AAA Travel Views – I found myself nodding in agreement as the author explained that he wasn’t a typical Branson visitor, but he made an exception for Paul Revere & the Raiders.  Since they were a band from my teen years, I can relate.

Intelligent Travel – It’s winter down under, and Vivid Sydney is a cultural extravaganza designed to turn the city into a canvas of light and sound.

The Amsterdam Guide – When’s the best time to visit Amsterdam?  Any time!  And here’s why.

Blisstree – Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that many people fall in love with when they have it in Paris.  Here’s how you can recreate it at home – and it’s not that difficult.

My Melange – A tantalizing review of Tazza d’Oro in Rome reminds me that it’s only 18 days till I leave for Italy.

The New York City Traveler – A tour New York’s famous Zabar’s, a great spot to pick up treats for a picnic.  I haven’t been there for quite some time, but this took me back.

Traveling Mamas – Exploring a city that I’ve not been to — Sedona, Arizona.  Lots of great suggestions on how to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of this area.

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

If you’ve seen this production before, be prepared for a little upping of the risqué factor here in Las Vegas.  The language is a little coarser, making it, some would argue, a little more authentic.  It’s Jersey, after all.

But the story and the music is the same:  the evolution of the music and the careers of kids from Jersey trying to carve out some success.

Part theater and part concert performance, Jersey Boys tells the story of the The Four Seasons, the boy band from the wrong side of the Jersey tracks.  The story is told by, and from the point of view of, four different narrators.  Each narrator represents one of the four seasons, and one of The Four Seasons, as they tell the story of the different goals and self interests that fueled their careers.

The first acts tells the story of some bumbling guys from Jersey trying to carve out a life in music.  When one of the guys gets sent off to prison, Frankie Valli starts fronting for the group, bringing a wide vocal range and an impressive falsetto.  Still, until the group met up with songwriter Bob Gaudio (Who Wears Short Shorts?), success eluded them.

Valli and Gaudio formed a songwriting partnership on the basis on a handshake.  In a world of contracts and lawyers it’s hard to believe that the partnership continues today – on that same handshake.  The partnership lead to successful times during the 60’s,with songs like Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Walk Like a Man.  They were clean cut and establishment during a counter-culture era, but the fans loved them.

In the second act we learn that life was not all top ten hits and adoring fans for The Four Seasons.  There were very dark times of gambling (how ironic for a Vegas show), criminal conduct, drinking, womanizing and ruined marriages,and death.  The Four Seasons broke up, to be replaced by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.  The music from this stage of their careers was different, too, with hits like Stay, Let’s Hang On (to What We’ve Got) and Opus 17 (Don’t You Worry About Me).

The show came to its conclusion with one final song, the cast took its bows as the audience was on its feet in thunderous applause.  At that moment, it wasn’t theater, it was a concert. And we weren’t willing to let the bad leave the stage without an encore.

Jersey Boys performs at The Palazzo on Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7 pm.  Tuesday & Saturday at 6:30 and 9:30 pm. The theater is dark on Wednesday.  Tickets start around $65 (plus tax and handling fees), and a variety of room/ticket packages and VIP seating options are available.  The performance last about two hours, with a short break between acts.  You can purchase tickets for Jersey Boys online, through the box office on site, or through your hotel concierge.

Whether you grew up in this era, or are hearing the music of The Four Seasons for the first time, you’ll be caught up in it.  Caught up in the story of the music — and the music that is the story.  Oh what a night!

Image credit: Amazon

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

For those of you too young to remember Easy Rider, it is one of the iconic movies of the 60’s. 

It debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May 1969, and was both a counterculture classic and a warning against the communal lifestyle and use of drugs popular in the era.  It starred Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson, was produced by Fonda and directed by Hopper, and featured music from Steppenwolf, Jimi Hedrix, the Band, and the Byrds.

Dennis Hopper was living in Taos at the time Easy Rider was filmed, and some of the shots were filmed there.  Taos was home to a thriving artists colony along with several thriving communes.  Although the town is much different today, it is still appeals to those searching for a different, perhaps alternative, way of life.

Hopper remains a part-time resident of Taos, New Mexico, and the festival features two of his exhibits at The Harwood Museum of Art.  The summer is full of events, including art, film and music designed to let you flash back to a the era of the late 60’s. 

Taos Summer of Love runs May through September, and kicks off with a fundraising dinner with Dennis Hopper to benefit the Harwood Museum.  The full Summer of Love schedule is available, and you can also follow them on Twitter.

You may not have been Born to be Wild in 1969, but you can recreate the experience in Taos this summer.

Image credit:  Courtesy of Taos Vacation Guide

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

This Phantom is an all-new production, reuniting the original creative team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Hal Prince.  It’s the same storyline, including all the songs, but has new staging and illusions that are perfectly Vegas-inspired.

