Avon Elementary "Celebrate the Beat" Students Strut Their Stuff At Aspen Ideas Festival July 3

The third, fourth and fifth graders of Avon Elementary School's "Celebrate the Beat" program are taking their show on the road. The kids will strut their stuff in Aspen on July 3 for an international audience at the Aspen Ideas Festival, teaming with CTB students from Crested Butte.

Celebrate the Beat was incorporated into the Vail International Dance Festival in 2007, while the program was added to the curriculum of Avon Elementary in 2008. The program integrates music, movement and art into the students' daily routines, utilizing the award-winning National Dance Institute teaching techniques created by Jacques d'Amboise and his staff.

In addition to representing Celebrate the Beat in Aspen, Vail International Dance Festival director Damian Woetzel will also be a speaker at the Ideas Festival, joining the like sof former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, former chairman of the Federal Reserve System Alan Greenspan and former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

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60's Flower Power Hits Eagle As Strolling Scones Kickoff ShowDown Town

Down valley, get ready for an invasion from the 60's this Thursday as The Strolling Scones bring their retro Flower Power rock to Eagle Town Park for the official kickoff of the American National Bank ShowDown Town. Billed as "Jefferson Airplane meets Spinal Tap", the Scones are sure to evoke memories of your misspent youth, assuming you have memories of the 60's.

In addition to the free concert, which gets underway at 6:30 p.m., the weekly shows also feature activities for the kids, including face painting and visits from the likes of the Eagle River Fire Department, the Butterfly Pavilion and the Denver Zoo.

American National Bank ShowDown Town free concerts are scheduled for each Thursday evening throughout the month of July.

If you want to see what your parents warned you about, check out The Strolling Scones this coming Thursday, July 2, at Eagle Town Park.

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Jackpierce Tomorrow - Hot Summer Nights!

The free concerts keep coming this week as we bring you Jackopierce at Bud Light Hot Summer Nights tomorrow at 6:30pm. Doors open at 5:30pm at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail.

If you have not done it yet... be sure to swing by the VVF tent, or CLICK HERE to register to win the Quark Expeditions Ultimate Antarctic Adventure! You can also register in-person at the Amp for your chance to win a Jackson Kayak!

LISTEN TO JACKOPIERCE:

Jackopierce - Hot Summer Nights

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Dance Festival Ranked #1 in Departure Magazine's Summer Black Book!

The July/August issue of Departures Magazine boldly asserts what many of us already know: that the Vail International Dance Festival is the world's hottest summer destination! The esteemed magazine ranked the Dance Festival #1 in their Ultimate Summer Black Book, highlighting the diverse programming, the atmosphere of Vail itself and the leadership of Artistic Director Damian Woetzel as some of its defining traits.

Read the full article here, and buy your tickets today for the Festival! Tickets are selling fast, and are sure to move even faster now that the event has been tapped the HOTTEST summer destination! Visit http://www.vaildance.org/vaildance/ to learn more about the schedule, performing artists, and to purchase your tickets online.

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Gretchen Reeves - Teva Mountain Games Profile

Check out a profile of Gretchen Reeves shot by Plum Vail at the 2009 Teva Mountain Games. Reeves finished second in the 2009 GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge.

Gretchen Reeves GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge at a glance:
2nd Place - 2009 GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge
1st Place - 2008 GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge
3rd Place - 2007 GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge
10th Place - 2006 GNC Adventure Sprint Race (Team Teva)

GRETCHEN REEVES PROFILE:

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Submit Teva Mountain Games for Sports Travel Award

We would be thrilled if you were willing to submit the Teva Mountain Games for a 2009 Sports Travel Award.

CLICK HERE to nominate the Teva Mountain Games!

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Steep Creek video from Brazil!

A member of the Brazalian media sent us a link to some of his coverage from the 2009 Teva Mountain Games Bud Light Lime Steep Creek Championship presented by Jackson Kayak on Homestake Creek.

Although we can not descifer his post HERE, we really liked the video be compiled from the event.

It took us a little while to figure out what the music was from. Eventually, visions of Jack Sparrow and the Pirates of the Caribbean came to mind.

Enjoy!

2009 STEEP CREEK CHAMPIONSHIP:


Double click the video to check it out in HD on YouTube.

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2009 Vail International Dance Festival Preview

Check out a preview from Artistic Director Damian Woetzel for the 2009 Vail International Dance Festival below. The Vail International Dance Festival is July 27 - August 11, 2009.

Tickets are selling fast so please visit the schedule at a glance and reserve your preferred seats before it's too late!

Tickets for the 2009 Festival can be purchased HERE.

