Breezy Days & Balmy Nights
Bright blue skies, warm sun, a new summer wardrobe -- you're all set! The breezy days and balmy nights have arrived, and that means some serious socializing and a jam-packed calendar full of colorful events. From the Bluegrass Festival in Telluride and the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen to the Nantucket Film Festival and the Chefs and Champagne in the Hamptons, it's time to get out there and be a part of the scene. Check out The Lincoln Road Farmer's Market in Miami Beach, and plan ahead for the Vineyard Cup and the summer-long series of SVCA Concerts in Sun Valley. Your summer won't last forever, so get out there and make the most of it!
Here Comes the Sun
The snowy slopes of the Rockies have given way to a brand new blanket of green dotted with explosions of wildflowers, and locals are gearing up for yet another spectacular summer season. The month of May has Telluride focusing on the cinematic arts with its MountainFilm Festival while Sun Valley focuses on the mind, body and spirit with its 11th annual Wellness Festival. Vail is gearing up for the Teva Mountain Games -- a summer celebration of mountain sports, music and parties in early June, and Aspen will soon be hosting its Annual Wine & Food Festival. In the more tropical setting of Miami Beach, the stars continue to shine as events like the first-ever Nautica South Beach Triathlon bring out star competitors like Anna Kournikova and Rocco DiSpirito. And as the vivid colors of spring return to Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and the Hamptons, there's a distinct buzz in the air as high season looms ever closer.
Spring Fever
Spring has finally arrived and as the days are getting longer signs of green are beginning to emerge. From Nantucket and The Vineyard, we're getting reports that budding plants are showing their heads out of the cold ground, just as the Colorado mountains are relishing their final flurries of the winter season. In Vail, sports stars, assorted celebrities and skiing legends, including Picabo Street and Franz Klammer, recently gathered for the 2008 celebration of the American Ski Classic, and Sun Valley drew crowds of its own to the Holding Cup charity ski races. And for some, the sunny skies just can't arrive too soon. Roger, Venus, Novak, Serena and Andy are all in Miami this month. Along with a galaxy of other top-ranked tennis stars, they will all be on hand to compete in the Sony Ericsson Tournament, already underway.
Marching Toward Spring
Strange things have been happening recently. In the Hamptons, at the end of February, a UFO was reported hovering above the East End leaving residents wondering just how desirable their local real estate has actually become. In Nantucket, a surprise of a different kind occurred when two Common Dolphins were spotted in the shallow waters of Madaket Harbor. Luckily, the Nantucket Marine Mammal Stranding Team was on the scene to help with rescue efforts. In Aspen, it was celebrities such as Marcia Gay Harden, Jon Voight and Dean Cain who found themselves in unusual surroundings at the 2008 Aspen Celebrity Downhill. And at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami Beach, Plum caught up with famed TV traveler and foodie Anthony Bourdain who was on hand to distribute his very own Golden Clog Awards for dubious achievements in the culinary world. And speaking of awards, lots of celebrities will soon be boarding very tiny planes as the Martha's Vineyard Film Festival kicks off on March 14.
Step Right Up
There's always a show going on somewhere! This month the Old West meets Rocky Mountain High as the annual Leadville Skijoring competition returns on March 1-2, about thirty miles outside of Vail. It's quite a spectacle to behold robust skiers hanging on for dear life as horse and rider take them over jumps and through an obstacle course. Things will be only slightly less nuts in Sun Valley, from March 6-8, when The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation presents its annual benefit, the Janss Pro Am Classic. The downhill ski race pits teams of four amateurs and one pro against one another, and the entertainment value is kicked up a notch as each team is fully outfitted in outrageous costumes. And far from the slopes, from Feb. 28 to March 9, Miami will be celebrating its 25th International Film Festival this year. With over 120 films from 50 countries, this citywide celebration of cinema is sure to draw its own galaxy of colorful, glittering stars to town.
