Latin Superstar Gloria Estefan and Rock Legends REO Speedwagon Headline Seventh Annual Musical Celebration October 10 - 11, 2008

This summer the white-sand shores of Aruba are getting even hotter as the island paradise is getting ready to host the Seventh Annual Aruba Music Festival, featuring arena rock legends, REO Speedwagon (October 10) and Grammy Award-winning queen of Latin music, Gloria Estefan (October 11).  Sand, sun and music lovers will revel is this two-day festival that promises to enhance an already perfect island getaway.  Aruba’s visitors will get the opportunity to dance to the incredible rhythms and beats of Estefan’s infectious Latin grooves as well as enjoy rocking out to the iconic anthems of REO Speedwagon, all the while savoring Aruba’s famous near-perfect weather, amazing land and water to-do’s and some of the friendliest folks in the Caribbean.  Columbus Day weekend in Aruba is a must-do this year as two extraordinary performances at the Aruba Entertainment Center are sure to leave Aruba’s first-time guests and loyal visitors alike singing the island’s praises a little louder in 2008.

As one of the biggest stars to emerge in 1980s, Cuban-born Gloria Estefan predated the coming Latin pop explosion by a decade, scoring numerous hits throughout her over 30-year career in music.  Starting her rise to the top in the late 1970’s as a member of the renowned Miami Sound Machine, Estefan and the band fused pop, disco, and salsa and earned a devoted following.  With the release of 1985’s Primitive Love, the Miami Sound Machine burst onto the mainstream music scene scoring three Top Ten pop hits with the infectious “Conga,” “Bad Boy,” and “Words Get in the Way.”  For 1988’s triple-platinum Let It Loose, the group reeled off several Top Ten hits including “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Anything for You,” and “1-2-3.”  1989’s Cuts Both Ways was credited to Estefan alone and generated her second number one hit, “Don’t Wanna Lose You.”  Estefan’s 1991 Into the Light again topped the charts.  In 1993 Estefan returned to her roots with the Spanish-language Mi Tierra, and earned her, her first Grammy Award.  On the follow-up, 1994’s covers collection Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me, she also nabbed a hit with a rendition of the disco classic “Turn the Beat Around.”  Another all-Spanish effort, Abriendo Puertas, was released in 1995 and earned her another Grammy.  The 1996 release, Destiny, featured “Reach,” named the official theme of the 1996 Summer Olympics.  In 1999, she also made her feature film debut alongside Meryl Streep in Music of the Heart and recorded the film’s title song as a duet with NSYNC, which scored both a pop hit and an Oscar nomination.  A new Spanish-language album, Alma Caribeña, followed in the spring of 2000. Several months later, Estefan was awarded a Grammy for Best Music Video at the first annual Latin Grammy Awards.  Gloria released 90 Millas in 2007 to rave reviews.  Estefan, along with her producer husband, Emilio, truly rule the Latin music world and Gloria continues to reign as the most successful crossover artist in Latin music history, with international record sales close to the 50 million mark.

Among the undisputed arena rock kings of the early 1980s, REO Speedwagon was at the top.  REO Speedwagon first formed four decades ago in 1968, via a pair of University of Illinois students.  In 1974 the band released Ridin’ the Storm Out, their first album to chart on Billboard and spawned a concert standard with the title track.  The band’s melodic songs, as well as power ballads have made them true rock legends.  At the end of 1980 the band released what was to catapult them to big-time success, Hi Infidelity.  It became one of 1981’s biggest albums, spawning one of the most renowned power ballads in music history, “Keep on Loving You,” as well as such popular hits like “Don’t Let Him Go,” and “Take It on the Run.”  Hi Infidelity sold nearly 10 million copies.  REO Speedwagon continued to score further hit albums including 1982’s Good Trouble, 1984’s Wheels Are Turnin’ and singles like “Keep the Fire Burnin’,” and the number one hit ballad “Can’t Fight This Feeling.”  Their 14-track 1988 compilation The Hits proved to be a steady seller over the years.   REO has continued to release music including 1990’s The Earth, a Small Man, His Dog and a Chicken and 1996’s Building the Bridge.  In the late ’90s a resurgence in the popularity of arena rock resulted in REO launching successful co-headlining tours alongside such acts as Styx, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Peter Frampton, and others.  With the release of Find Your Own Way Home, their first studio album with new material in more than a decade, the band feels its energy rekindled and its purpose renewed.

