Downtown Wilmington , North Carolina is the place to be in September to experience arts and cultural events that complement the destination’s history, culture, and natural beauty. The inaugural ARTblast Festival makes its debut September 8-12. During the five-day festival, a host of musical, theatrical, and dance performances, as well as art, literary, and film events will be staged at various Downtown venues. The 9th Annual Downtown Wilmington ArtWalk & Parade (Sept. 11), one of Downtown Wilmington’s signature events, also takes place during ArtBlast.

The ARTblast Festival includes theatrical performances at Cape Fear Playhouse at Newcastle (“Shadowlands,” Thurs.-Sun.), Front Street Brewery’s Beam Room (“Murder on the High Seas,” Thurs.), Nutt Street Comedy Room (“The Nutt House” Wed. & “Quarter Life Crisis Comedy Tour” Fri.-Sat.), and Thalian Hall (“The Secret Garden,” Thurs.-Sun.). There will also be a Danceblast (Fri.) and a Contra Dance (Sat.) at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center. Live music will be featured at Bellamy Mansion (jazz, Fri.), The Soap Box Laundrolounge (Fri.-Sat.), as well as other restaurant and nightlife venues. Film screenings will take place at Thalian Hall (Wed.) and The Beam Room (Wed.). Art galleries with special events include Projekte (Thurs.), Opera Room Bar & Gallery (Thurs.), Bottega Gallery (Fri.), and New Hanover County Public Library (Sat.). Events are still being added to the lineup, so be sure to check out the complete ARTblast Festival schedule at www.artblastwilmington.com .

This year’s Downtown Wilmington ArtWalk & Parade takes place during ARTblast on Saturday from 10am until 5pm. The ArtWalk features local and regional artists who display their treasures along six blocks of Front Street . Here you’ll find one-of-a-kind paintings, photographs, handmade jewelry, and sculptures. This day-long event draws over 10,000 people. Back by popular demand, The Grand Procession of Peculiar Pets (an art parade) will take place on Saturday during the ArtWalk at 1:30pm (corner of S. Front St. and Orange St. ), making its way north along Front Street . This year’s parade theme is “peculiar pets.” Participants are invited to make their costumes in advance during four free costume-making events: Aug. 27 at Art Box (255 N. Front St., 2nd floor, 6pm-8pm); Sept. 2 at Wilmington Children’s Museum (116 Orange St., 3-5pm), Sept. 4 at Riverfront Farmers Market (Water & Market sts., 9am-11am); and Sept. 4 at Projekte Gallery (523 S.3rd Street, 4pm-6pm). Workshops include art supplies. Participants may also create costumes using their own supplies. Art Blast and the Downtown Wilmington ArtWalk & Parade are presented by Downtown Business Alliance (DBA), Do It Downtown, and CoolWilmington.Com Productions. For details and vendor applications, call 216-374-8884, email: artandantiquewalk@hotmail.com or visit website www.dbawilmington.com.

Another important news reminder – Arts Blast Juried Art Exhibit: Projekte is pleased to host the first Annual Arts Blast Juried Art Exhibition at 523 South 3rd Street in downtown Wilmington . This juried exhibit will focus on the many talented Wilmington artists, so any subject and/or theme is acceptable. Artists are encouraged to submit 1-5 .jpeg images of 2D work in any medium for consideration. Requirements for entry are:
· Artists must be at least 16 years old
· All work must be original
· All work must be recent within past six months
· Artists must reside within 100 miles of Wilmington
· Any theme/subject is acceptable
· Deadline for submission is Sept 1, 5pm.
Winners to receive recognition, ribbons and prizes. Arts Blast events will take place September 8-12 with the Juried Art Exhibit Reception on Thursday September 9, 6p-9p at Projekte.

Please call Bonnie England for further information at 910.352.0236 and submit artwork to theprojekte@gmail.com.

