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  • JOHN LEGEND TO HEADLINE SAINT LUCIA JAZZ FESTIVAL

    20th anniversary draws top musicians from around the world;
    special festival packages and offers available

     


    Saint Lucia (March 17, 2011) In celebration of the 20th anniversary, Grammy-award winning multi-Platinum artist John Legend will headline this year’s Saint Lucia Jazz Festival.  The singer, in his album collaboration with The Roots, recently picked up three awards on February 13, 2011 at the 53rd annual Grammy Awards show for Best Tradition R&B Vocal Performance for “Hang On In There,” Best R&B Song for “Shine” and Best R&B Album for Wake Up!.  Legend has sold more than five million albums worldwide, garnered multiple hit singles ("Ordinary People," "Used to Love U," "So High," "Save Room," "Heaven," "Another Again") and has received countless awards.  Legend demonstrates a rare ability to fuse classic old school soul music with the edgy flavor of 21st century hip-hop.

     

    From April 30 to May 8, 2011, this year’s festival lineup is comprised of an international roster of renowned musicians featuring the genres of jazz, R&B, pop, soul and world music from the United States, UK, France, Africa and Saint Lucia, including:

     

    -          Trey SongzThe highly acclaimed R&B singer-songwriter Trey Songz debuted his first recording album in 2005 with I Gotta Make It followed by Trey Day (2007).  His third album, Ready, was released in 2009 while his fourth studio album, Passion, Pain & Pleasure, was released in September 2010, all garnering him multiple BET and Grammy award nominations, including winning the 2010 BET Award for Best Male R&B Artist.

     

    -          LedisiSinger-songwriter Ledisi returns to the jazz festival stage sharing highlights from her Grammy nominated albums Lost & Found and Turn Me Loose.

     

    -          Regina CarterAmerican jazz violinist, Regina Carter, lauded as one of the finest violinists of her generation, will share African folk tunes from her newest album, Reverse Thread.

     

    -          Bad Ass BrassFormed in 2008, the band takes its influence from the sounds of traditional New Orleans brass bands but adds its own unique twist. The group won the opportunity to play at this year’s jazz festival through a Facebook contest in the UK hosted by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board.

     

    -          Maceo ParkerAmerican funk and jazz saxophonist, who had a long term association with the late, great James Brown, will get the audience dancing with hits from his latest album Roots & Grooves, which won a Jammie for best Jazz Album in 2009.

     

    -          Saint Lucian CollectiveAn ensemble of Saint Lucian’s jazz icons who will perform a mélange of sweet pulsating Caribbean beats.

     

     “As the leading and longest running jazz event in the Caribbean, year after year we welcome thousands of visitors from all corners of the globe to our legendary island to celebrate the premier voices in the music industry,” said Saint Lucia Tourist Board Director of Tourism Louis Lewis. “We’re thrilled to be marking our 20th anniversary with another sensational lineup. Combined with our world-class resorts, unique activities, exotic cuisine, unspoiled nature and warm people, this is still the best party in the Caribbean.”

     

    The festival will feature multiple complementary daily shows of acoustic, new age, jazz, soul, reggae, and R&B sounds held in a variety of locations and venues around the island, including Jazz on the Square in Castries and Jazz in the South at locations in Vieux Fort and Laborie.  Headliners will perform at the main stage performances which will be held at Pigeon Island National Park and Gaiety in Rodney Bay, the island’s epicenter of musical entertainment, featuring local clubs, lounges and restaurants.

     

    MAIN STAGE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

    Wednesday May 4
       

    Thursday May 5
       

    Friday May 6
       

    Saturday May 7
       

    Sunday May 8

    Gaiety on Rodney Bay
       

    Gaiety on Rodney Bay
       

    Pigeon Island National Landmark
       

    Pigeon Island National Landmark
       

    Pigeon Island National Landmark

    7:00 p.m.
       

    7:00 p.m.
       

    8:00 p.m.
       

