Gamers play inside the Party Truck video game trailer at Anza Summer Nights June 3 at Minor Park. Russell Kitchen photo.

Diane Sieker photoanzaeditor@reedermedia.com

Russell Kitchen of The Soil Kitchen hosted Anza Summer Nights at Minor Park in Anza Saturday, June 3.

The community celebration, which ran from 5-10 p.m., featured two live bands, food, a caricature artist and an incredible gaming trailer. The amenities of Minor Park, including the horse shoe pits, playground and shady picnic tables were enjoyed by many. The free event entertained young and old alike.

The band Vintage Jukebox was first up. This classic rock inspired band consists of veteran musicians: John Parker on drums; Jim Moroco hitting the bass, Rick Brengal and August Gilliland on guitar and vocals. Cool favorites like Whipping Post by the Allman Brothers Band reverberated throughout the park, much to the delight of dancers and fans.

Meanwhile, scrumptious fry bread tacos and refreshing juices were available to refuel. A festive excitement was in the air all evening.

A gaming trailer or mobile game theater by Party Trock arrived and set up, impressing both big and little children. The self-contained system featured a large trailer equipped with four 55-inch TV screens inside and two more outside, played video games selected by the players. Inside, the comfortable seating allowed for over a dozen participants to all enjoy the fun. Laser lights played over the contestants as they concentrated on the digital goings-on. This professional and well-done entertainment center was extremely popular that evening.

Budding caricaturist Sunny Jacqueline Sutton sketched willing subjects and created some stunning and perfect likenesses in pen and ink. Her clever art went viral on social media after the event, with each person pictured being easily identified.

As darkness fell, Mark Huston and the Workin Men took to the stage. Frontman Mark Huston was backed by Rocky Carassco on lead guitar, Jerry Del playing bass and Bob Miller pounding the drums as he crooned country and rock hits. The crowd grew and the cheering and applause could be heard for miles. Dancers whirled about in front of the stage.

I want to give back to the community, I did this for the children, to give them something positive to do, Kitchen said.

Promoting Minor Park was also part of the plan and a great time was had by all. The crowds enjoyed great food, fun music and the comradery of their friends and neighbors.

The essence of community was brought back to the Park by The Soil Kitchen and his cohorts said Darlene Stone. It was fabulous, relaxing to great tunes, everyone getting along and making up for lost time. It was awesome.

Kitchen plans several more Anza Summer Nights, tentatively scheduled forAug. 5 and Sept. 2.

For more information regarding this event, please call(951) 765-7760.

To reach The Soil Kitchen, please visitwww.facebook.com/The-Soil-Kitchen-183822602131779/.

Host Russell Kitchen of The Soil Kitchen whips up the crowd at Anza Summer Nights June 3 at Minor Park. Diane Sieker photo

Children enjoy the playground at the Park during Anza Summer Nights June 3 at Minor Park. Diane Sieker photo

From left, Diana Quinlan, Robin Santillan and Bentley Hunt enjoy the performances at Anza Summer Nights June 3 at Minor Park. Diane Sieker photo

Russell and Susie Kitchen takes a moment to greet friends at Anza Summer Nights, held June 3, at Minor Park. Diane Sieker photo

Children played for what seemed like hours on games displayed by the Party Trucks 55-inch screens during Anza Summer Nights June 3 at Minor Park. Diane Sieker photo

August Gilliland (left) and Rick Brengal (right) crank out the hits at Anza Summer Nights held June 3, at Minor Park. Diane Sieker photo

Even the dogs enjoyed the excitement at the Anza Summer Nights held Saturday, June 3, at Minor Park. Diane Seiker photo

John Cannon and his dance partner kick up their heels during Anza Summer Nights, June 3, at Minor Park. Diane Sieker photo

The band, Vintage Jukebox perform classic and Southern rock and blues hits during Anza Summer Nights June 3 at Minor Park. Diane Sieker photo

Mark Huston and the Workin Men light the stage on fire at the Anza Summer Nights June 3 at Minor Park. Darlene Stone photo.

