MISSISSIPPI BLUES TRAIL SALUTES THE MUSICAL LEGACY OF HOLLANDALE

Governor Haley Barbour today announced the Mississippi Blues Trail will salute the musical legacy of Sam Chatmon and others of Hollandale, Mississippi on Friday, October 2, at 3 p.m. with the dedication of the trail's 86th historical marker on Simmons Street and West Washington Avenue.

"Towns like Hollandale, along with artists like Sam Chatmon, have truly earned a spot on the Mississippi Blues Trail," Governor Haley Barbour said. "The level of talent produced by this community is impressive, and I encourage blues enthusiasts to visit the Blue Front and see one of the important venues where our unique form of American music began."

The Mississippi Blues Trail is a museum without walls taking visitors on a musical history journey through Mississippi. The trail started with the first official marker in Holly Ridge, the resting place of the blues guitarist Charley Patton. The trail winds its way to sites honoring B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Son House and more.

The Mississippi Blues Trail markers are funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and by support from the Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, Delta State University and the Mississippi Development Authority.

Sam Chatmon (c. 1899-1983), a member of one of Mississippi’s most prominent musical families, came out of musical retirement in the 1960s to become a celebrated elder statesman of the blues. Chatmon sometimes performed with his brothers in an influential string band known as the Mississippi Sheiks in his younger days. The Sheiks’ 1930 recording, “Sitting on Top of the World,” was one of the most popular blues recordings of the pre-World War II era, and their repertoire of blues, folk, country, pop, and minstrel songs kept them in demand among both white and black audiences. In 1928 several of the Chatmon siblings, including Sam and his brother Bo, who recorded under the name Bo Carter, moved from their native Bolton to the Hollandale area.

Sam recorded with his brother Lonnie as a duo for the Bluebird label in 1936 and also participated in other sessions during the 1930s, but, like most of the family, depended on farming to make a living. He later moved from his farm to the town Hollandale and took a job at a warehouse. After blues enthusiasts began to seek him out in the 1960s, he began traveling to play concerts and festivals around the country, most often in the San Diego area. He recorded several albums including Hollandale Blues and The Mississippi Sheik. In the 1970s he sported a long white beard, as his fiddle-playing father had done, and endeared himself to new audiences who were roundly entertained by the songs he performed.

The Chatmon’s house at 818 Sherman Street in Hollandale has been purchased by the city in order to move it to “Blue Front,” the area of Simmons Street once famed for its row of blues cafes. The Mississippi Blues Trail marker at the corner of Simmons and Washington streets honors both Chatmon and Blue Front, celebrating the rich history of blues performers who have been based in the Hollandale area, including Eddie “Guitar Slim” Jones, Eugene Powell, Robert Nighthawk, Houston Stackhouse, and J.D. Short. Mississippi Blues Commission member Dr. Edgar E. Smith, who grew up in Hollandale, will speak at the ceremony.

For more information, visit the Mississippi Blues Trail on the internet at www.msbluestrail.org and more information on other top Mississippi events visit the Mississippi page at Top Events USA at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-mississippi.html

Springfield’s Great Freebies Trivia Contest Under Way

Springfield’s Great Freebies Trivia Contest is under way with a variety of prizes available.

For the next several weeks, the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau is posting trivia questions about Springfield on its blog at http://blog.SpringfieldAdventures.com.

Contestants will send answers to contest@springfieldmo.org, with winners randomly selected from those who correctly answer the questions. Those who need help answering the trivia questions can find the answers at www.SpringfieldAdventures.com.

The prize for the first SGF Trivia Contest question, posted today (Sept. 28), is a Taste of Springfield cookbook and 20 food sample tickets for the Taste of Springfield event Saturday, Oct. 3, in Downtown Springfield.

Prizes in coming weeks include free admission to area attractions, including Dickerson Park Zoo, Discovery Center, Fantastic Caverns, Missouri Sports Hall of Fame and Wild Animal Safari.

“The SGF Trivia Contest promotes Springfield as a travel destination for visitors and encourages local residents to explore the city,” said Susan Wade, CVB public relations manager.

For more information, visit http://blog.SpringfieldAdventures.com or call the CVB at 800-678-8767 or 417-881-5300

For more information on the top events in Missouri visit http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-missouri.html at Top Events USA the popular new site that highlights the top events and festivals in each state.

OKTOBERFEST FUN JUST AROUND THE CORNER

All over the world, Oktoberfest events and festivals are getting ready for one of the best loved celebrations of beer, music and hearty good fun. And the states are no exception.

Voted by USA Today and Orbitz.com as one of the top places to toast Oktoberfest, the three-day event in Fremont, Washington has an activity for kids and adults of all ages!

