Category Archives: Scene

Sundance 2019: Where The Party’s At

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Sundance Parties

The Sundance Film Festival kicks off January 24 and for 10 days the little resort town of Park City, Utah, turns into what can only be described as a faux movie set for “People in Black”. The shops, galleries and restaurants that locals recommend become ones they all avoid as brands like Grey Goose and Lyft move in and take over. Every other storefront is rented out for high dollars; transformed into lounges, suites and party venues for Sundance filmmakers, media, brands and wanna-be-seen celebrities.

Main Street and Park City proper swell under the heavy traffic and crowds. More than 124,000 people are expected to attend the independent film festival and while most will stand in line to see at least one of the 200 films slated (the Festival is said to have broken its record for the most film submissions at 14,259), many will spend their time wandering through town and the various activations and brand installations. In fact, there really is no need to purchase $20-25 tickets to see films that will eventually make it to Netflix unless you want bragging rights or an opportunity to sit in on the Q&As. Instead, ride the free Park City bus and take in the “scene”.

There are both “official” and “unofficial” attractions. Many require an invite and guestlist, some a Festival credential ($$) and others are free and open to the public. Here is just some of the fun to be had in #crazytown.

Open To The Public

Festival Co-op
608 Main St., Park City

Friday, January 25–Friday, February 2, 2019 

Stop in for all sorts of interactions: Complimentary charging stations provided by AT&T and technology provided by Dell. Warm up with hot crafted coffee blends. Enter for a chance to win a prize to a fabulous mystery destination. Learn about the Sundance Institute’s work supporting independent artists and for a chance to win cool prizes. Visit with the University of Utah Health Wellness Hub to warm up, enjoy a free chair massage, and recharge before your next film. Test your film knowledge and get a limited-edition pin and postcard from the Utah Film Commission and chat with WordPress.com and snap a photo of yourself with an inspiring and interactive mural created by an internationally known street artist.

Acura Festival Village

480 Swede Alley

Friday, January 25–Saturday, February 2, noon–6:00 p.m.

Acura invites you to take a seat in the Acura NSX supercar or any of the entire lineup on display. Or, recharge with complimentary hot beverages and phone-charging stations. Guests also can capture Festival memories in the Acura winter wonderland photo booth and hear live daily programming on the Acura Stage including industry and celebrity panels, and live music. Wrap up the day on the heated patio with Acura Hours, along with partner Stella Artois.

Canada Goose Basecamp

449 Main St.

Friday, January 25–Tuesday, January 29, noon–6:00 p.m.

Known as the unofficial jacket of film crews, Canada Goose invites you to warm up by trying on some of their coats. Such a tease! Not many can afford the pricetag. But at least you can enjoy complimentary hot beverages, WiFi and charging stations as well as explore an interactive exhibit that showcases their history in front of and behind the lens.  

Chase Sapphire® on Main

573 Main St.

Jan.25-Feb.1
The public is welcome to a variety of activities like cooking and VR demos. Sample food from around the country, watch the LA Times live film panel discussions with filmmakers and talent. Show off your Sapphire credit card for private admittance to parties, a dining concierge, and a lounge featuring a premium coffee bar from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and wine and beer tastings from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also pick up a commemorative 2019 Sundance Film Festival water bottle.

The Dell Den

528 Main St.

Jan. 25-28

Dell Technologies will display the work of creators from post-production demos to gamified AI and offer ask-the-expert sessions. There will also be networking with industry leaders across film, media, and sustainability, as well as portraits from famed photographer Mark Mann.

Lyft Lounge

556 Main St.

Jan. 24-27

Riding Park City’s free shuttles got you down? Come rest your weary head at the Lyft Lounge. The drinks aren’t free but the heated space and conversation with fellow film enthusiasts is. Yes, you can catch a Lyft when you’re ready to leave.

Wellhaus

412 Main Street

CBD had to make an appearance at Sundance, where trends take hold. The first-ever CBD focused activation is brought to you by Axcess Entertainment and Charlotte’s Web to educate and entertain the public and the festival community on the rapidly growing CBD movement. There will be daily talks, panel discussions, VIP activations and the first-ever CBD Gastropub/CBD infusion bar.

