Jetsettersblog

Mission Hill Family Estate Concert Season

Mission Hill Family Estate is pleased to announce a new series of cultural and culinary activities, which commences with the opening of the internationally acclaimed Terrace restaurant on May 1.

At the winery — beginning in June — is a Concert Series and several evening Cinema screenings. They afford a unique opportunity to enjoy a live performance and see a wine or food themed film in an unrivalled natural setting. The grass outdoor amphitheatre provides a stunning view of the Monashee Mountains and Lake Okanagan, sure to enchant audiences on a fine summer evening. These additions crown a stellar start to the year, with prestigious awards won to date for Wine Access Magazine’s Winery of the Year and Travel + Leisure’s Top Five Winery Restaurants globally.

Concerts planned for the summer include numerous Juno award-winning artists such as jazz guitarist Jesse Cook and the soulful singer and songwriter Greg Sczebel. Later in July and August, Canadian bassist Alexander “A-Train” Boynton and the female jazz and blues quartet Mother of Pearl perform. The outdoor movie series includes: Chocolat, No Reservations, A Walk in the Clouds, and A Good Year. Special dinner packages to celebrate the occasion are available as well as a concession area gourmet picnic meals and Mission Hill Family Estate award-winning wines available for purchase.

Also starting later this week, with the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival, are the first of a number of special-guest epicurean dinners at the winery, prepared under the guidance of renowned winery chef Michael Allemeier. The epicurean events will be in keeping with his culinary philosophy of Cuisine de Terroir, a seasonal and regional approach to dining that is meticulously crafted around the wines and local artisanal ingredients. They will be held over the spring, summer and fall with guests such as: culinary author Anita Stewart, famed restaurateur John Bishop, and Pacific Northwest wine and food author Braiden Rex Johnson.

“The new culinary and entertainment offerings at the winery are a natural extension to the incredible wine country experience that guests can enjoy all in one of the most spectacular settings in the Okanagan,” said Dan Zepponi, President, Mission Hill Family Estate. “They are the perfect addition to all the accolades we’ve received since the beginning of the year.”

Described by Travel + Leisure Magazine earlier this spring as “the centerpiece of the Canadian wine tourism industry” with “understated wines which rank among the country’s best and the Terrace restaurant (open for lunch May-October and dinner June-August) on the estate’s front lawn is one of the most glorious dining experiences around,” Mission Hill Family Estate was voted by the magazine as one of its global Top Five Winery Restaurants. Reservations for the Terrace and special events at the winery can be made online at www.missionhillwinery.com or through the general information line at 250-768-6448.

About Mission Hill Family Estate

Mission Hill Family Estate, Canada’s Winery of the Year, is world renowned for its award-winning wines, stunning setting and architecture, and its Cuisine de Terroir-based Terrace restaurant.

The family estate owns more than 1000 acres of land in five distinct growing regions of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Reflective of the origin and unique character of the Valley and of the careful ‘pruning to bottle’ program, Oculus, its signature Bordeaux-inspired wine, represents the pinnacle in premium winemaking. Proprietor Anthony von Mandl and winemaker John Simes produce elegant internationally acclaimed wines with New World flavours and Old World refinement from this incomparable lakeside mountaintop winery.

Visit www.missionhillwinery.com for more information.

Orange County Dater Card for Discounts

Dater Card Now Offers Unlimited Discounts at Restaurants, Bars, Movie Theatres and Nightlife Venues Throughout Orange County, California

Before you go out for dinner in Orange County, CA and spend full price, log on to www.datercard.com and order a Dater Card.

ORANGE COUNTY, CA, - Before you go out for dinner in Orange County, CA and spend full price, log on to http://www.datercard.com and order a Dater Card. Doing so, enables you to take advantage of the great discounts the company offers, with unlimited use, at over 100 restaurants, bars, clubs and movie theatres throughout Orange County. It’s only $12 per year.