February Fare
In the balmy land of the palm trees, The Miami International Boat Show kicks off on Feb. 14, drawing boating enthusiasts from around the world. With annual sales of boats and related products estimated to be in the area of $39.5 billion (!!), there is sure to be a whole lot of flash on display. And speaking of flash, the Martha's Vineyard Film Society will be adding a little glamour to the frosty winter season on Feb. 24 as it hosts its annual Oscar bash at the Oyster Bar in Oak Bluffs. In the mountains, February seems to be giggle-time as the Telluride Comedy Festival overtakes the Sheridan Opera House on Feb. 14 for four nights of frivolity. And in Vail, on Feb. 28, The New Yorker and Beaver Creek will team up to present Humor on the Slopes -- a long weekend of comedy featuring New Yorker cartoonists, stand-up comedians, comedy film sneak peeks and contests. Who says February has to be grey?
Salsa and Snowboarding
Colorful celebrations were the order of the day and Plum was on the scene as Telluride hosted The Red Hot and Rio Brazilian Carnivale, with performances by the 10,000 Feet Dance Company and the Hazel Miller Band. Not to be outdone, Aspen played host to Snowmass' Greatest Show on Snow, said to be one of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations north of New Orleans. And as the bead-flinging subsides, winter sports fans will be gearing up for the Aspen/Snowmass Ski & Snowboard Open (Feb. 7-10), which is sure to draw big crowds with skiers and riders showcasing their skills in slopestyle and superpipe events on the ESPN Winter X Games course. And in Vail, some of the best snowboarders in the world are arriving for the Honda Sessions (Feb. 8-10) to compete for cash prizes in slopestyle and rails competitions while the crowds will be partying to DJs and live music at the Honda Base Camp.
On the Scene at Sundance, X-Games and More
Every year, the throngs converge on Park City not just for the Sundance Film Festival, but also for Slamdance, X-Dance and an endless stream of parties. And this year, Plum TV's Jeb Berrier went along to get the highlights. In Aspen, the Winter X-Games provided a dizzying display of high-altitude athleticism, outdoor concerts and power parties, and Plum had a front row seat, catching all the excitement and snagging interviews with some of the biggest extreme sports stars including Mirjam Jaeger, Chris Burandt and Torah Bright. Meanwhile, winter is resulting in a variety of seasonal situations elsewhere. Miami Beach wades into the primary frenzy, massive snowfalls in Sun Valley have brought on precarious avalanche conditions, a winter storm whacked Nantucket, and the Hamptons are abuzz about a very peculiar local issue --deer sex! Go figure.
Winter Wonders
The people have spoken in Vail, and the results are in for The Valley's Best, our own citywide survey wherein locals voted on their favorite spots for dining, nightlife, shopping and more. Now, the Best of Sun Valley is in full swing and the votes and opinions are flying. And speaking of flying, Plum's own Ramona Bruland is on the scene in Aspen tracking down the adrenaline junkies, jibbers, and jumpers that make the Winter X-Games a major winter spectacular. In Park City, Plum host Jeb Berrier and crew have descended upon the 24th annual Sundance Film Festival and are busy at work spotting stars among the snowflakes and seeking out the buzz on the big indie hits. And on a sunnier note, in Miami Beach, the much-anticipated, wildly colorful World Orchid Conference is finally underway providing botanical enthusiasts with an exotic extravaganza.
Big Show, Small Show
While the primaries may be the biggest traveling circus in the nation, there are plenty of other spectacles on show these days. In Miami Beach, D-List darling Kathy Griffin has been a huge hit and has even added another show at The Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason Theatre. In Aspen, Rufus Wainwright recently brought his flamboyant style to the Belly Up for a special benefit for the Buddy Program, and locals are gearing up for the always-amazing Winter X Games scheduled to begin on Jan. 24. For something far less strenuous -- but equally trippy -- Vail locals and tourists are scooping up tickets for the Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular to be presented at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek. But sometimes the most entertaining performances come with a wee bit less flash. Sun Valley's famous accordion player, Tim Eriksen, continues to dazzle locals with both his Tyrolian fashions and his eclectic repertoire, which includes everything form Led Zeppelin to Billy Joel. Now, that's entertainment!
