#long island birthday party venues for adults

[djdynamixau]

Making Your DJ Playlist for the Party: Party Arrangements

Organizing a party is a difficult task. Numerous elements need to be taken into account, from selecting the ideal theme to forming the guest list. It's the music, though, that has the power to really make or ruin your gathering. Hence, employing a pro DJ becomes necessary! Whether you're planning a classy corporate event or a crazy birthday party, having a talented DJ on hand will guarantee that your guests have an unforgettable evening. This blog post will cover party planning in detail and walk you through the process of making a playlist that will be talked about at your next gathering. With Party DJ Hire Sydney, let's get set to dance the night away!

Draw out a guest list.

The first thing to do while organizing a party is to invite people. This important job helps you decide on everything from venue size to food and drink numbers and lays the groundwork for your entire event. Think about the kind of party you want to throw and the guests you wish to invite first. Could it be a small party with close friends or a big celebration? Start writing down names as soon as you have an idea.

Also take into account your space constraints. When choosing your guest list, keep in mind if your venue can only hold a specific amount of people comfortably. Any unique needs or preferences that your guests may have, like as food restrictions, dietary requirements, or even musical tastes, should also be taken into account.

In order to allow visitors to RSVP and give you enough time to make the appropriate arrangements, make sure you send out invites well in advance. If digital invites better fit your event's style, you can still go conventional and send paper ones.

Select an event theme.

Your party's overall atmosphere can be established by your choice of theme. Your guests will be talking about it long after the event has ended because it brings a fun and exciting element. Think about your visitors' interests and preferences when choosing a theme. Would they rather have a more current look or are they liking nostalgic vibes? After you have an idea in mind, explore as many different ways as you can to make that topic come to life.

Make sure your decorations match your selected theme, as they are essential to creating the mood of any party. Everything, even the table settings and lighting fixtures, should accentuate the mood you wish to achieve. Consider using vibrant leis and decorations resembling palm trees for your beach party theme if it's a tropical one. Neon lights and cassette tape decorations are great for a 1980s throwback party.

Arrange and embellish

Party décor is a fun and creative way to create the ambience and mood for your guests. Your choice of décor may really make a difference, whether you're throwing a sophisticated cocktail party or an exciting dance party.

First, decide on a theme for your party. This will influence the decor you choose and help you achieve a unified design. For instance, to create the illusion of an island paradise in your area when holding a tropical luau, use vivid colors, tiki torches, and inflatable palm trees.

Subsequently, consider the many aspects of your location. Use striking decorations to create focal points, including balloon arches or bold centerpieces. For a cozy and inviting outdoor atmosphere, hang paper lanterns or fairy lights.

Don't overlook the table settings! Select dinnerware, napkins, plates, and linens to go with your theme. Include unique elements to make each visitor feel unique, such as personalized place cards or themed drink stirrers.

Organize your efforts.

Choosing the appropriate activities is essential to keeping your guests entertained and involved throughout the evening, whether you're throwing a lavish event or a laid-back backyard get-together.

First things first, think about your guest list's demographics. Do the majority of them enjoy dancing young adults? Or maybe parents who need to find some kid-friendly entertainment? Being aware of your audience will enable you to adjust the activities to suit their tastes.

Consider scheduling a brief dancing session with a qualified instructor for an enthusiastic group of people. Depending on the mood of your party, this might be anything from hip-hop to salsa. This is a great way to start a conversation and will also get folks moving and grooving.

Set up lawn games like giant Jenga or cornhole if you have an outdoor area accessible. These timeless games never fail to ignite everyone's competitive spirit and offer hours of entertainment to adults and children alike.

Provide spaces set out for card or board games so that visitors can congregate and mingle if they're looking for a more low-key affair. This enables people to take part in friendly competition and have lighthearted talks.

Remember to include activities that involve music! Get a karaoke machine or make your own DIY photo booth and decorate it with themed decorations. Over the course of the evening, these interactive features will keep guests engaged and provide them with photo opportunities.

Decide on a song.

Consider your guest list after that. Across what age range are they? Which music genres do they prefer? Selecting music that will captivate all listeners and keep them dancing all night long is crucial.

Don't be scared to change things around! Mix up your playlist with songs from different eras and genres. This will ensure that there is something for everyone and satisfy a variety of tastes.

If you're not sure where to begin, think about working with a professional DJ that caters to events just like yours. The ability to read a crowd allows a DJ Hire to pick music that will keep everyone dancing.

It's important to remember to make seamless song transitions. Without any abrupt tempo shifts or startling transitions between songs, you want your playlist to flow naturally.

assemble drinks and food

It's time to make sure your visitors are nourished and watered after you have handled all the party's logistical details. A well-stocked bar and a delectable food buffet are necessities for every successful celebration.

Think about the party's theme when selecting the meal. Grilled vegetables, hot dogs, burgers, and cool salads would be ideal for a laid-back backyard BBQ. Consider serving classy canapes or perhaps hiring caterers to handle the food for a more formal event.

Remember the beverages in addition to the delicious meal selections! Make sure you stock a variety of alcoholic beverages to suit a range of palates, including wine, beer, and spirits. Offer non-alcoholic alternatives as well, such as delectable mocktails or reviving water with fruit extract.

Make sure you have enough glasses and cutlery for everyone who will be there as part of your preparations. To ensure that guests' drinks stay cold during the event, it's also critical to supply an ample supply of ice buckets or coolers.

