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September 25, 2007
Fall Colors Slowly Peaking in Aspen/Snowmass
The Aspen/Snowmass area is slowly turning to gold with the arrival of the fall equinox. After two days of rain, cold and snow at altitude, the sun made a shy come back this morning and so did frost. See for yourself!
Get your windshield scrapers out; the frost is back!
A flower in the cold morning frost.
Aspen leaves on a stormy sky.
Giant yellow leaves at dusk.
Aspen Mountain in the early sun.
If you want more information on the fall colors in the Aspen/Snowmass area or check out off-season specials, visit us at www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Posted by Dina at 08:38 AM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2007
Local's Special
Spa Aspen invites you to relax, rejuvenate and recharge with us this off season...
Big Time Savings!
10% off one service
20% off two services
30% off three services
40% off four services
www.aspenclub.com
Call today! 970.925.8900
*Certain restrictions apply
Posted by Caseym at 04:53 PM
Ski magazine comes out with its top 50 resort Guide: Aspen and Snowmass rank 4 & 5
Ski magazine, a skinet.com publication, in its October 2007, ranked the 50 top American ski resorts of North America; Aspen came in 4th place and Snowmass 5th (after Vail, but before Jackson Hole!). Aspen came in 1st for dining, apres-ski and 2nd on off hill activities. As for Snowmass it came 2nd on overall satisfaction.
Aspen Mountain (aka Ajax)#4
Snowmass Mountain #5
Do you want to know why we rank 4th & 5th in best American Ski resort?
Go to www.stayaspensnowmass.com for the answer
Posted by Dina at 03:24 PM | Comments (0)
September 18, 2007
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES AND GUEST APPEARANCES HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR'S ASPEN FILMFEST SEPTEMBER 25-30
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES AND GUEST APPEARANCES HIGHLIGHT THIS YEAR'S ASPEN FILMFEST SEPTEMBER 25-30
ASPEN, CO, September 17, 2007 - A coming-of-age movie musical set in the 1960s to 30 Beatles' songs; a father taking care of his daughters as his wife serves in Iraq; a four-year-old child art prodigy who could rival Picasso; an Irish musician playing country and western music to salvage his unfilled dreams; and two stellar screen talents in a special sneak preview comprise a sample of the highly diverse, culturally rich gems of the 29th annual Aspen Filmfest. Feature film dominates with 17 of the 25 entries, providing a rich tapestry of incredible performances from the U.S. and abroad. Aspen Filmfest will be held September 25-30, with screenings at the Wheeler Opera House and the Isis Theatre in Aspen and the Crystal Theatre in Carbondale.
"I am always amazed at how ordinary people achieve extraordinary feats in complex times, and these movies proudly embrace what being human looks, sounds and feels like - at their messy, awkward, joyful, troubling, humorous, complicated best," observes Executive Director Laura Thielen. "All the filmmakers celebrate their characters' dreams and triumphs while never shying away from their contradictions and shortcomings. They are portrayed by a rich diversity of actors, all playing an amazing gamut of human emotions, at times outside their comfort zone and film personas."
John Cusak turns in an achingly poignant performance as a Mr. Mom to his two daughters while his wife serves in Iraq in Sundance's Audience Award winner, and Filmfest's late addition, Grace is Gone. Laura Linely and Philip Seymour Hoffman deliver marvelously calibrated performances as siblings who are suddenly plucked from their self-absorbed lives and forced to take care of their father, Philip Bosco, in the closing film The Savages. Vince Vaughn ditches his comedic persona in director Sean Penn's road epic Into the Wild. Frank Langella is superb as an elderly, reclusive novelist who succumbs to graduate student Lauren Ambrose in Starting Out in the Evening. Michael Caine and Jude Law become locked in a devious, and deadly, duel of wits in Kenneth Branagh's bold update of Sleuth. And engaging performances by a talented ensemble cast make Small Engine Repair a gem of a film.
Crowning this year's program, Oscar-winner Julie Christie will be honored with Aspen Filmfest's Independent by Nature Award in recognition of her lifelong contributions to modern cinema.
