Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association

Horstman vineyard in San Lorenzo Valley, turn of the century. (Photo courtesy Late Harvest Project.)

The Santa Cruz Mountains has been recognized as a premium wine producing region since the late 1800’s when local winegrowers first began to win acclaim for their wines in national and international competitions. Few of these original wineries survived prohibition, but many new wineries have developed since the 1940’s.

In 1981 the Santa Cruz Mountains Viticultural Appellation became federally recognized, one of the first American viticultural areas to be defined by geophysical and climatic factors. The appellation encompasses the Santa Cruz Mountain range, from Half Moon Bay in the north, to Mount Madonna in the south. The east and west boundaries are defined by elevation, extending down to 800 feet in the east and 400 feet in the west.

Wine grapes in the Glenwood area, c. 1900. (Photo courtesy Late Harvest Project.)

The number of wineries and the acreage planted in the Santa Cruz Mountains has increased dramatically in recent years as the area has become recognized as a unique grape-growing region. The individual microclimates, marine influence, mountain terrain, distinctive soils, and low crop levels, all contribute to the production of intensely concentrated fruit.

There are now over seventy, small, family-owned wineries in the region. The small size of these operations allows the winemakers the opportunity to handcraft their wines and to maximize the potential of the grapes. The same spirit of innovation, independence, and determination that distinguished the great winemakers of the 19th century lives on today.

For more information on any of our events, contact the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association: 7605–A Old Dominion Ct., Aptos, CA 95003, Phone: (831) 685-VINE (8463), FAX: (831) 688-6961, E-mail: info@scmwa.com 

KAUAI…. through the eyes of Photographer, Mike Cavanaugh

Mike Cavanaugh, a freelance photographer with over 190 publishing credits brings us the beauty and wonder of Kauai through his artist’s eyes.  His subject matter is solely based upon his many interests and for this reason he did not concentrate or limit himself to any one area of photography.  His subject matter includes music, landscapes, travel, people, sports, still movie productions, and nudes.
Mike’s clients include All Access Magazine, Music Connection, Strutter Magazine, San Gabriel Press, Pasadena Star News, Whittier Daily News, the state of Alaska’s official tourist website (http://www.travelalaska.com/), Arizona Office of Tourism, Faith and Form Magazine, Sfarzo guitar strings, Peerless Guitars, Mills Acoustic, and the feature film “Sin-Jin Smyth”. 
In addition to his growing client list his images have been exhibited in three Los Angeles gallery’s (”View of the Sound” - Kopeikin Gallery on Wilshire; “Fiddle” - LaFoto in Santa Monica; “What’s Her Name” - Santa Monica College photo gallery).  And in 2007 two of his images (”Malibu Pier at Midnight” and “Great White Shark feeding”) achieved finalist awards and were published in the 2007 Photographer’s Forum Magazine Annual.
WIND AND THE MOONLIT SKY - This is what happens when a photographer returns home at night after spending the day photographing and snorkeling on a tropical island and is still feeling creative.  As a photographer visiting a tropical island it’s easy to get wrapped up looking for the perfect postcard image, but in this image I created something completely different.  On this night the moon wasn’t quite full but very bright, the sky was filled with scattered white puffy clouds that flowed across the evening tapestry like water in the warm coastal breeze.  And the palm trees, the most important part I feel, were a perfect foreground subject waving back and forth.  My gear set-up was simple: a tripod and my Canon 5D set on bulb.  Without having a cable release for the camera, and the timer setting doesn’t work effectively when the camera exposure is set on bulb, I just pressed the shutter, counted to ten, and here’s the end result.  

UNDER THE HANALEI PIER - As a photographer I’m always looking for the path least traveled to see  things from another side.  For this image I had been photographing the Hanalei Pier with gorgeous light luminating the clear green water.  Walking back to the rental car I was watching my little boy playing under the pier and I got curious as to what the perspectice looked like.  But as I took off the polarizing filter from my lens and was getting ready to photograph a kayaker invaded my space and ruined my shot.  However, when on an island you learn to slow down and be patient - island speed - so I waited.  Eventually the kayaker exited my shot and I snapped a couple pictures before my little boy couldn’t stay out of the frame any longer.  