Let There Be Color
Sure, it's a bit chilly out there, but that doesn't mean January has to be gloomy and gray. In Miami Beach, the horticulturally inclined are eagerly anticipating a dazzling spectacle at the 19th World Orchid Conference, beginning on Jan.23. Things will also be getting rather colorful in Aspen as the Aspen Gay Ski Week 2008 begins on Jan. 13, and it's sure to be another fabulous year for snow, fun, and friends. Just to the north and over a bit, The Vail Symposium -- a grassroots, non-profit organization that has been part of the life and history of Vail since 1971 -- launches its 37th season this month with a wide variety of programs. And oenophiles in the Hamptons are buzzing as The New York Times has lauded Channing Daughters Winery in Bridgehampton with high praise. "In the stream of East End white wines tasted this year, the most consistently vivacious ones came from Channing Daughters in Bridgehampton." Vivacious!
Star Sightings, Bizarre Cabaret and Real Estate Sales
As the birds migrate south each winter, so migrate the celebrities to Aspen each holiday season. Heidi Klum, Melanie Griffith and Mariah Carey are but a few of the luminaries already spotted around town sporting the latest in skiwear and paparazzi trails. Meanwhile, in Vail, legendary composer and performer Burt Bacharach will be bringing his soothing, retro sounds to the Vilar Performing Arts Center, and John Oates (minus Daryl Hall) will be performing in Telluride at the Sheridan Opera House. In Miami Beach, the big draw right now is the surreal Spiegelworld -- billed as "the world's most beautiful traveling venue" featuring a surreal variety of cabaret and lounge acts -- which will be in town through Feb. 17. And for those with a nose for real estate, our year-end review in the Hamptons has revealed that the sum total of the top 12 deals of the year is $407 million. What slump?
Mountain Magic
Though the extreme terrain of Stone Creek Chutes finally opened in Vail, it's not just about skiing and boarding up in the mountains as 2007 draws to a close. In Sun Valley, both locals and tourists alike are experimenting with "alternative" sports such as kite boarding, paragliding and snowshoeing. In Aspen, the buzz is about films as Aspen Film is proudly hosting the 17th annual Academy Screenings, from Dec. 21 through Jan. 2. Plum has lots of coverage including Diana Lane interviewing executive director Laura Thielen to discuss the lineup of films including the critically acclaimed Juno and Atonement. And while the snow-capped mountains continue to swirl with activity, Miami Beach is buzzing over the party possibilities for New Year's Eve. Star-spotting should be easy this year as Eve, Jennifer Hudson, Dylan McDermott and Pete Wentz are just a few of the celebs in town for the big night.
Happy Holidays From Plum
From the mountaintops to the seaside, the lights are twinkling and there's a feeling of excitement in the air. The holidays are upon us and that means lots of events, activities, family, friends and photo-ops for all! And we'd love to see your holiday photos, so please send them in to us! And, whether you're out on the slopes this week, curled up by a cozy fire, or even lying by the pool beneath a canopy of palm trees, we at Plum would like to wish you and yours the happiest of times this holiday season and the very best of luck in the new year. Enjoy!
The Hills Are Alive!
That's right - alive with music! Now that the lifts are running and the powder is flying, the fun has begun, but it's not just limited to the slopes. In Telluride, this year's Jeep King of the Mountain event was bigger and louder than ever with musical headliners including Macy Gray and Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, while Smokey Robinson and Otis Taylor are slated to appear at the Sheridan Opera House. In Vail, the monthly Bud Light Street Beat concert series kicks off on Wednesday, Dec 19, with a performance by the legendary '80s act, English Beat. And Aspen has it's own lineup of diverse musical acts coming town including Burt Bacharach and Duncan Sheik, but the big ticket this past weekend was the World Snow Polo Championships.
Art, Music, Skiing, Design and ... Monkeys?
After its biggest year ever, Art Basel finally wound down in Miami Beach after making big sales and drawing such unlikely luminaries as Russell Simmons, Owen Wilson and Iggy Pop. Meanwhile, in Vail - after failing to medal at the Birds of Prey Races, Bode Miller announced the launch of his new Web site, Skispace.com, designed for ski enthusiasts around the globe. In Aspen, Blues Traveler front man John Popper entertained the crowds at the base of Ajax, while Aspen's Sky Hotel and 39 Degrees Lounge unveiled their chic new look at the Red Sky at Night celebration. Funds raised benefited the Kimpton's Red Ribbon Campaign and the Colorado AIDS Project. And finally, there's some serious monkey business going on in the Hamptons as Audra Allen opens her Chimpanzee Artist Foundation.
Celebrities, Penguins and the World Cup
A major celebrity spotting was reported in Nantucket this past weekend as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived by boat for the annual Christmas Stroll celebration. Santa's scheduled to appear next in Martha's Vineyard this coming Sunday, Dec. 9th (No word on why Mrs. Claus will be suspiciously absent.) Elsewhere, birds are in the news! Four African penguins just made their official debut at Jungle Island in Miami Beach, and the Piping Plovers in the Hamptons are multiplying in such healthy numbers that they may soon be removed from the endangered species list. Locals know that this could mean fireworks next July! This past weekend in Vail, Andre Agassi handed out the trophies at the World Cup races in Beaver Creek, most of which went to Austrian and Swiss racers. And in Aspen, ski fans are preparing watch some of the world's fastest women rip down Ajax at the Audi Aspen Winternational FIS Alpine World Cup this coming weekend, Dec. 7-9. And over in Telluride, locals are looking forward to Noel Night on Dec. 5th when fun and games combine with sweet shopping deals, and in Sun Valley, well, everyone's just up on Baldy!
It's Snow Time!
At long last, the weirdly warm weather seems to have moved on and the mountains are finally opening. Mt. Baldy in Sun Valley got about 25 inches, but only one run is open so far. In Vail, there's one run open at Vail Mountain and two at Beaver Creek, but more snow in the forecast this week, and Aspen Mountain and Snowmass are open with limited terrain and snow on the way. And after getting about a foot of snow, Telluride will be opening on Wednesday the 28th, but only with the Village Bypass and Boomerang runs open. On the other hand, those fleeing the cold will find that Miami Beach is as balmy as ever, and up in the Hamptons, Nantucket and the Vineyard, the change of seasons has brought the usual explosion of autumn colors, and the holiday decorations are already popping up all over the place. See for yourself -- we have plenty of new photos.
Plenty of Art, but Not Enough Snow
So, what's with this weather? Residents of Aspen, Vail, Telluride and even Sun Valley are all crossing their fingers and hoping for snow as Mother Nature continues to toy with everyone's holiday skiing plans. Meanwhile, the energy in Miami is mounting as artists, collectors and critics are already abuzz in anticipation of Art Basel Miami Beach (ABMB), which will take place from December 6th through the 9th. The international contemporary art fair will feature works by up-and-coming names such as Magnus Sigurdarson, Carlos Betancourt and Craig Kucia as well as works by an array of internationally celebrated artists. And, though it may be low season in Martha's Vineyard, the locals are in high spirits after winning the 2007 Island Cup over rival Nantucket.
Gearing up for High Season
As the turkeys begin to fear their doomsday, the team at Plum is gearing up for the hordes of skiers set to arrive in Aspen, Vail, Telluride, and Sun Valley and the waves of beachgoers headed for Miami Beach. Aspen is sure to be busting at the seams this winter with star power. From Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson, to green crusader Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., to Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley, an eclectic, but powerful mix fill the streets of this former silver-mining town each winter (Goldie Hawn calls it home year round). Sun Valley regulars Clint Eastwood, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Bruce Willis (who owns the local bar Mint), the Governator and finance giant Herb Allen will surely be carving S turns on Baldy. Vail will undoubtedly see the return of media power couple Al Hunt and Judy Woodruff who stay each year with the former 1st family of Vail, Rod Slifer and his beautiful wife Beth who runs a huge interior decorating operation. Miami Beach heats up at its unofficial winter launch event, Art Basel Miami Beach where the contemporary art world converges on the beach for a week of street fairs and all night parties. We'll also be on the lookout for another TomKat appearance on the slopes. Last year, the Cruises took private lessons on the mountain and Jessica and Ashlee Simpson got their scoop (ice cream that is) at the Sweet Life on Main Street.
Hamptons International Film Festival
Lights, camera, and action on the East End as the Hamptons International Film Festival was in full swing. The festival catalogue came to life on Plum with coverage led by guest host Jesse Kornbluth, the man behind headbutler.com. Jesse and the Hamptons team covered every event, talking with Hamptons regulars Bob Balaban and Alec Baldwin, former "friend" Lisa Kudrow, Harvey Keitel, Malcolm in the Middle star Frankie Muniz and legends Sidney Lumet and Vanessa Redgrave. Hamptons local, Gabriel Nussbaum had the world premiere of his film, Wade in the Water, about New Orleans kids narrating the after effects of Hurricane Katrina. Nussbaum's film did everything right that Spike Lee & CNN did wrong.
Shoulder Season
Summer turned to Autumn on September 23 and Plum's attention began to focus on the winter. Whether it is the sunny beaches of Miami Beach or the snowy slopes of Vail, Aspen, Telluride or Sun Valley, we'll spend the buildup to Thanksgiving forecasting the winter in each of the Plum communities and celebrate some of the best events that happen in the shoulder season...The Hamptons weekend scene simmers down while the cider and harvest season gets into full swing. The grapes of Long Island's finest vineyards are being pulled from the vine and stomped. The farm stands are selling pumpkins instead of their summer wares and the traffic on 27 is actually moving....Aspen was abuzz with movie mayhem as the 29th Aspen Filmfest begins...The fires are out but the gratitude for the firefighters is blazing strong at the first ever Kick Ash Bash. The Sun Valley event is overwhelmed with interest and already sold out, much to the chagrin of many locals, one of them equating it to another "wine and cheese event..."
Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival
The "high-season" might be over, but throngs of film lovers took the pilgrimage to Martha's Vineyard for the film festival. Plum presented the 2nd Annual Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival. On hand for the festival were filmmakers Doug Liman, Killer Film's Christine Vachon, Ted Hope, Star Wars' Hayden Christensen and Teeth's Mitchell Lichtenstein. Lichtenstein's "black, comedy horror" film will be released in 20 cities in late November. When asked about the release, he responded, "I'll get worried when I sit down to the Thanksgiving table."
Labor Day Weekend
Labor Day weekend was a big one in the world of Plum…On Nantucket, fmr NBC Chairman and CEO, Bob Wright, went on the other side of the cameras and guest hosted a show about conservation. He interviewed Managing Director of the University of Massachusetts Field Station, Sarah Oktay, Island conservationists and former Cleveland Cavs owners Gordon and Lulie Gund, and David Poor from the Nantucket Conservation Foundation…The wildfires in Sun Valley subsided, sparing the homes of Sun Valley regulars Teresa Heinz Kerry and Herb Allen…The notorious White Party returned to the Hamptons thanks to P.Diddy. Attendees (this writer included) had to park at the East Hampton Airport where faux credit cards were distributed and were emblazed in silver with "The Real White Party," Diddy served guests surf & turf and entertained them with a variety of acts, the wackiest being a woman clad in a metal leotard creating sparks using an electric power grinder on her chest. Other attractions were celebrity guests Donna Karan, Mariah Carey, and Russell Simmons. Although her name was on the list, Katie Lee Joel didn't make it past the fashion police in her cream colored dress... Hollywood headed to the mountains for the Telluride Film Festival. Sean Penn, in town to screen his film "Into the Wild," sat on a panel with Jon Krakauer, the novelist whose work the film is adapted from.
Week of August 27, 2007
Bad boy author Christopher Hitchens is not afraid to pick a fight. After all, he has taken on God in his recent book "god is not Great." Hitchens took center stage at Plum and the Atlantic's "Bookmark on the Beach" event last Sunday on Nantucket. Before Hitchens and the Atlantic's Ross Douthat sparred over the question "Does religion poison everything?" Hitchens was asked if he would accept an invitation to debate Pope Benedict XVI. While boasting, "My book is outselling his on The New York Times bestseller list," Hitchens acquiesced. "I'm game if Ratzinger's game," he said...Carly Simon, her son Ben Taylor, and her very pregnant daughter Sally Taylor serenaded Hillary Clinton at Tabernacle Hall on Martha's Vineyard. Bill and Chelsea were on hand as well as Vernon Jordan and about 2000 other Vineyarders. The Clintons also attended a fundraiser for Island local Wendy Jenkinson who is suffering from a rare form of brain cancer. Not only did the Clintons attend but Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen and Comcast CEO Brian Roberts joined over 700 people to lend their support to the Island local...Barack Obama made a smaller splash on the Vineyard this week with a $1,000 a head fundraiser event... Fox Business News Director Alexis Glick paid a visit to the MorningNoon&Night Show in the Hamptons as she continues to count down the days until the channels October 15 launch. Asked what she thought of Rupert Murdoch's recent purchase of the Dow Jones, Glick responded saying, "There is no way the bosses bought this beautiful piece of property for us not to use it."…Dragnet came into Aspen this week as LAPD Chief William Bratton lectured as part of the Aspen Institute's 2007 McCloskey Summer Speaker Series. When Plum asked about his department's spot as the 3rd largest police department in the US with a $1 Billion budget, he said, "Not enough."... The first lady of Turks & Caicos Lisa Raye Misick and her daughter Kaienja were in the Hamptons racing around as 30 socialites surfed, wake-boarded and raised money for the non-profit Innocence in Danger. The winners of the event were Fabiola Beracasa and Candace Levy who walked away with new Cartier watches. Now that's some bling.