Before you go out for dinner in Orange County, California (popularly referred to The O.C.) and spend full price, log on to http://www.DaterCard.com and order a new Dater Card. Doing so lets you take immediate advantage of the great discounts the company offers, with unlimited use, at over 100 restaurants, bars, clubs and movie theatres throughout Orange County.

Whether you are going out with a loved one for dinner or it’s a night out with a group of friends, Dater Card offers a variety of fantastic O.C. restaurant discounts ranging from 2 for 1 entr e specials to 20 percent off the entire food bill at over 100 fine and casual dining restaurants with no limits on the amount of times you may use the card throughout the year.

With rising prices on everything from gas to groceries, it’s important to have a card that saves you money. It’s no wonder why everyone is so excited about the Dater Card

“With rising prices on everything from gas to groceries, it’s important to have a card that saves you money. It’s no wonder why everyone is so excited about the Dater Card,” Darron Nelson, 28, from Newport Beach, exclaims. “The card is inexpensive, looks sleek, and offers a ton of great discounts year round. I look forward to buying it as a gift for family and friends,” Nelson concludes.

Dater Card also offers great movie discounts at the best theatres throughout Orange County. Members must order movie tickets through http://www.DaterCard.com. The members receive discounts up to 30% off and will usually receive the movie tickets within 3 days of ordering them. The pre-paid movie tickets will have the stamp on the back of each ticket when you receive them in the mail.

The nightlife scene throughout Orange County is often crowded with people enjoying happy hours and club venues at a variety of great locations. Dater Card members can take advantage of extended happy hours and free entrance to specific clubs throughout Orange County. All bar and club locations are displayed and marketed on the website and are updated weekly with great offers to take advantage of.

Dater Corp. was founded by two individuals who grew up learning and being a part of the ever-growing hospitality industry. “We want people to go out and enjoy themselves, as often as possible, without having to spend full price every time,” said Nicholas Crane, founder and CEO. “It’s great seeing our members out enjoying themselves. It really makes for a great business as we continue to grow,” said Mark A. Samuel, founder and President.

For $12 per year the Dater Card offers discounts with no limitations on the number of times the card can be used throughout the year.

For more information: http://www.DaterCard.com

Super Summer Theatre’s 33rd Season in Vegas

Las Vegas – The 2008 Super Summer Theatre season begins with performances of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” on June 4 at the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.

A classic tale of love and acceptance, Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a unique theatre experience for the whole family, in a comfortable outdoor setting.

Audience members will be transported to a lovely French provincial town where the beautiful Belle lives with her father – a dotty inventor. When her father doesn’t return home from a trip to the local fair, Belle rushes off to find him.

To her dismay, she discovers he is being held captive in an old castle by a horrible beast. She trades her freedom for his and the “tale as old as time” begins. How Belle tames the unfortunate Beast and his ultimate transformation into a handsome prince continues to enthrall audiences on Broadway nightly.

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will be the first musical to light up the stage at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park during the 2008 summer season. Nestled in the heart of Red Rock Canyon, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park and Super Summer Theatre provide theatergoers with a special evening of relaxation, enjoyment and family-friendly entertainment. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is located 10 miles west of 215 on Charleston Ave.

Preview Night, Wednesday, June 4

Opening night, Thursday, June 5

Performances are Wednesday – Saturday (June 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21)

Gates open at 6 p.m.
Show starts at 8 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to throw down a blanket, or bring/rent a chair in general-admission grass seating where many share a picnic dinner, indulge in treats from the concession stand and enjoy the outdoors before settling in under the stars for some super theatre.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 at the UNLV Box Office, Prestige Travel at Lake Mead and Rampart, or online at www.unlvtickets.com

 A limited number of tickets are available at the gate the night of the show for $15. Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is produced by P.S. Productions. Additional shows and events this summer include performances of “1776” and Aida. The season continues in September with the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance theatre and ends that same month with Jazz Fest. For more information, call 702.594.PLAY. See you at the Ranch.

