The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute booked for Mid-State Fair

Posted on July 1, 2011 by

The California Mid-State Fair recently signed “The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute,” a band that will bring its unbeatable live performance to the 2011 CMSF.  The show will take place on July 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Grandstand Arena.

Admission for the show will be free with paid admission to the Fair.  The concert comes as a thank you gift from the Fair to the fans for all their support and dedication throughout the years.

“The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute” is a Beatles tribute band that has far surpassed any other tribute band.  The band’s precise renditions of the Beatles’ songs allow the fans to feel as if they are actually watching the real thing.

The tribute band will awe the audience when they perform the Beatles’ all-time hits such as “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Yesterday,” “A Day In The Life,” “Penny Lane,” “Here Comes The Sun,” and “Hey Jude.”

The stunning show will feature three different costume changes that will highlight every era of the Beatles ever-changing career.  “The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute” have performed their heartfelt tribute worldwide in locations including Japan, Malaysia, France, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Brazil.

Come and enjoy classic Beatles’ music as a thank you from the Fair!

The 2011 California Mid-State Fair runs July 20 through July 31.  This year’s theme is “Mountains of Fun.”

More information can be found at www.midstatefair.com.

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Circus Vargas adds another show in SLO

Posted on June 30, 2011 by

Due to an overwhelming response to Circus Vargas’ arrival in San Luis Obispo at the Madonna Inn, “America’s Favorite Big Top Circus” has added an extra performance to the Fourth of July weekend schedule on Friday at 4:30 p.m. Ever since the big top was erected, Circus Vargas’ representatives said the phones have been ringing off the hook, Internet sales have gone through the roof and lines of people have been at the ticket booth.

“We are so thrilled that the people of San Luis Obispo County are embracing us,” said Circus Vargas Owner Nelson Quiroga. “We thought we would do well here but we weren’t quite prepared for the lines of people buying tickets in advance of our opening.”

Plenty of seats are still available for all shows although certain seating areas are beginning to sell out. Quiroga wanted to make sure everyone can be accommodated during the five days that the show is in town.

Performances run Monday July 4. Tickets can be purchased in person at the ticket booth in front of the tent, online at www.circusvargas.com and by phone at 877-GOT-FUN-1.

Circus Vargas features death-defying feats, aerial artistry and comedic antics and much more.

Arrive early 30 minutes before show time and get an exciting pre-show peek into the world of Circus Vargas, hosted by reality TV personality from the CBS show The Amazing Race, Jon Weiss. He will be front and center welcoming the audience and inviting children to take a “center stage” look at life under the Big Top.

Everyone is encouraged to participate in the pre-show action, and to join Weiss as he guides them on a quick crash course in circus skill and stamina.

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GALA celebrates 15 years of SLO Pride

Posted on June 30, 2011 by

Pop sensation Taylor Dayne will help San Luis Obispo celebrate 15 years of pride with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GALA) as she performs a free concert during the 15th Annual Pride Festival at Mission Plaza on July 11 during Pride Week 2011.

The 15 annual week-long celebration will begin with Movie Night featuring Sundance Film Festival standout, “Undertow,” at the Palm Theatre on June 23. Admission is $15 and includes a wine reception at 6:30 p.m. when doors open; film at 7 p.m. Post film reception at the GALA Center, 1060 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo, will follow with wine and hors d’oeuvres provided by Big Sky Café from 9 to 11 p.m.

A Pride Art Reception will take place on Friday, July 1 at the GALA Center from 6 to 9 p.m. Wine and appetizers will be served; a silent auction will allow art enthusiasts an opportunity to add to their collection while supporting SLO Pride efforts. Independence Day, July 4, will kick off the final events of Pride Week with a beach barbecue at Pismo Beach from 1 to 10 p.m. Families are welcome to attend and enjoy the beach, barbecue, volleyball and fireworks.

A live performance by singer, Jennifer Martin is scheduled at the Steynberg Gallery July 6 at 7 p.m. Drag Divas Live will perform July 8 at SLO Brew from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Divas tickets are available at the door for $20 or online @ slopride.com – doors will open at 6:30 p.m. A Pride Dance Party will follow at SLO Brew from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; dance tickets are just $5 per person with no additional charge for the dance if a Divas ticket is purchased.

A “15 Years of Pride” Celebration will take place July 9 at the GALA Center from 3 to 7 p.m. GALA’s past presidents will have an opporutnity to share their experiences and reflect on the positive impact and growth each made. Live music, a barbecue, educational displays, photos and additional highlights will be enjoyed with all.