    4:00 p.m.
       

    2:00 p.m.

    Ledisi
       

    Sixun
       

    Morgan Heritage
       

    Trey Songz
       

    John Legend

    Regina Carter’s Reverse Thread
       

    Augustin 'Jab' Duplessis featuring Derede Williams
       

    Carimi
       

    Maceo Parker
       

    Chuck Brown

    Allison Marquis & Eclectic Pan Jazz
       

    Bad Ass Brass
       

    Angelique Kidjo
       

    Yellowjackets
       

    Mike Stern with Richard Bona, Bob Franceschini and Lionel Cordew

     
       

     
       

    Mervyn Wilkinson
       

    Taj Weekes & Adowa
       

    Saint Lucia Collective

     
       

     
       

     
       

     
       

    Anacaona

     

    For a full concert schedule, festival tickets and updates, visit the official Saint Lucia Jazz website www.stluciajazz.org.  For information on accommodations and attractions visit www.saintlucianow.com.

     

    Several resorts on the island will be celebrating the jazz festival with special packages.   See below for a complete list of offers from properties including Bay Gardens Hotel, Bay Gardens Inn, C’est La Vie, Cotton Bay Village, Fond Doux Holiday Plantation, Habitat Terrace, Harmony Suites, Juliette’s Lodge Hotel, Mango Beach Inn, Marina Haven Villa, Stonefield Villa Estate Resort & Spa, The Downtown Hotel, Village Inn & Spa, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort and Zamacà Saint Lucia Bed & Breakfast.

     

    Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn

    5-Night/6-Days Jazz Package

    ·         Accommodations for two in a Superior Room

    ·         Caribbean buffet breakfast daily

    ·         Three-course dinner at Trios Restaurant (valid one night only)

    ·         One day sail to Soufriere with complementary drinks and snorkel at Anse Cochon

    ·         US$10.00 coupon, per person, redeemable at Treasure Bay Casino

    ·         Complementary transfers (one way) from Bay Gardens Hotel to Pigeon Island Landmark for Main Stage Jazz Performance

    ·         Bay Gardens Resorts’ Jazz Souvenir

    ·         Rates: starting at US$990 based on double occupancy and includes all taxes

    ·         Book by: May 8, 2011

    ·         Travel April 30 through May 31, 2011

    Visit baygardensresorts.com for more information

     

    C’est La Vie

    Springtime Jazz

        * 4th night free
        * Includes breakfast, concierge, butler service
        * Travel May 1 through May 20, 2011

    Visit www.villacestlavie.com  for more information

     

    Cotton Bay Village

    Jazz on the Beach

        * Five nights accommodations
        * All meals included
        * All beverages by the glass included
        * One complementary spa treatment per adult
        * One ticket to the Jazz concert of choice per adult
        * Rates: starting at US$1010
        * Book by: April 30, 2011
        * Travel for any five night stay between April 30 to May 8, 2011

    Visit www.cottonbayvillage.com for more information

     

    Fond Doux Holiday Plantation

    Jazz Sulphur Jamboree

        * Spend seven nights or more and receive complementary tickets for two to Jazz in the North
        * Round trip transfer to Jazz Festival venue

    Visit fonddouxestate.com   for more information

     

    Habitat Terrace

    All That Jazz

        * Includes breakfast, t-shirt, and round-trip shuttle arrangements to the Jazz venue of choice
        * Book by: April 1, 2011
        * Travel April 30 through May 8, 2011

    Visit www.habitatterrace.com for more information

     

    Harmony Suites

    Jazz Special

        * Receive 15% off rates

    Visit www.harmonysuites.com for more information

     

    Juliette’s Lodge Hotel

    Just Jazz Special 2011

        * Special rates for the following accommodations:
              o Single occupancy US$55 per room per night plus taxes (max 1 person per)
              o Double occupancy US$65 per room per night plus taxes (max 2 people per)
              o Family room two beds US$90 per room per night plus taxes (max 4 people per)
              o Two bedroom apartment US$125 per room per night plux taxes (max 4 people per)
        * Single, double and family room rates are inclusive of continental breakfast per person
        * Book by: April 15, 2011
        * Travel April 24 through May 16, 2011

