Darius Rucker Raises $715K for St. Jude at Annual Ryman Concert; Brings All-Time Total to $4.3M+
Nearly two decades after first visiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® where he was immediately inspired to pledge his support, CMA Humanitarian of the Year Darius Rucker continues to give back, surpassing the $4.3 million mark with this year’s 15th annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert on Monday night, June 3, which was paired with a corresponding celebrity golf tournament yesterday, June 4.
This year’s event alone raised an all-time high of $715,000 for the cause.
Sold out well in advance despite the three-time GRAMMY winner’s famous friends not being revealed until they took the stage, the unofficial kickoff to CMA Fest praised by the Tennessean for offering “multiple servings of the country music industry’s past, present, and future for an essential cause” featured dozens of hit songs and beloved covers by Rucker as well as his surprise guests Ingrid Andress, Dan + Shay, Jamey Johnson, Chase Matthew and Shane Profitt.
Rucker was also joined by his Hootie & the Blowfish bandmate Mark Bryan fresh off opening weekend of the group’s Summer Camp with Trucks Tour.
After a live auction and donation round which added thousands to the fundraising tally, Rucker kicked off the main event with a trio of hits – “Have A Good Time” off new album Carolyn’s Boy, his 10th and most recent No. 1 hit “Beers and Sunshine” and chart-topping “For The First Time” – before introducing the first friend of the evening as rising star Chase Matthew took the stage to perform Gold-certified “Love You Again,” Platinum-certified “County Line” and a cover of his upcoming tourmate Jason Aldean’s chart topper, “She’s Country,” earning a the newcomer a standing ovation at the Mother Church.
GRAMMY Award-winning duo Dan + Shay also thrilled the packed house
GRAMMY Award-winning duo Dan + Shay also thrilled the packed house with their hits “Speechless” and “Tequila,” plus the title track to their latest album, “Bigger Houses,” while Billboard Rookie of the Month Shane Profitt wowed the Ryman audience with top 15 hit “How It Oughta Be” and “Better Off Fishin’.”
As is customary at the annual event, Rucker also returned to the stage between each guest set, treating fans to hits ranging from his Platinum-certified country breakout “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” and Double Platinum-certified No. 1 “Alright” to current single “Never Been Over,” with the multi-genre star branching out from his own catalog for rousing versions of Bell Biv Devoe’s “Poison,” Tim McGraw’s “I Like It, I Love It” and TLC’s “Waterfalls.”
Hootie & the Blowfish bandmate Mark Bryan also joined him for fan-favorites “Only Wanna Be With You” and “Hold My Hand,” offering a taste of what to expect on the road this summer.
Ingrid Andress made a rare live appearance
Ingrid Andress made a rare live appearance during a hiatus from touring to offer a well-received take on John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” plus her chart-topping hit “More Hearts Than Mine” and a solo version of her Sam Hunt duet, “Wishful Drinking,” while Jamey Johnson offered yet another standout moment with an evocative performance of his emotional hit “In Color” as well as “Give It Away,” the No. 1 hit he penned for George Strait, with Rucker then joining him for a stirring duet of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.”
Closing out the memorable evening, the host of the night owned the stage one final time as the show ended according to tradition, with Rucker joined by the sold-out Ryman crowd for a “Wagon Wheel” singalong, the feel-good energy throughout the auditorium symbolic of the night as a whole.
This year’s milestone fundraising event adds yet another successful page to the decade-plus history of “Darius and Friends.” Prior guests have included Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Jelly Roll, Charles Kelley of Lady A, Ashley McBryde, A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Megan Moroney, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers and Tommy Thayer of KISS, among many others.
The annual fundraising event, made possible with support from generous sponsors AMD, CDW and The Law Office of Jennifer McCoy, helps ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – so they can focus on helping their child live.
This year’s “Darius and Friends” event adds to an exciting season for the multi-time Diamond-certified superstar, who recently released a reimagined duet version of his Carolyn’s Boy album standout “Never Been Over” featuring Jennifer Nettles. On May 28 he released his first book, a memoir titled “Life’s Too Short” that explores the story of his life through the lens of the music that defined it, and tickets to the Hootie & the Blowfish Summer Camp with Trucks Tour are on sale now HERE.
For more information, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.
About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (21x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time.
Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time.
His brand-new album Carolyn’s Boy is available everywhere now along with current single “Never Been Over,” recently re-released as a duet with Sugarland vocalist Jennifer Nettles. His first book, a memoir titled “Learn to Live” available everywhere now via Dey Street Books.
As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $4.3 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament.
In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics line of NFL, MLB and NCAA apparel available at Fanatics.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.
About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.
It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and it won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live.
Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
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Global Art lovers take notice as Jérôme Peschard Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
Jérôme Peschard Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
For the past 60 years, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts has epitomised the essence of French art de vivre across the globe. As 2024 heralds its Diamond Jubilee, commemorated with a series of exclusive events at Sofitel properties worldwide, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, the paragon of French hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City, proudly inaugurated an extraordinary celebration of art.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/From-Left-Betty-Qiffe-Pallard-Consul-General-Daniel-Stork-of-the-Netherlands-to-Vietnam-Nykky-Do-and-Milena-Padula-Spouse-of-Consul-General-of-Italy-to-Vietnam-1024x684.jpg)
From Left- Betty Qiffe Pallard, Consul General Daniël Stork of the Netherlands to Vietnam, Nykky Do and Milena Padula- Spouse of Consul General of Italy to Vietnam / photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Painting-1-scaled-e1719530418374-684x1024.jpg)
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
On the evening of June 21st, the Sofitel Saigon Plaza was the scene of a glittering event, marking the launch of a collaboration with the internationally renowned French Pop Artist, Jérôme Peschard.
![French Pop Artist Jérôme Peschard Portrait / photo courtesy of Stephane Thierry](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/French-Pop-Artist-Jerome-Peschard-Portrait-2-683x1024.jpg)
French Pop Artist Jérôme Peschard Portrait / photo courtesy of Stephane Thierry
The hotel’s lobby served as an elegant backdrop for an array of Peschard’s stunning oil paintings on recycled corrugated metal, showcasing his inspiration from French Indochina.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/group-1024x684.jpg)
From Left- Tracie May, Milena Padula- Wife of Consul General of Italy to Vietnam, Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel Manager Alistair Minty, Lindsay Nutley, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam Sarah Hooper, Simon Pugh and Michael Hooper // photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
The event attracted an illustrious group of attendees, including Mrs. Sarah Hooper, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam; Mr. Daniël Stork, Consul General of the Netherlands to Vietnam; Mrs. Milena Padula, spouse of Italian Consul General Enrico Padula; and Mrs. Lê Hạnh, CEO of TVHub Vietnam. Distinguished guests also included Michelin Starred Chef/Owner Peter Cong Franklin of Ănăn Saigon, totalling one hundred and thirty of Ho Chi Minh’s leading tastemakers.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Painting-4-scaled-e1719530504956-684x1024.jpg)
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
Guests enjoyed a selection of exquisite canapés, fine wines, and champagne while admiring Peschard’s captivating works. Adding to the allure, music by DJ Edge Pamute filled the space, and trendsetters Tracie May and Nykky Domodelled custom-embroidered Áo Dài, the national costume of Vietnam, designed by Peschard and couturière Giao Basson. A pop-up retail store showcasing Peschard’s merchandise collection also opened to the public, featuring a curated selection of home decor, limited edition numbered and artist-signed lacquer replicas of paintings, and an array of gift items. Both the boutique and the art exhibit will grace the Sofitel Saigon Plaza throughout the summer, concluding in early September.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Painting-2-scaled-e1719530437404-684x1024.jpg)
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
This premier event highlighted the vibrant intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, celebrating a unique fusion that will enchant visitors throughout the season, encapsulating Sofitel Hotel and Resort’s world of prestige and luxury.
