Tag Archives: Festival

Summer Ale Festival

Philadelphia Zoo welcomes back its annual, adults-only celebration, Summer Ale Festival 2015! Join us Saturday, July 25 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. and sample over 40 different beers and ales from local breweries and enjoy pay-as-you-go selections from a variety of local food trucks. Live music, games and activities will be available throughout the evening as you explore the Zoo during this unique, after-hours festival. Tickets include evening admission to the Zoo, unlimited beer sampling, on-site parking and shuttle service to and from 30th Street Station. Philadelphia Zoo’s Summer Ale Festival is a 21+ event; valid I.D. required. Tickets are sold online in advance only. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit PhiladelphiaZoo.org.

This entry was posted in Parties and tagged Beer, Festival on June 26, 2015 by Chuck Gregory.

Awesomefest

Awesome Fest is here and just as the name implies it’s an experience that will not disappoint! The 6th annual outdoor summer series, sponsored by Vitaminwater, will kick off this Friday, June 26th and run until August 14th.

What is this?

Awesome Fest is an adult twist to the classic outdoor movie viewing experience. The festival showcases a lineup of cutting-edge independent film premieres at Liberty Lands in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia. “With this program, it was important for me to provide an adult alternative to the current outdoor film experience in Philadelphia”, said Awesome Fest founder & artistic director Josh Goldbloom. “I’ve always taken pride in showcasing the festival’s titles in unique & exciting ways, and I’m as thrilled as ever to share these remarkable (and often bloody) films, at one of the coolest outdoor venues in town.”

The Best Part

Thanks to a grant provided by Penn Treaty Social Service District, all outdoor screenings are FREE to attend!! Also, don’t worry about your view being obstructed, Funflicks has provided the series with their newly acquired 40 foot outdoor movie screen!

Join us this Friday at 9 pm with the premiere of CALL ME LUCKY, Bobcat Goldthwait’s moving & inspirational documentary on his close friend & beloved stand-up comic, Barry Crimmins. Check out the full line up below, and don’t waste another beautiful summer Friday night inside again!!

June 26th CALL ME LUCKY (Philadelphia Premiere) Directed by Bobcat Goldthwait

Barry Crimmins is pissed. His hellfire brand of comedy has rained verbal lightning bolts on American audiences and politicians for decades, yet you’ve probably never heard of him. But once you’ve experienced Bobcat Goldthwait’s brilliant character portrait of him and heard Crimmins secret, you will never forget him. Official Selection of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

July 3rd TURBO KID (Philadelphia Premiere) Written & Directed by François Simard, Anouk Whissell, & Yoann-Karl Whissell

It is the year 1997. Mankind has been mostly obliterated, and the few survivors try to survive the radioactive wasteland. Enter “The Kid” who stumbles upon the remains of famed superhero “Turbo Man.” Donning his super-suit, “Turbo Kid”, along with a mysterious girl takes on the evil Zeus (played by Michael Ironside!) and his army of savages. A loveable homage to the glory day 1980’s VHS “Mad Max” knockoffs, TURBO KID is the ultimate midnight movie. Official Selection of Sundance & SXSW 2015.

July 10th ROAR Written & Directed by Noel Marshall

No animals were harmed in the making of this movie.70 members of the cast & crew were. An unprecedented––and wholly unpredictable––action-adventure, Roar follows wildlife preservationist Hank, who lives harmoniously alongside a menagerie of 100+ untamed animals, including cheetahs, elephants, lions and tigers on a preservation in the African plains. When his wife and children arrive for a visit, a long-brewing battle for dominance between the lions erupts and threatens their very lives. Warning: THIS. FILM. IS. ABSOLUTELY. NUTS.

July 17th CATCH ME DADDY (Philadelphia Premiere) Directed by Daniel Wolfe | Written By Daniel & Matthew Wolfe

Laila, a girl on the run from her family is hiding out in West Yorkshire with her drifter boyfriend Aaron. When her brother arrives in town with a gang of thugs in tow, she is forced to flee for her life and faces her darkest night. Quite possibly the most challenging film in the series. Official Selection of the Cannes Film Festival.

July 24th BODY (Philadelphia Premiere) Written & Directed by Dan Berk & Robert Olsen

A night out turns deadly when three girls break into a seemingly empty mansion. That’s all you need to know, and really all you should know. Official Selection of Slamdance 2015.

July 31st UNCLE KENT 2 (Philadelphia Premiere) Directed by Todd Rohal | Written by Kent Osborne

Awesome Fest favorite Todd Rohal (The Catachism Cataclysm, The Guatemalan Handshake) returns with his latest feature film, the most necessary unnecessary sequel to Joe Swanberg’s 2011 indie, “Uncle Kent”. As you can imagine (which you probably can’t), it’s absurd, surreal, hilarious, and features the best/most timely cameo you’ll see all year. Official Selection of SXSW 2015.

