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  • admin 7:45 pm on October 24, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Outdoor Movies Under the Stars in Illinois 

    Free Outdoor Movies Under the Stars”

    Outdoor MoviesalignPeoria, IL, September 24, 2009 Outdoor movies return to Metro Centre on September 25th for a fun-filled family night out.

    Think the days of watching outdoor movies under the sparkling moonlight are gone? Think again. Metro Centre, Peoria’s landmark shopping destination, will convert a section of its parking lot into an outdoor cinema with the premiere of “Outdoor Movies Under the Stars” an outdoor movies series on Friday, September 25.

    The featured film is Disney’s “Bedtime Stories,” (PG) starring Adam Sandler. Perfect for the entire family, show time is 7:30 p.m.

    Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to place in front of the big screen. Treat yourself to the free popcorn and soft drinks (while supplies last) courtesy of Hecht Stout Insurance.Come early to explore Metro Centre’s many shops and restaurants and enjoy kids activities before the show.

    This is the first time in nearly a decade that outdoor movies have been shown at Metro Centre, since its cinema was closed eight years ago. “We are thrilled to bring back not only a Metro Centre tradition, but an American tradition,” Metro Centre owner Eric Brinker said. “Many people grew up with outdoor movies, and this is a chance for them to re-live that experience. For a lot of parents, it will be a chance to show their kids what ‘Movies Under the Stars’ are all about.”

    The weekend celebration continues on Saturday, September 26th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as we kick off the fall season. There will be activities galore, including kids inflatables, an obstacle course, and a bounce house. Clowns “Patches & Rollo” will be making a special appearance and gourd painting, sand art, and other games will be offered. Be sure to hop aboard the horse drawn trolley that will run throughout the Centre.

    Metro Centre gift card giveaways will take place all day and free earth-friendly tote bags will be distributed at the Peoria Farmers Market by Heart of Illinois Harvest, a local food rescue program (while supplies last with a $2 suggested donation.) The Peoria Farmers Market at Metro Centre offers the largest selection of no-spray and organic produce in the area.

    Peorians have depended on Metro Centre for more than 30 years — and counting. The stores are still locally owned and operated, and their success is based on a simple, homegrown recipe — friendly faces behind the registers, a unique selection of stores and a commitment to friendly, personal service.

     

  • admin 7:38 pm on October 24, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Outdoor Movies Mark Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary 

    Outdoor Movies: Wizard of Oz’ Marks 70 Years with Outdoor Movie Screening

    Outdoor MoviesFollow the red-brick road to “The Wizard of Oz,” coming to an outdoor movie setting in downtown Longview the night before Halloween.
    Audience members, especially children, are invited to dress as their favorite characters for the show at Heritage Plaza, where Green Street meets bumpy, red-bricked Methvin Street.

    Children ages 10 and younger can win a prize during OzFest, a “Wizard of Oz” character contest before the 1939 classic film.

    “It’s the 70th anniversary (of the movie),” said Elaine Reynolds with the Longview Partnership, which coordinates outdoor movies held at least twice a year in the downtown park.

    “We’re going to dress in costume, and we encourage people to come as their favorite character.”

    The pre-screening events include entertainment by a 9-voice teen choir from ArtsView Children’s Theatre. The troupe will sing songs from “The Wizard of Oz” and its lesser-known prequel, “Wicked.”

    “Performing outside is really cool, because you’re a lot closer to the people,” said 15-year-old choir leader Caroline Bump.

    “And you can interact and bring them into what you’re doing. We have to work on being louder and bigger. You have to draw the people in.”

    The group is expected to sing at least one tune while walking among the audience members, and Bump said young children can expect to make new friends.

    “We’re going to be smiling at all the little kids, especially, and trying to appeal to them,” she said.

    “Because things, to them, are really magical.”

    The fantasy begins even before OzFest with a Brown Bag Lunch in Heritage Plaza which employees of the Longview Partnership are expected to attend as Wizard of Oz characters.

     

  • admin 7:34 pm on October 24, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Outdoor Movies on Princess Cruise Lines 

    Cruisers Rave About Princess Cruise Line’s Outdoor Movies

    Outdoor MoviesCruise lines are constantly geared toward providing a steady flow of shipboard entertainment for cruisers to enjoy.  They want your time at sea to be just as exciting as the ports of call you’ll visit during your itinerary.  While the standards (such as onboard casinos, Broadway-style shows and nightclubs) continue to have appeal, cruise lines are getting more and more innovative with their ideas.  It was this type of what-would-the-passenger-want thinking that drove Princess Cruise Line to add “Movies Under the Stars.”Unlike anything found aboard other cruise vessels, “Outdoor Movies Under the Stars” is an impressive outdoor movie theater that Princess officials describe as a “Times Square-style, LED (light emitting diode) screen.”  This is no ordinary TV, however.

