Thursday, June 27, 2013

Tony Bennett returns to Newport RI Aug 28th - Best Boutique Hotel, Newport RI

Multiple Grammy-award winner Tony Bennett will return to Newport on August 28th as part of the Sunset Music Series at the Newport Yachting Centre.

Bennett, who closed the Newport Jazz Festival during its 55th anniversary celebration in 2009, has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.  The singer of jazz and pop standards has won 17 Grammy Awards, along with the organisation's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.  He also has been recognized with two Emmy Awards and is a Kennedy Centre honoree.

Raised in New York City, Bennett became popular nationally with the No. hit "Because of You" in 1951.  He reached his first artistic peak in the late 1950's with albums such as "The Beat of My Heart" and "Basie Swings, Bennett Sings".  In 1962, Bennett recorded his signature song.  "I Left My Heart in San Francisco".

In early 1990's, with the help of his sons, he reinvented himself and expanded his audience to include viewers of "Late Night with David Letterman".  "The Simpsons" and various programs on MTV, while keeping his musical style intact.

Tickets for Bennetts show will go on sale Thursday afternoon and cost $80.50 or $100.50.  Tickets can be purchased by calling (800) 745 3000 or online at www.newportwaterfrontevents.com

The remaining lineup for the Sunset Music Series, sponsored by Nantucket Nectars, includes:  Foreigner (Friday):  Chris Issak (July 10), B.B. King (July 12) Doobie Brothers (July 17) One Republic with Mayor Hawthorne and Churchhill (July 30).

Under the Sun Tour with Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray and Gin Blossoms (Aug 4) George Thorogood & the Destroyers and Buddy Guy (Aug 17) Styx (Aug 22) and Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo (Aug 31).


Sunday, June 23, 2013

Channing Memorial Church - Offers Gay Wedding Ceremonies - Newport RI - Villa 120 Best Bed & Breakfast

FREE TOURS - Sunday 11 - 2 p.m. - May - October

Channing Memrial Church - a Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Erected in 1880 a memorial to William Ellery Channing (1780-1842).  Born in Newport, Channing was an ardent anti-savery advocate, ws founder of the Unitarian faith in America and served as minister of the Arlington Street Church in Boston from 1803 until 1842.  His defense of human dignity inspired - and inspires - many, including Henry David Thoreau, Margret Fuller, Horace Mann, Dorothea Dix, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Julia Ward Howe, who sat in the front pew on the left.

The Sanctuary was designed by the architect Elbridge Boyden f Worcester, MA.

The many beautiful 19th c Memorial Windows include two early works by John LaFarge, including Through the Valley of the Shadow, one of his largest.

Other windows are by Belcher, West and Mittermaier.

Sculptural works which grace our building include a bas-relief by Augustus St. Gaudens of Rev. Charles T. Brooks, and a statue in Turo Park across the street of Channing, by William Clark Noble.  Decorative plaster reliefs on the walls and ceiling are among the finest anywhere.

The church is available for weddings and civil union ceremonies.  Our Sanctuary and Parish Hall are wheelchair accessible.

Directions:  The Church is located on Pelham Street, near the intersection of Bellevue Avenue and Memorial Blvd.  From Memorial Blvd.  (Rte 138A), turn onto Belevue Avenue heading north (away from the mansions).  The third street on the left, across from the Newport Art Museum, is Pelham Street.






Saturday, June 22, 2013

East meets West - 18th annual Newport Flower Show - Villa 120 Bed&Breakfast Newport RI

In many parts of the world the green jade is a symbol of love and virtue.  In ancient China, it was believed to promote wisdom and ensure a long life.  That symbol is at the heart of the 18th annual Newport Flower Show. 

I went to the Flower Show yesterday and was amazed by the Asian Dragon, made of plant materials by the Preservation Society of Newport County for the recent Boston Flower Show.  Dragon are found in mythology and folklore throuhout Asian cultures.  In China, dragon lore dates back several thousand years.  Typically, the dragon symbolizes imperial power and cntrl over anturl forces, particularly bodies of water, rinfall hurricanes and floods.  The Chinese dragon also portends good luck;  the huge pearl held in its claw is associated with good fortune, wealth and success.

