"WingRider Coaster"

Over the Memorial Day weekend, the traditional opening for seasonal parks began, bringing with it at least 20 new roller coaster thrills at theme parks nationwide! Among these extreme attractions to hit the tracks are three “winged” coasters (first ones in the US!) with seats that jut out from either side of the track to give riders the sensation of soaring through the air. The first opened in April at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and another followed at Great Flags America in Chicago. A third variation opened Saturday at Pennsylvania’s HersheyPark. Also in Pennsylvania, a 13-story-tall boomerang-style coaster called “Stinger” is now open at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown. In Texas, a new amusement pier echoing one built in the 1900s, opened Friday in Galveston. Among the 16 rides on the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is the “Iron Shark” coaster, complete with a vertical lift of 100 feet and speeds of up to 50 mph! On Saturday, SeaWorld San Diego introduced the “Manta” roller coaster, which features water and video elements.
Looking for a more immersive experience? Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim will now have two such attractions with “Cars Land” and “Buena Vista Street”, both opening June 15th. “Cars Land” incorporates three separate attractions in tribute to the 2006 animated movie Cars. “Buena Vista Street” replicates 1920s and ’30s Los Angeles architecture and characters of the era. Over on the East coast, the first phase of Walt Disney World Resort’s expanded “Fantasyland” opens in July in Orlando with the Dumbo-themed “Storybook Circus”. On Friday Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles unveiled “Transformers: The Ride – 3D”, featuring sophisticated visual effects and pitting riders against evil Decepticons! Opening later this summer at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando is the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” attraction, which partners a ride with a show, parade, and dance party.
With so many new coaster and theme park thrills opening this summer, you have plenty of ways to get that adrenaline rush! Give your Tangerine Travel advisor a call and we’ll find the perfect summer 2012 theme park destination and attractions for you and your family! (425) 822-2333 – (800) 678-8202

Oceania cruises sale ends June 30- book now to get these great savings on select Oceania sailings:

Free airfare for 2 for 1 cruise fares, plus bonus savings of up to $2,000 per stateroom and 2 for 1 deposits. For more information or to get a quote on your Oceania cruise, get in touch with Tangerine Travel cruise specialist at 866-445-0433 or email at tangerine@tangerinetravel.com.

Picture from MSNBC-Collapsed factory in Mirandola

At least fifteen people are reported dead in a magnitude 5.8 earthquake that struck the same area of northern Italy stricken by another fatal tremor on May 20. The quake left 14,000 people homeless in the Emilia Romagna region north of Bologna, one of Italy’s most agriculturally and industrially productive areas.

The United States Geological Survey said the quake on Tuesday, which struck at 9:00 a.m. local time, was centered 25 miles northwest of the city of Bologna. It hit the area where a 6.0 temblor killed seven people earlier this month — and just as citizens had begun to resume some semblance of normality. Television footage on Sky News 24 on Tuesday showed evacuees from the May 21 quake peering out of shaking emergency tents in disbelief. The earlier quake was described by Italian emergency officials as the worst to hit the region since the 1300s. In addition to the deaths, it knocked down a clock tower and other centuries-old buildings and caused millions in losses to a region known for making Parmesan cheese. Its epicenter hit about 22 miles north of Bologna. While Tuesday’s quake was about 100 times less intense than the one May 20, its death toll was more than twice as high.

Visit California has launched a premium edition of its Fun Spots promotion to celebrate the significant enhancements opening this summer at some of the Golden State’s premiere attractions. Save on admission at California theme parks, zoos, aquariums, museums as well as boat and train rides through downloading discount coupons at http://www.visitcalifornia.com/Fun-Spots.