    With a monstrous 300-square-foot screen, featuring a 69,000-watt sound system, the “Outdoor Movies Under the Stars” system is well equipped with enough lighting power to be seen clearly day or night.

    Princess Cruise Line didn’t stop there.  Strategically placed, this million-dollar entertainment system is located above the pool area for optimal viewing comparable to traditional movie theaters.  Have you ever watched your favorite movie while floating in a pool or sunbathing?  Now you can!

    To make the experience fit the Princess Cruise Line style, ship officials decided to go overboard (so to speak).  Passengers can make complimentary chaise lounge reservations for available features. At evening viewings, comfortable cushions and blankets are placed on the lounge chairs.  Additionally, cocktail specials are available as well as free popcorn and other movie munchies.  Would you rather do dinner theater?  Poolside casual dining is also available.

    With up to seven features playing throughout the day and evening, every member of your party will find something s/he enjoys.  What’s in the lineup?  Many family films including Spider Man 2 and Shrek 2.  Concerts, sporting events – including NFL Monday Night Football – awards shows and other broadcast entertainment as well.  One of the most popular events is Oscar® Under the Stars with the broadcast of the Academy Awards and a party.

    “Movies Under the Stars” has been such a hit that Princess Cruise Line has retrofitted all its Grand Class ships with the giant screens.

    “Outdoor Movies Under the Stars” follows in the tradition of such other Princess Cruise Line innovations as Personal Choice Dining ®, the Cruise Personalizer® and the More Balconies® concept to make your shipboard experience all it can be.

     

  • admin 7:31 pm on October 24, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Outdoor Movies Honor Bruce Lee 

    Outdoor Movies: The Last Dragon Honors the Legacy of Bruce Lee

    Outdoor MoviesDecades after his untimely death, Bruce Lee’s movies continue to inspire other filmmakers to make contemporary martial arts films. In 1985, Motown legend Berry Gordon put his seal of approval on The Last Dragon, a tongue-in-cheek adventure with plenty of high-kicking action.

    Real-life martial arts expert Taimak Guarriello plays Leroy Green, a New York City kid who is a huge fan of Bruce Lee’s movies, so much so that people start calling him “Bruce Leroy.” To honor the memory of his fallen idol, Leroy studies karate and other martial arts, but before he can achieve the final level of his training, he must seek out the proper master to teach him. While seeking his advanced training, a rival named Sho’nuff (Julius Carry) wants to fight Leroy. Calling himself the “Shogun of Harlem,” Sho’nuff needs to beat Leroy to become the undisputed champion of New York City, but Leroy doesn’t believe in fighting unless it is absolutely necessary.

    Leroy also catches the eye of Laura Charles (Vanity), the host of a popular television dance show. When ruthless businessman Eddie Arkadian (Christopher Murney) kidnaps Laura, Leroy uses his fighting skills to rescue her. Laura definitely is attracted to Leroy, but Arkadian hires Sho’nuff to take care of Leroy once and for all.

    With great martial arts action and a soundtrack featuring songs from Debarge and Stevie Wonder, The Last Dragon definitely is a 1980’s classic. Taimak Guarriello gives the Leroy Green character an eagerness that makes him a likable, if somewhat goofy, hero. Leroy identifies so much with Bruce Lee that he even eats his popcorn at the outdoor movies with chopsticks.

    Vanity, who was once romantically and professionally linked to Prince, also turns in a nice performance, but it is Julius Carry who steals the show. Built like a brick wall, Carry makes the Shogun of Harlem a definite force to be reckoned with. The Last Dragon is considered such a classic, in fact, that singer Rihanna is being considered for the Laura Charles role in a remake starring Samuel L. Jackson. If all goes well, Bruce Leroy and Sho’nuff might be coming back to theaters in the near future.

     

  • admin 7:27 pm on October 24, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Outdoor Movies in Mississippi 

    Outdoor Movies in Fort Maurepas Park

    Outdoor MoviesOCEAN SPRINGS The restoration of Fort Maurepas is nearing completion, and the Beach Drive park may reopen by this weekend, said Mayor Connie Moran.

    Moran had thought the $1.8 million park project might be far enough along for an opening Saturday.

    The park commemorates the 1699 fort erected after the landing of French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville.

    The park that overlooks Front Beach was damaged during Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.

    A wooden replica of the fort was not rebuilt, but there is a concrete outline of the fort in the 2.3-acre park.

