Jetsettersblog

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/

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.

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

From March 2-18 the Adelaide Festival arrives in the capital of South Australia bringing the city to life. Focusing on the contemporary, the festival highlights the best in opera, theatre, dance, music, cabaret, new media events, literature, outdoor entertainment and the visual arts, while also featuring master classes, forums and a purpose-built late night club. The Adelaide Festival, which has been running since 1960, also incorporates Adelaide Writers’ Week (3-8 March 2012), as well as a comprehensive and contemporary visual arts programme. www.adelaidefestival.com.au

Boutique UK tour operator Trip Feast has announced two new food travel adventures for 2012 which discover the rich flavours of the Levant.

Trip Feast’s Gourmet Lebanon itinerary includes a cooking class with executive chef Georges El Murr in the famous kitchens of the luxury Le Bristol Hotel in Beirut and a lesson in the art of sweet-making from the experts, Abdul Rahman Hallab & Sons, whose famous Palais is located in Tripoli.

Sample wine in the natural caves of Ksara winery, one of the best wineries in the verdant Bekaa Valley and visit the iconic archaeological sites of Byblos – birthplace of the alphabet and once the centre of the world’s shipping.

The temple complex of Baalbek, one of the most impressive Roman sites in the world and the stunning Jeita Grotto caves are also included in this unique cultural food tour which offers an intimate taste of the Levant through its dishes, from mouth-watering mezze and heavenly hummus to delicious falafel and succulent shawarma, its people and its florid history.

Eight day tours to destinations across Lebanon depart on April 20 and October 5 2012 £1,695 per person including international flights.

http://tripfeast.com/tours/GL/Lebanon/Gourmet%20Lebanon

A Taste of Rural Lebanon is an eight day tour departing May 5 and October 6, £1,645 per person including international flights.

Visit the sophisticated capital city of Beirut with its top restaurants and excellent nightlife and experience the legendary hospitality and learn the culinary secrets of rural Lebanon. Prepare a traditional mezze in the village of Ehden, visit an organic farm in Deir El Ahmar, prepare fish the traditional way in Saida and cook with tumbleweed in Maasser Ech Chouf. Finally visit the stunning temples, mosques, courtyards and statues of the Roman site of Baalbek before discovering the delicious wines of the Bekaa Valley.

http://tripfeast.com/tours/TRL/Lebanon/A%20Taste%20of%20Rural%20Lebanon

From incredible wildlife encounters to quirky events, the Falkland Islands offer plenty to keep visitors and locals entertained. With the 30th anniversary this year and an action-packed calendar of events to watch or participate in, why not coincide a visit with one of these top events.

January & February – Newborns for the New Year: The Islands’ wildlife wonders are at their finest during the warmer weather from December to February. It’s a fantastic time for nature lovers and photographers to visit, with a trip to the outlying islands to marvel at the new life, a must.
There’s the chance to spot sea lion pups, suckling from their mothers and foraging gentoo penguin parents are all a flurry in February as they have their work cut out feeding the huge chick ‘crèches’, while Magellanic penguin chicks will leave their burrows for the first time.

February 26 – 29 – Camp Sports Week: Marking the traditional end of the sheep shearing season, this colourful Falklands event celebrates everything about the glorious countryside – known locally as ‘Camp’ originating from the Spanish word ‘campo’, or countryside. The Islanders unwind with big family get-togethers and a host of events including sheep shearing, dog trials, horse racing and barbeques.

March 18 – On your marks for the world’s most southerly marathon: Forget London and New York, for a real challenge don your running shoes for the world’s most southerly AIMS-certified marathon. The Standard Chartered Bank Stanley Marathon, now in its seventh year, is widely regarded as one of the most challenging marathon courses, but participants are rewarded with magnificent views around the Islands’ capital, Stanley. Proceeds raised go to ‘Seeing is Believing’, the bank’s charity for visually impaired people.

June 14 – Liberation Day Parade: This year marks the 30th anniversary of the end of the Argentine occupation of the Falkland Islands in 1982. Islanders gather at Christ Church Cathedral to mark the occasion with a thanksgiving service, followed by wreath laying at the Liberation Monument and a military parade. The day is a public holiday in the Falkland Islands.

June 22 (tbc) – On the count of three…take a mid-winter swim: Not for the fainthearted, the Saturday before mid-winter’s day (midsummer in the Northern hemisphere), a handful of plucky residents take to the chilly Atlantic waters to raise money for charity. Watch the brave swimmers or, better still, join them at Surf Bay, near Stanley. Mulled wine is served afterwards in the pub in Stanley!

August 14 – Falklands Day: This day marks the first recorded sighting of the Falkland Islands by English sea captain John Davis in 1592.

