Friday, June 30, 2017

Renowned African Stone Artists Agnes and Moses Nyanhongo will Display their Talents at Sculpting Event at Devendorf Park in Carmel Aug. 27

Brother-and-sister artists Agnes and Moses Nyanhongo are renowned fine art stone sculptors of Zimbabawe's Shona Sculpture Movement, which has captivated art lovers and collectors the world over.??

Carmel, CA, June 30, 2017 — Brother-and-sister artists Agnes and Moses Nyanhongo are renowned fine art stone sculptors of Zimbabawe's Shona Sculpture Movement, which has captivated art lovers and collectors the world over.


To celebrate the opening of “Life in Stone,” an exhibition of over 40 new stone sculptures at Gallery Sur in Carmel, the internationally celebrated duo will demonstrate their stone sculpting talents at a free event in Devendorf Park in downtown Carmel.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, Agnes and Moses, part of the well-known Nyanhongo family of stone sculptors, will show the various techniques used in their distinctive sculpting process and will share the deep cultural and spiritual traditions expressed in the stone.

Gallery Sur in Carmel is a North American leader in offering original, one-of-a-kind Zimbabwean stone sculpture. The new “Life in Stone” exhibition, opening August 27 at Gallery Sur, includes Shona sculpture ranging from important traditional works by older, revered artists to contemporary, purely abstract works from younger, internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean artists.

“For the past 23 years, I’ve had the pleasure of representing a handful of world-class stone sculptors from Zimbabwe,” says Braden Coolidge, artist representative and curator of the show. “Each year I hand-pick a selection that focuses on the very finest quality by a select few artists. This year’s collection is truly stunning. Clearly the most diverse and dynamic body of work I have ever seen, and in 23 years I’ve seen a lot!”

Shona artists often draw inspiration intuitively from their traditional culture: the mythology, folklore, rituals and beliefs in ancestral spirits that remain strong influences in contemporary Zimbabwean life. The integral roles of women in society are also a significant source of inspiration, often expressing the importance of the mother and child relationship and the respect for the elder’s wisdom. Both the physical and spiritual relationship with nature is another important theme, reflecting the country’s deep rural roots.

Utilizing beautiful stones in various colors, unearthed by the artists from remote mines and quarries, their distinctive sculptures are hand-carved using timeworn techniques, without power tools, maintaining a close relationship to the stone.?

The Shona Sculpture Movement, which first began in the 1950s, is named after the largest tribe engaged in stone sculpting in Zimbabwe. The name Zimbabwe is derived from the Shona word meaning “house of stone.” In the late 1960s, the new art movement born in Africa was celebrated at the famed Musee Rodin in Paris and Shona sculptors caught the attention of the art world.

Bernard Matemera, one of the founders of the Shona movement described the process of working with stone like this:

“The spirits are everywhere in the air, in the rocks. A rock is like a fruit — like an orange or a banana. You don’t eat them without peeling them first. It needs to be opened to be eaten. I open the rocks. The fruit is inside.”

Contact:
Gallery Sur
Sixth between Dolores and Lincoln
Carmel, CA
831.626.2615
www.gallerysur.com
info@gllerysur.com

Gallery Sur also supports the all-volunteer Sahwira Fund, to build classrooms at the Maulana School for Orphans in Epworth, Zimbabwe. Supported by 10% of the proceeds of all sculpture sales, eight classrooms have been built and are now sheltering many of the 800-plus students at the school. 6 more classrooms are planned to meet the demand.

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

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Country-Rock Artist Marc Daniels Premieres Debut Single “Redheads” From Full-Length The Starting Line; Music Video Dropping June 22nd!

Singer-songwriter and guitarist, Marc Daniels injects a breath of fresh air in to the country-rock scene with his fun-loving lyrics, charmingly expressive vocals and driving guitar riffs.

Los Angeles, CA, June 30, 2017 – Singer-songwriter and guitarist, Marc Daniels injects a breath of fresh air in to the country-rock scene with his fun-loving lyrics, charmingly expressive vocals and driving guitar riffs. Daniels’ latest LP, The Starting Line,is an impressionable result of his appealing and infectious music style. To further support his recent album, Marc Daniels debuts his lead single and music video entitled “Redheads,” available June 22, 2017.


Redheads” is Daniels’ playful ode to the type of girl he can’t resist. The single opens with a grinding riff that continues throughout the song and leads into the cheeky lyrics. Marc Daniels’ deep, commanding voice belts out the catchy hook, singing, “I think I might catch on fire.” He keeps the song fun and light-hearted as he confesses that his friends have called him crazy and even suggested therapy to treat his irresistible love for redheads. The underlining meaning to the song explains a person’s own personal desires and infatuations while they try to convince others to relate to them, alternatively it really doesn’t matter if anyone understands!