Pride Week culminates with Pride in the Plaza, a day of fun for the whole family, including a a bounce house and obstacal course, carnival games, face painting, an adult beverage garden and an eclectic lineup of dynamic performers including an amazing performance by Taylor Dayne. The Festival event runs from 12 to 6 p.m. and is free to the public. All are welcome to attend an After Pride Party at Novo Restaurant.

GALA promotes the well-being of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transendered (GLBT) community on the Central Coast through education, support, recreation, advocacy & partnerships. GALA participates as an integral part of the growth of the greater San Luis obispo community.

For more information about Pride Week or the history of SLO Pride, call the GALA Center at (805) 541-4252.

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Top talent to battle for ultimate honor at Savor the Central Coast

Posted on June 27, 2011 by

In what many in the food world would consider a major upset, Los Angeles has been named California’s Best Food City in the July issue of Sunset magazine, edging out rival San Francisco with a mere one-point lead.

LA clinched the title thanks to its “Star Wattage,” “New Ideas,” and “Variety/Diversity.” With LA just squeaking by, Sunset has declared a rematch: “LA vs. SF: Food Town Smackdown” has been scheduled for Oct. 2 as part of Sunset’s destination food and wine event, Savor the Central Coast, taking place Sept. 29-Oct. 2 throughout San Luis Obispo County. The dedicated theme of this smackdown: cocktails.

“We are so excited to have top mixologists from California’s two great food cities ‘meet in the middle’ and on neutral ground to settle this rivalry,” said Katie Tamony, Sunset editor-in-chief. “The cocktail renaissance in both cities is red-hot and we’re looking forward to seeing fans rally around their hometown favorites!”

“LA vs. SF: Food Town Smackdown” will take place the afternoon of October 2 and will feature celebrity mixologists from each city competing in front of a live audience. The competition will be judged by an expert panel, including Sunset food editor, Margo True, LA Weekly’s Jonathan Gold, and tablehopper.com’s Marcia Gagliardi. At the end, a new champion will be declared.

More information about the contestants and their cocktails will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information about all of the Western regional “Food Fights” featured in Sunset’s July issue, see the July 20 press release titled “FOOD FIGHT! Sunset Declares Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, and Phoenix-Scottsdale Winners of Best Food City ‘Smackdowns’.” Or, go to Sunset’s website.

“LA vs. SF: Food Town Smackdown” will be a part of SAVOR’s Main Event, which is being held at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch.

The centerpiece of Sunset Savor the Central Coast 2011, the Main Event will celebrate the flavors of the good life on the Central Coast: Gardening seminars, food and wine pairings, discussions on sustainability, backyard farming exhibits, and cooking demonstrations featuring celebrity chef, Cat Cora.

In addition, the Sunset Savor the Central Coast 2011 weekend will offer a host of adventure tours, celebrations, and farm-to-table meals to bring the beauty and bounty of California’s Central Coast vibrantly to life, including:

  • VIP Reception and Opening Night soirée at Hearst Castle on Sept. 29
  • Sunset Western Wine Awards Gala on the Pismo Beach Pier, Sept. 30
  • Paso Glow culinary experience in Paso Robles’ City Park where local chefs and farmers join Cat Cora to celebrate the Central Coast under the moon on Saturday evening, Oct. 1
  • “SAVOR the Mission Plaza,” an al fresco dining experience in the heart of SLO Mission Plaza, featuring San Luis Obispo County’s best chefs and wineries, Saturday evening, Oct. 1
  • Kayaking the Morro Bay Estuary, hiking Montaña de Oro State Park, hot-air-ballooning over Paso Robles wine country, and much more.

Tickets for the Sunset Savor the Central Coast 2011 event are on sale at www.SavorCentralCoast.com and will also be available at Farm Supply outlets starting July 5.

Sunset magazine has partnered with the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau to launch Sunset Savor the Central Coast 2011. For more event information and tickets, visit www.savorcentralcoast.com, or call 800‐768‐6653.  Become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SavorCC, or follow us on Twitter (@SavorCC).

Ticket proceeds and sponsorships are considered donations to the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Convention Bureau, a 501 c 6 non‐profit tourism organization promoting San Luis Obispo County.

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California’s famed Highway 1 reopens

Posted on June 21, 2011 by

Historic Highway 1 has been officially reopened, announced Caltrans officials last week.

The winter slide, 7.5 miles north of the San Luis Obispo / Monterey County line and 40 miles south of Big Sur at Alder Creek, is now unobstructed to two-lane traffic, 24 hours per day.  The devastating slide had completely closed the roadway to the public in both directions, including motorized vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians since April 13.