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'Anza Summer Nights' turns up the heat with music, food and more - Anza Valley Outlook

By Andrew Housser

This year, according to a AAA survey, at least 35 percent of families are planning to take a vacation 50 miles or more from home. One-third of families are planning to take three or more vacations.

Getaways are rites of passage for summer, but they can be hard on the budget. Here are seven suggestions to help make your summer breaks memorable, fun and affordable.

Take the vacation you can afford. Whatever you do, do not go into debt for your vacation. Nothing is less relaxing than coming home, going back to work and facing a pile of bills you cannot pay. Do not be tempted to rack up points on credit cards for a promise of future rewards, unless you are 100 percent positive you can pay off the bill in full and on time. The only trip you should take is one you can fund in advance.

Involve the whole family. Let everyone join in planning and budgeting. Kids will learn the value of a vacation. You also will avoid unpleasant surprises, such as making reservations for a tour no one really wants to take. Brainstorm resources that you can use to pay for your vacation, too. You might include rebates, birthday money, bonuses, garage sale proceeds, money from cashing in change, or profits from eBay or Craigslist sales. Set expectations ahead of time when it comes to how many meals you will eat out and how much you will spend on souvenirs.

Vacation at home. A staycation eliminates lodging costs and the hassles of travel. Visit tourist sites in your hometown that you have never seen, eat at a restaurant you always wanted to visit, or order in. Try something completely new, from stand-up paddle boarding to a ghost tour. To see your area like a traveler, contact your state tourist bureau for information. Visit some of the places you or your friends would typically take out-of-towners.

Sleep under the stars. June is Camping Month, which makes it the perfect time to think about roughing it. In many areas, you can take advantage of online services such as RVshare.com or Craigslist, to find an affordable RV rental. If towing a trailer intimidates you, some owners will deliver right to your campsite. Alternatively, buy or borrow inexpensive camping gear. Hiking, cookouts and swimming at a new beach will make a vacation to remember.

Be flexible with dates. If you are shopping for airline tickets, check the flexible dates option, and remember that it is usually less expensive to travel on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. July is often a particularly expensive month to fly to popular destinations, so consider going later. A beach getaway might be much less expensive and just as much fun in August, for instance. Consider off-season and shoulder-season in popular locales, too. In summer, many ski resorts seek to fill up their empty rooms at bargain rates, with live music, outdoor barbecues, hiking and alpine slides. Save with a home away from home. You will likely save on lodging and meals by renting an apartment or condominium, or even house-swapping. Even if staying in a hotel, request a room with a microwave and refrigerator. Preparing most of your own meals and snacks, and eating out just once a day, can save substantially.

Consider a city. City vacations have a reputation of being expensive, but that does not always hold true. By visiting a larger city, you may be able to avoid a car rental or taxi service. Instead, do your sightseeing on foot. Take public transit and find free (or low-cost) entertainment, from music or theater in the park to free days at museums. Lodging costs often plummet on weekends in cities populated by business travelers during the week.

Wherever this years vacation plans may take you, the important thing is to take a break in a way that you value without creating additional stress by going into debt.

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This year, make your summer vacation debt-free - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI News, Weather and Sports | - WXOW.com

A virtual reality therapy that involves watching calming 3D videos can significantly reduce pain for hospitalised patients, according to a study. Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in the US examined 100 hospitalised patients who reported pain scores of greater than three on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale from zero to 10.

Fifty patients received virtual reality (VR) therapy consisting of wearing VR goggles to watch calming video content such as helicopter rides over scenic portions of Iceland, or imagery of swimming in the ocean with whales. Those patients reported a 24 per cent drop in pain scores after using the virtual reality goggles.

Another 50 patients viewed a standard, two-dimensional nature video, depicting relaxing scenes with a calming music audio track, on a close-proximity screen. Although those patients also experienced a reduction in pain, the decrease of 13.2 per cent was less dramatic.