[marcoshassanlevy]

t’s not easy for a band who explore the furthest reaches of post-hardcore music in 2020 to exist. As it is, there are enough reasons to throw in the towel, so what to make of a band whose members don’t live in the same country? How do you get over that one? Lima, Perú’s Plug Plug has released their most accomplished music to date while operating this way.

For the past 12 years, Plug Plug have withstood many empty venues, angry neighbors, and the global decline of the independent record industry. They also had to endure aging, family life, and adult jobs, as well as the fact they live in different parts of the world; yet they keep playing together, making incredible music inspired by punk, noise rock, and vintage emo sound—even sometimes getting the math rock tag attached to them, thanks to their complex, yet high energy music. Their latest statement, Humanicomio Terraqueo, is testament that they are playing at the peak of their power thanks to the very prescient social themes of the lyrics and exciting, yet atypical music.

Plug Plug’s story in their early years doesn’t differ from millions of bands in that situation. Garzo (guitar), Kamilo Riveros (bass), and Sandro Labenita (drums; replaced in 2018 by Antonio Olivera) spent their formative years sharing their favorite punk music with each other, uploading their music to MySpace, and trying to get gigs anywhere they could. Garzo had already been part of cult Lima band Metamorfosis where Riveros first came across the guitarist. Impressed with that band’s sound which included nods to adventurous music by the likes of Fugazi and Samiam, it formed the basis for the sound of Plug Plug which allowed them to play shows at the small but active scene, taking the stage at impromptu venues like pizzerias, restaurants, garages, birthday parties, and even block parties. “You were happy if they would pay you transportation fare,” says Riveros. Today they fondly remember their ritualistic rehearsals where they would haul their equipment five flights of stairs and play as loud as they could, sometimes getting unexpected visits. “Sometimes we played at full volume and the police would show up to tell us to turn it down, but we wouldn’t hear them. [Laughs] It was a great experience. We were rehearsing all the time,” says Riveros.

Their sound didn’t take long to take shape. “Garzo is great at making his guitar sound like more than one instrument because he learned how to play with only two strings, so when they gave him the rest of the strings it was like a luxury. [Laughs.]” says Riveros. Garzo continues by saying, “For me, everything is an influence. Here in Perú, public transportation has radios at full volume. I remember getting all this music on cassettes when I was younger. I loved fast music and that was the basis of what we like. We’re three [members] and everyone contributes to the sound.” These included bands that were labeled math rock—Riveros jokes that Plug Plug don’t consider themselves part of the genre since they don’t really know how to count odd-time rhythms— as well as sounds from the Peruvian culture, influenced in great part by late musicologist Chalena Vásquez, Riveros’ mother.

Everything seemed to be going great. Then Garzo decided to move out of Perú.

It was 2010 when Garzo departed to California to pursue a career in music. There he formed Los Huaycos with other Peruvian expats, who are best known for making a cameo appearance on the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. While this could have spelt the end of any other band, Plug Plug soldiered on against all odds while Garzo made his life in the United States. They found ways to write music from a distance, and they would play live when Garzo would return home to visit family. “We have been playing from a distance before the pandemic, that’s something we established a long time ago,” says Garzo. He would send videos of riff ideas to the other members of Plug Plug, “so I can see what his hands are doing because we come from punk so we don’t know about music theory,” says Riveros. As for the shows, they would book them any time Garzo would come back to visit family. To their surprise, these shows would get bigger in terms of size and audience assistance every year.

While Plug Plug was figuring out how to keep the band going, the rock scene in Perú became bigger than anyone could have predicted, and with it, Plug Plug’s notoriety surged. This allowed the band to find their true audience in the years since Garzo left the country, with Riveros attesting to an increasing number of people inquiring about when they would play again. “When I moved to California, Kamilo would tell me that the hot rock club would have our album in their jukebox,” says Garzo. “The last time I came back, we played at a big stage in a festival. We were booked early but the stage was big. We’re just three people! We need more people to fill the stage! [Laughs].” For their 10th anniversary, they threw a show with 12 post-hardcore and shoegaze bands from the scene—mostly their friends—that became a very important event.

Not that everything has been easy for the band. Since 2010, they have released just one full-length album, 2012’s Moo Mua Moo Cow Crazy Love, and an EP in 2015, Plug Plug (The Tape). According to the band, they have shelved two albums. During this period, the members of the band have been on different wavelengths, some focusing on work and family life. ”I got divorce in the process of recording the album, but when we were writing it I was getting ready to get married,” Riveros laughs.

Humanicomio Terraqueo, their first new material in six years and first long player in almost nine years, sees the band at the top of their game. Raging power chords inform off-kilter grooves as they explore the absurdities and horrors of our modern world. There are some straight-ahead rockers, while others point to the less refined and complicated aspect of emocore, back when the style had a bit more discord in its emotion. Opener “Sentido” sets the mood with angular riffs and exciting drum parts, “Cómplice” splits the difference between funky jitters and punk fury, “En Vano” turns the tempo down a bit but the rage and noise remain high, “Fuera de Control” adds a bit of post-punk darkness to their skronky explosions, and “A Nadie” rages hard and fast. The sound is laser-focused, yet eclectic.