Hitomi Gilliam, an internationally renowned floral artist, returns to Newport for the 18th annual Flower Show.  She will showcase work inspired by Ikebana and Zen appreciation of nature.

Sunday Lectures:

Designing Gardens with a Passion for Peonies

11.30 a.m.  - 12.30 p.m.  Kathleen Gagan, Peony's Envy, Bernrdsville, N.J.

Gagan is a trained linguist and international corporate communications expert turned lady famer.  After a successful life overseas, where she became fluent in Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, Gagan returned home to New Jersey to a life as a dedicated mom and entrepreneur.  After several farming ventures she settled on peonies because of their resilience, deer resistance and beauty.

Jade Garden Plants

1.30 p.m. - 2.30 p.m. Greg Paige, arboretum curator, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Arboretum and Chris Fletcher, arborist representative, F.A. Bartlett Tree Experts.

Favorite plants you should know about from Asia and ho to keep them healthy and happy.

Paige will lead a walking tour of Asia specimen trees on display in the urns and in the garden exhibits on the Rosecliff front lawn.  Fletcher is one of the top experts on beech trees.

Asian Designs for the Home 1 - 2.30 p.m.  Lynne Merrill and Robyn Spagnolo

This demonstration will show how containers are as important as their contents (plant material).  Because of their inherent beauty, it is critical as to what plant material is chosen.  Choices should be admired on their own as well as how they contribute to the total design.  No matter what the syle of your home, an Asian design will not only be suitable but it wil be a loely addition to your decor.

Merrill is a Garden Club of America Approved Floral Design Judge, and a National Garden Club Master Judge in Horicuture and Design and current President of the Newport Garden Club.

Spagnolo is a Garden Club of America Design Judge, has won many GCA awards in design, photography and botanical arts, and presently is serving as chairwoman of photography for the Newport Flower Show.

Enjoy!

Monday, June 17, 2013

Newport Flower Show, Rosecliff, June 21 - 23 2013, Newport, Middletown Rhode Island, Best Bed & Breakfast, Elegant Wedding Venue, VILLA ONE TWENTY

Come celebrate the 18th annual Newport Flower Show, this weekend June 21st, 22nd and 23rd on the beautiful historic grounds of Roscliff Mansion!

 This year’s theme Jade-Eastern Obsessions, will focus on Far Eastern traditions and trends in horticulture.

Keynote speakers include floral designer Hitomi Gilliam, who will share her masterful skills of the latest techniques and designs, and notable American landscape architect Harriet Henderson, who will share her expertise and experiences throughout the Far East and explain how Western gardens have been influenced. 

Horticulture enthusiasts and gardeners of all skill levels are encouraged to participate  in discussions, lectures, demonstrations, shopping, and the many displays and designs of Eastern Obsessions. Contests, classes, parties and numerous childrens events are scheduled every day.  For a complete schedule of times and events, as well as more information please visit:


Tickets for the general show are $18 in advance for adults and $6 for youth 13-17 (under 13 receives free admission). Adult admission is $23-$25 on the day of the event, and $6 for youth 13-17.  Special packages and group pricings are available.

Free parking and shuttle bus service will be provided to the Newport Flower Show from the Newport Grand parking lot on Admiral Kalbfus Boulevard. 


Regardless of your gardening expertise (or lack thereof) there is plenty to be learned and admired at the Newport Flower Show!  The elegance and beauty of Far-Eastern horticultural aesthetics are something not to be missed!

Saturday, June 15, 2013

FREE Admission to the Newport Mansions & Newport Attractions, June 16 & 17, Newport Bed & Breakfast, VILLA ONETWENTY

Looking for something fun and cultural to do with dad this Father's Day Weekend?

As a thank you to Newport County Residents and hospitality employees, The Preservation Society of Newport County is offering FREE ADMISSION to the following Newport Mansions, Saturday June 16th and Sunday June 17th:

  • The Breakers
  • The Elms
  • Chateau-sur-Mer
  • Kingscote
  • Marble House
  • Green Animals Topiary Garden
  • Rosecliff
Additionally, residents and hospitality employees receive a 10% discount  at all Newport Mansions Stores.
(Proof of residency or employment is required)  For more information visit www.NewportMansions.org

Still looking for more to do?