Savvy Minerals Sip & Lip Bar

580 Main St

Sat Jan 26 2019 at 11:00 am – 07:00 pm

This chic space from Young Living Essential Oils will help guests find their perfect winter lipshade from the line of clean and natural beauty products while sipping on a refreshing NingXia Zyng.

Credential Holders

Filmmaker Lodge
Elks Building
550 Main St. (2nd Floor)
Friday, January 25–Friday, February 1

A casual meeting place and café designed to cultivate dialogue among filmmakers, industry leaders, and the press, where lively panel discussions and conversations occur on a range of current issues.

Kimball Art Center

1401 Kearns Blvd.

Partner panels are open to all Festival credential holders and the general public as space allows. The Sundance Institute Talent Forum takes place from January 29- 31.

SundanceTV HQ

268 Main St.

January 25–30

SundanceTV, the official television network of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, opens the doors for daily panel conversations (at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.) and private evening events like the Official Kick-Off Party (Friday), the third annual Yacht Rock Party (Saturday), and a special storytelling event with The Moth (Monday).  Public can wander in on the off hours for Wifi and charging.

Pizza Hut x Legion M Lounge

322 Main St.

Jan. 25-27

Legion M is using the new equity crowdfunding law to take film fans behind-the-scenes and allow them to experience the thrill of investing in movies, television shows and digital content. Learn how you can help shape entertainment with nightly panel discussions and free pizza!

 

New Frontier

Two Locations-

The Ray/The Box at The Ray
1768 Park Ave.

New Frontier Central
950 Iron horse Dr., Park City

 

This space used to be open to the public but it seems you’re not worthy this year without a credential. The social and creative space showcases media installations, multimedia performances, transmedia experiences, panel discussions, and more. You can check out the Festival program for the schedule.

 

Sundance ASCAP Music Café
751 Main St.

Friday, January 25–Friday, February 1, 2019
1:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

The venue showcases an eclectic mix of exceptional music makers handpicked by ASCAP. The space is tight and mostly standing room only so it’s rare that non-credential holders get in.

Stella’s Film Lounge

364 Main St.

Jan.25-28

The official beer of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival celebrates the films and filmmakers that are shaping culture and moving the industry forward. From cast parties to daily panel discussions, festivalgoers are welcome to stop by to raise a chalice with them.

Invite Only

sundance partiesMeet my new fave in loungewear- BarefootEcoOutfitters

EcoLuxe Lounge PARK City

255 Main Street

Jan. 26-27

EcoLuxe Lounge PARK CITY at the top of Main celebrates its 12th year supporting indie film at Sundance. Debbie Durkin’s hospitality suite features Utah’s film critic Tony Toscano interviewing Stars of 2019 Film premieres, open bar, DJ, all-day buffet from Snake Creek Grill in Heber, Utah, pampering, and brand sponsor showcases like Dr. Spa skincare and more.

DIRECTV LODGE PRESENTED BY AT&T

660 Main St.

The VarietyStudio presented by AT&T will host its longstanding portrait and video studio from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and AT&T and DIRECTV will host daily lunches from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for celebrities, tastemakers, premiere parties, and cast dinners for some of the Festival’s most buzzworthy titles.  

Wanderluxxe Filmmaker Lounge

Main Street

WanderLuxxe, the coveted membership concierge service returns to the Sundance Film Festival with partners Essential Costa Rica, Sunlighten infrared saunas, Lululemon, STARE Cosmetics, The Lovely Loba skincare, Peroni, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream, and Kobricks coffee. Film enthusiasts to indie filmmakers will experience exclusive perks and insider access to a host wellness activities like yoga, facials, panels and parties.

 

The Luxury Escape

St Regis

This has been one of the coolest activations every year for networking and partying. Stashed way up at the St Regis Deer Valley, RAND Luxury’s 6th annual weekend will host several events including private cast dinners and receptions.

sundance parties

Kia Telluride Supper Suite

890 Main St #5115

A-List Communications is back for its fifth year at the Mustang restaurant on lower Main to have Greene St. Kitchen of Las Vegas serve top festival talent at private cast dinners and cocktail receptions. Guests will also be able to check out the all-new Telluride SUV, Kia’s first eight-passenger SUV as the brand is using the Fest to showcase its rugged side. Celebrities and VIP media with also get door-to-door chauffeur-driven car service via KIA. Once inside the Suite, they’ll sip Tequila Comisario, Sensi Tuscany Wines, Dragon Fly Coffee Roasters, Blue Moon Belgian White beer, and Lifewtr.

sundance parties

Salesforce Music Lodge

710 Main Street

The lively space will celebrate music as a platform for change. Arcade Fire’s Win Butler and Régine Chassagne are scheduled to perform. There will also be daily happy hour Q&As with KCRW personality Anne Litt, a pop-up gallery exhibition with renowned music photographer Danny Clinch, hosted bar, DJ and cultural cuisine from presenting sponsor, Louisiana Office of Tourism and New Orleans. 

