Oregon Rhythms of Nature Meet the Blues

Birding is one of the Oregon’s most popular outdoor activities and for three days this April, at the 8th annual Pacific City Birding and Blues Festival, birders will be checking out the spectacular Oregon Coast’s intriguing bird life and wildlife.

This unique festival takes place over the weekend of Friday, April 8, Saturday April 9 and Sunday, April 10 in Pacific City.

There will be morning guided field trips and interactive daytime seminars. Then, each evening after an ocean sunset, try some fine restaurant like The Riverhouse Restaurant overlooking the Nestucca River, check out the art galleries, and warm your soul with blues in the night. Expect dancing and concerts both Friday and Saturday night plus music around town. The award-winning oceanfront Pelican Pub & Brewery looks out on Haystack Rock, home to the roosting Semedi Island Cackling Goose and the shy Tufted Puffin.

Birders have discovered that Pacific City is surrounded by diverse habitats: ocean shore, marine headlands, coastal rocks and islands, bays, rivers, wetlands, dunes, coastal rainforests, and farmland. The Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge is about six miles south of Pacific City.

The Three Capes Drive begins at Pacific City, some 20 miles north of Lincoln City. It is a scenic route that runs along the ocean starting running from Pacific City north 22 miles to Tillamook. It includes Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, and Cape Meares.   

Proceeds from this annual event will be used to produce wildlife viewing literature, maps, trails, naturalist education and signage in South Tillamook County.

For more information about top events in Oregon take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Oregon. 

For more information on the Pacific City Birding and Blues Festival visit www.birdingandblues.com and for more information on Pacific City, Oregon, go to www.pacificcity.com

Fast Paced Military Tattoo

The largest military music show in Vegas – the Las Vegas International Tattoo – is a fun packed, fast-paced  patriotic show featuring some of the world’s best armed forces bands in a tribute to the American armed forces and allies.

The Tattoo, with a spectacular line-up of 500 musicians and dancers, will be hosted at the Thomas and Mack Center, on Friday April 15 and on Saturday April 16, both at 7.30pm. The United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force will join forces with military and police units from Scotland and Canada.

The Tattoo is the signature event of the Las Vegas International Celtic Festival. The festival events include the Las Vegas Celtic Gathering and Highland Games, which is organized by the Las Vegas Celtic Society. Visiting Las Vegas at this time is a great opportunity to experience two fantastic events. There will be two performances daily by the American rock band The Young Dubliners (sometimes shortened to the Young Dubs).

The original meaning of military 'tattoo' was a drum performance dating back from the 17th Century when the British Army was stationed in Belgium and the Netherlands. Drummers from the garrison would be sent out to towns to signal to soldiers, 'last orders', get back to barracks! The duty was known as doe den tap toe ("turn off the tap"), as an instruction in old-dutch for innkeepers to stop serving beer. Over time this ceremony has become a much bigger spectacle involving military and civilian assets, choreographed into complete theatrical presentations. This event will uniquely blend music ceremony, entertainment and theatre.

For more information about top events in Nevada take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Nevada. 

For more information on the Las Vegas International Tattoo visit www.lasvegasinternationaltattoo.com

Taliesin 100 Years

Wisconsinites are right to lay claim to celebrity architect Frank Lloyd Wright as a native son. 

The proof of that resides in Spring Green, where the 100th Anniversary of Taliesin, the residence and workshop of the legendary designer, is being duly marked with a variety of special events, tours, artist workshops, lectures and performances. 

The celebration includes a reception on April 28 not in Spring Green but in Milwaukee – stay with us here – where the Milwaukee Art Museum will be featuring through now to May 15 a special exhibit, Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century. 

Back at Taliesin in Spring Green, visitors will want to check out the centennial exhibit entitled Taliesin: The Work of a Lifetime, with rare photographs of Wright, the Taliesin Fellowship and Taliesin pre-1914. Other events include an exhibit by Wright’s personal photographer Pedro E. Guerrero entitled Wright and Taliesin: A Retrospective, a concert by Chicago Chamber Musicians, art workshops and dance performances.

Everyone knows summer in Milwaukee is not complete without a trip to Summerfest, the world’s largest outdoor music festival which takes place this year from June 29 to July 3 and (closed on July 4) from July 5 to 10. 

Coming to Milwaukee for the first time, the bi-yearly U.S. Indigenous Games from July 10 to 17 invites thousands of Native American youth to compete in sporting events. 

