and casual dining choices, hip nightspots and indulgent spa and shopping experiences further complement the one-of-a-kind Treasure Island guest experience. For information or to make a reservation, call 800-288-7206 or visit www.treasureisland.com

George Clinton with special guests Con Funk Shun, Lakeside and S.O.S Band
Saturday, March 24

Theatre for the Performing Arts

Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

Tickets On Sale This Saturday 10am

The Mother ship returns to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino’s Theatre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, March 24th for four hours of non-stop FUNK! Funk-A-Palooza featuring George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic with specials guests Con Funk Shun, Lakeside and S.O.S Band. Tickets On Sale This Saturday, February 4th at 10am.

Tickets priced at $39.00, $59.00, $79.00 & $99.00 will be available at livenation.com, the Planet Hollywood Box Office and all ticketmaster Locations. To charge by phone call 1.800.745.3000. All prices are subject to live entertainment tax and facility fees.

George Clinton / Parliament / Funkadelic

George Clinton founder of The Parliaments, a barbershop doo-wop ensemble, which scored a major hit with “I Wanna Testify” in 1967. Clinton then began experimenting with harmonies, melody and rhythm and taking cues from the psychedelic movement, forever setting himself apart from the Motown era.

Parliament & Funkadelic dominated and revolutionized the music scene in the 1970′s, capturing 40 R&B hit singles and racking up four #1 hits: “Flashlight,” “One Nation Under a Groove,” “Aqua Boogie” and “(Not Just) Knee Deep.” Clinton’s collaborators included master keyboardist Bernie Worrel, guitarist Eddie Hazel, bassist Bootsy Collins, saxophonist Maceo Parker, and trombonist Fred Wesley. On stage, spectacle ruled the day, with an enormous mother ship, outrageous costumes, and marathon performances.

Con Funk Shun:

This band was formed by a pair of High School students from Vallejo, California. Louis McCall and Michael Cooper were the original band members that got their start as a back up group for the Soul Children under the name Project Soul.

They scored a string of top ten hits on the Billboard black singles chart, including 1977′s “Ffun”, 1978′s “Shake and Dance with Me”, 1979′s “Chase Me”, 1980s “Got to Be Enough” & “Too Tight”.

Con Funk Shun continues to receive airplay on US soul radio stations that play music of the 1970s and ’80s. Additionally, their back-beats have been repeatedly sampled by later artists in Hip Hop, R&B, and rap. Most recently, “Honey Wild”, from their 1980 Spirit of Love album was sampled by Lil Wayne for his CD Tha Carter III – Deluxe Edition. In 1996, Dru Hill featuring Keith Sweat covered the song on their self-titled début album.

Lakeside

Best known for their 1980 number one R&B hit, “Fantastic Voyage”, The group features Mark Woods Jr-Lead Vocals, Steve shockley-Guitar, Fred alexander-Drums, fred lewis – Percussion/ Bass synth, Donald Tavie’-(Lead vocals keyboards), Marvin Craig-Bass guitar , johnny Rodgers-Keyboards and William Shelby-Back grounds vocals.

S.O.S Band

S.O.S – The Sounds of Success Band – exploded on the scene in 1980 with their first mega hit platinum single “Take Your Time” which climbed to the number one position on Top of The Pops, Billboard, Soul and Disco charts.

March 3-4
Las Vegas—Renowned funnyman with a knack for intelligent wordplay, Norm Crosby brings his trademark act to the Suncoast Showroom March 3 and 4, each evening at 7:30 p.m.

Norm Crosby is known as “The Master of the Malaprop” for his ability to substitute words for similar sounding words to create an amusing phrase that ultimately makes little sense. His use of malapropisms and quick wit became lucrative as he began a stand-up career in the ‘50s as part of a comedy act with Ethan Eichrodt. Following a smash run with Eichrodt in Las Vegas, Crosby found success going solo, then went on to become a staple on the talk, variety and game show circuit in every decade since the ‘60s.

Crosby has performed or been a guest on multiple occasions on a variety of television shows, including “The Merv Griffin Show,” “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Dean Martin Comedy Hour” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” among countless others. He has also appeared in popular game shows, including “The Hollywood Squares,” “Liar’s Club,” “Beat the Clock” and “Celebrity Sweepstakes.” In 2004, Crosby appeared on “Last Comic Standing” as part of the “Roast Challenge.”

As an actor, Crosby has appeared on television shows such as “Roseanne,” “The Love Boat,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “Law and Order” and “The Larry Sanders Show,” to name a few. On film, he has lent his voice to Adam Sandler’s “Eight Crazy Nights” and Bob Saget’s “Farce of the Penguins.”

Opening for Crosby at the Suncoast is legendary comedian Sammy Shore, founder of the Comedy Store on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip.

A fixture on the standup comedy circuit for decades, Shore is renowned as “The Man Who Made Elvis Laugh,” a title earned after Colonel Parker hand-picked him to open for the King during his 1969-72 Comeback Tour in Las Vegas.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Coast Casinos box office, by calling 702.636.7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com 

About Suncoast Hotel and Casino
Suncoast Hotel and Casino is a property of Boyd Gaming. Located at the corner of Alta Drive and South Rampart Boulevard, Suncoast Hotel and Casino features eight restaurants, a 16-screen movie theater, a 600-seat bingo room, a 500-seat state-of-the-art showroom and a newly renovated 80,000-square foot casino.