“For the last six years the Aruba Music Festival has brought some of the music industry’s top talents to our shores to entertain visitors and local Arubans alike.  We anticipate that this year’s exceptional lineup that includes Gloria Estefan and REO Speedwagon will truly be another rousing success for the island,” said Minister of Tourism and Transportation, Edison Briesen.  “With our perfect weather, innumerable activities and uniquely rich culture, the seventh annual festival is just another one of the reasons to make Aruba traveler’s vacation destination of choice this year.”

“The Music Festival has become an annual event for many individuals visiting Aruba,” said Festival Producer Lee Tofanelli.  “We start getting information requests in January and February from people looking to make their vacation plans for the year.  The Music Festival annually draws visitors from over 20 countries, which gives it a very international flavor and helps add to the excitement.”

Tickets for the 2008 Aruba Music Festival are available in several categories: Gold Circle seating (limited availability), preferred seating, or general admission, and can be purchased through www.ticketweb.com. To learn more about the Aruba Music Festival, please visit www.aruba.com or call 1-800-390-4936.  The Aruba Music Festival is produced by Lee Tofanelli and Associates, Inc. of Vineland, New Jersey.

Air-inclusive hotel packages, inclusive of concert admission for the 2008 Aruba Music Festival, are available for purchase through several tour operators or via a travel professional.  Primary host hotels for the Seventh Annual Aruba Music Festival are the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino, the Occidental Grand Aruba, the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, the Radisson Resort, Casino & Spa and the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino.

TomCar Excursions is Aruba’s newest activity which was built to bring the adventure of off-roading to everyone. You can choose to visit the Natural Pool, the Baby beach or the North Coast with ease. Each TomCar has the following the safety features: Roll cage and frame welded as one single unit, four-point, racing-type safety belts, high all around ground clearance and 4-wheel independent suspension. Private tours are available upon request and must be a minimum of 8 people; prices vary based upon routes chosen. For reservations please call(297) 585-0027 or (297) 734-1065 or email info@arubaoffroad.com.

Turn Up the Music, Gamble Like a High Roller and Sleep in the Lap of Luxury with the Renaissance Rock Star Package

Who doesn’t want to party like a rock star?

To celebrate Aruba’s many upcoming music festivals, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is offering its guests the chance to experience first-hand the rock star lifestyle.

Don’t live vicariously through the talent. Instead, jump right into the action and enjoy luxurious accommodations, access to the only private beaches on Aruba, 24-hour gambling, breakfast in bed, massages and much more. The package – valid with a stay of five consecutive nights on specific dates between May and October 2008 – includes:

- Accommodations at the adult-exclusive Renaissance Marina Hotel starting at $1,176 (based on two guests who are at least 18 years old and a five-night stay)
- A $50 casino credit
- A $200 hotel beverage credit
- Late-night dining at The Lounge, Midnight Grill
- Hangover breakfast in bed
- Morning-after massage

“Renaissance Rock Star” is available to coincide with the 2008 Soul Beach Music Festival (May 21-26 – featuring Erykah Badu, Brandon T. Jackson, Sinbad and Wyclef Jean), the Second Annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival 2008 (Sept. 6-7) and the 7th Annual Aruba Music Festival (Oct. 10-11).

Renaissance Aruba is the only resort on the island to offer a blend of adult-exclusive and family-friendly options on one property and is home to the only private beaches on the island – Iguana Beach for families and the top-optional Flamingo Beach for adults only.

To book the Renaissance Rock Star package, please visit www.renaissancearuba.com.

For more information about Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino, visit www.renaissancecaribbeanmediacenter.com.

Renaissance Rock Star 2008 Special Package Rates:

- Resort Room – $1,176 for a five-night stay based on two adults per room
- Island King – $1,244 for a five-night stay based on two adults per room

Validity dates for Renaissance Rock Star: May 16-31, Sept. 1-14 and Oct. 3-19. Rates do not include 21 percent service charge and taxes

While your man is glued to the couch, wrapped up in March Madness, fall football, the World Series or whatever sport might be on television, grab the girls and escape to a world all your own.Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino’s “Sports Widow Weekend” affords anti-sport wives the opportunity to make a fast break for the surf and sun and enjoy a weekend getaway with her nearest and dearest girlfriends. The package – valid through Dec. 21, 2008, with a minimum stay of three consecutive nights – features:

- All-inclusive accommodations at the adult-exclusive Marina Hotel (based on two adults 18 years or older)
- Manis and Pedis at the Okeanos Spa
- “Flirtinis” at BLUE
- Kukoo Kanuku party bus to enjoy a night on the town
- A VIP card that provides 10 percent off all shopping at the Renaissance Marketplace and Mall, featuring upscale stores such as Louis Vuitton

Renaissance Aruba is the only resort on the island to offer separate adult-exclusive and family-friendly options on one property and is home to the only private beaches on the island – Iguana Beach for families and the top-optional Flamingo Beach for adults only.

To book the Sports Widow Weekend package, please visit www.renaissancearuba.com.

For more information about Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino, visit www.renaissancecaribbeanmediacenter.com.

Sports Widow Weekend 2008 Special Package Rates:

- March 24 – April 12
- Resort Room – $413/night based on two adults per room
- Island King – $428/night based on two adults per room
- April 13 – Dec. 21
- Resort Room – $304/night based on two adults per room
- Island King – $312/night based on two adults per room

Rates do not include 21 percent service charge and taxes.

Headliners Include Four-Time Grammy Award Winner Erykah Badu, Wyclef Jean, Sean Kingston & Superstar Comedian Sinbad Bringing the Funk & Fun May 21 – 26, 2008

Aruba’s beaches just got a whole lot hotter!  Aruba is thrilled to announce the star-studded lineup for the Eighth Annual Soul Beach Music Festival featuring Grammy Award-winners Erykah Badu and Wyclef Jean along with R&B stars Sean Kingston, Ledisi, and Paige.  In addition, funnymen Sinbad and Brandon T. Jackson will keep sides splitting.  The festivities kick off this Memorial Day weekend, May 21 – 26, as Aruba’s white-sand shores are turned white hot from five days of unforgettable nights at some of the island’s hottest nightclubs, incredible beach parties, and, of course, the once-in-a-lifetime music and comedy concerts sure to pack a punch.  This year’s Soul Beach Music Festival is designed to keep R&B fans, comedy connoisseurs and sun and sand seekers exhilarated the entire time!

“This is the fourth time that Aruba has hosted the Soul Beach Music Festival and each year it seems to get better. We are thrilled that Arubans and visitors alike are getting the opportunity to enjoy this year’s impressive lineup of talent,” said Minister of Tourism and Transportation, Edison Briesen.  “Soul Beach has been a hit on Aruba from day one and we anticipate that with this year’s headliners, we will have another extremely successful festival on our hands.”

Singer and songwriter, Erykah Badu, is a musical force to be reckoned with.  In 1997, her highly acclaimed debut album, Baduizm, debuted at number two on the Billboard charts. The album eventually went triple platinum and won two Grammy Awards at the 1998 ceremonies.  Badu is renowned for her introspective lyrics and jazzy sound.  Her first live album, Live, reached number four on the Billboard charts, selling double platinum, and spawned another R&B hit single in “Tyrone.”  Badu is also a collaborator and her work with the Roots won her a third Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1999 for the song “You Got Me.”   In 2003, her work with artist, Common and their song, “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop),” hit number nine on the pop charts, topped R&B listings, and Badu was awarded her fourth Grammy Award.  Her latest album, New Amerykah, was released in February 2008 and part two is currently slated for July 2008 release.

In addition to once-in-a-lifetime concerts, Aruba’s Soul Beach Music Festival will feature the hilarity of sidesplitting comedian, Sinbad, sure to leave paradise seekers doubled over in laughter.  Sinbad is internationally known for his starring appearances in hit movies like “Jingle All the Way,” playing opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger; “Houseguest” co-starring the late Phil Hartman and his co-starring role in “Necessary Roughness.” He has starred in the televisions sitcom “A Different World” as well as his own series, “The Sinbad Show.” He has even written a self-help book entitled Sinbad’s Guide to Life: (Because I Know Everything). Sinbad has drawn legions of fans from his highly rated HBO comedy specials; “Brain Damaged” (1991), “Afros & Bellbottoms” (1993), “Son of a Preacher Man” (1996), and “Nuthin But The Funk” (1998).  His annual HBO music concert series “Sinbad’s 70’s Soul Music Festival” received the prestigious NAACP Image Award consecutively for two years as the “Most Outstanding Variety Series/Special.”

