Category Archives: Music

Comedy, Food, Music, Shows

CDT PRESENTS: THE PROM

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March is here, and nearly gone, which means, Spring is around the corner. For me, two things usher in Spring. A trip to someplace warm for two weeks, and an evening at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres as an early gift for my stepdaughter’s birthday. The theatre is the first stop, and it gives me a feeling of warmth that equals that of a sunny day on the beach.

This year, Chanhassen is producing The Prom, which is a story about equal rights for LGBTQ+ teens who want to attend the iconic school function. For most teens, it is a matter of buying their ticket and showing up, but for one teen, it becomes an all-out war. For another, the decision of whether to show the world her true self weighs heavily.

Joined by some waning theatre stars from another state, Emma Nolan finds unwanted support in achieving a goal she isn’t sure she has the strength to stand up for. With a little encouragement from her new theatrical pals, she finds her voice and manages to break down the walls that stand before her and change the future of prom for all LGBTQ+ teens, forever.

The show is full of comedy and heart and has a talented cast with excellent voices. I attended on March 8th, which was the debut performance of Lussi Pearl as Emma Nolan. Normally, the part is played by Monty Hays, who could not be present that evening. While I cannot attest to the excellence of Monty Hays as Emma, I can say that Lussi Pearl shined. I was especially excited to hear that her father made the trip in and could see her performance. He must be one proud papa!

Outside of the performance, I would like to point out that the theatre offered envelopes for donations to send LGBTQ+ teens to a camp made for inclusion and to meet other LGBTQ+ teens. This is a wonderful opportunity to show support. I happily donated and would encourage anyone else who is attending the show to do so as well. Every child should be able to grow and explore who they are in a safe setting, and that’s what this camp provides.

The Prom will be at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres through June 2023. Purchase your tickets today. You won’t be sorry. Not only is the show great, but it helps a noble cause, and the food is quite tasty too!

For more information on the Prom, please visit the following links:

The Prom – Chanhassen Dinner Theatres (chanhassendt.com)

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Music, Nashville, Tennessee

THE PATSY CLINE MUSEUM IN NASHVILLE

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Okay, country music fans. If you’re a lover of all things Patsy Cline, visit the Patsy Cline Museum in Nashville. It’s above the Johnny Cash Museum, and it’s easy to get to if you’re milling about the strip.

 I have always been a Patsy Cline fan. If the museum had been open back in 2015, when my husband and I came through for our honeymoon, it would have been the next stop for us after the Johnny Cash Museum. Unfortunately, it took them a while to get it up and running, so I missed out until this past January.

The museum isn’t huge, but packs in a lot of information and some great photos. I enjoyed watching the videos and seeing the timeline of Patsy’s life and rise to fame. I didn’t realize how young she was when she died, which makes her even more of a powerhouse considering all she achieved in such a brief time span.

You’ll see some of her iconic clothing. Photos of her wedding, amongst other family moments. They even have replicas of areas from her home. Check it out. You won’t be sorry.

Patsy Cline Museum | Nashville | The Patsy Cline Museum (patsymuseum.com)

Art, Music, Restaurants, shopping, Uncategorized, Wine, Winery, Wisconsin

Out Of The Woods & Into Your Heart

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So, I will be the first to admit, I love wine. This past November we visited Cable, Wisconsin for a mini getaway for our five-year-anniversary. We researched the area to find some fun places to visit and I was quite pleased to find Out of the Woods Winery, which is located thirty minutes away in Hayward, Wisconsin. As a side note, I would like to apologize for how long it has taken me to write this post. I had surgery right after our visit and life has been a bit crazy.

Neal and I walked into this establishment looking for some good wine and we got so much more. We were first greeted by Dan, who is one of the owners, along with his father and brother. He took his place behind the bar and poured us our tastings. Not only does he have wine, but also cider. We chose to taste a mixture of 7 wines and ciders.

We tasted:

  • L1: Spring Lake Sauvignon – quite dry and not my favorite, but if you love dry white wine, this might be for you.
  • L2: Tiger Cat Riesling – Great flavor. The perfect combo of sweet and slightly dry. We decided to take this bottle home and put it aside for our anniversary next year.
  • D2: Noval Black Port – I loved this wine! It has a taste of dark chocolate covered cherries. It’s sweet but not too sweet. My husband wasn’t as into it as I was, so I didn’t buy a bottle, but will definitely go back for a glass next time we are in town.
  • C2: Nektar Zombie Killer – This cider has a prominent honey flavor and is the perfect mix of sweet and tart. It was my favorite cider.
  • C3: Rekorderling Strawberry Lime – This is their most popular cider. You can taste both strawberry and lime. It’s sweet but not in an overpowering way.
  • C5: Wyders Dry Pear – This cider has a very light flavor and is too light for me. Dan tells us that it’s great mixed with the Belgian Saison.
  • C6: The Cider Farm Belgian Saison – Tastes like black licorice. The flavor is soft, but on the metallic floral end. I am not a fan of floral flavors, so this doesn’t cut it for me.
  • C5 & C6: Wyders Dry Pear & The Cider Farm Belgian Saison – Definitely cut the wild flavor of the Saison, but isn’t something I would go out of my way for. Simply not my thing.