About Super Summer Theatre:

Super Summer Theatre is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing affordable, high quality productions to the people of Southern Nevada. The outdoor theatre is located in Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, in beautiful Red Rock Canyon.

Celebrating Music, Dance Song in Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce
TEL: 970-568-7423
nancy@atmstravelnews.com
www.barharborinfo.com

BAR HARBOR, Maine— Each June for almost a decade now, early summer breezes have swept the sweet sounds of music across the paved streets and rocky shoreline of Bar Harbor. This year marks the tenth anniversary of “Legacy of The Arts,” sponsored by the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. It’s a jam-packed festival celebrating the colorful heritage of this American seaside resort community. The line-up of events featured on the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce website continues to grow for the milestone affair taking place June 15-22.

The largest dance floor in Bar Harbor is the Village Green, the site of several free open-air concerts throughout the week including the event’s kick-off performance, a moving tribute to Dad by Fletcher’s Landing Philharmonic Orchestra on June 15. Bogie Monday-Thursday evening on The Green to classic jazz, current hits, and the lively notes of fiddles and banjos. On Friday, harpist and singer-songwriter, Liza Rey, with Phil Kell on Bass and Mike Bennett on Percussion energize the crowd at the Criterion Theatre and Arts Center.

The opulent 877-seat theatre opened its doors in 1932 as a local movie palace. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s best known for it’s floating balcony. The theatre is just one site showcasing the artful history of the village. A tour of “The Kedge,” Bar Harbor’s oldest surviving summer cottage and a garden stroll concluding with punch on the terrace of the Victorian Mira Monte Inn is also on the schedule.

For seven days, galleries, restaurants, and other retail spaces host a colorful menagerie of arts related programs. These include exhibits of new paintings of native birds and seascapes, a magic show, watercolor workshop and hilarious entertainment by an improv comedy troupe.

The grand finale is always a crowd favorite- Sunday’s 58th annual Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce Art Show on the Village Green, a delightful display of original works by more then thirty artists in a variety of media. Check back often to see added events, most of which are free. For more information, check out the Chamber’s website or call 207-288-5103

LOWER KEYS UNDERWATER MUSIC FESTIVAL

TO PRESENT ‘EEL-ECTION’ ANTICS JULY 12

LOOE KEY, Florida Keys — “Reefpublicans” and “Democrabs” are to congregate in the Lower Florida Keys Saturday, July 12, when the 24th annual Underwater Music Festival puts an undersea spin on the upcoming 2008 presidential elections.

The quirky underwater concert takes place at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary located approximately six miles south of Big Pine Key. Each year, the subsea songfest draws as many as 600 divers and snorkelers to explore the colorful diversity of marine life that characterizes North America’s only living coral barrier reef.

The 2008 festival is to salute November’s “eel-ections” with underwater appearances by divers costumed as “Barackuda Obama,” “Hillary Clintuna” and “John McClam” among other political notables.

Set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the marine musical event is staged by Keys radio station WWUS 104.1 FM, locally called U.S. 1. Music is broadcast underwater via Lubell Laboratory speakers suspended beneath boats positioned at the reef, and the playlist typically ranges from humpback whale songs to marine-themed ditties such as the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” and Jimmy Buffett’s “A Pirate Looks at 40.”

“We also feature the work of local Keys musicians, who often have a unique vision of life in the Keys and on the water,” said event founder and organizer Bill Becker of U.S. 1. “This year, of course, we’re planning to add contemporary musical spoofs of the political process.”

Participants might even catch the scuba-diving “presidential hopefuls” tooting their own horns — pretending to play underwater musical instruments like a trom-bonefish and sax-eel-phone sculpted by Florida Keys artist August Powers.

