Mariachi Festival at the Hollywood Bowl June 29th!

Posted on June 24, 2013 by Jamie

Disclosure: I am being provided complimentary tickets to this year’s Mariachi Festival.

By now, it’s no surprise that I love to take in events happening all over Los Angeles, but those events that draw in from other cultures are always pretty spectacular to me.

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This year’s 4 1/2 festival takes place at the Hollywood Bowl and will feature Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Grammy Nominee Mariachi Los Arrieros del Valle from Texas, the popular Mariachi Estrella de Jalisco and Mariachi Los Reyes both from Los Angeles.  Also celebrating their debut at the Festival is Grammy Nominee Trio Ellas. The 20 member Mi Tierra Ballet Folklorico adds to the evening’s extravaganza with their amazing choreography and colorful costumes.

Since arriving in Los Angeles, I have heard of Mariachi Bands, but never knew quite what it all meant, so, I’m throwing myself completely inside it at this year’s Mariachi Festival to learn what I can and appreciate the Mexican heritage and culture.

This year’s festival is honoring legendary composer and performer Jose Alfredo Jimenez.

The bright colors, beautiful music, dancing and the spectacular finale of fireworks is sure to be a good time.

You can purchase tickets for this year’s show here.  Doors open at 4pm to allow you to picnic with your friends and family prior to the show.  Show begins at 6pm.

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Categories: Events in LA, Fun Stuff | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Summer in the Vineyards: Temecula Valley

Posted on June 23, 2013 by Jamie

 

 

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Disclosure: This is a non-sponsored post, but post may include Affiliate Links.  Will disclose those links as you read on.

Hey loyal readers!  Welcome to my New Series.  Every Monday throughout the Summer I will be focusing on an area of the California Vineyards and showcasing some of the wineries in that area, and also some of the summer activities happening in that area.

One of my favorite things since moving out to California has become my huge love of wine, so I thought it’d be a fun way to take a closer look at the beautiful vineyards around California, and also complete a list of events happening there too so you can plan a weekend getaway or longer to a favorite destination.

The First area I’m going to focus upon is the Temecula Valley.  Just 90 minutes SouthEast of Los Angeles lies the region.  With a variety of vineyard options available to choose from.

Some Temecula Valley activities taking place this summer include:

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Temecula SummerFest events begin June 1st and last through Labor Day including:

June 28-30th: Pechanga Pow Wow:

Experience authentic native culture as thousands from throughout the Americas celebrate their heritage with Native American dancing, drumming, and performances. Saturday night features an amazing fireworks display against the majestic mountains

July 4th: 4th of July Parade: Old Town Temecula: 10am

July 4th: 4th of July Extraganza: 2:30 to 9pm

July 5th, August 30th, 2013: Old Town Hot Summer Nights:

A variety of live bands (blues, tribute bands, reggae, Cajun/zydeco, ska, beach, big band, alternative rock, country) play Fridays throughout Old Town Temecula, inside restaurant, wineries and outside along the sidewalks and on porches.July 5, August 30, 2013 Hot Summer Nights in Downtown Old Town Temecula

July 13th: Pechanga MicroBrew Fest:

Featuring microbreweries from Sam Adams, Black Market Brewing Co, Donkey Punch, Packinghouse Brewing Co, and many more to taste while enjoying live music and a chili cook-off.

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And if you stop by Temecula during the weekday check out some of these SUMMER specials taking place at the local wineries:

Be sure to check out this Special Offers Page for GREAT coupons on wine tastings and more at some of the Temecula Wineries.

Callaway Vineyards and Winery:

Saturdays: 2pm: Join music from local musicians.

Sundays: Sangria Sundays.  Sit back and sip on a glass of sangria as you listen to local musicians beginning at 5:30pm.

Keyways Vineyards and Winery:

Live music every Saturday and Sunday

Every Monday and Friday at 1pm they offer Wine Making Tour and Tasting Classes (Reservations Required.)

Leoness Cellars:

June 26th: Painting in the Vines: 4pm

Live Music: Friday Evenings and Sunday Afternoons

Miramonte Winery:

Take a behind the scenes tour of the winery.  Offering GREAT deals on these tours.  Reservations required.

Live Music every Friday and Saturday night

Collekt is a local group of creatives that meet at Miramonte every Third Thursday to discuss latest projects, to network, and just have fun.

Mount Palomar Winery:

June 28th: Wine and Unwind Friday nights.  Live music and BBQ Dinner: 5pm to 9pm

And don’t forget their “2 for 1” Tuesdays.