This summer, Disney California Adventure reopens June 15 after a $1.2 billion enhancement that includes the new movie-inspired Cars Land and re-imagined Buena Vista Street. SeaWorld San Diego premieres the Manta double launch roller coaster May 26, 2012 that includes gliding through a 100,000-gallon underwater habitat providing the sensation of swimming like a giant Manta Ray. Los Angeles’ Universal Studios also premieres Transformers: The Ride 3D on May 25, 2012, fusing one-of-a-kind HD 3D media and flight simulator technology creating a new benchmark in a theme park attraction.A sample of savings only available through Visit California’s Premium Fun Spots promotion at http://www.visitcalifornia.com/Fun-Spots  includes:

Obtain 15% off tickets to IRIS from Cirque du Soleil® at Los Angeles’ Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.  Buy one day and get a second day free Universal Studios Hollywood. Receive $10 off a one-day admission at LEGOLAND® California. Adults can visit Sea World San Diego, at the kid’s admission fee

These great promotions just showcase only a handful of great things that California has to offer. Interested in booking a trip to sunny California? Tangerine Travel is here to make your travel planning easier- just a phone call (866-445-0433) or email away (tangerine@tangerinetravel.com).

The Hunger Games

Want to follow forest trails in search of Katniss Everdeen’s life-saving pond? Or visit the hometown of Peeta Mellark’s family bakery? Frenzied fans of the ‘Hunger Games’ are being lured to movie locations around the state of North Carolina where the scenes of the well-known blockbuster movie were shot. Several scenes were filmed in the woods of DuPont State Forest, a 10,400-acre wilderness where waterfalls, lakes, and fishing streams provided ideal settings for the movie’s outdoor scenes. Visitors can follow beautiful forest trails in search of character Katniss Everdeen’s pond, the bottom of Triple Falls waterfall, and the remnants of the movie’s fireball chase scene. A hike to Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls is part of the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy’s eight-hike challenge. Visitors can also check out the abandoned Henry River Mill Village, about 70 miles from Asheville in the small town of Hildebran, which was home to the film’s “District 12″ Mellark family bakery and the Everdeens’ home. The movie’s stars themselves spent their after-work hours in Asheville, a town you’ll enjoy regardless of your interest in the film. Asheville’s funky architecture, independent spirit, and thriving restaurant and brewing scene, are signs that the artsy town didn’t need a movie to confirm its tourist appeal. Actors reportedly dined at the Laughing Seed Cafe, Lexington Avenue Brewery, Wasabi, and the Southern Kitchen and Bar. Like cast member Woody Harrelson, visitors can also scale the 46-foot rock-climbing wall at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, which served as the capitol in the film. Don’t want to plan the entire trip yourself? Let us set you up with an itinerary and list of the most popular places to experience the movie. Give your Tangerine Travel Advisor a call and we’ll make your North Carolina ‘Hunger Games’ plans easy! (425) 822-2333 – (800) 678-8202

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Known as the “coolest plane in the sky” Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner has tickets on sale for the first time, after United airlines announced its Denver-to-Tokyo service this week. Seats are now available for flights beginning some months ahead, with the first scheduled to take off from Denver International Airport on March 31, 2013, and return from Tokyo Narita the following day.

The Denver-Tokyo route is one of those low-traffic flights sometimes described as “long and thin,” meaning it’s intercontinental, but not in particularly high demand, due to the size of one or both cities it connects. With a little over 200 seats it’s both smaller than other long-haul craft and fuel-efficient. The only Dreamliners currently in service already fly out of Japan as part of the JAL and ANA fleets.