August 7th SUN CHOKE (Philadelphia Premiere) Written & Directed by Ben Cresciman

Janie’s just trying to get well. As she recovers from a violent psychotic break, she’s subjected each day to a bizarre holistic health and wellness regimen designed, and enforced, by her lifelong nanny and caretaker. But when she develops an obsession with a stranger, Janie’s buried demons begin to surface. Starring horror legend, Barbara Crampton. Official Selection of the 2015 Stanley Film Festival

August 14th DEATHGASM (Philadelphia Premiere) Written & Directed by Jason Lei Howden

New kid in town Brodie and bad-boy Zakk quickly bond over their mutual admiration of heavy metal. But when these two metal thrashing losers unwittingly summon malevolent forces, their dreams of stardom may just have to be put on hold. A cross between Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey & The Evil Dead. Official Selection of SXSW 2015.

This entry was posted in Events and tagged Festival on June 26, 2015 by Chuck Gregory.

39th Annual Virginia Wine Festival

SEPTEMBER 12 & 13, 2015
Great Meadow Foundation, 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA

The Virginia Wine Festival offers a unique array of both free and ticketed tasting and learning opportunities.

Visit the free Seminar Tent to broaden your knowledge and understanding of wine and wine culture, or make a grand day of it with a ticket to the gourmet Wine and Food Pairing Tent. Shorten your wait and enhance your experience with a ticket into the You Be the Judge Tasting Tent. Descriptions and purchase links on the ticketing page.

This entry was posted in Parties and tagged Festival, Virginia, Wine on June 9, 2015 by Chuck Gregory.

Nordic Jazz 2015

Nordic Jazz 2015 presents Scandinavia’s top performers in Washington D.C. June 20th – 27th

The Nordic Embassies, Twins Jazz Club, the Phillips Collection and Dupont Circle Festival/Jazz in the Circle are excited to present the ninth annual Nordic Jazz Festival in Washington, D.C., June 20th – 27th, 2015. Internationally acclaimed performers from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden will present the modern sound of Nordic Jazz over the course of 10 concerts.

The festival presents a rare opportunity to experience five very different world-class Nordic jazz solo artists, trios and quartets. The concerts will be held at the Finnish Embassy, House of Sweden, Twins Jazz Club, the Phillips Collection and outdoor concerts at the Dupont Circle.

The artists
Nordic jazz artists present a unique sound that emphasizes the natural elements of the Nordic countries with a modern interpretation. The contemporary Nordic Jazz scene is characterized by improvisation; the music tends to be experimental but melodically strong with a spacious sound and open song structures. The participants in Nordic Jazz 2015 are some of the Nordic countries’ most creative and interesting artists with strong educational backgrounds, international careers and several jazz prizes.

Stay tuned for more info and connect by using #NordicJazz on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

This entry was posted in Events and tagged Concert, Festival on June 6, 2015 by Chuck Gregory.

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana

FLAMENCO VIVO CARLOTA SANTANA

presents

ANGELES / ALMAS

Spring 2015 NYC Season at BAM Fisher

May 19 – 24, 2015

Company’s BAM Debut Features Two Programs,

Three World Premieres

Founded in 1983, FLAMENCO VIVO CARLOTA SANTANA is one of this country’s longest-established flamenco companies, dedicated to promoting flamenco as a living, evolving art form. During its week-long BAM Fisher season, the company will present two programs featuring the world premieres of three works by contemporary Spanish dance artists, accompanied by live music.

The first world premiere is Angeles (Program A) choreographed by Ángel Muñoz. The New York Times praised Muñoz’ previous Flamenco Vivo commission, A Solas (2012), as “impressive for its compositional finesse” (while describing Muñoz himself as “singing with his feet”). Angeles portrays angels in myth, music and motion; building off of an earlier solo piece selected for the Festival de Jerez and London Flamenco Festival, the new work features Muñoz with a cast of nine more dancers and musicians.

The second premiere work, by Enrique Vicent and Antonio López is Martinete-Seguiriya (both programs), named after the flamenco form and rhythm featured in the piece. Seguiriya is one of the oldest flamenco forms where the serious, almost tragic sound of the music gives the dancer a chance to express sorrowful feelings, while the martineterhythm said to derive from the workers in the forge, from the word martillo,meaning hammer. Vicent and López were commissioned as part of a new collaboration between Flamenco Vivo and Madrid’s El Certamen de Coreografía de Danza Española y Flamenco, one of Spain’s most prestigious dance competitions.

The third premiere is Ausencia (Program B): Guadalupe Torres, a two-time winner of the Madrid Certamen, reveals the soul of flamenco in a new solo work created for her US debut performances. The engagement also features other company repertory including A Solas (2012 – both programs) a work by Ángel Muñoz showcasing the soleá por bulerías style; Mujeres (2009 – Program B only), choreographed by company associate artistic director Antonio Hidalgo, which offers a modern take on the traditional elements used by women in flamenco (the castanets, fans, shawls and dresses with bata de cola trains); and De Milonga (2003 – both programs), also by Hidalgo, which celebrates Latin American influences on flamenco.

Flamenco Vivo’s BAM Fisher season features a cast of accomplished dancers and musicans from Spain and the US, including company dancers Antonio Hidalgo, Charo Espino, Isaac Tovar, Eliza Llewellyn and Alice Blumenfeld; guitarists Gaspar Rodriguez and Pedro Medina, singers Pedro Obregón and Felix de Lola, flutist Diego Villegas and percussionist Jose Moreno; and guest artists Ángel Muñoz and Guadalupe Torres.