CANOE’S - Arriving on Kauai after 9:30PM and trying to locate a budget motel under $100 is an amazingly difficult adventure.  And an adventure that would not prove sucessful.  Sometime around 11PM we abandoned all hope of finding a budget motel and turned our attention to finding a beach we could camp on.  Anyone who’s driven around an unfamiliar area at night trying to read street signs that are poorly marked and written in a language you can’t pronouce (Hawaiian street signs are rarely in English), essentially a hunter gatherer hunting blind, knows how difficult such a search can be.  Finally around midnight we located Hanamaulu Beach Park north of Lihue.  Being a camper and backpacker for the past 10 years I can honestly say there is no better way to wake up in the morning than poking your head out the tent to see the sunrise over the ocean.  This was the first of many sunrises I would see while on Kauai.  To view more of Mike’s work or to purchase visit: http://www.mikecavanaughphotography.smugmug.com/ 

Escape To: Alvin, Texas and the “All American Festival”

 What started out as a small Texas cowtown has grown into a community which honors the past and continues to seek new horizons. Three hundred years before settlers moved to Alvin, the Karankawa Indians roamed the Gulf Coast area and the Spaniards expored it.  The City of Alvin continues to prosper throughout the years but has not forgotten its past. The city streets themselves remind residents of the Civil War. Some  north-south streets are named after confederate generals and certain east-west streets were given the names of land developers and Galveston business men, especially railroad investors.  Alvin continues to thrive because of the Texas spirit and the community pride of its citizens. 

 Alvin, Texas - DAY ONE-Friday August 29, 7pm- Alvin Sock Hop. The Pee Wee Bowen band Kicks off the Alvin All American Festival at the Knights of Columbus Hall. The Annual Sock Hop and Pee Wee Bowen Band have been delighting and exhilarating crowds for years. Whether it’s a Blues Club, a City Festival, a Wedding Reception, or a Private Party, the show is always one to remember!  -  Sock Hop, 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. at: Alvin Rotary Park, 6808 CR 172, Alvin Texas 7751, Admission Fee $5.00 - PEE WEE BOWEN Band, hula hoop contests, dance contest, Best Dressed, Appetizers & Snacks,  “Pee Wee has been on stage with Jimmy Reed, Chuck Berry, Cookie & The Cupcakes, Junior Parker, Roy Orbison and is probably the very best Otis Redding singer alive…. The Show is awesome!” — Music News.

DAY 2- Saturday, 10am- Alvin Route 6 Rendezvous Car & Bike Show- Goe Harley Davidison plans to Break Ground for their new Harley Davidson location and Celebrate the Great Day by providing a Free Harley to the Raffle Ticket winner. Register on line with Alvin Convention & Visitor Bureau at www.alvintexas.org National Oak Park is the site where the Swap Meet, Unique Arts & Crafts Vendors will join the Historic Depot Centennial Celebration. The Depot Dedication & Open House, Gala Fund-Raiser, Artisans & Musicians will delight all who tour Alvin that day.  Also Saturday, August 30, 2008:  BenEEEzy Purple Monkey Fun Run - TIME: 7:15 a.m. Kids 1K (AHS track), 8:00 a.m. 5K/10K, PLACE: Alvin High School football stadium, 802 S. Johnson Alvin, TX 7751, DISTANCE: 1K two and one half laps around the high school track.
5K one loop. Certified course- (TX05061ETM) 10K two loops. (TX05063ETM).  AWARDS: 5K/10K-top three in each age category. ( male and female ).Over all Male/Female.  1K-awards to overall first place boy and girl. All 1k finishers receive a custom medal. AGE GROUPS:
1K 12 and under 5K/10K 13 and under, 14-16, 17-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.