2009 VAIL INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL PREVIEW:

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Rush Sturges Profile - 2009 Teva Mountain Games

Check out a short profile of extreme kayaker Rush Sturges shot at the 2009 Teva Mountain Games.

Yes, that is a flip off a waterfall... in a kayak no less.

RUSH STURGES - 2009 Teva Mountain Games:

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Mountain Click Photo Comp Winners

The final event at the 2009 Teva Mountain Games is over. After much deliberation the winners for the 2009 Mountain Click Photo Comp have been announced. This competition may have been the toughest event at the Teva Mountain Games to judge. 59 photographers, professional and amateur, submitted a total of 177 photos.

After three rounds of judging, our panel of judges consisting of professional photographers, artists and VVF Staffers selected three winners. The winning photos convey the spirit and essence of the Teva Mountain Games.

The three winners receive cash prizes and also will have their work featured in the September issue of Outside Magazine. Check out the September issue for details on the equipment the winning photogs used to capture the moment.

A special thanks goes out to all the photographers that submitted photos and our panel of judges.

Check out the winners below.

You can check out a slide show of all 2009 submissions HERE.

1st Place - Zak Wood for "Hydro Groove:"

View Larger Image

2nd Place - Connor Walberg "Trail To Victory:"

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3rd Place - Dana Madda

View Larger Image

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2009-2010 Classical and Dance Series Announced

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

We are very pleased to announce the Winter 2009-2010 Vilar Performing Arts Center Classical and Dance series. Both series bring landmark acts to the Vail Valley highlighted by the Russian National Orchestra, Momix, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and much more.

To underwrite any of the performances in either series, please contact Jason Denhart at 970-748-5923.

Tickets will go on sale for the Winter 2009-2010 Classical and Dance series on Wednesday, July 1 at 11am MST. You can purchase your tickets online HERE, by phone at 888.920.ARTS (2787) or in person at the VPAC Box Office in Beaver Creek and the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater Box Office in Vail.

LISTEN TO MUSIC FROM THE CLASSICAL SERIES:

VPAC Classical Series 09-10

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Annual Patriotic Concert Tickets On Sale July 1

It's time once again to strike up the band for a red, white and blue celebration of America. Tickets for the Vail Valley Foundation's annual Patriotic Concert at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater will go on sale at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, only at the Amphitheater box office. The Pavilion seat tickets usually sell out in under an hour, so we encourage you to be prompt.

Tickets for the July 4 concert, featuring the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, will be priced at $15, with a limit of four per person. No telephone or online orders will be taken and all ticket purchasers must be 16 years of age or older.

Gates to the Ford Amphitheater will open at 12:30 p.m. on July 4 in anticipation of the 2 p.m. concert start. General admission lawn seating is free.

The Vail Valley Foundation is dedicating the concert to the memory of Jack Kemp. The former Vice Presidential candidate and part-time Vail Valley resident passed away in May and the Patriotic Concert was one of his favorite events in the valley. Jack was also a member of the Foundation's board of directors from 1995 until his passing.

All proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to the Vail Veterans Program in Kemp's name. Vail Veterans is a community-based effort that offers skiing and snowboarding to amputee veterans of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

So plan on joining the Vail Valley Foundation, the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for a flag-waving Fourth at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater.

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Hot Summer Nights TONIGHT! The Dynamites ft. Charles Walker

The second installment of the free concert series Bud Light Hot Summer Nights get's underway tonight at 6:30pm when the Dynamites featuring Charles Walker take the Ford Amphitheater stage.

Charles Walker was right in the heart of the funk revolution of the 60’s, cutting his teeth at the Apollo Theater and as the opening act for Wilson Pickett, Etta James and James Brown. Since this time, The Dynamites have taken their dynamic soul review around the globe; from Bonnaroo to Austin City Limits. Frontman Charles Walker’s deep funk style showcases The Dynamites’ explosive talents and this combination is not to be missed and fun for the entire family. Get on your dancin' shoes for this one.

While you are at the show, be sure to swing by the VVF tent for your chance to win a Jackson Kayak and also the Quark Expeditions Ultimate Antarctic Adventure. If you are not in the mood to step away from the show, have no fear, you can enter the Ultimate Antarctic Adventure contest HERE.

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VPAC Family Films Return - for FREE!

It's almost that time again: the great summer tradition of VPAC Family Films. It's your chance to see your family's favorite movies, back on the big screen at the VPAC. And the best part? It's FREE! Not just the movie (and with the sticker shock of movie stubs these days, that would be enough). But each week also features great corresponding family activities in the VPAC lobby before the film, and a costume contest to get everyone in the spirit!

Come on out on Wednesday night, dressed as your favorite character from "Kung Fu Panda," and check out a great Martial Arts Demonstration in the lobby starting at 6pm. Following the demonstration, you can strut your costume on stage for the contest, and possibly win great prizes, before the movie starts at 6:30pm.