Northbound travelers seeking to visit the bucolic coastal communities of Cayucos, Cambria, San Simeon — home to Hearst Castle — and Ragged Point are no longer troubled with road closures at the gateway to Big Sur via Hwy 1 north.  Travelers from Northern California once again have access to the coastal communities of San Luis Obispo County via the treasured historic highway.

Cayucos, renowned for sea glass and its dog friendly beaches, is also home to hiking, parasailing and surfing, among many other activities.  Outdoor adventurists will also enjoy tide pools with abundant sea life, hiking on bluffs overlooking the ocean and more. Antique-seekers will keep busy in the many shops, and foodies will find sumptuous eateries.  Ample vacation rentals, hotels and B&Bs dot this coastal community.

Cambria is a quaint artisan village with no shortage of activities for the inquisitive traveler,  including world renowned art galleries, antiquing, quaint B&Bs, cafés and gourmet restaurants, horseback riding, bike rentals, and whale-watching from the enticing two-mile Moonstone Beach boardwalk.

San Simeon, famed as the home of Hearst Castle, boasts miles of rugged coastal land with beautiful day hikes, kite surfing, kayaking, an elephant seal rookery, and more.  This tranquil oceanfront community is rich with beachfront and inland accommodations.  Hearst Castle stands over San Simeon in majestic splendor, while further north, travelers can tour the Piedras Blancas lighthouse or enjoy the vistas at Ragged Point.

Located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo’s coastal communities are home to quaint small towns, abundant scenic beauty, unspoiled beaches, historic and cultural attractions, and undiscovered treasures.  We invite you to visit www.WineCoastCountry.com for additional information.

Posted in California Wines, Hike SLO, Places to Eat, Places to shop, Places to Stay, San Luis Obispo Events, Uncategorized, Upcoming Events | Leave a comment

Free summer jazz concert series

Posted on June 17, 2011 by

This summer, visit San Luis Obispo for the free Court Street Summer Jazz Series. Every Saturday from June 11 through Sept. 17, the Court Street Terrace will be filled with music.

From noon to 3 p.m. every Saturday this summer, visit Court Street Terrace, upstairs, by Sephora and Pottery Barn in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

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Mid-State Fair books Country Rodeo Finals, Monster Truck Showdown

Posted on June 15, 2011 by

The California Mid-State Fair recently announced that the Country Rodeo Finals and Monster Truck Showdown have been booked for July 30 and July 31, respectively. Both shows will take place in the Main Grandstand Arena and start at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the Country Rodeo Finals will be $14 and $18 ($20/day-of), while tickets for the Monster Truck Showdown will be $16 and $20 ($25/day-of).  Both will go on sale June 16 at 10 a.m.  Tickets will be available at the California Mid-State Fair box office, online at www.midstatefair.com, any Vallitix outlet, or charge by phone at 1-800-909-FAIR.

The Country Rodeo Finals is the culmination of hard work and stellar performances during the morning’s rodeo events… it’s your chance to see some of this area’s best and brightest cowboys and cowgirls.

Featured events include Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Team Penning, Barrel Racing, Match Roping Ranch Rope & Brand, Double Mugging and Mixed Ribbon Roping.  In addition to the competitive events, fans will be treated to a variety of specialty acts throughout the performance.

The show will begin with the spectacular Skydiving Flag carrier landing in the arena.  The special arrival of the flag is a tribute to our country’s armed forces and part of Armed Forces Day at the Fair, July 30, where those with a valid military ID receive free admission to the Fair.

This year, get ready for the thrill-ride of your life as the Toughest Monster Truck Tour comes calling.  Monster trucks over 10 feet tall will be crushing cars all night long in three different competitions.

Featured trucks this year include former World Champion Bounty Hunter, Iron Outlaw, Patriot, Camo Thunder, Shocker and Terminator.  Also this year, fans will be treated to a spectacular freestyle motocross show as three riders hand-picked by Paso Robles’ own Chuck Carothers will be performing tricks throughout the night – including the awesome back flip.

The 2011 California Mid-State Fair runs July 20 through July 31.  This year’s theme is “Mountains of Fun.”

More information can be found at www.midstatefair.com.

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Stay and play for Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011

Posted on June 10, 2011 by

A number of hotels have recently announced their partnership with Sunset magazine to offer packages that highlight the beauty and bounty of the Central Coast in tandem with the publication’s second annual destination food and wine event, Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011.

Properties from San Simeon to the Santa Ynez Valley have crafted generous stay-and-play packages combining comfortable accommodations with tickets to the multi-day celebration, held Sept. 29 through Oct. 2, as well as invitations to enjoy quintessential Central Coast activities such as golfing, wine tasting and fine dining.

