The Birds of Prey - Photos from Today

Another beautiful day here in Beaver Creek as preparations for this week's 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week continue. At this time most of the course is complete and in tip-top shape. Efforts continue in the Finish Stadium for things like banners, press center and VIP tent. It is always amazing how quickly this venue goes from Red Tail Camp on Beaver Creek Mountain to the host of the United States' only Men's World Cup race.

Enjoy a slideshow of photos below taken from the Finish Stadium. Come see the action for yourself December 4-6 as the road to Vancouver runs straight through Beaver Creek for the Birds of Prey. Complete event details can be found HERE.

PHOTOS FROM TODAY:

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Birds of Prey Venue Photos - 11.28.09

The build out for the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week on Beaver Creek Mountain has been underway for some time now. With two days remaining until the first racers hit the course for Downhill Training many of the finishing touches are being put into place.

Enjoy a collection of photos below taken from the Finish Stadium at Red Tail Camp taken on Saturday.

Join us for the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup December 4-6. All spectator action is free and open to the public. As a reminder you do not need to use a day on your pass to catch the action.

BIRDS OF PREY VENUE - 11.28.09:

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Cuche, Heel And Janka Take Top Honors In Lake Louise Downhill--Weibrecht Top American In 12th

Switzerland's Didier Cuche powered through light snowfall, poor visibility and a world class field to claim his second win of the season, today's Downhill in Lake Louise. Cuche, the winner of the opening training run on Wednesday, sped down the Lake Louise course in a time of 1:50.31 to outdistance runner-up Werner Heel of Italy and teammate Carlo Janka to claim the top step of the podium. Cuche was also victorious in the opening World Cup Giant Slalom in Soelden, Austria in October.

For the Americans, Lake Placid's Andrew Weibrecht led the way with a 12th place finish, starting with bib number 62. Weibrecht had a similar result two years ago in the Audi Birds of Prey Downhill in Beaver Creek, starting with bib 53 and finishing tenth.

Bode Miller, who finished sixth and second respectively in the two training runs held, faded to 29th today with a run where several mistakes in the upper section of the course cost him dearly on the bottom. It was Miller's first Downhill race since last February at the World Championships in Val d'Isere, France and came with only three days of speed training.

The race was halted for half an hour as T.J. Lanning of Park City, Utah was helicoptered off the course after hooking a gate and tumbling into the safety fencing. Lanning suffered left leg and knee injuries.

Defending Audi Birds of Prey Downhill champion Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway, also coming back from a leg bruise suffered just prior to Soelden, looked tenative in his skiing and finished 33rd.

The World Cup men will race Super-G in Lake Louise on Sunday and then head for Beaver Creek and the 2009 Audi World Cup Race Week. Competitions are slated to include Super Combined, Downhill and Giant Slalom.

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Miller Moves Up To Second In Final Lake Louise Training Behind Austria's Walchhofer

Bode Miller's return to ski racing and the U.S. Ski Team seems to be progressing well as Miller claimed the runner-up position in today's final Downhill training run in Lake Louise, 59-hundredths of a second behind training leader Michael Walchhofer of Austria. Miller finished sixth in Wednesday's training, while yesterday's run was cancelled by a snowstorm.

The World Cup men will race Downhill on Saturday in Lake Louise, with a Super-G on tap for Sunday, before heading to Beaver Creek for the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week.

Italy's Werner Heel rounded out the top three today in training, while other Americans in the top 20 included Travis Ganong in 13th, Erik Fisher in 14th and Andrew Weibrecht tied for 19th. Wednesday's training leader, Switzerland's Didier Cuche, ended today in the 8th spot, while defending World Cup overall champ, Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway, improved his ranking to 17th, following a 44th place effort on Wednesday.

The 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week will feature Super Combined, Downhill and Giant Slalom action, with all races free to the public.

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Audi Birds of Prey Winners To Receive Limited Edition Raptor Prints

It will be virtually impossible for the winners at the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week to forget which race their trophies came from as Missouri photographer Rob Westrich has selected a set of dramatic limited edition prints from The Raptor Series to serve as the official race trophies.

Westrich is owner and operator of Westrich Photography, one of St. Louis' most respected and prolific photo studios. His decision to undertake The Raptor Series was spawned by a chance encounter with a South American White Hawk named "Ivory" at a fundraising event for the World Bird Sanctuary.