Food and beverage are available at the theatre, so come hungry! All films are rated PG. Check out the full Family Film lineup, including activities, at http://www.vilarpac.org./

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Aceyalone Video from Mountains of Music

Too tired from trying to battle through the GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge at the 2009 Teva Mountain Games to check out Aceyalone & The Lonely Ones at Bud Light Mountains of Music?

Not to worry, you were probably not alone. Regardless, check it out for the first time, or relive a piece of the great free concert action with a short clip below.

ACEYALONE & THE LONELY ONES
2009 BUD LIGHT MOUNTAINS OF MUSIC:

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Mike Kloser - Teva Mountain Games Profile

Check out a short profile on Mike Kloser, a GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge athlete at the Teva Mountain Games and Vail Valley local. Mike has been competing in the Adventure Races and GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge at the Teva Mountain Games for as long as our records go back.

MIKE KLOSER TEVA MOUNTAIN GAMES AT A GLANCE:
2009 - Men's 4th place overall, GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge
2008 - Men's 2nd place overall, GNC Ultimate Mountain Challenge
2006 - 1st place overall (team), GNC Adventure Sprint Race
2005 - 1st place overall (team), GNC Adventure Sprint Race

MIKE KLOSER PROFILE:

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Mountain Click Photo Comp - Teva Mountain Games

Contrary to popular belief, the Teva Mountain Games are not over. There are still 59 photographers competing in the Mountain Click Photo Comp.

One of the many cool things about the Teva Mountain Games is that we bring Art, Athletes, Music and Mountains all together under one umbrella. This is a perfect illustration of the very notion that makes the Teva Mountain Games unique.

All our submissions are in at this point and you can check out all 177 photos below via a slide show. CLICK HERE to view all the photos in a larger slide show.

All these photographers are credentialed like media and grated access to areas of the Games that enable them to capture marquee moments. Each photographer is tasked with sending their top three photos that convey the "spirit of the Teva Mountain Games" for consideration. In the end, three individual photos are deemed winners (via a panel of judges). Note that the winners are not selected based on their collection of three photos, but instead, the individual photo that best represents the spirit of the Games. The three winners receive cash and also have their work featured in the September issue of Outside Magazine. We will post all the winners sometime next week after our judges have time to deliberate, and, check out all the winner in the September issue of Outside.

The coolest thing about this portion of the Teva Mountain Games is that all the photos below convey what the individual photographer interprets as the "spirit of the Teva Mountain Games." We don't often get an outside perspective like this and it is truly inspiring.

2009 MOUNTAIN CLICK PHOTO COMP ENTRIES:

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2010 Teva Mountain Games Dates Announced

The dates for the 2010 Teva Mountain Games have been announced.

Traditionally the Teva Mountain Games have always fallen on the first weekend in June. 2010 will be no exception and the dates are set for June 3-6, 2010.

See you next June!

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Paul Rodriguez Live - The Latin King of Comedy

Check out the racy humor of the Latin King of Comedy! Watch video of Paul Rodriguez performing, and come see his standup comedy live at the VPAC on July 13 at 8pm.

WARNING – this material is not suitable for children!

Tickets on sale now.

PAUL RODRIGUEZ pt 1:


PAUL RODRIGUEZ pt. 2:


PAUL RODRIGUEZ pt. 3:

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Hot Summer Nights Kicks off TONIGHT!

THE free concert series of the summer kicks off tonight at 6:30pm when Bud Light Hot Summer Nights welcomes JJ Grey & Mofro to the Ford Amphitheater Stage. This is an act we have been trying to book for some time. We are ecstatic to bring them not only to town... but FOR FREE!

Never heard JJ Grey & Mofro -- check out some of their music below.

Bud Light Hot Summer Nights is officially underway and you can pencil in free concerts every Tuesday at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater through Eek-A-Mouse on August 18. A full performance schedule can be found HERE.

LISTEN TO JJ GREY & MOFRO:

mofro

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Nikki Kelly Video - Steep Creek Championships

Check out a short clip below featuring Nikki Kelly from the 2009 Teva Mountain Games. Kelly took first place in the Bud Light Lime Steep Creek Championship presented by Jackson Kayak on Homestake Creek on 6.4.09.

NIKKI KELLY STEEP CREEK:

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Costa Del Mar 2 Fly X-Stream Results Posted

First off we apologize for the delay here!

Semi-final and final results have been posted for the Costa Del Mar 2 Fly X-Stream at the 209 Teva Mountain Games.

CLICK HERE to view results.

Check back soon for event photos and videos!