![](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Saigon_03-970x1024.png)
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
“I’m deeply grateful to Sofitel Saigon Plaza for granting me such a fantastic platform to showcase my art. Although I am French, my heart is Vietnamese, and I’m thrilled to share my homage to Vietnam with their guests and visitors during the 60th Anniversary celebration of Sofitel Hotels and Resorts.” – Jérôme Peschard
“Marking 60 years of exceptional hospitality, we take pride in being a part of a legacy that consistently sets the standard for excellence in Asia, providing a unique experience for all modern travellers to explore Ho Chi Minh City through a French-inspired perspective.” – Mario Mendis, GM, Sofitel Saigon Plaza
ABOUT SOFITEL SAIGON PLAZA:
Sofitel Saigon Plaza harmonises the sophistication of French art de vivre with the vibrancy of local Vietnamese culture, delivering a luxury hospitality experience enriched by genuine heartfelt service. Conveniently located in a tranquil enclave on Le Duan Boulevard, Sofitel Saigon Plaza places you in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s business, cultural, and shopping district. The hotel boasts 286 rooms and suites adorned with refined décor and deluxe amenities, a fitness centre featuring advanced exercise equipment, and an outdoor swimming pool with breathtaking city views. Sofitel Saigon Plaza also features five dining establishments serving local and French cuisine, seven polished meeting rooms, and an opulent ballroom equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the ideal destination for business, leisure, meetings, and gatherings.
ABOUT JÉRÔME PESCHARD:
Dubbed the “Gauguin of Vietnam,” Jérôme Peschard is a self-taught artist whose work reflects a life richly lived and creatively charged. His art bridges the past with the present, blending East and West, while drawing profound inspiration from his adopted home of Vietnam. Characterised by the use of oil on rusted corrugated iron sheets salvaged from local construction sites, his pieces reflect the very essence of Saigon – its history, development, people, culture, and vibrant spirit. Peschard’s unique fusion of Western pop art with Asian influences, inspired by comic book legend Jack Kirby and modern art icons like Basquiat and Warhol, continues to evolve as he explores new themes in his storytelling. In the dynamic energy of Vietnam, Peschard not only found his place in the world, but also his distinctive artistic identity.
Vegas Loves Darius! 3-Time Grammy Winner Raises $715K for St. Jude at Annual Ryman Concert; Brings All-Time Total to $4.3M+
Darius Rucker Raises $715K for St. Jude at Annual Ryman Concert; Brings All-Time Total to $4.3M+
Nearly two decades after first visiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® where he was immediately inspired to pledge his support, CMA Humanitarian of the Year Darius Rucker continues to give back, surpassing the $4.3 million mark with this year’s 15th annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert on Monday night, June 3, which was paired with a corresponding celebrity golf tournament yesterday, June 4.
This year’s event alone raised an all-time high of $715,000 for the cause.
Sold out well in advance despite the three-time GRAMMY winner’s famous friends not being revealed until they took the stage, the unofficial kickoff to CMA Fest praised by the Tennessean for offering “multiple servings of the country music industry’s past, present, and future for an essential cause” featured dozens of hit songs and beloved covers by Rucker as well as his surprise guests Ingrid Andress, Dan + Shay, Jamey Johnson, Chase Matthew and Shane Profitt.
Rucker was also joined by his Hootie & the Blowfish bandmate Mark Bryan fresh off opening weekend of the group’s Summer Camp with Trucks Tour.
After a live auction and donation round which added thousands to the fundraising tally, Rucker kicked off the main event with a trio of hits – “Have A Good Time” off new album Carolyn’s Boy, his 10th and most recent No. 1 hit “Beers and Sunshine” and chart-topping “For The First Time” – before introducing the first friend of the evening as rising star Chase Matthew took the stage to perform Gold-certified “Love You Again,” Platinum-certified “County Line” and a cover of his upcoming tourmate Jason Aldean’s chart topper, “She’s Country,” earning a the newcomer a standing ovation at the Mother Church.
GRAMMY Award-winning duo Dan + Shay also thrilled the packed house
GRAMMY Award-winning duo Dan + Shay also thrilled the packed house with their hits “Speechless” and “Tequila,” plus the title track to their latest album, “Bigger Houses,” while Billboard Rookie of the Month Shane Profitt wowed the Ryman audience with top 15 hit “How It Oughta Be” and “Better Off Fishin’.”
As is customary at the annual event, Rucker also returned to the stage between each guest set, treating fans to hits ranging from his Platinum-certified country breakout “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” and Double Platinum-certified No. 1 “Alright” to current single “Never Been Over,” with the multi-genre star branching out from his own catalog for rousing versions of Bell Biv Devoe’s “Poison,” Tim McGraw’s “I Like It, I Love It” and TLC’s “Waterfalls.”
Hootie & the Blowfish bandmate Mark Bryan also joined him for fan-favorites “Only Wanna Be With You” and “Hold My Hand,” offering a taste of what to expect on the road this summer.
Ingrid Andress made a rare live appearance
Ingrid Andress made a rare live appearance during a hiatus from touring to offer a well-received take on John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” plus her chart-topping hit “More Hearts Than Mine” and a solo version of her Sam Hunt duet, “Wishful Drinking,” while Jamey Johnson offered yet another standout moment with an evocative performance of his emotional hit “In Color” as well as “Give It Away,” the No. 1 hit he penned for George Strait, with Rucker then joining him for a stirring duet of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.”
Closing out the memorable evening, the host of the night owned the stage one final time as the show ended according to tradition, with Rucker joined by the sold-out Ryman crowd for a “Wagon Wheel” singalong, the feel-good energy throughout the auditorium symbolic of the night as a whole.
This year’s milestone fundraising event adds yet another successful page to the decade-plus history of “Darius and Friends.” Prior guests have included Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Jelly Roll, Charles Kelley of Lady A, Ashley McBryde, A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Megan Moroney, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers and Tommy Thayer of KISS, among many others.
The annual fundraising event, made possible with support from generous sponsors AMD, CDW and The Law Office of Jennifer McCoy, helps ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – so they can focus on helping their child live.
This year’s “Darius and Friends” event adds to an exciting season for the multi-time Diamond-certified superstar, who recently released a reimagined duet version of his Carolyn’s Boy album standout “Never Been Over” featuring Jennifer Nettles. On May 28 he released his first book, a memoir titled “Life’s Too Short” that explores the story of his life through the lens of the music that defined it, and tickets to the Hootie & the Blowfish Summer Camp with Trucks Tour are on sale now HERE.
For more information, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.