For the Audi Birds of Prey event, he has chosen a shot of a Golden Eagle for the individual race winners. A print of a Tawney Eagle will be awarded to the second place finisher, while a Bald Eagle print will grace the third place finisher's wall. Following the races, a plaque with the racer's name, place and event will be added to the photo matting and the finished piece will be shipped to the winners.

In addition to the Birds of Prey trophies, Westrich's Raptor Series photographs will also be on display in the World Cup registration area on the main level of Beaver Creek's Gerald R. Ford Hall. He has also donated a 50"x43" handsomely framed version of the gold medal Golden Eagle print for auction at the Black Diamond Ball next Friday evening. The print is Number One in a limited edition of just 50 prints offered worldwide.

The 2009 Audi Birds of Prey gets underway Wednesday, December 2, with Downhill training in preparation for Friday's World Cup Super Combined event. Downhill will follow on Saturday, December 5, with Giant Slalom bringing down the curtain on this year's event on Sunday, December 6. Westrich's prints will be presented to the top athletes at the award ceremonies, which follow the conclusion of each day's racing at the Red Tail Finish Stadium. All Audi Birds of Prey racing is free to the public.

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Warren Miller's Dynasty At the VPAC

With both Beaver Creek and Vail being open, it is officially ski season here in the Vail Valley. For many, the unofficial kick-off to any season these days is when the new Warren Miller movie comes to town.

Tonight at 9:30pm, and tomorrow at 6pm and 9pm the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek hosts Warren Miller's new flick Dynasty. Tickets are still available and can be purchased HERE, by calling 970-845-2787 or at the Box office in Beaver Creek.

Warren Miller’s Dynasty, the largest action sports film on the planet, is coming to kick off your winter sports season for the 60th year! Narrated by skiing icon Jonny Mosley and presented in striking high-definition, Warren Miller’s Dynasty showcases fresh cinematography that will get you craving vertical lines, deep powder, and epic adventure! This year’s film takes you on a breathtaking global tour of some of the world’s most impressive terrain, including footage from Alaska, Norway, California, Colorado, China, British Columbia, and more! Join the Vail Valley's Chris Anthony as he treks into China’s interior on a search for the birth place of skiing, and get a rare look at historic clips from Warren Miller’s vault of vintage footage!

THE DYNASTY TRAILER:

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Happy Thanksgiving From Everyone At The VVF & VPAC

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Vail Valley Foundation and the Vilar Performing Arts Center, we want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are very thankful for the support and friendship of everyone who allows us to continue to make a meaningful contribution to the Vail Valley for both residents and guests.

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Snow Scrubs Second Lake Louise Downhill Training Run

As any ski racing fan worth his/her salt knows: If you want snow, run a Downhill.

Such was the case in Lake Louise today where a snowstorm rolled through Alberta, derailing the second scheduled Downhill training run for the World Cup men. Forecasts call for the storm to move on later today, although acculumlations of approximately six inches of new snow were reported by mid-morning, giving course crews a seeminly long night of work ahead. Expectations are for clear skies tomorrow's training.

Following the World Cup Downhill and Super-G races in Lake Louise, slated for Saturday and Sunday respectively, the Men's World Cup tour will head south to Beaver Creek for the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week, December 4-6.

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Auction Sneak Peak: Dancing with Damian and Open The Market!

We have announced more silent auction lots for the 2009 Black Diamond Ball. The Black Diamond Ball is the Vail Valley Foundation's largest annual fundraiser with proceeds benefiting a cross section of of the VVF's efforts in athletics, education and culture. The Ball will be held on Friday, December 4 at 6pm at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Bachelor Gulch. You need not be present to bid. To bid in advance, please contact Molly McBride at 970-949-1999. Remember that your bid helps to sustain the quality of life in the Vail Valley!

Photo (C) 2009 Erin Baiano

DANCING WITH DAMIAN
Generously Donated By: Damian Woetzel

This opportunity of a lifetime will allow you a private dance lesson with Damian Woetzel (the artistic director of the Vail International Dance Festival and former Principal Dancer with the New York City Ballet).You will then give a performance with Damian at the Dancing in the Streets event during the 2010 Vail International Dance Festival.