As for the inspiration behind the noise, it’s not hard to pinpoint what fueled their passion for these non-conforming tunes. “Everything was going insane even before the pandemic,” says Garzo. “Fascism has returned, there’s a plastic island in the Pacific Ocean as big as a continent. So many things! It seems like humanity makes no sense anymore. Everything’s going wrong. You look at the UN’s reports and nothing’s going well, they are saying the same things we punks were saying back in the day. It’s a world disease. And the funny thing is that the songs are gaining new meanings as things get crazier because we wrote them a year ago.” Riveros likens this period to the Inkarri legend of the Inca, where a period of change in the world will cause an inversion of the order of things. “Now art is very important whether it had been pushed back in recent years.”

Regardless of what tomorrow will look like, they don’t see a future where Plug Plug won’t be part of their lives. “I make music with Garzo for the same reason I kiss my girlfriend,” laughs Riveros. “That’s what you do with that person. But we wouldn’t keep at it if we didn’t have the acceptance of other people. We can do this because we’re friends, first of all. We’re such good friends, the closest people we have in our lives, so we maintain communication about what’s happening in our day to day lives. The band is our family to the point that our last name is replaced by our band’s name.” Indeed, they famously don’t refer to their followers as fans, but rather friends, and the members of the band constantly refer to each other as brothers.

The journey of Plug Plug has been anything but typical, and that’s why they remain one of the most exciting bands to come out of Perú. Since it’s not a common history (or even common music), there’s no telling where the story will take them next. The guys have only one thing in mind for the future according to Garzo. “We’ll keep being enthusiastic about making music until we can’t.”

07.30.20

[dakotahiggins-blog1]

Birmingham is home to some of the best clubs, bars and restaurants in the country. It is truly one of the great party cities. Here at GoHen, because we didn’t want you to miss out on any of the great cocktail bars which Birmingham has to offer, we compiled a list of some of the top hangouts about. So next time you’re in the brilliant city of Brum, be sure to check them out!

The Cuban Embassy

The ideal haunt for rum lovers and the perfect venue if you’re looking for Latin American flair. The Cuban Embassy is a fabulous independent venue with a passion for live music, great food and most definitely, rum. They boast a selection of over 120 varieties of the finest Caribbean liquor and pride themselves on their wonderfully authentic Cuban cocktails. With a fantastic atmosphere, Latin music performances and extensive drinks range, The Cuban Embassy is a truly unmissable establishment.

You must try: Havana Style Mojito

Address | 23 St Mary’s Row, Birmingham, B13 8HW

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Bourne & Co.

Bourne & Co. is a fantastic prohibition themed bar, which provides an unbelievably realistic feeling peak into 1920s New York-style speakeasies. They have an amazing range of expertly crafted cocktails on offer, from vintage classics and cocktails with a twist, to vegan inspired concoctions. Stylish and swanky, this intimate bar is perfect if you’re looking to marry a brilliant atmosphere with an impeccably made cocktail.

You must try: Clover Club

Address | 7/8 Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham, B1 1LT

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The Edgbaston

If you’re looking for an evening of refined sophistication, The Edgbaston meets every requirement you could possibly want – and then some! This multi-award-winning establishment prides itself on its excellent service, unrivalled elegance and amazing cocktails – and they do not disappoint. With three cocktail lounges to choose from and a drinks list as long as the dress you’re dying to wear, you could come back multiple times and feel as if you’re somewhere completely new. But don’t take our word for it, go and try it for yourself!

You must try: A Summer in the Bath

Address | 18 Highfield Rd, Birmingham B15 3DU

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Gas Street Social

A bustling bar and restaurant which is the perfect place for a catch-up over a cocktail (or three). If you’re looking for somewhere a little more down to earth – with no pomp, no pretention – the Gas Street Social will hit the spot. Enjoy a genuinely laid-back atmosphere and have a natter over some exciting signature cocktails. So grab a friend, grab a booth and get tasting!

You must try: Espresso Mootini

Address | 166-168 Wharfside St, Birmingham B1 1RL

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40 St Paul’s

Ladies, gin is in and we have found the best gin bar in the country. That’s not an opinion, 40 St Paul’s were awarded the ‘Best Gin Bar’ and the ‘Best Gin Menu’ in the UK for 2018. Now, that’s got your attention hasn’t it?! With over 140 varieties on offer it’s fair to say that they’ll be able to satisfy your every gin-related need. With only 24 seats, booking is highly recommended as space is by no means guaranteed. However, when you do get a spot, the cosy, intimate atmosphere just adds to the fantastic ambiance. It is truly gin-credible!

You must try: Herno Juniper Cask Gin Old Fashioned

Address | 40 Cox St, Birmingham, B3 1RD

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Fumo

If you’re looking for some glamour and sophistication, then look no further. A splendid, high-end cocktail bar, Fumo radiates elegance and grace. So doll up and get ready to sparkle in this wonderfully stylish establishment which boasts some of the best cocktails in town, as well as some excellent cuisine. A perfect setting for a classy night with the girls or an evening with that special someone.

You must try: The Hugo

Address | 1 Waterloo St, Birmingham B2 5PG

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The Jekyll & Hyde

Where to be-gin? This vintage gin bar encapsulates ‘The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll & Mr Hyde’ in its creatively constructed menus, which offer a wide variety of drinks – many of which have a devilishly sweet element. Served in retro-styled candy jars, you can satisfy your sweet tooth as you indulge in one of their excellent confectionery cocktails. Lemon bonbon anyone? So, whether you’re relaxing in Dr Jekyll’s Gin Parlour or you’re in Mr Hyde’s Main Bar, they cater for all personalities.