Without giving away some of the twists and turns of the plot, the story basically is this:

Young Christine Daae, a member of the chorus at the Paris Opera House, becomes the protege of a mysterious man who lives in the underground world of the Opera House.  This mysterious phantom is a disfigured man who for years has extorted a monthly salary from the managers of the Opera House.  lives in the bowels of the opera house.  The phantom falls in love with young Christine, and mentors her career advancement in rather extreme ways.

To the phantom’s dismay, Christine falls in love with Raoul, setting up a love triangle played out in the opera house and in the phantom’s home in the opera house basement.  Unrequited love has never sounded so beautiful.

Even if you’ve seen Phantom of the Opera before, you’ll want to see this production, as it’s different in subtle ways. 

From the minute you enter the Venetian’s Phantom Theater it’s like being in the Paris Opera House.  The attention to detail in the room, from the draped walls to the “people” in the boxes, all added to the feel of actually being in the opera house – a participant in the evening’s events rather than a mere observer.

You’ll find the plot line enhanced with special effects that are sure to impress.  The classic chandelier scene is spectacular, and the Phantom’s appearances and disappearances are entertaining and magical.  And that includes taking his final bow!

Shows are at 7 pm Monday – Saturday, with a second show at 9:30 pm on Monday and Saturday.  The theater is dark on Sunday.  Tickets can be purchased online, at the theater box office, or through your hotel concierge.  There are lots of special available, so it’s a good time to take in a show.

For me, much of the enduring feelings I have for this musical is wrapped up in the music.  After I saw the performance for the first time, I bought the CD.  For a few months I played it every day.  Eventually, the novelty wore off, but my enjoyment of the music did not.

To this day, despite seeing the performance a number of times, I often find myself quietly in tears as the final notes play.  I’m not a musician nor a singer, but I assume this is a slight approximation of what an artist must feel when they truly become one with their music.

Take a listen and enjoy the Music of the Night:

Image credits:  flickr

___________________________________________

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Since I was staying at the Mandalay Bay Resort (where the expo was held), the logical and easy choice was to see Mamma Mia, a theatrical production featuring music by ABBA.

While more of a rocker chick that a disco girl, I nonetheless found this musical immensely engaging and entertaining.  And yes, I found myself humming some of the tunes for the rest of the night.

The plot is a convoluted one, designed for erroneous assumptions and misunderstandings that set up wonderful opportunities for both humor and insight:

Single mom (Donna) raises her daughter on a Greek island, and despite a somewhat idyllic life, daughter (Sophie) focuses on finding out about her absentee and unknown father.  Sophie reads her mother’s diary, written during a summer of sexual indiscretions, and finds that her father could be one of three men.

With her wedding approaching, Sophie sends an invitation to her wedding to all three men, certain that once she meets them she will know who her father is.  When all three men show up in response to the invitation, silliness ensues. 

I won’t reveal who the father really is, or how the wedding turns out, but along the way there’s spandex, platform boots, some great dance moves, and 22 of ABBA’s greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, The Winner Takes it All, Take a Chance on Me, and Knowing Me, Knowing You.

Since this was Vegas, I expected the staging and effects to be over the top, and that was largely the case.  Although the staging is simplistic, the actors use the entire space – and even move out into the audience.

The costuming was great!  And if you lived – and danced – during this era, you probably wore one of these outfits.  Alright, you don’t have to admit it, but I KNOW that some of you still have a pair of those platforms at home in your attic!

The night I attended, the audience was only about half full, and I think that had an impact on the energy of the cast.  Despite many tapping feet and bouncing heads in the seats, the synergy between cast and audience just didn’t take off. 

Still, it was a great evening with great music – and I’m guessing that you, too, will walk away humming one of these classic 80’s tunes.

Mamma Mia closes on Sunday, January 4th, 2009, so you have just a few more weeks to see it.  Show times are Sunday – Thursday, 7:30 pm; Saturday at 6 & 10 pm. (Dark Friday.)  Tickets start at $45.

Image credit:  Courtesy of MGM Mirage Images, photographed by Joan Marcus

______________________________________

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

On my last trip to Las Vegas, I visited Tao Restaurant, Nightclub, and Lounge.  Located in the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian (3377 Las Vegas Boulevard South #2025, Las Vegas), it attempts to combine great food, tantalizing eye candy, and a hip vibe, luring in celebrities and those who want to gawk at them.

The nightclub has high energy atmosphere, with a great view of the Las Vegas Strip, go-go dancers, top notch audio and lighting, and expensive cocktails.  There are also private sky boxes with individual bars and service. The TAO nightclub opens Thursdays and Fridays at 10 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 p.m.

The lounge is a little more subdued, with a 20 foot Buddha overlooking a peaceful Asian inspired conversation area. 

Tao Bistro is open weekdays, 5 pm – midnight, weekends until 1 am.

Tao Nightclub is open Thursday and Friday 10 pm – 5 am, and Saturday 9:30 pm – 5 am.

Come to see or be seen!

