I don’t know if you remember the early days of MTV, but I sure do. It’s hard to imagine now, but it was pretty thrilling to see the artists that you heard on the radio come to life in videos. Until then, unless they came to town in concert, you likely hadn’t seen them sing: Voices suddenly had a face. The face I remember most vividly is Pat Benatar’s (it’s a nice face). A staple of the channel—seems like she was on all the time—Benatar went on to gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums, four Grammy awards, and 19 top-40 singles.

I’m looking forward to seeing Ms. Benatar, on April 15 at the Emerald Queen Casino, hoping and expecting that she’ll belt out hits like “Love Is a Battlefield,” “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” and “We Belong.” What a voice.

See ya soon,

Dale

I’ve tried and tried to help you amp up your love life, but this is my last time (oh, who am I fooling? I’m going to keep giving you great reasons to visit our fantastic hotel). There is really no better time than Valentine’s Day, though, to tap into your inner sex kitten or tomcat, and no better way than whisking your honey out of the house and into the Hotel Murano.

This is all to say that you’re going to want to take advantage of the Naughty & Nice deal the hotel has going. It includes cocktails in the Lobby Bar, dinner at The Bite (or, if you’re really going to go for it–room service), a bottle of bubbly or wine, breakfast in bed, and the final aphrodisiac: The Love Box, which will be waiting in your room filled with naughty and nice surprises.

With a little help from your friends, we may make a romantic out of you yet.Bottom of Form

See ya soon,

Dale

I know I say it a lot, but listen closely this time: THIS IS AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED. (Sorry for shouting, but I needed to get your attention.) I can tell you from firsthand experience that the upcoming Peking Acrobats show on January 9 will be one of the most entertaining and exhilarating experiences you’ve had.

This elite group, from the People’s Republic of China, has been touring for decades, showing off skills from their ancient Chinese culture (though I can’t imagine that their costumes have always been so Vegas). Get ready for crazy plate spinning, chair balancing, logic-defying human pyramids (both on and off bikes), trapeze artistry, and on and on. My wife had to cover her eyes a few times–you’re just sure someone’s going to get hurt–but it all goes off without a hitch. Truly a must-see (even if you’re peeking through your fingers).

See ya soon,

Dale

I love helping people plan a special night out. Especially New Year’s Eve. So, here’s what I’m recommending: Early evening, you bring your overnight bags to the Murano (you reserved the deal below early). Then you get settled in your room, dress up, and then head down to the Lobby Bar for a cocktail. At this point, you head up to the Bite for a fantastic prix fixe New Year’s Eve feast (you made reservations as soon as you finished reading this post). Then you head out on the town.

First Night Tacoma awaits. You know—the big, family-friendly event that everyone’s buzzing about. Book it and get a special-rate room and two First Night buttons, which ensures that the music, and fire dancers, and museums are all part of your evening. Could a new year be any happier?

See ya soon,

Dale

As I may have mentioned before (quite recently, in fact), there is a myriad possibilities if you’re looking for a great spot to visit within walking distance of Hotel Murano. One of the most popular, and one I mention a lot (because it bears repeating)—is Tacoma’s Museum of Glass. Just a few blocks from the hotel, the museum is just amazing and shows new work all the time; even if you’ve already been, it’s worth another visit.

On October 8-10, the museum will celebrate their 7th Annual Bird Lover’s Weekend, with all kinds of exhibits and activities planned, including a particularly cool event in the museum’s Hot Shop. Master glassblower, Arto Lahtinen, will be demonstrating his creation of glass birds for the famed iittala’s Glass Birds of Finland. Fly on by—should be something worth crowing about.

See ya soon,

Dale

I’m going to let you in on a secret. It’s something my wife and I have been doing for years. We do it when we’re at home, we do it on road trips. We’ve done it when traveling overseas, and definitely when visiting relatives. I bet you’ve already guessed it. That’s right! We seek out and attend school plays and music events. There have been some great surprises, a few duds, but it’s always a memorable experience.

So, while it’s true that Tacoma has a first-rate opera company, a wonderful symphony orchestra, and a stellar theater company, we’re also lucky enough to boast a fantastic concert series at the University of Puget Sound. September 10^th’s evening will feature Schumann, Dvorák, and Shostakovish, all played by very talented UPS students. Right in our own backyard. That’s music to my ears.

date:Friday, September 10, 2010time:7:30 PM to 9:15 PMvenue:Schneebeck Concert Hall, University of Puget Soundaddress:N 14th and Union Ave, Tacoma, WA 98416

See ya soon,

Dale

Tacoma Ethnic Fest

What? You’ve never heard of Bulgogi? Or have heard of it but thought it was a swanky jewelry store or a new word game? Yeah, me too. But we can all check it out July 24 and 25, 12pm-7pm, at Wright Park at Tacoma’s Ethnic Fest.

Doing what Tacoma does best every summer (ever noticed how our little city puts on some great festivals?), anticipate flavors and sounds from every continent. Grab a gelato then dance it off to reggae. Scoop up some pulled pork and let the lovely hula ladies entertain you while you eat. If we’re really lucky there’ll be Jerk chicken and a steel drum band. Cruise the park for crafts, more music, more food. You can definitely expect two days of fantastic entertainment and great fare. And Bulgogi. Yeah, you’ll have to come to the fest to find out.

See ya soon,

Dale

There’s just about nothing I like better than spending a Saturday at one of Tacoma’s great summer outdoor festivals. And, among those, Taste of Tacoma might be my favorite.

On the last weekend in June, Point Defiance Park will be filled to the brim with all kinds of great stuff to eat, see, do. Restaurants from all over the city will be out, wanting you to try to what they’re selling. I am always very happy to oblige.

Turns out it’s also the 25th anniversary of the Emerald Queen Casino, and they’ll he hosting a big birthday bash. I’m looking forward to The Ultimate Family Picnic, and the grandkids will be on the hunt for The Reptile Man and The Bubble Man. Great food, free cake, wine-tasting packages, lots of entertainment—what a way to kick off the summer.

See you soon,

Dale

OK, you can file this under something I never thought I’d do. Hadn’t even heard about it until a few years ago. But, I’m seriously considering climbing into a big, fancy canoe; row, row, rowing the boat; and risking falling into the frigid Puget Sound.

A buddy of mine recently told me about the TDBA (Tacoma Dragon Boat Association) Open Paddle, every Sunday afternoon. All you do is show up at Johnny’s Dock Restaurant and Marina, ready to get wet. They provide the paddles, life jackets and instructions (all essential for someone like me), all free. The only requirement is that you’re 18-80, and I fall neatly in there somewhere. Great exercise and a brand-new experience to add to the list. I’m just hoping that Johhny’s has an Irish Coffee waiting for me at the end of the day.

Enjoy,

Dale

There are just a couple more chances to make it to one of Tacoma’s best events, the International Film Festival. All films harken from Tacoma’s sister cities from around the globe. On April 1 you can catch Aalesund, Norway’s, award-winning film, Troubled Water. The character development is so adept that even the flawed—and the very flawed—characters were moving and persuasive. Directed by acclaimed director Erik Poppe, this is a must-see.

On April 8, the final night, the festival will show Love Will Lead Us Home from Davao City in the Philippines. Unlike Troubled Water, an intense drama, this film is much more lighthearted, with a bit of humor thrown in, as well. Both films explore the complex, sometimes conflicting, emotions that are part and parcel of families and their highs and lows. Make the time to get to the festival; then write to me to tell me how glad you are that you did.

See you soon,

Dale