Many other businesses and attractions in the Newport and Bristol area will offer FREE ADMISSION or special pricings June 16th and June 17th including:

  • Historic Fort Adams (free admission)
  • International Tennis Hall of Fame (free admission)
  • Greenvale Vineyards (free tasting & free logo glass)
  • Museum of Newport History (free admission)
  • Newport Art Museum ((free admission June 16, closed June 17)
  • Newport Vineyards & Winery (free tasting, logo glass and $5 off winery tour)
  • Norman Bird Sanctuary (free admission)
  • Touro Synagogue (free admission)
  • Blithewold Mansion (free admission June 16, closed June 17)
 Indoors or outdoors there is plenty of family fun to be had  this weekend on the island!  Happy Father's Day to dads everywhere!!

Sunday, June 9, 2013

National Museum of American Illustration - 29th June Mary Jane Begin Book Signing - Newport RI Villa 120 Intimate Event Venue


June 7,  2013
'MY LITTLE PONY' BOOK SIGNING BY ACCLAIMED ILLUSTRATOR, EDUCATOR,
& AUTHOR
MARY JANE BEGIN

On Saturday, June 29, 2013, the National Museum of American Illustration will host a book signing by acclaimed illustrator, educator, and author Mary Jane Begin, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The book signing coincides with an inaugural exhibition of Mary Jane's original illustrations from the newly released My Little Pony book, titled Under the Sparkling Sea.

Mary Jane Begin has twenty-five years of experience as a professional illustrator and notable faculty member at the Rhode Island School of Design. In 2008, she was the first living illustrator to have an exhibition at the NMAI. On that occasion her featured artworks had been created for the 100th anniversary edition of the beloved children's book classic by Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in The Willows, and a Willow Buds prequel series she wrote and illustrated, titled Willow Buds. Also exhibited were books illustrated by Mary Jane  such as R is for Rhode Island Red, a retelling of The Sorcerer's Apprentice, A Mouse Told His Mother, and others.

Doubtlessly based upon an impeccable story-telling ability and extraordinary artistic skills demonstrated in her previous works, Mary Jane was selected by Hasbro toys to write and illustrate My Little Pony. The book Under the Sparkling Sea, as the title suggests, is a My Little Pony story with an aquatic theme. Mary Jane does an inimitable job of portraying characters from that well known children's franchise in a setting not commonly associated with ponies. Her bold and intense use of colors in the underwater environment and nuanced depictions of the facial expressions convey the characters' wonderment at the strange and new world they experience. It is a superlative effort, already well received, and is now acknowledged at the NMAI as  "a great new classic of children's literature."



Additionally, NMAI offers 3 concurrent exhibitions:   

1). The American Muse focuses on the illustrative works of Charles Dana Gibson, Harrison Fisher, Howard Chandler Christy, Walter Granville Smith, James Montgomery Flagg, Albert Beck Wenzell, and others of their colleagues each demonstrating a particular notion of classical female American beauty. Their various popular depictions or interpretations of late 19th and early 20th century beautiful American women include the Gibson Girl, the Christy Girl, the Fisher Girl, Liberty Belles, and many other notable works of that era.

2). Maxfield Parrish: The Retrospective continues due to great popular demand, with works from the Edith Wharton book, Italian Villas and their Gardens, various Edison Mazda works, and other examples from each phase of Parrish's oeuvre. NMAI has in its permanent American Imagist Collection the largest Maxfield Parrish Collection of original artworks extant, including the famous Florentine Fete murals..

3). Howard Pyle and His Brandywine Students features works by Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, Frank Schoonover, and others of the Brandywine School.

Throughout the NMAI are highlights from our American Imagist Collection. Also enjoy Vernon Court, our Gilded Age mansion, and its unique architectural features, period furnishings, and the American Imagist Sculpture Collection.

For Reservations:
Admissions Desk
National Museum of American Illustration
492 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
T: 401-851-8949 ext. 18, F: 401-851-8974
art@americanillustration.org
www.americanillustration.org

Open Thursday though Sunday, 11am to 5pm for general admissions. Open year round Fridays from 11am to 5pm, with a guided tour at 3pm. Open all other times for group tours by advance reservation.

Tickets:
Adults: $18; Seniors (60+) & Military: $16; Students: $12; Children ages 5 to 12: $8. Children ages 5 to 12 are permitted only if vouchsafed by parents or guardians as being 'well-behaved.'



