What are you Doing on YOUR Summer Vacation?

Hey World Family,
Falcon and Dove hope you have an awesome summer! We have listed some fun things that we are going to do, and we hope that you have a chance to do some of this stuff, too. The events are scattered and some of them a bit unusual, but I hope you can make some of the special activities, or do similar gigs where you live.

Weddings-coming up all over the place; we are sure you may have at least 1 pop up; get those gift cards for Target and Macy’s; no fail gifts there.

Pow Wows-okay, this is a Native American event, but this is about celebration and sharing. Have you ever had a buffalo burger and some fry bread outdoors while doing some Grass Dancing? You haven’t? Well, this is the summer perhaps to try to of the three anyway. Check out the Pow Wow calendar:

www.powwows.com

nativeimpressions.net/powwowcalendar2009

U.S. and Canadian Pow Wows:

www.gatheringofnations.com/powwows/index.htm

www.powwow-power.com/powwows/index.php

Attend the Symphony-there are symphonic concerts in the park from full size performances to chamber music groups. Search your area for more information on what and when.

National Holiday Celebrations-choose your country, or travel to another and celebrate with them their summer holiday. It will be fun and a great learning experience for the kids.

Fallingwater-We absolutely love this place! This is Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture in the deep woods of southwestern PA, and it is a joy to experience! The tour is great, the food in incredible for a café, and the atmosphere in the magical forest is something you will never forget. June is an ideal time to visit because the endangered Mountain Laurel (a lot of people think it’s a rhodo shrub) is in full bloom in the forest during this month. The smell is intoxicatingly beautiful, and adds to the experience along Big Bear while touring this astonishing structure. This year, we will visit during July probably while camping and kayaking. Also see Kentuck Knob (reservations made through the Fallingwater website, or call (724) 329-1901

www.kentuckknob.com
www.fallingwater.org

ROBOWORLD has opened at the Carnegie Science Center! Robots of the generations, and some you only thought weren't real. Gotta go! Finish an evening with a lazer show.

www.carnegiesciencecenter.org


June 26-28, 2009 Celtic Fling and Highland Games-Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim, PA.

www.parenfaire.com/

JULY

Kennywood Park-one of the great old-fashioned American amusement parks (you know a Pittsburgh named Ferris invented the Ferris wheel?), this park along the Monongahela River is a true treat for the entire family. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the country and a great portion of the park is a registered historic site. The merry-go-round is gorgeous, with figures and coach chairs dating from its installation in 1912. Some pieces go back to the opening of the park in 1895. The calliope still plays its period songs, as well as some modern tunes, you can paddle boat around the lagoon, or sky-chair yourself across its waters. The Penny Arcade still has some penny features and the Thunderbolt is still atop coaster enthusiasts’ lists of the best. If spinning at high rates of speed are not your style, the train gives you a great view of the park and the river, the games are plentiful, and the food is…well, outstanding! Vegetarians, there is plenty for you, as well as you long established carnivores! If you saw the film, Adventureland this year in theaters, you saw Kennywood! It was amazing how they made it look so 1980’s again.

If you are in the Pittsburgh area, you can also visit Kennywood’s sister water park, Sandcastle in Homestead. Great fun!

If you would like to visit the quiet, cooler and exquisite Laurel Highlands (about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh), then visiting Idlewild would be ideal. Another property in the Kennywood family, it boasts Storybook Forest for young children, a host of rides for everyone, and even has its own waterpark, H20 Zone! It really is two parks in one, and I always need two days to do it right (note: the BBQ rib place right by the train depot with the grilled corn-on-the-cob and the funnel cake and apple pie…oh, sorry! That place rocks!) Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood is located here, it is always a hugely popular attraction. The kids will sleep for a day to work this one off.

JOHNSTOWN FILM AND WINE FESTIVAL JULY 8-11, 2009

So You Wanna Make Pictures?" panel scheduled for July 11
In 2009, the Johnstown Film & Wine Festival is pleased to add "So You Wanna Make Pictures?", a panel discussion for new and aspiring filmmakers. The panel and showing of the panelists' films will take place during the day on Saturday, July 11; see http://www.jaha.org/FilmFestival/panel2009.html for complete details and schedule.