“Sunset Savor the Central Coast 2011 will showcase our county’s growing wine region and gourmet cuisine, highlight our local farmers, and show off our scenic beauty,” said Brittany Garcia, community and member relations manager for the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau, which hosts the event with Sunset.  “This year we are partnering with some of the best hotels in San Luis Obispo County to create packages that augment the true ‘SAVOR experience.’”

Hotel Highlights include:
The historic Paso Robles Inn, which offers double-occupancy two-night stay (Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1), two one-day passes to the Main Event, a bottle of Paso Robles wine and welcome basket of local artisan products, a Paso Robles wine tasting map, insulated wine tote, complimentary tastings at local wineries, and a $50 voucher to the newly-remodeled Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse.

The romantic Shoreline Inn…on the beach in Cayucos, whose package includes a double-occupancy two-night stay in a beachfront room, two one-day tickets to the Main Event valued at $170.00, a half-dozen Brown Butter cookies and a signature wine opener from the Shoreline Inn.

The Holiday Inn Express in San Luis Obispo, which will include a double-occupancy two-night stay with a king suite upgrade, two one-day passes to the Main Event, and a welcome basket featuring local products.

For a full list of Central Coast hotel properties offering packages for Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011, visit www.SavorCentralCoast.com.

Held at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch, the centerpiece of Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011 is the Main Event which will celebrate the flavors of the good life on the Central Coast: Gardening seminars, food and wine pairings, discussions on sustainability, backyard farming exhibits, and cooking demonstrations featuring celebrity chef, Cat Cora.  In addition, the Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011 weekend will offer a host of adventure tours, celebrations, and farm-to-table meals to bring the beauty and bounty of California’s Central Coast vibrantly to life, including:

  • VIP Reception and Opening Night soirée at Hearst Castle on Thursday, September 29
  • Sunset Western Wine Awards Gala on the Pismo Beach Pier, Friday, September 30
  • • Paso Glow culinary experience in Paso Robles’ City Park where local chefs and farmers join Cat Cora to celebrate the Central Coast under the moon on Saturday evening, October 1
  • “SAVOR the Mission Plaza,” an al fresco dining experience in the heart of SLO Mission Plaza, featuring San Luis Obispo County’s best chefs and wineries, Saturday evening, October 1
  • Kayaking the Morro Bay Estuary, horseback riding across the Oceano Dunes, hiking Moñtana de Oro State Park, hot-air-ballooning over Paso Robles wine country, and much more.

Tickets for the Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011 event are on sale at www.SavorCentralCoast.com and will also be available at Farm Supply outlets starting July 5.

Sunset magazine has partnered with the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau to launch Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011. For more event information and tickets, visit www.savorcentralcoast.com, or call 800‐768‐6653.  Become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SavorCC, or follow us on Twitter (@SavorCC).  Ticket proceeds and sponsorships are considered donations to the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Convention Bureau, a 501 c 6 non‐profit tourism organization promoting San Luis Obispo County.

About Sunset magazine
Sunset magazine is the premier guide to life in the West, covering the newest and best ideas in Western home design and landscaping, food and entertaining, and regional travel in 13 Western states. Sunset and www.sunset.com are part of the lifestyle group of magazines and websites published by the Time Inc. Lifestyle Group.

About the San Luis Obispo Visitors & Conference Bureau
The San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau promotes San Luis Obispo County through advertising, marketing, public relations and group sales.  Its membership base is comprised of over 500 tourism industry-related businesses including lodging properties, restaurants, wineries, golf courses and retail stores.  For more information on the VCB, please visit www.SanLuisObispoCounty.com.

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SLO summer concert series kicks off this weekend

Posted on June 8, 2011 by

Summer in San Luis Obispo evokes a joy and zest unlike any other season. Each year, San Luis Obispo’s Mission Plaza comes alive with the sounds of a summer concert series featuring a variety of local San Luis Obispo bands and regional favorites.

Concerts in the Plaza is a premier concert series on the Central Coast, and this free, two-hour show is right in the heart of downtown at Mission Plaza. The first show begins in at the first Friday of June and the series continues every Friday evening until the end of August.

Now in its 16th year, Concerts in the Plaza has blossomed into what some call the best free party in town. So whether you are here visiting for a few days or a few hours, we hope you will plan to stay awhile and listen to the sounds of summer in San Luis Obispo.  Concerts in the Plaza is a family-friendly event, so bring the kids every Friday night beginning in June and running through to August from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mission Plaza.

