LAST WEEKEND: Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA Leaves Oaks for Next Destination

If you haven’t seen VOLTA, Cirque du Soleil’s latest Big Top creation, hurry up! 

The show is in Oaks for another 2 days and limited tickets are still available before VOLTA hits the road for Seattle. The show opened July 12^th next to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and has literally become the talk of the town!

After 16 visits in Philadelphia since its creation, Cirque du Soleil set its iconic Big Top in Oaks for the very first time this year. VOLTA has had tremendous success since its arrival, mesmerizing the Montgomery County night after night.

During their stay in the Philadelphia area, the artists have had the honor of taking part in numerous activities with the local leading organizations. Among other events, the lead singers of VOLTA were invited to sing the National Anthem at the Phillies ball game against the Dodgers on July 25^th. 

The VOLTA crew also welcomed under the Big Top the cheerleaders of the Philadelphia Eagles for a fun workout session during which the cheerleaders learned the basics of circus skills from VOLTA artists.

The 71 trucks transporting the 2,000 tons of equipment required to set-up VOLTA’s tents and stage will soon head to Seattle. 

Forty-seven acrobats, actors, singers and musicians will be taking the stage at King County’s Marymoor Park in Seattle, WA, on September 7^th until the 4^thof November.

Good tickets are still available by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/volta or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Tickets start at $49, including free parking.

VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgement of others. Using the rise of the celebrity culture and reality TV as a subtext, VOLTA teaches us that the path to fame is not necessarily the path to freedom.

“The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board was thrilled to welcome Cirque du Soleil’s VOLTA to Montgomery County and hopes to have upcoming shows in the area again in years to come,” said Mike Bowman, President & CEO of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. “With more than 200 arts attractions, Montgomery County is already an arts destination, but having a show of Cirque du Soleil’s caliber certainly puts Montco on the map and proves that we can hold world class events.”

Corporate Social Responsibility in Oaks

Cirque du Soleil’s commitment goes beyond the performance, as it aims to positively impact people, communities and the planet with its best assets: art and creativity. As a good neighbor, Cirque du Soleil gives back to the communities welcoming its touring shows through activities and programs that benefit youth at risk. 

During the stay of VOLTA in Oaks, more than 600 tickets were donated to various organizations to give children and teenagers at risk the opportunity to escape into the magical world of Cirque du Soleil.

VOLTA gratefully acknowledges its Official Partners, Hennessy Black and Sirius.

Cirque du Soleil

VOLTA is Cirque du Soleil’s 41^st original production since 1984, and its 18^th show presented under the Big Top. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 190 million spectators in more than 450 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,400 performing artists from close to 50 different countries.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Facebook: facebook.com/VOLTA  

Twitter: @Cirque #VOLTA

Instagram: @cirquedusoleil #VOLTA

Cirque Du Soleil Announces Additional Performances

Performances Now Extended Through August 19^th Next to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks!

Cirque du Soleil has premiered in Montgomery County with VOLTA, its first ever Big Top show visiting Oaks, PA. The circus production company also took the occasion of the special event to announce that VOLTA would be presented for an extended stay next to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center until August 19^th. 

With this new creation, the world’s entertainment leader is once again pushing the boundaries of circus arts by integrating several street sports disciplines as well as electronic music created by international composer and musical director Anthony Gonzalez, from renowned group M83.

VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgement of others. Using the rise of the celebrity culture and reality TV as a subtext, VOLTA teaches us that the path to fame is not necessarily the path to freedom.

The stunning costumes of VOLTA have been designed by Zaldy Goco, famous for his work with Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefany and for TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race.

VOLTA is Cirque du Soleil’s 41^st original production since 1984, and its 18^th show presented under the Big Top. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 190 million spectators in more than 450 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,400 performing artists from close to 60 different countries.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Tickets are available by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/volta or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Tickets are available starting at $49. All parking for the event is free.

Thank to the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB), a nonprofit, membership-based sales and marketing organization that actively promotes Valley Forge and Montgomery County, PA as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by encouraging patronage of its 500+ member hotels, restaurants, attractions, and services. The award-winning website links visitors, meeting planners, tour operators, and residents to a diverse portfolio of brands focused on reasons to visit the region.