More Important News – Call to Authors/Poets

Art Soup, a non-profit arts organization in Wilmington , NC is currently seeking published or self-published authors and poets to participate in an annual, large outdoor arts festival, Saturday September 11th in downtown Wilmington . The Wilmington Art Walk is an artist market throughout the streets of the historic downtown area, featuring visual artists, crafts, music and more. Literary participants are welcome to sell and sign copies of current or previous work at individual booths in a special section of the festival dedicated to writers. Spaces available at a discounted rate of $35 per participant. Call 910.620.2047 or email info@artsoup.org for more information.

For those of you coming in from out of town, I have two hotels that are offering discounts to any one coming in for the Art Blast festival. Check the accommodations page of the Art Blast website for more details.
Art Blast & ArtWalk2010
A CoolWilmington.Com Production
P.O. Box 208
Wilmington , NC 28402
artandantiquewalk@hotmail.com
www.artblastwilmington.com
216-374-8884

MULTICULTURAL RALEIGH CELEBRATES 25th BIRTHDAY

The International Festival of Raleigh marks its quarter century milestone this October 1, 2 and 3 at the Raleigh Convention Center. A celebration of dance, food, music, and traditions from around the globe, the event will feature 52 different world cultures represented in the Triangle.

The first International Festival was held in October of 1986 at the Raleigh Civic Center. Twenty-five ethnicities participated in the then much smaller city, and the event became an instant favorite.

Now a key component of the Triangle’s cultural and artistic offerings, the Festival expands its mission of making cultures accessible to each other through art, education, and community, while providing a platform for multinational cultural groups and non-profits.

Activities and exhibits for the 25th celebration feature performances by ethnic dance troupes, food booths with global culinary offerings, cultural exhibits, a world market, international bands, ethnic cooking, dance and craft lessons, and global activities for kids, including a passport scavenger hunt.

“[The] extravaganza of food, games, arts and crafts, folk music and dancing in colorful costumes never fails to revive my good spirits” writes Greg Cox “(…), the International Festival is a true kid-in-a-candy-store experience.”

A tribute to citizenship has been the grand opening for the Festival since 1988. This year 240 new Americans will be welcomed by Raleigh Mayor, Charles Meeker, and Greater Raleigh Chamber Chair, Sepi Asefnia, in a moving Naturalization Ceremony.

At the end of its first quarter century, the International Festival of Raleigh continues to toast the Triangle’s diverse communities in style. Its 25th anniversary promises a vibrant event for all ages and ethnicities to celebrate multicultural friendship in a rejuvenated downtown Raleigh.

Learn more by visiting www.internationalfestival.org

Experience Greek traditions and cuisine at the 29th Annual Greek Festival, September 17 – 19, 2010 at The Expo Center, NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, NC.sponsored by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and portions of the proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity. Live Greek music, traditional folk dancers perform, savory Greek entrees and pastries.

Greek Dance and Costumes

Times of the Festival are:

• Friday September 17, 5 – 10 pm
• Saturday September 18, 11 am – 10 pm
• Sunday September 19, 11 am – 7 pm

General Admission, $3; Seniors and Ages 13-18, $2; Children under 13 – Free.
For more information:
Penny Gallins 919-872-8787

www.holytrinityraleigh.org/greekfestival

Indulege Your Palete

Don’t miss out on the Second Annual Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week brought to you by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance.  Indulge your palate during this weeklong dining extravaganza showcasing the culinary talent in the heart of the capital city.  Twenty-nine participating restaurants will offer three-course prix fixe dinners for $20 or $30, depending on the venue.  Savor the delectable dishes prepared by some of downtown Raleigh’s finest dining establishments from Monday, August 23-Sunday, August 29.

Among the mix of participating restaurants you will find a sampling of cuisines from around the world—choose from Lebanese, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, or American dishes, just to name a few.  Whatever your preference, the Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week is sure to deliver multi-course meals that satisfy your cravings.  Cara Zalcberg, Managing Partner of The Mint, and Restaurant Week participant, describes their cuisine as “contemporary global.”   Zalcberg says, “The Mint is proud to be a part of downtown Raleigh’s growth and is looking forward to participating in Restaurant Week again this year to showcase our spectacular food, service, and ambiance.”

