About Music Blog

If you wish to get to know the true Pattaya and Thai tradition, you should always consider attending one of the upcoming events in Pattaya. After all, Pattaya celebrates all the traditional feasts and festivals of Thailand, but as expected, you can also find some variations of the traditional events, as well as some unique local festivals.

If you find yourself in spring there, the most known of the events in Pattaya is the New Year of Thailand. The Wai Lan festival of the Thai New Year is celebrated on April 19th with dousing each other with water. Increasingly more people participate in this event which is quite impressive.

Following the New year celebration in Pattaya, you can see the Pattaya festival which is specifically designed to attract tourists. During this festival you can see some side events taking place, such as the beauty contest for Miss Pattaya and other activities that include water sports and competitions such as sand castle creating and building. There are also numerous cultural events and performances during this time, with the whole thing culminating with a very spectacular show with fireworks on the beach, which is one of the most anticipated upcoming events in Pattaya.

One of the most famous upcoming events in Pattaya in late spring is the music festival of Pattaya, where everyone gathers on the beach to enjoy live music events and dance on the white sand. You will see people of all ages there dancing all night long. Pattaya music festival is held in the evenings of late march or april, and everyone is invited, including locals and tourists.

The Pattaya marathon is usually held in summer, often in early July. The marathon in this city is not for the light hearted because it’s all about running on hill terrains and plains, making it non suitable for the inexperienced ones. Participants need to run along the lovely beaches of Pattaya, and of course this adds to the overall excitement. Except for the full marathon there is also the quarter and half marathon events as well. Organizers encourage the participation of both locals and tourists, including professional runners.

The Birthday of the Queen on August 12th is one of the most celebrated days in Thailand and Pattaya as well. Queen Sirikit is much respected in the country due to her hard work for the welfare of the local society, ruling not only the country but also peoples’ hearts. The festival for the celebration of her birthday includes days full of cultural events, with stalls full of food everywhere in the city. You should not miss the chance to mingle with the locals on this day.

One of the most successful upcoming events in Pattaya is the Chonburi Buffalo Race; it takes place a few kilometers outside the city in late October. Local farmers show how they can ride buffalos, making the whole task look really funny and enjoyable. Local vendors also participate in the event offering amazing stalls catering local flavors.

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Over the last few years the festival scene in New York has taken a huge hit. Several large festivals have attempted to come to town, and most have gone completely bust or had to scale back their ambitions significantly. This seems absurd considering there is hardly a better hotbed of musical activity than Brooklyn. Lucky for the music listening public of Brooklyn and New York at large, there are still some enterprising spirited folks looking to put on the festival that the borough and the city deserve.

Highlighting many of the best things happening in music in Brooklyn, the Crossing Brooklyn Ferry festival has been launched under the curatorial eye of local indie-rock heroes The National’s Aaron and Bryce Dressner. The line-up more than lives up to its all-star pedigree, incorporating some of the coolest things going on in the Brooklyn music scene. We are not just talking big-box indie-rock, though that is highlighted as well. We are talking about folks working in experimental electronic composition, new classical music and all matters of artistically inclined outsider genres.

This is not to say that a more mainstream taste will not be catered to. To that end, the bill is stacked with big names like The Walkmen, who are about to release a new record and are also celebrating the tenth anniversary of their first album, the classic Everyone Who Pretended To Like Me Is Gone. SPIN Magazine cover-girl St. Vincent will also be headlining one of the show’s nights and the third night will be closed out with the beautifully orchestral music of Beirut. Local buzz acts making their rounds on the blogs, like Sharon Van Etten and The Antlers, are also on the bill. Meanwhile Deerhunter frontman Bradford Cox will be bringing his solo Atlas Sound project to the fest.

The folks at the top of the bill might draw you to the show but the people at the bottom are some of the brightest lights in Brooklyn’s musical future. The ambient electronic weirdness of Oneohttrix Point Never, or the strange R&B inflected pop of Twin Shaddow, plus a number of experimental acts -the likes of which you may never be able to experience at a more traditional festival. Not to mention stars from Brooklyn’s new classical scene, including JACK Quartet, Missy Mazzoli’s Victorie, and SO Percussion.