Renowned interviewer and journalist Charlie Rose will be onstage with Christie at the award ceremony on Saturday, September 29 at the Wheeler Opera House. A gala dinner follows at The Little Nell to benefit Aspen Film, a non-profit organization. Christie also gives a beautifully nuanced performance in the cinematic poem of love and loss in the unusual love story Away from Her, which is one of Filmfest's two free community screenings.
"We also have excellent performances by some really big cats - lions and leopards to be exact," Thielen says. "We are honored to have National Geographic Explorers-in Residence, award-winning wildlife filmmakers and ardent conservationists Beverly and Dereck Joubert in person at a special presentation on Friday, September 28, at 5:30 p.m., showcasing their latest documentary Living with Big Cats, narrated by Jeremy Irons. They will talk about researching and capturing wild Africa on film, revealing a side of the natural world and its most majestic inhabitants that is usually hidden from us." As an extra bonus, filmgoers will be treated to another of the Jouberts' multi award-winning documentaries, Eye of the Leopard, at the second of Filmfest's free community screenings.
Also on Friday night at 9:00 p.m., co-producer/actress and part-time resident Judith Light will be joined by director Robert Cary, producer Herb Hamsher and writer Robert Desiderio on stage at the screening of their moving new film Save Me. This emotionally evocative story tells how love, faith and truth can shape and change character.
Additional guest appearances continue on Sunday, September 30. Writer/director Niall Heery, coming from Ireland, will appear at the screening of his film Small Engine Repair. He paces this character-driven story like a bittersweet ballad. (He will also be present at the Carbondale screening on Thursday, September 27.)
Writer/director Tamara Jenkins will be on hand later Sunday evening to attend her funny and moving family drama The Savages. She achieves a rare storytelling feat, making us laugh and cry at the same time. It's no wonder that this, her second feature, is gaining strong critical acclaim.
Documentaries have always been the pride of the Aspen Filmfest and this year is no exception, with many recognized award winners from the festival circuit among the seven chosen. The
featured documentaries comprise an eclectic mix of compassion and perseverance around the world. We visit civil war torn Northern Uganda to discover a remarkable tale of the transformative
power of music and dance in War/Dance. In the remote borderlands of Thailand, we encounter a Thai boxer turned devout Buddhist who devotes his life to saving troubled youths in Buddha's Lost Children. We examine the heart-warming story of the complex relationship between an Israeli filmmaker and his father as they retrace the elder's WWII campaign through Italy, Germany and Holland in Souvenirs. We visit a dilapidated Danish country estate owned by a retired priest who dreams of converting it into a Russian Orthodox retreat in The Monastery. We return to the United States and revisit the 1968 Democratic Convention in the archival/animated hybrid Chicago 10. We explore the many-faceted debate of what makes art, and question the media's creation and destruction of "everyday celebrity" and the ethics of documentary storytelling in My Kid Could Paint That.
"There is something for everybody in this year's Filmfest." Thielen concludes. "But be ready to expect the unexpected."
Tickets are now on sale at the Wheeler Box Office, 970.920.5770 or www.wheeleroperahouse.com, and for Carbondale screenings only at Sounds Easy in Carbondale, 970.963.1303. Complete program, movie listings and schedules are available at www.aspenfilm.org. For more information, call 970.925.6882.
For more information on events in Aspen/Snowmass, visit us at www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Posted by Dina at 08:38 AM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2007
Spa Special
The Aspen Club and Spa is running an off season special in the Spa. Purchase 1 service and get 10% off, purchase 2 services and get 20% off both, purchase 3 and get 30% off or purchase 4 services and receive 40% off. This special will be running the entire off season, so take a day to pamper yourself here at the Aspen Club and Spa.
Posted by Caseym at 05:27 AM | Comments (0)
September 12, 2007
Belly-up Aspen - September Shows and More
September 13 - 28, 2007 at Belly Up, Aspen
Thu, Sep 13th
CAKE w/ opening act TBA
Doors at 8:00 PM - Show at 10:00 PM
$48.00 / $55.00 day of show (All Ages)
Best-known for their ubiquitous hit "The Distance,"
Cake epitomized the postmodern, irony-drenched aesthetic of '90s geek-rock. Their sound freely mixed and matched pastiches of widely varying genres-white-boy funk, hip-hop, country, new wave pop, jazz, college rock, and guitar rock-with a particular delight in the clashes that resulted.