Lesson to be provided in Vail during the Vail International Dance Festival and is subject to availability. Expires Summer 2010.

Value: Priceless

OPEN THE MARKET
Generously Donated By: NYSE Euronext and the Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek

A once in a lifetime opportunity to open the New York Stock Exchange by ringing the opening bell on behalf of the Vail Valley Foundation.

Package includes three night stay in a deluxe suite at the Grand Hyatt, private tour of the New York Stock Exchange, dinner for two at one of New York City’s greatest restaurants.

Mutually agreeable dates. Subject to availability. Expires December 1, 2010

Value: Priceless

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Miller 6th And Svindal Back In The Gates As Cuche Takes Opening Downhill Training Run At Lake Louise

Bode Miller took the next step on his road to becoming "race ready" today in Canada, finishing sixth in the opening Downhill training run in Lake Louise. Miller finished 1.27 second behind Switzerland's Didier Cuche, who posted the fastest time in training with a 1:49.98. Austria's Michael Walchhofer and Pierre-Emmanuel Dalcin of France rounded out the top three in today's training run.

Also making his return to World Cup action was Norway's Aksel Lund Svindal, although the reigning overall World Cup champ finished well off the pace, tied for 44th. Svindal has been nursing a leg bruise he sustained in training prior to the opening World Cup events in Soelden, Austria. He was forced to miss the World Cup Slalom in Levi, Finland two weeks ago.

Svindal, Miller, Cuche and the rest of the Men's World Cup tour will race Downhill and Super-G in Lake Louise this weekend before heading south to Beaver Creek for the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week, December 4-6. This year's Birds of Prey will feature Super Combined on December 4, Downhill on December 5 and Giant Slalom on December 6.

Svindal is the defending Birds of Prey Downhill champion, having returned to Beaver Creek one year after his spectacular crash off the Golden Eagle Jump in training, to record the win. He would go on to win the Birds of Prey Super-G as well, before finishing third in Giant Slalom.

Downhill training continues in Lake Louise tomorrow and Friday, with the Downhill race scheduled for Saturday and Super-G on Sunday. The tour will then pack up and head to Beaver Creek.

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Give the Gift of Education this Holiday Season

Learning is timeless. This holiday season Alpine Bank and the Vail Valley Foundation are teaming up to bring joy to the children of Eagle County.

Make a gift to one of Vail Valley Foundation's education programs and you’ll give joy and lasting change to a child in need and give someone you love a reason to smile. Alpine Bank will match your gift, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000 and a personalized holiday card will be sent directly to your honoree with the gift you have chosen in their name.

CLICK HERE for more information or to make a gift to one of the VVF's education efforts including:

Success at Six/ Kindergarten Scholarships
College Scholarships
The Magic Bus
First Notes
Sowing Seeds
Celebrate the Beat

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Win an Ultimate Fan Package for David Archuleta

KZYR is running a great promotion that could earn you and a friend the ULTIMATE FAN EXPERIENCE at the VPAC's December 6 David Archuleta show!

You could win this amazing package which includes front row seats, meet and greet with David Archuleta, private mini performance, pre-show party, exclusive David Archuleta gift bag, meet and greet photo with David, Ultimate Fan souvenir laminate, crowd free merchandise shopping and so much more!

Get registered to win now by joining THE ZEPHYR TEXT FORCE by texting KZYR to 75309.Visit the KZYR homepage to read more about the promotion.

LISTEN TO MUSIC BY DAVID ARCHULETA:

David Archuleta

Brought to you by I Love All Access.com where true fans get tickets.

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Birds of Prey Lodging Specials and More MJ!

Photo (C) 2008 Jonathan Selkowitz

Our lodging specials for the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week are live and ready for booking. If you have not booked your accommodations for the races next week CLICK HERE to check out some specials from our lodging partners and Beaver Creek Resort. Rates start as low as $99/night.

There are eight days remaining until the first racers leave the start gate on the Birds of Prey. The first day of official racing is next Friday, December 4. Official events run December 4-6. Complete details can be found HERE. As a reminder, spectating at the Birds of Prey is totally free and you do not need to use a day on your ski pass to catch the action.