Filmed in Northern California by Trespasser Productions, the music video opens with Marc Daniels drinking in a dusty, country bar when a group of auburn and red-haired women alluringly march in with their short-shorts and cowboy boots.The video cuts in between frames of Daniels singing into a microphone in front of western plains during a scenic sunset. Back at the bar, Marc and the women romp around as they ride the mechanical bull, square dance and light whiskey shots on fire. The video has a comedic tone that perfectly matches the fun and flirty lyrics of the song.

Being a newcomer to the country-rock scene, Daniels’ continues to seamlessly integrate himself into the genre with his party-starting anthems, blazing guitar melodies and hard hitting basslines. Marc Daniels’ latest LP represents his lively, well-versed music and it has not gone unnoticed. The Starting Linehas already received media praise from Country Music Life, Country Music Junkies and continues to gain a considerable buzz!

Press Inquiries Please Contact:
Chip Schutzman at Miles High Productions
Chip@mileshighproductions.com
323-806-0400

About Marc Daniels:
Growing up in Spokane, WA, Marc Daniels starting playing the piano at an early age. It wasn’t until his early twentiesthat he began taking on a more active role as a singer and front man for several bands in the Pacific Northwest. With much success, Marc and his band members toured across the country and played at premier venues such as The Viper Room (Los Angeles), Knitting Factory (Spokane), Studio 7 (Seattle), University of Idaho and many more! In 2015, Marc decided to change the direction of his music style and originate back to his roots to create aheavily influenced country-rock album, The Starting Line which was released the following year. The full-length pays admiration to Marc’s past while growing up in Spokane, WA and highlights the great memories of those carefree years back home. For more information please visit:www.marcdanielscountry.com/

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
PO Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.marcdanielscountry.com/

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Launches National Smile Month Pin it to Win it Contest

Did you know smiling is contagious? Studies Show that just seeing one person smiling activates the area of your brain that controls your facial movement, which leads to a grin!

Monterey, CA, July 29, 2017 - Did you know smiling is contagious? Studies Show that just seeing one person smiling activates the area of your brain that controls your facial movement, which leads to a grin! It also lowers stress and anxiety, releases endorphins and strengthens your immune system! To celebrate #NationalSmileMonth we are giving you a chance to win a two night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa … now that’s something to smile about!


To Enter The Contest Simply Pin It To Win It:

Follow us on Pinterest: pinterest.com/montereyhyatt

Create a board titled: SMILE at Hyatt Regency Monterey

Add a minimum of 5 pins with your favorite smile quotes and/or pictures.

From babies to animals there is no shortage of great smiles on Pinterest!

Make sure to use the hashtag #SmileAtHyattRegencyMonterey

Email a link your board to: marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

One lucky winner will receive a two-night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey and lunch for two at TusCA!

Winner will be announced September 5th.

*Contest runs from August 1st - August 30th. Does not include airfare. The trademark HYATT and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2017 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

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

Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea Announces New Pin it to Win it contest

This July we are ready for some fun in the sun and what's more fun than kids at the beach? Post your favorite family pictures anytime throughout the month of July and our favorite post will win a two-night stay in a two-room suite!

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, July 28, 2017 — Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea announces its new Pin It To Win It contest!

?This July we are ready for some fun in the sun and what's more fun than kids at the beach? Post your favorite family pictures anytime throughout the month of July and our favorite post will win a two-night stay in a two-room suite!


Simply:
Follow us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse
?Create A board titled: Family Getaways?
?Add a minimum of 5 pictures of your family vacation destination with the hashtag #HofsasHouseGetaways
Email a link to your board to marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
One lucky winner will receive a two? -night stay at our beautiful hotel in Carmel!
Contest runs July 1st- July 31st. Winner announced August 5th.

About Hofsas House:
Owned and operated by the Theis Family, Hofsas House Hotel is within walking distance of everything Carmel has to offer, including a stunning beach, fine restaurants and shops and wine tasting. It provides peaceful respite and European charm just minutes from Monterey, Pebble Beach, Big Sur and Pacific Grove. The Hofsas House’s 38 spacious, one-of-a-kind rooms boast European comfort and lovely views and amenities such as fireplaces, private balconies, wet bars, kitchens and patios. Large suites provide the perfect stay for newlyweds and anyone else seeking an extra special getaway. Dutch doors in every room allow guests to welcome in the ocean air, and free WiFi enables them to stay connected — if they want to.

The Hofsas House Hotel family works to ensure every visitor's experience is special, striving to offer the highest quality personal services. Consider the continental breakfast, abundant with fresh French Roast coffee, tea, juice, fruit and pastries from a neighborhood bakery, or the personalized concierge services for guests and their families, including their four-legged family members, who are welcome as well.

