Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours open for business on the Niagara River

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. – May 12 – Now that the polar vortex is ancient history, Ontarians and western New Yorkers can come out of hibernation to see another swirling natural phenomenon – the Niagara River whirlpool, as the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours have officially launched their 2014 season tomorrow.

The Whirlpool Jet Boats offer the up-close view of the world-famous whirlpool, just the kind of adventure to cure the cabin fever that kept families cooped up indoors for weeks and weeks as winter dragged on and on.

"With three locations in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, and Lewiston, New York with more than 20 years operating history, the Jet Boats continue to be one of North America’s most popular attractions by offering an unrivalled view of the Niagara Gorge," said John Kinney, Owner and President of the Whirlpool Jet Boats.

No parents allowed! Come explore the KIDS ZONE‏ at the Redpath Waterfront Festival

Bounce on over to KIDS ZONE and spend the day playing on  AdventureMania Inflatables or exploring our Canadian heritage with crafts and games. You can even meet the Parks Canada mascot ‘Parka’ and get your photo taken with the giant inflatable beaver. Plan to join the Toronto Brigantine’s hunt for buried treasure where you can meet the sailors and learn the ropes from the STV Pathfinder and TS Playfair. Summer starts here! Find out all about the Festival at: TOwaterfrontfest.com

Salute to the neighbors - Canadian Appreciation Days in Port Huron and St. Clair County, Michigan

   One-Tank Trip for May 10/14

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Canadians will feel “appreciated” when visiting Port Huron and St. Clair County, Mich. just across the border from Sarnia.

   In fact, the Americans are rolling out the red, white and blue carpet for their over-the-border visitors during Canadian Appreciation Days.

   This second-annual event is expanded from one day to a weekend of fun from May 17 to 19.

The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes since 1825.

   “It’s a great time to enjoy a variety of pleasures from arts and markets to museums and historical sites, waterfront dining, shopping, award-winning golf courses, theatrical plays and more,” said Judi Stewart of the Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Brantley Gilbert and Sarah Brightman added to Summer Concerts at Casino Rama

Brentley Gilbert

Announcing additions to the 2014 entertainment line-up

RAMA, ON (Monday, May 12, 2014) -- Casino Rama is pleased to announce the following hot new concert editions to our previously released 2014 summer entertainment line-up:

Tsai Chin 蔡琴

「百�精�」演唱�

Wednesday, August 20

SHOWTIME: 8 PM, DOORS OPEN: 7 PM

Tickets start at $48

Back by popular demand, this popular Mandopop and folk singer will perform her greatest hits : 《恰似你的�柔》、《你的眼神》、《被�忘的�光》、《最后一夜》.

Brantley Gilbert

Thursday, August 21

SHOWTIME: 8 PM, DOORS OPEN: 7 PM

Tickets are $35/$45/$60

“Bottoms Up”, “Kick It In the Sticks” & “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do”. His much-anticipated third album Just as I Am hits stores on May 19^th!

Sarah Brightman

Dreamchaser World Tour

Saturday, August 30

SHOWTIME: 9 PM, DOORS OPEN: 8 PM

Tickets are $60/$70/$85

“Time to Say Goodbye”, “All I Ask of You”, and “Pie Jesu”.

Doors Open Orillia to commemorate World War I

Marvel Beauty School

 (May 12, 2014) – The City of Orillia is commemorating the 100th anniversary of Ontario’s participation in World War One with the 2014 edition of Doors Open Orillia on Saturday, May 24.

Doors Open Orillia takes people beyond the bricks and mortar of the area’s historical, architectural and cultural sites to learn of stories from the war that helped shape our nation.

“Doors Open Orillia would not be the success that it is year-after-year without strong partnerships,” said Mayor Angelo Orsi. “Together, our community is able to showcase just how fortunate we are to have such a rich and vibrant history at every corner of our great City.”

This year, Doors Open Orillia coincides with the Downtown Orillia Management Board’s Bring on Spring Sidewalk Sale, which will attract visitors and residents to explore our historic downtown during Doors Open.

Dare to shake things up with Martini Week at Pantages Hotel Toronto

Seven days, seven dazzling martinis, seven dollars

TORONTO, May 12, 2014 – Pantages Hotel Toronto Centre, a Skyline Hotel, is shaking things up at their swanky Martini Bar with the return of Martini Week from May 19 to May 25.

The boutique hotel’s expert mixologists will be crafting a different signature martini each day of the week for only $7. Sponsored by Iceberg Vodka, Martini Week cocktails will all feature vodka exclusively from the spirit purveyor.

“We’re really excited to be launching another fantastic Martini Week here at Martini Bar,” says Ellis Perrin, Director of Food and Beverage at Pantages Hotel. “People love coming by the bar after work to sip on cocktails and mingle. Martini Week is a great way for us to showcase the creativity of our mixologists and treat our guests to some delicious concoctions.”

The Book of Mormon returns to the Princess of Wales Theatre

(News Release)

TORONTO -- Back by popular demand following its record-breaking six-week engagement in 2013, THE BOOK OF MORMON will return to Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre this fall for a strictly limited engagement, with performances beginning September 16, 2014. 