Performances are May 19-24, 2015, (Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30pm; matinees Saturday-Sunday 2pm) at BAM Fisher, 321 Ashland Place, Brooklyn, New York. Tickets range from $20 – $59 and can be purchased at www.flamenco-vivo.org. Tickets for the company’s First Night Fiesta on May 19, including premium seating and a post-performance reception with the artists, are $100-$250; for more information, call 212.736.4499 or visit www.flamenco-vivo.org. Flamenco Vivo will also offer a post-performance artist talk following the Thursday, May 21 show. Performance schedule:

Program A: Angeles, Martinete-Seguiriya, A Solas, De Milonga

Tuesday-Thursday, May 19-21 at 7:30pm

Program B: Ausencia, Martinete-Seguiriya, Mujeres, A Solas, De Milonga.

Friday-Saturday, May 22-23 at 7:30pm; Saturday-Sunday May 23-24 at 2:00pm

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana’s Spring 2015 season at BAM Fisher is made possible, in part, through support from the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Rockefeller Brother Fund, the Harkness Foundation for Dance and the Consulate General of Spain. ANGELES/ALMAS is presented by Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana. BAM house and ticketing policies may not apply. All programs and casting subject to change.

About Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana

Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana is one of America’s premier Spanish dance companies, dedicated to the belief that the universal spirit of flamenco, a multicultural art form, has the power to build bridges between cultures. Founded in 1983, the company tours extensively across the country (appearing at some 71 venues in 26 states over the past 5 seasons), and serves New York audiences with an annual home season, supplemented by intensive arts education programs in a dozen or more public schools each year, and an annual “Flamenco in the Boros” tour which brings free flamenco performances to new audiences around the city. Flamenco Vivo also operates the Center for Flamenco Arts, one of only two New York City dance studios dedicated to the specific requirements of flamenco, and produces the New York State Flamenco Certamen, a competition for pre-professional dance artists; the finals for the second annual edition of the Certamen will be staged at Lincoln Center’s Bruno Walter Auditorium on the evening of Friday, October 9, 2015. In 1996 the Company established a second base of operations in North Carolina and since then has provided extensive arts education programming and community engagement performances across the state.

This entry was posted in Parties and tagged Festival, New York on May 17, 2015 by Chuck Gregory.

4,000 Athletes to Compete This Weekend in the Philadelphia Triathlon

More than 4,000 athletes from 27 states will swim, bike and run their way through Fairmount Park this weekend as the city welcomes back one of the top ranked multi-sport events in the country — The Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon presented by Suzuki.

Taking place June 20-22, The Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon has staked its claim as a premier triathlon. Held on the Schuylkill River and throughout Fairmount Park, the race was named a top-five triathlon in the United States by Outside Magazine last year and was lauded as one of the top big city triathlons in the January 2008 issue of Inside Triathlon Magazine. Founded in 2005, the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon has grown from a one day event into a triathlon festival weekend with three days of competition and activities.

The first day of racing is Saturday when 1,500 athletes will compete in the Sprint distance triathlon (.9K swim, 24K bike and 5K run) and 100 children will take part in the Kids Fun Run and Kids Duathlon. The main event takes place on Sunday when 2,500 professional athletes and age-groupers compete in the Olympic distance race (1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run). There is a $13,500 prize purse for the Olympic Distance Race. The event expo, located on Smith Memorial Field next to Memorial Hall in West Fairmount Park, runs from Friday through Sunday.

Sunday’s Olympic Race will also serve as the USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship. Participants in this race are eligible to qualify for the 2008 USA Triathlon National Age Group Championship. The top 33% or top 5 finishers (whichever is greater) in each age group will qualify for the National Age Group Championship.

“We are thrilled to welcome more than 4,000 athletes and thousands of spectators to town this weekend for the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon presented by Suzuki,” said Lars Beck, Race Director. “Thanks to the tremendous support of the city, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Suzuki, and all of our sponsors, this event has grown into one of the premier triathlon events in the country. Additionally, it’s a great honor to serve as the USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship and we look forward to hosting some of the top age-groupers and pros on our challenging and beautiful course in Fairmount Park!”

Returning for the third year as the event’s Title Sponsor is Philadelphia Insurance Companies online as Car insurance toronto and others.

“Philadelphia Insurance Companies is proud to once again sponsor one of the top triathlons in the U.S.,” said James J. Maguire, Jr., President and CEO, Philadelphia Insurance Companies. “We have been a partner in the event’s growth over the last few years and seeing the passion and dedication of the more than 4,000 athletes makes us very proud to host this world-class event here in our hometown.”

Joining the sponsor ranks this year is Suzuki Auto who has signed a multi-year commitment to become presenting sponsor of the event.

Top professionals will once again compete in the Olympic distance race on Sunday including Rebeccah Wassner, winner of the 2007 women’s race and David Thompson, winner of the 2006 Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon. The professional wave will start at 6:55 A.M. on Sunday.

The official charity of the 2008 Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon is the Cancer Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training® will also serve as a charitable beneficiary of the event. Athletes and teams from around the country will compete in this year’s event to raise money for CHOP and for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

This entry was posted in News and tagged Festival on December 21, 2013 by Chuck Gregory.