FEES: 1K- $10.00 before 8-23-08. (T-shirt guaranteed) $15.00 after 8-23-08.($3.00 discount to AISD students.) 5K/10K- $20.00 before 8-23-08.(T-shirt guaranteed) $25.00 after 8-23-08.($5.00 discount to AISD students.) Registration also available on (www.Signmeup.com) Make checks out to the (Ben Garcia Memorial Scholarship Fund) benefitting Alvin High School student athletes.  PACKET PICK UP:
& REGISTRATION: Alvin High School Pool- 8-29-08 (3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.). Race day registration and packet pick up ( 6:30-7:00 a.m.) ***Awards ceremony and post race party at the conclusion of the race***

On Day 2 come celebrate our famous Alvin All American Festival- Rt 6 Rendezvous Motorcycle & Car Show, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Tractor and Train Parade and Display Petting zoo, National Oak Park, Music (D.J) Vendors (Food & Craft), Party in the Park!!

Day 3- Sunday, World renown quilt and Craft show at the Historic Depot and Ice Cream Social/Family Picnic at National Oak Park. BBQ Cookoff at the Kroger Shopping Center with Sunday Supper for visitors.
Day 4- BBQ off continues at Kroger Shopping Center AND Splashmania starts at the Bob S. Ownes Pool Kicks off with Free Food and Fun Entertainment. Next is Party on the Pavement at Kroger Shopping Center with River Toad Boys & Latino/Tejano Live Concert. Labor Day Fireworks by Dish Network start at 9pm. Tune your radio to KACC 89.7FM- Alvin’s Gulf Coast Rocker for more details and music to Fireworks. You don’t want to miss this Festival.  You just Gotta Experience Alvin!! Alvin All American Parade - Bring everyone to the Kickoff Parade of Tractors, Gazoos, Old time Cars, Horses etc. Just what we use to LOVE when we were kids. Join everyone after the parade in National Oak Park where the Festival is located.

The Alvin Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce the 2nd Annual All-American BB-Q Cook Off! The cook off is one of many all American experiences taking place in Alvin during the weekend long festival. We are thrilled about the response and participation this first year brings! This event is sanctioned by the Texas Gulf Coast BBQ Cookers Association (TGCBCA). The cook off has 5 categories including Brisket, Ribs, Beans, Chicken and Sunday Supper. Each category is judged individually. 1st 2nd and 3rd places will be recognized and prizes will be given out to the 1st place winners in each category as well as a Grand Champ. Grand Champion will proceed on to the TGCBCA Bar-B-Que championships. Grand Champ $ 300.00 Cash - st in each Categories $ 100.00 Cash.  Schedules and judging information will be handed out at the cooks meeting on Wednesday August 22, 2007 at 6:00p.m. at the Alvin Senior Center, 309 West Sealy. All proceeds from this cook off will go to benefit the Alvin Senior Center. Be sure to stick around for the music and fireworks it will be an All-American end to an All-American Day! For questions or more information call 281-388-4298 or visit our site: alvincvb@alvintexas.org.

Escape To… The Land of Wine - California!! Part 6

DISCOVER CALIFORNIA WINES AND WINERIES:

15)  Santa Barbara County - The wines, restaurants, people and scenery that inspired the film ‘Sideways’ can all be found in Santa Barbara County. California’s north-south coastal range of mountains turns to east-west orientations here, allowing fog and ocean breezes to flood into vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley AVAs. Santa Barbara County is also part of the larger Central Coast AVA. This makes for a generally cool climate, with plentiful afternoon sun to ripen Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to perfection. In warmer sites, particularly in the Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah, Grenache and Viognier can be excellent, and you may even uncover some surprisingly good Cabernets.
For more information contact: Santa Barbara County Vintners Association at  http://www.sbcountywines.com/.
Up and Coming Varieties: Grenache, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc & Viognier.
American Viticultural Areas: Central Coast - Santa Maria Valley - Santa Rita Hills and the Santa Maria Valley are the cooler sectors of Santa Barbara County. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the starring grapes in both valleys, and the Santa Rita Hills AVA in particular has in the past decade become one of the premiere Pinot Noir growing regions in the country. You’ll find a good assortment of large and small wineries in this region, excellent restaurants and outstanding scenery year-round.