Results indicate virtual reality may be an effective tool along with traditional pain management protocols, said Brennan Spiegel, director of Cedars-Sinais Health Service Research. This gives doctors and patients more options than medication alone, he said.

While it remains unknown exactly how VR works to reduce pain, Spiegel attributes the benefit to what he calls immersive distraction. When the mind is deeply engaged in an immersive experience, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to perceive other stimuli, including pain.

The study showed participants calming videos including helicopter rides over Iceland, or imagery of swimming in the ocean with whales. (REUTERS)

We believe virtual reality hijacks the senses, but in a good way, Spiegel said, adding, It creates an immersive distraction that stops the mind from processing pain, offering a drug-free supplement to traditional pain management, he said.

Since the VR intervention was only 15 minutes long and included only one visualisation, it is possible that pain could rebound after completion of the therapy session, Spiegel said adding that longer-term pain reduction might require sustained and repeated exposure to varied virtual reality content.

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VR therapy may help reduce pain in hospitalised patients, says study - Hindustan Times

Morgan Frisch/Recorder staff Amsterdam native and licensed massage therapist Jacob Bieniek sits in his new office on Market Street.

By MORGAN FRISCH

Recorder News Staff

When graduating from fifth-grade at McNulty Elementary School, Jacob Bieniek knew he wanted to pursue a career in massage therapy.

The students were asked to stand up at the end of the moving up ceremony and tell the crowd what they wanted to be when they were older. Bieniek said he gave his mom massages every night and from a young age realized how much she benefited from it.

However, after graduating high school in 2008 he decided to take a different path. Bieniek studied history at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, but said it was something he did to appease other people and it didnt end up working out for him.

Now, at 26, hes finally following his original passion and opened up shop as a licensed massage therapist on 15 Market St.

I wanted something more that I could control, Bieniek said. Having my own business was always a goal of mine, so I figured Im going to start living my life for what I want to do instead of listening to everyone else because that really wasnt working out for me.

Morgan Frisch/Recorder staff Amsterdam native and licensed massage therapistJacob Bieniek shows the room where clients receive massages at his new massage therapy office on Market Street.

In June 2015, he started the one-year program at The Center for Natural Wellness the School of Massage Therapy in Albany. Bieniek said the environment at the school was open and accepting and the teachers catered to all different learning types.

The second I started making decisions for myself and really working on what I wanted instead of what everyone else wanted, my life really started to fall into place, Bieniek said. I graduated from my massage program with a 4.0, which I had never got grades like that before. I never had students coming to me to be tutored and asking me to help them out. It was nice. It felt perfect, like where I was supposed to be.

Bieniek took the New York State Board for Massage Therapy in August 2016 and then rented a room in Clifton Park practicing three days a week in an effort to build a client base. He found that many of the people he knew in Amsterdam interested in a session didnt want to make the 45-minute drive home, especially after a massage. This lead to him starting his own business.

In regards to studying history before pursuing his current career, Bieniek said he couldnt help but feel a little regret. When he was able to see past the regret and realize how much was gained from attending SUNY Plattsburgh, he said he was able to focus on his future.

I think regret is one of the most debilitating emotions that you can experience, he said. I think if you can take even the smallest positive out of a situation it helps you not feel as though it was a waste of time.

As for opening up a facility in the city, hes excited to give back to his community and hopeful he will be able to educate people on the benefits of massage.

I think thats going to be the hardest part because there isnt a huge massage therapy presence in Amsterdam, he said. Really educating people and getting them to think of massage not as just a luxury that you do when you go on vacation or something. To get a one hour massage once a month can make you a happier person.

Bieniek explained how massage affects the body in ways that can bring you back to an equilibrium. For example, he said it could help bring down a very anxious person, living life at a very high energy level or give energy to someone who is constantly fatigued.