The three-course dinners offer patrons the chance to indulge in an exceptionally fulfilling dining experience. President and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, David Diaz, says, “We are excited to offer the Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week for the second year in a row.  Last year’s event was a huge success.  The promotion encourages residents and visitors to sample the great variety of restaurants in downtown.”

Restaurants will offer prix fixe specials the week of Monday, August 23-Sunday, August 29 during their normal dinner hours.  Although no tickets are required, reservations are strongly recommended (when applicable).  For your convenience, online reservations can be made at more than half of the venues through OpenTable. These reservation links are available on the Restaurant Week website, www.DineDowntownRaleigh.com. Menus will be posted as they are submitted by participating venues and are subject to change upon product availability. Starting Monday, August 23, look for Restaurant Week flags at participating venues.  To access more information from your mobile device, visit www.YouRHere.com/mobile.

Due to the mass appeal, restaurant weeks have become a growing trend nationwide.  “We knew that with the variety of restaurants in downtown that this would be a huge draw,” says Diaz.  “It’s a great event for everyone.  Restaurants benefit from an increase in customers and diners get to take advantage of these great deals.  The Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week is a perfect opportunity to dine downtown and spend an evening in the center city.”  For more information, visit www.DineDowntownRaleigh.com.
Participating Restaurants, $20 or $30 per person depending on the venue (visit www.DineDowntownRaleigh.com for prices)

• 18 Seaboard
• Globe
• Red Room
• 42nd Street Oyster Bar
• Gravy
• Second Empire
• 518 West Italian Cafe
• Humble Pie
• Sitti
• The Big Easy
• The Irregardless Cafe
• Solas
• Bogart’s American Grill
• Jibarra
• Sono
• buku
• La Volta Italiano
• Sullivan’s Steakhouse
• Caffé Luna
• The Mint
• Sushi Blues Cafe
• Dos TaQuitos Centro
• Mo’s Diner
• Tasca Brava
• The Duck and Dumpling
• Poole’s Diner
• Zely and Ritz
• Five Star
• Posta Tuscan Grille

Special Thanks To:

Gold Level Sponsor: Pepsi; Silver Sponsor:  United Restaurant Equipment Company; Media Sponsors:  Curtis Media Group, Downtowner Magazine, The Independent Weekly , News 14 Carolina, News & Observer, OpenTable, Triangle Arts and Entertainment, Yelp

About the Downtown Raleigh Alliance:

The Alliance is the official nonprofit organization designated to manage and promote downtown as a regional center of commerce, tourism, and livability. Through its dedicated Board of Directors and professional staff, the Alliance team provides a comprehensive array of programs designed to build on the strengths of the downtown business district. The programs are categorized into five main areas: Clean & Safe Ambassadors, Marketing & Events, Economic Development, City Plaza Management, and Advocacy. The Alliance was created in 1996 by a coalition of community advocates, corporate leaders, and government officials. Our website is www.YouRHere.com.

The Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market will host GrazeFest, a celebration of grass-fed and pasture-raised farm foods, on Wednesday June 23 from 10am – 2pm.  The market, located each week at City Plaza on the 400 block of Fayetteville Street, invites food lovers of all ages to enjoy festivities that showcase North Carolina’s harvest of beef, lamb, pork, poultry, cheeses, eggs, milk and other dairy products.   The event features a chef demonstration by Sarig Agasi of Zely & Ritz, an ice-cream eating contest with Lumpy’s Ice Cream, and bluegrass music by Old Habits. Portia McKnight of Chapel Hill Creamery will show aspiring cheese-makers how to stretch mozzarella using milk from her Jersey cows raised down the road in Orange County.   Festival goers can purchase a grass-fed lunch prepared by market farmer Coon Rock Farm.  They will be serving grilled bratwurst from pasture raised heritage breeds for $5 per sandwich.  At 11:30 am, kids are invited to a special EGGstravaganza with egg relays, veggie trivia, veggie charades, and a market scavenger hunt.

While at the market, customers can visit the information booth and sign up for a free raffle where they can win a copy of The Grassfed Gourmet Cookbook, or 4 flex tickets including a parking pass to a North Carolina Symphony’s Summerfest concert of choice ($90).  All meat lovers are invited to pick up a free copy of “The Great News about Grass,”  an informative publication offering tips for making the most of pasture-raised foods and showcasing great recipes.