Santa Rita Hills - Santa Rita Hills and the Santa Maria Valley are the cooler sectors of Santa Barbara County. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the starring grapes in both valleys, and the Santa Rita Hills AVA in particular has in the past decade become one of the premiere Pinot Noir growing regions in the country. You’ll find a good assortment of large and small wineries in this region, excellent restaurants and outstanding scenery year-round.  Santa Ynez Valley - The Santa Ynez Valley is the warmest part of Santa Barbara County’s wine country, and one of the most scenic wine regions of all California. This area has long produced excellent Cabernet and Merlot, but recently Syrah and Grenache, even Viognier, have been stealing the limelight.

6th Annual Houston Latino Book & Family Festival

  The Latino Book & Family Festival - Promoting Literacy in the Latino Community Since 1997Houston September 20-21: For the 6th Annual Houston Latino Book & Family Festival we return to the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Tony Diaz, Houston Festival Director and director of Nuestra Palabra, Latino Writers Having Their Say, and his excellent volunteer staff, are busily arranging all the details for this always popular event. Houston has always been a fun festival with such “celebrity” authors as George Lopez, Cheech Marin, Giselle Blondet, Jorge Ramos, Teresa Rodriguez, Maria Antonieta Collins and Sandra Cisneros past participants. Our continuing relationship with print and electronic media in the Houston area, including returning Presenting Sponsor the Houston Chronicle, should once again result in the large crowds we have seen these past few years in this great city.

Location: George R. Brown Convention Center 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX 77010

Colorado State Fair Included in Elite Group

August 22 - September 1 in Pueblo - Colorado State Fair Included in Elite Group - It’s all about Numbers, PUEBLO, Colo. – Numbers play an important role in the Colorado State Fair and the Carnival Warehouse just gave the Fair a reason to celebrate.  Carnival Warehouse has listed the Colorado State Fair as the 38th top fair in North America. The “Top 50 North American Fairs” drew a whopping 41,468,926 guests in 2007; the Colorado State Fair’s role in that figure includes 485,038 fair fans. 

“The Colorado State Fair is in an elite group,” said Chris Wiseman, Colorado State Fair General Manager.  “The Fair Commission and staff dedicate themselves to offering a fun, family-friendly, educational summer event and being included on this list exemplifies their commitment to youth and agriculture.”  Each parade is generously executed by dedicated local organizations. The Colorado State Fair Parade is organized by The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, The Kids Day Parade is put on by the Mesa Junction Merchants Association, And The Colorado State Fair Fiesta Parade is organized by the Colorado State Fair Fiesta Committee.

In 2005, the Colorado State Fair ranked 42nd on the list and rose to 38th in 2006.  The ranking is based on attendance figures during the run of the fair.  The Colorado State Fair offers 11 days of national music sensations, free entertainment and agriculture events.   Another important number from Carnival Warehouse falls into the “Top Carnivals” category.  Crabtree Amusements, out of Staples, Tex., placed an impressive 17th place on the list.  Crabtree Amusements has been the official carnival of the Colorado State Fair for the last two years and will thrill crowds again during the 2008 Fair. 

“It is no surprise to me that Crabtree Amusements placed so high on the list,” continued Wiseman.  “We chose them because of their thrilling rides, expert knowledge of the industry, and their attention to safety.” 

It’s all about numbers: Each year, nearly half-million people attend the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colorado: 2007 Attendance: 485,038 (up 7% from 2006), 2006 Attendance: 452,014, The 2007 Colorado State Fair increased their net profit by $152,572 over the 2006 Colorado State Fair, Exhibits of over 4,100 livestock, 1,800 small animals, 800 horses and 7,800 general entry projects from crops to jellies can be seen at the annual event. The Fair offers five nights of professional rodeo that pits man against beast as the original extreme sport thrills rodeo fans.  The Junior Livestock Sale broke records in 2007, netting over $412,000 for 4-H and FFA youth, an all-time record amount.   The first Colorado State Fair was held in 1872 and Colorado has only been a state since 1876, which means the Colorado State Fair is older than the state itself! For a complete listing of the Top 50 North American Fairs, visit  www.carnivalwarehouse.com, The 2008 Colorado State Fair runs from August 22 – September 1, 2008.  For more information, visit www.coloradostatefair.com. 

