2016 Big Sur Foragers Festival Announces Its Fungus Face-Off Partners

Tickets on Sale Now!

Big Sur, CA, November 25, 2015 - Big Sur Health Center, a non-profit organization offering local, quality healthcare to the Big Sur community, announced January 15-17, 2016 as the dates of its annual Big Sur Foragers Festival. Held in Big Sur along California’s central coast, the festival is a weekend-long celebration featuring an amazing array of wild foods, world-class wine and beer, expert-led foraging hikes and a friendly chef competition with celebrity judges. This year’s partners include Ventana Big Sur, longtime host of the Fungus Face-Off and the Grand Chef dinner, along with a new strategic partner, Post Ranch Inn, which will host several different events.

The event has traditionally served as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community's non-profit health center will receive the proceeds from the foraging events to continue to support the presence of local health care services in the Big Sur area.

The three day festival affords Big Sur area restaurants the opportunity to host the culinary expertise of notable chefs who will be preparing unique fare ranging from rustic to elegant, paired alongside the central coast region's amazing selection of wine and beer. Guest Chef Suzette Gresham, Acquerello’s co-owner and Executive Chef from San Francisco’s Acquerello, will join Ventana’s own Chef Paul Corsentino to offer a memorable Grand Chef Dinner.

Saturday January 16th events include:

· Saturday morning - This year there will be two "Wild Foraging Walk and Talk" - one at Pfeiffer State Park (level beginner) and one through the Big Sur Wilderness (level intermediate). Cost per hike $35.00. (Saturday, January 16th 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

· Saturday afternoon – The “Fungus Face-Off" on the deck at Ventana Big Sur from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Cost per person is $60. A friendly competition among some of the area's notable chefs featuring chanterelles and other fabulous fungi, along with a variety of wild foraged foods.. Attendees also have an opportunity to cast their vote for "People's Choice". (Saturday, January 16th 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

•  Winery and Brewery Partners Include:

* Morgan Winery

* Comanche Cellars

* Holman Ranch

* Bernardus Winery

* Mesa Del Sol

* Filipponi Ranch/Kelly McCleary/Peter Cron

* Ventana Vineyards

* Scheid Vineyards

* McIntyre Wines

* Chappellet

* Mad Otter Ales

•  Restaurant, Chef and Tasting Partners Include:

* Chef Paul Corsentino, Ventana Big Sur

* Chef Jon Cox, Post Ranch

* Chef Tim Wood, Carmel Valley Ranch

* Chef Steve Johnson, TusCA Ristorante

* Chef Brendan Esons , Big Sur Roadhouse

* Chef Matt Farmer, Coast Gallery

* Chef Phillip Burrus, Esalen Institute

* Chef Jacob Burell, Big Sur Bakery

* Miguel Vargas, Fernwood

* Adan Moeda Chavez, River Inn

* Carmel Valley’s Quail and Olive (taste organic olive oils and vinegars)

· A silent auction full of culinary delights, hotel stays, tickets to explore the area, art and so much more will take place during the food and wine sampling. There will be more than 60 items this year! Purchase raffle tickets for $5 per ticket of $25 for 6 tickets. Enter to win your choice of 7 culinary delights or hotel packages! Raffle package values begin at $200 to $700! Tickets available for purchase at the event.

· Saturday Evening: The Big Sur Foragers Festival announces its Grand Chef Dinner at the Restaurant at Ventana Big Sur. The multi-course dinner, destined to be a memorable feast paired with an incredible wine selection, costs $175.00 per person (as of December 1). Early bird tickets are on sale now through November 30th for $150.00. Guest Chef Suzette Gresham, Acquerello’s co-owner and Executive Chef, will join Ventana’s Chef Paul Corsentino to offer an unforgettable dining experience. (Saturday, January 16th, 2016 beginning at 6:00 pm).

Tickets on sale now http://bigsurforagersfestival2016.eventbrite.com

For event details and information on other Foragers Festival weekend activities, including venues at Post Ranch Inn, please visit our website: www.bigsurforagersfestival.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bigsurforagersfestival.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org

Why Our Silicon Valley Lifestyle is Killing Us

In his new book, “Lack of Sufficient SLEEP MATTERS” Roger W. Washington, M.D. Reveals Root Cause of Illness

Santa Clara, CA, November 16, 2015 - The new book, “Lack of Sufficient SLEEP MATTERS: Decode The Root Cause of Your Illness,” by Roger W. Washington, M.D., decodes the root cause of illness he discovered in California’s Silicon Valley, where according to a new report “a toxic cocktail of poor nutrition, sleep deprivation, and stress….is causing an epidemic of advanced aging.”

