Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Tag: entertainment

  • The Calvin Gilmore Theater is open and ready to entertain!


    For Immediate Release
    October 6, 2015
    (843) 913-1453

    The Calvin Gilmore Theater is open and ready to entertain!

    The Calvin Gilmore Theater extends deepest sympathies to those affected by the recent flooding in South Carolina. Fortunately, The Calvin Gilmore Theater was not damaged in any way and our parking lot is free and clear. The theater is open and all shows are running as usual. Calvin Gilmore adds, “We survived Hugo in 1989 and now we have survived the Thousand-Year-Flood. In the great show biz tradition—the show must go on!”

    More About the TCO Show

    Gilmore Entertainment has long been the leader of musical variety show entertainment in the Southeast, with the classic TCO show (The Carolina Opry) and their newest hits, Time Warp and Thunder and Light. Gilmore and his shows have been featured by USA Today, ABC Nightly News, Southern Living Magazine, Variety and a host of other newspapers and television shows. TCO is the only Myrtle Beach show to receive the coveted South Carolina Governor’s Cup, as well as being voted South Carolina’s Most Outstanding Attraction. In recent years, Gilmore has performed regularly on The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and he is designated as South Carolina’s Official Country Music Ambassador.

    ###
    For further information contact:
    Jordan Watkins • 843-913-1453
    jwatkins@GilmoreEntertainment.com • http://www.TheCarolinaOpry.com

  • 4th Annual Southwest Virginia Wine Festival


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                        

    Contact: Anne-Lewis Vowell

    Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway

    276.492.2423 | sales@myswva.org

    4th Annual Southwest Virginia Wine Festival

    Featuring the best of the region’s wines, cider, mead and craft beer at Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway.

    ABINGDON, VA –One of Southwest Virginia’s most distinctive assets is its wines, cider, mead and craft beer.  The Fourth Annual Southwest Virginia Wine Festival is the perfect way to not only experience these assets, but also learn the stories and meet the makers behind the wines.

    The SWVA Wine Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 1p.m. to 5p.m. at Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway. Tickets are $20 per person in advance or $25 per person the day of the event and may be purchased online at swvawinefestival.com or at Heartwood.

    “Last year’s event was a great success. We had a great turnout that day to taste the wines of eight of our best wineries,” said Todd Christensen, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation. “And now going into our fourth year, we have craft breweries planning to attend. This event is very exciting for us because it’s a way to not only showcase, but educate people about the great natural and creative resources we have here in Southwest Virginia.”

    The 19-county, four-city region produces an extensive range of award-winning wines, as well as cider and mead, all of which will be poured by participating Artisan Trail members − Abingdon Vineyard and Winery, Davis Valley Winery & Vineyard, Foggy Ridge Cider, MountainRose Vineyards, Rural Retreat Winery & Vineyard, Stanburn Winery, Vincent’s Vineyard, and West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery − during the event. There will also be tastings from area breweries – Damascus Brewery, and Old Glade Brewery.  Light hors d’oeuvres and a souvenir wine glass are also included in the ticket price.

    Online ticketing and more information about the June 13th Southwest Virginia Wine Festival can be found online at swvawinefestival.com or by calling (276) 492-2400. Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway is located at Exit 14 on I-81 in Abingdon, VA, for more information visit them online at heartwoodvirginia.org and at facebook.com/HeartwoodVirginia. This event is sponsored by Clinch Valley Printing, FM94, ‘Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Trail, The Crooked Road’s Mountains of Music Homecoming, and the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation.

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  • Let The Rehearsals Begin…

    Let The Rehearsals Begin…


    Dearest Readers:

    Good morning, World. Another beautiful sunshiny day! After two cups of coffee and my morning yogurt parfait, I decided to rehearse the tentative songs for the show scheduled for late May — May 30, to be exact! All of my pups, with exception of grouchy little Hanks, were outside while I popped the CDG’s in the stereo. Turning the microphone on, I recognized it is not working. “Rats!”

    “Unchained Melody,” starting playing, so I belted out the notes, moving and dancing around, I glanced at the carpet. Hanks the Tank sat motionless — something extremely out of character for him. His eyes stared at me, still motionless while listening to me sing.

    I patted his head to thank him for his attention. The first notes of “At Last,” began, so I belted those long notes out. Hank is still mesmerized while listening to me singing.

    The last song, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers,” is a duet I will sing with another singer. He has a great voice and I am honored to sing with him at rehearsals. As I sing the female notes, Hanks is still sitting about three feet from where I am dancing around. His eyes are still glued to me!

    When I finish, Hanks approaches me…grumbling…as if to tell me he is enjoying listening to me. Funny. I’ve never noticed him listening to me while I sing. For me, this is the ultimate compliment. My energetic, grouchy, once terribly abused and unloved mini-schnauzer, Hanks the Tank, is letting me know how much he enjoys hearing me sing!

    If all goes well, I will sing one song, and a duet at the show. I suppose I’ll share more details later. Now, I must decide what dress to wear. Those decisions are for a later date…after all, we still have rehearsals for all of us. We have a great bunch of singers for this variety show. No doubt it will be fun for all.

    I cannot wait to get up on that stage and sing. Of course, you, my readers, know that — don’t you! This girl simply comes alive on stage! Yes, I was born to sing — and that is why I do it!

    Today is a beautiful day. Think I’ll go work on my tan! Have a great weekend readers, and keep listening for more songs. Hanks is rubbing my leg now as if to say, “Sing…Sing…SING!”  Silly boy! Some people believe dogs do not enjoy music. I say — oh, yes — dogs LOVE music!

    Maybe one day I will record a CD to share and to play — for my little Hanks! More details — LATER!

  • Gloria Gaynor at The Calvin Gilmore Theater


    High Res Images available for download here:
    http://www.gilmoreentertainment.info/Other/GloriaGaynor/

    Gloria Gaynor at The Calvin Gilmore Theater August 30

    Gloria Gaynor will appear at The Calvin Gilmore Theater on August 30 for an exclusive concert. Gloria and her band are bringing her critically acclaimed performance to the stage with all of her biggest hits—“Never Can Say Goodbye”,  “I Am What I Am”, “I Will Survive” and more. In addition to her powerhouse show, Gloria will add a local flair by inviting the Coastal Inspirational Ambassadors Gospel Choir (CIA) of Coastal Carolina University and the Socastee Singers each to perform in one special number with her.

    Global superstar, World Music Award Honoree and Grammy Award winner, Gloria Gaynor, has topped the Billboard Music charts throughout her illustrious career spanning the past four decades. Her hit songs are known across the world and Gloria has performed in more than 80 countries. Gloria is also a Grammy Nominated author; an honor she received for the audio recording of her 2nd book, “We Will Survive: True Stories of Encouragement, Inspiration, and the Power of Song”. Gaynor’s famous “I Will Survive” not only became the greatest disco anthem of all time, but has also become an anthem for social survival across the world.

    Gloria Gaynor will perform in Myrtle Beach for one night only, Sunday, August 30 at 6pm at The Calvin Gilmore Theater. Tickets will go on sale to the public April 26 and start at $49. To buy tickets call 800-843-6779, visit TheCalvinGilmoreTheater.com or visit the box office.

    New Myrtle Beach Performing Arts Series

    Gloria Gaynor is among many artists booked in the new Myrtle Beach Performing Arts series launched at The Calvin Gilmore Theater. The series launched with Garrison Keillor’s performance this past January and will also include Jungle Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live on June 14 and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder on August 16.  The Theater plans to bring you musical artists, but also to add in some high profile celebrity lecturers, authors, and political figures.

    Gilmore says, “With its burgeoning local population, the area is ready for something new in entertainment—something that brings popular culture and an intellectual edge to the forefront.”

    More Information about Calvin Gilmore and Gilmore Entertainment

    Gilmore Entertainment and The Calvin Gilmore Theater have long been the leader of musical variety show entertainment in the Southeast, with the classic TCO show, their new hit, Thunder and Light, and the all new retro show, Time Warp. Gilmore and his shows have been featured by USA Today, NBC Nightly News, Southern Living Magazine, Variety, and a host of other newspapers and television shows. It is the only Myrtle Beach show to receive the coveted South Carolina Governor’s Cup, as well as being voted South Carolina’s Most Outstanding Attraction. In recent years, Gilmore has performed regularly on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and he is designated as South Carolina’s Official Country Music Ambassador. 

    ###

    For further information contact:

    Jordan Watkins  • 843-913-1453

    jwatkins@GilmoreEntertainment.com • http://www.TheCarolinaOpry.com

     

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for April 2015


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    The Top 10 Workout Songs for April 2015

    Fort Wayne, IN – April 1, 2015 – Spring is in full swing, the weather is warming, and April’s top 10 songs will bring the heat to your workout as well. This month’s picks provide a steady rhythm with most of the mix clocking in between 122 and 130 beats per minute (BPM). Within that range, you’ll find chart returns from both Carly Rae Jepsen and Ricky Martin and the latest from Ariana Grande and Andy Grammar.
    On the warm-up and cool down fronts, you’ll find an upbeat tune from Jason Derulo and a remix from Skrillex and Diplo’s Jack Ü side project featuring Missy Elliott. Lastly, while pop and dance hits generally rule the gym, the most popular workout song of the month actually came from Kid Rock. At 132 BPM, the title track from his new album First Kiss is also the fastest song in this month’s playlist.
    While some months’ selections vary wildly, April’s favorites make a virtue of their consistency. Along those lines, the mix features plenty of quick tunes, an emphasis on good vibes, and a few surprises to keep things interesting—everything you need to get up and moving.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.
    Jason Derulo – Want to Want Me – 115 BPM

    Carly Rae Jepsen – I Really Like You – 122 BPM

    Ricky Martin – Adios – 128 BPM

    Zedd & Selena Gomez – I Want You to Know – 130 BPM

    Madonna – Living for Love (Dirty Pop Remix) – 129 BPM

    Ariana Grande – One Last Time – 126 BPM

    Deorro & Chris Brown – Five More Hours – 128 BPM

    Andy Grammer – Honey, I’m Good. – 123 BPM

    Kid Rock – First Kiss – 132 BPM

    Jack Ü & Kiesza – Take Ü There (Missy Elliott Remix) – 80 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com

  • Jungle Jack Hanna Brings Into the Wild LIVE! To Myrtle Beach


    For Immediate Release
    April 1, 2015
    (843) 913-1453

    Editorial note: High res photos available at http://www.gilmoreentertainment.info/Other/Jack-Hannas-Into-the-WIld-Live/

    Jungle Jack Hanna Brings Into the Wild LIVE! To Myrtle Beach

    The Calvin Gilmore Theater • June 14, 2015

    – Tickets on sale now –

    America’s most beloved animal expert, Jack Hanna, brings his three-time Emmy Award-winning television series to the live stage with Into the Wild Live! at The Calvin Gilmore Theater on June 14, 2015. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased at TheCarolinaOpry.com/SpecialEvents, 800-843-6779 or at The Calvin Gilmore Theater box office.

    In this live show, prepare to be fascinated as Jungle Jack takes you into the wild with a spectacular array of incredible animals. Jack will also share humorous stories and amazing footage from his adventures all around the world from Africa, to the Amazon, to Antarctica and beyond. He will also inspire with his passion and dedication to wildlife conservation.

    Audiences can expect to see approximately fifteen animals in the live experience. The exact animals to appear aren’t confirmed until shortly before the show since each animal must receive medical clearance, however, fans can expect to see animals such as a baby cheetah, kangaroo, baby tiger, two-toed sloth, penguin and much more.

    Recognized around the country as America’s favorite zookeeper, Jack has made countless television appearances on shows such as Good Morning America, Ellen, and The Late Show with David Letterman where he has made nearly 100 appearances. In 2013, Jack celebrated his 35th “Hanna-versary” as Director Emeritus with the Columbus Zoo and Good Morning America celebrated their 30-year relationship with Jack with a series of special segments.

    In 1993, Jack became the host of Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures, a nationally syndicated television series which ran for over ten years. In October 2007, his current tv series, Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild, was born. This unscripted and action-packed series shows Jack and his family as they explore the corners of the globe and discover amazing animals and cultures. Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild is the recipient of three Emmy Awards, winning in the category of Outstanding Children’s Series in 2008, 2012 and 2013.