Sin City About To Go Dark

Sin City is about to go dark. In another bold move from the world's most iconic vodka, ABSOLUT(R) is encouraging consumers and bar/nightclub owners to save energy through a series of “Lights Out” parties, kicking off in Las Vegas this weekend in celebration of its ABSOLUT Global Cooling(TM) campaign. Borne from the brand's “In An ABSOLUT World” advertising campaign, ABSOLUT Global Cooling(TM) encourages consumers to reduce the effects of global warming by offering simple steps they can implement in their daily lives.

Lights Out Las Vegas

On June 21, the eve of summer solstice, ABSOLUT Vodka and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino will turn off the lights at approximately 9:30 pm for 60 seconds during the Outernational Music Festival featuring Gnarls Barkley, Thievery Corporation and special guest Bebel Gilberto. Thievery Corporation will enact the first “Lights Out” moment on stage, as both towers and all marquees at Mandalay Bay, including all concert lights, shut down for one minute. Kicking off a series of “Lights Out” bar promotions across the country, Lights Out Las Vegas is a symbolic gesture to call attention to the vision that “In An ABSOLUT World” — if every consumer committed to turning off their lights, the effects of global warming could be reduced and the planet would literally be a cooler place.

“There is no better place than Las Vegas to see what could happen when the lights go out, and the Outernational Music Festival is the perfect forum for this symbolic gesture as we bring together two great musical acts, one of the biggest and best properties in Sin City and thousands of the coolest partygoers on the planet,” said Ian Crystal, Brand Director, ABSOLUT Spirits Company, Inc. “With many 'Lights Out' events to follow, ABSOLUT Vodka is taking the lead in the spirits industry to communicate environmental responsibility to consumers, which will hopefully inspire them to make simple changes in their daily lives.”

To help Las Vegas cool down, ABSOLUT is hosting a series of eco-friendly activities over the weekend:

— ABSOLUT Global Cooling(TM) -branded Prius hybrid cars will offer safe, eco-friendly and complimentary rides to Mandalay Bay guests on June 21 following the concert.

— “Make a Statement” photo stations will be set up at the concert for guests to pledge their commitment to the environment and get a Global Cooling photo to commemorate this special night in Las Vegas.

— Live Earth, a partner in the Global Cooling initiative, will screen a series of short films during the concert's music breaks.

Lights Out On-Premise Promotions

Following Lights Out Las Vegas, ABSOLUT will continue its series of “Lights Out” parties in bars and nightclubs across the country from July through September. At these events, ABSOLUT will invite consumers to take an active role in their commitment to the environment by seeing first hand how alternative sources of energy can turn the lights out on global warming.

By visiting the Global Cooling stations during the bar promotions, consumers can compete to produce energy through human-powered generators and bicycles. At the end of the evening, ABSOLUT will turn the lights off at each participating venue for five minutes, which will reveal to bar patrons if they have generated enough “heat” to keep the party going. If enough energy is created, a six-foot replica of an ABSOLUT bottle will be fully lit — demonstrating their “cool” contribution to the lights out initiative.

Every Sip Makes a Statement

Part of the ABSOLUT Global Cooling campaign is the year-long “Every Sip Makes a Statement” promotion. The program encourages consumers at all touch points to get involved in Global Cooling by registering their ABSOLUT bottle or cocktail codes at www.absolut.com/GlobalCooling, where they have the opportunity to activate their eco-donation to one of three eco-charity partners. The charities selected were based on their creative solutions to making the Earth a “cooler place” and include the Environmental Media Association*, The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation(TM)* and The Ocean Foundation(TM)*. Throughout 2008, ABSOLUT will donate up to $500,000 to support these Global Cooling initiatives.

An ABSOLUT Approach to the Climate Crisis

ABSOLUT Vodka is the first company in the spirits industry to introduce carbon offsetting as part of its environmental work, and since 2003, has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 60 percent (per liter vodka). Today, ABSOLUT has one of the world's most energy efficient distilleries, decreasing its use of energy by 30 percent through a very high level of energy recovery and reducing its use of fossil fuel.

Every bottle of ABSOLUT VODKA is made of 100 percent concept cultivated wheat, which minimizes nitrogen leaching and reduces use of chemical pesticides. ABSOLUT strives to optimize its use of natural resources, and to choose eco-friendly alternatives as much as possible. As an example, the ABSOLUT bottle is made of 43 percent recycled glass. ABSOLUT is determined to continuously reduce packaging, increase the re-use of transport packaging and improve waste separation at source, and to find a market for waste products.

For more information on ABSOLUT Global Cooling(TM), please visit www.absolut.com/GlobalCooling

About The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.

An official partner of Live Earth, The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc., a subsidiary of V&S Group, produces and markets ABSOLUT(R) VODKA, Level (TM) Vodka, FRIS(R) Vodka, Plymouth(TM) Gin and Cruzan(R) Rum. The Absolut Spirits Company focuses on reducing the impact on climate change, sustainable agriculture and optimizing use of natural resources as mandated by V&S Group. To view details on the company's efforts to combat global warming, visit www.vsgroup.com and click on “Corporate Responsibility/Environment.”