2011 Bands & Dates
June 10 – NADA RASTA
June 17–TRUTH ABOUT SEAFOOD
June 24 – TROPO
July 1 – CUESTA RIDGE
July 8 – ZONGO ALL-STARS
July 15 – DAMON CASTILLO BAND
July 22 – RESINATION
July 29 – CRITICNUE
August 5 – GUY BUDD BAND with special guest Ingra
August 12 – MONTE MILLS and the LUCKY HORSESHOE BAND
August 19 – BURNING JAMES and the FUNKY FLAMES
August 26 – THE JD PROJECT
Sept 2 – BIG DADDY’S BLUES BAND

More information can be found at www.downtownslo.com. Stop by the San Luis Obispo Visitors Center and pick up the Visitors Guide and “It’s Happening in SLO” guide to all events in San Luis Obispo.

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Pismo hotel offers Billabong Surf Camp package

Posted on June 7, 2011 by

Whether you’ve always wanted to try your luck at catching waves or you’re the Big Kahuna, Pismo Lighthouse Suites has got you covered this summer.

Partnering with the SandBar Surf Company in Pismo Beach, Pismo Lighthouse Suites is offering an all-inclusive “Midweek Billabong Surf Camp Package” – a four-night package that includes a three-day Billabong Surf Camp for two and a luxurious two-room suite.

“The Billabong Surf Camp package is a wonderful way to introduce new and beginning surfers of all ages to the sport of surfing,” says Erik Mund, General Manager of Pismo Lighthouse Suites.  “The package is a perfect complement to the classic California town of Pismo Beach that practically lives and breathes surfing.  I can’t think of a better opportunity for our guests to get introduced to the core of what Pismo Beach represents to so many people.”

The package, which is available now through August 28, 2011, kicks off with a relaxed Sunday check-in so you can rest up for the week ahead.  Choose from either an Oceanfront Suite which features a spacious bedroom, with either a King bed or two Queen beds, living room with a Queen size sofa sleeper, and 2 full bathrooms. Alternatively, the two-room Family Suite offers the convenience of two separate sleeping rooms with private bathrooms.

Each morning, get energized for a day on the waves with Pismo Lighthouse Suites’ expanded deluxe continental breakfast overlooking the mighty Pacific Ocean.  Then hit the beach at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. or 4 p.m., for a two-hour Billabong surf lesson with an experienced surf instructor in a small group setting.  Surfboards, wetsuits and rash guards are provided.  The camp also provides two stainless steel water bottles and sunscreen for you to keep, and a souvenir T-shirt from the Billabong Surf Camp to elicit envious whimpers from your friends back home!

If you have the energy to explore during your off-time, there’s plenty to entice you away from the beach.  When you’re not enjoying Pismo Beach’s world-renowned surf:

  • Take in the classic California vibe of the Pismo Beach pier and seaside shops.
  • Put the car’s top down and drive just ten minutes through charming countryside to reach Edna Valley, where award-winning wineries open their doors to visitors year-round for tasting.
  • Enjoy culinary bliss at any one of Pismo Beach’s top-notch restaurants, where chefs source fresh, colorful ingredients from nearby farms, and don’t miss the world famous clam chowder.
  • Burn calories in the open air with a hike across the Pismo Beach Dunes, a bicycle ride into gorgeous Price Canyon, or kayak around the tidepools in nearby Shell Beach.

Of course, if you prefer to stay in and wind down, you can arrange for an in-room massage or treat yourself to a full service treatment with Spa Central Coast Avila Beach at the sister hotel, Avila Lighthouse Suites.

The Billabong Surf Camp Package is perfect for the whole family.  Two members can partake in the surf lessons while other family members enjoy other activities and attractions.  Pismo Lighthouse Suites hotel’s amazing activity-filled family play deck including a life-size chess and checkers board, multiple ping pong tables, badminton court, putting greens as well as an oceanfront heated pool and spa ensures laid-back fun for all.  And Pismo Lighthouse Suites’ accommodations are ideally designed for mom and dad to enjoy alone time in their own half of the suite or on the balcony at night after the kids hit the hay.
To book your room for the “Midweek Billabong Surf Camp Package,” or for more information, visit www.PismoLighthouseSuites.com or call 800.245.2411.

Part of the Martin Resorts collection of hotels on California’s Central Coast, the Pismo Lighthouse Suites and Avila Lighthouse Suites hotels are oceanfront properties overlooking unspoiled white-sand beaches on California’s Central Coast.  Surrounded by breathtaking ocean views and within minutes of some of the best wineries and restaurants in the world, these hotels provide luxurious accommodations for travelers seeking distinctive style, comfort, and convenience in the heart of The Golden State.

For more information or to book your stay at Pismo Lighthouse Suites, please visit www.PismoLighthouseSuites.com or call 800.245.2411.

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