After we completed our tasting, Dan offered to let us try some items he was debating on carrying. We were delighted to give our thoughts.

Bonus Tasting:

  • Omme Gang Brewery: Rose Cider – Definitely dry and a little bitter, but it would make a nice refreshing gluten-free choice. I would drink it on a hot summer day. I say it’s a keeper.
  • Wild Tonic Hard Jun Kombucha – Nice flavor. It’s sweet and unlike what I expected from a Kombucha. It would compete well with the ciders and it’s a healthy alternative.
  • SKOL Red (from Chateau St. Croix Winery) – This is a decent table wine, very flavorful. It smells like strawberries and has a tartness to it. I would definitely drink it if it was in stock.

Dan is charismatic, to say the least. He was able to explain each wine and cider. He told us the history of the winery. He explained how he keeps art displayed regularly throughout the winery because his late mother was an artist and a local farmer recommended hanging art. He told us, “If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right.”

As we tasted our way through the list of wines and ciders, we were able to listen to live music provided by John. He sings and plays acoustic as well as harmonica, each Saturday. He stayed longer than normal, simply because he felt like it. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed. You can’t help but feel as if you have become part of the family. As I look out the window, I see Dan’s father and his brother Jess, stringing Christmas lights. We couldn’t have asked for a more memorable experience. Out of the Woods Winery has truly captured our hearts.

For more information on Out of the Woods Winery, please visit: https://www.outofthewoodswinery.com/

Bars, Mexico, Music, Restaurants, Tequila

Pipi’s in Puerto Vallarta

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Prior to visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, my family asked around to find out which restaurants were recommended by others. Only one particular restaurant was mentioned consistently, and that restaurant was Pipi’s. Everyone seemed to have walked away with the same great memories and could not wait to tell us of their experiences.

Pipi’s is indeed Mexican food, but so much more. If you are looking for an atmosphere that basically pulls you into a fun time, this is the place to be. The food was exceptional. Our waiter prepared guacamole right at the table. The drinks we enjoyed were margaritas the size of boats. They had several flavors to choose from. I couldn’t finish the whole thing because of the sugar and decent pour of alcohol, but I would definitely go back for another in the future.

The live music was a ton of fun and added to the energy of the evening and made you want to sing along. We could have sat and listened all night, partially because we were too full to move. We watched as many people sang along and celebrated their own special events such as birthdays and anniversaries which were accompanied by sombreros and tasty desserts.

If you want a memorable experience with great food and music, check out Pipi’s, you won’t be disappointed: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150793-d1032796-Reviews-Pipi_s-Puerto_Vallarta.html

 

Bed & Breakfast, Hotels, Minnesota, Music, Outdoor Activities, Uncategorized, Wine

Ladies Night At The Historic Afton House Inn

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If you live in eastern Minnesota or western Wisconsin and you are looking for something fun to do with your ladies, or maybe even your significant other, come on out to Afton, Minnesota the third Thursday of each month and take part in Ladies Night.

Start your evening off right by checking into, The Historic Afton House Inn. You cannot go wrong with one of their whirlpool suites. Men will feel encouraged to join in if they know all of the excitement and fun involved. This Inn has twenty-one uniquely decorated Jacuzzi suites. Some of the rooms have river views as well as fireplace, and a patio, or balcony. I personally like to use this event for date night because honestly we both have a great time.

After check-in wander through the inn to Current Restaurant for Happy Hour, where you will find great specials on appetizers and drinks. I can personally vouch for the food at Current, it is quite delectable. The low lit room provides a nice ambiance for reconnecting with loved ones, and the service is excellent.

If you are a wine lover, you absolutely must head over to Swirl, which is located inside the inn. They offer a free wine tasting for Ladies Night, but don’t worry men, you won’t be excluded. The tasting consists of a variety of different red and white wines. My favorite by far was the, 2012 Amayna Sauvignon Blanc, which is a nice crisp and refreshing Chilean white wine. Despite having a clear favorite, I greatly enjoyed all of the different wines on the list. Aside from the wine, Swirl has a great atmosphere with wonderfully attentive sommeliers. They also serve food, which I hear, great things about, but have not yet had the pleasure of trying. Rest assured I will be back to visit in the near future and I will do a more in-depth article on this lovely little wine bar.