This is a great chance to get into some great new music while seeing some acts you have a long established relationship with. There is sure to be something that flips your wig and gets you running to your local record shop in the days following this festival that is unlike any other on the East coast, or any coast for that matter. Come experience the best in music that Brooklyn has to offer.

Feast of Music is a journey through the NYC music scene, often regarded as the be-all and end-all of music itself. Not all of the greatest concerts happen at MSG. You can also hear the latest sounds in indie rock, experimental,and everything in between at dive bars in Brooklyn or pubs in the Village. To find out what bands you should be listening to and where, check out http://www.feastofmusic.com.

By Keith Howard

In this Jubilee year of independence, the Jamaican government is making the effort to recognize the successes found among all of the island nation’s individual parishes. This was seen late last week when Governor General Patrick Allen paid a visit to St. James Parish to honour the region for all of her achievements in the 50 years since Kingston and London went their separate ways. Patrick spoke to the assembled crowd at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel in Montego Bay.

During his speech Patrick was quick to point out all of the developments in the tourist sector since 1962. The parish has dramatically improved its infrastructure, resorts and dining options, Sangster International Airport, and the parishes’ to major hospitals. He made mention of the fact that the St. James contribution to the nation’s overall economy has been significant, especially in boosting the growth in foreign currency.

Beyond the just the tourism sector, St. James Parish has also worked hard to improve its educational system. New schools have been built, existing schools have been improved, and continuing education opportunities have been further developed at institutions like Montego Bay Community College and Sam Sharpe Teachers College. The area’s schools have even joined forces with other institutions outside of the country to co-develop educational opportunities for Jamaican residents.

While Jamaica all inclusive holidays may not be the first thing travellers talk about when making holiday plans, the island nation is well worth a visit. Known as one of the friendliest places in the Caribbean, Jamaica has long been a destination perfect for holiday makers looking for a laid back, relaxed, and festive atmosphere. It’s not uncommon for first-time visitors to be surprised at the warm reception they receive along with the fact that everyone they run into seems to be smiling.

If you like music, you’ll have a grand holiday in Jamaica. Music is central to the Jamaican culture to the extent that hardly a day goes by when some sort of live performance isn’t available. Jamaica is one of the world leaders in organized music festivals with dozens happening throughout the island at all times during the year. And being that 2012 marks the 50th year of Jamaica’s independence the festivals and parties are even more numerous.

Jamaica is pulling out all the stops in an attempt to bring ex-pats and others to her shores for 2012. The island’s resorts are doing their part with special package deals in conjunction with British Airways and other international carriers. If great deals are what you look for when making your holiday plans, there may be no better time than now to book your trip to Jamaica.

Jamaica all inclusive holidays are just one of the options available from Airworld Tours, the UK-based luxury holiday company offering international travel top the world’s best destinations.

By Keith Howard

The annual Seychelles carnival, held during the month of March, is the islands most festive event and one of the largest tourist draws. As such, the island nation’s government goes out of its way to make sure the carnival is heavily promoted throughout the year. Promotion picks up in January and February in order to keep those who were planning to attend apprised to the happenings. In recent weeks the Seychelles government has announced the participation of Dubai, the UK, and several other nations promising to bring their own unique contributions.

The most recent announcement was one in which Seychelles and Reunion Island agreed to promote the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Group throughout the entire event. Although there are a total of five nations that make up the Vanilla Islands, Seychelles and La Reunion are the only two that planning to work on this joint effort during Carnival. The announcement was made at the conclusion of strategy meetings between delegations from both countries. The promotional effort will be aimed at all five of the Vanilla Islands, though Seychelles and La Reunion will be promoted as sister islands.