About Live Earth

Based in Los Angeles, Live Earth is an organization that seeks to leverage the power of music and integrated entertainment to combat climate change. On July 7, 2007, Live Earth held the largest global entertainment event in history, staging simultaneous concerts in New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg and Hamburg, as well as special broadcast events in Antarctica, Kyoto and Washington, DC. The day featured more than 150 musical acts — a mix of legendary artists like The Police, Genesis, Bon Jovi and Madonna with the latest headliners like Kanye West, Kelly Clarkson, Black Eyed Peas and Jack Johnson. Through TV, radio and the Internet, the concert reached an estimated two billion people.

Live Earth's 24 hours of music across seven continents delivered a worldwide call to action and the solutions necessary to answer that call. With this maiden event, Live Earth has launched a multi-year campaign to drive individuals, corporations and governments to take action to solve the climate crisis. Live Earth is partnered with former Vice President and recent Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore and his Alliance for Climate Protection. Live Earth was founded by Kevin Wall, CEO of Control Room, the company that produced the concerts globally. For more information, please visit www.LiveEarth.org

*Please contact Sarah Bessette or Zlata Faerman for more information about the ABSOLUT Global Cooling(TM) charity partners and how the donations will be used. For more information on the eco-charities, please see Addendum A (attached).

ADDENDUM A
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON GLOBAL COOLING CHARITIES

The ABSOLUT Global Cooling(TM) charities include:

— The Environmental Media Association – Linking the power of celebrity to environmental awareness, EMA believes that through television, film and music, the entertainment community can affect change in a positive way. To reduce the number of plastic bags discarded into the environment, ABSOLUT is partnering with EMA to create stylish, reusable tote bags and inspire the use of tote bags for all shopping. These limited bags, designed by celebrities, will be available free of charge nationwide beginning in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Austin and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.ema-online.org

— The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation(TM) – The FTPF is dedicated to planting edible, fruitful trees and plants to benefit needy populations and improve the surrounding air, soil, and water. In order to help directly offset carbon dioxide emissions, ABSOLUT is partnering with FTPF to plant fruit tree groves called “ABSOLUT Global Cooling Zones” in metropolitan areas with an emphasis towards those locations devastated by natural disasters. For more information, visit www.ftpf.org

— The Ocean Foundation(TM) – The Ocean Foundation's mission is to support, strengthen and promote those organizations dedicated to reversing the trend of destruction of ocean environments around the world. Similar to planting trees on land, planting seagrass beds will help increase the rate at which near-shore coastal shelves sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Proceeds from ABSOLUT will go towards replanting coastal seagrass beds near Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami and Boston. For more information, visit www.oceanfdn.org

This entry was posted in News and tagged Benefit, Concert, Festival, New York on December 21, 2013 by Chuck Gregory.

SILVERDOCS Announces Festival Winners

SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival announced its distinguished award winners, culminating the weeklong Festival activities that included screening 108 films representing 63 countries, free outdoor screenings and live performances, and a five-day concurrent International Documentary Conference attended by over 650 filmmakers, film and television executives and media professionals exploring the documentary in action, with a particular emphasis on youth, education and next generation media artists. Winning filmmakers received over $70,000 in combined cash and in-kind prizes. The Audience Award winners will be announced on Monday, June 23, 2008.

This year's SILVERDOCS Sterling Award for a US Feature goes to THE GARDEN directed by Scott Hamilton Kennedy which documents a 14-acre oasis rising out of the ashes of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. The director will receive $10,000 cash and $5,000 in film stock from Kodak.

Honorable Mention went to TROUBLE THE WATER by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal. The film weaves together first person footage with their own into an evocative dialogue that reveals a powerful, heart-wrenching, infuriating and ultimately inspiring Katrina survival story.

This year's inaugural SILVERDOCS Sterling Award for a World Feature goes to THE ENGLISH SURGEON directed by Geoffrey Smith, which tells the story of British neurosurgeon Henry Marsh, who performs surgery in the Ukraine with the crudest tools. The director will receive $10,000 cash and $5,000 in film stock from Kodak.

Honorable mention went to THE RED RACE directed by Chao Gan, which chronicles Chinese passion for gymnastics against the backdrop of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

The SILVERDOCS Sterling Award for a Short Film was given to WHAT WOULD THE DROP KNOW ABOUT THAT?, directed by Jan Zabeil, which examines foreign-born custodial workers at The Reichstag in Germany, who guide us through a stunning contemplation of the significance — or insignificance — of one person among institutions and nation-states. The filmmaker will receive $5,000 cash.

Special Jury mention went GROUND FLOOR RIGHT, directed by Marlene Schiott Rasmussen, which provides a peek into the life of Fang, a bird hoarder in a cramped apartment.

For its cinematic vision, the Jury also provided a special mention to ONE DAY directed by Ditte Haarlov Johnsen, a complex story about a West African woman working as a prostitute in Denmark.

The SILVERDOCS Music Documentary Award presented by Gibson Guitars went to THROW DOWN YOUR HEART directed by Sascha Paladino. The film chronicles Banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck's enthralling journey through Africa to uncover the roots of the Banjo, an instrument now regarded as quintessentially American. Gibson Guitars will present a Gibson Les Paul Standard to the winner valued at $3,700.