AP Music Lodge (same as Salesforce ML)

Daily Mardi Gras bashes, Louisiana delicacies, appearances by some of the festivals most in-demand names and members of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, as well as a variety of musical performances will be part of this venue’s schedule.

 

Blackhouse

804 Main Street 

Jan. 24-28

Panels, conversations, receptions, and events focused on film, television, digital and emerging platforms that help Black creative voices and executives gain a better foothold in the industry.

 

Warren Miller Ski Flick Pays Tribute To The Legend

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warren miller ski

In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes…and Warren Miller Ski Movies. 

With winter around the corner, the Warren Miller Entertainment team (WME) will once again kick off the season with its 69th installment. The new ski and snowboard film, Face of Winter, however, will be different. It won’t be simply a recycling of traditional ski porn. This one- the first produced since the iconic Miller’s death earlier this year- promises to tug on our nostalgic ski heartstrings.

warren miller ski

Photo cred. Warren Miller Co.

FOW celebrates the man who became known as the father of ski bums. Miller cultivated the skier mentality, the industry, and the places and people he met along the way.  He was 93 when he passed in January 2018 and through those years he not only witnessed the impressive growth of the ski industry but documented the best athletes in the world who led the charge. He covered through film, art, books and articles, outdoor pursuits and water sports like surfing and sailing in addition to his passion for snowsports.

He produced more than 500 films that spanned six decades and inspired countless men, women and children to ditch normalcy and seek a life of extreme adventure; myself included. He set the tempo with tales like braving 100 days in Sun Valley, Idaho, living out of a teardrop trailer on $18 bucks.

Warren Miller Ski Films Leave Their Mark

“I will say that without Warren Miller I wouldn’t lead the incredible life I do!” freeskier Amie Engerbretson told the film crew at Teton Gravity Research, one of the first film production companies to follow in WME’s footsteps. “Warren inspired my grandfather, my father and myself to pursue a life of skiing, chasing mountains and making films! He will live in my heart forever!”

The Warren Miller name became synonymous with the sport of skiing but Miller himself was also a World War II veteran, a ski instructor and ski racer, an accomplished surfer, and a champion sailor. He also provided entrepreneurial training to thousands of kids nationwide, emphasizing hard work, ingenuity, and creativity.

New and veteran athletes have come together in Face of Winter to pay tribute to the man who started it all. Jonny Moseley, Marcus Caston, Seth Wescott, Forrest Jillson, Kaylin Richardson, Dash Longe, Anna Segal, Michael “Bird” Shaffer, and featured athletes of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, including gold medalist, Jessie Diggins visit some of Warren’s favorite places from Engleberg to Chamonix, British Columbia to Alaska, Chile, Iceland, New Zealand and more. 

“The film is for anyone whose life (whether they realize it) was impacted by Warren Miller,” says WME Managing Director Andy Hawk. “We are all the face of winter—from the athletes to the audience to the locals in far-off destinations or even at our home mountain. Warren recognized this, and this year’s film celebrates that.”
I will admit that I’m hesitant to see this year’s WM flick. It’ll be interesting to see how the other resorts fared and the footage gathered last season after the crappy snow we all had in North America. But it’s not because I think the snow will look meh. It’s because of the void that is left by the ski storyteller. I hate crying in public and I know I will. 
I grew up on Warren Miller movies. They launched me into each ski season. And it was that infamous quote – “If you don’t do it this year, you’ll be one year older when you do” – that moved me to Mammoth as a junior in college, Aspen after graduation, Park City after Aspen and I finally booked that bucketlist trip to Hokkaido, Japan, this coming January 2019.