Week of August 20, 2007
Retired New York Times reporter Judith Miller has a new cause: stopping a CVS branch from moving into Sag Harbor, one of the Hamptons least commercialized hamlets. Miller, who spent 85 days in jail for refusing to divulge an anonymous source in the Valerie Plame scandal, told Plum she wasn't planning to do time in her effort to stop CVS. "There has to be something short of jail for stopping these big box stores from coming in," Miller said...The name Craig is now synonymous with finding things online. New York magazine described Craig Newmark as the "schlumpy IBM refugee" who found you "your apartment, your boyfriend, your couch." Newmark is the man behind Craigslist.org, a local classified website that's now in 450 cities. In a recent appearance on Plum in Aspen Newmark seemed to have his mouth full of humble pie, saying he specialized in a "lack of excitement" and had "no vision at all." Despite an estimated annual revenue of $20 million, Newmark has no plans to expand his homespun 24-person operation. "Unless I go middle-age crazy, things will stay this way."...Red and Blue makes you think Republican and Democrat, right? Not the case last weekend in East Hampton at the 59th Annual Artists & Writers Softball game that featured artists clad in red uniforms and writers in blue. Is Donny Deutsch an artist or a writer? The CNBC host wore blue as his team lost in a romp to the artists, 13-5...Don't be confused if you find yourself channel surfing on Nantucket and stumble upon Chris Matthews on Plum and not his native MSNBC. Matthews is guest hosting the show with Kate Brosnan this week. Next week's guest host is the former head of NBC Bob Wright. The topic of that show will be conservation.
Week of August 13, 2007
Last Saturday, Alec Baldwin chose an appropriate companion to take to the East Hampton Library fundraiser: his literary agent Karen Gantz Zahler. Part of a series of intimate dinners dubbed Novel Nights, the pair attended an intimate talk with Pulitzer Prize winning author Robert Caro who discussed his book The Power Broker . . . Freshly back from Europe, Aspen's Belly Up owner Michael Goldberg is soon to leave again to attend Austin City Limits. Goldberg is scouting some serious talent for the winter lineup at this Texas music festival that kicks of the second week in September . . .Did you wonder why David Gregory was guest hosting Meet the Press on Sunday? MTP moderator Tim Russert was on Nantucket, hosting the Boston Pops fundraiser for the Cottage Hospital on Saturday night. He also guest-hosted Plum's MorningNoon&Night Show on Nantucket and this weekend is the emcee of the Boys & Girls Club party, Summer Groove featuring Jerry Lee Lewis . . . While in Aspen this past weekend, Michael Eisner told Plum his new CNBC show was originally going to be a one-off. He has since had dozens of guests on the show including Tom Friedman and Sen. Diane Feinstein. Eisner jokes, it "keeps me off the streets." . . . Tom Shadyac, whose hit films include Chuck & Larry, Bruce Almighty, Liar Liar, and Ace Ventura, took a break from writing his newest film to visit Plum's set in Telluride, a place he owns land but not yet a home. Rocking a Pepperdine University t-shirt (where he is currently a professor of screenwriting) Shadyac disclosed that while in town, he's drafting a script of another film to star Kevin James called One Nation Under Bob about a regular guy that decides to create a sovereign nation in the US.
