Balloon Festival Outing Information

The Following information about the “Balloons Over Paradise Festival” Outing for DPI-SIG members has been supplied by Les Schwartz the DPI-SIG Outings director. 

Les previously announced at the DPI-SIG monthly meeeting that the  DPI-SIG “Balloons Over Paradise Festival” Outing will be on Saturday, April 14, 2012.  More than 30 hot air balloons will be staged at the Immokalee Regional Airport. 

Please direct any questions
to Les Schwartz at dpi-outing@naples.net.

special note:

The tethered balloon rides have been canceled, we are sorry we could not get this to happen this year. – Seminole Casino on behalf of the festival. 3/26/2012

 BALLOONS OVER PARADISE FESTIVAL 2012
Hosted by Seminole Casino Immokalee

This distinct NEW community affair will attract visitors that can and will impact the economic development of tourism on the Paradise Coast. In order to draw from north, south, east and west, we must present a unique event that will stimulate the entire region. With your support and backing, families of all ages will be drawn to this noteworthy signature experience.
Over fifteen thousand anticipated festival enthusiasts will converge on the Immokalee
Regional Airport April 13th through the 15th

Guests will immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and grandeur of this remarkable exhibit of wind driven flight. This event promises to arouse all of the senses from the sheer “ooos and ahhs” of observing the mammoth size of thirty to forty majestic hot air balloons in full display and the vibrant rainbow of color in the elaborate array of each envelope to
simply the pure power of that propane-fed fire that kindles the heat for the air to rise and lift
the magnificent beauties into the first streaming sunbeams of the awakening dawn -WOW
………breathtaking!

The balloons will lift from the sprawling manicured acreage of the air field at dawn amid an amazing crescendo of sounds from a string and percussion orchestra. The day will be filled with family friendly activities to support our community involvement, from regional artisans displaying their works of art, musical talents and storytelling, to agility dog trials, disc dog displays and then the piece de resistance ….. the pilots and crew will be available throughout the festival for the children to discover the fantasy of flight.
he
musical stage will be open to support this prominent aspect of the festival. Conclusion of this sensational day will be a headliner concert amidst the glow of these astonishing balloons. Seminole Casino Immokalee is requesting valued business partners and esteemed community leaders like you to support this incredible show in support of our SW Florida community. Sponsoring of this event will be an exceptional marketing opportunity with the prospect of bringing brand new visitors to the area for a long weekend. By supporting this event, sponsors will strengthen their own image while promoting their brand identity at a new festival that will promote all that our region has to offer.

Looking forward to working on this immense project with you.

Jim Gibson I Director of Marketing
SEMINOLE CASINO IMMOKALEE
Features
Food
Prices
Balloon Glows

Live musical acts by award winning performers

Mass Assention Over 30 balloons

Tethered  Balloon Rides Local Artist & Crafts Children’s Activity Village
(Puppet shows, storytelling,  bounce houses, climbing walls,) Musical Education tent
Dog agility shows

Festivities to celebrate  the Harvest
Variety oflocal and regional food providers
Free Entry

(No Outside food & Beverage) Parking $5.00

Friday, April 13th 7:00AM- Noon

Media and Education Day

Pilots will check in have a safety briefing and will do demonstrations to school and community groups.

Saturday, April 14th 6:00AM- Midnight

Balloon Festival I Harvest Celebration

Dawn patrol will kick off the event with a balloon glow lighting to a classical musical score, followed by a mass assention of more than thirty balloons. The afternoon  will feature demonstrations by agility dogs, a local artisan  village, a children’s village and musical education tent. The day will also feature the Harvest festival parade and the crowning of the Harvest Queen. An afternoon performance by celebrated recording artist John Anderson, JJ MCCoy and Nouveaux Hankies will end with a balloon glow at sundown.

Sunday, April 15th 6:00AM – 4:00 PM

Dawn patrol will kick off the event with a balloon glow lighting to a classical musical score, followed by a mass assention of more than thirty balloons. Musical entertainment will play throughout the day as Gene Ferrari sings hits from the American standards song book and award winning singer Kathy Kosins caps off the festivities. The afternoon  will feature  demonstrations by agility dogs, a local artisan  village, a children’s village and musical education tent.