As long as WME keeps making these ski movies, the spirit of the ski bum will live on but this season’s edition can’t help but be more poignant than ever. 

Warren Miller Ski Film Screenings

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Face of Winter, presented by Volkswagen, will premiered worldwide in Portland, Ore., on October 12 before heading to Utah on Oct. 17. Screenings will then sweep across the U.S., from the Pacific Northwest to the East Cost from October to December. Click here for tour dates and detes. 
BTW< If you are attending in Utah, this year’s screenings will be at the Rose Wagner Theater rather than Abravanel Hall. The $23 tickets also include a BOGO day pass to Jackson Hole and $50 off a Mountain Collective Pass. [But if you already have the Mountain Collective (comes with a Snowbird or Alta season pass) you already get half off in Jackson.]

Ode To S’mores

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Get the latest outdoor, travel, pets, dining, night life, Ski-tracks, Gadgets, softgoods, events, and adventure news

I must have liked s’mores as a child. What’s not to like about a sticky, gooey, chocolate mess of sweetness that tempts you to beg for ‘some-more’ but leaves you with a bellyache if you aren’t careful? It’s the ultimate kid food and a perennial campfire favorite. Camping and s’mores are like skiing and hot chocolate or surfing and fish tacos. You can’t have one without the other… or at least you shouldn’t.

smores

Photo courtesy Max Pixel

 

The premise is simple- half a graham cracker, a layer of milk chocolate, a roasted marshmallow or two, topped with another half graham cracker; smushed ever so slightly together to cause the chocolate to melt before you bite down. These treats lure kids of all ages to join around the campfire when they’d rather crawl into a tent and pass out. It brings the community together for a few last songs or tales in the dark night air. Yet when you think about it. It’s a really weird food.

Origin of the S’More

Ancient Egyptians are credited with discovering a wild herb that grew in a marshland. The sap of this plant was extracted and mixed with a honey-based confection but reserved only for the pharaohs and gods. The rest of the populace were not worthy. Or you could buy the story of how Native Americans harvested sweet blue and pink flowers that dotted the banks of bays and rivers. They would pick the blossoms just before they opened and boil them in a small amount of water so they would form a paste. They ate it straight out of the bowl or smeared it onto food as a sweetener.

In the 1800s in France, candymakers would mix the marshmallow sap with egg whites and sugar to make the first official marshmallow. They later used corn starch molds for faster processing. However, the first s’mores recipe debuted in a 1927 Girl Scout handbook and the rest, so they say, is history.
But not all marshmallows are created equal nor roast the same. The cheap kind disintegrate in the flames or melt right off the tines. 

 

Unlike with other traditions, there’s no sin in straying. Gourmands have been known to use a variety of flavored mallows from strawberry to whiskey. We even tried Peeps once but the sugar carmelizes and the whole thing falls in the fire. You can also mix up the size with jumbos and minis.

Best ways to toast s’mores

Proper roasting technique is important once you’ve found the mallow that speaks to you. Newbies will usually char the outside yet the inner is still firm and undercooked. Bleh. Experts use patience and the heat of coals and embers (rather than the flames themselves) to toast the fluff to a golden brown. Make sure to use a clean stick with a pointed end so the mallow doesn’t smash down when you pierce it. The stick should be long enough so you can sit comfortably and safely by the fire while you slowly rotate it.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/aurelienbreeden/

If you want a more consistent and efficient roast then choose metal (a hanger works marvelously) over wood for your stick. In fact, pros come with their own roasting stick much the same way a pool player packs his own cue.

 

Just the right crust will allow the marshmallow to sit on the cracker without oozing everywhere and will produce enough heat to soften the chocolate. Speaking of chocolate, one is not allowed to eat the chocolate without the marshmallow. That’s cheating. But it’s okay to eat just the marshmallow. BTW, the s’more itself has evolved beyond the “classic” – marshmallow, Hershey slice sandwiched between two halves of a graham cracker- so there’s no right or wrong way to make it. *

S’mores Cooking alternatives

Don’t dismay if you don’t or can’t have an open campfire for your dessert finale. You can use your propane stove, torch attached to a propane canister, oven broiler, gas stove and even a microwave (seriously, though?).