For large groups — wedding parties, company meetings, family reunions and others — Hofsas House Hotel offers a spacious room equipped with a fireplace and full kitchen that can comfortably accommodate 40 people. A heated pool, dry saunas, decks with views and off-street parking are on-site as well.
? ?
Hofsas House Hotel is located on San Carlos Street, north of Fourth Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For more information, call (831) 624-2745 or visit www.hofsashouse.com.

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

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Monterey Symphony's fabulous Season 72, a six-concert series that begins Oct. 14-15, and runs through May 19-20

An exceptional lineup of celebrated pianists will perform iconic works by Tchaikovsky, Rubinstein, Prokofiev, Saint-Saens, Mozart, de Falla and Liszt during the Monterey Symphony's fabulous Season 72, a six-concert series that begins Oct. 14-15, and runs through May 19-20.

Salinas, CA, June 28, 2017 - The season, entitled "Concert Grand," is under the direction of Maestro Max Bragado-Darman, whose guest pianists will Orion Weiss, David Jae-Weon Huh, Josu de Solaun, Juan Perez Floristan, Phillipe Bianconi, and one more to be selected by guest conductor Conner Gray Covington, who will preside over the March 17-18 program.


The symphony also will be performing pieces by Dvorak, Beethoven, Schumann, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Prokofiev, de Falla and Tchaikovsky.

All programs will be performed at the Sunset Center (Ninth Avenue, between San Carlos and Mission streets) in Carmel at 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Special youth concerts, also at the Sunset Center, have been scheduled Oct. 16, March 19 and April 23, with performances at 9:30 and 11 a.m. on each date.

The Monterey Symphony's chamber players will present a holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 at All Saints Church (Ninth Avenue, between San Carlos and Monte Verde streets in Carmel).

For ticket information, call 831-646-8511, visit the website at www.montereysymphony.org, or send an email to info@montereysymphony.org.
Here's an in-depth look at the upcoming season:

Program 1: Oct. 14 and 15 (with youth concert on Oct. 16)
Pianist Orion Weiss, a favorite of Monterey Symphony fans, will lend his virtuosic skills to Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 23 (originally composed for the historically acclaimed Nikolai Rubinstein) in the season opener, during which the orchestra will perform Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World," Op. 95.

Weiss has performed with the major American orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and New York Philharmonic. His deeply felt and exceptionally crafted performances go far beyond his technical mastery and have won him worldwide acclaim.

Program 2: Nov. 18-19
South Korean-born David Jae-Weon Huh, silver medalist at the 2015 Santander Piano Competition, will lend his talents to Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3, Op. 26, in this powerful program, which also will include the Symphony's interpretation of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, Op. 68 ("Pastoral.)

Recognized for his sense of poetry and technical brilliance, Huh has performed extensively throughout Europe, Asia and the United States, and has appeared in numerous festivals, including recitals at Animato den Paris, San Francisco Music Festival, and Leipzig Euro Music Festival, among many others.

This will be his first appearance with the Monterey Symphony.

Program 3: Feb. 17-18
Josu de Solaun, first-prize winner at the 2014 Enescu Piano Competition, will join the Symphony to perform Camille Saint-Saens' Piano Concerto No. 5, Op. 103 in a concert that also will include Symphony renditions of Johannes Brahms' Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80, and Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 2, Op. 61.

de Solaun's teachers, mentors, and musical influences have Nina Svetlanova, Horacio Gutierrez, Ricardo Roca, Ana Guijarro, Maria Teresa Naranjo, Albert and Miyoko Lotto, Joaquin Achucarro, Matti Raekallio, Edna Golandsky, and Jerome Lowenthal.

Symphony audiences will remember de Solaun for his previous solo recital, featuring Mussogorky's Pictures at an Exhibition.

Program 4: March 17-18 (with youth concert on March 19)
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend with the Monterey Symphony and wall-to-wall Mozart, a program that will include the overture from his beloved opera, Don Giovanni.

This concert will be performed under the baton of guest conductor Connor Gray Covington (recently appointed Assistant Conductor of the Utah Symphony) and will include Mozart's Symphony No. 1, KV 16, and Symphony No. 41, KV 551 ("Jupiter").

Covington is currently completing his tenure as the Rita E. Hauser Conducting Fellow at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he is being mentored by Philadelphia Orchestra Music Director Yannick Nezet-Seguin. He recently made his debut with the Curtis Symphony at Carnegie Hall, sharing the podium with Ludovic Morlot.

A special guest pianist, to be selected by Covington, also will be part of this spectacular program.