Follow on Social Media:

Facebook.com/VOLTA

Twitter: @Cirque #VOLTA  

Instagram: cirquedusoleil #VOLTA

Partners

VOLTA gratefully acknowledges its Official Partners, Hennessy Black and Sirius.

NEW PRODUCTION FROM CIRQUE DU SOLEIL RAISES ITS BIG TOP IN THE PHILADELPHIA AREA

As it prepares to raise its massive Big Top in Oaks, Cirque du Soleil announced that its new production VOLTA, will be opening on Thursday, July 12. The show will be taking place under the Big Top adjacent to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA -  just minutes from King of Prussia, PA - until August 5. 

VOLTA is written and directed by Bastien Alexandre and with Jean Guibert as the director of creation. 

International electronic composer and musical director Anthony Gonzalez, from worldwide renowned group M83, brings his space-age future pop sound to the Cirque du Soleil stage for the first time ever. 

The name VOLTA refers to a sudden about-face, a change in emotion or idea often used in poetry. It also speaks to the jolt of energy delivered through the show.

VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgement of others. Inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, the show weaves acrobatics in a visually striking world driven by a stirring melodic score.

A few facts:

⦁ The Big Top seats more than 2,500 people

⦁ The entire site set-up takes six days. This includes installation of the Big Top, the entrance tent, the VIP tent and the rehearsal spaces

⦁ The Big Top is held down by roughly 500 stakes

⦁ The Big Top can withstand winds up to 120 km/h (75 mph)

⦁ It measures 51 meters in diameter and is supported by four 25-metre steel masts

⦁ The cupola is 19 meters above the ground

⦁ The light-colored canvas helps counter the effects of the sun, thereby reducing energy consumption and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions

⦁ VOLTA travels via 72 trailer trucks carrying close to 2,000 tons of equipment

Ticket Information

VOLTA will be presented under the Big Top beginning July 12, 2018 adjacent to Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. Tickets are available starting from $49. They can be purchased at www.cirquedusoleil.com/volta or by calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Parking is free. Guests can also discover the Hennessy Black VIP Experience package – a cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’oeuvres inspired by the show, access to the best seats for greater comfort, complimentary parking and more!

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

VOLTA’s creative team comprises 15 creators under the artistic guidance of Jean-François Bouchard:

Bastien Alexandre Writer and Director

Jean Guibert Director of Creation

Bruce Rodgers Set Designer

Zaldy Goco Costume Designer

Anthony Gonzalez from M83 Composer and Musical Director

Julie Perron Choreographer

Martin Labrecque Lighting Designer

Thibaut Duverneix Video Content Designer

Jean-Michel Caron Sound Designer

Anne Séguin Poirier Props Designer

Rob Bollinger Acrobatic Performance Designer

Philippe Aubertin Acrobatic Performance Designer

Jaque Paquin Acrobatic Equipment and Rigging Designer

Eleni Uranis Make up Designer

Manon Beaudoin Character’s guide

Pictures courtesy of VOLTA and Cirque du Soleil.

PA Wine Fest In Oaks-September 12 & 13!

The PA WineFest in Oaks on September 12 and 13 had a great turnout, plus wine tastings and more! Inside Hall D at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center 100 Station Ave, Oaks, with plenty of free parking.

Many wineries offered unique flavored (habenero wine?) wines and interesting vendors, like BeSpoke Bacon and Health & Tea loose leaf teas from West Chester.

Wineries: 
Boyd's Cardinal Hollow Winery
Buddy Boy Winery & Vineyards
Kog Hill Winery
Nectar Valley Winery
Papa Joe's Wine Cellar
Peace Valley Winery
Reece Winery
Stonekeep Meadery & Wine Cellars
The Vineyard at Hershey
University Wine Company

Other vendors included scented candles, jewelry, makeup, toys, the ever-present Mary Kay vendor, and vendors selling windows and timeshares. There was also a vendor, Drinkable Arts where people could design and paint a wineglass, which was a fun and unique way to pass an hour.

Once I got through the throngs of bachelorette parties and bridesmaids, I was able to sample some unique flavors.