The lifestyle of coping with stress and responsibility by sleeping less to do more is typical of Silicon Valley workers and is becoming ubiquitous across society. Sleeping less is leading to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart attacks, as well as a host of immune disorders that we do not ordinarily think of as being related to lack of sleep, such as breast cancer, blood clots, infections and rashes. Miscarriage, the premenstrual syndrome, migraines, depression even childhood colic are directly attributable to lack of sleep and what Dr. Washington calls our A.C.C.E.L.E.R.A.T.E.D. lifestyle.

Working as a family physician in Silicon Valley, Dr. Washington sees all these problems and more. In “Lack of Sufficient SLEEP MATTERS,” he takes us into his practice with patient stories showing how he listens with great curiosity about their activities, states of mind, and emotions leading up to when they became ill. He shows us how a crash and burn pattern develops and then startles us with the common threads he found across all sorts of illnesses. When he traces these illnesses back to his patients’ own habit patterns of dealing with life’s pressures by borrowing energy to accelerate their daytime activities, we are floored to find an unpaid sleep debt at the nexus of them all.

In “Lack of Sufficient SLEEP MATTERS: Decode The Root Cause of Your Illness,” Dr. Washington gives readers the tools to understand:

* Why sickness predictably occurs after we slowdown from demanding activities, not during

* How lack of sufficient sleep (LOSS) is the trigger for diseases such as migraines, IBS, PMS, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy

* How the onset of diabetes, which is supposedly genetic and environmental, could be delayed or even prevented with proper sleep patterns

* A simple algebraic equation to predict and prevent becoming ill

* A set of Sick Questions to ask to isolate and pinpoint behaviors that lead to illness

* The type of sleep needed to achieve good health and longevity

About the Author: A Stanford Medical School graduate and Academy of Family Physicians Fellow, Roger W. Washington has answered the question, “Doctor, Why Am I Sick?” for 30 years. In his first book, “Lack of Sufficient SLEEP MATTERS,” Dr. Washington decodes the root cause of illness he discovered in California’s Silicon Valley, where sacrificing sleep is the norm.

To download a free chapter of Dr. Washington’s book, go to www.SmartURL.it/FreeChapter. For more information, visit the online press kit at www.SleepMatters.OnlinePressKit247.com and the public site, www.SleepMattersTheBook.com. For interviews contact Executive Publicist Michelle Tennant Nicholson, 828-749-3200, Michelle@WasabiPublicity.com.

Contact:
Michelle Tennant Nicholson
Wasabi Publicity, Inc.
Santa Clara, CA
828-749-3200
Michelle@WasabiPublicity.com
http://www.SleepMatters.OnlinePressKit247.com

Dr Melanie Joy among the Speakers at the ETHIIC Round Table: When Ethics Meet Economy

On Thursday, November 19, 2015, 9:30am 11:00am, Smart City Expo World Congress, Congress Area Meeting Room 1, Fira De Barcelona, Gran Via Venue, Barcelona, Spain.

Barcelona, Spain, November 16, 2015 - On Thursday November 19, 2015 a panel of speakers will meet at the Smart City Expo World Congress for a round table on Ethics and Economy.

The event has been organized by ETHIIC, the multisectorial network that creates connections between consumers and ethical, sustainable companies.

The focus of discussion will be the fact that people are increasingly better informed about environmental issues, human rights and animal rights. Consumers are ready to take steps to make a difference, and that’s why ethical products and services are booming and ready to go mainstream.

How easy is living in an ethical way for those who want things to be fast, ready and cool? How easy is “just giving it a try” for those who are potentially sensitive but a bit too lazy to try something new unless is it right there in front of them and presented in a very appealing way? Are public administrations and companies ready to meet this new latent need and make ethical services and products easily available to everyone? Can we still afford to live in a non-ethical, non-sustainable way?

The ETHIIC round table seeks discussion on the importance of re-directing the money flow from un-ethical businesses toward a sustainable economy that respects humans, animals and the environment according to a paradigm developed for urban areas.

