Gospel Concert at Indiana Black Expo

It has been years since visiting Indianapolis. A few times, I’ve driven through the city on the way to Minneapolis and Chicago, so it was nice to stop and visit. The main purpose for going was to see Hezekiah Walker and a variety of other gospel groups at the Indiana Black Expo.

The black expo is 10-day period of programs, seminars, shops, celebrations, and concerts that feature or is geared to black people. There is art, electronics, seminars, gospel, soul, and all other kinds of entertainment and learning experiences there. I wish I had gone for many days, however, was only there for the last day to see the gospel concert.

I was able to pass by the oversized Lucas Oil Stadium, which is a dome. I remember the RCA Dome, and this thing dwarfs it. It is really tall and doesn’t have the traditional dome look. I like that. Go for something different with large Colt players on the side and a building looking like a renovated warehouse. If you visit Indianapolis, check this stadium out.
http://www.lucasoilstadium.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucas_Oil_Stadium

However, the concert took place where the bulk of the expo was going on in the convention center. It was very well laid out and had a comfortable feel. Due to time constraints, I was not able to visit everything.

Getting into the concert was easy and finding a great seat was not a problem. The auditorium held 4000 people and maybe 1500 or 2000 was actually in there. It was a great time and they moved the people on and off the stage very efficiently.

There where at least eight different groups that performed. The main acts where Canton Jones, J J Hairston and Youthful Praise, Bishop Trotter and the Sweet Holy Spirit Choir, and the headliner Hezekiah Walker.

Canton Jones did an excellent job at entertaining and keeping the Spirit in the place. He has a nice mix of bass and hip-hop beats but can sing or rap and allow us to really feel what he’s saying. He has a message that is relatable to all people. The thing I will remember from his performance is when the audience did the electric slide to the song “How can you sing about love.” It was great, fun, and glad we where able to come out of our proverbial stiff shell.

Hezekiah Walker was the headliner however he was not able to come with his choir. They group behind him did a great job, but he was only able to sing three songs. I’m not sure what happened, maybe the rain slowed him down, but he still did a great job with his three hits, “Faithful”, “I Need You”, and “Souled Out.”

Youthful Praise, a choir out of Bridgeport Connecticut did an excellent job. They have a CD coming out soon, so definitely check that out, but of course, they did some hits from pervious CDs. The crowd bounced with flair to the song “Awesome God”, as well as shouted after “Incredible God, Incredible Praise.” It felt so good in there, that even the next choir, Sweet Holy Spirit Choir, was shouting when they got onto the stage. It really blessed my soul how Youthful Praise sung the song, and I would say go out and immediately get one of their CD’s. Still one of my favorite songs they have done is called, “He Shall Be Praised,” on the album Thank You For The Change. Check that out if you can.

Bishop Trotter is back, and he must have brought most of his Sweet Holy Spirit Choir down from Chicago. They really did an excellent job, and I would say go and see them whenever they are in town. The choir has a great blend of up-tempo and slow songs, as well as give it their all in everything they do. Plus, there is something about a choir in robes. It looks great and uniformed. Another thing is that they moved around a lot and really got the audience into their performance/ministry. Only Ricky Dillard with New G as well as Madison Mission Choir, are about the only other groups I’ve seen live that move around that much.

Overall, it was great and enjoyable. It makes the three hour drive to Indianapolis well worth it.

http://www.youthfulpraise.org/newsite/home.html
http://www.cantonjones.net/index2.html
http://www.sweetholyspirit.org/

Juneteenth

On June 20th, I went to the Juneteenth celebration in Columbus, Ohio. It was a great time but really went there to see the gospel program. The headliner and host was Keith Wonderboy Johnson, who did a great job. He always reminded us to give it up for McDonalds, since they where the sponsors.

Juneteenth is a celebration by African Americans for our freedom. It took months before it was passed to everyone so this is why we celebrate it in June. For more information and celebrations go to http://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm

One of the true highlights was a turkey BBQ place. They had turkey ribs which was amazing. Never had that before and it was good. It is a must see for all people rather you live in Columbus or will be a visitor, check them out.

Juneteenth celebrations are excellent, because they help bring remembrance and attention to overcoming a serious trial. All of us have trials that we can overcome, and this celebration helps remind us that we can get over anything if you work together.

So in 2010, on the third weekend in June, find a Juneteenth celebration and enjoy. You never know what excitement is in store for you.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota; July 20-25 2008

Minneapolis-St. Paul is akin to Dallas-Ft. Worth. They're two different cities that are group together because of their unusual close proximity. The twin cities are more like fraternal twins because they’re different. Minneapolis has the look and feel of a town looking in the future, while being health conscious and clean. Saint Paul has an older style and look to it, except for the Xcel Center, but does carry the cleanliness of it’s sister city.