Also enjoy another Michael Jackson tribute including speed suits and ski racers below. The video below includes the French ladies performing their best "Thriller" dance in response to Aksel Lund Svindal and the Norwegians recent tribute. If you missed the Norwegians throwing down to "Beat It" you can check that out HERE.

FRENCH SPEED TEAM MJ TRIBUTE:

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Cowboy Mouth Confirmed for Bud Light Street Beat

We've confirmed another band to play the 2010 free concert series Bud Light Street Beat.

Cowboy Mouth has been booked to play from Golden Peak on Thursday, March 18th as part of both Bud Light Street Beat and the American Ski Classic. This is the only Street Beat performance to take place on a THURSDAY and also the only show to rock Golden Peak.

It’s been said that if The Neville Brothers and The Clash got together, they would produce Cowboy Mouth’s sound. Cowboy Mouth presents straight forward, high energy New Orleans rock ‘n’ roll in a take-no-prisoners style that has bolstered their fan base around the nation and given their shows a “can’t miss” reputation.

We have one more band to book to round out the 2010 Bud Light Street Beat free concert schedule. For the remaining booking we are conducting a public pick to allow you all to chose a band on the schedule. As of this posting we have received over 50,000 votes. Shakedown Street and Zivanai Masango & Pachedu are in a tight race... CLICK HERE to cast your vote before December 10.

CLICK HERE to check out the entire Bud Light Street Beat schedule.

WATCH COWBOY MOUTH:


LISTEN TO COWBOY MOUTH:

Cowboy Mouth

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FIS Snow Control Inspectors Give Green Light To Birds Of Prey

Crank down the bindings and ratchet up the intensity, all systems are go for the Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week at Beaver Creek. FIS Snow Control inspectors officially gave organizers the green light Saturday for the 2009 edition of racing.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) sends Snow Control inspectors to World Cup sites in advance of the competitions to ensure that racecourse conditions are acceptable. If course conditions and extended forecasts were not conducive to new snow or temperatures cold enough to make snow, the FIS would have the opportunity to move the competitions.

Such is not the case for Birds of Prey, despite the warm spell we went through several weeks ago. Heading into Saturday's inspection, Chief of Course Greg Johnson estimated that snowmaking was approximately 85 percent complete, with Monday as a target to be near complete. Similarly, dozing on the course is proceeding as planned.

The 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week gets underway Wednesday, December 2, with Downhill Training. Competition kicks off Friday, December 4, with Super Combined, followed by the traditional Birds of Prey Downhill on Saturday, December 5. The weekend's racing will conclude with Giant Slalom on Sunday, December 6.

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Auction Sneak Peak: The Double Diamond Room

We have posted additional Double Diamond Room auction lots for the 2009 Black Diamond Ball. The Black Diamond Ball is the Vail Valley Foundation's largest annual fundraiser with proceeds benefiting a cross section of of the VVF's efforts in athletics, education and culture. The Ball will be held on Friday, December 4 at 6pm at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Bachelor Gulch. Tickets are still available (but almost sold out!) and can be purchased by contacting Molly McBride at 970-949-1999. You need not be present to bid. To bid in advance, please contact Molly McBride at 970-949-1999. Remember that your bid helps to sustain the quality of life in the Vail Valley!

"GOLDEN EAGLE THREE"
Generously Donated By: Rob Westrich

From The Raptor Series of renown photographer Rob Westrich comes this exquisite piece offered exclusively to The Vail Valley Foundation “Golden Eagle Three” is signed by the artist and is Number One in a limited edition of just fifty prints offered worldwide. This striking image measures 50” x 43” and is handsomely framed in a manner keeping with the subject. A commanding portrait of one of nature’s most majestic creatures, this piece is a collector’s dream.

Value: $10,000












THE RITZ CARLTON, KAPALUA - MAUI, HAWAII
Generously Donated By: Tom Donovan

2 people will enjoy 5 nights stay in the five star Ritz Carlton Kapalua! The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Maui hotel resort recently completed an extensive $180 million transformation. Escape to a distinctly memorable tropical getaway, where world-class service converges with captivating island culture. Framed by two championship golf courses, this exclusive Kapalua Maui hotel is the annual home of the PGA TOUR season-opening championship, offering a prestigious address, recognized throughout the world. Embrace the spirit of aloha within our Kapalua, Maui beach hotel, the quintessential Hawaiian destination.