A recent Nielsen survey reveals that an ever growing number of consumers (55% in 2014) are willing to pay extra for products and services from companies committed to positive social and environmental impact.

A growing number of celebrities invites their followers to live in a more ethical way. Sir Paul McCartney: “If anyone wants to save the planet, all they have to do is just stop eating meat. That's the single most important thing you could do. It's staggering when you think about it. Vegetarianism takes care of so many things in one shot: ecology, famine, cruelty”

No wonder the vegetarian/vegan trend is burgeoning worldwide. For instance, Eurispes forecasts that 50% of the Italian population will go vegetarian or vegan by 2050.

The United Nations (2014 population report) stresses that cities may offer opportunities to expand access to sustainable product and services for large numbers of people in an economically efficient manner and allow them to enjoy healthier lives overall. This is precisely one of the topics that will be discussed.

• Dr. Melanie Joy, Ph.D., Ed.M.
Harvard-educated psychologist, professor of psychology and sociology, celebrated speaker, and president of Beyond Carnism, Melanie Joy is the author of the award-winning international best seller Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, with translations soon to be published in 11 languages and top book pick by television host Ellen DeGeneres. Dr. Joy was the eighth recipient of the Institute of Jainology’s Ahimsa Award for her work on global non violence (past recipients include the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela).

Contact:
Impact Hub Barcelona - Patricia
ETHIIC, Plaza Real 18/2°
Barcelona, Spain
+34935951509
info@ethiic.net
http://www.ethiic.net

2016 Big Sur Foragers Festival Announces Grand Chef Dinner

Suzette Gresham, Acquerello’s co-owner and Executive Chef

Big Sur, CA, November 13, 2015 - The Big Sur Foragers Festival announces its Grand Chef Dinner at Ventana Big Sur The "Foragers Dinner" at the Restaurant at Ventana will be held Saturday, January 16th, 2016 beginning at 6:00 pm. The multi-course dinner, destined to be a memorable feast paired with an incredible wine selection, costs $175.00 per person (as of December 1). Early bird tickets are on sale now through November 30th for $150.00.

Guest Chefs have been announced! Suzette Gresham, Acquerello’s co-owner and Executive Chef along with Paul Corsentino from Ventana Big Sur.

Suzette Gresham, Acquerello’s co-owner and Executive Chef

 

Suzette Gresham, Acquerello’s co-owner and Executive Chef, has had a profound impact on the culinary world over the course of her over 35 years in the kitchen. Her career is one that has been punctuated by numerous awards and accolades from both local and international institutions. In 1980, she was the first female apprentice to be on the U.S. Culinary Olympic team, returning as an individual competitor 4 years later, and taking home the bronze metal. She holds the coveted Antonin Careme award, and was honored to become the first Junior Member of the ACF, later being voted to the Board of Directors for three terms. Acquerello has held a spot every year on Michael Bauer’s Top 100 Bay Area Restaurant List since it’s inception 19 years ago. The restaurant has received a Michelin star every year since 2007 until 2014 when it was awarded a second star. Gresham is only the third woman in the U.S. to hold that title. While these prestigious achievements are a source of pride for Gresham, they are not the driving force behind her career, food –above all else is what keeps her in the kitchen. Gresham produces more than just meals at Acquerello, she and her team provide experiences for the diner that are emblematic of what they could expect in high-end dining in Italy.

She does this through her dedication to elevated hospitality, the execution of soulful and thoughtful dishes, and a mission to educate and inspire all those who come through the door. “Materia prima”, or quality ingredients, along with seasonality, tradition, and philosophy are the driving forces behind Gresham’s style. She believes that Italian cuisine has a timelessness that doesn’t rely on trends. She remains current, however, by listening to diners, maintaining an awareness of her marketplace, and revitalizing forgotten classics through interpretive applications. Just as ingredients have been a pillar in her cooking, education has been a hallmark in her legacy. Gresham strives to make Acquerello all about opportunity. Her tenacious attitude, sincerity, undeniable skill, and constant appetite for knowledge are what helped her rise through the ranks. She didn’t realize she was a pioneer at the time; she just wanted to learn and progress in her career. Gresham has made her mark in the industry by highlighting the importance of culinary fundamentals in her team, stressing the importance of where you begin as a chef. It is with this philosophy in mind that Gresham has successfully passed 63 interns through her kitchen in the 26 years of Acquerello’s existence. It is her belief that without a strong foundation, in the long run you will short change yourself because of what you don’t know. It becomes exponentially harder to create new, bold flavor profiles or interpret the classics if you don’t first understand why techniques came to be, how traditions were started, and what role ingredients play in the regions from which they hail. “If you love your craft, it is your duty to learn all you can and then share that knowledge with the next generation. I relate to other chefs young and old – at the end of the day we are all just cooks.”