    The city’s Board of Aldermen gave approval Tuesday for Greg Cantrell Inc. to continue developing a sign for the park. Frank Burandt of the design company presented two sign versions at the board’s meeting. The sign would be 9 feet tall, he said.

    Alderman Matt McDonnell said, “I’m telling you, this has got the potential to be the finest waterfront park in all of south Mississippi. I’m amazed at how well it has turned out.”

    Moran said one of the most significant features of the park is that the educational intent of the historic site has been preserved “by retaining the footprint of the previous fort structure.”

    The park includes a walkway featuring the eight flags that have flown over Ocean Springs, a playground, splash pad, pavilion and restrooms.

    Moran said the splash pad water feature would not open until next spring.

    “We have outdoor movies as well,” said Moran. “The stage is large enough for the symphony. It is a nice outdoor stage where we can have public events in the evenings, concerts, outdoor movies.”

    The project also includes work on the Seaman’s Memorial, said Moran.

    The facility will be equipped with a security camera system to be monitored by police, she said.

    The park is paid for by $744,826 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, $551,057 from Community Development Block Grants for the pavilion, $397,192 from state Tidelands Funds, $250,000 in Hurricane Katrina donations and $100,000 from a private donation for the playground.

    An official grand opening for the park with fireworks, music and a formal ceremony is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24.

     

  • admin 7:23 pm on October 24, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Outdoor Movies in Illinois

    Outdoor MoviesIn only three months, the Pleasant Plains Historical Society has begun reversing the years of neglect and vandalism that left Clayville in ruins.

    The non-profit group started weekend cleanups at the site in early July. Today, the former 19th- century stagecoach stop’s structures, including the historic Broadwell Tavern and Inn, are free of the piles of trash, broken furniture, beer cans, animal waste and other debris that had accumulated inside.

    Volunteers have recovered hundreds of antique items, including blacksmith tools, looms and plows and have inventoried them.

    A dense layer of trees and overgrown vegetation that hid the site from view has been removed, and visitors can walk freely on the 13-acre property along Illinois 125, just east of Pleasant Plains.

    The grounds were in good enough shape to host a car show over Labor Day weekend as well as several outdoor movies in August. Volunteers are planning more events to show off the site to the public, including a haunted house and hayride for Halloween.

    Though far from over, the society’s progress in its cleanup efforts has exceeded its members’ expectations when the group reached an agreement to buy Clayville last summer.

    “It’s amazing the people stepping forward to help us, either through help from themselves or money,” said Jim Verkuilen, president of the historical society and village president of Pleasant Plains. The society, formed earlier this year, is a separate entity from the village.

    However, Verkuilen notes more work and donations are needed to fully restore Clayville.

    “It took many years to get it in this shape, and it’s going to take many years to get it back in the shape that we want it,” he said.

    But volunteers are off to a good start.

    The historical society now has roughly 130 members, of which 10 to 15 people show up each weekend for the Saturday and Sunday cleanups. Other volunteers work during the week as well.

    One such volunteer is Pleasant Plains resident Dan Usherwood, who estimates he spends about 80 hours a week on the Clayville restoration. He’s also among those organizing the haunted house and hayrides, themed “Clayville Rises From the Dead,” on Oct. 23-24 and 30-31.

    Usherwood said he fell in love with the site roughly 15 years ago when his Scout troop camped out and participated in community service projects there. Now he wants to bring it back for the whole community to enjoy.

    “I am absolutely flabbergasted at how well we have done — the turnout and the volunteer effort that we’ve had,” he added. “And then the business volunteers, too. Bob Miner from Area Wide Tree Service (in Petersburg) brought his crew for three weeks in a row. I can’t begin to imagine how long it would have taken and how much it would have cost to do the work he did.”

    The businesses that have contributed are too numerous to list, he said, and volunteers represent all ages and come from across the area.

    Some of the accomplishments include new electrical service in the buildings and repaired floorboards and doors.

    Volunteers also have begun installing cedar shingles to replace the moss-covered roof of a log cabin dating from 1817 that was moved to the Clayville site in the 1960s.

    “Most everybody who comes out and works comes back time and again. We have whole families that come out and work. It’s incredible,” Usherwood said.

    Another society volunteer, Ann Tucker of Springfield, has a personal connection to Clayville.

    Her father, Emmet Pearson, bought the Clayville site in the early 1960s, restored its buildings and opened them to the public before donating the property to what was then the Sangamon State University Foundation in 1973. He passed away in 1996.

    Tucker said she helped maintain the landscaping and worked as a tour guide at the site when she was in high school and college.

