Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

Kimbell Art Museum to Open Shop in New Omni Fort Worth Hotel

The Omni Fort Worth Hotel and the internationally acclaimed Kimbell Art Museum have finalized a partnership that will give the Kimbell Art Museum Shop a second home at the new luxury hotel, opening in downtown in January 2009. The new Kimbell Art Museum Shop will feature art quality books, jewelry, decorative items and gifts, as well as the comprehensive Kimbell Handbook, which showcases more than 260 works of art and the museum's exhibition catalogs.

“Omni Hotels and the Kimbell Art Museum both seek to provide an exceptional, memorable experience for locals and visitors in Fort Worth,” said Ed Netzhammer, regional vice president of operations and general manager of the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. “We are excited to collaborate closely with an organization of the caliber of the Kimbell in order to further serve as the 'living room of Fort Worth' and be an essential downtown springboard to our city's spectacular cultural venues.”

The Omni Fort Worth Hotel and the Kimbell team are closely working together to design the layout of the Kimbell Art Museum Shop. The store, which will be located on the ground level of the hotel, will be jointly run by the Omni and Kimbell organizations. In addition to the Kimbell's merchandise, Omni will offer other memorabilia, accessories and items that reflect the city's unique culture.

Malcolm Warner, Kimbell Art Museum acting director, commented, “With Fort Worth tourism on the rise, the introduction of the new Omni Hotel is a great asset to our community. The new store will be the Kimbell's ambassador to downtown, encouraging visitors to come to the Cultural District and see the museum itself. That's why it will be a vital presence for us. We are delighted to be involved in this partnership with the Omni Fort Worth Hotel.”

The Omni Fort Worth Hotel and the luxury residences which sit on top of the hotel, 1301 Throckmorton, continue to reach into the Fort Worth skyline. The 1301 Throckmorton Omni Residences construction began this past May and the building is expected to be topped this September.

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Don't Throw Away That Old Lottery Ticket! Says Pizza Grande

What can you do with a loosing one dollar lottery ticket? How about getting your money back! That's right, Pizza Grande Restaurants in Plantation, Davie and Margate are offering $1 off toward the purchase of any pizza, sub, chicken wings or meal with each old lottery ticket. This promotional campaign comes along at a time where every dollar counts! You can take advantage and bring as many tickets as you want, one ticket per pizza, sub, chicken wings or meal. This limited time offer is good for eat in, pick up or delivery.

Since 1979, the great success and reputation of Pizza Grande's authentic Italian specialties is why it soon will become a national chain with more fine restaurants opening in the near future.

Pizza Grande has plans for more unique $1 off specials in the future, so be ready to “save a buck” while enjoying authentic Italian food made with the freshest ingredients. $1 off with old lottery ticket at any of these Pizza Grande locations:

Grande Pizza Company Grande Pizza and Subs
8970 Cleary blvd. 8373 west Sunrise Blvd
Plantation, Fl 33324 Plantation, Fl 33324

Annie's Pizza Esposito's Pizza
2524 North State road 7 2221 South University Dr.
Margate, Fl 33063 Davie, Fl 33324

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Hottest Websites for Men

The editors at PartyDigest.com decided to dive into the sea of men’s interest magazine websites and surface with the top five best catches based on visual appeal/design, functionality and usefulness of information. Clearly, some publishers pour more money into their digital extensions than others, so we tried to look at all men’s magazine sites, not just the “big fish”. Here’s what we came up with:

1. Esquire.com “There is nothing that can be marketed that cannot be better marketed using the voice of James Earl Jones,” reads Esquire Rule #154 as the ever-changing rules scroll across the top of the screen. Need we say more? Esquire’s clever tone and full but organized site is a perfect compliment to the print.

In addition to the aforesaid ticker of stereotypical male musings, the site also boasts several dynamic micro-sites, including “Best Bars in America,” “The Cube,” and “Best Dressed Contest.” 2. Complex.com The brainchild of urban fashion mogul Marc Ecko, Complex.com is a great site for fashion-savvy young men as well as (semi) regular Joes. With a section exclusively dedicated to sneakers, Ecko is targeting a smaller sect within the male demographic as if it were mainstream, which we find to be deliciously bold.

