48th Annual Film Festival Presents New Talent and New Films

September 10, 2010 by  
Filed under VME

Film lovers flock to New York City each year for the city’s annual film festival. This year the 48th New York Film Festival is scheduled to go on from September 24th to October 10th with a wide variety of film genres, directors, and actors and actresses to see. Fascinating movies like The Social Network, which tells the tale of Facebook creators, and Silent Souls, a gripping movie about the customs and traditions created by the Soviet Union, will be released to the public for the first time. Each year, creative new directors and rising stars are discovered at this event. Come and watch some of these movies and be one of the first to learn about hot new directors, actors, and films.

After your film experience, head out to Broadway for one of the plays or musicals that the city has become famous for. Some of the most talented actors and actresses of our time got their start on Broadway. One of the most popular musicals to hit Broadway recently is Wicked. Wicked – The Musical tells you the fascinating tale of two girls named Glinda and Elphaba and how one of them became the Wicked Witch of the West. The musical is based on events before Dorothy dropped into Oz in L. Frank Baum’s classic book about the Wizard of Oz. You may be surprised to find out how different Oz was when Dorothy wasn’t around.

Another popular musical you won’t want to miss while you’re in New York City is The Phantom of the Opera. With some of the most talented singers and dancers in the world performing this classic musical, you will find an outstanding show awaits you. Nothing can compare to the sparkle and dazzling performances that you will see during this Broadway production. Make sure that you plan on seeing this show while you’re in town!

Black Hills Film Festival in the Mount Rushmore Area

April 29, 2010 by  
Filed under VME

Become a part of what is sure to be known as a historic event when you go to the 1st Annual Black Hills Film Festival on May 14th and 15th. Enjoy films that have been judged by audience interest and quality to ensure that only the best is seen at the festival. Talented filmmakers from across the world will be participating in the festival, and this could be your chance to meet some of them. The festival includes educational workshops, seminars, an awards celebration, and other exciting festivities for you to enjoy in addition to the incredible films being shown.

Take in some live shows after your participation in the film festival. Experience true southern hospitality and fun with the Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch in Rapid City. This dinner show started in 1976 and has brought back customers year after year to enjoy the unique combination of trail rides, model calf roping, wax bullet shooting, and other fun activities. Traditional cowboy music and western food complete the experience.

Another exciting show experience in the Mount Rushmore area is the Flying T Chuckwagon Supper and Show. This activity includes a delicious meal that varies by your preference, comedy, and Western music. Before your dinner, you will enjoy a sing-along with the cowboys. After dinner, the cowboys will perform some bluegrass and country swing music. It’s family-friendly fun that people of all ages will love.

IMAX Film Festival Brings the Best Films in the Business to Branson, Missouri

February 8, 2010 by  
Filed under Branson MO

The IMAX Film Festival is an event taking place from March 24th to April 20th in Branson, MO that focuses on showing films made exclusively for the IMAX theater experience. IMAX technology allows viewers to see movies on a larger-than-life scale that is several times bigger than the normal theater screen and delivers crystal-clear images that are far above the standard movie projector quality. Because this event is geared toward IMAX films exclusively, one can be certain that all the films at this festival will be of the highest quality possible. 

The IMAX Theater is one Branson experience that everyone should be involved in. Some of the films are educational and all are entertaining. The Branson IMAX has reclining, high backed chairs and an extremely high-tech sound system. The Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex offers shopping and dinner options before the show for a complete experience. 

Of course, for the ultimate Branson experience, one should also view a live show while in Branson. There are many wonderful shows to choose from such as Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show which offers a delicious Southern-style meal and an incredible horse show or the Shoji Tabuchi Show which offers the musical styling of the world-famous violinist Shoji Tabuchi and his family. For some morning entertainment try Red, Hot…& Blue which was awarded Best Vocal and Dance Group in Branson.

Entertain All the Senses with an IMAX Features in Washington, DC

October 30, 2009 by  
Filed under VME

Washington, DC offers many options for visitors to learn about history, science, and many other educational topics. Furthering their education is not the top priority for many people when they are vacationing, but with an IMAX film, visitors can both learn and have fun at the same time. Visitors of all ages love IMAX films, so everyone is sure to have a great time in Washington, DC!

Hazy Center IMAX at the Steven F. Udyar-Hazy Center

Space buffs will make the Hazy Center IMAX at the Steven F. Udyar-Hazy Center their first choice when it comes to IMAX films. The five story screen at the Hazy Center shows three different films, all somehow related to air and space travel. Films include Roving Mars, Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag, and Space Station. Whether feeding a lifelong passion for space travel or wanting to develop an interest for your child, the IMAX films at the Hazy Center are excellent choices.

Einstein Planetarium IMAX at the National Air and Space Museum

At the Einstein Planetarium IMAX at the National Air and Space Museum, visitors have the choice between Infinity Express and The Stars Tonight, Live. Each film will take you to the black expanse of the sky, and The Stars Tonight is led by professional astronomers who will lead your journey through the stars. The National Air and Space Museum is located on the National Mall and is a part of the Smithsonian Institute.

Johnson IMAX at the National Museum of Natural History

Also located on the Mall is the Johnson IMAX at the National Museum of Natural History. The museum itself contains hundreds of artifacts from civilizations past, and the IMAX allows visitors to explore more of the world through the massive screen of the IMAX. The films available at this theater are Into the Deep, an exploration of the ocean; and Wild Safari, A South African Adventure. From the depths of the ocean to the never-ending expanse of the African desert, these films will take you across the world.

Celebrate Music, Culture, and Art in San Antonio This Summer

May 26, 2009 by  
Filed under VME

Arts & Crafts The San Antonio area offers a variety of unique festivals in June, making it the perfect time to visit this eclectic city. These festivals are sure to offer something to appeal to anyone in your group, and you will not want to miss the great entertainment opportunities these festivals offer for a memorable vacation.

Annual San Antonio Summer Art & Jazz Festival

Known as the SAS Fest, this three-day long festival is happening June 3-5. This festival features 10 jazz concerts, as well as Arts & Crafts workshops and booths, in addition to the great Texas cuisine you can count on in San Antonio. Another feature of the festival is two jazz workshops geared towards budding young musicians. Admission is free, leaving you more money to donate to the charitable institutions the SAS Fest sponsors. The festival takes place in beautiful Crockett Park.

Texas Folklife Festival

This weekend festival taking place June 11-14 celebrates the many cultures that have made their home in San Antonio and Texas. From the early French settlers to the German immigrants who established themselves in the Hill Country, this festival brings over 40 cultures together in celebration. This festival takes place at the Institute of Texan Cultures located in the HemisFair Park. You can look forward to great food, exhibitions, performances, dancing, singing, and more at this Festival, making for a great addition to any visit to San Antonio.

A Festival of Films

Central Texas is quickly becoming known as a great area for producing films, and the Festival of Films celebrates this passion of the area. A group of independent film producers created this festival to show off their films. A Festival of Films takes place June 25-29. This is the fifteenth year of the event, which was formerly known as the San Antonio Underground Film Festival. In between seeing a variety of local films, you can enjoy the performances of various local musician. This festival is a great way to experience the art scene of San Antonio.

Make your San Antonio vacation one to remember when you take in one of these great summer festivals! Don’t forget to check out our extensive list of San Antonio lodging options for your visit!