Vendors: 

Bespoke Bacon
CC Silver Stuff
Cynful Bliss (Sunday Only)
Drinkable Arts
D's Sexy Legs 
Fortes Finest
Health and Tea, LLC
It Works 7cs
Jesse's Specialty Snacks & Gifts
Keystone Farms Cheese
Mary Kay Cosmetics
MerVino Mixes
MH Marketing
Origami Owl
Renewal By Andersen
Sabika Jewelry
Scentsy
Sundance Vacations
Theresa's MakeUp Erasers
Vacation Getaways
White Caterpillar

Sadly, there wasn't a cupcake vendor to be seen, although keystone farms cheese vendor had cheese curds, which I adore. 

Hershey's winery had a delicious strawberry wine that was like biting into a fresh berry, perfect as a base for a sangria.  

Dry Rieslings, fresh pino grigios and tasty Merlots rounded out the tastings. 

Plus, all wineries offer bottle check so wine can be bought and held at the door until the customer is ready to leave, without having to carry it around all day. 

Today's Sunday session is still available: noon to 4pm, just $30 each!

DD tickets available. 

This is a 21+ only event.

And don't miss future PA wine events:

Monroeville 9/20/2015

Pittsburgh 10/11/2015

Indiana 10/24/2015

Altoona 11/15/2015

Recap of the Coffee & Tea Festival in Oaks, PA (November 2-3)

This past weekend in Oaks, PA  (November 2-3) at the Greater Philadelphia Convention Center, Starfish Junction productions presented the first ever in the Greater Philly area:
The Coffee & Tea Festival!  

Selected as one of the "10 Best New York Events" and featured on the Food Network’s “Unwrapped"The Philadelphia area welcomes the festival for the inaugural Coffee & Tea Festival. This long-running event originated in New York, and always draws huge crowds. As they say, their mission is to unite coffee and tea drinkers for a weekend of fun festivities!

It was a hit! Over 40 vendors and exhibitors, tastings, giveaways, seminars and workshops made for a wonderful event. Walking in the door each day, the first 1000 attendees received a goody bag with all kinds of tasty samples) Biscoff cookies, Eight O’Clock coffee!). Upon walking in the door, your senses are pleasantly bombarded with the satisfying scent of roasting coffee.

Kristyn Dolan, marketing manager for the show’s producer, Starfish Junction Productions, was very excited to bring this exhilarating event to the Philadelphia area. "The event surpassed our expectations for the first one in this particular area, and we look forward to future years of the show as we grow and improve," she said.

It was a real buzz... sampling all that delicious coffee and tea.  A good number of vendors offered Fair Trade and organic items, local merchants sold baked goods, and everything was available for purchase.

DONUTS for ALL!

40+Vendors such as Eight O'Clock Coffee, Wholesome Sweeteners, Adagio Teas, Celestial Seasonings, Choice Organic Teas, Organic India USA, Red Rose Tea, Salada Tea, Martinson Coffee, Honest Tea, Bare Tea, Coffee Ale House, Owl’s Brew, Tea Time, Maui Wowi Hawaiian, Ajiri Tea, Capital Teas, Chai Diaries, Waterfall Tea Company and more all had delicious samples to try.

Owl’s Brew was one of the more interesting items we sampled at the festival- ice cold blended tea, herbs, agave, then spiked (not sold that way) with either vodka or tequila. The result? A unique, lower-calorie (than most cocktails) refreshing tea beverage perfect for hot summer nights or a cool Fall afternoon.

Owl's Brew is delightful

Honest Tea was offering samples of all its fresh delicious tea. Honest Tea is my go-to at lunch when I don’t want to ingest a ton of sugar and carbs and drink actual tea. Sweetened naturally, it’s the right choice for me, and so yummy too! I love the peach white tea.

Yes to Honest Tea!

A few booths had local and flavored honey- lavender honey, rosemary fig honey, peach blossom, and blueberry honey were just a few of the delectable nectars we sampled.

Oh honey!

There were a few vendors advising on proper tea etiquette, how to set a proper tea table, tea parties, and coffee and tea- specific magazines and cookbooks.

Many local food craftspeople had booths as well, Goshen Donuts, Taste, Sweet Serenity Confections, along with similar vendors offering cheese, cookies, cake, dips, cupcakes, and caramel apples.

Eat up yummies!

Many vendors offered uniquely-crafted items, rare teapots, quirky mugs, coffee and tea brewing essentials, and fun kitchen items.

This event was very well received and everyone looked like they were having a great time!

Take me home!

Special thanks to Kristyn Dolan, of Starfish Junction Productions!