 

 

  • City Guide and Entertainment pages help Complex readers see beyond the clothing racks.
      3. ESPN: The Magazine (Through Espn.go.com) Representing such a sizeable print publication online can easily lead to a cluttered homepage, the sports giant gives its featured content some much-needed breathing room and stunning graphic appeal.
    • At the very top of the page (even above the featured stories) is a nifty world map with icons that expand into recent news stories and videos—a seamless combination of intuitive design and external linkage.  4. Men’s Health.com
    A site that features physical/mental wellness tips, men’s relationship advice and a style guide is a rare breed indeed, but if anyone can pull it off it’s Rodale. The site draws in readers not only with its standalone articles but its wealth of regular feature sections and quick tips. Menshealth.com doesn’t even need to flex to show us that it’s in really great shape.
    • Featuring one free new exercise video daily (with no pre-roll), the site as a whole is both expedient and relevant to today’s health-conscious man. 5. GQ (Men.style.com/gq) GQ’s site is equally as multifaceted the print mag, but with stories organized by category and content previews on the homepage. The best part about the site is fonts/colors that pop and sexy visual appeal.   The stories themselves are thorough and diverse —but with a seemingly endless supply of practical advice columns. GQ is all about telling it’s readers how to become more GQ, which  is simple branding perfection.

 

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Hottest Celebrity News and Photos – July 15, 2008

Khloe Kardashian sent to jail on probation break (AP)
15 Jul 2008 – 05:31

Khloe Kardashian’s next dose of reality will involve the county jail.

read full story
Village People singer leaves hospital after surgery (Reuters)
15 Jul 2008 – 04:28

Victor Willis, the original lead singer of disco-era band the Village People, was released from a San Diego hospital on Monday after vocal cord surgery and said he could resume singing within months.

read full story

Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman end romance (AP)
15 Jul 2008 – 02:26

Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman have broken up, their publicists said Monday. “Jimmy and Sarah have no further comment,” Kimmel’s spokesman Lewis Kay told The Associated Press, confirming the split that was first reported on Vanity Fair magazine’s Web site.

read full story
Miss USA offers humor and philosophy about fall (AP)
15 Jul 2008 – 01:08

Miss USA has learned a simple lesson from her humiliating tumble during the Miss Universe pageant — the second year in a row the American contestant has taken a spill. Now she may even be on the leaked online photos of celebrities at this site Fappening Part 3 Celebrity Hacked Photos – Ximage.

read full story

Celebrity Profiles of the Week

Pamela Anderson
Angelina Jolie
Katie Price
Eva Mendes

Pamela Anderson
Angelina Jolie
Katie Price
Eva Mendes

More Entertainment & Celebrity News

“Hancock” still hot at foreign box office
15 Jul 2008 – 03:57

“Hancock” led the foreign box office for a second weekend, earning a huge $70.4 million from 67 markets, according to final data issued Monday. read full story

Brazil “Elite Squad” director puts lens on poor
15 Jul 2008 – 01:23

Jose Padilha, whose movie “The Elite Squad” depicted Rio de Janeiro’s violent, corrupt cops, turns his camera toward another form of injustice in a new documentary about poverty in Brazil’s northeast. read full story

Enrique Iglesias, Aventura team for tour
15 Jul 2008 – 01:03

In an unlikely pop and tropical alliance, Spanish pop star Enrique Iglesias is teaming up with New York-based urban/bachata trio Aventura for a U.S. tour. read full story

IUPUI says sorry to janitor scolded over KKK book
15 Jul 2008 – 00:51

A janitor whom a university official had accused of racial harassment for reading a historical book about the Ku Klux Klan on his break has gotten an apology — months later — from the school. read full story

‘The Two and Only’ Closes Early in London; Jay Johnson Blogs the Blues (Playbill)
15 Jul 2008 – 00:24

Playbill – The Tony Award-winning specialty play, The Two and Only, which opened at the Arts Theatre in London on July 2, following previews from June 25, closed July 13, earlier than expected. read full story