Musical Entertainment
Saturday  April14, 2012

Paradise Stage

6:30AM-7:15AM  Drum ‘n’ Strings  Dawn Patrol Balloon Glow

7:45AM-9:00AM  Drum ‘n’ Strings  Mass Assent ion

9:30 AM-11:15 AM Southwest  Florida Big Band

11:45 AM -12:15 PM Jazz Scholars

12:15 PM-12:45 PM Gene Ferrari

Harvest Stage

12:45  Community Musical Showcase
Paradise Stage

4:00PM-4:45PM

5:15 PM- 6:15 PM

6:45PM-8:15PM
JJ McCoy (country) Nouveaux Hankies
John Anderson  Sun Down Balloon Glow

Sunday  Apri115, 2012

Paradise Stage
6:30AM-7:15AM

7:45AM-9:00AM
Drum ‘n’ Strings

Drum ‘n’ Strings
Dawn Patrol  Balloon Glow

Mass Assent ion
9:30 AM-11:15 AM Southwest Florida Big Band

11:45 AM -12:45  PM Jazz Scholars

12:45 PM-1:45PM  Gene Ferrari

2:00PM-3:30PM Kathy Kosins

Drum ‘n’ Strings  Classical, Pops

Drum ‘n’ Strings is a veteran ensemble heralding from Miami, Florida. The group performs music ranging from Mozart to the Beatles. An accomplished string quartet backed by a rock and jazz drummer that plays classical and popular music; what more can audiences ask for? The name says it all! They will be performing musical scores as the balloons will perform an illuminated light show to the music. They will also provide musical entertainment as all 30 balloons take flight.

The Southwest Florida Big Band  Jazz, Pops

The Southwest Florida Big Band is one of the premier jazz ensembles in Florida. Under the direction of Chicago jazz veteran Bob Schnitzius, the 18 piece band captures the “Swing Era” with the music of Ellington, Sinatra, Basie and more!

With over 400 years of combined experience, the Southwest Florida Big Band’s roster has the most in-demand players in the region. With a full battery of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, two singers and a full rhythm section, the band literally swings audiences of all ages off of their feet!

The Jazz Scholars  Jazz

The Jazz Scholars is a 5 piece all-star jazz combo. The rhythm section consists of musicians from the prestigious Indiana University School of music. Indianapolis drummer Chris Spann, New York City bassist Brian Holtz and national recording artist and pianist Julian Sundby keep the pocket while front men Dr. Thomas Smith and Craig
Cristman wail on trumpet and sax. The members have performed internationally with greats including, Charlie Haden, Debbie Gibson, the David Baker Big Band, Bassam Saba, David Sanchez, the original cast of Jersey Boys and more!

JJ Me Coy & The Shurkan Playboys Country

Born and bred in South Florida, JJ McCoy recently emerged from the local country music scene and exploded into the national spotlight with his debut EP, “Redneck, White and Blue”.

Gifted with tremendous insight and powerful songwriting ability, JJ paints an indelible word picture in one’s mind as he weaves tales ranging from life in the country, raising a family, or how it feels to be a soldier alone in the Middle East. His voice echoes with a deep baritone alive with a rich, crisp timbre as the hulk of a man whips his telecaster into submission, causing it to grind, scream and cry the blues!

Nouveaux Honkies  Country, Swing, Blues

The Nouveaux Honkies imaginative originals are well conceived interpretations of blues and R&B classics. They have a matchless sound and perform a blistering show with the futuristic approach to music that nevertheless retains an authentic American style. Their second album “Where do I go” debuted at number 14 on the Roots charts. Blues Review compared their sounds to that of the Stones, with hints of Dire Straits, Curtis Mayfield, Hendrix, and Wolf.

John Anderson  Country

Grammy nominated singer songwriter John Anderson has had numerous number one hits and several chart topping songs like  “I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal (But I’m Gonna Be a Diamond Someday)”, “Wild and Blue”, and “Swingin”‘. The smash single won a CMA award, and Anderson won the CMA Horizon Award. The timeless song was just recently recorded by Leann Rimes and nominated for a Grammy, once again proving John Anderson’s track record for producing great music.

John began working on the album Seminole Wind in the early 90’s. From this album John then released the single “Straight Tequila Night” , and it shot to No. 1, setting the stage for five more years of hits, including Mark Knopfler’s “When It Comes to You,” “Seminole Wind” and the No. 1 “Money in the Bank.” This record spawned numerous nominations, including­ Male Vocalist, Song of the Year and Album of the Year

Kathy  Kosins Jazz, R&B
ASCAP award-winning vocalist Kathy Kosins has won the hearts of critics and fans around the globe with her eclectic musical palette that expands the rich history of jazz and R&B.

A past recipient of the Michigan Council for the Arts (Jazz Composer of the Year), In the “90s, Kosins, a ferocious writer and arranger, fell in love with the freedom of the jazz art form and her writing naturally evolved into a more traditional approach. Stints with the JC
Heard and Nelson Riddle Orchestras followed and led to a 1996 release of “All In A Dreams Work” (Schoolkids Records), an impressive debut featuring a first rate collection of nine originals and a cover of the Miles Davis composition” Four.” Reported by over 250 Jazz stations, she reached the top 20 in the Gavin.

Her 2002 release of “Mood Swings” (Chiaroscuro Records) continued to bring her recognition and success at the national level. On her 2006 release of “Vintage,” (Mahogany Jazz), she rediscovered little known songbook gems which she placed alongside a few widely known, yet unexpected tunes from outside the jazz tradition, which brought her glowing reviews from journalists.
Gene Ferrari  American Standards, Pops
Gene Ferrari, ‘The Voice with a Heart,” a naturally gifted entertainer who sweeps on the stage with a wave of theatrical energy and lends a masterful interpretation to all the music he performs with a rich strong voice and an exceptionally charming style.

