Archive for March, 2010

March 31, 2010: 4:10 pm: CraigArts & Culture

Charlotte, North Carolina is creating a lot of buzz in various cultural and entertainment scenes. It has been making news with various additional recreational aspects and one of its more recent cultural developments is the NC Music Factory . This is also a great example of Charlotte’s ability to revive and rejuvenate buildings and neighborhoods. The factory exits in what used to be an old mill warehouse facility that has been rejuvenated and transformed into a major entertainment venue. The building has retained its original wood and brick, which contributes to an historic feel.

The factory is located in an area that has seen a great deal of revitalization in the last few years. There are various eateries and clubs as well as creative office spaces and companies. The factory has established the area as a major music attraction and includes a large outdoor amphitheater for performances. In addition, the preservation of so much of its original look and construction helps the factory feel like the original establishment that it is. This is an important aspect of the venue that competes with national chains and franchises.

Part of the intention with the development of the factory was to give audiences a great selection of musical offerings in one centralized location. This has contributed to many people driving in from outside the city to attend a concert. The establishment has also contributed to an increased business for many of nice hotels in the area as people are frequently attracted to spending the night when they’re in town for a show. There is a nice combination of music genres and a range of performers that includes some local bands as well as national acts. Robin Thicke, Julian Casablancas, and Korn are just of few of the examples of upcoming performances. The Gruesome Twosome Tour with Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie will be there on May 19.

March 27, 2010: 2:03 pm: CraigEntertainment, Travel

Austin, Texas may be the self-described music capital of the world, but that doesn’t stop major bands and those that are just getting started from pursuing the music scene in Los Angeles. And while the city of LA may be the film capital of the world , that also does nothing to impeded the popularity and interest in the local music scene. It also helps that many of the major labels are located in this city, but it’s also nothing of a coincidence that some of the top solo musicians and great bands throughout history have started their career in Los Angeles. In addition, there are bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers that are not only from LA and have achieved something of a legendary music status, but they also write many songs in honor of and in homage to their home city.

The Chili Peppers first formed in 1983 and have become extremely popular, respected and well known not only for their unique blend of funk, rock, some aspects of punk rock but also for their various stage behaviors throughout the years. Their unique approach to music didn’t land the band great commercial or popular success for almost a decade. During this time they formed a solid performance style and played at various LA clubs and venues.

When tourists visit Los Angeles, they frequently go to at least one of the night clubs in the city while they are there. And when someone catches a performance by a band that later makes it big, they frequently remember the night they first saw them in a club. That helps to make the trip special and usually people will remember all the details from the experience including the exact hotel room they stayed in. The Chili Peppers first major breakthrough album came in 1991 with Blood Sugar Sex Magik. This was an enormously successful album, and reached heights of sales that the band had never before seen. It also contained the song Under The Bridge, which was their first of many popular songs about LA or set in it.

March 25, 2010: 1:24 pm: CraigEntertainment

Amarillo is one of Texas’ major Panhandle cities and is the seat of Potter County. And while it is only the fifteenth largest city in Texas, it influences much of the regional cultural and politics. Some of its major institutions, such as the Amarillo Symphony are respected and supported throughout the county and surrounding areas. It is also one of the historic cultural institutions of the city and many of the guests who visit Amarillo are attracted to attending one of its performances. There are plenty of great places to stay in the city and they will have good information on this and other cultural attractions and entrainment venues.

The symphony was originally established in 1924 and at the time was founded as a 12 piece ensemble. This early manifestation was led by Miss Grace Hamilton and within its first eight years of existence, the company grew to a 56 musician membership. This is one of the largest growth rates ever experienced by a musical institution in the Amarillo regional area in that amount of time. However, this establishment, like all cultural and artistic entities, was not immune to the struggles of economic hardship during the 1930s and 40s. However, their commitment to excellence and belief in the importance of quality music in a society had helped keep them afloat, and while recent economic struggles have also affected it, the company is well supported by the community it represents.

The symphony is also focused on education and youth programs, which help to establish a new generation of quality music lovers and potential musicians in Amarillo. Many of the concerts are focused on family appreciation and incorporate the youth orchestra into the program. This is exemplified by the upcoming concert Discover Family, which will be performed on April 16 and 17. This is a major collaborative effort and will include performances by Amarillo Youth Orchestras, West Texas A&M University Choirs and the Amarillo Civic Chorus. Works by Stravinsky
and Faure will be on the schedule.