‘Hellboy’ stokes box office with $34.5 million
15 Jul 2008 – 00:22

“Hellboy II: The Golden Army” caught box-office heat with a $34.5 million debut, while Eddie Murphy flopped as his comedy “Meet Dave” opened with just $5.3 million. read full story

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NBC4 Launches NBC Washington Traffic Cam

NBC4 has partnered with 3rd Dimension, Inc. to launch today NBC Washington Traffic Cam, a free service* for mobile phone users providing live, up-to-the-second traffic video and information for Washington, D.C.; Northern Virginia; and suburban Maryland.

NBC Washington Traffic Cam is designed to help millions of daily commuters view traffic tie-ups on their mobile devices before beginning their commutes. With access to a network of 450+ live roadside cameras, the service can help data-enabled cell phone users plan their commutes more carefully and avoid gridlock areas. This advertising-supported service is powered by Mobileyes software from 3rd Dimension.

“Washington area traffic is consistently ranked among the worst in the nation,” said Michael Jack, president and general manager of NBC4. “We're pleased to provide this useful service to help our viewers save time and ease frustration while they're on the road.”

To download the application, commuters should click on the NBC Washington Traffic Cam link at www.NBC4.com or by calling 1-877-NBC-DC03 (877-622-3203). A text message is then sent to the user, who can click on the link to download and install the application.

Once installed, users can view more than 450 roadside traffic camera displays that are operated by the Maryland State Highway Administration, the Virginia Department of Transportation, Montgomery County (MD) Department of Transportation, City of Fairfax (VA) Department of Public Works and the D.C. Department of Transportation in association with TrafficLand, Inc.

Selecting cameras is simple and user-friendly. Freeways, highways and city streets of interest are available with full motion video or up-to-the-second still photos. As an added bonus, favorite routes can be stored and accessed quickly with a push of a single button.

“Mobile phones are everywhere and have become an indispensable tool in our personal and professional lives,” said Eric Joseph, president, 3rd Dimension. “Washington Traffic Cam, built on the Mobileyes software platform, puts a simple to use, on-demand traffic advisory service in the palm of your hand.”

The NBC Washington Traffic Cam application is compatible with data enabled phones on the Sprint, Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile networks, and includes popular smartphones such as the BlackBerry, Palm Treo and the Motorola Q.

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Toyota Offers Bluetooth Hands-Free System on 15 Models

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. currently offers integrated Bluetooth(R) hands-free wireless systems in 15 models and will make it available on the all-new 2009 Venza when it goes on sale this fall.

With more states enacting laws that prohibit driving while talking on handheld cell phones, Covenant Technology and the Bluetooth(R) hands-free systems connection between certain Toyota models and most Bluetooth(R)-enabled mobile phones provide an easy wireless solution. Built into optional Toyota onboard DVD navigation and JBL audio systems, the technology provides users with convenient hands-free phone capabilities.

Bluetooth(R) hands-free systems are available on Toyota RAV4, Corolla and Matrix models with a JBL audio unit. The system is also available on Toyota 4Runner, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tundra, Avalon, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and Solara models with the JBL audio unit or DVD navigation system.

The available DVD navigation and JBL audio systems enable the driver to make and receive hands-free phone calls on most compatible Bluetooth(R) equipped cell phones via the vehicle's built in microphone and speakers. There is no need to connect any interface cables between the phone and the vehicle. Routine maintenance is vital for your vehicle so be sure to go to a quality oil change service in your area to help extend the life of your car. Owners simply need to register the phone by “pairing” to the system.

Due to differences in the quality of various handsets and Bluetooth(R) chip programming, phone functionality levels may differ by cell phone. The customer typically can enjoy the following Bluetooth(R) hands-free benefits on Toyota models:

— Integrated phone operation utilizes built-in microphone and audio speakers.

— One touch call answering via the steering-wheel control or the navigation screen.

— Automatic audio mute when receiving or making a call.

— Place a call from an outgoing or the incoming call log (up to five most recent calls — on DVD navigation system only).

