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Travel Stories, Cruise Reviews, and Cultural Adventures


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


Art, nature, music merge in Montana's stunning Tippet Rise Art Center
A "bonus concert" arranged just days before, capped a weekend opening as world class musicians performed at Tippet Rise' Art Center....

Christene Meyers
Aug 22, 20244 min read


Tippet Rise '24 season attracts international attention in Montana
Tippet Rise Art Center

Christene Meyers
Jun 20, 20244 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


Desert Symphony notes 35th season with gala, 5-shows, Sinatra singer
Palm Desert is a haven for sun seekers, hikers, bikers, lovers of the desert and its beauty. Since 1989, tourists and locals alike have...

Christene Meyers
Feb 28, 20244 min read


Christmas stocking of theater treats draws crowds, kudos in San Diego
Cygnet's final holiday show in its longtime venue in Old Town features a spirited production with a genuine heart, the classic "A...

Christene Meyers
Dec 7, 20237 min read


Oregon Cabaret Theater produces lively season with fine food, great seats
Experience dinner and live theater at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland, Oregon. This intimate venue pairs top-tier performances with delicious dining in a historic setting, making it a must-do for travelers exploring Southern Oregon’s vibrant arts scene.

Cookie & Keller
Sep 28, 20234 min read


Lore of leis -- Hawaii's welcoming floral necklace has proud history
Wearing leis at Hilton Hawaiian Village are Bruce William Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers. The lei is an ancient tradition of...

Christene Meyers
Sep 14, 20234 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


Tippet Rise spotlights Montana's geology along with nature, music, art
Artist Mark di Suvero's "Beethoven's Quartet" is a stunning work. An art tour participant in the left of the photo gives a sense of the...

Christene Meyers
Aug 24, 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


Spiritus: splendid psychedelic immersion in famous Portuguese chapel
Clerigos Church and its magnificent cathedral host a light-filled wondrous show, "Spiritus." Gorgeous lights highlight windows and offer...

Christene Meyers
Dec 22, 20225 min read


Las Vegas theater highlights - Sin City's array of shows welcomes the holidays
LAS VEGAS is always lit up and ready for action -- especially during the holidays.Then the nation's showiest city rolls out more shows and lights than ever.

Cookie & Keller
Dec 1, 20224 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


Spectacular Porto bridge climb yields uphill climb, stunning views
Take your Porto visit to new heights with the Porto Bridge Climb, an unforgettable adventure over the Douro River. Scale the iconic Arrábida Bridge for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, coastline, and vineyards. It’s a thrilling yet accessible experience that offers a unique perspective on one of Portugal’s most scenic destinations.

Cookie & Keller
Oct 27, 20224 min read


Cody's wild west show offers whiz bang theater
Wyoming's Wild West fun in vintage theater tells of Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley and more Dancing, singing, storytelling and a lively pace keep the audience entertained in Cody, Wyoming,at the popular Wild West Spectacular. The show just ended a successful run, based on the life of showman, soldier and entrepreneur "Buffalo Bill" Cody, after whom the town of Cody is named. A cast including college students and graduates, theater majors and professional dancers and singers e

Christene Meyers
Aug 11, 20224 min read


Salute to the euduring Queen Elizabeth II, from a loyal American fan
Queen Elizabeth II, watches a "fly-past" of the Royal Air Force, with Prince Charles, heir to the throne, and her great-grandchildren,...

Christene Meyers
Jun 2, 20225 min read


Travel Benefits: Family, friends, fitness and the arts
WE SANG this song with gusto, to please our grandmother Olive who taught us the melody and her revised lyrics. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. Coming shortly after her Nov. 19 birthday, it was an extension of that -- a bonus time together to play music, Scrabble, pinochle and cribbage, to visit, cook and feast.

Christene Meyers
Nov 25, 20214 min read


Magnificent mariachi band tours, delights, breaks ground for LGBTQ
Founder and band leader of Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, Carlos Samaniego, is a talented, classically trained musician who formed the...

Christene Meyers
Nov 18, 20214 min read
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