Other fun things included in this evening are door prizes and games, as well as a variety of sidewalk vendors. You can even take in some free music on the patio outside of Swirl. This month ladies night will take place on July 19th and the giveaway will be for 187ml bottles of Blanc De Bleu.

After you have had your fill of the wonderful Ladies Night activities, you can purchase a bottle of wine to take back to your Jacuzzi suite and enjoy as you soak away any stress from the week. You will sleep well on the comfy beds which feature, My Pillows, and wake feeling refreshed and ready for the inn’s included, hot and tasty breakfast. Breakfast often features: coffee, tea, juice, fruit and yogurt parfait, and some form of egg omelet or frittata.

I have a history of traveling to many different towns and trying out the bed and breakfasts. This particular experience is one of my favorites, because this inn has a certain charm to it and there are so many things to do in one setting. Don’t take my word for it, try it out for yourself.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

https://aftonhouseinn.com/

http://www.swirlmywine.com/

Music, Uncategorized, Wisconsin

An Evening Of Fun With The Squirrel Nut Zippers

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I have always been a lover of live music, so I seldom pass up a chance to see a band in person, even if it’s one I haven’t listened to before. My love of music covers many genres, and for the most part, I can thank my father for the variety I have introduced into my life. Being around a band that plays so many types of music has its benefits.

Recently, on a Saturday night, a friend of mine invited me to see the, Squirrel Nut Zippers, at the State Theater, in Eau Claire. I had heard of them, but didn’t know offhandedly, what they played. I decided that it would be nice to see friends and spend a night out, so I agreed to go. Man, am I glad I went.

The Squirrel Nut Zippers have a big band sound. The band consists of nine people. Their female lead is from New Orleans, so they have that New Orleans flair. The music was lively, upbeat, and it had my foot tapping from note one. My favorite thing about the evening was that this band knew how to put on a show. They danced, they played, they had a great time with each other, and the audience was engaged.

I went home after the show, wishing it hadn’t ended. I wanted more. I could have listened to them all night long. I decided to check out their music on Amazon, and while it was still great, it just didn’t provide the same experience, though I will continue to listen. This group puts on a fabulous show, and I would recommend them to anyone who likes that jazzy big band sound.

For more information on the, Squirrel Nut Zippers, please visit: http://www.snzippers.com/

Music, Restaurants, Uncategorized, Wisconsin

Music & Fun In The Sun At Jake’s Supper Club

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It’s that time of year again when the leaves begin to change and the cooler weather sets in. The biggest disappointment for me is the loss of outdoor concerts. Last weekend I spent one last afternoon dancing and having a blast in the sun, while listening to the 40 Fingers band perform one last outdoor show.

The venue I spent the day at was, Jake’s Supper Club, in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Jake’s is great because they have a tiki bar out back with several levels of seating that overlook the water. They have tables with umbrellas that overlook a dance floor which is in front of their outdoor music stage.

Jake’s hosts bands through out the summer on a regular basis. You can order food inside the restaurant or outside from the convenience of your umbrella table. The food is excellent. I love the cheese curds and the fried mushrooms. They also have Prime Bites, which I know are a favorite of certain 40 Fingers band members. Aside from their appetizers, they have many other wonderful menu options. The menu does change some seasonally.

The wait staff at Jake’s is great. They will stop by your table and check up on you and they are always quick to put in your order. The bartenders are also great, though it can take a while sometimes at the bar because Jake’s is usually pretty packed when the outdoor music season is in full swing.

Next summer if you are in the area, I highly recommend checking out Jake’s; you may just find a new favorite summer venue.

For more information on Jake’s Supper Club, please visit: http://www.jakessupperclub.com/

Casino, Comedy, Hotels, Iowa, Music, Restaurants, Uncategorized

Diamond Jo Casino In Worth, Iowa

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Over the past seven years I have spent quite a bit of time in Iowa. My friends and family seem to think that it is so far away. In reality, it’s only about an hour from where I currently live, in Minnesota. There is more to this state than just corn fields, which is what people tend to think of when they hear Iowa. If you like casino games or checking out new places, Diamond Jo Casino, in Worth, Iowa, might be the place for you.

Only an hour and a half south of Prior Lake, Minnesota, Diamond Jo is a great overnight destination, or day trip. This casino offers a variety of food options, such as: Burger King, Subway, The Kitchen Buffet, and the Woodfire Grille. I tend to choose Burger King’s chicken nuggets, or the buffet. The food at the buffet is decent. They have one particular dessert that I look for any time I visit. It’s a chocolate gluten free dessert that is to die for. I most enjoy their brunch, which includes an omelet station and various other breakfast items. This buffet has gone through some changes and continues to evolve; my hope is that it will continue to improve, because there are a few items, such as the Crab Rangoon, that could use some work, but there are also items, such as the catfish, that I find quite delectable.