There currently are no nonstop flights to Asia from Denver International Airport, and Boeing’s new 787 is considered to be particularly well suited for Denver-Asia flights given its passenger capacity, range, and fuel efficiency. Customers will enjoy the direct, nonstop service on the new Boeing Dreamliner aircraft, which will provide a spectacular flying experience. Keep reading…

Washington, D.C. Memorial Day Parade

Want to stay true to the holiday and make your Memorial Day weekend vacation a patriotic one? New York vacation rentals will provide you with some of the nation’s most beloved Memorial Day events. A highlight is Fleet Week, commemorating the US Navy and Marines, where you can take a tour of a ship and watch sailors perform musical acts. Manhattan also hosts a Memorial Day Parade. As you may have already guessed, Washington, D.C. is the most patriotic place to celebrate the holiday, complete with a parade and special military ceremonies. Visitors can’t miss the National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday, taking place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol from 8 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
If you’re looking for a destination with guaranteed summer weather, take a trip to Palm Springs, California. While most beach seasons are only just beginning, Memorial Day marks the end of bearable temps in Palm Springs, so hotels are running specials for the holiday. Palm Springs has nonstop sunshine, plus dozens of vintage shops and acclaimed restaurants to visit. The surrounding desert landscape is also a perfect spot for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Looking for a weekend filled with activity? Follow the crowds to the free rock concerts and pool parties in Las Vegas! Along with New Year’s Eve, Memorial Day weekend in Las Vegas is one of the busiest times of the year. Parties held around the resorts’ elaborate pools are the big event, and become daylight nightclubs with DJs, drink carts, bottle service, cabanas, and more. The Tropicana Las Vegas opens its brand new Bagatelle Beach & Nightclub this Memorial Day weekend, featuring Mediterranean food and comfy daybeds to lounge in by day, and offers poolside dining and a new nightclub by night.
It’s not too late for a last-minute trip! Whether you want to spend your weekend attending patriotic ceremonies and events, relaxing by the pool, or taking part in the crazy nightlife of Vegas, we have the destination for you! If you need help with your travel this weekend, give your Tangerine Travel advisor a call: (425) 822-2333 – (800) 678-8202

Click here for this year’s schedule: Folklife Festival 2012 Schedule

This year there are over 6,000 performers. A little overwhelming huh? Well don’t let it be! Take a look at this list of highlights:

• The Balkan Misfits Show: A swirling whirlwind that will sweep up even unsuspecting bystanders in its wake, featuring Balkan brass bands Orkestar Zirkonium and Nu Klezmer Army! Join the parade that leads to this show at the Fountain. Friday, May 25; Fountain Lawn Stage, 6:00–9:00 PM
• The inaugural Northwest Stringband Throwdown: Shake a leg with these young, up-and-coming string bands. Friday, May 25; Fisher Green Stage 6:00– 9:00 PM
  
• In the Loop: Is this the future of folk? Three groups play traditional music but use modern technology such as looping. Friday, May 25; Folklife Café, 7:00–9:00 PM
• Legacy of NW Improvised Music: This is a brand-new showcase featuring some of the best improv jazz players in the region, including the renowned Wally Shoup. Friday, May 25; Center House Theatre, 7:00–10:00 PM
• The first-ever Bollywood Showcase! This dance performance extravaganza will feature classic Bollywood hits and choreography. Friday, May 25; the Ex Hall, 8:30–10:00 PM

 SATURDAY

• Next 50: Chiptune & VJ Showcase: This is the first year that our VJ and Chiptune artists have paired up to bring you a new–fashioned electronica showcase set to fresh, live video imagery. For those new to these terms, a VJ is a video jockey, a digital artist who combines video images with music in a real–time performance. Chiptune, or chip music, is synthesized electronic music that is made using the sound chips of vintage computers and video games such as old Game Boys, Nintendos, or Commodore 64 computers. Think of the Mario Brothers! Saturday, May 26; 1:00–4:00 PM, EMP Sky Church
  