56th Annual Nibroc Festival - Corbin, Kentucky

Corbin, Kentucky, USA

Four days of fun, family and friends on Main Street, Downtown Corbin. 
Headlining NIBROC are the four nights of FREE Concert Entertainment on our outdoor stage, featuring world famous performers. 
Nibroc is a community wide event, with activities planned to allow participation by all age groups from toddlers to the elderly. 
Schools are closed on Thursday and Friday, and our local health care facilities bus their resident’s downtown for activities under the Nibroc Park Big Tent. 
Scheduled events include a car and motorcycle show; a 2K Run/Walk; closing of the streets party; Miss Nibroc Scholarship Pageant; two local stages with a variety of entertainment; contests and games for children; craft, food and activity booths; two parades and carnival rides the entire week of the festival.

Scheduled events include:
 a car and motorcycle show; 
a 2K Run/Walk; 
closing of the streets party; 
Miss Nibroc Scholarship Pageant; 
two local stages with a variety of entertainment; 
contests and games for children; 
craft, food and activity booths; 
two parades and carnival rides the entire week of the festival.

Contact:

Website: http://www.corbinky.org
Telephone:   606-528-6390  
Email: corbinchamber@corbinky.org

Escape To… Nebraska State Fair Lincoln, Nebraska

 Lincoln, Nebraska, USA - August 22 - September 01, 2008:  Besides celebrity entertainment at the Nebraska State Fair, there are Veterans’ and Older Nebraskans’ festivals, Nebraska Galaxy of Stars Talent Search, a Kidz Zone, exciting grounds acts, a livestock birthing pavilion, an animal petting zoo, camel & pony rides technology expo, a quilt display, Nebraska’s largest midway, livestock displays from farms and ranches throughout the state, thousands of 4H, FFA, and Open Class competitive exhibits,and many more events and attractions. Grandstand events include a demolition derby, bull riding, car races, and tractor pulls, and monster truck shows.
2008 Open Air Auditorium Entertainment Series:  The Nebraska State Fair’s free concerts bring out the best in pop, soul, rock, country, Hispanic and Christian music in the Open Air Auditorium. The evening concerts begin at 7:00 pm and are FREE with paid State Fair gate admission. The Open Air Auditorium offers covered seating so come early to get the best seats in the house!
Friday, August 22 – 7:00 pm - Miranda Lambert - “My songs talk about real things, says Miranda Lambert. If I feel it, I can sing it and make anyone believe it.” Big talk from a small-town Texas girl, but Lambert’s got the goods to back it up. The old-school passion and power of her platinum-selling 2005 debut Kerosene took it to the top of both the country charts and the critics’ polls. Now the two-time CMA Horizon Award Nominee returns with Crazy Ex Girlfriend, on which she raises the stakes both musically and emotionally. Possibly the biggest advance for Lambert, though, is an intimate song called “More Like Her.” It expresses a fragility that she previously kept under wraps. Every song on the album is something Lambert cares about, “Love Letters,” “Gunpowder & Lead” and “Easy From Now On,” in which Lambert’s favorite line is “Don’t worry about me/I got a wild card up my sleeve.” With Crazy Ex Girlfriend, she’s laying all of her cards on the table and she’s got one heck of a winning hand.
Saturday, August 23 – 7:00 pm - Lorrie Morgan - Four-time Female Vocalist of the Year winner, Lorrie Morgan is one of countrymusic’s most popular and successful female artists, charting over a dozen topten hits including “Five Minutes,” “What Part of No” and “I Didn’t Know my OwnStrength.” Morgan’s first single, “Two People In Love”, released in 1979, but hercareer took off in 1989 with the release of “Dear Me”, a top 10 hit that coincidedwith the death of her husband. Morgan’s authenticity as a country artist isirrefutable. 
Tracy Byrd - Tracy Byrd has always been something of a maverick. Tracy continues to deliver no-holds barred country music. Since signing his first record deal in 1992, Byrd has become one of country music’s core artists. Byrd’s hits are well known among country music fans and include favorites like “Watermelon Crawl,” “Truth about Men” and “Keeper of the Stars,” which netted the Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year accolade in 1996. 
Monday, August 25 - Older Nebraskans’ Festival - Barbra and Frank, “The Concert That Never Was” -  (headliner at the Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas) Two shows at 10:00 am and 12:00 noon”The Concert That Never Was” is a sensational tribute to the voices of the century, Sinatra and Striesand. Sharon Owens as Barbra Streisand and Sebastian Anzaldo as Frank Sinatra captivate audiences world wide with their originally self-produced Las Vegas show that brings laughter, tears and joy to every person watching. Sebastian’s crooning sounds of Sinatra brings “memories” to an audience who remember the late great “ol’ blue eyes” himself. While the uncanny looks of Sharon brings out the “Funny Girl” herself, Streisand does it the only way she knows how… “Her Way.” But between who… the Chairman or the Diva, the voice or the nose, is going to close the show? Together, they bring audiences to their feet with music & memories that only these two legendary icons can.