Schedule of Events

Coon Rock Farm sausage sandwiches will be for sale during the market.

• 10 am                                Market Opens
• 10:30 am-11:15 am        Bluegrass Music by Old Habits
• 11:15 am-11:30 am         Mozzarella Stretching Demonstration, Portia McKnight, Chapel Hill Creamery
• 11:30 am-12:00 pm       Bluegrass Music by Old Habits
• 11:30 am                          EGGstravaganza
• 12:00 pm-12:30 pm      Chef Demonstration, Sarig Agasi, Zely & Ritz
• 12:30 pm-1 pm               Bluegrass Music by Old Habits
• 1:00 pm-1:15 pm            Lumpy’s Ice Cream Eating Contest
• 1:15 pm-1:45 pm             Bluegrass Music by Old Habits
• 2 pm                                  Market Closes

The Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market is hosting GRAZEFESTsm to bring together food lovers of all ages to sample local foods from the region’s most dedicated small-scale farmers and to help raise awareness of the health, environmental, animal-welfare, and culinary benefits of allowing farm animals to roam on pasture and eat what nature intended.

The Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market, a program of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA), strives to be a guiding force in shaping the environmental, social and financial health of downtown by bringing the highest quality local growers and food artisans together to the Raleigh Community.  The farmers market contributes to the sustainability and success of downtown by serving as a community gathering place, a vehicle for a regional economy, and a center for fresh, local, and healthy food.

Shop at the Market for farm fresh fruits and vegetables, pork, beef, poultry, seafood, cheeses, jams and jellies, eggs, baked goods, plant starts, flowers, and more! Find a bounty of fresh, sustainably-grown produce and artisan food each Wednesday from April 28 through October 27 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm.  Connect with your community farmers and choose local—it’s the healthiest and most nutritious way to eat.  For more information, visit RaleighEatLocal.com.

About Grazfest The Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market is one of many organizations across the nation to hold a Grazefest event this year. GRAZEFEST began in 2004 as a national grassroots campaign to promote the diverse flavors and unique farming and ranching techniques of small-scale family farmers who are dedicating their lives to finding humane and environmentally responsible alternatives to large-scale “factory farms.” Grass-based farming has gained favor with animal welfare advocates, wildlife preservationists, environmentalists, health and nutrition experts, and social justice advocates who view these unique farming and ranching techniques as critical to the health and well-being of farm animals and the farmers who work the land. It has also captured the attention of food enthusiasts and professional chefs, who embrace the unique flavors and outstanding quality of the beef, pork, lamb, bison, goat, poultry, milk, and cheeses that come from animals raised on well-managed pastures.

Special Thanks to: The market is a program produced by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance and is made possible by the generous support of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  The Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market would also like to thank Curtis Media as their media sponsor.

About the Downtown Raleigh Alliance: The Alliance is the official nonprofit organization designated to manage and promote downtown as a regional center of commerce, tourism, and livability. Through its dedicated Board of Directors and professional staff, the Alliance team provides a comprehensive array of programs designed to build on the strengths of the downtown business district. The programs are categorized into five main areas: Clean & Safe Ambassadors, Marketing & Events, Economic Development, City Plaza Management, and Advocacy. The Alliance was created in 1996 by a coalition of community advocates, corporate leaders, and government officials. Our website is www.YouRhere.com.

Last year’s show was a SELL-OUT and this year is sure to repeat.  Enjoy a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE –TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.  Some of the best barbeque vendors are on-site if you get hungry and you can also enjoy seminars in the tasting theater and LIVE music all day.

This year – we’ve got some NEW exciting things happening:

• NEW FRIDAY NIGHT PIG PICKIN’. You asked for it – YOU GOT IT.  In order to reduce the crowds we’ve added a third tasting session and this one is a exclusive as it can get.  Not only will tickets be restricted to only the first 1000 - each guest will enjoy an BARBECUE DINNER with Pulled Pork and the fixins, plus a lot of surprises.   Tickets, of course,  include all of the other fun VIP elements you have come to expect including ALL YOU CARE TO TASTE BOURBON AND BEER.  We’ve also invited Pitmasters from all over the country: Eastern North Carolina, Western North Carolina, Texas, Kansas, and even CUBA to show off all their latest tricks and let you taste the BEST.  In addition, we will be showing a screening of the cult favorite movie BeerFest on the wide screen on-site.