Ponte Family Estate:

South Coast Winery Resort and Spa:

Enjoy Happy Hour every Monday through Friday from 4pm to 5:30pm.

Behind the Scenes Winery Tour Daily 11am and 1pm

Texaco Country Showdown.  Friday, June 29th.  After Party.

Tasting room open 10am to 6pm daily.

Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards:

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Tasting Room open 10am to 5pm Daily

Sundays: Enjoy the Bubble Brunch Buffet

Live Entertainment on the Weekends

Sunday, July 21st: Gloriana 7pm to 10pm (Ticketed Event)

Friday, August 23rd: Garrot Wilkin and the Parrotheads (Ticketed Event)

7pm to 10pm.

Maurice Car’rie and Van Roekel Vineyards

Art and Craft Fair Every Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm

And be sure to check out this great Wine and Deal.  Offer is only available through June 30th, 2013.  For just 20 dollars this pass allows over 90% in savings in Temecula Wine Country (Affiliate Link).  Check it out here.  The card can be utilized through June 2014.

There are many more wineries in Temecula that haven’t been future with specials happening daily.  So, don’t you think it’s time you take a trip out to Temecula Wine Country?

If you would like to be featured on my Summer in the Vineyards Series please email me here: demetrie1930@gmail.com

Next week we are headed to Malibu, Ca.  Edit: Actually, Sonoma, CA to take a peek inside some of their 4th of July Festivities.. 😉

Disclosure: These are non sponsored posts.  Because of my love of wine and visiting vineyards, this is my chance to learn about the summer festivities and the vineyards within the California area.  And in the meantime share my findings with all of you.

Check out Summer in the Vineyards: Sonoma

Summer in the Vineyards: Paso Robles

Summer in the Vineyards: Santa Barbara and Solvang


Categories: Travel, Wine | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Spending a Night As Royalty at Medieval Times #ad

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Jamie

Disclosure: I was provided with complimentary tickets for this review

There’s something great about being able to go back in time, even if it’s just for a night.  The Medieval Times was a time where there were Kings and Queens, Knights defending their honor, and of course the peasants of the land.

So, the fact that Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament brings that back to life for us modern day civilians makes for a pretty magical night.  This was my first experience with Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament and I will definitely be back in the future.

Upon entrance into the building we are each given our table number and give a color.  That color represents the Knight we will be cheering on that evening.

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That evening, we were given the Green Knight to cheer on! Also, upon arrival, you are given an opportunity take a  picture with the beautiful Princess of the land.  Afterwards, you can purchase the picture for 20 dollars to keep as a souvenir of your experience at Medieval Times.

And, if you are royalty you are given a crown to wear that evening.  To upgrade to royalty, it is 10 dollars added on to your ticket price.  This will include a DVD and program to take home with you.

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We are then brought into the courtyard where you can purchase beverages to drink as you wait to be let into the gates.  The Chancellor for the evening greets us in the courtyard to tell us a bit about the evening, and then lets the people in by chosen color.

Once let inside we find our tables where the servers greet us and tell us what we’ll be receiving that evening.  A full meal with 2 drinks included.  Drinks are Pepsi, Coffee and Iced Tea.

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And then it all begins.  The chancellor entering the arena with his beautiful horse beside him.

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And soon the Knights join us in the arena:

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But before the Games could begin, the King makes his appearance with the beautiful Princess by his side:

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And the games begin.  Each Knight takes it turn during the games provided as the sections cheer their Knights on.  When the Knight wins it challenge they are awarded with flowers to give to their people.

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When the games have ended, the jousting begins, and this is where the Knights fight ’til Death until there is just one Knight left standing:

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Of course, throughout the show there are more prizes in store as you watch in front of you.  I can’t give it all away, now can I? 😉

But, I have to end on this note:  If you end up being in the section of the Knight that wins that evening, it is pretty fun:  #GreenKnightForever

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And don’t forget the show comes with a complete meal which included: Tomato Bisque Soup, Chicken, Spare Ribs and a Potato.  They feed you quite well.

Right now Medieval Times has a special deal going on for you, my fellow readers:

Adults are only $35.95 and Children (12 & under) are $29.95.  That’s more than $24 off our regular price and $4 less than our current advertised special. It’s valid for all shows through June 30, 2013. Valid at the Buena Park castle only.  Must call 1-888-935-6878 and ask for discount code 35BLOG

Disclosure: I was provided complimentary tickets on behalf of this review.


Categories: Events in LA, Fun Stuff, Orange County, Travel | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments