The Midsummer Nights Swing provides the ideal relief for those who have an itch to dance the night away. Since its establishment 22 years ago, the Lincoln Centre New York demarcates 3 weeks annually, usually in the months of June or July for the event which brings together music lovers, dance lovers and fun lovers for a night of music and dancing under the stars. Originally located at Josie Robertson’s Plaza, the event was shifted to Damrosch Park last year which has certainly widened up the horizon for more participants. The new location has a more accommodating floor plan, with wide, sprawling spaces and a spacious dance floor. Seating around the arena of sorts also affords a larger number of non dancing participants to sit …

Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2011 the New York International Fringe Festival is undoubtedly one of the Big Apple’s most highly anticipated arts festivals of the year. Dubbed the largest event of its kind in North America FringeNYC is renowned for its diverse and multi-faceted repertoire that includes the active participation of over 200 arts, theatre and performance arts companies from across the globe. Taking place in 20 venues scattered across New York for 16 days this annual melee of artistic expression has become a highlight in the city’s cultural calendar with over 75,000 visitors from far and wide heading to the Big Apple to be a part of the festival. Established in 1996 this one of a kind festival is the brainchild of John …

Affording such a range of activities the city is a holiday destination for people of all ages and all walks of life. And for those seeking some ‘clean’ fun, actually some of the ‘cleanest’ in the country, Scottsdale boasts a unique activity each summer which brings together locals as well as visitors to one big messy party. Known as the Mighty Mud Mania this summer activity started as way back as the 1970’s as a promotional stunt for the Johnson’s Wax Company which was planning on promoting ‘Wax “Shout” Spray Pre-wash’. The event which was held at the Chaparral Park was quiet a hit and even though it was a one timer for the Johnson’s Company, the city decided it was too fun an event …

The Scottsdale Symphony Orchestra based in the state Arizona is a source of pride for its city and state. The orchestra is usually seen performing at many important state events and also feature regularly in the local entertainment calendar. This orchestra is highly regarded for its ability to enthrall audiences and is regular favorites among music lovers in the state of Arizona. Many of the musicians playing for the Scottsdale orchestra have years of classical music training behind them and have played in some of the finest ensembles in the world. An orchestra usually consists of four sections, namely string, woodwind, brass wind and percussion. Though smaller orchestras usually have about fifty performers, symphony or philharmonic orchestras are much larger and have around hundred musicians. …

Known as the “west’s most western town” the city of Scottsdale is located towards the east of Maricopa County in the state of Arizona. Regarded by the New York Times to be the desert version of Miami’s South Beach, Scottsdale has a thriving nightlife with trendy bars and restaurants. Over the years it has successfully moulded itself into an upscale retreat for both local and international tourists hosting a vast array of trendy boutique stores and the latest abodes anywhere in the USA. The city’s relatively small population size ensures that the metropolis is kept exclusive without the hustle and bustle of larger cities such as Los Angeles and New York. Originally the home of the Pima Indians, the first European settlers to the area …

Food stalls in the local market provide a variety of Thai food. Most of these local food are either fried or grilled. Served with coconut milk, these local recipes are so delicious that they make your mouth water just by seeing them. Crispy and crunchy deep fried food with the right amount of salt and spices have a moist and tender taste as well. Whether you stay in a Chaweng Hotel or any other Koh Samui resort the local market is a must see.

Numerous attractions and sites are found in Koh Samui. Located southwards of Lamai Town is the Wat Khunaram which houses the mummified body of the town’s most famous priest, Leung Pordaeng. According to history, Leung Pordaeng renounced all worldly possessions with the aim of following Buddha’s teachings. Before his death which he himself predicted, the Samuian initiated those around him to prepare for his death by building a casket. Despite his death having occurred more than 20 years ago, to-date this body remains on display showing little sign of deterioration. Many Samuians revere this sacred preservation of Leung Pordaeng’s body as nothing short of a miracle. Proving the teachings of Buddhist doctrines where attainment of supreme nirvana can be achieved through leading an exemplary life …

A fact that sometimes gets lost between the allure of the beach and the call of the blue ocean, is that Maldives is a country that bears a rich heritage and has many strong traditions. Their culture shows the influence of neighbouring countries like India, Sri Lanka and even Arab and East African countries, but the end result is undeniably, uniquely Maldives. When visiting this delightful country, the name of which has come to be synonymous with the word ‘paradise’, it is a must to remember to soak up a little of its culture. It is definitely something that would enrich your trip. Bodu Beru is the most popular style of music and dance in Maldives. Almost every inhabited island has a dedicated Bodu Beru …