— Voice command functions also allow the driver to make or receive calls.

Owners can refer to the LetsTalk Web site at toyota.letstalk.com for a listing of compatible phones and functionality.

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Hart Davis Hart to Auction Monumental Single-Owner Wine Collection Valued at $6.9-$10.2M

Hart Davis Hart Wine Co., one of the world's leading fine wine retailers and auction houses, will hold a monumental single-owner sale on September 19th and 20th at Tru restaurant in Chicago. The Fox Cellar is comprised of over 1700 lots and is poised to electrify the wine collecting world with its encyclopedic offering of full-case lots, most purchased by the current owner as futures or on release and still nestled in their original wooden cases. The firm anticipates that wine collectors around the world will clamor to own a piece of this historic cellar.

Foremost among the group are 166 lots of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild worth an estimated $1,067,400 – $1,589,900 including 7 cases of the 1982 and 21 cases of the 1996 vintages (all in their original wooden cases). Also staggering is a 100 lot offering of Chateau Petrus worth an estimated $980,000 – $1.5 million; more than 1,000 bottles from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, and well over a thousand bottles each of Chateaux Latour, Margaux, Mouton-Rothschild and Haut-Brion. Other featured offerings include large selections of Italian wines from Angelo Gaja along with Super Tuscans, Guigal's Single-Vineyard Cote Roties, and top California producers.

Collectors and restaurateurs will descend on Chicago to raise their paddles in the auction room and compete with bidders on the phone, online bidders utilizing Hart Davis Hart's proprietary online real-time bidding portal, http://www.hdhlive.com/, and others who submit their bids before the sale using HDH's intuitive online absentee bidding system. The live auction will take place at Chicago's award-winning restaurant Tru, beginning promptly at 9:00 a.m. (CDT) on Friday, September 19th, 2008 and Saturday, September 20th, 2008. Tru is located at 676 N. St. Clair Street in Chicago. Attendance is open to the public and free of charge. Reservations for lunch at Tru during the auction ($75) should be made by calling Hart Davis Hart at 312.482.9996 or by emailing Maria Elgass, melgass@hdhwine.com.

Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Dinner at Charlie Trotter's

On Thursday, September 18th Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. will host a 20 vintage Chateau Lafite-Rothschild wine dinner at Chicago's famous Charlie Trotter's. For centuries, the mention of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild has conjured evocative images of grandeur and decadence, having been so favored in the Court of Versailles that it was widely hailed as “the King's Wine.” To launch the remarkable auction weekend, we have chosen 20 celebrated vintages reflective of the Fox Cellar, spanning the past four decades of the estate, including such luminary vintages as 1982, 1986, 1996, 2000, and 2003. Chef Trotter will create an exciting five-course dinner to complement the wines. Seating is very limited. For more information please contact Marc Smoler at 312-482-9766 or msmoler@hdhwine.com.

About Hart Davis Hart Wine Co.

Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. is both a dynamic retailer and an internationally prominent wine auction house, occupying a unique position in the rare wine market. We offer collectors and restaurateurs a broad range of options for buying and selling wines, providing unrivaled expertise and personalized service.

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Hollywood Artist Explores the 'Green' side of Famous L.A. Landmarks

Nathan Horner's new installment in the 'L.A. Icons' series celebrating L.A.'s famous landmarks (Hollywood Boulevard, Beverly Hills, Griffith Observatory) focuses on the vegetation: the shrub outside Yamashiro restaurant, the Palm Trees on Hollywood Boulevard, hedges on Hollywood way. Whereas his earlier paintings focused primarily on the architectural aspect of these landmarks (Beverly Hills Hotel, Mann Chinese Theater, Capitol Records), the new paintings explore the play of light and shadow of the vegetation on the buildings and surrounding landscape. The exhibit opens at EM & Co, a West Hollywood boutique hosting the works of Los Angeles artists alongside fashions from global and local designers.

