May 2011 - Posts

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• Arthur Murray Dance Parties at the Georgian Terrace Hotel - Put a Little Wiggle Room in the Workweek!

  Could your work-week use a little wiggle room? Each Thursday in May, kick up your heels at the historic Georgian Terrace Hotel with instructions and demos from Atlanta's own Arthur Murray Dance Studios!

  For just $20, you soon-to-be dancers will enjoy a half-hour of basic footwork with nine instructors and an evening of grooving to Top 40, Pop and other hot hits from today's soundwaves. Also available are circulating hor d'oeuvres for light snacking and a cash bar to get your rhythm flowing.

  Tango Dance Party
  May 12
  7-9 p.m.
  This evocative dance spotlights every emotion. From slinky to sassy, the Tango is a great fit for every personality and skill level.

  Swing Dance Party
  May 19
  7-9 p.m.
  From the Jump, Jive ‘n Wail era, this flirty and bouncy mainstay is a must-try!  

  Foxtrot Dance Party
  May 26
  7-9 p.m.
  Best described as quick-steppin' ballroom, this upbeat tradition is a great way to put a modern spin to the grandparent-approved box step.

  As part the hotel's 100^th Anniversary celebration, these dance parties honor the talents of the late Arthur Murray. As a Georgia Tech student, Murray wanted to make some fast cash. In 1919, the sensational student gave his first dance lesson in the Grand Ballroom, and had soon earned $15,000. Nearing their own centennial celebration, the Arthur Murray Dance Studios have since become the world's largest dance franchise, with more than 250 studios around the globe.

  Now that you've worked up quite an appetite, head downstairs to Livingston Restaurant + Bar for a decadent dish. Created by Executive Chef Zeb Stevenson, the regional, seasonal fare combines simple, succulent flavors into progressive American cuisine that pairs perfectly with Livingston's artisan cocktails and impeccable wine list.

  Posted May 10 2011, 01:34 PM by Alyson Kate with no comments

  Filed under: Atlanta, Swing, anniversary, hor d'oeuvres, ballroom, Arthur murray dance studios, dance, Georgian terrace hotel, bar, instructor, executive chef, box step, grand ballroom, zeb Stevenson, workweek, dancers, American, foxtrot, historic, Arthur murray, basic, cash, footwork, cocktails, tango, snacking, Livingston restaurant + bar, wine, cuisine, party, Georgia tech

• ‘Distant Worlds’ - Arnie Roth and the ASO Bring the Music of Final Fantasy to Life

  Arnie Roth's much-anticipated Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy is a multi-sensory exploration of sound and imagery. Along with world-famous composer Nobuo Uematsu, Roth has arranged a full orchestral score from the legendary Final Fantasy soundtracks. No longer just a "fantasy," concert-goers are treated to large-scale, vibrant stills and video, projected to immerse the audience in their favorite fabled lands.

  Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy
  Atlanta Symphony Hall
  May 6-7

  Comprised of 14 video games, the Final Fantasy series spans more than 20 years of technological innovations. From 8-bit to surround-sound, these games have been at the forefront of musical milestones. Intriguingly, the Grammy Award-winning Roth has managed to preserve each of the unique sounds. Says he, "I try to stay in the established - early - styles [while] enhancing them with orchestrations fleshed out for 100 performers."

  Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy is a musical marvel, to be sure, yet even more striking are the shifting CGI sequences which morph and transition in tandem with Roth's conducting. In an unprecedented partnership, gaming parent company Square Enix has granted a full license for this traveling concert, allowing large-scale, HD feeds of famous battles, explorations and goodbyes to be projected as "eye candy", mingling the symphonic and gaming crowds for two nights of enthralling passions.

  Accompanying the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in this cutting-edge concert, Distant Worlds spotlights renowned vocal and musical soloists, as well as the Georgia Tech Chamber Choir. Program highlights include VICTORY THEME, J-E-N-O-V-A and Chocobo Medley 2010, as well the FFVI Opera "Maria and Draco."

  Tickets are on sale now, starting at just $40. If you're feeling fangirl-y there are $150 VIP packages available, which include prime seating for the show and a meet ‘n greet with both Arnie Roth and the preeminent Uematsu-san. Yes, for real, you can shake his hand and have a chat (though in my case there will be but squealing and bouncing!)

  Posted May 03 2011, 10:22 AM by Alyson Kate with no comments

  Filed under: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta, tickets, grammy, CGI, meet, video, atlanta symphony hall, Georgia tech chamber choir, square enix, video game, FFVI, multi-sensory, concert, maria and draco, distant worlds: music from final fantasy, symphony, greet, Chocobo Medley 2010, arnie roth, VIP, stills, nobuo uematsu, VICTORY THEME, grammy award-winning, Opera “Maria and Draco”, soundtrack, technology, J-E-N-O-V-A