September – Black-browed albatross and elephant seals return: Known locally as ‘mollymawks’, the black-browed albatross flock to the Falkland Islands this month to breed. Their return is heralded by their noisy bray and fanned tail courting displays. The largest of seal species, the elephant seal, also arrive in September.

September 1 – Gone fishing – Trout fishing season officially begins: Whether casting out into the open ocean or enjoying the rivers and treeless banks, the strong runs of fish on the Falklands will surprise many a keen fisherman. The combination of plentiful fish and the pristine conditions of the waterways, make for a real angler’s paradise. September to October is the best time to catch brown trout and sea trout, with fish in excess of 10lbs regularly hooked. The biggest sea trout caught has been recorded as a whopping 22lbs!

September 8-9 – Check out the local arts and crafts: From homespun wool to rugs and jewellery, browse the impressive annual exhibition of arts and crafts on display, held at the Falkland Island Community School in Stanley.

September 28 (tbc) – Take your partners for the Falklands Conservation Charity Ball: This black-tie affair is the charity event of the year raising funds for conserving the wildlife heritage of the Falklands, serving up a fabulous evening of fizz, food and frenzied dancing. Place a bid at the auction when local art goes under the hammer.

November 24 (tbc) – Charity Fire Engine Pull: This fun family day sees the Falklands’ Fire and Rescue Service race to beat the clock over 1.7 miles with a 14-ton fire engine in tow. Other event highlights include two teams competing in a hose relay.

December – Egg hatching: December is one of the most exciting months in the Falklands with Magellanic penguins and black-browed albatross among the varied species whose eggs hatch this month. Killer whales can also be spotted circling the shore of Sea Lion Island as elephant and sea lion pups take their first waddle.

December 8 – Battle Day Parade: This national holiday commemorates the second major naval engagement of the First World War when a small British fleet destroyed the German South Atlantic Squadron. The 1914 Memorial, constructed on a headland west of Government House, is the focus for a service and RAF fly by. The day kicks off with a well-attended, colourful parade.

December 26-28 – They’re off – Stanley Sports Association Race Meeting: Stanley thunders to the sound of hooves with the annual Boxing Day race meeting providing fun and entertainment for all the family. A Christmas tradition, a horse race has been held in Stanley for over a century. Expect to see top class locally and internationally bred horses battling it out as well as side events from traditional gymkhanas to bull riding.

For further information on the Falklands Islands, please visit www.falklandislands.com

Notes:
The Falkland Islands have a raw, unspoilt quality that entices locals and tourists back time and again. Visitors to the Islands are spoilt for choice with more than 200 species of identified birds (including several of the world’s largest endangered breeding colonies) and over 750,000 penguins, as well as whales, dolphins, elephant seals, sea lions, delicate flora and rugged geographical formations.

The best time to visit the Islands and experience the local culture and wildlife is October to April. Summer temperatures (December to March) can reach 20º Celsius plus, and the Falklands has more sunshine hours and less rainfall than the UK.

There are over 40 international tour operators offering tailor-made packages and escorted tours to the Falkland Islands. See www.falklandislands.com  for the latest list.

Visitors can reach the Falklands on the weekly LAN Airways flight via Chile or the charter flight operated from RAF Brize Norton in the UK by the Ministry of Defence.

The 20th anniversary of the New Orleans Food & Wine Experience, which takes place May 22 to 26, 2012, includes wine dinners hosted by more than 30 New Orleans area restaurants; Vinola, NOWFE’s premium tasting event; the Royal Street Stroll, sponsored by Rouses, NOWFE’s signature event, a definitive evening event set in the heart of the French Quarter; and exciting culinary seminars which will fill the days and nights with all things wine and food. The weekend culminates with grand tastings on Friday and Saturday in true grand fashion with more than 175 wineries showcasing over 1,000 wines and 75 chefs.

The Arizona Centennial Commission and 2012 Foundation’s Arizona Best Fest Phoenix event will honor Arizona’s 100 years of statehood, encompassing nearly one mile of Washington Street and beyond.

The free event takes place Feb. 11 from noon to 10 p.m. and Feb. 12 from noon to 6 p.m. It will feature Arizona-based main stage headliners George Benson, Michelle Branch, the Gin Blossoms, Rex Allen Jr., Dolan Ellis and Marshall Trimble.

The event also will feature a Centenarian Brunch honoring 100-year-old individuals, companies and nonprofits; a grand gala entitled Fandango! Arizona; and an Arizona Centennial Ride — a 16-mile motorcycle tour led by Phoenix native Dierks Bentley.

There also will be educational pavilions and villages of Hispanic, American Indian and Western cultures.

The Arizona Republic is delivering an Arizona storyteller’s theater; and sports teams — the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Arizona Cardinals and the Phoenix Suns — will present a history of Arizona sports pavilion highlighting all Arizona sports teams and traditions, including Cactus League spring training.