Paul Corsentino, Executive Chef, The Restaurant at Ventana Inn

A native of Illinois and a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Corsentino’s first foray into the kitchen led him to mk The Restaurant in Chicago in 2002. In 2004, Corsentino moved to New York where he worked at acclaimed restaurants such as Bouley, Country, Alta and Rouge Tomate prior to his career defining position as the Executive Chef at the National Bar & Dining Room.

Corsentino met Zakarian when he became Sous Chef at Country in 2005, where he was a member of the opening team. In 2010, Corsentino reunited with Zakarian as the Executive Chef at The National Bar & Dining Room. During the 3 years at the National, Corsentino landed runner up for Eater.com’s “Sexiest New York Chef.” He then assisted Zakarian in winning the 4th Season of Food Network’s “The Next Iron Chef, Super Chefs” in December 2011.

The move to California in 2014 was inspired by the dream to cook in the seasons, the quest for fresh local ingredients and, of course, sunny winters. Corsentino joined Commune Hotels and Resorts as the Executive Chef at Ventana Inn & Spa in Big Sur. The food is representative of the location featuring ingredients such as local foraged mushrooms and wild caught fresh yellowfin tuna. In his first year at Ventana, Corsentino has put the restaurant on the map as a food destination in its own right.

Purchase Your Tickets Today For The Big Sur Foragers Festival 2016

Save the dates of January 15th through 17th, 2016. Big Sur area restaurants will host the culinary expertise of notable chefs preparing unique fare from rustic to elegant, paired with the region's amazing selection of wines and beers.

The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community's non-profit health center will receive the proceeds from the foraging events to support the continued presence of local health care services.

In addition to the Grand Chef Dinner, the event schedule includes:

New events for 2016 include:

Friday, January 15th:
• 5:30 Friday evening - Cocktail reception and fungus presentation by Louie Schwartzberg followed by 5 course tasting menu prepared by Chef John Cox with wine pairings selected by Sierra Mar wine director Dominique DaCruz. $500 per person. Limited to 22 tickets. Reservations to be made thru Post Ranch Reservations at 800 527 2200.

Sunday, January 17th:
• 11 a.m. Sunday morning - Property forage hike and lunch with Chef John Cox. Guest will enjoy an exclusive property wide tour of Post Ranch Led by Executive Chef John Cox followed by a 3 course lunch with wine pairing featuring items foraged on property and local wines. Limited to 16 people at $200 per person. Reservations made at 800 527 2200.This hike is weather permitting.
Back by Popular Demand:

Saturday, January 16th:
• Saturday, January 16th: This year there will be two "Wild Foraging Walk and Talk" - one at Pfeiffer State Park (level beginner) and one through the Big Sur Wilderness (level intermediate). Cost per hike $35.00. (Saturday, January 16th 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

• Saturday, January 16th "Fungus Face-Off" on the deck at Ventana Big Sur. "Fungus Face-Off" on the deck at Ventana Big Sur! "Fungus Face-Off" at Ventana Big Sur from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Cost per person is $60. A friendly competition among some of the area's notable chefs featuring chanterelles and other fabulous fungi. Attendees also have an opportunity to cast their vote for "People's Choice". (Saturday, January 16th 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

• A silent auction full of culinary delights, hotel stays, tickets to explore the area, art and so much more will take place during the food and wine sampling. There will be more than 60 items this year! Purchase raffle tickets for $5 per ticket of $25 for 6 tickets. Enter to win your choice of 7 culinary delights or hotel packages! Raffle package values begin at $200 to $700! Tickets available for purchase at the event.