There are many things to do in this metropolis. The main attraction is the Mall of America. There are literally hundreds of stores, shops, restaurants, entertainment, and even rides. Yes, an amusement park is in the inside of the mall. What’s even more impressive is its series of roller coasters and thrill rides. This mall even has an aquarium, movie theatre, Lego land, putt-putt golf, and a few simulators for entertainment.

Mall of America is not the only thing to do in the twin cities. Downtown around the Target Center, you will find many entertainment and fun places to go. Gameworks, a few jazz clubs, and even The Shout House are found in the area. Shout House is a place that plays live dueling pianos, which is very fun, entertaining, and gets the crowd to join in the fun.

If you love art and nature, then check out the Metropolitan Zoo as well as its younger brother, Como Zoo. Sculpture Garden is unique, and there are a few museums and historic sites to enjoy. Nature is exquisite due to the amount of lakes, and Minnehaha Park, has an easy to get to waterfalls.

Both cities are unique and I would suggest spending at least two to three days to get the full effect. Make sure to check out the State House found in Saint Paul as well as the Landmark Center. Both are very historic and are full of interesting facts as well as information on how they’re being used today.

Come to the twin cities of Minnesota and you’ll be surprised at how much fun you will have.

http://www.minneapolis.org/

Chattanooga, Tennessee; April 26-27

The birthplace of Terrell Owens and Usher Raymond, Chattanooga is a hidden tourist town. Chattanooga has an assortment of sites and entertainment places to go. The problem is that it’s surrounded by Nashville, Memphis, and Atlanta as popular tourist attractions. By all means go to Chattanooga and you will love it. They have Lookout Mountain, which has a variety of sites, parks, and entertainment to do. Places like Ruby Falls, Rock City, Point Park, and the Incline. In the heart of Chattanooga is the art museum as well as the Tennessee Aquarium. This is only a few of the spots and families will love this town.

The city of Chattanooga sits in the valley with Lookout Mountain sitting to the south. Traveling around is easy, and the city gives you a relaxed peaceful mindset. The people are friendly and you will find a multitude of smaller Northern Georgia cities around that have their own malls, stores, and historical sites.

Another great thing is that Chattanooga is close to Atlanta. The “ATL” is only two hours away, so it makes a great place to come and visit even if you’re staying in the capital of Georgia. Chattanooga is well worth the travel and will make any adventure or excursion fun.

http://www.chattanoogafun.com/

Louisville, Kentucky; March 13-15

Louisville is a wonderful city that loves horses. When visiting it was about a month and half from the Kentucky Derby, so many stores where ready for the 135th running. It’s like Christmas down there, except horses are running about a mile circle. A variety of buildings and statues all had horse or derby themes throughout the entire city. The only place where this was absent was on the University of Louisville campus.

Louisville is very similar in look as my own hometown, Columbus, Ohio, in that it has a small town feel, yet it’s a big city. The great thing Louisville has is the Ohio River. This allows for a host of entertainment, views, and ambiance given to the city.

When visiting Louisville you have to check out the Muhammad Ali Center. It was very well done and has a lot to do, which amazed me. There is plenty of shopping, and the food is wonderful. Almost anywhere I visit the food was great. To bad it was March, or I would have loved to go in Six Flags. Maybe another day.

http://www.gotolouisville.com/default.aspx

Savannah, Georgia Memorial 2003

This city is absolutely beautiful. It’s a nice tourist town, which has fun and excitement as well as beauty and splendor. If you love to look at cities with a great look, then check out Savannah. Even General Sherman, while burning a path through Georgia, decided against destroying Savannah because of its look.

I had the pleasure of going to this great town in early 2000’s. The city gives you a small town feel, yet has enough excitement as though you’re in a metropolis. The palm trees will wow you, while the food continues to dance on your tongue. There is shopping, especially on River Street, as well as museums, tours, and picturesque squares.

Come to Savannah for time you won’t believe. One day I will go back, and I suggest if you haven’t been then, make sure to place this on a must see list.

http://www.savannahvisit.com/

Carrollton, Georgia Apr 24-25

http://www.visitcarrollton.com/index.html

Carrollton is a nice quaint town, in Western Georgia. It’s actually not that far away from Alabama. The great thing about Carrollton is that it’s close enough to Atlanta, yet far away so you can have your own peace of mind. The people are friendly, at least those who I ran into.

The town seems flat and spread out. At least that’s the feel I got. It’s interesting because the city has a major street, with a fast food, restaurants, entertainment, grocery stores, and hotel. Yet the downtown is a little up the street and away from this busy section. I have a lot of family in this part of the state so I like going there to continue learning about my past and family. Carrollton is a great city to enjoy a little piece of joy and peace of mind that can come from getting away from it all.