For further information, visit www.suncoastcasino.com,  on Facebook (www.facebook.com/suncoastcasino),  and Twitter (@suncoastcasino).

Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming is a leading diversified owner and operator of 17 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana and Louisiana. Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com

The 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival will take place in the city from March 21st to April 25th 2012.

HONG KONG– The Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), one of the biggest annual events of its kind in Asia, is set to return to the city towards the end of March.

Movie fans, filmmakers and other industry figures are expected to attend the 36th HKIFF, which will take place at venues across Hong Kong from March 21st to April 5th 2012.

More than 330 movies from over 50 countries will be screened during the event, which reaches an audience of greater than 600,000 people.

“As a lifestyle event, festival-goers can enjoy world-class films, attend seminars hosted by leading filmmakers from around the world, visit film exhibitions, join celebration parties and more,” the organisers explained in a statement.

Several acclaimed filmmakers will have their work showcased at this year’s event, including Hong Kong director Peter Ho-Sun Chan, who will have 12 films screened during the festival.

Meanwhile, films on the HKIFF bill last year included award-winning works such as Little Children, Peace, The Sun Beaten Path and Winter’s Bone.

For more information on the festival, visit http://www.hkiff.org.hk

Friday, April 27, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets on-sale on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at 10 a.m.

LAS VEGAS – Following the release of their seventh studio album, multi-platinum selling rockers Staind will return to Las Vegas, along with special guest Chevelle, for a memorable performance at Sunset Station.

The show will take place at the Sunset Amphitheater on Friday, April 27, beginning at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $32.00, $42.00, $52.00, $62.00 and $75.00 plus tax and applicable fees and go on sale Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. and guests under 21 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be purchased at any Station Casinos Reward Center and The Fiestas, by logging onto

www.stationcasinos.com/concerts

or through Ticketmaster at (702) 547-5300 or www.ticketmaster.com.

About Staind

Staind has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, had eight top-10 singles across multiple formats, with three songs hitting number one, and wrote one of the most-played rock songs of the past decade with “It’s Been Awhile.” The band has had three albums, Break the Cycle, 14 Shades of Grey and Chapter V, debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and achieve platinum certification or higher.

The band’s 2008 album, The Illusion of Progress, peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 chart. The band’s seventh studio album, STAIND, was released in 2011 and channels the intensity of their early days with tight, taut technicality.

About Chevelle
Following the success of their debut album Point #1, Chevelle established themselves as one of the music industry’s top acts with the release of their major label debut, Wonder What’s Next. The album, which received platinum certification, debuted at number 14 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Continuing their success, the band release the gold-certified This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In), Vena Sera and Sci-Fi Crimes, which peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 chart. The band’s sixth studio album, Hats Off to the Bull, was released in late 2011.

For more information, please visit www.sunsetstation .com or call (702) 547-7777.

March 1-4

Las Vegas—Beloved around the world and celebrating more than 50 years in entertainment, The Osmonds – brothers Wayne, Merrill, Jay and Jimmy – return to perform five shows at The Orleans Showroom, March 1 through 4.

Having thrilled millions with their signature brand of entertainment, the legendary brothers have mastered a range of musical styles, including barbershop, pop, rock, country and jazz. Known for such classic hits as “One Bad Apple,” “Yo-Yo,” “Down By The Lazy River” and “Love Me For A Reason,” the brothers’ close harmonies are unrivaled in the music world. The Osmonds have sold millions of albums over their long careers and have several gold and platinum records to their credit.

Five decades ago, the young Osmond boys made their first national TV appearance on “The Andy Williams Show,” in what was meant to be a one-time shot at the big time. That single appearance led the Osmonds to seven seasons as regulars on the show. The Osmond brothers enjoyed professional gigs at Disneyland and with “The Jerry Lewis Show” before signing with MGM Records and skyrocketing to worldwide recognition.

Known for their versatility and for shaping musical styles to fit their talents – between them, they have mastered 28 musical instruments – the Osmonds gained further exposure with the 1976 premiere of “The Donny and Marie Show.” With the Osmond brothers as executive producers, the show was a true example of their abilities to project the unified quality of their own family relationship, and in 1979 the show transformed into “The Osmond Family Show.”

Success continued and in 1982, the Osmonds transitioned their sound from pop to country music. Billboard magazine honored them with the “1982 Breakthrough Award” and acknowledged them as the “Number One New Singles Group of the Year.” A decade later, after almost 40 years of concert tours, the Osmonds purchased a theater in Branson, Missouri and began performing 12 shows a week at the Osmond Family Theater. They have been recognized as “Best Vocal Group” and “Best Show in Branson” numerous times.

In 2003, the Osmond family was honored for their achievements in the entertainment industry with a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Osmonds keep the spirit of “America’s favorite family of entertainment” alive by performing regularly in Branson and touring the United States and Europe.

Show times are: March 1 and 2 at 8 p.m.; March 3 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and March 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available starting from $34.95, plus tax and convenience fees, and can be purchased at any Coast Casinos Box Office, by calling 702.365.7075 or visiting www.orleanscasino.com