So You Wanna Make Pictures?
Join four area filmmakers for a conversation on filmmaking for fun (and maybe profit).

If you're interested in making films and would like some advice, or if you just love hearing filmmakers talk about making movies, you're invited to join four area filmmakers for a panel discussion on making films and documentaries. Join Andy McAllister, Bob Rutkowski, Kev Stock, and Will Zavala as they offer advice on how you can get your start as a filmmaker -- or take the next step in developing your skills. Come prepared to ask questions, and to listen as they offer up personal insight into their processes, motivation, and the technical tricks they've learned over the years- tricks that they wish they would have known on their first shoot!

The Machine - Pink Floyd Tribute
Location: Heinz Hall
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 8:00 PM

Daniel Meyer, Conductor
Live with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performing Dark Side of the Moon, THE MACHINE, America’s top Pink Floyd show, has forged a 20 year reputation of excellence, extending the legacy of Pink Floyd, while creating another legacy all their own. Over the years, The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many, selling out large clubs and theatres across North and Central America, Europe and Asia. They have also appeared at renowned music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Riverbend, and Germany’s Rock of Ages.

The Machine duplicates the sound and hits of Pink Floyd with chilling accuracy.
- Matt Diehl, Rolling Stone Magazine

In western Canada? Check out the Surrey Fusion Festival, July 18-19, 2009

Multicultural, food fun, and music on multiple stages! The festival is in Holland Park, Surrey BC. Sunday night concludes with some awesome brothers, Pavlo and Oscar Lopez with buddy Rik Emmett at 9pm on the Coast Capital Savings Main Stage.

YES-
July 21, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Station Square Amphitheatre
We will be there!

July 22, 2009

Concert House Party-Ceilidh/Ceol: Acoustic Guitarists

An extraordinary private event will be held in Pittsburgh in the Shadyside area of the city for some members of The Sierra Club, and the Carnegie Science Center, guitar organizations, sponsors, and some select guitar students. Obviously, we wish it could be larger, but the intimacy of the event also adds to how wonderful it is to hear intoxicating music in a small forum. This is a preview event for a future larger fundraising effort.
There will be gorgeous music, fantastic organic food and wine, along with some sharing of good vibes and networking.

Three extraordinary artists are lending their guitar talents to the event: Ken Bonfield, Peter Janson, and Tim Farrell. In addition yours truly will get to warm up her pipes a little on some of her own tunes! These guys are wonderful and you have to experience this music for yourself to really get how powerful they are together, live. It is by invitation only…

If you are a guitarist (acoustic event) who would be willing to lend your talent to not only this evening event, but the future fundraiser (taking place somewhere between August 25 and Sept. 2), contact us here at Falcon and Dove.

Although we cannot provide transportation to this event if you are invited, we will provide lodging if you need it. Bring your CD's.

If you are a listener just interested in being there that evening, we can invite about 5 outside guests. There is no charge for this event, just a genuine interest in Jazz, Folk, Rock, Celtic, or Blues. Help these guys out by purchasing a CD while you are there. It will be greatly appreciated.

July 30-August 2, 2009: Summer Rhythm Renewal

Jim Donovan is doing an extra special event this summer at St. Francis University involving percussion, yoga, and self-exploration. Summer Rhythm Renewal will be held at the school in Loretto, PA. You can be a beginner or advanced. Drums are provided. It is extremely affordable and for those who need it, this course counts towards ACT 48 Continuing Education Credits. It is just $299 for the 4 day workshop. Accommodations at St. Francis and meal plans can be provided for an additional fee. Those of you who know me know Jim and I go way back, and I love the annual drum cruise on the river he does in conjunction with Afrika Yetu. The course will include Congolese drum and dance, Nia Dance, a Djun Djun Workshop, Didgeridoo, Native American flute, Mandala drawing, and a whole lot more.
www.rhythmrenewal.com
www.JimDonovanDrums.com
Please note that the event is designed for adults ages 18 and older

AUGUST

Reunions- my class reunion will be held in the summer rather than winter this year (high school). I won’t say how many years it has been, but if you look at my profile, you already know…hehe.