• American Standard Time Show: This popular show features Shelby Earl, whose latest album featured, as described by City Arts Magazine, “the great force of her raw and gorgeous alto.” Also on the bill is Denver, described by the Portland Mercury as “the finest sad–bastard roots rock act of the Pacific Northwest.” Now is the perfect time—and Folklife is the perfect place— to see these rising stars! Saturday, May 26; 1:00–4:00 PM, Indie Roots at Broad Street
• Folk, Redefined: Catch up with all your favorite emerging indie roots acts that are changing the face of folk music in the Northwest. The show includes Big Sur, whose song “I’m Not Leaving” made Sound on the Sound’s top 40 songs of 2011; Smokey Brights, a band that describes itself as “some rock, some blues, some R&B, some twang.” Fort Union and Kris Orlowski complete the lineup. Saturday, May 26^th; Indie Roots at Broad Street, 7:00–10:00 PM

 SUNDAY

• The Bushwick Book Club Seattle Presents: Original Music Inspired by Dr. Seuss. Your favorite festival artists return to perform a song based on the marvelous Dr. Seuss. All ages welcome! Sunday, May 27; Folklife Café, 1:00–2:00 PM
  
• Ukenalia Showcase: This traditional Hawaiian instrument has found a rabid new fanbase through online videos and hip new bands. Enjoy this tribute to the hottest rediscovered instrument of the year… And don’t miss The Canote Brothers! Sunday, May 27; Center House Theater, 3:00–5:00 PM
  
• Polka Party! We are bringing back the classic for a new generation to discover. Join us! Sunday, May 27; Center House Court, 4:00–6:00 PM
• The 1960s Folk Music Revival—Seattle Style. This discussion brings together musicians who lived through the good ole days of the folk revival to talk about how those traditions have influenced music today. A possible place to spot sandals-with-socks as well as tie-dye! Sunday, May 27; Narrative Stage at SIFF Cinema, 12:00PM.
• Artist Home Showcase: The first year of the show gets off with a bang. Bands include Cumulus (called by Seattle Weekly “a riot of fuzzy rock goodness”), Koko & the Sweetmeats and Dude York. For more info on Artist Home visit http://cargocollective.com/artisthome. Sunday, May 27; Indie Roots at Broad Street, 3:00–6:00 PM          
• All Ages | All Day: Members of the all-ages community are key players in the ongoing continuation of folk traditions as well as trailblazers for the arts in the coming years.  This day brings you a showcase of the Northwest youth artist community, with spoken word and song. Starting off the day is the Pongo Teen Writing Project, with performances by talented teen poets reading the work of incarcerated and at–risk youths, followed by The Old Fire House Showcase. The focus for the Old Firehouse community this year is on young female singer-songwriters from the Eastside.  Other contributors to this day of art for youth by youth are the local Seattle bands BOAT and Us on Roofs.  Closing the day is the All Ages Alternative showcase featuring The Deep Wake, runners up in the EMP’s Sound Off!, the ultimate all–ages battle of the bands. Sunday, May 27; EMP Sky Church, Noon to 10:00 PM
• 206 Zulu Showcase: Featuring a reunion of Central Intelligence (performing for the first time at Folklife since the 90′s!) with Sista Hailstorm of 206 Zulu, Keep See of Junya League from Zulu Nation proper (Virginia). Sunday, May 27; VERA Project, 3:00–6:00 PM
• The Southern Comfort Show: Southern tunes with Northwest roots. Enjoy blues and American from The Jelly Rollers, Spoonshine, and SweetKiss Momma. Sunday, May 28; Fountain Lawn Stage, 6:00 PM–9:00 PM.
• Bellingham Circus Guild: This entourage of jugglers and acrobats will entertain the audience between acts in the Subdued Stringband Showcase. Sunday, May 27; Northwest Court Stage, 7:00–10:00 PM
• Ghost Stories. Wind-down your long day of musical performances on Sunday with these creepy tales told live. Sunday, May 27; Center House Theatre, 8:00–10:00 PM.