Sunday, January 17th:
• Forager's Kitchen: Master Class in Cooking - Foraged Foods at Home at the Big Sur Lodge: A fun, fast-paced panel of some of Big Sur and Carmel's best chefs known for cooking with such foraged foods as chanterelles, sorrel, nettles and natural sea salt. Participants will get to taste the foods demonstrated by the chefs and take new recipes home. Chefs to be announced. (Sunday, January 17 - 2 to 4 pm) - Tickets will be on sale December 1st. Only 50 spaces available.

Tickets on sale now http://bigsurforagersfestival2016.eventbrite.com

For event details and venue information, visit www.bigsurforagersfestival.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bigsurforagersfestival.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org

Fam Trip Invitation to Experience Cruises and Tours in Vietnam at ITB ASIA

The all-inclusive Emperor Cruises Nha Trang is the most authentic new cruising experience in Vietnam in 2015

Hanoi, Vietnam, November 11, 2015 - Luxury Travel Ltd. is offering travel professionals fam trips to experience Vietnam and take on the role of a Vietnam travel specialist at ITB Asia.

The programme is designed for travel sellers and they join what the company claims are its “bestselling tours starting in Hanoi and ending in Saigon.” as a holiday to Vietnam depart on the first of every month, with an optional extension to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia or a Vietnam beach resort and enjoy cruising experience in Nha Trang.

“Our private fam trip is an opportunity to become familiar with our luxury tour programme …. Tour operators receive a certificate acknowledging them as Vietnam travel expert after each trip,” said Luxury Travel founder and CEO Pham Ha.

Luxury travelers now have the opportunity to cruise in Nha Trang Bay, not just in Halong Bay and along the Mekong. Being recognized as the pearl of the South Central Coast of Vietnam, Nha Trang has become one of the most famous tourist destinations in Vietnam because of its natural beauty and superb climate with 300 days of sunshine.

According to this travel guru, the all-inclusive Emperor Cruises Nha Trang is the most authentic new cruising experience in Vietnam in 2015. Emperor Cruises (www.emperorcruises.com) brings travelers to the bay to gaze at the sunset, sip on cocktails, and enjoy romantic dinners while cruising on one of the 29 most beautiful bays in the world.

Fam trip bookings are available online, but for detailed information travel agents can contact Luxury Travel’s sales and marketing director, David Nguyen, at sales@luxurytravels.asia.

The trips are not free initially, but they can be if the travel agent books a client after completing the trip. Travel agents can pay by credit card. The full amount is required upon confirmation and is refundable on completion of the first booking with Luxury Travel before 31 December 2016. The fee for spouses and travelling companions is non-refundable.

Familiarisation trips are available only to tour operators. Life partners can join at the same rate or with a nominal supplement.

To be eligible travel professionals must supply name, position at the company, national tourism member, ABTA, ASTA or PATA member code if any and a confirmation fax number or business email and website. Trade visitors can discuss further at ITB Asia in Singapore about the fam and Emperor Cruises in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

All trips are subject to limited availability on specific travel dates, as mentioned, and other restrictions. Reservations must be filed at least one month before departure date.

Vietnam-based Luxury Travel sells holidays in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand

About Luxury Travel Ltd.
With a new heart logo and the slogan, touching hearts, Vietnam-based Luxury Travel Ltd. (www.luxurytravels.asia) is a long established Asian specialist in the art of travel and serves today’s most sophisticated travelers with luxury privately guided and fully bespoke touring and Vietnam vacation packages with extension to Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. Luxury Travel Ltd. has won numerous travel awards for excellent performance, including the most recent Guide Awards: “Asia’s leading luxury tour operator touching hearts”.

Contact:
Huyen Nguyen
Luxury Travel Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Street
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
84.4.62733087 Ext 122
http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

The Humble Grapes to Release New Single “Brooklyn Bridge” on October 30th Along With Upcoming Music Video November 4th

The Humble Grapes are preparing for the release of their new single and music video, “Brooklyn Bridge.”

Los Angeles, CA, November 09, 2015 – The Humble Grapes are preparing for the release of their new single and music video, “Brooklyn Bridge.” The vibrant duo, which consists of vocalist, songwriter, producer Brie Capone and artist, songwriter, pianist, producer David Kaufman, have gained recognition in the indie circuit and are quickly rising to success.