You must try: Rhubarb & Custard

Address | 28 Steelhouse Lane, City Centre, Birmingham B4 6BJ

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Island Bar

Leave the pretention at the door! This tiki-inspired bar pays homage to what’s truly important – the drinks (we’ll raise a glass to that!). So ditch those ball gowns and don the hula skirts as you bask in the soulful party atmosphere. Enjoy one of their own signature cocktails or let the bartender know what you fancy, and they’ll come up with something just for you. Count me in!

You must try: The Zombie

Address | 14-16 Suffolk Street Queensway, Birmingham B1 1LT

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The Botanist

Never visited the Botanist? Well it’s about thyme you went! Enjoy a floral themed evening which is a must for any plant lover and definitely a must for anybody who enjoys a rather tasty cocktail in a lovely environment. They have an extensive, greenhouse inspired, drinks menu which contains unusual cocktails as well as your favourite classics. In a quirky twist, some cocktails are served in a variety of garden-related vessels. Plant pot of booze anyone?

You must try: The Botanist

Address | 14-16 Temple St, Birmingham B2 5BG

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Buffalo & Rye

Their alcoholic milkshakes bring all the girls to their bar…! Enjoy a boozy milkshake in a gloriously rustic setting at the quite frankly fabulous, Buffalo & Rye. Though they have an extensive menu, including a wide variety of luxurious cocktails, their adult milkshakes are the undoubted showstoppers. Choose from a selection of deliciously sweet shake flavours; from apple crumble to birthday cake, and add an alcoholic twist. If that’s not enough of a selling point, I don’t know what is!

You must try: Reese’s Peanut Butter Alcoholic Shake

Address | 11 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5RS

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Bodega

As well as some fantastic South American-style street food, Bodega serves up a superb array of beautifully crafted cocktails. Whether it’s some fiery Mexican Mezcal, some stunning Caribbean Rum or a drop of beautifully Brazilian cachaça, they have plenty cocktails made with different bases to satisfy your every desire. So kick back, relax and enjoy the carnival atmosphere as you bask in all things South American!

You must try: Blue Brazil

Address | 12 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5RS

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The Loft

A funky establishment which specialises in spirits, cocktails and craft beers, as well as serving up some truly delicious food. Enjoy one of their sumptuous signature cocktails in their award-winning weather-proof garden, with some cosy blankets on offer for those cold winter evenings. Indulge in a traditional cocktail or select something sweeter from their fun tuck shop range. From Refresher flavour to Parma Violet there are some tantalisingly tasty options available. How sweet!

You must try: Glitter S*it!

Address | 143 Bromsgrove St, Birmingham B5 6RG

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Nuvo

Fancy an evening of upmarket elegance? The stylish décor and refined ambiance of Nuvo’s cocktail lounge will provide the perfect backdrop to that evening of sophistication. Sample some of their signature cocktails, a traditional classic or something with a twist if you’re feeling adventurous, whilst you enjoy the high-end atmosphere of one of Birmingham’s favourite haunts. Be sure to stick around when it transforms into one of the hottest dance venues, with top DJ’s regularly dropping the best urban, house and pop beats. Let’s Party!

You must try: Tanqueray Bramble

Address | Eleven Brindley Place, 2 Brunswick Square, Birmingham B1 2LP

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The Button Factory

More exciting than the name suggests, The Button Factory is the perfect venue if you’re looking for a relaxed, casual cocktail. With high ceilings, big windows, leather seats and wooden floors it is has a wonderfully vintage feel which is enough to keep you there all afternoon. As well as some excellent food, they have an extensive list of classic cocktails on offer to cater for your every need. So get dialing and invite the girls to a tour of The Button Factory!

You must try: Sloe Negroni

Address | 25 Frederick St, Birmingham B1 3HH

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[shelleyseale]

5 Must-Visit Southwest Vacation Destinations

Whether for a stress-relieving holiday getaway or vacation in the New Year, or for experiential gift-giving targeted to those on your “nice list,” travel is top of mind for many this time of year. With that in mind, I wanted to share a collection of my top travel picks of late in the American southwest that are all tried-and-true...by yours truly. I can personally attest that these are five locales you’re sure to love. Kona Kai Resort & Spa  First, I hope you can make it over to San Diego, as America’s Finest City boasts some extraordinary properties. This most certainly includes the recently-expanded Kona Kai Resort and Spa, a Noble House resort that I recently experienced. Located on the tip of San Diego’s Shelter Island, it offers a range of amenities and experiences unique to its beautiful waterfront location and rich history. The property has 170 luxurious guest rooms, including 41 brand new suites that feature contemporary island-inspired decor, deep soaking tubs and oversized balconies. The new suite I stayed in had an elegant and dramatic glass fireplace with lighting that can be set to the color of your choice. I love Kona Kai because it’s intimate, especially with décor touches like this, yet all-encompassing.