Its an equalizer, so no matter where you fall on the spectrum, of either fatigued or high energy, it brings you back to balance, he said.

Bieniek said the best benefit is stress reduction.

I dont think there is single person on this planet that we live on today that doesnt carry a little bit of stress with them throughout their life, he said.

He offers several different types of massage in an effort to provide people options depending on their needs.

The most general relaxation massage that people are familiar with, he said, is the Swedish massage. He also offers a deep tissue massage, which provides more pressure and focuses on a specific area. Bieniek said the myofascial release is a more gentle type of massage that works with the connective tissue of the body. The sports or athletic massage involves the preventiontreatment and rehabilitation of injuries resulting from physical activity. Bieniek said after being a football player in high school hes interested in getting into more sport-oriented massages in the future.

Another service he provides is acupressure.Bieniek said its essentially the same thing as acupuncture, but he uses pressure with his fingers as opposed to needles.

I want you to be able to truly relax and let go, he said. To actually feel your body let go of all the tension and truly be able relax, some people dont really get to experience that too often.

One of the most common misconceptions Bienek said he faces is people thinking a massage needs to be deep in order to be effective. He said if a client doesnt realize how much tension they have, the deep tissue can be intense. He mentioned the importance of talking to the massage therapist and telling them if its too much pressure. Bienek said causing someone to tense up is counterproductive.

Bienieks office is painted green and there are several plants throughout the room. The goal was to incorporate nature therapy into the business model because he believes it creates a calming, relaxing, anti-stress environment. There is also relaxing music and the smell of essential oils coming from a diffuser.

This is just the beginning, Bieniek said. I plan on creating a little jungle in here.

His facility is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. by appointment only. Bieniek said he wanted to create space he was happy in because its where he will spending a lot of his time.

Ive always have a passion for it, he said.

Anyone interested in scheduling a massage can reach him on Facebook at Jacob Bieniek, LMT.

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Amsterdam native Jacob Bieniek opens massage therapy office on Market Street - The Recorder (subscription)

Debbie Albrand, of McKinney (left) and Sue Harrington of Wichita Falls, playfully can-can on an interactive musical rug in one of the Old Jail Art Center's jail cells Friday June. 16, 2017. The Cell Series features Joel Sampson's "Sound Advice - Beats and Other Bits", a collection of devices which generate sound. The exhibit will be on display until August 26.(Photo: Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News)Buy Photo

ALBANY All the kids know Teddy Roosevelt. We can thank Robin Williams for that.

Erin Whitmore, the education director for the Old Jail Art Center, chuckled at the irony. Standing in the middle of the museums Warhol: Cowboys Indians Polaroids, she gestured toward Andy Warhols silkscreen image of the nations 26th President.

The kids don't always recognize Annie Oakley, but they do recognize Teddy Roosevelt because of the Night at the Museum movies, she said. And even the itty-bitties recognize John Wayne.

Warhols pop art is meant to be a reflection of popular culture.

So popular people, popular images; very easily recognizable and accessible imagery, Whitmore explained. The kids really respond to it; even if they don't know who it is, they know that the image is really important because it's larger than life.

Patrick Kelly, the executive director and curator of the museum, chimed in.

And their pop culture is different than our pop culture, he said. Thats certainly seems true when considering the childrens identification of Roosevelt as the hero of a comedy, as opposed to being the Hero of San Juan Hill even though the movies character is based upon that period in Roosevelts life.

The pictures are about three-feet square with bright colors overlaid by the artist. Each color is from a separate mask, so if 15 colors appear on a work then it took an equal number of screens to lay it on.

Accompanying the exhibit are a collection of Polaroid photographs made by Warhol as studies for different subjects. The artist would make dozens or hundreds of pictures, then work with the subject to select the best one. From there it was transferred to paper using a halftone screening process, then the overlay of colors would start from there.

His life was all about documenting everything that was around him, he wasn't an artist on one side and Andy Warhol on the other, Kelly said.

