Have you heard....

WILLIE NILE ?

Meg Baggott Images. Created courtesy of Willie Nile

He's on fire right now, on the heels of his release of American Ride, a driving, knee-stomping perspective of life in the city, roads through the country, and tunneling inside the very soul of man around the globe.

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With the help of friends "Will The Thrill & The Lost Souls," Willie treated a privileged audience to the band's fierce new tour at a private, bucolic venue "upstate" (aka Westchester).

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The truest of ROCK STARS, you have got to catch Willie live while you can.  You'll find him around New York, Joe's Pub is a good bet, or hop across the pond.  He's huge in Europe.

Meg Baggott Images. Created courtesy of Willie Nile

Sounding tighter than ever, Johnny Pisano, Alex Alexander, & Matt Hogan lay in perfect rhythms and ripping solos to Willie's incessant jams, be them on ivory or steel.

As a WFUV marquee member, I caught Willie at yet another intimate show at City Winery,  and his set was seamlessly superb. And, I picked up a cabernet bottled just for him.  The wine needs a few years, but Willie is in his prime right now! So get on out on an American Ride.

Thanks so much to Bob & Peggy, and Kevin Collins & "the band" for bringing the boys out that sunny Saturday. 

RED or WHITE ?

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How about a whole lot of both?  That's what was pouring at Wine Enthusiast's 25th Anniversary Red & White Bash at the Hudson Hotel.

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Crimson-clad carousers savored La Belle Époque immersion as Michael Arenella And His Dreamland Orchestra rang.  

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Stilts-walkers, moon-dancers, feather-fixer and more produced a multi-sensory affair.

But the wine was the real attraction, and with over 300 90+ point wines flowing, it was an epic exhibit indeed.

Cheers to Wine Enthusiast for 25 years of creativity!

How was your week.... ?

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Mine was not as tough as the hardworking team at Augusta National, who toil from 5:30am until "whenever they are done" (usually around 6:30pm), keeping Amen Corner heavenly, along with every other blade of grass across the famous grounds.

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 Not as hard as Guan Tianlang's week. 

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My week was not even as taxing as Lindsey Vonn's.

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But it is a lot of effort to consume the quantities of light beer and green sandwiches that I did.  Still, I'd say my week was awesome. Tranquil and active, sunny and fun.  Thanks to the folks who make it happen.

Have you ever been to ...

REVELSTOKE, B.C. ?

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If so, you know you're one of a lucky few.  Steep, deep and practically untracked, Revelstoke is the best kept ski secret on this continent.  

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So shred your legs all day then have a soak at the Sutton Place Hotel, right at the Revy base lodge.  It's no bargain, but with accommodations often scarce in high-season, you'll appreciate the cozy convenience.

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Start your apres ski at Rockford, where you can sip creative cocktails while toasting your toesy.  Be sure to skip across the patio to Wino, where lumber and libations deck the walls, with an approachable balance between shabby and chic. 

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But don't be afraid to stray from the idyllic base area into Revelstoke itself, where you step into a snapshot of some yesteryear.  First stop, The Village Idiot, where Canada's famous Caeser - a take on the Bloody Mary - is lovingly concocted.  Meanwhile, check your watch and catch a tour at Mt. Begbie Brewery.  Hours are spotty, but "Your Dunkel Bob" will make it worth the wait.

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Genuine Canadian charm in an unassuming little railroad town, there's so much more to find when you take a look around.  Revelstoke is worth all of the trouble to get there.  And you might just want to stay.