“This band is a real breath of fresh air. Brie’s voice is amazing and blends perfectly with David’s masterful skills on the piano to create something truly unique.” – Muzic Notez

The new single co-produced by The Humble Grapes and Ami Kozak paints a perfect picture of a rocky relationship with its alluring melody and Capone’s soulful vocals. The picturesque melody coming from Kaufman helps envision the tumultuous relationship. Capone’s captivating voice also helps emulate the emotion behind the relationship making this a raw, unforgettable follow up to “Young and Alive” in anticipation for their upcoming EP out January 2016.

“Brooklyn Bridge’ is a song about realizing that you can fall in love with some one and truly care for them, but you’re painfully aware that you're on a different path than them,” states Capone.

“Brooklyn Bridge” will be available October 30th followed by the release of the music video on November 4th. Directed by the talented Benjamin Heller the video was beautifully shot under both The Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges in DUMBO, which also helped visualize the sentiment and tone behind the lyrics.

The Humble Grapes will be playing The Bitter End in NYC on Saturday, November 14th and have plans to tour the tri-state area throughout 2016 to support their forthcoming 2016 EP release.

Follow The Humble Grapes:
http://www.thehumblegrapes.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thehumblegrapesmusic
https://twitter.com/thehumblegrapes
https://instagram.com/thehumblegrapes/
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-humble-grapes

For more information about The Humble Grapes or to set an interview, please contact Chip Schutzman at Miles High Productions: 323-806-0400 or chip@mileshighproductions.com

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
http://www.mileshighproductions.com/

EDM/POP Vocalist C’nky Siwela Announces Music Video Release “My Name in the Echo” out November 4th

Electronic- pop singer, C’nky Siwela, showcases his second worldwide digital release, “My Name in the Echo,” available now!

Los Angeles, CA, October 30, 2015 - Electronic- pop singer, C’nky Siwela, showcases his second worldwide digital release, “My Name in the Echo,” available now!

This South African sensation won “Best Afro-Pop Artist” at the SACRA Awards following the release of his debut album, “Reminiscent of the Sounds.” Gearing up for his second full-length album, C’nky releases his second single which truly displays C’nky’s well-rounded music capabilities as a vocalist.

“My Name in the Echo” drifts away from his first electro-pop release, “Distant Cry,” and dives into a breaking wave of tropical guitar riffs that are blended into a deep house track. C’nky’s soulful vocals express a sense of struggle and disorientation while patiently waiting for “the voice of reason” to guide him. The track relates back to when C’nky was initially trying to discover himself as an artist. He was continuously being discouraged from others around him and started to be surrounded by negative forces that led him to even worse experiences. However, C’nky regained his strength and found enlightenment that guided him out of his lull. This song is intended for anyone with disarrayed feelings and is meant to inspire listeners to always believe in the vast amount of possibilities.

Not only does the song motivate listeners to think positively, but it is the type of track to encourage everyone within listening distance to sway to the upbeat tune and release their inhibitions, fears, and doubts. “If it’s possible for me, it is possible for everyone,” C’nky says. This peaceful, paradise get-away track can help ease and motivate the mind.

“Music is my calling, hence the name of this song I present; titled ‘My Name in the Echo.’ This serves as an inspiration to whoever is trying to quit and to listen to the voice of reason. The song talks about my struggle before I discovered my real place to express myself as an emerging Electro Pop/ Jazz Artist,” says C’nky.

C’nky Siwela’s new full length album release is expected to drop in early 2016, further demonstrating his impeccable talent. With his capabilities of incorporating jazz instrumentals into electro-pop, C’nky is definitely an artist to keep an eye out for.

Media Contact Information:
Chip Schutzman/Miles High Productions
chip@mileshighproductions.com
323-806-0400

South Africa Contact:
Samuel Muyinza/ Down2Earth Music
Sam@down2earthmusik.com

For more information please visit the C’nky Siwela official website: http://www.cnkysiwela.com/

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400

http://www.mileshighproductions.com/

2016 Big Sur Foragers Festival Tickets on Sale Monday, November 2nd

Big Sur Health Center, a non-profit organization offering affordable healthcare to the Big Sur community, announced January 15-17, 2016 as the dates of its annual Big Sur Foragers Festival.

Big Sur, CA, November 05, 2015 - Big Sur Health Center, a non-profit organization offering affordable healthcare to the Big Sur community, announced January 15-17, 2016 as the dates of its annual Big Sur Foragers Festival. Held in Big Sur along California’s central coast, the festival is a weekend-long celebration featuring an amazing array of wild foods, world-class wine and beer, entertainment, expert-led foraging hikes and a friendly chef competition with celebrity judges. This year’s partners include Ventana Big Sur, longtime hosts of the Fungus Face-Off and the Celebrity Chef dinner, along with a new strategic partner, Post Ranch Inn, which will host several different events.