The National Museum of American Illustration is a nonprofit, independent, educational and aesthetic organization. It is located in Newport, RI, on Bellevue Avenue at Vernon Court (1898), a Carrére and Hastings designed Beaux-Arts adaptation of an 18th century French chateau. It is the first national museum devoted exclusively to American illustration art. Illustration consists of original artwork created to be reproduced in books, magazines, newspapers, and advertisements. 'Golden Age' paintings by such luminaries as Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, NC Wyeth, JC Leyendecker, and 150 others are displayed in 'Gilded Age' architecture, creating a unique union of architecture and art - a national treasure. The Museum is administered by the American Civilization Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the goal to present the best possible venue for appreciating the greatest collection of illustration art - the most American of American art.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Newporters fundraising for Guatemalan orphanage - Villa 120 Best Bed & Breakfast Newport RI

Newport long time friends Nick Manson & Paul Marshall decided to head to Central America on a surfing safari last December after recently graduating from college they took off on a five month trip.

One night after three months of hitting the shores of Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama the two Rogers High School alumni learned about a fundraiser for a local orphanage - Hogar Rosa de Amor.  The home is for children, primarily abused girls, who have been taken from their home by Guatemalan authorities.

On meeting the children they were so moved they decided to beach their boards and spend two weeks volunteering at the orphanage.  "They wer so appreciative, and we learned a lot about how they were funded" said Manson.  "They were behind on their electric bills.  The workers were not getting paid - they were on the verge of being shut down!"

So the two surfing buddies, both bartenders at The Black Pearl, decided to lend another helping hand.

On Sunday they are hosting a fundraiser for orphanage at Cappy's Hillside Cafe, on Memorial Boulevard from 1-5 p.m.  The two will tend bar adn all tips and donations will go directly to the orphanage - no middle men to syphon off the proceeds!  There will also be a 50-50 raffle.

Lets go an support them!

Friday, June 7, 2013

SVF Foundation - Newport, Villa 120 Best Bed&Breakfast Newport R.I.

Newport RI, The SVF Foundation, 152 Harrison Avenue, will hold its annual Visitors Day on Saturday from 9 am. - 3 p.m.

Visitors are invited to take self-guided tours through the historic 23 acre former Swiss Village farm, where germplasm (semen & embryos) from rare and endangered breeds of food and fiber livestock is cryogenically preserved, and meet laboratory, veterinary and animal care staff.

Because of its strict biosecurity, SVF is not typically open to the public.

New this year, Julian's Omnibus, a double-decker food truck, will serve burgers and other food made with local heritage bred meat and farm products.

Admission is free, free parking will be available at Fort Adams State Park and free transportation will be provided by Viking Trolley.  There will be no parking available at SVF.

For more information, contact Jill DeLeo at 848-7229 Ext: 10, or jill@svffoundation.org or visit svf-foundation.org

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Preservation Society & Villa 120 Lecture - Richard Upjohn Architecture - Best Bed&Breakfast Villa 120 Newport RI

We are honored to have Richard Guy Wilson visit Villa 120 today with 30 of his students - they are here to be inspired,  and enjoy the works of Richard Upohn who was the architect for  Villa 120.

Later this afternoon Richard Guy Wilson, Commonwealth Professor and chair of the Department of Architectural History at the University of Virginia will present at Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport at 6 p.m. tonight.

Preservation Society Lecture - "Kingscote & Beyond"

Advanced registration requested at 401 847 1000 Ext 154 or www.newportmansions.org

$5 for Preservation Society members $10 general public

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Heather Abbott Fundraiser - Blues on the Beach - Villa 120 Best B&B Newport RI

The James Montgomery Band, Triple Threat and Jefferson Hendricks with Robert Johnson Howard are among the musicians and bands slated to perform Sunday at a benefit for Heather Abbott of Newport, who lost her left foot and lower leg as a result of the Boston Marathon bombings in April.

"Newport Strong - Blues on the Beach" will be held at the Atlantic Beach Club, 53 Purgatory Road, from 5-9 p.m.