Value: $2,500













ULTIMATE TENNIS LOVERS PACKAGE
Generously Donated By: Gary and LaDonna Wicklund and NBC

You and a guest will enjoy a week of lodging in a private London flat (located on South Bank of the Thames by Waterloo Station). When you are not exploring the streets of London, you will enjoy 3 days of semi finals competition at the prestigious Wimbledon Tennis Tournament! See the world’s best athletes compete at this historic tournament. One of the days will even include center court seats!

*The 2010 Wimbledon Tournament is scheduled for June 21 – July 4. The dates will be for the Later Rounds and/or Semi Finals and would therefore be between June 27-July 1. Men’s and women’s final matches are excluded.

Value: Priceless!













A SKI ART DREAM COME TRUE
Generously donated by: C. Anthony Gallery and Steve Kaufman

Three fabulous paintings created by internationally acclaimed Pop Artist Steve Kaufman with each hand signed by the skier.Each will be sold separately.












Four Time World Champ & Two Time Olympic Medalist Bode Miller in Action (32" x 46")PLUS: Meet, greet and have your picture(s) taken holding your artwork with Bode Miller at C. Anthony Gallery on Saturday, December 5 from 4:45 to 5:45. What a rare opportunity!

Value: $2850












Olympic Gold Medalist Julia Mancuso Rocks Toward Victory (16"x20").

Value: $1,000

















Olympic Silver Medalist and Hall of Famer Billy Kidd-Collage (20"x20")

Value: $1,000











2010 US OPEN AT PEBBLE BEACH
Generously Donated By: Tim Finchem and the PGA TOUR

You and a guest will enjoy two weekly tickets to the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach June 14-20, 2010. Two coach round trip airfare tickets are included. This is the ultimate gift or purchase for even the most discerning of PGA fans!

Value: Priceless!

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Steven Nyman Summer Birds of Prey Walk Through

We had an opportunity to tag along with Steven Nyman and Echo Entertainment in September on a summer walk through of the Birds of Prey Downhill on Beaver Creek Mountain. Enjoy the short video below of Nyman talking about the course. It's interesting to be up there in the summer when everything appears much steeper. Although, for those of you that have been up there in the winter we do not need to tell you that it is steep then also.

A special thanks to Echo for allowing us to tag along. Best of luck also goes out to Nyman and the rest of the U.S. Ski Team at the Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week schedule for December 4-6, 2009. Complete event details can be found HERE.

STEVEN NYMAN ON THE BIRDS OF PREY - 9.26.09:

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Conditions Update: The Birds of Prey 85% Complete

More Audi Birds of Prey World Cup updates today. We are 11 days out from the first racer kicking out of the start gate for downhill training.

According to Chief of Course Greg Johnson, we are about 85% done with snowmaking. Perhaps the best year-to-date effort ever for the Birds of Prey. Dozing will be complete to the Pumphouse by the end of the weekend. Currently Race Crews are dozing from the Golden Eagle Jump through the Finish, and work will begin between The Pumphouse and Golden Eagle Jump today. We anticipate 98% of the course to be complete with snowmaking by the end of the weekend. A special thanks goes out to the entire Beaver Creek Race Crew for their hard work. Without this exceptional group the Birds of Prey would not be regarded as one of the top courses in the world.

Lower down on the course crews have begun installation of phone and IT systems for the press center and office trailers for TV crews and banner storage have been moved into position. Construction on the Finish Stadium including bleachers and tents should begin this weekend.

Join us in Beaver Creek December 4-6 for the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey. The event is free and open to the public and complete event details can be found HERE.














Near The Pumphouse.

Above the Peregrine Jump and below the Super G Start.

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Bud Light Street Beat 2010 Free Concert Schedule

The Pimps of Joytime, March 2010

As Vail Mountain opens today for the 2009-2010 ski season we are pleased to announce the initial 2010 Bud Light Street Beat free concert schedule. This free concert series, in its 11th season, makes a great addition to a long day on Vail Mountain and is a longstanding locals favorite as well. Once again locals will be able to register to win a Volvo at each performance. The Volvo will be given away, via a "game of chance" at the final performance on April 14, 2010. The more shows you attend, and the more times you enter the better your chances...