March 23, 2010: 1:22 pm: CraigPolitics

The biggest news to come out of Washington DC in recent years hit the news media this evening and demonstrates progress in an extremely important yet heavily debated subject. That of course is the passing of President Obama’s proposed health care reform bill . Congress gave the approval after a tumultuous developmental history. Only two months ago many politicians and news correspondents believed that the bill was dead and the tenacious and ethical belief driven president continued the fight. The Senate had already passed it and tonight it made it through the House with a vote of 219 to 212.

The nation, and the rest of the world, is used to hearing big news coming from Washington, and tonight is a historic making approval vote that might change the lives of many people in this country. It is the home of the White House and also the Capital Building and while many people throughout the nation frequently consider the political activities to take place in some sort of mythological arena, they are frequently surprised when the tour the actual locations when they visit DC. Most of the area hotels will have quality information on the various landmarks and attractions and this keeps tourists enthralled and captivated, as much of it is new to them.

President Obama has been promising some kind of health care reform since his campaign days and while the economic crisis and military efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and surrounding regions have occupied a great deal of his time and efforts, his has never lost sight of his promise and goal. The intention of this bill is to provide health care to the nation’s under-insured and those without insurance, which is a large and growing population. In addition to making health care more affordable, there are regulation aspects that will hold insurance providers more accountable extend health care to all citizens. The basic principles on this new bill were laid out by the President on September 9, 2009. This is a major success for his presidency.

March 17, 2010: 4:10 pm: CraigTravel

It may only be March, but the Xclamation Festival , also known as X Fest, is only a few months away and plans are in progress for this year’s event and out of town participants are making their hotel reservations and flight or alternative travel plans. It’s never too early to be ready for a great festival and this is one of the main annual events in Modesto. There are other festivals, and many of them are incredibly dynamic and popular though the X Fest is one of the favorites and if you’re in the area, it should not be missed.

The festival generally takes play on the third Saturday in July though it looks like it is going to be scheduled on the 7th of August for this year, so you can plan on this date if you are planning on attending. Meanwhile, what you can also plan on is some great music and a fabulous festival. The entire event should cover the ground between 9th and 12th Streets and J and H Streets, so be sure that you were your walking shoes and something comfortable to wear. This is an event oriented around a great time, which means you can expect to roam around and dance. It is not a fashion show so you will likely want to leave your high heels at home.

There is an over riding Carnivalesque atmosphere and the festival is focused on having a great time. There is music everywhere and generally 50 bands will perform on 8 different stages. All day and into the evening there will be great music, fabulous food and a revelry atmosphere. Some of the bands and musicians who will be taking the stage this year include Fatima, Brandon Tyler, Coma Bloom, and South of Sanity, to name just a few. This is the only time of the year that so many great bands take a few stages at the same in this designated space in Modesto and the entire event is one that much like Carnival celebrations across the world is an experience like non other.

: 4:10 pm: CraigTravel

While there are a large number of cultural attractions and a diverse selection of things to do while visiting San Antonio, Texas, one of the favorite pastimes for residents and visitors alike to spend some time in one of the beautiful parks in the area. An afternoon picnic in March and April can be a great thing, as long as a sudden storm doesn’t blow away all your paper plates, napkins and cups. Of course, as is true for many cities at this time of year, the weather can sometimes be unpredictable. But if you don’t mind that, San Antonio also has some incredibly beautiful afternoons in its future. If you’re planning to visit San Antonio, you can click here for information on places to stay.

One of the best ways to take advantage of beautiful weather and great city parks is to enjoy one of the festivals or other events that are bound to take place there. In San Antonio there is always something going on in and around its parks and this month has been extremely busy in this aspect. The Parks and Recreation department sponsors many of these events and on the 20th of March a special event will be taking place at Brackenridge Park .

Spring Fling with the Wild Things will be a special event that is sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department and will be free to attendees. The day will include some great opportunities for family fun and entertainment and among the festivities will be the chance to watch a gazelle perform ballet and an impressive tap dance routine performed by a rhinoceros. This will all take place in the historic Sunken Garden Theatre at the park. There will also be fun activities such as face painting for families. Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day.