Monday, August 25 – 7:00 pm - No Better Cause - Opening Act.   Boyz II Men -

Boyz II Men’s second album, simply titled II, appeared in 1994. The album topped the Billboard chart for five weeks, won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and sold over twelve million copies than

ks to its two number one pop singles, “I’ll Make Love to You” and “On Bended Knee,” both certified platinum. A third single, “Water Runs Dry,” went to No. 2 Pop and was certified gold. Hailed as the most commercially successful R&B group of all time – Boyz II Men return to center stage with a stunning new album, Motown, A Journey Through Hitsville USA. The Decca label debut is the first major-label release in five years for Boyz II Men, who have sold an estimated 60 million recordings in a spectacular career that will enter its 17th year in 2008. Working with producer Randy Jackson, Shawn Stockman, Wanya Morris and Nathan Morris bring their special brand of musical magic to twelve all-time Motown hits including: Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy Mercy Me,” Smoke Robinson & the Miracles’ “ The Tracks of My Tears” and the Stevie Wonder favorite “Ribbon In the Sky.” The album closes with a beautiful new recording of the record-breaking Boyz II Men hit, “End Of The Road.”

Tuesday, August 26 – 11:00 am - Older Nebraskans’ Festival - Jo Ann Castle - With a distinguished musical career spanning over forty years, Jo Ann Castle is regarded as one of the finest Ragtime and Honky-Tonk pianists in the world. She was discovered as a teenager by Lawrence Welk and would later appear on ABC’s Lawrence Welk Show for 10 years as both a pianist and accordionist. Today, Jo Ann Castle is widely recognized for her unique piano style, which combines the veracity of Jerry Lee Lewis with the flamboyance of Liberace and vivacious stage presence.
Tuesday, August 26 – 7:00 pm - Survivor, Premonition is considered by many fans to be their favorite Survivor record. The album was released in 1981 with the singles, “Poor Man’s Son,” and “Summer Nights.” Not the big break the band was looking for – that came with the 1982 release of “Eye Of The Tiger,” the title song expressly written for Rocky III, which brought the band national attention. Vital Signs achieved Multi-Platinum status with a string of Billboard Top 20 hit singles such as “I Can’t Hold Back,” “High On You,” and “The Search Is Over” that kept Survivor on the charts for over 40 weeks in ’84 and ’85. It’s Survivor founding member, Frankie Sullivan (guitar/vocals) and Robin McAuley (lead vocals, former frontman for McAuley Schenker Group), that keep the signature Survivor sound that the world fell in love with, alive and touring!  
Starship Starring Mickey Thomas - Mickey Thomas is the owner of the soaring voice that propelled STARSHIP through the “80’s and ‘90’s. With his soulful and compelling vocals, Mickey has established himself as one of Rock Music’s most recognizable stars. Backed by the power of Mickey’s vocals, STARSHIP recorded an amazing string of hits including “No Way Out,” “We Built This City,” “Sara,” and received an Oscar Nomination for the #1 hit “Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now” from the movie Mannequin. Every Starship album released has gone Gold, Platinum or Multi-Platinum. Mickey’s band mates include: Stephanie Calvert, vocals; Mark Abrahamian, lead guitar/vocals; Jeff Adams, bass/vocals; Phil Bennett, keyboards/vocals; and Darrell “Pelican” Verdusco, drums/vocals.