The tourism ministries of both countries seek to improve their international influence as tourist destinations in order to keep up with regional leader Mauritius. The entire philosophy behind the Vanilla Islands venture is to encourage arrivals coming to any one of the five islands to also spend time at some of the others. Seychelles is doing its part by providing air transportation between its own airport and those in Mauritius and La Reunion.

The strength of the Vanilla Islands coalition is the fact that each one brings something different to the table. Mauritius is quickly emerging as the place to be for golfing holidays; Seychelles luxury resorts are well known for their exquisite beach weddings and honeymoons; and Reunion offers a look at rare and unique wildlife through its UNESCO protected Reunion National Park. Ideally the Vanilla Islands group would like to see visitors stay for a few days on each island in order to experience the highlights of each one.

Regardless of whether or not the joint promotion pays off, the 2012 Seychelles Carnival promises to be one of the best ever. The theme for this year’s event is one that celebrates the unique and diverse cultures of all the participating countries. Guests can plan on enjoying plenty of great music, food, cultural performances, colourful costumes, historical displays, and so on. The event is scheduled to take place on several different islands simultaneously, making for a great day of island hopping during Carnival.

If you plan to visit Seychelles for this year’s Carnival time is quickly running out. Don’t delay any further in getting your flights and hotels booked as soon as possible.

Great package deals on Seychelles luxury resorts are yours at Airworld Tours the UK-based luxury holiday company providing tours to the Indian Ocean, Caribbean, and Mediterranean.

If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary to do this summer, look no further than the Southern California Dragon Boat Festival to be held in Long Beach. This fascinating, colorful and action-packed two-day event promises to be brimming with cultural diversity, variety and excitement. Bring the whole family and start a Dragon Boat Festival tradition of your own.

The history of this fascinating annual event has roots extending back to China. It commemorates the life and death of the patriot and poet Qu Yuan (340-278 B.C.) According to folklore, he was distraught over being exiled from his native state and committed suicide by casting himself into the Miluo River. In their efforts to save him and ward off evil spirits, the people of his homeland beat drums and splashed water with their paddles. Over time, this evolved into dragon boat races, which are generally held on the day of his death.

Someone attending a modern dragon boat festival is in for a colorful treat. Expect to see several decorated wooden boats, each containing at least twenty paddlers, a drummer, and a helmsman. It is the job of the drummer to set the cadence or rhythm of the strokes of the paddlers. The drummer will also communicate with the paddlers by means of hand signals, often exhorting everyone to perform at their peak. In addition, this person must be keenly aware of the boat’s position relative to its competitors, making decisions about when to hold back or surge forward to position the boat for victory. Paddlers face forward and paddle in a canoe style. In the rear of the boat, usually to the side and off center, sits the sweep or helmsman. It is his job to steer the boat with his mounted oar. Usually, festival races are shorter than their counterparts held strictly for sport. In general, they are five hundred meters long.

In recent years, dragon boat racing has gained increased popularity, not only in China but throughout the world. The International Dragon Boat Federation has been established to oversee the sport. In addition, many municipalities around the world hold dragon boat festivals similar to the one in Long Beach. These include major events in Canada such as Vancouver, British Columbia, Toronto, and Ottawa. In the U.S., you can find significant festivals in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Portland, Oregon. As an interesting side note, dragon boat racing has recently been adopted by several teams of breast cancer survivors throughout North America.

Come to the Southern California Dragon Boat Festival in Long Beach, and you will be treated to much more than the beauty and pageantry of the boats. This festival is a cooperative effort between the local dragon boating Chinese community and volunteers throughout the festival. The event is alive with cultural spectacles, including traditional Chinese music and dance, as well as delicious ethnic food. Whether you and your family prefer to view the races or the associated religious rituals associated with them or simply enjoy the cultural diversity to be found at the venue, you are sure to be satisfied. Each year, the Southern California Dragon Boat Festival attracts a loyal group of return visitors. Why? Because once you have been a part of this ancient yet contemporary extravaganza, you will want to come back for more.