    His second and newest TV show, Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown, airs on Saturday mornings around the country on ABC. Wild Countdown features some of Jack’s favorite experiences with the world’s rarest, most endearing, and fascinating animals. You’ll even get to see his base camp at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

    Both television series exist because of Jack’s longstanding partnerships with Nationwide Insurance and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium whom Jack has worked with for decades to protect and spread the word about wildlife conservation.

    About Mills Entertainment

    Mills Entertainment is a leading producer and promoter of branded live entertainment. Mills collaborates with top brands and personalities to develop, market and produce live theatrical events throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Some current projects include Theresa Caputo Live, FX’s Archer Live, Cesar Millan Live, MTV’s Guy Code + Girl Code Comedy Tour and America’s Test Kitchen Live with Christopher Kimball. http://www.millsentertainment.com

    New Myrtle Beach Performing Arts Series

    Jack Hanna is the third artist to be announced in the new Myrtle Beach Performing Arts series launched at The Calvin Gilmore Theater. The series was launched with Garrison Keillor’s performance this past January and Ricky Skaggs was announced earlier in March. The Theater plans to bring you musical artists, but also to add in some high profile celebrity lecturers, authors, and political figures. Possible artists include Calvin Trillin, Bill Bryson, Frank Abagnale, Pat Conroy, Michael Bolton, Kevin James, Rachael Ray and various tribute bands.

    More Information about Calvin Gilmore and Gilmore Entertainment

    Gilmore Entertainment and The Calvin Gilmore Theater have long been the leader of musical variety show entertainment in the Southeast, with the classic TCO show, their new hit, Thunder and Light, and the soon to be released all new retro show, Time Warp. Gilmore and his shows have been featured by USA Today, NBC Nightly News, Southern Living Magazine, Variety, and a host of other newspapers and television shows. It is the only Myrtle Beach show to receive the coveted South Carolina Governor’s Cup, as well as being voted South Carolina’s Most Outstanding Attraction. In recent years, Gilmore has performed regularly on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and he is designated as South Carolina’s Official Country Music Ambassador.

    ###

    For interviews, high-resolution photos, or more information, please contact:

    Jordan Watkins • 843-913-1453

    jwatkins@GilmoreEntertainment.com

  • 10th Annual Myrtle Beach International Film Festival Billed as “The East Coast’s Answer to the Sundance Film Festival”


    PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    From McKenzie News Service
    (long and short version provided)

    View this press release online with photos:
    http://mckenzienewsservice.com/news/Myrtle-Beach-International-Film-Festival/index.htm

    10th Annual Myrtle Beach International Film Festival Billed as “The East Coast’s Answer to the Sundance Film Festival”

    Billed as “The East Coast’s Answer to the Sundance Film Festival,” the Festival boasts the most impressive lineup yet, according to organizers. Films and film makers from around the world will showcase their work, many as a world premier.

    Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, March 23, 2015 – The 10th Annual Myrtle Beach International Film Festival (MBIFF), billed as “The East Coast’s answer to the Sundance Film Festival,” has set this year’s Festival dates for April 22-25, 2015. The Film Festival will utilize a state of the art theater at Carmike Cinema 17, Broadway at the Beach, 1175 Celebrity Cir., Myrtle Beach, SC.

    Winner of prestigious international and national awards, such as “Top 25 Film Festivals To Submit To In The World,” by Movie Maker Magazine, and recognition as one of the best film festivals in the world, by Film International, the MBIFF call for entry has closed for this year’s event and organizers look forward to a phenomenal line up of films that will be on the big screen this year.

    “The MBIFF’s reputation as one of the top venues for showcasing feature films, documentaries, and short films has helped the festival grow,” says founder and director, Jerry Dalton. “While we are proud of how international the festival has become, the beauty of expanding MBIFF over the years has also opened a submission category for local and regional student and budding filmmakers, in addition to the outstanding global films we enjoy. It simply is a wonderful opportunity for exposure for our community and artists.”

    Attending this year’s event will be filmmakers, industry producers and several actors from featured films, short films, and documentaries, all of whom will have interaction with the audience in informal “Q&A” sessions following each film. This audience participation will not only provide film industry networking, but will also offer a deeper understanding of the filmmaking craft, from the on-the-screen and behind-the-screen perspective.