Back for a second year time due to popular demand is Grammy Award-winning musician/rapper/producer/social activist, Wyclef Jean.  As part of the dynamic trio, The Fugees, Jean’s album, “The Score,” produced three hit singles – “Fu-Gee-La,” “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “Ready or Not.”  Other smash singles include “Guantanamera” – which earned a Grammy nomination, “We Trying To Stay Alive” and “Gone Till November.”  As a talented producer and collaborator, Jean has produced a number of successful projects including “New Day” with Bono, Carlos Santana’s Grammy-winning “Supernatural,” and more.  Jean most recently topped charts with his Grammy-nominated duet with Shakira, “Hips Don’t Lie.”

2007 may have gone devoid of a summer anthem if not for then 17-year-old Sean Kingston and his prolific “Beautiful Girls,” which made history as one of the fastest ascents up the charts ever.  The now-legal singer/wrapper has since graced the airways with two more top ten hits “Me Love” and “Take You There.”  Kingston has sold more than three million digital singles as well as more than three million ringtones and has tours with artists like Gwen Stefani, Chris Brown and Kelly Clarkson under his belt.

Other performers include singer/songwriter, Ledisi and Paige, while comedy will come courtesy of Michigan-born Brandon T. Jackson.

“We are excited to return to Aruba, a destination that celebrates diversity in music, culture and people,” said Mark Adkins, producer of the Soul Beach Music Festival. “This years Soul Beach Music Festival promises undeniable talent, soulful-energy and heart-pumping entertainment.”

For more information on the eighth annual Soul Beach Music Festival, please visit www.soulbeach.net

Marcus Wigging welcomed guests on board Tattoo, on Friday. Tattoo looked amazing, all lit up and festive, pumping music and pouring drinks, just what you expect. The giant party boat received a total facelift just recently in honor of its debut this week as a Sunset Celebration boat.

Sunset Celebration, a 5 pm ritual-on-the-water will be orchestrated each evening. Tattoo will be charging very reasonably for the trip, and offering a great happy-hour bar.

Non-stop entertainment is the key, says Marcus, Carnival music, salsa dancers, a countdown salute to sunset, cool and hip staff members, juicy burgers and chicken wings, in short, “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere,” and Tattoo is back, you may laugh, dance, talk, listen, cheer, joke, drink, have fun, and be entertained by the new energized and exciting program, says Will, a sincere Key West import helming the festivities.

Marcus, Ronnie, Cindy, Will, Susan and Crew require an extreme festive mood as you come on board. Susan was recruited from AHATA, the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association, and Maki the second mate, Marcus’ son, comes after school to drive one of the tender boats.

Marcus reports Tattoo can sail with over 250 party-goers on board, check the schedule at your hotel, right now they offer just two or three trips a week at a great introductory price.

Story submitted by Rona Coster

Ruth’s Chris, located at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino officially opened its doors to the public and is open for dinner everyday from 18:00 hrs till 23:00 hrs. Reservations can be made online at www.ruthschris.com. For more information please call (297) 520-6225.

MR. JAZZ, located at Paseo Herencia and co-owned by Grammy winner Chucho
Valdez, is now open every Wednesday with happy hour from 10pm on with their Live band DOOR #5, playing a musical selection of the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, Pop, Dance & More. Fridays and Saturdays also feature live music from “The Bilongos” with Latin Jazz & salsa music. For more information please call: (297) 586-3800 or visit www.mrjazzaruba.com. Doors open at 21:00 hrs.

Bye Bye Carlos ‘n Charlie’s, welcome Señor Frog’s. Located on the second floor right next to the old Carlos ‘n Charlie’s, Senor Frogs is now open daily from 11:00 am serving food and beverages and becomes an adult only club from 11:00 pm until closing time. The restaurant even includes an indoor waterslide that will be part of a package offering “Kid’s Brunch” every Sunday from noon till 4:00 pm, becoming a place for the whole family. For more information please visit: www.senorfrogs.com.

A special night designed to entertain the island’s tourism officials and hotel concierges and executives introduced Senor Frog’s, a new fun spot serving international cuisine and Mexican favorites.