In the northwest corner of the state there’s the 50th Bayfield Apple Festival set for October 7 to 9, listed as one of the “Top Ten Autumn Festivals in North America” by the Society of American Travel Writers. 

For more information about top events in Wisconsin take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Wisconsin. 

Travelers looking for year-round Wisconsin getaway ideas, travel planning, events and free guides can discover their own fun at TravelWisconsin.com. 

New Orleans Jazz Fest a Cultural Force

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a/k/a Jazz Fest, is a 10-day cultural feast in which thousands of musicians, cooks and craftspeople welcome 400,000 visitors each year. 

The Louisiana Heritage Fair showcases unforgettable music on multiple stages, delicious Louisiana cuisine in two large food areas, and crafts artisans from the region and around the world demonstrating and selling their work. The Louisiana Heritage Fair is held at the Fair Grounds Race Course over the course of 2 weekends. They are April 29, 30, May 1 and May 5, 6, 7 & 8.

There is a star-studded national and international lineup and hundreds of Louisiana artists, the heart and soul of the Festival, are scheduled to appear. The Festival celebrates the indigenous music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana, so the music encompasses every style associated with the city and the state: blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, bluegrass and everything in between. And of course there is lots of jazz, both contemporary and traditional. 

The spirit of Jazz Fest was born in 1970 when the great gospel singer Mahalia Jackson appeared at the first New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.  She and Duke Ellington came upon the Eureka Brass Band leading a crowd of second-line revelers through the Festival grounds. George Wein, producer of the Festival, handed Ms. Jackson a microphone, she sang along with the band and joined the parade …. and the Festival continues to celebrate the culture of Louisiana with the combined fervor of a gospel hymn and the joy of a jazz parade.

For more information about top events in Louisiana take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Louisiana. 

For more information on The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival visit www.nojazzfest.com

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Forget Paris – Atlanta, Georgia is beautiful in the spring. The Southern destination is also home to one of the country's oldest fine arts festivals which celebrates its 75th anniversary in April this year under the blooming of the city's most beautiful trees. 

The Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival takes place in Atlanta's beautiful Piedmont Park on April 15, 16 and 17. Festival attendance is free, although a few of the areas are ticketed. The festival offers enough fun for the entire weekend, and local hotels are on-board with special room rates in celebration of the festival's diamond anniversary.

The 2011 Atlanta Dogwood Festival Artist Market welcomes fine artists from throughout the country and features all types of art from oil painting to jewelry to sculpture and textiles. The Atlanta High School Art Exhibition (AHSAE) is held in the Community Center at the park.

The Festival’s International Village – with the International Stage, edutainment booths, decorated mobile art golf carts and a Friday night La Fete – celebrates the city's diverse international communities.

Each year, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival offers entertainment throughout the weekend including two live music stages, a popular live disc dog show, theater productions and kid-friendly street performances.  

The "Friends of Dogwood Pavilion" is a ticketed event that has become a popular feature of the Atlanta Dogwood Festival and pairs fare from top local restaurants with wines and beers in a comfortable, private setting. 

Designed just for the younger festival visitors, the Kid's Village has become an Atlanta Dogwood Festival favorite for families. 

For more information about top events in Georgia take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Georgia. 

For more information on the Atlanta Dogwood Festival visit http://www.dogwood.org

The Great Eldorado BBQ Brews and Blues Festival

As the snow melts and the lazy days of summer draw near, one thing comes to mind in Downtown Reno, Nevada – fun in the sun!  The Eldorado Hotel Casino in Downtown Reno, Nevada is already busy preparing for the first of many seasonal street festivals, the 16^th Annual Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival, kicking off Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25, 2011.  

Each year this Festival grows bigger and better than the year before. Start summer the right way by sampling some of the best food and drink in the city. Grill booths will line Virginia Street serving savory dishes, including everything from American favorites to tacos and Asian-inspired Barbecue.  

Wash it all down with a wide variety of microbrews from around the country, such as last year’s stands from Alaskan Brewing Company in Juneau, Alaska, the organic Eel River Brewing Company in Fortuna, California and Leinenkugel’s Brewing Company in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Also featured are some local favorites, including the Eldorado’s custom beers made fresh on property at The Brew Brothers.

Don’t forget about the great entertainment. Two full stages will be packed with rich blues acts to help festival-goers relax and enjoy the afternoons. Past guests have included the Delta Wires, Chris Cain, Lee Rocker, the JC Smith Band and many more!

Mark your calendars and book your rooms for Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 26 – nobody wants to miss the 15^th Annual Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival!  