Tickets will be sold at the door for $20

Monday, June 3, 2013

Win a $5000 Wedding Dress - Best Intimate Wedding Venue - Villa One Twenty Newport RI

Win a $5000 Wedding Dress with Nearly Newlywed and Lover.ly!





Summer wedding season is fast approaching, and we want to be a part of your big day. That’s why we’re partnering with Lover.ly, a new wedding-only search and shopping engine, and Nearly Newlywed, an online boutique for brides offering samples, to bring you an amazing giveaway: A $5,000 wedding dress from Nearly Newlywed!
The $5,000 can be put towards any wedding dress found on Nearly Newlywed—and considering their collection includes incredible designers like Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Elie Saab, Valentino, Amsale, Oscar de la Renta, you’re not going to have a hard time finding the dress of your dreams. Just enter here for your chance at winning!
Lover.ly is the new all-in-one resource where brides, grooms & wedding enthusiasts discover ideas, find vendors and plan weddings. Lover.ly‘s highly-curated wedding day imagery is searchable (read: ultra useful) for today’s modern bride looking for inspiration—search Gatsby, or Vintage or Pink and get a ton of Lover.ly approved big day ideas. Explore, search, save and shop on the web or on your mobile phone.
Nearly Newlywed is an online boutique for brides to buy sample, new & ‘nearly new’ dresses at a fraction of the price. They specialize in hard-to-find dresses from designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Elie Saab, Valentino, Amsale, Oscar de la Renta, and more—what better way is there to shop bridal?

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Newport RI - What's On?! Best Bed & Breakfast Newport RI, Villa One Twenty

Sunday 2nd June 2013

Jazz Piano - Clarke Cooke House "Sunday Brunch" with Bobby Ferreira  - 12.30 to 3.30 p.m.

Atlantic Beach Club live music with  Mac Chrupcala Quartet 3-7 pm

Fifth Element, 111 Broadway 12 noon until 3 p.m.

Nimfest - King Park gazebo, Wellington Avenue Newport - 3-6 p.m. Abbey Rhode will perform as part of the annual Newport independent Musicians Festival concert series.  FREE

Newport History Tours Schedule

Starting today and running until November 1st.

Sunday at 10.30 a.m :  Discover Colonial Newport

Mondays at 10.30 a.m. :  Rogues & Scoundrels

Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Golden to Gilded and at 10.30 a.m. Road to Independence

Wednesdays at 10 a.m Discover Colonial Newport and at 10.30 am Souls and Stones

Thursdays at Golden to Gilded and at 10.30 a.m. Road to Independence

Fridays at 10 am  Discover Colonial Newport and at 10.30 am Souls and Stones

Saturday at 10 am Golden to Gilded at 10.30 Togues & Scoundrels

Tours last approximately 75 minutes and are weather permitting.  The Tours of the Month will take place on the third Saturday of the month at 11 a.m. and include:

June 15 The Colonial Women

July 20 Newport Squared

August 17:  French in Newport





Saturday, June 1, 2013

Great Chowder Cook-off - Polo - USA vs Argentina - 5pm & Goings on 1st June 2013 in Newport - Historic Bed and Breakfast, Villa One Twenty

Happy 1st of June!  Summer is finally here and Newport is a buzz of sport, culture live music and simple family pleasures.

Enjoy!

Great Chowder Cook-off - Newport Yachting Centre, 4 Commercial Wharf - Noon until 6 p.m.

Newport Oyster Festival outside the Newport Yachting Centre gates on America's Cup Avenue - noon until 8 p.m.

Polo - 5 pm - USA vs Argentina

Greenvale Vineyards - wine tastings and live music 1-4 p.m.

Jazz Piano at the Rumbline Restuarant - 62 Bridgesteet, Newport 6.30 pm - 10 pm

Piano Bar at the Hyatt 4-6 p.m.

Live Music - Atlantic Beach Club, Middletown 8 p.m. until mid-night

Garden & Herb Festival - Four Corners Art Centre, lawn of Soule-Seabury House, 3852 Main Road Tiverton - 10 am - 4 pm.  Visitors will explore a selection of locally grown flowers, herbs and vegetables as well as hand-made jewelry, wood carvings, handbags, ind chimes and other crafts - Rain or Shine!!

Open farm & Kite Flying day - Watson Farm, 455 North Road, Jamestown.

Bored?  I don't think so!