Part of that fun, and in it’s second year, the Fremont Oktoberfest does a search for the most Bavarian spirited girl (or boy) through the Miss Buxom Contest. The Fremont twist on the traditional pageantry came after seeing an increase in themed costumes and Oktoberfest spirit demonstrated over the years. “More and more people were coming to Oktoberfest in some kind of costume. We have had young guys come in drinking team sweat suits and burly men come dressed in Buxom Beer Girl outfits,” says Megenhardt. The Miss Buxom Contest will be held opening night at 7pm. You don’t need to be female to enter, but must be wearing “traditional German attire with a Fremont twist.” Each Miss Buxom contestant answers a light-hearted question, then the winner is chosen by audience applause. “Last year’s contestants took the pageantry to the next level with hilarity and creativity,” says Megenhardt. “We’re looking forward to what creativity lies ahead in this year’s zany pageantry.”

Other favorites coming back for a second year encore include a Cigar Lounge, an all out laugh fest at the Brew HA-HA Comedy Show and cabana tent rentals that seat about 10 and can be rented as a private beer seating area. “ But,” cautions Megenhardt, “don’t be too dazzled by all the Fremont flair and forget that this is one of the best beer-tasting opportunities in the country. With event staples including sizzling bratwurst, chainsaw pumpkin carving, and knock-out music being served up year after year - Oktoberfest is finding a happy medium between tradition and growth. ”

Some of the more than 70 micro brews on tap this year are being created exclusively for the festival, while others will be sampled by the public for the first time. Keep your eye out for the first, icy cold barrels of Crispins’ Original Cider making it’s Northwest festival premier at Fremont Oktoberfest.

Lazy Boy Brewing Company and The Stranger Newspaper brings one of the most sought after sips – The Stranger Big Double Trouble IPA – and Lazy Boy can’t make enough of it. Every year those “troubled” taps run dry. “We make Big Double Trouble once a year for Oktoberfest,” says Shawn Loring, Lazy Boy’s brew master. “We brought 20 kegs last year which finally lasted us until early Sunday.” Explaining its popularity he says, “Big Double Trouble is an imperial IPA which means it has a higher alcohol content than most beers. It’s flavor packed with tons of hops, and tons of malt flavor. People pretty much love this stuff.”

Admission to the Stranger Microbrew Garden is $25 at the gate, which includes a souvenir mug and 6 beer-tasting tokens. Save $10 with advance tickets August 15-September 1st - $5 with advance tickets on sale September 1st - September 17th. Detailed ticket information at: www.fremontoktoberfest.com.

For more information about other top events in Washington visit http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-washington.html at Top Events USA.

Discovery Center in Springfield, Missouri Announces October Events

The Discovery Center of Springfield has several fun and educational events scheduled in October.

• October 8, 2009 - Science Café' - 6-8pm - 1 Part Science, 1 Part intriguing discussion and 1 part food and drink. This adult only event is free to attend and has limited seating; food and beverage are available for purchase. For more information check DiscoveryCenter website at www.discoverycenter.org.

• October 16, 2009- Science Sprouts Museum Day Topic Plants 9-5pm-Museum Days just for Early Childhood Learners (up to age 6). Includes special free science presentations and science story time geared to young learners. Groups may schedule 30 minute programs for an additional fee. For Kindergarten or 1st grade classes, MOPS groups, day care providers, preschools, playgroups and families. Explore the fun of science and science of fun. General Admission applies.

• Oct. 16, 2009- Robot Workshop-6-8pm. Child and parent build a robot together and plan to take it home. This month robot is Rockit Robot geared for age 8+. Cost is for parent/child duo, plus cost of robot-$15 members/$20 non-members, Robot cost is $25. Pre-registration and pre-payment required.

• October 17, 2009- Discovery Science Club! New for 2009-2010! 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Designed for parents and children to attend as a learning team! Come explore a different topic each month October is Chemistry Concoctions. This club is designed for children ages 6-12 and one accompanying parent! Learn new science, build a project or two, get to see "behind the scenes" areas of the museum or special equipment, and lots moreCost-$20 per member parent/child duo, $25 per non-member parent/child duo. Pre-registration and pre-payment required.

• Oct. 18, 2009 - 1-5pm Celebrate Chemistry Week. Join Drury University Chemistry students with hands-on projects exploring Chemistry. General Admission applies.