As an exploration of popular culture, the Warhol suite has a connection to another exhibit in the museum called, Showtime: Photographs of Music Legends by Watt Casey, Jr.

Watt Casey is actually a rancher from this area he goes to my church and years ago he was talking about his life and photographing all these musical legends from Willie Nelson up to John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters, Kelly said.

As a student at the University of Texas in the early 1970s, Casey began covering for the Daily Texan Austins music scene, which at that time was beginning to flower. After school, he continued working, spending more than a decade photographing music icons as they passed through Texas and accumulating thousands of photographs in the process.

Stevie Ray Vaughan performs in Austin May 9, 1982. This image and others are part of an exhibit at the Old Jair Art Center in Albany entitled "Showtime: Photographs of Music Legends by Watt Casey, Jr." The collection of 45 pictures will be on display until August 26.(Photo: Photograph courtesy of Watt Casey, Jr.)

We culled them down to about 45 pictures, which are on display here, Kelly said. Plus, A&M Press is publishing a book of his with these works and additional pictures.

That book, My Camera is a Guitar, is scheduled to come out in November. Kelly said they will invite Casey in for a lecture when it is released.

The majority of the images are black and white, typically with artists performing or relaxing with friends. They capture a time in Austins history when music and the people who made it felt more accessible.

Theres an immediacy present in many of the images. Bluesmen howl their lyrics into the microphone with such an intensity that its almost like the sound is struggling to free itself from the picture.

In another, Stevie Ray Vaughan smiles with his band at a favorite barbecue joint. In the background a cashier slouches behind the register, photo-bombing the scene in his aviator shades and looking nearly as cool as the band.

Museum patrons view exhibits by Watt Casey, Jr. and Andy Warhol Friday June 16, 2017 at the Old Jail Art Center in Albany. The exhibits will be be on display until August 26.(Photo: Ronald W. Erdrich/Reporter-News)

Finally, the Cell Series brings everything together with Joel Sampsons Sound Advice Beats and Other Bits. If Caseys work centers around musicians and the sounds they make, Sampson eliminates the musician and just features the sound.

Its very interactive and fun, Whitmore said. A lot of the pieces look like a one-man band, without the man.

Artists invited to exhibit for the Cell Series typically design their pieces with the original function of the jail cell rooms in mind. Sometimes that means pondering themes of isolation, or sometimes it means using the physical features of the room as a frame in which to create.

Sampson utilizes the hard surfaces of the rooms to amplify the sounds made from his creations. Some are electronically generated, some are from objects striking pots and pans. Most are interactive and feature a large plastic button whose bright color seems to cry out, Push me!

I do think he was interested in the sound and what it does in a space like that, Whitmore observed. When youve got multiple sources coming at one time, its a cacophony. Some are whirring, some are beeping, and some are cow bells.

It's definitely a sensory overload when everything is going off in there at one time, agreed Kelly. But there's also the opportunity, when there's not a lot of people in there at one time, for you can sit and listen to one piece in particular.

In one of the rooms, Sampson uses an inexpensive computer to recite the Declaration of Independence using Morse code.

You can read more into that work and interpret that piece to understand how those concepts are disseminated, Kelly said. You can go as deep as you want.

All three exhibits are on display until August 26.

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A cacophony of sound, photographs and pop culture in Albany - ReporterNews.com

PHOTO: The beach in the Dominican Republic (photo courtesy of Sunscape Resorts)

Are you longing for a tropical getaway?

Sunscape Resorts highlights all the fun you can have in the Dominican Republic and why you need to add this paradise to your next vacation list.

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Puerto Plata has 60 miles of Atlantic beaches great for relaxing as well as adventure. Its a renowned spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding and home to Playa Dorada, which is great for people of all ages with its casinos, shops, restaurants and dance clubs.

Punta Cana is 20 miles of beautiful white sand and clear blue waters you just have to see to believe. Its a fun place for families as there are tons of resorts and activities always happening.