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Official Dedication Of Eagle River Preserve

One good thing about all the rain we've been having lately...it has really made things at Eagle River Preserve incredibly green and lush. And now, Phase One of the 72-acre open space project has been officially dedicated and is open to the public.

The dedication ceremony took place June 10, with representatives of Eagle County, the Eagle Valley Land Trust, Vail Valley Foundation and other interested parties in attendance. The newest resident of Eagle River Preserve is a young aspen tree that was planted as part of the ceremony.

The dedication marked the end of a four-year journey for the parcel of land, formerly known as Eaton Ranch. In 2004, the Vail Valley Foundation, along with Eagle County, took on the responsibility of raising $12 million to purchase the land in an effort to preserve it forever as open space. Following the conclusion of this successful one-year fundraising campaign, the Foundation and the County closed on the property in September of 2005. The land was immediately turned over to Eagle County to manage under a strict conservation easement, monitored by the Eagle Valley Land Trust.

Since then, numerous improvements have been made to the Preserve, including the shaping of over 700,000 cubic yards of dirt and the creation of a special pond and stream complex. All of these improvements have come at no cost to the taxpayers of Eagle County.

Work is currently ongoing on Phase Two of the Eagle River Preserve project, but Phase One is ready for use by locals and guests alike. Eagle River Preserve is located north of Highway 6, just west of the main traffic interchange in Edwards. The Preserve is open from dawn to dusk daily.

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2009 Freeride Dual Video - Teva Mountain Games

Check out a highlight video from the SoBe Freeride Dual at the 2009 Teva Mountain Games.

2009 SoBe FREERIDE DUAL:


CLICK HERE for more Teva Mountain Games video.

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Chauncenia Cox - 2009 IFSC Bouldering World Cup

Check out a feature on 17-year-old Chauncenia Cox from the IFSC Bouldering World Cup presented by Pyramide at the 2009 Teva Mountain Games. Cox made her adult World Cup debut here in Vail at the Teva Mountain Games.

CHAUNCENIA COX:


CLICK HERE for more Teva Mountain Games video.

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Steep Creek POV Video with Brad Ludden

Check out a POV video shot at the 2009 Bud Light Lime Steep Creek Championship presented by Jackson Kayak below. The video was shot on June 4 at the 2009 Teva Mountain Games.

Brad Ludden finished 10th at the event and is the founder of First Descents.

Check back soon for more video... we will be posting as fast as we can! The footage below was shot with the VIO POV 1.5.

BRAD LUDDEN -- 2009 STEEP CREEK POV:


CLICK HERE for more Teva Mountain Games video.

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Suzuki Load-In at the VPAC

In two weeks, over 2,000 children from all over the country will take part in the Colorado Suzuki Institute, with VPAC being the main venue. This is a huge event and one we are particularly proud to host.

Check out a couple photos below that illustrate the scope of this event. By all accounts, it's HUGE.

65 pianos were delivered from Denver and unloaded around Beaver Creek in about a day and a half....

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Serac Adventure Film School - Student Film Festival

A big part of the Teva Mountain Games is art. From the Mountain Click Photo Comp and Onsite-Art to our largest artistic event, the Serac Adventure Film School.

You may have seen many of the Serac students while you were out and about enjoying the games. They are credentialed as media and granted access to areas of the Mountain Games we typically rope-off for press. During students tenure at the Serac Adventure Film School students learn the ins and outs of adventure film making from award-winning director Michael Brown and his staff.

Tomorrow night at 7pm they will be showcasing their 2009 work at the Antlers at Vail in Lionshead Village. Festivities start at 7pm and they will be screening 10 short films shot at the 2009 Teva Mountain Games. Everyone is welcome! You can check out their blog from the 2009 Teva Mountain Games HERE.

Can't make the event tomorrow? Not to worry, we will be posting the 2009 films in the coming days.

A VIDEO FROM THE 2008 SERAC ADVENTURE FILM SCHOOL:



CLICK HERE to watch more Serac Adventure Films shot at the 2008 Teva Mountain Games. They are located on the tab called "Film School."

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2009 Teva Mountain Games Photos - Sneak Peak

Check out a few photos from the 2009 Teva Mountain Games below. We will be posting many more photos in the coming weeks so please check back soon!

We have been plugging away for some time to create an archive of Teva Mountain Games photos on our Flickr Stream.

CLICK HERE for the Teva Mountain Games Flickr Stream. As more photos are processed and uploaded they will eventually find their way to Flickr. Journalists... bloggers... and average Joe's feel free to use any of these photos as you see fit (for web). We only ask that you credit our photographers as they spent a lot of time documenting the games. If you would like to request any of the 2009 photos in high res please contact the Vail Valley Foundation - or Shane Macomber Photography directly.

Thanks again for making it a great 2009 Teva Mountain Games!

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