Photo credit:  personal collection

______________________________________________

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Olvera Street

The street was originally a short lane, called Wine Street.  The lane was eventually extended, and the name changed to honor Agustin Olvera, the first county judge of Los Angeles.  Although it became a dirty, unused alley for a period of time, the area was eventually re-habbed, closed off to vehicles, trees were planted, and a large wooden cross was put up at the south end of the street. 

Olvera Street officially opened on Easter Sunday, 1930, and provided a place for Mexican American vendors to sell their goods, as well as to way to preserved their customs and culture.  The first restaurant in the city to sell authentic Mexican food opened here in 1930.  That restaurant, La Golondrina, is still there today.

In 1953 Olvera Street was designated as a California State Historic Landmark, and today it has become a center of Mexican commerce, culture and tourism.  It attracts over two million visitors a year.

Continue reading to find out what Olvera Street is like today!

As you wander the market, you’ll find many shops carrying the typical wares that you’d find in a market in Mexico (check the merchant directory).  You’ll also find numerous restaurants and outdoor cafe serving traditional, and authentic, Mexican food, and on weekends the plaza is full of entertaining musicians and dancers.

It’s a great place to be for many of the important annual fiestas, including the Blessing of the Animals, Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo, and Dia De Los Muertos

When planning a visit, I’d recommend allowing a couple hours.  There are lots of great photos opportunities, and you’ll want to spend some time wandering through the various stalls and shops, soaking up the sun and the culture.

Be sure to allow time for a bite to eat.  You’ll be tempted by all the delicious aromas wafting the through the plaza, and you’ll regret it if you don’t have time to succumb to that temptation.  Hint:  try the mole!

Olvera Street is open daily from 10 am – 7 pm (some stores keep different hours), and is free to wander through. 

Photo credits:  Courtesy of the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau

__________________________________________

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

People came from around the country, by car, bus, and on foot to attend a three day music festival, and what would be one of the largest music festivals ever.  Even today, Woodstock remains a turning point of politics and cultural for many Baby Boomers.

The new Museum at Bethel Woods (200 Hurd Road, Bethel, New York), the site of the original Woodstock, opens tomorrow, June 2nd.   The Museum promises a captivating multi-media experience, combining film, interactive displays, and artifacts to tell the political, cultural, and musical story of the tumultuous era of Woodstock, the festival, and the 1960’s.

The legacy of the era seems clear to those who lived through it, but ancient history to those born after the Baby Boomer generation.  Perhaps the museum can stimulate reflection and discussion about where we were then, where we are today, and most importantly, where we go tomorrow.  The museum embodies the principle that, as expressed in music, we can change the world, and embodies larger ideals of peace, respect, cooperation, and a connect to our planet and the people who live upon it.

What will you see?  Highlights are reported to include a timeline of the coming of age of a new generation, with the corresponding turmoil and optimism that accompanied that time.  You’ll see exhibits covering fashion and style (don’t laugh, please, I wore too many of these styles), the civil rights movements, the space race, the cold war, and the counterculture revolution.

The Museum will be open through Labor Day, 10 am – 7 pm.  Limited hours during the Fall and Spring, and closed January through mid-March.  Admission is $13, and reservations are recommended (available online).

The larger Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has multiple concerts and performance venues, and also features the historic “bowl” of 1969 Woodstock fame.

Photo credit: SXC

___________________________________________

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

The Emerald Queen is operated by the Puyallup Indian Tribe, and is one of the largest in the state.  When the Emerald Queen originally opened in 1997 it was on an authentic paddlewheel riverboat (called the Emerald Queen) berthed in the Port of Tacoma.  The Emerald Queen developed its reputation of a total entertainment venue, offering a restaurant, buffet, nightclub, and location for headline entertainment and boxing matches. 

Although the casino and its related operations were relocated as part of the Port of Tacoma expansion, the riverboat remains.  It is not open to the public.

The Emerald Queen’s current location spans the cities of Tacoma and Fife, and now includes a 140 room hotel.  It is located at 2102 Alexander Avenue in Tacoma.

Do you have a matchbook in your collection that you’d like to share?  Or maybe you came across one while cleaning out a door, and reflected back on a memory that went along with visiting that location?  That’s the reasoning behind Matchbook Monday.  Sharing a little snippet of an experience with you.  Please send a photo of your matchbook cover to me, along with a brief story behind it, and I’ll post it on a future Matchbook Monday.

Photo credit:  personal collection

____________________________________________

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

This week’s Matchbook Monday comes from Jon at The DC Traveler and a recent Chicago trip.

Geja’s Cafe is a fondue restaurant/flamenco bar and is located in the Park West neighborhood, just off Lincoln Park (340 West Armitage, Chicago). 

Here’s what Jon has to say about it:

It’s a dark, windowless romantic basement setting, with live flamenco guitarists.  Start with a yummy cheese fondue, then on to steak, lobster and shrimp fondue that you cook in hot oil.  Then it’s the flaming dark or white chocolate dessert fondue with pound cake and fresh fruits, and a few marshmallows to roast over the flames.

Sounds delicious, don’t you think?

___________________________________________

Post from: Fly Away Cafe