We are still working to confirm two shows on the schedule. The first will be in conjunction with the American Ski Classic on March 18. The second is our Public Pick. Go check out the bands on the list and vote for the one you would like see play!

All shows start at 6pm somewhere in Vail. Check the schedule as we are pleased to showcase free concerts at Checkpoint Charlie, Solaris, Lionshead and Golden Peak.

The 2010 Bud Light Street Beat series kicks off on January 13 with The Wailers. Check out the schedule below and CLICK HERE for complete series details.

2010 BLSB SCHEDULE:
January 13—The Wailers, Legendary Reggae
February 24—Stockholm Syndrome, Jam Rock Collaboration
March 10—The Mother Hips, Phychedelic Power Pop
March 18—TBA, *Thursday show with the American Ski Classic
March 24—The Pimps of Joytime, High-Stepping Funk
March 31—Public Pick Winner, You Pick It—Vote Online
April 7—Danielia Cotton, Rock ‘n’ Roll
April 14—Thriller featuring DJ Logic, Michael Jackson Tribute

LISTEN TO MUSIC FROM BLSB:

Bud Light Street Beat 2010

WATCH VIDEOS FROM BLSB:

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Blast from the Past - Honda Session on TV

Those of you familiar with the Vail Valley Foundation and our slate of athletic endeavours might remember something called the Honda Session. The five star TTR snowboarding event saw its final days in 2008, but not before showcasing the first ever 1260's (2007) and 1440 (2008) landed in competition.

FOX network will be airing the final TV show from the 2008 Honda Session in 2010. Check your local listings for dates and times and as soon as we have more details we will post them here.

In the meantime, enjoy a handful of videos from the 2008 Honda Session.

2008 HONDA SESSION VIDEO:

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Ten Tenors Tonight at the VPAC

The 2009-2010 Classical Series at the Vilar Performing Arts Center kicks off tonight with the Ten Tenors Nostalgica at 6:30pm.

With an unparalleled palette of repertoire, The Ten Tenors have taken their passion for quality music and powerful singing to such venues as London’s Royal Albert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. In their program titled “Nostalgica” they invoke nostalgic memories of people, places and times in history. From ballads to post-war classics to jazz, the program may features such hits as Louis Armstrong’s favorite “What A Wonderful World” as well as other fan favorites “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Danny Boy” and “Besame Mucho.”

Earlier today we caught a sneak peak of them at the Vail Valley Medical Center for Arts In Healing. Let us just say that not only were they fantastic, but, it would appear that for the Ten Tenors it is indeed "Movember."

Tickets are still available for tonight's performance and complete information can be found HERE.

WATCH THE TEN TENORS:

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Vote for the VPAC on Facebook

JPMorgan Chase’s charitable arm has pledged to dole out $5-million to grass-roots charities chosen by Facebook users. We are orchestrating a campaign for the Vilar Center Arts Foundation/ Vilar Performing Arts Center and if we are successful these funds would drastically increase our ability to support the arts in the Vail Valley.

We are encouraging all our Facebook friends, groups and fan clubs to vote for the Vilar Center Arts Foundation through December 11th. The top vote-getter will be awarded $1-million, with five runners-up getting $100,000 each and 100 other finalists receiving $25,000 apiece.

Vote for the Vilar Center Arts Foundation by clicking the button below. You will need to become a fan of Chase Community Giving before your vote will be tallied.

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Street Beat Free Concert Public Pick!

We are very close to announcing most of the 2010 Bud Light Street Beat season but need your help before we can do so!

To keep things interesting, we will tell you that The Wailers will be kicking off the 2010 season on Wednesday, January 13 at 6pm from Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village.

For those of our blog readers unfamiliar with this Vail Valley Foundation event, Bud Light Street Beat is a free concert series that takes place throughout the winter in the heart of Vail. Once again we will be giving away a Volvo at the final performance and locals can register to win it at every Street Beat performance... More to come there soon.

BUD LIGHT STREET BEAT 2010 PUBLIC PICK:

You pick it, we’ll play it! Vote online for which of these bands you want to see at Bud Light Street Beat, for free, on March 31. The nominees are: Something Underground (rock), Spring Creek (bluegrass), Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead tribute band), Zivanai Masango & Pachedu (world music) and Liquid Cheese (ska).