Renaissance Faire and Festivals-They all begin in August, and they are everywhere, as well as Pennsic War at Cooper’s Lake off I-79 in PA for those who are members of the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism).

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire- www.parenfaire.com/
Weekends including Labor Day, beginning August 8-Oct. 25, 2009

Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival: www.pgh-renfest.com
Opens the Weekend of August 29-30 and runs through October 3-4 Weekends only (includes Labor Day Monday, of course)
There are themed weekends, including children’s, romance, Shakespeare, etc. Free parking as always and real easy to get to just off I-70 near New Stanton: 10:30 am-6:30pm
Very affordable family fun, lots of crafts, games, rides, even (spun by young, svelte men in much better shape than I remember men being when I was that age)

Concerts There are tons of major tours this summer. We are going to a couple of excellent shows and August seems to be the month for most groups that we will see.

BROTHER to return to Halifax, Nova Scotia:

Halifax Busker Fest - August 6 to 16 - will see the return of BROTHER this summer. Final dates and set times to be announced soon.



Mid-Summer Scottish/Irish Music and PA Wine Festival
August 22-23, 2009
Lancaster Host Expo Center
2300 Lincoln Hwy. East
Lancaster, PA 17602

Featuring 7 Nations and BROTHER! All day Saturday, and until 5pm Sunday

$15 for adults, kids under 12 free! Wine tasting $10 glass

Moody Blues at Radio City August 20
Yes, Falcon likes that 60-s and 70’s stuff, and it has been awhile, so why not see the boys in a great forum: Radio City Music Hall. They are on tour all summer, check them out when they play your area.

September

Because most of September is still actually summer, don’t forget to have some fun, not just Labor Day weekend, but during the month. Most of the festivals are still running, and the crowds will be smaller, so take some time out. It’s a great time to go to the zoo, aviary, Phipps, etc.
Google the following:
Pittsburgh Zoo

The National Aviary

Phipps Conservatory

Heinz History Center

Carnegie Museum

Andy Warhol Museum

G-20: September 24-25, 2009 Pittsburgh /David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Those of you interested in the G-20, BOOK NOW!!! Every hotel for miles will be filled. Here’s the thing: Try to stay at a hotel that has transportation to the Convention Center, or has access to nearby transportation that takes a direct route. DO NOT TRY TO DRIVE AND PARK DURING THIS EVENT! If you need to be close to the city, pick a hotel or bed and breakfast that has free parking close to the convention center. Make your inquiries now, don’t wait.

www.visitpittsburgh.com
Here’s some other suggestions I thinks may help. If you really don’t like traffic, but must drive from where you are to this event, try staying at a small boutique hotel or B&B outside of Pittsburgh…I mean, significantly outside of Pgh.

UPDATED June 18: Because of their available airstrip, Nemacolin Woodlands is FULL! There is no availability at any of the hotels, cabins, suites, etc. We did mention that things would move quickly.

For example, stay in Cranberry Township at one of the many hotels there. Stay in the Laurel Highlands (Donegal, Somerset, Johnstown area). Yes, these are an hour out, but all highway driving. From there, you can park at one of the many Port Authority Transit Park and Ride lots (PAT), and take the bus directly into downtown Pittsburgh to the Convention Center.They are reasonably priced:
www.portauthority.org Latrobe is also close by for those who want to fly.

Those hotels in Latrobe, Ligonier, Donegal, Somerset, etc. on less than 30 minutes from the airport. Johnstown is also another great place to get a more reasonably priced hotel with an airport nearby. Don't forget the magnificent Beadford Springs Resort and Spa as well. Beautiful, quiet, but with all the amenities one would expect in the city. The Laurel Highlands make a great alternative.

This will give you some peace in the evenings after events, and some reasonable places to eat inexpensively.