• October 22, 2009 - 6-10pmDiscoveryCenter's Adult Rock Band Party and Contest. Doors open at 6:00pm- Contest begins at 6:30pm. Adults 18 and up select your favorite songs and see your character on the big screen. Your character will be judged on score, skill and style. So dress up like your favorite rock star and rock out at DiscoveryCenter's first Rock Band Party. This will be located in DiscoveryCenter auditorium on the big screen. Every style and song will be available for the competition. Admission includes individual participation in the contest and free play and watching fellow gamers. Admission is $10 per person. Food and adult beverages will be available to purchase First Come First Serve for contest slots.

• October 23, 2009 - Star Party (5-8 p.m.)

• October 30, 2009 - 6-10pm Halloween Night at the Museum-Cost-$5 per person (non-members) Members-free. Dress up, and experience a Halloween Night at the Museum DCS style! Watch out for skeletons, flaming pumpkins, fizzing concoctions, slimy stuff, and other surprises!

For more information about these and other events in Springfield, visit www.SpringfieldAdventures.com

DiscoveryCenter is open Tuesday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm. Admission is free to members and children 2 & under. $9.00 adults, $8.00 seniors and $7.00 children (3-15).

For more exciting events in Missouri visit the Top Events USA page of top events and festivals in Missouri at http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-missouri.html

SUN WINEFEST BRINGS THE WORLD'S FINEST WINE AND FOOD TO CONNECTICUT IN 2010

The weekend's main event is the Grand Tasting, which will be held in the Convention Center from 12:00pm to 5:00pm on Saturday, January 30th and Sunday, January 31st. Sample more than 1,000 fine wines provided by international wineries and specialty beers from breweries and beer companies from around the world. Exhibitors showcasing related services such as wine storage, culinary accessories and specialty foods will also be featured. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions, hear commentary from the winemakers and experts, and enjoy delicacies from some of the region's finest restaurants by purchasing tasting portions of signature dishes at a nominal rate.

Tickets for the Grand Tasting are $70.00 for a one-day pass and $110.00 for a weekend pass. They go on sale at the Mohegan Sun Box Office and through Ticketmaster Monday, September 14th. Ticketmaster customers may purchase online at ticketmaster.com, over the phone at 800.745.3000, or at any Ticketmaster outlet. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

SUN WINEFEST attendees will also have the opportunity to add to their experience by attending a series of interesting and educational seminars on a variety of topics. Tickets for seminars will be offered at an additional cost and are available at sunwinefest.com.

Mohegan Sun's Executive Chef, Michael Luboff, is pleased to host Mohegan Sun's own celebrity restaurateurs, Bobby Flay, Todd English and Jasper White who will be joined by an impressive lineup of culinary personalities. Celebrity chefs will be featured in cooking demonstrations all weekend on the Main Stage located in the Grand Tasting along with other entertaining presentations.

To further complement the SUN WINEFEST experience, Saturday night will feature a fundraiser to benefit The Connecticut Sports Foundation Against Cancer. The evening features a Celebrity Chef Dine Around, giving guests the opportunity to be served delectable dishes prepared by world-famous chefs, television celebrities and cookbook authors. Each dish will be paired with extraordinary wines and many talented winemakers will be on-hand. The evening culminates with an elaborate dessert display presented by Mohegan Sun's Executive Pastry Chef Lynn Mansel. Tickets for the event are $175.00, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Connecticut Sports Foundation Against Cancer, a non-profit-IRS 501(C)(3) corporation chartered by the State of Connecticut whose mission is to provide economic assistance and compassionate aid to Connecticut cancer patients and their families and raise funds for cancer research. Because CSF is one of only a handful of organizations in Connecticut that provides financial assistance directly to cancer patients and their families, they are inundated with more applications for assistance than they can fulfill. Their long-term goal is to never have to turn anyone away.

New for 2010 -- Introducing the Elite Cru Tasting in The Cabaret Theatre hosted by Contessa Premium Foods on Saturday from 3:00pm - 5:00pm. An exclusive opportunity for wine lovers of all levels to enjoy the "best of the best" from vineyards all over the world. From the experienced to the curious palate, taste some of the world's finest wines. Speak with vintners and discover your new favorite grape. Reserve your space now for this ultimate event. The Elite Cru Tasting will offer select vintages from premium wineries (Silver Oak Napa Valley, Antinori Solaia, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23, Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot, to name a few) accompanied by Contessa Premium Shrimp.

Tickets to the Celebrity Chef Dine Around and Elite Cru Tasting are on sale now at www.sunwinefest.com or by calling Life Marketing and Events at 860.953.0444 ext. 144.