About Darius Rucker
Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status in the music industry as lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the GRAMMY Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish, who have sold more than 25 million albums worldwide including their Double Diamond-certified (21x Platinum) debut Cracked Rear View, which remains among the top 10 best-selling studio albums of all time.
Since releasing his first Country album in 2008, Rucker has earned a whole new legion of fans with four No. 1 albums on the Billboard Country chart plus 10 No. 1 singles at Country radio and 11 Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum certified hits. Rucker was inducted as a Grand Ole Opry member in 2012 and in 2014 he won his third career GRAMMY Award for Best Solo Country Performance with his Diamond-certified (11x Platinum) version of “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time.
His brand-new album Carolyn’s Boy is available everywhere now along with current single “Never Been Over,” recently re-released as a duet with Sugarland vocalist Jennifer Nettles. His first book, a memoir titled “Learn to Live” available everywhere now via Dey Street Books.
As a lifelong philanthropist, Rucker co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. and has raised over $4.3 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through his annual Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament.
In addition, Rucker has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation and serves as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tenn. Rucker is also an avid sports fan, with his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics line of NFL, MLB and NCAA apparel available at Fanatics.com, and he is part of the Music City Baseball investment group working to bring an MLB team to Tennessee in addition to serving as a partner at the MGC Sports & Entertainment agency.
About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.
It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and it won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.
St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live.
Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
Bourbon-lover Ultimate Weekend Trip? Fredericksburg Virginia Bed & Breakfast with a Twist, Owen King from Ironclad Distillery shares Delicious Details
Love Tasting Bourbons? This Fredericksburg Virginia Bed & Breakfast Might Be Your Dream Visit, Owen King from Ironclad Distillery shares Delicious Details
Ironclad Inn is the first B & B & B – Bed & Breakfast & Bourbon Tasting Room.
![Ironclad Inn is the first B & B & B – Bed & Breakfast & Bourbon Tasting Room](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-at-1.44.34 PM-1024x683.png)
Ironclad Inn is the first B & B & B – Bed & Breakfast & Bourbon Tasting Room
Today’s conversation with Distiller Owen King from Ironclad Distillery has been edited for length and clarity. For the full, un-edited conversation, visit our YouTube channel here.
![Owen King, Ironclad Distillery](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-at-1.42.56 PM.png)
Owen King, Ironclad Distillery
Joe Winger:
A lot of really cool things are happening right now. I want to jump into your tasting room, the distillery, we’ll get into bourbon tastings in a few minutes.
But first and foremost, what’s the most important thing with Ironclad right now for you?
Owen King:
The most important thing about Ironclad for me right now is the same thing it’s always been, trying to make the best bourbon we can.
The other thing is spreading the word about our bed and breakfast; and bourbon. It’s a bed and breakfast in Fredericksburg that when you’re there, you can drink bourbon.
![Ironclad's famous Old Fashioned cocktail](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-at-1.43.12 PM-820x1024.png)
Ironclad’s famous Old Fashioned cocktail
We make a lot of old fashions there and we always have all these leftover oranges. Now the perfect thing is in the morning you have fresh squeezed orange juice from our [leftover] old fashions.
It’s really working double duty now.
Besides that I just love the fact that we can now expand our distillery up to Fredericksburg. So we can have more people try our bourbon and enjoy our bourbon, which is the goal.
Joe Winger:
Getting to know you before you jump into Ironclad, I want to use the word “were”, you were a football player and cooking changed your life.
Tell us more about your cooking. Was there a special dish that enhanced your life?
Owen King:
I’m Italian. So obviously with the Italian genes, we share our love through food. Growing up I cooked a lot.
When I went to college [I cooked] for my teammates. I’d make dinner for everyone. So when we decided to open the bourbon distillery, I figured, I know how to cook. I think I could probably figure out how to make bourbon.
I know flavors. I know how things go well together. I think I have a pretty decent palette.
So putting all those things together to make a great bourbon was the goal.
Food is one of those things where you never stop improving. I feel the same about bourbon.
Joe Winger:
Is there a favorite dish?
Owen King:
Breaded chicken cutlets and spaghetti.
That is how it started. Then I was like “I really like cheese.” Maybe I could put cheese in with the breadcrumbs and then do that. Then I started expanding. Chicken Parm. Making my own sauce. Thinking I could add something here to make that better.
It’s the same way I look at bourbon.
Thinking, “I like what this person’s doing. Let me see what they’re doing. I can build off that to make it work on my own.”
Creating my own recipes, going from there, just continually tweaking little things here and there.
We’ll make a 5% difference, maybe a 10% difference.
Joe Winger:
Ironclad Distillery is in Newport News, Virginia. The bed and breakfast Ironclad Inn is in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
For most people when we think of bourbon, we don’t always think of Virginia as the first choice. What would surprise us most about coming down to Virginia for a bourbon tasting and staying the night?
![Ironclad Distillery](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-at-1.42.45 PM-1024x576.png)
Ironclad Distillery
Owen King:
If you’re coming down to Virginia, you have to remember Virginia is the birthplace of American spirits. The first place spirits were made in the new colonies, in the new world, was here in Virginia.
The first corn liquor which would eventually become bourbon, was made in Virginia.
You can also talk about Elijah Craig, who was from Fairfax County, Virginia, before he moved out to Kentucky.
On top of that, Kentucky wasn’t a state until 1793. Evan Williams was doing distillation in 1783, and at that point Kentucky was still Virginia.
The birthplace of bourbon is right here in Virginia.
I’ve been to Kentucky a lot. They talk about the birthplace of bourbon being there in Kentucky.
Maybe the territory it’s in was Kentucky, but it was still Virginia at the time.
Whenever someone comes by, I can tell them the history of actual bourbon, where you’re gonna get the whole story, not just the fantasized story that you get in Kentucky.
Joe Winger:
I’m incredibly glad you just shared that.
Let’s talk about The Ironclad Bed and Breakfast now. The bourbon tasting room, the event space.
Owen King:
We wanted to spread our bourbon out around the state. We’ve always really liked Fredericksburg. It’s a beautiful town. It’s got a ton of history to it.
Nothing goes better with bourbon than a good story.
So we can always tell our history while drinking. So with our bed and breakfast, we looked at what the bigger guys were doing. A lot of them were starting to have these places where you could stay [the night] and get an experience to go along with it.
We really wanted to spread our Ironclad experience.
We have a tasting room. It’s beautifully decorated by my sister. We’ve got a bottle shop where you can pick up pretty much every one of our bourbons that are available. We’ve got a bar so you can try it from our seasonal cocktail menus where we change it five times a year.
We have a winter, a fall, a spring, summer [menu].Then a holiday menu as well.
No matter what time of year you’re there, you’re trying something that’s going to go well seasonally.
Everyone likes seasonal drinks. You don’t want to drink in the fall, what you’d drink in the summer.
We always have an old fashioned and it’s a damn good old fashioned.
Then we also have an event space. We have weddings. We’ve had 50th birthday parties.
![Ironclad Inn wedding and special events](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-at-1.46.15 PM-941x1024.png)
Ironclad Inn wedding and special events
We’ve had any event that you want to tie into with our bourbon or just if you want a beautiful event space in a building that was built in 1793 we have that as a great option.
It’s a really cool spot that you can go and see and experience.
It’s something we want to share, our love for bourbon with everyone.
Whether you’re here in Newport News or in Fredericksburg, you’ll get a King family member there to tell you our story and tell you all about our bourbon and show you around.
![Ironclad Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-at-1.43.38 PM.png)
Ironclad Bottled-in-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Joe Winger:
Outstanding. Let’s get to the tasty part now. You have several amazing bottles. When someone comes to your tasting room this weekend, what should they be looking forward to?
Owen King:
We do a few bottle releases that are once a year for us. One of my favorites.
A five year, three barrel blend of three 30 gallon barrels. Bottle of Bond.
The history alone is one of my favorite things to talk about. In 1897 the federal government stepped in because there was people dying from drinking bad whiskey.
They stepped in to “certify” everything in there.
“If you bottle it at four years old and at 100 proof, we will claim that this is a bottle and bond bourbon certified” by the federal government that it is safe to drink.
That story alone is one of my favorites of bourbon lore.
We just want to make sure that we do that every year that we can.
It’s absolutely one of my favorite bourbons. It’s our four grain mash bill. 70% corn 10% wheat, 10% rye, 10% malted barley.
So with the corn and the wheat, it adds a nice sweetness to it. But then the rye is there to kind of balance that whole thing out. Before it gets [to be] a very sweet bourbon, it balances out, a little baking spice, maybe even some clove, maybe a little black pepper.
It balances it out to be a nice, rounded bourbon.
![Ironclad Sweeter Creations Maple Syrup Cask](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-at-1.43.47 PM.png)
Ironclad Sweeter Creations Maple Syrup Cask
Joe Winger:
Let’s move on to your Maple Syrup Cask.
Owen King:
Absolutely delicious. But this is a cast finish, not a flavored bourbon. So we’re not adding maple syrup to it. People who drink it might think it’s going to be super sweet and not going to like it. Because they don’t like maple syrup.
This is my version of drinking maple syrup responsibly and not getting diabetes.
After we empty our barrels, we give them to a maple syrup producer in upstate New York. He’ll age his maple syrup using our bourbon barrels.
By doing that through transference, there’s about a gallon of bourbon stuck in the staves of the wood. So when he puts a new liquid in there, that maple syrup is going to absorb into the wood and that bourbon is going to come back out.
Now his maple syrup is picking up that beautiful bourbon flavor and we are picking up all that maple syrup flavor into the wood.
When he brings those barrels back down to us, we put our aged bourbon back in there and we let him finish in there for about three to six months.
After we take the bourbon out, it’s now got this beautiful, mild sweetness, but it’s got that hint of maple syrup at the end.
I always say, I don’t want it to be maple syrup with a hint of bourbon. I want it to be bourbon with a hint of maple syrup, which I think it absolutely is.
![Ironclad Missouri Toasted Oak Cask](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-at-1.43.57 PM.png)
Ironclad Missouri Toasted Oak Cask
Joe Winger:
The maple syrup is so subtle, almost a tertiary flavor to it.
Moving on to the Missouri Toasted Oak Cask.
Owen King:
This is a double oak bourbon. With double oaking, what you’re going to do is exactly how it sounds.
You’re going to go from one new charred oak barrel. But instead of a second new charred oak barrel, we’re going to go to a lightly toasted barrel.
So my analogy for this is you’re sitting at a campfire and you’ve got a marshmallow. You’re roasting your marshmallow over the flame and it gets burnt. It catches on fire. So now you’ve got that roasted marshmallow where you’re still gonna eat it because it’s a roasted marshmallow.
So you eat it and it’s still sweet. But it’s got that sort of maybe a bitter acrid note just cause you burnt those sugars. You haven’t toasted them.
Now you take another marshmallow. You’re a little more patient this time. You’re going to stick it down in the coals and you’ll slowly rotate it until you’ve got that perfectly golden brown marshmallow.
When you taste it, it’s now twice as sweet because you just caramelize those sugars as opposed to burning them.
It’s the same with a charred oak barrel to a toasted oak barrel. With that charring of those oaks, you’re gonna you’re still gonna have that sweetness. We’re amplifying that sweetness with the toasting of the oak.
With this one you get those softer vanilla flavors like toasted marshmallow. You get a cookie dough flavor, maybe it’s raw cookie dough without the chocolate chips.
Joe Winger:
That’s amazing. mmIs there an extra bottle when I come down there, I’m in the tasting room, another good bottle we should ask for?
Owen King:
Another one that we have right now that is a very limited run. Very small release is our blueberry mead cask finish.
We give our barrels to a meadery in Williamsburg, Virginia and they make this blueberry honey mead. So now they have this bourbon barrel aged blueberry mead. And when they’re done with them, they give them back to us.
You’re not necessarily overwhelmed with [a] heavy blueberry flavor but it opens up to this really nice fruitiness and then like a fermented honey flavor on the front end.
It’s so unique, but it’s great neat on the rocks.
Joe Winger:
If we come down for the weekend, we visit the distillery in Newport News. What’s a tour like?
Owen King:
If people aren’t the biggest bourbon drinker, I want you to walk away saying, “Okay, I found something that is made with bourbon that I like.”
We are a distillery that only makes bourbon.
I want to make sure that everyone who comes here has something they can enjoy. This isn’t an uppity bourbon bar.
I want someone to come and be able to say, I’m not the biggest bourbon fan. What kind of cocktails do you have?” We always have a cocktail on every single menu that’s open for everyone.
Everyone’s going to love it and whether you’re a big bourbon fan or not. We just really want to be accommodating. We want to be a fun place for everyone to hang out.
We want to tell our story, the history of the Ironclad ships. Go through our distillery tour, we’ll show you that. If you want to know the history of Fredericksburg, or the history of What the bed and breakfast is we’ll tell you that.
Nothing pairs better with bourbon than a good story. And we really care about spreading that word.
Joe Winger:
Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a weekend getaway, why choose your bed and breakfast instead of a hotel?
Owen King:
While we’ve only had it a short time. But we’ve been adding things here and there. You’re going to get a fresh orange juice in the morning, made with the oranges that we used for our old fashions [last night].
We have our barrel aged maple syrup for your pancakes. So you’re going to have that maple syrup with a hint of bourbon.
![Ironclad Inn](https://dailyovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-13-at-1.44.23 PM-1024x685.png)
Ironclad Inn
We really drive home that it’s a bed breakfast and bourbon experience. Get immersed in the bourbon culture. That’s our goal.
Joe Winger:
Any favorite bourbon and food pairings?
Owen King:
Bourbon’s wonderful for food pairings.
We’ve gone from pasta pairings to pizza pairings. Anything that’s fatty is a perfect pairing. Pork belly with a cherry reduction over top of it with one of our bourbons straight
We have this bourbon cream, Buzz’s Bourbon Cream, where it’s made with our small batch bourbon that’s infused with coffee beans, cacao nibs, and vanilla beans. That one over vanilla ice cream is perfection.
You’re adding a little booze, some coffee, a little bit of chocolate.
You take a bite and all of a sudden you had three scoops and it’s gone 30 seconds later.
Joe Winger:
What’s the best way to learn more about Ironclad Distillery and Ironclad Inn?
Owen King:
We have our website at ironcladdistillery.com. All of our social media Facebook and Instagram.
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Las Vegas Promises a Fast and Fun Weekend of Festivities During the Inaugural Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix
Las Vegas Promises a Fast and Fun Weekend of Festivities During the Inaugural Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix
Las Vegas will celebrate the inaugural FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX taking place from Wednesday, Nov. 15 to Saturday, Nov. 18, with the race occurring at night on the legendary Las Vegas Strip.
Top-tier entertainment, opulent nightlife and exclusive dining experiences have surrounded the anticipated event. Here is a taste of what visitors can look forward to during the exciting weekend in the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World.
OFFICIAL FORMULA 1 VIEWING EXPERIENCES
Grandstands, club and hospitality suites offer ticket holders complimentary food, beverage and entertainment from DJs and live acts throughout the race weekend.
- Sports Illustrated’s Club SI will host an immersive, on-track experience with views of the high-speed action on Las Vegas Boulevard. The experience includes celebrity hosts Shaquille O’Neal and David Beckham, DJ sets, panels, passed hors d’oeuvres, food stations, cocktails and more.
- Club Paris features Strip-side views of the race, food stations serving Alexxa’s high-end favorites and a menu of beer, wine and cocktails on Beer Park’s trackside terrace. The experience also features a bespoke lounge at Chéri Rooftop, complete with a DJ, live entertainment and passed bites and desserts.
- The East Harmon Zone by Virgin Hotels Las Vegas features The Red Bull Energy Station as well as the Skybox, boasting views of along the starting grid and into the pit lane, an elevated food menu with Prohibition-era cocktails and access to the star-studded Opening Ceremony on Nov. 15 featuring all 20 F1® Drivers as well as performances by Andra Day, Bishop Briggs, J Balvin, Journey, Keith Urban, Steve Aoki, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and will.i.am.
- Grandstands throughout the circuit offer varying viewpoints and assigned seats to ticketholders, who also enjoy complimentary water, soft drinks and food by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Grandstands are found in the East Harmon Zone by Virgin Hotels, West Harmon Zone by Chrome, T-Mobile Zone at Sphere and The Mirage Zone.
- Located in the Pit Building just above the team garages, the Paddock Club™ includes 360˚views of the start/finish line, all-inclusive food and beverage, concierge services, exclusive experiences and more. A private area within the Pit Building, Wynn Grid Club is a stunning private hospitality experience that includes exclusive access to locations within the Pit Building, decadent cuisine, cocktails from expert mixologists and more.
- The South Koval Zone by Caesars Rewards features views of the Koval Straightaway from Heineken House’s trackside nightlife experience complete with DJs, live entertainment, premium cocktails, interactive food stations and more.
- The T-Mobile Zone at Sphere offers race attendees views of the racing action and electrifying performances from some of today’s most recognizable acts from the T-Mobile stage including Mark Ronson, Kylie Minogue, Nile Rodgers & Chic, A Trak, Major Lazer, J Balvin and more..
FESTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND
Several venues in the destination will celebrate with special events, unique offers and more.
- Bellagio Fountain Club at Bellagio Resort & Casino offers views from the hotel’s lake from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 18. The experience is complete with live race coverage in Dolby Vision; live performances and driver appearances; open bar service; and culinary delights from several celebrated chefs including José Andrés, Christina Tosi, and Bryan and Michael Voltaggio. Also at the resort, Lío will take over Mayfair Supper Club from Sunday, Nov. 12 to Wednesday, Nov. 22. With the hotel’s fountains in the background, the cabaret dining experience from Ibiza offers live performances, exquisite costumes and a prix-fixe menu of Mediterranean fusion specialties.
- Stadium Swim at Circa Resort & Casino transforms the pool amphitheater space on Saturday, Nov. 18 with racing décor and a display of an RB14 Static Car for fan photo opportunities. The venue will broadcast the race on its 143-foot, high-definition screen with full audio.
- Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas presents AIOKA Race Weekend from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 18. With views of the Strip, the rooftop event features live DJs, signature cocktails, culinary presentations and more.
- Drai’s Beachclub & Nightclub at The Cromwell Las Vegas hosts VISTA Las Vegas, an experience in association with the McLaren Racing Formula 1 team from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 18. The rooftop club offers fantastic Strip views and a live broadcast on LED screens throughout the venue. Hosted by Mark Wahlberg, the event also features live entertainment, DJ sets and racing commentary from F1 driver David Coulthard.
- The Front Yard at Ellis Island Casino Hotel Brewery presents Turn 4 at Ellis Island from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 18. The beer garden will have an outdoor platform and live race feed on over 20 televisions (including an 18-foot screen). The event is complete with food, soft drinks and Ellis Island’s brewed-on-site beer.
- Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas offers packages from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 18, with seating options at its glass pavilion or famed Strip-side patio. The French restaurant will have monitors displaying F1 coverage and offer a special menu with thematic elements paying homage to the European countries that host F1.
- Topgolf Las Vegas has more than 300 screens across its four levels, where guests can purchase a bay to hit the field while watching the action on television on Saturday, Nov. 18. The driving range-meets-entertainment complex also has a limited amount of tickets available for its Ferrari Champagne Bar on Level 4, which includes unlimited Ferrari Champagne from 9-10 p.m.
FOOD & BEVERAGE EXPERIENCES
Restaurants, bars and lounges are getting festive with special cocktail menus, wine lists and more.
- Culinary Kickoff Grand Prix at offers a night of culinary extravagance at Allegiant Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 16, as the chef lineup features renowned talents like Todd English, Aaron May and Rick Moonen. The dining event features 14 to 16 interactive food stations, paired beverages, live entertainment and legendary guests from the NFL like Emmitt Smith and Charles Woodson.
- Proper Bar at ARIA Resort & Casino will feature four cocktails themed to F1 drivers and teams from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Sunday, Nov. 19. Selections include the High Speed and Podium Paloma.
- Caesars Entertainment presents several exclusive dining events with its culinary superstars. Gordon Ramsay will curate menus and make appearances at dinners at both Ramsay’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay at Harrah’s Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 16 and Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace on Friday, Nov. 17. Nobu Matsuhisa will lead sushi-making demonstrations at both Nobu at Caesars Palace on Friday, Nov. 17 and Nobu at Paris Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 18. Two special brunches are planned, as well: GIADA at The Cromwell with Giada De Laurentiis on Sunday, Nov. 19 and Vanderpump à Paris at Paris Las Vegas with Lisa Vanderpump.
- The Laundry Room at Commonwealth will feature an automotive-inspired cocktail menu from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Sunday, Nov. 19. Visitors can enjoy libations including the Need for Speed and Checkered Past at the downtown speakeasy.
- MGM Resorts International presents several exclusive dining events throughout the weekend. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten partners with Yamazaki Japanese whisky for a pairing dinner at Jean Georges Steakhouse at ARIA Resort & Casino on Friday, Nov. 17 before doing the same with Hundred Acre wines at PRIME Steakhouse at Bellagio Resort & Casino from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 18. Also at ARIA Resort & Casino, Marco Carbone will curate a menu at a dinner paired with LOUIS XIII Cognac and Rémy Martin cocktails at Carbone. Also, at Bellagio, Le Cirque will feature a cognac experience with fifth-generation producer Bénédicte Hardy from Friday, Nov. 17 to Saturday, Nov. 18 and a dinner curated by James Kent on Friday, Nov. 17. Masaharu Morimoto will also curate a menu for an omakase dinner at Morimoto at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
- Minus5° ICEBAR presents a Grand Prix-themed ice display and offers its GRAND PRIX ICE-P experience at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 18. The experience includes entry to the ice bar, cocktails, photos, souvenir items and entry to the sister location at The LINQ Promenade.
- The Still at The Mirage Hotel & Casino and Tailgate Social Sports Bar & Grill at Palace Station Hotel & Casino will feature three F1 driver-inspired cocktails from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 18, including the Verstappen Martini, Hamilton Highball and Ricciardo Refresher.
- Piero’s Italian Cuisine will feature six sommelier selects of specialty wines honoring course landmarks from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 18. Just off the Strip, the restaurant also will offer four cocktails themed to the participating countries, including Canada, France, Italy and the U.S.
- The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower will feature racing-themed cocktails from Thursday, Nov. 16 to Saturday, Nov. 18, including the Flat Out and Pole Position. Participating bars include 108 Drinks, PT’s Wings & Sports, REMIX Lounge and View Lounge. The resort’s Top of the World restaurant will offer a “Circuit Tour” prix fixe menu, featuring four courses pulling inspiration from countries on the 2023 F1 calendar.
- La Cave Wine & Food Hideaway at Wynn Las Vegas will feature a sommelier-select wine flight highlighting European regions along the 2023 race calendar.
- Wynn Las Vegas offers a LOUIS XIII Cognac Pop-Up Boutique now through Tuesday, Nov. 28. The shop features an extensive selection (including The Iconic Collection, THE DROP Collection and RARE CASK 42.1), the brand’s bespoke accessories, and private appointments with a LOUIS XIII Ambassador.
MOTORSPORTS ACTIVITIES
Attractions throughout the destination offer automobile enthusiasts unique experiences, including the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a real racecar.
- ARIA Resort & Casino hosts an Alfa Romeo Experience in its lobby, featuring the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale, the new Giulia and Stelvio, an Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Show Car, and a selection of racing gear available for purchase. On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake will unveil a unique vehicle livery to be used during the race, with special appearances by Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu.
- Bellagio Resort & Casino presents a Ferrari Pop-Up Boutique from Monday, Nov. 13 to Monday, Nov. 20. The space will embody the retail concept under the creative direction of Rocco Iannone.
- Dream Racing Las Vegas offers opportunities to experience driving on the world-famous Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where countless NASCAR drivers have proven their skills. Cars offered include models from Maserati, Ferrari, Corvette and more.
- Four Seasons Las Vegas will feature the work of British artist and sculptor Paul Oz, known for traveling the globe to produce Formula 1-focused art. The exhibit runs through race weekend, featuring paintings and sculptures from his Formula 1 collection. Visitors can also experience Oz live painting in the hotel’s lobby throughout the weekend.
- Las Vegas Off Road Experience offers a thrilling experience behind the wheel and off the track. Offerings include professional race trucks, dune buggies, Polaris RZRs and more.
- Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix offers visitors a family-friendly approach to the racetrack. The go-karting attraction also features rides, slides, games and an arcade.
- Palms Casino Resort will have four Ferraris on display in its lobby and valet from Sunday, Nov. 5 to Sunday, Nov. 19. Visitors can get up-close for a first-hand look at Ferrari models in pristine condition, including a red 333SP, a red LaFerrari FXX-K, a red Enzo FXX, and a black 599XX.
- SunBuggy Fun Rentals Las Vegas offers off-roading rentals (including ATVs and dune buggies) and experiences that take visitors to locations throughout the Mojave Desert.
- SPEEDVEGAS is a 100-acre motorsports complex where visitors can drive exotic supercars around a Formula 1-inspired racetrack with 12 sweeping turns, 15-degree bank turns, 60 feet of elevation change and a half-mile straightaway. Cars offered include models from Porsche, Lamborghini, McLaren and more.
- The F1 Las Vegas Hub presented by American Express is open now through Wednesday, Nov. 22 in the Waterfall Atrium at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. The state-of-the-art retail store features exclusive F1® merchandise and Las Vegas Grand Prix collaborations with some of the hottest brands in fashion, including Malbon Golf and UNDEFEATED. Available items will include eight Las Vegas Grand Prix collaborations for 2023, Formula 1® team gear and much more.
- McLaren Experience Center at Wynn Las Vegas, Powered by O’Gara at Wynn Las Vegas offers an immersive brand experience for McLaren fans, enthusiasts and potential customers. The store features a rotating display of three McLaren supercars, opportunities for visitors to configure their own dream McLaren on the McLaren showroom vehicle configurator, and a racing simulator a professional driver coach.
ELECTRIFYING ENTERTAINMENT
Las Vegas always offers an impressive entertainment lineup including resident headliners, hilarious stand-up comedians and more.
- Pop rock star Rod Stewart is back for more dates of his residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Wednesday, Nov. 15 and from Friday, Nov. 17 to Saturday, Nov. 18.
- Rapper Jack Harlow takes the stage at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 16.
- DJ Chris Lorenzo plays a set at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center on Friday, Nov. 17.
- Stand-up comic Bill Burr brings the laughs to Dolby Live at Park MGM on Friday, Nov. 17.
- Country artist Keith Urban continues his residency at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Wednesday, Nov. 15 and from Friday, Nov. 17 to Saturday, Nov. 18.
- Comedians David Spade and Nikki Glaser team up for a show at The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 16 and Friday, Nov. 17.
- Disco and funk artist Nile Rodgers and his band Chic play two nights at Voltaire Belle de Nuit at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on Wednesday, Nov. 15 and Friday, Nov. 17.
WHERE TO KEEP THE PARTY GOING
Some of the world’s top DJs are bringing the noise around the clock to the destination’s luxurious dayclubs and state-of-the-art nightclubs.
- Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace presents sets by Steve Aoki (Thursday, Nov. 16), Martin Garrix (Friday, Nov. 17) and Alesso (Saturday, Nov. 18).
- Marquee Dayclub Dome at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas presents a set by Martin Garrix on Saturday, Nov. 18.
- Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas presents sets by Cedric Gervais on Friday, Nov. 17 and Mustard on Saturday, Nov. 18.
- Inspire Nightclub & Lounge presents a set by Paul Oakenfold on Friday, Nov. 17.
- Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino presents sets by Fat Joe on Thursday, Nov. 16, Fisher on Friday, Nov. 17 and Steve Aoki on Saturday, Nov. 18.
- Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas presents a performance by Travis Scott on Thursday, Nov. 16, and sets by Zedd and DJ Snake on Friday, Nov. 17 and Tiësto on Saturday, Nov. 18.
- TAO Nightclub at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas presents a set by Lil Jon on Saturday, Nov. 18.
- Voltaire Belle de Nuit at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas presents Amber Lounge, an exclusive afterparty experience following the race on Saturday, Nov. 18. The pop-up features a performance by Kylie Minogue and a DJ set from Jellybean Benitez.
- Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas presents sets by Dom Dolla and Purple Disco Machine on Friday, Nov. 17; ESPN’s Official Pre-Race Party with Marshmello and special guest Tyga on Saturday, Nov. 18; and a set by The Chainsmokers on Sunday, Nov. 19.
- XS Nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas presents sets by Marshmello on Wednesday, Nov. 15; Sports Illustrated Circuit Series with The Chainsmokers on Thursday, Nov. 16: Swedish House Mafia on Friday, Nov. 17; Calvin Harris, Diplo and Dom Dolla on Saturday, Nov. 18; and RÜFÜS DU SOL and Black Coffee on Sunday, Nov. 19.
GETTING AROUND THE DESTINATION
Offering seven stops along the Strip, the Las Vegas Monorail will operate continuously from 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14 through 3 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 20, ensuring fans can conveniently access the race footprint. Attendees can plan ahead and find the closest station to each race zone via this easy to follow map.
Individual rides and multi-day passes can be purchased at a discounted rate here.
For more information about Las Vegas, please visit www.VisitLasVegas.com.
ABOUT THE LVCVA
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide and with operating the 4.6 million square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). With more than 150,000 hotel rooms and more than 15 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space in Las Vegas alone, the LVCVA’s mission centers on attracting leisure and business visitors to the area. The LVCVA also owns the Vegas Loop at Las Vegas Convention Center, designed and operated by The Boring Company, and also owns the Las Vegas Monorail, an elevated 3.9-mile system with seven stops throughout the resort corridor. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com, www.visitlasvegas.com or www.vegasmeansbusiness.com.Post Views: 417 -
“Exhilarating and Breathtaking” Eve Bushman Covers Riesling in Germany’s Mosel Region
“Exhilarating and Breathtaking” Eve Bushman Covers Riesling in Germany’s Mosel Region
I found myself describing the experience as both exhilarating and breathtaking, and these two words have now taken on a new meaning for me, probably forever. Raimund added to my thoughts when he said that here, we “always sit in the green.”
Middle Mosel, aka Mittelmosel, wine region of Germany / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
Have you been to the Middle Mosel, aka Mittelmosel, wine region of Germany? I had learned about the area, saw photos of the steep vineyards and their ancient stone sundials dating back hundreds of years, during a tasting with Raimund Prum from S.A. Pruem many years ago. Fast forward to this year, and we planned our first trip there, where we stayed at the S.A. Pruem guesthouse and visited with Raimund again! We also toured and tasted with Eifel-Pfieffer, C.A. Immich-Batterieberg, Villa Huesgen and Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler.
A sundial in their vineyards / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
Know before you go: Rieslings are not all sweet! They range from bone dry to sweet. And though “Riesling is King” in the Mosel we enjoyed sparkling wines and rose, as well as Pinot Noir during our tastings. Not all wineries are in Bernkastel-Kues, many are in towns all roughly within 30 minutes of each other.
Wineries to Tour and Taste
S.A. Pruem: We must start with this winery as they are the reason we traveled to the Mosel for wine. I had met Raimund Prum in 2013 when he led a class for Ian Blackburn of Learn About Wine. Fast forward to this past May 2024, when I finally got to see Raimund again – this time at his home and winery. Raimund inherited the 800-year-old family winery in 1971 and has “expanded from 8.6 acres to 27.9 acres.”
His family had used money that they made from their apple farms to fund their wine growing business. Back in those days 100% of the people living in the area worked in the wine industry according to Raimund. Nowadays young people may leave, but they come back.
Raimund is a busy man, representing the winery almost all over the world. But he doesn’t do this alone. Raimund’s wife Pirjo, a WSET Diploma graduate, represents the brand in U.S. and Finland. Saskia, their oldest daughter, took over as the owner in 2017.
They produce many still and sparkling wines, from dry to sweet Rieslings to Rose of Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines. I had the opportunity to try most and had a hard time not finishing every sample that was offered. And though other places in the world make Riesling, Raimund said that the “character of the wine is different here” which began over 2,000 years ago by the Romans. (Many Roman pressing stations have been found along the Mosel.)
Weingut Eifel-Pfeiffer / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
During the days we visited we had many opportunities to talk, but at our appointed time for our interview Raimund took us on a drive to the top of one of his vineyards, and it happened to be the oldest one that also is famous for its sundial. His tallest vineyards are 336 meters high, and the Mosel River is at 136. The ground is a combination of lush earth, wildflowers, and different types of slate rock – the rock in particular adds to the minerality found in the wines.
Mother and daughter Tanja Gorgen-Eifel and Mia-Katharina Gorgen from award-winning Weingut Eifel-Pfeiffer. Photo credit: Ed Bushman
Eifel-Pfieffer: Did you know that award-winning Weingut Eifel-Pfeiffer has been in the same family since 1642, and is currently worked by three generations? We had a fabulous tour and tasting with mother and daughter Tanja Gorgen-Eifel and Mia-Katharina Gorgen.
We also learned that they only produce Riesling wines, have the coveted 1A rating which means that some of their vineyards are considered the best in the area, motivated Romanians work the steep vineyards, rainfall can’t always be counted on as it changes from year to year, and they have a total of 10 hectares over 30 kilometers in the Middle Mosel.
Their low-alcohol, not-overly-sweet, fresh, and mildly acidic wines are made from single vineyards – and also a blend of different vineyards that are only from the same area. Riesling “show character of each vineyard that you can really taste in the wine…the structure, minerality and acid” according to mother and daughter.
There are less winemakers now than there used to be: several of the smaller wineries have been absorbed by the larger ones as it’s been noted over time that it’s too cost prohibitive to run a small one-hectare winery.
2021 Mia from Trittenheimer Altarchen / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
These Rieslings pair well with all types of food – German, Indian, Chinese to name a few – and China just might be the largest importer of Eifel-Pfieffer wines. I was super impressed with all of their wines, from dry to sweet, but must give a special nod to a 1990 vintage from Trittenheimer Apotheke and the 2021 Mia (made by Mia while she finishes up winemaking school) from Trittenheimer Altarchen.
Immich Batterieberg wine roster / photo credit: Ed Bushamn
Immich-Batterieberg: This time we had the opportunity to sit down and taste with winemaker Gernot Kollmann while learning all about Immich Batterieberg. Let me just start by saying we liked every wine that Gernot opened for us. Most were very dry, all are organic, and 96% of the wines that they make are Rieslings.
Immich-Batterieberg where we were able to sit down with winemaker Gernot Kollmann / photo credit: Ed Bushman
What makes them special: they are the largest owner of old and ungrafted vineyards in the Mosel, all rocky and steep, and the winery dates back to 1425.
Seventy-eight percent of the 80k bottles they produce a year is exported to Japan, Italy, U.S., Switzerland, and the U.K. They receive top scores from Suckling and Parker, and those top-scoring wines sell out quickly.
The wines are a perfect example of the trend toward dry white wines (which means not sweet) and the continual production of lower alcohol wines.
Pic credit: Ed Bushman
Villa Huesgen: If you are looking for a grand tasting experience, Villa Huesgen is it. Of course, if you have the opportunity to be charmed by Adolph Huesgen VIII himself, then it’s even more special. Adolph’s wine curriculum vitae is almost as interesting as the winery alone! He regaled us in stories of his many collaborations (from Australia to South Africa), work in wineries in California (he started his career at Robert Mondavi as the European sales director with Michael Mondavi) and what he and his family have currently achieved (sparkling, still, rose in the original blue bottles Riesling were first made in) at Villa Huesgen.
Adolph Huesgen VIII / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
The Huesgen family established the vineyard nine generations before, in 1735. The art nouveau-styled estate was built in 1904. They grow Riesling and Burgundy grapes, currently have their first block of Chardonnay in barrels and make more dry than sweet wines. They import to 35 countries.
We tasted ten wines, one of which recently was listed as one of the top nine Rieslings in the world by the Robb Report April 2024. We would have a hard time not liking any Villa Huesgen wines.
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler: This estate is right in the popular part of Bernkastel-Kues, and just adds to the beautiful Mosel landscape. We were greeted by Stefan Pauly, who led us on a tour of the building and the many tasting areas for their guests. As this was the last tour of our trip, we “drank it up” for the history, and of course, the wines. We tasted many Rieslings, and even a beautifully made Eiswein, and were thrilled to discover that our local Total Wine stores has the exclusive label, Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler, and it’s very reasonably priced though it sells out every year. (Made a mental note to go there as soon as we get home!)
Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler // Photo credit: Ed Bushman
We learned that the winery was founded in 1556, they own 22 kilometers of vineyard along the Mosel, and they even offer an alcohol-free wine. One of the tasting areas we saw had a slight walkable ramp and was large enough to “seat a whole boat” of tourists that preferred not to climb up or down ancient steps for a wine tasting.
Stefan Pauly for Dr. Pauly Bergweiler wine estate / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
When to Visit
We happened to be in Bernkastel-Kues area of the Middle Mosel during Open Wine Cellar Days, which this year began on Germany’s Father’s Day. The holiday and the multi-day event brought many German tourists to the area, which added to the trip for us to “pick up some local color” so to speak. The event shows off many wineries not just during the day for tastings but also for night for tastings, meals, and live music. We chose to stay at the guest house at one winery, S.A. Preum, which made it even more convenient to walk over each night. We have been told that there are always wine festivals, so I highly recommend that you look at the calendar for these before planning your trip.
Raimund Pruem from Weingut S.A. Pruem / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
We got to Bernkastel-Kues from the Frankfurt airport, we rented a car and enjoyed the easy freeway routes and arrived just under two hours. We went in May, as we tend to pick times of the year when tourist areas are less crowded with summer travelers.
Bernkastel-Kues area / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
Besides wine tasting many tourists rent bicycles and e-bikes, tour on motorcycles, rowboat, parasail, take a boat tour and hike the vineyards. It’s a very walkable area in town with many wine bars, brew pubs, restaurants, and shops along the cobblestone streets. In other parts of the Mosel River, you can find sandy beaches and even water skiing.
Gastehaus at Prum / Photo credit: Ed Bushman
There are many hotels along the Mosel River, we chose to stay in a suite at the Gastehaus at Prum and we would definitely return. Beautiful accommodations, locally sourced breakfast, and of course wine!
Find on Instagram: @VisitMosel @EifelPfieffer @ImmichBatterieberg @VillaHuesgen1735 @Weingut_PaulyBergweiler @S.A.Pruem
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.
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Maroon 5 only-in-Vegas spectacular M5LV The Residency Annc’s 2024 Dates Exclusive Las Vegas Engagement at Park MGM
Maroon 5 only-in-Vegas spectacular M5LV The Residency Annc’s 2024 Dates Exclusive Las Vegas Engagement at Park MGM
“With two decades of steady pop radio hits under their belts, Maroon 5 are a perfect fit for a Las Vegas residency” – Billboard
Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning multi-platinum band Maroon 5 has announced they will return to Dolby Live at Park MGM in 2024 for 16 performances of their Las Vegas residency, M5LV The Residency.
With their Las Vegas residency shows, Maroon 5 gives their fans an exclusive and intimate concert experience in Dolby Live, Park MGM’s 5,200-seat entertainment venue. Maroon 5’s only-in-Vegas spectacular is packed with the band’s anthemic top hits from across their storied career, including RIAA Diamond-certified songs “Sugar,” “Girls Like You” and “Moves Like Jagger.”
Produced by Baz Halpin and directed by Parker Genoway, Maroon 5 custom-designed the show for the expansive Dolby Live stage, immersing the audience in Dolby Atmos audio.
Every aspect of the show’s immersive design caters to the Dolby Live theater from the panoramic, multi-layered video box to the Dolby Atmos sound design ensuring every seat in the room experiences the band’s performance in an intimate way only possible in a Las Vegas residency. Rich sound and high-intensity visuals surround and envelope fans as the band serves hit after hit in a show that perfectly encapsulates Maroon 5 and their biggest moments from the past 20 years.
Tickets go on sale to the public Saturday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. PT.
Citi® / AAdvantage® is the official pre-sale credit card of Maroon 5’s residency at Park MGM. As such, Citi / AAdvantage cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. PT through Citi Entertainment. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.
Fan pre-sale tickets will be available beginning Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. PT. Members of MGM Rewards, MGM Resorts’ loyalty rewards program, as well as SiriusXM, Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers, will receive access to a pre-sale starting Thursday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. PT. All pre-sales will end Friday, Dec. 8 at 10 p.m. PT.
Presented in partnership by Live Nation and MGM Resorts International, tickets for the following 16 M5LV The Residency performances can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com/maroon5vegas, with all shows scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.:
- May 2024: 17, 18, 22, 25, 26, 29, 31
- June 2024: 1
- September 2024: 27, 28
- October 2024: 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12
Maroon 5 stands out as not only one of pop music’s most enduring artists, but also one of the 21st century’s biggest acts. Since they released their renowned debut album, Songs About Jane, to date, the Los Angeles band have achieved three GRAMMY® Awards, as well as selling a staggering 96+ million albums and over 660 million singles worldwide. Maroon 5 currently has more than 20 billion combined streams on Spotify and has the most billion-plus streamed songs by a group, with nine.
Adam Levine just became the first artist on Spotify with 1 billion streams on a song as part of a group and 1 billion streams on a song as a soloist, (Gym Class Hero’s “Stereo Hearts” ft. Adam Levine). Akin to when “Moves Likes Jagger” hit #1 and Levine became the first artist in the Hot 100’s 60-year history to reach #1 as part of a group, while entering the Top 10 at the same time as a soloist on “Stereo Hearts.”
Maroon 5 was the first artist to reach over 3 billion views on a music video on YouTube and they currently have more than 22 billion combined views on YouTube channels.
Maroon 5 has 32 records on the BILLBOARD HOT 100 since their first release in 2002. 26 of those hit the Top 50, with 22 in the Top 25, 15 in the Top 10 and 10 in the Top 5; of which three are Diamond Certified and 23 are Platinum certified.
Maroon 5 has the most Top 10’s in this century by a duo or group, the most #1’s on the HOT 100 this century by a duo or group, and the most #1’s by a duo or group in the history of the Top 40 chart. In January of 2023, “Moves Like Jagger” was announced the #2 most downloaded song of all time.
Source: vegaspublicity.com
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