Program 5: April 21-22 (with youth concert on April 23)
Guest pianist Juan Perez Floristan, winner at the 2015 Santander Piano Competition, will showcase his talents with a performance of Johannes Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 83, in a program that also will include the Symphony's rendition of Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4, Op. 90 ("Italian") -- a piece Mendelssohn, himself, declared to be the "jolliest" he ever composed.

Regarded as a beacon among new generations of Spanish and European musicians, Perez has performed with the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic, Malmo Symphony, Radio Television Espanola, Seville Royal Symphony, Gran Canaria Philharmonic, Malaga and Cordoba Symphonies, and the Andres Segovia and Spanish National Youth Orchestras.

Program 6: May 19-20
The incomparable Phillipe Bianconi will be at the piano for the Monterey Symphony's final program of the season, performing Franz Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 2.

Liszt perfected the art of thematic transformation and took it to an extreme level with this impassioned concerto.

French pianist Bianconi has been described as an artist whose playing is “always close to the soul of the music, filling the space with poetry and life” (Washington Post), “an extraordinary exhibition of musicianship, technical control and good taste which lent the music a freshness, immediacy and conviction one all too seldom encounters” (The London Times). After winning the Silver Medal in the Seventh Van Cliburn International Competition, Bianconi made an acclaimed recital debut at Carnegie Hall in 1987 and, since then, has enthralled audiences and critics throughout the world.

Also featured will be Manuel de Falla's lovely Noches en los Jardines de Espana, his most impressionist-style work, which details three gardens in a setting for piano and orchestra.

Chamber Program: Dec. 7 (7:30 p.m. at All Saints Church)
The Monterey Symphony is pleased to offer a special holiday chamber music treat, featuring concertmaster Christina Mok, with selections that include Piazzolla, Beethoven, Mozart, and the Hampton String Quartet's "What if Mozart wrote 'Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!"

Come have fun and enjoy holiday music in a classical style with the Monterey Symphony chamber players.

Lee Rosen, President and Acting Executive Director stated "We are also announcing an important change with respect to our venues for the upcoming season. Our current business model with 3 performances in 2 venues has become untenable and cost prohibitive to the organization. Therefore, we have decided to consolidate in one venue - the Sunset Center in Carmel and welcome all of our subscribers and patrons from North County, the Salinas Valley, and San Benito County, to attend our Sunset Center concerts on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. This change will allow us to concentrate on growing our audience to capacity and dealing with one venue infrastructure."

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

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Palo Alto Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Clement Palo Alto, Announces Retirement of Longtime Executive Chef, Hiring of New Executive Chef

The Clement Palo Alto has announced the retirement of longtime Executive Chef Pierre Arce after 26 years and the hiring of new Executive Chef Mark Ayers.

Palo Alto, CA, June 21, 2017 — The Clement Palo Alto has announced the retirement of longtime Executive Chef Pierre Arce after 26 years and the hiring of new Executive Chef Mark Ayers.

Born in France and trained in Europe, Chef Arce was the Executive Chef of the Clement, Sheraton and Westin hotels and had been at the culinary helm in Palo Alto for more than two decades.


Ayers, who comes to The Clement after two years as Executive Sous Chef at Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel Valley, California, will also be the Executive Chef of Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel and The Westin Palo Alto.

Ayers comes to The Clement Palo Alto with strong credentials in the culinary field. Prior to Carmel Valley Ranch, he served as Corporate Executive Chef for Coastal Luxury Management in Monterey, which founded and produces the annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine event, as well as award-winning restaurants 1833, Cannery Row Brewing Company, Rose.Rabbit.Lie and Faith & Flower.

In 1992, Ayers graduated at the top of his class at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and was voted Most Likely to Succeed.

He was inducted into the Monterey chapter of Les Toques Blanches in 2011; is an active member of the Monterey County Hospitality Association; and was selected Star Chef of the Year by the Monterey Chapter of the American Culinary Federation in 2010.

Ayers' culinary career started as Chef Tournant in 1994 at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek, Colorado, where he also served as Chef de Cuisine and Executive Sous Chef through 2002.

He became Executive Chef at the award-winning Pacific's Edge restaurant at Hyatt Carmel Highlands in 2001 through 2010, and helped develop and open TusCA restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa.

Chef Ayers is also committed to supporting charitable causes, including Boy & Girls Club of Monterey County, Meals on Wheels, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Monterey County (CASA) and Elephants of Africa Rescue Society (EARS).

About The Clement Palo Alto
The Clement Palo Alto opened its doors March 2016 and is one of the most innovative, personalized and unique luxury hotels in the country.

With 23 spacious and richly appointed one-bedroom suites, The Clement Palo Alto sets a new standard for personalized luxury accommodations in a contemporary residential-style atmosphere.

