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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


Las Vegas Sphere Guide: What It’s Like Inside, Tips & Is It Worth It?
Step inside the future of entertainment at the Las Vegas Sphere—where massive visuals, immersive sound, and mind-blowing design redefine what a live experience can be. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Cookie & Keller
Feb 264 min read


Exploring the Passion - Flamenco comes alive in Barcelona
Exploring flamenco's roots in Barcelona's most lively venues is a dance of fire and emotion, born in Andalusia and influenced by the region’s rich and diverse cultures. One hears gypsy rhythms and both Jewish and Moorish influences along with Andalusian syncopation. The result is a lively and haunting sound - a musical

Cookie & Keller
Jan 154 min read


Tippet Rise adds fall concerts, play, biking, hiking to world famous venue
Tippet Rise nature and music converge

Cookie & Keller
Oct 2, 20253 min read


Buenos Aires opera house has world's greatest acoustics, ornate interior
Step inside the legendary Teatro Colón, the Buenos Aires Opera House, where world-class acoustics and stunning architecture create an unforgettable experience. From grand opera and ballet to guided tours, this cultural icon offers a glimpse into Argentina’s artistic soul in the heart of Buenos Aires.

Cookie & Keller
Apr 23, 20244 min read


On the passionate tango trail with magnificent dancers, musicians
Tango began in brothels and tawdry dance halls to become a much admired and very popular dance form, known for its fabulous dancers and...

Christene Meyers
Apr 4, 20244 min read


Rome Vivaldi concert rockets to top of reviewer's lifetime concert list
FABULOUS CONCERT, GREAT TOUR WITH 'GET YOUR GUIDE' -- A SPLENDID DAY Elvin Dhimitri turns a page on a score, backed by one of two second violinists, partly hidden at left, with his violist near mirror, and cellist, seated at right. Each of six musicians participated in a stunning concert. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The second violinists enter the stage for an encore . MUSIC CHANGED my life when I was a three year old, watching spellbound as the great J

Christene Meyers
Aug 31, 20234 min read


Guitar Museum Portugal offers spectacular music from heart and soul
More than just a shop, Casa da Guitarra is a cultural center near the Sé Cathedral dedicated to the preservation of traditional Portuguese guitars

Cookie & Keller
Feb 23, 20234 min read


Emotional flamenco, fado speak to the soul in Spain and Portugal
Flamenco -- that showy, colorful dance of southern Spain -- is performed with rhythmic clapping and instruments. Swirling scarves and lacy skirts and ruffles are part of this Barcelona performance. Southern Spain, Portugal present emotional flamenco, fado, with flair, feeling, for deeply stirring shows STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Fado in Porto is a revered tradition, here at the Ideal Club de Fado, which is a formal setting, more concert hall. than bar.

Christene Meyers
Nov 3, 20225 min read


New York's Little Island offers a creative, restful oasis in the busy city
New York's Little Island offers a creative, restful oasis in the busy city

Cookie & Keller
Aug 19, 20213 min read


Baroque musicians present bravura repertoire to rural Montana towns
Violinist Carrie Krause introduces the opening number, a lyrical piece by J.S. Bach, with John Lenti barely visible behind the...

Christene Meyers
Aug 12, 20213 min read


Presidential inauguration's music, poetry enhance a historic day
Lady Gaga's moving rendition of the National Anthem set the tone for a day of musical celebration. Music highlighted the inauguration,...

Christene Meyers
Jan 20, 20214 min read


Poet's Garden honors legacy of a fine teacher
Hollywood special effects master Andy Schoneberg and Christene Meyers at the dedication. Schoneberg did the bronze of Bruce Meyers. The three acted in several theatrical productions. Flanked by Andy Schoneberg's bronze of Bruce Kemp Meyers, his widow Christene "Cookie" Meyers welcomes an overflow crowd to the first of 10 "Bruce Bash" festivals honoring the late professor, in May of 1993. POET ALLEN GINSBERG HEADLINED GARDEN DEDICATION TO HONOR HIS ONE-TIME STUDENT Famed poet

Christene Meyers
May 3, 20194 min read


Flamenco feast in Spain features performances of famous showy art form
Flamenco dancers dazzle with their movements and hypnotic footwork. CENTURIES OLD DANCE TRADITION LIVES ON IN ENGAGING SPANISH VENUES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER The swirling and twirling of scarves is part of the flamenco tradition. AS A YOUNG bride on honeymoon in Granada, I witnessed my first flamenco dance. I was mesmerized. The dancers were a mix of ages and shapes, but all had the expressive moves down pat -- their arms and feet moving in time to

Christene Meyers
Feb 1, 20193 min read


North Coast Rep - Autumn harvest delights San Diego play goers with theatrical gems
From left, Teagan Rose, J. Todd Adams and Joanna Strapp in "Blithe Spirit." SOMETHING FOR EVERY THEATER LOVER WITH BUMPER CROP OF SHOWS...

Christene Meyers
Sep 14, 20183 min read


Piano pleasures: A life of music brings joy to musicians, audience
Cookie is at her happiest playing piano. Here, she entertains at a housewarming party. Cookie serenades at friend Corby Skinner's on the...

Christene Meyers
Oct 6, 20174 min read


Musical treats shower San Diego, ushering in a six pack of yule cheer
Horton Grand Theatre is a perfect venue for the delightfully rendered radio play version of "Miracle on 34th Street." Jennifer Grimm,...

Christene Meyers
Dec 16, 20164 min read


Tony Bennett charms again, back on tour at 90, with spectacular concerts in southern California
Still packing concert halls and receiving standing ovations, Tony Bennett gives a gracious nod to his music director and accompanist,...

Christene Meyers
Nov 11, 20166 min read


Tragedy strikes as young musical talent succumbs to heart condition
Good-bye Marlee: We will miss your sweet smile, music and precocious wit. SATURDAY MEMORIAL CELEBRATES BRIEF, LOVING LIFE OF MARLEE CLUFF...

Christene Meyers
Apr 15, 20163 min read


Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett duo dazzle in fabulous New Year's Eve Vegas show
TOP LIFETIME SHOWS LINGER IN ARTS REVIEWER'S HEART, AS SHE SHAMELESSLY GOES GAGA
"I call her "firefly" 'cause oh, my. She radiates moon glow. Wants none of that noon glow. She starts to glitter when the sun goes down 'Bout 8 p.m., it's mayhem........."

Christene Meyers
Apr 24, 20154 min read


Toasting a New Year of happiness, health, revels, music and kindness
TONY BENNETT PLAYS VEGAS WITH LADY GAGA TO KEEP HIS TALENT TUNED UP Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga took the stage in Las Vegas to usher in...

Christene Meyers
Jan 2, 20153 min read
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