Author Bio: EverythingLongBeach.com, a community website that covers local news, music, art and entertainment. When planning your vacation, stop by the site for information about Long Beach events and attractions.

By Keith Howard

The CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board used the unlikely venue of Port Louis this week to promote one of his country’s most important annual tourist events, according to a report from Trade Online this week.

Alain St. Ange took advantage of a transit stop in the Mauritian capital to meet local press as he works on raising the visibility of the 2012 Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands “Carnaval International de Victoria”.

As well as publicising the Seychelles event, the press conference served to highlight the excellent seasonal deals available right now on Mauritius holidays all inclusive packages. While keen to discuss the Seychelles Carnaval, St. Ange was side-tracked by Mauritian media representatives who were dissatisfied with Seychelles failure to involve Mauritius tourism interests in the event.

While acknowledging the attractive packages available for Mauritius holidays all inclusive and the importance of Mauritius to regional tourism, the Seychelles tourism chief argued that the Carnaval was good for Indian Ocean unity. He told media that his country was still hopeful that Mauritius would have a presence at the Vanilla Islands event which showcased the regional country and people.

“The Community of Nations is coming to our region and the press are all descending for the carnival,” said St. Ange, adding that it would be desirable for the Indian Ocean island leaders to be seen standing together in unity as their people demonstrated the unique culture and diversity of the region.

The Seychelles event is expected to showcase Sega, the traditional music shared by Seychelles, La Reunion and Mauritius and St. Ange argued that this would present to the world the historical links shared by the three Indian Ocean islands.

The “Carnaval International de Victoria” is expected to attract a large number of tourists to the Seychelles. The secretary general of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Talib Rifai, has already signalled his intention to attend after receiving a delegation from the Seychelles at his office in Spain late last month. The Seychelles delegation invited Rifai to attend the Carnaval as guest of honour.

Mauritius is expected to benefit from the tourist influx to the Seychelles for the event as many will arrive on Indian Ocean package tours and many are expected to take advantage of the many Mauritius holidays all inclusive deals available at present.

The timing is ideal for Mauritius, coming as it does after the peak season and the fall in regular tourism to the island. The local hospitality is looking forward to a mini-peak as revellers from the Seychelles Carnaval arrive to catch their breath after the days of frantic activity in the Vanilla Islands.

Mauritius tourism traditionally suffers a slump between the end of the peak season and the beginning of the milder, dry weather in May, and the spillover from the Seychelles is expected to give a much-needed shot in the arm.

Mauritius Holidays Direct the holiday company based in the UK, has perfect Mauritius holidays all inclusive packages available right now.

By Keith Howard

The annual Seychelles Carnival is one of the premier events hosted by the popular Indian Ocean tourist destination. Every year arrivals come from Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East to enjoy Seychelles luxury holidays among the music, dancing, cultural displays, and great food. The 2012 event should have no trouble living up to the hype, especially if UAE airline Emirates has anything to say about it.

Emirates have been a sponsor of the event in years past. This year they are the Official Airline of 2012 Carnival, and have begun a new promotion designed to get more of Seychelles’ youth directly involved in the celebration. To that end they have launched a drawing contest to encourage young Seychellois to help the airline designed its 2012 float entry. Float builders will incorporate the winning drawing into their design, though to what extent has not been disclosed.

To participate, students must be between the ages of 6 and 12, and must be able to embrace the theme of this year’s festival, which is “Mix of Cultures.” Emirates are asking all the drawings to include dancers from various cultures around the world including Asia and South America. Emirates’ Manager for the Indian Ocean, Oomar Ramtoola, told reporters that his airline is “extremely pleased to launch this competition in the Seychelles,” noting that the drawing contest will hopefully encourage participation among the nation’s youth.

“Emirates supported the Seychelles Carnival last year, and we recently announced that we will be the Official Airline for the 2012 Carnival,” he added. “This drawing competition is yet another demonstration of our involvement in this major event.”