The resort boasts its very own private beach replete with multiple cozy gas fire pits where you can make s’mores each evening (with kits the hotel offers) as well as multiple swimming pools, waterfront restaurants, an award-winning spa, a superbly picturesque 500-slip marina and the renowned private Kona Kai club. For groups, there’s 55,000 square feet of versatile indoor and outdoor event space. You can sip and savor at the Paloma pool and bar, Kona Kai’s new and exclusive adults-only pool area allowing guests to enjoy poolside craft cocktails and California coastal cuisine while overlooking the marina and some of the region’s most breathtaking sunsets just beyond. Take advantage of their bicycle program and take a refreshing cruise along the sparkling bay in front of the resort, which is replete with impressive sea craft. The property is also extremely well-situated in the city, located just minutes away from San Diego International Airport, the historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter and all of the area’s top attractions. In all, Kona Kai Resort and Spa is a prime destination for both locals and visitors, and a perfect choice for families and couples looking for a convenient getaway. Parq Restaurant & Nightclub Next, for fun-loving gastro travelers heading to San Diego, consider planning a night full of dinner and dancing at Parq, a venue offering an unparalleled nightlife experience in the city’s famed Gaslamp district. Its restaurant offers superb chef-driven cuisine and delectable craft cocktails in a chic and trendy dining space. After dinner, hit the adjacent Parq nightclub boasting the latest technologies and advances in entertainment, premium VIP services, and ongoing live shows featuring top artists. Plus, live DJs will have you dancing all night long!

Parq is definitely a venue like none other in San Diego, making it a stellar venue for an exciting night out on the town. It’s also the perfect locale for celebratory occasions like milestone birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, as well as large guest events like receptions and other private group events seeking a customizable menu and kinetic atmosphere. Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel Head north a bit and land at the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel—the only hotel on Beverly Hills’ iconic Rodeo Drive. A blend of modern style, relaxed southern California spirit and the elegance of Beverly Hills, this boutique hotel features inspired spaces from famed designer Vicente Wolf and genuine hospitality from a dedicated staff.

Revel in unmatched access to world-class shopping, dining and entertainment even just steps from the front door. You’ll also enjoy partaking in the hotel’s exclusive Luxe Club amenities. Like a home-away-from-home, the hotel’s Luxe Club benefits include delicious breakfasts, light lunches, evening tastings with happy hour house wines and cocktails. The happy hour in particular is a fun, lively and communal atmosphere among guests, and there’s plenty of affable staffers on hand to ensure every craving and necessity is met. This hotel also features complimentary bicycle rentals, a second floor outdoor mezzanine and a 360-degree rooftop view that provides incredible sights of the Los Angeles hills and skyline. That fresh outdoor space also hosts the fitness center and weekend “cinema under the stars” events. Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel is certainly a premier choice for an immersive visit to Beverly Hills. JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa For those who love a southwest desert-chic ambiance is the legendary JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa. Nestled on 125 acres, this AAA Four Diamond resort’s tranquil setting, private hiking trails, world-class amenities and dynamic interior and exterior architecture offer an authentic Arizona getaway.

It features 453 pet-friendly casita-style accommodations and suites with private patios, seven restaurants, a 32,000 square foot award-winning spa, two championship golf courses, tennis courts and sparkling pools. It even offers a myriad of outdoor hiking and biking adventures.  It’s only minutes away from downtown Scottsdale, and just a 20-minute drive to both downtown Phoenix and the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. If you’re a gastro-traveler like myself, food and beverage is a downright essential part of a vacation experience and, fortunately, Camelback Inn delivers on this front as well with seven eateries at your disposal. Their signature on-site restaurant—Lincoln, a JW Steakhouse—is unequivocally one to not be missed. It offers a traditional steakhouse concept with modern touches, including decadent dishes and processes that exemplify culinary ingenuity. The resort also houses Rita’s Kitchen for fabulous breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner either indoors or al fresco, as well as Sprouts at the Spa and the pool-side Hoppin’ Jacks, which offers casual options such as pizza and sandwiches. In addition to the dining options on the main property, Acacia at Camelback Golf Club has an open-air lounge with an outdoor fireplace where patrons can partake in American style fare. In addition to its unique setting and fabulous amenities, the resort is known for its impeccable customer service, which workers credit to the company’s philosophy that taking care of its employees will result in an enhanced ability to best care for customers. The satisfaction among staffers is exuded in every touch-point throughout a guest’s experience, throughout which smiles and “above and beyond” service abound. For more than 82 years, this destination has maintained a legacy and standard of excellence by welcoming generations of guests, Hollywood celebrities and U.S. Presidents since its opening in 1936. It’s a favorite vacation spot for the Marriott family, and myself, to this day! iPic Theaters Scottsdale For a fun night out while in Scottsdale or Phoenix check out iPic Theaters. This premier luxury restaurant-and-theater brand, with locations throughout the U.S., is a pioneer of the dine-in theater concept. iPic Scottsdale provides chef-driven culinary and mixology offerings inside premium movie theaters as well as an artisanal Italian on-site bar and restaurant called Tanzy. Be sure to order the mozzarella appetizer prepared tableside!

