The Scene In and Around Boston . . . The largest trade and consumer wine event in New England, the Expo offers wine enthusiasts an unparalleled educational and entertaining wine-and-food experience. The Grand Tasting showcases more than 350 international and domestic wineries from 13 countries pouring over 1,800 different wines. Special features include an exclusive Grand Cru Wine Lounge. Reserve level wines will be featured in this separate and sophisticated setting for the most serious wine enthusiast. Industry experts host the 2010 seminar program, offering seminars for all levels of wine-lovers. This year's all-star lineup includes Marilisa Allegrini, founder, Poggio al Tesoro; Gloria Maroti Frazee, Wine Spectator; Paul Hobbs, owner/winemaker at Paul Hobbs Winery and Vina Cobos; Leonardo LoCascio, President, CEO and Founder of Winebow, Inc; Leslie Sbrocco, award-winning author, Adventures of a Thirsty Girl; Tim Mondavi, Continuum Estate; Christian Tietje of Four Vines Winery; and Gary Vaynerchuk of WineLibraryTV.com. This year's keynote speaker Kevin Zraly, noted author and lecturer, leads his highly acclaimed one-hour, fast-paced, action-packed wine seminar. Zraly, often called the "one man Cirque du Soleil," takes his audience on a tasting tour of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. For more information, call 1-877-946-3976 or visit www.wineexpoboston.com.
Massachusetts Horticultural Society's "Festival of Trees"
The Massachusetts Horticultural Society's recent "Festival of Trees" at their Elm Bank headquarters in Wellesley was such a success that "plans are already underway for a 2010 edition that will be bigger, better and, well, more festive." "It exceeded every expectation," Joyce Bakshi, chair of the event, was quoted as saying. "We drew more people than we thought and attendance kept climbing because of great word of mouth. The trees were even more beautiful and imaginative than we hoped." "We learned so much," Bakshi said. "Next [festival] we'll have afternoon hours to accommodate groups and after-school crowds. We'll have more decorations outdoors along the pathways to the gardens and lots of outdoor lights. We had many requests for a Santa Claus appearance and so we've made some queries to the North Pole. We'll also be open one day longer.... we're targeting a minimum of 60 trees for 2010." "We already have commitments....," she added. "People loved being a part of such a family-friendly event and they can't wait to do it again. Just give us a call and we'll get back in touch." For more information about participation in the 2010 Festival of Trees, call 617-933-4900 or visit www.masshort.org. Incidentally, we were delighted to learn that the upcoming Boston Flower & Garden Show will incorporate MassHort's participation via "Blooms! 2010." The Paragon Group, the sponsor of the Boston Flower & Garden Show, will be responsible for landscape exhibits, vendors and most speakers. MassHort's "Blooms! 2010" will include amateur horticulture, floral design competitions, Ikebana displays, and coordination of more than twenty exhibiting plant societies. MassHort will also sponsor a full day of talks built around "Gardening Essentials." The Boston Flower & Garden Show, "A Feast for the Senses!" takes place at the Seaport World Trade Center, Boston, from Wednesday, March 24 through Sunday, March 28. There will be a Gala Preview Party on Tuesday, March 23 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Be sure to visit your columnist's gardening website, www.bostongardens.com and sign the Guest Book for a chance to win two free tickets to the 2010 Boston Flower and Garden Show, courtesy of The Paragon Group. For more information about the Flower & Garden Show, be sure to visit www.paragonexpo.com.
"Dreamgirls" at Colonial Theatre in February Direct from the world famous Apollo Theatre in New York City, a brand new, sensational stage production of "Dreamgirls!" Is scheduled for Boston's Colonial Theatre from February 2-14. Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, "Dreamgirls!" tells the rags-to-riches story of a 1960s Motown girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. With music by Academy Award nominee Henry Krieger and lyrics and book by Tony and Grammy-winning Tom Eyen, "Dreamgirls!" features the unforgettable hits: "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," "One Night Only" and "Listen." Broadway director and choreographer Robert Longbottom and co-choreographer Shane Sparks (TV's "So You Think You Can Dance"), along with some of Broadway's top designers, re-envision this Tony and Academy Award-winning musical "so it sparkles like never before." For tickets or more information, call 1-800-982-2787, or visit the official "Dreamgirls!" website at www.DreamgirlsOnStage.com. Enjoy! |
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In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." |
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The Boston Wine Expo takes place Saturday and Sunday, January 23-24 at the Seaport World Trade Center, Boston. 