While election “afishionados” are encouraged to enjoy the bipartisan party at Looe Key Reef, the concert also has a serious focus: promoting preservation of the Florida Keys’ unique coral reef ecosystem. The musical broadcast incorporates diver awareness announcements, prepared by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary officials, offering tips on how people can enjoy the ocean while minimizing their impact on the reef and overall marine environment.

Divers and snorkelers eager to participate in the 2008 Underwater Music Festival can reserve space aboard boats run by Lower Keys dive operators. Visitors and residents with their own boats can launch from public ramps and marinas throughout the area.

For information about dive charters and accommodations in the Lower Florida Keys, contact the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce at (800) 872-3722 or (305) 872-2411, or visit the Florida Keys Web site at www.fla-keys.com  or the chamber’s Web site at www.lowerkeyschamber.com

2008 Key West FANTASY FEST

TO CELEBRATE POLITICAL PARTY ANIMALS

OCT. 17-26

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Key West’s wildest annual party is to turn bipartisan when Fantasy Fest, the island city’s outrageous annual costuming and masking festival, takes aim at America’s upcoming presidential elections. Set for Friday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 26, the rowdy revel is themed “Pirates, Pundits and Political Party Animals.”

One of the most eagerly anticipated events on the Key West calendar, Fantasy Fest offers 10 days of masquerade balls, quirky costume contests and other delicious delights. The spectacle climaxes in a glittering grand parade whose floats are as elaborate as candidates’ pre-election promises.

Fantasy Fest was conceived more than 25 years ago to enliven the fall season in Key West — and it succeeded so well that it’s now internationally recognized as the destination’s premier annual festival. Its uninhibited flair and lighthearted spirit attract ever-larger crowds of people eager to shed their real-world personalities and live out their fantasies on the island city’s quaint downtown streets.

For “Pirates, Pundits and Political Party Animals,” Fantasy Fest organizers encourage participants to cast aside the conservative and embrace the ultra-liberal, taking inspiration from bold buccaneers, renegade Republicans, decadent Democrats and unsavory affairs of state. Costumes and parade floats might be eclectic, electric or election oriented — portraying everything from brigands to ballot box brouhahas.

The Fantasy Fest extravaganza is to embark with a Royal Coronation Ball, where the public casts votes to elect the king and queen of the masked madness. Scheduled Friday, Oct. 17, the coronation is to cap a two-month fundraising campaign by royal candidates to benefit the Keys’ AIDS Help Inc.

The festival honors the island’s Caribbean roots Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17-18, during the Goombay street party in Key West’s historic Bahama Village.

Political glory undoubtedly goes to some candidates’ heads — and they’re sure to feel at home during Tuesday’s Headdress Ball. Participants can earn big prizes for decorated headgear like rogues’ tricorns, wizards’ cowls or bewitching feathered fantasies.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, the fur is to fly during the traditional Pet Masquerade. Though actual donkeys and elephants aren’t allowed, entrants in the eccentric competition are likely to include Re-pup-licans and Demo-cats as well as other canine, feline and avian critters. Strutting their stuff on an oceanfront stage, they vie for prizes in categories including the best pet/owner look-alike and best adaptation of the festival theme.

Thursday, Oct. 23, animal antics give way to Fantasy Fest’s most magnificent costume competition. Pretenders in Paradise, staged under the stars beside the Gulf of Mexico, typically features glitzy, intricate costumes that tower far taller than their wearers. Amateur and professional costume designers from all over the United States are expected to demonstrate both artistry and performing savvy in exotic ensembles saluting the piratical, presidential and downright weird.

Political party animals are to hit Key West’s main street Friday, Oct. 24, for the lively Fantasy Fest Street Fair. Duval Street, the island’s most famous thoroughfare, is to become a mile-long marketplace with vendors offering feathered masks, exotic costumes, arts and craft items, tempting food and libations.

Friday evening the Fairvilla Megastore Masquerade March of buccaneers, boondogglers and other costumed characters is slated to parade through the streets. Instruments and noisemakers are to add to the exhilaration as the rowdy cavalcade proceeds through Key West’s picturesque Old Town.