March 15, 2010: 4:10 pm: CraigTravel

Monterey, California is one of the coastal mecca’s of the state and is well known for being the home of many artists . In addition to all of this great cultural heritage, the city is known for its amazing views and moderate weather. While San Francisco’s summers have been described as the coldest winter a visitor could ever experience, Monterey is a bit less extreme. Currently, the weather looks like it’s going to be a nice, though slightly cool week ahead. And while the temperatures can be mild, the fact that Monterey is a coast town also means that there is generally a high level of humidity. When the ocean breeze blows throw town a large dose of humidity can greatly increase the chilling effects of the wind. This is just a gentle reminder for anyone who thinks that because it’s about two hours south of San Francisco, Monterey doesn’t have the capacity to chill your bones. So, if you plan to visit this coastal town , you will want to bring a coat.

The months of March and April are generally considered to be major transitional months in many areas. April in particular can bring extremely topsy turvy weather patterns and in many areas one day can bare no resemblance to the next. Right now the weather in Monterey looks pretty steady and nice. The days will remain cool and throughout the week the highs should be somewhere in the mid to upper sixties. This is perfect weather for many people, and those on the East coast will think this is extremely warm. The evenings will cool down to the mid and low 40s, which is also pretty mild. The week will begin with mostly sunny skies and no clouds. Later in the week some clouds should develop though for the most part it should remain clear. At this point there are no storms expected through the week in Monterey.

March 13, 2010: 5:09 pm: CraigBeauty, Entertainment, Event, Fashion, Leisure, Sport, Travel

If you are in England or anywhere near it for that matter, you probably know about the Cheltenham Racecourse and the fact that the Cheltenham Gold Cup festivities are starting on Tuesday the 16th. All four days are a great time to be in the area, but if you can only attend the event for one day I suggest you make it Lady’s Day. This is a great day to be at the track as the jump races are happening as well as the ladies fashion awards.

This is a famous fashion contest that starts early in the morning until the first race. There are always a number of great prizes and this is no different. This ear three well dressed women will be presented with a prize package consisting of 24 hours use of a Aston Martin DB9, 12 months use of a a new Alfa Romeo Mito, a deluxe overnight stay at one of the top hotels The Greenway, which includes in it a personal style taster session with Stuart Weir while there, a tweed coat and a Magnum of Rose Champagne.

It’s easy to enter this contest, but it is hard to win it. There are only three categories, Best Dressed Lady, Lady with the Best Hat, Lady with the Best Accessories. All you need to enter is to head over to the fashion area and be over the age of 17. Fashion scouts are out as soon as the gates open to direct well dressed ladies into the fashion area.

This is not the only event happening on Lady’s Day however, and there will be a lot of fun to be had by all. If you are not interested in getting dressed up, there is also the Outstanding Contribution Award as well as a visit by the Ladies Day Ambassador, this real Georgie Browne. The Outstanding Contribution Award is in recognition of the ladies that have contributed to Jump Racing. In past years the award has been given to Heather Atkinson, Chicky Oaksey, and Nina Carberry each have been fundamental parts of the ongoing sport of Jump Racing.

This is a great opportunity to see and be seen, and most of all to see some really great races. Make sure you come out with a large group of your friends to get a great group discount, and don’t forget about the great restaurants in the area to grab a snack when you get hungry.

March 4, 2010: 6:49 pm: CraigEntertainment, Event, Sport

Once of Frank’s life long obsession oriented dreams finally occurred, after an almost eternity of waiting, after all he was a whole nine years old, last year when his uncle took him to a live Philadelphia 76ers basketball game. It was really the greatest evening of Frank’s young life, up to that point. He had been a 76ers fan for as long as he could remember. His mother claims that it was not always his choice because his grandfather was always coming over and propping him up as a baby in front of the television and watching the games with him. However, she didn’t complain too loudly because every time Frank was upset and crying she could prop him up in front of a game and he would be okay. Naturally, his parents collected tapes of 76ers games and had them on hand.

Inadvertently this also contributed to Frank’s obsession. He started memorizing game details, team and player statistics before he was even aware of it. There was simply no way for Frank to grow up and not love basketball and be a loyal lifelong 76er fan. Well, his father was afraid it would all backfire one day and he would actually despise basketball, but his fears were unfounded.

On the evening Frank and his uncle went to the game his uncle thought about surprising him and just showing up there but his mother wouldn’t let him. She explained that Frank would be extremely upset to learn he was going to a game and didn’t have on his Willie Green jersey. So, to make the evening complete, his uncle told him what they would be doing and with both of them in jerseys they enjoyed a cheese steak sandwich before heading to the Wachovia Center. They passed a few of the hotels in Philadelphia and Frank wondered if any of them contained fans for the other team. It was truly a magical evening, one that Frank would never forget.