The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism has also made known its pleasure in working with Emirates. Their relationship is just one of many that have been cultivated over the past couple of years as the Ministry has worked diligently to raise Seychelles’ profile on the world travel stage. Last year she saw a steady increase in arrivals over 2010, a trend that is expected to continue through 2012 and even into next year.

Carnival officials are cognizant of all the work that’s been done thus far and are planning an event to top all others. Seychelles Carnival 2012 will be held in Victoria to from March 2-4. Tourists planning to visit Seychelles this year could not pick a better time to go. There will be representatives from 38 countries contributing the best of the best, from their own carnivals, to the Seychelles event. There will be plenty of colourful floats, live music, and interactive events for visitors of all ages. There’s still time to book your holiday now if you don’t want to miss what promises to be one of the most spectacular carnivals of the 2012 season.

Your best option for booking your Seychelles luxury holidays is Airworld Tours, the UK-based luxury holiday company specialising in great prices on deals in the Indian Ocean, Caribbean, and Mediterranean

When you learn Spanish in Chile, you want to make sure that your trip isn’t all academia. It is important to take part in all the fun that the country of Chile offers. One event that is truly not to be missed is The Viña del Mar International Song Festival, which in Spanish is called “Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar.” This event has been taking place for the past 51 years and lasts for 5 nights. Genres of music that are played at the festival include salsa, meringue, reggae, pop and rock.

You will hear local residents in Chile just referring to this popular musical event as “the festival.” In fact, those that can’t attend tend to watch the entire event on television. However, if you attend Spanish schools in Vina de Mar or Santiago (only 90 minutes away), you really should put attending this festival high on your list. You might even want to consider traveling to this festival if you are staying in Lima or even Buenos Aires! It really is that kind of “once in a lifetime experience.” This is not only a chance to listen to some amazing live music, but it is also a way to experience the thrills of being at one of South America’s most popular events.

This world-renowned festival is held every February in Vina del Mar, which is a city on Chile’s Pacific coast. It is held in Quinta Vergara in an amphitheatre that holds over 15,000 people. Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar is considered to be the most important festival in all of Latin America. Music celebrities from all around the world travel to Chile to perform and compete.

Unlike many other music festivals, The Viña del Mar International Song Festival includes a competition in International pop music as well as one in folk music. While before 1968, the contest was only open to music by Chileans; it is now open to those originating from a variety of countries. In fact, at recent 2011 event, the prize was won by Canadian composers.

There is also a unique trend at this festival called El Monstruo or The Monster. This phenomenon takes place when the audience expresses its approval or disapproval of various acts performing. If artists can earn approval from El Monstruo, it can greatly assist their careers in Latin America. In this case, the audience demands encore performances and barely allows the artist to leave the stage. On the other hand, some artists have actually been booed off of the stage if the audience doesn’t like them!

Studying a foreign language isn’t strictly about the language, its also about enrichment and learning about other types of people. Of course, the art, literature and music of a society displays a great deal about its culture. Through attending Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar, you will greatly add to your overall learning experience as you study abroad in Chile.

ECELA Viña del Mar offers you the chance to study Spanish abroad in Chile right at one of South America’s biggest ocean resorts. You can also learn Spanish at ECELA Santiago before or after attending the Spanish language school in Viña del Mar.

This festival is one of the craziest and most incredible festivals that you will experience in Spain. If you think that you have been to a festival in other parts of Spain that was wild, then prepare yourself for even more craziness when you do get to experience this festival. This festival is held during March each year and specifically from the 15th to 19th.

This festival is in honor of St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. This festival started during the middle ages when carpenters hang up “parots” or planks of wood to hold up their candles while they were working. When spring comes, these “parots” will be burned as a way to celebrate the end of working days during winter. Later on the parots were decorated with clothing to make them more similar to a local personality. These were the beginnings of the modern day “ninots” which are huge figures made of cardboard, Styrofoam, and other materials. The burning of the parots were linked with the celebration of St. Joseph’s Day so that the people will not overdo the festivities.