    Over 80% of last year’s films had at least one if not many attached to the film attend the festival. The interactive setting makes for a unique film going experience.

    In addition, this festival will host dinner on Friday, April 24 provided by Little Pigs BBQ and beer from New South Brewery. On Saturday evening, April 25th, Silver Coast Winery will have a wine sampling in the lobby and Sushi will be provided by Jimmyz Hibachi with entertainment provided by Denny Hess Jazz Trio. At the closing of the event on Saturday evening a gathering after the awards will be held at Sun City Café (801 Main St.) All the food, wine, beer, and after award gathering is included for the price of the ticket.

    Tickets can be purchased individually for $10 per 2 hour film block or an All Access Pass for $50 which includes all films and all events available via Paypal at http://www.MyrtleBeachFilmFestival.com or call 843-497-0220.

    For more information on purchasing tickets and event schedule, visit http://www.myrtlebeachfilmfestival.com or call 843-497-0220.

    – END –

    MEDIA CONTACTS/MORE INFORMATION:

    Film Descriptions:

    Click to access mbiff-10-booklet.pdf

    For more information/interviews/speaking engagements for talk show/telecasts/radio, contact:

    Jerry Dalton
    Myrtle Beach International Film Festival
    Founder/Director
    843-497-0220
    jerry@mbiff.com

    Sharon DuRant
    MBIFF Media Coordinator
    843-455-5931
    shdurant@sc.rr.com

    Twitter@MBFilFest
    Facebook Myrtle Beach International Film
    Web MyrtleBeachfilmfestival.com

    CONDENSED VERSION:
    Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, March 23, 2015 – 10th Annual Myrtle Beach International Film Festival Billed as “The East Coast’s Answer to the Sundance Film Festival”
    The 10th Annual Myrtle Beach International Film Festival (MBIFF), billed as “The East Coast’s answer to the Sundance Film Festival,” has set this year’s Festival dates for April 22-25, 2015. The Film Festival will utilize a state of the art theater at Carmike Cinema 17, Broadway at the Beach, 1175 Celebrity Cir., Myrtle Beach, SC. Winner of prestigious international and national awards, such as “Top 25 Film Festivals To Submit To In The World,” by Movie Maker Magazine, and recognized as one of the best film festivals in the world, by Film International. Attending this year’s event will be filmmakers, industry producers and several actors from featured films, short films, and documentaries, all of whom will have interaction with the audience in informal “Q&A” sessions following each film. This audience participation will not only provide film industry networking, but will also offer a deeper understanding of the filmmaking craft, from the on-the-screen and behind-the-screen perspective. Tickets can be purchased individually for $10 per 2 hour film block or an All Access Pass for $50 which includes all films and all events available via Paypal at http://www.MyrtleBeachFilmFestival.com or call 843-497-0220. For more information on purchasing tickets and event schedule, visit http://www.myrtlebeachfilmfestival.com or call 843-497-0220.

  • The Top 10 Workout Songs for February 2015


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    The Top 10 Workout Songs for February 2015

    Fort Wayne, IN – February 4, 2015 – Remixes rule in this month’s workout music round-up. Exactly half of the songs voted into the top 10 appear in re-worked versions. As always, this is a blessing for folks in search of musical inspiration, since these uptempo updates take existing gym favorites and accentuate their beats and momentum.
    Songs getting a makeover include the latest from from Gwen Stefani, a club anthem from David Guetta, and the three way collaboration between Jennifer Lopez, Iggy Azalea, and Pitbull. Meanwhile, the other half of this month’s list includes a Taylor Swift song you might recognize from a Target commercial, a Fall Out Boy track that pays tribute to a scene from Pulp Fiction, and the follow-up to Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne’s breakthrough hit “Rather Be.”
    By combining new music from Top 40 regulars and updated versions of recent hits, this month’s list strikes a fine balance between fresh and familiar sounds–both of which will come in handy when you’re ready to get moving.
    Here’s the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred–the web’s most popular workout music blog.
    Gwen Stefani – Baby Don’t Lie (Kaskade & KillaGraham Remix) – 100 BPM