CLICK HERE to cast your vote!

You can vote as many times as you like and voting will close on December 10.

We also encourage all you free concert lovin' Facebook goers to join the Vail Free Concerts Fan Club... we will be posting free concert news for Street Beat and Hot Summer Nights there all season long.

Vail Free Concerts on Facebook

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Lindsey Vonn Interview from Levi

Vail Resorts photo by Jack Affleck

Lindsey Vonn recently took second place at the opening Women's World Cup slalom in Levi. Germany's Maria Riesch edged out Vonn to take the top position on the podium.

World champion Riesch posted a combined time of one minute 48.71 seconds in her favorite discipline, 0.08 ahead of Vonn.

Vonn is currently training in Vail on her road to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. This week, Vonn and the U.S. Alpine Ski Team is making a stop at Copper Mountain to partake in Copper's ski and snowboard preseason race training program. Some of the biggest names in American ski and snowboarding including defending overall World Cup champion Lindsey Vonn and two-time World Cup champ Bode Miller will be there. Other skiers include Ted Ligety, Marco Sullivan, Steven Nyman, Scott Macartney, T.J. Lanning, Andrew Weibrecht, Erik Fisher, Julia Manusco, Stacey Cook, Resi Stiegler, Sarah Schleper, Keely Kelleher, Chelsea Marshall, Kaylin RIchardson and Leanne Smith.

The American men will be in Beaver Creek December 4-6 for the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup. The free spectator event is our only chance to see a men's World Cup event on U.S. soil. The road to Vancouver truely does run straight through Beaver Creek.

LINDSEY VONN INTERVIEW FROM LEVI:
Video courtesy Patrick Lang

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Birds of Prey - Snowmaking and conditions update

Course preparations for the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey have taken stride the past couple days as recent snow and cold evening temps have increased snowmaking potential.

Enjoy the photos in this post taken yesterday on the lower part of the race course.

Mark your calendars and join us in Beaver Creek December 4-6 for the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey. The event is free for spectators and guests need not use a day on their pass, or purchase a lift ticket to attend. Complete event details can be found HERE.














Conditions on Beaver Creek Mountain are also progressing for opening day scheduled for November 25. The photo below was also taken yesterday in Bachelor Gulch.

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Casey Pucket to showcase new movie at Birds of Prey

Four-time Olympian and six-time U.S. Champion Casey Pucket will be on-site at the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week showcasing his new movie documenting his road to Vancouver and a 2010 Skier Cross medal.

Appointment in Vancouver documents Casey Puckett’s life as a world-class athlete, father of two, and hometown hero. The film includes never before seen ski footage, star interviews and candid confessionals from the Gold-Medal favorite. After retiring from the U.S. Alpine Ski Team in 2002, Pucket quickly set his sights on ski cross and has become a superstar of the newest Olympic sport after winning X Games gold and dominating the Ski Tour and Jeep King of the Mountain.

Catch an abbreviated version of Pucket's movie, Appointment in Vancouver from the Birds of Prey Finish Stadium on Friday, December 4 and Sunday, December 6. The movie will air between races on the Super Combined and Giant Slalom race days.

Join us for the 2009 Audi Birds of Prey World Cup Race Week, December 4-6 in Beaver Creek. All spectator events are free and open to the public.


APPOINTMENT IN VANCOUVER TRAILER:

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Ellis Paul - Arts In Healing Video

Photo (C) 2009 Zach Mahone

Enjoy a short video below of Ellis Paul performing his song The World Ain't Slowin' Down at the Vail Valley Medical Center on 11.12.09 for Arts In Healing.

The Vilar Performing Arts Center's Arts In Healing program brings world-class performing artists from VPAC’s season into Vail Valley Medical Center’s health care settings to provide performances and interactive arts events to individuals who, due to illness, age, disability and challenging socio-economic and geographic circumstances have little or no access to the arts.

Our next Arts In Healing performance will be this Thursday, November 19 with The Ten Tenors at 1:30pm.

ELLIS PAUL - THE WORLD AIN'T SLOWIN' DOWN - 11.12.09:
Arts In Healing at the Vail Valley Medical Center

More VPAC Video

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