READ MORE The Best Beach Activities at Sunscape Resorts & Spas

The Dominican Republic also holds festivals throughout the year. The tropical oasis is filled with rich tradition and culture.

Check out each of the festivals that occur in the Dominican Republic, per a Sunscape Resorts blogger:

"Dominican CarnivalFebruaryEvery Sunday in February since 1520, a celebration across the island ensues with parades, colorful costumes and elaborate masks. Music ranging from merengue to techno provides a mixed soundtrack for dance and celebration.

Web.com TourJune This annual tour takes place at the Los Corales Golf Club for professional golfers competing to win entrance to the famous PGA Tour.

Puerto Plata FestivalJune A weeklong celebration of Dominican culture takes place in Puerto Plata during the third week of June every year. From the Fort San Felipe to the central plaza of the city, you can try the local food, art, song and dance.

Merengue FestivalOctober Food stalls and a stage for performances are set up along Puerto Platas Malecn which is shut down to vehicles for the celebration of the Dominican Republics national dance: merengue.

Dominican HolidazeDecember Dominican Holidaze is an annual music festival in paradise. Four days and nights of music on the beach accompanied by tropical drinks, daily activities, theme nights and excursions. Organized by the non-profit organization Positive Legacy, service projects and music are integrated to benefit people and the environment so you can make a positive impact on your vacation.

For more information on the Dominican Republic, check out Sunscape Resorts blog here.

You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook information, including your name, photo & any other personal data you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on TravelPulse.com. Click here to learn more.

Art is a veteran travel writer.

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Spotlighting the Dominican Republic - TravelPulse (blog)

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Forget the Flintstones think more of a classy spa - this amazing home has luxury accommodation inside and a relaxation 'cave' and swimming pool outside.

It's not every day that you see a house in Notts like this one. Drive up to the front and yes, you'll be impressed by this sizable four-bed family home but take a peep around the back and wow!

If the thought of coming home to your own private swimming pool and hot tub fills you with glee then this four-bedroom home in Edwinstowe will be perfect for you especially when you add the amazing relaxation area 'cave' that has been created alongside.

It's certainly not something you'd expect but the owners have created a leisure and entertainment space styled in an underground, cave-like theme. Incorporating a bar and outside kitchen area it's got everything you could want.

The owner says: "It has a range-style cooker and American-style fridge-freezer so you can prepare meals and serve drinks and snacks. There is also a fully integrated music system."

But it doesn't stop there. There's a hot tub, steam room, sauna and cloakroom. "This has been a wonderful addition to the home and is great for both entertaining and relaxing quietly," she adds.

Combined with the outdoor sitting areas, the whole exterior gives a total sense of relaxation just imagine having that holiday feeling every day.

And while the exterior is fabulous, the interior also holds its own.

The owners bought the house when it was only about a year old and were the first people to live there. "We bought it knowing we would complete it with interior features and dcor of our own choosing," she says.

"It is a perfect family home. It is very comfortable and light throughout, with plenty of space to spread out."

Enhancements to the house saw them add marble floors downstairs. In recent times, they have also had an oak kitchen fitted and installed bi-folding doors that now open out on to the veranda. "We added the canopy to the back about two years ago and also completely refurbished the drawing room, installing a new fireplace."

The detached house offers well-proportioned accommodation. On the ground floor, there is a drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen breakfast room and utility room.

And of course rooms take full advantage of the views and the gardens. In warmer weather the bi-folding doors are pulled open on to the veranda, making the house at one with the garden. There is also a summer house in the garden, which could have a variety of uses.

"It is lovely to be able to eat outside when the weather is good," she adds. "It really is a dream home."

Talking about when they first saw the house, she added: "We loved the house itself and the area because it was so private. We also bought some extra paddock land so we could extend the garden."