    Taylor Swift – Style – 95 BPM

    Jennifer Lopez, Iggy Azalea & Pitbull – Booty (Bali Bandits Remix) – 129 BPM

    Robin Schulz, Lilly Wood & The Prick – Prayer in C (Robin Schulz Radio Edit) – 123 BPM

    Fall Out Boy – Uma Thurman – 149 BPM

    Jessie J & 2 Chainz – Burnin’ Up (Aero Chord Remix) – 100 BPM

    Kelly Clarkson – Heartbeat Song – 74 BPM

    Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne – Real Love – 125 BPM

    David Guetta & Sam Martin – Dangerous (David Guetta’s Banging Remix) – 128 BPM

    Pitbull & Ne-Yo – Time of our Lives – 124 BPM

    To find more workout songs, folks can check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

    Contact:
    Chris Lawhorn
    Run Hundred
    Email: mail@runhundred.com
    ###

  • Carnival Fantasy — Cruising Along On A Rocking Ship!

    Carnival Fantasy — Cruising Along On A Rocking Ship!


    Hello Readers, and Carnival Fantasy:

    Yesterday, I reported briefly about the first bitterly cold day of our cruise. Although it was cold, Phil and I could not check into our room for a bit, so we dragged laptops, cameras and other items around with us. We chose to eat at the Mongolian Wok and Off the Grill where food was plenty along the buffet lines. I was impressed with how clean the buffet area was, choosing to do my best to eat healthy via the Mongolian Wok. After lunch we continued our journey to find our friends and tour the ship. Climbing onto the next level, I found the jogging and walking track and mini-golf.

    Carnival Fantasy would not depart until 4pm, so we walked around in hopes to stay warm. Of course my husband is always hot natured so he wasn’t cold. We chose to locate our cabin so we could drop off the personal items we were carrying. Trust me, next time we will not pack laptops. Never did we use them, along with cell phones! This was a nice way to ‘unplug’ for a bit.

    I changed from boots to my ShapeUps, deciding to find the walking and jogging track. Believe me, it was cold there. The wind rushed thru my hair, freezing my ears, but I was determined to get a few laps in. Meanwhile, Phil is still trying to find our friends — on a cruise ship loaded with guests, staff and a few children.

    After my brutally cold walk, Phil continued leaving voice mails to locate our friends. I heard someone whistling in the distance, looked up and finally — our friends approached!

    We were scheduled for early dinner at the Jubilee Dining Room. Jubilee Dining Room resembled an upscale restaurant, with the wait staff dressed in black and white, intimate lighting and soft music. While the ship rocked back and forth, ever so relaxing, I ordered chicken breast — the driest chicken breast I have ever eaten. If memory is correct, Phil ordered a steak or maybe it was prime rib. Nevertheless, it was small. When I saw the prime rib, I could not believe my eyes…. The prime rib was the thinnest prime rib I have ever seen – reminding me of a package of thin deli meat.

    On the menu, there was a box with several tempting entrees that I do not recall now. Lesson and note to myself – carry your journal everywhere, even when on a vacation. What I do recall is the entrees listed within the box were an additional $20.00!

    As a food and travel writer, I know quite a bit about culinary cuisine. The baked potato our friends ordered was overcooked and dry. Carnival Fantasy could do a much better job with their dinner presentations along with serving sizes and culinary skills! The wait staff was amazing. Never did I have to request a refill of water or decaf coffee. I splurged on the chocolate molten cake, served in a small ramekin dish with vanilla ice cream. It was delicious!

    After dinner, we relaxed a bit and went to the Cat’s Lounge. Some critics have reported the Cat Lounge is a smoking lounge. Trust me, no one ever smoked in the lounge while we were there. Nor did I smell the dreadful tobacco aroma in the lounge! As the ship continued to rock back and forth, like a slow-moving swing or rocking chair, we relaxed, enjoying the music of most of the karaoke singers. Of course, I sang although on this night we had a new karaoke DJ who catered to one particular singer I reported about yesterday in my blog post. This singer sang four songs before I was able to sing a second song. And in case you were wondering what I drink before finding the courage to sing??? ‘Water with lots of lemon!’ I am one of the rare animals who loves to hop on a stage and take it over!