“I am inspired here by the sea, sky, the light, and how it falls on Southern California. I also find inspiration in the visual history that was, and is created here, and the icons of eras passed,” says Horner. Nathan Horner's style, which evolved over the years, has been influenced by John Singer Sargent, Vincent Van Gogh, and Edward Hopper. Recently, he has been chosen to exhibit his works in the Hopper House Center, in New York, the birthplace and childhood home of Edward Hopper, run by the Edward Hopper Landmark Preservation Foundation, in a show slated for 2010.

“His paintings capture the essence of L.A. And vegetation plays such a strong role in creating this L.A. feel — the golden palm trees, what a perfect symbol of L.A.,” says Eveline Morel, owner of EM & Co. The 'L.A. Icons' exhibit will be at EM & Co from July 24 through August 20.

Born and raised in Ohio and Virginia, in California since the early 90's, Nathan Horner is set on becoming an active contributor to LA's artistic and cultural landscape. Horner has shown in galleries and other locations around the US, including the LACMA sales and rental gallery, Arclight Cinemas, and numerous galleries in San Diego. Earlier paintings in the 'L.A. Icons' series are now sold as post card gift sets at EM & Co and other stores around Los Angeles. For more info. On Horner's past and future exhibits: http://www.nathanhorner.com/.

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Annual Plaza Art Fair slated for Sept. 21-23

One of Kansas City's favorite traditions (and my personal fave) is the Annual Plaza Art Fair. What started in 1932 has become one of the nations Top five art fairs with over nine blocks of art, crafts and jewelry featuring top artists from the metro, nation and around the globe. What many don't know is that over 1,500 artists compete in a juried process to make the cut each and every year. 2007 marks the 76th Anniversary of the Plaza Art Fair and it's bound to be better than ever.
Not Just an Art Fair:

The Plaza Art Fair is one of KC's time honored traditions. The weather is always perfect and you get to bust out your cool fall clothes. Yes, many people go for the art…but the majority of people who attend (all 300,000+) also go to catch up with friends, people watch, drink some wine and enjoy some great food.
2007 Plaza Art Fair :

September 21, 22, 23rd
Friday 5-10pm
Saturday 10am-10pm
Sunday 11am -5pm
Admission is FREE

Eats:

One of the best reasons to go to the Plaza Art Fair is the eats. Restaurants from around the Plaza take their culinary arts to the streets and have vending booths with bevies throughout the fair. Tomfooleries, The Classic Cup, and Bo Lings (just to name a few) are fair faves with everything from hamburgers and hotdogs to lamb shanks and dessert…and everything in between.
Food Spots :

Restaurants take up shop in the following locales:
On the East and West side of Halls.
On the North side of Ward Parkway between Williams Sonoma and Plaza III.
On Wornall between Williams Sonoma and Cole Haan.
Parking:

Let me put it this way, parking is a beast anyway you swing it during the Plaza Art Fair. Go early and you'll likely find a spot in one of the free parking garages. Go late and you'll be stuck in traffic.
Best bets: Head to the north or south and try to find parking on the street and walk. There are also spots West of the Plaza. I've heard of people parking in Westport and hiking it in. Yeesh! If you can swing it, and don't mind paying–head to the Intercontinental (check the parking price though)…

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Weston Irish Festival to be held Oct. 12-14

The Weston Irish Festival began in 2000 and has grown to a three day event of all things Irish. Located in the sleepy town of Historic Weston, Missouri, the Irish Fest brings over 7,000 festival goers to a three acre property in the middle of Weston which encompasses O'Malley's Irish Pub, American Boman Restaurant, the Weston Brewing Company. In the middle of all the fun is an Irish-esq grassy knoll with a huge stage that boasts entertainment from dawn until the wee Irish hours of the morn.
Location:
The Weston Irish Festival is located in Weston, Missouri. This historic town is located just 35 minutes north of downtown Kansas City and 30 minutes south of St. Joseph, Mo. Take I-29 to exit 20 and follow the signs to Weston and to the festival. For complete directions, Mapquest this:
500 Welt St.
Weston, MO 64098
Dates/Hours/Ticket Info :