At iPic, guests enjoy an elevated entertainment experience with plush, fully reclining leather chairs encapsulated within their own private viewing pod, which also come furnished with courtesy pillows, blankets and unlimited popcorn. Premium plus seating pods harness revolutionary acoustic technology for superior sound. Each pod has a swivel dining table and seat-side service call button. Relax and enjoy a movie while savoring cuisine from a signature menu designed by a three-time James Beard award-winning chef. Now that’s entertainment! ~~~ ***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.*** Read the full article

[jazzworldquest-blog]

USA: THE GARIFUNA JAZZ ENSEMBLE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16th 7:30pm METRO BAPTIST CHURCH

The Garifuna people and culture were created by one of the most dramatic ethnic mixings in history: two ships with enslaved Africans were shipwrecked off the coast of what is now St. Vincent and the Grenadines toward the end of the 18th Century, and with the help of the indigenous Carib-Indian population, overpowered the Spanish crew and escaped. Later, due to their continued resistance and rebellions against the British, their mixed progeny would then be exiled to the islands off the coast of Honduras. Instead of being isolated and dying off, their culture and oral language prospered and expanded into the Central American countries of Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, where they still live.

However, because of terrible socio/political forces and war across the region, many Garifuna became exiles once again, settling in the United States: Los Angeles, Chicago, and the New York tri-state area, particularly in the Bronx. It is here that they remain determined to celebrate their culture and remain true to their heritage. Indeed, it is through their strong oral culture, transmitted through music and dance, that UNESCO proclaimed that this culture is a “masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage to humanity.” Vocalist, Lucy Blanco, founder of The Garifuna Jazz Ensemble, is a Garifuna who is continuing that journey. Born in the Bronx of immigrant Garifuna parents, she grew up in their traditions. However, while pursuing her dreams in the fashion industry in Los Angeles, Lucy Blanco discovered herself as the singer she always wanted to be through jazz. During a break from the fashion scene to raise her family, she started to explore that passion in earnest, honing her performance skills at every opportunity. While in L.A., Lucy found a nurturing environment that served as a launching pad for her burgeoning career as a jazz vocalist. The World Stage in Leimert Park literally opened a world that introduced her to the late Billy Higgins, mentor Dahl Scott-McDuff, music director Michael Andrews, as well as working with The Radiant Voices, directed by bassist Kevin O’ Neil. She looks back on those early years as the foundation for her approach and love of jazz. In 2008 researching her family history, Ms. Blanco discovered the Garifuna music ofAndy Palacio, Paul Nabor and Aurelio Martinez, and was inspired to develop the concept of fusing Garifuna with jazz.  Home again in New York, she continued to be blessed with teachers and mentors who encouraged her, like the great Barry Harris, and she learned her lessons well. Ms. Blanco started to collaborate with some of the best musicians in the tri-state area, many with Garifuna heritage, like Ricardo Guity, resulting in a demo recording of Wayne Shorter’s  ‘Speak No Evil’, up to that time, the ideal blend of traditional Garifuna sounds with familiar jazz standards. Later in the spring of 2011, the sound shifted some more as James Lovell, a Garifuna musician from Belize, and Blanco collaborated, and The Afri-Garifuna Jazz Ensemblewas born.  This ensemble band was comprised of seasoned traditional and jazz musicians. It incorporated much more the distinctive sounds of the traditional Garifuna rhythms Punta, Paranda and Hungu, Hungu, Garifuna song language with Garifuna Drums, maracas, Conch, Turtle shells, piano and bass. The Afri-Garifuna Jazz Ensemble recorded their debut album in June 2016 called “Taguiera,” (Homeland), with its core members, Gary “Wicked” Fritz, percussion, Hilliard Greene, bass, Julian Meyers, saxophone, Mario E. Sprouse, piano, comprising the present renamed group,The Garifuna Jazz Ensemble: Mario E. Sprouse, pianist, musical director, composer, and arranger, has been involved in the music, theater and film worlds for nearly 50 years. He was the legendary Renaissance man, African-American photographer, filmmaker, composer Gordon Parks’ musical assistant for over 20 years, cataloguing the artist’s massive archival collection, supervising the music for three of Parks’ films, producing his first original classical music CD, performing at Parks’ funeral in 2006, as well as working on the Emmy-nominated HBO documentary about Parks with filmmaker St. Claire Bourne. Mr. Sprouse has also provided the musical arrangements for several other films, including an award winning Best Documentary Short, and winning awards for his Off-Broadway theatrical projects. Several jazz greats, including Carmen McRae, Freddie Hubbard, Buster Williams, among others, have recorded his musical arrangements, as well asGregory Hines and Phylicia Rashaad performing his original songs live. Mr. Sprousealso is the musical director for the Caribbean band, Circular Time. Hilliard Greene, bassist, composer, and teacher has played and been associated with a wide range of numerous musical artist greats and genres: from 20 plus years with Little Jimmy Scott, being Minton’s house bassist to Concert Master for Cecil Taylor. “Hill” has been  performing all over the world in all types of musical venues, as well as teaching both children and adults for over 25 years in classical, jazz, rock, blues, R&B and Tango. He is a faculty member of the Bass Collective. Mr. Greene, an original member of both The Afri-Garifuna Jazz Ensemble and The Garifuna Jazz Ensemble, has recently formed The In & Out Band, a trio using jazz standards as a vehicle for free improvisation. He is the co-leader of the classical crossover group, the ZigZag Quartet, and co-produced its self-titled CD. Hilliard Greene has produced three CD’s with his own ensemble, The Jazz Expressions, a solo bass CD entitled, “Alone.” Gary “Wicked” Fritz, percussionist, son of performing artists was raised and exposed at a very early age to musical environments and schooling that solidly nurtured him, and taught him to be a multi-instrumentalist in a wide variety of styles. Since 1974, while studying at