While unparalleled service is key to any great luxury hotel, The Clement Palo Alto takes its impeccable service to another level with an all-inclusive concept, including personalized concierge services, breakfast, lunch and dinner in an on-premise location of the guest's choice.

All wine, beer and cocktails, in-room mini-refrigerator (stocked with the guest's favorites), and fully-stocked Guest Pantry available around the clock, are just a few of the amenities included in this all-inclusive experience.

In fact, The Clement Palo Alto is more than all-inclusive, it is all-exclusive, catering exclusively to the guest's personal tastes and desires.

The Clement Palo Alto is ideally located across from Stanford University and next to downtown Palo Alto, with its award-winning restaurants, world-class shopping and upscale spas. It is just 45 minutes south of San Francisco and only 30 minutes north of San Jose, not only making it convenient, but easily accessible to the world-famous sights and myriad activities of both cities.

Overall, The Clement Palo Alto offers a unique, one-of-a-kind 6-star experience in the heart of Silicon Valley with unparalleled personal service, all-inclusive luxury and privacy in a warm, inviting and luxurious residential environment.

The Clement Palo Alto Hotel
711 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, California 94301
650.322.7111
www.theclementpaloalto.com

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

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

57th Annual Great Sandcastle Competition 2017 on Carmel Beach Set for Saturday, Sept. 16

One of the longest running community events on the Monterey Peninsula, the 57th Annual Great Sandcastle Competition 2017, returns to Carmel Beach Saturday, Sept. 16.

Carmel, CA, June 20, 2017 — One of the longest running community events on the Monterey Peninsula, the 57th Annual Great Sandcastle Competition 2017, returns to Carmel Beach Saturday, Sept. 16.


Co-sponsored by the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the American Institute of Architects Monterey Bay, the festive event will take place from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, on Carmel Beach, south of 10th Street. This year's theme is “Lines in the Sand,” which each participant in the contest are free to define in their own way. Historically, the yearly competition was held on a Sunday, this year is different to allow greater participation from contestants who may be traveling from further away.

The contest is open to everyone with the only rules being that no machinery can be used and the only decorations allowed are those that can be found on the beach.

Judges will include members of the AIA, plus local celebrities and dignitaries. Contestants are urged to “bribe” judges with non-monetary offers, such as cookies, beer and wine, and food.

The best “sand castle” wins the coveted Golden Shovel Award, with other awards including the Sour Grapes award and Best Traditional Sand Castle. Every participant in the contest goes home with a plaque commemorating their handiwork.

The event is free and open to the public and is held rain or shine.

Contact:
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
(831) 620-2020
ci.carmel.ca.us

American Institute of Architects Monterey Bay
aiamontereybay.org
aiamb@sbcglobal.net
831-372-6527

About The American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects has been advancing the value of architects and architecture for more than 150 years through AIA member resources and as the collective voice of the profession. Benefits that enhance the professional and competitive position of AIA members and the profession of architecture, and links to additional information regarding advocacy, sponsorship, or membership, can be found at the host chapter website: www.aiamontereybay.org

The AIA Monterey Bay informs its members and the public about the activities and programs of this chapter, as well as issues affecting the architecture and practice of architecture in the counties of Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz.

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

Monday, June 19, 2017

Slowflowers.com Announces the Inaugural Slow Flowers Summit

A forum for ideas, creativity and inspiration on July 2, 2017

Seattle, WA, June 20, 2017 – Slowflowers.com, the comprehensive online resource that connects consumers with local, seasonal and sustainable flowers, today announced details of the inaugural SLOW FLOWERS SUMMIT, a one-day conference set for Sunday, July 2, 2017, coinciding with the third annual American Flowers Week (June 28-July 4, 2017).

Called a "TED Talk for Flower Lovers," the SUMMIT is a one-day lecture series for creative professionals, thought leaders and pioneering voices in the progressive American-grown floral community, Prinzing says. "The SLOW FLOWERS SUMMIT will stimulate curiosity as our presenters inquire, inform, include, instigate and inspire. They will examine conventional assumptions and explore conscious and ethical practices in the floral industry."

The SUMMIT will be held at Surf Incubator, a downtown Seattle center for co-working and entrepreneurial startups, located in the Wells Fargo Building, 999 Third Ave.

Prinzing developed the SUMMIT as an alternative to conventional floral conferences, a new "live" component to the virtual American Flowers Week campaign. AFW devotes a week of activity via regional events and social media platforms to promote domestic flowers, raise consumer awareness and unite America’s flower farmers with the U.S. floral industry.