    She said it was difficult for her parents to watch Clayville decline before they died.

    “I think they would be smiling now to see what tremendous enthusiasm is out there now. It is very heartwarming,” Tucker said.

    Verkuilen said the society wants the site to be returned to a period arts and crafts center and festival site.

    In addition to a Christmas celebration the society is planning, “I want to see if we can get a farmer’s market out here. I want to have a spring festival, I want to get the schools involved with doing various things,” he said.

    More bodies to help and more funds are always needed, he said.

    In June, the historical society signed a 12-month option-to-buy agreement with Clayville’s owner, David Bourland, curator of the Illinois Executive Mansion, for $200,000. The project also received $214,000 to use for the site’s acquisition costs from the state’s capital construction bill.

    While the society now has about $100,000 in donated funds, Verkuilen said those dollars go quickly.

    “We’ve spent close to $30,000 already. … The cedar shingles cost us $15,000, and the additional wood was another $5,000. Then we got another $10,000 going with the various repairs in the buildings, like running electricity,” he said. “The utilities here are running in the neighborhood of $400 a month.”

    He and Usherwood said the challenge is ensuring necessary funds will be there for the long term.

    “The magnitude of the job ahead, at times, it’s frightening. Then, you look back and see the effort that people are putting forth and the community and it raises your spirit about what’s possible,” Usherwood said.

     

  • admin 7:16 pm on October 24, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Outdoor Movies in Arizona 

    Outdoor Movies Under The Stars in Arizona

    Outdoor MoviesTucsonans have lost the DeAnza Drive-in, but Southern Arizonans still have alternatives available that will allow us to watch films under the stars. We can watch outdoor movies May through October, downtown at La Placita. Sometimes, though, we will have to travel a little for that opportunity to watch a movie, outside, in a group setting. This Friday, down in Tubac, one of these special opportunities will present itself in the form of a documentary about “The Sleeping Prophet”, titled: Edgar Cayce: The Beautiful Dreamer.

    This 2004 documentary about Edgar Cayce (1877-1945) isn’t the newest film release, but it has proven to be popular among some Arizonans. Screenings for this film sold out more than a dozen times in Sedona. A sold out August screening in Tubac is the reason for this second showing on Friday. Directed by Darrah Meeley, the film earned rave reviews from Oscar winning directors Robert Wise (The Sound of Music) and Arthur Hiller (Love Story). The film won the “Most Thought Provoking Award” at the 2005 Sedona Film Festival. The film also won praise from Edgar Cayce’s son, Edgar Evans Cayce, who stated: “It is the best film ever made on my father.”

    If you don’t know who Edgar Cayce was, he was an American clairvoyant and psychic. Dubbed “The Sleeping Prophet”, Cayce would lie down and enter into a sleep, or trance state to provide readings. The subjects for his readings were usually not present. Cayce generally provided readings in response to written requests. Most letters he received initially asked for health advice. However, readings soon evolved into advice about many things, including past lives, dream interpretation, and business advice. He also expanded into giving dietary advice. Among Cayce’s dietary recommendations: avoidance of red meat, no alcohol – except for red wine, and two or three almonds a day to keep cancer away. This description of Cayce only touches the surface of who he was. He was the most documented psychic of the 20th century.

    Cayce’s predictions weren’t always right. In fact, he stated that his advice should be tested, rather than accepted as faith.  With thousands of predictions made by Cayce – some made well into our future – we have yet to see if some will come true. Whether or not you believe in psychic phenomena, this documentary presents the life of a very interesting man whose life still fascinates many people today. The film begins at 7:30 pm at Tubac’s Cinema Under The Stars, on Friday. The cost is $5, with proceeds benefiting teen and young adult rehabilition programs.

    Tubac’s weather forecast is clear for Friday evening, but weather predictions aren’t always right, are they? Still we will accept the forecast on faith. The folks at Tubac’s Cinema Under The Stars have secured an alternate location, indoors, just in case.

     

  • admin 7:12 pm on October 24, 2009 Permalink | Reply  

    Outdoor Movies in Florida

    Outdoor MoviesST. PETE BEACH, Fla., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ — B.R. Guest Restaurants and
    President Stephen Hanson announce the official opening of the Postcard Inn on
    The Beach, an affordable refuge and a beachgoer’s escape in St. Pete Beach
    (2007 World’s Best Beach by Dr. Beach). The newest property from Stephen
    Hanson, president of B.R. Guest Restaurants and creator of the James Hotel
    (2004 America’s Sexiest New Resort by Travel + Leisure), the Postcard Inn on
    The Beach is a reprieve from fussy hotels – a vintage American getaway,
    relaxed, beachy and carefree.