• NEW TENTS, MORE BARS, MORE SEATING. We’ve INCREASED  all of the bars and distribution points so that there will be less lines. We’ve doubled the size of the Tasting Theater to accommodate MORE guests.
• MORE BBQ. OK Last Year we more than doubled our barbecue vendors… AND it still wasn’t enough.  SO – we’ve doubled it again!   We will not run out of barbeque.  You will see over 15 different barbeque vendors rady to serve your needs and to keep lines short.  Enjoy the best ribs, chicken, pork, and beef.
• WE’VE REDUCED OUR SATURDAY SESSION CROWDS BY 20%. The net result is we are going to make your experience at the show more FUN by having less people in the venue at one time. Pairing this with our NEW Friday night session should provide the optimal BEER, BOURBON & BBQ experience to our guests who have made this the largest Summer beer festival in the Carolinas.  Last year’s show SOLD OUT both VIP and Regular Sessions…..unfortunately this will happen again this year and we will only be able to provide tickets to our guests on a first come-first serve basis.
• NEW AND EXCITING BEER, BOURBON AND HOMEBREW CONTESTS. Finally, we are letting you TELL the producers whose beer is the best in the land. Homebrewers get ready to show us what you’ve got with a new Homebrew Contest.
• NEW BARBEQUE CONTEST. Do you have a BBQ Team, well get ready to come and cook up some FUN.  The Trigger Agency will kick-off the NEW GOLDEN BARREL BACKYARD COMPETITION sanctioned by the NC Barbecue Society at the Cary location.

GRAND POOBAH – TICKET INCLUDES BOTH FRIDAY & SATURDAY FESTIVITIES: $75 ADVANCE ONLY! Includes admission into the event, a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited beer and bourbon sampling, BBQ dinner with pulled pork and all the fixins, souvenir t-shirt, movie screening and all live entertainment on both days.

VIP WHOLE HOG FRIDAY NIGHT PIG PICKIN’ & Tasting Glass: $55 ADVANCE/$65 NIGHT OF EVENT – LIMITED TO THE FIRST 1000 ONLY – BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW! VALID FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY – 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Includes admission into the event, a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited beer and bourbon sampling, BBQ dinner with pulled pork and all the fixins’, souvenir  t-shirt, movie screening and all live entertainment.

VIP Tasting Glass: $45 ADVANCE/$55 DAY OF EVENT– Valid on Saturday from Noon-6pm. Includes admission into the event, a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited beer and bourbon sampling, TWO EXTRA hours of tastes, a souvenir t-shirt and all live entertainment.

Regular Tasting Glass: $35 ADVANCE/ $40 DAY OF EVENT– Valid on Saturday from 2pm – 6pm. Includes admission into the event, a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited beer and bourbon sampling, and all live entertainment.

Designated Driver Ticket: $20 ADVANCE ONLINE OR ON SITE–Valid during any Saturday session. Includes admission in to the event only.

Kids 12 and under are FREE. This event is not designed for children.  They are welcome but you will find very little of interest to them.

Tickets can be purchased at Booth Amphitheatre (Tuesday- Friday, noon – 6 p.m. or Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.) or any Ticketmaster Outlet, or charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Booth Amphitheatre Box Office will be open for all on sale events.

Purchase Tickets Online

SECOND ANNUAL “EPICURIOUS VINO CHALLENGE” SET FOR JUNE

Popular event combines chefs, wines, charity.

Celebrated professional chefs from Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Goldsboro are gearing up to compete in the second annual Epicurious Vino Challenge, a fundraising event that challenges the chefs to create original dishes using Hinnant Family Vineyards’ internationally award-winning wines as key ingredients.