Memorial Golf Tournament

http://www.thememorialtournament.com/

This was the first golf tournament I’ve ever been to in my life. The Memorial, only two weeks away from the second Major (US Open) was beautiful and stayed that way the entire four days. Usually this tournament is marred by rain or bad weather, but not this time. All four days of the competition was graced with beautiful weather and clear skies. Not one day had to be held over, and that was great.

Tiger Woods won his fourth championship here in Dublin (Columbus), Ohio. He loves playing at Jack’s course and it was great seeing him in person. When you could see him. Because of Tiger’s popularity, it was rough trying to see the mythological golfer due to the insane crowds around him. When Tiger was at a practice hole going over putting that crowd was significantly larger than golfers playing on the course. It was okay and I understand. If you have a celebrity then this might be your only time to see him.

Tiger was actually behind for most of the tournament. Even in the final round he was about four strokes back, however, he hit some birdies, and even an Eagle, to take the lead. You could hear the roar of the crowds and the excitement in everyone’s eyes as they believed Tiger would win.

As usual, some other golfers where ahead, however, were overcome by the pressure Mr. Woods. The only player willing to put up a fight was Jim Furyk. He did a great job, even though he was second. Watch out for him in the open, he’ll probably place in the top ten.

Two things I did not know. First, when golfers are finish, spectators can cross the grass and field area to go to different holes. I had no idea that was common and figured there where paths along the different holes to move the crowd. So it was great to be able to step on the course before and after the pros where playing. It would be like stepping on a basketball courts during halftime so you wouldn’t have to go around the back of an arena. Second thing, was how hard the ball flies. Often on television, it looks as though the ball makes an arc, or almost lobs to the next shot. But this is not the case after the first shot on a hole. The ball flies through the air with a lot of speed. Which was interesting.

While at the tournament, I knew I have to learn how to golf. Not for professional purpose, but for fun, as well as business/practical reasons. Many people are learning golf, and I desire to keep up with the times when it comes to that. Also, I like nature and it’s a sport that you can have fun as well as not be overwhelmed physically.

Overall, it was a great time, and I suggest for everyone to try to make a golf tournament. You

will enjoy the time and take in the beauty of nature. It’s a time you won’t forget.

Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills is a tranquil and adventurous park located in Logan Ohio. The park is home to a group of different sites and natural wonders. Old Man’s Cave is the most popular, but there is Cedar Falls, Rock House, Ash Caves, and Cantwell Cliffs. The one thing you will learn is that there is a difference between caves and caverns. Caves are large overhanging rock walls, where as caverns are rock formations that you enter. Most are underground; however, Rock House is a type of cavern that is above the land.

I haven’t’ been to all of the sites, but was able to see Cedar Falls, Rock House and of course Old Man’s Cave. One day I’ll go back to check out Ash and Cantwell. The scenery in this park is amazing. If you love nature, then you will love Hocking Hills.

Go to my site www.lavauri.com/localevents/hockinghills.html for more information and pictures of this wonderful place.

To Live For Ever - Egyptian Artifacts

History is a fantastic thing to read and understand. It allows us to look at our ancestors, past, as well as gain knowledge from those who where here before us. Usually we only get a chance to read about events and people in books. Rarely do we get to see their art and artifacts of their lives.

“To Live Forever” is an exhibit that allows you to gain a slice of Egyptian culture. Its emphasis is on the death and rebirth cycle and how their beliefs in it. Because they were so detail in eternal life, we are able to have a wealth of artwork, artifacts, and even people from that era.

Click here for the schedule http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/to_live_forever/touring.php so you can enjoy this great exhibit. I was lucky that it came to Columbus and had the privilege to see history. It’s a great exhibit and I implore all people to go and check it out.

www.lavauri.com/localevents/toliveforever.html

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Nashville Predators

For the 2009-2010 season, go to a Hockey game. At least once. Many people are not fans of Hockey, and I understand that, but you have to go. Hockey on television is okay, but in person is thrilling. It has a party atmosphere and if the game is close suspenseful.

It was years sense I’ve been to a hockey game, but was very happy I went to the Columbus vs Nashville one in March. The game was close but the Blue Jackets pulled it out. The one new thing about the game is the cannons that Columbus fires. I guess they really want to play up on the fact that the team name comes from the civil war, and not a discolored insect.

Columbus won the game 2-1

Go to http://www.lavauri.com/localevents/cbj for more details.

Coming soon and Rick Steves

Soon I will put up pictures, (hopefully) of my trip to Louisville. I hope to do this a lot wherever I go. This can be to another town or to events in Columbus. Look at this as Rick Steeves. http://www.ricksteves.com/ I like this guy and he really gets around Europe. Not sure how he got started but good for him. I clearly do not have the money but do want to get around the country and who knows the world one day. We shall see, but until then, I’ll take it one day at a time.

Intro

This is a spot for whenever I'm traveling or do something fun. Hopefully that includes pics and other stuff. I do have a desire to sleep or at least travel to all 50 states, then of course the world.