Tickets for the Toronto run will be available to Front of The Line by American Express card members in advance on Tuesday May 20 at 10AM through May 25 at 10PM.  Tickets are available by visiting Mirvish.com, or by calling TicketKing at 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333.  Tickets are limited to 12 tickets per order

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday June 2.  Tickets will be available in person only for the first two hours 9AM – 11AM at the Princess of Wales Theatre box office – 300 King Street West.  Online and phone sales begin at 11AM.  Tickets are available by visiting Mirvish.com, or by calling TicketKing at 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333.  Tickets are limited to 12 tickets per order.  Group orders may be placed by calling 416-593-4142 or 1-800-724-6420.

Food trucks are rolling into Niagara-on-the-Lake at Peller Estates Winery

   One-Tank Trip for May 3/14

   (c) By Jim Fox

    Food trucks are invading Ontario’s Wine Country for the upcoming sip-and-savour holiday weekend.

   Peller Estates Winery is inviting wine and food aficionados to “kick off your summer” at the ultimate backyard bash.

   Called “Food Truck Eats,” 20 mobile eateries from Canada and the U.S. will be rolling into scenic wine country from May 16 to 18 in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

There will be plenty of good ‘eats’ and drinks at a food truck party at Peller Estates Winery.

   “This year’s exciting three-day event will begin with an exclusive adult-only night market Friday night,” said Katie Mueller, Peller Estates’ communications specialist.

   For this third-annual event, it has grown to a long-weekend activity that should mean “crowds will be significantly smaller, giving guests more opportunities to enjoy the food, wine and entertainment,” she said.

Starwood accelerates expansion across Canada with plans to reach 70 hotels and resorts in the next year

Company Sees Strong Growth Momentum for Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft and Element Brands in 2nd Largest Market Outside the U.S.

Toronto – May 6, 2014 – From the Canadian Hotel Investment Conference in Toronto, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today that it will expand its Canadian portfolio to 70 hotels within the next 12 months.

The Aloft Calgary University, Starwood’s first Aloft hotel in Western Canada, opened last month, following the February opening of Four Points Waterloo-Kitchener Hotel & Suites.

The momentum continues with the upcoming openings of Four Points Regina, Four Points Surrey, Four Points Moncton and the Element Vancouver Metrotown.  This activity comes after a strong 2013, which included the openings of Four Points Edmonton International Airport, Four Points Kelowna Airport, Four Points Edmundston and Element Vaughan Southwest, maintaining Canada’s position as Starwood’s 2nd largest market outside the U.S.

Girlfriends can re-ignite their soulful side with special guests Jully Black and Jarvis Church at Deerhurst Resort

GET YOUR GROOVE BACK IN MUSKOKA WITH DEERHURST RESORT’S SPRING GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY – NOW WITH NEW DATES!

HUNTSVILLE, ON, May 6, 2014 – Deerhurst, a Skyline Resort, is calling all soul sisters in need of a spring awakening!

Deerhurst is introducing a spring edition of its popular fall Girlfriends Getaway, now with new dates – May 30 - June 1.

Loaded with tons of activities and not one but two nights of live entertainment featuring soul masters Jully Black and Jarvis Church, this weekend is the perfect excuse to get away with your girlfriends before the busy summer months. 

“We’ve had a great response to the Girlfriends’ Getaway weekend in the fall,” says general manager Chris Lund.

ZZ Top with Jeff Beck outdoor concert headlines additions to Seneca Casino's Summer Rush Series

 

Survivor, Air Supply, Scott Stapp, Los Lobos also join the entertainment lineup;
Brian Regan and Kellie Pickler booked for September

 

NIAGARA FALLS and SALAMANCA, N.Y. – The area’s best summer entertainment series keeps getting better.

New additions to the all-star Summer Rush 2014 lineup for Seneca Casinos include an outdoor concert by ZZ Top with Jeff Beck at Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel on Labor Day weekend, Survivor at Seneca Allegany Events Center on Independence Day weekend, and Air Supply in August at Seneca Niagara Events Center.

Two new shows – Scott Stapp: The Voice of Creed and Los Lobos – also come to the intimate Bear’s Den Showroom this summer. Finally, Seneca Casinos is already thinking ahead to fall with September bookings of country singer-songwriter Kellie Pickler and comedian Brian Regan.

Keith Jarrett, Chaka Khan, Stanley Clarke, Bobby McFerrin, Bill Frisell, Dianne Reeves, Gregory Porter, Galactic, Nels Cline and more at the TD Toronto Jazz Festival

THE TD TORONTO JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ITS FULL LINEUP

Toronto – The lineup for the 28th anniversary of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival gets underway this June when it kicks off summer, as more than 1,500 musicians entertain in over 50 locations across the city when half a million music lovers unite for one of the city’s largest music festivals.

In a rare solo performance, Keith Jarrett, one of the world’s greatest virtuoso pianists, will perform on Wednesday, June 25 while legendary R&B vocalist, Chaka Khan kicks off the festivities on Thursday, June 19.

They join previously announced Earth, Wind & Fire among the headliners for this year.