The SILVERDOCS Cinematic Vision Award went to THE ORDER OF MYTHS directed by Margaret Brown. The film explores the oldest and still segregated Mardi Gras in the U.S. The filmmaker will receive $2,500 cash.

The SILVERDOCS WITNESS Award in honor of Joey R. B. Lozano was given to PRAY THE DEVIL BACK TO HELL by Gina Reticker, an exposition of the thousands of Liberian women who peacefully ended the civil war that claimed over 250,000 lives through non-violent protests and organizational acumen. The award is given to the strongest documentary about human rights violations or social justice issues. The filmmaker will receive $5,000 cash.

The American Film Market/SILVERDOCS Award for a film that shows exceptional market promise went to KASSIM THE DREAM by Kief Davidson, which chronicles the career of Kassim Ouma, a former Ugandan child soldier who defected to the U.S. and became a world champion boxer. The filmmaker will be presented passes to the American Film Market this fall, airfare, five night's hotel and pre-arranged meetings with potential partners ($5,000 value).

The Award Winner for the Animal Content in Entertainment (ACE) Grant went to THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM by Michael Webber. The feature-length documentary spotlights an extraordinary police officer whose work in handling dangerous encounters with wild animals in America's suburbs illustrates the problems of the exotic animal trade and owning dangerous wild animals as pets. The director received a $25,000 grant.

The Writers Guild of America, West and the Writers Guild of America, East have named writer-director Anna Broinowski as the winner of the first-ever WGA Documentary Screenplay Award for her film FORBIDDEN LIE$, which investigates accusations that Forbidden Love author Norma Khouri fabricated her biographical tale of a Muslim friend who was murdered for dating a Christian. The award carries with it a prize of $2,500 and the winner will be granted one-year free membership in the WGAW or WGAE Nonfiction Writers Caucus.

The SILVERDOCS Audience Award for a Feature was given to HERB & DOROTHY directed by Megumi Sasaki. The film chronicles the life and art collection of Herbert and Dorothy Vogel, whose shared passion and discipline on a postman and librarian's salary redefined what it means to be a patron of the arts, culminating in the donation of the multi-million dollar collection to the National Gallery of Art.

The SILVERDOCS Audience Award for a short went to THE TAILOR by Oscar Perez, which follows a Pakistani tailor in Barcelona, where the customer is always wrong. Each Audience Award winner will receive $4,000 in services from Alpha Cine.

This entry was posted in Hotels, News and tagged Festival on December 21, 2013 by Chuck Gregory.

Kutztown Festival Celebrates Pennsylvania Dutch Culture and Art

The week-long event is also where the whole family can learn about and enjoy Pennsylvania Dutch folk life.

“The Kutztown Festival is the perfect place to experience the culture, artistry and cuisine of the Pennsylvania Dutch,” said Mickey Rowley, deputy secretary of tourism in the Department of Community and Economic Development. “While being immersed in the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, visitors can choose a quilt from the largest selection available in the nation.

“And, with the festival just a day's drive for more than half of the U.S. population, this is a must-do for people looking for an affordable and unique getaway.”

The Kutztown Festival is and less than three hours from New York City and Washington, D.C.

Pennsylvania Dutch dialect and folklore will fill the Kutztown fairgrounds as blacksmithing, weaving, woodcarving and metalworking are demonstrated daily by more than 200 unique artisans.

Other highlights of the festival include:
— George Washington, portrayed by Carl Closs, and Benjamin Franklin,
portrayed by Dean Bennett, will entertain audiences as they reminisce
about the nation's history at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 28.
— Wine enthusiast can enjoy a sampling at the Pinnacle Ridge Winery
booth. Each year, a special festival commemorative wine is offered; a
number of other varieties available for tasting. Pinnacle Ridge
received multiple awards at the 2008 Pennsylvania Farm Show and
secured a silver and bronze medal at the 2007 Los Angeles
International Wine & Spirits Competition.
— Each day, craftsmen will demonstrate the timber-framing building
process and show how to raise a small frame. Timber-framing is a
historic building method that uses local timber to construct the
durable buildings commonly found on Pennsylvania German homesteads.

This entry was posted in News and tagged Festival, New York, Wine on December 21, 2013 by Chuck Gregory.

Hottest Networking Events for Women in Atlanta

Countdown to Kickoff by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and others

Starts: July 7th, 2008 at 8:00am
Ends: July 7th, 2008 at 5:00pm

Former University of Georgia football players Jon and Matt Stinchcomb will host the second annual Countdown to Kickoff. Prepare for the football season along with fellow Georgia alumni, and Bulldog fans can take part in a golf tournament, Dawg-themed auction and party, fan festival and autograph session. This fundraiser will benefit the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Georgia Transplant Foundation and the University of Georgia College of Education. The event centers in cincinnati provides opportunities for hundreds of Bulldog fans to meet more than 50 current and former UGA players. 678.514.1185 .