Slow Flowers Summit/p. 2

The SUMMIT marks the 10-year anniversary of Flower Confidential with a keynote presentation by New York Times bestselling author AMY STEWART. Published in 2007, Flower Confidential is an around-the-world, behind-the-scenes look at the flower industry and how it has sought -- for better and worse -- to achieve perfection. Stewart's presentation: WHERE WE'VE COME FROM; WHERE WE'RE HEADING, will address the many issues that have defined and redefined the American floral landscape in the past decade.

Other SUMMIT speakers include:

CHANTAL AIDA GORDON, author, editor, designer and co-founder of THE HORTICULT blog, will moderate a panel asking: WHERE'S THE DIVERSITY IN FLORAL DESIGN + HORTICULTURE? Gordon will be joined by LESLIE BENNETT of Pine House Edible Gardens; RIZ REYES of RHR Horticulture; floral artist NICOLE CORDIER WAHLQUIST of Grace Flowers Hawaii, and others. "Now, more than ever, issues of ethnic, gender and cultural inclusion and equality are essential to our profession and we are so honored that these fellow creatives will appear on our stage for a critical conversation," Prinzing says.

TERESA SABANKAYA, BONNY DOON GARDEN CO., the florist originally profiled in Flower Confidential, will present a lecture and design demonstration: POST-MODERN POSIES: BOTANICAL MESSAGES FOR TODAY. Teresa's business has exemplified the core values of the Slow Flowers Movement long before others embraced the philosophy.

Seattle designer, EMILY ELLEN ANDERSON of LOLA CREATIVE will bring two elements to the Slow Flowers Summit. Her live installation of a FOAM-FREE FLOWER WALL will demonstrate the techniques she has engineered for clients like Paul Allen's Seattle Art Fair. Emily will also present REINVENTION: PROFESSIONALLY, ARTISTICALLY + SUSTAINABLY, an inspiring conversation about how creatives morph with the changing cultural scene.

The day concludes with LISA WAUD, of POT + BOX, FLOWER HOUSE, and DETROIT FLOWER WEEK, who will lead A CREATIVE CONVERSATION during the concluding dinner. Attendees will learn what stimulates her creative process and adapt lessons learned for their endeavors.

Slow Flowers Summit/p. 3

Tickets to the one-day event are $175, including morning coffee/light refreshments, lunch and a cocktail reception with the speakers. Separate tickets to the evening dinner featuring Lisa Waud are $45. Discounted tickets are offered to members of Slowflowers.com for $135. Registration is required and tickets are available at Event Bright: http://tinyurl.com/gl742ar.

Contact:
Debra Prinzing
206-769-8211
debra@slowflowers.com

About Debra Prinzing:
Debra Prinzing is a Seattle-based writer, speaker and leading advocate for American Grown Flowers. Through her many Slow Flowers-branded projects, she has convened a national conversation that stimulates consumers and professionals alike to make conscious choices about their floral purchases.

Debra is the producer of SlowFlowers.com, the online directory to American grown farms, florists, shops and studios who supply domestic and local flowers.

Each Wednesday, approximately 1,000 listeners tune into Debra's "Slow Flowers Podcast," available for free downloads at her web site, debraprinzing.com, or on iTunes and via other podcast services. She is the author of 10 books, including Slow Flowers and The 50 Mile Bouquet.

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

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Dance Kids 24th Annual Full Length 'Nutcracker: A Monterey Peninsula Tradition’ Will Feature, for the First Time, A 39-Member Symphony Orchestra, Playing for its Four December Production Dates at Carmel’s Sunset Center

For the first time in its history, Dance Kids will kick off its Silver Anniversary Celebration Year with ‘Nutcracker: A Monterey Peninsula Tradition’ in December at Carmel's Sunset Center

Carmel, CA, June 14, 2017 — For the first time in its history, Dance Kids will kick off its Silver Anniversary Celebration Year with ‘Nutcracker: A Monterey Peninsula Tradition’ in December at Carmel's Sunset Center, and feature, along with the cast of the ballet, a complete 39-member symphony orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's familiar holiday score.

The 39-member Monterey County Pops!, conducted by Dr. Carl Christensen, will perform in the orchestra pit at Sunset Center with Dance Kids dancers on stage in the annual full-length holiday ballet.

"It is something I've always wanted; a quarter-century dream come true," says Dance Kids founder and artistic director, Carol Richmond. ”This will be a totally different experience for the audience, having a live orchestra perform the music. It is very exciting.”

Monterey County Pops! was founded in 1985 and not only provides to the community free, public pops-and-patriotic concerts on holidays, but is the only orchestra in Monterey County that provides a tuition-free, professional performance experience for disadvantaged students in their own communities.

Their audience has grown to approximately 6,700 and 175 young, underserved performers created six professional-quality performances in collaboration with the orchestra last year.