The local restaurant, on Weststraat 1, Oranjestad, is affiliated with Senor Frog’s family of restaurant-bars, spread around exotic places such as Hawaii, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Puerto Vallarta, Island Margarita, Cancun, Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen, Mazatlan, Acapulco, Myrtle Beach and more. It has been dishing out music, cocktails-by-the-yard and family-style platters for the past 45 years.

In Aruba, Senior Frog’s is the new incarnation of the much-loved, now defunct Carlos & Charlie’s, while the latter closed - too small, too tired, the new one opened with a big bang, under the same management with the same dedication to outrageous, unconventional and original dining and entertainment.

The Frogs, the friendly waiters, also become the entertainers, directed with the emcee’s magical whistle. Expect Conga Lines, Tequila Shots, Banana Eating & Beer Drinking Contests, balloons, confetti, a water slide going nowhere, for both lunch and dinner with Harbor Views, a dedicated DJ, and a well-stocked retail store.

Aruban-born designer,Percy Irausquin is thrilled to be making his Oscar debut at the 2008 awards show Sunday February 24, 2008.

Oranjstad, Keep an eye out for the Caribbean heat on the red carpet at the 80th annual Academy Awards ceremony this Sunday, as Oscar-nominated writer/director/producer Suzy Templeton will be wearing hot, young Aruban designer, Percy Irausquin.

The British nominee will be draped in a stunningly beautiful, bright evening gown from Irausquin’s collection (an image of the design is attached here.)  Strong, spectacular femininity is Percy’s trademark style and he has honed is talent in famed fashion houses including that of Christian Lacroix.  Templeton is nominated in the Best Animated Short Film category for “Peter & the Wolf.”

The Aruban-born designer, Irausquin, 39, lives in Holland but draws inspiration from his beautiful, tropical homeland and is thrilled to be making his Oscar debut at the 2008 awards show.  His line, Prc..by Percy Irausquin, has its headquarters in Amsterdam and his creations are also available for sale in his native Aurba.

“This is a big breakthrough.  I hope to win,” said Irausquin.  “This is the first step on the red carpet of the world.

Oranjestad Kunsthuis Art Foundation is proud to represent the recent collection of Grace van Balkom-de Cuba. The collection will be on exhibition at the Mar Azul Gallery from Feb. 22 until March 5, 2008. The general public is invited for the official opening ceremony to be held on Friday February 22nd starting at 8:00 pm. The artist is currently at the gallery Mon-Fri. from 10:00am to 5:00 pm for personal tours or to work on her new art work.

Grace van Balkom-de Cuba, an Aruban born autodidact painter. She worked for twelve years as a vocational Spanish teacher before she discovered her passion for painting in 1971 after visiting an art exhibition from artist Pieter Vervoord. In 1976 she moved to Holland and has been living there ever since. She does spends 3 months a year on Aruba where she enjoys sketching and painting her “delightful island.” At her workshop in Holland you will always hear Caribbean music while she is painting her “old fashioned” Aruban houses, seasides and landscapes. Her first exhibition was organized by the Cas di Cultura Aruba in 1974, after that she had various exhibitions in Aruba and Holland. Some of her paintings are also part of the permanent collection of the Museum of New York University at the exhibition of primitive painters from the Caribbean.

Oranjestad Kunsthuis Art Foundation, with its new location at the Mar Azul Gallery (Marina Mall) also housing a generous work studio, is a non profit foundation currently working with more than 100 local and international artists, members, advisers and a global network contributing to the development and promotion of Aruba’s contemporary art movement. Its talented team, directed by founder and artist Gilbert Senchi under the expertise of Alice van Romondt (Prince Bernhard Funds & National Museum of History, Editorial Charuba) and Malayca Bufalini Rasmijn as PR representative, is dedicated to providing a comprehensive forum for contemporary art and support artists via a multi-faceted mission spanning the realms of gallery exhibitions, public programming, professional development and arts-in-education.

Located in the Marina Mall street level, in the area of Aruba’s sparkling night, luxury shopping district and the Oranjestad dazzling harbor port, the gallery affords a diverse array of professional and underserved artists the opportunity to produce and exhibit work in the heart of Aruba’s vibrant art district. The foundation’s operations and programs are made possible with the generous support of foundations, corporations, government agencies, individuals and the media in general. Entrance is free and appointments are recommended.

Surf at www.marazulgallery.com for information on art news and art events on the island.

T: 588-ARTE / Admin: 563-4574 / appointments T: 742-7482: gilbertsenchi@yahoo.com