MONDAY

• Kindiependent Show is back: This super-popular performance is enjoyable indie rock for the whole family. Featuring performances by Recess Monkey, Caspar Babypants and The Not-It’s! Monday, May 28; Fountain Lawn Stage, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
• Latin Folkloric Showcase: The whole family can enjoy these songs from South America, sung by talented songwriters and musicians. Monday, May 28; Fisher Green, 1:00–3:30 PM
• A Tribute to Harry Smith and The Anthology of American Folk Music: Festival performers return to play a song from the classic anthology, which has its 60^th anniversary this year! Monday, May, 28; Northwest Court, 1:00–4:00 PM
• Clinton Fearon and the Boogie Brown Band. This legendary reggae artist used to play in The Gladiators. He’ll be closing out the Reggae Rising Party on Monday. The band almost certainly won’t be wearing tie-dye, but we’re pretty sure you’ll spot a few in the crowd. Monday, May 28; Mural Amphitheatre, 8:00 PM.

 EVERY DAY

• Spirit sampling at the Indie Roots Lawn at Broad Street. Local distillers will be gathering at the Indie Roots Stage beer garden each evening, offering samples of their local spirits.  Take the edge off and experience a regional take on whisky, gin, and vodka!
• The 100^th anniversary of the Bread & Roses Strike. One hundred years ago, textile workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts, launched a militant, eight-week strike that popularized the slogan “Bread and Roses.”  The workers, mostly immigrant women, organized and fought not only for higher wages but also for dignity, respect, and better working conditions. That pivotal strike called into sharp focus the problems that existed with child labor, workplace safety, and an increasingly unequal distribution of wealth.  This year the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) is marking the anniversary with MayWorks, a month-long celebration that culminates at the 2012 Northwest Folklife Festival. The Bread & Roses theme will be reflected in exhibits featuring photographs, student art, and a textile installation; screenings of the statewide film contest winners; a panel featuring workers who built the Seattle Center fifty years ago; and discussions of current struggles that bring the lessons of the Bread & Roses Strike into the twenty-first century. There is also a series of special performances: the Labor Show, Voices of Occupy Hosted by David Rovics, and the Bread & Roses Commemoration: 100 Years of Justice and Dignity.
• Meet our newest venue, SIFF Film Center:  Northwest Folklife partners with the Seattle International Film Festival in its new 94–seat theater to present the Narrative Stage at SIFF Cinema. Four days of cutting-edge films, panels, and performances will deal with issues of community, history, sustainability, and local heritage. Each day there will be a special lecture and slide presentation by Paula Becker and Alan J. Stein, authors of The Future Remembered: The 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and Its Legacy, a new book about the history of the 1962 World’s Fair and Seattle Center. BookIt Repertory Theatre will present performances of its new play, The Future Remembered, based on the book. Stokley Towles will present his one–man showStormwater: Life in the Gutter. “Water Calling” short films will feature the themes of water and sustainability in the Puget Sound region. In addition, there will be discussions with union workers who built Seattle Center, readings from Jack Straw authors, documentaries about roots musicians from More Dust Than Digital, and performances by storytellers and local community artists. Friday, May 25th–Monday, May 28^th; SIFF Film Center
  
• Vendors from the Northwest…selling food & crafts from around the world! Almost all of our food vendors hail from towns you’ll recognize, but the cooks channel their ethnic roots with cuisine from Lebanon to Louisiana. It’s the biggest food cart pod in Seattle. Our craft vendors are also Northwesterners, bring goods to market like homemade kitchen utensils, herbal face creams, handcrafted ponchos and organic pillows.
• Street performers galore! Enjoy one of the best Festival traditions: impromptu group sessions and dynamic, crowd-pleasing busking.

For more information click here.

Save up to $1,000 per stateroom plus $100 on board ship credit per stateroom. There are over 80 cruises on sale from September-December 2012. Just to name a few of the destinations: 7-day Caribbean, balcony starting at $799, 7-day Canada & New England, balcony starting at $999, 10-day Panama Canal, balcony starting at $1599. Call your Tangerine Travel advisor at 800-678-8202 or email tangerine@tangerinetravel.com for more information and to take advantage of these great savings.