October 12th, 5pm-1am $8
October 13th, 11am-1am $10
October 14th 12pm-12am $10

O'Malley's Irish Pub:
At the heart of it all is the historic and unusual O'Malley's Irish Pub. Founded in 1842, the pub is famous for it's underground cellars and three floors of full-on Irish fabulousness. The bottom cellar is a whopping 50ft below ground. Going in, you can just imagine settlers and traders drinking whiskey in the pub long ago. It truly is something to see–with ten Irish whiskey's and draught beer a-flowin'…you just might think you've stumbled into a pub somewhere in the middle of the Irish countryside.
Entertainment:
With 4 stages full of bag piping, traditional Irish Dancing and Irish music-the Weston Irish Fest brings non-stop entertainment throughout the fest. Enjoy entertainers at Hall Stage, Courtyard Stage and performers inside O'Malley's Pub.
Not to be missed:

The Elder's
Seven Nations
Young Dubliners
Micky Finns
Eddie Delahunt
Flannigan's Right Hook
For a complete listing of events, check the Weston Irish Fest Entertainment Schedule. http://www.westonirish.com/stageschedule.shtml

Irish Food:
The fest has a plethora of delicious Irish fare with everything from authentic Irish dishes like Irish Stew, Bangers and mash located in the food court. Traditional Irish foods are also available inside the America Bowman Restaurant (located inside the festival grounds).
Drink:
O'Malley's Pub offers (in true Irish pub fashion) multiple full service bars with draught ales, lagers and cider , wines and specialty drinks. The complete bar boasts ten Irish whiskeys. Draft beer, soft drinks and specialty drinks (ie Bailey's and Jameson) will also be available in the festival courtyard.
Taxi Cabs and Shuttles:
The Weston Irish Fest is definatley a place for fun. If you've had one too many whiskey's or more than your fair share of Weston's famous brew… take a cab OR rent a shuttle.
From the Irish Fest website:

Local Taxi Services: Veteran's Cab Company, 913.682.7200

Groups of 10 or more can order a shuttle:

Laidlaw Transit – Parkville 816.741.4023
Laidlaw Transit – Blue Valley 913.897.2347
Laidlaw Transit – Olathe 913.782.1050
Laidlaw Transit – South Kansas City 816.765.3100

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Top 10 Things To Do in Kansas City This Summer

Kansas City seems to come alive in the summer with hundreds of great things to see and do. From festivals, celebrations, exhibits and famous folks– We've narrowed down the Top 10 Events that are a MUST DO in Kansas City for Summer 2008.

1. Shakespeare Festival presents 'Othello'
One of the best events of the summer, the Kansas City Shakespeare Festival, will present 'Othello' June 17- July 6th 2008. The festival, which is in its 16th season, is held at the beautiful Southmoreland Park located just west of the Nelson-Atkins Museum. The event is FREE and is a great event to take the whole family or meet friends for a great evening of Shakespeare. Gates open at 6 and the show begins at 8pm.

*Please Note–the Festival will not be held June 23rd or July 4th *

 

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head to the Free Friday Night Flicks at Crown Center. Films will be shown on the huge outdoor screen on the Crown Center Square located across from the Crown Center Shops. Admission is free and the movies begin at around 9pm. Concessions are also available.

 

3. 18th Street Fashion Show
The Kansas City Crossroads Arts District's 8th Annual West 18th Street Fashion Show, 'Summer at Sea' promises to be bigger and better than ever in 2008. Hosted by birdie's and spool*, the annual show brings featured collections that showcase local fashion design talent and proves that KC is as fashion forward as our costal counterparts. A 'Summer at Sea' will be held at dusk (8pmish) on the evening of Saturday, June 14th, 2008 on the block of West 18th Street, between Wyandotte and Baltimore streets downtown.

 

4. Theatre in the Park 2008 Season
Shawnee Mission Park's famed Theatre in the Park hosts an amazing array of shows for 2008. The schedule includes 'Oklahoma!', 'Beauty and the Beast', '42nd Street' and 'Titanic: The Musical'. Tickets are inexpensive and run $4-$6.