Well, there is a huge summer schedule of events to get your heart beating a little faster and thinking about all the fun there is to have. Remember, if everything here seems unaffordable, get a book from your local library and take a trip to knowledge and fascination. Those trips are just as important as the ones that wear out your shoes.

Keep those concert updates/new releases coming! We will post them!
Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Star Trek Rocks; Mother’s Day Thoughts; Update of Coal Film, “Out of the Ground”

Hey World Family, Falcon has heard from the Johnstown Area Heritage Association. Shelly Johansson said this:

We plan to show it as part of the Johnstown Film & Wine Festival, which is held July 8-11; although it's too long to be part of our film shorts competition, Andy McAllister has agreed to be part of a panel discussion for new and aspiring filmmakers. We are arranging for a showcase of films by our panelists, and "Out of the Ground" will be part of that. Schedule has yet to emerge, but stay tuned -- you can follow the Johnstown Area Heritage Association on Facebook, or go to www.johnstownfilmfest.org, or sign up for e-mail updates at www.jaha.org.

Thank you, Shelly! We are thrilled that Andy will get an opportunity to share his insight on his journey making this extraordinary film. Falcon and Dove will see you there!
Please join us this July!

Falcon is still recovering from last night’s midnight screening of Star Trek. Here’s the quick review…

J.J. Abrams is a master filmmaker! This is his genre and he did some extraordinary work on this project! It is wonderful to watch, and may, just may be the best Star Trek movie. I know, that is tough, but see it for yourself, and you be the judge. I am talking cinematography right now, although the rest is pretty stellar, too.

Pittsburgh Native Zachary Quinto is marvelous as Spock. Go Central Catholic! Many, many people I talked to over the past many months doubted that he could do the job, not because of his acting, but because so many people saw him as Sylar from the hit television show, Heroes. He stepped right in as an intelligent, emotionally complex, completely authentic Mr. Spock. He had some very difficult scenes that could have fallen away under lesser thespian hands, but he completely claimed every glance, every eyebrow, and every near-tear. Nice job, Zack! You have shown tremendous versatility and flexibility. I hope you continue to advance your resume; you certainly have a future as a Vulcan for some time to come.

This entire cast was strong, right down to Karl Urban as Bones (who would have thought?) and Chris Pine as Capt. James T. Kirk (very well done for this young growing actor), Eric Bana as Nero (Eric, you are normally in roles where you are so hot; this character was nastily disturbed), Zoe Saldana as Uhura, (beautifully developed, smoldering, brilliant characterization), Simon Pegg as Scotty (I love Glaswegians, and he is no exception; reminds me a bit of Billy Boyd’s comic relief as Pippin in Lord of the Rings), John Cho as an extremely well-skilled Sulu, and Anton Yelchin channeled the voice of Ensign Chekov. He was a fey younger version of the classic character; simply adorable.

Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman should be commended for putting together a plot that had strong continuity and fascinating nuances. The material was handled with taste and reverence in spots where it was required, but could easily have become contrived. It didn’t.
This is a strong film, and the first great hit of the summer movie season.

Don’t forget Little Ashes, which is getting much more attention than I originally thought it would, but Robert Pattinson has exploded on the pop scene because of his role in Twilight. He is a strong, imposing actor, and portraying historic Surrealist Dali is not easy, yet he does it, and is doing another challenging film, How to Be. He is much more talented than he likely to get credit for right now. I hope the press gives him a break, and begins to talk about his versatility as an artist rather than who they think he is dating at this second.

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND

It is that time of year again: honoring our mothers; your mom, sisters, daughters, cousins, friends, and of course, Mother Earth, and Mother Nature. Even if you don’t have a woman in your life to honor as a mom, please do something that honors the only mother that nurtures you from birth to death without question or judgment: the earth.

Do some clean-up project, help on a community garden, do some recycling, volunteer in your community…you know, something that honors the spirit of nurturing.

Many Race for the Cure events happen on Mother’s Day around the country. You can register right up until the day of the event, so go ahead and get involved. Spend the morning of Mother’s Day with others honoring the spirit of sacrifice and survival. Let’s keep moving toward a cure, and support the cause.