 Wednesday, August 27 – 7:00 pm - Revive, Opening Act…   Third Day - At the core of even the darkest moment, there is hope. And it’s that nugget of light that forms the very marrow of Wherever You Are, Third Day’s eighth album. “When you’re lonely and it feels like the whole world is falling on you,” Mac Powell sings on the high impact first single, “Cry Out to Jesus.” “You just reach out; you just cry out to Jesus.” Third Day, who’s stood atop the Christian rock world for the better part of a decade, continue the work they started in earnest on the Grammy-winning, gold-selling Wire. Fresh out of college, Mac Powell and Mark Lee started Third Day in 1991, adding members Tai Anderson and David Carr in 1993, and Brad Avery in 1995. Fourteen years later, the group is all grown up with marriages, children, and mortgages to deal with. One thing that hasn’t changed for the band is its mission: to convey the hope and salvation in the eternity of Christ through their music. From the hopeful, “Rise Up” to the inspiring, “Mountain of God,” each of these songs offer a message of hope. It’s the message that meets you Wherever You Are.  
Thursday, August 28 – 7:00 pm =- The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Celebrating their 41st year, this legendary band has won three Grammy awards, and multi-platinum 17 consecutive Top 10 country songs. Their music continues to influence today’s pop culture with such timeless hits as “Mr. Bojangles,” “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” “Ripplin’ Waters,” “Make a Little Magic,” “An American Dream,” and “Fishin’ in the Dark.” Founded in California during 1965, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has lasted longer than virtually any other country-based rock group of their era. Younger contemporaries of the Byrds, they played an almost equally important role in the transformation from folk-rock into country-rock, and were an influence on such bands as the Eagles and Alabama. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert will be a night to remember!

 Saturday, August 30 – 7:00 pm - A Funny Experience Comedy Show 

A first of it’s kind at the Nebraska State Fair - an evening of laughter with Nebraska comedians, T. Marni Voss, Julie Burney, and more. National Comedian, writer and producer Mark Gross, will serve as MC. Mark Gross is a polished, well-written standup comedian who has made re-peat appearances on The Tonight show with Jay Leno; as well as appearing on NBC’s Late Friday, National Lampoon’s Funny Money, New Joke City and Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen. You’ve seen him on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend as well as being the writer and producer of Comedy Central’s Live at the Majestic. Mark was a writer and producer of the
ABC sitcom Rodney.

 Sunday, August 31- Nebraska Showcase of Talent   

The Killigans– 6:00 pm

The Killigans began taking shape in 2004. They wanted to play music which blended their influences: punk, folk, country and rock ‘n roll - with an honest vibe and punk-rock attitude. Through member changes, a strong work ethic, and dedicated songwriting, the Killigans have become a tightly knit band, and a powerhouse on stage. The band is fronted by Brad Hoffman and Chris Nebesniak, they are the primary songwriters and driving force behind the band. Ben Swift provides the rhythmic back-bone with solid drumming. Two more Nebesniak brothers are in the band: Trevor, who plays the bass, and Pat, who plays the accordioan, tin whistle, and trumpet. Zach Stroup plays the mandolin. The Killigans also feature the amazing Edwin Mukusha, who plays the bagpipes on a number of tunes. 