    From decor to dining, the Postcard Inn on The Beach stays true to its low-key
    vibe with eclectic, unique design components in every room as well as a
    friendly bar and restaurant. PCI Beach Bar offers beers and spirits to sip
    poolside, plus gulf views, live music and rich local color; Wildwood BBQ &
    Burger hits the spot after a day of catching waves. From sun-up to sundown,
    Pit-Master “Big Lou” Elrose serves up world-class ribs, brisket and pulled
    pork.

    “The Postcard Inn on The Beach is an authentic reflection of its environment,
    incorporating the laid-back essence of St. Pete Beach,” says Stephen Hanson,
    president of B.R. Guest Restaurants. “Similar to opening the James, our first
    hotel property, we’re looking to build a successful brand with unique
    character that will cater to all types of travelers looking for more than just
    the trendiest new hotel.”

    Accommodations:
    Reminiscent of surfers’ digs, each room offers quirky decor elements including
    vintage light fixtures, refurbed surf gear and cozy bedding. Co-designed by
    B.R. Guest Design Director Tara Oxley and SL Design Founder Chris Sheffield,
    the Postcard Inn on The Beach offers rooms that overlook the gulf, the garden,
    or pool. Select rooms boast private poolside patios, bringing the cool gulf
    breeze and rocking pool party right up to guests’ doorsteps. Every room comes
    equipped with a work-station, flat screen television and desk, but no two
    rooms are exactly the same.

    Dining + Drinking:
    The Postcard Inn on The Beach offers several dining options, available
    throughout the day. For a quick bite on the way to surf lessons, the hotel
    will offer guests a complimentary hot and cold continental breakfast, served
    adjacent to the lobby.

    During lunch and dinner, Wildwood BBQ & Burger serves up slow-smoked BBQ
    favorites like ribs, brisket and pulled pork. Wildwood BBQ & Burger comes to
    St. Pete Beach via New York City, where it has received raves for its
    authentic BBQ and lively atmosphere.

    For drinks, PCI Beach Bar is the Postcard Inn on The Beach’s watering hole,
    where guests and locals mingle at the bar, catching local sports on the TV
    over beers and admiring the paraphernalia adorning the walls from its storied
    past.

    For poolside snacks and bites, the PCI Snack Shack offers burgers, ‘dogs,
    pulled pork sandwiches and other short-order dishes.

    Activities:
    Guests hardly need to step out of the hotel as the Postcard Inn on The Beach
    is a destination within a destination, boasting prime beachfront real estate
    and a selection of activities that will satisfy every visitor, from surfing to
    shuffle board to shelling. Or, just sink into a hammock or lounge chair and
    enjoy cocktails by the pool. Additional activities include: gym with cardio
    and weight room, bike rental, long walks and runs on the beach, outdoor
    volleyball and basketball, local fishing and excursions, dolphin sightseeing
    trips, outdoor movies and more. The Postcard Inn on The Beach is also minutes
    from downtown St. Pete and local attractions like nightclubs, mini golf and
    local shops.

    B.R. Guest Restaurants
    Since opening its first restaurant in 1987, B.R. Guest founder Stephen Hanson
    and his team have redefined the restaurant experience through an emphasis on
    hospitality and quality. Current B.R. Guest properties in New York City
    include Atlantic Grill, Blue Fin, Blue Water Grill, Dos Caminos Park, Dos
    Caminos Soho, Dos Caminos Third, Isabella’s, Ocean Grill, Primehouse New York,
    Ruby Foo’s Times Square, Vento Trattoria, Wildwood Barbeque, 206 Spring Street
    Events and, most recently, 675 Bar and Bill’s Bar & Burger. B.R. Guest
    locations outside of New York include Fiamma Trattoria in the MGM Grand and
    Dos Caminos at the Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. In 2007, Hanson
    formed a joint venture with hospitality giant, Barry Sternlicht and his
    Starwood Capital Group, as part of its Starwood Opportunity Fund 7. Also in
    2007, B.R. Guest reinforced its commitment to the environment by becoming the
    first national multi-concept restaurant group to be certified green by the
    Green Restaurant Association(TM). B.R. Guest’s commitment to service and
    hospitality is also evident through its dedication of time and resources to
    community-based organizations including Publicolor Board Member, City Harvest,
    Share Our Strength, City-Meals-On-Wheels, Memorial Sloan Kettering, American
    Cancer Society, World Wildlife Federation, PENCIL, Momentum AIDS Project,
    American Heart Association and The James Beard Foundation.

     

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