For more information about top events in Nevada take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Nevada. 

For more information on the Great Eldorado BBQ, Brews and Blues Festival visit www.eldoradoreno.com 

Explore Mississippi History and Heritage

Mississippi invites visitors to experience the state’s rich history and cultural heritage and to find their true south during the month of February. Whether you are interested in Civil War history, the Civil Rights Movement or Native American culture, Mississippi is full of authentic sights, sounds, attractions and events for you to experience firsthand. It’s true: Mississippi is home to some of the nation’s most important history and heritage.

“So many historical figures lived, fought, struggled and endured in Mississippi,” said Mary Beth Wilkerson, director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division. “You can walk where they walked, see many of the things they saw and envision the years past that shaped our future and the world we live in today. That’s a key part of what makes Mississippi the perfect place to find your true south – we are real, honest and ready to share our story with you.”

Mississippi’s museums, historical homes, Civil War sites and Civil Rights landmarks are located throughout the state. From the Vicksburg National Military Park and the Corinth Interpretive Center near Shiloh National Military Park to the home of Medgar Evers and Freedom Corner in Jackson, plan a trip to Mississippi this month to experience it for yourself.

The year 2011 marks the 150^th Anniversary of the Civil War, and Mississippi is home to many of the Civil War Sesquicentennial activities and events being planned for 2011-2015. The Civil War Preservation Trust lists 39 Mississippi sites on its Civil War Discovery Trail. 

For more information about top events in Mississippi take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Mississippi. 

The recently launched www.mscivilwar150.com is an excellent resource for up-to-the-minute details about Civil War-related activities happening around Mississippi.

Minnesota Alpaca Expo

For those of you who’ve never seen or touched an alpaca, you have a treat in store at the 4th Annual Minnesota Alpaca Expo at the Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna on April 9 and 10.

The Alpaca Halter & Fleece Show (admission is free) is a truly unique venture for the whole family. Some 600 alpacas of 22 colors and variations will join in a healthy competition of the Best Alpacas in the region. 

The alpacas with their big beautiful eyes, phenomenal colors and gentle disposition resemble a small llama in appearance.

They are wonderful in presence with one of the most luxurious fibers of many colors. Their humming sounds will have you grinning from ear to ear. Alpacas produce the strongest fiber in the world and is known to be warmer than wool. They do not have lanolin or oils that can be harmful for those that have allergies. The cashmere-like feel allows those with the most sensitive skin to wear alpaca next to the skin. Alpaca fiber is highly sought after in high end fashion.

There will be vendors, a food court and a costume contest for the children. This year the Minnesota Alpaca Expo is offering a skein competition which is open to the public.

  

As they do every year, the Minnesota Alpaca Expo will work to raise funds for alpaca wellness with all the proceeds donated to the University of Minnesota. 

The invitation from the Minnesota Alpaca Expo comes with a warning: Alpacas can cause uncontrollable smiles, warm fuzzy feeling and may be addictive!

For more information about top events in Minnesota take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Minnesota. 

For more information on the Minnesota Alpaca Expo visit www.MinnesotaAlpacaExpo.com

Savings on Santa Fe Winter Fiesta

What better time to throw a party in Santa Fe than the middle of winter?

From February 18 to 27, the Santa Fe Winter Fiesta will fill the sunny days and chilly nights with art, music, culture, and sports, with the help of fiesta savings offers from hundreds of Santa Fe merchants, restaurants and lodges.

  

A special Fiesta Lanyard offers value prices at participating businesses. Highlights of the Fiesta include:

• Fiesta Kick Off February 18, with a concert by rising star Brett Dennen at the Lensic, plus an evening-long Live 505 Bar Crawl with no cover charge for lanyard holders and a variety of specials at participating restaurants and taverns.
• GPS Snowshoe Scavenger Hunts February19, 20 and 21
• A Moonlight Cross-Country Ski trip in the amazing Valles Caldera February 19
• Live artist's demonstrations at the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art on February 22
• A Guided Native American Cultural Tour to Puye Cliffs February 22
• A series of evening concerts at the Santa Fe Performance Exchange
• Lift ticket savings all week at Ski Santa Fe
• Discounts on cooking classes and culinary tours from Santa Fe School of Cooking
• Art events all along Canyon Road February 25
• Grammy-nominated Latin orchestra Group Fantasma performs at the Santa Fe Farmers Market February19 at 8 p.m.
• Ice Carving Competition on the Santa Fe Plaza
•  

The Fiesta ends with three days of art-inspired fun during the 14th annual ARTfeast, February 25 to 27, including a town favorite, the Edible Art Tour February 25. 