Ferrari headlines in the main showrooms in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, New York, Europe, South America, on major cruise lines and shares the stage with some of the top names in show business. He has opened for Don Rickles, Bob Newhart, Joan Rivers, Bob Hope, Jackie Mason, Dom Deluise, Rich Little and countless other stars.

POSSIBLE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Up, Up and Away Sponsor (Platinum) ……………………………………………….. $25,000
• Large Banner with Stage Presence,
• 3 Banners to be Displayed at Festival
• Banner to be Displayed on the Basket of the Hot Air Balloon
• Display space at entrance of the festival
• prominent placement Sponsor logo will be placed on all newspaper, flyers, tickets, Billboards, festival website with link to sponsors website
• Sponsor will be represented on all printed advertisements, radio & t-shirts.
• Tickets and parking provided to your valued guests
Saturday Saturday (night) Sunday
30 VIP tickets
30 VIP tickets
30 VIP tickets
15 Parking Passes
15 Parking Passes
15 Parking Passes
VIP tickets include covered hospitality and complimentary food & beverage

Aloft Sponsor (Gold) ……………………………………………………………………. $15,000
• Medium Banner with Stage Presence,
• 2 Banners to be Displayed at Festival
• Sponsor Banner to be Displayed on the Basket of the Hot Air Balloon
• Display space at the festival, prominently placed
•  Sponsor logo will be placed on all newspaper,  flyers, tickets, festival website with link to sponsors website
• Sponsor will be represented on all printed advertisements
• Tickets and parking provided to your valued guests
Saturday Saturday (night) Sunday
20 VIP tickets
20 VIP tickets
20 VIP tickets
10 Parking Passes
10 Parking Passes
10 Parking Passes
VIP tickets include covered hospitality and complimentary food & beverage

Soaring Sponsor (Silver) ………………………………………………………………… $7,500
• Small Banner with Stage Presence, 1 Banner to be Displayed at Festival
• Sponsor Banner to be Displayed on the Basket of the Hot Air Balloon
• Sponsor logo will be placed on all newspaper, flyers
• Tickets and parking provided to your valued guests
Saturday Saturday (night) Sunday
10 VIP tickets
10 VIP tickets
10 VIP tickets
5 Parking Passes
5 Parking Passes
5 Parking Passes
VIP tickets include covered hospitality and complimentary food & beverage
Other sponsorship and trade opportunities are available; please call to discuss any ideas. Becoming an official partner will allow you to advertise and publicize your brand in
association with BALLOONS OVER PARADISE for an entire year. This will bring significant brand visibility and awareness before and during the festival with opportunities such as
multi-media exposure, prominent signage, website hotlinks and much more. This is a first time event and with the attraction and commitment of strategic business partners, will be guaranteed to grow for many years into the future of the Paradise Coast.

Contact:

Jenn Thomas I Group Sales Manager
SEMINOLE CASINO IMMOKALEE

D 239.658.75451  C 239.253.3407 IE jenn.thomas@stofgaming.com
There are few things more photogenic than a mass of hot air balloons.

Is the public is permitted to be on the balloon launch grounds before, during and after the launch.

Shots of filling the balloons are very photogenic, the actual launch and flyover is great to shoot.

A few things that I learned:

1. Be cognizant of the wind direction. Obviously the balloons will fly in the direction of the wind so you want to be able to intercept them.

2. I shot with a 12-24mm f/4 Tokina and a 24-70mm f/2.8L on a pair of Canon 1.6x DSLR cameras. This was a great focal combination.

3. I shot everything hand held and most often used from ISO 200 – ISO 800 depending on the lighting conditions. A shot in programmed exposure mode. I used no flash but counted on the flame from the hot air generators to light my images.

4. Bring a CPL filter but, don’t put it on your camera until after full light. Don’t use a UV filter because then you will have to remove the filter as you get ready to place the CPL on your lens.

5. If your camera has the capability to easily shoot AEB (auto exposure bracketing) choose that. I can set up my Canon cameras to automatically shoot 3 images in burst mode with correct exposure, and plus and minus exposure. The number of f/stops to be bracketed is part of what you decide on when you select AEB. I shot with one stop bracketing. Most of the time I was right on with the normal exposure but, occasionally either the plus or minus one stop exposure was the best.

6. Bring enough memory so you don’t have to restrict your shooting.

7. Wear layered clothing. It was cold as heck before dawn in Albuquerque (October) and got quite warm after the sun came up.

8. If you can ride in a balloon, great shots can be had from above other balloons with the ground as the background. To me, shots like that are more interesting than shooting with sky as the background.

See additional Albuquerque Balloon International Balloon Fiesta images at:

ALBUQUERQUE BALLOON FIESTA 2007 – rpcrowe’s Photos
Attached Images

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