Photo by Lee from Pexels

Smores Torch

One of my favorite at-home s’mores makers is the Camco Little Red Campfire. It’s a small, portable campfire that uses propane underneath a ring of fake logs. It comes with a lid so you can close it up when you’re done and not worry about anything catching fire once you turn in. Plus, you can have a campfire right there on your deck or in your kitchen!

 

Today, I’d rather have just the toasted marshmallows and leave the mess to the millennials. But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a good gathering around the campfire. FYI, National S’mores Day is August 10 so get roasting.

Looking for some S’Mores Variations?

Minty S’more- sub peppermint patty for chocolate bar
Gold Dust S’more- Sub coconut marshmallow for plain
Bananarama S’more- Sub banana for graham crackers (put this mess in foil then roast on the coals).
Cow Patty S’more- sub chocolate chip cookies for graham crackers
S’mores Por Favor- roll it up in a tortilla instead of using graham crackers
Camp Cone S’mores- Sub ice cream waffle cones for graham crackers

smores

Photo by MothersNiche

Santa Monica Pier Keeps The Beach Vibe Alive

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santa monica pier

If you’re like me- constantly looking for summer fun- then check out this latest entry that seems to be an off-the-hook gathering of beach bums. The Santa Monica Pier in Southern California is officially putting summer on notice. The first-ever Pier 360 Ocean Sports & Beach Festival, June 23-24, will crush the Santa Monica Pier.

On the deck, down to the shore and into the waves, the Pier will offer a complete 360° of California beach culture. A spin around the festival grounds presents a full slate of marquee ocean races, beachside tournaments, immersive art, music, surf history and activities for all ages. The event is totally free whether you’re a regular surf rider or can’t swim a length.

santa monica pier

What began in 2010 as the single-day Paddleboard Race at the Santa Monica Pier has continued to evolve into one of California’s largest ocean festivals, drawing thousands of spectators each year. Pier 360 is summer’s kickoff celebration.

“Pier 360 combines all of the beautiful things about beach life and rolls it into one epic happening,” says SMPC Executive Director Negin Singh. “As we turn up the volume on all of our Pier-produced events, our team is super excited to show the world what we’re all about with this summer kickoff. There truly will be something for everyone!”

The two-day beach bonanza officially begins Saturday at 7 a.m. with a Hawaiian blessing on the sand before diving into the first of 13 competitions. Over 500 athletes will compete for cash prizes, and victorious high school and collegiate beach volleyball teams will earn points towards the national championships. Later, thousands of spectators will line the sand and the deck as lifeguards compete in dory races; and elite stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) racers compete in a challenging course around the Pier. And, if that’s not enough, spectators can catch skaters busting 360’s on the pop-up skate ramp. Hands-on activities include assisting the build of a colossal sand sculpture with the art collective, Think Tank Gallery.

Up on the Pier deck, live music takes center stage, anchored by music festival mainstay Brownies & Lemonade (high off its Coachella Heineken House takeover). Of course, Pier 360-goers can groove with drink-in-hand at the Beer & Spirits Garden, which will be pouring beer and cocktails from 10 a.m. to sunset both days.

While you’re there, cruise the Museum of Beach Life and its collection of antique surfboards, paddleboards, and lifeguard equipment celebrating the long history of beach life at the Pier that dates back to the 1940’s.

The experiential rundown:

On the Pier deck, the festival vibes. Top experiences:
• Beats by Brownies & Lemonade
• Beer & Spirits Garden by Kona Brewing Co., Aperol, Patron and White Claw
• Live Polynesian Band & Hula Dancing
• Immersive Art Installations by Think Tank Gallery
• Eats by The Albright and Seaside on the Pier
• Skate Experience thanks to Red Bull

On the sand, the activities heat up. Major spectacles:
• Beach Volleyball AAU & 4-Man
• Beach Volleyball Doubles
• Kids Activities

In the water, the paddle battles rage. Marquee competitions:
• Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Surf Competition
• Paddle Cross Race
• Dory Sprint & 3-Lap Dory
• 1 Mile Ocean Swim
• Long Course Paddle Race
• Splash n’ Dash
• Junior SUP Race

Full event schedule available online at: www.SMPier360.com

The festival benefits The Surfrider Foundation and The Bay Foundation, two non-profits dedicated to preserving coastal access, protecting the environment and improving the health of the ocean environment. Shore to be a good time.

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