The grounds at the house on Hazel Grove are a major attraction and in addition to everything else we've talked about there is plenty of driveway parking together with a double detached garage. The gardens themselves are landscaped and include a covered veranda area, decked seating areas, as well as relaxation spaces. There's also a stocked fish pond and a summer house.

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See the ultimate relaxation 'cave' at this incredible Notts house - Nottingham Post

By Steve Gust For The Oklahoman Published: June 17, 2017 5:00 AM CDT Updated: June 17, 2017 5:00 AM CDT

The Rev. Dale Petley

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Rev. Dale Petley took his lifelong hobby of singing and songwriting to the next level by putting on a fundraising concert at All Souls' Episcopal Church.

Petley's recent concert introduced his first CD, "Life by Rivers," a collection of a dozen of his songs. Most of the songs he has written in the past four years, but a few date back 25 years.

The relaxed setting in the parish hall, with a five-piece ensemble, gave Petley a chance to visit with the audience while playing guitar and providing background on his life and songs. It was the first time he had performed with a band, having only practiced with them for one day.

His music featured an upbeat folk tempo and at times drifted into country music. He said normally his music is a private matter. He would sing at dinners but never in such a public format. Copies of the CD were available for sale after the concert.

"I'm very grateful the proceeds will be going to the Bishop McAllister College in Uganda," Petley, 59, told the audience. The college, as explained by the Rev. Patrick Bright, All Souls' rector, is a school for youths and a Christian charity outreach supported in part by All Souls'.

The CD was the vision of two All Souls' parishioners, Steve Knox and Kent Hoffman.

"About a year ago, we had a dinner party and after dinner, Father Dale sang," Knox said. "After hearing how wonderful it was, we decided it should be on a CD."

Hoffman said Petley's work "is such a relaxing sound. The world needs more music like this."

Knox and Hoffman connected Petley with Dave Copenhaver and Lunacy Records in Oklahoma City. Knox said the musical compilation was completed during the recent religious season of Lent.

Hoffman said he and his wife were amazed by the finished product.

"She kept listening to it and telling me how good it was," Hoffman told the audience.

Much of the music was inspired by Petley's time in Canada and New Brunswick, where he grew up. Nearly each song featured a river theme as Petley linked the imagery to life itself.

"Rivers have always been important to me, even the Oklahoma River and how it's revitalized downtown," he said.

One selection, "Bury Me By the Cimarron River," paid homage to his 20 years in Oklahoma.

Petley is currently associate rector at All Souls'.

He gave the crowd something to laugh about in "Tomorrow is Another Day." His encore and only non-original song was "Oklahoma Hills" by Woody Guthrie, an artist who Petley said inspired him.

"You know the words, please sing along," he said.

Many did, as the concert ended with a standing ovation and people buying CDs to support mission work in Uganda.

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Concert by Episcopal priest raises money for charity in Uganda - NewsOK.com

In one week, we will be packing up our vehicles and heading out towards Browns Mountain for the long anticipated TALL TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL! This years set to be the best yet, as our multiple articles on the subject would lead you to believe, but believe it or not, theres more! This year theyre expanding on their massively popular theme days from the last couple years (like Zoolander last year? The best!) with three brand new themes, and a whole pile of activities to keep you entertained throughout the weekend!

On Friday, get ready to blast off into space with a GALACTICtheme! Get your space helmets, throw on your galaxy prints, and grab your Tang because were going to space for a Friday adventure! Saturday, test the theory that all that glitters really isGOLD with the official Tall Tree gold day. Shimmer, sparkle, but dont leave a mess behind (For more info on environmentally conscious glitter options, pop on over to our Festival Fashion serieshere)! Last, but not least, channel your inner Ariel and goUNDER THE SEA for the wettest Sunday funday on the west coast!