These days, all the neighbourhoods organize committees to take care of the budget for the creation of the ninots. The casal faller is the head of this budget committee and will see it that the ninots will be made well. The ciudad fallera is an area in the city where the groups spend months creating the towering ninots for their future fiery tableaux. The finished ninots are placed in key areas around the city and they now designed to look like lampoons of famous Spanish celebrities, politicians, and other international celebrities.

When you have decided to go to this festival, prepare to be awakened rudely by a wakeup call at 8 am which is called “La Desperta”. You will be woken up to the sounds of brass bands marching and accompanied by the noise of loud firecrackers. This in turn will activate car alarms and shop alarms to make sure that you are fully awake to start the day’s activities and this beats coffee anytime. You will hear these loud explosions the whole day and then there will also be processions. La Mascleta begins at 2 in the afternoon which is an organized explosion of pyrotechnics all over the city and it is especially much louder if you are at the Plaza Ayuntamiento. If you think that this already too noisy for you, prepare your heart and ears because the noise will just get worse as the day goes on.

Each night will have a fireworks display and will build up gradually until it reaches the “Night of Fire” or “La Nit de Foc”. This is the most famous event that placed Valencia on the map and it is the night when the enormous ninots stuffed with fireworks are burned to the ground. This is also a dangerous festival and you have to be fully prepared to guard yourself from injuries caused by the fireworks. People will just light up fireworks anywhere. Do not forget to also try Spain’s best contribution to the cuilinary world, acorn cured hams such as the jamon iberico and dry cured hams like jamon serrano. You have never been to Spain if you have not tried any of these hams.

The bilingual (Italian and German) region of Trentino-Alto Adige borders on Switzerland and Austria in northeast Italy. Because of its heavily Germanic character don’t be surprised that Carnevale here is fairly unique.

The village of Valfloriana population approximately 500 is located some 15 miles (25 kilometers) northeast of Trento. Its Matoci Carnival is named for comical characters dressed in colorful outfits, festooned with bright ribbons and traditional wooden masks that cover their faces, known as “facere”. One of the most spectacular events during the carnival period is the “Descent of the Matoci”, a tradition here and in surrounding villages. A masked procession leaves the villages to meet at a village square. This descent symbolizes the return to normal life after a hard winter in isolation. There’s music, dancing, and sweets and a masked ball at night.

The village of Campitello di Fassa, whose population is about 750, is located some 40 miles (70 kilometers) northeast of Trento as the crow flies, add about 40% if the crow has to take a car. Its Carnevale respects the inhabitants’ Ladin origins. Ladin is a language not to be confused with Latin or with Ladino. One of the best ways for outsiders to catch a glimpse of this culture is to attend this Carnevale or similar ones in nearby villages such as Penia. You’ll really enjoy the parade of “Bufon, Marascons and Lache”. “Bufon” sports a cone shaped headpiece and long-nosed mask, recites the vices and virtues of the local populace. You’ll enjoy the spectacle, even if you don’t know a word of the language.

The upscale winter resort of Madonna di Campiglio, home to about a thousand people, some 55 miles (90 kilometers) southwest of Bolzano, was a favorite of Emperor Franz Joseph and his hangers-on. For a taste of that rarified atmosphere don’t miss its Hapsburg Carnival. If and when you want to change the air there is great skiing and trekking.

Would you believe a carnival that focuses on a tree? Such is the case for the Grauno Carnivale held in a Val di Cembra village of under 700 some twenty miles (thirty kilometers) north of Trento. The show reflects pre-Christian ancient rites of atonement and fertilization. In the early morning of Mardi Gras the young villagers cut down the most beautiful tree in the forest, remove its branches drag it to the “Busa del Carnival” (a burrow set on high ground), and set it on fire.

Levi Reiss authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but would rather drink fine French wine with friends. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website www.travelitalytravel.com and his global wine website www.theworldwidewine.com featuring a weekly review of $10 wines and new sections writing about and tasting organic and kosher wines.