    Visit www.julietteslodge.com for more information

     

    Mango Beach Inn

    Jazz Fans – Beat the Traffic

        * Travel by boat from Marigot Bay to Pigeon Island
        * 10% discount off normal rates
        * Travel April 30 through May 8, 2011

    Visit http;//www.mangobeachmarigot.com for more information

     

    Marina Haven Villa

    Jazz Special

        * Stay seven nights and pay US$180 per night per villa
        * Complementary arrival airport transfer
        * Book by April 30, 2011

    Visit
    http;//www.bensconcierge.lc/marina-haven-villa.html for more information

     

    Stonefield Villa Estate Resort & Spa

    Enjoy the south of the Island and still Jazz in the North

        * Water taxi roundtrip to Castries
        * Complementary beverage on route to Jazz Festival
        * Daily breakfast for two
        * Ocean view villa and pool
        * Rates: starting at US$450 per couple inclusive of taxes
        * Book by: April 30, 2011
        * Travel April 1 through May 31, 2011

    Visit
    http;//www.stonefieldvillas.com for more information

     

    The Downtown Hotel

    Fun in the Sun

        * Special rates for the following accommodations:
              o Deluxe Downtown View US$65
              o Sea/Piton View US$75
              o Royal Suites US$85
              o Soufriere Suites US$95
              o Family Suites US$110
              o Rates are subject to 18% tax
        * Book by: April 30, 2011
        * Travel through May 8, 2011

    Visit www.thedowntownhotel.net for more information

     

    Village Inn & Spa

    Jazz Special

    ·         15% off rates

    ·         Breakfast daily

    ·         Complementary golf

    ·         Complementary spa treatment (conditions apply)

    Visit
    http;//www.villageinnstlucia.com for more information

     

    Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort

    Jazz it Up!

        * Althurium Lily Suites
        * Daily breakfast buffet
        * Round trip airport/hotel transfers
        * Rates: starting at US$465 per night double occupancy includes taxes and service charges
        * Travel through May 9, 2011

    Visit
    http;//www.windjammer-landing.com for more information

     

    Zamacà Saint Lucia Bed & Breakfast

    Concord of Sweet Sounds and Colors of the Caribbean

        * Stay five nights and enjoy the sixth night free
        * Stay 12 nights and pay for ten
        * Upon check-out, receive a gift certificate for credit on next trip to Zamacà Saint Lucia Bed & Breakfast
        * Breakfast is included in rate
        * Rates: starting at US$112.10 per night per double occupancy
        * Book by: April 10, 2011
        * Travel April 28 through May 10, 2011*
        * *Extension of stay upon request

    Visit
    http;//www.zamaca.com for more information

     

    For more information about the island of Saint Lucia; its product offerings and resort vacation packages, visit
    http;//www.saintlucianow.com.

     

    About Saint Lucia
    One of the Windward Islands of the West Indies' Lesser Antilles, Saint Lucia (pronounced Saint LOO-sha) is nestled halfway down the eastern Caribbean archipelago. The "Helen of the West Indies," Saint Lucia is known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions, including the signature Piton Mountains - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - a tropical rainforest and one of the world's few drive-in volcanoes. Culturally rich offerings include the bustling marketplace in the capital of Castries, quaint fishing villages along the coastline, and the annual Saint Lucia Jazz festival. Saint Lucia's wide range of accommodations includes world-class five-star resorts, all-inclusive resorts, intimate inns and value-oriented properties.