Lincoln University, “Wicked” decided to pursue music as a profession, and has toured internationally with Big Bands, small combos and with dance companies, appearing on TV, Cable video and film soundtracks ever since. Along with leading his own band, 7th Heaven, Gary “Wicked” Fritz has performed withGeorge Benson, Rev. James Cleveland, Roberta Flack, The Black Rock Coalition Orchestra, Vernon Reid, and The Winans, among many others. He also has a long list of recording credits on albums and soundtracks, among them the Oscar nominated feature film, “The Visitor,” and The Horace Silver Songbook album, “Funky Pieces of Silver.” Julian Meyers, saxophonist, composer, whose musical talents were nurtured early by public school music educators in Queens, continued to pursue his musical education while maintaining a professional career for over 26 years, playing all over the world with Dizzy Gillespie and Cecil Payne, among others. As a dedicated music educator himself now for over 15 years, Julian Meyers exposes his students, in the same Queens neighborhood where he grew up, and now teaches, to his first love, jazz. Through his classes, and exposure to live performance, he hopes to make jazz relevant in their lives. Toward this goal, he has created programs like “Vision and Mission” and “Family Jazz Renaissance” as vehicles to emphasize jazz’s importance and to counterbalance its present lack of promotion in the Pop culture. Mr. Meyers was on the 2016 release of the Afri-Garifuna Jazz Ensemble’s CD, “Taguiera.” He released his own album, “Emergence” and is currently working on another release. Luisa Bastidas, violinist, Colombian born, has quickly become very active on the New York City scene as a member of the first all-female Mariachi band, Mariachi Flor de Toloache, with whom she has just won a Latin Grammy. Ms. Bastidas’ unique sound/voicing on the violin is in demand with Emilio Estefan, as well as Latin superstar Thalia, who has used her as well, as a background vocal. She is the resident violinist of the Kinetic Jungliest Movement, playing with dancer Amy Secada and Redbull World Champion BBoy Neguin. She has collaborated with underground legends, SUPAMAN and Remind. Luisa Bastidas leads her own band,StringsNskins, which takes the listener on a musical journey throughout Latin America and Caribbean. www.luisabastidas.com, www.stringsnskinsmusic.com. Andy Ordonez, Garifuna Drums, backup vocals, is a young upcoming solo artist. A native of the Bronx, New York, born to parents of Garifuna descent, Andy is a proudGarifuna - American and represents his Garifuna Culture with pride. His musical career began at the age of 9 back home in the village of Santa Fe, Honduras with his friends and family playing drums all over the village. At the age of 13, Andy Ordonez joined his father’s group, "Bodoma Cultural Band.” In 2015 he released his first album titled, "Mi Tradicion," that is now available on ITunes, Spotify, Google Play, and Amazon. He also has traveled around the world with Honduranguitarist, percussionist, singer, and politician, Aurelio Martinez, (who like the late great guitarist and government official, Andy Palacio from Belize), is seen as an ambassador for the Garifuna people and culture. Mariano Martinez, dancer, choreographer, entrepreneur, discovered his love for dance very early, and he has not stopped moving since. He is well versed in most modern dance styles, particularly of the Garifuna culture. When majoring in Psychology at Medgar Evers College, he found out his true calling choreographing for various college productions as well as his interests in entrepreneurship. After graduating, Mariano founded his own company, J. Dove Productions, Inc. As CEO and Artistic Director, he not only choreographs special age birthday parties, but interrelates the future goals of the participants, and what they have learned, to the artistic event. In essence Mariano Martinez promotes the connection between creativity in dance to creative thinking in life, to a belief in oneself. Mariano is dedicated to continuing his work with the Central American community and encouraging and empowering youth in particular. Maryam Abdul-Qawiyy, dancer, choreographer, dramatist, is an international writer, performance artist and Renaissance woman. She is multifaceted across many fields and attributes this to her passion for creative expression. As a performance artist, Maryambeen a featured vocalist in annual Belizean patriotic showcases. As a choreographer she recently performed in the international dance festival, Dance X Belize 2017. As a dramatist, Ms. Abdul-Qawiyy has written and directed five original stage plays, which debuted at the Women in Art showcase, and the International Pittsburgh Black Arts Festival. She is a global ambassador and writer for Rhythm of Change (ROC Belize), a non-profit dedicated to activities that create individual, social and environmental change; as a yoga instructor she taught at the Belize Central Prison and Youth Hostel. Currently, Maryam Abdul-Qawiyy lives in Brooklyn, New York where she is a teaching artist in Musical Theater and Yoga. Abby London-Crawford proudly presents The Garifuna Jazz Ensemble in association with the Sanctuary Arts Initiative of Metro Baptist Church. Ms. London-Crawford, an officer of the Hell’s Kitchen Cultural Center, Inc. helped produced its annual “Rhythm in the Kitchen” Music Festival in the same neighborhood for over 10 years. Now, as an independent producer, she has produced concerts at Metro Baptist: in October, 2016with TK Blue and Zaccai Curtis; Dick Griffin and Michael Wimberly; Elektra Kurtis and Ensemble Elektra with Reggie Nicholson, Curtis Stewart, and Kenny Davis. In June, 2017 she co-produced with composer/trombonist Steve Swell’s “Music for Six Musicians: Hommage to Oliver Messaien” recorded live at Metro for Silkheart Recordswith Steve Swell, Jason Kao Hwang, Tomas Ulrich, Jim Pugliese, Rob Brown, and Robert Boston. The CD was released in October 2017. Ms. London-Crawford has an upcoming concert March 3rd at Metro with Edith Lettner’sFreemotion CD release with Gerhard Franz Buchegger, Gerhard Graml, Stephan Brodsky coupled with her Delight band with Donald Smith, Gerhard Graml, Leopoldo F. Fleming, and Warren Smith. Abby London-Crawford helped produce two documentaries on musicians: “Femmes de Jazz,”directed by Gilles Corre, filmed in NYC for European Television, which premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival September, 2001; and “Night Bird Song, The Incandescent Life of Thomas Chapin,”directed by Stephanie J. Castillo in 2016. The DVD of that film will be released March 20, 2018.