The typical flowers, chocolates, and brunch and dinner events are also nice, but thing about gardens instead of just cut flowers. First Lady Michelle Obama has embraced one of my passions: the organic garden. Everyone, whether they just have a couple of window sills, or some steps to place potted plants should have some sort of living botanical growth in their lives. Get together with family and friends and give a neighbor a container garden. Seriously, as little as $10 in plants and a couple of containers from the local dollar or thrift store and a little dirt can change someone’s whole outlook. Look around you; do you see anyone who needs a little emotional lift? Go for it!

Most importantly, say what you feel. Or don’t say it, and just give them a bug hug. Sometimes, what you don’t say can be even more powerful than what you do. There are emotions that defy description, and a hug can go a long way to convey it.

Mothers are not the only ones who should be honored on Mother’s Day. Teachers, mentors, those who have taken care of others in lieu of raising their own children should be honored. Yes, those who adopt are moms (I am amazed how often this comes up; of course they are moms), and don’t forget those that have lost their children. I know, that is a sensitive issue, and everyone handles this differently. I know one thing: they are still moms. They are probably still doing things to nurture others in their lives. You don’t have to bring up the loss; simply let them know how much you appreciate them in your life.

Have a great weekend. To all the moms out there: thank you for all that you do, and continue to do for others. Let’s help improve the condition of women al over the world. Let’s take care of the planet. That is the greatest way to give back on Mother’s Day.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Coal’s Powerful, Tragic History:New Documentary Film “Out of the Ground”

Hello World Family,
Falcon here wishing you a happy week. We hope you had a wonderful weekend. It was wonderful here: Kennywood Park opened, the Pittsburgh Marathon was a HUGE success, the Pittsburgh Symphony had another stellar performance, and the Concert for the Homeless, as well as John Fetterman’s (Mayor of Braddock) event were well received.

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to travel to Johnstown for a wonderful documentary film premiere at the Johnstown Heritage Center (which is about to open its new Children’s Museum!).

Out of the Ground is a stunning documentary film journey by first-time film maker/biologist Andrew McAllister. Once again proving that science and art should never be compartmentalized, McAllister delivers a historical perspective that is wise, reflective, sometimes raw, and painfully honest about the tremendous sacrifices made by Americans in Southwestern PA of all ethnic groups as they struggled to build a better life on the surface of the earth by harvesting coal in an unimaginable Hades, bringing prosperity to the Industrial Age and a modest way of life to families in the region.

Andy is Watershed Coordinator for The Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, but did this film truly as a labor of love. His research and interviews with experts and treatment of archived material brings to life the sacrifice and trials of the industry from the late 18th Century through the 1950’s. It is unflinching in its examination of the greed in the U.S., ignorance or inattention to safety and xenophobia in the treatment of some workers. It honors the sacrifice of our ancestors, and shows their courage, willingness to work hard, and their sorrow in incomprehensive loss.

The film was encouraged with support from Andy’s boss, Bruce Golden, Regional Coordinator for WPCAMR. The intoxicating music was performed by the extraordinary guitarist Ken Bonfield, a self-taught artist who uses themes found in Celtic, American Folk, Blues, Jazz, Classical, even Rock and Roll. His pieces flow effortlessly around the archived footage and images of ancestors that are now personal and emotional again. This is not nostalgia, but a humble honoring of our troubled origins, sometimes the first jobs held by our predecessors, and in some dangerous instances, their last.

Every part of the film moves graciously, yet deliberately through the aristocracy and the abject poverty. The history is framed well, and covers the largest bituminous coal region of southwestern PA very well. McAllister presents the work and play of families of the period. It all at once leaves you feeling proud, awed, and sad at our enjoined history.

The film is the perfect length for most competitive film festivals, and should be seen by many people as soon as possible. Falcon and Dove will keep you updated on when and where this extraordinary project can be viewed. Stay tuned…
Peace,
Falcon and Dove