As far as games go, this casino tends to keep on top of trends. They do offer a variety of old and new games. I was a little bummed to find out that they appear to have gotten rid of their Pelican Pete games, which I love. They do have live table games and a poker room if you enjoy a little more action.

Diamond Jo provides free live entertainment at their Big Wheel Bar every Friday and Saturday night. If you are looking for some bigger names in music, they also have musicians and comedians scheduled in their event center, throughout the year. A calendar can be obtained on their website.

If you visit Diamond Jo and you would like to stay overnight, they have pretty decent accommodations. The casino is connected to the local Country Inn & Suites. I have previously stayed at this hotel and very much enjoyed my room, as well as the hot tub and pool area. I have also stayed at the Holiday Inn Express across the street, the first couple of days it was open, and the rooms there were very nice as well. Either place provided for some relaxing downtime after a night of fun at the casino.

This casino atmosphere is fairly comfortable. The gaming area is not as big as that of Mystic Lake or Treasure Island Casino, but it is enough to meet my standards. I have enjoyed many evenings checking out the music at the Big Wheel Bar, as well as dining with family and friends. I always have a great time at Diamond Jo.

For more information on this particular casino, or the B Connected Club, please visit: http://www.diamondjoworth.com/

 

Camping, Lodging, Music, Restaurants, Uncategorized, Wisconsin

Summer Fun At Gilligan’s In Chetek, Wisconsin

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Summer is here and what’s not to love? You have your sandbars, your outdoor music, great grilled foods, cold beverages, camping, and laughing it up with family and good friends. This past weekend I went camping with family at Six Lakes Campground in Chetek, WI. We chose this particular spot because it was a mere four blocks from Gilligan’s, which is the bar my father’s band, 40 Fingers, was playing at this past Saturday.

Gilligan’s is a great time for anyone who loves being outdoors and listening to good music. The bar staff is attentive and they will check up on you to see if you would like to place an order for their wonderful food, or if you need your drink refilled. If you prefer to get your own beverages, the tiki bar is quite large and located out back by the music, for your convenience. The bar features brightly colored bar stools and on a nice day you can sit in the sun and watch the boats come and go on the lake, while taking in some live music.

The food at Gilligan’s is pretty great. This time around we ordered pork nachos and gourmet cheddar cheese curds. The cheddar curds are the size of golf balls, and they are delicious. I feel the need to indulge in them any time I visit Gilligan’s; I’m a Wisconsin girl all the way.

The drinks at Gilligan’s can be ordered in a keepsake drink mug, if you like that sort of thing, which I personally do. The mugs come in a variety of bright and fun colors. Mine is hot pink, but you can also get blue, neon green, purple, etc. I bring my mug with me to refill, each time I visit. This bar also has a variety of specialty summer drinks. I recommend trying them out if you are adventurous and open to new flavors.

Gilligan’s has music on weekends. My father’s band, 40 Fingers, will be at Gilligan’s again this coming Saturday, if anyone is wishing they hadn’t missed this past week’s performance at this particular location. This upcoming weekend features the Bear Creek Band, on June 28th, Your Mom, on June 30th, and 40 Fingers, on July 1st.

The venue has two bars, one indoor and the tiki bar, out back. The bands play outside just off the lake in the tiki hut. There is a dance floor, but the floor is all sand, so it can be difficult to dance. The majority of the sitting area is hard floor and my family and friends tend to hang out up top near the tiki bar and dance on the more solid ground.

Gilligan’s is the place to be for good food, good music, and relaxing lakeside. For more information, please visit: http://gilliganschetek.com/

 

 

Casino, Hotels, Las Vegas - The Strip, Las Vegas Hotels - On Strip, Music, Restaurants, Shows, Uncategorized

Carlos’n Charlie’s At The Flamingo

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When in Vegas, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. There is no shortage of buffets, bars, or any other type of food you might have a hankering for. If you have a particular love for Mexican cuisine, and you like the bar scene, Carlos’n Charlie’s might be the place for you.

Carlos’n Charlie’s is similar to Senor Frogs, and they are located in the Flamingo. They have the DJ who plays a lot of fun party music, they hand out free shots here and there and they may even have a silly contest or two. People in this bar tend to get a bit wild and crazy, from my experience.

The food is good. I’ve tried several different items on the menu and all are wonderful. I particularly enjoy there appetizer platter, everything on it is quite tasty. The ribs are also great. You will not be disappointed by portions.

If you look on Groupon, you may find a voucher for food and two hours of unlimited drinking. This can be dangerous because they tend to pour their drinks a little strong. They give you a choice of tap beer or the frozen margaritas.  I like the margaritas because they are served in a glass you can keep and you can choose to mix flavors together.

For more information on Carlos’n Charlie’s, please visit: https://www.caesars.com/flamingo-las-vegas/restaurants/carlos-n-charlies-las-vegas#.WUrzM9yQxhE