Fri, Sep 14th
White Rabbits with Via Audio AND DJ Tommie Sunshine late night
Two shows for the price of one!
Doors 8:00 PM - Show 9:00 PM
$18.00 / $20.00 day of show (All Ages)
Join us for a great night of live music featuring TWO
SHOWS for ONE TICKET! Starting the night off on the eve of their Monolith Festival performance at Red Rocks is the up and coming indie rock band White Rabbits with Via Audio. Later, DJ (and renown artist, remixer, producer, vocalist, radio jock, label owner, and songwriter) Tommie Sunshine will keep the party going, spinning into the early hours of the morning.
"There is something quite brilliant about [White Rabbits]....they manage to make the coolest of melodies sound utterly effortless" - Music Week, UK
"(Tommie Sunshine) just might be the guy who could make dance music fun and important again this year…" Paper, 2006
Sat, Sep 15th
Mobius Band w/ American Relay
Doors 8:00 PM - Show 10:00 PM
$10.00 / $12.00 day of show (All Ages)
"Having recently relocated to Brooklyn from tiny
Shutesbury, Massachusetts, this buzzed-about trio have also moved beyond demure electronic experiments to a full new-wave sound that maintains their penchant for blips while adding guitar jangle and lyrical emoting that never feels tacked on."
-SPIN
Sun, Sep 16th
Sunday Night Football w/ San Diego at New England
Doors 6:00 PM - Show 6:15 PM
No Cover (All Ages)
Watch game on Belly Up's 16' projection screen and 3 high def plasma TVs.
Sponsored by PATRON!
Specials include:
$6 hand tossed brick oven pizza's and 35 cent jumbo buffalo wings (no take out orders)
$8 Domestic Beer Pitchers and $10 Premium Beer Pitchers.
Enter to win a trip to Mexico from PATRON to be chosen at the Super Bowl Party
Sun, Sep 16th
Joe Bonamassa with Crosby Loggins:
After Sunday Night Football
Doors 6:00 PM - Show 10:00 PM
$20.00 (All Ages)
Joe Bonamassa is an American blues guitarist/singer, well known for his raw, gritty voice and technically accomplished playing. Guitar One Magazine has stated that he just might be the best guitarist of his generation. His style is considered in the same blues-rock style as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Jonny Lang.
Mon, Sep 17th
Monday Night Football w/ Washington at Philadelphia
Doors 6:00 PM - Show 6:30 PM
No Cover (All Ages)
Watch game on Belly Up's 16' projection screen and 3 high def plasma TVs.
Sponsored by PATRON!
Specials include:
$6 hand tossed brick oven pizza's and 35 cent jumbo buffalo wings (no take out orders)
$8 Domestic Beer Pitchers and $10 Premium Beer Pitchers.
Enter to win a trip to Mexico from PATRON to be chosen at the Super Bowl Party
Wed, Sep 19th
Perry Farrell's Satellite Party w/ Mink
Doors 8:00 PM - Show 10:00 PM
$30.00 / $35.00 day of show (All Ages)
The always entertaining and oddly intriguing frontman Perry Farrell is back to with another musical experiment with his latest band Satellite Party, and he takes another step away from the Jane's Addiction sound that gained him notoriety. Farrell has chosen to go in a lot of different directions from dance music to moody, introspective offerings. Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt displays the same versatility that he became famous for more than 15 years ago as the fleet-fingered main attraction of the rock band Extreme, sizzling with Led Zeppelin-inspired riffs, swaying along to more reggae-inspired melodies, and kicking it up a notch with a funky fervor that makes the perfect vehicle for Farrell's quirky bravado.
Thu, Sep 20th
Yellowman & The Sagittarius Band
Doors 8:00 PM - Show 10:00 PM
$22.00 / $25.00 day of show (All Ages)
King Yellowman has an incredible history in Reggae music. His upbringing at the Maxfield Home orphanage in Kingston and being albino in Jamaica were two obstacles the he overcame and went on to be (at one time) the biggest reggae artist since Bob Marley. He has managed to outlive his predicted fate of death and his performances are incredibly lively as he seems to have an unlimited amount of stage energy.