Vital Leadership Series by Women in Technology (WIT)

Starts: July 9th, 2008 at 7:00am
Ends: July 9th, 2008 at 9:00am

Leadership is crucial not only for professional success, but also personal. Join us for our July meeting as Ralph de la Vega, President and CEO of AT&T Mobility, will share his inspirational life story, from his arrival in America from Cuba at the age of 10 without family, friends, or knowledge of English, to becoming the CEO of one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. Maggiano’s Buckhead 3368 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA

2nd Annual Awards Luncheon and Fundraiser by ProWomen.org

Starts: July 26th, 2008 at 8:00am
Ends: July 26th, 2008 at 4:00pm

For our July 26, 2008 Signature Event, we’ve planned a fun-filled day including Celebrity Challenge Tennis and Golf Tournaments for corporate and other professionals to network and learn or just have fun playing tennis or golf at the Chateau Élan Winery and Resort, just 45 minutes outside Atlanta off I-85. The day will kick off with four funtastic hours of golf or tennis if you choose or simply join us for a gourmet luncheon. Register online at www.ProWomen.org or call 866-943-5797 x 7015 for more information.

Maximize Corporate Asset Value through IP Strategy by IP Refinery

Starts: July 29th, 2008 at 8:30am
Ends: July 29th, 2008 at 1:00pm

Atlanta-based, women-owned IP Refinery presents a half day seminar on Maximizing Corporate Asset Value through Intellectual Property Business Strategy. The half-day seminar is designed specifically for investment professionals and executives who oversee one or more of corporate investment, business search, innovation processes, product development, and M&A activities. This is the first and only seminar revealing how IP strategy IS business strategy. Although others claim to show how to use patents for business, patents and other IP (such as trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets) remain in the hands of legal professionals, who, more often than not, treat IP as legal questions divorced from business reality.

Driving Success with a Quality Workforce by Toyota

Starts: July 31st, 2008 at 7:30am
Ends: July 31st, 2008 at 10:30am

Achieving success and profitability begins with recruiting, selecting, and retaining the right people to drive the engine of the business. HR executives will get an “under-the-hood” perspective on Toyota’s success in this arena at “The Toyota Culture: Driving Success with a Quality Workforce,” a complimentary breakfast presentation and business roundtable. Mike Hoseus, former Toyota Executive and Author of the best selling book Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way will be the keynote speaker. The event will be held at the Cobb Galleria and it is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please contact Dana Fox at dana_fox@adp.com or 678-683-9867 to register. The first 100 guests will receive a complimentary copy of The Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way signed by Hoseus.

Kids Helping Kids by The Marcus Institute

Starts: August 9th, 2008 at 9:30am
Ends: August 9th, 2008 at 12:00pm

Kids Helping Kids is a youth talent show benefiting The Marcus Institute. The event is being hosted by The Westminster Schools. Open auditions for children age four and up. Open auditions will be held July 12 and July 16 at The Marcus Institute, and finals will be held on August 9. The contest will have four age categories. Audition information, application, and all event details can be found on our website. marcus.org/news/events/2008/kids_helping.html

Taste of Asia by Georgia Restaurant Association

Starts: August 10th, 2008 at 8:00am
Ends: August 16th, 2008 at 9:00pm

Asian food sizzles in Atlanta this summer during a Taste of Asia this Aug. 10-16. Restaurants throughout the city, such as Silk, and Ludacris’ hot new restaurant, Straits, will be featuring entertainment and special offers such as a three-course menu for $28. Casual dining restaurants will offer two dinners for a $28 value. Find the foodie in you during this week long celebration of Asian culture. A portion of the proceeds go to a culinary scholarship focusing on continuing the Asian culinary tradition. For more information and event locations, visit http://tasteofasiaweek.com.

Designed for a Purpose Fashion Show by Dress for Success Atlanta

Starts: August 17th, 2008 at 5:00pm
Ends: August 17th, 2008 at 7:00am

Fashionable Recycling: Dress for Success Atlanta is revealing its green side as it hosts its annual fashion show fundraiser event on August 17th at 5pm. In attempts to raise awareness for the organization and what they do this year designers have pushed their creative abilities to develop a new design ensemble from recycled material or clothing. At Dress for Success Atlanta, one woman’s business suit is purposefully recycled to aid another woman’s future. Please come out and join in an evening of sophisticated fashion, featuring special musical guests and an opportunity to win unbelievable prizes. Visit www.designedforapurpose.org to buy tickets or for more information. Tickets are available now for $30 general admission and $75 VIP.

Chopstix for Charity by NAAAP

Starts: August 18th, 2008 at 6:00pm
Ends: August 18th, 2008 at 11:00pm

The Atlanta chapter of National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP-Atlanta) is set to host the 10th annual Chopstix for Charity event, in conjunction to the NAAAP National Convention,at the beautiful SunTrust Atrium, two walking blocks from Hyatt Regency Atlanta hotel, in Downtown Atlanta. The Phoenix, a mythical bird that rebirths itself as a stronger and more beautiful creature, will be the theme of this years gala representing a renewed and recharged spirit for the event. Chopstix for Charity will be celebrating 10 years of raising funds and awareness for the Asian-American Community. info@chopstixforcharity.org.