    Read more »
  • DINING BY DESIGN 2011

     

    DIFFA’s

    2011 DINING BY DESIGN

    LAUNCHES WITH COCKTAILS BY DESIGN

          The Exclusive Event Will Feature New York City’s

    Finest Restaurants and Designers

     

    New York, NY (March 8, 2011) – DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS  tour will run concurrently with the Architectural Digest Home Design Show from Thursday, March 17th through Monday, March 21st. The tour will launch with “COCKTAILS BY DESIGN” on Thursday, March 17th from 6pm to 10pm located at Pier 94, 12th Ave. at 55th Street in New York City.  COCKTAILS BY DESIGN will bring together some of the most talented and celebrated individuals in the worlds of fashion, food, interior design, and architecture to create and celebrate spectacular, over-the-top dining environments.

    For just $150.00 a ticket, guests will be able to view the amazing design installations while sampling culinary treats paired with delicious wine and cocktails from EFFEN Vodka. The menu for the evening will be provided by New York’s top restaurants including: Estiatorio Milos, Murray’s Cheese, ilili, Buddakan, Kittichai, Bar Boulud, North Square and Spice Market. Guests also have their choice of delicious menu items from one of NYC’s leading caterers, Canard, Inc., such as white truffle arancini, mini tacos stuffed with roast duck and mango-onion salsa and cracklings, and ahi tuna with cilantro cream.

    “DIFFA is delighted to have such amazing designers and restaurants participating in DINING BY DESIGN’s kick-off event, COCKTAILS BY DESIGN,” said David Sheppard, Executive Director of DIFFA. “Their contributions bring us one step closer in the fight against AIDS and we could not be happier with the wonderful support we have received.”

    In addition to the installations from renowned designers, DINING BY DESIGN will once again feature the Student Design Initiative. Participating design schools include: Fashion Institute of Technology with mentor Preston Bailey, Pratt Institute with mentor Alfredo Paredes, and New York School of Interior Design with mentor Philip Gorrivan. Design mentors guide their student team through the creative process from conception to execution, working within a strict budget.  The goal of the Student Design Initiative is to give the next generation of great designers the rare opportunity to work with some of the best design veterans in the business and participate in one of the industry’s most anticipated events.

     

    Sponsors include EFFEN Vodka, Benjamin Moore, United Airlines, Merchandise Mart Properties, and the New York Design Center. Media sponsors include Architectural Digest, The New York Times, Manhattan magazine and ABC-7.

    The schedule of events for DINING BY DESIGN New York is as follows:

    COCKTAILS BY DESIGN
    Thursday, March 17 6PM-10PM
    Designers and guests mingle at Pier 94 during this dazzling preview of the amazing design installations, while sampling treats from NYC’s top restaurants paired with delicious wine and cocktails. Tickets are available for $150 per person.

    PUBLIC TABLE VIEWING
    Friday, March 18 through Sunday, March 20th; 10AM-6PM Daily
    Explore the latest in design trends as you view the amazing installations and shop the silent auction.

    GALA DINNER
    Monday, March 21; 6:30PM-11:00PM
    Cocktails and table hopping are followed by an elegant seated VIP dinner accompanied by dancing and a silent auction loaded with hospitality experiences and luxury items.

    For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.diffa.org or call 212-727-3100.

    About DIFFA

    DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States. Since being founded in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide over $38 million to hundreds of AIDS service organizations nationwide.  For more than 26 years, DIFFA has been one of the country’s largest supporters of both direct care for people living with AIDS and preventative education for those at risk.

    For more information visit diffa.org.

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  • Siudy Between Worlds A Flamenco Dance Fantasy To benefit AID FOR AIDS Intl.

    On March 10, 2011, a special Off-Broadway performance of “Siudy: Between Worlds,” will be
    held to benefit AID FOR AIDS International (AFAI). The “Flamenco fantasia,” will be have a
    special benefit performance at the New World Theatre in New York City, and will explore a
    whole new form of storytelling, combining the raw emotion of Flamenco and urban dance, with a
    powerful percussive beat.