Other Fantasy Fest standouts are to include a celebrity look-alike contest, a “fantasy of art” showcase, exuberant themed costume competitions and glamorous galas.

The pre-election action is to reach its climax Saturday, Oct. 25, as tens of thousands of spectators flock to the island’s historic downtown for the Captain Morgan Fantasy Fest Parade. The spectacle typically includes feather-bedecked marching groups, Caribbean bands and enormous, lavishly decorated motorized floats. Since the parade falls just days before the 2008 presidential election, festival organizers expect many floats and costumes to feature a political focus — spiced with the offbeat flamboyance that characterizes Fantasy Fest and Key West itself.

For more information about Fantasy Fest and a schedule of events, visit the festival’s Web site at www.fantasyfest.net  or call (305) 296-1817. For information about lodging in Key West, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or visit the Keys’ Web site at www.fla-keys.com

Summer Beatles Festival in Vegas

LAS VEGAS – Beatles fans from across the universe will come together for the second annual Las Vegas Fest for Beatles Fans at The Mirage, June 29 through July 1, 2008. The three-day festival will feature all things Beatles, including music, guest speakers, art, photo and fashion exhibits, contests and games, memorabilia and much more. Each night, The Fest will culminate with concerts from artists that performed with, worked with or were great friends of the Beatles.

“We’re so excited to return to Vegas and The Mirage for the second annual Las Vegas Fest,” said creator and co-producer Mark Lapidos. “We had some great participants at last year’s inaugural event and this year is going to be even better. We can’t wait to ‘Get Back’ to Vegas!”
The 2008 Las Vegas Fest is bringing several notable celebrities to discuss their years with the Beatles and showcase their artistic talents.

Among them is model/actress/photographer Pattie Boyd, who was married to George Harrison, followed by rock legend Eric Clapton; she will be speaking with attendees as well as holding book signings and a photography and fashion exhibit. Legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist Donovan will also be at this year’s Fest for his first ever public Las Vegas performances on both Monday and Tuesday, playing such classics as “Mellow Yellow,” “Sunshine Superman” and “Season of the Witch,” among many others. Donovan will be speaking all three days about his friendship with the Beatles and his visit to India with them, of which 2008 marks its 40th anniversary.

Also performing is Billy J. Kramer, who, along with his band The Dakotas, was also managed by Beatles manager Brian Epstein and had four big hits written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, including “Bad to Me,” “Do You Want to Know a Secret” and “I’ll Keep You Satisfied.” Spencer Davis, founder of The Spencer Davis Group, will also be performing, including his hits “Gimme Some Lovin’” and “I’m a Man.” Davis was a large part of the music scene of the ‘60s, often hanging out with the Beatles. He currently has a new album out called So Far. Performing alongside all of the guests is the world’s premier Beatles tribute band and Fest regulars, Liverpool.

Additional participants include Ringo Starr’s former producer Mark Hudson and Ken Mansfield, former U.S. manager of Apple Records who recently released his memoirs “The White Book: The Beatles, The Bands, The Biz- An Insider’s Look at an Era.” Nancy Lee Andrews, accomplished photographer and former girlfriend of Starr, will be showcasing her work as well as signing copies of her coffee table book “A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Jude Southerland Kessler will be showcasing her book “Should Been There,” an 800-page look at the life of Lennon from 1940 to 1961. Photographer Ian Wright will be attending the Las Vegas Fest for the second year with a photo exhibit and his new book “On the Brink of Fame.” On Monday, performers from The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage will be speaking about their experiences in the show that celebrates the musical legacy of the Beatles.

The Master of Ceremonies for the event will be leading Beatles scholar, humorist, writer and producer Martin Lewis. Other announcers include Las Vegan Dennis Mitchell host of radio show “Breakfast with The Beatles,” Tony Perkins formerly from “Good Morning America,” and Joe Johnson from the nationally syndicated radio show “Beatle Brunch.”

Additional highlights include the Giant International Beatles Marketplace; photography from Paul Saltzman who took photos of the Beatles in India and produced a corresponding book; Bruce Spizer, the leading expert on Beatles U.S. recordings; A Beatles museum and art contest; and a Battle of the Beatles Bands, sound-alike, trivia, art and “Name That Tune” contests, among other activities.

The Las Vegas Fest will be held in the Grand Ballroom complex at The Mirage Sunday, June 29 through Tuesday, July 1. Show hours will be from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. Advance tickets are priced at $52 per day and are available through June 13, 2008. Special combination advance prices are available until June 13, at $90 for any two days or $125 for all three days. Tickets purchased at the door cost $60 per day. Tickets are half price for children 12 years and younger and entrance is free for children 6 years and younger. All tickets ordered by credit card are subject to a $4 processing fee. The Fest has partnered with American Airlines for 2008, which is offering a five percent discount to attendees flying to and from The Fest.

For more details on the 2008 Las Vegas Fest, including activities, ticketing and special rates, please visit www.thefest.com or call 1-866-THE-FEST.

About The Fest for Beatles Fans

The Fest for Beatles Fans first began in 1974 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Beatles arrival in the United States. Creator Mark Lapidos met with John Lennon about his desire to produce a Beatles fan fest, and to his excitement, Lennon said, “I’m all for it. I’m a Beatles fan, too,” and donated a signed guitar. He also got his fellow band mates to donate items for a charity raffle. That year, The Fest landed the cover of Rolling Stone magazine and the wheels were set in motion for what will now be the 108th national fest with its Las Vegas return. Lapidos, along with his wife Carol, remains the driving force behind the festival, which takes place three times a year in New York, Chicago and Las Vegas.

Red Funnel ferry packages to Osborne House concerts

Red Funnel are offering ticket and travel packages for the Paul Weller and Girls Aloud concerts this July at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight

Red Funnel, the Isle of Wight ferry specialist, are offering tickets to both the Paul Weller concert on 26 July and the Girl Aloud concert on 27 July both to be held in the grounds of Osborne House in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, under a mile from the Red Funnel ferry terminal.

With an amazing catalogue of records from The Jam, Style Council and his solo work, Paul Weller has an amazing repertoire that includes ‘A town called Malice’, ‘That’s Entertainment’,’ Wild Woods’, ‘You do something to me’ and many more. Joining Paul Weller are indie rock four piece The Rifles and Arno Carstens, the South African rock star who featured at the 2007 Isle of Wight Festival.

Red Funnel has now announced they are able to offer fans ferry travel and accommodation packages to see Paul Weller at Osborne House.

Girls Aloud have become one of the most successful British pop groups of the decade, with a record-breaking 18 consecutive Top 10 singles (including three number ones), five platinum albums (including a number one) and record sales in excess of 4.2 million in the UK alone. With hits including their debut ‘Sound of the Underground’, ‘Love Machine’ and ‘Jump’ the pop princesses are set to light up the Island. Support acts will be confirmed shortly. Red Funnel has also announced that they are able to offer tickets to see the Girls Aloud at Osborne House concert which includes ferry travel and accommodation.

Both events take place just a mile from the Red Funnel ferry terminal in East Cowes, at Osborne House, the former home of Queen Victoria, which is one of the Isle of Wight’s top attractions and the beautifully landscaped grounds provide the perfect setting for the summer concerts.

For most UK mainland residents, travelling from Southampton to the Isle of Wight by ferry will be the easiest way to get to the concerts, with Red Funnel’s passenger vehicle ferries operating hourly from Southampton to East Cowes, with frequent scheduled buses with shuttle buses running from both terminals to the festival and official campsite.

About Red Funnel

Red Funnel Ferries has a fleet of 3 modern purpose-built ro-ro ferries sailing between Southampton and East Cowes and a fleet of 4 Red Jet hi-speed passenger catamarans operating between Southampton and West Cowes. Both services operate year-round.

Red Funnel also specialise in Isle of Wight accommodation, event and attraction tickets, activities, car hire, rail travel, insurance and much more.

Greatest Elvis’ Fest to Rock Bolton UK

Bolton Arena has been rocked by a surge in ticket sales as ‘The Worlds Greatest Elvis’ joins forces with the original ‘Sweet Inspirations’ group for a one off performance on August 9.

Since going on sale on Monday, fans from up and down the country have been booking their place at arguably the UK’s biggest ever Elvis tribute concert.

Last year Shawn Klush stunned the UK with his incredible likeness to Elvis. Never before had a tribute come so close to capturing the magic of Elvis in both looks and voice on the special 30 years anniversary TV show.

Now, Shawn joins Elvis Presley’s backing singers, The Sweet Inspirations, for the first time in the UK and a spectacular line-up that includes young American sensation Justin Shandor and our very own world class Elvis tribute artists, Steve Preston and Gordon Hendricks.

Steve Preston has appeared on the Royal Variety performance and Gordon Hendricks is the biggest ever winner of the Stars in their eyes TV show.

Gwyn Hughes from Bolton Arena says that excitement has been building for the concert, which will mark 31 years since the passing of the King.

“We are sure the announcement will send the UK Elvis fans into sheer delight, as enquiries have been daily now for a month, said Gwyn.

He added “The thought of Shawn Klush, the Sweet Inspirations and three of the world’s top Elvis tribute artistes all appearing together at this wonderful venue is fantastic.

Bolton Arena is proud to be hosts for this concert, which I am sure, will be an historic occasion for the many Elvis Presley fans here in the UK.”

The show takes place on Saturday August 9th. Tickets can be purchased at the Bolton Arena on 08448 110999, prices are 28, 38 and 48.

A Golden Circle package is also available at 120, which includes top concert seats and access to the VIP lounge, where guests will receive welcome drink, canapes, access to exclusive pay bar, snack bar and after-show party, where they will meet the stars of the show. Free VIP parking also included.

More information, including footage of the artists performing, is available on the official website http://www.theworldsgreatestelvis.co.uk

Israel Summer Concerts for 60th Anniversary

Israel this summer will be host to a series of concerts by world-renowned entertainers, many making their first visits to Israel on the occasion of its 60th anniversary.

On June 17, Chris Cornell, former lead singer of the seminal 90s grunge rock band Soundgarden, will play a solo show at HaYarkon Park in Tel Aviv for the first time. And in another throwback to the alternative 90s, Dinosaur Jr. will rock Tel Aviv’s Zappa Club on June 9 and 10, the last stop on a European tour. The legendary rock band, Blondie, led by Deborah Harry, will kick off the European leg of its 30th anniversary tour with a July 3 concert at Raanana Park Amphitheater, outside of Tel Aviv.

On July 29, new wave rocker Morrissey takes “The Morrissey Greatest Hits Tour” to the Heatwave Festival at HaYarkon Park in Tel Aviv, making his first-ever stop in Israel after years of rumored planned concerts there.

In an online video announcement of the gig, the former lead singer of The Smiths even appeared with the name “Israel” tattooed in Hebrew on his forearm. On July 31, pop star Bjork will bring her 10-woman Icelandic band to a Tel Aviv venue yet to be announced. The performance will mark Bjork’s first trip to Israel in nearly 12 years.

And in a nod to Israel’s 60th anniversary, three 60s-era pop bands — Herman’s Hermits, Marmalade and The Animals — will perform together on June 9 at the Afula Amphitheater.

Tickets to all events can be purchased by calling Castel Tickets at 011-972-3-604-5000.

For additional information on Israel, visit www.goisrael.com