It’s About Time by G-CAPP & IKEA

Starts: September 17th, 2008 at 6:00pm
Ends: September 17th, 2008 at 9:00pm

“It’s About Time” For A Great Cause. Purchase one-of-a-kind art timepieces designed by celebrities such as Gladys Knight, Big Boi of Outkast, Tyler Perry of Madea, Martina Navratilova, India Arie and nationally known artists to support Jane Fonda’s Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (G-CAPP) during the “It’s About Time” charity auction and reception, September 17, 2008, from 6-9 p.m.at IKEA, 441 16th Street in Atlanta GA. Cost is $100 per ticket. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go towards G-CAPP’s Second Chance Homes Program, which provides homes throughout Georgia to young mothers with support to become self-sufficient parents. 404.475.6046 or www.gcapp.org

Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk by Kaiser Permanente

Starts: September 25th, 2008 at 7:00pm
Ends: September 25th, 2008 at 12:00am

Atlanta Woman is a proud supporting sponsor of the Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk. Produced by U.S. Olympian and running expert Jeff Galloway through Phidippides Runners RRCA, the Kaiser Permanante Corporate Run/Walk & Fitness Program is a unique workplace organized fitness program that kicks off with the Get Active Atlanta Training Program, which includes a free 8-week training membership, and culiminates in a downtown Corporate 5K Run/Walk and Company Picnic although for those people wanting to try other culinary experiences they can try other restaurants from these online guides at https://www.unlockitlocksmith.com/the-best-foodie-experiences-in-atlanta-georgia/. The Kaiser Permanente Corporate Run/Walk is designed to promote health, wellness and fitness among metro Atlanta companies and their employees. Designed to promote health and fitness among metro Atlanta companies and their employees, a portion of proceeds also benefits the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. KPCorporaterunwalk.com

Men Stopping Violence Annual Awards Dinner by Men Stopping Violence

Starts: October 11th, 2008 at 8:00pm
Ends: October 11th, 2008 at 11:00pm

Men Stopping Violence will honor Natasha Trethewey, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, and George McKerrow Jr., philanthropist and restaurant entrepreneur, for their commitment to the work of ending violence against women. The Men Stopping Violence Annual Awards Dinner has become a traditional gathering for allies and supporters of this vital work. Tickets: $150-$200. The Atlanta History Center 130 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta, GA 404.270.9894 or menstoppingviolence.org.

Numbers Too Big To Ignore by Atlanta Women’s Foundation

Starts: October 30th, 2008 at 11:30am
Ends: October 30th, 2008 at 2:00pm

The Atlanta Women’s Foundation believes that an investment in women and girls is an investment in healthy families and strong communities. We accomplish this by awarding grants to nonprofit organizations serving women and girls, developing leadership programs for women, educating the public on the challenges faced by women and girls, and advocating on their behalf. Your support of this event will ensure that women and girls have the tools they need to succeed in our community. numbers@atlantawomen.org or 404.577.5000 ext. 108

New Beginnings: A Photography Exhibit & Reception by Samaritan House of Atlanta

Starts: October 30th, 2008 at 6:00pm
Ends: October 30th, 2008 at 9:00pm

New Beginnings: The Story of Homelessness and Lives Transformed, is a pictorial journey of Atlanta’s homeless men and women from the streets to success. The event will also feature a silent auction, raffle, entertainment, food and beverages, and a short presentation about Samaritan House’s impact on homelessness in Atlanta. Through New Beginnings, Samaritan House hopes to heighten awareness of the issue of homelessness in Atlanta while demonstrating a sense of hope for the homeless population and the city of Atlanta. Proceeds from the event will help fund vital services offered to Samaritan House clients, including meals, case management, employment readiness training, transitional employment opportunities and Community Voice Mail. www.SamHouse.org

This entry was posted in Hotels, News and tagged Benefit, Festival, Gala, Wine on December 21, 2013 by Chuck Gregory.

Best 4th of July Fireworks Will Be at Inner Harbor

Best 4th of July Fireworks in Baltimore, MD: Inner Harbor

Fireworks displays will be seen all over Baltimore, MD this Fourth of July.

July 4th is a great day to celebrate! First of all, it's a day off of work, anyway you look at it. Second, its patriotic. You get a chance to show off your American spirit by wearing red, white and blue clothes and making patriotic themed decorations. And, the best part of this historically significant day is the fireworks that take place in the evening. Every town in America has fireworks– they're everywhere! You can find them in lake resorts, by the beach, out in fields, at festivals, and just about anywhere else families and children gather. With all of these choices, how do you decide which ones to watch? If you live in Baltimore, or in the surrounding area to include Washington, DC, you will have a decision to make. Will you pick some remote location or will you go where the action is? I personally would pick where the action is. The Inner Harbor is definitely the place to be for the July 4th celebration of fireworks each year. This event attracts crowds into the millions! Live music takes place with live radio broadcasting. The fireworks can be viewed from many different areas. And, you're in the Inner Harbor! This location has great restaurants, and there are plenty of places to stay overnight if you come from a distance…. What's happening this year for July 4th in the Inner Harbor The Independence Day celebration begins at noon and lasts until the fireworks are over at 10 pm. Live music will take place all day! The music will be played at the Inner Harbor Ampitheatre, which is found at the corner of Light Street and Pratt Street in Baltimore. From noon to four pm, street performers will perform. Then, at four pm,Almost Recess takes the stage, followed by jazz musician David Bach at 7 pm.