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Below's What Sector Experts Claim About event.

Understand The Background Of celebration Now.

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The Best Foods to Bring on a Party Bus

In terms of popularity, party buses are on the rise and it’s for a good reason. In one way or another, party buses are perfect transportation solutions for office parties, family reunions, birthdays, weddings, bachelor/bachelorettes parties as well as many other events.

What are the best foods to bring on a party bus? Here is guideline on the best foods that you may need on a party bus

1. Jerky Lover’s Jerky

If you like something that’s hot, sweet and spicy then this is the perfect choice. It’s a perfect treat for sporting events, camping, family outings as well as hiking trips

2. Oat Applesauce Muffins

These heart muffins are perfect for road trips. They will literary fill you up with flavors and fibers instead of fats

3. Chocolate Energy Bars

If you make a comparison between energy bar and similar fruit or nut bars, you will find out that chocolate bars taste better. Apart from that, they are nutritionally superior and above all, they are quite cheaper to prepare at home

4. Spicy and Sweet Nuts

These ones are perfect for kids. You can make them using a few raw nuts. These nuts are so sweet and very addictive when they are coated. They are perfect for festivities and parties

5. Herbed Chicken Nuggets

These chickens are baked and not fried. Their nutty flavor is derived from wheat germ. They are quite enjoyable and tasty. A family will basically enjoy a road trip and have the chicken nuggets for lunch

6. Spinach Balls

When spinach is combined using stuffing mix eggs, butter, parmesan cheese a well as other savory spices the end product is awesome. The mixture that forms into balls is eventually baked. Spinach balls are extremely delicious

7. Spinach Brownies

Spinach and mozzarella cheese get baked together producing appetizer treats that are mouthwatering. Preparing them is quite easy

8. Easy Granola Bars

They are very tasty and sweet. Packing them for long road trips, camping trips and hikes is quite easy

9. Taco in Bags

The flavorful taco is a perfect snack to carry while on transit. Block parties and picnics are great venues where you can enjoy your tacos

10. Chip Chicken Lollipops

These are backed chicken that are accompanied by chips; they are eaten using sticks. They are great recipes for kid parties. It’s important to let kids take them first because adults find them delicious as well otherwise the little ones will find them finished

11. Tortilla Roll-ups

The roll-ups are very sweet; both kids and adults find them enjoyable. They are cheesy and creamy; they are extremely easy to make. It’s advisable to prepare them in advance

12. Great Garlic Knots

They are quick and quite easy to make. These knots are herb-seasoned breads that can do quite well just like any other meal. The tasty knots can also be eaten as snacks in-between meals. They can be tastier when slathered with any other spread. Using fresh rosemary can make these knots fragrant

13. Cheese Straws

If you want to make your bus trips during holidays memorable, you can make this tasty snack by combining cheddar cheese together with butter, salt and flour. The dough gets rolled out and is then cut into strips. It is finally backed until it gets crispy. It’s advisable to use mild or sharp cheddar

14. Pinwheel Italian Calzones

The moment you try these small calzones, you will never see the need of using larger ones. These types of calzones come together in snaps. They also give you an opportunity to sneak in some veggies into the kid’s diet. The best thing about them is that they are very small making them quite easy for tiny hands to pick them up and eat; they also taste like pizza

15. Gourmet Pretzel Rods

These ones are chewy and crunchy. They are also salty and sweet apart from having a chocolate touch; they are the ultimate snacks. You can get the caramels and peanuts in the bulky food section of a grocery store. They are fun and easy to make

16. Cinnamon Snack Mix

You can toss together these crunchy, delicious and cute mixes during a bus ride. They are very yummy. You may need to make several batches

17. Baked Walnuts

These candy walnuts are very easy to make if you need quick snacks that you intend to use on a road trip. Walnuts can be coated using butter, sugar or eggs

18. Kids Party Mix

This type of snack is a mixture of chocolate spices that are candy coated raisins, cheddar cheese crackers and pretzel sticks. Kids find them enjoyable

19. Tasty Maple Trail-Mix

You can prepare your own granola that you will take while on your trip. This snack can be packed using cranberries, pecans as well as chocolate covered peanuts.

This article brought to you by Party Bus Rentals NYC.  We hope you enjoyed it!  If you are in need of a party bus throughout the 5 boroughs, including buses in Staten Island and the Bronx, please feel free to give us a call!

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