The 2010 Epicurious Vino Challenge will be held at the Hinnant Family Vineyards in Pine Level, NC, on Saturday, June 5, from 6:30 – 10 p.m. Hinnant Family Vineyards is the largest muscadine vineyard in North Carolina, spreading over 80 acres between Raleigh and Goldsboro. All proceeds will benefit a child or an adult with disabilities in RHA Howell’s Bear Creek, Walnut Creek, and Magnolia Place residential centers.

Presented by RHA Howell and sponsored by Hinnant Family Vineyards, US Foodservice Raleigh, and Fallon Benefits Group, the challenge requires the participating chefs to select the name of a Hinnant wine from a hat. Executive chefs from US Foodservice will serve as judges to determine which chef used his or her wine to create the most extraordinary dish.

Chefs already signed up to compete in the 2010 event include Tom Armstrong of Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Tavern in Raleigh, Colleen Speaks of Posh Nosh Catering in Raleigh, Brian Battistella of Batttistella’s New Orleans Kitchen in downtown Raleigh, Pat Walston of House-Autry in Four Oaks, personal chef Melinda McGuirk of Charlotte, Martin Nessley of Sunset Grille in Durham, Robbie Lilly of Sisters Garden, and Belo Shelton of Thrills From The Grill. Other chefs will be announced prior to the event.

Open to the public, the 2010 Epicurious Vino Challenge will also include live jazz, signature martinis, award-winning wines, a chef’s auction, and a chance to win a $1000 gift from Barnes Jewelers. Participants will also sample the chef’s creations.

“Last year’s event was so well received — by the chefs and the public — that we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said Debbie Valentine, RHA’s director of marketing and events. “It was a truly magical evening. And with all of our tables nearly sold out, we raised $18,500. We hope to do even better this year to help us continue our mission to serve children and adults with disabilities and their families.”

Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a table of 10. Dress is “snappy cocktail.”
Tickets are available at www.rhahowell.org. All major credit cards are accepted.

For more information on the 2010 Epicurious Vino Challenge, contact Debbie Valentine at dvalentine[at]rhanet.org or call 919-941-0530.

About RHA Howell, Inc.:
RHA Howell is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and special needs, and their families, make choices to live more independently for more than 35 years. Integrity, high standards for quality, and hard work are at the core of every RHA Howell disability assistance program. Proven leaders in caring for people, RHA Howell, Inc. is a pioneering force in the field of human services, particularly supporting infants and children. For more information, go to www.rhahowell.org.

Jewelry, painting, pottery, and much more can be discovered at the Artsplosure Art Market

On May 15 & 16, Artsplosure will present the 31st edition of its namesake spring arts festival in and around Moore Square in downtown Raleigh. The premier arts festival in central North Carolina, the free event attracts up to 80,000 people over the course of the weekend.

The Art Market showcases the talent of over 170 juried visual artists and crafters from across the country. Artwork by fine artists and craftsmen exhibiting in 10 different categories will be available for purchase, including painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, and more. As always, the booths will line Blount, Martin, and Hargett Streets near Moore Square and City Market.

The festival will feature more than a dozen musical performances on two stages in Moore Square. This year’s lineup includes headliner Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Blues legend Charlie Musselwhite, rising vocalist Sharon Little, Latin/funk/jazz band The Iguanas, Blues guitarist Tinsley Ellis, Charleston-based The Explorers Club, jazz artist Sachal Vasandani, local favorite Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojos, and more!

Kidsplosure provides activities and entertainment for children. Kids will discover their inner artists by creating make-and-take offerings at the event. In addition to the many arts and crafts available, the Kidsplosure Stage will provide live family-friendly entertainment throughout the weekend

The Student Art Exhibition features a juried selection of artwork by students from Wake County High Schools and Middle Schools. This aspect of the weekend is an exciting glance into the artistic talent of local students. The exhibition is open to the public and will be held inside the Zanzibar Room at Marbles Kids Museum.

Everyone is sure to enjoy the annual favorites: Sandy Feat, a large sand sculpture created by Ed Moore, life-size chess, and other interactive activities.