Mustang Sally – 7:00 pm

Not just across the United States, but around the world: five chicks rocking out, holding their own musically and vocally against anyone, male or female. Fun, flirty, and electrifying: it’s Mustang Sally. Mustang Sally began as Lisa Romeo’s (Omaha, NE) inspiration, and she searched the world for the most talented female musicians and vocalists to carry out her vision. Among all five members of the band there is virtually every possible musical influence including samba, blues, Celtic, and rock n’ roll. Band members include, Tobi Lee (North Vernon, IN) lead vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica, lap-steel, and mandolin; Brenda Zitzman (New Ulm, MN) vocals and electric guitar; Rachel Solomon (Austin, TX) keyboard, saxophone and accordian player; Sarah Wilfong (Chicago, IL) fiddle/mandolin. It is all held together by the rock-solid beat and harmony vocals of drummer/percussionist Lisa Romeo (Omaha, NE). 

 The Derailers – 9:00 pm - It was their mutual love for the music of legendary country artist Buck Owens that originally brought The Derailers together back in the ‘90’s, and with the release of their eighth album, Under The Influence Of Buck, the honky-tonkin’ boys from Austin bring their music all the way back to the source with a rollicking and heartfelt tribute to the timeless music of Buck Owens. The tireless energy of a seasoned Derailers line-up include, Jon Jamison a.k.a. Sweet Basil McJagger (Lincoln, NE), piano/organ; Brian Hofeldtt, acoustic/lead guitar, vocals; Ed Adkins, electric/acoustic bass, vocals; Scott Matthews, drums/percussion; and Chris Schlotzhauer, pedal steel & dobro/vocals. From the album’s opening track, “Foolin’ Around,” to “Big in Vegas,” the mournful track that closes this remarkable collection, Under The Influence Of Buck is a loving look back and a natural step forward for one of the coolest bands around. 

Monday, September 1 – 7:00 pm

Styx

The classic rock band Styx will close the 2008 Nebraska State Fair on Monday, Labor Day, September 1. Styx is best known for their power rock ballads from the 70’s and 80’s. They carry the honor of being the first to have four consecutive albums certified multi-platinum, and are one of a handful of groups that have had Billboard Top Ten singles in all three decades, the 70’s through the 90’s. In 1972-73 the band released their first albums “Styx “, “Styx II”, “The Serpent is Rising” and “Man of Miracles”. The single “Lady” from their second album was re-released as a single in 1974 and propelled them to number 6 on the US charts. The group’s albums released through the late 70’s and early 80’s all earned at least platinum status and included the hits “Come Sail Away,” “Renegade,” “Babe,” “Mr. Roboto,” and “Kilroy Was Here.” Tommy Shaw, James “JY” Young, Lawrence Gowan, Todd Sucherman, and Ricky Phillips make up the legendary Styx.

Location: State Fair Park, Directions: 1800 State Fair Park Dr. I80 to Lincoln, NE - exit 27th Street, north on 27th to Cornhusker Hwy.,Left to State Fair Park Dr., right.  Times: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, Admission & Parking:
$6-$8 Adults, $2 Children 6-12, 5 under free, Parking free all-day, every day.  

Contact: Website: http://www.statefair.org. Telephone:    402-473-4102    email: crasmussen@statefair.org

56th Annual Nibroc Festival - Corbin, Kentucky

Corbin, Kentucky, USA - Augsut 13th-16th, 2008: Four days of fun, family and friends on Main Street, Downtown Corbin.  Headlining NIBROC are the four nights of FREE Concert Entertainment on our outdoor stage, featuring world famous performers. 
Nibroc is a community wide event, with activities planned to allow participation by all age groups from toddlers to the elderly. 
Schools are closed on Thursday and Friday, and our local health care facilities bus their resident’s downtown for activities under the Nibroc Park Big Tent. 
Scheduled events include a car and motorcycle show; a 2K Run/Walk; closing of the streets party; Miss Nibroc Scholarship Pageant; two local stages with a variety of entertainment; contests and games for children; craft, food and activity booths; two parades and carnival rides the entire week of the festival.

Scheduled events include: a car and motorcycle show; a 2K Run/Walk; closing of the streets party; Miss Nibroc Scholarship Pageant; two local stages with a variety of entertainment; contests and games for children; craft, food and activity booths; two parades and carnival rides the entire week of the festival.

Contact: Website: http://www.corbinky.org, Telephone:   606-528-6390, Email: corbinchamber@corbinky.org.