    What songs did I sing? My signature songs — of course:

    At Last, Etta James version
    Georgia On My Mind, Ray Charles version
    Unchained Melody, Righteous Brothers

    After three songs, I was ready to call it a night, while the ship continued rocking and relaxing me. I do believe this is the most I have relaxed in a long — LONG TIME!

    Carnival Fantasy — I hope you change a few things on my next cruise — I am more than certain we will cruise on the Carnival Fantasy again. When? That’s my little secret!

    Bon Voyage!

  • Cruising On The Carnival Fantasy…

    Cruising On The Carnival Fantasy…


    Dearest Readers, and Carnival Fantasy:

    Yes, it is true. During January 8 – January 13, 2015, my husband and I cruised from Charleston, SC to Freeport and Nassau, Bahamas on a bitterly cold day in Charleston. Just picture it, if you will. Packing for the cruise, I listened to the weather forecast in Charleston and the Bahamas. The forecast for Charleston on the morning we boarded the ship was a whopping — 19 degrees! Yes, you read correctly — 19 degrees with a bitterly cold wind! The forecast for the Bahamas was 72 degrees.

    Dressed in a turtle neck with long sleeves, a tunic, a scarf, sweater and leggings, I slipped my gorgeous fake fur coat on, along with mittens. I was certain once I boarded the ship I would change into appropriate resort clothing for the cruise. I did not!

    Walking on the ship, I shivered. The ship was so cold. I asked an employee of the cruise line why it was so cold on the ship. He smiled. “Carnival Fantasy does not have heat on board.”

    Br-r-r-r! I remained dressed for Alaska, or New England!

    Did we enjoy the cruise? Well…let’s just say, Carnival Fantasy chose to change a few things during the cruise.

    WHAT CHANGED?

    Mainly, the singing competition. Since Carnival Fantasy departs from Charleston, I have several friends who cruise on this ship on a yearly basis. I was told to make certain that I sign up for the singing competition. When I inquired about it at guest services, I was told the singing competition had been cancelled — due to — the FOOTBALL game!

    “You mean to tell me that I’ve paid for a cruise where I planned to enter the competition only to watch a football game?”

    I should’ve stayed at home! Perhaps that set the mood for me at Carnival Fantasy; however, since this ship departs from Charleston on a regular basis, my husband and I will probably cruise on it again in the future — that is — when it is warm enough to cruise on a ship without heat!

    CARNIVAL FANTASY NEEDS TO IMPROVE, OR REMODEL A FEW THINGS…

    Such as Cats Lounge where karaoke was held. Cats Lounge is decorated with gigantic Campbell’s Soup Can memorabilia, and the stage consists of a gigantic Goodyear tire — with only a slight step where the performer (excuse me, karaoke singer) must EVER SO CAREFULLY step onto the thin tire edge of the stage. I wore boots, making it a big difficult to step on to the stage. My recommendation for Carnival Fantasy is to modify this stage – considering those who wear high heels and boots. Otherwise, someone will fall – and perhaps get a free cruise — due to injuries!

    The sound system on the first night of the cruise was a bit off. Fortunately, an engineer climbed on to the stage to adjust the sound and all was better. Of course, I sang — several songs on the first night. The DJ, Adien, gave me a small Carnival Fantasy trophy. How nice! On the next evening, we had a new DJ. Although he tried to please the entire audience, he appeared to favor one singer – over and over again. Yes, his voice was a good voice, reminding me of Lou Rawls, and I listened with delight while wondering just WHEN I would sing again. This large, a bit disabled guy who entered Cats Lounge on a mobilized scooter, amazed me how he could get on stage! Remember, the stage is not exactly safe, nor is it meeting any ADA [American Disability Act] guidelines. Maybe they are exempt from these guidelines since they are a cruise ship. I confess, each time this man got on the stage I held my breath, and each time I stumbled wearing boots on the stage, I held my breath — since I am a bit clumsy!

    I will have more details later about our cruise — along with photographs to share, but for now, I must complete my work out and get busy with this day.

    Will I go back to Carnival Fantasy? Probably yes — only this time, I will inquire about the events, along with the cancelled events. PLEASE CARNIVAL FANTASY – don’t cancel an event due to football again. Guests can watch football at home!