For more events in Connecticut visit the http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-connecticut.html

NEVILLE BROTHERS TO HEADLINE 2ND ANNUAL SUNNY ISLES BEACH JAZZ FEST

The second annual 2009 Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest announces an artist line-up that will bring cool jazz sounds to the beautiful city. This event promises to once again generate excitement within the South Florida community and abroad; attracting both local audiences and tourists from around the world.

Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest will celebrate the extraordinary diverse sounds of jazz music the weekend of October 16-18, 2009. Produced by the City of Sunny Isles Beach in partnership with the Sunny Isles Beach Resort Association, this year’s jazz fest will benefit Joshua’s Heart Foundation, the festival’s official nonprofit partner (www.joshuasheart.org). Event corporate sponsors include Le Meridien, Acqualina Resort & Spa, Trump International Beach Resort, St. Tropez Condominiums, Atlantic Broadband Television, The Miami Herald, Around Town Magazine, WLRN and WDNA Radio.

The event will feature world-renowned celebrity jazz entertainers, notable jazz artists, and several illustrious music groups. Headlining the festival is New Orleans’ first family of funk, The Neville Brothers, which continue to provoke, entertain and excite audiences around the globe. Also returning this year is talented jazz artist Nicole Henry.

The Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest will showcase and highlight the best that the City of Sunny Isles Beach has to offer including: great food, fine dining, exclusive resorts and much more! Up-close and personal, set amid the backdrop of 2 ½ miles of the turquoise Atlantic Ocean and spectacular beaches, held in one of the most beautiful oceanfront parks and one of the most panoramic skylines in the southeastern United States, with various beachfront resorts, the Jazz Fest will be enjoyed by all who experience it.

Corporate sponsorship for the 2009 Jazz Fest is still available at various levels. Each with escalating advantages for the sponsor to reach a broad-based, international, national and regional audience of upscale concert goers estimated at more than 10,000. Packages range from ‘Bronze Sponsor’ to ‘Platinum Sponsor’ or a customized sponsorship can also be designed. All major sponsors will receive broad national and regional media recognition through an integrated media marketing campaign as well as a national/international public relations campaign.

“The 2nd Annual Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest promises to be bigger and better than last year’s,” said Ibis Romero, executive director of the Sunny Isles Beach Resort Association. “Moreover, corporate sponsors will benefit by receiving an unprecedented amount of earned media impressions and recognition before, during, and following the festival through our agency’s aggressive marketing campaign,” added Romero

For more information on the Sunny Isles Beach Jazz Fest or for an updated list of scheduled artists performing visit the website at www.sunnyislesbeachjazz.com

For information on other events in Florida visit http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-florida.html

5 TIPS FOR TRAVELING IN ARIZONA

For those of you planning to enjoy some of the top events in Arizona in the coming year, Explore Arizona Tours has come up with a handy list of 5 tips for successful travel in the state of Arizona. The suggest:

1. Know safety guidelines for driving in dust storms: Dust storms can drastically decrease visibility in a very short time. If you see a dust storm on the road, avoid it if possible. If you must enter into a dust storm drive with your headlights on at a decreased speed. If you have to pull off the road in a dust storm pull as far to the right as possible, turn your vehicle/lights off, put your parking brake on and avoid putting your foot on the brake pedal to avoid having other drivers think you are a car on the road and attempt to “follow” you.
2. Heavy rain is frequent during monsoon season. Slow down while driving in the rain. If your vision is impeded pull to the side of the road (as in a dust storm, pull far to the right, turn off car and headlights, pull your parking brake and don’t put your foot on the brakes).
3. Take notice of road signs. In particular Arizona visitors should not ignore “Do not cross when flooded” road signs. Take them seriously.
4. Arizona visitors should also beware of driving through water covered roadways. There are many each year who think they can make it and end up on the local news. (And they’re often the locals…these things are very hard to judge). The best bet is to just find another way around or plan your excursion for another day.
5. Be aware of 511: This is a Traveler Information service offered by the Arizona Department of Transportation. It will provide vital information about road closures, construction, delays, airports, tourism, weather and more. If you have a question while traveling…try 511. If they don’t know, they’ll just say so! (The website for 511 is www.az511.com).

Tyson Bailey of Explore Arizona Tours comments, “Arizona is one of the friendliest states in the nation. We have appropriate travel weather year round, which is good for our business of selling Arizona tours. There are only a few difficulties that could occur so that makes them easy to avoid. The majority of our customers find that they are comfortable making their way around in Arizona; especially if they’ve prepped themselves with a little bit of appropriate information first. Whether they are going on a tour to the Grand Canyon or driving to Sedona themselves, we want people to feel safe while they are in our state”

For information on the top events in Arizona, visit http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-arizona.html and to find out more about Explore Arizona Tours take a look at www.explorearizonatours.com