For more information about top events in New Mexico take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in New Mexico.

Check www.santafewinterfiesta.com for everything that will be happening and to purchase a Fiesta Lanyard – your key to savings during the Santa Fe Winter Fiesta.

Arizona's Premier Art & Culinary Festival

Whether you love fine dining, superior wines, extraordinary art, or you just love the relaxed ambiance of outdoor festivals, experience the legendary lure of the Southwest at the 13th Annual Litchfield Art & Culinary Festival in Downtown Litchfield Park, Arizona on March 12 and 13.

Located in the heart of this luxurious resort community, the award winning Litchfield Park Art & Culinary Festival combines irresistible culinary samplings with more than 250 extraordinary artists exhibiting original fine art and exquisite handcrafted creations. 

Scenic views invite festival-goers to relax and take in the beauty, while strolling along tree-lined walk-ways and lush gardens sprinkled with charming sidewalk cafes. Meandering rows of glistening white canopies bursting with vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas creating a unique artisan's village, allowing visitors a rare and special opportunity to meet and visit with some of the many talented artisans behind the creations. Discover the finest works of art in original oils, acrylics, watercolors, stone and bronze sculptures, mixed media, handmade furniture, and exquisite jewelry. 

If it's a culinary experience that you crave, the Culinary Pavilion features some of the region’s top chef's conducting cooking demonstrations. Dozens of festival eateries will be dishing up a world of flavor complimented by a superb selection of wine and micro-brews.

Well known for quality, ambiance and close proximity to the Phoenix Metro area, the Litchfield Park Art & Culinary Festival continues to live up to its outstanding reputation among festival enthusiasts. The event hours are 9am to 5pm and admission and parking is free.

For more information about top events in Arizona take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arizona. 

For more information on the Litchfield Park Art & Culinary Festival visit

www.vermillionpromotions.com

Interstate St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Boasted as the only interstate St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the nation, the Quad Cities Grand Parade travels through downtown Rock Island, Illinois, to the Centennial Bridge, then crosses the bridge over the Mississippi River and marches into downtown Davenport, Iowa.

Crowds line the streets to watch the bands, Irish dancers, floats, groups, and family clans.  This annual parade, organized by the St. Patrick Society of the Quad Cities, starts at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 12. CASI’s 29th annual St. Patrick’s Day Race takes place before the parade. 

Immediately following the Grand Parade XXVI, a Post Parade Bash is held at the historic Col Ballroom in downtown Davenport.  The doors open at 1:00 p.m. and close at 4:30 p.m.  Entry to the Post Parade Bash is by membership, with $15 memberships available at the door. The Bash includes food, drink, and entertainment. 

Make a weekend out of the Irish celebration starting at a kickoff Gathering of the Clan luncheon on the Friday, March 11 from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. also at the Col Ballroom in Davenport.

Located on the Mississippi River in the Midwest, the Quad Cities is comprised of Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa; Rock Island and Moline/East Moline, Illinois; and surrounding communities. The population of the area is nearly a half-million people. The Quad Cities is an easy 2½-hour drive west from Chicago, Illinois.

For more information about top events in Iowa take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Iowa.

For more information about top events in Illinois take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Illinois.

For more information on the St. Patrick Society’s Grand Parade XXVI visit www.stpatsqc.com.

Rochester International Jazz Festival Headliners

5 Headliners have just been announced for the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival 10th Edition, including Elvis Costello, k.d. lang, Natalie Cole, Béla Fleck and The Fab Faux.

Produced by John Nugent and Marc Iacona, the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival will be held June 10-18, 2011. The headliner line-up details include:

• Grammy Award winner Natalie Cole will perform on opening night, Friday June 10.

• The Fab Faux, the most musically satisfying Beatles tribute band on the scene today plays Saturday June 11.

• Premier banjo player Bela Fleck & The Original Flecktones performs Tuesday June 14.

•  k.d. lang, called the best singer in her generation by Tony Bennett takes the stage on Thursday June 16.

• And Elvis Costello & The Imposters, one who has followed his musical curiosity in a career spanning more than 30 years, plays on Friday June 17.

All performances will be at 8 p.m. at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre. 

Tickets are on sale now.

For more information about events and festivals in New York take a look at the Top Events USA pages on events and festivals in the State of New York.


For more information about the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival 10th Edition visit http://rochesterjazz.com