    Pioneering dancer and choreographer, Siudy Garrido, brings together her dance troupe of 22
    dancers and drummers from around the world to tell the tale of a future where water is scarce and
    desperate tribes battle over dwindling natural resources. Directed by four-time Grammy Nominee
    Pablo Croce.

    AFAI’s collaboration with Siudy Between Worlds is the first in a new series of cultural
    performances aimed at expanding AFAI’s fundraising and city-wide outreach.

    When: Thursday, March 10, 2011
    Curtains rise at 8:30 pm
    VIP Cocktail reception to follow the performance *

    Where: New World Stages
    340 West 50th Street (between 8 and 9 Ave)
    New York, NY 10019

    Tickets: Performance only $100 donation
    Performance & VIP Party $200 donation
    *VIP Party Celebrate with cast and supporters after the performance.
    Open bar and hors d’oeuvres.

    To buy tickets call: Eduardo Guzman 212-337-8043, ext 335 or visit
    www.aidforaids.org

    AID FOR AIDS International (AFAI) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization committed to
    improving the quality of life of people living with HIV or AIDS (PLWHAs) in Latin America and
    the Caribbean as well as immigrants to the United States of America. We work to empower
    PLWHAs, their caregivers, and the community at large by providing access to treatment and
    medication, health education, HIV prevention strategies and advocacy and by promoting
    leadership and capacity building for individuals and organizations. Read more »
  • The Levi’s® Brand Is Named the #1 Jeans Brand by GoodGuide

    SAN FRANCISCO (February 22, 2011)The Levi’s® brand announced it has been ranked first in the denim category by GoodGuide, an independent website that provides consumers with expert ratings and information about the health, environmental and social impact of products and companies. The original denim brand as well as the Dockers® brand, both ranked as one of the top five apparel brands overall, with a score of 7.4 out of 10.

    Today GoodGuide launched its first-ever rating system for apparel companies, assessing 118 brands on a number of key metrics including overall environmental efforts, sustainable material use, integration of lifecycle approach to product design, management of supply chain, restricted substance program, and vigilance in monitoring manufacturers and working conditions, among other things.

    “We don’t have nutrition labels on clothing yet, but GoodGuide is the first independent company to give consumers data to make informed comparisons about the clothes they purchase,” said Michael Kobori, Vice President of Social and Environmental Sustainability for Levi Strauss & Co. “We believe that increased transparency is the best way to empower consumers to support brands that are creating products in a thoughtful way.”

    To view GoodGuide.com's comprehensive rating on apparel brands, please visit http://www.goodguide.com/categories/277459-apparel.

    For more than two decades, Levi Strauss & Co. has been a leader on social and environmental issues. The company was the first apparel company to establish a comprehensive workplace code of conduct (Terms of Engagement) for manufacturing suppliers, setting standards and addressing the important issues of child labor, forced labor, disciplinary practices, working hours, wages and benefits, freedom of association, discrimination as well as health and safety. In the fall of 2010, LS&Co, along with H&M, led a global ban on the practice of sandblasting in the retail industry, a practice that when done incorrectly, can cause serious health issues for workers.

    LS&Co.’s commitment to environmental leadership remains a priority. The company was the first to establish environmental requirements for suppliers, guidelines on water quality, and restrictions on the substances that can be used to make its clothes. To determine where even greater environmental improvements could be made, the company studied every stage in the life cycle of a typical pair of Levi’s® 501® jeans and discovered that the largest water impact comes from the cotton growing process and through the laundry habits of consumers after they leave our stores. As a company, LS&Co. is making strides in these key areas – from supporting more sustainable ways to grow cotton to monitoring how suppliers use water in the manufacturing process.