The event has traditionally served as a fundraiser for the Big Sur Health Center. The community's non-profit health center will receive the proceeds from the foraging events to continue to support the presence of local health care services in the Big Sur area.

“As the new owners of Ventana Big Sur, we are looking forward to continuing the tradition of supporting the Big Sur Health Center.” said Catherine Becker, General Manager.

“Post Ranch is very excited to co-host this year’s Big Sur Foragers Festival with Ventana,” said Mike Higgins, Vice President of Operations for Passport Resorts, the owners of Post Ranch Inn. “We have always firmly believed in the importance of supporting local organizations and could not imagine the Big Sur community without the vital contributions provided by the Health Center.”

The three day festival affords Big Sur area restaurants the opportunity to host the culinary expertise of notable chefs who will be preparing unique fare ranging from rustic to elegant, paired alongside the central coast region's amazing selection of wine and beer.

Tickets are on sale Monday, November 2nd www.eventbrite.com/e/big-sur-foragers-festival-tickets-19288671937.

New events for 2016 include:
Friday, January 15th:
• 5:30 Friday evening - Cocktail reception and fungus presentation by Louie Schwartzberg followed by 5 course tasting menu prepared by Chef John Cox with wine pairings selected by Sierra Mar wine director Dominique DaCruz. $500 per person. Limited to 22 tickets. Reservations to be made thru Post Ranch Reservations at 800 527 2200.

Sunday, January 17th:
• 11 a.m. Sunday morning - Property forage hike and lunch with Chef John Cox. Guest will enjoy an exclusive property wide tour of Post Ranch Led by Executive Chef John Cox followed by a 3 course lunch with wine pairing featuring items foraged on property and local wines. Limited to 16 people at $200 per person. Reservations made at 800 527 2200.This hike is weather permitting.

Back by Popular Demand:
Saturday, January 16th:
• Saturday, January 16th: This year there will be two "Wild Foraging Walk and Talk" - one at Pfeiffer State Park (level beginner) and one through the Big Sur Wilderness (level intermediate). Cost per hike $60.00. (Saturday, January 16th 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

• Saturday, January 16th "Fungus Face-Off" on the deck at Ventana Big Sur. "Fungus Face-Off" on the deck at Ventana Big Sur! "Fungus Face-Off" at Ventana Big Sur from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Cost per person is $60. A friendly competition among some of the area's notable chefs featuring chanterelles and other fabulous fungi. Attendees also have an opportunity to cast their vote for "People's Choice". (Saturday, January 16th 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

• A silent auction full of culinary delights, hotel stays, tickets to explore the area, art and so much more will take place during the food and wine sampling. There will be more than 60 items this year! Purchase raffle tickets for $5 per ticket of $25 for 6 tickets. Enter to win your choice of 7 culinary delights or hotel packages! Raffle package values begin at $200 to $700! Tickets available for purchase at the event.

• The Big Sur Foragers Festival announces its Grand Chef Dinner at Ventana Big Sur. The "Foragers Dinner" at the Restaurant at Ventana will be held Saturday, January 16th, 2016 beginning at 6:00 pm. The multi-course dinner, destined to be a memorable feast paired with an incredible wine selection. Early bird tickets available for $150 inclusive from November 2nd – November 31st. Tickets will be sold for $175 beginning December 1.

Sunday, January 17th:
• Forager's Kitchen: Master Class in Cooking - Foraged Foods at Home at the Big Sur Lodge: A fun, fast-paced panel of some of Big Sur and Carmel's best chefs known for cooking with such foraged foods as chanterelles, sorrel, nettles and natural sea salt. Participants will get to taste the foods demonstrated by the chefs and take new recipes home. Chefs to be announced. (Sunday, January 17 - 2 to 4 pm) - Tickets will be on sale December 1st. Only 30 spaces available.

Tickets on sale now (2nd www.eventbrite.com/e/big-sur-foragers-festival-tickets-19288671937. For event details and venue information, visit www.bigsurforagersfestival.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bigsurforagersfestival.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org