The performance weekend begins Dec. 8, 2017, with another tradition and a gift to the community; a free 10 a.m. Friday morning show given each year to the school children of the Monterey Peninsula. Dance Kids gifts the 700-seat theater to the underserved youth in the community. There will be a 7 p.m. Friday night show, Gala fundraiser on Saturday night, Dec. 9, 2017, at 5 p.m. and show at 7, and the much-anticipated “Sugar Plum Fairy Champagne and Tea Party” at 12:15 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, followed by the show at 2 p.m.

The full-length ballet features over 100 dancers ranging in age from 4 to adult; over 400 costumes and countless numbers of accessories, including headpieces, hats and gloves. This production requires countless hours of volunteer time and elaborate set design featuring local scenes and landmarks. The previous budget of $75,000 has grown to over $125,000 with the inclusion of the symphony. The funds were raised by the Dance Kids Board of Directors and Friends of Dance Kids.

The production is open to all dancers from the community and boasts a spirit of inclusion to all that audition. Auditions and rehearsal begin inSeptember. Andrea Paris Gutierrez, of the Los Angeles Ballet Academy, returns as choreographer, with five local rehearsal directors coordinating the production. Three of the five directors are Royal Academy of Dance, London, certified instructors.

"This is huge," says Richmond. "The symphony component has raised our 'Nutcracker' above and beyond. This isn't a baby step, this is an elegant leap into our celebration of Dance Kids’ Silver Anniversary Year.”

Two years ago, Dance Kids rebranded “Nutcracker; A Monterey Peninsula Tradition” and incorporated the Old Del Monte Hotel as the setting for the first act party scene and introduced famous characters associated with the Peninsula, such as Salvador Dali and John Steinbeck.

Richmond says, "The story line and choreography remain the same yet reflect the tradition of the heyday of the Peninsula in the early ’20s and ’30s."

In the near future, the production will announce the guest artists performing in December's productions.

Set designer for the production is Nicole Bryant-Stephans of Bottega Design, and costumes are by Joanne Phelps.

About Dance Kids
With over 24 years of production history, Dance Kids of Monterey County, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded by Richmond, is proud of its wide range of theatrical experience that support the youth of the Monterey Peninsula. In the early days, productions at the Carmel Ballet Academy included “Nutcracker” and original spring musicals written by Walt de Faria and a full-length spring ballet, produced at Sunset Center.

Dance Kids was known for fun-loving nostalgia surrounding the musical and drew from the community a range of young people and their families committed to theater. As it grew, its little venue could not handle the “Nutcracker” any longer, but continued at the venue for the spring musicals, until those too, outgrew the dance studio. “Nutcracker” moved to Sunset Center in 1995 and has remained there as its home venue except for the years the center was being remodeled.

Dance Kids “Nutcracker” has grown into a premier production eagerly awaited by cast and community. The original vision of Dance Kids of Monterey County has been honored as well as surpassed in the ensuing years. This year is one of pivotal change and growth.

About Monterey County Pops!
Monterey County Pops! was formed in 1985 by musicians and community leaders to expand and enrich musical experiences in Monterey County. In 1990, the orchestra adopted its mission to present free, public pops-and-patriotic concerts on holidays. In 2012, the orchestra renewed its commitment to serve all of Monterey County, not just the Monterey Peninsula.

Since 2012-13 music courses offered in Monterey County Public Schools has declined by more than 26 percent (California Department of Education Data Reporting Office). After-school music/enrichment programs are typically tuition-based and not accessible to low-income students. In the face of dwindling funding for the arts in our schools and rising concern about the inability of low-income students and their families to experience and create professional-quality, live music, in 2014, the Board of Trustees expanded its mission to focus on identifying, engaging, and educating the underserved youth of Monterey County.

In 2017, Monterey County Pops! is the only orchestra in Monterey County that provides a tuition-free, professional performance experience for disadvantaged students in their own communities. We do not impose a creative vision on our partner agencies, but work to enhance and expand programs already in place. Students don't just perform on our stage; they rehearse and play in our professional orchestra.

And, all of our programs are FREE for both for the young performers and for audience members.

We have expanded our program from the Monterey Peninsula into Seaside, Salinas, and King City, and our audience has grown to approximately 6,700. Last year, more than 175 young, underserved performers created six professional-quality performances in collaboration with Monterey County Pops!

In short, Monterey County Pops! is living up to its mission “to be an orchestra dedicated to bringing pops and patriotic music performed by professional musicians to the families and visitors of Monterey County free of charge, and to strategically identify, engage, and educate underserved youth of Monterey County.”

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

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Celebrate Family at Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea

In Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Theis family is celebrating seven decades of European hospitality at its beautiful Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House Hotel, which is as charming as the town itself.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, June 08, 2017 - In Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Theis family is celebrating seven decades of European hospitality at its beautiful Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House Hotel, which is as charming as the town itself. With firm roots in the past, the family is looking toward the future by keeping abreast of guests’ every need.