    Most recently, the Levi’s® brand unveiled the “Care Tag for Our Planet” campaign, changing the global product care tags in Levi’s® jeans to include instructions about ways consumers can reduce the environmental impact of their clothes by washing less, washing in cold water, line drying and donating to Goodwill™ when no longer needed. Last month, the Levi’s® brand furthered its environmental efforts by launching Water

    About the Levi’s® brand

    The Levi’s® brand epitomizes classic American style and effortless cool. Since their invention by Levi Strauss in 1873, Levi’s® jeans have become the most recognizable and imitated clothing in the world – capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations. Today, the Levi’s® brand portfolio continues to evolve through a relentless pioneering and innovative spirit that is unparalleled in the apparel industry. Our range of leading jeanswear and accessories are available in more than 110 countries, allowing individuals around the world to express their personal style. For more information about the Levi’s® brand, its products and stores, please visit www.levi.com.

    About the Dockers® brand

    The Dockers® brand has embodied the spirit of khaki for more than twenty years. Quality? Always. Authenticity? Check. Dockers® makes khakis that do their job so you can do yours. They’re talking good-looking pants in a full range of fits, and the essential goods to go with them, for men and women. No compromises in quality. Just versatile, essential style. Day to night. Monday to Sunday. In over forty countries around the world. Wearing the pants has never looked so good. For information on the Dockers® brand and its products visit www.Dockers.com.

    About Levi Strauss & Co.

    Levi Strauss & Co. is one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear.  The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories for men, women and children under the Levi’s®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™, and DenizenTMbrands.  Its products are sold in more than 110 countries worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites, and franchised and company-owned stores.  As of November 28, 2010, the company operated 470 stores within 27 countries.  Levi Strauss & Co.’s reported fiscal 2010 net revenues were $4.4 billion.  For more information, go to http://levistrauss.com.

    Read more »
  • Project Runway’ Star Debuts Fall Collection in Coveted 9 PM Opening Night Slot

    EDGE Magazine Celebrates Start of Third Year by
    Sponsoring Designer Irina Shabayeva at Lincoln Center Event

    ‘Project Runway’ Star Debuts Fall Collection in Coveted 9 PM Opening Night Slot

    (New York, NY — February 22, 2011)   Who said the magazine business is dying? Among a handful of thriving regional publications is New Jersey-based EDGE Magazine, which started turning heads when it burst onto the scene in 2009—and made a major statement in the fashion world as the presenting sponsor of Irina Shabayeva’s Fall Collection at Lincoln Center in New York.

    EDGE secured the key 9:00 pm slot on Opening Night of Fashion Week presented by Mercedes-Benz for Shabayeva, whose work first won acclaim on Project Runway a year and a half ago. The celebration moved downtown to the James Hotel, where the 29-year-old designer was feted at an after-party held at celebrity chef David Burke’s rooftop nightclub, Jimmy’s.

    “What EDGE magazine has accomplished in two years is frankly astonishing,” says Shabayeva. “It’s an honor to be associated with a publication that connects with its readers the way EDGE does—and which brings fashion to their doorstep.”

    The relationship between magazine and designer began in the summer of 2010. HBO True Blood star Rutina Wesley offered to model fashion for EDGE and fell in love with one of Shabayeva’s dresses. The stunning shot made the cover of EDGE and triggered a surge of interest in the magazine—in New Jersey and online, where the EDGE web site (edgemagonline.com) quadrupled its hits overnight.

    EDGE is a smart, sexy suburban lifestyle magazine with a circulation of 80,000, primarily in Central New Jersey. The glossy oversized publication hits newsstands six times a year and features an eclectic mix of feature editorial, arts, food, travel, health & wellness stories and celebrity interviews (ranging from NBC’s Brian Williams to soul diva Gloria Gaynor to fashion icon Norma Kamali). In two years its page count has doubled, to 100.

    EDGE distinguished itself in a challenging marketplace by shooting its own fashion each issue. According to managing editor Mark Stewart, it’s a gamble that has obviously paid off.

    “Our investment in fashion has made people take a serious look at everything we do,” he explains. “What they find is consistently surprising and challenging ideas, sometimes with a raised eyebrow, sometimes with a knowing wink, but always with an EDGE

    Read more »
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