Beyond that, weve got a full schedule of activities with special guests of the festival! If youre into yoga, head over to the main stage at 10am for some relaxing yoga Saturday and Sunday morning! BYOM (bring your own mat) and good vibes! Maybe the comedyis what catches your eye, which you can catch Saturday and Sunday at the Stump and Stone stage (download the Tall Tree app for the full schedule!). Now who could resist theZoolander Fashion Show,which you can pre-register throughDo250.You can also register on the mountain at the info booth before 4pm on Saturday. Winners get passes to Tall Tree 2018, so throw on your most impressive threads and dont forget to learn how to turn left!

Next up, some musical adventures with some island favourites! Come check outMt Doyles Pizza PartySaturday, 2pm, on the Main Stage. Bring a drink or a food ticket and grab a slice with your favourite pizza enthusiast, while getting some dancing in while youre at it! You can also grab some breakfast withNeon SteveSunday at 9am at the Stump and Stone stage, or check out theChampagne and Pool Floatyparty with our dudes Illvis Freshly! Once again, grab a drink or food ticket, come have some champagne, and celebrate the last day of Tall Tree in style! Dont forget your floaty!

So, this is gearing up to be the best year yet, do you have your tickets?! There are still some floating around, so grab them quick on the Tall Tree website!

Whats your favourite addition this year? Let us know in the comments!

26 years old, with a voracious appetite for bass, dancing, all things art, and a flair for the dramatic, Jamie Gib grew up in the rave scene, having been introduced to electronic music in the late 90s as a small child from his cousin and he joined the rave scene in 2004, and never looked back, A DJ, Promoter, Go-Go Dancer, and writer, Jamie has made his mark on the Vancouver Island scene and beyond, having worked or attended 90% of the festivals on the Pacific North West and has no plans on stopping there. If there's dirty house, drum n bass or glitch to be heard, you can bet he's not far behind.

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Tall Tree Announces Theme Days, Activities, and a Pool Floaty Party - Dance Music Northwest

Which Caltex Socceroo likes a bit of heavy metal? Who favours Groove Armada? And who doesnt mind humming along to Daryl Braithwaites anthemic Horses?

Ask any professional footballer how they prepare for a game and it's more than likely that listening to music will form some part of their pre-match routine.

Ambitious Australia jet into Confeds Cup

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Have you ever wondered what music the Caltex Socceroos like to listen to in the lead up to kick off?

We caught up with some of the team's stars at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia to find out more...

JACKSON IRVINE

I'm very musical. I've been musical all through high school, I've played guitar for a long time.

I'm very much into stuff that's probably a bit different to what a lot other guys are into. I like to listen to a wide variety of music.

On a match day it's very much about pumping it up a bit.

Techno or dance music or even something a bit hardcore, heavy metal or something like that.

TIM CAHILL

Music, It's massive [for me]. B-40, Craig David, Boys II Men, Crowded House.

For me [game day] is about music and meditation, relaxing and easy-flow, nothing too fiery.

TRENT SAINSBURY

I love a bit of Groove Armada, that's one of my favourites.

A couple of the oldies, a bit of ACDC, Daryl Braithwaite - Horses.

A little bit of a guitar riff in there, get your mind off football. Anything to get you humming along.

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MAT RYAN

I love my RnB music. Perhaps on game day, it tends to get a bit more ruthless with the music.

You want to get in the mode where you want to be a bit dominant and have a bit of authority.

I get a bit of gangster rap and all that sort of stuff going on.

On game day I have a little thing on my phone where I have aplaylistof about 20 songs which I listen to.

TOMI JURIC

Nothing really exciting to be honest. Just some chilled, easy-listening, what's in on the radio.

I kind of listen to this one YouTube video I found online called 'This is Football', it's something that really pumps me up for the game and gets me focused.

It's a bit of motivation stuff, it gets me in tune for the game.

This article was originally published at: http://www.socceroos.com.au/article/caltex-socceroos-game-day-playlists/1r23a614ifvkr1hv2x0n4c9coi.

Go here to read the rest:

Caltex Socceroos: game-day playlists - Football Australia (press release)