The Hofsas House Hotel Announces Its New Summer Package Available June – August 2017.


Celebrate Family at the Hofsas House:
Family, heritage and relative connections are of utmost importance to all of us. At the Hofsas House Hotel our family understands this only too well, and our team is now pleased to offer a special Celebrate Family package. With it, you can now bring your relatives together for a living “family tree.”

Celebrating family is easy at the Hofsas House! The Theis family has been running the Hofsas House for 70 years! Offering affordable lodging options, close proximity to Monterey Airport and year-round activities, there is something to keep everyone happy. The Celebrate Family package provides groups rates for rooms (with 5 or more rooms booked with a two night minimum), complimentary continental breakfast, wine and cheese upon arrival, and much more.

Families can enjoy our poolside meeting facility and share an evening of laughter, games and shared memories. The meeting facility offers a comfortable setting for up to 40 people depending on the configuration of the room.

By utilizing the six round tables, a sit down dinner for 30 can be accomplished very easily by either having it catered by a local restaurant or preparing it in the complete kitchen that contains an oven, stove, microwave and refrigerator. Share your memories around the wood burning fireplace. Make memories to last a lifetime.

Let the Hofsas House Celebrate Family package help you celebrate your very special bonds with those you care about most. Call us today and let the Hofsas House family help plan the perfect getaway at a price that will make everyone happy.

Hofsas House Family Reunion Package includes
· Group Rates on Guests Rooms (starting at $ 145 .00 per night, excluding tax when 5 or more rooms are booked for a two night minimum)
· Welcome wine with cheese and cracker tray upon arrival
· Complimentary Continental Breakfast
· Discounted Price On Use of Poolside Meeting Facility ($100.00)

Offer does not apply to existing groups and are subject to availability. Offer is subject to change without notice and some blackout dates may apply. Minimum night stay required.

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

Friday, June 2, 2017

Authentic Chicago Roots Pop Artist Elle Casazza Releases Rousing Love Ballad with Intimate Music Video Titled, “You” From Latest Album ‘Proof’!

Single Going for Radio Adds June 5th!

Chicago, IL, June 2, 2017 - Contemporary pop singer-songwriter Elle Casazza captivates listeners with her authentic and re-creative pop music style. The Chicago native adds and blends an invigorating mix of jazz, soul and funk rhythms into her songs. After releasing her pop-funk laden track “Too Bad,” Elle has followed up with a dynamic music videoentitled “You,” both taken from her recently released full-length album, Proof. The single will be available for radio add dates on June 5thfollowing the music video release on June 2, 2017.


“You” is an encompassed piano love ballad highlighting a devoted andtrustworthy relationship that is entirelytimeless. Elle expresses that each partner accepts the other’sflaws, mistakes and will be ever forgiving as they continue to learn and grow together as a couple.Casazza’s impassioned vocals and purely honest songwriting leads us into an empowering bridge that carries out the song with a full band and harmonic back-up vocals. The uplifting peak then shifts back to a soft ending as Elle gently sings “you take the good with the bad, you’ll stay forever my man,” closing out the entire piece.

The music video begins with Elle in her dressing room, serenading the camera as she walks through an endless hallway that leads her to a blue velvet curtain. Elle comes through the curtain and stops in her tracks in a blue-tinted room.As her journey continues, Elle reaches a spotlighted stage which closesthe video with a full band performance of “You.”

Elle Casazza reveals a uniquely live element that is incorporated into her retro-pop style and it has not gone unnoticed. She has been reviewed and featured on Paste Magazine, Midwest Action, WLUW’s Radio One show in Chicago and more. Elle Casazza hasperformed solo or with her five-piece band at some of Chicago’s premier venues such as Concord Music Hall, Martyrs, Mayne Stage and many others. Elle Casazza continues to add tour dates as the summer goes on to promote her recent album, Proof.

For more information on Elle Casazza, please visit:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Upcoming Tour Dates

Date: Time: Venue: City:
7/9/17 3pm City Winery Riverwalk Chicago, IL
7/22/16 6pm Local Palooza – Lincoln Hall Chicago, IL
7/24/17 8pm The Electric Bowery New York, NY
7/26/17 8pm Joe Squared Baltimore, MD
7/27/17 7pm Barking Mad Café Gaithersburg, MD
7/28/17 6:30pm The Frick Pittsburgh, PA
7/29/17 9pm Spacebar Columbus, OH
8/3/17 3pm Uptown Art Fair Minneapolis, MN

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
PO Box 93157
Hollywood CA 90093
323-806-0400
Chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.ellecasazza.com/