Posted in Misc on 12/27/2007 12:02 pm by admin
George Howard is a musician’s musician.
With his roots in blues and jazz music and a strong hold on the Tucson community, he’s the guy with the knowledge and the connections to solidify the music scene in town.
And he’s done it.
His love of music and the musician’s lifestyle has inspired him to create the Tucson Musicians Museum in historic Downtown Tucson. The museum is a tribute to the history of music in the city and long-time musicians, including vocalists and even the director of the Tucson Boys Chorus, who’ve made an impact on the Tucson music scene.
It’s a labor of love for Howard and he’s taking the project even further with plans to create a mentorship program: an opportunity for young musical proteges to be mentored by some of Tucson’s greatest.
Howard, a vocalist and drummer, plays blues, jazz, r & b, swing and good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll—any kind of sound with its roots in real blues and jazz.
Described as “high energy, versatile and unique,†he and his band play anything from the likes of Al Green to the Rolling Stones to any kind of contemporary music with soul.
George Howard himself has played with musical greats like Bo Diddley and Willie Nelson. His commitment to his love for music and his passion for the community are what make him one of Tucson’s greatest as well.
Hear Him Soon:
George Howard and his band are going to rock the Cascade Lounge on New Year’s Eve. For more details call the hotel concierge at 299-2020. He also regularly performs in the Cascade Lounge and on Sundays at the Blues, Brews and Barbeque Brunch.
Posted in Misc on 12/17/2007 04:47 pm by admin
Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of each year and is interpreted in many cultures as a time of light, rebirth and celebration. Holidays that take place around the time of the Solstice include Channukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s. This time of year is a great opportunity to embrace the diversity of holiday traditions.
At Loews Ventana Canyon Resort we celebrate the winter solstice with our own little festival called Starry Starry Night, which incorporates traditions from several cultures.
The evening begins with the lighting of a menorah and music to celebrate Channukah, an 8-day festival of lights commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by Antiochus IV and celebrates the miracle of the container of oil for the eternal flame. There was only enough oil for the eternal flame to burn for one day, but it burned for 8 days and nights and allowed enough time to press more olive oil for fuel. The tradition is to light one candle each night for 8 nights and display it outside or in the window closest to the outdoors.
The evening continues with traditional Christmas tunes and carols and then wraps up with Mariachi music and a Posada, or La Posada.
La Posada is a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search and troubles to find lodging before Jesus’ birth, called The Pilgrims going to Bethlehem. “Posada” is a Spanish word that means lodging.
The re-enactment is a tradition in Latin American cultures.
At our event children will sing with the mariachi band and lead the crowd through the night with candles.
If you’d like to attend:
Refreshments, including cookies and cider, will be available for all who attend.
For questions please call 520-299-2020 and ask for the Concierge.
Posted in Misc on 12/17/2007 02:34 pm by admin
Modest Needs is a non-profit organization you may or may not have heard of, although it was just named one of Oprah Magazine’s top 8 charities for 2007.
The idea is to help stop the cycle of poverty before it starts by awarding money to pay bills that put a person’s money-earning potential, independent living or self-sufficiency in jeopardy: the unexpected car repair, job loss, medical bill. These are all situations that many of us have found ourselves in at one time or another.
In fact, that’s how the founder Dr. Keith P. Taylor came up with the idea for Modest Needs. As a student he found himself ‘stuck’ and in need of extra money to get by, and he was always grateful to receive help. Through Modest Needs he’s continued to help people in those ‘stuck’ kind of situations.
Modest Needs exists
• To prevent otherwise financially self-sufficient individuals and families from entering the cycle of poverty, when this might be avoided with a small amount of well-timed financial assistance;
• To restore the financial self-sufficiency of individuals who are willing to work but are temporarily unable to do so because they do not have the means to remit payment for a work-related expense; and
• To empower permanently disadvantaged individuals who otherwise live within their limited means to continue to live independently, despite a temporary, unexpected financial set-back.
Applicants needs use of a computer and a scanner. They can go online to modestneeds.org to apply. They’ll need to write about their situation and also have a copy of the bill that needs to be paid.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is currently one of 16 Loews Hotels in the United States funding grants for people in need. As part of our Good Neighbor policy, the council is awarding money to applicants in the Tucson and Arizona region primarily, as well as to applicants across the country.
If you’d like to donate to Modest Needs or find our more about it, contact Jennifer Duffy at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. jduffy@loewshotels.com