Sat, Sep 22nd
The Mighty Diamonds w/ Special Guest Chellem
with The Yellow Wall Dub Squad
Doors 8:00 PM - Show 10:00 PM
$18.00 / $20.00 day of show (All Ages)
The Mighty Diamonds have long been one of the most loved reggae groups worldwide, and one listen to their sweet harmonies should be ample explanation as to why. Headed by lead singer Donald "Tabby" Shaw and backed by Fitzroy "Bunny" Simpson and Lloyd "Judge" Ferguson, the Diamonds' vocals-and particularly Shaw's-bespeak uncommon earnestness. Their singing is so heartfelt, it can range from heartbreaking to incendiary, depending on the subject matter. Their writing skills likewise are top-notch, balancing both rootsy and soulful melodies and social and romantic lyrics-making them one of the more accessible roots groups for novice reggae listeners.
Sun, Sep 23rd
Stephen Marley w/ opening act TBD
After Sunday Night Football
$1 of every ticket sold goes to benefit
Ghetto Youths Foundation
Doors at 6:00 PM
$34.00 / $36.00 day of show (All Ages)
If you think you don't know the music of Stephen Marley, you do-you just don't realize it. The second son of Bob Marley, a member of the celebrated Marley sibling group The Melody Makers since the age of seven, the Grammy winning producer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has also been the driving creative force behind the music of his brothers. Stephen's production, performance and writing credits recently earned him two Grammys-giving him a total of five: more than any other Marley family member or reggae artist in history.
Fri, Sep 28th
Red Gone Wild Tour featuring Redman
w/ special guests Kidz in the Hall and AKIR
Doors 8:00 PM - Show 10:00 PM
$33.00 / $35.00 day of show (All Ages)
New Jersey rapper Redman made his initial impact with Whut? Thee Album in 1992. He blended reggae and funk influences with topical commentary and displayed a terse, though fluid rap style that was sometimes satirical, sometimes tough, and sometimes silly. Redman returned in 1994 with his second album, Dare Iz a Darkside, which was a harder album than his debut. Muddy Waters, Redman’s third album, followed in 1996; he returned two years later with Doc's Da Name.
For more information on events in Aspen/Snowmass visit us at www.stayaspensnowmass.com
Posted by Dina at 08:43 AM | Comments (0)
September 05, 2007
SNOWMASS VILLAGE FASHIONS A FALL FEAST FOR THE SENSES
30 hot air balloons and 80 wineries converge for simultaneous festivals September 14-16
Snowmass Village, Colo. - The weekend of September 14-16 offers a feast for the senses in Snowmass Village when fall enthusiasts can find the perfect combination of colorful fall foliage, hot air balloons, cool jazz tunes, and culinary delights by local chefs and over 80 wineries.
"This is one of my favorite weekends of the year," says Town of Snowmass Marketing Director Susan Hamley. "The hot air balloons are simply majestic against the Elk Mountains as the fall foliage begins to hit its stride. Paired with the Snowmass Wine & Jazz Festival and affordable lodging, it’s simply an unbeatable combination for a weekend getaway."
The 32nd annual Snowmass Balloon Festival is one of the highest hot air balloon festivals in the nation and includes four days of morning competitions from 7-9 a.m. On Thursday, media compete against each other in the Hot Air Media Challenge (Media: to participate, contact aj@snowmasspress.com -space is limited). Friday's Colorado Rat Race spans the Roaring Fork Valley in a timed distance race. Saturday's Dawn Quixote competition sends 30 hot air balloons up in the space of a ballfield to joust with large tethered weather balloons. On Sunday, pilots skim low over reflecting golf course pools to aim tennis balls into large floating tubes.
The brilliantly colorful balloons juxtaposed against the fall colors and morning light make the competitions a photographic must-see, as is the Saturday evening Balloon Glow at 6 p.m., where tethered hot air balloons twinkle like stars in a spectacular nighttime showcase. The Balloon Glow also features a barbecue and free concert by the Spring Creek Bluegrass Band, a popular bluegrass group that took first place at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. A special family fun zone by Related Westpac is open on-site all three days offering street performers, a house of bounce, and more.