New this year, Artsplosure expands to Raleigh’s new City Plaza with the world debut presentation of “Mirazozo” by England’s acclaimed Architects of Air. The 6,000 square foot luminarium will be open on Fayetteville Street’s City Plaza May 13 through 16. Luminarium admission is $5; all other festival activities are free of charge.

Artsplosure is held rain or shine. For more information on this year’s festival, visit www.artsplosure.org.

Heart Vortex

Electric Beanz Coffee Bar in Raleigh, NC has announced they are hosting their first Latte Art Throwdown, a competition for local coffee shop employeeson Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 7:00 pm.

Electric Beanz Coffee Bar in Raleigh, NC has announced they are hosting their first Latte Art Throwdown, a competition for local coffee shop employees. The Throwdown will be held Wednesday, May 5th at 7:00 pm and is open to the public.

Latte Daisy

The barista at your favorite morning café has a more competitive streak than you think. This Throwdown event co-sponsored by Stockton Graham & Co., a wholesale specialty coffee roaster and beverage supply company also headquartered in Raleigh, allows area café professionals to compete head-to-head to see who can create the best designs and patterns on the surface of a latte by pouring steamed milk into espresso. The patterns, typically intricate hearts and flower-like swirls called rosettas, are then judged and the winners are awarded prizes.

“We are thrilled to host an event like this,” said Electric Beanz owner Terri Voltz. “Opening our doors up to the local coffee community will be a great experience for our customers and it’s something we hope to continue to do in the future.”

The competition fee is $5.00 and registration begins at 6:00 pm the day of the event. Recreational latte artists and experts are encouraged to sign-up.

For more information, please visit www.electricbeanz.com or www.stocktongraham.com.

About Stockton Graham & Co.:
Founded upon craft-roasted coffee, Stockton Graham & Co. is a wholesale specialty beverage, equipment, and accessory supply company. We provide high-quality, custom-roasted coffees, gourmet teas, and specialty beverage products along with turnkey services to coffeehouses, restaurants, smoothie bars, health clubs, specialty groceries and natural food markets. From coffee to smoothies, and training to equipment sales, Stockton Graham and Co. enables retailers to serve fresh, custom-roasted coffees and to create distinctive drinks for discriminating guests, enhancing their ability to bring people together in a comfortable atmosphere.

WHAT: 7th Annual Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Food Festival

WHO: Produced By Trigger Agency

WHERE: Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Regency Park
8003 Regency Parkway (Cary, NC 27511)

WHEN: SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2010 – 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

WHY: Trigger Agency will hold the seventh installment of the Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Food Festival at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park on Saturday, April 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy over 250 wines from more than 23 local North Carolina wines from wineries such as Allison Oaks Vineyards, Amber Crest Winery, Benjamin Vineyards & Winery, Cerminaro Vineyards, Chateau Laurinda Vineyards , Chatham Hill Winery, Country Squire Winery, Cypress Bend Vineyards, Grove Winery & Vineyards, Lumina Winery, Old North State, Owl’s Eye Vineyard, Rag Apple Lassie, Round Peak Vineyards, Santuary Vineyards, Silver Coast Winery, Southern Charm Winery, Stony Mountain Vineyards, Stonyfield Cellars, Uwharrie Winery, Vineyards on the Scuppernong and WoodMill Winery.

In addition, they can shop at over 50 unique artist and craft exhibits, listen to local music on the main stage from bands such as Bull City Syndicate and The Soul Power Review or tantalize their taste buds at the Gourmet Live! cooking demonstration area. Cooking and wine pairing seminars include: The Triangle Food Blogger’s Panel discussion featuring Nancie McDermott, Andrea Weigl, and Sandra Gutierrez, the Culinary Latinista ™; Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach®; Charlie Adler, Author of “I Drink on The Job”; local Chef Todd Mohr and many other guests.

Parents will appreciate an enhanced kid’s activity area complete with obstacle courses and slides.

Ticket prices for the event are $20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door and include all performances, cooking demonstrations, a souvenir wine glass and wine tastings. Designated Driver tickets are $15.  Kids 12 and under are FREE. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, please visit www.UncorkTheFun.com or call 800-830-3976.