 

5. First Friday's in the Crossroads
First Friday in the Crossroads is a must do event any time of year but especially in June, July and August. The streets, galleries and whole Crossroad's district comes alive with great art, openings, exhibits, performers and events–and the best thing about it, it's FREE! Check out our First Friday Guide for all great things going on in the Crossroads for First Friday this summer.

 

6. KC Fringe Festival
The Kansas City Fringe Festival is one of the best ways to see some amazing performance art– and the forth annual KC Fringe Festival promises not to disappoint. The four-day event will be held at various performance venues around Kansas City on July 21st-27th. The fest, which includes everything from live theatre, dance, and performance art, to visual art, puppetry, storytelling, and fashion is a great celebration of local, regional and national artists. Check their website for details on venues, performances and ticket info.

 

7. 4th of July Celebrations
One thing is for sure, Kansas City knows how to celebrate the 4th of July with a serious bang. Head to one of these great 4th of July Firework displays to celebrate this Independence Day.

 

8. Powell Gardens 'Chapungu: Nature, Man & Myth'
Powell Garden's summer exhibit–'Chapungu: Nature, Man & Myth' brings over 54 monumental stone sculptures from Zimbabwe that tell remarkable tales that amaze both young and old alike. The sculptures, will be in Powell's beautiful and lush gardens from June to October. Jurassic Garden is included with regular admission. Check out the Powell Garden's website for garden admission and other info.

 

9. KC Rhythm and Ribs Festival

If you're looking for great BBQ, awesome entertainment and an all around good time–head to the Rhythm and Ribs Festival at 18th and Vine June 13th and 14th. Angie Stone, Fourplay, George Duke, Patti Austin, Robert Cray and Oleta Adams headline this year. Don't miss the 'Smoke It, Baby' barbeque contest…head to the Rhythm and Ribs official site for all events details.

10. Read PartyDigest.com!

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John Mellencamp Announces First Farm Aid Music Festival In New England

Alongside farmers and food buyers at the Copley Square Farmers Market, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Governor Deval Patrick welcomed Farm Aid co-founder John Mellencamp to New England as he announced Farm Aid 2008 Presented by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic. The concert will take place on Sept. 20 at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, Mass., marking the first time the organization will bring its annual benefit concert to the region.

“New England was built on the strength of independent family farmers,” said Mellencamp. “We can honor that independent spirit by joining Farm Aid to grow the movement that is changing the way all of America eats.”

Farm Aid 2008 Presented by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic will feature headliners Willie Nelson, Mellencamp, Neil Young, and Dave Matthews, plus other top artists to be announced. The annual benefit concert will celebrate music and good food, featuring hands-on activities in the HOMEGROWN Village that will showcase the direct connection between who is growing our food and what we eat every day.

“We are proud to bring our annual Farm Aid concert to a region that has such strong agricultural roots and to the many people who love to eat the good food grown in New England,” said Farm Aid president Willie Nelson. “I'm looking forward to bringing my friends together on the Farm Aid stage to celebrate and support family farmers.”

The concert event will again feature family-farm identified, local and organic foods at concessions, setting an example of the many ways that family farm food can be integrated into the general marketplace.

“Bringing Farm Aid's unique concert event to New England creates an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the innovation and determination of the area's farmers,” said Carolyn Mugar, executive director of Farm Aid. “We're looking forward to a day filled with outstanding music and delicious food grown by these farmers from across the region.”

As part of its work to increase the affordability and availability of fresh, healthy foods, Farm Aid also announced its support for the collaborative initiative between the Food Project and the city of Boston to help more families shop at farmers markets by building infrastructure that allows market vendors to accept food stamps.

Since its beginning, Farm Aid has traveled the country, staging annual concerts and supporting local organizations working to strengthen family farms. Farm Aid builds the Good Food Movement by connecting people with family farmers who are increasing the supply of local, humanely raised, sustainable and organic food.

Tickets for Farm Aid 2008 Presented by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic will go on sale July 28 at 10 a.m. EDT and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, http://www.ticketmaster.com/, or by calling (866) 448-7849.

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