All events are free to spectators and launch from the Snowmass softball fields on Brush Creek Road. (Contact: 1-800-SNOWMASS or www.snowmassballoon.com)
The Snowmass Wine & Jazz Festival tickles the taste buds on Friday and Saturday with the ideal gustatory complement to the hot air balloon festival. The event kicks off on Friday evening at The Artisan restaurant with a sell-out four-course winemakers dinner ($125/person) featuring La Spinetta and Banfi Wineries and a special menu by award-winning Executive Chef David VanHolten. On Saturday, the Grand Tasting ($50/person) gives visitors the chance to partake of 80 different wineries and 15 cuisine samplings from local chefs on the Snowmass Mall from 1-5 p.m. The group Starwood kicks out jazz tunes, while a silent auction with over 100 different items ranging from specialty wines to vacations is held as well.
Funds from the festival support the Snowmass Village Rotary's grant program, which makes annual awards to local nonprofits providing youth programming. To date this year the Snowmass Rotary has awarded $19,000 to 10 local non-profits. (Contact: 970.379.6577 or www.snowmassrotary.org. Tickets available at Sundance Liquor, El Jebeverage, The Daly Bottle Shop, The Grog Shop or at the door for the Grand Tasting.)
Posted by Dina at 10:55 AM | Comments (0)
September 04, 2007
WORLD CHARM MEETS MODERN AMERICAN SOUL AT SNOWMASS OKTOBERFEST
WORLD CHARM MEETS MODERN AMERICAN SOUL AT SNOWMASS OKTOBERFEST
Free Ruthie Foster concert, beer gardens, family fun and more September 8, 2007
Snowmass Village, CO. -- Old Europe meets modern American soul in Snowmass Saturday, September 8, when singer/songwriter phenom Ruthie Foster plays a free concert at Snowmass’ fourth annual Oktoberfest presented by Grolsch. Pull out your lederhosen, your beer steins, and your best dancing shoes as Snowmass pays tribute to the harvest season with a FREE day of old world fare and fun.
"This celebration is becoming an autumn tradition in Snowmass, much like Mardi Gras is to February or St. Paddy's Day is to March," says Susan Hamley, Marketing Director for Snowmass Village. “Oktoberfest is an excellent excuse to get outside and enjoy the crisp fall air and gorgeous mountain views in Snowmass, and the free concert by Ruthie Foster is a special added bonus.”
The festival runs from 12-6 pm and transforms the Snowmass Village Mall into old world Germany. Tuba and accordion players stroll the festival, while D'Miesbacher OIM Taler perform traditional "Schuhplatte" or shoe patting dances and Steve Rock's Tanzkapelle Band plays polkas and traditional Teutonic tunes. The beer garden offers Widmer Hefeweizen, Redhook ESB, Grolsch, and Bud Light for sale, while German fare is offered for sale in tents by The Stewpot and The Brothers Grill. Families can grab a braut and a brew and let street performers such as Jammin Jim, Sparkles the Clown, and Kimothy the Stilt walker entertain the kiddies.
Smoking hot singer Ruthie Foster takes to the stage at 4 pm. Her latest album, The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster, has received national raves and air time across the country, and her mix of contemporary folk with old-school gospel and blues showcases a powerhouse voice that has been compared to Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. The Seattle Post Intelligencer said "her talent is universal with no pretense," while both the New York Post and the Dallas Morning News have cited cover song renditions that they felt were better than the originals. Ranging through blues, gospel, roots and folk music, Ruthie Foster’s live performances appeal to both the young and old.
Additional Weekend Activities:
4th Annual Aspen/Snowmass Ride for the Cure (Sept. 8) A 100-mile bike ride around the Aspen/Snowmass area (with flatter 26-mile course option) celebrates fall in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, while benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation. Last year's ride attracted 424 riders of all levels and raised $655,000. Online registration for all events is encouraged. Snowmass Village hosts the riders' lunch. (Contact: 970.920.0250 or www.komenaspen.org)
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Situated in the heart of the Elk Mountains and surrounded by one of the largest wilderness areas in the state of Colorado, Snowmass offers over forty miles of trails for fall hikes and bike rides starting in the Village core. A chairlift ride, disc golf, jeep tours, and diverse regional adventures such as horseback riding, paragliding, and scenic drives are available as well.
For more information on Snowmass Village and fall lodging specials and activities, visit www.snowmassvillage.com or call 1-800-SNOWMASS (800.766.9627).
Posted by Dina at 08:52 AM | Comments (0)
